土Chinese zodiac · Earth element
Earth Rat 1948 · 2008 · 2068 · 戊子 (wù zǐ)
Earth Rats are quick-witted and resourceful like every Rat, with an added streak of patience and practicality. This combination comes round only once every 60 years.
- Yang Earth
- Animal: Rat
- Element: Earth 土
- Every 60 years
Year of the Earth Rat dates
| Year | Dates | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | 10 Feb 1948 – 28 Jan 1949 | 戊子 (wù zǐ) |
| 2008 | 7 Feb 2008 – 25 Jan 2009 | 戊子 (wù zǐ) |
| 2068 | 3 Feb 2068 – 22 Jan 2069 | 戊子 (wù zǐ) |
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year’s sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
What makes the Earth Rat different
At heart this is still a Rat: quick-witted, resourceful and charming. Earth is the element of stability. It brings patience, realism and common sense, and Earth types are careful planners who value security.
Earth tempers Water
Earth controls Water, the Rat’s native element. The year element reins the sign in, giving Earth Rats more self-discipline than others of their sign, along with a touch of inner tension.
Earth Rat strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Practical and dependable
- Patient, realistic planner
- Sharp, strategic thinking
- Thrifty and good with money
Watch out for
- Stubborn and slow to change
- Can be overly cautious
- Prone to penny-pinching
- Critical when stressed
Earth Rat in love
Earth steadies the sign, favoring commitment, loyalty and a calm home life. In love the Rat is devoted but slow to trust.
Earth Rat career and money
Earth favors careful planning, organization and building something that lasts. Rats do well wherever quick thinking and attention to detail pay off.
- Finance and accounting
- Research and analysis
- Writing and editing
- Business and entrepreneurship
The other types of Rat
The same animal behaves differently under each element. Compare the Earth Rat with the other four types, or read the full Year of the Rat guide.
The Earth years
Each element rules two years in a row, one Yang and one Yin. The Earth Rat year is followed by the Earth Ox. Earth is linked with late summer, the color yellow and the center. Read more about the five elements.
Earth Rat questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Earth Rat?
The Year of the Earth Rat falls in 1948, 2008 and 2068. It comes round once every 60 years. The exact dates are 10 Feb 1948 – 28 Jan 1949; 7 Feb 2008 – 25 Jan 2009; 3 Feb 2068 – 22 Jan 2069.
What is the Earth Rat personality?
Earth Rats are quick-witted and resourceful like every Rat, with an added streak of patience and practicality. It brings patience, realism and common sense, and Earth types are careful planners who value security.
Who is the Earth Rat compatible with?
Like all Rats, the Earth Rat is most compatible with the Dragon, Monkey and Ox, and finds the Horse and Goat more challenging.
How is the Earth Rat different from other Rats?
Earth controls Water, the Rat’s native element. The year element reins the sign in, giving Earth Rats more self-discipline than others of their sign, along with a touch of inner tension.
Check your exact sign
Enter your date of birth to confirm your Chinese zodiac animal and element, plus your star sign and life path number.
