The 'Year of the Rabbit'

Monday, January 3, 2011

ANOTHER year is here again. Some of us would surely welcome the year with a big bang.

But just the same, 2011 would again be another year of struggle, of working hard to achieve our dreams, of writing dozens of 'New Year resolutions' that we find hard to follow, and of trying to change negative attitudes to a more positive one.

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Perhaps, it would be nice to predict what lies ahead of us this year based on the Chinese calendar, which sets 2011 as the Year of the Rabbit.

Based on the book "Oriental Astrology," the Rabbit year can mark a period of peace and harmony.

For those not too eager to stride forward immediately, this year is usually a time of steady progress when past efforts are seen to be rewarded.

Considering others is important and those who do this are likely to fare best because opportunities will most likely arise in situations where self-aggrandisement is not actively sought.

People born during the Rabbit years (1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999) like to be with people and may yearn for the security of a partnership yet their natural reserve often makes congenial company hard to find.

These people are sensitive and intuitive and have the virtue of absolute discretion. Once other people notice them, they are almost perfect friends. These characters know when to sit back and listen or when active involvement is required as they have tact, diplomacy and respect privacy, both for themselves and others.

The book "Oriental Astrology" calls the Rabbits lovers of peace and harmony and will mostly employ evasive tactics - they will always withdraw when trouble is brewing and even when they are let down by others, they rarely bother with revenge or recrimination.

According to the book, family bonds are usually strengthened or extended in the Rabbit years which are good times for buying property that will increase in value.

The book says sometimes, the Rabbit personality may appear to be enclosed in a world where feelings are not allowed to touch them. Often very psychic, it may simply be that he or she knows that the world is a difficult place in which to live and is determined to protect their other interests.

Shrewd judges of character, the Rabbits are rarely taken in although they don't always loudly voice their opinions on their observations.

Many Rabbits are creative, though their creations tend to be conventional. If artistically inclined, they will usually paint literal representations and seldom take chances on depicting abstract concepts. But caution and security are their watchwords as they like to have a solid home-base. Many will actually avoid travel if they can and most are inclined to collect possessions that tie them down.

According to the book, Rabbits rarely enjoy large families for they resemble disorder that children can create. They are happiest living in perfect surroundings with a carefully chosen partner who will not totally disrupt their carefully insulated comfort because they are cautious and uncompromising.

Though predictions using the Chinese calendar are not really 100 percent accurate, it would still be nice to consider some of these positive traits and attitudes that might help us live our lives better this year.