If the last year felt a little hectic, the next twelve months could offer many opportunities for relaxation. As the Year of the Tiger comes to an end and the Year of the Rabbit begins, we can expect an abrupt change of pace as we say goodbye to the roaring tiger and hello to the much milder rabbit. Both anatomically and behaviourally, tigers and rabbits could hardly be more different. The same is true for their corresponding zodiac years, according to astrologists. The rabbit is historically known as the gentlest and most tender of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, the traditional classification scheme based on the lunar calendar that assigns a certain animal and its attributes to each year. Last year, life was well characterized by strength, vitality and growth, underpinned by the dynamism of the tiger, according to the Chinese zodiac. Moreover, as the year was designated as yang, the active philosophical principle of the universe in ancient China, people might have felt enthusiasm, productivity and also positivity, but on the other hand restlessness and inflexibility. The upcoming Year of the Rabbit, however, embodies yin, the more passive principle of the universe, which manifests in relaxation, fluidity, quietness and contemplation. If the previous year felt fast, hard or busy, the next one will offer opportunities for contemplation, rest and nurturing of body and soul in and attempt to provide balance under the basic concept of yin and yang  that opposite forces complement one another to offer harmony overall. But the Year of the Rabbit offers so much more than just simply downtime from impacts of the fierce, strong and powerful tiger. The rabbit is gentle, quiet, tame, tender and kind, yet moves quickly and is very clever. The rabbit not only has many ideas but is also good at adapting to the environment and can move very quickly, allowing it to protect itself during times of danger when the situation is not favourable. As a result, the overall energy is likely to be gentle and calm, with people looking for a more balanced life. There could also be much more movement and travelling, just like that of a swift rabbit. For people used to making and following fixed plans, the coming year will soften schedules around the edges, which might require a significant period of adjustment until people align with their own rabbit instincts. For career or financial success, astrologers therefore suggest that any plans for improvement or development should be initiated early on in the year to ensure their best success rate. 
