The Year of the Rabbit — And a Different Pace

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Illustration of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland holding a pocket watch.
The White Rabbit — always in a hurry

 Beginning 22nd January, the Chinese zodiac marks 2023 as the Year of the Rabbit — more specifically, the Year of the Water Rabbit. The rabbit is considered the luckiest among the twelve animals and is associated with gentleness, thoughtfulness, and a tendency to act with care.

The Year of the Rabbit is said to bring a more peaceful and patient energy. The element of water adds another dimension — encouraging reflection, inner wisdom, and trust in one’s instincts. Together, the Water Rabbit suggests a year that favours relationships, diplomacy, and the building of bridges, both personal and professional.

Those born in Rabbit years — 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023 — are believed to be particularly aligned with these qualities, and may find the year especially favourable.

With this sense of gentle optimism, I am reminded of another rabbit — from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The White Rabbit, who appears repeatedly in the story, is forever in a hurry, despite carrying a pocket watch. His familiar line comes to mind:
“I’m late, I’m late! For a very important date! No time to say ‘hello, goodbye,’ I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!”

He remains one of the most memorable figures in the book — dressed in a waistcoat, watch in hand, and constantly anxious about being late, particularly for fear of the Duchess’s displeasure.

It is, after all, Alice’s curiosity about this very rabbit that leads her down the rabbit hole.

But perhaps this year calls for something different. Rather than rushing after time, it may be worth moving with a little more patience, trusting instinct, and allowing things to unfold as they will. After all, if the signs are to be believed, the year carries its own quiet promise.

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