The year 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse (Bính Ngọ), is approaching, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges. For those born in 1960, the Year of the Metal Rat (Canh Tý), this is a crucial time to consider significant relationships like marriage or business partnerships. Seeking a compatible life partner or business associate is not just an East Asian cultural practice but is also believed to bring luck, prosperity, and long-term harmony. This article will provide a detailed, in-depth analysis to answer the question: In 2026, which ages are compatible with the 1960 Metal Rat for marriage or business?

Overview of the 1960 Metal Rat

To fully understand compatibility, we must first grasp the fundamental characteristics of individuals born in the Year of the Metal Rat (1960).

• Five Elements Sign: Bích Thượng Thổ (Earth on the Wall). People of this element possess a steady and resolute character, making them a reliable pillar for others. They live by principles, are disciplined, and are highly protective of their loved ones.
• Heavenly Stem: Canh (associated with the Metal element).
• Earthly Branch: Tý (associated with the Water element).
• Prominent Personality Traits: Metal Rat individuals are intelligent, quick-witted, highly adaptable, and excellent at planning and calculation. They are diligent, hardworking, and relentlessly strive to achieve their goals. However, they can sometimes be stubborn and forthright, which may unintentionally offend others.

The year 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (Bính Ngọ), with the five-element sign of Thiên Thượng Thủy (Celestial Water). In terms of Earthly Branches, the Rat (Tý) and the Horse (Ngọ) are in a Four Pillars of Conflict relationship (Tý - Ngọ - Mão - Dậu). This indicates a year of significant fluctuations and trials for the Metal Rat. Therefore, choosing a compatible partner to navigate these challenges together becomes even more critical.

Analyzing Compatibility Factors

Feng shui and horoscopy assess compatibility based on several complex factors. Below are the main elements that determine the level of harmony between different ages.

1. Compatibility by the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành)

The 1960 Metal Rat belongs to the Earth element. According to the rules of generation and overcoming:

• Generating (Best): Fire generates Earth. Individuals with a Fire element will be a source of positive energy, supporting and promoting the growth of the Earth person. Additionally, Earth generates Metal, so an Earth person will also be a great support for a Metal person.
• Harmonious (Good): Earth harmonizes with Earth. Two people of the Earth element will create a solid, stable, and enduring bond.
• Overcoming (To be avoided): Wood overcomes Earth. A person with a Wood element may dominate, hinder, and bring misfortune to an Earth person.

Conclusion: When choosing a partner, the Metal Rat should prioritize individuals with Fire or Metal elements to create a favorable generative cycle.

2. Compatibility by Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches

This is a core factor in determining synergy in both work and relationships.

• Heavenly Stem: Canh (Metal) is highly compatible with Ất (Wood). This combination creates harmony and mutual support.
• Earthly Branch (Trine of Affinity): The Rat (Tý) is part of the Thân – Tý – Thìn (Monkey – Rat – Dragon) trine. People born in the year of the Monkey and the Dragon are ideal allies and partners, sharing common goals and easily achieving success together.
• Earthly Branch (Six Harmonies): The Rat (Tý) and the Ox (Sửu) form a pair of two harmonies, bringing a deep, lasting connection and effective mutual support.
• Earthly Branch (Four Pillars of Conflict): It is advisable to avoid ages within the conflict group: Horse (Ngọ), Rabbit (Mão), and Rooster (Dậu).

3. Compatibility by Fate Palace (Cung Phi Bát Trạch - Mainly for Marriage)

The Fate Palace is the most crucial factor when assessing marital compatibility. The Fate Palaces for male and female Metal Rats of 1960 are different:

• Male 1960 Metal Rat: Tốn Palace, Wood element, belonging to the East Four Life Group.
• Female 1960 Metal Rat: Khôn Palace, Earth element, belonging to the West Four Life Group.

When the Fate Palaces of two individuals combine to form auspicious directions like Sheng Qi (Life Generating), Yan Nian (Longevity), Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor), or Fu Wei (Stability), it brings happiness, wealth, and health. Conversely, inauspicious directions like Jue Ming (Life Threatening), Wu Gui (Five Ghosts), Liu Sha (Six Killings), or Huo Hai (Mishap) should be avoided.

Best Ages for Business with the 1960 Metal Rat in 2026

For business partnerships, the focus is primarily on the Five Elements and Earthly Branches. Below are the ages considered ideal business partners for the 1960 Metal Rat:

• 1968 Earth Monkey (Mậu Thân): Earth element, harmonious with the Metal Rat's Earth element. The Monkey (Thân) and Rat (Tý) are in a Trine of Affinity. This is a perfect combination, promising brilliant success and abundant wealth.
• 1976 Fire Dragon (Bính Thìn): Earth element (as per its specific sign), harmonious. The Dragon (Thìn) and Rat (Tý) are also in a Trine of Affinity. This partnership will be very stable, mutually beneficial, and will grow strongly.
• 1969 Earth Rooster (Kỷ Dậu): Earth element, harmonious. The Heavenly Stem Kỷ (Earth) generates Canh (Metal), which is excellent. Although Tý and Dậu have a minor clash (Six Harms), the other overwhelmingly positive factors make this a worthy partnership, especially in detail-oriented fields.
• 1971 Metal Pig (Tân Hợi): Metal element. As Earth generates Metal, the 1960 Rat will be a powerful supporter for the 1971 Pig. This combination is complementary, ensuring smooth business operations.
• 1977 Fire Snake (Đinh Tỵ): Earth element, harmonious. Tỵ and Tý do not clash. This partnership brings stability and certainty to business ventures.

Best Ages for Marriage with the 1960 Metal Rat in 2026

Assessing marriage compatibility is more complex, requiring the harmony of all factors, especially the Fate Palace. We will analyze this separately for males and females.

For the Male 1960 Metal Rat (Tốn Palace - Wood)

The male Metal Rat belongs to the East Four Life Group and is therefore compatible with females from the same group (Khảm, Ly, Chấn, Tốn). The most suitable female ages include:

• Female 1963 Water Rabbit (Quý Mão - Metal Element): Tốn Palace (Fu Wei). The male's Earth element generates the female's Metal element. The Rat and Rabbit have a minor clash, but it's not severe. Overall, this is a good, stable combination.
• Female 1964 Wood Dragon (Giáp Thìn - Fire Element): Ly Palace (Tian Yi). This is an excellent match. The female's Fire element generates the male's Earth element. The Dragon and Rat are in a Trine of Affinity. The Tian Yi fate palace brings health and harmony.
• Female 1967 Fire Sheep (Đinh Mùi - Water Element): Ly Palace (Tian Yi). The male's Earth element overcomes the female's Water, but this is not a major incompatibility. This is balanced by the excellent Tian Yi fate palace, promising a peaceful life.
• Female 1972 Water Rat (Nhâm Tý - Wood Element): Tốn Palace (Fu Wei). Two Rats combine well. The Wood and Earth elements have a slight clash but it can be neutralized. The Fu Wei palace brings stability.

For the Female 1960 Metal Rat (Khôn Palace - Earth)

The female Metal Rat belongs to the West Four Life Group and is compatible with males from the same group (Càn, Khôn, Cấn, Đoài).

• Male 1957 Fire Rooster (Đinh Dậu - Fire Element): Đoài Palace (Tian Yi). The male's Fire element generates the female's Earth element, which is excellent. The Heavenly Stems Đinh (Fire) and Canh (Metal) are also compatible. This is an extremely ideal match.
• Male 1958 Wood Dog (Mậu Tuất - Wood Element): Càn Palace (Yan Nian). The male's Wood element overcomes the female's Earth, which is the main drawback. However, the Yan Nian fate palace is very good for relationships, promoting family harmony and longevity. The five-element clash should be considered and mitigated.
• Male 1959 Wood Pig (Kỷ Hợi - Wood Element): Khôn Palace (Fu Wei). Similar to the Earth Dog, there is a five-element clash. But the Fu Wei palace is good, and the two Earth palaces are harmonious, creating stability.
• Male 1962 Water Tiger (Nhâm Dần - Metal Element): Khôn Palace (Fu Wei). The female's Earth element generates the male's Metal element. The fate palaces are harmonious. This is a fairly good combination, where the wife will be a strong support for her husband.

Conclusion and Advice

Using astrology to check for compatibility in business or marriage is a useful reference tool, providing confidence and caution in life's major decisions. For the 1960 Metal Rat, the year 2026 (Fire Horse) presents both opportunities and challenges. Choosing the right companion will be key to turning those challenges into opportunities.

In summary:

• For Business: Prioritize the 1968 Earth Monkey and the 1976 Fire Dragon.
• For Marriage (Male Metal Rat): Consider the female 1964 Wood Dragon and 1963 Water Rabbit.
• For Marriage (Female Metal Rat): Consider the male 1957 Fire Rooster and 1962 Water Tiger.

Most importantly, all horoscopic and feng shui factors are for reference only. The success of any relationship, whether in marriage or business, ultimately depends on understanding, respect, effort, and goodwill from both sides. We wish all 1960 Metal Rats wise choices and a year 2026 filled with luck, success, and happiness!