Hope Springs Eternal! Fun & Games

Ray Au outlines what we can expect from 2023, the Year of the Water Rabbit

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According to Chinese astrology, each year corresponds to one of the 12 zodiac animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig), a cycle that repeats every 12 years. To complicate things a little, each year also corresponds to one of the five Chinese zodiac elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood), a cycle that repeats every five years. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit (the last one was in 2011). More specifically, it is the Year of the Water Rabbit (the last one was in 1963). So, what does that mean for you? The first thing you need to know is that the Rabbit is one of the luckiest animals in the Chinese zodiac. According to folklore, the Rabbit – Jade Rabbit to be specific – lives on the moon as the Goddess Chang’e’s favoured companion. This means that a Rabbit Year brings with it the moon goddess’ protection, so we can expect good things – harmony in our relationships, money in our pockets and good health. 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.

THE RABBIT’S POSITIVE INFLUENCE

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 intellectual. Skilful and quick-thinking, the Rabbit is also well-grounded, 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.

HEALTH AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Year of the Rabbit 2023 is under the influence of the Water element, which bodes well for our health. Water is an extremely power ful natural force. It’s the strongest element – even stronger than fire – because it can go around any obstacle in its path. Empowered by the Water Rabbit, most of us will enjoy good health in 2023. 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) and 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 and well in 2023. It’s time to share our thoughts and feelings, to empathise and be generous with our time and hear ts. By making an effort with this, married couples and those in long-term 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. And it’s a good year to have a baby. The Chinese zodiac affects birth rates on a national scale and baby-making isn’t restricted to the flashy, power-hungry Dragon, Tiger and Horse years. People who choose to give birth in a Rabbit Year want their offspring to be outgoing and high achieving, but also easy-going and contented. Just like the Rabbit.

MONEY AND WORK

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, unassuming demeanour, he is rightfully known for his ambition and tenacity. He placed fourth in the Great Race after all, beating eight of the other zodiac animals to the other side of the river by jumping across it on stepping stones. 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.

LUCK AND 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 Chinese zodiac animals most compatible with the Rabbit are the Ram, Dog and Pig, which is fantastic news for all Rams, Dogs and Pigs heading into 2023. 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. Kung Hei Fat Choi!