Chinese New Year - Am I really a rat?

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY BEFORE WE GET STARTED

Years and years and years ago, the Chinese Jade Emperor ordered that animals would become part of the calendar and that the 12 who arrived to him first would be selected. At the time, the cat and the rat were good friends. (I know, we couldn’t believe it either!) When they heard the news, they agreed to sign up together. The rat promised to wake the lazy cat but got so excited, he forgot and went alone. Bit sly. On the way there, the rat bumped into the tiger, ox and horse – all who were faster than him. He convinced the ox to carry him on his back and when they arrived, the rat sneaked out in front of him and became the first zodiac animal. By the time the cat arrived, the selection was over – which is why the cat hates the rat and will always try to kill him. Mad, isn’t it?

RAT

Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960

Attribute: Wisdom

Lucky Numbers: 2, 3

Lucky Colours: Blue, Gold, Green

The rat is adaptable and resourceful. It has good intuition, strong imagination and a deep curiosity. They’ll try new things and do well at them. But they don’t have much courage, so they don’t make great leaders. They’re generally kind, but they can also be impolite. 

2018: This year the Rat’s eye is on money. A cunning fellow who knows how to duck and dive in order to reach his goal and one to avoid confrontation at all cost, bringing a year of negotiation and diplomacy in order to reap the ultimate reward.

OX

Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961

Attribute: Industriousness

Lucky Numbers: 1, 4

Lucky Colours: Green, White, Yellow

Oxen are deeply devoted to their work and they think carefully before acting. They’re moral creatures who know right from wrong. But like dogs, they’re also not known for good communication skills, and a boss may not realise how good oxen are at what they do. 

2018: A sedately fellow who takes everything in his stride as he has the foresight to see further than the end of his nose. The Ox also understands the money energy this year but this is discreet money that very few know about. The Rat and the Ox make an excellent team in the financial world particularly on long term investments.

TIGER

Years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962

Attribute: Valor

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colours: Blue, Grey, Orange, White

Like a predator chasing its prey, the tiger is known to be courageous and unpredictable. They’re stubborn, expressive and they perform tasks in a high-handed manner. Their decisions are firm, and they don’t waver. 

2018: For these people there is tremendous potential to go forth and multiply in 2018 because they have the energy of the leader watching their back. This opportunity is strong for the Tiger as he has bright ideas of his own as well as a natural ability to know when to pounce and seize the moment. The entrepreneur of the year, the Tiger always has his eye on his prey and knows exactly when to pounce.

RABBIT

Years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963

Attribute: Caution

Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 6

Lucky Colours: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red

Impulsive, yet lovable. That’s the rabbit. They possess compassion, modesty and mercy. The graceful Chinese moon goddess is said to have taken a rabbit as a pet because of the love it had inside it. Sadly, they’re not much for meditation, and they tend to put their own careers in jeopardy. They cannot handle dullness, so they’re dreamers who will find ways to make life more exciting.

2018: A social fellow who likes the good things in life and who will not be disappointed this year. There are opportunities for the rabbit to advance his career and ultimately improve his financial status in doing so. 2018 is also a good year for fertility and producing the next generation for the Rabbit.

DRAGON

Years: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964

Attribute: Strength

Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7

Lucky Colours: Gold, Grayish White, Silver

You’re smart, confident and witty. But you’re also dominant, and you have a bad temper. When angry, you buck any criticism. You are powerful, and yet you lack self-awareness. 

2018: The Chinese animal that needs to keep his head down this year and not make any important changes to his life is the dragon. The dragon totally opposes the dog’s energy and is therefore against the leader. It is advisable that anyone born in the year of the dragon wears either a red string around his waist or wears red underwear or red socks all year for protections from any challenges the dog may want to throw his way.

SNAKE

Years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965

Attribute: Flexibility

Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9

Lucky Colours: Black, Red, Yellow

Intelligence, intuition and wisdom. They are private, yet also ambitious. They can’t stand failure. They don’t say much, but when they do, they say it well. With strong powers of thought, a snake might make a great philosopher. 

2018: The Snake will do well to stay close to home this   year, in other words, all he needs is in the palm of his hands. His greatest allies are his neighbours and with the right collaboration success can be his by the end of the year.

HORSE

Years: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966

Attribute: Forging Ahead

Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7

Lucky Colours: Green, Yellow

Horses crave the spotlight. They’re popular, hard-working and they like to improve themselves. But they don’t always listen very well. Financially, they’re reckless: they’re not much for budgeting. They hate limitations.

2018: The Horse is happiest when his spirit free, running wild with his mane flowing in the wind. He will do very well this year if he teams up with the Tiger. Together they are formidable, can climb any mountain and achieve their goals through grit and determination.

GOAT

Years: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967

Attribute: Unity

Lucky Numbers: 2, 7

Lucky Colours: Green, Purple, Red

People born in the year of the goat are associated with kindness, caring and politeness. They love art and they have a tenderness about them. They can also be shy and sensitive. 

2018: A high achiever this year with success in examinations or legal matters. The sheep is a discreet player never inclined to blow his own trumpet too often and not one with high levels of ambition yet when he does achieve he is thrilled and proud. This year will not disappoint.

MONKEY

Years: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968

Attribute: Changeability

Lucky Numbers: 4, 9

Lucky Colours: Blue, Gold, White

Intelligence and wit are but two characteristics of people born in the year of the monkey. They learn quickly. They’re mischievous jokesters who love to play pranks. They don’t mean to hurt anyone, but sometimes their pranks can cause harm.

2018: Far be it for the Monkey to want to take on too much responsibility as he is a great advocate of a work/life balance he nevertheless knows how to action a plan and bring it to life. A great year for the Monkey to use his intelligence and progress his career. A great year for fertility and reproduction too.

ROOSTER

Years: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969

Attribute: Being Constant

Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 8

Lucky Colours: Brown, Gold, Yellow

Independent, honest, punctual. These three traits can be present in those born in the year of the rooster. They’re also confident and competent. But emotionally they can be volatile, and they can’t always get along with people socially. 

2018: The Rooster is the spokesman of the team and one to rise to great heights with his confidence, his leadership and his strong sense of duty. The Rooster will go far this year, most especially if he accepts the contribution to the cause from the Monkey and the Dog. He would be a fool not to get involved with these guys.

DOG

Years: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970

Attribute: Fidelity

Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9

Lucky Colours: Green, Purple, Red

You’re honest and loyal, just like the family pet. You’re helpful, and you have integrity. But you’re not good at communicating, and sometimes that comes off as stubbornness. 

2018: The dog’s vulnerability is procrastinate too long and miss that opportunity so be sharp-eyed this year in order to maximise on his own potential. Basically, say yes to everything because there is always more depth to what is on the table in 2018, that is not apparent on first sight.

PIG

Years: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971

Attribute: Amiability

Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8

Lucky Colours: Brown, Gold, Grey, Yellow

Pigs are good friends, but only when you come to know them. Thus, they don’t have a lot of friends. They’re also known to be lazy and clumsy. Like the monkey, they’ll play pranks on people and not know when to stop. They can also be naive, and get themselves into trouble. 

2018: The trustworthy and diligent Pig holds the purse strings to both money and power in 2018. The money is especially dominant if he joins forces with the team of the Rat and the Ox. The financial gains can then lead him into a world of regard and respect in the workplace if he joins forces with the Tiger. There is immense opportunity for growth and status this year for the Pig if he learns to accept the advice of others.