The Chinese zodiac is an annual cycle of twelve signs named after animals. When the Buddha ascended out of the material plane, twelve animals came to bid him farewell. He gave each animal a rulership over a particular year. The order was assigned by who turned up first to greet him. The Rat was the first to make it to his feet. The Ox followed and then came the Tiger. Soon the Rabbit made its way there. As of February 2, 2011, we are in the year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac.
Like Western astrology’s twelve signs, Chinese zodiac signs determine our personalities and influence the year’s events. In addition to love and relationships, Chinese astrology is a great indicator of where things are going in our career pursuits. If you know your Chinese animal, read below to see how this current year of the Rabbit will affect your career path.
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Rat ( 鼠 ) 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The year of the Rabbit is a challenge to the Rat. You might feel shamed at keeping the job you had instead of making a leap at a bigger career. The security of your paycheck could conflict with thoughts of “what might have been.” The Rabbit taunts you with delusions that you are better off ignoring. Concentrate on what you have accomplished and dream big about the reality of where all of your success to this point can take you.
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Ox ( 牛 ) 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Finding out the news of a new position in your field is something that will come easy to you this year. The Rabbit gives information to the Ox before any other animal. You will have a head start but not a guarantee. One ancient saying you should understand: Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. This is the year opportunities will rain down on you. Are you prepared to rise to the occasions?
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Tiger ( 虎 ) 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
You will have to forgive everyone if they are a little jealous. Last year you made it through the intense process of keeping your career goals intact. This year, the Rabbit rewards you with more money than you even know what to do with! While people are congratulating you, they are also wondering what is in it for them. Make sure you are generous with buying lunches and remembering birthdays. Yes, your colleagues are keeping score.
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Rabbit ( 兔 ) 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
This is your year. You might be on maternity leave for a portion of this year, so make sure that your job is secure and keep in touch with all of your professional contacts. Even if you are not pregnant, an inspirational vacation might make you long for the chance to be your own boss, make the rules and, especially, make the vacation schedule.
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Dragon ( 龍 ) 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
As far as dreams go, this is your year to dream big. You may not get everything you want, and you might even stop wanting things for which you have pined over the years. But make no mistake: this is a year to lay the foundation for years to come. You are not on a new stage, just a bigger version of what you have always done and still love to do.
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Snake ( 蛇 ) 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
The dreams for success that you have are advancing rapidly. Say goodbye to barriers between you and an audience for what you produce. The time for strategy has passed. Bold action and getting your name out there are what’s being called for during the Year of the Rabbit. One method to speed up success: make a little twist to what you have offered in the past to align yourself with appearing on the cutting edge.
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Horse ( 馬 ) 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
The problem facing you in the Year of the Rabbit is the popular perception that you are much more successful than you are. People will expect you to pay more than your fair share and you will need to emphasize good boundaries to prevent anyone from intimidating you or taking advantage of you. The illusion that you are further along than you are, though, is extremely valuable and you must not dissuade anyone from thinking this way.
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Sheep ( 羊 ) 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
If your job features traveling, you will be having more success on the road than at the desk this year. If you have to travel through cyberspace to take a career leap, pay extra for a great connection. Even getting out of the office for lunch will give you a window in how to get ahead at work. Meeting management and other higher-ups in social situations will be the key to your moving up into the executive suite.
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Monkey ( 猴 ) 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
After the tense year of the Tiger, you can come out from hiding under your desk. This is the year that the Rabbit recognizes your genius and gives you the chance to do the thing you most want to accomplish. Your career goals might need to be adjusted and your dreams can be dreamt bigger, as the rabbit smoothes the path to success for the Monkey with vision. Put the past behind you and run toward your goals!
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Rooster ( 雞 ) 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Tension with a boss could jeopardize your career accomplishments. If you are in a position of authority, a subordinate may be out to sabotage your status. Things get tense when you take your coworkers too lightly. This is a year best spent on research projects that do not involve lots of meetings where your job rivals are seeking to defeat the weakest. Lucky for you that next year’s dragon delivers a dream come true.
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Dog ( 狗 ) 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The year of the Rabbit is kind and gentle to the Dog. Go about your business and things will be stable and consistent. Don’t rock the boat and don’t make a dramatic ploy for a promotion. Things are working in your favor, but in moderation this year. If you get a raise or promotion, do not complain that it should have been for more money or for a more powerful position. You are being watched and good things are coming in the long run.
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Pig ( 豬 ) 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
This is a great time to be a Pig looking for work. Instead of the tense Tiger that stalked your efforts last year, a casual comfort will accompany you on job interviews and training meetings. The best part of your career dreams this year is that the field is wide open and you can aim to write your name on the ladder of success and start climbing it unimpeded.
