3rd February 2011 - "Hoppy" New Year



2011 - The Year of the Metal Rabbit


Happy New Year of the Rabbit. This will be the year in which we will learn through relationships.

The rabbit is part of the Eastern (Chinese) Zodiac and is fourth in line, between the tiger and dragon. While the Year of the Tiger, which we're just coming out of, was full of raw power and facilitated professional success, this year will focus on people and relationships. Last year (2010) was extremely busy and successful for me professionally - I  published 2 books and wrote an MA dissertation in Literature which was awarded a Distinction - but towards the end of it, I felt thoroughly exhausted.

This year will bring in a milder, more peaceful and personally focussed energy. So, you can relax a bit. We will have time for enjoyment and money should come in a bit more easily. Diplomacy is a rabbit trait so let's hope we'll see some repair in the international world relationships.

In Chinese philosophy, there are 12 animal "energies": Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. They combine with one of 5 elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. These cycles complete every 60 (12 x 5) years. For example, I was born in 1977, a Fire Snake year.

2011 is the Year of the Metal Rabbit. The metal element adds an energy of resilience and inner strength to the focus this year. The Rabbit is a symbol of beauty, mercy and peace; it is sensitive and gentle. Among the 12 animals, according to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the rabbit are the most sensitive. The energy this year will be focussing on inner development via the emotions.

The Western counterpart to the Rabbit sign is Pisces.

Family is always priority number one for people born in rabbit years. An example here is the famous Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. They both were born in the year of rabbit, and as one can clearly see they care a lot about their family. Other famous rabbit people include:

• Johnny Depp
• Drew Barrymore
• Jane Seymour
• Kate Winslet
• Tina Turner
• Whitney Houston
• Albert Einstein
• Frank Sinatra
• Elle Macpherson