Born in 2008: the Earth Rat

Thunderbolt Fire: powerful, sudden, quick to act. The year stem is Yang Earth, and the Rat is quick-witted, resourceful and good at spotting an opening.

The Fire element feeds the Earth stem: what you give out tends to come back and build you up.

• Your element's colours: red, pink, orange, purple
• Supporting colours (Wood feeds Fire): green
• Go easy on (Water restrains Fire): black, blue

Colours by sound element are a popular Vietnamese and Chinese custom. Treat them as a gentle guide; a full Bazi chart may call for a different element than the year alone.

• MonkeyHarmony trio: same wavelength
• DragonHarmony trio: same wavelength
• OxSecret friend: quietly supportive
• HorseOpposite: big differences, needs give and take
• GoatHarm pair: prone to misunderstandings

Clashing animals are not a reason to avoid someone; they show where two people need more understanding. For a real answer, compare both full charts.

Kua numbers use the solar year, which turns around 4 February. If you were born before that, use the year before. Work out your Kua from your exact birthday

The Rat and the Goat are a "harm" pair, so 2027, the year of the Fire Goat can bring small misunderstandings. Clear words, kept promises and careful paperwork go a long way.

What Chinese zodiac is 2008?

2008 is the year of the Earth Rat (戊子). Its sound element is Thunderbolt Fire, which belongs to Fire.

What are the lucky colours for people born in 2008?

For the Fire element: red, pink, orange, purple, plus the supporting Wood colours green. Go easy on black, blue, the colours of Water, which restrains Fire.

Who is the Rat most compatible with?

The Rat forms a harmony trio with the Monkey and Dragon and a secret-friend pair with the Ox. Its opposite is the Horse.

I was born in January or early February 2008. Which animal am I?

The 2008 lunar year began on 7 February 2008. If you were born before that, you belong to 2007, the Pig. Bazi (Four Pillars) switches years at Li Chun, around 4 February.