style="font-size:15px;"> Earth Rat: 1948, 2008
This Rat is astute and very level-headed. He rarely takes unnecessary chances and while he is constantly trying to improve his financial status, he is prepared to proceed slowly and leave nothing to chance. He is probably not as adventurous as the other types of Rat and prefers to remain in familiar territory rather than rush headlong into something he knows little about. He is talented, conscientious and caring towards his loved ones, but at the same time can be self-conscious and worry a little too much about the image he is trying to project.
PROSPECTS FOR THE RAT IN 2012
The Rat has a keen nature and likes to see quick results. However, the Rabbit year (3 February 2011–22 January 2012) is often a slow-moving one and there will have been times during it when the Rat will have felt frustrated. Patience is not one of his strong points, but he can take heart, as his fortunes are set to improve, with the closing months of the Rabbit year offering more possibilities.
One of the Rat’s strengths is his ability to relate to other people, and in the remaining Rabbit months he should make the most of his opportunities to meet others. If seeking work or keen to advance his career, he will find that by speaking to those who may be able to help, he can benefit from some important advice and assistance. September and November may see some particularly significant developments.
The Rat will also value the support of family and friends in the closing Rabbit months and will see an increase in social activity at this time. It is important that he liaises well with others, discusses his plans and, at busy times, is flexible over arrangements. There could be some surprises in store for him, including travel possibilities or the chance to meet some people he has not seen for some while. In addition, someone close to him could have interesting news to share.
Rabbit years can be expensive, however, and with a lot likely to happen in the closing months, the Rat will need to be disciplined in his spending and, where possible, make advance provision for end of year expenses.
Overall, although the Rat may have found parts of the Rabbit year frustrating, he will have added to his experience, enjoyed some fine times with others and, in some cases, seen an addition to his family. As 2012 approaches, many a Rat will sense the tide is turning, with brighter times ahead.
The Year of the Dragon starts on 23 January and is a highly favourable one for the Rat. During it he will be able to put his strengths to good use and see some fine results.
For any Rat who is starting the Dragon year in low spirits, this is a time to seize the initiative rather than feel hindered by what has gone before. With resolve and determination, progress can now be made.
Almost all areas of the Rat’s life can see positive developments, but his work prospects are particularly favourable. This is very much a year for moving forward and taking on more rewarding responsibilities.
For Rats who are well established in a company or a particular profession, there will be opportunities to take their career to a new level. Sometimes vacancies and promotion opportunities could arise suddenly, and if they are quick to put themselves forward, many Rats will benefit. Events can move swiftly in the Dragon year and here the Rat’s sense of opportunity and timing can serve him well.
For Rats who feel prospects are limited where they are, this is a year to keep alert and make enquiries. Sometimes contacts could prove helpful in alerting them to new possibilities to consider. In this fast-moving and favourable year, many Rats will be able to move to a more satisfying and remunerative position.
Rats seeking work can also find new possibilities opening up. Again, if they are quick in following up vacancies that interest them, they may well be given the chance to prove themselves in a new capacity. This is no year to hold back. January (especially around the start of the Dragon year), February, September and October could see some particularly good possibilities, but such is the nature of the year that opportunities could arise at almost any moment. Time is of the essence in 2012 and for those who seize the moment, the rewards can be substantial. In particular, Rats who take on a new position early in the year could find further opportunities coming their way later in 2012 or very early in 2013.
The progress the Rat enjoys at work will also help him financially. However, he should still keep a watchful eye on spending, ideally setting money aside for specific purchases and plans. This way he can enjoy what he is able to do all the more. When possible, he should also consider taking advantage of tax incentives to save, add to a pension policy or reduce borrowings. With good financial management, he can help both his present and future position this year.
A feature of the Dragon year is that it sees the introduction of many new ideas and products. The Rat likes to keep up to date with developments and this will be another reason why he will fare so well in this interesting and fast-moving year.
On a personal level, he will find himself in demand. He will also be in fine form this year and will impress many. For the unattached, Cupid’s arrow could strike unexpectedly at almost any time. The Dragon year has an exciting element to it and can mark a substantial change in fortune, particularly for Rats who have had recent disappointments to bear. Mid-April to June, November and December could see the most social activity, but at most times of the year the Rat will have things to do and look forward to.
The Rat attaches great importance to his home life and once again this year he will be active and involved, whether suggesting improvements, embarking on projects or assisting his loved ones in some way. Throughout the year, however, it is important that he is also open and forthcoming and consults others about his ideas and plans. Making assumptions could lead to some awkward moments or misunderstandings.
Also, while the Rat is always keen to help those around him, he will need to be careful that others do not take advantage of his willing nature or place too many demands upon him. If he feels under strain or has concerns at any time, he should speak up for himself. This not only applies to his domestic life but also to his relationships with new friends and some work colleagues. This may be a favourable time, but the Rat will sometimes need to stand his ground.
The Dragon year can bring some good travel opportunities and all Rats should take advantage of their chances to go away, whether for a holiday, for a short break or to stay with others. Here again the Dragon year offers the Rat considerable scope and quite a lot may happen quickly.
The Rat has a keen and curious nature and this year will give him an excellent chance to improve his situation as well as develop his ideas and interests. It is a time for seizing the initiative and making his talents count. Throughout the Rat will value the support of those around him and his personal life is favourably aspected. Overall, this will be a good and satisfying year for him, with his personality and skills serving him well.
The Metal Rat
This is a time of considerable opportunity for the Metal Rat. In particular, those Metal Rats who have been disappointed with recent progress will find the Dragon year providing the chances they have been hoping for.
At work the aspects are particularly encouraging. Metal Rats who are already established in a particular organization will often have the chance to take their career to a new level, perhaps through promotion or taking on specialist duties or being given the opportunity to use their skills in other ways. What opens up over the year may not only be an interesting change for the Metal Rat but also give him the challenge and incentive he may have lacked in recent years.
Metal Rats who feel limited where they are should explore possibilities. This is a time for action, and with resolve and resourcefulness, many will succeed in finding a new type of work that is ideal for them.
