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Chinese
Zodiac Forecast for the Year of the Rat
(February 8, 2008 - January 26, 2009)
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.
The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.
The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.
The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve with a dinner arranged for them at the family banquet table. The spirits of the ancestors, together with the living, celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.
Chinese New Year - February 7, 2008
Year of the Rat
The Chinese New Year
of 2008 (4705) marks a period of new starts, being the Year of the Yellow
[Earth] Rat....
The ‘Rat’ is the commencement of the Chinese cycle....
2008 looks to be a year of
unexpected outcomes. It is of particular interest to note that the Chinese New
Year begins on February 7, 2008, with a partial solar eclipse and a small
stellium conjunct the 15th degree of Aquarius, well-known in mundane
astrological circles as a ‘disaster degree’, with Pluto on an Aries point (0
Capricorn 21) as well in semi-square to the stellium....
Rats
mark the commencement of the cycle of 12 Chinese zodiacs and thus are
associated with enterprising and aggressive qualities.
To start with listing the traits of a Rat, it is
important to first know what this animal image stands for in Chinese philosophy.
Rat has strong associations with material success such
as wealth and other luxuries of life. It is their aggression, charm, hard work,
discipline and passionate nature that gives an edge to their persona in
comparison to others. There are good chances of Rats
being wealthy and professionally successful in their lives. They are quick,
energetic and mold themselves easily according to the situation, which makes
them excellent problem solvers too. Unlike most of other zodiac signs,
Rats believe in having a handful of friends, but they share a
special bonding with all of them.
When it comes to competition, nobody can be as manipulative as they are. They
are tactful and can go to great extents to win a battle. Yet honesty and
unprejudiced attitude is something others need to learn from Rats.
A heavy karma chakra may lead to inner conflicts. It is likely for them to
indulge in speculation and other adventurous tasks in order to give an outlet to
their emotions. If this kind of an outlet is not available, they might turn to
self-destruction. The best spiritual message Chinese sages give to
Rats is to observe self-control and be considerate while dealing
with people around them. Their dynamism can be accessed with the diversity of
professions they can choose. On one hand they can lend a perfection to works of
art in literature, on the other hand they can also be excellent detectives,
accountants, engineers and pathologists. Law and politics are some other areas
they can try their hands on. Hope this year of Rats 2008
becomes the harbinger of health, wealth and good fortune for all of us.
Following are the years that belong to the mighty Rats.
Rats: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 (Keep
adding 12 years in the series)
Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February; 2nd new moon after Winter Solstice January/February.
Legend has it that in ancient times, Budda 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.
At Chinese New Year celebrations
people wear red clothes,
decorate with poems on red paper, and give gifts of "lucky money" in red
envelopes.
Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck.
The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient
custom.
Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames
would frighten evil spirits.
Like the
houses of the zodiac, the animals of Chinese astrology are said to influence
your luck during the year.
Your horoscope for 2008, the year of the Rat, depends on which
animal signifies the year you were born.
Rats are water signs and it is said that they make a very good match for monkeys and dragons, but do not get along well with rabbits, horses and roosters. The brown earth influences of this year also make oxen a favored friend of the persevering rat but add conflict to the year as the elements of earth and water seek a balance - especially during the early part of the year.
The
Rat's stone, the deep red garnet, is the color of joyful
celebration.
It signifies the loyalty and passion of the most honorable traits of the sign
that will rule the year ahead.
In China,
it is said that there are few poor Rats. It is
considered very auspicious to be born in the year of the Earth Rat.
Babies born under this sign are intelligent and hard working. They are
intelligent, curious, sociable born leaders who do well in any group, but value
ties with family and close friends more than social contacts. The earth
influences balance the Rat's water nature for those
born in this year making them able to control the flights of intellect that
often draw the Rat away from a good course. The
selfish and calculating aspects of the Rat are toned
by the nurturing earth force. These are leaders to be followed with trust and
good partners for a life filled with good fortune. The Rat
is clever, sometimes too clever. When mixed with the passion and charm of this
sign, the Rat can be manipulative as a life partner or
business associate. The ability to initiate new ideas and work hard to reach a
goal led the Rat to the first place of honor at the
sside of Buddah.
These are traits that bring success in both business and personal affairs.
The last
time the earth Rat was seen as the ruling influence
was February 10, 1948 - January 28, 1949. Baby boomers who were born under this
sign will be celebrating their 60th birthday looking back on many years of good
fortune and looking ahead to many more.
If you
aren't sure which animal ruled the year that you were born, this list will help.
Since the Rat year begins a new cycle, remember that
decisions made during this year will carry long term consequeces.
Do not make changes without careful planning especially during the beginning of
the year.
Here are a few general conclusions from the opinions of the sages...
Rat
: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The clever rat has made many ambitious plans that will be put into action this
year. Good fortune and good times will surround the rat in this year of glory.
Easy social grace is a gift of those born in this sign, but trusted close
friends and family are the center that the rat needs to secure prosperity.
Beware of the battle of earth and water that may confuse the scurrying rat. This
beginning of the year will see the rat tempted by many flirtatious
relationships. Faithfulness and loyalty are difficult with so many admiring
glances. Understand the fear of those you care for as you seem to be drawn to
many new relationships. Take steps to avoid damage to your true partners. As the
year passes the successful rat will see more serious relationships bear fruit.
Although the rat is a water sign, boat crusies are not a good vacation plan.
Travel to exotic lands to explore,meet new people and experience adventure may
be the perfect honeymoon. With the influence of the earth aspects of this year,
promises of commitments become real and those born in this sign may experience
the blessings of marriage and of children added to their family. The rat who
cannot focus on success will be misled and find much conflict and many
uncomfortable scenes caused by straying from a match that will bring good
fortune. When prosperity and love come easily they may not be treated with
respect. The rat who will succeed is the one who remembers that greed and
manipulation may bring quick victories but ultimately strenghten enemies. The
cat is ever watchful of the rat who stole its place. Listen to the guidance of
ancestors, loved ones and trusted friends. Beware of the flattery of casual
admiration to completely fulfill the promise of extreme good fortune that this
year holds.
Ox
: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
The year of the earth rat brings good more good fortune for the steady ox. The
solid back that carried the rat across the river will be well rewarded. The
influence of the Brown Earth Rat means a prosperous and healthy year for the ox
but the influence of water will make the year interesting. There will be many
choices that will lead to success if the ox remains true to the earth nature. Do
not follow on paths that seem to lead to easy success. The wise ox knows that
perserverance brings permanent good fortune. While your hard work will begin to
bring rewards in this last half of this year, the real success awaits in the
year of the ox that is coming. Conflicts and confusion can be a problem in the
beginning of the year as water and earth elements of the Brown Earth Rat seek
balance. Attention to romantic relationships will bring harmony but neglect will
bring conflict. Giving tokens of affection will bring great rewards. Do not be
obstinate in your business or personal relationships. The last few months will
feel the influence of the upcoming sign of the ox strengthening and lead to full
serenity. Wait until then to make those difficult decisions.
Tiger : 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
The wild tiger prospered in the year of the dog and the pig. The rat year will
change the good fortune of the large cat. While not the enemy that the true cat
is, there is still some adversity. Both business and personal relationships will
be a challenge. You may find many flirtatious moments but they will not lead to
serious commitments. You will need to rely on family to move through this
confusing time. Happy relationships will suffer from conflict in the early part
of the year, but attention to romance and faithfulness will return good fortune.
At work you will also feel these conflicts. You will be more aware of criticism
from coworkers and employers. Learn to control your aggressive nature when
responding to this and you will find prosperity. Use your abundant energy to
turn dreams of success into real plans that will bring rewards as the year ends.
Be careful to avoid excesses in work and all things physical especially in the
last half of the year.
Rabbit : 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
Many rabbits will find the year of the earth rat unusually fortunate if they can
control the tendency to hop about. The rat is not normally a harmonious sign for
the rabbit, but this brown earth rat year remembers that both are rodents and
does not confuse the rabbit with the cat. Flirtation, romance and marriage lie
in wait for the amorous rabbit. The conflict will be to find harmony between the
three. Take care not to endanger a possible life long love by continued
flirtation. Looking for perfection instead of happiness in love can cause grief.
At work the urge to pick on the shortcomings of coworkers and find
dissatisfaction with a good position will cause unhappiness. This may be an
auspicious time to make changes in your career path with the earth influences
fueling new growth for you, but be sure that the change comes from a positive
source. Moving toward prosperity will bring a positive cycle, running from
adversity will not. Whether you decide to stay or go, a focus on the positive
aspects of your current position will lead to long term success and good fortune
through the upcoming cycle.
Dragon : 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
The rat is a good friend to the dragon. The new cycle that starts this year will
bring prosperity to the dragon after what may seem like a long time of struggle.
The stream of good fortune that you saw coming your way in a trickle last year
will reach fullness this year. Your energy is strong after resting in the year
of the pig and you will find that difficulties are able to be overcome. You will
need energy to keep up with the social whirl coming your way. While much of your
focus will be on friendships and love, put some of that energy toward career
networking opportunities that will develop this year and will benefit you
throughout the next cycle. The conservative nature of this rat year may give
moments of frustration to the dragon who cannot tame a fiery nature. This is a
time to begin ventures that will benefit from the steady nurturing earth
influence but you will need patience and persistence to see them through to
success. The signs are very good for your soul mate to appear. Take care to
recognize this most special person or the opportunity may be lost in your busy
social life. Home influences are strong and if you have been dreaming of a major
purchase - of a home or for your home - this year is a good time to see the
dream fulfilled.
Snake : 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
This year will find the energetic rat providing a wonderland of opportunities to
the awakening snake. Show your true self and be honest with those who care about
you. This may be difficult for the snake who is used to keeping tightly coiled,
but there will be little need to use your venom to protect yourself this year.
Happiness will be abundant in relationships with friends and family as long as
you can uncoil. Successful results in business, especially new ventures, lie
ahead for you. Your ability to take quick, decisive actions and make the right
decisions will be a great benefit to your career. This may lead you to some big
opportunities that you will be ready to take advantage of. Curb the impulsive to
spend unwisely. Earth influences favor conservative spending for the snake, but
with energy flowing so strongly, you may not be able to resist a quick buy that
can turn out to be a mistake .
Horse : 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
The horse is not happy to find the rat in its barn. Distracted by the energy of
the rat, the horse will be easy prey to others. By nature, the horse listens
more to what the heart says, but this year it is the head that will give the
best advice. Take comfort in the company of close friends and family and also
make sure to exercise, eat well and keep a regular schedule. These will weave a
blanket that protects you from the blasts of ill fortune and physical distress
that the rat year can bring. Try not to let your nervousness cause conflicts at
home and work. This is not a time to start new ventures or make major decisions.
Plans for the future are the way to take advantage of your time. Building
knowledge about your career through job training or education will move you
ahead without danger. Plan inexpensive, relaxing vacations with friends and
family to clear your confusion and find peace.
Sheep / Goat : 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
The rat year brings sheep romance that may be true love, but overall the year
will seem much less positive than what you may be used to.
Monkey : 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
The Monkey who has worked hard will see many rewards in the year of the rat. The
year may start off slow, but by the end of March the full richness of the rat
year will be evident and continue through the year.
Rooster : 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Rooster will find many challenges to overcome during the rat year. Energy is
high, but much of it is not positive and there is stress ahead for the rooster.
Quick decisions and emotional outbursts will lead to trouble. Keep a positive
attitude and pace yourself. Make a plan for your time and your money and stick
to it. Relationships will be unsteady if the crowing rooster shows aggression.
When that urge appears, step back and use your strong intellect to analyze the
problem and create a positive outcome. Matters of money and career will also
need this steady approach. The rat year favors learning and you can overcome
many negative aspects at work by seeking training and sharing your knowledge
with coworkers. Remember that what you do this year will follow you throughout
the cycle, so keep that positive attitude intact and build a foundation for the
upswing in your fortunes in the coming years.
Dog:
1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The dog continues to find good fortune as the rat opens a new cycle. Family and
friends are more important than ever this year, but avoid pressure from this
source on business and financial decisions. Relationships that began in this pig
year may be a source of good fortune in this new 12 year cycle. Don't be afraid
to let superiors and coworkers see your skills. Accept both the praise and
advice that comes to you from this source. Keep your focus as you may find
yourself drawn to chasing the rat, but don't be timid when the time comes to
make decisions that will bring change and good fortune.
Pig
: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
The pig still enjoys the benefits of good fortune as the new cycle begins. The
fire pig, those born in 1947 and 2007, will be especially fortunate in the year
of the earth rat, but anyone born in a pig year will find the rat year bringing
good fortune. This year promises success in romance and there may be marriage in
the year ahead. Finances are no problem for you this year, but be careful of
those who would take advantage asking for loans or applying pressure for you to
make a major purchase or investment. Steady work will move your career into
places you had not expected. Be open to the energy and excitement that this new
cycle brings, but conserve your physical strentgth. There us a pig tendency to
push too hard. There is no need to exhaust yourself in seeking prosperity --
espeially in the escond half of the year.
In China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve. In the United States, however, many early Chinese immigrants arrived without their families, and found a sense of community through neighborhood associations instead. Today, many Chinese-American neighborhood associations host banquets and other New Year events.
Chinese New Year ends with the lantern festival on the fifteenth day of the month. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon. In many areas the highlight of the lantern festival is the dragon dance. The dragon—which might stretch a hundred feet long—is typically made of silk, paper, and bamboo. Traditionally the dragon is held aloft by young men who dance as they guide the colorful beast through the streets. In the United States, where the New Year is celebrated with a shortened schedule, the dragon dance always takes place on a weekend. In addition, many Chinese-American communities have added American parade elements such as marching bands and floats.
Remember, whatever the omens portend,
for better or worse, "you" are the final master of your own fate.
These ideas are provided for your enjoyment and amusement and are not meant to
take the place of your own good sense.
Wishing you and your family a year of health and prosperity! Gung Hay Fat
Choy!
Note: The Chinese Zodiac forecast is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. Much like the Western Astrology characterization based on the Sun signs, the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals describe broad cycles of influences that are thought to affect people born during certain times of the year. Other factors, such as the finer details of the person's astrological chart, education, cultural and environmental influences, feng shui, unconscious beliefs, conscious intentions, etc., determine any final outcome.
Taboos and Superstitions of Chinese New Year
House Cleaning
The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.
Bringing In the New Year and Expelling the Old
Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.
New Year Activities Set Precedent
All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.
Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.
If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.
Personal Appearance and Cleanliness
On New Year's Day, we are not suppose to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.
More New Year Superstitions
For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.
The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.
It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.
Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.
While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.
A
FENG SHUI NEW YEAR
by Kathryn Weber
It's important to start the New Year off on a positive, hope-filled note. This can include everything from stocking the refrigerator to clearing out old junk from the closets. The Chinese New Year isn't until next week.... so you've still got time!
To greet the New Year, set aside a couple of hours to give your house, bedroom, or office a New Year Blitz. Just remember, you are inviting a very special guest to your house: the New Year. So treat your house the way you would a very important dignitary. This is a new year of your life, so welcome it in a grand way!
Take the list below in hand and check off the items one by one! Are you ready? Then, let's get ready for a new year! Remember to get everyone in the house in on the act.
OUT WITH THE OLD!
1. De-clutter. Grab a laundry basket. Next, set a timer and take it with you from room to room. Set it for five minutes. Now, start throwing out old papers, magazines, empty bottles of shampoo from the bathroom, old clothes you know you'll never wear again! Do it. Got CDs you never listen to? Throw those out or donate them to charity. Have some old coffee mugs that don't match, or odd drinking glasses still hanging around in your cabinets? Pitch 'em. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't forget to look under the bed, too! And toss that lipstick you haven't worn in two years! Remember to clean out the pantry, and toss that half-empty box of Rice Krispies that's gone stale.
2. Sweep or vacuum. Get the old energy out by making the floors clean.
3. Do the laundry. Don't have dirty clothes hanging around. You can throw in a load or two while you declutter. Be sure to fold and put the clean clothes away.
4. Clean the bathroom. Make it sparkle. You don't want a nasty mess to greet the next year of your life!
5. Empty all trashcans. Don't want last years' trash hanging around, do you? Toss, toss, toss.
6. Clean out the refrigerator. Got a half-empty jar of apple butter? Get rid of it. You don't want to go into the New Year with old food or a moldy science project lurking in the fridge.
7. Clear out visual clutter. Too much stuff everywhere? Clear off the counters in the bathrooms and kitchen. Clear off your desk and dust it. Pitch the sticky notes and papers and things taped everywhere! You can do it. Don't forget the refrigerator! Make it a blank slate. Make as much space as possible. You cannot bring in new things if there is no room for it and we want a fantastic year, right? Then make your space "open" for the abundance of the New Year!
8. Yard work. Make sure the yard is picked up and the front door step is swept and clear.
9. Change the sheets and towels. Put clean sheets on all the beds on New Year's Eve and clean towels in the bathroom and kitchen. New sheets are even better.
10. Clean the car. This is what gets you around during the year. Drive through a car wash, take out the trash and do a quick cleaning.
All done? Wow, doesn't that feel good! Now you're ready for the next step.
IN WITH THE NEW!
1. Fill your pantry and kitchen. Stock the refrigerator with food and make sure the pantry is also stocked. It's bad feng shui to have an empty refrigerator and pantry. If you have canisters in the pantry or on the countertops, be sure to fill these.
2. Got citrus? Oranges are excellent symbols for the New Year and the Chinese often celebrate the New Year by rolling oranges (symbols of gold) into the house. Place a big bowl of oranges in the living room or central location in the house next to dishes of nuts or candies to symbolize an abundant, fruitful home.
3. Buy a new plant. Put a beautiful new plant in the East (health & family relationships) sector of your house or office to symbolize a healthy beginning. You can also display some beautiful flowers here to symbolize your good health in the coming year.
4. Welcome good news. Place a golden bell in the NW corner of your home, office, or bedroom to bring good tidings from helpful people. Like old school bells? If so, place one of these in the NW corner of your yard for good news from helpful people.
5. Hang up new calendars. What better way to greet the New Year than by throwing out the old one? Take down all of last year's Calendars.
6. Fill your wallet. You don't want to go into the New Year with an empty wallet. Even ten $1 dollar bills is enough to put a bulge in your purse!
7. Invite a toad to your house. Place an old, broken clay pot upside down next to a water spout so a toad can make its home here. Toads are believed to invite money into the household; they're especially nice by the door. You can also place figurines of toads by the door.
8. Feed the birds. Birds are excellent feng shui and believed to bring good news. Fill your feeders or put out a feeder for the New Year.
9. Have fun and celebrate. Fun is good feng shui. A happy vibrant home or space is a good space. And a home or office with good feng shui is easy to spot: it's the one where everyone goes and doesn't want to leave! Make your space that kind of place!
(c) Kathryn Weber, reprinted, with permission, from the Red Lotus Letter. Kathryn Weber is a certified feng shui master practitioner in traditional Chinese feng shui and is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter, the Web's largest weekly feng shui e-zine.
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