It’s officially the Chinese New Year also known as the Lunar New Year. We celebrate 2023 as the year of the Rabbit. Per Chinese astrology, the year of the Rabbit is considered quite prosperous as we are encouraged to embrace the energy of being creatively expressive while making space to care for ourselves.
The Lunar New Year is often known as the Spring Festival in China. It is a 15-day celebration that includes a number of traditions which starts with a New Year’s Eve reunion dinner and finishes with the Lantern Festival. It is quite a festive time that is filled with lots of joy, cheer, and delicious meals for everyone to enjoy. There are also a number of beliefs associated with the lunar year such as the idea that cleaning on the first day of the New Year should be avoided as this can clear away luck and prosperity. In any case, the Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout many Asian countries and is a highly anticipated and celebrated time of the year.
Traditionally, the lunar new year occurs on the first new moon of what is referred to as the lunisolar calendar which is typically used in Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and Vietnam to name a few. Given that the lunar year occurs on the first new moon, the date of the lunar new year is different each year.
Each lunar new year coincides with an animal from Chinese astrology. Different from Western astrology, Chinese astrology features 12 animal archetypes similar to the 12 archetypes of Western astrology. 2023 is the year of the Rabbit which corresponds with the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac calendar. Given the Chinese astrological system is based on a 12-year cycle, the previous years of the Rabbit were 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011.
It is also important to note that the 12-year Chinese astrological cycle, is also a five-year cycle that is related to the five elements of the earth, fire, wood, metal, and water. This is similar to the Western elemental influence of earth, fire, water, and air. This makes 2023 the year of the Water Rabbit. Thus, the energy of 2023 combines the Chinese astrological characteristics of the rabbit with the element of water providing more details about how we will experience Rabbit energy for our prosperity and abundance.
The Energy of the Year of the Water Rabbit
Because rabbits are considered one of the luckiest animals in the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is expected to be a very prosperous, abundant year. According to Chinese astrology, rabbit energy imbues us with fertility, so some of us could have a child this year or perhaps see a long-awaited project “birthed” into existence.
To make the most of this energy, it is important to combine the energy of the rabbit with its corresponding elemental signature, water. A water rabbit year brings in the element of peace and prosperity with the creativity, emotionalism, and sensitivity of the water element. The overall experience of this energy includes embodying rabbit energy in a positive way such as using being more outgoing and open-minded to new experiences. Rabbits are known for their ability to easily “hop” about which is why it is important to embrace different experiences to experience the success of the Water Rabbit year.
The addition of the water element adds a bit of sensitivity to the experience of 2023. We are likely to see more abundance if we are willing to take on a more empathetic and meditative approach this year. For those who have an interest in the arts, this is an excellent year to make space to honor our creativity. Since water energy is very fluid, flexibility is a benefit in 2023. The combination of the forward-moving rabbit energy and water fluidity reminds us of the importance of staying limber and being open to new opportunities and experiences to gain success.
Because rabbit energy is interested in moving forward, if we have plans for success this year, it’s always best to have more than one option. Even though rabbits like to hop into new situations, they don’t do so without knowing where they are headed. For the best results, water rabbit energy encourages us to make plans that allow for room for change. Basically, let’s make sure we have alternate plans just in case there are changes so that we can prevent the frustrations that come with circumstances beyond our control.
The Moon Shines On The Rabbit Born
For those who were born during the year of the Rabbit, 2023 is like a homecoming of sorts. Those born during the years 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011 will find success this year. These individuals are encouraged to take advantage of their innate energies to reap the success and the bounty offered during the return of their Chinese zodiac year. Rabbit-born people are typically quite docile and really just want to live a productive peaceful life. Like their animal archetype, they enjoy creating plans that allow them to hop into action after reflection and consideration.
In some ways, the return of the animal zodiac year in Chinese astrology could be equated to the abundance of the Jupiter return in Western astrology. Thus, those individuals who are experiencing a Rabbit return year are encouraged to take advantage of all their natal zodiac energies for abundance and success.
Ultimately, 2023, the year of the Water Rabbit, encourages us to well thought actions that make space for ourselves. Let us take time in 2023 to focus on giving ourselves the care and comfort that we need so that we are able to experience the abundance and prosperity at hand. Let’s hop into this Lunar New Year courtesy of the Water Rabbit with care, gentleness, and peace.
