So Maybe You're Not a Rat

Find out how the other members of the zodiac fare this year


Obstinate OX (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)
You are one stubborn hulk of an animal, and your significant other doesn't always appreciate it. But plow ahead and head off relationship tensions during the Year of the Rat with tokens of your legendary loyal affection. Since Shanghai is a shopper's paradise, this shouldn't be hard to pull off. Check out the Valentine's Day deals in CW's Shopping section to start the year off right. Still looking for that special someone? Look for Rats, Snakes and Roosters. Tails to avoid are those of Dragons, Horses, Sheep, Dogs and Rabbits.

Turgid TIGER (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)
The Rat isn't friends with any kind of cat, so personally and professionally, this year's going to be a challenge. Concentrate on cultivating friendships. Spectator sports are ideal for that. Thankfully there are new "Spectate" events in CW's Sports & Fitness section where you can find the perfect haunts to make new friends–and flirt. It's not a great year for commitment though, so if you're not already with someone, you're probably not going to be any time soon. If you're ready to pop the question ("What's your sign?") hope for responses from Horses and Dogs and avoid Snakes and Monkeys.

Rakish RABBIT (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)
Although you love to come off as cuddly and adorable, you're just a fluffy Rat with a cute cotton tail. This year your bedroom door might need new hinges; not good news for the person you're already committed to. If you're newlyweds, you've already been good Rabbits so expect bunnies this year. Check out Bumps and Babes for support of other Shanghai parents. If your eye does start to wander, look for Sheep, Dogs and Pigs, but avoid Rats, Oxen, Dragons, Roosters and Horses.

Disport DRAGON (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)
Dragons and Rats have always been on good terms so this will be a good year for you. Take advantage of the new energy you have this year and network. This means everything from FC Club events to taking your rightful place on the Bund, making stops everywhere from Attica to hot spots in Bund 18. If you're to share the spotlight, make sure they're with Rats, Monkeys and Roosters. Otherwise keep the Dogs, Oxen and Rabbits behind the velvet rope.

Seductive SNAKE (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
Being naturally charming and with a luckier forecast than most, the New Year will treat you well. Although your natural tendency is to recoil and seek privacy, this is the year to be social. Join in the fun at Aussie Drinks, get in some networking at the Oriented Happy Hours, or just hit the clubs. This year also looks good for any business ventures you invest in but you need to be careful not to over spend. Gucci may be calling your name but Taobao City might better accommodate your spend-a-holic needs. Make sure your charming self invites out Oxen and Roosters and not Tigers, Monkeys and Pigs.

Haughty HORSE (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Mother always said there are more horse's asses than there are Horses. You're known for your independent streak as well as your emotional aloofness—oddly enough, that makes you popular in the zodiac circuit this year. Although you're independent, you love being around people, but with your wallet feeling a bit thin in 2008 you might want to become a regular at De La Coast's Thursday-Saturday open bar. If you're looking for the Elizabeth Taylor for your National Velvet, look for Tigers, Sheep and Dogs and avoid offering the lead role to Rats, Oxen, Rabbits and Horses.

Sophisticated SHEEP (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Your gentile side loves refined activities, like a day spent visiting galleries on Moganshan Lu or practicing yoga at Body & Soul Yoga. This isn't the luckiest year for you though, so head off some of the dead ends in your personal and business life by getting out of Shanghai with STA or Classic Travel or even weekend trips with Bohdi and SISU. If you need a mate for a getaway, invite Rabbits, Horses and Pigs but skip on Rats, Oxen and Dogs.

Magnetic MONKEY (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Second only to the rat when it comes to shrewdness, you share many similar traits that'll make this a good year for Monkeys. Thanks to your friendship with Rats, this year looks likely to bring you good fortune in your personal life as well as your career. You're also an adrenaline junky with a mean competitive streak. Take it out at the ASAS dodgeball or basketball leagues. Those who could be more than teammates are the Rats; keep the Dragons, Tigers, Snakes and Pigs on the bench.

Righteous ROOSTER (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
As a blunt Rooster, you tell people what's on your mind. Although in other years this made you popular, the Year of the Rat sees the pendulum swinging the other way. You might want to think about toning down your remarks a bit. This year's going to be stressful for you so be aware that quick decisions and emotional outbursts will lead to trouble. Stay positive. If things are getting to you, take advantage of the spa packages at CHI and center yourself. Don't go this year alone. Look for Oxen, Dragons and Snakes to vent with, but other Roosters, Dogs and Rabbits will only make things worse.

Devoted DOG (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Your loyalty is absolute and you are the undeniable spokesperson for those who cannot speak for themselves. You continue through a good cycle in the Year of the Rat. Friends and family are more important than ever this year, but they might pressure you about business and financial decisions, so make sure to keep them busy with a trip to the Science and Technology Museum or see the sights in Shanghai. One word of caution: Don't let relationships get too serious this year. If you're ready to dive in and throw caution to the wind, look for Tigers, Rabbits and Horses but avoid Oxen, Dragons, Sheep and Roosters.

Pleasure-seeking PIG (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Last year, Pigs were on top and this year your good luck continues. Professionally, you will work well with your colleagues and—more importantly—your superiors. We're afraid this might mean a few baijiu-infused nights but we have faith you and your well-cultivated hedonistic streak can handle it. The Pig is also one of the few signs that will be lucky in love this year. Although we don't think you'll find that special someone at the tables you're reserving everywhere from Muse to Glamour Bar and across the river at new venue The Wall, you can always hope to catch Sheep and Rabbits across the bottle. Tell Snakes, Pigs and Monkeys that the table's full.


Posted Jan 22nd 2008 5:51p.m. by shanghai_cw
filed under Cover Story

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