2020 is a Year of the Rat

2020 is the year of the Rat Friday January 24th 2020 to February 11th 2021. The Rat is the first in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs.

Who is the Rat?

Rat is the first animal sign of 12 Earthly Branches. According to the Chinese Five Elements, the Rat resides within the Water group. In terms of Rats, Water Element S(he) is linked to cold water and rain water.

The Chinese Element of Water is related to Intelligence and Wisdom, which gives the Rat his reputation for cleverness and a quick-thinking mind. Rats can also be associated with knowledge, memory, creativity and problem solving. However, he can also be linked to being an animal of tactical superiority and sometimes, even trickery.

The legend of the Rat

In ancient Chinese Mythology, Nu Wa returned to the Heavenly Palace after creating human beings. Under the instruction of the Emperor of Heaven, she was ordered to repair the hole in the sky. However, disaster struck, land collapsed and Earthquakes roared. In order to prevent the human extinction from the flood that came after, the Emperor of Heaven ordered the Water God to help. The Water God realised that all the animals of the Earth had fled to the Mountains and he arranged for his assistant Yu to find them. He would need their help, as humans alone could not stop the flood.

Yu was hesitant upon being given such a huge task when he discovered a Rat. Although he found the Rat unsightly, he was also pleased that the Rat could offer potential help, so he captured him quickly.

The Rat agreed to help, and because of his brilliant senses, was able to discover all of the animals in the mountain with Yu.

Rat convinced Tiger, the king of the mountain animals, to allow all the animals to come down to land in order to help human beings control the waters, which had caused havoc on the Earth following the chaos of its creation. Tiger agreed.

To celebrate, the Emperor of Heaven announced that all animals who had taken part in the water control would have the opportunity to participate in a race. The first twelve animals arriving at the altar would be the Zodiac Gods. The animal to reach the alter first would be superior above all the other eleven animals.

The night before the race, Rat knew he would not win the race outright, so he needed to think fast. He decided to hide himself underneath the Ox’s horn. He chose Ox because he thought him the most enduring animal of the group. The next morning the race began, and just as Ox was about to be the first to reach the alter, Rat jumped out from under his horn and got to the alter first!

The human beings were outraged. Yes, the Rat had helped in finding the animals in the first place, but he had also used trickery to get to where he wanted to go, and they felt that this was very unfair. However, the Emperor of Heaven honoured the result and told the humans it couldn't be changed, because playing tricks was also a kind of wisdom! In this way, the Rat became the top of all zodiac signs.

2020 is the year of the White Yang Metal Rat

Yang Metal is the Heavenly Stem, and Rat is the Earthly Branch in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The colour of Yang Metal is often seen as white or golden. Therefore, Yang Metal Rat Year is the White Rat Year or Golden Rat Year in 2020.

Yang Metal is associated with boats, ships, strong weather fronts and even submarines. The Rat itself is also associated with water, rain and the Ocean. So, we may feel this Water element strongly.

Visually, this year can be seen as the Yang Metal Rat as a ship traveling on the ocean. This could mean that we need to be extra patient as we wait to arrive at our chosen destination. The Metal Rat is also one of armour, so battles could potentially ensue. The strong winds stirring, could be both physical and metaphorical attributes of this year’s Rat. We should be cautious about setting off into the eye of a storm. Water in I-Ching can represent danger, so it is important for us to be careful with our words and actions, so we don’t end up in ‘hot water’ so to speak.

Rat Facts…

How to build a relationship with Rat?

Rats have an active lifestyle and can enjoy a wide social circle. They can also be interested in making new friends and lovers, but can sometimes walk away from relationships quickly. Can this stir infidelity? Well, potentially! However, if they find someone who stimulates their mind and keeps them guessing, they could stick with things on a deeper level. 

•             Recent years of the Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

•             The next Rat years: 2020, 2032

Famous Rat Year People

Prince Charles, born on November 14, 1948, an Earth Rat

Eminem, born on October 17, 1972, a Water Rat

Cristiano Ronaldo, born on February 5, 1985, a Wood Rat

Key things to remember for Each Chinese Zodiac Sign for the Year of the Rat 2020

Rat – Take control of your destiny through hard work

Ox – Emotional wellbeing is important, do not sacrifice it for the sake of financial gains

Tiger – Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed, there is no time for negative drama

Rabbit – Look to reduce your stress levels through proper planning

Dragon – There may be an opportunity to enhance your social life, bringing harmony at home, even if there are a few glitches in the work place

Snake – Mental wellbeing and physical fitness are key goals this year. Potential partners could show up, and communication is key is all relationships

Horse – Review past mistakes, and there is a real chance to grow in beautiful ways.

Transformation can occur

Sheep – New professional opportunities could open up and relationships flourish. Finances can be steady, but frivolous spending is not suggested

Monkey – Popularity can increase in social circles as well as professionally. Financially, this could be a very positive year

Rooster – Don’t be rash in making decisions within the workplace, especially when it comes to colleagues. Your emotional stability can navigate issues within any relationships

Dog – Perhaps a more straightforward year for you. You may feel called on to experience new places and cultures

Pig – Trust your gut feelings this year. Health may be something to consider closely, especially if suffering from fatigue.