The 12 Animal Zodiac in Chinese Astrology is one of the many systems used to tell a person’s character and personality traits based on the year of birth. Under this system, each animal sign has its own strengths and weaknesses, compass directions, elemental association, color and season.

Rat is associated with the compass direction of north 2, the element of metal, the color of black and the middle of winter. The rat is active, intelligent and quick to spot an opportunity but can be petty, nosy and overly critical.