I am the Rat.

  Likes     Dislikes
· entertaining
· oddities and the unusual
· being the first to explore new places
· underground passages
· mysteries
· unearthing solutions
· money
· taking a gamble
· company
· good-quality wordly possessions
· pleasure
· mundane everyday life
· alarm clocks
· rigid timetables
· agendas
· red tape
· bureaucracy
· having nothing to do
· any kind of failure
· being isolated

I am the self-proclaimed acquisitor
I am a link yet I function as a complete unit
I aim at encompassing heights
And strike my target
Sure and steady.
Life is one joyous journey for me.
Each search must end with a new quest.
I am progress, exploration and insight.
I am the womb of activity.

The rats personality and charm is as universally known and loved as the Walt Disney character Mickey Mouse. He could be forthright and honest but in such a disarming manner that you find yourself at a disadvantage.
Remarkably easy to get along with, hardworking and thrifty, he will be generous only to those he is inordinately fond of, so if you get an expensive gift from him, you should certainly rate yourself high in esteem.
However, inspite of his penny-pinching ways, he will never be found wanting for admirers as he emits such fantastic appeal.

Though the Western rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. The Eastern rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan. Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Chinese Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Possessed of excellent taste, this Sign flaunts its style at every turn. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity.

Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This Sign is motivated by its own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn't careful to keep its priorities straight. This Sign's natural powers of charm and persuasion can definitely come in handy! Although they are often hoarders, Rats can be very generous to those in their "pack," namely friends and family members who have proven their loyalty. Others might perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. Verbal jousting is a great pleasure for the Rat, a Sign that everyone around will quickly learn either to love or to hate.

Rats enjoy being on the outside looking in, as the outside affords a view into the inner workings of a system or situation. The Rat's keen mind always seeks out new knowledge, to be stored away for future use. This ever-curious Sign also welcomes challenges as a way to stay sharp. If boredom sets in the Rat is no fun at all, but that isn't likely; this Sign knows how to keep itself entertained.

A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others above themselves, at least sometimes. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats could find true happiness.