The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and falls a bit after the standard calendar New Year. The Chinese Zodiac cycle rotates through a series of 12 animals and five elements, totaling 60 different combinations that play out one year at a time. Each combination brings with it a unique energy which expresses throughout that year. 2022 saw the year of the Water Tiger, for example. It combined the intuitive and adaptive qualities of Water with the strong, assertive nature of the Tiger. This year, 2023, brings us the year of the Water Rabbit as of January 22nd.
We see that the Water element remains, as each element lasts for two years while each animal lasts for only one. In this, the Water element continues to dominate this new year. The Water is Yin in nature. It relates to emotions and is an energy of deep feeling and intuition, as well as being able to flow and adapt to any situation. The Water empowers us to turn inward and to observe our true feelings. It helps us to realize the true nature of things and how we relate in the grand scheme.
While the element of Water remains, the assertive nature of the Tiger now transitions to the more relaxed and peaceful nature of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is considered to be a very benefic creature. It is a symbol of longevity, peace, prosperity, and hope. Rabbits possess the qualities of alertness and quick wits. They are relaxed and peaceful, but always ready to react. In this way they represent a very flexible and adaptive energy. On the less desirable side, they can also fall into procrastination and can show a tendency to avoid situations.
When the Water and the Rabbit come together, it creates an energy of great adaptive potential. This is a good time to direct our attention toward assessing our internal Self. What are the things we want to improve or to become? What are our goals that we want for ourselves? The flexible and alert nature of the Rabbit and the deep connectedness of the Water can help us to tune in and to take advantage of otherwise unseen opportunities. There is no better time to begin a practice of meditation or a discipline of commitment to a cause. The great internal power of this time can help us to become more aware of ourselves and the path that we walk.
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