Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Rat (Restlessness, Success)
Rat gnaws whatever blocks its path. Rat is a medium-sized rodent with a long tail and medium-sized ears. The front incisor teeth of a rat are highly specialized for gnawing. Like some other mammals, these front teeth never stop growing and gnawing keeps them at a manageable length. The long tail of a rat helps it balance, and helps regulate body temperature. Rats are omnivores, and because of their teeth, can eat almost anything; though they lack the ability to vomit. Rats have excellent hearing. Because their ears are small, compared to other rodents, they use their long whiskers to sense the world around them. Because rats are such opportunistic survivors they are often found living near, or even with humans. Living together in social packs, rats will engage in social behaviour such as food storage and food sharing. Rats are highly intelligent. They are able to recall specific routes to food, as well as displaying simple problem-solving abilities. These abilities made rat well-distributed, and highly successful as a species.

Rats are widely used in scientific research as human analogs to test drugs, diseases, and genetics. Some people even keep rats as pets. Many domestic rats have been selectively bred to weed out more aggressive behaviours. Although generally considered taboo, rat meat can be consumed. Rats often carry diseases. Most famously, rats were hosts for the fleas which carried bubonic plague. The story of the Pied Piper may have come from events tied to the Black Death. In Hindu belief rats are the vehicle of the god Ganesha. Most western culture views rats to be unclean and often as pests, because of their shared diet with humans. In China, the rat is seen as industrious and is one of the zodiac signs.

When rat gnaws its way into your cards it may be time to re-evaluate your idea of success. How are you pursuing success? What’s been gnawing at you? Are you thriving, or just surviving? Because of its adaptability the rat isn’t linked to any particular element or biome; though the Chinese associated them with water.

Astrology- (Chinese 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044 or Dec 7- Jan 5) This Chinese sign is sociable and charming. Intelligent Rat adapts easily using its quick wit. This water sign knows how to go for things, and will do it with charm. Rat people need to be cautious of being possessive, argumentative, and bossy. Talented Rat communicates well, making them popular among others. Those born under this sign should use their curious nature to be the leader they can be.

Stars and Constellations
Versatile, Ravenous, Pack Away, Destructiveness, Survive