Year of the Water Rabbit

Let’s talk about the Year of the Water Rabbit, 2023. First I will discuss what a typical year is like. In other words, what everyone could experience with the Rabbit in charge. In the second part I’ll talk about what we can expect this year. I will break it down into four areas, career, relationships, health and wealth.

If you were like me, you probably had a wild ride in 2022 with the Tiger in charge. I’m hoping this is a typical, Water Rabbit year. The Rabbit is the yin to the Tiger’s yang, so we can expect this year to be very different. I’m thinking it’ll be more tranquil and relaxed, both on the international scene and in our personal lives.

Above all else the Rabbit is a peacemaker. It’s reasonable to expect an easing of hostilities, hopefully in the Ukraine war. Rabbit energy is positive for diplomacy; so, there could even be some kind of settlement. The same holds true for our personal relationships. It’s a great time to settle differences. I’m going to think about with whom I might be uncomfortable and see if I can come up with a way to better get along.

Then there’s the world of business. We’re likely to see an increase in cooperation among various companies. And of course we should be on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with our colleagues at work. An aggressive approach that favors conflict is likely to be unproductive, if not a total failure.

It’s always wise to remember there are good and bad months and days in every year. We shouldn’t, for example, be surprised if there are some difficulties in the Month of the Rooster (September). Those people who rely on Rabbit energy and resist the Rooster’s are more likely to make it unscathed through that challenging time.

Another positive. Rabbit energy favors a classy approach. I expect we’ll see some elegant fashions coming out of Paris and Milan this year. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Hollywood produced a special movie in the coming months. As for our personal behavior, being better dressed than usual could bring some amazing results.

Here are a couple effects of Rabbit energy that could be positive or negative, depending on how we react to them. It is compatible with indulging ourselves in creature comforts, both materialistic and sensual. It’s also conducive with a slow, cautious style. Going to an expensive restaurant and treating ourselves to a day in the spa are some examples. The danger is becoming too soft and then avoiding dealing with a difficult situation. As for the slow pace, we can use it to relax and recover from any stress that might, for example, have been causing tight muscles. Then again, if we slow too much or become overly cautious, we can begin to be indecisive or start to procrastinate. And, sometimes quick action is necessary, as in an emergency situation.

We can see which signs are most likely to be comfortable and enjoy success when we put all these pieces together, and which are not. People who thrive when there’s lots of action could feel bored or frustrated if they go against Rabbit energy. Here I’m talking about the Rat, Tiger, Dragon, and Horse. Actually it’s the Rooster who is likely to fare the worst. Their enegy is in direct opposition to the Rabbit’s. The Sheep or Goat and Pig have the best chance of success and happiness with their environment. The Rabbit or Cat is a lucky sign in that it’s one of the few that does well in its own year. The Ox, Snake, Monkey and Dog might be facing a mixed year, one with opportunities and challenges.

Up to this point I’ve focused on the Rabbit. Well, 2023 is a Water year, and I consider the element just as important to our destiny as the animal sign. In general I won’t have to say too much. Water energy is very harmonious with and similar to the Rabbit’s. For example, it favors peaceful conflict resolution of obstacles by going around rather then knocking them down. Water energy facilitates communication. Although the Rabbit is known for diplomacy, it’s not considered a talkative nor a gregarious sign. Water, however, is the element most closely associated with interpersonal relations and networking.

A second consideration is element compatibility. This year’s Water is the one most compatible with Wood. In a way 2023 is a lucky year. There should generally be more pros than cons; depending on personal charts as well as each month and day. Thus some signs will get more of this good Luck than others. People born in Wood and Metal years can hope for better than what they read about their sign in normal horoscopes. Those born in Fire and Earth years might do less well than what is predicted. No need to think about making an adjustment for people born in a Water year.

A final word. The Rabbit should give most of us an opportunity to pause and catch our breath after a hectic 2022. It’s a time for peacemakers to shine. And, I can’t overestimate the importance of Water energy. Perhaps the best way to make the most of 2023 is to focus on communications and interpersonal relations. Many people will be amazed at now much success they achieve thanks to the efforts they have put in to strengthen their relationships and improve their writing and speaking skills.