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Jill Lander

It’s December 2025, marking the Rat Month from December 7 to January 4. The elements of the month are Yang Earth and Water. The Earth Rat, wu zi, represents the 11th and penultimate month of the Chinese calendar.
The energy of 2025 asked for a letting-go attitude; 2026 asks you to rise and shine with an encouraging, renewed perspective.

In traditional Chinese culture, the energy of those born under the sign of the Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020) is highly playful and active, especially late in the evening, when they become alert, attentive and highly creative.

The Horse is the nemesis of the Rat, so be warned that 2026 will be an important astrological year for you, with plenty of movement and change. These two signs will have to work hard to make progress together, finding it difficult to agree and find harmony.
How Rat-like are you?

Those born during the Rat Month (December) possess great charm and diligence and are chatty, intelligent and always eager to make friends; the Rat energy draws people to them with ease. There’s something about the Rat's nature that generates trust, making their friendships long-lasting and genuine.
Those born on a Rat Day find that looking good is important, and they are always well-groomed; they believe outward appearance matters. Instinctively, they understand that you only have one chance to make a first impression, taking care never to be caught off guard looking at anything less than perfect.
Those born in the Rat Hours (11.00pm-1.00am) have a disposition for nocturnal occupations. Some may find them distant and secretive, but also wise. They are always in demand for an opinion.
Ideal career choices for Rats include: motivational speaker, personal coach, antiques dealer, estate agent and stockbroker. They may also be interested in anything related to transport, shipping, import-export and financial institutions.

Famous Rats include King Charles, Prince Harry, Bono, Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cristiano Ronaldo, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Dwayne Johnson, Scarlett Johansson and William Shakespeare.
What does December hold for your astrological sign?
These generic forecasts carry different nuances depending upon whether this animal rules your Year, Month, Day or Hour.
KEY:
√ Lucky
∞ Neutral Luck
X Not so lucky.
√ Rat – choose your words carefully

This is your astrological month with the potential for gossip and conflict. Keep your interactions with others cordial and positive, and avoid getting involved in any unnecessary drama. Travel improves your luck as broadening cultural horizons can both stimulate and distract from mundane daily tasks. Be careful of water-related injuries, especially on slippery surfaces.
√ √ Ox – your luckiest month of the year

As the Rat is your astrological friend, you may look forward to positive career prospects and a boost to your finances. This may be considered your luckiest month of the year! You gain good rewards and recognition, with the potential for a substantial end of year bonus. Channel your creative energy, so if you have been considering taking up a hobby, this is a great time for you to express yourself through art or the written word. Take your time before making any decisions as you head towards 2026.
∞ Tiger – beware of weather conditions

After a busy year, you may be considering a festive overseas trip or looking forward to family from overseas visiting to strengthen bonds. Broadening your horizons and enjoying a different environment may be a pleasing distraction from work-related commitments. Do beware of weather conditions if you are heading into unpredictable climates to ensure safety and wellbeing. Staying mobile will help you address any challenges you may be facing, especially if you have been involved in large-scale projects. If you have any new ideas pending, it would be advisable to wait until you have entered the New Year to execute any of them.
∞ Rabbit – focus on your career prospects

You can finally stick your head out of your burrow with a sigh of relief after a busy few months. Your fortune appears to improve with less delay and setbacks. Persevere and focus on your career prospects, with rewards and positive recognition beckoning after a year of hard work. Determination may finally pay off. To be able to enjoy all that may become available to you, ensure you have enough rest and nutritious meals to keep insomnia and stomach-related issues at bay.
∞ Dragon – your general health appears strong

Although the Rat has your back in many ways, you appear to be prone to accidents and injuries, so avoid overstretching or high-impact workouts. Your general health appears strong and stable. Team effort is key to success, as you may enjoy rewards and recognition. The future looks bright.
√ Snake – look forward to a smooth sailing month

After your astrological clash month of November, you may look forward to a month of smooth sailing, with the potential for some unexpected financial gains. However, try not to be tempted into any bullish investments as they may fall short of your expectations. You appear to be confident and able to overcome any challenges with ease and confidence. Be careful when using anything sharp or hiking on any rough terrain.
XX Horse – avoid high-risk financial dealings

It’s your astrological clash month, so aim to adopt a calm, adaptable attitude, which may prove challenging in many ways. Proceed with caution to avoid high-risk financial dealings. You are prone to being scammed as the cyberworld may be unpredictable with desperate people short on cash creating chaos for many during the distractions of the festive season. Falling for any scam could lead to personal and financial loss, resulting in family disharmony.
∞ Sheep – be careful when driving

Expenditure may be high at this time of year, obviously, but also due to some unexpected bills that may have been overlooked. The good news is that you may uncover ways to make up some gains to earn an unexpected second income, helping to ease financial pressure at this most expensive time of the year. Be careful when driving during the festive season, being observant of others’ lack of attention.
√ Monkey – maintain a humble attitude

You appear to be on a financial roll this month, easing pressure during this expensive season as your wealth luck appears to flourish. If so, put some amount away for that rainy day when you will be so grateful to yourself to have some financial insurance. Be kind and considerate to those you come into contact with as this will add to your karmic bank. Maintaining a humble and open-minded attitude is key to learning and personal growth. If you are doing any strengthening exercises, be patient with yourself; take time to warm up to prevent muscle fatigue.
∞ Rooster – beware of mindless gossip

You love the festive season and come into your element with social activity; however, do take care not to burn out after a rocking time as you may be feeling rather overwhelmed. The good news is that you have plenty of support. Beware of mindless gossip about loved ones, avoid impulsive action and hold back your reactive nature this month to prevent awkward moments and minor frustrations. Pay close attention to your health, as your immune system may be weaker than usual. Keep active as you may feel stiffness of the limbs, resulting in fatigue.
√ Dog – gain some potential personal exposure

In addition to enjoying the lead up to the festive season, you may be brimming over with creativity. This is an excellent month to consider your early New Year plans and to develop new strategies for potential new ventures for 2026. Use social platforms for networking, making new contacts and gaining some potential personal exposure.
X Pig – practice patience and understanding

Beware of conflict and awkward moments due to some third-party interference and misunderstanding. Be mindful of giving too much information away, as walls have ears and there may be some spies close by. Practice patience and understanding to avoid unnecessary stress and conflict. Take regular breaks during the day to maintain a sharp mindset to manage tedious tasks.


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Your horoscopes for December 2025, the month of the Earth Rat: work, money and health

December is the month of the Earth Rat. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

See what your luck is like during Earth Rat month. Photo: Shutterstock

The Rat is attentive in the evening. Photo: Shutterstock

Rats are active. Photo: Handout

King Charles is born under the Year of the Rat. Photo: Reuters

Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Ox years include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Tiger years include 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rabbit years include 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dragon years include 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Snake years include 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Horse years include 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Goat – or Sheep – years include 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Monkey years include 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rooster years include 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dog years include 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Pig years include 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

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It’s the luckiest month of the year for the Ox with the Rat being its astrological friend, while the Snake can also expect smooth sailing


It’s the luckiest month of the year for the Ox with the Rat being its astrological friend, while the Snake can also expect smooth sailing.


Your horoscopes for December 2025, the month of the Earth Rat: work, money and health

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}It’s the luckiest month of the year for the Ox with the Rat being its astrological friend, while the Snake can also expect smooth sailing

It’s the luckiest month of the year for the Ox with the Rat being its astrological friend, while the Snake can also expect smooth sailing