So, it was my birthday not too long ago and as a result, I decided to investigate my Chinese horoscope a bit more thoroughly. I knew that I was a rat and I’ve come to terms with that. After all, in the Chinese zodiac, rats aren’t considered vermin but are treated with respect. Let’s keep that in mind!
I was surprised to learn that I’m a metal rat, that is to say metal is my dominant element. I always thought I had more water or even wood in me – something kind of flexible. But, there it is: I’m metallic.
I like this description from a do-it-yourself astrology webpage:
“Though the Western rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. The Eastern rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan.”
So, it seems, it’s good luck to know me. Yay! One item in my favour.
Here’s another.
“Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Chinese Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Possessed of excellent taste, this Sign flaunts its style at every turn. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanour [eds note: I hope they mean amusing, and not funny as in peculiar!] make it an appealing friend for almost anyone.”
That is SO me.
However, this is where the wheels come flying off the wagon:
“Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This Sign is motivated by its own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn't careful to keep its priorities straight.”
Ouch.!!!
And finally, a good piece of advice:
“A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others above themselves, at least sometimes. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats could find true happiness. “
Perhaps I’ll take that last line as my goal for the coming year!
Comments (17)
Didn't realize you were a rat. I am the year of the boar. Interesting description of traits.
There have been a couple of YouTube videos hitting the news on the rat situation in Chinatown here in Honolulu the past few weeks. I don't think these rats are being treated with much respect and are bringing much good luck since people are avoiding Chinatown at the moment. I'll have to send you the link. That was the first thing I though of when seeing this post.
Posted by girasoli | December 20, 2009 3:27 AM
Posted on December 20, 2009 03:27
LOL - when I quickly read about the 'western rat' I thought you were talking about vile Conservatives (Jason Kenney comes to mind). The interesting thing about chinese astrology is that each sign seems to be good - even a rat!
Posted by Jerry | December 20, 2009 8:00 AM
Posted on December 20, 2009 08:00
Girasoli, that sounds hilarious -- I'd love to see the video!
Now I have to check and see what boar traits are!
Jerry, please don't even include me in the same sentence as the Tories!!!! :)
I suppose astrologists try to find some good in everyone although I think sometimes that must be difficult....
Posted by sandrac | December 20, 2009 9:51 AM
Posted on December 20, 2009 09:51
Happy Belated Birthday Sandra! As always, I enjoyed your great sense of humor and your "clever and quick-witted" blog entry. And since I'm heading to Vegas to meet my sister for Christmas, I'm sooooo glad and fortunate that I have come to know you.
Have a wonderful Holidays and a very Happy and safe new year!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | December 20, 2009 10:43 AM
Posted on December 20, 2009 10:43
Thanks so much, Kathy! Have a wonderful holiday with your sister in Vegas (now THAT sounds like fun!) All the best in 2010!
Posted by sandrac | December 20, 2009 9:32 PM
Posted on December 20, 2009 21:32
Funny post! Happy Belated Birthday to you. I'm the Year of the Boar though I don't know much about what it means.
I hope that you and yours have a wonderful holiday!
Posted by Annie | December 21, 2009 12:50 PM
Posted on December 21, 2009 12:50
Being a rat myself, your post inspired me to try to figure out if I had any elements. Guess I'm "Earth-y," whatever that means.
Posted by Brad'll Do It | December 21, 2009 1:28 PM
Posted on December 21, 2009 13:28
Hi Annie -- isn't that interesting, you and Girasoli are both boars! Apparently boars/pigs are fun, creative, understanding. Much nicer, it seems, than rats!
It also seems rats and boars get along very well, except we encourage each other to spend too much.
Brad, how nice to hear from another rat! Apparently, rats love to travel (I guess we always knew that!) and food.
Posted by sandrac | December 21, 2009 9:19 PM
Posted on December 21, 2009 21:19
Boooh, I am a snake! I hate snakes! If I were born just two weeks later I would have been a horse, my favorite animal!
Wanted to stop by and wish you a very merry Christmas!!
Posted by Chiocciola | December 25, 2009 8:46 PM
Posted on December 25, 2009 20:46
Merry Christmas to you, too, Chiocciola! Selfishly, I must say that I'm glad you're not a horse, because it seems that rats and horses never get along -- who knew?
I've read that snakes are very attractive and refined, so there you go -- it seems snakes and rats get a really bad rap in Western culture, but high marks in Asia!
Posted by sandrac | December 26, 2009 11:20 AM
Posted on December 26, 2009 11:20
Oh no! It looks like I am a horse! I hope you won't block me from posting on your blog!
Merry Christmas to you, Sandra!
Posted by nancyhol | December 26, 2009 5:05 PM
Posted on December 26, 2009 17:05
I finally looked up the snake, and in addition to the refinedness, there was a lot of focus on being cunning... Not a word I'd use to describe myself!!
Posted by Chiocciola | December 26, 2009 5:57 PM
Posted on December 26, 2009 17:57
Hi Nancy, hope you had a very merry Christmas! Maybe we can bridge these historic rat-horse divisions!
Chiocciola, cunning doesn't sound very positive, does it. But maybe in some snakes that trait only comes out when it's really essential, like in self-defence or protection of the downtrodden!
Posted by sandrac | December 26, 2009 7:42 PM
Posted on December 26, 2009 19:42
this is a funny post. I'm not a rat but a boar like so many other. Don't mention this to Palma, I hear she is deathly afraid of vermin types.
Posted by Barb Cabot | December 29, 2009 11:46 PM
Posted on December 29, 2009 23:46
Hi Barb, there DO seem to be a lot of boars associated with Slow Travel and ST blogs! Interesting.....meanwhile, I notice Palma hasn't commented on my rat post. I hope I haven't frightened her off!
Posted by sandrac | December 30, 2009 9:49 AM
Posted on December 30, 2009 09:49
I am a wood dragon...just read that "Dragon people are the most eccentric in the Chinese Zodiac" and I'm ok with that :) Not sure if dragons and rats are compatible or not?
Belated Happy Birthday!!
Posted by Anne | January 2, 2010 1:09 PM
Posted on January 2, 2010 13:09
Hi Anne, it seems that dragons and rats ARE compatable. I'm a bit surprised, since we're both rather strong-willed. Perhaps we respect that in each other, and that's how we manage to get along. Or maybe I'm just scared you'll scorch me.
(I think that I wish I were a dragon)
Posted by sandrac | January 2, 2010 7:52 PM
Posted on January 2, 2010 19:52