WITH 2023 just a hop, skip and jump away, we wonder what’s in store for us in the Year of the Water Rabbit.
Characterized as affectionate, calm, quick, and high-spirited, the rabbit represents benevolence, prosperity, and longevity in Chinese culture. Thus, feng shui experts predict 2023 to be a year of peace and hope.
Compared to 2022, a Year of the Water Tiger, Marites Allen foresees 2023 as “more sober and generally, a time of reconciliation, reconnection or anything favorable to the affairs of the heart.”
“There could be a truce in war-torn countries or governments could agree on some international alliances and coordination rather than engaging in any more fights and discord,” the feng shui master says.
Since the furry creature also symbolizes fertility, 2023 is an opportune time to get married and have children.
The Year of the Rabbit ushers in a season of new beginnings and reemergence after a long slump, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So this Chinese Lunar New Year (Jan. 22, 2023, to Feb. 9, 2024) is an auspicious occasion to engage in business ventures such as food, packaging, financing, e-commerce, and technology. “The entertainment industry will see a big comeback,” Allen adds.
Predictions, advice
According to the Chinese zodiac, based on the year we were born, we are assigned an animal that reveals a lot about our personality and the year ahead.
The Chinese zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, and each year is represented by a different animal. The 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. So what does your animal sign say about you?
Allen and Juleen Wang, Student Services Advisor for Montclair State University’s School of Business, give a rundown on how the Year of the Rabbit could affect one’s life, career, and love.
Rat
Birth years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Being “smart, charming and imaginative” is how the Rat landed first place in the emperor’s legendary race, Wang says in an interview with Reader’s Digest. He rode on the back of the Ox and jumped off just in time to cross the finish line.
Blessed with the Future Prosperity Star, Allen says the Rat’s good fortune could multiply up to nine times. Rat is most compatible with Ox, Dragon, and Monkey.
Ox
1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
“Very determined and hardworking, generous, patient” are the virtues of Ox, Wang says. Snake, Rat, and Rooster are best matches for an Ox.
Even in difficult times, the Ox would prevail. Just “avoid being arrogant, resentful and temperamental” – qualities that could ruin an Ox, Allen says.
Tiger
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
“The Tiger is very adventurous. Those born under this sign are considered very lucky. Their negative traits are being dramatic and cocky,” Wang explains.
However, robbery, injury and losses loom in the Tiger’s chart, Allen says. But if one has earned good karma through his past actions, the universe will help the Tiger gain profits this year. Tiger goes well with Dragon, Horse and Pig.
Rabbit
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Allen advises Rabbits not to drive away blessings in the form of money or work promotion. “Despite health problems, you’ll have a lot to gain since 2023 is your year.” Rabbits get along with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys and Pigs.
Dragon
1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The “warm-hearted and enthusiastic” Dragon is an immensely popular Chinese astrology sign. “The birth rate will actually even increase during the Year of the Rabbit because everyone wants a Dragon baby,” Wang discloses.
On the other hand, Allen warns the Dragon against hostile energies that cause heartaches and misunderstandings. Opt for a harmonious environment. Dragons pair best with Roosters, Rats and Monkeys.
Snake
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
“Snake is like the mini Dragon so it’s very popular as well,” Wang says. “They’re very curious and wise but they can also be jealous and greedy.” Snake goes really well with Ox, Dragon and Rooster.
However, the presence of the hostility star in 2023 will rock the peaceful life of the Snake-born, Allen says. There are lawsuits and plenty of quarrelling in the offing. She advises to wear peace charms or fire element energies like red, pink and purple.
Horse
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
“The Horse is a leader and very generous as well,” Wang says. People born in Horse years are said to be talented and energetic.
Wealth, luck and good fortune will roll in easily towards those born in the year of the Horse. So push yourself to the limit to gain unlimited funds, profitable partnerships or promotions, Allen says. Horse matches well with Tiger, Goat and Rabbit.
Sheep
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Not only are they allies of the Rabbit, but the Sheep’s Victory star provides new beginnings and superior blessings as well. Allen adds that this is a good time to venture into unfamiliar territory or expansion. Sheep is compatible with Rabbit, Horse and Pig.
Monkey
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Monkey has good social skills and is very humorous, Wang says. Such traits make Monkeys playful and mischievous. The patient Ox and kind Rabbit are ideal matches for this sign.
Although blessed with the Victory star, Monkey would have to contend with the threat of the Three Killings star, which indicates loss of money and health problems.
Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Described as reliable, consistent, brave and entertaining, Rooster is the best match for Ox and Snake, Wang says.
Rooster could experience both highs and lows as 2023 is your conflict year, Allen says. Take it easy, lie low. Make necessary changes. If you can afford it, move to a different house or location. It could be a very busy year for you with possible financial windfall.
Dog
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
A dog is indeed man’s best friend. “Dog is loyal, playful and selfless,” Wang says. Dog’s best bet for a partner is the loving Rabbit.
Dog-born people should care more for themselves in 2023, Allen advises. This is due to the Misfortune star in your chart. It can bring havoc to one’s life. There’s also the risk of illness which could affect one’s work and income opportunities.
Pig
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
“The loving, happy, direct and persuasive Pig may have come last in the emperor’s race, but this animal sign is no slouch. 2019 was the Year of the Earth Pig, which was predicted to bring steadiness, wealth and opportunity,” Wang explains. Tiger, Rabbit and Goat will make Pig happy.
Allen advises Pigs to install images of your allies in the northwest sector of your house or office with the images of Rabbit, Sheep and Pig. Wearing metal element colors and accessories like white, gold and silver is beneficial.
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Rowena Burgos was a former lifestyle editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
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