In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal. On 25 January, 2020 the year of the Metal Rat is welcomed in with the new moon. The year of the Metal Rat promises to be a year of good fortune and new beginnings.
2020 is the year of the Metal Rat. The Chinese New Year coincides with the new moon that falls between mid-January and mid-February. Mimi Kuo-Deemer, explores the symbolism of the Rat in Chinese culture and explains how we can use this symbolism to inspire us to use ‘right energy’.
Rats: symbols of prosperity and abundance
How do you feel about rats? In the west, rats are looked down on. It’s a different story in Chinese culture where they are held in high esteem. Rats are adaptable, optimistic, energetic, resourceful and sociable. They are quick thinkers, adaptable and natural survivors. Rats represent intelligence, wealth and surplus as they are thrifty and work diligently. But like all creatures of the world, they have their weaknesses, which is a love of hoarding their treasures. They can also be selfish, blinded by gain, shortsighted and indecisive.
The Start of an Astrological Cycle
The Chinese Zodiac runs in twelve year cycles and the rat represents the first year in the cycle. One legend tells that the Jade Emperor decreed that the years of the calendar would be named for the animals in the order that they reached him. The Ox was in first place until the wily Rat jumped onto the back of the Ox hitching a ride and then jumping off at the last minute to get to the Emperor first.
Align with the coming year
To best align with this coming Rat year, we can harness the energy of new beginnings and put the enthusiasm and resourcefulness of the Rat to good use! Consider starting new projects and feeding your entrepreneurial spirit. The rat’s determination to work hard will also help get plans off the ground and running.
Embrace Right Energy to keep challenging tendencies in check.
The only precaution is to make sure to keep the Rat’s challenging tendencies in check! If you catch yourself mindlessly stockpiling your goods, overly ambitious or caught in indecision, take a step back and soften what could be excess Rat-iness. Meet your undertakings with a generosity of heart. Embrace what the Buddha called vīrya (right energy): use not too much and not not enough, but just the right amount of effort to get what you wish to get done. And, as the Dao de Jing advises, ‘Do you work, then step back. The only path to serenity’.
>>This class from Mimi Kuo-Deemer will support you to harmonise effort and ease<<
About Mimi Kuo-Deemer:
Mimi Kuo-Deemer is dedicated to living, sharing and evolving the art of xiu yang, or the Chinese art of self-cultivation. She does this by practicing and teaching yoga, qigong and mindfulness meditation. An author and teacher of both students and other teachers for over 20 years, she champions the balance of playfulness and precision.
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