2008 - The Year of the Earth Rat, for all signs

by Robert Wilkinson

Following up on the recent article on how Chinese Astrology works and the qualities of recent years, today we continue with what the coming Year of the Earth Rat will hold for us all by examining the qualities of this sign and the qualities of these years, past and present. It's going to be a much more grounded and practical time than the wild ride of the past two years, so get ready to enjoy yourself as new beginnings and sudden events show us change accelerating by the month.

The Year of the Earth Rat occurs once every 60 years. The last time we had an Earth Rat year was Feb 10, 1948 to January 29, 1949, and the one in front of us lasts from Feb 6, 2008 to Jan 26, 2009. There is also an alternative theory of computing the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and I've included it at the end of this article for those who may be interested.

Remember that we're still in the Year of the Fire Boar until the Aquarius Solar Eclipse on February 6-7, 2008, so please revisit the articles in the December 2006 archives on this year that is rapidly fading into the coming Year of the Earth Rat. And now, without further adieu, here's this year's composition on the Rat!

THE RAT

In China, the Rat is associated with energy, intellect, charm, honesty, persistence, humor and a peculiar form of generosity, sharing all with their loved ones, while taking all they can from those they have little or no regard for. They love company and parties, and being extremists, usually do not deny themselves anything. . They can be extravagant, as well as classy, but sometimes there’s no telling what they’re about to come up with!

They enter into things wholeheartedly, and this can mean that occasionally they persist in following through on their plans even to the point of self-destruction. Worried about having what they need in the future, they stock things up to assure themselves of security down the road, and thus can be exploitive of others when feeling insecure. They save and plan for the future with an eye to their future well being, as well as those they love.

For all of their vast imagination, they can be critical to a ridiculous degree due to a peculiar narrow mindedness. They have high standards, can be overly perfectionistic, and have no problem telling others what they expect. Rat people need to master their discontent and channel it into productive efforts without the need to explain things in such detail that they put people off.

They know how to impress people, and usually others are not wishy-washy about Rats; you either love them or you don’t! Very sentimental, they can do for others for memory’s sake, setting aside their calculating tendencies. They want to love and be loved intensely, and will go to extremes for those they care for.

They’ll always persist in getting what they want, if only to share it with others for whatever reasons they have in the moment. They can see through people and situations, and if they care to, can turn losing situations into positive opportunities amazingly fast due to seeing what must be done quickly and efficiently.

Rats have an amazing mind, which is why so many literary giants have been born under this sign. Never take this sign lightly, as they won’t be trifled with and can be intense in the extreme when they feel they’re being disrespected, and the less evolved are capable of retribution if betrayed.

Rats are exciting people to be around, and born leaders. They are in perpetual motion, and are capable of pulling things off that would overwhelm others of lesser energy and focused intention. Their motto could be “Just Do It!” They live for the excitement of grand schemes, big projects, adventures, all done with a flair for detail, excellence and drama.

RAT QUALITIES

The Good: Outgoing, active, ambitious, entrepreneurial, generous, quick, energetic, willing to do whatever it takes, charming, dramatic, creative, persistent, organized, skillful, perceptive, intelligent, outgoing, hospitable, adaptable, clever.

The Bad: Ruthless, insecure, possessive, nervous, willful, discontented, excessive, critical, overbearing, picky, manipulative, boring, and self-absorbed.

THE EARTH RAT

Very practical and matter-of-fact, this one knows where they’re going and how to get there efficiently. Persuasive, congenial, hard working, and opinionated, this Rat could successfully sell ice cubes in the Arctic. A great negotiator, this indefatigable Rat can apply their enormous will in skilled ways that they eventually achieve their aims, step by step.

They are disciplined, intelligent, have good common sense and a deep calm that helps them navigate life’s storms with great inner stability. Having little tolerance for laziness, they can be judgmental of those they feel are of lesser mettle.

They are great hosts and really like people around. Very protective, affectionate, and romantic, this is a creature of the heart. Though at times they can seem very formidable and uncaring, they really do feel very deeply, want a home where others feel welcome, as well as taken care of and happy.

THE YEAR OF THE EARTH RAT

Given the capacity for hard work as well as enjoying good company, this should be a good year for combining business with pleasure, as well as calmly and perseveringly acquiring wealth and great experiences with others. A time to invest as well as acquire assets, which will be a good thing given the years to come.

There can be major unexpected surprises in Earth Rat years, including sudden reversals, abrupt departures and arrivals in the political world, and lots of accusations and counter accusations. Expect some people to be publicly embarrassed this year, whether their opponents or themselves!

Beware of narrow political arguments, those who are overly dogmatic or opinionated, and those who think well of themselves just because they work harder than others, whether they are of greater merit or not. Critics will have a field day this year, whether their imaginations hold fantasies or realities.

This year many who are afraid of failure will push themselves beyond previous limits, so take note of bold opportunists who may be inspiring or parasites! Just try not to blow money on extravangances that are over-the-top and unnecessary.

It should be a good year for entertaining, as well as all things connected to writing, literature, and lively discussions. There should be many opportunities for favorable investment, as long as a tendency to gamble on long shots is avoided (even if some of them probably will work out!) As you can surmise, this year can bring BIG gains if you have the will and endurance to calculate the gamble before you bet the farm!

1948, the last time we experienced the Year of the Earth Rat, was filled with promise and turmoil. We saw the creation of the first transistor, the key component to early computer technology. We had the completion of the largest telescope in the world, as well as the creation of North and South Korea, the People’s Republic of China, West Germany, and Israel. The Soviet Union grabbed power in Czechoslovakia and Hungary, but lost Yugoslavia, and the first Arab-Israeli War was fought.

The WHO was founded, the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights making genocide an international crime, Truman authorized the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, and the Berlin airlift was the response to the Soviet attempt to isolate West Berlin from the rest of the world.

In a curious paradox, apartheid was established in South Africa even as the US Army became racially integrated and an Air Force pilot was killed chasing a UFO while others saw other UFOs. On a lighter note, inventions included the LP record, the Frisbee, Velcro, Scrabble, the first McDonalds, and the first Nikon and Polaroid cameras.

Other noteworthy firsts were that it was the year of the first airplane hijacking, the “Hell’s Angels” were formed, and “universal suffrage” came to Italy.

Major literary pieces included “1984,” “Dr. Zhivago,” “Death of A Salesman,” “The Naked and the Dead,” “Waiting for Godot” by Beckett, and “Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose” by Dr. Seuss while classic movies made that year were “The Treasure of Sierra Madre,” “Key Largo,” “The Lady from Shanghai,” and Olivier’s “Hamlet.”

Television jumpstarted American pop consumerism with the first televised presidential conventions, along with other debuts. Toscanini made his first appearance on television, as did Milton Berle, “Mister Television” himself, Ed Sullivan, the Man who brought the Beatles to America, and the legendary Saint of Free Speech, Lenny Bruce.

Quick, clever, active, calculating, and determined, this year should bring good rewards for our efforts. This year we should be able to nail down the payoff for our perseverance in the year of the Fire Dog and bold risk taking in the year of the Fire Boar, so follow through, entertain, plan, save, and do what must be done with an eye to the long term future.

FAMOUS RATS

Literary giants William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Daniel Defoe, Jules Verne, Katherine Mansfield, Charlotte Bronte, George Sand, T.E. Lawrence, Truman Capote, T. S. Eliot, Emile Zola, Eugene Ionesco, James Baldwin, and Antoine de St. Exupery

Historical political figures: William Pitt, Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli, Joseph Kennedy, Konrad Adenauer, Adlai Stevenson Jr., Lady Bird Johnson, and Earth Rats Prince Charles and Howard Dean.

Presidents George Washington, Franklin Pierce, Richard Nixon, George Bush Sr., and Earth Rat Nobel Laureate Al Gore (elected but not inaugurated).

Timeless silver screen stars Marlon Brando, Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, Lauren Bacall, Dennis Hopper, Sidney Poitier, Vanessa Redgrave, Eva Marie Saint, Doris Day, Roy Rogers, Gene Kelly, Ursula Andress, Lee Marvin, Gwen Verdon, Bert Reynolds, Albert Finney, Kenneth Branagh, Daryl Hannah, and Sean Penn.

Musical legends Mozart, Strauss, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Louis Armstrong, Maurice Chevalier, Kurt Weil, Irving Berlin, Woodie Guthrie, Hank Williams, Pablo Casals, Henry Mancini, Sarah Vaughn, Aaron Copland, John Cage, Zubin Mehta, and Kris Kristofferson.

Artists for the ages Toulouse-Lautrec and Monet

Complex historical figures Lucrezia Borgia, Mata Hari, and Charlotte Corday

Television stars Dick Cavett, Alan Alda, Bea Arthur, Carroll O’Connor, and Suzanne Pleshette

FAMOUS EARTH RATS

Major musical talents include James Taylor, Stevie Winwood, Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Robert Plant, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Steve Goodman, Pinchas Zukerman, Kathleen Battle, Cat Stevens, Brian Eno, Rory Gallagher, Jah Eyrie Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, and Grace Jones, Stevie Nicks, Leo Sayer, John Bonham, Lulu, Nick Drake, Steven Tyler, Donna Summer, Todd Rundgren, Ian Paice, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Bill Nelson, John Ford Coley, Ozzy Osbourne, and Olivia Newton-John.

Film and other performing talents feature Billy Crystal, Bernadette Peters, Lewis Black, John Ritter, Samuel L. Jackson, Mercedes Ruehl, Jeremy Irons, Dianne Weist, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Phylicia Rashad, Sally Struthers, JoBeth Williams, Phil Hartman, Gerard Depardieu, and Jerry Mathers.

Other amazing Earth Rat talents include Garry Trudeau, creator of “Doonesberry,” Mikhail Zadornov, Richard Simmons, and legendary music writer Lester Bangs.

About the Chinese New Year, and when it actually begins:

The Chinese New Year day is on February 7th, 2008. This day is a new moon day and the first day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The New Moon occurs February 6 at 7:44 pm PST and 10:44 pm EST. This means 3:44 am GMT on February 7, and an hour later for Europe between Madrid and Warsaw, including Amsterdam, Stockholm, Munich, Rome, and Prague. For the next time zone east, including Helsinki, Tallinn, Kyiv, Istanbul, Athens, Beirut, and Johannesburg, it falls at 5:44 am, while in India it occurs at 9:14 am February 7, 2008.

However, it also seems that there is a different way of measuring our signs that starts from the beginning of Spring in the Chinese lunar calendar. From one source:

The First Day of the Brown Rat Astrology Year in China's time zone is February 4th, 2008 because that day is the first day of Tiger month and the Tiger month is the first month of the year in Chinese Fortune-Telling Calendar system.

In the Chinese Fortune-Telling calendar, the first day of the first month, Tiger month, is called "Start of Spring", which is when the Sun enters the 315th degree on the tropical zodiac. In China the time of Start of Spring is at Feb 4 at 7 pm, so the first day of the Brown Rat year is Feb 4 2008. This is 6 am EST Feb 4, and 3 am PST.

Many people born in late January or early February confuse their birth year Chinese astrology animal signs because they think the astrology animal signs are from Chinese New Year day when they should be based on the Start of Spring, the first day of astrology year. For example, If a baby is born on Feb 5 2008 before the Chinese New Year day, then its animal sign is Rat because the birthday is after the Start of Spring.

(If any of my readers is particularly adept at explaining why one system is superior to another, please feel free to weigh in at the comment stream. I'm sure many would be interested in why one system should or should not be favored over the other.)

© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[dcu]

Hi Robert. Thanks again for your unending stream of information. Your output continues to amaze me.

The part about rats being so critical sure sounds like virgo to me. Especially that they are quite willing to offer their unrequested opinions to others.

With Pluto ingressing into Capricorn today, the year of the earth rat is starting to look like the year of reckoning for our economy. The house of cards is already starting to collapse. But this recession really will be in keeping with the year of the earth rat, in that it will be painful but very necessary to become more practical and simple. When we come out on the other side our economy will be more healthy. And some of the weasal "crooks and liars" politicians will have been held accountable.
dcu

[Mary]

Ah finally some one to argue with! The only ones who will truly feel the punishment are the working poor. We are talking chain restaurants, School Teachers, Social workers, and chain department store employees. The working middle class will have to downsize their mega-vans and only eat out 3 times per week in over priced restaurants. Wealthy working will find their taxes a little more steep and they will have to pay their CPA's a little more to find the loop holes. Of course, the Mega Millionares will be oblivious as usual to how a conveyor belt in a supermarket pulls the groceries towards the clerk who being one of the working poor, as been on his or her feet for 8 hours already watching the prices beep through and praying that they will be allowed 4 more of these 8 hour shifts on their feet, so they can make the rent this week instead of being two weeks late. I'm afraid that the RATS have always figured out how to make food out of trash and always will.

[Lori]

Hi Robert,

What will the year be like for Fire Roosters? How does that relate to the year of the earth rat? I've been busy with a new job the past 10 weeks and haven't visited in awhile.

Thanks,
Lori

[ShenInvolution]

thank you Robert for a perfect delivery.

[TropiGal]

Hi Robert -- Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I was born a rat in 1948, and this year the big 6-oh is coming up. Is there any particular significance in the return of the rat for those of us born under its last manifestation?

[DEBORAH]

Hope your new year is going well for you!!! Any info you could offer on how Pluto in Cap now would effect us out here with a Capicorn assendent, mine at 3degrees & a Cap moon in 12th house at 00degrees (virgo sun in 8th). I am a metal rabbit(9-9-51)-right? I am thinking Pluto in Cap would be somewhat of a deal for me, as a Cap assendent-yes? (I have Pluto in in Leo in 8th house-so much transformation). Really enjoy the Chinese astro info. Deb in OKC

[Robert]

Hi dcu - Thanks for your praise. I believe that Rats, being the first sign, are somehow associated with Aries, though some of the traits just don't seem to fit. Others, though, are more accurate than most would suspect, given how often Aries are misunderstood. Something about "unrequested opinions" comes to mind... ;-) Actually, this year should be good for gathering things and people preparing for times of want to come. The system will prop it up to make us all happy so we can believe we're getting fair elections and everything's good over the rainbow. Earth Ox is going to confront us with stubborn Earth factors that can't be bought for $300 or even $1200. Practical and simple are good things to keep in mind the coming year. Consolidate, economize, rearrange, reorganize, and work hard, since we can prosper this year.

Hi Mary - The working poor always are the ones to take it in the chops. The wealthy sneeze and the poor catch the flu. I suspect we'll start seeing signs of "stagflation," a particularly difficult thing for the system to deal with since the "cures" involve conflicting activities. And yes, in the year of the rat people will learn how to make sustenance from all kinds of things and survive with their companions even the most difficult of circumstances.

Hi Lori - Will compose something for the individual signs in the near future.

Hi ShenInvolution - Thanks for the compliment. To mix metaphors, we can all do a smooth working ballet this year, hitting the high hard ones or dodging them as needed.

Hi TropiGal - Yes! The ancient Chinese thought this was the first year you could truly believe you are wise, and so therefore you are!! This should be a very productive and satisfactory year for you, as long as you start new practical initiatives and plan for the future. You're protected this year, understand its energies perfectly, and should write or publish.

Hi Deborah - It's going as well as I could expect! Still finishing up the Fire Boar, so my things still feel a bit out of control, but it's an exciting and wild ride that is fairly good. This year should be good for you with Jupiter on your Asc and trine your Sun all year. Pluto will bring forces beyond your control that will purify through breaking down and rebuilding from core all your feelings and self images. You could be nurtured from cosmos this year, or find that you're an "agent of destiny" in others' lives, which may or may not feel or look good at the time! Saturn trine Pluto on your Asc and Moon should help stablilize many things, and Saturn on your Sun bring you the rewards of your long term endeavors and experience.

[Pam]

dont forget amazing Water Rat Woody Guthrie!

[Robert]

Hi Pam - Thanks for the heads up! I've already added him to the list of musical legends.

[Balik]

Hi Robert,
I am an Earth Monkey:) 2/20/68. Truly - the last few years were impossible. I will be eclipsed on my birthday Feb 20th.

Can anything good happen to me?

Thanks!

[Robert]

Hi Balik - Yes, you will be liberated from old limitations, and find new ways to be with others. Don't underestimate Jupiter and Pluto's favorable effect on your life in 2008-09. You should see favorable movement in early March, helping free you, leading to great opportunities beginning in April-May. Just protect yourself from "aggressive social elements," get a wider view of how you can contribute to your world, and remember you're going deeper in the coming year in ways that will impact everything to come beginning 2010.

[Balik]

Thanks Robert - I appreciate it - I have tried so hard to move forward in the last few years only to move backwards!

Do you think I can keep my home? I own a home that has kept me prisoner for years now. If I wasn't so poor all of the time it would not be horrendous but am hoping if they keep lowering rates that I can get back in the game. If I have to sell I will but have owned this home since I was 19 and it's sort of in my blood. I wouldn't know how to "not have it" but if it's going to break me the way it has for the last 6 years or so then I'd be better off without it. It has been a grounding force.

Sorry to ask that but I am at such a crucial time of deciding. I am trying to flow it it and not be sick to my stomach about it.

[Robert]

Hi Balik - Well, I don't know whether you'll keep it or not. The lower interest rates should be a blessing if you can afford to refi, but you're still dealing with a situation that burdens many, and your ability to keep it depends on much more personal info than you can share or I can assess in a comment stream. I would do research over the next two weeks while Mercury is RX about refi possibilities, then decide on an integrated long range plan and move into that. You may find that perseverance will yield dividends in 3-4 months.

[catharine]

Hi Robert, Greetings from Boston! You did a wonderful reading for me last summer (I'm born september 18 1956)and in my reading you had indicated that great things would be happening to me and my company by early January 2008. However, since my reading with you in June I've had a really rough time (and just last month even had to close my company)but I still have the feeling that great things WILL happen to me this year...and soon. Its hard to keep up a brave front though while my life and finances have totallyt fallen apart. Thus, I wanted to ask you here...can you tell from my birth date if the new year of the Earth Rat is going to have a positive affect on me and my life. I have this sixth sense that it will but it would be great to know from you since you are so tapped into these things. I really appreciate it!

[Lori]

Hi Lori - Will compose something for the individual signs in the near future.

Hi Robert,

I will look forward to hearing about it.

The past 11 weeks have been very busy and intense. I am usually up about 3:30 am and home around 7 ... so not much of a chance these days to visit.

I wonder how the year of the rat will affect the Fire Rooster that I am.

Along with Denver weather, snow storms, bitter cold and the new job it's been both a journey and exhausting at times. Around here bad weather is not an excuse to be late to work, you just dress eskimo and plan ahead, blizzard or not.

My legal job is a combination of receptionist, admin assistant, sales, acct's receivable, registration, customer service and more. Already twice I have had clients stand in front of me (voluntarily!) and tell the director to give me a raise ... he just smiles and says nothing.

I have a long customer Svc background and try to send them away happier than when they arrived. Usually I manage ...

I deal with attorneys and judges/magistrates/law offices all day and help them with their continueing education compliance credits required by the court and usually manage to send them away happier than when they came in. We put on events, live classes, video replays, webcasts, home studies, book store, conferences etc. There is also a catering/hospitality aspect to the job. Many of the events go all day.

My challenges with the job have been more with internal politics than with my customers. I have an Aquarius boss and I have Aquarius intercepted in my 3rd house natally along with Mercury currently retrograde there. I have challenges with Aquarius ...

I don't seem to have problems with my customers ... they leave happier than when they arrive.

Anyway ... welcome back!
Lori

[hitchhiker72]

Hi Robert, thank you for all your insight as usual. I'm glad you also write about Chinese astrology.

Here's a video for the season I thought you and your readers might like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-M8EAzLLC4

[Micheline]

i am a wood dragon and this should a really good year
last year was a bit intense for me on a personal note
thanks Robert for you great articles.

[susannah]

I like the way you have written this, it bodes quite well.
I will be turning 48 on the 6th February. I am choosing to regard this as extremely auspicious.
Thanks again, will visit often.

[Robert]

Hi Catharine - Without debating exactly what I told you, perhaps you're asking too much of astrology to counter "real world" conditions. Life is a combination of effort, circumstances, and timing, and as I noted in yesterday's article, even if effort and timing are "correct," circumstances may frustrate even the "best laid plans of mice and men..." You have a brilliant idea that could succeed, and yes, the Year of the Earth Rat could be a good year for you if you do the right things in the right ways at the right times. Only this time, make sure you're adequately capitalized and shop to receptive markets.

Hi Lori - Not sure why you want to share so many intimate details of your life in a comment stream about the Year of the Rat. There's way too much information... and yes, welcome back.

Hi hitchhiker72 - You have a great website yerself! The video is strong - reminds me of several urban dystopias I'm familiar with. Also of our need to hug and be hugged despite the chaos and harshness of our reality. Thanks for that.

Hi Micheline - You're welcome. Yes, last year's been intense! Will try to get something out on the affect on the individual signs soon.

Hi Susanna - Thanks. Glad it bodes well for you. This coming year will be a real high point for you, as well as the ending of many things, preparing you to know a higher way and truth of applying your wisdom experience over the rest of your life. By this time next year, you begin a 12 year adventure!

[nyah]

Dear Robert, When will the misery end? A water snake could use a bit of peace and serenity. As a late Scorpio, 11-20-53, I have not seen much in the way of happiness for about 18 yrs. I am not giving up on the heaveans since I know at some point, 'what goes around really doeas come around again,'that is simply due to the motion of the planets.
Any hope for a brighter 2008?
Not sure about Pluto in Cap this year, but at this point I will welcome any change that may shift the weight on my shoulders.I've taken a beating financially, romantically, family ties, career, and tell me its will change soon.
Love this web site. Recently found it & Thanks.

[Robert]

Hi nyah - Welcome to Professor Robert's cantina. Misery of our times? Terrible!!! Suffering is pandemic. We live in an Age in Transition. Those who want permanence for the next few thousand days will be disappointed. No point in lamenting something that was and will be but is not presently. 2008 will help us assemble and accumulate supplies for the future. Open to the small chances that can turn into large opportunities this year, be practical, and ground the future. 55 is a peak year, so finish things out and move into the seeds of compassion and understanding revealed when you were 54. You re-set your emotional defaults, and are preparing to live the wisdom of your direct experience.

[romeo]

hi robert,
i am born in the year of the boar-sept.22,1959.may i know whats is in store for me in 2008 year of the rat? thanks! more power to you!

[Robert]

Hi romeo - I'll try to compose something for each sign in the near future.

[Justine]

Robert,
I am a metal rat born March 2, 1960 @ 3:20pm. I started a new straight commission sales position, and have had the good fortune to put myself in the running on a few big deals. Do you have any idea if I'll succeed? Thanks!

[Robert]

Hi Justine - Much depends on when you started the endeavor, as well as circumstances, effort, and timing. Please reference my recent article on Success and Failure. Overall your chart should do very well this year, though even greater things are promised by late 2009 into 2010.