I dance to the beat of the forest
Listen to Mother Nature's echo
Never fearing the future Or regretting the past
Living in the moment
Aware of jungle justice
I follow my own path
Ignore festering disputes
I focus on the beautiful
But recognize the ugly
I strive for harmony
And symbolize equality.

I AM THE HARE

The Rabbit strives for security but opts to use charm, diplomacy and cunning rather than force.

The focus will be on the here and now, in the moment and on those in the spotlight instead of on those in need. Swept under the carpet are the underdogs, the needy and the less fortunate. Those with less must act as one, regardless of race, color or creed, if positive change is to take place. There has never been a time when unity and becoming one with all has been more important.

The United States will begin the year with uncertainty and little direction. Troubles politically, financially and physically will continue until mid-year when tough love steps in and begins to slap the hand that threatens the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Canada will continue to ignore the writing on the economic wall, when what it needs to do is reevaluate the role it plays on the world platform. It must demonstrate a system that is fair instead of feeding the rich, while its middle class slowly dies.

The United Kingdom will experience greater demands from foreign countries, leading to distrust and reservations until mid-year. Then the realization will occur that ruling with an iron fist and a no-nonsense attitude will bring greater stability to their homeland and to the planet.

The year of the Rabbit will be an advantageous year for those who are decisive and unwilling to watch life pass them by.

By EUGENIA LAST

COPYRIGHT 2011 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

 According to Chinese legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Chinese New Year (which falls on different dates, from mid-January to mid-February.) The Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting, but only 12 creatures attended. The first animal to arrive was the talkative Rat (who was aggressive enough to jump off the back of the Ox in order to be the #1 arrival) next in place #2, came the serious, enduring and hard-working Ox with the honorable Tiger, and cautious Cat. The outspoken Dragon joined the others, along with the philosophical Snake. The physically active Horse arrived with the artistic Goat. The spirited Monkey and the showy Rooster came as well. The last to join the others was the watchful Dog and the meticulous, resigned Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year. As the Chinese say, 'This is the animal that hides in your heart'

-- shelly wu