Maximize the Abundance of 2023 With the Wisdom of the Japanese Horoscope.
This January heralds the arrival of the year of the Rabbit. As each year-end nears in Japan, you begin to see images of one specific animal popping up in just about every setting imaginable; decorations, cards, advertisements. They vary from year to year and are always an animal of the Japanese zodiac. These animals are thought to be indicators of both individual personality and the nature of the year it represents. There are twelve animals, and they influence our world in twelve-year cycles. Your animal is determined by the year in which you are born. If you are in Japan and being asked what animal you are, that person is probably trying to learn more about your personality (of course, they could also be attempting to politely figure out your age without asking directly). The Japanese zodiac is Chinese in origin but has been fully adopted by the Japanese.
The new year is a time to pause and contemplate our personality and actions. In yoga this is the practice of swadhyaya, or turning inward to discover our true selves. This year’s horoscope animal is the Rabbit. Some say lord Krishna loved rabbits and showed them great affection. Rabbits were thought to be appropriate pets for sages who often lived in natural settings. They are mentioned in ancient Indian texts such as the vedas and puranas
Before discovering what animal you are, here is the cute origin story of how the animals in this zodiac were chosen. There are a number of variations on this story. I share the version that was told to me by Japanese friends.
One day the most important god gathered all the animals and told them that he would hold a race the next day to choose twelve animals to make up the zodiac. The order that each animal arrived at this revered god’s home in the heavens would determine their place in this cycle.
To get to the race destination, the animals had to cross a river. The cow knew this would be a challenging race. She was prudent, she planned ahead, and set out early. The rat was not a great swimmer, so asked to ride on the cow’s back (Some stories say the cat also rode on the cow but was pushed off by the rat. Other narratives have the rat lying to the cat about the day of the race causing him to miss it. Either way the cat did not make it into the zodiac because of the rat and this apparently explains their continued rivalry to this day). Anyway, as the cow was approaching the finish line the rat jumped off his back and crossed the line first. This is how the rat became the first animal of the zodiac and the cow the second.
The tiger was the third to arrive. His early arrival was due to his great strength which enabled him to fight the currents of the river. The rabbit came in fourth, having made it across by hopping from stone to stone (and by some accounts with a little help from the dragon).
The dragon arrived in fifth place. This surprised the god who expected such a powerful creature to be first. The dragon explained that he had stopped to assist other race participants, as well as to help the people of the earth with their food and water shortages.
The horse was the next animal to arrive, but was unaware that the snake had decided to hide in her hoof during the race. Just before reaching the finish line the snake jumped out of his hiding place and startled the horse. This gave the snake time to finish ahead of the horse and become the 6th animal of the zodiac, leaving the horse in 7th place.
The 8th, 9th, and 10th place were taken by the sheep, monkey, and rooster. They arrived together having worked together to build a raft to make it across the river safely.
The dog was next. His late arrival was also surprising as he was known to be an excellent swimmer. He explained that he had paused to enjoy bathing in the river, still landing himself in the 11th spot.
Finally, the wild boar/pig shows up. She had stopped for snacks and had then fallen asleep with a full belly. Upon waking up she rejoined the race and made it just in time for the 12th and final spot.
Each animal’s behaviour in the origin story expresses their nature to some degree. None are wholly good or bad. Each has the capacity for positive and negative expression of their characteristics. According to the Asian zodiac the personality of the animal that represents the year you were born will be reflected in your individual traits and patterns. Every twelve years your animal will come around again to influence the universal energy of that time. The energy of the animal also impacts the nature of the year we are moving into.
In order of their placement on the zodiac, there are some general characteristics of each animal and the years that they govern. Heads up, this post is a pretty superficial presentation of an ancient system that traverses a number of cultures. Mostly, I am repeating things my friends have shared with me. More research is suggested if you want to truly understand the Asian zodiac. That said, enjoy contemplating our place in the world through the lens of this beautiful horoscope.
Rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948 …) people are very ambitious, and will push themselves hard to meet their goals. They will work hard and are unafraid of challenge. They are charming and honest. They may easily anger but are skilled at projecting an outward show of control.
Cow/Ox (2021, 2009, 1997,1985,1973, 1961, 1949 …) people are patient and inspirational. They are stirring speakers who inspire confidence in others. Cows exhibit great mental clarity. In the origin story she literally carried the rat to greatness.
Tiger (2022, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950 …) people have stubborn tendencies and can be regarded as selfish, cold, and unkind. Tigers are, however, sensitive underneath all of this. They are thoughtful and have great compassion for those they love. They are also known for their courage. This is much like the personality of Tigress, in Kung Fu Panda (if you haven’t seen this beautiful and insightful movie, stop reading and watch it now… seriously.)
Rabbit (1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939…) people are good at talking their way into, and out of, things. They are known for being ambitious, virtuous, and reserved. They may have a taste for the finer things in life. Their reputation for being trustworthy means they are usually greatly admired.
Dragon (2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, …) people are easily excitable, short tempered, and can be stubborn. Despite their easily angered disposition, they are sensitive, and get their feelings hurt easily. They are also known to be honest, brave, and disciplined. Dragons inspire trust in people. Recall the dragon’s compassionate behavior in the origin story. A complex personality indeed.
Snake (2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, …) people are deep thinkers who often do well financially due to their determination in pursuing their dreams. They hate to fail, and will go to great lengths to avoid doing so (recall the origin story). Snakes are often people of few words.
Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, …) people are quick thinkers who are skilled at giving compliments. They tend to be successful in their endeavors, and have capacity to make wise financial decisions. They may talk too much, be impatient, or easy to anger.
Sheep (2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, …) people are noted for their quiet elegance. They are drawn to fine arts, and are passionate about the environment, as well as their spiritual endeavors. They may also sometimes be shy, lack will power, and unconsciously take a passive role in relationships.
Monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, …) people are seen as eccentric and highly intelligent. They are good at seeing the big picture and are lucrative in financial dealings. Their inventive, think-outside-the-box insights mean they can solve even complex problems with ease. Their behaviour is often both creative and erratic.
Rooster/bird (2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, …) people are devoted to their work and enjoy being busy. They push themselves to expand their skills, sometimes to the point of taking on more than they can handle. The rooster is ambitious and always looking to go further. Not achieving a goal is very upsetting for the rooster. They are known for speaking their mind. This is sometimes refreshing and other times may be seen as speaking out of turn.
Dog (2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, …) people are loyal, honest and work hard to create positive relationships. They inspire confidence in others and are known to be great at keeping secrets. Dogs are humble and easy going, so are considered to be good friend material.
Boar/pig ( 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, …) people have an enormous inner strength that is difficult to unseat. They are honest, humble, very affectionate, and extremely kind to those they love. While they have short tempers, they do not enjoy arguments and try to avoid them. They are stubborn, often making it challenging to convince a boar to change their opinion. In the origin story, the boar is known to have rushed past the god at the finish line, and had to eventually turn back to join the group.
What does the Asian zodiac mean for the essence of 2023? I am excited to be entering the year of the Rabbit. In Japan they represent abundance, fortune, progressing onward, cleverness and they are also messengers for the gods (kami). They are fertility and childbirth symbols. Some shrines that honor the rabbit, like Higashi Tenno Okazaki Shrine in Kyoto, are visited by couples expecting children and the newly married to pet the bunny statue for good luck. After a few rough years world wide we can hope that 2023 will bring a balm of rabbit characteristics. They can be soft, kind, patient and pure of heart. They are also fast, skillful, and very responsible. They are relentless in finding solutions to problems. They get things moving forward and so symbolize success. This is the perfect balance for a world that is healing as it moves into the future, leaving the last few years of covid behind, learning from the experiences, and kindly and lovingly overcoming challenges.
The energy of kindness and empathy that infuses the year of the rabbit makes 2023 a good year to start a romantic relationship.
2023 is also a good year to explore your passions. Have you been postponing a creative endeavor, waiting for the right time? Well this may be the year to explore that drive. If this is a business endeavor may the abundance symbolized by the year of the rabbit help you create the life you long to lead.
If you were born in the year of the rabbit you may do best in a career that requires creativity to utilize your sensitivity, empathy, and artistic flair in how you navigate any workplace. Music, writing, archetecture are all great professions for rabbits. However a creative voice and mind can be utilized in any job. Rabbits are also social butterflies and do well in jobs that require networking.
From a health perspective remember that rabbits are very sensitive and prone to worry, especially if over extending or having financial difficulty. Watch for old illnesses returning and shower yourself with the care you need to avoid them before they can form.
How accurate is the Japanese zodiac? That is something you will have to decide for yourself. It may well be a coincidence but I am a wild boar and my plan to have this post written two weeks ago was interrupted by a holiday of indulgences that included copious amounts of holiday napping and snacking (generally the same reasons that the boar came last in the origin story). Also in true boar form, I regret nothing and it is unlikely one could change my mind about the value of my chosen course.
Welcoming the new year by watching the first sunrise of the year is thought to bring good luck for the year to come (hatsuhinode). This is especially so if you manage to do this from the top of Mt. Fuji, however it is lucky from anywhere.
Also record your first dream of the new year on the night of January 1st (hatsuyume). This dream is thought to indicate your luck for the new year. Particularly fortutious are dreaming of Mt. Fuji, hawks, or eggplants!
And finally, the next time you look at the moon look for two rabbits making rice cakes (mochi) instead of the western influenced image of a man’s face. This may inspire you to move into the new year seeking fresh perspectives and insights infused with the kindness, creativity, and abundance of the year of the rabbit.
Wishing a Very Happy Year to all!