Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rabbit pictures...

...courtesy of the National Post, click here for some lovely images of traditional celebrations!

Chinese Horoscope - The Year of the Rabbit!

It's very nearly the year of the White/Metal Rabbit - February 2011 is here! And so what can we expect on terms of our Chinese horoscopes and, more specifically, our Chinese Love Horoscopes?

As far as Chinese Love Horoscopes are concerned, we all in luck - the Rabbit signifies love and romance. With its lively but kind nature, the rabbit brings the softy out in all of us and makes us susceptible to cupid's bow. The good news is that because the Chinese Astrology Rabbit is so liked and favoured by everyone, it is likely that this will touch upon all of our lives at some point this year. The only ones who will be furthest from the Rabbit's energies are the Roosters. But they are strong enough to cope I'm sure ;)

What Influence Does the Metal Element Have in the Year of the Rabbit?

The metal rabbit is a little more tough and tencious than other rabbits. There is a determination within that may not be immediately obvious but you'd do well to take the metal rabbit seriously in your dealings with them. For the rest of us, it's good news though! This means that 2011 will be the time to fight for what you want, that there is a strong energy behind us a a force to motivate us to get all we deserve.

Another fine trait of the metal rabbit is to like the finer things in life, to be a little indulgent. It may not be all about money which is for the best in such austere times as we are living in now. But take this as encouragement to enjoy the beauty in life, make this the year you slow down a little and take in the simple pleasures.

But because of their slightly more sturdy natures, the metal rabbit is not as fluffy and cute as he/she may appear so this year we must all be wary of letting jeaousy or moodiness take over.

Which Signs Will Benefit Most From the Year of the Metal Rabbit?

Because of their similar natures, the Boar and the Dog may do extra well this year. This is because they have the sensitivity to thrive in these energies and can find themselves moving forwards where previously they have found themseves at a standstill.

If 2011 is the Year for Love Can I Expect Anything Good for my Career?

Yes, absolutely. It's the determination and steel of the metal rabbit that you need to try to look for or even emulate. To persevere when you feel like giving up, to believe in yourself even when you face setbacks. You may not see quick returns for your efforts but you will feel all the more proud for what you achieve in the long run.

So Happy Year of the Metal Rabbit - hope it's a great one for you! xx

Half-way through the year of the Metal Tiger!

So, we are nearly half-way through the vibrant and dynamic Metal Tiger year of 2010 (going through to 2011 but we don't want to think about that far off lol). So what should you have seen so far and what will can you expect?

Year of the Metal Tiger So Far
Well, the Metal Tiger is all about courage and quick-thinking and so this would have been a good time to make all the decisions you've been putting off over the previous years. You are likely to have seen situations that practically pushed you forward with these too, leaving little room to back out. With such pressure though, comes a few temperamental moods though so it's possible your temper has flared a few times - recognise this?!

The best way to counter these feelings is to make sure that you keep your eye on the main goal up ahead. By this time of the year you will start to get a clearer picture of what you want to achieve, even if it's just the seeds of a few ideas.

What's To Come in the Year of the Metal Tiger?
Achieving those goals! Career is likely to be the main benefactor of this new drive and energy but love or a renewed feeling of closeness in an existing relationship can follow. This is because you will be increasing your confidence and getting a better sense of who you are.

Love tends to thrive in these conditions and you will notice that you get more attention and there are more opportunities. You may feel there is an urge to jump in feet first but don't be too rash - take your time and don't let any one area of your life take over too much. You may feel like you want it all now, but you may not be ready for it all yet!

Daily Chinese Horoscope - 04/06/10

Here is Friday's daily Chinese horoscope!

Rat: Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself by taking too much on. There is a danger that you'll spread yourself too thin.

Ox: There is a slightly more flamboyant air about you than is normal today. Make the most of it to point out the hard work and graft you normally put in!

Tiger: You may find it difficult to deal with colleagues today, particularly those who you are not exactly on friendly terms with. Patience is wearing thin but try all you can to not let arguments flair.

Rabbit: Keep an eye on your relationship today. If you notice that your partner is looking a little disgruntled or forlorn then you are not paying them enough attention. 

Dragon: Whatever you do today, do something different! You hate to be bored and can be unpleasant to be around when you are so let those vibrant energies out. 

Snake: The energies around you seem a bit tetchy and people will invariably feel far too close to you today. Just try not to say anything you'll regret. 

Horse: You're not known as a mediator at times of stress and tension but just make sure that you don't get caught up if emotions are running high. It's best to not take sides before you have calmly thought it all through.

Sheep: Social matters are high on your list of priorities today so you are gearing up for the weekend! You're going to have fun no matter what  - there's no stopping you :)

Monkey: This is a good day for new romances to blossom and intimacy to to develop. So keep an eye out for opportunities to flirt and see who shows to have had their eye on you. 

Rooster: Best to steer clear of romance today as there is an energy around you that is quite contrary and argumentative. So opt for activities that don't require conversation!

Dog: You aim to please in whatever you do but this can lead others to take advantage. So make sure that you check with yourself to see if what you're asked to do is really in your interests!

Boar: Today you need to claim your right to be at the centre of what you've worked for. Don't think of yourself as lesser, keep telling yourself that you are everyone's equal. 

Chinese Horoscope Birth Signs and their matching Western Astrology signs

Each of the Chinese birth signs has a corresponding western astrology birth sign and while they are not exactly the same - there are principles that differ between the two fields of knowledge - there are many characteristics that are similar. Because we in the west have been brought up to recognise the western astrology signs, it can help to get a feel for the personality before you then move on to exploring the Chinese astrology side. So, here are the Chinese birth signs (lunar signs) with their matching western astrology signs (solar signs). 

Rat = Sagittarius

Ox = Capricorn

Tiger = Aquarius

Rabbit = Pisces

Dragon = Aries

Snake = Taurus

Horse = Gemini

Sheep = Cancer

Monkey = Leo

Rooster = Virgo

Dog = Libra

Boar = Scorpio

Chinese Love Horoscope

It's the Snake that wins the Chinese love horoscope vote for today - but only if you're in a relationship already. It's more common to see love forecasts for those who are single and looking for a bit of passion to come into their lives so actually it's nice to see a positive result for those snuggling down on the sofa together ;)

But stability and consistency rule the day for the Snake today in emotional matters so time to appreciate the one you love. 

Daily Chinese Horoscope - 01/06/10

With the bank holiday over, it's back to work for most of us. So what's the daily Chinese horoscope say for this rainy Tuesday! 

Rat: Today is not the day to jeopardise your rainy day fund so don't be tempted by any business or financial risks however good they might appear. 

Ox: There is an energy of success around you today so your efforts are going to go far! Don't get to distracted with the good feelings this brings on and you'll do even better ;)

Tiger: There is a risk of jealousy today so be careful to keep your cool if the green-eyed monster gives you a visit. It's really not likely to be as bad as you fear. 

Rabbit: You're going to have to be creative in getting past the 'blahs' today. There's not much happening and you're not feeling great. So take any little chance for light relief that you can. 

Dragon: If you're not sure what to do and feeling a bit all over the place, you may need to just give your brain a break. Do something uplifting or even physical instead. 

Snake: This is a time for stability and consistency. So if you are in a long term relationship, you will really be appreciating your good fortune at this time. If you're a singleton snake, you may not see too much action!

Horse: You may be restless and desperate to get started on something new today. But if you haven't finished what you were doing, you're not going to get too much support. 

Sheep: Don't get too serious about anything today. There is a lot of pressure on you but it may not be obvious that so much is being put upon you at first. Best to use your charm to deflect it all. 

Monkey: You're mind is running overtime - as its prone to doing - so you need to be really careful that you don't fall prey to stress and its complications. 

Rooster: Things seem on an even keel for you at the moment which is just as you like it. Remember that you don't need to LOOK for things to worry about!

Dog: If you're trying to make everyone happy today - don't bother. You're susceptible to be under fire whatever you do so you might as well make yourself happy. 

Boar: You have been feeling in the money lately. Just be careful that this doesn't make you feel invincible or that others don't try to take advantage of this.