When I walk my dogs early in the morning through the woods near my house, we are greeted by legions of rabbits. Actually, “greeted” may be an overstatement. We see lots of them, but as soon as they see us, they disappear into the waves of underbrush and warrens. As understandable as it is, I’m always a little disappointed because I instinctively want to get close – in a nicer way than my dogs – and learn more about them. I can’t say I would have the same reaction if I came upon one of the first three animals of the zodiac cycle – a Rat, an Ox, or a Tiger.
From early childhood, we’ve known that rabbits nest and create extraordinary inner worlds for themselves; however, they can only do it by getting out and gathering from the outside world. The interaction between the two isn’t always smooth or predictable, but when a rabbit navigates between its shyness and creativity, its individuality and community, anything is possible!
Twelve animals make up the Zodiac, each with their own transcendent powers and eternal flaws. We observe these 12 characters together, spanning 60-year cycles creating the entirety of the universe, each playing their part in the greater whole. No one animal is any more valuable than another. In this new year, the mighty Tiger will make way for the Rabbit, who will teach us to see the greatness within us and our role within the greatness. Balancing our boldness with the uncertainty that is a natural part of life will be our challenge in 2023 as we work to create a better world.
The Rabbit
The Rabbit is a gentile creature. She is super intelligent and quick on her feet. Her cleverness means she can adeptly “read the room” and adapt to different situations. While last year’s Tiger is also a social creature and lives with a pride, the fundamental distinction between predator and prey tells us a lot about the different tenor of the year to come. So, no, we will not be consumed by what’s to come, but instead, we’ll be guided by a kinder, gentler creature than we were last year.
While the Rabbit is easily spooked and is built to put distance between herself and anyone she feels is a threat, she is instinctively optimistic and strives to be on good terms with others. An attraction of rabbits is how easygoing they seem to be—not “on the clock” or in a rush—yet still remarkably productive. That productivity and the abundance it creates is portrayed across cultures and across time through religion, art, and literary associations with creation and fertility, food, and resources.
Gentle and approachable: the Rabbit is a social creature with many friends. Rabbits are happy creatures and are great to have as part of a team. However, their skittish nature often means they do everything they can to avoid conflict, which can short-circuit their participation in communal endeavors. Yet, as prey animals, their vulnerability and innocence tie them to a purity of heart and spirit that we all recognize. This, and their adventurous energy, are easy to connect with. Just think of some of the pop culture rabbits we’re familiar with (Bugs, Thumper, Energizer, Peter, Roger, Velveteen, Pooh’s Rabbit…). They all have unique personalities, yet, in common, they’re all easygoing, smart, and making a difference in the world.
Pop culture characters aside, in East Asian traditions, the Rabbit is often associated with the moon and fertility. Many Native American mythologies also identify the Rabbit with creation, the life cycle, and abundance. That being said, like many noble creatures known to frolic and romp, the Rabbit’s alter ego can be that of a trickster: playing games and moving faster than the rest of us.
As this is a Water Rabbit year ahead of us, we are ready for a bit of this go-with-the-flow vibe. We would be wise to remember, though, that while we cultivate this gentle, easygoing nature, we should be careful not to allow ourselves to be taken advantage of by those reflecting Water’s other, more forceful side: willfulness (i.e., pushy folk). This is a fine line to walk and the crux of the challenge for many of us this year. How do we remain open-hearted, generous, and vulnerable when it is easy to find ourselves guarded and running away, internalizing our fears?
Our worries about relationships, the Earth, society, and finances can leave us shut down and perpetually threatened and embattled. Knowing and expressing our inner light with an outer world that can seem dark at times is a skill we will need to develope with the help of the Rabbit. Our work is to do it without completely losing control and over-exposing ourselves—or—becoming someone we are not. There is a balance to be found, and the Rabbit embodies it.
In East Asian medicine, there is a concept of Qi that is inseparable from its derivatives, Yin and Yang. One ancient pictogram portrays this relationship as a pot of rice with steam rising from it. That steam is the balance, the sweet spot between matter and energy. The Rabbit we relate to is tame and serene, yet elusive and ethereal like the steam and, by extension, life force itself.
When we consider how to reconcile our playful and outgoing nature with our vulnerability, our creativity with risk, or how we find continuity between our physical, emotional, and spiritual realities, the Rabbit dwells in the twilight. She is in that space between, and she teaches us how to stay engaged with all of it.
The Year of the Rabbit: What’s Next?
So with a year ahead that holds less certainty than we might all feel comfortable with, what’s a Rabbit to do?
Be bold and be yourself. Connect with your creative nature, find your voice, and let it be heard. Be the Rabbit that others admire and want to be with. We each have something unique and valuable to bring to the conversation.
Manage chaos and conflict in a way that works for you. Nest and connect with your softness but don’t hide from the action – it’s part of the world.
Move your body. Keep those resolutions alive to be physically active (some spontaneous dancing is often just what the doctor ordered). Rabbits love to romp around and feel their bodies.
Leave your comfort zone. Overall, having a routine and predictability can be reassuring and reduce some stress. In the coming year, make sure to get out of the den and work the scene a bit. It may feel risky at times, but your inner Rabbit will help you create something new and, if need be (like the rabbits on our morning walk), to get out of the way, fast.
