The sign of the Rat is first in the Chinese Zodiac. Rats are known for their personal charm, original thinking, and interest in making money.

The sign of the Ox and the element of Earth rule the year ahead. This year of the Earth Ox begins on January 26, 2009, and ends on February 13, 2010. It is an especially long year, beginning before and ending after February 5. To the Chinese way of thinking, this gives "eyes" to the year. That is, this is a time when people can be especially aware of the influences of both the past and the future. Having wisdom from the past and foresight for the future makes this an especially auspicious year for marriage.

Steady and reliable Ox energy will be both a challenge and an opportunity for industrious Rats. It supports the slow growth of important relationships. This is no time for impulsive action or risky ventures. Wise Rats will have to slow down and carefully consider any important decision.

Entrepreneurial energy is strong in Rats. Earth Ox demands caution and good sense. This could put a damper on big plans. Focus on those things you know to be solid and reliable. The greatest gains will be found within established projects.

Expect a year full of potential challenges. Opportunities for growth may be frustrated. Do the best you can within the limitations you face. This truly is a year where the old expression, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade," applies. Trust your problem-solving ability. Dedicate creative energy toward making the best use of available resources. Enjoy relaxing times close to home. This will help keep things upbeat and on track.

Sentimental Rats are deeply attached to children, parents, and friends from the past. This year, responsibities to those you care about most can tax time, money, and emotional batteries. As much as you would like to protect someone, at times you must allow a loved one to make their own mistakes. Frustration at another's behavior can make you negative and short-tempered. Sharing pessimistic thoughts about someone's future helps no one. Seek professional advice for complex problems, and realize not everything is going to have a happy solution. At times, you will need to put yourself first in order to have the best perspective.

Small but significant changes in lifestyle and focus will help you to look back on the year of the Earth Ox and count it a success. Accept the lessons of patience, perseverance, and good common sense. Find joy in simple pleasures and true friendship.

This is a fine year to consolidate gains from the past in all areas of your life. Your love life is no exception. Rats need a supportive partner who appreciates their need for innovation.

Love affairs begun in the year of the Ox will be stable and long-lasting. February and June are especially positive for starting a new relationship or renewing an old flame.

The big danger for dating Rats is you will be too sensible for once. Take your time in making any lasting commitment. Wait to see if a relationship begun this year is what you want after more exciting Tiger energy takes over in 2010.

This June, some Rats will come to a kind of crossroads. Even in love, it is important to be true to yourself and put your needs first.

For those who have a sweetheart and a clear sense that you share complimentary values and goals for the future, this is an auspicious year to tie the knot. You and your beloved should be able to enter into a commitment clear-eyed and grounded. It will be especially lucky for a Rat to marry under the last quarter moon in November, December, or January.

Personal charisma, in service to self-interest, is classic Rat behavior. This year, your gambling instincts will be muted by Ox's caution.

Rats care a great deal about their reputation and standing in the community. This year can bring changes of fortune to your family or those near you. Use your creativity to start new traditions. Have fun, but cut costs and travel expenses, and eliminate those things people tend to do just for show. Take the lead. Invite others to simple picnics, uncomplicated gatherings close to home, and community events benefiting others. You will be seen as one who combines compassion, humor, and common sense. Build your reputation on personal integrity rather than material things.

Rats love to know what is going on behind the scenes. This makes them effective planners and organizers. July brings important new contacts. It is an ideal time to volunteer in your community.

Cut back on your workload in August. Focus on the family. Simple games from an older time can be surprisingly entertaining. September is ideal to host a big gathering. This October, friends will help you keep things in perspective. Humor is medicine to your soul. January supports combining business with pleasure.

Your organizational and management skills are strong. Expect success in any area that holds your interest.

Do your best to maintain good relationships with everyone at work. Having loyal friends around makes any job easier. Some Rats may take on the problems of others at work. Advocate for others but not at the expense of your own needs or peace of mind.

You tend to hide your feelings behind a mask of competence and personal charm. Slow down, and assess your priorities if you become curt or anxious or make politically incorrect remarks.

Rats in positions of authority can become too focused on goals and impatient with others. This can be especially true in April. Change your perspective if you are putting too much pressure on yourself or others. For those looking for work or needing to make a career change, April is the month to take action. August is also strong for moving ahead or receiving well-deserved recognition for your efforts.

Challenges in November can become opportunities. Work hard within the limitations you face. In January 2010, you can begin to be more optimistic and expansive. This is another positive time to seek a new job or improve your current situation.

Tight times require ingenuity and a new approach. Money-loving Rats can become discouraged in slow financial cycles. The challenge this year is to do the best you can with what you have.

The first step is to never compare yourself to others. Success comes and goes. Value must be found in the quality of a person's character and involvement with others. Rats who feel like failures will only make difficult situations worse.

This is a fantastic year to find new uses for your resources. April and May support cutting back in creative ways. This could include recycling, selling things on eBay, changing your diet from processed to whole foods, forming food co-ops, or planting community gardens. Make it a personal challenge to find more economical transportation. Your nature is to jump in with both feet and do things in a big way. This year, post a note where you can see it daily that says, "Take no unnecessary risks."

Entrepreneurial by nature, Rats are always on the lookout for a good opportunity. The lessons of the Ox will make you both more cautious and more confident as you learn to survive financial challenges. Make time in December to review and redraw financial plans. Things will begin to improve in January 2010.

February 2009
This is a month when Rats can be lucky in love. On February 9, a strong desire to enjoy companionship and merge fully with another could be rewarded. Share your deepest feelings on February 14. Strong feelings can make it difficult to keep things in perspective on February 16. Talk things out with someone you trust. February 25 brings fortunate energy for business and career plans. A serious attitude, hard work and attention to detail will help you shine. Get ready for the change of season by upgrading your looks. Find inexpensive ways to make a fashion statement and feel more confident.

March 2009
Do the best you can the week of March 4; this not the best time to make changes at work. March 11 brings an ideal week to establish any new habit that will help you look and feel better. Even a short daily walk can bring big changes in the year ahead. Be sure you know the truth before acting. On March 18, an old love interest could spark your romantic imagination. Around March 26, you would like to burst forth and take action, but events may take more time than you anticipate. Outcomes may not be what you expect. Remain flexible.

April 2009
In April, some things in your life that have not been a success need to be surrendered. April 9 is lucky for love. You will shine in any social situation. On April 17, you must follow your passion. What do you want? This is the time to aggressively pursue specific goals. Be aware that you may come across as especially bossy or controlling. Being a good listener helps ease any hurt feelings. April 25 supports balance and harmony. This is an ideal time to find a better job or place to live. Enjoy dressing your best. Friends admire you and will be supportive.

May 2009
May 1 demands decisive action. Ask for what you want. Expect delays on May 9. Do the best you can within the current limitations. Sometimes it is better to do nothing. Wait for change to happen on its own. May 17 brings a tendency to exaggerate or make things appear better or more dramatic than they are. Some Rats will realize that a difficult situation must end. On May 22, focus on simple pleasures. Plant gardens, organize at home, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Stick to the rules on May 31. A new start is coming, but it may take longer than you think.

June 2009
Unexpected challenges are likely around June 7. Allow others to communicate while reserving judgment. Seek compromise solutions. June 15 brings an important opportunity to change any difficult relationship. An abusive situation is one where you are not free to express your needs and thoughts. Have the courage to ask for help if you feel you cannot stand on your own. June 22 supports important decisions at home. You may have to cut back some favorite habits to help the family finances. June 29 is lucky for love. A positive mental outlook and strong self-esteem help build healthy and loving relationships.

July 2009
Well-organized Rats are respected by associates and are much in demand socially. Freely express your feelings on July 7. You have much to share and teach. Live your truth. Consider your life on July 15. Are you making choices that support what you really want? Do you know what you need to do? Powerful creative forces are in play around July 22. These can be happy days, lucky for romance and the interests of children. Schedule holidays, and accept social invitations. On July 28, you may be feeling irritable. This is no time for impulsive decisions. Move slowly with care and consideration.

August 2009
Step up, and help your family seek alternative uses of scarce resources. Explore innovative ways to travel, save energy, and simplify your lifestyle. This is a wonderful month to relax close to home. On August 6, your path is clear and focused. This is fortunate for any work situation. Reach out to others in your community around August 13. Face difficulties head on August 20. A direct approach is best. You have the strength to demand change or accountability. August 27 brings a time to look within and to be more solitary. Solitude, quiet walks, music, and meditation will enrich your spirit.

September 2009
Early September brings happy times in the company of family and friends. Parties and late summer picnics will be memorable. You may feel rather restless this month. For others, September 12 can bring sudden changes. Do your best to create innovation within established structures. September 18 brings the opportunity to start over. Doors will open, and things will be better than you hope. This can improve your work and personal life. You will begin to evolve out of a situation that is not working for you. Take time September 26 to sort, sell, or recycle what is no longer used.

October 2009
Focus on health and fitness goals October 4. Seek honest solutions to restore harmony. Resentments or fears can be surrendered. October 11 is a time for reflection. Expert advice helps transform stubborn situations. Weigh opinions of others against your own good sense. Be patient October 18. Now is not the time to act. Surrender. You will have a better perspective later. Around October 26, sort out things at home. Identify items you can sell, trade, or give away to help others. This is a positive time to change your living situation. October 31 can bring an unexpected opportunity for love.

November 2009
Be prepared to tolerate a certain amount of frustration November 2. Under stress, you can be unusually fussy or bossy. Trust your intuition. Rats can sense danger but may not listen to their inner voice. There can be issues with work. Treat potential problems as an opportunity in disguise. Stay as relaxed as possible and keep your promises. Approaching situations with patience on November 9 builds bridges to understanding. The week beginning November 16 is lucky for marriage or taking a relationship to the next level. November 24 may see you spend more than you should for an apparent "bargain."

December 2009
On December 2, demand some quiet time for yourself. December 9 begins a week especially auspicious for Rats to marry. Reassess financial or business plans around December 16. Revise budgets in light of current realities. December 24 brings the opportunity for a new beginning. This can be time for healing old hurts and making amends with family or friends. Wise Rats will be less demanding of those they love. At month's end, be prepared to face delays, especially if traveling. Take along a good book or game to pass the time. The last day of the year brings a rare Blue Moon.

January 2010
The lesson this month is adaptability. It is important to remain calm and flexible in the face of unexpected changes. January 1-18, allow extra time for any plans or project. Be sure communications are both received and clearly understood. January 7 is especially lucky for marriage. Long-term partners could joyfully renew their vows. Take action beginning January 15 that supports business and career goals. Do your best to finish outstanding projects before starting something new. The days around January 23 bring an opportunity for emotional healing. To help a relationship, be honest about the past. Renew important friendships January 30.