Combined Western and Chinese Zodiacs
Taurus Rat

In the Western zodiac life cycle, Taureans represent the last years of childhood and the beginning of adolescence. They have a simultaneous sense of growing independence and awareness of vulnerability. Gaining and protecting one’s own possessions is critically important for Taureans. So too is demonstrating their physical capabilities in play and love. As the Fixed modality of the Earth element, Taureans work tirelessly to safeguard what they have and build productively for the future. This can sometimes lead to quite reasonable accusations of stubbornness. However, their innate constructiveness means Taureans are often surprisingly accommodating in the interests of the common good. Ruled by Venus, this sign also has a profound aesthetic sensibility, a keen sensitivity to beauty and human achievements.

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.