THE YEAR OF THE RAT, 2008

February 7, 2008 - January 25, 2009 (Earth)
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat (Earth), which begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009.

First in the cycle of 12 Animal signs, Rat Year begins the sequence and recurs every twelfth year. It is a time of renewal in so many ways. From New Year to Valentine's Day, to the arrival of spring, may all the blessings and delights of the New Year be yours.
A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. People born in an Earth Rat are said to be logical realists, shrewd, charming, ambitious, and inventive. Of course, the entire horoscope must be considered when making any personality assessment.
In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-minded. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and able to react adequately to any changes.
They are gifted in many ways and have an easy going manner. They are active and pleasant, tactful and fantastic, and are able to grasp opportunities. They seem to have interests in everything and hope to participate in doing it and usually do it very well.

Zodiac Sign / Sun Sign / Star Sign: Aquarius

Birthdates: January 20 - February 18

Element of the Aquarius zodiac sign: AirAstrological quality of the Aquarius.

Planets and the Aquarius zodiac sign
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Career Planet: Pluto
Love Planet: Venus
Money Planet: Neptune
Planet of Health and Work: Moon
Planet of Home and Family Life: Venus

Colours of the Aquarius zodiac sign: blue, ultramarine blue, grey

Gems of the Aquarius zodiac sign: opal, sapphire, black pearl, obsidianMetals of the

Aquarius zodiac sign: lead

Best day of the week:Saturday

Strongest virtues: intellectual power, communication skills, ability to understand abstract concepts

Deepest need: to know and to bring in the new

Weaknesses: fixed ideas, rebelliousness, coldness

Horoscope compatibilities of the Aquarius zodiac sign with other zodiac signs
Greatest overall compatibility: Gemini, Libra
Greatest overall incompatibility: Taurus, Scorpio
Most hepful to career: Scorpio
Most helpful for emotional support: Taurus
Most helpful financially: Pisces
Best for marriage and/or partnerships: Leo
Most helpful for creative projects: Gemini
Most helpful in spiritual matters: Libra, Capricorn

Numerology: Zodiac Signs

There is a interesting aspect of the relationship between numbers and the planets. In order to understand this relationship thoroughly, it is important to keep in mind that there are twelve signs in the zodiac.
What is the Zodiac?
The zodiac is a belt of the heavens limited by lines. These lines are about eight degrees on each side from the path which the earth traverses, and include all apparent positions of the Sun and the planets, as known to the ancients. They are divided into twelve equal parts called the signs of the zodiac.
What is the Ecliptic?
The ecliptic is the Sun's apparent orbit, the path in the sky on which the Sun appears to travel, completing one full circle in one year. It is the earth which really moves round the Sun, but to us dwellers on the Earth- the Sun appears to move. The ecliptic is, therefore, really the path which the earth traverses. In astrology, the ecliptic or Sun's annual path, is divided into twelve equal parts; as the entire circle of the path consists of 360 degree(like any other circle), each of the twelve equal divisions contains 30 degree. These twelve divisions are called zodiac signs.It takes the Earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45.6 seconds to complete one orbit around the Sun. However, by convention we assume that the Earth completes one orbit in 365 days, i.e. one year. To account for and wipe off the unaccounted time of 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45.6 seconds per year, every fourth year is taken to have 366 days (instead of 365 days) and is known as a leap year.
The Zodiac Signs
The zodiac is divided into twelve parts; each part is called a sign.As explained above, it is really the earth which travels around the Sun and not the Sun which goes around the Earth. However, all works on astrology and astronomy base their nomenclature on the apparent motion of the Sun around the Earth. We shall also use the same nomenclature. As the Sun moves in its apparent orbit, it enters and traverses the twelve signs into which the zodiac has been divided. The exact date and time of the Sun's entry into a particular sign can be known only by reference to the ephemeris for the year.
We have approximate dates of the Sun's entry into various signs. However, the exact hour and time of the Sun's entry into any sign can only be known by reference to the ephemeris of that particular year. The knowledge of the exact time is important for the reason explained below. We shall, hereafter, refer to the Sun's location in various signs. When an individual is born on March 21, by looking at the table of dates showing the Sun's entry into the various signs, one would assume that the Sun is in Aries. To be more accurate, however, it would be safer to refer to the ephemeris for the year of birth, and then ascertain whether the birth was at an hour before the Sun entered Aries or after the Sun's entry into Aries. If the time of the birth on March 21 was before the time of Sun's entry into Aries, the native's Sun would be said to be in Pisces and not Aries. What has been recommended and explained here for March 21, applies also to all births which occur on the cuspidai dates, i.e. the dates on which the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters the next one.
The approximate dates of the Sun's entry into the signs of the zodiac is as follows:
Zodiacal Sign (Names) Entry of Sun (on or about)
Aries March 21
Taurus April 21
Gemini May 21
Cancer June 21
Leo July 23
Virgo August 23
Libra September 23
Scorpio October 24
Sagittarius November 23
Capricorn December 21
Aquarius January 20
Pisces February 19

Capricorn and Love

Capricorn is an earthy sign.
Earthy Capricorns sexual nature is as powerful as his earthy aspirations. Capricorn lovers will remain aloof and would not like to make a first move until of course s/he is truly in love.
Sexual intimacy and expression has to be developed over a period of time. They have a very serious and aloof attitude hence they miss out the fun in sex.
After the passion wears off usually the relationship spells trouble however sexual relationship without any emotional involvement can be exciting.

Capricorn- traits

Birthdates: December 21 - January 19
Element of the Capricorn zodiac sign: EarthAstrological quality of the Capricorn zodiac sign: Cardinal (i.e. activity)
Planets and the Capricorn zodiac sign
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Career Planet: Venus
Love Planet: Moon
Money Planet: Uranus
Planet of Communications: Neptune
Planet of Health and Work: Mercury
Planet of Home and Family Life: Mars
Planet of Spirituality: Jupiter
Colours of the Capricorn zodiac sign: black, indigo
Gems of the Capricorn zodiac sign: black onyx
Metals of the Capricorn zodiac sign: lead
Best day of the week for Capricorn zodiac sign: Saturday
Strongest virtues of the Capricorn zodiac sign: sense of duty, organization, perseverance, patience
Deepest need of the Capricorn zodiac sign: to take charge and manage
Weaknesses of the Capricorn zodiac sign: negative thoughts, depression, undue materialism

Capricorn - Zodiac Sign

Capricorn is symbolized by the Goat

Few people are as practical and ambitious as Capricorn. Yours is the tenth sign, an earthy element, which makes you down to earth and matter-of-fact. Caution is your second name and this is due to Saturn, your ruling planet. You are sometimes shy and lack self confidence and self-esteem. I've never met a Capricorn who was afraid of hard work in order which to achieve what they want in life. You are ambitious and go for your dreams and usually end up successful. You like money but not if it involves risk. You prefer to know exactly where your dollars and cents are going.

You prefer traditional types of savings.Others do not generally see you as too enthusiastic but when people get to know you, you do have a side to your nature which is humorous and affectionate. You like to work quietly and effectively without creating too much bother or attention to yourself. You are emotionally cool so you don't warm to people that easily until you get to know them. Once you get closer you start to feel comfortable with them.

Suspicion is one of the chief traits of Capricorn and when you meet people for the first time it is your way of displaying maturity by not jumping the gun. You like to understand what another person is really about.

You are a big thinker even though you work methodically and practically by taking your time to achieve what you set out to do. You never like airy, fairy concepts and only work on ideas which will vouch safe your financial and material security in the future. You are not a clock watcher when you work because you believe in doing a job right the first time round. You also hate wasting time. You are frugal, resourceful and hard working.

Commitment is natural to you which is why, as I said earlier, you are likely to be successful in anything you attempt.

Not all Capricorns are supported in their lives so you learnt from an early age how to be self sufficient and to make it alone. You know exactly how to achieve your ambitions by yourself. Your primary philosophy is that self sufficiency is strength so you do not like to ask others to carry you.

Basically you are very level-headed and don't expect things to happen overnight. People admire the way you work because you are motivated by your ambitions but also like to perfect your work and do it properly. You can always be relied upon to help others and not cut corners. A traditional life style appeals to you because you like things in their place and need to be in control. Because of this you are not always the most exciting person to be around but you are extremely loyal and will never let anyone down when you give them your word. It does not seem to bother you that others see you as less adventurous.

Your token is the Goat which shows just how capable you are of reaching the heights of any mountain. Your success is likely to occur later in life but when it does, you share what you have with others.

You always demand the same level of integrity from anyone you deal with both in the work place and at home.You are sure to scale the heights of success and due to your keen focus, discipline and concentration your ruling planet Saturn insures a great deal of success, power and happiness.

Your lucky colours !!

Libra: The beautiful and symmetrical Venus holds dual control over Libra and Taurus, but in this sign the Venusian influence is more refined, highlighting ethereal beauty. Venus has its hold over the day Friday and manifests through the colours blue, sapphire blue, pastel shades with light orangish and pinkish tones and a tinge of blue.

Scorpio: The fiery Mars with its passionate fires burns deeply over the calm exteriors in the sign of Scorpio. Red rose, crimson red, blood red, burgundy red are associated with this planet. t. Tuesday is the day of Mars.

Sagittarius: Under the benefice influence of the philosophical and wise Jupiter, who rules over this sign, comes all that represents expansion and comfort. Its day of command as Thursday, Jupiter Ian colours vary from yellow, blue, pink, light purple and even shades of golden yellow and orange.

Capricorn: The destiny master and karmic controller Saturn controls this sign and mightily presides over the fearful day Saturday. The colours represented by it are all shades sapphire blue, dark blue, blacks, dark greys and shades of its friendly planets.

Aquarius: Saturn holds dual rulership over Capricorn and Aquarius and rules the day Saturday. The colour schemes for Aquarius are the same as Capricorn. The lighter colours for this sign are avoidable. Black, grey, purple and dark blue are its colours, and also the amethyst colour is known to be lucky for Aquarians.

Pisces: The great benefactor holds dual influence over Sagittarius and Pisces, but here it also influences the water element. Its day of power is Thursday and the colours it governs are all shades of yellow, white, pearl, golden and mango.

Your Lucky Colours !!

Aries: Known to be under the influence of planet Mars and number 9, the Martian colours are all kinds of reds, rose, crimson, and maroon. Brown also satisfies the 9?s individual need for comfort and security and so even in a hostile setting brown provides 9 with a measure of comfort. Your day is Tuesday.

Taurus: This is a pure earthy vibration of planet Venus and number 6. Also known as the Goddess of Love, Venus is known to bestow all material comforts. Usually the colour blue is associated with Venus, but pastel shades of every colour, especially pink and blue. Your day is Friday.

Gemini: Mercury is the ruler of this dual airy sign and is not a volatile planet unlike its symbol quicksilver. Gemini is ruled by number 5. The colours associated with this planet are green and pearl grey. The colours of growth and action are those that belong to Mercury. Your day is Wednesday.

Cancer :Moon the dreamy and imaginative planet rules over this motherly sign. And as the moon is very gentle, its shades too reflect it. All shades of light green, pale yellow, silver, violet and lavender come under the purview of Moon. The colours of feeling and sensitivity are those that belong to Moon. Your day is Monday.

Leo: The royal Sun with all its splendour rules over all the regal things in life-royalty, charm and power and has Sunday for its day of power. The vibrations of the Sun are manifested in the colours golden yellow, bright orange and sometimes royal purple.

Virgo The agile and restless Mercury as dual rulership over this sign and Gemini.It exerts its full influence on Wednesday. In Virgo,Mercurian vibration gets pronounced on all shades of smoky gray,white,brown,turquoise and light greens.

Sagittarius About Your Sign...

Sagittarians have a positive outlook on life, are full of enterprise, energy, versatility, adventurousness and eagerness to extend experience beyond the physically familiar. They enjoy travelling and exploration, the more so because their minds are constantly open to new dimensions of thought. They are basically ambitious and optimistic, and continue to be so even when their hopes are dashed. Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. They are honorable, honest, trustworthy, truthful, generous and sincere, with a passion for justice. They are usually on the side of the underdog in society they will fight for any cause they believe to be just, and are prepared to be rebellious. They balance loyalty with independence.
Sagittarians are usually modest and are often religious, with a strong sense of morality, though they tend to overemphasize the ethical codes they follow and worship beliefs about God rather than God Himself. This means that, negatively, they regard rigid, unloving, intolerant adherence to ritual and conventional codes as more important than the truths they symbolize or embody. They sometimes pay lip service to religions and political parties in which they have ceased to believe because the outward forms satisfy them, yet they may not hesitate to switch allegiance in politics or change their system of belief if they see personal advantage to themselves in doing so.
Sagittarians are ardent, sincere and straightforward in love, normally conventional and in control of their sexual natures. Yet if thwarted, they may easily allow their failure to embitter their whole lives or they may revenge themselves upon the opposite sex by becoming cynically promiscuous. They are more apt then the average to make an uncongenial alliance.
If their marriages are successful, they will be faithful spouses and indulgent parents; but their innate restlessness will inspire them to use even the most satisfying ménage as a base from which to set out on their travels. They need to fell free and are often faced with the choice of allowing their careers to take over their lives at the expense of the love of their spouse and family. Sagittarian women are the counterparts of their men; even if they have no career to rival their love, they find it difficult to express affection and may run the risk of being thought frigid.
In other personal relationships they are reliable, seldom betraying any trust given to them. They can, however, be impulsively angry and both male and female Sagittarians know how to be outspoken and exactly what expressions will hurt their adversaries most. On the other hand they are magnanimous in forgiving offenses and are responsible when looking after the elderly in the family.

The Archer - November 23 to December 21

Traditional Sagittarius Traits
Optimistic and freedom-loving
Jovial and good-humored
Honest and straightforward
Intellectual and philosophical

On the dark side....

Blindly optimistic and careless
Irresponsible and superficial
Tactless and restless