Happy lunar new year!

The lunar new year of the Metal Rat arrives on January 25th, 2020. The Rat is one of the four “Peach Blossom” stars in Chinese Astrology, bringing social and romantic opportunities, especially to those born in year or day of the Pig, the Rabbit, and the Sheep / the Goat. As such we can expect a more social year ahead compared to the previous year of the Pig.

The Rat is also a “Nobleman” star to those who have Yin Earth or Yin Wood as their Day Master / self element (if you know your birth chart, this is the element of the day you were born), as well as those born in a Yin Earth or Yin Wood year (which are years ending in 9 and 5, respectively. For example, 2019 was a Yin Earth year). If the Rat is your Nobleman, 2020 is a year you can count on support from influential people and get beneficial advice from experts in their fields, whether personal or professional.

Yang Metal, the element of the year’s heavenly stem, is associated with metal tools, military weapons, and musical instruments, while the Rat is a Yang Water sign associated with powerful oceans, seas, and rivers. These two prevailing elements of the year influence us differently according to our Day Master and how favorable those elements are to the birth chart.

For those born on a Wood day, Metal brings more responsibilities at work along with a potential rise in power/influence (and for single ladies, opportunities for love relationships), while Water helps you master the craft. If you were born on a Fire day, Metal is your money element and thus 2020 is a good year to be more productive at work (and for a male Fire Day Master, Metal brings opportunities for love relationships), while Water, your power element, brings professional growth and increase in influence (and for the ladies, opportunities to meet potential love interests). In short, the year of the Rat brings love luck to those born on a Fire day. For an Earth Day Master, Metal helps you create work that gets noticed while Water is your money element (as well as the element of relationships for the male Earth DM). Those born on a Metal day may find themselves more involved in various social or professional networks, with opportunities to showcase their work to the world at large.  For a Water Day Master, the year’s Metal provides opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge while the Rat’s Water activates their social life – a good year to join groups and causes close to the heart.

Read on below for a general forecast to the year of the Golden Rat, according to the animal signs that are in your natal chart.

Rat

2020 is a year of big change if you were born in year of the Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) as you’ll be encountering the Grand Duke Jupiter, god of the year who will support you as well as throw you curveballs along the way. In Chinese Astrology, the year you meet your animal sign is considered a karmic year, the beginning of a new phase. It’s a year to step up your role or step out – if an opportunity comes from your professional or social network, grab it, even if you have to move cities or states. Those born in the month of the Rat (around December 8 – January 6) will feel the Grand Duke’s transformative effect in their career (move up or get a new gig) while those born on the day of the Rat will experience it in their relationship (commit or let go) or through the ups and downs of their spouse / serious partner. If you were born in the hours of the Rat (between 11pm – 1am), this is the year when your hopes and visions may take a 180 turn – it’s best to dream bigger as you could very well manifest them in 2021, the year of the Ox, the Rat’s secret friend.

Ox

The second sign in the Chinese Zodiac after the Rat, the Ox is one of the luckiest signs in 2020 benefiting from some auspicious stars and secret friend relationship with the Rat. Whereas some secret friend relationships in Chinese Astrology are a more complicated mix of luck and blessings in disguise (for examples, the Snake / Monkey and the Pig / Tiger are secret friends but they also clash with one another), the Ox and the Rat have a strong trust and pure love for each other. A partnership between the Ox and the Rat, whether professional, love, or social, but especially in business, brings out the best of the signs’ creativity and cleverness. Thus 2020 is poised to be a year of easy growth and harmony for those born in year of the Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009), with help and assistance from others, a good year to widen your networks. Practice good self-care as the year of the Metal Rat will be one of the busiest, most social years in your life. Those born in month of the Ox (around January 6 to February 4) would benefit from the Rat’s influence in their professional life while those born on day of the Ox would enjoy effortless progress in their relationship. If you were born in the hours of the Ox (between 1 to 3am), you may find it easier to manifest your dreams and wishes.

Tiger

Stepping out of the comfort zone is the theme of the year of the Rat for those with a Tiger in their chart. Tigers have enjoyed the “secret friend” protection and blessings from the year of the Pig, although 2019 wasn’t without its challenges as the Tiger and the Pig also have a clashing relationship despite being BFFs. In 2020, those born in a Tiger year (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) may find themselves joining new groups to network with for their own personal and professional growth, some of which may not be comfortable or convenient. If you were born in a Tiger month (February 4 to around March 5), this applies to your career or your relationship with your parents.  If you have to commute longer to get to a meeting, a job, a class, or a doctor’s appointment, do it as the year demands that you widen your circles of networks. If you were born on a Tiger day, this applies to your relationship or your experience with your spouse. If you were born in the hours of the Tiger (between 3-5am), you may spend 2020 motivating your offspring (if you have them) to step out of their comfort zone; this is also the year to aspire to things you’ve never even dreamed of.

Rabbit

In 2020, the Rabbit enjoys the luck of “Peach Blossom” as the Rat is a star of romance for those born in year or day of the Rabbit. If you’re single and looking, the year of the Rat provides plenty of social and networking opportunities to meet potential partners, but you must put yourself more out there, which should not be an issue for those born in a Rabbit year (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011). Those born in the month of the Rabbit have the potential to meet a special someone through their professional connection. For those born on a Rabbit day who are already in a committed partnership: this is a year you can deepen your relationship. If you were born in the hours of the Rabbit (5-7am), 2020 is a good year to devote more time on creative projects. Those with a Rabbit in their chart need to be extra mindful in 2020, however, especially when doing physical activities as the Rabbit and the Rat also have a clashing relationship (similar to a square) and both signs together form a zodiac penalty that can cause physical injuries. With stress also in the picture, practice good self-care and schedule time for mental health days.

Dragon

The Dragon, one of the Rat’s zodiac allies (similar to a trine) is one of the luckiest signs in the year of the Rat. Expect an overall smooth, harmonious year if you were born in a Dragon year (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012), with plenty of support from your community and external networks. For those born in the month of the Dragon (around April 4 to May 4), 2020 brings strong parental support and opportunities to grow your influence within your professional circles. You’ll be in the mood to collaborate – ideal partners would be those who have a Rat, Monkey, or Rooster in their charts. Those born on a Dragon day would enjoy spending more quality time and doing diverse activities with their partner / spouse. If you were born in the hours of the Dragon (between 7 to 9am), this is a year to strengthen your bond with your child/children, if you have them, while awakening dormant creative skills may inspire you to new hopes and dreams.

Snake

The Snake can finally take a breath of relief after one of the most life-changing years being the sign opposite the Pig. Whether you’ve made one milestone after another or taken a few steps back despite your hard work, the year of the Rat promises more stability and opportunities to bring closure to unresolved issues of the previous year, which may be related to your external environment / residence if you were born in year of the Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013), career or problems with parents if you were born in the month of the Snake (around May 5 – June 4), serious relationship if you were born on a Snake day, or internal crisis if you were born in the hours of the Snake (between 9 to 11am).  Whichever issues you may be dealing with, be open to the idea of investing your time and money in getting help from others as you will most likely need professional advice from experts in the fields – see these people as your allies, and you may end the year with an excellent team of advisors, healers and mentors who have your best interest at heart.

Horse

The Horse as the sign opposite the Rat is in conflict with Grand Duke Jupiter (presiding god of the year) and thus needs to thread carefully and avoid risky ventures in 2020. Those born in year of the Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) will most likely encounter major changes in their external environment that may directly affect their daily life. It’s best to stay flexible and go with the flow as change is inevitable when you’re opposing the Grand Duke. It can be a very exciting year indeed if you’re the adventurous type! A consistent meditation practice will help you stay in your center and keep you out of emotional outbursts. It’s a make it or break it year for those born in the month of the Horse (around June 5 – July 5) – challenges abound at work, but have the confidence that you can rise to the challenge and you may very well end the year in a much better position. There may also be issues in regards to your parents – be there for them if they need you. Relationship change is in the cards for those born on a Horse day – it’s a year to commit deeper or let go. Because both the Rat and the Horse are stars of romance, be especially cautious if temptation comes from an outside party. Those born in the hours of the Horse (between 11am to 1pm) may be in for a life changing experience that frees them from outdated beliefs – embrace this awakening of the mind, and if you have children, be compassionate with them as they may be going through difficult transitions. If you have a Horse in your chart, you can carry a charm of the Ox for protection in the year of the Rat. It’s also a good idea to identify those in your close circle of friends and family who have an Ox, as they can help get you out of trouble, especially if you were born in a Yang Metal or Yang Earth year or day.

Sheep

The Sheep / the Goat / the Ram, a strong Yin Earth sign, benefits from some auspicious stars in the year of the Rat, including the Peach Blossom star, which sweetens relationships and social life. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and don’t neglect your yearly checkups, however, as health can be a concern. Those born in year (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) or day of the Sheep will especially enjoy the Peach Blossom luck – 2020 is a year to commit deeper if you’re already in a relationship, while the single ones should make more efforts to circulate and socialize more. Those born in the month of the Sheep (July 6 – August 6) can expect good progress in their career and smoother relationship with their parents. If you were born in the hours of the Sheep (between 1 to 3pm), you’re in a good space emotionally and creatively and with your children (if you have them). Keep up with the self-work as you will need it in 2021 when the Sheep opposes the Ox. Everyone who have a Sheep in their chart needs to focus on sustainability and long term growth, whether it relates to career, health, or relationships, as major changes are coming in 2021, the year of the Ox. What you do in 2020 will directly impact the following year.

Monkey

2020 is a mixed year for the Monkey. A Yang Metal sign and an ally of the Rat, those born in a Monkey year (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) can expect harmony in their relationships with others and support from their community, with opportunities to progress professionally. Working with others is key to optimizing your luck in 2020. Take extra good care of your health and be mindful of your environment as the year’s strong Metal and Water elements can lead to respiratory, kidney, and liver issues: refrain from smoking or drinking excessively, eat clean. If you were born in the month of the Monkey (around August 7 – September 6), 2020 is a good year to collaborate on professional projects with others or on home projects with your parents. Those born on the day of the Monkey should make efforts to spend more quality time with their significant others; it’s also a good year to partner up on work or personal projects. If you were born in the hours of the Monkey (between 3 to 5pm), this is a good year to reconnect with dreams or creative projects that you may have abandoned, and if you have children, you may find yourself enjoying doing more activities with them.

Rooster

It’s a busy social year for the Rooster, a Yin Metal sign and a Peach Blossom star. Take care not to overtire or overcommit yourself as the Rooster also has a clashing relationship with the Rat, affecting your health and well-being. If you were born in the year of the Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017), the year of the Rat provides opportunities to connect with others in your communities who can help you achieve personal growth, while those born in the month of the Rooster (around September 7 – October 7) may find professional guidance from mentors and helpful colleagues. Those born on a Rooster day have the opportunities to sweeten their love life. Be especially discerning if you’re single, however. Flings and hookups are easy whenever we have a Peach Blossom star appear in a year, especially for those whose charts already have a Peach Blossom or are visited by their Peach Blossom. Those born in the hours of the Rooster (between 5 to 7pm) should be super mindful and gentle with their own thoughts and how they speak to any children they may have, as it’s the nature of Yin Metal to be cutting – awareness is key. Everyone with a Rooster in their chart is advised to restraint themselves from petty gossiping as the karmic consequences can be unpleasant due to the clash with the Rat. (All the Peach Blossom stars – the Rat, the Rabbit, the Horse, and the Rooster, which occupy cardinal directions in the zodiac wheel and Bagua chart, clash with each other).

Dog

The year of the Rat brings a year of learning, opportunities to showcase your talents, and steady growth for those with a Dog in their chart. Take good self-care and avoid too much traveling or doing risky physical activities, however, especially if you were born in a Dog year (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018). If you do encounter any health problems, you have the luck of finding the right people to solve the issues. Those born in the month of the Dog (around October 8 – November 6) can find progress in their careers, with support from their colleagues and clients. This is also an excellent year to take classes or workshops to master the craft as the right teachers and mentors appear. If you’re already an expert in your field, you may even act as a mentor or start sharing your knowledge to others. Those born on a Dog day should aim for milestones in personal growth. If you’re single, circulate more as chances of finding that special someone are pretty high. If you’re already in a serious relationship, be supportive of your partner’s progress as their influence in their field rises. If you were born in the hours of the Dog (between 7 to 9pm), this is a year to let go any self-limiting beliefs and work a positive outlook. Take any opportunities that can help you sharpen your intuition and open the heart to inner joy – you have the luck of meeting spiritual mentors. Identify them and welcome their presence into your life.

Pig 

2019 was a year of awakening for the Pig / the Boar as those who have a Pig in their chart went through big changes and major challenges thanks to the Grand Duke Jupiter. Congrats to those who achieved one milestone after another in 2019. Whether you gained more or lost more, the year of the Rat will provide opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. The Pig is also one of the three zodiac signs (besides the Rabbit and the Sheep / the Goat) benefiting from the Rat as their Peach Blossom / star of romance, sweetening their social life and relationships, especially if you were born in year or day of the Pig. After a challenging 2019, those born in a Pig year (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) are ready to rise further. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Recognize any offer of help from experts in your circles as an opportunity for personal growth, and jump on such opportunities as they may no longer be available when the year is over. It’s a year to master the craft for those born in month of the Pig (around November 8 to December 7) – you’ll gain support from colleagues, some of whom may act as mentors. Those born on a Pig day who are in a serious relationship will enjoy more quality time with their significant others while the single ones should optimize their Peach Blossom luck by going out more. Be discerning. If you were born in the hours of the Pig (between 9 to 11pm), 2020 is a year of deep self-work that’s most likely a continuation of the work you did in the previous year.

*The forecast above was previously posted on my astrology account @goldriverastro on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Follow me there if you’d like to get daily astrology insights.

**Thanks to my dear friend Carrie Elizabeth Hirsch for designing the year of the Rat image above. We named our precious Golden Rat Goldie!

***Note that the above outlook for each sign is just a very general overview that does not take into account the elements of your birth chart, the major influences of Feng Shui in your environment, and your own action / free will. A familiarity with the element of the day you were born (your Day Master / self element) will bring deeper insights. Contact me here if you’re interested in getting a strategic life reading or a Feng Shui assessment.