Lunar New Year 2023: Thoughts on the Year of the Yin Water Rabbit
Chinese New Year, is based on the lunar calendar. Each year, it begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In East Asian countries, this holiday is celebrated for two weeks, from the new moon to the full moon. Before New Year’s eve, it is believed that certain actions bring auspicious blessings for the year ahead, including the cleaning of one's home, getting rid of unnecessary objects, and cutting one’s hair. Decorating one’s house with red banners which spell out adages of fortune and wealth, and giving away red envelopes to children and elders are also traditional practices of the Lunar New Year.
On January 22, 2023, we are transitioning from the year of the Yang Water Tiger to the year of a Yin Water Rabbit. Last year, the dynamic water tiger, being the third animal of the Chinese astrology and the first animal associated with the element Wood, was full of the sprouting energy. The tiger represented the beginning of Spring. It was lively, and sometimes aggressive and chaotic. Luckily, that volatility shifts with the Lunar New Year.
In 2023, the year of the Yin Water Rabbit, we are now fully immersed in the second stage of Spring, which indicates growth and movement. But, unlike last year which was a Yang year, this year, we have the characteristic of the Yin to help with grounding that energy. We can harness its bounty by “planting seeds” in the way of starting projects, learning and investing in our health, wealth and future. The Rabbit energy is gentle and hopeful. It brings harmony and sweetness.
In Chinese Astrology, the Water element is associated with the moon and aspects of our inner life - emotions, spirituality and intuition. The Yin Water rabbit year is about tapping into that inner wisdom. There is an emphasis on beauty and the feminine. We should expect more softness in the way people express themselves too, both in words and appearance. We can lean into this aspect by taking more time to tidy up our surroundings and ourselves, invoking simplicity both inside and out.
In 2023, we should use this Rabbit energy as an opportunity to cultivate patience, focus on building relationships, and communicating diplomacy. Take the time to slow down, prioritize self care and spend time with loved ones.