Welcome, Year of the Water Rabbit
Gong xi fa cai! (Wish you enlarge your wealth!) This the traditional greeting given every Chinese New Year, and is a greeting we wish for all of you in 2023.
Chinese New Year occurs every year on the 2nd New Moon after the Winter Solstice (also known as the New Snow Moon, among other names!)
Similar to the astrology Zodiac, the Chinese use a zodiac in which each year is ruled by 1 of 12 animals & 1 of 4 elements. 2023 heralds in the year of the Water Rabbit:
I am in tune with the pulse of the universe. In my quiet solitude I hear the melodies of the soul. I float above commonplace dissent and decay. I am subdued by my ability to conform. I color my world in delicate pastel hues. I epitomize harmony and inner peace.
The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity and so Rabbit Years tend to be a relative time of peace and healing - the calm after the stormy Tiger years.
In turn, those born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to embrace the same chill vibes with a fully formed creative spirit!
The Water Element means added depth to these energies - which means very deep healing. However - it's important not to confuse deep healing with smooth sailing. Deep healing often means strong and deeply felt emotions coming through as long repressed traumas reveal themselves. It is therefore important to give yourself and your loved ones every ounce of grace, compassion, and kindness you can muster. Many of us are going to battling our demons in the months ahead and very often we don't know the battles our loved ones are waging within themselves.
But take hope - because water is also the most fluid and versatile of elements - able to move around any obstacle without compromising its essence. Water is also power - it extinguishes fire, wash away earth, and corrode metal. If we can learn to be more like water - we will always find our way. Go deep, find that inner power and fluidity and let the healing flow through you, like water.
If you want to bring extra luck and fortune to yourself this year - consider a few of these traditions:
Wear some red this weekend - the color of luck
Open windows/doors (just for a few breaths!) to vent old energy and bring in good fortune
Eat some sweets to ensure a sweet year; especially citrus like tangerine and almond cakes/cookies.
If it's been a while since we've seen you, give us a shout! Every day is an opportunity to get back on the "health and wellness horse" and receive the support you need to heal inside and out.
Until next time - remember the words of Lao Tzu when working with your own inner Water Element
"Nothing is softer or more flexible than water
Yet nothing can resist it"