Day 24: The year of the rat

Have you ever noticed that movies about pot always make it seem one of two things: EVIL! or just something to enjoy. It’s weird. I only note this because I’m watching Saving Grace, a small film written by Craig Ferguson about a woman who becomes a large scale dealer after her husband’s death. It makes the drug look like most experiences I’ve ever had with it: fun.

But anyway, today marks the year of the Rat in the Chinese astrological cycle. I don’t believe in New Age stuff, but I found it odd that that this would happen this year. Why? Because I fall under the rat in the Chinese astro chart. I want to change this year, and it’s my year.

Everybody needs to know it's the year of the rat
Every day we've got to hold on
'cause if we hold on we could find some new energy

– Badly Drawn Boy

Wikipedia says this about Rats:

Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.

Professions include espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective work, acting, and pathology.

Admittedly I see a lot of myself in those words, particularly the lofty goals and identity crisis bit. The Wiki-page also talks a lot about the five elements in Chinese and about how mine is wood, which apparently has a lot to do with depression (a depressing notion to contemplate). Anyway, I thought it seemed odd that my year of self discovery falls here in my astrological year.

Maybe it means something...

Nah.