#54: rat people

I never paid much attention to Zodiac signs or anything but I did know that I was born in the year of the rat. I had no clue exactly what that meant until someone asked me and piqued my interest by telling me that it was actually currently the year of the rat, well for another 6 days anyways.

This of course, led to some Wikipedia searching and I saw that the entry on the rat had much more content than the other signs. Odd.

Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, determined, tenacious, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs.

Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include power, wealth, and status. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A Rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused.

Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

Not so bad right? But then there are choice lines like these:

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally.

Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.

A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and to avoid forcing their ideas onto others.

Traditionally, Rats born during the night (like ME?) may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism and nostalgia, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.

Now I'll be the first to admit that some of these things are pretty accurate, mostly on the positive side (of course :)) and fine, even SOME of the negative stuff but I'm definitely not hedonistic, into gambling, excessive drinking or drugs of any kind.

But hmmm, well maybe there is something to this whole zodiac thing.