Mythology: The Rat came first
According to legend, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were selected through a race. There could only be twelve winners and in order to win, the animals had to cross a raging river and reach the finish line on the shore. The Rat crossed the river by riding on the back of the Ox, then jumped in front on shore and came first. An example of the tenacity and cleverness of the Rat.
Here we have the makings of a very powerful year. Even though the elements seem harmonious, Metal supports Water, they are both very strong elements. Symbolically Yang Metal represents a sword and Yang Water (Rat) represents the ocean. If the elements are working for you, fantastic, if not …. YIKES!
The Rat attacks/clashes/opposes the Horse this year. The Rat represents Yang Water, think of the power of the ocean. When it meets it’s opposite the Horse – Yang Fire, a raging bushfire, things are stirred up and sweeping changes can occur. The Rat/Horse opposition is considered the ‘clash of the titans’ in Chinese Astrology.
Sadly, New Zealand’s White Island volcano which erupted December 9, 2019 is a perfect example of the forces of Yang Fire and Yang Water in opposition in nature. December 2019 was the month of the Rat, triggering the arrival of the New Year energy. When any element is attacked it becomes stronger and more aggressive to protect itself. A volcano is considered yang fire, as are the massive bush fires we’ve experienced throughout Australia since December. Think fires, explosions, warfare, sea/water accidents, fevers, inflammation, think big.
The Rat is called a Peach Blossom or Flower of Romance stimulating sex and romance. It will be clashing with two other Peach Blossom animals this year, the Horse and the Rabbit, stimulating relationship problems, scandals, endings and new love.
How will the Year of the Rat affect you personally? Visit my Chinese Astrology – Four Pillars Calculator to calculate your four pillars for free, then check back here to find out more.
Remember, the Chinese Solar New Year begins February 4.
- If you have a Horse in your four pillars. The Rat year clashes into your chart stimulating restlessness, a need for change (new job, new relationship, new home). Expect the unexpected. This year will be challenging. Take your time over important decisions and slow down as accidents can occur in haste. Look after your health. If you were born on a Horse day it may adversely affect your relationship with your partner. New love is also on the cards. It’s one of those years where *sh.t* happens, so it’s best to have a sense of humour when things hit the fan.
- If you have a Ox, Monkey or Dragon in your Four Pillars, 2020 is considered a good year for you.
- If you are born in the Year of the Rat you are said to be ‘offending the Grand Duke’, so take care when doing anything risky in 2020 (and make sure you have insurance).
- If you have Yin Wood or Yin Earth in the Heavenly Stem of your year or day pillar, your Nobleman appears this year. A Nobleman brings strong support and help in 2020.
- If you have a Rabbit in your Four Pillars (particularly in the Day Pillar), your love life may be very active. You’ll be more attractive to the opposite sex, and you may be tempted by others.
- If you have a Tiger, Horse or Dog in your Four Pillars the first six months of 2020 (Yang Metal) represent your Travel Star – you will feel restless, in need of change in all areas of your life. Out with the old, in with the new!
- If you would like a detailed analysis of your Chinese Four Pillars of Destiny, I’m a qualified Chinese Astrologer and can be contacted on 0434 880 411.
Famous people born in the Year of the Rat
Prince Charles, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Avril Lavigne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alyssa Milano, Ben Affleck, Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, John F. Kennedy, Wolfgang Mozart, William Shakespeare
Numerology in 2020
2020 will be a 4 year – a good year for building solid foundations in any area. It will require hard work and perseverance. It suggests more stability, but also stubborness, fixed energy (difficulty getting things moving). Good for property, land, farm land. Good for building on anything, wealth, studying to build on your knowledge. Build on what you have. Those who work hard will be rewarded.
Feng Shui Energies for 2020
It’s important each year to tap into and enhance the positive annual feng shui energies, and weaken the challenging or negative annual feng shui energies, thereby balancing and harmonising the energy of your home and life. The two numbers which are the most problematic each year are 5 and 2, and must be remedied.
North East – 1 Wisdom Star – Neutral
- If your main door faces North East, you can do well 2020 if you work hard and make wise decisions. Place metal objects such as chinese coins or hang metal bells on your door handle.
- If your bedroom is in the North East section of your home, your relationships and particularly your health may be good if you look after both. Place metal objects such as chinese coins in your bedroom.
South – 2 Sickness Star – Very Challenging
- If the main door to your home or business is facing South, you may be financially worse off in 2020. Chime a Tibetan tinsha or singing bowl once a week near your front door.
- If your bedroom is located in the South section of your home, your relationships will be less harmonious and your health may suffer. Chime a Tibetan tinsha or singing bowl once a week in your bedroom to weaken this challenging energy.
North – 3 Conflict Star – Challenging
- If the main door to your home or business is facing North, you may be financially worse off in 2020 with arguments, conflicts and legal issues causing problems. The Fire element weaken this challenging energy. Place red/purple/pink objects (pots, pictures, rugs, throws) near your front door.
- If your bedroom is located in the North section of your home, your relationships will be less harmonious and your health may be affected due to stress. Place red/purple/pink objects (pots, pictures, rugs, throws) in your bedroom to weaken this challenging energy.
South West – 4 Romance Star – Neutral
- If the main door to your business is facing South West, you may find people have more interest in your products/services. If your home front door faces South West you may find you and other family members may have more romantic proposals. The 4 Romance Star also supports academic success and creativity. To support the energies, keep the entrance tidy and visually beautiful.
- If your bedroom is located in the South West section of your home, your health and relationships may improve if you keep the bedroom tidy and attractive. As romantic liaisons are stimulated, you could have problems with competition, particularly if the bedroom is messy and cluttered.
East – 5 Misfortune Star – Very Challenging
- If the front door of your home or business is facing East, the Misfortune Star may negatively impact your life due to accidents, sickness and financial issues. Hang 6 Chinese coins at the entrance to your home or office this year. I also recommend placing metal statues, pots or wall art near the front door but don’t over clutter.
- If your bedroom is located in the East section of your home, your health and relationships may be very challenging this year. Be careful of accidents and sickness – slow down, look after your health. The sound of metal neutralises the Misfortune Star, so I recommend a Tibetan Tingsha, Tibetan Bell, Singing Bowl or Brass Bells, which must be chimed once a week.
South East – 6 Power Star – Neutral
- If the front door of your home or business is facing South East, power, fame and authority are stimulated. To bring out the positive energies of this star – good relations with authority such as your boss, police, councils etc. you must keep this area tidy and visually beautiful. Remove all clutter. If this area is untidy and looks uninviting, you may stimulate problems with the boss and people in positions of power over you. Council issues and speeding/parking fines can increase.
- If your bedroom is located in the South East of your home, please ensure your bedroom is neat and visually attractive to bring out the positive qualities of the 6.
Centre – 7 Gossip Star – Challenging
- If your home, flat or business is located in the center of a block, your finances may deteriorate this year with an increase in fire, accidents and theft. The 7 is bad for business as it stimulates gossip and negative word of mouth advertising. Place 3 or 4 lucky bamboo in a vase at the entrance to help diminish the negative energy.
- If your bedroom is located in the Center section of your home, your health and relationships may be worse in 2020. Ensure you have a fire alarm in the bedroom, check all smoke alarm batteries and turn off all electrical items at night including electric blankets. 3 or 4 lucky bamboo stalks in your bedroom will help to diminish the negative energies located here.
Northwest – 8 Fortune Star – Positive
- Congratulations! If the front door of your home or business is facing North West, your finances and/or business will improve this year. Place a large red picture or rug at the entrance to your home or business. Make sure this entrance is used all the time this year as activity helps stimulate this fortunate energy.
- If your bedroom is located in the North West section of your home, your health and relationships will improve this year. Buy a lovely red rug, throw or picture and put it in your bedroom this year.
West – 9 Success Star – Positive
- Congratulations! If the front door of your home or business is facing West, your finances and/or business will improve this year. Place a large red picture or rug at the entrance to your home or business. Make sure this entrance is used all the time this year as activity helps stimulate this fortunate energy.
- If your bedroom is located in the West section of your home, your health and relationships will improve this year. Buy a lovely red rug, throw or picture and put it in your bedroom this year.
Annual time stars are far more accurate when analysed in conjunction with the unique feng shui chart of your home or building, which is based on the year your home, shop or office was built and the exact facing direction. Therefore, a comprehensive feng shui consultation is recommended to predict and improve your unique situation. To book your consultation – call Carol on 0434 880 411 or email carol@sacredfengshuidesign.com.au
