2008, the Earth Rat (Wu Zi) Year February 7, 2008 through January 25, 2009 " A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. " - Chinese proverb

Schedule your counciling appointments, refill your prescriptions and brace yourself for the first year on this new 12 year journey!   

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR 

Rat/Mouse - Zi

Sign Order - First

Element polarity - Yang Earth, symbolized by rock, mountains and stone walls

Symbolism: Infant, hidden seed waiting to emerge

Colors for the year are yellow, tan and brown

Bodily organ is the digestive system

Critical times occur between seasons this year

Soulmate year to - Ox

Harmony year with - Monkey, Dragon

In Opposition with - Horse

Karmic Combatant to the - Goat

Resolving karma & love plum with the - Rabbit

Steed (action) – Tiger

Romance (peach blossom year) for: Roosters, Rabbits, Goats and Pigs

A harmonious year for those born into the Fire element. Romance, passion and resolution rules 2008

Earth element people enjoy a stable year and benefit from earned or expected (as opposed to unexpected) income, resources and wealth

Metal element persons enjoy a nurturing year of resources, care and happiness, as Earth is the parent element to Metal 

Water is contained and restricted during this Earth year. Water element souls should keep on a steady, predictable path for now and wait for a better climate to begin new projects     

In 2008 we all will need more: Reassurance, Encouragement

We will want less: Solitude, Being alone 

Positively, in the previous Rat year of 1948, the Jews of Palestine declared independence and the State of Israel was born on May 14, 1948. Negatively, another major beginning occurred that year on May 26, 1948 when the government of South Africa embraced Apartheid bitterly dividing the country. Financially, socially and globally, for better or for worse, 2008 is pregnant with potential.

2008 will also be an intellectual one, as the Rat is the curious professor of the zodiac. Expect a renewed passion for knowledge, and interest in the sciences in 2008. Travel and a hunger for new experiences, will also becon. The 200-inch telescope at Mount Palomar began operation in the previous Earth Rat year of 1948 and the "Big bang" theory of the universe's origin was first postulated. In aztec, New Mexico Three radar units tracked a falling UFO and a military search party was dispatched from Camp Hale in Colorado. The search team finds a crashed 30-foot disc, recovers remains which is stored in Hangar 18 at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Words and language will become ever more important and poets, musicians and writers can easily produce their best work to date under the influence of the talented Rat. Exchanging and communicating are the priorities of a Rat year. A hyperactive and restless year of potential nervous disorders and neurosis of every type. A good year to explore relaxation methods such as meditation more thoroughly. You may find yourself more sensitive to illness, environmental insults and allergies this year as well, so be sure to get that flu shot and eat your vegetables!

Monthly Influences & vibrations: 

January 2008 – Endurance
High Risk Days: 8th & 20th

February - Nobility
High Risk Days: 1st, 14th, 26th

March - Detachment
High Risk Days: 10th, 22nd

April - Unpredictability
High Risk Days: 3rd, 4th 16th, 28th

May – Slow accumulation
High Risk Days: 11th, 23rd

June – Decisiveness
High Risk Days: 4th, 5th, 17th, 29th

July – Propriety
High Risk Days: 12th, 24th ,29th

August – Humor
High Risk Days: 5th, 18th, 30th

September – Application
High Risk Days: 12th, 24th

October – Watchfulness
High Risk Days: 6th, 19th, 31st

November – Resignation
High Risk Days: 13th,, 25th 

December - Concealment
High Risk Days: 8th, 20th


Sign by sign forecasts for 2008 

Rat

A like minded year when restless Rats refuse to settle into a routine. Your Yang + essence takes the lead in romance during 2008. Cozy up to a home loving Ox, an outspoken Dragon or a fun-loving Monkey. This Rat year exacerbates your high-strung disposition, and while this shouldn't affect your job productivity, it will definitely fray your nerves. Promotions are possible and money becomes more plentiful. Make certain that all business is kept on the up and up. Always plan for the future, as this will allow you to better enjoy the moment. Best months: Jan, April, Aug, Dec. Challenging: June, July, Sept. 

Ox

Due to the soulmate connection, Rat years are particularly good ones for Oxen. Your Yin– essence balances well with the +Yang Rat year energies. A family and security conscious year for you. Good financial luck, but be cautious not to spend too much. Many social events and opportunities for romance this year! Settle down with a clever Rat, a seductive Snake or brassy Rooster. Plant a garden, knit a new sweater or carve a custom set of furniture. Best months: Feb, Mar, May, Dec. Challenging: June, July, Oct. 

Tiger

Rat years are busy ones for Tiger natives and can be particularly exhausting, draining and depleting. 2008 is the “Steed” or action catalyst for you and extra caution is called for in any type of travel, change, or reevaluation this year. Expect delays, slow down and think all actions through carefully. Attending happy or joyful events such as weddings, births, reunions and celebrations. Although there may be difficulties, these will all be happily resolved by October. Be careful of romantic temptations which could affect your emotional and physical health. Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec. Challenging: March, May, June. 

Rabbit

The Rat and the Rabbit are in a “Peach blossom” or “Plum” relationship, responsible for romantic, even torrid love affairs. Rat years are filled with both passion and even danger for the Rabbit. Be cautious of commingling funds with or borrowing money from third parties. The Rat year may demand a commitment, which the detached and cautious Rabbit will resist. However, with 2008's energies, even reticent Rabbits could feel the urge to settle down. Don't be surprised if you become more of a committed finance rather than an artful dodger in 2008. Best months: May, August, Oct, Nov. Challenging: April, July, Sept, Dec. 

Dragon

A taste for novelty reins supreme for Dragons in 2008, and unpredictability rules the year. Dragon's feel like a new adventure is always just around the corner in Rat years and it promises to be one of activity and excitement. Financially, assets increase, but interpersonal tiffs may be troublesome. Candid, demanding and fond of being in the public eye, Dragons shine during Rat ruled periods. Best chance for serious romance in September's Rooster ruled month. Prepare the stage for an energetic evening with a feisty Rooster, a sarcastic Monkey or an eclectic Rat. Best months: Feb, May, Aug, Sept. Challenging: March, April, June, July. 

Snake

A four star year for Snakes when money and wealth flows in freely. When it comes to lovemaking the Snake is a master and virtuoso, and sex is something they are capable of surrendering themselves to, body and soul. Be cautious however, as this Rat year may increase your taste for forbidden fruit. Single Snakes may consider marriage or commitment during April or May. Now is the time to expand your social circle, networks and contacts which will lead to great financial benefits. Recognition by colleagues and an opportunity for carer advancement should make this a particularly enjoyable year. Best months: April, May, June, Sept, Oct. Challenging: Feb, Mar, July.

Horse

Those born into Horse years are in opposition to the Rat and 2008 is a time for you to relax, vacation and take time for your physical, spiritual and mental health. A choice could be presented this year between your need for security and your need for independence. Never stop pursuing your dreams and ambitions, but keep everything status quo for now and wait for a more auspicious climate. Hold off on risky investments and be particularly cautious about anything that could cause problems with the law. Married Horses could be tempted by a love affair in July's Goat-ruled month. Best months: Feb, April, Aug. Challenging: Mar, June, Sept, Oct.

Goat

The Rat year and the Goat can be a comedy of errors, but nothing that can't be mitigated with good humor. By the time the leisurely Goat wakes-up to face the world, the energetic Rat has almost completed their day. Hyperactivity meets sloth in 2008 and the results can be inharmonious to say the least. Goats feel harried, hurried and hotheaded during Rat years, but careful planning will give you the edge. Journaling, writing poetry or putting pen to paper in any way will sooth your frazzled nerves and could produce some memorable work. Best months: April, May, June, Aug. Challenging: Jan 08, July, Jan 09.

Monkey

Monkeys will enjoy being in the compatibility trine (triangle) of harmony with this Rat year. April or May could see wedding bells ringing for you. Sexuality is explosive between Rat's and Monkey's and some exhausting nights of love await you in 2008. Intertwine your lovemaking with intellectual conversation from a sage Snake or discuss the cosmos with an otherworldly Dragon. You are in a very comfortable and prosperous position in 2008, but be discreet about your private life and selective in your social circles. Best months: April, May, Aug, Sept. Challenging: Feb, Mar, June, July. 

Rooster

The Rat and the Rooster are in a “Peach blossom” relationship, responsible for torrid love affairs, and 2008 can produce an emotional roller-coaster ride for Rooster natives. This is a love/hate year of polarized emotions when your beloved will seem either enchanting or unbearable. This is a complicated pairing of energies and this Peach blossoms connection can easily become “forbidden fruit” so the utmost caution regarding romantic affairs is advised. Female Hens are very fertile year and pregnancy as well as marriage are strong possibilities. Build a cozy nest with a home loving Ox, sensual Snake or competent Dragon. Best months: April, May, Dec, Jan 2009. Challenging: March, June, July, Oct.

Dog

The relationship between the Rat and Dog resembles that of a parent/child power struggle with possible confrontations or misunderstandings. Don't borrow or use funds that are not yours for any reason this year and keep all business deals completely above board. Take time off to relax and recharge your batteries and love will be in the air. A romantic getaway with a savvy Rabbit, passionate Tiger or talkative Horse will have you howling at the moon! Be realistic in your planning and avoid wishful thinking for best results. Best months: Feb, June, Aug, Oct, Nov. Challenging: Apr, July, Sept.

Pig

A harmonious and successful year awaits trusting Pig natives in 2008. There is a risk of you becoming opinionated and judgmental this year so consider that every situation has two sides to it. Your modesty will give you the edge in working with people this year. You are hardworking, but also fond of pleasure. Many opportunities for love affairs during 2008, so be cautious of scandals. Both the Rat and the Pig share the hidden element of Water in their branches bringing emotion, depth and adaptability to circumstances. Best months: Feb, Mar, April, July Challenging: May, August, Nov.