Year of the Metal Rat

January 25, 2020 – February. 12, 2021

Chinese Astrology is unique among the world’s zodiac calendars in that it follows a cycle of twelve years. Each year is associated with a different animal. This is the calendar followed throughout the Orient, from China to Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Korea, etc. and is probably familiar to a larger segment of the Earth’s population than any other timetable. It began almost 5000 years ago with Buddha’s legendary birthday party. All the animals were invited. The twelve who came were each gifted with a year along with the promise that they would be the animals to hide in the hearts of those born that year. Five elements (fire, water, metal, earth and wood) distinguish the years. Every sixty years the cyclical pattern of element-animal pairs repeats.

The Rat is revered throughout the Orient for his craftiness and charm. Buddha gifted the Rat with the first sign in this, the world’s oldest zodiac, which follows a twelve-year cycle where each year is named for one of the twelve animals at Buddha’s gathering. It also incorporates five elements: fire, water, wood, metal and earth. Each sixty years the element-animal pairs repeat. Chinese New Year begins in late January to mid-February, at the time of the New Moon in Aquarius.

An emotional and idealistic mood prevails during a Metal Rat year. This is a White Rat who will support liberal philosophies. Something of the pack rat prevails. Many will seek collectibles to purchase and stock up on bargain items.

The Metal or White Rat succeeds through clever networking and making influential contacts. Charming, protective, compassionate, loving and talented, this Rat is a gifted troubleshooter who seeks acceptance and peace. Years of the Rat are considered very auspicious for a birthday. If you are a Rat, you are described as creative, gracious, a good advisor and classy. Loyalty and a strong sense of justice round out your exceptional character.

Years of the Rat… 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

Feng Shui Guidelines to Follow for Success During the Year of the Earth Boar

In the Far East astrology includes Feng Shui, the practice of enhancing luck and happiness by incorporating auspicious selections into one’s life. This includes dietary choices, daily activity schedules, home décor and other options. Here are the preferences which will attract the Boar’s favor and assure a positive year.

Color- Yellow Ochre

Flower- Daisy

Scent - Sandalwood

Tree- Oak

Stone – Emerald

Lucky Number - 11

Music- Violin

Spice- Coriander

Metal- Bronze

Drink - Claret Bordeaux Wine

Food- Sweet pastry breads

Animal - wild geese, also tame rodents such as gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs, etc.

Herb - Rosemary

Motto - “I Rule”

Lucky Hours - 11pm - 1am

Season - Winter, especially December

Favorable Direction - North