2008 is the Year of the Rat, which is also known by its former name of Wu Zhi. It is the Year 4706.

The rat is the first of the 12 member pantheon that makes up the cycle of the Chinese Zodiac. According to myth, the 12 animals representing the lunar cycle came into being when Buddha called all the animals to come to him across a great river before leaving the Earth. Only 12 animals came across, the first being the mighty Ox. However the cunning Rat had hitched a ride and usurped the ox when he jumped down in front of him. They were followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Boar.

The year 2008 is called Earth Rat or Brown Rat.

The Rat never stops moving, especially when it comes to mental activity and even though an earth year may be a welcome respite after two fire years the activity of the Rat is irrepressible especially as Earth is in conclict with the Rat’s fixed element of water. This also means that it is probably not the best year to trust everything to luck alone!

The Rat being a natural and nimble risk taker in an enviroment of Earth with its practicality and stability can create a very productive balance which is great for accomplishment, execution and profitability.

Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac signifying new beginnings and new ideas, directions, and ways of doing things are welcome as are new ventures yet always tempered by better risk management in this particular year especially if you consider that what is begun now is likely to have long term consequences, so choosing wisely will likely enrich your life.

The Rat year is a great one for all kinds of intellectual endeavors. Planning, scholarship and research, or just plain thinking about things are all good and it auspicious for the arts especially solid Earth based pursuits like architecture and design.

Earth of course is best for those who work the land in some way and the spice of the Rat means that it could be a very good year for those with careers in solid businesses, construction, engineering, academia and agriculture.

Those in a serious relationships may want to consider raising it to the next level, to include marriage as career can often take precedence in Rat year and there is a need for the solidity of family.

A year of possibilities, a time of solid progress not best for huge risks in totally new directions without solid understanding. Nevertheless, it is time to add something new to life.

Learn more about the Chinese New Year at Wikipedia and About.