Happy New Year!
I love it when one of my face reading students realize that the Principle of the Five Elements doesn’t just relate to their face, personality, behavior or even their environment and the seasons, but also to the Chinese Zodiac. And since this is the first week of the year 4706, I thought we could have some fun with learning how the year of the Earth Rat relates to those Five Elements.
The Rat is a fixed Water Element and this year is an Earth Element year, so those born in the years of the Rat, and those who have Earth and Water Element traits and characteristics are promised an especially auspicious year ahead.
The Rat is charming, social, prosperous, hard working, loyal, generous, and possesses great business acumen. Those traits will inspire all of us in the following year. On the other hand, because the Rat can be a bit crafty, self-centered and calculating with those outside his inner circle, we all must be particularly aware when we find ourselves being just a little too clever or manipulative.
Even more influential this year is the characteristics of the Earth Rat. Earth Rats need security, order, and self-discipline to achieve their realistic goals. Good reminders for all of us to curb our impatience and frivolous ways.
Not every year is an auspicious one for every animal sign. Some are good, some are challenging. This year the Rat’s pals the Dragon and Monkey who are in his Affinity Triangle share many of his good fortunes, and are particularly guided by the Rat’s affinity for success.
The Horse, Tiger and Dog are in a Circle of Conflict with the Rat. It will seem to them that what is working so beautifully for the Rat has the opposite effect on them. If you are a Horse, Tiger or Dog just remember that this too shall pass. And that often some of our greater lessons in life come through adversity. A sense of humor will help too.
The other zodiac animals, the Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Sheep, Rooster and Boar will have less dramatic years than the other six who are in either the Affinity Triangle or Circle of Conflict, for good or bad.