What Does the Year of the Rat Mean for You?
Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the Year of the Rat! This cycle is a Metal Rat!
2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat
We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives…not looking for flaws, but for potential. Ellen Goodman
The old story about the Chinese Zodiac explains why each sign has the name of an animal, is curiously linked to a legend, according to which Buddha called all animals to his presence, for the New Year festivities.
Since only 12 animals attended, Buddha wanted to reward them by assigning a year to a sign to each of the animals, depending on the order in which they first arrived at his presence.
The first animal to arrive, and hence, the first sign of the Chinese Horoscope, is precisely the Rat, which is the ruler of 2020. This year begins a new cycle of twelve years, since last year, we reached the last sign of the Chinese Horoscope (the Pig), and now the circle returns to its beginning.
This is where the first thought for this year comes from: The Rat always gets ahead because he is quick, swift, he thinks fast and does not hesitate before making decisions.
Under the influence of this sign, 2020 invites each one of us to action, to exercise enthusiasm, to endeavor. We will reap more significant benefits if we act promptly, and pay attention to the opportunities on our path, grasping at them without hesitation.
Contrary to what happens with the Western calendar, the Chinese calendar follows the rhythms of the Moon and the Sun: each year always starts on the first night of New Moon that occurs closest to the day when the Sun is in the 15th degree of the sign Aquarius.
Since the Sun runs through the sign Aquarius between the 20th of January and the 18th of February, the Chinese New Year always varies, depending on the New Moon, between the end of January and the beginning of February.
In the Chinese Horoscope, in addition to each year being ruled by an animal whose characteristics influence people who are born under their special protection, there is also, each year, an Element with greater dominance. For the Chinese, five elements are considered (and not four, as in the West): they are Earth, Water, Fire, Wood, and Metal.
The influence of each element shapes the personality of the animal that is the ruler of the year, influencing its characteristics.
In 2020, we are under the influence of the Metal Rat, whose personality is, to a certain extent, different from the way of being of the Wood Mouse, Fire, Earth, or Water.
The Metal Rat is the most practical of all. It attaches great importance to his social status, material comfort, career. In that sense, he is also the one with Charisma, the best power of argument, using his charm to achieve his goals. The Rat can be quite sensual, but less sentimental. He knows very well what he wants and does not allow others to take away what he believes is rightfully his.
The Metal Rat energy will reveal itself in relationships, with a particular propensity for possessiveness and jealousy. Although the Rat is a very friendly sign, the Metal element creates a specific tendency for individualism, which may cause this year to fluctuate between the two extremes constantly – now we want and seek contact with others, now we feel the need to withdraw, to be able to reflect better and apply ourselves more in the achievement of material goals.
The Year of the Rat brings lightness, relaxation, and joy. Events tend to be quite fast, the results come more easily – but without guarantees that they will be long-lasting.
It is also necessary to be more attentive because it is easier to lose control of the situations. It is a good year for new flights, to take risks and get out of your comfort zone, to take steps towards growth and invest more in your personal and professional development. It is a favorable year for those who wish to have (more) children since the Rat enhances fertility.
Generally speaking, the Rat’s personality is friendly and quickly captivated. People born under this sign tend to have charisma and are always making new friends. In the affective sphere, the Year of the Rat helps to broaden horizons, improving communication, and helping people to be in contact with social circles that seemed out of reach. It is a great year to renew your social and emotional life. Those who seek to find new love are more favored under this influence, although they must maintain a certain level of prudence because, under this influence, we tend to throw ourselves into ambiguous situations, without measuring the consequences.
The Chinese Horoscope for 2020 will have the energy of starting a new Cycle influencing all of us for the next over the next 12 years. Therefore, it is a period of caution, as the Metal Mouse is characterized by radical positions and choices and sometimes traumatic changes.
Your instinct will be very much in your hands this year, but even so, all new ventures must be carefully analyzed to minimize the risks and increase the chances of success.
With the opening of this new astral cycle, finances will speak louder, and idleness is out of the question. This year start worrying more about your own projects before you want to help others. The price for giving up your dreams can too high to deal with in the future.
Love and Relationships in the Year of the Rat
For those who have already found love, the year of the Metal Rat will be a very physical and passionate period. Gifts offered to the partner will serve as both a tool to maintain the passion and to avoid pertinent dialogues about the couple’s future and possible blooming problems.
The most recent couples probably had a year of questioning in 2019. Take time to reflect on your relationship, to clear your ideas, resolve yourself amid feelings, and polish whatever is necessary to build fruitful and reciprocal relationships.
If you are planning a great trip with your love or your family, prefer low-cost destinations that involve activities that everyone would like to do together. Avoid spending the money you’ve been saving for a while.
Your Health in 2020
In 2020, the Year of the Rat suggests a radical change in the lifestyle for many people, which may call into question some social relationships.
Family and friends will undoubtedly be at your side, supporting your choices, but on the other hand, envious people will be surrounding you, discouraging you from all your motivation and creative impulses.
Exercise patience and determination throughout 2020, as they will help protect you from any external disturbance.
Spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation may bring excellent results in this renewal process. Focus on the present moment, and don’t let anything interfere with your plans and achievements.
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About the Author
Creatrix from Sirius. Fairly Odd Mother of Saints (Bernards). Fish Tank aficionado by day, ninja by night. Liane Buck is also the Editor-in-Chief of OMTimes Magazine, Co-Founder of Humanity Healing International and Humanity Healing Network, and a Board Member of Saint Lazarus Relief Fund.
