RAT

THE AMBITIOUS, INTELLIGENT RAT
Symbolic Characteristic: LEADERSHIP
Energy: YANG
Element: WATER
Month: DECEMBER
Direction: NORTH
Season: WINTER

WOOD RATS (1924, 1984):
The wood element heightens some core character traits in this Rat. Wood Rats are even more hardworking and anxious than other Rats. They hesitate when making decisions, preferring to gather lots of information and take plenty of time to assess the situation before making a move.

FIRE RATS (1936, 1996):
Fire brings passion and burning enthusiasm to the Rat. Fire Rats are witty and charming, which adds to their already healthy dose of personal appeal. They are not above heroic deeds to impress a loved one and can always attract an admiring crowd.

EARTH RATS (1948, 2008):
Earth provides Rats with a good helping of practicality and wisdom. Earth Rats are the "old souls" of the Rat family. Their careful advice and wise counsel are their distinguishing features. Contrary to the usual traits of Rats, Earth Rats actually enjoy their own company.

METAL RATS (1960):
Metal lends Rats a good dose of physical and mental strength. Metal Rats can have fixed ideas and can appear stubborn. Metal Rats are the most professionally successful of Rats, and usually do well as entrepreneurs.

WATER RATS (1912, 1972):
Water is the Rats's natural element, so Water Rats have increased communication skills. They are gifted communicators and have an abundance of public appeal. They usually seek out public positions and have the potential to be great orators or writers.

RELATIONSHIP CHART FOR RATS:

RAT With	Rating	Potential For Love, Friendship and Professional Life
Monkey	Best	Each will admire the other's quick wit and superior intelligence. Provided Rat remains tolerant of Monkey's antics, these two will initiate many schemes and ingenious plans together.
Dragon	Best	Both are charged with energy and social charisma, and this will keep them satisfied. Each will be intuitive about the other's unspoken desires and will be able to meet the other's needs.
Rat	Good But Needs Work	Good compatibility, particularly for business or friendships. Each will respect and understand the other, but unless the couple has a busy lifestyle, boredom will quickly set in.
Ox	Positive	A mutually rewarding partnership in any context. Rat's intelligence and inguinity will complement Ox's physical tenacity. This pair could achieve much together.
Tiger	Challenging	They have different perspectives on life and clashing personal values and goals. Any attraction will be only fleeting, with Rat more interested in material accumulation and Tiger in adventure.
Rabbit	Positive	A mutually rewarding partnership in most contexts. Both animals are highly intuitive and will be sympathetic toward each other and understanding of each other's needs.
Snake	Positive	Each will challenge the other's mental prowess, ensuring that a satisfying relationship evolves where each can learn much from the other.
Sheep	Challenging	Interest in each other will be only fleeting and marginally rewarding. The Rat will need more then just Sheep's adoring devotion to maintain interest, and Sheep will feel hurt by Rat's dwindling attention.
Rooster	Challenging	Each will be too quick to misjudge the other. Rat will view Rooster as too flamboyant and superficial, and Rooster will lose patience with Rat's cool and collected exterior.
Dog	Good But Needs Work	This pairing can work if kept at friendship level. Both signs are nagged by personal insecurities, which will accumulate with the pairing. Dog will misinterpret Rat's secrecy as underhanded scheming.
Pig	Good But Needs Work	The sensuous Pig will revel in Rat's material acquisitions. Rat will at first enjoy its provider role and will then be likely to take Pig for granted; there is little hope for long-term success.
Horse	Very Bad	Both have healthy egos, which will be bruised regularly in this pairing. Horse will want physical and verbal freedom, a request that the politically correct Rat will be loath to respect.