THE RAT (Born 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)
Good fortune continues to befall Rats. If you have worked hard this year, it is time to reap the fruits of your labour. If not, you must double your effort in the following 12 months because you will be well advised to keep a low profile in 2009. Be audacious in the execution of well-planned ideas.
Rats may find themselves re-reading existentialist classics this summer because the Rat sign is in a position that offends Taisui, the god of this coming year. Consequently Rats will be beset by feelings of loneliness and isolation, but take this as a blessing if you are a freelancer or a one-man team because it will help you focus on your work. Avoid staying overseas for long periods because luck is not plentiful when you are away from home.
Rats must be cautious with their money since xiaoren, or mean people, may try to lead them astray with dubious investments. Concentrate on accumulating wealth through work or business rather than via investing or speculating.
Taisui will also affect romantic prospects. A male Rat may be stressed by women in the new year. Rats of both sexes would do better to plan rather than have a wedding. For a married Rat person, nurturing companionship with your spouse is more important than passion.
Rat pack: the late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung, actors Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore and Britain's Prince Charles.