2011 Year of the Rabbit (Hare)

Many scholars consider Chinese astrology to be one of the world's oldest forms of Astrology.  Unlike the other Moon-school traditions; Tibetan, Vedic and Judaic, which are couched in religion, Chinese astrology is purely secular, a direction shared by Sun-school astrologies (Western and Arabian).

Ming Shu (Circle of Animals), is just one form of Chinese astrology, but it seems to be the one that is most commonly recognized by westerners.  This system is what Sun signs are to Western astrology, meaning, you only have to know the year of your birth to create a general personality profile.  Like all of the world's major astrological traditions however, a person's time, date and place of birth are essential to create an accurate, true birth chart.

2011 is the year of the Hare (Rabbit).  Although there are general behavioral patterns associated with the Hare sign, the delineation is further augmented according to which element (earth, metal, fire, water, wood)  happens to be in control the year that you are born.  For example, the personality of a fire hare is very different from that of a water hare.

You are a Hare if you were born the following years:

1939 earth
1951 metal
1963 water
1975 wood
1987 fire
1999 earth
2011 metal

In general, the Hare person does not like change.  They are a creature of comfort and a keen observer of other people's strengths and weaknesses.  Virtue and prudence are essential traits in their nature.

An Earth Hare is steadfast.  They move in a calculated fashion.   Their aim is for personal fulfillment and desire.

A Fire Hare is more outgoing then the rest of the Hare personalities.  They may be temperamental and  outspoken and are often easily swayed in situations.

The Metal Hare is very observant and does not compromise well.  They usually try to fullfull their own ambitions.

The Water Hare is born with an empathic nature.  Their memory and intuition is very sharp.  They tend to be emotionally fragile, however, and worry about the future and the past.

A Wood Hare is compassionate and generous.  They need to watch that other people do not take advantage of their generous nature.

What ever your particular Chinese birth sign may be, we hope you enjoy and celebrate this wonderful New Year!

~ diane


In formation for this post was taken from Miller and Brown's "The Complete Astrological Handbook for the Twenty-first Century"; Understanding and Combining the Wisdom of Chinese, Tibetan, Vedic, Arabian, Judaic, and Western Astrology.

The hare graphic is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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