Personal Trends - There is a strong focus on personal relations this year. In many ways simply being is enough. But you must be willing to be genuinely yourself and a high level of of mindfulness id required. You might view the year as a study in mindfulness because the Rabbit enjoys the study of all things and the years does present a greater opportunity to learn. The important message is that the positive aspects of our circumstances did not come about through will or ego, but through connection with spirit. When we go through our lives with this realization we have a greater awareness of how we affect the world and in return how this impacts our experience positively. Without that awareness the blessings in our lives cannot be fully understood, appreciated or enjoyed.

The notion of treating others as you would like to be treated is universally found in the philosophies and religions of many cultures. This makes a great deal of sense. Some believe that there exists a common thread that connects us all. Hurt someone and you also hurt yourself. Uplift someone and everyone benefits especially you. This is another important theme this year and cooperation is encouraged.

You may notice a heightening of romantic and sensual feelings. Enjoy but do not over indulge. If you are in a committed relationship, avoid infidelities; even if there are more temptations than usual . They could have devastating and lasting effects. Dishonesty has serious repercussions during this Metal Rabbit year. Instead enjoy the renewal of passion with your significant other.

This is an excellent times to improve and embellish your home. You can find great pleasure in any activities that involve your home or that of friends or family.

The year is bound to be filled with an abundance of get together's and celebrations. So whether you are the gatherer or are being gathered enjoy, enjoy, enjoy...................

Politics - This is a year to play nice in politics. The Rabbit insists on teamwork and cooperation.

It is a time when the contentious nature of the two party system needs to change. Besides standing in the way of progress the contentiousness is preading to the population at large and is inciting people to concentrate on differences instead of solutions. The energy stream of contention is very different than the energy stream of cooperation. The first inhibits flow the second encourages it. Although there is bound to be a softening this year over the hard stances that were taken last year, it may not be enough. But it can lay the groundwork for more pronounced progress in coming years.

In domestic and international politics certain leaders will step forward seemingly committed to solving problems and to bringing about a peaceful and more sustainable world. For as many as there may be who are genuinely working to resolve problems, there will be those driven by self interest and a desire for more power and wealth.The Metal Rabbit has been known to have a hidden agenda and especially in politics, leaders cannot always be taken for their word. In spite of this we can expect progress in important areas.

Finance and Business- Recent development in economics have caused us to take pause and reflect on the way that business is being conducted. The very nature of corporate business is the putting to use of available resources including labor, that could benefit many for the benefit and aggrandizement of very few. In truth nature is guided by self interest, which might explain why capitalism has been the most successful economic system that has existed long before it was named capitalism. By the very nature of trade and commerce it would not have proliferated without the profit motive and we would perhaps still be living in small isolated villages limited to whatever resources exist locally.

With the development of modern commerce, industry, and banking, the leaders assumed a parental role not unlike the role of monarchs and nobility of old. Subordinates and memebers of the workforce became th children.As long as economies thrived,most people were well fed and had a nice home, car etc, they could go along without questioning. People were too busy living their daily lives to question systems that seem to be working; even if they were full of inequities. Following the devastating economic events of the last few years a system that seemed to be working became unsustainable. Why and how can easily be found in the archive of the Wall Street Journal and New York Times: as well as on the bevy of Sunday news progras that discuss economic issues.So I don't need to reiterate what is already known. What matters is that things have gotten so far out of balance that even the most brilliant financial minds have no clear idea how to bring things back into balance. The giant corporate apparatus including the financial sector has become a huge serpent devouring its tail. It has so given in to its hunger for greater and greater profits thet it has eaten the golden goose that was provididing daily sustenance. The very essence of a sustainable economy, which is a healthy middle class with dollars to spend has been dismatled.This is the conundrum. For the economy to improve, more consumers have to spend more money. Since they no longer have this money to spend finances continue to spiral down.

This is not to say that there aren't profits to be made for a limited portion of the population. New and complicated ways to play are being devised like flash trading of securities. Although only 2% of trading firms engage in this practice; these trades constitute 78% of the trading taking place in the securities markets.Flash trading boils down to high frequency trading dictated by high speed super computers and specially designed algorithms. Flash trading has literally turned securities trading into a giant cyber roulette wheel. Companies no longer have to perform well for their stock to increase in value. Without geniune value and market price being set by these high speed trades the entires system could easily collapse. For some this is a very lucrative game, but not enough can participate to turn the economy around.This is not the only disconnect in current economic dynamics, but is a good example of how methods that secure success for a few without regard for the greater good are simply not sustainable and will not restore stability to th eeconomy.

What is needed is a breakthrough in consciousness and thinking about what real profit is and a new and more sustainable model is hopefully eveolving..

I think there are some basic ideas that need to be included in any successful business plan; whatever the level. The most important is the idea of service. That is the desire of giving something of real value not just perceived value in exchange for whatever remuneration we expect. A desire for excellence at the work that we do is also essential.Working to be the be the best at what we do; not simply because it is required but because of a strong desire to do so. As of late the work ethic seems to have been diminished replaced by a sense of entitlement; especially in youth. There is always work to be done regardless of station in life. During these challenging times restoring a strong work ethic is even more essential. An old fashioned sensibility about earning rewards rather than simply expecting them is necessary.

Another is choosing work that you are well suited for and that brings you joy. This may require a shift in consciousness. There is no need to limit ourselves and settle for work that is not satisfying simply to make a living. Joyful and satisfying work can be available if we allow for it. Even during difficult times it is possible to find a need that one is uniquely qualified to fill.

Another important concept is that of charitable sharing. The desire to share the wealth with those who have less . It is wrong to believe that there not is enough. This limits our desire to share and limits continuing abundance. This is not to say that belief alone can transform things instantly. It take sustained effort in shifting one's consciousness combined with spiritual practice to support the change.

Gratitude is the glue that holds it all together. Usually gratitude is expressed for blessings. But it is also useful to feel gratitude for things that seem unwanted but bring valuable lessons. An appreciation of seemingly unwanted things can often transform them into blessings.

I noticed from observing some of my more successful clients, especially those gifted at accumulating wealth and doing so in a joyful manner, that they have been putting these principles to use.

Willingness to serve, work hard with excitement and joy, in the spirit of generosity while being willing to dream the biggest dreams is very much in alignment with the Rabbit's way of conducting business. It is an approach that is supported and can lead to a great deal of success this year.

Arts and Entertainment- We can expect many more films this year that address the depth of human relationships. Think of an excellent novel adapted for the screen. Films like "The Kings Speech".We can also expect romantic films some even bordering on eroticism and sensuality in the mainstream. There are likely to be some action films resulting from the residual Tiger energy that still abounds; but not nearly as many as last year.

In the arts we can expect a return to more traditional style and a movement away from the overly abstract. This should be a wonderful year for the arts with many interesting gallery openings and worthwhile museum exhibits. Take in as much as you can. The classics are back.

In music ballads and romantic songs,of course, regain popularity in all genres; whether we are dealing with pop, classical, jazz, country, rock or anything in between.

We can expect higher quality programming even from television. Many shows that you might expect from premium cable or public television will make their way into the mainstream networks.

We can also expect rapid advances in the technology of entertainment; especially in 3D programming and entertainment that can be broadcast through portable devices and phones.

As much as possible try to enjoy reading real books. You know the kind that are printed on paper and have a binding. It is a different experience than reading from a screen and the Rabbit would approve.

Global Trends - There is much that can be done to bring peace to conflicted areas. And once again we have to keep a close watch on the leadership. In time it will become apparent which are a part of the solution and which remain as part of the problem. This is a time when leadership that stands in the way of freedom can be easily overthrown. What follows needs to watched however sinc ewe can expect a ceratin amount of deecption from even the most righteous seeming new leaders.

We can expect an escalation of conflicts in certain areas. Especially conflicts initiated during last year's tumultuous time. With the mellowing influence of the Rabbit, conflicts stand a better chance of being resolved. Even if no progress is apparent the underlying work that is being done is leading to more definitive results next year.

As far as new conflicts that may arise, solutions will present themselves as the conflicts become apparent. The actual outcome, as always. will reflect the consciousness choices of the greater number of people who are affected. Try to be involved and aware of what the issues are and express your desire for change or at the very least visualize and live the change you would like to see.

Causes that have the greatest chance of success are aimed at alleviating suffering for the greatest number of people. Especially causes that pertain to restoring housing for those displaced through calamities such as storms and earthquakes. You can improve yopur own lot in life by helping those who are most needy.

There will be reminders of the problem of world hunger which still remains largely un addressed. The reminder may come in the form of an impending food crisis. Solutions exist and are closely linked to how food is being grown and its effect on the ecology of our planet. For several years sustainability has been the key concept. Unfortunately it may require another ecological disaster for more people in power to recognize the importance of sustainability and to be willing to act in behalf of better methods. There are many working on resolving this and there will be some progress made. Although progress will not be as prevalent as we would like, it is laying the groundwork for improvements to take place in the coming years.

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