By Susan Levitt Rat year is a time of strong endings and fresh beginnings because Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac that starts a new 12-year cycle. Anticipate scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, and an increase in technological inventions. Creativity flourishes, with advancement in everything from artificial intelligence to soil analysis on Mars. Chinese New Year is the second new Moon after Winter Solstice. Rat is considered a lucky astrology sign, making Rat year a time of abundance and good fortune. Social Rat loves the pack, so this year is ideal to work collectively to launch new strategies. Ventures begun in a Rat year are fortunate, but only if well planned. So plan, organize, then plan again. Rat is a doer who cares about performance, progress, and rewards. Anticipate The Empty Vessel — Page 8
scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, and an increase in technological inventions. Creativity flourishes, with advancement in everything from artificial intelligence to soil analysis on Mars. During a Rat year there is a focus on money for both personal and global finance, like the last Rat year 2008 of the Great Recession. 2020 brings an even stronger focus on international markets, excessive wealth, and real estate because it’s a Metal year. Autumn and winter are the most fortunate seasons.
people raised out of poverty. But Metal also represents weaponry, and Rat year can bring collective militarization. Metal personality traits include strength, independence, focus, intensity, righteousness, and fluency in speech. The Metal personality is very determined and powerful. One born in a Metal year succeeds by being less opinionated, accepting change, and gracefully releasing the past. The element Metal rules the lungs in Chinese Medicine so take care of your lungs this year, especially in autumn.
Metal Rat
Rat Personality
Of the five Taoist elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood, this is the year of the Metal Rat.
Those born in Rat years (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) are smart, sharp, funny people who are highly perceptive. They are excellent at analyzing data to arrive at the correct conclusions, and can quickly figure out how to solve problems. Their quick wit and style makes them popular, and are delightful when they turn on the charm.
The element Metal represents money and the resources of Mother Earth such as gold and silver. Anticipate fluctuations in world economies and shifts of political power. There can be a financial reset of rich and poor, with more
