Back in 2008, it was the year of the Earth Rat. The Earthly Branch symbol for it is 子. There are 12 Earthly Branches due to it being based on how long it takes Jupiter to complete an orbit, which is almost 12 years. These branches were also used to tell the hours in the day and for compass directions, along with the Heavenly Stems. For those of us in English speaking countries, the choice of animals often seems a bit unpleasant or unflattering. Would you want to be a rat? But in China, these animals all bear some positive traits, whether it be gaining money, influence, or success. Our earth rat is quite excited to be celebrating his year of 2008! The grass on his head might be giving him a bit too much oxygen.