| Happy New Year! 2008 |
The Year of the Earth Rat
Beginning February 7, 2008
Beginning February 7, 2008
Chinese New Year
Chinatown
Seattle, WA USA
Chinatown
Seattle, WA USA
Xin Nian Kuai Le!
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| Like the rat, you are always busily pursuing a personal goal or ambition, and are thus known as one of the hardest-working signs in the Chinese zodiac. For rats in 2008, any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome, so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally. |
| A Ratty Year Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson, William Shakespeare, and Mozart were all born in the year of the rat. |
After two Fire years life may seem calmer during this Earth year. That could be
deceptive, however, as the Rat never stops moving, especially when it comes to mental
activity.
Unfortunately Earth has a destructive relationship with the Rat's fixed element, Water.
This is not disastrous, but it does mean people should not rely too much on luck this year.
On the other hand the combination of Earth and Rat is extremely positive when it comes
to achieving results. The Rat tends to take a lot of risks, while Earth is associated with
practicality and stability. This creates balance and can lead to good profits, increased
productivity and all sorts of accomplishments. And, under Earth's influence there could
be fewer scandals than in other Rat years.
The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and signifies new beginnings. This year is
thus an appropriate time to start new ventures, especially ground breakings. This
includes new ideas, directions, and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and
put plans into action, as there will be plenty of opportunities to achieve success.
Something to consider is that which is begun now is likely to have long term
consequences, so choose wisely to enrich your life.
Interestingly this is an equally good time for thinking and all kinds of intellectual
endeavors. Planning, scholarship and research, for example, are favorable activities. It is
also an auspicious time for the arts; although, under Earth's influence, applied arts such
as design and graphics may do best.
Earth favors those who are tied to the land, do a lot of routine work, deal with practical
matters, or perform work of a spiritual nature. Looking at the characteristics of both
Earth and Rat it could be a very good year for those with careers in business,
construction, engineering, academia, planning and the clergy.
There is likely to be a focus on career and self improvement this year to the detriment of
family. People thus need to be attentive and creative so that this area does not suffer. It
is, however, a relatively good time to begin a new romance. Those in a relationship may
want to consider raising it to the next level, to include marriage.
Since this is an Earth year those people born in a Metal year will generally fare better
than others of their animal sign, while those born in a Water year are likely to do worse
than those born in Wood, Fire, and Earth years.
Health issues vary not only by sign but by each individual. Your best bet is to visit a
Chinese doctor to have your balances checked and get some advice for the coming year.
It is an Earth year, so one thing we can say in general is to get enough exercise and be
on the alert for unwanted weight gains. Inactivity could lead to problems.
The year 2008 will be a year of possibilities, a time of progress; although, it may not
generally be spectacular. Those who take the biggest risks could be disappointed.
Everyone should, nevertheless, add something new to their life.
deceptive, however, as the Rat never stops moving, especially when it comes to mental
activity.
Unfortunately Earth has a destructive relationship with the Rat's fixed element, Water.
This is not disastrous, but it does mean people should not rely too much on luck this year.
On the other hand the combination of Earth and Rat is extremely positive when it comes
to achieving results. The Rat tends to take a lot of risks, while Earth is associated with
practicality and stability. This creates balance and can lead to good profits, increased
productivity and all sorts of accomplishments. And, under Earth's influence there could
be fewer scandals than in other Rat years.
The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and signifies new beginnings. This year is
thus an appropriate time to start new ventures, especially ground breakings. This
includes new ideas, directions, and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and
put plans into action, as there will be plenty of opportunities to achieve success.
Something to consider is that which is begun now is likely to have long term
consequences, so choose wisely to enrich your life.
Interestingly this is an equally good time for thinking and all kinds of intellectual
endeavors. Planning, scholarship and research, for example, are favorable activities. It is
also an auspicious time for the arts; although, under Earth's influence, applied arts such
as design and graphics may do best.
Earth favors those who are tied to the land, do a lot of routine work, deal with practical
matters, or perform work of a spiritual nature. Looking at the characteristics of both
Earth and Rat it could be a very good year for those with careers in business,
construction, engineering, academia, planning and the clergy.
There is likely to be a focus on career and self improvement this year to the detriment of
family. People thus need to be attentive and creative so that this area does not suffer. It
is, however, a relatively good time to begin a new romance. Those in a relationship may
want to consider raising it to the next level, to include marriage.
Since this is an Earth year those people born in a Metal year will generally fare better
than others of their animal sign, while those born in a Water year are likely to do worse
than those born in Wood, Fire, and Earth years.
Health issues vary not only by sign but by each individual. Your best bet is to visit a
Chinese doctor to have your balances checked and get some advice for the coming year.
It is an Earth year, so one thing we can say in general is to get enough exercise and be
on the alert for unwanted weight gains. Inactivity could lead to problems.
The year 2008 will be a year of possibilities, a time of progress; although, it may not
generally be spectacular. Those who take the biggest risks could be disappointed.
Everyone should, nevertheless, add something new to their life.
One story has it that the
Buddha called all the animals to
him and the first 12 were
honored with years named
after them. The lowly ox heard
the call and heeded it, racing
through the forest to the side
of the Buddha. On his way, the
ox passed a tree where the rat
had been resting. The rat
jumped down onto the ox’s
back then ran up and hid
behind the ox’s ear. The ox
reached the Buddha and slid to
a halt. Before the ox could
speak, the rat jumped out from
behind the ox’s ear, said “Ta
da! Lord Buddha, I am here!”
And the Buddha honored the
wily rat for being first to arrive.
Buddha called all the animals to
him and the first 12 were
honored with years named
after them. The lowly ox heard
the call and heeded it, racing
through the forest to the side
of the Buddha. On his way, the
ox passed a tree where the rat
had been resting. The rat
jumped down onto the ox’s
back then ran up and hid
behind the ox’s ear. The ox
reached the Buddha and slid to
a halt. Before the ox could
speak, the rat jumped out from
behind the ox’s ear, said “Ta
da! Lord Buddha, I am here!”
And the Buddha honored the
wily rat for being first to arrive.
