by Robert Wilkinson
Today we explore what the coming Year of the Metal Rabbit (a.k.a. Hare or Cat) will hold for us all by examining the qualities of this sign. It'll be a year for entertaining, enjoying, communing, and securing conditions, all while continuing to toughen up and keep our wits alert for predators or interlopers!
The Year of the Metal Rabbit (or Cat) occurs once every 60 years. The last time we had a Metal Rabbit year was 6 February 1951 to 26 January 1952, and the one in front of us lasts from 3 February 2011 to 23 January 2012. While many call it the Year of the Hare, just as many call it Rabbit, and in Southeast Asia it is known as the Year of the Cat. (This is one of the only creatures with two names.)
As noted previously, the Chinese Year is based in the Lunar calendar. Each New Year begins with the New Moon in Aquarius. That's why the New Year falls on a different day each year. In 2011 the Year of the Rabbit Cat occurs at 6:31 pm PST February 2, and 2:31 am Greenwich, 10:31 am Hong Kong, 11:31 am Tokyo on February 3.
Remember that we've just finished the Year of the Metal Tiger, which you can find more about by going to articles in the archives. In yesterday's post, I gave you links to that year, as well as links and info about the Years of the Earth Rat (2008) and Earth Ox (2009). Those years began at the Solar Eclipses in Aquarius which are still in effect, and therefore are a major backdrop to what we can expect to show up this year.
So what's up with 2011 and the Metal Rabbits, Hares, and Cats?
We'll start by taking a look at what's been said regarding the characteristics of Rabbit or Hare people. Since they supposedly share qualities with the Cat, I'll discuss Cats after we check out Rabbits and Hares.
First, in the interests of full disclosure, I will tell you I am a Metal Rabbit Cat, so I understand a lot of what this specific blend of Element and Animal is about. I've also found it interesting to explore the differences between rabbits and hares, as they really are not the same creature. That makes this Rabbit - Hare - Cat relationship even more diverse and intriguing! However, for the purposes of this article, I'll refer to both Hares and Rabbits as Rabbits.
I've also read that this particular type of Metal is White, or Silver. So as you go through various sites, you may find this year referred to as the Year of the White Rabbit, which I'm sure pleases Grace Slick! ("One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small... ') I guess the coming year is one to "feed your head.";0)
Rabbits are said to be peaceful, kind, gentle, and merciful, loving beauty. They are family oriented, even though they want and need personal space. That said, their personal space will always be beautiful and comfortable. They are extremely sensitive, have very powerful emotions, and are intelligent, elegant, and hospitable.
Naturally introverted yet friendly, they make good companions as well as good business partners. In business their natural caution helps them stay alert to good investments and what preserves the safety of the business. As they are acutely aware of the situation they're in, they usually have an escape plan. In fact, the Rabbit is an expert at avoiding hassles and harm.
Rabbits, being naturally into eating, socializing, and cuddling, need to incorporate forms of exercise in their daily routines. This can both strengthen them and help them deal with stress. Their diplomacy and alertness help Rabbits to be good managers, teachers, and counselors. They are careful, and love the good things in life.
They can be calm negotiators, and their natural diplomacy can yield safe social spaces where all can relax. They are great communicators, and have a gift for knowing how to appear to compromise and give consideration to others' interests. Still, they have a strong will, and go after their goals, slowly and deliberately, with precision and a plan.
And now for the characteristics of the Cat!
Cats are sensitive, family oriented, peaceful, and very aware of their surroundings. Refined and considerate, they are thoughtful, welcoming, and impeccable with their word. As such they are paragons of virtue. Cats love to play, though they can lose interest in a moment and become fascinated with something else that calls their curiosity.
Cats can be inscrutable, discreet, and always show good taste. They can make for very refined and enjoyable good company, bringing the focus to the best of what's there to like. Both rabbits and cats can be very cuddly when they want to be!
However, in social situations the Cat, like the Rabbit, always wants an escape route. Both Cats and Rabbits are always alert to their surroundings in case they need to make a hasty exit, whether from predators or situations that are just too boring!
Cats pay attention to the smallest of details, since they don't like unpredictable things, changes in routines, or unsure situations. Being easily alarmed, they like it safe and conservative, and being very loyal and sentimental, they make great companions.
As the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac, these elegant, swift, beautiful creatures symbolize prudence, good taste, and high culture. Like most creatures in the family of felines, large or small, this sign knows how to land on its feet, even when falling from a height. Though they exude calm and control, they're actually always on the alert, ready to pounce if they feel the need.
Cats, like Tigers, are extremely perceptive and alert, aware of the smallest things going on around them. Usually Cats are liked or admired by others due to their intelligence, adaptability, and style, since they are inherently charming and elegant.
Here I must state that there are both evolved and unevolved members of all the signs. Some Rabbit Cat people do not show many of the lower traits of the sign, while others are so obvious in their attachment to the lower that they barely show the virtues of the sign.
Of course, in Chinese Astrology there are other modifying factors than just the element and sign of a given year. Just as we are more than merely the Sun sign in Western Astrology, we are more than the year sign in Chinese Astrology.
RABBIT AND CAT QUALITIES
The Good: Quick, generous, intelligent, adaptable, alert, prudent, independent, determined, sensitive, introspective, lucky, happy, gifted, discreet, refined, virtuous, charming, warm, lovable, family oriented, peaceful, elegant, friendly.
The Bad: Easily alarmed, defensive, insecure, prideful, snobbish, stressed out, self-indulgent, superficial, pessimistic, melancholy, indifferent, condescending, self-centered, timid, thin-skinned, aloof.
THE METAL CAT
Metal Rabbit Cats are tough, resilient, serious, determined, courageous, and strong willed. They can be very intense and stay focused on the object of the hunt or what they are scrutinizing that excludes all other distractions. This is a purposeful creature, and has more courage and tenacity than Rabbit Cats of other elements.
This is a being who can hold their own despite obstacles, and their optimism is a virtue since it keeps them focused on positives rather than negatives. They balance their positivity with being extremely cautious, and as such these beings are not risk takers in the slightest. It usually is not moved by inducements until it has examined all possibilities on its own terms.
It's extraordinarily hard to fool Metal Rabbit Cats, since they have a subtle sense that allows them to pick up on deceptions and other forms of dishonesty. Like its animal namesake, it keeps its own counsel and won't move until it knows it must. This is the most serious of Rabbit Cats, and they tend to play their cards pretty close to the vest, taking few into their confidence.
This bunch sticks with their plans and ideals to the point of madness, so they must be aware not to try to hold on to indefensible positions. When they fail they can become very depressed, and lose self confidence for a long time.
Given that Metal is tempered by heat, cool, water, and pounding, this element gets us in shape. Rabbit Cats who go through the forging process of the fire are as hard as steel whose lives are works of art.
Of course, all elements impact all of us throughout our lives. Dealing with Metal circumstances tests our strength and purity. Those who have been tested in the fire and remained strong and pure then find themselves able to cut through the obscurations of life and find the arena where the Self meets all other Selves.
This "Fire by Friction" is the means by which humanity evolves through interactions with "All-That-Is." And as our Metal is tested by life, we learn that a good sword cuts through many illusions, and a good shield keeps harm at a distance.
The Metal quality can make them seem cold, and they don't tend to express weakness. They are very strong, tough, even heroic, and will do as they please. They take the lead of their own initiative, and move with precision and speed to achieve the object of the hunt. Once they make up their mind its hard for them to change, since their instinct moves toward securing that intention.
Regarding cats, all of us need to remember one BIG thing. From historical antiquity, cats were regarded as gods by many people on Earth. Their inscrutable penetrating gaze led to them being named "The Eye of Ra," or "the Eye of G*d" in the ancient Egyptian Wisdom Tradition. And of course they are Masters of Yoga, having shown us many perfect positions for stretching and relaxation into the moment.
As those who know cats can attest, they've never really let us forget that we have had the blessing of serving them as gods for thousands of years. Since this is the case, then perhaps this year of the Cat is one where we can see "The Eye of Ra," or where the "Eye of G*d" looks upon us. Perhaps we can all catch a glimpse of the Eye of the Divine this year?
Metal Rabbit Cats value loyalty above most other things. They are loyal, and expect loyalty in return. Cats will put you on "the off list" if you do things they consider to be very bad, and thus this group of Beings often exile interlopers, or will exile themselves from harsh circumstances and people.
The Metal Rabbit Cat loves order, privacy, tranquility, and will not commit to anything that would run counter to these. They have a great appreciation of their physical space and surroundings, and want harmony. They are aesthetes, and usually have a great sense of good taste and appreciation of beauty.
So just what are the affinities and disinclinations of the Metal Rabbit/Cat regarding the other Chinese signs?
The Rabbit Cat is a sign that gets along with just about all the other signs. It is said to be most compatible with other Rabbit Cat people, as well as Snake, Sheep/Goat, Dog, and Pig/Boar.
They are sometimes compatible with Ox, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, and Monkey, depending on circumstances and how evolved the people of these signs are. Since Rabbit Cats act of their own initiative, they will get closer or most distant depending on how these signs act.
Rabbit Cats are least compatible with Rat and Rooster, since their natural calm is disturbed by these two signs. Being gnawed on or being crowed at are not a Rabbit Cat's idea of a good time. Best not to go there.
We are told that this year will be fairly successful for people born the years of the Cat, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, and Dog. Signs that need to chill out while things develop slowly are Ox, Tiger, Dragon, and Rooster. Rat and Boar/Pig need to be cautious and avoid trouble.
Tomorrow we'll continue to examine more about the qualities of the coming year, and what we can expect from this sign indicating a measure of stability and tranquility, as well as good relationships and a possibility of major luck for those who are elegant and hospitable!
© Copyright 2011 Robert Wilkinson
Well, I am a dragon. I remember the last year of the cat/hare/rabbit. It seems true. I am just chilling out.
Working hard to save money. Putting my energy in my music project and try super hard to finish what I want to get done this year.
Work on my health as well. I noticed since late fall that I have been feeling really sleepy and tired. My motto ( I am pretty easy going wood dragon) is to just try to go with the flow as much as my stubborn head will let me. hahaha
thanks Robert.
Posted by: Micheline | February 01, 2011 at 03:26 PM
Robert: Well explained !!! Total who I am (Metal Rabit/Cat
Posted by: Linda Rienzie | February 01, 2011 at 05:13 PM