(Bush with Gambian Pouched Rat)
Rat animal totem
The rat has been living under a stigma since its connection with the
bubonic plague was established. In the fourteenth century, nearly a
quarter of Europe's population was taken by the Black Death, and the
rat has been a symbol of Death for at least four centuries.
And then, of course, there's the old sailor's adage about rats leaving a
sinking ship before disaster strikes, which has made the rat synonymous
with a traitor or a deserter. While the rat's cousin, the mouse, has conquered
the world as a symbol of fun, fantasy, and frivolity, there is no Ricky Rat to
compete with Mickey Mouse.
Those individuals born in the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac are
counted as people who are ambitious, yet honest, who are prone to spend
their money too freely.
If you can move beyond the stigma associated with this large rodent, you
will gain a totem animal that will aid you in establishing a comfortable and
efficient home and help you courageously defend it against all external
negativity. There is also a great deal of magical energy vibrating around this
spirit helper, and you may be led into a more serious study of the ancient
mysteries through its encouragement Rat will also lend you the necessary
energy to become a respected worker in the business environment. You
will never be tempted to gamble or fritter away your salary, however, Rat will
see to it that you make only wise investments that will benefit your home
and family.
http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/ecolodge/197/rat.html
Personally, I like rats very much.
I am worried about the stoned one, though. It looks as though it is suffering the dreaded paranoia.
Edit: You know, it is an ill wind that blows no good. I was looking for rat images for Roger, and a rat puppet came up - when I looked more closely, it was part of a huge puppet range.
Now - I am ALWAYS looking for therapeutic puppets - and they have 'em.
Unfortunately, not being a Rat, I am broke - and cannot buy any. Still....one day. There be DRAGONS and such!
It is hard finding puppets awful enough to represent the feelings the kids I work with have...
