This year, the Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated one day before the Chinese Solar New Year, on February 4. The former marks the beginning of the Year of the Metal Rabbit under the Four Pillar System of astrology; the latter marks the beginning of a 7-lake year under the older method of I Ching astrology.

In this article I will discuss their prospects under the Four Pillars system, and on February 3 I will publish their forecasts for Year 7 Lake.

Overview

In Chinese astrology, the elements and the years move in cycles of 12. Are there five elements? Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood and 12 animals, namely the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Serpent, the Horse,

the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, the Pig, the Rat, the Ox and the Tiger.

Therefore, once every 60 years a similar combination of element and animal will appear. On February 3, 2011, it is Metal Rabbit’s turn to appear. The last time he was here was in 1951.

famous metal rabbits

These people were born in 1951: Jane Seymour, Gordon Brown, Patricia Richardson, Kurt Russell, Bob Geldof, Sherry Aldridge.

1951 also saw the Korean War at its height. The Metal element is from the West and the Rabbit represents the Wood element from the East. Unfortunately, there is a strong possibility of further inflammation on that front. If you’re not from Korea, expect some kind of aggravation or conflict, whether real or financial, between East and West this year.

On a brighter note, what awaits your Star and your Animal in 2011? The animals will interact differently when the Rabbit comes into view. The Rabbit in some translations is known as the Cat.

In general, the Rabbit is seen as sensitive, gentle, diplomatic, intuitive, and desires creature comforts. By nature, the Rabbit does not enjoy or like to face conflicts.

The ox/buffalo

In 2011, Rabbits are very greedy and have a huge appetite for money and fashion items. Luckily, your hard-working ox nature isn’t going to make rush deals overnight. Be patient this year and this will help you tremendously. It’s important that you don’t overreact emotionally this year, or overspend.

This is due to the Rabbit’s witty and intuitive sense of persuasion.

The Tiger

Tigers and Rabbits belong to the same Wood element in Chinese Astrology. While the Rabbit may turn out to be a much calmer animal, on the other hand, it will encourage you to be very impulsive. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew this year. It will likely introduce you to a lot of new ideas and make sure you put in more effort than usual to stay physically active.

Rabbit

This is your year and the last time it appeared was 12 years ago. It’s actually a fabulous year for you, especially financially. Be very clear where you would like to invest your money and also consider the importance of time. Be on the lookout for investments that, on closer look, are risky.

Avoid doing any risky or adventure sports this year. The Metal element that rules this year can indeed collide with the Rabbit and small or minor accidents could happen.

The Dragon

This is a good year for you to put a determined but quiet effort into your career. Tread carefully and avoid upsetting sensitive souls in your sphere of contact. It’s a fabulous year for you to really hone your hidden skills or talents. Get ready to unleash it next year!

When it comes to your health, pay attention to the little issues that could be troublesome. In general, stay fit and avoid becoming inactive.

The snake

This is a very busy year for you! Many trips on the horizon and many diverse activities will appear. The Rabbit is very elegant and will combine well with his attractive Snake to create perfection on all fronts.

Be sure to get out there and communicate very clearly this year with others. Be on the lookout for any betrayal and this will not show up as long as you are open, clear and transparent in all your dealings.

Horse

All in all, it will be a very happy and productive year for you. There will be some problems, but your hard-working nature will overcome them with ease. It is important that you let go of some of your pride and allow others to help you this year.

The presence of the Rabbit this year will have a very gentle and softening effect. The Rabbit will help you take yourself less seriously and keep you calm when others may be around to irritate you on different fronts.

The Sheep/Goat

Your year loves having independence and traveling and touring the world in general. This is definitely a year where the Rabbit comes into view, so you can afford to relax and let your guard down. Just like you, the Rabbit is perfect for creating a wonderful, calm and supportive environment. However, you must stay active this year. If you’re retired, even consider some volunteer work.

It is an important year for you to be proactive, especially when it comes to investments and work. There is even an opportunity on the horizon this year for you to receive an award or be recognized for your talents.

Monkey

Of all the Chinese animals, the Monkey is the most competent when it comes to dealing with problems or technical issues. You will be at the top of your game on these fronts this year. It can also be called more frequently. Be careful this year that others do not take advantage of your generosity or your time.

Take some time this year to relax and unwind whenever you can get the chance. If you feel like taking extended vacations, this is definitely the year for you to do so. Also, to your own benefit on many fronts, try getting involved on a volunteer level with a local project.

The rooster

This is the year that there is technically a crash in the atmosphere. The reason is that the Rooster is the opposite of the Rabbit in the Chinese horoscope system. So beware that you will have a lot on your plate on many different fronts.

Be careful this year with your expenses. Get up to speed on managing your finances, or at least get someone to help you with that. All in all, avoid any kind of risky venture this year.

The dog

Born in the year of the Dog, you are always hard-working, noble and very loyal. On the work front this year, there is a chance for a raise or for you to move up the ladder. On all fronts, work will come to you effortlessly this year.

While all will be well in terms of your work, it is the expense and investment side of it that you need to be careful about. If you have any concerns about this, seek good responsible advice. You are very well protected this year, but at the same time; avoid getting into a fight with someone in a position of rank or power above you.

rabbit recent years

These include 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011.