Psyched in Stilettos

Chinese Zodiac

WELCOME TO A NEW 12 YEAR CYCLE!

The Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat (Earth), which begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009. First in the cycle of 12 Animal signs, Rat Year begins the sequence and recurs every twelfth year. It is a time of renewal in so many ways.

The Rat never stops moving, especially when it comes to mental activity. The combination of Earth and Rat is extremely positive when it comes to achieving results. The Rat tends to take a lot of risks, while Earth is associated with practicality and stability. This creates balance and can lead to good profits, increased productivity and all sorts of accomplishments. And, under Earth's influence there could be fewer scandals than in other Rat years.

The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and signifies new beginnings. This year is thus an appropriate time to start new ventures, especially groundbreakings. This includes new ideas, directions, and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and put plans into action, as there will be plenty of opportunities to achieve success.

Something to consider is that which is begun now is likely to have long term consequences, so choose wisely to enrich your life. Interestingly this is an equally good time for thinking and all kinds of intellectual endeavours. Planning, scholarship and research, for example, are favourable activities. It is also an auspicious time for the arts; although, under Earth’s influence, applied arts such as design and graphics may do best.

Earth favours those who are tied to the land, do a lot of routine work, deal with practical matters, or perform work of a spiritual nature. Looking at the characteristics of both Earth and Rat it could be a very good year for those with careers in business, construction, engineering, academia, planning and the clergy. There is likely to be a focus on career and self improvement this year to the detriment of family. People thus need to be attentive and creative so that this area does not suffer.

It is, however, a relatively good time to begin a new romance. Those in a relationship may want to consider raising it to the next level, to include marriage. The year 2008 will be a year of possibilities, a time of progress. Everyone should, nevertheless, add something new to their life.