Chinese Zodiac Sign: Rat

Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

The Elements and the Sign of Rat

The Rats are noted for their charm and talent. Restless and inquisitive, they like to be first, pioneers and at the forefront of the action. The Rats work hard to achieve their goals and tend to lead busy lives. The Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. Greed can become a problem if the Rats are not careful to keep their priorities straight. Rats can be very generous to those they love and care for, like friends and family members. The Rats use their instinctive sense of observation to help others in times of need. They are quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. The Rats have a natural talent for the arts, specifically writing. Their ambitions are big and they are very intelligent. With their curiosity nature and bright imagination, the Rats are usually very successful.

The characteristics of the Rat Sign are tempered by one of the five elements in Chinese alchemy - Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. The five elements overlay a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year Zodiac cycle. People who born within the following date ranges can be said to bear the sign of Rat and the following element sign:

The Metal Rat

(1/31/1900 – 2/18/1901; 1/28/1960 – 2/14/1961)

The characteristics of those who bear the sign of Metal element are strength, self-confidence and determination. Of all the Rats, Metal Rats are the toughest and most resolute. They are visionary, envious, and possessive. They like to be in charge, and can act selfishly and forceful in their ways to get what they want. They can be obstinate in the business or personal relationships. They have to bear in mind that meeting their partner halfway would help their relationships tremendously. Metal Rats take great pride in their homes and enjoy the good things in life.

The Water Rat

(2/18/1912 – 2/5/1913; 2/16/1972 – 2/2/1973)

People born who bear the sign of Water element are know for their ability to communicate and to inspire others. Water Rats have a knack for influencing people. They are intelligent and very practical, and thus great problem solvers. By applying their talents in life, Water Rats are generous and compassionate to others, and thus well-liked and respected by everyone in return. Like all Rats, however, they can be obsessed to seek their own gain, and will not mind using their talents to achieve it. They would generally able to manage to achieve their gain without losing anyone's respect in doing so.

The Wood Rat

(2/5/1924 – 1/24/1925; 2/2/1984 – 2/19/1985)

People born with Wood element are the most fair and generous of all. Wood Rats are well-liked, proficient, and good leaders at work. They are usually well loved by family, friends and colleagues. Though Wood Rats seem to have remarkable appearance of self-confidence, they are the least sure of themselves deep down comparing to other Rats. Despite their talent to achieve success, Wood Rats are often worried about the downfall. However, they wouldn’t show this self-doubt side of themselves to others.

The Fire Rat

(1/24/1936 – 2/10/1937; 2/19/1996 – 2/6/1997)

Fire Element gives rise to the most positive, aggressive, and spontaneous of people. Fire Rats like change and travel. They are eager to start new jobs or to take new trips to new places. Fire Rats are likely to change their occupations and residences more often than most other Rats. They can be anxious and impulsive, but Fire Rats still carry the Rat's ability to go along well with others. Fire Rats are likely to be more charitable, autonomous, energetic and the least self-controlled one comparing to other Rats.

The Earth Rat

(2/10/1948 – 1/28/1949; 2/7/2008 – 1/25/2009)

Earth is solid and conventional. People who born with Earth element tend to avoid risk taking - not because they are afraid, but because they have an instinctive dislike of things that are unforeseen. Earth Rats are good achievers who like to establish roots early in order to acquire a secure future for themselves and their families. Earth Rats have the typical Rat ingenuity and intellectual ability, but a strong sense of reality often prevent them from going after something that could be risky. Earth Rats are honorable and love to be stabilized. Slowly and steadily acquiring wealth gives Earth Rats a sense of inner peace. Although they are capable of being stingy with money, they do possess warm feelings for those they love and care for.