Chinese New Year 2023 - Year of the Rabbit

Transitioning Into the Yin Water Rabbit Year

We have just shifted from the Yang Water Tiger to the Yin Water Rabbit. Chinese New Year started on January 22nd and continues until February 5th. The Water Tiger year was a bit of a tumultuous year, and the year of the Water Rabbit will be a more balanced and peaceful year. The Rabbit in Chinese Astrology also symbolizes luck and also has the unique characteristic of waiting for an opportune moment and then leaping into action. ​

Chinese Astrology is based, on the five elements, just as traditional Chinese medicine is, Metal, Water, Wood, Earth, and Fire​. Yin is associated with the color black, so we can say it is a Yin Black Rabbit. ​

Rabbit Energy
​
Moves fast but also likes rest. The energy of the rabbit year is associated with prosperity, longevity, and peace. The rabbit represents springtime, the energy is waking up and becoming more active and growth is a big part of this year ahead. This is a great year to start a business. As I have seen with our rabbit when she feels afraid, she will thump the ground. This is meant to ward off predators. They do not like to fight.

Wood Element
​
The organ also associated with the Yin Rabbit is the wood element, which correlates to the Liver. The wood element relates to change and movement, reaching our goals. Flexibility is also very important with the wood element. Wood is based on strategy and timing. It is essential to be flexible when obstacles come up. It is important to keep the energy flowing. This year also has the potential to be a mystical year as well.

Female Yin Energy
​
Yin is female energy in Chinese medicine. It is associated with the moon, calm and peaceful energy. It focuses on intuition and thoughtful actions. It is rooted in the earth and grounded in energy. This will also be a rejuvenating year, which will balance out the strong energy from last year. 

---

It is also essential to be clear about what you are asking for this year because doubt is associated with water energy as well. To balance this out, staying grounded is essential. Whatever you do that has grounding energy for you: meditation, exercise, Tai Qi, quiet time, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. It is important to have these aspects in place to keep your energy grounded and fluid.

​Nourishing the Body
Foods to focus on to nourish the liver and water element. Sour foods, fermented foods, steamed greens, apple cider vinegar - the sour flavor helps the liver's energy.

Adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian Ginseng, Reishi, and Ashwagandha.