7 Ways to Win in the Year of the Water Rabbit

The Year of the Yin Water Rabbit begins January 22nd. Here’s how you can flow with its gentle vibes.

Every year, when Chinese New Year rolls around, I pull out my (and everyone’s) favorite book on Chinese astrology: The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora Lau.

Below, I’ll share seven of my key takeaways about how we can make the most of 2023 and The Year of the Yin Water Rabbit.

But first, I want to mention that while western astrology examines the effects of the sun, moon, and planets on our life experience, Chinese astrology looks to the energies that come from the earth itself. After 13 yearly moon cycles, the planet under our feet begins to emanate a fresh and unique new personality. That’s what we call the Lunar Year.

Now, we are embarking upon the Year of the Rabbit, but not just any rabbit! The yin (as opposed to yang) water (as opposed to earth, metal, wood, or fire) rabbit.

You can imagine the yang water of 2022 as loudly rushing rapids, giant waterfalls, hurricanes, floods, or the sea. In contrast, the yin water of 2023 is like clear, still water, gentle rain, or water flowing gently through delicate and diminutive waterfalls and streams.

OK, now that you have a little specialized info, here are some ways you can tap into the blessings of this peace-loving and mellifluous year.

Rest and Recharge

“While everyone is killing [themselves] in a mad rush to get somewhere, the Rabbit knows that the world will still be here tomorrow. So what’s the hurry?”

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

We are moving out of a yang Tiger year and into a yin Rabbit year. The surf is receding and the rapids are settling down.

So go with the smoother and more leisurely flow. Look at your schedule honestly and cut out the stuff you don’t actually have the time or enthusiasm for. Say no when needed in order to protect your very real need for downtime. This will support, rather than subtract from, your ability to succeed.

Also find ways to take loving care of yourself: for example, take baths, take loving care of your hair and skin, and make sure your home environment is clean, soothing, and calm.

…But Don’t Rest and Recharge TOO Much

“Suave and self-indulgent, [the Rabbit] enjoys his creature comforts and likes to put his own wishes first.”

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

While the yin water vibes coupled with the indulgent, comfort-loving hare can help us finally learn to relax, it can also potentially pose a challenge to our soul’s constant desire to move, improve, and expand. But you’ll be fine if you make balance and harmony (rather than constant relaxation) your goal.

Remember: A gently flowing stream sparkles and nourishes. But stagnant water becomes toxic and begins to stink.

Be a Connoisseur

“All in all, the Rabbit really knows how to live well.”

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

The Water Rabbit shows us we can derive great satisfaction from the art of living when we follow the flow of our interests, our pleasures, and our bliss.

So this year, get really into the stuff that fascinates you – particularly in the realm of aesthetics. I’m talking about things like music, literature, art, fashion, design, and cuisine.

Being a connoisseur means going down the rabbit holes that beckon to you, not out of a desire to impress others or get ahead, but simply for the very personal and lifelong joys of refining, amplifying, and adding subtlety to your enjoyment of being in the world.

Be Elegant and Understated

“[The Rabbit] will wear loose comfortable clothing of superb cut and fabric, cashmere sweaters, pure silk blouses and durable linens and tweeds. The clothes, like the manner, will be elegant and understated.“

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

When I read the above sentences from The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, I thought of Jennifer L. Scott (author of Lessons from Madame Chic) and her famous 10-item wardrobe.

Essentially, the 10-item wardrobe is a capsule wardrobe for each season, containing a small number of elegant, versatile, high-quality pieces that you love.

While I don’t necessarily keep my wardrobe to 10 items, I find great inspiration in the spirit of the thing. The fundamental instruction is to focus on quality over quantity, and to look for pieces that fit you perfectly and feel great to wear.

This feels so right for the Rabbit Year – don’t you agree? The 10-item wardrobe is so Rabbit Year vibes.

Be Peaceful, Open-Minded, and Chill

“The Rabbit year is said to bring peace or at least a respite from conflict or war.”

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

Phew. Really though. Who else is tired of fighting?

2020 and 2021 were metal years. Metal can be sharp and clashy. Remember how we were all like, Everyone should get the shot! / No way, what?! No one should! and also Defund the police! / Oh my god, that’s a terrible idea! And then we were like, Oh ok family member, social media rando, or stranger on the street, I will totally fight you right now!

Then 2022 was a water year, but again, it was a yang water year: hurricanes, rapids, and stormy seas. Not to mention, it was a Tiger year, and the Tiger is obviously no stranger to conflict.

Now, though: bunnies. Gentle, chill, fuzzy little bunnies drinking from a pond.

…Can we call a truce?

This year, let’s just basically remember that we can have different opinions and still totally be friends. And we don’t even have to discuss those opinions if we don’t want to. Speaking of which…

Say Things Extra Kindly

“A meditative type of Rabbit with a fragile and emotional nature, [the Water Rabbit] cannot bear harassment or any other unpleasantness, such as dissent and bickering.”

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

While I am definitely a fan of boundaries and blunt honesty, this year, we will all be a little more sensitive to phrasing and tone.

So whenever you can, think before you speak. Take a take a moment, take a breath, and speak your truth gently and with love.

…Or don’t speak your truth at all. I mean if you don’t need to, ok? Sometimes it makes sense to say exactly what you think. But everyone doesn’t always need to hear every little thing that crosses your mind.

(Like, hey, new haircut? Love it. It’s perfect. Then just stop there and leave it at that.)

Love and Forgive

“At times, [the Water Rabbit’s] delicate sensitivity makes him dwell too much on the past. Often reminiscing about long-ago injuries and indulging in self-pity, he needs strong associates to help him see the brighter side of life and enjoy himself.”

~ Theodora Lau in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes

Finally, be on your guard against the excessive revisiting of past hurts.

Culturally, I think a lot of us have a weird relationship with forgiveness, but it does have its benefits. There is a freedom in letting go, not for the sake of being a good person or making the other person feel better, but simply so we don’t have to keep going over and over a painful experience from our past.

You will notice that the Theodora Lau quote I chose for this section includes the excellent suggestion to counterbalance indulgent self-pity with “strong associates” who help you “see the brighter side of life.” In other words, if you notice yourself wallowing this year, call up a friend. Have a chat or schedule some time to hang out and play. Dance, play music, or spend some time moving your body outside under the sky.

Make it a goal to be in the present moment instead of getting mired in the past. Don’t let yourself stagnate and your old emotions fester! Like melted snow in springtime, let those feelings tumble through the mountains and sparkle in the sun.

P.S. If you feel guided to schedule one, an Akashic Clearing can really help free up stuck energy through releasing old patterns and programs you no longer need. Learn more about this therapy here.

Ok! Ready…Set…Rabbit!

I’m stoked for this Rabbit year. Who’s with me?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.