Brash, intrepid Tiger gives way to charming, tasteful Rabbit on February 3, ushering in a kinder, gentler Chinese New Year.

Rabbits know how to live well, have a deep appreciation for art and beauty, and are often stunningly beautiful and stylish themselves. Celebrities include popular icons Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and the late Frank Sinatra.

This year is also ruled by Metal, one of the five Chinese elements – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth – that cycle through rulership of the signs in Chinese Astrology. While Metal can add coldness, inflexibility and a cutting edge to any year, for Rabbit it confers a higher level of resolution and ambition, and adds to the probable success of the year in many areas.

While other predictions for 2011 promise challenges in many arenas, the presence of Rabbit gives us all the ability to avoid open conflict, leap over obstacles, and restore harmony… or leave the scene. In the face of the aggressive tendencies of Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus and Jupiter in Aries, and the sometimes polarizing effect of the Universal 4 Year, Rabbit’s resilience and ability for deft maneuvering should be real assets.

Your Personal Forecast for 2011

If you aren’t sure which Chinese Lunar Astrology sign you are, just keep adding 12 to your birth year until you get one of the base numbers listed below – and that will probably be your Chinese sign. However, since the exact New Year’s date occurs on the New Moon in Aquarius and therefore changes annually, if you were born in January or February you’ll need to do a little research to be sure of your sign.

Dragon (2000) – This year should seem like an oasis in the desert for you after last year’s stormy experiences. Luck turns your way again, relationships are more settled, and expect career and finances to quickly stabilize

Snake (2001) – You should be fairly happy this year, but busier than you want to be most of the time. In addition to seeing all that extra income go out just as fast, it can be hard to find quality time for friends and loved ones.

Horse (2002) – Your investments could multiply like – well, like rabbits this year, as will the demands on your time. You’ll be busy but able to easily manage it all, and enjoy a magical level of protection.

Sheep (Ram, Goat) (2003) – Rabbit may be an ideal mate, but Rabbit years aren’t necessarily easy for you. It’ll all work out, but after more work and worry than you like. Take extra care of your health to offset the stress.

Monkey (2004) – Things are looking up for you, and you can breathe a sigh of relief as peace and harmony return in personal and professional relationships. Financial gains might be small, but this year brings abundant opportunities.

Rooster (2005) – Take it slow, double check everything, and you’ll do fine. Also, you’ll probably be more successful if you team up with others, especially in career and finances. And don’t worry; you’ll recover financially next year.

Dog (2006) – This will be another good year for you, promising for love and relationships, and an excellent time to start your own business or a partnership. Even complicated problems miraculously sort themselves out.

Pig (Boar) (2007) – If you stay focused on your home, love and social life, this year should be delightful. Obstacles should be manageable and infrequent in career and finances, and you can consolidate your position easily.

Rat (2008) – Rabbit’s fertility can multiply your expenses if you’re not careful, but it can also add many fortunate business connections and family members. Carefully vet new friends and lovers. A calm year overall.

Ox (2009) – You will have some post-Tiger cleanup to do early in the year, and may not be able to recover all last year’s investments or debts, but you should enjoy excellent health and make steady progress all year.

Tiger (2010) – You’ll actually fare better this year than while Tiger reigned. Love and romance look very promising and you should be able to sail over any obstacles. You’ll probably look back on this year with a lot of satisfaction.

Rabbit (2011) – This will be a banner year for you. Your home and/or love life should be happy, satisfying and full of good news. Career and financial success are the order of the day, with some surprising financial gains.