Text by Corina Tan
Getty
For more than 2000 years the Chinese zodiac has been an integral part of Chinese culture. It is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year representing a different animal. The Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The order of the Chinese astrology signs is related to the most commonly accepted legend of the Chinese zodiac which is the Jade Emperor’s Race.
As the story goes, the Chinese emperor held a race to determine which lucky animals would have the honour of being added to the calendar. The first-place winner who ended up being the rat would claim the first year of the 12-year cycle. Zodiac traits and compatibilities are often cited as reasons why people don’t get along – for example an Ox and a Tiger.
Welcoming the Year of the rabbit
The Chinese astrology signs also have five elements which are Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire which have yin and yang energy. The elements describe the fundamental components of everything in the universe. How they relate to one another, and since we are part of the universe, it is believed that it affects us too as they coordinate with elements of the body meridians in Chinese medicine. Fire corresponds to the heart. Earth to the stomach. Metal to the lungs. Water to the kidneys and Wood to the liver. Traditional Chinese medicine associates issues in the body with imbalances in the elements. And it may point to different areas you need to strengthen.
Yin and Yang Symbol / Getty
2023 Rabbit is a Water year. It will be imbued with the characteristics of the Water element, such as creativity and intense emotions. The same goes for all of the other elements and their respective characteristics. You can get a sense of what the year may bring. Especially if you also understand how it meshes with your own zodiac sign and element. While everyone should pay attention to these elements, those born in years that correlate to them may need to pay particular attention to them – for example, those born in a Water year may be predisposed to kidney issues. Although in recent years there may be fewer people who care about the zodiac. Or believe in any form of superstition related to it, it still remains ever so slightly at the back of people’s minds.
Rabbit Traits
The birth years of the Rabbit are 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023. People born in Rabbit years are described as smart, kind and docile. Rabbits do not get along with Snakes, but they are known to have good relationships with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys and Pigs. A gentle creature known to represent peaceful and patient energy; the Rabbit thinks things through before acting.
Overall, this energy will encourage us to approach challenges calmly and rationally. The Water element also brings intuition and peace. Tapping into our inner wisdom and enabling us to trust our instincts. It encourages us to be more in tune with our emotions and sensitive to things and the people around us.
With this, the time has come to tap into these positive energy forces and build stronger connections with loved ones, friends, colleagues and anyone in our lives. The Rabbit is after all a creature that is known for its ability to create and maintain harmonious relationships.
Professional development, networking opportunities, new projects and responsibilities are also forthcoming in 2023. It is a good time to focus on positive finances and income as the season is ripe for making smart investments. Taking care of oneself is an important part of the Rabbit’s traits. Therefore prioritising self-care by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep will go a long way in harnessing all the positive energy and opportunities that the year of the Water Rabbit brings.
