Year of the Rat: What lies ahead for 2020?
It’s the Year of the Rat in Chinese astrology and while rodents might not have the same cache as tigers or dragons, there are some positive predictions for all of the rats out there. Here’s what they can expect in 2020.
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2020 is the year of the Rat in Chinese astrology, and while these rodents may not have the same allure as say, the Dragon, they are in fact at the top of the food chain according to the Chinese zodiac.
The Rat is a water element and first of the twelve symbols in the Chinese zodiac. Master Edgar Lok Tin Yung, a Melbourne based Chinese astrologist (who was born in a year of the goat) says it is important not to get too caught up in the traits of the animal, but pay close attention to the element of the animal.
Master Yung says water elements in Chinese astrology represents wisdom, quick thinking and flexibility.
In terms of ying and yang, the Rat is the yang and represents the beginning of a new day. It is a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, and couples would also pray to it to fall pregnant, due to the high reproductive rate of rats.
People born in the following years were (or will be) born in the year of the rat: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032.
WHAT WILL 2020 BRING FOR RATS?
According to Master Yung, when a Rat year occurs this means there are two Rats in their astrological chart, which doubles up the strength of the water element.
“So, for the Rats, they will be very busy this year and having some changes ahead. If they are working in the finance, banking, insurance and logistics industries, they will be expecting a good year of the Rat,” he said.
For the broader community, Master Yung said in the 2020 Year of the Rat “things will become more expensive. Living expenses will go up or bigger inflation.”
PERSONALITY TRAITS OF THOSE BORN IN YEAR OF THE RAT
According to Chinese astrology, Rats are not just helpful with fertility, but perpetually optimistic and energetic. They are friendly and easy to be around, finding it easy to make acquaintances.
They are also sensitive, kind, creative and quick-witted.
On the downside, Rats can be stubborn and financially savvy to the point of being stingy. They struggle with communication, often presenting as uninterested or overly timid.
Master Yung says as the Rat is a water element, this represents “wisdom, quick thinking, flexibility. They have many plans but sometimes lack of action.”
RATS AND CAREER
Rats are usually successful in their chosen field thanks to their natural smarts and business savvy ways.
Jobs that best suit people born in the year of the Rat are author, editor and artist. Rats also pay attention to fine detail, so they are fit for more technical work, such as engineering and architecture.
The Rat lacks a certain level of confidence required for some roles, so should avoid a career in the police force or politics for example.
RATS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Rats can be opportunists but are ultimately very sentimental and affectionate with their partner. When relationships get rocky, the Rat is able to compromise and even find the upper hand at times.
Best matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Bad matches: Horse, Rooster
LUCKY THINGS FOR RATS
Colours: Blue, gold, green
Numbers: 2, 3
Flowers: Lily, African violet, valley lily
Directions of auspiciousness: Southeast, northeast
Directions of wealth: Southeast, east
Directions of love: West
UNLUCKY THINGS
Colours: Yellow, brown
Numbers: 5, 9
FAMOUS RATS
Elizabeth The Queen Mother (born August 4, 1900)
Gene Kelly (born August 23, 1912)
Richard Nixon (born January 9, 1913)
Jimmy Carter (born October 1, 1924)
Robert Mugabe (born February 21, 1924)
George H.W. Bush (born June 12, 1924)
Pope Francis (born December 17, 1936)
Burt Reynolds (born February 11, 1936)
Buddy Holly (born September 7, 1936)
Robert Redford (born August 18, 1936)
Shirley Bassey (born January 8, 1937)
Prince Charles (born November 14, 1948)
Ozzy Osbourne (born December 3, 1948)
Samuel L. Jackson (born December 21, 1948)
Olivia Newton-John (born September 26, 1948)
Andrew Lloyd Webber (born March 22, 1948)
Bono (born May 10, 1960)
Hugh Grant (born September 9, 1960)
Colin Firth (born September 10, 1960)
Jean-Claude Van Damme (born October 18, 1960)
Shaquille O’Neal (born March 6, 1972)
Dwayne Johnson (born May 2, 1972)
Wentworth Miller (born June 2, 1972)
Ben Affleck (born August 15, 1972)
Cameron Diaz (born August 30, 1972)
Eminem (born October 17, 1972)
Avril Lavigne (born September 27, 1984)
Katy Perry (born October 25, 1984)
LeBron James (born December 30, 1984)
Cristiano Ronaldo (born February 5, 1985)
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HOW AND WHERE TO CELEBRATE
Melbourne plays host to many Chinese New Year festivals.
The Victoria St lunar festival will be held on 19 January 2020, and Chinese New Year celebrations will be celebrated between January 22, 2020 and May 5, 2020 across Melbourne in a wide range of cultural events.