General characteristics
Smart, quick-witted, well-spoken, charming, persuasive, forthright, industrious, systematic, perfectionist.
Although Rats are considered a pest and calling someone “a rat” is considered derogatory in many languages it comes first in the Chinese zodiac and has attributes of an animal with wit, delicacy, vitality, and spirit. Rats are known for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They will work hard to reach their goals. Good with money they usually have big ambitions and can be very successful. Their children are of prime importance to them.
Strengths
People born in the year of the Rat are usually smart, popular and wealthy. Rats are knowledgeable and adaptable and work for success. They have a flair for cleanliness and tidiness. The Rat is clever and adorable, personable and materialistic. Rats are also thoughtful, sensible and curious by nature.
Weaknesses
People born in the year of the Rat are easily frightened, lack concentration and stability. They are in need of courage, principles, and responsibility. They are incapable of assuming a leading position. They are not easily influenced but are easily distracted by their private interests. They have natural goodness but are also obstinate and selfish. They are likely to speculate and they consider their greed a virtue.
Relationships with other signs:
Rat – Intensity, can be favorable or unfavorable depending on the character.
Pig and Ox – Helps you grow, gives support but can be uncomfortable. Will support each other in an external sense, but will not share any true inner communication.
Tiger and Dog – Brings opportunities and growth. Compatible elements, eager to exchange and work together.
Rabbit and Rooster – Bring challenge and conflict. Tremendous growth is possible under this stressful aspect.
Monkey and Dragon – Comfortable, harmonious, brings creativity and expansion.
Sheep and Snake – Difficult to communicate with each other, requires adjustment and adaptation. Since they have little in common, it is difficult to harmonize their energies.
Horse – Confrontation, against each other. Through an opposition, a person has an opportunity to gain greater awareness of himself/herself and others. Sometimes, these forces cannot be resolved and the only solution is to compromise.
Chart combinations
Dragon and Monkey – When Rat sits next to Monkey or Dragon in the chart, this combination strengthens the Water Element, quite considerably.
Ox – When Rat sits next to Ox this combination increases the Element of Earth
Horse – Rat sitting directly next to Horse will create a clash
Goat – Rat sitting directly next to Horse will create a harm