The Rat

The rat used his cunning ways to be the honored 1st place animal in the race. In the western culture, we mostly associate rats with trash, sewers, and disease. They are a nuisance to us. But those born under the year of the rat are actually quite lucky. They have their less than stellar characteristics, but they have some very coveted traits as well. 

Positive Personality Traits:

*charming

*expressive

*talkative

*honest about most things

*live in the moment

*quick wit

*very confident

*good instincts

*They keep their problems to themselves.

*They don't confide in anyone.

*perfectionist

*organized

*talented

*protective

*loyal

*devoted to family

*inquisitive

*active

*like living a busy life

*love challenges

*love to travel

*humorous

*Extroverted, but not at first. They need time to feel out social situations.

*They are in control of their emotions/feelings.

*passionate

*appear social but are actually very private

*in appropriate situations, they are very no-nonsense

*make great fathers

*meticulous

*wise

*very productive

*hard-working

*not easily angered

*The rat never forgets a debt. The rat will always seek their reimbursement... probably with interest.

Character Concerns:

*aggressive at times

*can be self-centered

*can be mean when they decide to be

*narrow-minded

*greedy

*selfish on occasion

*perpetual discontent can settle in

*stubborn/hard-headed

*live by their own rules

*not always easy to work with

*very hard to read

*very guarded

*can be arrogant

*set themselves above others

*restless

*change direction a lot

*can't make their own decisions/takes a long time

*petty

*manipulative

*can be immature

*opportunistic

*inability to talk about feelings

*can be self-destructive 

*crave power and money

*let things build up and can explode on occasion

In Relationships:

*not very romantic

*very sensual

*loving

*affectionate

*passionate

*sexual

*enjoy any physical stimulation

Whether you happen to be the rat or are partnered with the rat, you likely identify with a lot of these traits. They have many wonderful qualities. Their only negatives can effect relationships, though. They can shut people out by being so unwilling to discuss their feelings. But they are worth the effort. They are excellent lovers, partners, and parents. Anyone would be lucky to have them! Rats are not good at knowing when to end a relationship and have great difficulty in doing so. This does present a challenge with moving on.

The Rat is most compatible with the Dragon, one of the strongest unions in all the Chinese Zodiac.

Health:

Rats have really good health overall. They like to be active which keeps them in shape and able to fight off sickness. But given their traits of holding things in, they can become tense thus stressed. This can be alleviated by exercising regularly.

Career Compatibility:

Rats are very perceptive and wise. They have excellent instincts and judgment which allows them to solve problems quickly and easily. Rats make excellent bosses and do well in leadership/independent positions. Rats are perfectionists, and this need to correct everything makes them a bit difficult to work with. They'd rather do it themselves to see that it's done to their liking. Rats like titles as this translates into 2 of their favorite things: money and power. They like to work in flexible positions. They don't like monotonous routines. Ideal careers: Administrator, Director, Manager, Entrepreneur, Politician, Lawyer, and Researcher.

Special Elements:

Within each animal, there are specific years attached to an earth element. This element provides even more specific characteristics. For the rat:

Metal: 1960

Metal Rats are strong-willed individuals who are ruthless in getting what they want. They are intensely emotion, and this causes their behavior to appear extreme at times. They are jealous and possessive. They are difficult in relationships due to their intense stubbornness. 

Water: 1972

Water Rats are very influential and persuasive. They are smart and insightful making them talented problem-solvers. They are practical and understanding. They are well liked by others.

Wood: 1984

The Wood Rat is not as self-confident as they may appear. But they never display any type of vulnerability. They are successful overall, even though they are extremely afraid of failing. They enjoy being with friends and family, and those feelings of love and respect are mutual.

Fire: 1996

Fire Rats are particularly spontaneous. They love to travel and tackle new challenges. They absolute abhor monotony. They are spirited with a zest for life. They are also very giving, making them well-liked by others.

Earth: 2008

Earth Rats crave stability. They put down roots early on to ensure a successful future. They take the slow and steady approach in all things. They have spontaneous tendencies, but that isn't a usual characteristic of the Earth Rat.