Year of the Rabbit: What the Year Has in Store for You
Updated: Mar. 11, 2024
The Year of the Rabbit might mean hope and prosperity—as well as a few surprises. Here's when you can expect luck to be on your side.
The last time it was the Year of the Rabbit, astrologer Jen Ingress found a new home. Like a rabbit deciding on the perfect spot to create a burrow, she was faced with a barrage of options. “It was hard for me to decide—there were many pros and cons,” she says. “I’m not saying that the Rabbit is indecisive. It just may not be entirely obvious what is the right decision when making a choice, and you might have to do some thinking, like I did.”
That was 2011, and it was a year marked by decisions—something that also characterized Year of the Rabbit 2023, which started when the Lunar New Year kicked off on the second new moon after the winter solstice. There was also a need for grace when it came to interactions with others. This was quite different than 2022’s Tiger year (which won’t happen again until 2034). Think of it this way: “Tigers can take on anything and bring courage, a strong moral code and responsiveness,” says Ingress. “Whereas last year, we anticipated more diplomacy or more cautious approaches on the world stage and for individuals.”
But that’s not all: In Chinese astrology, there aren’t just 12 astrology signs but also five zodiac elements, and last year, that element was Water (2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon). The year 2023 was the first time there’s been a Water Rabbit in 60 years—and the last one, back in 1963, changed the course of American history. So what did 2023’s Year of the Water Rabbit hold for you and what can you potentially expect when Year of the Rabbit returns in 2035? Let’s find out.
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Rabbit zodiac personality traits
In Chinese astrology, Rabbits are known for being cute, lovable and high-spirited (not to mention bouncy), but they’re also a bit enigmatic. After all, you can never really tell what they’re thinking because they don’t exhibit a variety of facial expressions. “Rabbits are well liked, but they’re not that easy to read or transparent,” Ingress notes. “These individuals are socially graceful, charming and diplomatic, but they also need time to themselves.”
A potential pitfall for Rabbit people is that like an actual rabbit, they will tend to seek an easy escape when they are put on the spot or might not want to face the reality of a situation. And that’s definitely something to keep in mind when entering an entire year represented by this animal.
What’s the Year of the Rabbit meaning?
Rabbit years abound with creativity and an appreciation for the arts. You might feel yourself being pulled toward exploring museums, music festivals and performances. In social gatherings, the Year of the Rabbit encourages more cordiality and social niceties. If disputes arise, diplomacy will win out. Chances are, you’ll also face many options, but like the rabbit’s burrow, you should have multiple exit points and not get too attached to specific decisions. “Rabbits always like having a plan B,” Ingress says. “So this is a year to have more than one plan B—and [to have] continued social interactions in order to reach a decision.”
Since 2023 focused on the zodiac element water, that year signified travel and movement—the next Year of the Rabbit will focus on wood. While 2022 was also a water year, it was more of a flood. People were itching to get back out into the world after COVID restrictions were lifted, so there was movement in the form of travel. On another note, the Russian invasion of Ukraine forced people to seek refuge in other countries. The element of water paired with the Tiger sign made the year one that required quick reactions and strong responses in the face of upheaval.
In comparison, the Year of the Water Rabbit felt more like a small stream when it comes to going places and, more generally speaking, the movement in our lives. “The year brought learning opportunities, an expansion of ambitions, more time reaching for goals and a general sense of curiosity,” says Ingress. However, because of the unpredictable nature of water, the world still felt precarious in 2023. The last time there was a Water Rabbit, in 1963, President Kennedy was assassinated, notes Ingress. It was a moment felt by many but not an event that moved the masses to make tough decisions. So in 2023, it was important to stay alert and ready to manage surprises.
Which signs thrive in the Year of the Rabbit?
The Chinese zodiac signs that will have a great year are those that are compatible with the Rabbit—namely, the Sheep, Dog and Pig. Each of these signs will see a wealth of opportunities for growth in their careers, relationships or creative passions during the Rabbit year. That said, not all opportunities will pan out: Like in the rabbit’s race with the turtle, do not be deceived by appearances when it comes to decision making—what appears to be the best decision might not be so. Specifically, Dogs and Pigs might face difficult decisions in the workplace.
For all these signs, it is important to stay calm during the Year of the Rabbit, even when things seem to be going well. Of course, that’s usually easier said than done, though these animal signs are the best equipped to face that challenge—especially when in one another’s company. Pig and Rabbit are a perfect match for each other in terms of temperament and personality. Add Sheep and Dog into the mix and you’ve got yourself a party. “When they’re all together, they balance each other out,” says Ingress. People with these signs tend to have an easygoing way about them and are deeply compassionate, and both of those qualities jibe with the Rabbit. Sheep’s romanticism, Dog’s supportiveness and Pig’s relatability work well with Rabbit, and a gentle yet responsive energy will radiate from groups of friends with these signs.
Which signs will have more difficulty in the Year of the Rabbit?
Sorry, Dragons, Snakes, Roosters and Rats—you will clash with the Rabbit energy during their zodiac year. Dragons are born leaders and enjoy conquering challenges, but an eagerness to achieve will not pan out in the slower-paced Rabbit year, when decisions will have to be deliberated carefully and a person’s choices might have to be revisited. As a reminder, 2024 is also the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Snake is sometimes considered a small dragon, and similarly, their determination may prove challenging during the Rabbit’s year. Rooster is also tenacious and high-achieving, as an animal known for greeting the morning sun. Finally, the resourceful and quick-witted Rat may be able to adapt to the surprises the Year of the Rabbit brings, but their lack of courage may cause them to falter when plans change.
But don’t worry—all is not lost for these signs. According to Ingress, a specific Chinese zodiac year won’t predict whether luck comes your way or doesn’t, but rather whether the year will be like a river that is “smooth flowing or one that is more choppy and therefore stressful, with multiple obstacles to face.”
How will the other signs fare in the Year of the Rabbit?
People born in Ox, Horse and Goat years generally won’t experience any extreme highs or lows. Ox’s determination and Horse’s energy should be able to handle what the year throws at them. Comparably, Goat’s perseverance should propel them through what’s thrown their way. But Tigers may face some ups and downs. Tiger’s enthusiasm and boldness may or may not work to their advantage when it comes to the surprises a Rabbit year brings.
As for people with the Rabbit sign, things are a little less clear-cut. You may have heard that a person’s zodiac birth year (Ben Ming Nian) can be extremely unlucky. So should Rabbits watch their backs when the Year of the Rabbit returns in 2035? Not necessarily. Ingress notes that this idea comes from another Chinese belief that change will occur every 12 years, in the Jupiter cycle of a person’s life. “That change could be positive or negative,” she shares. “But there is a change.”
Lucky times of the year for each sign
What did the tides of the Water Rabbit hold in 2023? Scroll down and find your Chinese zodiac sign to learn which months were the most prosperous for you (and which ones might be again when Year of the Rabbit returns in 2035).
Rat
Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
People born in the Year of the Rat likely experienced abundance throughout the Year of the Water Rabbit, because like Rabbits, Rats are able to form networks and connections. In May, Rats felt appreciated by others, and in January of 2024, Rats are growing their wealth.
Ox
Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
For those born in the Year of the Ox, December was a lucky month. Ox people felt a sense of balance throughout the year, without many highs or lows, though June and April may have been trickier for them.
Tiger
Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
March was the luckiest month for those born in the Year of the Tiger. May, on the other hand, may have been a bit more challenging. Overall, Tiger people found themselves more in the middle of the road in 2023, faring well but not experiencing extraordinary success.
Rabbit
Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rabbits, your lucky month was early in the year! You found increased luck in February, as well as in July. You may have found yourself making less forward movement in April, June, September and December. Water Rabbits born in 1963 should have been careful, as too much water elementally could have been difficult to bear and cause stress.
Dragon
Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Dragons, this is your zodiac year! In 2023, May and September were fairly good months for Dragons, but they should have been cautious in March, April, October and January. “The Dragon is struggling,” Ingress acknowledges of the past year. But, she adds, this should not have been a cause for concern, because “in Buddhist tradition and the history of the Asian culture, there is a sobering tendency to acknowledge suffering more than success because successes are typically few and far between.”
Snake
Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Snake people may have had a more trying year in 2023 because their energy clashes with Rabbit energy, and they dealt with more conflicts throughout the year. April was their luckiest month of 2023, when they could attract more attention from colleagues or romantic interests.
Horse
Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
The outlook for Horses in 2023 was a steady one, but they should have proceeded with a bit more caution in January and March. In February, there were opportunities to develop relationships, and November was the month when they found the most luck. Those born in the Year of the Metal Horse (the last one was in 1990) should have been more cautious about impulsive decisions in 2023.
Sheep (or Goat)
Birth years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Sheep found opportunities throughout 2023, but especially in March, June and November. October may have been less steady, and January 2024 may be less steady. Wood Sheep, born in 1955 and 2015, found 2023 to be a year of growth.
Monkey
Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
September was an optimal month for Monkeys. On the other hand, they had to be wary in May, July and November, as surprises from the Water Rabbit might have led them to make rash decisions.
Rooster
Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Rooster people may have experienced a turning point during the year when it came to their health, career or finances. For the Rooster, April and August were the months they fared the best. September and December posed more challenges for them.
Dog
Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
While Dogs experienced many opportunities throughout 2023, they didn’t all culminate in success. November had the potential to change all that, as it was this sign’s luckiest month of 2023. September was the one month where a career trajectory might have taken a downward turn.
Pig
Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
If Pigs focused their energy in March, July, August and October, their concentration should have paid off. Born in 1935 or 1995? Those are the years of the Wood Pig, and people born then were particularly lucky in 2023.
About the expert
- Jen Ingress is a professional astrologer and instructor at the International Academy of Astrology.
Sources:
- Travel China Guide: “Year of the Rabbit”
Originally Published: March 11, 2024
