This article was originally published by Wellbeing Astrology 2023 – Universal Media, Australia

2023 The Year of the Yin Water Rabbit

We enter ‘burrowed’ time, at the dawn of a new Frontier. Rabbit gives us a master class on networking and the art of foresight.

WORDS WENDY GRANT | FENG SHUI ISM

Tiger is officially relieved of his solar mantel on 4 February 2023 — when the diplomatic Bunny steps up. The paradigm shifts from predator to prey. Tiger brought Change; Rabbit detests it.

Yin ideograms are entrusted with annual custodianship; the Heavenly Stem of Water 癸 sitting on top of the Earthly Branch of Wood Rabbit 卯. Former iterations of this sexagenary pillar, paints a veneer of calmness. Subterranean movement goes undetected; yet ideas take root. Clandestine tension conceals undercurrents. Thunder brings breakthroughs. The picture clearer if viewed via its annual Hexagram #49 – Revolution. The shedding of an earlier order brings the dewy dawn of a new frontier. The outcomes chequered; chess mastery, the secret weapon.

There’s no denying the read on Yin Water Rabbit’s legacy. Sixty-year cycles, unfurl against a fractious backdrop of warfare, undisclosed secrets couched in political and social unrest. The blight of famine swept through Ireland 1843, then Sweden/Finland the next cycle. We see firsts for women; Valentina Tereshkovainto into space and a Nobel Prize for Marie Curie’s radioactivity research (both are natal owners of this exact pillar). 1903 seeded talk of atomic energy. Sixty years later and jaded by a nuclear trajectory, the Partial Test Ban Treaty transpires. Activist Martin Luther King delivered his ‘I have a dream speech’. The second wave of feminism was buoyed by ‘The Feminine Mystique’ book. And during the Vietnam War the assassination of Diệm, and JFK’s death three weeks later — all emerged under the same annual pillar as 2023.

However, rabbit's moves follow the fate shaped by predecessors —1939 going to war, 2011 ending one. Showing indifference to change, until impacted personally. Conflict-averse diplomacy is however the favoured position. Under the shadows of dawn, the networker of the zodiac is adept at resurrecting underground movements. Bunny’s lesson — foresight — know when to advance, and when to retreat.

We’ll leap into extended Rabbit tenure from 6 Mar-5 May, panoramic vision of the year now within our sights. Yet no matter the month, Luna, the female principle of yin, brings fertile reminders of the hare in the moon — Hares will beget more heirs.

A double Spring ‘Two LiChun’, heralds wedding bells for those so inclined. Cupid’s bow is armed with the Peach Blossom star. But the romantic landscape is taboo and peppered with mystery and erotic undertones, captured in ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ in rabbit years. Add politics (a favoured rabbit profession) to the mix, you’ll get clandestine infidelity. Curb indiscretions, for it leaves more than careers vulnerable. Channel prudence, or secrets are revealed. July opens eyes.

Creative Arts arenas are under Wood elements stewardship. And this year’s pillar, doubles as a literary star. Wordsmiths and all manner of academia and artistic pursuits are well resourced and supported. ‘Bugs Bunny’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘The Matrix’ all sprang to life under rabbit’s supervision.

HEXAGRAM 49 - Revolution the annual Hexagram

Yin wood fundamentally reveals root problems. Food security, supply chains and frugality are emphasised. Former rabbit years show repercussions from famines, herbicide warfare on crops, avian flu and nuclear fallout (Chernobyl and Fukushima). Australia’s rabbit plague also led to unleashing of the Myxomatosis virus. Be it natural disasters, erosion or corrosive causes, land management and damage control take centre stage. 2023 sees foraging movements, bartering and sustainability gain greater traction. It’s back to fundamental grassroots. The yin weather vibes manifest as mercury dips, delivering big freezes, blizzards and winds bring drought. Bunker down.

Personal Boons (see asterisked* years)

Switching from big picture lens, to selfies. If you were born in a year ending in two or three or you know your Day master is Yang or Yin Water, then Lapin luck is afoot. You’ll have a cosmic chaperone; guidance should you be preyed upon — a Nobleman, in Chinese parlance. Those born in a year ending in eight or nine, or with an Earth Day Master, you also have a powerful edge.

Note: Rabbit is interchangeable with Cat in some Asian zodiacs. Solar New Year determines your actual Zodiacal sign of birth. Lunar New Year on 22 January 2023 is when Age Reckoning occurs; the near defunct Asian custom sees devotees chalk up another ordinal year.

子 RAT *(1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

Rabbits and Rats, bedfellows they are not. Rodents find false comfort in Water terrain, as it dredges up something hidden. Court convention, follow protocol etiquette and keep impoliteness in check — as conflicts and taboo exposure is possible. Secrets are likely revealed. You may find your normally articulate self, prone to foot in mouth. Be strong; and you’ll tame the untamed, for weakness sees missed opportunities and cat catching the mouse. Relationships are spot lit, as the matchmaker opens the door. Half century Rats, resist the waft of Eau de Lust — call upon your Nobleman.
N1: 352.5° – 7.5°

丑 OX (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)*

A group of Bunnies also make a herd but Oxen favours solitude; Lapin’s love company. Make an effort to be more social. Pop a moratorium on frugality – as ostentatious gestures may surface. You’ll pivot between feelings of angry exhaustion and totally controlled. Mend fences with loved ones. The fields you tilled in 2021 are not yet bearing fruit; don’t let Peter Rabbit rob you of your reward. Swap stubbornness for prudence and you’ll see timely fecund fields in due course. In the meantime get a health checkup.
NE1: 22.5° – 37.5°

寅 TIGER (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

The pressure test has ended. Last year’s big circuit breaker offered transmogrification. Did you earn another stripe? Those that did the work will have. Unshackled from ego, tension eases but calmness not yet in your grasp. Rabbits gifts are mixed, potentially you’ll grapple with injustices and fight noble causes. Or you’ll be a legal eagle’s target. Predator/prey dynamics prevail; but if like Alice, you head down the rabbit hole, you can retain your mantle, this year as King - of Hearts. Tigers, romance is peachy.
NE3: 52.5° – 67.5°

卯 RABBIT (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

The Grand Duke of Jupiter’s yearlong tour of the East, sees him share your digs. As Grand Master of Chess, you’ll remove obstacles and know your moves well in advance. Pathways illuminated, if you face toward West. Network like only you can. Fated to party hard, your pheromones will enchant. But your philandering tamed, when a singular love interest emerges. Be cautious in December, for love stakes are uncivil and punishing. Folklore talisman you are; but it’s customary to carry a canine amulet fashioned from jade. A scholastic thirst for knowledge is quenched. Pamper a fretting mind.
E2: 82.5° – 97.5°

⾠ DRAGON *(1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

You share magic with Spring Bunnies, but perhaps poorer for it. Don’t be superior; or you’ll squander and lose last year’s hard won gains. As a born manifestor, the gift of turning adversity into opportunity is within your reach. If you make hay while sun shines — Rabbit luck brings the Great Sun star – a pro at suppressing negatives and enhancing positives. Be alert in matters of health. Rabbits and Dragons seasonal lock step is couched in karmic friction. Both vie for the ambassador’s hat; if you’re ambitious dragonesses enjoy more sociability.
SE1: 112.5° – 127.5°

未 SNAKE *(1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Your meal ticket arrives — perhaps a little leaner than expected. Career opportunities emerge but your, quick thinking self maybe prone to procrastinate over pathway options. Be fine print wise with documents, otherwise legal wrangling could linger longer than necessary. Serpents’ sociability streak is satisfied, but singles seeking duality maybe left unappeased. Partnered snakes, the unappreciated could depreciate. The halcyon days of travel features favorably and distant shores beckon. 1953 water snakes, a sea change perhaps, cosmic benefactors support you.
SE3: 142.5° – 157.5°

午 HORSE (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Equines build on last year’s gains. Career goals are kicked; promotion glitches no longer lag and paydays are prize worthy. If you haven't jumped the marital fence, hurdles are removed with coupledom stakes high. Your astro ally and neighbour the Goat, is mates with Bugs so July wins the wager. It’s not all horses for courses when rabbits pony up – both loves to gossip. The difference; Rabbit is secretive. Horse can’t keep a secret, so mind what you say or you’ll court silks, of the QC variety.
S2: 172.5° – 187.5°

未GOAT (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Doe and Doe combine, two parts of a triple Wood harmony. As conflict averse, kindred, peace loving spirits, you share some of Rabbit’s limelight. For fortune favours you with notice, and career recognition emerging. Now that you’re in the inner circle, mingle more, nibble on canapés and enjoy the accolades. Artisan appreciation is ripe. Avoid sabotaging relationships, park perfection and talk it through. You maybe a tad accident-prone, exercise caution near sharp objects. Carry a horse talisman if surgery is planned. The barometer for wellness points to a checkup.
SW1: 202.5° – 217.5°

申 MONKEY (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Last year Monkeys mettle was tested bringing big life changes — some welcome, some not. Now forced to reframe under Rabbits’ subterranean terrain; at first it seems untenable. But monkey is yang metal, rabbit yin wood; think lawnmower meets grass. You get to shape your future; now make it an honest one. You’re a character not without controversy; turn a deaf ear to those that throw shade. A born opportunist, now be resolute. Channel your inner alchemist; turn misfortune into fortune. Career is highlighted, aloof creatives excel. 1980 monkeys prosper.
SW3: 232.5° – 247.5°

酉 ROOSTER (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

Roosters relate to a cat amongst the pigeons— calamity ensues. The travelling star is triggering, with significant forced changes likely. Don’t be cocky, testy times ahead means bunkering down. If the rub is retrenchment, relocation may see you need a new henhouse. Avoid eastbound paths and warranty up as insurance gives assurance. Regardless of cause expect your wallet to be lighter, for expenditure is sizeable. Like Cupid, your wings could be clipped. Quandaries aside, your magnetism brings a magnate, with the potential to mitigate the inauspicious. If talismanic magic is your wheelhouse a dog amulet quells Rabbits ruse; dogs bring and guard fortunes.
W2: 262.5° – 277.5°

戌 DOG *(1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

Last year an associate, this year you’re rabbit’s astro soulmate and bff. A charmed dog’s life for canines that hedged commitment bets, you’ll snare your prey. You’ll dig common ground with Rabbits, renovations and redecorating are likely. Quell anxiety and safeguard your health, after all it’s your wealth. Emotional waters are stirred. Weeping without apparent reason probable. Avoid defeat by befriending a legal eagle – for you maybe hounded with matters of law. Yet blessed with a fortunate star, that shapeshifts misfortune with ease. But park complacency, July warrants attention.
NW1: 292.5° – 307.5°

亥 PIG (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Cupid’s bow may find a target in silly season. But the arrow maybe painful, especially if the archer is a Rat in birthday mode. ’Tis also the season, when coupled Pigs nurse pressure wounds. Dig deep if prone to vulnerability, self-sabotage or giving up. Channel Rabbit’s diplomacy, it should lead you to conflict free pastures. Remain vigilant for pitfalls, especially legal tussles. Fortune favours you when sure-footed Goat company activates a Wood trinity. Leadership opportunities may flourish. Your lost spark returns but a hidden ailment could surface. Ask doc, what’s up.
NW3: 322.5° – 337.5°

See PART 2 of 2023 Forecast; written in March 2022, released and published in Sept 2022 for @Wellbeing Magazine Astrology 2023.

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