Happy Lunar New Year of the Rabbit!

The lunar new year of the Water Rabbit is celebrated on January 22 in 2023, with the arrival of the New Moon in Aquarius, exact at 4:53 a.m. China Standard Time.

Check out my earlier post on 2023: the Year of the Water Rabbit for a deeper dive into what to expect in the year ahead according to the Chinese five elements, the ruling trigram, and the flying stars of Feng Shui.

*Note that February 4 is the start of a new astrology year, which uses the solar calendar. If your birthday falls between January 1 to February 3, read the previous year’s animal sign. Keep in mind that these are very general insights to the signs, as each of us has four signs and four heavenly stems (the Yin or Yang manifestation of the five elements) in a birth chart.

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

2023 is your year as you’re blessed with the support of Grand Duke Jupiter! The year one encounters the animal sign of their birth is usually a life-changing one, and it often coincides with Jupiter return in one’s natal chart (though not always, especially if you were born in the early or later part of the year as Jupiter has a not so exact twelve-year cycle). With Jupiter speeding through Aries in the first quarter of the year, expect the year to kick into high gear early. Manage your time and energy so you can take advantage of the opportunities coming your way.

With star 2 of illness occupying the East sector where the Rabbit is in the Bagua map (which is the Eight Directions chart used by Chinese Metaphysics practitioners), make this the year you really take charge of your health and prioritize your wellbeing. Get plenty of rest so you can focus your energy on what matters. As a Peach Blossom sign, you love to socialize, and the year of the Rabbit is poised to be a very social year. Know when it’s time to retreat back into yourself.

Those born in the month of the Rabbit (usually around March 6 – April 4, give or take a day) have their Western astrology Sun sign between 15° Pisces to 15° Aries. Jupiter brings a year of optimism and positive thinking, a time to expand your mind and possibilities. Be bold with your actions and make this the year of expansion as you start seeing the bigger picture. Those born around the second week of the Rabbit month will still be under the influence of Neptune in late Pisces, which could be a highly inspiring time if you’re in the creative fields, but can also make it hard to discern facts from fiction. Enrich the creative within with what makes your heart sing, and align your heart, mind, and soul with truth. Clarity comes when your thoughts, your feelings, and your words are in harmony.

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

The Dragon may not have much affinity with the Rabbit, but as one of the most gifted, hardiest signs, there is nothing that the Dragon cannot overcome. Most Dragons are naturally lucky and successful thanks to their intelligence and confidence. If you were born in the year of the Dragon, just be the Dragon that you are, lean on your strong intuition, and you will sail through the year of the Rabbit. With star 3 of arguments and conflicts visiting the sector where the Dragon resides in the Bagua map, however, the Dragon must learn to keep their temper and think carefully before they react.

Those who have their Western astrology Sun sign from 15° Aries to just before 15° Taurus were born in the month of the Dragon (around April 5 – May 5). Jupiter visits these degrees from mid March through end of the year, bringing blessings and opportunities for growth. Jupiter helps you think positively, but remember to keep yourself grounded by defining your goals and committing to them, so you can follow through any lucky break and make things happen. Those born in the early part of the month will also have the support of Chiron in their healing journey.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Those born in the year of the Snake had to move fast in 2022, which may have been challenging to some and exciting to others. By nature, the Snake as a travel star enjoys a faster pace of life. The Rabbit offers a slightly slower pace in 2023, which the Snake should take advantage of after a hectic year of the Tiger. The early part of the year is a good time to catch your breath and reset before the pace picks up again. Since the Snake shares the same Southeast palace as the Dragon in the Bagua map, visited by star 3 of arguments, be conscious of your emotions. As a Yin Fire sign, the Snake can be reactive. Channel any anger energy into positive actions such as working out or empowering others.

Those born in the month of the Snake (May 5 – June 4) have their Western astrology Sun sign somewhere from 15° Taurus to just before 15° Gemini. If you were born in the first half / the Taurus part of the month, Saturn may have pushed and challenged you to rise to your full potentials. Your hard work may not be rewarded yet this year, but they will in 2024, keep the faith! Those born in the second half of the month enjoy a pleasant, easy start to the year of the Rabbit thanks to Jupiter’s support, a time to gather your strength before jumping into action again, as Jupiter in Aries harmonizes with those early Gemini degrees through mid March.

Horse (1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

The Horse enjoyed the support of the Tiger in 2022 as an ally of the Tiger. Those born in the year of the Horse are in for a relationship oriented, highly social year in 2023, as the Rabbit is the Horse’s Peach Blossom star. This is the year to respect your own personal boundaries and be discerning in your actions. Since the Horse is also a Peach Blossom star and a cardinal sign like the Rabbit, challenges may come from having too many options and too little time, especially during the Peach Blossom months of March, June, September, and December. Focus and prioritize to manage your busy social schedule. Star 8 of prosperity in the South palace where the Horse is located in the Bagua map brings blessings.

Those born in the month of the Horse (June 5 – July 6) will have their Western astrology Sun sign somewhere between 15° Gemini to 15° Cancer. Those born in the first half of the month have benefited greatly in their career from Saturn in Aquarius. Keep up the good work! Saturn leaves Aquarius in March but you will continue to receive help and support from Jupiter in Aries through mid May. Those born in the second half of the month get to experience two different sides of Jupiter: with Jupiter in Aries starting the year bringing too much of a good thing and Jupiter in Taurus offering support from mid May onwards.

Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Those born in the year of the Sheep (also called the Goat or the Ram) will greatly benefit from the support of the Rabbit in 2023, as the Sheep is an ally of the Rabbit in Chinese Astrology. Expect a more harmonious year, similar to a trine (provided all the other signs in your natal chart do not clash with the Rabbit or with each other). Ask for help and you shall receive. With star 1 of wisdom and future prosperity visiting the Southwest sector where the Sheep resides in the Bagua chart, trust in divine timing and serendipity.

If you were born in a Sheep month (July 7 – August 6), your Western astrology Sun sign will be somewhere from 15° Cancer to just before 15° Leo. Neptune has helped those born in the second week of the month see more possibilities these past few years as they connect deeper to spirit and the creative within, even as Pluto opposing their Sun brings major life transformations. Jupiter the planet of expansion in Taurus from mid May will pose some challenges to those born in the second half of the month, but the Sheep’s tenacity and dedication as a Yin Earth sign will help them rise above any adversities.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Those born in the year of the Monkey can finally breathe a sigh of relief and slow down in the year of the Rabbit. As the sign opposite the Tiger, the Monkey had a busy, hectic 2022, a year that demanded the Monkey to frequently step up their game and rise to the occasion. As the year of the Rabbit arrives, celebrate your wins and let go of the losses. You can now move forward. With star 1 of wisdom and future prosperity visiting the Southwest sector where the Monkey resides in the Bagua chart (shared with the Sheep), the Monkey will be able to lean into their hard-earned wisdom and transform lessons learned from the previous year into invaluable skills and experience that they can share to inspire others.

If you were born in the month of the Monkey (August 7 – September 7), your Western astrology Sun sign will be somewhere between 15° Leo to 15° Virgo. Jupiter in harmony with these degrees through 2023 will help bring growth and support. Those born in the first half of the month will finally be free from Saturn’s restrictions when Saturn enters Pisces on March 7, while Saturn will start teaching life lessons to those born in the third week of the month (with their Sun between 0° to 7° Virgo) as the taskmaster opposes them from March 7 onwards. Take any restrictions imposed upon you as guidance, and turn them into positive starting and ending points instead of limitations. Saturn’s challenges are designed to help us be more creative and resourceful in our solutions and approach.

Rooster / Bird (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

The Bird (the Rooster) is the sign opposite the Rabbit. Get ready for a year of breakthroughs! It’s a year of big changes whenever the animal sign of your birth year opposes the Grand Duke. Initiate those changes yourself instead of fighting them. This is the year to step out of your comfort zones and step up your game. Choosing your troubles (wisely!) instead of letting them choose you will give you the upper hand in managing the challenges coming your way. If you’ve been considering changing your job, your place of residence, or your status (for example, through marriage or divorce or pregnancy), this is the year to make them, as change is inevitable. Heavenly star 6 of power and authority visits the West sector where the Bird resides in the Bagua chart, empowering your actions.

As a Yin Metal sign, the Bird needs to focus on their wellbeing in 2023 as Water element in the heavenly frequency exhausts Metal. However, the Bird also has the ability to manage whatever challenges the Rabbit throws at them as Metal conquers Wood, the element of the Rabbit, in the Chinese Five Elements theory.

If you were born in the month of the Bird (September 7 – October 7), your Western astrology Sun sign will be somewhere from 15° Virgo to just before 15° Libra. Those born in the first half of the Bird month dealt with Jupiter opposition early on in 2022, which may have been overwhelming and yet exciting at the same time. Neptune in late Pisces will continue bringing you inspiration and vision. Jupiter in Aries opposes 0° to 15° Libra from January to middle of March in 2023, kicking the year into high gear very early on to those born in the second half of the Bird month. Prioritize and know your limits as everything can come and go very quickly in the first two months of the year.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

It’s another year of personal growth and expansion for the Dog. As an ally of the Tiger, the Dog enjoyed support in 2022, but 2023 can be even better for the Dog as the secret friend of the Rabbit, a special aspect even more beneficial than a trine/alliance. The Dog may find themselves as the peacemaker or everyone’s best friend in 2023. The Rabbit is also the Peach Blossom star for the Dog, which brings romantic and social opportunities, a lovely year to deepen a relationship and make new connections. The Dog will have to be careful and err on the side of caution, however, as star 5 of misfortune visits the Northwest sector where the Dog resides in the Bagua map. Be mindful of excess in all aspects of life as too much of a good thing can easily lead to troubles and gossips.

Those born in the month of the Dog (October 8 to November 6) will have their Western astrology Sun sign somewhere between 15° Libra to 15° Scorpio. Oppositions to Jupiter will present some challenges through the year, which again highlights the theme of excess for the Dog, as Jupiter is also associated with excess, especially in a square or opposition. Use your intuition in making decisions, and recognize when something sounds too good to be true.

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Those born in the year of the Pig / the Boar enjoyed Divine protection in 2022 as the Tiger’s secret friend. The blessings continue in 2023 with ally the Rabbit providing guidance and support for the Pig. As a travel star, the Pig doesn’t hesitate much when it comes to stepping outside of the comfort zone and should continue expanding the boundaries in the year of the Rabbit. Just remember to stay aware of your immediate surroundings and slow down every so often since you tend to move faster than most. With annual star 5 of misfortune in the Northwest palace where the Pig resides in the Bagua map (shared with the Dog), prioritize your health and safety.

If you were born in the month of the Pig (November 7 – December 6), you have your Western astrology Sun sign somewhere from 15° Scorpio to just before 15° Sagittarius. Relief is coming to those born in the first half of the month after a challenging year of hard work as Saturn leaves Aquarius in early March. The lessons learned can lead you to breakthroughs. Be open to new approaches as Uranus in Taurus demands innovation. Those born in the second half of the month will start feeling more pressure at work when Saturn enters Pisces from March 7 onwards. Rise up to the occasion and you will be able to turn any challenges into opportunities.

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Those born in the year of the Rat had a chance to create their own stories in 2022 as the Tiger left them mostly alone. The year of the Rabbit highlights the theme of relationships for the Rat, who will need to be mindful of the decisions they make when it comes to relationships. As a Peach Blossom star and a cardinal sign, the Rat has a half clash with the Rabbit, similar to a square. Of the other three Peach Blossoms, the Rat is the sign that needs to be most discerning with their relationships in 2023, especially in March, the month of the Rabbit, as the Rabbit triggers relationship punishments to the Rat. Auspicious star 9 of joy and future prosperity in the North palace where the Rat is located in the Bagua map also acts like a star of romance, which sounds fun, but remember to practice discretion.

Those born in the month of the Rat (around December 7 – January 4) will have their Western astrology Sun sign between 15° Sagittarius to 15° Capricorn. Jupiter brings ease and optimism from March onwards, but as always with Jupiter, don’t be complacent as opportunities can quickly slip by. Saturn offers support to those with their Sun sign between 26° Sagittarius and 7° Capricorn, a good time to move ahead with plans for the year ahead.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Those born in the year of the Ox have the opportunity to create their own stories in 2023 as the Rabbit will largely leave them alone. Health should be a priority – rest when needed as the Rabbit’s strong Wood can easily overpower the Ox, an Earth sign. The Ox also needs to do a thorough research before committing to a project or a financial commitment, with annual star 7 of robbery visiting the Northeast sector of the Bagua map where the Ox resides. Star 7, a Yin Metal star, is also associated with speaking – a great year for those Oxen who’d like to train to be a better public speaker or storyteller.

Those born in the month of the Ox (around January 5 to February 3) have their Western astrology Sun signs between 15° Capricorn to 15° Aquarius. Jupiter squaring those degrees from mid March onwards increases the drive to succeed, but remember to ground the high expectations with sound strategies and measurable goals. Pluto now in late Capricorn has brought so much transformation in the past few years to those born in the first half of the month that they may not even identify with the former versions of themselves. Uranus in Taurus has thrown some surprises and unexpected developments to those born in the second half of the month, but more stability is coming as Uranus moves past 15° Taurus in 2023. Being open to change is key, and the Ox month-born has learned to stay resilient in the face of major changes.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

2022 has been a transformative year for the Tiger as the sign of the year. As a travel star, the Tiger naturally thrives on change and loves being on the move. Big changes initiated by the Tiger in 2022 will lead to even more growth in the year of the Rabbit, and possibly wield more influence, as the Rabbit is the Peach Blossom star for the Tiger. A Peach Blossom year usually increases one’s popularity and charisma, a good year to be out more in public. You’re in the mood to socialize and expand your spheres. If you’re looking for love, this is the year to make more efforts meeting new people. Be discerning with who you trust or associate yourself with, however, as the Tiger shares the same Northeast palace in the Bagua map with the Ox, visited by star 7 of robbery, which often manifests as unexpected expenses. Put aside some of your earnings for emergency – this is not the year to be voracious with your spending.

If you were born in a Tiger month (February 4 – March 5, give or take a day or two), your Western astrology Sun sign is somewhere between 15° Aquarius – 15° Pisces. Saturn going through the same degrees of Aquarius in the year of the Tiger presented opportunities in the form of restrictions to those born in the first half of the month. As Saturn finishes his journey in Aquarius and enters Pisces on March 7, those whose sun is between 0° to 7° Pisces will feel more limited in their actions – view those limitations as a springboard for new opportunities. Jupiter speeding through Aries and halfway through Taurus offers easy support, but never take the good vibes for granted as opportunities can easily slip away when you’re too comfortable staying where you are.

**I’ll be sending out a special year of the Water Rabbit forecast written for the ten self-elements / Day Masters, which should be ready soon, to my newsletter subscribers. Sign up by January 22 with your email here if you’d like to receive it. For daily insights, follow my Instagram account @5elementsoracle 

A version of this post is also published on my new author’s website.