WERE you born in the Year of the Rabbit, one of the 12 animal signs?

On the Chinese calendar we are in to the fourth year of a new 12-year cycle which began with the Year of the Rat, followed by the Ox and last year the Tiger.

February 3 sees the inception of the Year of the Rabbit which ends on January 16, 2012, and the Rabbit year is said to bring peace or at least a respite from conflict or war.

A person born in the Year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the 12 animal signs for 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.

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.

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.

The Rabbit symbolises graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity. His soft speech and graceful 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, enjoy a congenial environment.

The male Rabbit is reserved and artistic and possesses good judgement. 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 diabolical 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 abhors brawling and any sort of overt animosity.

For all his quiet and “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. The Rabbit usually has impeccable manners

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 in a mad rush, 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. 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.

No one has a more sympathetic ear to lend you than the Rabbit (except the Sheep) should you need one.

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.