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The Year of the Yang Earth Rat begins on February 4, 2008 at 7:03 PM in accordance
with the Solar Calendar and on February 7 in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.
This forecast reflects the general energy trends that apply to everyone, based
on the Animal energies of the Asian Zodiac, the Five Elements and Yin/Yang. For
a more in depth analysis we can examine the way that the Rat archetype interacts
with each of the twelve archetypes. For an even more detailed analysis we can
look at the influence of the complete pillar for the year, which is Yang Earth
over Rat Water, with the pillars in any given Four Pillars chart. The
Rat is the first archetype in the Chinese cycle of twelve. The Rat possesses intelligence,
charm and a love of humanity as well as an uncanny ability for solving problems.
Most of all, the Rat is famous for having a remarkably resourceful nature. The
year's Heavenly Stem, Yang Earth, attempts to bring stability and provide containment
for the changeable nature of Water; the Rat's fixed element. Earth brings Water
purpose and direction on its unstoppable journey back to its mother the ocean.
Earth can only bring the illusion of stability. Yang Earth over Rat/Water is likened
to a mountain floating on the ocean. Changes initiated this year may not follow
a straight course but will unfailingly succeed due to the strength of Earth and
persistence of Water. Motivated
by the love of rational thought and the desire to unravel the mysteries of life,
the Earth Rat year moves forward seeking strategic solutions to the world's problems
and we can expect improvements in many areas. Historically
Rat years have been a time for the beginnings of far reaching changes. This is
bound to manifest in all the important areas of life. Personal
Influences
The Rat is the supreme opportunist and the focus is
on personal achievement. So be prepared to take advantage of the many opportunities
that come along. Anyone willing to act on these prospects stands to be rewarded
in numerous ways. This is especially true if you have fully handled some of the
intense work that was required during the past year. Be sure to set your priorities
early on. A very important part of this equation is to not take on too many things
even if they appear to be beneficial. It is easy to overload ones system during
Rat times. Limit yourself to what will serve you most. This
is also an excellent time for anyone needing or wanting a fresh start. Ask for
guidance and choose spiritual solutions to challenges you are facing.
Rat times
are usually favorable for social events and are a great time for
get-togethers;
planned and unplanned. It is also a wonderful time for connecting with family.
The key again is to not take on more commitment than you can handle. Rat
times are generally favorable for romance. Unlike the previous year of the Pig
when passion ruled, romance during Rat times is more about choosing a workable
relationship. Relationships begun during Rat times have an excellent chance of
succeeding. Although passion is always important, think things through and be
sensible but not so sensible that it impedes the course of love. There
is a greater focus on personal health this year. People will tend to make healthier
choices in nutrition and exercise. These will carry over to the greater population
and we can expect statistics on weight loss to improve for the year. This is a
great time to make full use of that membership to the gym. With a bit of effort
you can expect better than usual results. Sensual
trends this year may confirm the idea that the brain is the sexiest part of the
human body. Politics
The
focus in politics will be on heads of state and on politicians with high visibility.
They may find themselves under greater scrutiny. Some may find themselves being
called to account for previous misdeeds. Many a past Rat year has brought about
the overthrow of a monarch or the downfall of a tyrant. With
the presidential elections just around the corner we can expect some controversy
to be linked to the primaries as well as the elections themselves. In
many ways reason begins its slow return to politics on all levels. Choices will
once again be made based on sound judgment rather than charismatic appeal. Finance
and Business
The
Rat's ability as a manager and strategist will become evident as we enjoy an upturn
in business and finance. Although the Stock Market will continue to go up and
down the general trends will be positive with opportunities to turn a profit for
the astute. This is especially true in the areas of long term investing. Companies
that thrive will do so because of the efforts of strong leadership. It will become
apparent which CEO's are abusing their positions of power. They will most likely
be brought to task or change their ways. This
Rat year will present the opportunity to start again for many companies. Those
unwilling to change will fall by the wayside. Those willing to undertake a more
enlightened view of operation can thrive. We
can expect advances in areas of cutting edge technology and communications. Some
of the technological inventions that came to be during previous Rat years include
the transistor, the self winding watch, stainless steel, communication satellites,
long playing records, cellophane, and the Concord. We
can also expect advances in environmental science and in the development of more
efficient transportation and energy production. This may be the year when many
announcements may be made about the feasibility of alternative fuel vehicles and
perhaps more efficient methods of producing power for public use. With
the presence of strong Earth we can also expect an improvement in the Real Estate
market although conditions will still be better for buyers than sellers.
Arts
and Entertainment
After a year of indulgence and frank depictions
of sexuality, during the past Pig year, we can expect a return to more traditional
types of entertainment and a more conservative approach.
Historical
dramas and period pieces will be in the foreground; especially stories that depict
the lives of historically influential people. Films
and TV shows with powerful social messages will be especially popular. Classical
and more traditional music types also enjoy a renewed popularity with more people
attending concerts and shows of all types. In
fashion we can expect a more formal look in dressing. The color blue will take
prominence in both formal and casual wear. Shoes
will be judge as much for their comfort as for there appearance. The
trend in perfumes and scents will tend towards natural extracts from plants.
Global
Trends
The Rat is supportive
of environmental causes and will initiate a new era of collaborative efforts between
environmentalists and government officials. Real summits will take place which
can lead to many positive changes in global environmental policies. It is possible,
during this Rat year even for China and the US to come around with improved environmental
policies.
As the planetary climate has changed through global warming,
we have seen dramatic climatic disturbances. This year the greatest possibilities
for calamity are earthquakes and mudslides. Tsunamis related to geophysical events
are also possible. This is most likely to occur where strong water meets strong
earth.
All in all this
should prove to be a positive year in most areas with many opportunities for advancement
and improvement. The protective
talisman for the year of the Rat is the Ox. This is especially helpful if you
have a Horse or Sheep in your natal chart. This
year the Grand Duke is in the North. If you must travel in that direction, be
sure to take extra precautions; give yourself extra time; have contingencies in
case anything goes awry. Always
embrace the most joyful aspects in your perceived reality. This will yield more
of the same. Yasha
Jampolsky- is an internationally recognized Four Pillars astrologer and teacher.
He offers consultations and classes worldwide. For information regarding a Four
Pillars consultations and upcoming training visit fengshuischoolsny.com or contact
Yasha directly - yashamail@msn.com
917-608-6913 | 