The Zodiac Explained

Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is divided into 12 months, the Japanese Zodiac is divided into 12 years, and each year is named after an animal. The zodiac is based upon the ancient Chinese concept that all time shifts according to a twelve-year cycle. Legend states that, before Buddha departed the Earth, only twelve animals came and gave their devotion to him. To honor them in return, Buddha named the years after them, in the order that they arrived. The year 2008 marks the year of the Rat, but there are also years of the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

The Year of the Rat

In Japan, everyone knows what year of the zodiac they were born in, for it is believed to play a part in influencing character and personality. Those born in the year of the Rat are said to be charming, honest, and ambitious. They will work hard for their goals and, as such, have a high tolerance for enduring whatever hardships are necessary in order to see a course to its end. Though they are easily angered, they maintain an outward show of control. It is this strong control over their emotions which enables them to manipulate and exploit others. Even so, Rats tend to be fair and expect the same out of others. They make good leaders and are highly organized.

Rats in Love

Rats are most compatible with Monkeys and Dragons but should avoid Horses, Roosters, and Rabbits. Rats can be difficult to get along with but are romantic and never boring. Since the Rat is known, in Chinese astrology, as the “Flower of Romance,” the year of the Rat may stimulate a lot of romance in the world. Believers expect to see big marriages in the news, as well as an increase in sex scandals.

Famous Rats

Famous people born in the year of the Rat include the writers Leo Tolstoy, Shakespeare, Jack London, and Charlotte Bronte. The adventurer, Lawrence of Arabia, was a Rat, as was the painter Monet. Composers Mozart, Hayden, and Tchaikovsky were all Rats, and the scientist Galileo was a Rat as well.

Are you a Rat?

For those who don’t feel like doing the math, a new Rat comes along every twelve years. If you were born in 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, or 1912, you are, indeed, a Rat.