Okay everyone, it’s safe to come out now!
With the approach of the year of the water rabbit, I can’t help but reflect about the past few Chinese zodiac years and honestly breathe a huge sigh of relief. 2020 was the year of the metal rat, and being the first animal in the zodiac sequence, it ushers in times of change. Obviously, a lot changed that year. 2021 brought the year of the metal ox, which was characterized by a year of hard work. We are now exiting the year of the water tiger, which has been all about fast changes and unexpected events. I know my year, and the year of those close to me has been littered with lots of that. At the end of three years of extraordinary change and movement, it’s hard sometimes not to feel like you’ve somehow stumbled into a boxing match without realizing it.
So, I’m beyond pleased to introduce the year of the water rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is a symbol of peace, longevity, and prosperity. The rabbit generally gets along well with all of the zodiac signs and this year is predicted to be a good year for all of them.
But first, a little bit on the Chinese zodiac. This system consists of 12 animals rather than signs including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. These animals rotate annually, but are also combined with the five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal- meaning there’s a different elemental version of each animal within a 60-year cycle which repeats. This year’s rabbit is a water rabbit, which means it’s associated with the water element.
The water element is closely associated with winter time, meaning, it is a time of rest and storage, a time to reflect inward and gather our energy for the year to come. Appropriately, the year of the water rabbit is predicted to be a time of introspection and healing, and especially a time to resolve and heal the things that emerged during the year of the tiger. Sign me up.
As we transition into the new year, here are a few ways to make the most of this energy coming in:
· Let yourself go to bed early and rise late if you can.
· Eat warm foods to nurture your water/kidney energy.
· Meditate, find time to sit with the seeds of stillness that eventually blossom into the activities of spring.
· Integrate water into your self care, whether that’s through taking more baths, swimming, being oceanside or lakeside, or just drinking more water.
If you’re looking support and nurture your energy in the year to come, Building Root and Balance With Cosmos Qigong starts tonight! Or if you’re not quite ready for that, check out my free Everyday Feng Shui class and learn how to align your work, play, and home spaces to be full of abundant and flowing energy this year.