2008: The Year of the Earth Rat

Note:
The following is a general forecast of what year 2008 has in store. You’ll likely see these trends around you but please don’t worry (or get too excited) unnecessarily as we need to examine your personal BaZi chart for direct effects.

Although the Earth Rat year begins officially only on Feb 4, 2008, this year Chinese New Year comes early! This is due to an interesting mixture of elements going from the end of the 2007 Fire Boar year into the early part of the Earth Rat year. As such, you’d likely have felt some changes and gotten a preview of what the Earth Rat year has in store for you even as early as Dec 2007. By Jan 2008 you would already be well under the influence of the new governing Earth Rat qi.

[Do note however, if you’re making any *physical feng shui* changes to your home/office, that annual feng shui influences shift only as we approach Feb 4, 2008].

So what does the Earth Rat year has in store for us in general? The “Earth” of the year is Yang Earth and the main qi of the Rat is Yin Water. The imagery of the year is thus a misty mountain. While earth and water appear to clash in the relationship of the 5 elements, Yang Earth and Yin Water do have a special bond with each other. However, while there is a bond, it is also an explosive and volatile one!

What does all this mean? Control is a big issue. Expect authorities and world leaders to be in conflict with their subjects and subordinates. Many countries will experience change in leadership in attempts to create a new order. Within smaller communities there’ll differing points of view between rulers and subjects despite attempts to work together for the good of all. The “misty mountain” imagery of the year also paints an illusion; beautiful outside but with underlying, stealth activities. There’ll be unseen machinations and master-minding going on so don’t just go by surface interpretation of events and people.

When it comes to interpersonal relationships, the theme of the year is “love/hate”. Now, notice I’ve not used the term “bad” as love/hate relationships can stir up lots of passion and in the very least they are not boring! The types of relationships directly reflected in the imagery of the year are specifically spousal/love and boss-subordinate/leader-subject in nature. Time for volatility and immense passion!

The Rat is also what is termed a “Peach Blossom” animal. Now Peach Blossom luck is what creates attraction and flirting. In addition, the Rat’s “style” of Peach Blossom has to do with sexuality….so this is a year of scandals and a boom in Hollywood-type fodder! Expect problems with sexual misconduct to surface.

While fire qi is apparently weak this year, it has some innate strength particularly in spring and summer. So the entertainment industry (which relies heavily on “Peach Blossom”) will experience a good year except towards year end. In addition, the combination of the year’s elements also indicate a year of enjoyment, luxury and indulgence so industries related to entertainment, drinking, performing arts and luxury goods will thrive. Fire industries eg. beauty, visual media, high-tech gadgets and metaphysics will experience a good year but need to consolidate and hide away towards year end.

Water being strong throughout the year indicates a boom year for businesses involving travel, logistics and verbal communication. As water feeds wood, wood industries like consulting, development, teaching and fast-moving-consumer goods (FMCG) will also experience a good year. However, take note though that once water becomes overwhelming strong at the end of the year, you’ll see a sharp decline in the performance of both the water and wood industries.

Earth industries eg. insurance and property will on the surface appear strong and full of potential but alas, wealth in these industries will be difficult to capture. If you’re involved in an earth industry, it’s a good plan not to be greedy, to work hard and be happy with what you can achieve. Stay realistic and don’t overstretch yourself or be overambitious even though things may look really fantastic on the surface.

Metal industries eg machinery, banking and finance will experience a neutral to slow year. If you’re an entrepreneur in these industries, it’s a time for planning for the future and to let business run as it is or perhaps think of areas to improve your existing set-up. Save your grand plans and expansion for the future.

The combination of (unstable) earth and water indicate potential land disasters involving water eg. landslides near mountainous areas. Also, watch for accidents involving structural defects that come about after heavy bouts of rain, flooding or storms.

Health-wise, problems with the urinary and reproductive systems are indicated, particularly from contamination or lack of hygiene. Have these systems properly checked, under “good maintenance” and observe good hygiene. In addition, there is strong indication of heart attacks, stroke and other “sudden” ailments so do watch out for any early signs. Do not overstress yourself, take good care and stay calm esp. if you have a Horse (or more) in your BaZi chart.

Up next...the outlook of the year according to the animal sign of your birth year...stay tuned!

The Rat comes early!

Yup. The Earth Rat year is around the corner and though it only officially starts on Feb 4th 2008, you can feel the effects kicking in already!

So take note of what's been happening to you and around you to get an early indication of what the upcoming new year fully has in store for you... The effects will become even clearer as you head into Jan 2008 ;)