2020 Year of the Metal Rat

2020 Year of the Metal Rat​

At the beginning of the year I wrote an article on Medium titled 2020 The Year of Clarity. Since then geopolitical events have escalated and things seem even more crazy than before.

And right on schedule, January 25th 2020, we enter the Year of the Rat. The Rat is the first animal in the cycle of Chinese Zodiac. First because legend has it that the Emperor had all of the animals race to decide the order of the Zodiac. The Rat hitched a ride on the back of the Ox and then jumped off at the end to win the race. In 2020 the corresponding Element for this year is Metal. 

Metal is the element of strength, fortitude, stability. It tends towards providing reinforcement and support to help invigorate and reenergize. Rats are quick-thinking, smart and persistent….ask anyone who’s had them in the henhouse! They adapt easily and solve problems. The Metal Rat Year suggests a year of excitement and new adventures. It is an opportunity to be ambitious and productive.
It is a good time to take advantage of this energy to get started on major endeavors.

As the new 12-year cycle begins, the Metal Rat offers a fresh start, a new beginning. However it can also mean that drastic upheaval and change is necessary to move forward. This can be on the micro level within our everyday lives as well as on the macro level in the geo-political arena.

It is a time to take the chances that appear before you. Care must be taken with new initiatives however, as all decisions made during this year will influence the next 12 years.  Move forward with confidence but plan your strategy. Those who are too cautious will miss out. And those who are irresponsible will find the the Metal Rat a harsh wake up call.

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(Metal Rat wood carving by Aaron Hoopes)