Chinese Zodiac for 2020: Year of the Metal Rat
Illustration by Maria Katharine Ramsey
Happy New Year, and welcome 2020! The Chinese New Year is coming up very soon as well, on January 25. In just a couple of weeks, we will be ringing in the Year of the Metal Rat. We are moving out of the Year of the Pig which might have amazing for some of you (shout out to all the Tigers) and maybe a little challenging for others (like all you Dragons and Snakes out there).
We have put together a topline review of the overall energy of the year and how it may impact each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. There is an important energetic interaction between your birth year (your animal) and the current year (Metal Rat). To quote a Chinese saying: the animal assigned to your birth year “is the animal that hides in your heart.”.
Let’s keep this fun
Remember: It is important to understand that the animal associated with your birth year only accounts for part of your overall astrological destiny (you still have the hour, day and month pillars). Also, it is important to mention that your birth date and astrology is only one part of what influences your path and success in life. In the tradition of Feng Shui that we practice, it is firmly held that by using Feng Shui, good deeds, hard work and education, you can shift the balance. So, no need to panic if this is not a ‘good’ year for you; everything is cyclical and you will have your day in the sun.
Rat 子
Resourceful, like to be busy, can sniff out opportunities
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Rats are best friends with Dragons, Snakes, Monkeys, and especially Oxen! You may think that since it’s the year of the Rat, it would be a very lucky year for anyone born in the year of the Rat. But in fact, it can be a challenging year, so it’s important in BTB feng shui to practice the Golden Cicada Ritual. If you’re interested, there is a class available here and we recommend you carry a 2020 charm (Ox) with you for extra support.
Overall energy of the year: May be a little challenging.
What to do: Plant seeds and research your next move. Play to your strengths this year.
You are most compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Rat and Ox.
You clash with: Horse.
Ox 丑
Steady eddy, hard working, ploughs through problems calmly
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Oxen are great friends with Snakes, Roosters, and especially with Rats! The Ox and Rat are considered best friends in the Chinese Zodiac, so this means it’s a super auspicious year for Oxen!
Overall energy of the year: Awesome!
What to do: The Rat can open up resources. When opportunity knocks, answer.
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Snake and Rat.
You clash with: Ram/Sheep.
Tiger 寅
Dynamic, self-reliant, Tigers leap forward with creative ideas
Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Tigers are friends with Horses, Dogs, and especially with Pigs! We recommend you carry a 2020 charm (Ox) to keep you mindful of the energy of the year.
Overall energy of the year: Mostly neutral
What to do: Slow down, stay aware, and review all your opportunities before proceeding with a new venture.
You are most compatible with: Horse, Dog and Pig.
You clash with: Monkey.
Rabbit 卯
Easy-going, sociable, the rabbit hops along with grace
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Rabbits are friends with Rams, Pigs, and Dogs. Rabbit and Pig (Year of the Pig was 2019) are in harmony, and have a very good relationship. As you are coming off a really for a good year, this new energy of the rat will feel a little different.
Overall energy of the year: Neutral, just a little quicker and busier than you are used to
What to do: Your peaceful Pig year will shift, but see the positive in the new opportunities the Rat will bring.
You are most compatible with: Pig, Sheep and Dog.
You clash with: Rooster
Dragon 辰
Energetic, strong, dragons fly through life with purpose
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Dragons are best friends with Monkeys, Roosters, and Rats! Monkey, Rat and Dragon create the three harmonies which is auspicious and will benefit you.
Overall energy of the year: Supportive
What to do: When Dragons and Rats team up good things happen. A Rat year is good year to leverage your resources and execute those plans!
You are most compatible with: Rat, Monkey, and Rooster.
You clash with: Dog
Snake 巳
Intellectual, Snakes slide through life with wisdom and grace
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snakes are best friends with Oxen, Rooster, and Monkey. With two friends in common, Rats and Snakes get along well and appreciate each other’s intellect and sharp mind.
Overall energy of the year: Good
What to do: Combine your Snake wisdom with the wily resourcefulness of the Rat this year. Be bold!
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Ox and Monkey.
You clash with: Pig
Horse 午
Strong, active, horses will gallop by looking for adventure
Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Horses are best friends with Tigers, Dogs and Rams. Horses clash with the Rat, so it’s very important in BTB feng shui to practice the Golden Cicada Ritual. If you’re interested, there is a class available here. We also highly recommend you carry a 2020 charm (Ox) with you for extra support
Overall energy of the year: Not great
What to do: Lay low, this is a year to review, plan, and plant seeds. Rat years are for reviewing potential opportunities, and deciding where you should place your energy.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Dog and Ram.
You clash with: Rat
Ram 未
Gentle and kind, but under that soft, wooly exterior is strong determination
Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Rams (Sheep or Goat) are friends with Pigs, Rabbits and Horses. With the Rat it is a mostly neutral relationship, but the good-natured Ram is quite different from the opportunistic rat. Carrying a 2020 charm (Ox) will ease the shift in energy for the easy-going Ram.
Overall energy of the year: Mostly neutral
What to do: See the benefits in being organized and don’t be scared to put yourself out there and jump on new opportunities as they come this year.
You are most compatible with: Rabbit, Pig and Horse.
You clash with: Ox
Monkey 申
Clever, curious, Monkeys will charm others with their ap-peel
Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Monkeys are friends with Dragons, Rats, and especially Snakes. Like Dragon you are part of the three harmonies (Dragon, Rat, Monkey) and will benefit from this resourceful rodent’s energy.
Overall energy of the year: Supportive
What to do: Use your clever Monkey and ways to channel your energy for success.
You are most compatible with: Rat, Dragon and Snake.
You clash with: Tiger
Rooster 酉
Articulate, astute, Roosters strut with confidence
Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Roosters are best friends with Snakes, Oxen, and Dragons. Rooster has a neutral relationship to the Rat, so we recommend you carry a 2020 charm (Ox) with you for extra support.
Overall energy of the year: Neutral
What to do: In many ways Roosters will feel at home in a Metal Rat year, but should still practice vigilance and pay attention to the details. The energy can move a little quicker than a Rooster might like.
You are most compatible with: Ox, Snake, and Dragon.
You clash with: Rabbit
Dog 戌
Loyal, dogs look out for others and they are dogged protectors
Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Dogs are best friends with Tigers, Horses, and Rabbits. They are in a neutral relationship with the Rat. For extra good luck and support, we recommend you carry a 2020 charm (Ox) this year.
Overall energy of the year: Neutral
What to do: Go with the flow of the energy of the Rat year. Try to see the positive in new ideas and opportunities rather than the risks.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Horse and Rabbit.
You clash with: Dragon
Pig 亥
Good-nature, trust-worthy, Pigs are always there to help ‘snout’
Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Pigs are best friends with Rabbits, Rams, and Tigers. Pigs are hard-working but know how to kick-back. They are mostly neutral with the Rat, but will find the energy of the year has its ups and downs, this is why we recommend you carry a 2020 charm (Ox) with you for extra support.
Overall energy of the year: Mostly neutral
What to do: Stay focused and keep your eye on the prize. This is a good year to watch and learn. Be selective and take advantage of the right opportunity.
You are most compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit and Tiger.
You clash with: Snake
*Please note, if your birthday is in January or February, your animal sign may be the preceding year. If you were born on the cusp, we recommend you find your natal chart online.
*Lunar months can shift a day or two each year, so if you are born on the cusp of the Chinese month you may need to double check.