The Rabbit

1915, 1927, 1939, 1951,1963, 1975,1987,1999,2011

The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Its intrinsic element is wood. The compass direction of the rabbit is between 67.5 degrees to 97.5 degrees. This falls in the direction of the east.

You will find that this sector of the house occupies an angle of 30 degrees. This sector is said to be the part of the house deemed very lucky for those residents who are born in any of the years of the rabbit. The years of the rabbit are listed in the table above. These years have not been adjusted to take account of the lunar New year. Thus if you were born in any of the above years but during say, the month of January, chances are, you do not belong to the rabbit year butt instead to the year prior to the rabbit year which is the year of the tiger. In the same way you could still be a rabbit if you are born in the January of the following year. To check your date of birth against the lunar calendar please refer to the 100 year lunar calendar at the back of the book.

In ancient times the rabbit and the ox were friendly neighbors, but one day they fell into an argument. The rabbit maintained that he was the champion runner of all the animals and that the ox could never equal him because the ox lacked his light body. Insulted, the ox began to train every day, determined to beat the rabbit.

When the time came for the animal signs to be chosen, all the animals wanted to be first at the palace in order to get a place. The ox and the rabbit decided to run together, but the rabbit broke his promise. Rising early, he dashed off at a great pace and, after a while, turned round to look for the other animals. To his delight not one was in sight, so he settled down for a nap; confident that he would be the first.

The rabbit woke up suddenly to find the tiger overtaking him. Panicking, he sprinted as fast as he could to the palace, arriving to find that both the tiger and the ox had run faster than him, and that the rat had snatched first place through his cunning. Consequently, he was only fourth. Bitter at the ox, he moved his home underground where his descendants still dwell today.

Personality of the people born in Rabbit year

You have a tranquil nature and are sensitive to the world around you. you cannot thrive in a competitive of aggressive environment, and you soon become anxious if you are forced to take risks. your delicately balanced emotions are easily destabilized by unsettled or unpredictable situations, and you instinctively want to create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. In fact, this makes you a very hospitable host, attentive to the needs of others, ensuring that they do not feel isolated or neglected. You are aware that small details are important in creating the right ambience and you pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. When you are certain that everything is arranged to your satisfaction you can then relax and you make charming, elegant and intelligent company.

You have a good imagination and intellect combined with an openness and generosity that enables you to turn enemies into friends. your approach to life is not threatening or disruptive, and the only time that you are really obstinate is when you feel you have been pushed beyond your capabilities. When faced with a dilemma, or if you are just feeling low, you tend to keep your thoughts well hidden in the belief that it is hot appropriate for you to make demands or force your opinions on others.

Your lifestyle is conservative as you do not like your security compromised, but when you opt for safety over risk you may miss good opportunities. You have no desire to be in the limelight; you shy away from confrontations or complications and if there is an escape route you will quickly take it. This does not imply that you are frivolous or irresponsible, for when you truly believe in something you are serious, perseverant and capable.

Romance

You need trust, security and tenderness in a relationship, and are happiest when you can create an intimate and cosy atmosphere. You are unlikely to go in search of emotional thrills and do not thrive on romantic upheavals, so when a partner’s behavior becomes erratic or hurtful you withdraw into your shell. There are times when you are confident in love, but an unpredictable action or careless remark can suddenly place serious doubts in your mind. Try to express your concerns and you may well find that your doubts are groundless. When you have found the right partner the affection that you offer will be returned, and you will prove to be both sympathetic and forgiving, far more likely to listen to someone else’ problems than to reveal your own.

You are happy sharing artistic interests, informal dinners and stimulating conversation. It will take time to find the soul-mate you are searching for and along the way you may appear fickle, but when you have found that person your commitment is powerful.

Career

Your intelligence and imagination stand you in good stead in your career and you always give careful thought to projects before you undertake them. You are balanced in outlook and cautious in approach, and like to be informed of all the facts before you make a judgment. You do not enjoy the cut and thrust of business life, preferring work that is more methodical and reliable, and thus the worlds of politics and finance hold little interest for you. Working under pressure makes you nervous, as do sudden demands on you to develop creative ideas, and while others may thrive on heated discussion you prefer reasoned debate. Your creative talents will come to the fore when you are allowed to work at your own pace. Many colleagues appreciate your tact and modesty and realize you are a conscientious worker, unlikely to step over others to achieve your goals.

You are suited to career in literature, art, design or public relations. You would also be a good counselor, barrister, judge, solicitor, adviser or secretary.

Rabbit Associations

Element

Wood :

In Chinese philosophy the five elements are types of energy that affect all life. It is their interaction that creates change from a global level to a personal level. the rabbit is associated with the element of wood, which works in harmony with the element of fire but is overwhelmed by the element of metal.

Colour

Green :

The rabbit is linked to the colour green, which is associated with the season of spring. It is the colour of new life, tranquility and relaxation. It is said that dreams will end well if they feature the colour green since it is a lucky and influential colour, particularly when combined with the colour red.

Energy

Yin & Yang :

Yin and Yang are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. Yin is cool, watery and still while yang is hot, heavy and dynamic. The rabbits associated with the element of earth in which yin and yang are equally balanced, a combination that is linked to thought and care.

Direction

East :

Each of the twelve animal signs is matched to a direction of the compass. The rabbit is linked to an easterly direction, which in turn is associated with the hours of sunrise. This direction is also traditionally linked to the middle of spring, a time when yang continues to gain influence as yin declines.

Balancing of energy for people born in rabbit year

Those born in the year of the Rabbit are advised to observe the following :

In the years of the Snake (2001) :

Protect against the problems of this year by placing a deer in the north-west of the living room. Change is indicated this year. Ensure luck turns good by carrying or wearing the image of coins. Must have wind chimes in the south-west this year.

In the years of the Horse (2002):

Good friends rally round to help this year. Energize the south-west with crystals. Also a pair of Rhinoceros in the living room helps.

In the years of the Sheep (2003):

This is the year to place a gem tree in your living room. Get one filled with yellow ad red colored semi precious stones, at least 10 inches tall. Place it in the south-east or south of your living room.

In the years of the Monkey (2004):

A good time to consolidate. Place the Dragon, Tortoise to bring you stability, harmony and protection.

In the years of the Rooster (2005) :

A dangerous period when financial losses could prove disastrous. You must have the Chi Lin or a pair of Fu Dogs. Special amulets hung up near the entrance door will also help. hang a crystal chandelier in the west to appease the Grand Duke. Or hang a 7 rod wind chime.

In the years of the Dog (2006) :

Obstacles remain. Place a mother and child rhinoceros and a three legged toad in the living room to overcome money problems.

In the years of the Boar (2007) :

A mixed period. Place 3 sheep standing on coins to overcome troublemakers in your life. Also place Fu dogs at your gate.

In the years of the Rat (2008) :

No serious problems. Place Fuk Luk Sau for good luck throughout the year. Also a Laughing Buddha to bring smile on faces.

In the years of OX(2009) :

This is a difficult year. If you have not got the laughing Buddha get an image of it quickly to absorb all your problems.

In the years of the TIGER(2010) : Not out of danger yet. Use wind chimes in the SW to dispel conflicts and to control the deadly 5 yellow.