2008 ~ YEAR of The Earth RAT ~ 4705 The Chinese Year of the Rat, based on the lunar calendar, begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009. The Rat is the first in the cycle of 12 animal signs. Besides the 12 zodiac signs, the Chinese system of astrology also includes the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) thus making a complete cycle 60 years. Predications for the year abound and my research proves that many vary greatly. I will venture to offer you some of the key points here. First of all the Rat is a ``water'' creature, and when it is combined with the ``earth'' cycle, it creates an unstable combination. Yet should there be floods, there should be sufficient 'earth' to limit the damage. As a creature the Rat is nimble and clever. It is seen as a lucky, blessed with rewards it did not have to work for. The Rat is often associated with money yet world financial market will continue to be volatile. In 2008, the auspicious directions are East, West, Northeast and Northwest - choosing to travel in these directions will bring success. The inauspicious directions include the south, Southeast and Southwest. It is best to avoid these directions for business ventures or relocations. > The Year of the Rat will be tougher on people born in the Year of the Horse (born in years 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002), which is in direct conflict with the Rat and to those born in the Year of the Ram (born in years 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991). > To a lesser extent, those born in the Year of the Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) should look toward balancing their life and not setting extremely high goals. > The Year of the Rat will be favorable to people born in the Year of the Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997), Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992) and Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000). > Other lucky signs for the year are the Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993), the Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989) and the Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995). > The Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998), the Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994) will have a mix of luck. > The Rat itself (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996) have a special position which carry an aura of prestige yet are also 'sitting' directly atop the Year God and should keep a low profile to avert any misfortune. There are so many factors to consider in determining one's astrology, not the least of which is personal karma. The purpose of Feng Shui is to be able to work with your astrology and environment to protect oneself in the difficult periods and enhance one's luck when it is available. All the signs are recommended to do the 'Golden Cicada sheds Its Shell' ritual for protection. If this resonates with you, please be in touch and I will be happy to share it with an exchange of red envelopes. Whatever your sign, may the year ahead bring you exactly what is needed in each moment. 'Gung Hey Fat Choy' (Wishing You Prosperity), Judith Wendell top of page This website and all content copyright 2006-2007 Sacred Currents & Judith Wendell • Site Design: Canfield Design Studios, Inc.