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Wednesday February 08, 2012

Year of the Rat

Happy, Happy New Year!
A Sneak Peak And Predictions For 2008

It’s a beautiful thing…feeling re-born at the start of the New Year.

Recharged if you’ve been in Mexico or the likes, re-organized if you stayed at home like me and fixated on reducing clutter and rested if you did none of the above but just had a few days off.

During the month of January, NorthShoreInsider.com will meet with industry experts across the North Shore who will share with us what we might expect for the coming year.

So check back to get the latest Insider insights.

For today and in case you didn’t know it, 2008 is the Year of the Rat. And, according to Feng Shui expert Raymond Lo, of Hong Kong, 2008 will behave with the same yang energy as the year 1948 because the Chinese calendar works on a 60 year cycle.

But before we move onto the Rat report, do note that the United Nations have declared 2008 as the International Year of the Sanitation and the International Year of the Potato. The rationale and goal; To wipe out global poverty by pointing out the emerging link between malnutrition and food security.

Back to the Rat.

The Rat is the first of the 12 animal signs, representing the beginning of a new 12 year cycle. These new beginnings manifests themselves as big changes -- as in a new social order, a new government or a major new relationship. Whether it be a new president, new political party or a career shift get ready for significant movement.

According to Lo the economy in 2008 is expected to be a year of “cooling down” after a more heated economic climate in 2006 and 2007. And, as a whole this is predicted to be a year of more stability and calm in the stock market.

The Cliff notes on Lo’s Year of The Rat report, predicts that they best performing industries of the year will relate to earth and metal such as; property, hotel, mining, insurance, machinery, engineering, health, computer and high tech . Business apt to perform less favorably will include those relating to water and fire like shipping, drinks, and communication and fire industries include the stock market, finance, energy , electricity, and entertainment. Wood industries include textiles, fashion, furniture, books and publications which may experience some temporary prosperity but nothing really substantial.*

If you were born in the year of the Ox, Monkey or Dragon – its likely to be a more harmonious year since these animal are said to combine with the Rat.

Those born in the Year of the Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984) are also categorized as “firsts” – pioneers and at the forefront of the action. They love a challenge, thrive off of the trill of living dangerously and are true survivors. Traveling is their passion and tend to have a natural gift for writing and the arts.

The Chinese claim that those born during the Year Of The Rat, make for good and wise advisors, but typically have trouble making decisions for themselves.

Rats crave power and money may lean towards gambling and greed. Watch out for Rats who are most recognized for their winning charm, intelligence, sharp wit, and sense of humor. **

According to PinoyBusiness.org, the Global Filipino Business and Investing Community “Long term investments could show favorable returns since the Earth component of year 2008 prefers conservatism and practicality. The Year of the rat will be a grand year for opportunity if you keep errands in place and possible, opportunities will probably come about as conservative investments”

January is the month of the Rat. The time of the Rat is from 11:00 p.m. to 12:59 a.m.; Their direction of orientation north. The Rat's color is light blue.

* http://www.raymond-lo.com/ver2/aboutmasterlo/articles.asp
** http://www.holymtn.com/astrology/rat.htm

Loren Greiff