I am a mystery

Appearing when least expected

Charming and social

Introverted and secretive

I’m a powerful protector

An unforgiving enemy

I observe and react

Seek reform and Justice

I demand perfection and fear failure

My objective is survival

I AM THE RAT

The year of the Rat is for the opportunist the proactive the profiteer. The politician or the businessman who can turn other peoples losses into his or her own gains.

This indeed will be a year to keep a watchful eye on those who run the world financially, intellectually and dictatorially. The Rat year is also one of change, reform and for anyone who has patiently waited for the right time to make a move this will be the year to put your well thought out strategy to work for you.

Many will prosper this year with a little finesse and a whole lot of poker faced plays. Worldwide it is a time when security will count and when the political and financial giants will want to protect what’s theirs, less eager to help the underdog and just as quick to point the finger or use past mistakes made by others to advance. The United States will fair much better during the year of the Rat with such planets as Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus forcing much needed change politically which will by the end of the Year of the Rat already start to show the stabling force that will follow.

For the US a tighter budget, higher taxes and biting the bullet will help to bring the economy back in favor and although there will be some troubled times along the way it will be accomplished throughout the term of the next president with 2010 and 2012 being crucial but substantially progressive years.

Canada will follow suit also being born under the sign Cancer however some uncertainty and false imaging regarding it’s financial position will continue to confuse the business sector and housing market. The United Kingdom will benefit financially during the Year of the Rat and although a calmer year can be expected they mustn’t become too relaxed regarding protection against terrorism as the Year of the Rat heads out and the year of the Ox in.

As for the average Joe the Year of the Rat can be a time to turn losses into gains and instability into security, a time to be disciplined but recognize the importance of joy and happiness and to readjust priorities by not buying into a consumer market that is not so important in the big scheme. A time to enjoy the simple pleasures and to not judge a man by what he has but by whom he is as a person, a human being, a Good Samaritan for this is what will truly lead to satisfaction.

So I supplicate you to stand up and be counted for who you are not what you have. To be proud and confident enough to do your part during the Year of the Rat to help put an end to the hunger, terrorism, greed, war, global warming and human and animal suffering that in the past has been so prominent on our planet.

Stop lamenting over what you may have lost the past couple of years or what you didn’t gain. Regret is a waste of time and time is money. You’ve got a whole year ahead of you that promises rewards beyond your wildest dreams. Your work will pay off and the moves and changes you have wanted to make can now be put into play but if you hem and haw you will find yourself wishing you weren’t so bullheaded, stubborn and cautious. Your game plan should be to expand this year then retreat and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Love: Stabilize your situation by making a commitment from the heart.
Money: No lending or borrowing, use what you have and watch it grow.
Health: Added discipline will enable you to stick to a healthy routine that will revitalize you
Best months of the year: March, April, July, August, October, and November
What you should strive for: Professional and personal gains will bring you added confidence.
Fashion: A business look that stands out and gives you the air of importance.
Your lucky numbers: 5,12,17,30,33,48

You have to be prepared. Anything short of perfection will not fly this year. Obstacles will stand in your way. The only right of passage will the one earned. It is a good year to learn something new or to pick up a trade that will enable you to further your position next year when opportunity comes back to you. For now, you must reside yourself to the fact that you will not be able to charm your way to victory. Discipline, you will have plenty of so put it to good use and develop your skills.

Love: Indecisiveness will make it difficult to stick with on person let alone make a commitment.
Money: Stick extra cash you have into a safe long-term investment or education pursuits.
Health: Strengthen your body by making personal improvements and healthy lifestyle changes.
Best months of the year: January, February, April, June, September,
What you should strive for: Perfection and simplicity coupled with a strict budget.
Fashion: Versatile but most of all natural easy going and comfortable with a lot of color.
Your lucky numbers: 6,17,23,36,39,41

My Crabby doom and gloom friends will finally catch a break as opportunities hit smack on for you this year. Hard to believe but true, you will have to pinch yourself every time something else goes right. Yes you will win, advance and even do well in the personal and romance department so stop talking negatively and take on a new persona – one of confidence and competitiveness. You can’t lose so stop hiding out in your crusty shell where you think it’s safe and shoot for the stars making the most of a stellar year.

Love: Love is in the stars whether married or single a marked improvement can be expected.
Money: All the hording and collecting you have done in the past will pay off in financial gains.
Health: Time to get serious about what you eat and how you keep your body in tip-top shape.
Best months of the year: March, May, July, August, October, and November
What you should strive for: Adapt a positive proactive 'if you want it you can have it' attitude.
Fashion: Be bold this year and dress up instead of down giving the appearance of importance.
Your lucky numbers: 7, 9, 21, 28, 30, 43

Times are changing and so are you as responsibilities of the past lift, doors open and the frustrations of days gone by can be forgotten. You have learnt your lesson and now you must implement what you know into everything you do emotionally, personally and professionally. Your stronger more efficient attitude will impress those who count and give rise to opportunities that you have only dared to dream about. This is a year to work diligently putting all your talents and skills to the test with phenomenal result heading your way for years to come.

Love: Don’t be fooled by compliments, ulterior motives will be part and parcel with relationships.
Money: You’ll have to be smart with your cash and avoid investing in obscure enticing concepts.
Health: Conservative habits and a more mature lifestyle will lead to better health.
Best months of the year: January, March, April, June, September
What you should strive for: A secure solid home base with no cash handouts and hands on help.
Fashion: Accessorize with a little Leo flash but stick to basics with your overall appearance.
Your lucky numbers: 17, 23, 26, 31, 35, 49

Now is the time to put all the knowledge and talent you have developed over the years into play. Added discipline coupled with opportunity excellent deals and your ability to outlast, outsmart and outdo anyone who challenges you will be key. Don’t waffle or let your own personal insecurities stop you from getting all that you deserve. This is the year to show everyone your superiority leaving no question as to who is boss and who you should keep in your world and who you shouldn’t. Victory will be yours my friend and you will handle it graciously.

Love: Commitment and fair play - honesty about your feelings and moving on if need be.
Money: A tight budget will give you the funds you need for investments. Don’t lend or borrow.
Health: Extra care with diet and exercise will keep you healthy wealthy and wise.
Best months of the year: March, April, May, July, August, October, and November
What you should strive for: Build an empire you can call your own not help with someone elses.
Fashion:Classic conservative and rich deep colors made of the best of fabrics. The look of wealth.
Your lucky numbers: 14, 16, 17, 29, 33, 41

Transformation can be expected, a better contract or new job or even a changing of the guard so to speak where your current colleagues are concerned. You’ll be tempted to overreact and to take on too much trying to please everyone but that won’t help you meet the challenges faced. This is not the time to meddle, instead take care of your own interests and let other tend to their needs. Be a little selfish and explore some of the creative avenues you have longed to pursue. You won’t be disappointed at the outcome if you focus on you and your talents.

Love: Enticing as you are you must not spread yourself thin. One love will be sufficient.
Money: Don’t be tempted by sob stories. Give advice not cash or financial troubles will be yours.
Health: Fatigue weight gain or worry due to overdoing overindulgence or overspending is likely.
Best months of the year: January, February, May, June, October, and December
What you should strive for: Keep things small, affordable and geared towards you’re own gains.
Fashion: Understated yet elegant - using muted colors and delicate flowing accessories.
Your lucky numbers: 4,17,24,31,36,40

So what’s the hold up. You can’t hide out pretending that everything that has happened in the past isn’t influencing your uncertainty now. Get on with it. The coast is clear and every minute you waste wondering if your timing is right is a minute lost. You have something that is worth promoting. It’s your turn to put yourself on the line and show everyone what you have to offer. Your success is within reach and if you don’t move quickly you will lose the moment you’ve been waiting for. Be smart, stay in control and give your all.

Love: Commitment and security will result in a dedicated and unbreakable relationship.
Money: Money will come from mysterious sources when least expected. You will not be in need.
Health: Build your strength and endurance. Challenge yourself and you will make a statement.
Best months of the year: March, April, July, August, October, and November
What you should strive for: Completion is the key to your success. Perfectionism is not.
Fashion: Stately and upscale. Muted colors classic lines and very tailored. Dress for success.
Your lucky numbers: 2,10,19,25,30,47

The past will come back to bite you if you haven’t played a fair and honest game. You can expect to have more discipline but unless you put it into something constructive you will not make gains. This is a year to readjust, recycle and redo whatever isn’t working for you. Change is in the works but not all will be to your benefit. Impulsiveness must be avoided and strategy put into play, only then can you reap the rewards of your labor. Don’t expect anything to drop in your lap. Hard work, dedication, loyalty and moderation will lead to your success.

Love: Do or die situation when it comes to love. Be prepared to commit or to move on.
Money: It will be difficult to come by and to hang on to. Careful budgeting and luck will be required.
Health: Limitations will result if you are over-indulgent or live an unhealthy lifestyle.
Best months of the year: April, May, June, September, October, and November
What you should strive for: Commitment, dedication and production but most of all - low-key.
Fashion: Comfortable and inconspicuous. Deep rich colors giving a serious productive image
Your lucky numbers: 14,18,22,31,36,42

It’s time to embrace victory, your hard work will pay off and your dreams will come true. Prosperity, security and confidence will rise to the surface allowing you the freedom to do as you please. You can take what you have and turn it into something more substantial then even you thought possible. So don’t be afraid to go all out and reach for the stars because this year you have the potential to achieve whatever you set out to do. Position yourself for success and all that goes along with making it to the top. You’ve worked hard and you deserve it.

Love: You won’t have to look for love but stick to the one who compliments you at all levels.
Money: Everything you touch will turn to gold. The fruits of your labor will pay top dollar.
Health: Stamina plus discipline spells good health due to smart living.
Best months of the year: March, May, July, August, October, November, and December
What you should strive for: Build a strong empire based on honesty and fair decisions.
Fashion: Classy and conservative. Tasteful accessories good fabrics will ring out loud and clear.
Your lucky numbers: 6,13,21,28,35,40

Prudence and patience will be necessary when it comes to conducting yourself professionally, personally and financially. Trouble will surface out of nowhere and you must be ready to deal with these matters practically and efficiently. If you can avoid impulsive action and prove that you can methodically manipulate whatever challenge you face in a positive way you will be rewarded in the end. You will have to be resourceful in order to maintain what you have and to make minimal gains. It’s a time to learn, expand your knowledge and pick up new skills that will enable you to obtain a better future.

Love: Rid yourself of liabilities in order to make a commitment to someone who promises a brighter future.
Money: Difficult to come by and to hold on to. Prepare by saving for a rainy day.
Health: Self-improvement will result in added strength confidence and ability to face challenges.
Best months of the year: January, February, April, June, September, and December
What you should strive for: prosperity, staying out of trouble, balance
Fashion: Practical plain yet stately and impressive, a simple preppy well put together look.
Your lucky numbers: 11,17,23,28,39,41

Give a little take a little but most of all be productive. It’s a good year to make financial, residential, professional and personal changes but in such a way that you do so with the least amount of fuss. A year to plan, organize and do everything by the book, to end old conditions and to let go of what you cannot recover. A time to make peace with those you pushed away but realize you still need to have by your side. It’s not the time to go it alone but instead the time to admit fault, fix mistakes and formulate new beginnings.

Love: A serious look at your life and whom you want to have by your side will be what counts.
Money: Sudden good fortune is apparent and put to good use can turn into a financial stash.
Health: Put added discipline to use by implementing proper diet, exercise and moderation.
Best months of the year: March, April, July, August, October, and November
What you should strive for: Keep the good and discard what isn’t, the less baggage the better.
Fashion: Magical and mysterious. A look unique to you, lots of accessories mixed with soft colors.
Your lucky numbers: 6,22,26,31,39,43