Rat in the Year of the Rat

Lunar Calendar

Solar Calendar

Lunar Calendar

Solar Calendar

1912
1924
1936
1948
1960

Feb 18 1912 - Feb 5 1913
Feb 5 1924- Jan 23 1925
Jan 24 1936 -Feb 10 1937
Feb 10 1948- Jan 28 1949
Feb 28 1960- Feb 12 1961

1972
1984
1996
2008

Feb 15 1972-Feb 2 1973
Feb 2 1984- Feb 19 1985
Feb 19 1996- Feb 6 1997
Feb 7 2008- Jan 25 2009

Because 2008 is the year corresponding to the Rat, it is a year in which it is "fan Tai Sui", or in opposition to the Deity of the Year. Hearing "fan Tai Sui" strikes fear in many when they hear of it, having a faulty misconception of a year of bad luck and obstacles to come. With this mentality, many already feel defeated before the year has begun, thinking that no matter what they do, things will go wrong. This thinking is just mere superstition. Rather, the Rat should carefully interpret their surroundings and consider whether "fan Tai Siu" is really that terrible. And it isn't.

"Fan Tai Sui" really just means that there is a significant amount of change in your life this year and neither does it mean that it will be terrible or good; it just means change. If your ba zi (date of birth, time and location) has lucky stars guiding your path, then not only can there not be disaster, but new beginnings as well. This "fan Tai Sui" tests your ability to adapt amongst the change and is highly dependent on you, how you will acting, which may include improving your value through diligence and advancement in education and you may find positive results in money and career. In this year where the Rat "fan Tai Sui", learn to mind your own business and be aware of the many temptations of the opposite sex; otherwise, the Rat will risk harm to reputation. Do not go astray from a righteous path and succumb to greed, things that harm people or participate in illegal activities to earn quick and easy money. Furthermore, do not let the idea of"fan Tai Siu" affect you, then the path to an uneventful year can be more readily achieved.

This is a year where it is more suitable for the Rat to be dynamic rather than static. The year may offer opportunities to travel, especially in the latter part of the year. Be it traveling for pleasure or for work, moving your home or office, this can neutralize the effects of ˇ§fan Tai Suiˇ¨ either directly or indirectly. Additionally, participating in events and celebrations with friends and family can also help in improving your luck and your mentality.

The luck for the Rat in the year of the Rat is actually not bad at all; but the problem is that the Rat will easily lose confidence and be impatient in the face of initial difficulties. This is further compounded by incompatibilities in work and relationship, as well as the opposite sex causing distractions in work. If you are able to keep a righteous path and not be too greedy seeking fame or fortune, or be tempted by flesh, then the year can go better.

Though this is a good year to change jobs or start a new business, you must carefully consider whether it is within your ability to make this change. If careful consideration yields that you are capable, then do no hesitate or else you may regret once the opportunity has gone. However, if you are just not quite good enough, then do not be impulsive; wait for the next opportunity. Also important for the Rat to keep in mind is that until the final moment, do not reveal details of your plans, as they can easily be disrupted by others.

This is not a year for the Rat to seek fame and benefits. Despite increased responsibilities and efforts, there may not be any compensation. But unless you do more than your share of the work, you may not be recognized by superiors that you do go that extra mile in your work ethic.

In finances, money will come and go. Do not be disillusioned by temptations of false opportunities and people. This is not a good year for the Rat to be investing, nor should the Rat lend money or be a guarantor, or else suffer great losses. Be even more careful with the opposite sex or else you may lose both money and love. Because this is a year where the Rat may easily have litigation and gossip, do not be greedy over small fortunes and as a result risk losing large fortunes, including losing friends over money. It is necessary to be dynamic to earn money; therefore the Rat must work hard this year. Careers in which speech is important will fare better this year: politics, performing arts, teaching, law, finances, real estate, and trading.

Because this is a year of losing fortune easily, be very careful of loss of possessions due to theft. Also be aware of unexpected loss of money, so avoid unnecessary spending of resources. Money must be managed particularly well this year; otherwise, you may find yourself in a very financially stressed situation.

On the matter of gossip, the Rat will find itself amongst a lot of conflict this year. Therefore, it is very important to just shut up and mind your own business. Avoid participating in illegal activities, as there is a strong risk of legal problems and incarceration. Learn to compromise with family and friends. Do not be arrogant and avoid being high profile. As a Chinese saying goes, have patience and tolerance to avoid a hundred daysˇ¦ worry. Once benefits come, collect immediately, but know when to stop. Donˇ¦t push people to the extremes, especially your opponents or enemies; know when to stop, or else it may come back and bite you even harder and suffer greater losses. Avoid conflicts for power or benefits with your superiors. Manage your relationships with your superiors and clients in a diplomatic manner, with calmness and diligence and there may even be good that comes. Remember, a harmonious family is a happiness; a bad family is one whose mouths never stop. Do not have verbal or physical conflict with your family members. As not only will it be detrimental to your personal luck, it will also be bad for your family luck. It may be too late to regret if family conflicts results in illness or injury.

Relationships for the Rat will come and go this year; therefore, do not let relationships interfere with work and career. For the single Rat, though there are opportunities to pursue a mate, do not be too optimistic; being too pushy about marriage will only backfire and may scare off your partner. Of course try to remedy a relationship if you could, but if efforts do not give tangible results dont waste anymore time and move on. Heal your feelings and concentrating on work will do more good. Remember, if the old one doesn't go, a new one won't come. The married Rat may easily involve themselves in short term affairs. But once these flings are over, consequences may be loss of fortune or harm to self. The female Rat needs to be careful in whom she meets and to value her chastity or else risk unwanted pregnancy.

In terms of health, there will be risk of injury from metal objects and motor vehicle accidents. Be mindful of respiratory, as well as gastrointestinal problems, so be more vigilant about food safety. Female Rats need to pay attention to problems of the reproductive system and male Rats need to monitor problems of the kidneys and urinary system. The elderly Rat need to be careful of serious colds and flu in the fall and winter.

For education, those who are applying to schools, writing examinations or licensing will have good luck this year. However, achievements do not come solely by luck, but must also be a result of diligence and hard work to receive long term results.

Zodiac signs to associate with: Ox, Dragon, Monkey and Rooster.
Zodiac signs to avoid: Horse, Rabbit, Dog, and Goat.
Lucky colours: light green, light blue, white, silver and gold
Unlucky colours: yellow, brown, grey, and red.
Lucky numbers: 1, 4, and 7
Unlucky numbers: 2, 3, 5, and 9
Lucky gemstones: cat's eye and coral to improve luck with people and health

Feng shui placement: Place a jade cow statue in the southeast corner of the house and above, place a spring time agricultural/farming picture to bring in more good fortune and neutralize some of the effects of "fan Tai Sui".