Combined Western and Chinese Zodiacs
Libra Rat

In the chronology of the Western zodiac, Libra represents the mid-life of the human life-cycle, equivalent to the 40s. The Libran outlook is thus one of adjustment, balancing what is valuable and what can be discarded, as if in preparation for the second half of life. Importantly, at this time the pressure of mortality is still distant enough for Libras not to feel like they need to rush. Hence people born under this sign are inclined to weigh problems carefully, and to resent being forced to act prematurely. Having the element of Air, people born under this sign are instinctively drawn to intellectual and social matters. The Cardinal modality means this is Air at its most pure, which when Librans are relaxed manifests as great enthusiasm for diverse possibilities, especially social perspectives and constructs. In uncomfortable settings, however, the pure quality of Librans' energy means it can be hard to control, and they may find themselves procrastinating or rendering harsh judgements.

The first creature in the Eastern zodiac, who according to legend triumphed in the Jade Emperor’s race by hiding in the ear of his dear friend the Ox, is the Rat. As charming as they are beguiling, Rats are famously rapier-witted, shrewd, and financially astute. They are the wordsmiths of the Chinese zodiac—Shakespeare was a Rat, after all—but equally appreciate the value of secrecy. They are likely to excel at any role involving judicious disclosure or confidentiality. Above all, they are ingenious in their ability to anticipate and strategize, skills that often last them long into peaceful old age.