The Year of the Rat begins on 7th February 2008. It is symbolised by the two elements earth sitting on top of water. The earth element is Yang and is symbolised by a mountain representing stability, firmness, calmness and some protection. Earth is the conqueror of water, but the rat year is the strongest water sign and cannot be controlled so it will wash away Earth’s foundations. In the year of the rat 2008 stability may be rocked by poor foundations, underlying tensions, turbulence and confrontation. The instability of a rat year is indicated in increased incidence of accidents. The water and unstable earth indicate possibility of floods, increased loss of icecaps, landslides, house collapse, shipwrecks and consequent loss of life and property, damage and injury. Profitability is indicated in earth, metal and wood industries but it could be superficial as the earth element is weak.
The year of the rat is the first of the 12 animal signs and represents the beginning of a new 12 year cycle. It ushers in the beginnings of many things like health issues, financial opportunities, relationships and ideas but be aware of undercurrents or poor foundations that might influence the stability of this new growth. There is great focus on money luck, new things and growth but it may not last, take time to consolidate the foundations, keep reserves for a better year.
People born in the year of the Horse (fire element) strongly clash with the Rat which indicates the possibility of traffic accidents in the air or at sea. Much movement is indicated for the Horse person this year in the form of moving house or business premises, job or other major changes, travelling, etc. If travelling, avoid journeying by sea and going straight toward the North.
People born in the year of the rabbit will experience more disharmony, worries, irritations and underlying sickness conditions during their difficult encounter with the Rat year.
To minimise the negative effects of the year of the Rat influence wear an Ox pendant to draw the Rat away.
The Ox, Monkey and Dragon have a year of harmony indicated. The Pig, Rabbit and Goat year people generally have a sociable year ahead of them with more possibility of developing friendships, partnerships and strengthening family ties. How each person is affected by the year of the Rat will depend upon which animals are present in their personal birth data of the year, month, day and hour.
The negative directions of change of Feng Shui energies for the year of the Rat are:
- South: Obstructions and misfortune. Worst months: February, August and November. If your bedrooms or main entrances are located in the South hang a metal wind chime to dissolve the negativity. Do not sit with your back to this direction as you risk being “stabbed in the back” in some way.
- Northwest: sickness (health, financial, social). Decrease its affects by hanging a string of six metal coins.
- North: Avoid major earth work and construction.
- West: conflict and robbery. Lessen its affects by placing some red paper in that side of the house/business.
- Southwest: Scandal. Place clear crystals, clear water, bamboo growing in a clear vase to help negate this energy.
Make any Feng Shui placement changes and place your remedies to protection against negative energies prior to the commencement of the energy change over which is the Full Moon on the 22nd January, 2008.
Gung Hay Fat Choy
Best wishes and congratulations, have a happy New Year of the Rat
Lee and Lindsey