Chinese Almanac Forecast

Year of the Rat - 2008

This is the first year of the twelve year Chinese astrological cycle and the first animal symbol. The Rat is part of the house of building so this is a year for new beginnings, the birth of new ideas, reinvention and starting over. The Rat is considered a very auspicious animal in Chinese symbolism as they can always find good food to eat or in the modern world, they can always find ways to make more money. The Rat is a Water sign and 2008 is an Earth year. This means that there is Earth sitting on top of Water. These are not completely incompatible signs as water needs earth to channel the flow of the river as earth makes the banks for the river. However, too much earth can also dam the water energy and overpower it so the new ideas may not get out of the beginning stages or they can get bogged down by regulations. Rats are symbols of having many children and the gathering of large families, so happy home lives and better relationships are highlighted.

Earth can also make mud when mixed with water, so clarity of vision may be minimized. The wisdom of water may also be clouded by practical considerations. So, practicality emerges as the dominant theme in all new ventures. However, earth energy adds stability and conventional thinking and values and combines well with the industriousness of the Rat energy. So, one of the main focuses of this year will be on security for future generations and tried and true methods of achieving success. Ingenuity will be appreciated, but only if there is a pragmatic plan behind it.

Rat years give more opportunities than usual, but they must be acted upon quickly. It will be a good time to make plans, begin new projects, launch new products, get married and/or start a family or have more children. Rats are always moving so the energy of this year will benefit those who are energetic and motivated. In a Rat year, decisive and clever people will be rewarded. Old projects can easily be restarted.

In medicine, a big topic will be regeneration of the body, which will be good for stem cell research and experiments involving the regrowth of cells or organs. Renewal and regaining youthfulness will be dominant themes of health and beauty. The spa and cosmetics industries should flourish. The biggest danger of this Rat year is the potential for the beginnings of a health epidemic. As Rats can travel easily anywhere in the world and have been vectors for illnesses in the past, it is possible that a particular virus or viruses from the past will resurface and begin to spread. However, these viruses will be already known and should be easily identified and are treatable with conventional methods. Overall, most people will feel healthier and if they get sick, will be able to recover easier. Long term illnesses should stabilize and the emphasis will be on nurturing medical care.

Geographically, the combination of earth and water is a sign that potential landslides, sinkholes, mud volcanoes or lahars may develop. Clean drinking water will become a focus of environmentalists as there is a potential for contamination problems with groundwater, wells and underground aquifers. Confusion in government is likely as new policies will start with good intentions, but expect trouble with implementation. Dictators will try to increase their power and it is likely that countries will continue to fight over boundaries and water rights. Governments will change their focus to fix more internal problems instead of being so involved in world issues.

Another global concern will be about protecting children as Rats love children. Adoption will become more common and breakthroughs in reproductive technology can happen. There will be more celebrity pregnancies and marriages than usual. In addition, there will be a return to a more nurturing parenting style. People will find happiness in home life and remodeling and home decorating will become even more popular.

Home building and real estate purchases are favored this year, although problems with water can be problematic and things like basement flooding, problems with corroding pipes or discovering underground water on property. Mining is another industry that will be reinvigorated and crop yields should be higher than usual. Shipping is another industry that will gain some benefit from the Rat year. Stock markets should rise this year and investing should increase. Varied portfolios are recommended. There are gains to be made and this is a good year for the methodical pursuit of success for people with a plan. Hard work will be rewarded. But, adaptability will still be of great value in a Rat year. New methods will be welcome, but anything too unusual will not outwardly be appreciated by superiors. Things should feel like they are improving – especially financially.

People can reinvent themselves, but must guard against having their reputations tarnished or muddied. Gossip will be even more popular than usual and many famous people will find themselves in emotional conflicts and unlawful activities that will be highly publicized. People will enjoy humor and wit more and comedians and comedies will be successful. This is a good year for socializing and eating so expect more emphasis on home cooking with small local restaurants flourishing as well. Life will feel more fun, but it is much easier to get into trouble for having too much!

Overall, the Rat year signifies the beginning of a new era. Little ideas that start in the Rat year can become big ideas later. This is a year of creativity and possibilities. Romance is in the air so it is a good year for finding a mate or deepening a stable and committed relationship, especially if it involves children or blending families. Many people will expand their family size with the arrival of new children, grandchildren or pets. It is a great year to make new friends and people will become more involved in their neighborhood and in their cities. The feeling of the Year of the Rat is friendlier and more fun than usual.

Individual Animal Forecasts

Rat - Water Element: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

This is a great year for new projects whether changing houses, jobs or starting a new relationship. Money is stable and good health is emphasized. A good year for business and career growth and a promotion or new job opportunity is very possible. Friendships easily become romantic and relationships are more enjoyable than usual.

Ox – Earth Element: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Oxes are complimentary animals to the Rat so Oxes can expect to gain money this year as they will be rewarded for their usual hard work. Expect to do well is business and expansion is possible. Health problems will improve – particularly digestion. Watch out for misunderstandings in romance, but otherwise your love life is stable.

Tiger – Wood Element: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

This is a fairly good year, but could be expensive for Tigers. Therefore, watch out for overspending or getting into debt or using too much energy. This is a year to avoid taking risks as Tigers may feel very restless. Business will not be exciting and it will feel like progress is slow. But, this is a very good year for socializing.

Rabbit – Wood Element: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

This is not an easy year for Rabbits as it will not be very peaceful. This is a year where Rabbits need to watch their money and their health carefully. Be on guard for possible accidents. But, this is a good year for new projects as long as you have a good plan. If you are careful with money, progress can be made.

Dragon – Earth Element: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

This is an outstanding year for Dragons. Business, health is good. This is the year to make money but Dragons need to work hard to achieve their goals. Romance is highlighted and this can also be a very social time. Dragons will be feeling more powerful and expansive than usual and will enjoy entertaining.

Snake – Fire Element: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

This is a time of steady progress and snakes can be rewarded if they are creative. This is a good year to resolve old problems and issues and make a fresh start. Expect a year of change and a new job is possible or snakes might move. This will be a fast paced year for snakes, so they will need to keep busy and be ready for the opportunities that are presented.

Horse – Fire Element: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Horses are the opposite sign from rats so this is not an easy year. Health concerns are likely or there is a risk of spending too much money. Horses will feel more argumentative than usual, so they need to watch what they say in relationship. Horses need to slow down, take care of themselves and not work too hard this year and their lives will stabilize.

Sheep – Earth Element: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

This is a quiet year for sheep, but investments should increase in value easily. This is a good year for both romance and business. Sheep can expect a more social year and they will likely meet new and interesting people. There is a chance for promotion at work. Health is good as long as sheep keep regular hours and eat well.

Monkey - Metal Element: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Monkeys are friends with Rats so this has the potential to be a lucky year. Full of mischief as ever, this year Monkeys are finally appreciated for their new ideas and their ambitions will be rewarded. They will likely make more money than usual and will be recognized for their ingenuity. Business, romance and health can all flourish and life should be more fun.

Rooster – Metal Element: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

This is not the easiest year for Roosters. Finances and savings accounts will likely have to be accessed to pay for unforeseen expenses or debt might increase. Work may feel routine so it is important to stay connected to business associates, particularly bosses. Romantic and family relationships can be problematic so avoid expressing anger or frustration and try to stay loving.

Dog – Earth Element: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

This is a good year for Dogs, especially for business. Expect growth and expansion as this year gives positive energy to previous plans. Finances should improve or stabilize. Dogs need to be more adventurous this year and try new ventures as these will bring success. Expect a few difficulties in long term relationships. New relationships bring more luck.

Pig – Water Element: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Pigs will be uneasy because this is a year of change and numerous new opportunities. This is an important year for Pigs to reorganize themselves, particularly at home. Moving is a possibility. Pigs will become easily frustrated and confused. Health problems will be minor. This can turn out to be a positive year if Pigs learn to adapt.