WHAT lies ahead in the Year of the Rabbit? The astrologers and soothsayers are out in force and the general consensus is that a placid year will be very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger.

According to the Chinese Five Element Astrology calendar, February 3 marks the year of the Metal Rabbit, with metal giving strength and endurance and the elemental colour white.

It is known to be one of the luckiest and gentlest of the 12 animal signs.

They say 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.

It is 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 labour and our lifestyle will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for.  It’s likely to be a temperate year. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances.

Year of the Rabbit…

sounds good!