HOPPING INTO THE NEW YEAR

2023 IS THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT. SO, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU? RAY AU REPORTS

Each of the animals in the Chinese zodiac has an overriding characteristic, for instance the Rat is cunning, the Ox is hardworking, the Tiger is restless and the Rabbit is fortunate. We rang in the Year of the Rabbit on January 23, which means we can expect the months ahead to be filled with luck and good fortune. We can look forward to happy times – harmony in our relationships, money in our pockets and good health.

To understand why the Rabbit is considered so fortunate, you have to look back to the legend of the Great Race –the race held to determine the order of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The tiny, unassuming Rabbit placed fourth in this race, beating eight animals, including the fiery Dragon, to the finish line. How? Because he was fortunate. Seeing the Rabbit being attacked by a wolf, the Dragon stepped in and in so doing allowed the Rabbit to cross the finish line before him.

The Rabbit’s association with good luck is furthered by another legend, which reveals his special relationship with the moon goddess Chang’e. In this tale, the Rabbit (the Jade Rabbit to be specific) lives on the moon as Chang’e’s favoured companion. This means that the Rabbit – and therefore a Rabbit Year – brings with it the moon goddess’ wisdom and protection.

2023 looks set to be a peaceful, constructive year in which we will make the right decisions with regard to personal relationships, career developments and, on a larger scale, the world around us.

WHAT WILL 2023 BRING?

In predicting what 2023 will bring, we need to take a good look at the Rabbit’s characteristics. First and foremost, we know him to be patient and empathic, responsible and bookish. Skilful and quick-thinking, the Rabbit is also wellgrounded, so, in 2023, we can expect life to get back on a more even and rational keel.

Rabbit years, like 2023, are all about gentleness, kindness and positivity – very different from 2022’s tumultuous, tantrum-throwing Year of the Tiger. The Rabbit will calm those who are too impulsive, while bringing those with their heads in the clouds back down to earth.

Importantly too, the Rabbit is optimistic and persevering, happy to work hard to get things done. When encountering obstacles, the Rabbit gets calm, cautious and decisive; he digs in his heels to get problems solved. This is why, assuming we pause to think before we act in 2023, we will manage to achieve much that is worthwhile.

Chang’e and the Rabbit have our backs in 2023, so we can look forward to a return to harmony and balance in all aspects of life – and to having a little well-deserved fun. The Rabbit is friendly and outgoing, so 2023 looks set to be a socially active year for all of us. We are well advised to follow our passions and make time for activities that make us feel good.

Money In Our Pockets

The Rabbit is cautious and shrewd, good with money, which means we can expect a rewarding 2023 as far as our finances are concerned. Cash flow should be ample, and we can hope to recover earnings lost during the pandemic.

The Rabbit’s motto is ‘work smarter, not harder.’ Follow his lead and you will be able to make money in 2023, while finding time to play too. And don’t be fooled by the Rabbit’s quiet, modest demeanour, he is rightfully known for his ambition and tenacity. 2023 is therefore your year to go all out and attempt the ‘impossible.’ When encountering difficulties, take a leaf out of the Rabbit’s book – persevere and stay hopeful and optimistic. Effort, commitment and determination will get you far in a Rabbit Year, as will the ability to focus on the task in hand.

It’s inadvisable to implement big career changes in a Rabbit Year but, if you are an employee, your chances of promotion and salary increase are high, particularly if you have a male boss. 2023 looks set to be a great year for loyal employees, who will be amply rewarded for their hard work, creativity and dependability.

Healthy Relationships

The Year of the Rabbit 2023 is under the influence of the Water element, which also bodes well. Out of all of the Chinese zodiac elements, Water has the greatest connection to the emotions – to sensitivity, empathy and falling in love. What’s more, we know the Rabbit to be gentle, kind and empathic. It follows therefore that 2023 will be a positive year for relationships. We can expect to meet people with whom we will establish close partnerships (friendships, romances, work collaborations) or who will have a beneficial influence on our family or business interests.

One word of caution: While the Rabbit is loyal and dependable, he has a tendency to be secretive and introspective. This means that all of us will need to make a special effort to communicate constructively in 2023. It’s time to share our thoughts and feelings, to empathise and be generous with our time and hearts. By making an effort with this, married couples and those in longterm relationships can find their feelings intensified in a Rabbit Year.

With the moon goddess smiling down, 2023 also promises to be a lucky year for those who are single and ready for romance – watch out for your soulmate in June, July and November.

While Water is the element associated with love and romance, it is also the strongest element – even stronger than fire – because it can go around any obstacle in its path. Empowered by the strength of Water, most of us will enjoy good health in 2023.

Compatibility

How we will fare in the Year of the Rabbit also depends on the year we were born – on how well our ‘birth animal’ gets on with the Rabbit. The good news for all Rams, Dogs and Pigs heading into 2023 is that they are all highly compatible with the Rabbit. The Ram’s idealism, Dog’s empathy and Pig’s happy-go-lucky nature all vibe well with the sharing, caring Rabbit.

Oxen and Snakes should do well in 2023, since they also have a lot in common with the Rabbit. The Ox’s pragmatism and love of routine appeals to the down-to-earth Rabbit; the Snake’s reserved nature gels with his secretive, introspective side. Tigers, Dragons, Horses and Monkeys can also expect a good year, as long they can find a way to keep their limelight-seeking exuberance in check.

Unfortunately, Rat and Rooster energy sits less comfortably with the Rabbit. The Rat’s materialism and irresponsibility rankles, as does the Rooster’s quarrelsome, in-your-face approach to problem solving. Rats and Roosters should therefore prepare for a bumpy 2023, with some power struggles and financial challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, those born in a Rabbit year are not in as bouncy a position as you might think. According to Chinese astrology, we offend the Tai Sui gods in a year that is governed by our birth animal, meaning we can expect many challenges and unexpected changes. In 2023, Rabbits are advised to tread with caution, and invest in some feng shui remedies. Encourage the Rabbit in your life to carry a lucky dog trinket… and wear red underwear!