The Rat – the First-To-Come

The Chinese horoscope or the 12-year cycle starts with the year of the Rat. You probably know the legend about Buddha summoning all animals and giving a personal year to the 12 animals that showed up first. Well, the Rat won that race. With a little trick – it asked the kind-hearted Ox to carry it across the river and then left it behind and rushed to the finish line… It speaks a lot about the character of the Rats who like winning and being firstm – at all cost.

Rats are born in:

24/01/1936 – 10/02/1937

10/02/1948 – 28/01/1949

28/01/1960 – 14/02/1961

15/02/1972 – 2/02/1973

2/02/1984 – 19/02/1985

19/02/1996 – 6/02/1997

7/02/2008 – 25/01/2009

Strengths:

Energetic – All Rats are very energetic and ambitious. Their program is always full and they love juggling with their professional, social, leisure and cultural life (deep inside they love order and putting the different parts of their life in the exact category). They see the world as a stage and they are very good and quick at changing the roles.

Charming – Most Rats are usually highly magnetic especially for the other sex. They usually have their cunning ways of getting what they want. They enjoy sex and they’re both giving and getting pleasure. When they’re in a good mood they are a pleasure to be around, they’re talkative and fun.

Trustworthy friends – It is hard to be indifferent towards a Rat – you will love her or hate her but your feelings will be strong and sound. Rats make extraordinary friends. They have the gift of seeing clearly the whole picture and especially the weak links of the chain. And they have the courage to speak their mind. They can give you sound and honest advice. The only think that Rats should keep in mind is that they need to be asked first. They often miss that part.

Cherish stability – For Rats their stability comes first. They love to stuff their bank accounts and their closets and to insure in all possible (and impossible) ways they could think of. That is one of the reasons why they love to be married even though their relationships aren’t always successful. Rats enjoy the idea of being with someone and having someone to return to.

 

Weaknesses:

Manipulative – Rats love getting what they want and they are willing to employ some manipulative tactics – like what they did to the Ox. Many of them see life as a competition and what matters is who will cross the finish line first. They are always after their personal aims, no matter what.

Greedy – Since Rats value security so much, that can make them greedy. They love to be well-prepared for the bad days to come and they usually are. They can be generous but it’s not that natural and spontaneous giving that some other people possess. It’s usually well-calculated give and take or they actually have to work hard to develop that quality.

Tense – Rats can seem calm and easy-going but there is a lot of tension burning inside. They have a lot of power and high ambitions and they’re set to achieve them. They do need to burn out all that adrenaline but they should be weary of the danger of burn-out.

Suspicious – Rats always have their plans and schemes and they suspect that others are the same way, too. They are set on achieving their dreams and they have little interest in supporting others do the same. They don’t tolerate being used but this sometimes means that they dislike helping, too. There is a clear difference and it’s for their best interest to make it.

 

Love life

Rats make good love partnerships with the Dragon, the Ox or the Monkey.

Dragons are wise and hard-working, they support the Rat and allow him to let off the steam.

The Ox is slow but steady and provides the Rat with the craved stability.

Rats are entertained by the Monkey and its tricks. If the Monkey is not that cunning they could make a happy and lasting couple.

 

Career

The Rat could be a perfect entrepreneur. She is clever, charming and ambitious and is great at working with people. They can also run their own restaurant or bar since most of them possess a fine taste and are superb hosts. All executive positions are also a good fit.

It’s best to establish a business partnership with a Dragon, a Pig or a Monkey.

 

Future prospects

Rats are charming, communicative, intelligent and ambitious. They can be your best friend or your worst enemy. They are set to achieve a lot and they usually do. In their rush to the top they should be mindful of other people and especially of their friends. Help your friends when they ask you to and when you promise them. Accept them for what they truly are. Give your precious advice when only you’re asked.