The Rise of Rats

When asked what your favorite pet is many fondly remember their dog, wagging it's tail emphatically as they walk through the door to their house. Or maybe it's their cat who curls up next to them every night, as you fall asleep listening to it's purr drastically in need of a muffler.

Those who know me personally, or have seen some of my more rodent-related work understand that I adore rats to the point of near obsessiveness. While this can be off-putting, there is a hidden and deeper meaning to my affinity.

I was quite simply born in the year of the Rat.

In an effort to put all preconceived notions aside, here's the skinny on the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac.

The Chinese zodiac doesn't call forth numerous calculations based on the positions of heavenly bodies in the night sky as one was born. Instead it is based on a twelve year cycle that is represented by twelve different animals in the order they arrived to the Heavenly God after they were summoned.

Rat's cunning opportunistic nature and quick witted response helped it gain first place. He is then followed by: Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

By cross-referencing the Chinese agriculture calendar this zodiac further deleniates other personality traits. This is divided into Solar Terms which are based upon twenty-four two week segments.

With this each animal then has five other distinct personae that are named upon the elements of water, fire, earth, metal, and wood.

While I'd love to cover all the animals within this document, I am going to be a rat here and just simply refer to myself. So, henceforth, please know that I am a Wood Rat.

As you've witnessed from the video above, we're opportunists. Don't let this shock or fool you, as opportunities are not exploited as well by other animals who lack our quick witted response and aggressive charm.

Holding the number one position is not just a fluke, we're often shown to be natural leaders and conquerors. Living in a perpetual maelstrom of ideas there is also penchant for pioneering. 

We rats can be very sociable, and quite loved. Our tongues can rattle off quips and puns, jokes and advice. Sought after for our abilities to understand the big picture our perceptive abilities often give us the upper hand in the business and political worlds. Add in our keen instincts and you have one formidable foe or fond favorite friend.

Friendships are numerous.

It's not hard for us to venture outside and charm our way into the minds of those we meet. (In fact, as Kari has found out, it's almost like I'm known by all of Orange County.) This may seem like an asset, but we're not apt to let those who have made it past our outward calmness go. To cut off associations is one hardship we must learn to accept or we'll risk future relationships because of this trait.

Many revere us for our admonishment and guidance, except when it comes to our own lives we're usually running around in several thousand directions.

Quietly we watch the world in fascination, but it's rare to find a Rat sitting idle. Many of us complete more tasks in twenty four hours as some accomplish in a week. This is due to our inability to ever feel contentment.

You'll never see this part of us, of course, because our emotions are easily caged and we rarely allow anyone to see past the cool facade. When our limit has been reached and the ability for us to control has been muted, it's best to batten down the hatches and prepare for a storm.

Quite often expessive and extroverted a Rat enjoys many acquaintances but far fewer close kinship.  Much as we enjoy others confiding in us, you'll generally never find a Rat doing the same.

a Rat is not a James Bond. We are sensual and loyal, and will spend lavishly on those we cherish. However, if you're looking for roses and cards you're squeaking up the wrong tree.

Home is where the Rat heart is however, and we seek a stable long lasting relationship. A Rat may continue their life without diving into love lead after lead, but their instincts and discernment will often land them in a union that isn't hard to continue for years to come.

If a lover can disregard our secretive natures they'll find a physical person that desires a deep emotional connection. We'll also enjoy exploring many facets to keep our interest fresh and fun. 

Rats are very hard workers. Perfectionist by nature, we'll also make no bones about promoting our own agendas. This isn't a problem, though, because of our charm and ability to persuade.

We find many opportunities and can be very formidable as problems that may arrise generally don't due to our diligence and big picture outlook. Adaptability is the strongest part to the whole Rat package, and this is used to it's fullest here.

The leadership qualities allow us to work in management and political arenas, or we can easily leverage our charisma to rank high in sales.

Our creativity flows from our inability to rest and desire for active mental stimulation and this leads us to explore potential and root around for ideas. Others may dislike our zealotry and perfectionism because we approach everything wholeheartedly.

But the Rat, again, is revered for it's wisdom and as we're also quite the organized creatures it's not very easy to deny us positions.

We are allegiant and give as much respect as we earn. We're just not the team players others can be. This isn't a wholly negative trait though, as we find it most useful to observe and think alone, as we're self contained. We won't settle on handling one aspect of a position, and will endeavor to approach it from all sides. If you want something done, as long as we keep our focus laser sharp, it will be accomplished.

On the negative side the Rat can be feared, too, for our overdriven minds and pragmatic approaches lead us into tasking ourselves with outwitting everyone around us. If we're your boss, don't make a mistake. We generally never will, and our hot tempers if not kept in check will come down hard on you.

If you're our boss....you may not be much longer.

Many Rats may enjoy these stations in life:

• Financial advisment, Brokering, Money lending
• Detective, Forensics, Investigation
• Writing of novels, songs, and journalistic pieces.
•  Acting, Broadcasting

A Rat will generally be successful in whatever they choose to do. Just remember you need something that won't bore you or you'll find yourself looking for another opportunity.

Doris Day, Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Al Gore, Buddy Holly, Geroge Washington, John F. Kennedy Jr., Richard Nixon, Roy Orbison, T.S. Eliot, William Shakespear, Jewels, and countless others.

Here's a handy guide to how different Rats act according to their elements:

METAL:

You are severely strong-willed, and this just may cost you. Your emotions are intense, but you have a great ability to think clearly. Your charm and other Rat abilities will win you many friends and believers. Love will be harder to obtain because if you've been burned before, you're going to be cautious about it for the rest of your life.

WATER:

More influential than other Rats you are also extremely practical and understanding. You'll go well with others and find your problem solving skills top notch. You're anyones friend with your warmth and sincerety. Just don't expect to settle down romantically until later in life. But once you do, it'll be quite successful.

WOOD:

This Rat is most often introverted. No frills, and not one to talk unless it accomplishes something. However, this Rat bends and curves, able to play rather nice in society. Living on the edge of the seat is your status quo. You're the least romantic with words, but your actions will prove otherwise.

FIRE:

Independent but well meaning, you're spontaneous and love to travel. If a new project means an abrupt end to the doldrums of every day life, you're going to take it on. In love you're as passionate and sensual as they come.

EARTH:

Slow and steady is your motto...well, compared to other rats. You'll burn through many wicks in your early years just in time to be well situated mid life. The fruits of your labor will be great, and once you secure the one you want to share these with your life will be complete. You're the most lovey-dovey Rat there is, showering attention and roses upon the one you adore.

To summarize, here's a quick list of Rat traits. Hone them, perfect them, and work on the negative side a bit--eh?

The Posi+ive:

• Hardworking, self sufficient.
• Sees the big picture in life, steps around troubles a mile ahead.
• Highly creative with a longing to impress.
• Charming. Charmed.

The Nega-ive:

• Cunning and devious.
• Emotionally closed off.
• Can be very agressive.
• Perfection can only go so far!

Remember my fellow Rats...don't allow your nagging worrisome side take you over, because even though everyone else thinks the world of you I know you're rather insecure.

Let it go, and keep that ego in check.