Happy Lunar New Year! Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Rat in Chinese and Taoist astrology. This year is also ruled by the element Metal. In these ancient astrological systems, the Rat represents a potential beginning of great new things. For those of us who have interacted with rats as pets (myself included!), we know that they are very methodical creatures who always look before they leap. Because today’s lunar energy is a springboard of newness, it’s imperative that we invoke clarity and stay true to our intuition throughout the year. Today marks the beginning of action and doing rather than thinking or pondering.

Take advantage of this energy by taking a handful of seeds (of any type) and going outside under the dark moon. Offer these seeds to the earth while speaking your prayers to the energy of Rat. Discuss your desire for success in various projects and ventures, describing the steps you will take to achieve your goals. Meditate for a while and imagine a mischief of rats (that’s the term for a group of rats!) coming to feast on the seeds. If you wish, conclude the night with a firework or light a candle for the new year.