The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition, shared here for reflection, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
2008
Earth Rat
鼠 (shǔ) · Rat year 1 of 12
When the 2008 zodiac year began
In 2008, the Lunar New Year fell on Thursday, February 7, 2008. The year of the Earth Rat ran from that day until January 25, 2009.
If you were born between January 1 and February 6, 2008, your animal is the Pig (Fire Pig, the 2007 year). People born from February 7, 2008 onward belong to the Rat.
The Earth Rat
In tradition, Earth is linked with steadiness, patience and reliability. Each animal comes around every 12 years, and with the five elements the same combination returns every 60 years. The Rat is traditionally linked with being quick-witted and observant. Read more about the Rat in Chinese tradition.
A practice for the Rat
Slow down before you decide: three calm breaths turn quick wits into wisdom. Try the 3-minute morning practice.
Not sure of your animal? Enter your full birth date in the zodiac animal finder.