Happy Rat Chinese Year: Turn Metal Into Gold!

As the Pig oinks away the Rat squeaks in! From the Yin Earth Pig to a Yang Metal Rat, very different energy, but are some good common things:

The Rat Year is a year of plenty, bringing opportunity and good prospects. And that to me aligns with my motto for 2020 a Year of Plenty.

On the first New Moon of the year, bringing the opportunity for setting intentions for the new decade and Rat Year, which is the first on the Chinese Astrology, so the 1st for new beginnings, to reinforce goals and weave dreams, which comes with 2 (lunar number, the psychic and the emotions), and 2+0+2+0 = 4.

We are in a Four year, “the foundation”, for which we need stability and safety to grow strong, in all levels, love/relationships (inclusive self-love), work and security of home.

The nr. 4 for the Chinese is associated with death. Although I like to look upon death as a necessity for new to born, the constant cycle of life, death, rebirth. And this actually aligns with the Metal Element:

Represented by the lungs, the ‘master of chi/energy/air’ and breathing – the important act of breathing, take all in, and then out, simply filter and retain what we need.

Also by the large intestine, the elimination system, taking out what we don’t need and simply retain what is vital for our wellbeing. And of course, our skin is part of this elimination system which takes so much in and out, reminding us of the cycle of renewal as it’s constantly dying and being born again.

So here’s a reminder to let go what no longer serves, to be clear like metal, and from this crystal clear place, you can build a strong foundation for ongoing fulfilment and manifestation.

I also love the mystic aspect of the Metal Element, which reflects and inspires, cuts and contains, the element of mystery, of swords, of shields, crystals… Ancient Alchemists sought to transform base metal into gold.

The Golden Rat Year, aka White Metal Rat, also known as the Iron Rat – yes it has power, optimism and known to be able to turn unlucky events into fortune.

So don’t underestimate the secretive and creative Rat, who can make the most of all opportunities presented in life. After all the Rat is the ‘survivor’, as it can thrive in any environment, due to its resourcefulness, adaptability, independence, intelligence, imagination, hard work and diligence.

The Rat was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and a bringer of material prosperity.

Besides the ability to solve problems, the Rat also symbolises abundance, success and fertility (in China couples pray to it for children), but also creating the fertile ground to fulfil your dreams.

The Rat also has a tricky aspect, after all as the myth tells when the Jade Emperor summoned the twelve animals, Rat got a ride with Ox, but as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox.

As this Chinese New Year entered with the Aquarius New Moon, which reminds us of the striving for our individuality within the collective needs, for the good of all, to be a positive force in the world.

In the Native American tradition the ‘Mouse Medicine is Scrutiny’, so pay attention to fine detail and great organisational skills.

“I will touch everything with my whiskers in order to know it” Paradoxically, this is a great power and a great weakness. It is good medicine to see up close but is not good to chew every little thing to pieces.

Keep an eye on the big picture rather than the one staring you in the face.

Adopted from the Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams.

Rat is a Yang animal, associated with the Water Element, so a good reminder for balance, the yang of doing and this active energy of the Rat Year, with the yin of being and nurturing, which in our body is associated with the kidneys and sexual organs, so your life force!

Wisdom, gentleness and sexuality (your creative fuel) are also relevant for just not this year, but life! Your Feminine Essence!  But indeed the vitality of the Rat can bring a hot and sexy time, in China known as the “Flower of Romance”.

So ladies, the Jade Egg is a great tool, jewel and talisman to support these, along with the fertility and abundance mentioned above.

What is your vision, goals, dreams, for the coming year and decade?

Go for it! The Time is Now and the Power is You!

***Wishing you an Amazing Rat Year!! Embrace Your Inner Alchemist to turn Metal Into Gold!… May each challenge turn into a gift, and each opportunity into simply bliss!***

© Anamarta

Rat Zen painting by Kris Deva North