By: centraljersey.com
Forget the controversy over the changes in Western astrology that’s been in the news lately. You know, all the chatter about how the earth’s wobbly rotation has shifted all the astrological signs by 23 degrees. So Geminis are now Tauruses and whatnot, Scorpio has been reduced to just about 10 days, and there’s this new sign, something about a snake handler?
Reliable as clockwork (or perhaps a sundial) is the arrival of the Chinese New Year. Out goes the Year of the Tiger, and in hops the Year of the Rabbit or Hare, arriving Feb. 3 and lasting until Jan. 22, 2012. With a zodiac that consists of 12 animals, each creature in Chinese astrology reigns every dozen years. Other "rabbit years" include 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951 and 1939. Think back to those years in your life and look forward to similar energy for this year.
Chinese astrology also takes into account five natural elements, and so an animal is not only a tiger or a rabbit, but a water, wood, fire, earth or metal tiger or rabbit. 2011 happens to be the year of the "metal" or golden rabbit.
If you have an elder who was born in 1927 or, goodness knows, 1915, shower them with blessings on their longevity and wish them an especially good year. Jaclyn Lee, a volunteer with the Huaxia Chinese School in Plainsboro (one of its numerous locations in New Jersey) says sharing positive aspirations for the oldest members of a Chinese family or community is just one of many traditions for the New Year.
Of the many main courses (up to 20, Ms. Lee says), a whole fish – not filleted – is an important element for the dinner table New Year’s Eve. Each dish has a special, positive meaning, and "thoughtful eating" is a way to set an upbeat tone for the coming year.
"There is a lot of eating and drinking, and we stay up until midnight, when you would traditionally set off firecrackers," Ms. Lee says. "This is when we say ‘good words,’ aspirational words, to our families and friends and especially grandparents and other seniors. Normally (in the U.S.) we say ‘happy New Year,’ but we also wish ‘good fortune for the coming year.’"
Although Ms. Lee is not an astrologer, she says most Chinese and Chinese-American people know about Chinese astrology and enjoy learning about the traits of the different animals as they concern people, and reflect on how their own personalities compare with the animals.
However, a serious Chinese astrologer doesn’t just consider a person’s birth year and their animal – the month, dates and especially the time when a person is born is of utmost importance when drawing a chart.That said, the traits of the animals are a playful way to analyze a person, and someone born in a rabbit year would be keen, wise, fragile (at least fragile-looking), serene, considerate, compassionate, sensitive and fashionable. They are quite calm, non-aggressive and will avoid confrontation at all costs.
Often gifted in the arts, rabbit people are talented and enjoy artistic ventures, finding themselves in art and music classes or groups, or surrounded by creative friends. Although introverted and private, they are also very hospitable, good hosts and warm-hearted companions, with lovely, organized homes and workspaces. A symbol for mercy, elegance and beauty, the rabbit is associated with the Moon.
A rabbit year is a time to catch one’s breath, and the next 12 months should feel considerably more relaxed than the year that is going out – the Year of the Tiger.
"Generally, the year reflects the energy of the animal in the Chinese zodiac," Ms. Lee says. "So, naturally, a rabbit year will have different energy than a tiger year, since a tiger is a very determined and forceful animal. I think this year will be more flexible and softer."
It is not suggested to force a dispute or issue during a rabbit year. Rather, to reap the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and relationships with women and children. In addition, this is a bonus year for rabbit people, so this would be a positive time to launch a new creative endeavor, and forge fresh, pleasant relationships.
As the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac, you might compare rabbit with Cancer, the fourth sign in the Western zodiac, another gentle sign which is concerned with family, children, home and the Moon.
If you really want to tap into the lunar energy of a rabbit year, take the time to observe the full moons of this year, and when warmer weather comes, find a place in nature and admire the light of the moon. Enjoy the moon’s glow and absorb its intuitive, healing, yin energy, especially if your sign is the rabbit. Traditions even suggest this is a year to wish upon the moon, strengthen your chi energy and grow in wisdom.
Compatible with Chinese astrology signs of ram, pig/boar and dog, famous rabbits include Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Bob Hope, Edith Piaf, Sting, John Cleese, Angelina Jolie, Tine Turner, and Jane Seymour.
Writing as Gwyneth Bryan, Susan Van Dongen is the author of "(Astrological) Houses: A Contemporary Look" (Llewellyn, 2006). She writes frequently on the arts and culture.
