2011: The Year of the Rabbit/Year of the Cat

 "Cuddly, warm and affectionate are the attributes of the Rabbit. ...The Rabbit enjoys being the centre of attention once in a while... is occasionally over cautious and can be a bit boring. He is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart."
- from californiapsychics.com


I know two Peter Rabbits - that is two Peters who were born in the Year of the Rabbit. How cool is that? I wouldn't describe either as being exactly cuddly. No doubt their wives would disagree. I'm not sure either would describe themselves as lucky - too cautious to tempt fate.

My mother was a Rabbit. She certainly enjoyed being the centre of attention but also wasn't all that cuddly. She was affectionate and warm-hearted but I could see her fitting the image of the Cat better.

In Chinese mythology, the Rat tricked the Cat into sleeping in on the day the Zodiac was formed. As a result, the Cat missed the race that determined the astrological lineup. The Rat, meanwhile, hitched a ride with the Ox (who might have been slow but was as steady as a proverbial tortoise) then jumped off the Ox's nose to win the race and the first place in the Heavens.

In the Vietnamese mythology, the Cat stays in the race and takes the place of the Rabbit - who might have bolted because of the Tiger ahead of him and the Dragon on his tail.

Astrologically, it doesn't make any difference. Either way, the forecast for 2011 is one of peace, tranquility and diplomacy - at least comparatively speaking. Since this is a metal year, peace, tranquility and diplomacy may come with the help of a sword point.

Both animals are associated with luck. Yes, a black cat is supposed unlucky, but how lucky can a rabbit's foot be for the rabbit? The thing about luck is, it can cut both ways.

It's the image of the Cat that's different than the Rabbit. Cats conjure up a picture of pride, especially in appearances. They are well-groomed and dignified. At least they work hard at being well-groomed and dignified. Cats have style. That's my mother in a nutshell.

On the other hand, knowing two Peter Rabbits is still pretty cool.


Where to get your Year of the Rabbit forecast: