Rat Chinese Zodiac Sign

26/09/2019 13:52h | Updated at 2019-11-26 16:12h

Read more about those born in the year of the Rat. Click here.

Rat characteristics:

Element: Water
Direction: North
Color: Midnight Blue
Polarity: Yang
Gemstone: Garnet
Lucky Number: 11
Sign Order: First
Season: Winter
Month: December
Allies: Dragon, Monkey
Foes: Horse
Western Counterpart: Sagittarius

The sign of the Rat is the first of the 12 animals in Chinese Astrology. Charming, diplomatic, hardworking, and thrifty, Rat natives are well-liked and usually successful.

Years of the Rat:1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Though people consider the rat not adorable, and it even makes its way into derogatory languages, it ranks first on the Chinese zodiac signs. It has characteristics of an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility and vitality.

Those born under the Rat sign often find that their thoughts and lifestyle hold steady over time, and while changes do occur from time to time, they are the result of careful decisions and deep thought. With protection comes hindrance, however, and occasionally one's caution can cause them to miss a chance at something, whether it is a new job, a new relationship, or merely a new experience. Whatever the case, though, the Rat continues to hold steady in its den, interacting with the rest of the world on their terms, and holding onto a sense of peace that perseveres all trials and tribulations.

Part of the Rat's defenses is a positive outlook on the events that comprise their life, from the celebration of growing up to the conflicting emotions of adulthood. While there may be times of deep sorrow or unwelcomed change, there is also much happiness and light in one's life as well. Where the Rat excels, then, is in seeing past those initial phases and focusing on the possibilities of their future. This allows them to survive even the most troublesome of times and to thrive once again in the lifestyle they have chosen for themselves. Embracing peace when it comes and embodying the spirit of their community.

They are intuitive, acute, and alert in nature which makes them be brilliant businessmen. They can always react appropriately before the worst circumstances take place. They are also sophisticated and popular in social interaction. They are confident and very adaptable, being popular with others.

Rats are simply money machines – the business animal – the archetypal entrepreneur. They like to be busy and enjoy the fast-paced adrenaline rush of being an entrepreneur – even if you aren’t. They work hard and play hard, and in fact, they are hard! If a Rat worries, for sure it will be about money; they are thus the best at storing money away, for that rainy day, although they also like to spend it a lot. So, the Rat always needs a steady flow of dosh coming their way – and they are not afraid to get it.

Rat also like the challenge of getting money and hence, the “rat race” is exactly up their street. Rats can’t resist a special deal, an opportunity, or a bargain. Luckily, their family supports their money-making mania because Rats like to look after their family – who will, in turn, consider they generous – as will anyone close to them. Everyone else is… competition.

Rats are so industrious, it’s almost an obsession – and rest is a dirty word to their ears. If anyone can make something of nothing – it’s you. Ratsdetest failure and if anything this can drive their further and even to excess, creating health problems due to stress. Their bright, quick mind and reactions mean they have an advantage over the rest, and they always want to know everything about everybody; they love secrets and mysteries and are known as prime gossip.

Never expect a Rat to settle for second best or second place… at any cost, first and nothing less will do for them.

Strengths

Adaptable, smart, cautious, acute, alert, positive, flexible, outgoing, cheerful

Weaknesses

Timid, unstable, stubborn, picky, lack of persistence, querulous

Lucky Signs for Rat:

Lucky Numbers: 2, 3
Lucky Colors: gold, blue, green
Lucky Flowers: lily, African violet, lily of the valley
Lucky Directions: southeast, northeast

Things to be Avoided:

Unlucky Numbers: 5, 9
Unlucky Colors: yellow, brown
Unlucky Direction: west