Fireworks, dragon dances, and the color red mark the Chinese New Year on February 7. The Chinese traditionally purge the bad luck of the old year and welcome in good fortune and prosperity during two weeks of festivities.
Every year in the Chinese calendar is named for an animal and an element in a twelve-year cycle. The story goes, when Buddha summoned all the animals, only twelve showed up, so he honored them with a year for them to rule over. He decreed that people born during an animal's year would have some of its personality.
This year is the Year of the Rat, the first animal in the cycle. The Rat in Chinese culture is seen as a hardworking and noble creature rather than pesky vermin, so this year will be full of productive Rat energy. Look forward to professional success and wealth this year!
But each Chinese zodiac sign will have its own special interactions with the year's Rat qualities. To find out how your sign will fare in the Year of the Rat, click on your icon above!
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This is a year to enjoy happy times with friends and family. Parties, family vacations and sporting activities bring people together and enrich your days. Helpers of all kinds will make life easier. Your personal charm is strong. Dating Oxen can even find true love. If you want to advance your career, be wise and avoid the tendency to do things alone. In the year of the Earth Rat, seek advisors and partners who can help you improve your business and financial situation. Be flexible when you are asked to change. You will discover unexpected opportunities if you are able to cooperate.
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Events this year will help you to feel more confident and centered. The year of the Earth Rat brings good communication and helpers who have your best interests at heart. You will find it easier to be strong and stand up for your own needs. This is a year to be a bit more selfish and schedule time for the things you enjoy most. This is a time to honor good things from the past. Past injuries can be healed and set aside. Good friends share your interests and help you make practical choices. Spend time making your home more comfortable and welcoming.
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The year of the Earth Rat brings happiness and the energy to begin again. Fortune smiles on any new project or direction you choose. Careful planning an organization will help you build for the future. "Keep things simple" is good advice. There is some danger you will promise too much or underestimate the time and energy it takes to get things done. In many areas of your life, this is a time of relative stability. Education and research bring good luck. The more you know, the better your chances for success. Even in stressful situations, you will be able to take the lead and make things better.
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The year of the Earth Rat offers a welcome stability. It offers opportunities for a new start in any area of your life. Take time to examine your life and set goals for the future. Anything you stick with will bring lasting results. Emotionally charged situations will be easier to cope with. Stepping out and asking for professional advice can help clear the air. Avoid taking sides in a family controversy. There is some risk this year of gossip or rumors affecting your reputation. Do your best to ignore personal assaults on your good name. You know where you stand.
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This is a powerful and exciting year for Dragons! Business and financial situations should enjoy steady growth. You may be surprised to discover support in areas that seemed closed. Old family disputes can find healing and resolution. Cooperative projects and team efforts bring the best results. Earth Rat energy supports careful negotiations. Just making demands will not be as effective. Look for win-win solutions that work for all. Make time to regularly enjoy simple pleasures in the company of loved ones. Family gatherings and travel holidays create lasting memories. Expect rewarding new friendships with down to earth people who share your interests.
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The year of the Earth Rat is a high-energy time for exuberant Tigers. Your social calendar will be busy. It is especially fortunate for travel and expanding your horizons. New friends bring exciting new possibilities. Romantic dreams can come true. With so much going on, be cautious about jumping into something without careful consideration. It is important to carefully review any legal agreement. Ask the advice of down to earth people you trust before investing or making a major change. Wise Tigers will make time to review their finances and set up sensible plans for a secure retirement. Hard work and attention to details bring lasting rewards.
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This is a year full of good fortune and surprising opportunities. You will find clever ways to improve any area of your life. It's a busy time. Keeping everything organized can be a big challenge. Be sure you write everything down. Earth Rat brings a new beginning concerning practical matters. Ask the advice of financial or career counselors before you start anything new. There is some risk of becoming so involved in improving your job or financial situation, that you can neglect the needs of home and family. Wise Rabbits will make time for regular family holidays and special romantic times with a sweetheart.
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You will be especially busy in the year of the Earth Rat. Look for original solutions in situations where you feel you are being fenced in or limited. Carefully consider the consequences before making any break with your usual routine. This is a year when you can make a lasting commitment to the one you love. You may feel more at home than ever before. Any change that helps you be true to yourself will bring long-term happiness. Sports and physical fitness activities should be an important part of your regular schedule. You may discover a new appreciation for people in your family and the obligations they bring.
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This is a busy year full of opportunity for advancement. Earth Rat's clever energy encourages setting ambitious goals. You can accomplish anything you truly believe in. Recruit helpers to help you stay organized. You will shine championing humanitarian causes and community development projects. For some lucky Monkeys, true love is just around the corner. Those in close relationships or facing family dramas will find opportunities to clear the air and start over. Wise Monkeys will seek physical outlets for their considerable energy. Sports, physical fitness training, and outdoor adventures with friends will bring a greater sense of happiness and contentment.
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This is a powerful year to reorganize your life. The year of the Earth Rat encourages the completion of outstanding projects. Rat energy is busy and encourages communication. You will enjoy so much activity. A wise Rooster will be cautious about taking on too many commitments at once. Allow plenty of time to accomplish your work. Remember that you will be most effective scheduling time for a good mix of both work and play. Be strong in the face of foolish gossip. You risk unnecessary arguments and drama if you fight back. Do not be afraid to let other people help you.
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There are so many advantages you can enjoy in the year of the Earth Rat. This is a lucky year to focus on your home and family. Anything that brings a greater feeling of stability should be encouraged. You may have to be strong when facing challenges to what you value most. Some relationships may end and ultimately this will be for the good. Don't be afraid to ask for help from experts, friends and family. Stressful situations will show you who you can rely on and who is not truly on your side. You will learn to be strong and to maneuver situations to your advantage.
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This is a year when you have the opportunity to build for the future. Career and financial concerns will find supporters and keep you busier than usual. Because the year of the Earth Rat is an expansive time, there is some risk of depending too much on luck. Be cautious of any sort of gamble. Don't let gossip and excitement cloud your judgment. You are naturally generous. Rat energy encourages you to be more conservative with your spending and in being generous with relatives. You can shine working for your community. Many lucky Pigs will discover sublime happiness in the company of a special sweetheart.
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