As you may or may not know, the Chinese Zodiac is based on horoscope wheel featuring twelve animals. The story is that this Zodiac was created when the Buddha asked all of the animals in the world to join him for a New Year’s celebration but only twelve showed up.  The Chinese Zodiac cycle begins with the Rat and ends with the last guest to the party – the Pig.

Like in Western Astrology, the Chinese believe that those born during a year of a particular animal will inherit some of the traits of that animal.  Then, every twelve years, the actual calendar year also belongs to that animal. This year we leave the Year of the Tiger, which dominated 2010 for the Year of the Rabbit.  The Year of the Tiger was dramatic and full of conquests and conflicts. The Year of the Rabbit tends to be one that is a bit more harmonious and diplomatic in nature.  Life itself will stop being so dramatic in all the wrong ways and more focused on arts, culture and entertainment.  Rabbits are known for procreation so the relationship between existing lovers with be emphasized as well as fertility and children.

The nice thing about the Year of the Rabbit is that it tends to be very positive and upbeat. Although disease and conflict will still be in the world, life will not seem as drastic.  Peaceful solutions and diplomacy are much more likely in 2011 than they were in 2010.

Furthermore the earth itself should calm down and stop producing so many earthquakes and storms. The Year of the Rabbit usually creates more comfortable and more consistent weather patterns with less extremes of temperature.

The Rabbit is a very social being so most of us can be expected to be invited to more parties. Cocktail parties that go very late will be more the norm. You may also notice that it is easier to get up in the morning. There is something about a Rabbit Year that eases up stress and makes us look forward to each day.

If you are a Rat you may have had a hard time in 2011, especially with housing and health, but now all that will end with the dawning of the Year of the Rabbit which tends to reduce your stress.

If you are an Ox you are likely to fall in love this year. If you are already in a relationship you might get married. Children are also very much a part of the picture.

If you are a Tiger you may find this year frustrating and even dull. However you will see an increase in income.

If you are a Rabbit you can accomplish anything you want in 2011. All you have to do is start taking the steps necessary to approach success and it will rush to you.  However the Rabbit is still to beware becoming exhausted from all of the fun and attention.

If you are a Dragon, you are likely to see a change in job or a promotion. Any new job that you end up taking is likely to be much more exciting than the one you have now.

If you are a Snake, you can expect to make many more friends. However you may have to guard your reputation as others will be hell bent on exposing your secrets.

If you are a Snake you will be able to focus on yourself and what you need for a change. You spent all last year people pleasing but this year you will have the money and time to pamper yourself a bit.

If you are a Horse your focus will be on your health and in particular losing weight or changing your diet so that it is healthier for you.

If you are a Goat you may feel restless and dissatisfied with your current circle of friends and job and you will have great luck moving forward when it comes to trading up for better situations of all kinds.

If you are a Monkey this year will be one of the happiest in recent memory. The focus will be on celebrations, travel and leaving the disappointments of the past behind.

The year of the Rabbit is more challenging for a Rooster who may be facing extra expenses to do with home repairs or a loved one’s health.  However the money picture will be good.

This year is wonderful for Dogs who are likely to find a true love or look forward to pregnancy in the family.

For the Pig, the year of the Rabbit is going to be all about friends – visiting ones from the past and making new ones in persona and also on social platforms like Facebook.

All in all this promises to be a very promising year for everyone, with love and money circulating among us all in a more generous way than we have seen in a few years.  This year Chinese New Year’s officially starts on January 3.