[KKoher]

So happy to be a rat..haha, never thought I'd say that...



THE YEAR OF THE RAT, 2008

February 7, 2008 - January 25, 2009 (Earth)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat (Earth), which begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009. First in the cycle of 12 Animal signs, Rat Year begins the sequence and recurs every twelfth year. It is a time of renewal in so many ways. From New Year to Valentine's Day, to the arrival of spring, may all the blessings and delights of the New Year be yours.

A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. People born in an Earth Rat are said to be logical realists, shrewd, charming, ambitious, and inventive. Of course, the entire horoscope must be considered when making any personality assessment.

In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-minded. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and able to react adequately to any changes.

They are gifted in many ways and have an easy going manner. They are active and pleasant, tactful and fantastic, and are able to grasp opportunities. They seem to have interests in everything and hope to participate in doing it and usually do it very well.

[tazman9r]

Ha Ha, hello fellow rat!

I used to think it was a bad thing, till I read the description on a place mat in a Chinese restaurant. I think the description you have above is the most comprehensive I have read so far. I must admit, though, this is the first reference to "Earth" I have seem in the Chinese zodiac. I'm guessing there are other cosmic bodies involved as well.

[rejoice]

yeah god love us rats.... the description forgot to mention good looking buggers too

[sngglebnny]

I was born in the Year of the Rat (1984) and you could probably say my business was born in the Year of the Rat (2008) as well. I never cared for Zodiac signs until I read in the local paper that the Year of the Rat is a great year for entrepreneurs to start or incorporate something new. This is awesome.

...BTW I kept my Chinese Restaurant Zodiac Placemat as well.