On January 23, 2023, the lunar new year will officially start and the Year of the Rabbit is upon us. The energy will change significantly as we leave 2022, the year of the fierce and energetic tiger, and enter 2023, the year of the patient and gentle rabbit. Similar to the Western Zodiac, the Chinese Zodiac has twelve signs, each of which is symbolized by an animal or supernatural being. In Chinese astrology, each sign has an entire year to itself, and a cycle lasts twelve years. In Western astrology, the signs cycle through twelve months every year.
The five elements of Chinese astrology are Water, Metal, Wood, Earth, and Fire. Every year, the zodiac passes through a new element. In 2023, it will be the year of the water rabbit. Some refer to 2023 as the “year of the black rabbit” since the yin water element is related to the color black. The yin water element stands for receptivity, intuition, and, in its best manifestation, the path to inner tranquility. After the energetic year of the tiger, the water rabbit year promises a time of meditation and repose.
The moon and the rabbit are related in Chinese culture. According to an old Chinese myth, the Jade Emperor went undercover as an elderly beggar to hire a reliable assistant. The rabbit jumped into the fire and offered itself as food to the famished man. The benevolent rabbit was taken to the moon where they jointly made the ‘elixir of life’ when the Emperor revealed his true identity. On the moon, a silhouette of the jade rabbit may be seen mixing herbs with a mortar and pestle to create a potent remedy for health and longevity.
Additionally, the rabbit is considered to be a lucky animal. Rabbits are also viewed as a symbol of patience in Chinese philosophy. Therefore, if you can wait until 2023 when the timing is appropriate to take action, you should get some lucky breaks!
What are the characteristics of those born in the rabbit year?
The year of the water tiger was 2022. The tiger was courageous and aspirational, prepared to seize the moment when it was right to do so. Meanwhile, the rabbit is famed for its soft nature. Rabbits are the typical “homebodies” that are happy to wait politely while researching and paying close attention to every little thing. People may underestimate the rabbit’s calm might, but there’s no denying that, when the situation calls for it, the rabbit is capable of swift and agile action.
Although gregarious and appealing to many, rabbits are often hesitant to express their genuine emotions. They are warm and well-mannered, and they want to leave a positive impression on everyone they meet. To keep things exciting, they enjoy watching movies and tv series or keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Due to their people-pleasing personality, rabbits also require a lot of reassurance.
So, how can one create good luck in the year of the water rabbit?
If you were born in a rabbit year, then 2023 is your “ben ming nian” or “your year.” It will be an exhilarating yet turbulent period of fresh beginnings. According to old traditions and superstitions, it is recommended to follow some safety measures to safeguard your health and luck during your ben ming nian.
Wearing red or carrying a jade amulet can help ward off bad luck, and implementing good Feng Shui in your home can help keep a calm environment. This is particularly true for Rabbits due to their propensity for the hues of red and pink as well as their fabled connection to jade. It is recommended to avoid dangerous excursions or large renovation items that can generate a ruckus. Instead, concentrate on supporting your community in any manner you can and joining in on happy occasions whenever you can.
