Today is Chinese New Year and heralds the start of the Year of the Rat – one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Unlike Western astrology, each sign of the Chinese zodiac ‘rules’ over an entire year, bringing with it particular energy to everything that occurs over the next 12 months.
As might be expected, the Year of the Rat signals good fortune for those born in the ‘Rat’ years of 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. It also influences the fortunes of the other 11 animal signs, depending on their relationship with the Rat.
The Horse, for example, will need extra protection this year, while the Ox, an ally of the Rat, will feel like it is being heard this year.
Here, Kay Tom, a Leicester-based master in feng shui and horoscopes at The Energy Specialist, reveals exactly what the next 12 months holds in store for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Today marks the start of the Year of the Rat – one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Pictured, images representing all 12 signs: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (or Goat), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig
THE RAT: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
The Rat is a very independent character that knows his own mind and has a preference to working alone and on his own initiative. For this reason someone born in the year of the Rat will be the one to come up with the ideas this year and one to be keen to action them. The Rat is very comfortable with the responsibility 2020 places on his shoulders and his confidence gains as a consequence. This therefore is a good year to seek promotion for the Rat.
When he does work in a team the Rat prefers the company of the Monkey, a light hearted and very social fellow and the Dragon who is known for his entrepreneurial skills. The Rat also likes the company of the Ox, who tends to help him to stay grounded and to stay focussed when the pace increases. The Pig too sings from the same song sheet as the Rat to some degree but together they can be too irrational necessitating the presence of the Ox on this occasion to stabilise and control the pace.
The thorn in the side for the Rat is the Horse who he has no time for at all.
THE OX
Today marks the start of the Year of the Pig – one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Pictured, images representing all 12 signs: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (or Goat), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig
The Ox is on trend this year as he is a valuable ally to the Rat, offering guidance and stability. In the Cycle of the 12 Animals these two are neighbours, a fact that also enhances their closeness and immediate connection.
The Ox will have the ability to offer advice that is respected and that brings value to the table so his is a voice to be heard and acknowledged this year as he is moving in high places. This is a year for growth for the Ox.
THE TIGER
The Tiger had a stronger connection to the leader of 2019 and as such will find the pace of 2020 a little less demanding. The Tiger is not one to shy away from responsibility, he is a player, and will continue to thrive in his position of authority as he takes inspiration from the Rat.
It is simply that he is not on the leader’s immediate team but on one that is close by and that listens carefully, taking the lead and example of the Rat to further his own ambitions.
2020 is a year for the Tiger to be motivated and enthusiastic in attaining the goals of his own team. He works very well with the Horse and the Dog as well as with the Rabbit, the Dragon and the Pig. Team up with these players and he will achieve success.
THE RABBIT
The Rabbit: Should join forces with the Tiger and the Dragon for maximum success this year
The Rabbit has a respect for the Rat even though they are not directly associated. They are both characters that understand responsibility so the Rabbit will recognise and admire the Rat’s commitment and dedication to duty.
There is a strong chance for the Rabbit to follow in the footsteps of his neighbour, the Tiger, and follow the Rat’s lead. This will be particularly beneficial if these two join forces with the Dragon and utilise the energy of the Rat. It will be a wise Rabbit that forms this union and utilises the energy of the leader for their personal gain.
THE DRAGON
Known as the entrepreneur of the 12 Animals the Dragon commands huge respect in his own right. He is wise and level headed and knows exactly how to close a deal. The Rat may well be the instigator and the greatest enthusiast for a project but it’s the Dragon that keeps it on time and on budget, not resting until the money is in the bank. The Dragon will find himself with extra responsibilities that are of benefit to him this year.
THE SNAKE
The Snake: This year will bring unexpected opportunities with well-earned respect
In general the Rat represents a cold energy that the Snake is comfortable with as he not only likes to bask in the sunshine but also can be found buried under a rock in the shade.
For this reason, the Snake is a natural diplomat with the ability to see both sides of a given situation having the gift of negotiation. The Rat can have a tendency to be rigid and stubborn in his thinking but the snake will bring a degree of warmth and understanding to the table that clears the path and presents a better perspective.
2020 can bring unexpected opportunities for the Snake with added responsibility and well-earned respect. That said caution is needed not to over emphasise his presence but to play a more diplomatic role in his own right. For the Snake to team up with his natural allies of the Horse and Sheep would in this case be far too strong and create adversity. Moderation is the key this year for the Snake.
THE HORSE
The Horse is the animal that needs to air on the side of caution in 2020. His energy is totally opposed to the Rat so the best course of action is to take a back seat and a leisurely ride this year. This is not a year for major decisions, substantial purchases such as a new house, or for changing jobs. It is a year for accepting the status quo and for simply keeping your head down and doing a good job. As long as you take heed 2020 does not bring adversity so don’t be concerned. It is a question of not trying to drive your ship on any precarious paths but more to steer a safe course and avoid turbulent waters.
It is advisable to wear a red string round your waist for protection this year, or to wear red underwear or red socks.
THE SHEEP
The Sheep: Remains humble, modest and adaptable with a gift to turn his hand to most things
The sheep is one to keep his head down, mind his own business and get on with his own duties. He is hardworking whilst somewhat impartial to leadership of any kind. The sheep is a very humble and modest fellow. He is an achiever and adaptable with the gift of being able to turn his hand to most things.
For all of the above reasons the Sheep will continue to thrive in his own way in 2020. He will respect the Rat but will not be intimidated by his authority. The Sheep knows everyone has their own role in life and that the Rat has his place, all be it not a position the Sheep would choose for himself.
There are many players on a team, all with different abilities yet with a collective desire to achieve their goal. The Sheep is a player that likes to be on the team but he is more one that leads from the back having plenty to say and plenty to bring to the table. Respect him and he will respect you.
THE MONKEY
Although the Monkey lives at distance from the Rat he nevertheless knows how to communicate with him and together they share a common goal and mutual respect. The Rat likes the Monkey’s Joi de Vie, his social graces and his commitment to the practical. When they work as a team, especially when the Dragon is involved too, they are formidable. To really make a difference this year the Monkey will be wise to work with the Rat and the Dragon to become a driving force to be reckoned with.
THE ROOSTER
The Rooster: The Rooster is best advised this year to take a moderate stance and lay low
Although the Rooster and the Rat have a common interest in taking the lead and the responsibility in a project they do not sit on the same team. The Rooster offers support to the Rat but this can be somewhat overbearing at times, as the Rooster’s word is strong and confident and sometimes overpowering.
The Rooster is best advised this year to take a moderate stance and to think before he speaks as his words have the potential of being misunderstood. If at all possible it is best to proceed cautiously with his projects to avoid unnecessary delays.
THE DOG
The Dog is very important to the Rat as he has the ability to offer direction and to keep him on track. The Rat sits in a very cold position in the Cycle of the 12 Animals and will therefore enjoy the warmth that the Dog can generate. This is not a prominent role in the life of the Rat of 2020 but one that will help to keep the balance and equilibrium for the leader of the year. The best course of action for the Dog is to keep a watchful eye on any given circumstance as it evolves, to keep his distance and bide his time until progress seems slow or halted when his advice will then be well received, well respected and duly acknowledged.
THE PIG
The Pig held the responsibility baton in 2019 and as such is ready to take a quieter role in 2020. That is not to suggest retirement from any on going projects in any way, as he is still very much involved in current affairs. The Pig is an ally of the Rat and they do share common goals, however as previously mentioned they do need the presence of the Ox on their team if they are to achieve success. The Pig has made a major contribution in 2019 and will have earned plenty of respect in doing so. The challenge is to let the Rat take the helm and not to interfere unnecessarily. The Pig can continue to enjoy his status in 2020 and needs to embrace that and enjoy that rather than trying to continue his position of authority that he finds hard to let go of.