Chinese astrology forecast for the Year of the Rat

Radio86 interviewed Ting-Foon Chik, feng shui master and Chinese astrologer about the prospects for the new Year of the Rat. Read on and find what fortune awaits your animal sign this Chinese New Year.

General forecast

When we consider world events, I feel that this Rat Year is going to be quite special particularly fr Chinese people because the Olympics are going to be in China. The Olympic Games open on the 8th of August 2008, and that's considered an auspicious date because of all the 8's in the date. In the lunar calendar, it's also the eighth day of the seventh month. The Olympics will attract a lot of attention. I feel that China will do very well in the medals tally but I feel women in particular will break a lot of records. So, we'll see a lot of attention on women performing outstandingly.

Now talking of women in other world events, the US presidential elections are also coming up this year. I feel the energy suggests it's the time for women to rise to a position of power. So, I'm going to put my money on Hillary Clinton.

As we know, the financial market towards the end of the last year has been quite unstable. I feel there's still going to be a lot of anxiety around the money market and there's going to be fear of recession. However, because the Rat creature is very good at managing finances, I think we'll pull through. There are going to be some good trade negotiations which will help and I feel that the energy of the Rat, while it won't take us on a big leap financially, will hold things together for the coming year.

Characteristics of the Rat

Rat (Image: China.org)The Rat is the leader of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, so the Year of the Rat begins a new cycle of twelve. The Rat is renowned in Chinese astrology for being very clever, very cunning and quite astute when managing finances. Rats are also very sociable, they enjoy the company of other people and they like to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Rats also generally have good taste and are quite elegant.

Forecast for the Animal Signs
Ox
Oxes generally experience a positive time in the Rat year. The thing about Oxes is, sometimes, they can be quite independent, determined and hardworking. The advice I'd like to give to Ox is to seek help from your friends, from your colleagues, particularly get help from Rat.	Ox (Image: China.org)
Tiger
Tigers are naturally quite energetic and dynamic creatures. The Year of the Rat is not the best year for the Tiger but they have this huge resilience, so they can kind of overcome any obstacles. Tigers might feel that luck isn't as much on their side as it could be, but just keep going, Tiger, and you'll pull through.	Tiger (Image: China.org)
Rabbit
It's a very good year for romance for single Rabbits. If that's an area of life that Rabbits want to focus on, this is a good year to do it. For Rabbits who are not looking for new romance, a fairly peaceful year and maybe a year where Rabbits might not feel they've accomplished as much as they'd like, but still a steady, peaceful year for Rabbits.	Rabbit (Image: China.org)
Dragon
Dragons can expect to do exceptionally well in the Year of the Rat. It's good for partnerships, professionally and personally, good for career progressions. Dragons would like to be noticed this year. It's generally, a year for Dragons to really shine.	Dragon (Image: China.org)
Snake
With Snakes, sometimes it's one step forward and two steps backwards in the Year of the Rat. Snakes can find themselves fairly busy but feeling that they're not achieving as much as they'd like. For Snakes in the Rat year, it's important to take things one step at a time and not to rush.	Snake (Image: China.org)
Horse
In the Rat year, it's very easy for Horses to have arguments and to fall out with people. Personality clashes are something they have to watch out for. And if they can bear that in mind, they will find this an easier year. And sometimes, Horses can be impulsive. Maybe they could just think before they speak.	Horse (Image: China.org)
Sheep
Again a good year for Sheep looking for love. It's also good for Sheep looking for friendship. With regards to career, there might be some minor setbacks, but progress can be made for Sheep towards the end of the year.	Sheep (Image: China.org)
Monkey
The Rat year is very lucky for Monkeys, very good for prosperity, for career. It can also be a time when family life will also be very fulfilling. So, a good year ahead for the Monkey.	Monkey (Image: China.org)
Rooster
Roosters tend to be people that like to go for quite ambitious things. It's important for Roosters not to go flat out and exhaust themselves this year but still, it will be a year of many new opportunities for Roosters.	Rooster (Image: China.org)
Dog
Now, Dogs are generally very friendly creatures and they often experience a lot of luck in the Rat year and it's important for dogs to also help their friends and with regards to their own finances, at the beginning of the year, make sure everything's in order and under control.	Dog (Image: China.org)
Pig
Pigs often have a very rewarding year for relationships in the Year of the Rat and so there could be many happy, romantic times for them. Again, for single pigs, it's good to focus your energy on finding your soulmate. At work, Pigs may feel they experience a lot of competition and could be quite busy but a year to sort of move forward for the Pig.	Pig (Image: China.org)

Ting-Foon Chik is originally from Hong Kong. She learned to do Chinese astrology and feng shui from a Chinese master who is now based in Canada. She offers feng shui consultations for clients in their home and for their businesses. She also offers Chinese astrology readings as well as Yijing and face reading to help people find solutions and find their way ahead. You can visit her website at www.fengshuibritain.co.uk.