If you were born in the Year of the Rat, whether you´ve studied thousands of years’ worth of Chinese astrology or not, you should know that your patron animal is extremely clever (others might even call you devious!) and quick. Moreover, the Rat, like the rest of us, benefits from sharing its inner joy.
When the order of the Chinese zodiac was decided, the ever-diligent Rat crossed the finish line first (after smartly piggybacking on the shoulder of the plodding Ox) to become the initial creature in the special group of 12 symbols. That squad also includes 2024’s most auspicious sign, the Dragon.
What Does It Mean to Be A Rat?
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For those of you out there born in the years of 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020 (we’ll leave it to you to check the exact dates which range from January into February, depending on the year, and the element associated with your birthdate), you’re energetic, likable, and optimistic. On the other hand, you’re a bit stuck on your opinions, aren´t you?
Due to the industriousness and organizational ability of this particular animal, rats are looked upon as signs of surplus and the accumulation of wealth in Chinese culture, in the words of ChineseNewYear.net. Married couples also pray to these furry symbols to have kids. You probably remember from your biology classes that bunnies, mice, and rats have exceptional reproductive skills, as the cultural site declares.
No matter when you were born, if you believe that you yourself or someone you care for could benefit from a bit more diligence or organization, you can always add a rat symbol to your or their favorite workplace (and I don’t necessarily mean an image of a dirty snarling rat you might see near a filthy dump; rather you can pick up a snazzy rat resemblance at a local astrology or souvenir store).
Spread Your Inner Joy (Especially on May 13, 2024)!
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While everyone can and should spread inner joy, this is something that Rats can do, especially on May 13, 2024. In particular, the Ching Oracle tells us that today Rats will feel a wondrous sense of equilibrium and well-being. Maybe that’s because they’re learning to enjoy life as they should. In the love sphere, they’ll realize that nothing is lost as perfect balance is only as far as an arm’s reach, and indeed it won’t be hard to find.
And what about work? Rats will come to know an interesting colleague who urges them to do their best, or at least as much as they possibly can. A useful piece of advice for these fuzzy busy bodies today is to spread inner joy and serenity. Sharing positivity is contagious and exciting. Indeed, regardless of our signs, most would agree that finding joy and laughter in life is one of the best medicines.
Go Right Ahead: Laugh It Off!
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First of all, enjoying a good laugh helps lower cortisol and increase immune cells which gives your body a higher resistance to illness. Engaging in a hearty laugh also helps the body relax by releasing stress and tension, in turn leaving muscles more relaxed for up to 30 minutes after the laughing fit is finished.
Secondly, endorphins are our body’s feel-good hormones, and laughter does well to release them. So after laughing, you feel an overall boost to your well-being and could even have a decrease in unwanted pain. You can’t necessarily laugh weight off, but it surely helps to try. Research shows that laughing for 15 minutes a day can consume as many as 40 calories.
In addition, having a good guffaw increases blood flow and the function of blood vessels, which can help keep you away from heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues that tend to show in our later years. Those amazing endorphins also tend to bolster pain tolerance.
When we find ourselves in the middle of a laughing fit with friends, we bond and form connections with them. We also know that as we age, it’s possible to suffer from depression due to lower levels of independence, mobility, social engagement, or the chance of a new progressing illness. Keep laughing (even if it’s not necessary to physically go to the bank anymore!)
By the way, since Rats are renowned for their lust for adventure and rapid decision-making, they turn out to be most compatible with the Dragon, the awe-inspiring Ox, and wouldn’t you know, the most merry Monkey.
For More Great Content:
American writer Will Beebe spent 15 years living in Japan and Taiwan. With his older sister Susan a merry Monkey, Beebe was born in the Chinese Year of the Rooster. As well as being a passionate, powerful Scorpion, he’s intrigued by both the Occidental and Oriental zodiacs.
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1 Comment
Great Will,
I loved this rollicking Rat story!
Love,
Your Merry Sister, Susan