Year of the White Rat 2020
January 25, 2020 is the start of the Chinese Year of the White Rat (or Metal Mouse). The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac system and this is the beginning of a completely new 12-year and 60-year cycle and is therefore considered the beginning of a new era. It is an important year for new beginnings and new possibilities. It is time to bring out new ideas, new plans and say yes to new opportunities. It is a good year for reinvention and starting over.
Rats are considered mostly positive animals to the Chinese and are appreciated for their cleverness and the ability to always find food. People born in the Year of the Rat are considered charming, adaptable, witty and sociable. Rats favor their young, so this is a year of youth empowerment and reclaiming one’s youthful self. People will feel younger and livelier.
However, there is an underlying, hidden aggression that the Yang element (Metal) bring to the year that should not be ignored and may emerge if provoked. Yang Metal is symbolic of the sword and military might. The Chinese believe that it requires many years of training to yield a sword properly and that a warrior must have the correct mental orientation to wield it judiciously. Expect to see a renewed emphasis from military and political leaders about important Metal values such as: honor; courage; duty; respect; service; loyalty and commitment. For those who have suffered in the past, they will see rewards for the character building they went through and the strength achieved from their previous pain and hardship. Those people who are willing to stand upright or “stand in the light of their own truth” without fear of repercussion will be particularly respected and will shine.
According to the legend, the Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride, jumping off right before the finish line to come in first and be the first sign of the zodiac. The energies of this year will no doubt inspire some of the tricksters and opportunists in society, so be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true!
The Year of the Rat is a very good year for improving health. People will feel more vital, alive and awake. Minor health issues can clear up easily and more serious or chronic illnesses can stabilize, as Yang Metal enhances the immune system and the Lungs. When people do get sick this year, they can recover quicker and easier.
People will want to take charge of their own health and there will be a renewed focus on a healthier lifestyle, as the Metal Element increases the dedication to self-improvement. The Yang aspects of this year will make people want to exercise more in a natural way. Swimming, especially in saltwater pools or directly in the ocean is recommended and spending time in and around water will be very healing. Sleeping more is also recommended and insomnia should improve this year. Remedies involve warming the body, like taking baths or soaking your feet are good, and remember to wear gloves, hats and scarves. And this is a particularly good year for drinking hot beverages like Tea with Lemon and Honey and for taking distilled spirits medicinally, as in Hot Toddys or Hot Buttered Rum, or pouring Brandy into your Coffee. Chicken Broth, Bone Broth and Vegetable Broths are also good for enhancing the immune system.
The Earth Element is weak this year and unfortunately this may mean also that there will be problems with digestion for many people, especially with an increase in food intolerances. The Metal Element requires simple, fresh food and the savory and pungent flavors will be more popular than sweet. Ethnic food and recipes that have been handed down in families will also be more appreciated. Diets this year will be more omnivorous and flexitarian, due to the Rat energy and there will be a renewed interest in foraging. It is advised that people eat more warm food and cooked foods this year and foods that are easy to eat and digest. This includes soup, stews, steamed foods and pureed foods.
It is also a good year for accumulating personal wealth, especially if you are an Ox, Dragon or Monkey. Significant life experience will also be more appreciated and the stories from elderly/older people will help younger people see the cycles within history. This will help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress of the last few years when events are seen in a bigger context. Wisdom will be much more appreciated and honored this year. Clairvoyance will also be enhanced this year and many people will gain insight through their dreams and in meditation.
There will also be a desire to find time to think deeply about things and then a desire to share t hose thoughts with people that you trust. The Rat is a sociable creature, so be sure to make time for some enjoyable gatherings.
Overall it will be a very dynamic year. Mother Nature will be in charge and she will be temperamental, so be prepared by stocking emergency supplies in your homes, offices and cars and stay warm when the storms come. Luckily, many people will experience enhanced health and vitality and the winds of change will be blowing, altering the status quo for years to come!
Rat - Water Element: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
This is a somewhat stressful year, less so for those turning 60. This is a good year for moving, changing jobs and for starting new projects. Rats will have to work hard but try to save money, as you will spend it easily.
Ox - Earth Element: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021
This is a lucky year, especially for making a return on previous investments of all kinds. Health problems clear up and there is renewed energy and motivation. Oxes will be feeling much more optimistic.
Tiger - Wood Element: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
This is a year where there will be financial worries, but it is a very good year for socializing. Tigers have a chance of becoming known for their special talents and this will lead to future rewards.
Rabbit - Wood Element: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011,2023
This is not an easy year for Rabbits as they will feel more tired than usual and will need to take good care of their health. There will be more unexpected expenses, but this is a good year for investing.
Dragon - Earth Element: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
This is an outstanding year with lots of opportunity available. Dragons will feel healthier and more energized. They can accomplish a lot, especially with new ventures in business and there is luck in romance.
Snake - Fire Element: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
This is a stable and calm year for Snakes. Progress can be made in business and finance and debts can be cleared or lessened. It is a good year for making plans and preparing for the future.
Horse - Fire Element: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
This is a somewhat difficult year for Horses, as there will be extra expenses and they will feel less energetic than usual. They will find themselves feeling a bit more short- tempered and need to think before they speak.
Sheep - Earth Element: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
This is supposed to be a restful year for Sheep and they need to spend time recuperating and recharging. However, there will be steady progress in business and making money and relationships are harmonious.
Monkey - Metal Element:1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
This is an excellent year for Monkeys. They will be more creative and inventive. Business will expand, along with income; relationships are happy; and they will feel healthy and energetic.
Rooster - Metal Element: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981,1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Roosters will want to retreat this year, as the energies will feel chaotic to them. They will be more reserved emotionally, but they will be more creative. There may be some hidden or surprising expenses.
Dog - Earth Element: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
This is an exciting year for Dogs and they will need to remember to rest. They will want to expand their business and will talk more about their dreams, but need to take things slower than they want to go.
Pig - Water Element: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
This is a somewhat uncomfortable year for Pigs, as they will experience more change than they like. But it is a good chance for them to re-organize, rediscover and restart things, if they can overcome their resistance.
