Chinese Astrology: 2011 Horoscopes

Eastern Astrology: The Chinese Lunar New Year and Calendar

2011 is the Year of the Rabbit (Metal Rabbit)

The Chinese Lunar New Year occurs every year on the New Moon of the first lunar month, which is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. The exact date can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar takes 60 years and comprises five cycles of 12 years--12 animal signs and 5 elements.

The Chinese Lunar New Year differs to that of the Roman New Year because the Chinese calendar is based on the phases of the moon, whereas the Gregorian calendar, on which the Roman New Year is based, is an arithmetic calendar.

Each of the 12 years of the Chinese lunar calendar is named after an animal. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to see him before he departed earth. Only 12 came so he rewarded those 12 by naming a year in the Chinese lunar calendar after them, in the order they arrived to see him.

As with western astrology where it's believed that the sun's position at the time of an individual's birth determines certain personality traits that a person will posses, it's thought that each animal represented in the Chinese lunar calendar bestows certain characteristics on individuals who are born during the year that particular animal "rules."

In 2009, the year of the ox, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on January 26. In 2010, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on February 14, 2010, and in 2011, it falls on February 3, 2011, and will be the year of the rabbit.

The Rabbit  is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. It is virtuous, diplomatic, security-conscious, peace-loving, creative, and refined.

The Year of the Rabbit 2011  is a Yin Metal year, and it's a year of employing strategy and patience, as well as peaceful negotiations. Metal is not a very compatible element for Rabbit (Rabbit is made up of Wood, and Wood and Metal have a conflicting relationship to one another), and thus 2011 is expected to be challenging. Nevertheless, the Rabbit does prefer Yin, and 2011 is a Yin year, which strengthens matters somewhat.

While caution and moderation were advised in 2009, the Year of the Ox, and flexibility and the ability to deal with change were considered essential qualities in 2010, the ability to make compromises and to negotiate will be important in 2011.

The Rabbit's diplomatic, creative, forgiving, gracious, and peace-loving traits are qualities that will be especially favored in the year of the Rabbit.

The last Metal Rabbit year was 1951.

In terms of how each Chinese Zodiac sign will fare in the Year of the Rabbit, a major consideration is how compatible your sign is with the Rabbit sign:

Rabbits are most compatible with Dogs and are also compatible with Pigs and Goats (the Rabbit, Pig, and Goat form the harmonious triangle of Home and Family), and to some degree with Tigers, and these are the signs, along with Rabbits themselves, that are expected to fare the best in 2011.

Rabbits are most incompatible with Roosters (their opposite sign) and to a lesser degree with Dragons, and these are the signs that are expected to find 2011 the most challenging.

Another important consideration is your Element. The year 2011 is a Yin Metal year. Factor this into your analysis.

Metal is friendly or compatible with Earth and Water.

Metal breaks Wood and Fire melts Metal, so Wood and Fire are incompatible (destructive/hostile) to Metal.

If you are Wood, a Metal year such as this one (2011) may be more difficult for you (metal chops wood!). However, Rabbits favor Wood, so we have some ups and downs in 2011.

If you are Fire, a Metal year is also expected to be problematic (fire melts metal) although perhaps not as challenging as it is for Wood.

If you are Earth, a Metal year (2011) is expected to be good overall (metal is born from the earth).

If you are Water, a Metal year (2011) is also expected to be favorable overall (water is born from metal).

If you are Metal by birth, a Metal year is expected to be strong overall.

Yin Metal is attracted to Yang Fire, so relationships can be very good for Yang Fire people in 2011. Enmity between Yin Metal and Yin Wood suggests special challenges for Yin Wood people this year. However, since Rabbit favors Wood and Yin, there will be a real mixed bag this year.

Rabbit Year 2011 for Love (General): The Year of the Rabbit favors peaceful, long-term relationships in which emotional complications are minimal. It's an excellent year for patching up, strengthening, or repairing relationships. Dogs, Pigs, and Goats may enjoy the most "success" in love this year. The love forecast for Roosters and Dragons is less favorable overall.

Rabbit Year 2011 for Career and Money (General): The Year of the Rabbit favors employing strategy, as well as saving money. It is not a year that favors pushing ahead aggressively. In fact, if you want to be recognized in your career, it's better to take the high road and to win others over through your strength of character.

The Year of the Rabbit is better suited for those who value peace and quiet, and might be more frustrating for those who are anxious to move their plans forward.

Don't know your Chinese Zodiac Sign and/or Element? Find out here: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction

The following are descriptions of the positive and negative personality traits of the Chinese zodiac signs, with a brief forecast or horoscope for 2011:

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

Positive: Influential, sociable, imaginative, and charismatic. Rat people will always stay loyal to their friends.
Negative: Power-hungry, gossiping, indiscreet, and meddling. These individuals don't always plan for the future.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Rat: Rats are expected to have an average to challenging year in 2011. In order to improve their chances for success, they will need to be as diplomatic as possible with others, both socially and professionally. The Year of the Rabbit, 2011, favors team work and cooperation, and will leave behind those who chase power or who act selfishly. Love relationships are likely to have many ups and downs this year, but will not be boring! Money matters are expected to be favorable overall.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)

Positive: Diligent, stable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. These people build long-lasting friendships.
Negative: Stubborn and bigoted. Ox people aren't often flexible.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Ox: Certainly, the slower pace of 2011 is likely to be far more pleasing to you than it was in 2010. However, you will need to get a handle on your stubbornness in order to maximize success and fulfillment in the Year of the Rabbit, which favors cooperation and flexibility with others. While the Ox and the Rabbit don't share a special affinity, the fact that 2011 is a Yin Metal year bodes well for the Ox. Money matters are likely to be excellent. Social life is basically good, but the Ox will need to learn to be more sensitive and yielding.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

Positive: Brave, strong, charismatic, and benevolent. Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers.
Negative: Impetuous and hot-headed. These people aren't good at taking orders from others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Tiger: As side-by-side signs, the Rabbit and the Tiger can be of indirect benefit to one another. However, Tigers should do what they can to tame their more hot-headed and impatient qualities in 2011, the Year of the Rabbit. The pace of the year can be a little slow for Tigers. Health matters might point to the need to slow down and relax more often. Caution should be used with money - save as much as you can.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)

Positive: Tactful, intelligent, caring, considerate, and virtuous. Rabbit people don't like conflict.
Negative: Pedantic and secretive. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Rabbit: This is a year of new beginnings for you--the start of a new twelve-year cycle. The choices you make this year will be defining ones for years to come. The year ahead is expected to be rather status quo for the Rabbit, although because it is his/her year, the Rabbit may feel stronger and more in control in 2011, and will need to seize opportunities as they arise. Others tend to be supportive this year.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)

Positive: Successful, proud, lucky, and enthusiastic. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.
Negative: Rigid and easily infatuated. Dragon people don't like routine.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Dragon: As this is the year before his/her own year, 2011 can bring the Dragon some challenges, but never insurmountable ones. [Note, 2012 will be the Year of the Dragon]. Dragons tend to prefer immediate results, while the Year of the Rabbit favors patience and slow but steady progress. Hard work will be required of you if you are looking to advance. It's a good year, however, for settling in on the career front. Partners may seem to be more demanding or could want more of a commitment than you're willing to provide. 2011 is a year for review and taking stock rather than one that favors risk-taking.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)

Positive: Intuitive, wise, perceptive, and compassionate. Snakes prefer the finer things in life.
Negative: Lazy and extravagant. These people may have a problem with depending on others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Snake: 2011 is expected to be more favorable for the Snake than it was last year. The year favors creativity and compassion, and these qualities come naturally to the Snake. There can be some pressures in the Snake's professional life, however, and Snakes will need to work hard in order to advance. Although others tend to be supportive, Snakes need to be careful not to lean too heavily on others, as equality in relationships is important in the Year of the Rabbit.

 

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)

Positive: Popular, engaging, refined, and persuasive. Horse people are hardworking and independent.
Negative: Selfish and unscrupulous. These individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Horse: Horses will need to learn to cooperate with others rather than to forge ahead independently in the Year of the Rabbit, 2011. While Horses don't always enjoy taking advice from others, 2011 will bring the most success to those who collaborate and cooperate with others, so Horses will be wise to be more accommodating. Relationships require more sensitivity and possibly a commitment this year. 2011 is a year for beefing up skills and for saving money rather than overspending.

Goat (or Sheep or Ram) (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)

Positive: Sensitive, imaginative, and well-mannered. Goats are peace lovers who don't like disagreements.
Negative: Pessimistic and tardy. These people can let others take advantage of them too easily.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Goat: Last year was at times quite stressful and uncertain for the Goat. However, the year of the Rabbit is expected to be much easier. For one, the Goat is peace-loving, and 2011 favors this quality. It's also a Yin Metal year, which is favorable for the Yin Earth Goat. Goats can expect more social opportunities this year - meeting new people and collaborating with others. Many Goats will be making changes in their home, finding love or settling into current relationships, and working hard. Career opportunities are not likely to fall in their laps, as hard work and personal initiative are required, but they arise. Goats should seek out advice and build confidence in themselves so that they can better use the energies with them in 2011.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)

Positive: Very inquisitive, curious, and witty with leadership qualities. Monkeys are popular people.
Negative: Deceitful and self-absorbed. These individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Monkey: While Monkeys generally prefer Yang years, and 2011 is a Yin year, they respond beautifully to Metal. Overall, 2011 is expected to be a mixed bag, but an improvement over 2010. Work can be competitive, and sudden advancement is unlikely, but solid overall. Money shouldn't be thrown away this year. Love relationships need to be handled with more sensitivity in 2011, instead of with Monkey's usual playful approach. Learning matters are expected to be favorable, and some changes in domestic arrangements are likely.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

Positive: Enthusiastic, dignified, and resilient. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers.
Negative: Bossy and pedantic. These people are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Rooster: The Rooster has a difficult relationship with the Rabbit so that the year of the Rabbit may present some challenges for the Rooster. It can be difficult for Roosters to be patient in a more slow-moving year such as this one. When it comes to career, Roosters tend to prefer to work independently, but in 2011, it's important to collaborate with others. Social relationships can be strained at times, and it would be wise for Roosters to use more sensitivity with others so that backstabbing and gossip can be minimized.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others' problems, and to fight for a good cause.
Negative: Cynical and tactless. These people don't always forgive easily, especially those who cross them.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Dog: Dogs are very compatible with Rabbits and with the Metal element. The only problem here is that 2011 is a Yin year, and Dogs favor Yang. The Year of the Rabbit should be very good for the Dog's social life. Your naturally loyal and constant personality wins you popularity, and can also benefit you in your career. Opportunities to increase your income are likely to arise. Do not be afraid to ask questions this year, as negotiation and collaboration are favored. In fact, make an extra effort to employ tact.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Positive: Gallant, kind-hearted, and sincere. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing.
Negative: Materialistic and pig-headed. These individuals have a problem saying "no" -- to people, and to food!
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2011 for the Pig: The Pig is in the Home and Family trinity along with the Goat and Rabbit, and this is good news for the general outlook in 2011, the Year of the Rabbit. It's a Yin Metal year, and both Yin and Metal are favorable to you as well. Overall, the Pig's prospects this year look better than those of all the other animals in the zodiac. Career, money, and education are all well-starred for the Pig in 2011. The Pig's natural sincerity will shine. Relationships are expected to be especially meaningful. Moderation, however, will be important.
 

See also: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction and Chinese Astrology: More than the Twelve Animals. If you don't know your Chinese zodiac animal or element, both of these articles will help you to determine it.
 

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