KMK: Dawn of the Rat

Yes, in case you didn’t know it the year 2008 is the year of the rat. Now, from a western point of view, being born in the year of the rat may seem like an ominous or att the very least unpleasant piece of fate. Who can’t help but think of that dastardly Templeton from Charlotte’s Web? Would you want an inner Templeton? Heck, no! However, the Eastern take on the rat puts a positive spin on the furry little critter and the people who embody it. 

For instance, the rat is considered to be a protector and bringer of material wealth and even though that probably means heaping mounds of cheese beggars can’t be choosers. Rats are also about charm and fecundity which sounds appealing more in thought than practice since they can also be controlling and stubborn. Don’t worry though because rats are also picky about their mates and friends which means most of us won’t rate high enough to be charmed and controlled. Rats work hard for the money as they are driven and highly motivated people.

I’d like to retroactively preface the above with the word allegedly because I’m sure there are rats out there shaking their charmless, passive, unemployed heads at the whole thing.