The New Year came upon us fast, thanks to 2010 moving at a tiger’s swift and stealthy pace.
According to Chinese astrology, 2010 was the Year of the Metal Tiger, a year of passion and fearlessness. The protest marches for democracy in Toronto over the closure of public streets during the G20 Summit are perfect examples of the past year’s tiger-like ferocity.
Thankfully, come Feb. 3, 2011, the world will herald in a gentler, more peaceful year, the Year of the Metal Rabbit.
As for me, I can’t wait for it to happen. Last year was too turbulent and frenzied for my liking, with disastrous earthquakes, ravaging storms and global economic crises. But the coming year, according to Chinese astrology, is a gentler time, one that will have a focus on family and having fun with friends. After all we’ve been through, who wouldn’t look forward to a year like that?
Some say 2011 will be a year to mend fences. This should come as no surprise considering the Rabbit’s motto could easily be, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me,” or “Make love, not war.”
What a refreshing change this will be. Imagine our power brokers not getting their hackles up over truths that are either unwanted or considered “dangerous,” and, instead, seeing all concerned sit down for pleasant conversation and negotiation to find solutions which meet everyone’s needs. I am more than excited by this prospect of peaceful progress.
It has been more than 50 years since we’ve had a Year of the Metal Rabbit. The last time was in 1951. That year brought with it the San Francisco Peace Treaty, signed by 48 countries on Sept. 8, 1951. This treaty, which came into force in April of the following year, officially ended World War II. Now that’s about as big as it gets in the peace movement. Maybe this is a signal there is hope for the Copenhagen climate change talks (COP 17) scheduled for 2011 in Durban, South Africa.
Another example of cooler heads prevailing in 1951 was the signing of the Paris Treaty. This historic agreement established the European Coal and Steel Community, uniting six European countries financially and politically, and was the forerunner of what we now call the European Union.
According to the astrological experts, 2011 will also be a year to make do with less, and to consolidate and protect what we already have.
From a green perspective, this could see people brushing up on their 3 R’s in 2011: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. After a couple of bad years on the economic front, these are certainly wise rules to follow. And, I doubt it would hurt any to add a couple of more R’s to that mix in 2011: like Refuse (as in refuse to buy what you don’t really need or replace what you already have for the latest, coolest version); Rot (compost); and Repair.
The expected slower pace of the new year will also allow consumers to be more thoughtful about their choices. Those who need to travel might find they are not in so much of a hurry in 2011, opting to choose slower, but greener alternatives like buses, trains and other modes of public transportation. More attention being placed on sustainable ways of living is an important outcome expected for 2011.
From an economic perspective, 2011 might see countries becoming more protectionist, as they close their borders, if they can, to competitive imports. For those countries, like Canada, with many free trade deals on the table, it is important to remember consumers retain the power to buy locally and keep jobs in the community or country.
As for all that focus on family, friends and fun, 2011 and its slower pace should be a great year for nurturing relationships and planning social get-togethers. The arts also figure prominently in a Rabbit year, so get ready for some great entertainment and style. Relaxation and a leisurely pace are key attributes of the coming year, or so they are predicted.
Restoring relationships, making peace and, overall, catching our breath after the whirlwind of 2010 and before the powerfully energized Dragon year to come in 2012 — now that’s in our best interest.
