This year, Chinese Lunar New Year falls one day before Chinese Solar New Year, on February 4. The first 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 lakes 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.

General description

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 raging. 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’s in store for your Star and 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 conflict.

the ox/buffalo

In 2011, Rabbits are very greedy and have a great appetite for money and fashion items. Luckily, your hard-working ox nature isn’t going to make hasty 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 resourceful and intuitive sense of persuasion.

Tiger

Tigers and Rabbits belong to the same Wood element in Chinese Astrology. Although 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. You are likely to be introduced to many new ideas and make sure you push yourself harder 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 sport this year. The Metal element that rules this year can indeed clash with the Rabbit and small or minor accidents could occur.

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!

Regarding your health, pay attention to small issues that could prove problematic. In general, stay fit and avoid becoming inactive.

The snake

This is a very busy year for you! Many trips are on the horizon and many different activities will appear. The Rabbit is very elegant and will pair well with your Snake allure 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

Altogether, it will be a very happy and productive year for you. There will be some problems, but your hard-working nature will easily overcome them. 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 soft 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 to have independence and to travel and tour the world in general. This is definitely a year when the Rabbit comes into view, so you can afford to relax and let your guard down. 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 dealing with technical problems or 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 time this year to relax and unwind whenever you get the chance. If you feel like taking an extended vacation, this is definitely the year for you to do it. Also, for your own benefit on many fronts, try getting involved on a voluntary basis with a local project.

The rooster

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

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

The dog

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

While everything will be fine in terms of your work, it is the spending and investment side of things that you need to be careful about. If you have any concerns about this, please 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.

recent rabbit years

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