According to the Chinese Zodiac, on February 3, 2011 (Chinese calendar year 4709), we enter the Year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is the fourth of the 12 Chinese Animal Zodiac signs.
BUSINESS PREDICTIONS FOR THE RABBIT YEAR:
According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit Year is characterized by relative calmness. After the wild Year of the Tiger (2010), it should be a year to catch your breath and calm your nerves.
Given the nature of the Rabbit, it may well be a fertile year for business dealings, balanced between building productive relationships and jumping out of harm's way when necessary. The ever-vigilant Rabbit persistently and carefully hip-hops through research about business prospects and partners, knowing better than to jump into any situation without thinking, lest all disappear down a rabbit hole.
Taking a cue from the Rabbit, proceeding with tactful persistence, strategically determining where to and where not to jump, but also knowing when to make a quick bolt from perceived danger, should be the name of the game this year. With the right mix of caution, patience, and vigor, it portends to be a good year for shrewd and creative business partnerships. The upfront precautions notwithstanding, when the time is right there is often a mad dash to sign the contract so the deal can become reality.
It is not, however, a year for aggressive or harsh competition. The docile Rabbit prefers to establish a tranquil, peaceful, congenial environment, paying great attention to the security of its surroundings and eliminating as many risk factors as possible. Diplomacy and overall relationship-building should bring rewards, as long as one stays alert, ready to sniff out and swiftly dodge dangerous situations, retreating to the burrow if necessary.
In the Chinese zodiac system, there are five elements that run in conjunction with the 12 animals, creating more intricate aspects to each of the 60 years in the full cycle. 2011 is the Year of the Wood Rabbit in a Metal Year. Metal is a strong element that can work against the weaker wood, causing friction and deterioration, motivating stronger efforts to fortify the nest. This is especially true as turmoil fomented by the Tiger may linger on. From the safety of the burrow opening, the Rabbit is likely to insist that domestic agendas take preference over international issues. Existing trading agreements may be refined for the benefit of the members. Tariffs may be raised to ensure domestic preservation of creature comforts, but excluding outsiders in the process.
A small and vulnerable animal, the Rabbit prefers to stay close to home and take a very pragmatic approach to its security. Not prone to adventure, it will take a much more down to earth view of things that seem too good to be true than the fearless Tiger. Because the Rabbit is a vegetarian, green products are expected to thrive in the Rabbit Year.
All in all, taking advantage of the sharpness and diligence inherent in the Rabbit should bring the best results in this timid year.
PEOPLE BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Always cautious, Rabbit people undertake nothing before they have weighed the pros and cons from many angles. Methodical and reliable, they identify opportunities and pitfalls with a positive, yet practical, outlook. When left to work at their own pace, their creative and artistic talents become apparent. They make good diplomats, politicians, counselors, lawyers, judges, advisers, administrators, and secretaries. They are admired and trusted by others, and do their work with a balanced outlook and cautious approach, examining all the facts before making a judgment.
Their poise and polish allow them to get on well with everyone. They are valued by colleagues for their tact and modesty, believing that it costs nothing to be nice. They are also recognized for not stepping on others to achieve their goals, as it is not their nature to dwell in a competitive or aggressive environment. They prefer a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere, almost to the point of over-indulgence, paying great attention to every detail of color, design, furniture, food and conversation.
Though they are not easily provoked, their sentimental and compassionate side can, at times, make them melancholy and produce tears. With their impeccable manners, however, they never resort to vulgarities. They will always make an effort to be civil, even to the worst enemy, as they abhor brawling and any sort of overt animosity.
Even while being true and sweet to those they love, Rabbits can seem detached from others - even other family members. And while they do scrutinize things carefully, they can be a little too certain that what they know is all they need to know. Generally lucky, Rabbits must be careful in 2011. They should avoid gambling of all kinds and be alert against accidents. Their intuition serves them well, but they would be wise to exercise a bit more caution than usual in this unsettled year.
SOME FAMOUS RABBIT PEOPLE:
Albert Einstein, Leon Trotsky, Pope Benedict XVI, Tiger Woods, David Beckham, Frank Sinatra, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp , Harry Belafonte, Ingrid Bergman, Lewis Carroll, John Cleese, Peter Falk, Peter Fonda, James Fox, David Frost, Cary Grant, Oliver Hardy, Bob Hope, John Hurt, Michael Keaton, John Keats, Julian Lennon, Arthur Miller, Roger Moore, Tatum O'Neal, George Orwell, Neil Simon, Jane Seymour, Dusty Springfield, Sting, Orson Welles, Norman Wisdom, Anjelica Huston, Drew Barrymore, Edith Piaf, Fanny Brice, Helen Hunt, Jane Seymour, Joan Crawford, Kate Winslet, Natasha Richardson, Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.
Best Wishes for many positive leaps and bounds throughout the Year of the RABBIT!
