People who are born in the Year of the Rat tend to be strongly associated with secretive, aggressive, and energetic traits. This sign of the Chinese zodiac is ruled by the fixed element water, making rats compassionate, flexible, intellectual, and creative, but also passive-aggressive, manipulative, and sometimes even self destructive. The rat is a yang zodiac sign, linked with many masculine traits. Career-wise, rats are very flexible, fitting into a range of positions from espionage to law.
Within the framework of the Chinese zodiac, there is a lot of wiggle room. The Chinese zodiac is actually a cycle, which runs through five elements in their yin and yang aspects and 12 animals. As a result, the year in which a rat is born is very important, with rats tending to be natural leaders, since they lead the Chinese zodiac. The location and time of birth is also very important for rats; rats who are born at night, for example, will supposedly face hardship in their lives.
Like their animal counterparts, rats are sneaky, hardworking people. They tend to be extremely clever and intellectual, with many rats being lively conversationalists. However, they value privacy intensely, and they do not like to be backed into a whole. Arguing with a rat can be difficult, as rats tend to go on the defensive when they feel cornered, resorting to pettiness and frivolous attacks. It can also be hard to make friends with a rat, and rats tend to have few friends that they really open up to.
Rats are known for having a good sense of humor, although their sense of humor can be a bit unusual, and despite their quick tempers and aggressive natures, they are extremely sensitive. Rats are easily hurt, and they can turn quickly to vengeance, bearing grudges for a very long time. Rats are also extremely energetic, versatile, and practical, often coming up with sensible solutions for a wide variety of situations. Rats have a tendency to fall into hedonism which can be quite dangerous, especially when paired with their naturally guilty nature, and some rats abuse themselves a bit more than they really need to.
Working with a rat can be frustrating, because rats are very controlling, dominating people who crave order, and they can be highly critical. Rats do well in positions which allow them to work with some autonomy, like espionage, or in jobs which allow them to solve challenging problems, like scientific research. They also fare well as creative professionals.
Dragons, monkeys, and oxes all get along well with rats. Rats also tend to interface well with other rats, along with snakes, pigs, and roosters, thanks to their personalities, which can be quite charming and likable despite their aggression. However, rats do not get on with dogs, rabbits, tigers, and sheep. They are also notorious for getting along very poorly with horses.