 A
placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the
Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get
some rest after all the battles of the previous year.
Good taste and
refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion
is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international
relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with
discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty.
A time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the
Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their
effectiveness and sense of duty.
Law and order will be lax; rules
and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to
bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves,
entertaining others or simply taking it easy. The scene is quiet and calm, even
deteriorating to the point of somnolence. We will all have a tendency to put off
disagreeable tasks as long as possible
Money can be made without
too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow
ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with
unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy
without too many annoyances.
THE RABBIT
PERSONALITY
A person born in the year of the
Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs.
The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of
longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.
When a
Westerner gazes at the Moon, he may joke that it is a ball of cheese or tell a
child the story of the Man in the Moon. When a Chinese looks at the Moon, he
sees the Moon Hare standing near a rock under a Cassia tree and holding the
Elixir of Immortality in his hands.
During the Chinese mid-Autumn
festival when the Moon is supposed to be at its loveliest, Chinese children
still carry lighted paper lanterns made in the image of a Rabbit and climb the
hills to observe the Moon and admire the Moon Hare.
The Rabbit
symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to
beauty. His soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable
traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician.
Likewise,
a person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet
and a congenial environment. He is reserved and artistic and possesses good
judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a good scholar. He will shine in
the fields of law, politics and government.
But he is also
inclined to be moody; at such times he appears detached from his environment or
indifferent to people.
The Rabbit is extremely lucky in business
and monetary transactions. Astute at striking bargains, he can always pop up
with a suitable proposal or alternative to benefit himself. His sharp business
acumen, coupled with his knack for negotiation, will ensure him a fast rise in
any career.
Although the Rabbit may assume an outer air of
indifference to the opinions of others, he actually withers under criticism. His
"rather switch than fight" technique can be deceiving and he can be diabolically
cunning when he puts his mind to it. So while the Rabbit person is tender and
obliging to his loved ones, he can be superficial and even ruthless in his
dealings with outsiders. Suave and self-indulgent, he enjoys his creature
comforts and likes to put his own wishes first. It irks him terribly to be
inconvenienced for he is a considerate, modest and thoughtful person and he
would like others to be the same. He sincerely believes it costs people nothing
to be nice to each other and he will always make an effort to be civil, even to
his worst enemy. He abhors brawling and any sort of overt animosity.
For all his quiet and misleadingly docile nature, a Rabbit person possesses a
strong will and an almost narcissistic self-assurance. He pursues his objectives
with methodical precision but always in an unobtrusive manner. If there is
anything he isn't going to be accused of, it is that he is an obvious or
thick-skinned person. He won't make waves. The special trait that makes the
Rabbit person a formidable negotiator is his inscrutability. It is difficult
ever to assess his thoughts correctly.
The Rabbit usually has
impeccable manners. He seldom uses harsh words and will never resort to foul
language or vulgarisms to bring home a point. There is little need to anyway, as
he has his own techniques. The Rabbit could hide under this cloak of decency to
undermine his opponents. His credentials are usually flawless or at least in
good order. He will wine and dine you in the best places and cater to your every
whim when he is after something. Then, when you have eaten your fill and are
puffing away contentedly at that expensive cigar, he will pull out the contract
for you to sign. Before you know it, he has cut you off at the knees. He was so
deft, you didn't even feel any pain. It was all over with the stroke of a pen.
My sympathies are with you, friend. You are just another victim of the
incomparable Hare. Now do you understand why Bugs Bunny always gets his carrots
in all those cartoon strips?
The Rabbit may appear a bit slow or
overly deliberate at times, but this is due to his inborn sense of caution and
discretion. One can be sure he is going to read the fine print before signing
any document. Because of his ability to assess people and situations, the Rabbit
can afford to be conceited--which, by the way, he is.
The demure
Ms. Rabbit is very considerate and understanding with her friends: a great gal
to work with, shop with or just tell stories with. She is delightfully warm and
witty and her company is always relaxing. She has a lot of energy for the things
she likes to do and can tirelessly track down antique shops or plan a friend's
wedding to the last detail. But when she feels she has had enough of all that
rigmarole, well, you can expect her to drop whatever she is doing, prop up her
dainty feet and go all limp. That is the philosophical part of the Rabbit. Do
you know why she can keep so serene with all that frantic action going on? The
secret is to know when your batteries need recharging, and no one has better
knowledge or timing on this than the Rabbit.
While everyone is
killing himself in a mad rush to get somewhere, the Rabbit knows that the world
will still be here tomorrow. So, what's the big hurry? Why don't you sit down,
too? She will probably make you a nice cup of tea and help you forget all about
that crazy rat race outside.
In any situation, you can always rely
on the Rabbit to be in control of herself. She will notice the license number of
the getaway car or remember that the driver was wearing camel-colored trousers
or elevator shoes. And while you are at the police station filing that report,
she will calmly recall all the details and help you answer all those irritating
questions.
All in all, the Rabbit is one who really knows how to
live. What's more, he or she is more than willing to let live. Not a spoilsport
or disciplinarian with an ever-watchful eye, the Rabbit knows when to refrain
from criticism. He never likes to embarrass anyone in public. He is adept at the
art of saving face, both yours and his, and if there is any way he can spare
your feelings, he will.
Have no doubt--he makes mental notes of
your mistakes or progress. But if things are not serious or beyond redemption,
he will goodheartedly let you pass. For this trait, he is well-liked and
popular. An advantage of this philosophy is that the Rabbit makes few enemies
and thus rarely gets into trouble. People respond by being generous to him and
letting him pass, too.
No one has a more sympathetic ear to lend
you than the Rabbit (except the Sheep) should you need one. But while he is an
excellent soother and compassionate listener, he will only take the role of a
passive advisor. He is, above all, an intellectual, a realist and a pacifist. Do
not expect him to go out with all colors flying and do battle for you. That
would be asking too much of him. Let's face it, the Rabbit will never elect to
trudge up Mount Calvary with you, no matter what great buddies you two claim to
be. He'll lend you the money for the lawyer or bail you out of jail if he can
afford it, but that's about all. And if you are getting to be too much of a
nuisance, you can count on his making a quick but graceful exit from your life.
The comely and refined Miss Rabbit will not be adverse to marrying a good
old-fashioned millionaire instead of a handsome but penniless swain. The former
will be able to provide her with the advantages and luxuries she demands as
necessities. Her man must be powerful enough to protect and support her in
style, and sensitive enough to politely disappear when she is in a sullen mood
and wishes to remain undisturbed.
When given the choice, the
Rabbit will vote for the easy and good life every time. He or she will wear
loose comfortable clothing of superb cut and fabric. Cashmere sweaters, pure
silk blouses and durable linens and tweeds. A mink or chinchilla carelessly
thrown over the shoulder in a calculated air of nonchalance could also identify
the elegant Rabbit native. Flashy, geometric or shocking designs offend the
Rabbit's sense of conformity and balance.
While gracious to
friends and coworkers, the Rabbit person may be somewhat distant from his own
family or simply bored by domestic routine and duties. He or she hates too close
associations; he will shake off an encroachment on his privacy or clinging
parasitic friends with no regret. He can be bureaucratic and hedgy over
difficult issues. As he is one who hates binding commitments or
over-involvement, he can also be an expert at passing the buck.
Mr. Rabbit is singularly debonair. He moves with grace, charm and
gentlemanliness, in spite of the fact that while he was singing your praises, he
was also drinking all your best wine. Yes, the Rabbit gravitates toward the
cream of society and gentlemanly leisure. On second thought, the cream of high
society could well be made up of poised and genial Hares.
At his
best, the Rabbit is admired for his suaveness and intelligence and sought after
for his sensible advice. At his worst, he is too imaginative, oversensitive or
just acidly indifferent. He avoids coming into contact with human suffering or
misery, as though it were some highly contagious disease.
The
Rabbit is not at all easy to trap. He can also become very repressive in his
predilection for secrecy or privacy. When the Rabbit person feels threatened,
his subtle brooding or concealed antagonism could be expressed by the use of
subversive tactics. Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro and South Africa's Johannes
Vorster are Rabbits. It is also worth noting that Thailand's King Bhumibol,
admired and well-loved by his subjects for his exemplary life and devotion to
music, art and domestic harmony, was born in the year of the Rabbit. So were
King Olav V of Norway, Queen Victoria, Albert Einstein, David Rockefeller and
David Frost.
For all his positive qualities, a native of this sign
will still value himself above all else. When pushed too far, he will discard
anything or anyone who dares upset the calm of his existence. His beliefs are
known to be flexible and he has the knack of playing both sides for insurance.
Security could be an obsession to the weaker types of this specimen; you rarely
find a Rabbit in areas of high risk.
This love of ease coupled
with his distaste for conflict may give the Rabbit a reputation for being weak,
opportunistic and self-indulgent. Unlike the Dragon, Dog, Tiger, or Rooster, who
all enjoy a hearty fight now and then, and may even thrive on it, the Rabbit has
no relish for combat. He was not born to be a warrior. He is more effective
working behind the scenes. Do not be concerned about the Rabbit's well-being. He
is agile and sagacious and armed with the good sense to keep out of harm's way.
Unlike other signs, who may pursue lofty ideals, the Rabbit's main objective in
life is simply self-preservation.
The Rabbit year is said to bring
peace or at least a respite from conflict or war. Likewise, its native will do
everything in his power to restore harmony or he will leave the scene.
The Rabbit person makes a good entertainer and is a wonderful host. Pleasant and
warm company, he has a good word to say of everyone. But don't let that fool
you. He knows more than he will say and you can easily recognize him by his
finesse. He will be the best of friends so long as you take care not to ask too
much of him.
The well-groomed Rabbit is most compatible with those
born in the Sheep year. They will share the same good taste and love of material
comforts. Equally well suited will be a relationship with the Dog person or the
honest, unimposing Roar native. The Rat, Dragon, Monkey, Ox, Snake and Rabbit
will make good secondary matches for him. But he will not be able to tolerate
the vanity or criticism of the Rooster, is unimpressed by the dramatics of the
Tiger and unappreciative of the quick-tempered and mercurial ways of the Horse.
To sum it up, the Hare simply leaps over obstacles in his path and recovers from
calamities with remarkable resilience. No matter how he is tossed, he lands on
his feet. He may not be close to his family but will make every effort to
provide them with the best of everything. His soft, vulnerable-looking exterior
is protected by an armor of cautiousness and sagacity. In life, the Rabbit will
avoid being drawn into conflict at any cost, unless, of course, it affects him
directly, at which time he will take the appropriate measures to protect his
interests.
There is no great inner struggle in the Rabbit's heart
between the forces of good and evil. He believes in his own ability to survive,
relies on his own judgment and is at peace with himself. His is the sign most
apt to find happiness and contentment.
[ top of the
page ]
THE RABBIT CHILD
A child born in the
Rabbit's year will have a sweet disposition. Even-tempered and
obedient, he will be sensitive to the moods of his parents and act accordingly.
He may or may not be talkative, but he won't be rowdy or offensive. He can sit
quietly and concentrate on one toy or game at a time.
Usually he
is a light sleeper and may fret a lot when he is sick. He will be easy to
discipline and should have little trouble fitting in at school. He learns his
lessons well and with ease. But although he has better than average manners,
this does not mean he will not be argumentative in his own soft-spoken way. He
can grasp both sides of a question quickly and debate his point with
intelligence.
At times, it will be difficult to decipher his
thoughts or deeds. Smooth at masking his feelings, the Rabbit will only say what
he knows will please you and thus maneuver you to his way of thinking without
your even noticing it.
He will be able to fend for himself and
protect his possessions. Remarkably observant, he can calculate his chances for
getting his way. Instead of directly resisting rules, the subtle Rabbit will
carefully devise ways around them. In short, this polite little angel is going
to bargain for a better deal every time.
He can take reproach with
a defiant or philosophical sort of indifference. Shrugging off his setbacks, the
Rabbit will patiently start again from square one. Helpful at home, conforming
in school and well-tuned to his environment, this child will know his way around
people and problems. Rest assured he will be well-liked and accepted in all
circles.
[ top of the
page ] |
| Back to Zodiac Page |
|
Chinese Compatibility Analysis |
|
|
Click here for St. Patrick's Day
|
