The Year of the Ox

Marion Webb-DeSisto Jan 21, 2009

The Year of the Earth Ox

{January 26, 2009 - February 9, 2010}

Have you ever wondered why the signs in Chinese Astrology are represented by twelve animals? Well, the story goes that when Lord Buddha was ready to leave the earth plane, he sent out a message to the animal kingdom, telling them he was about to depart. He invited the animals to come and wish him "Goodbye," but only twelve different ones accepted his offer. The order in which each one arrived then laid down the progression of the Chinese Astrological Years. The Rat came first, followed by the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. The animal which arrived second was the Ox and on January 26, 2009 the Year of the Earth Ox begins. In 2010 it will be followed by the Year of the Metal Tiger.

Within Chinese Astrology the Ox is the symbol of prosperity gained through hard work and resilience. People, who are born under this sign, are reliable, composed and orderly. They work tirelessly and prefer an occupation that is routine and conventional. Although usually even-handed when making decisions, they can sometimes be stubborn and hold strong views about which they will not change their mind. Lady Luck has no appeal for those born under this sign; they rely upon their own willpower and tenacious nature to achieve their accomplishments.

The Ox is often placed in positions of trust and influence because he will not renege when duty calls. His appearance is always neat and he is not over-indulgent with his attire. It is difficult to intimidate the Ox and he can restore order when a crisis arises. A logical mind and steely determination keeps him on ‘the straight and narrow’ as he labors through his chosen path of life. Above all things he hates disorder and ‘loose ends.’ Also, if the Ox makes a promise, he will stick to it because his word is his bond.

Earth is the element for the 2009 Ox. This may make him a less creative person, but he stays true to what is required of him. At an early age he understands that he is less than perfect and accepts his limitations. However, hard work and a willingness to share responsibilities will help give him recognition. Advancement within his career is assured and having once gained ground, he will never yield. This particular Ox is not an emotional individual, but he will remain loving and loyal to family, friends and his own set of values.

During the Year of the Ox we will experience the need to face up to our responsibilities, to ‘knuckle down’ and sort out any problems on the homefront. This is not a time for new and outrageous fashion trends or high flying politics. Also, do not try to argue with those people, who are in authority, because they will triumph every time. If you are feeling rebellious, keep your revolutionary ideas ‘under wrap’ until next year. Remember Tigers are the astrological rebels of the Chinese Years. The Ox may appear unassuming and to be speaking softly, but he really does favor the iron fist in the velvet glove approach.

How You Will Fare in an Ox Year

{If you are uncertain about which animal year you were born under, click HERE to find out}

Rat – This is not a bad year for you. Time spent with your family and loved ones should be happy and rewarding. It is not the time to gather substantial prosperity, but you just might become lucky indirectly from someone else’s good fortune. Keep your scampering about down to a minimum because you will need extra energy to handle an increase in pressure and responsibilities at work.

Ox – Delays and minor problems may happen when you least expect them, but otherwise this should be a good year for you. Marriage or new joint ventures would prosper during this time and there may even be new arrivals born before it comes to a close. Although you prefer to tread slowly and steadily, some unexpected traveling and/or entertaining might require a more ‘hurry up’ approach.

Tiger – A good year to just sit back and groom your striped fur. You like to take the lead, but that will not happen while the Ox is in charge. So do not waste your time quarreling with superiors at work or anyone in authority, you will be able to prowl independently next year. Keep the roaring down to a minimum and any problems that arise will have been solved by late winter.

Rabbit – Not the best of times for you. There could be disappointments and the frustration of working hard, but with little or no reward. Try to keep your anxieties in check because too much worry could lead to ill health. You may become separated from a loved one through loss or their relocation. However, do not be tempted to burrow into new surroundings yourself. Such plans will take longer to develope than you would hope.

Dragon – You are considered to be the most fortunate of the Chinese astrological animals and in keeping with this premise this year will be kind to you. You may be surrounded by disputes and other people’s misfortune, but these troubles will not directly affect you. You and your family are protected from strife and problems so you will not need to breathe fire into any situation.

Snake – This is the first sign that lies within the Affinity Triangle with the Ox. A year of moderation in all things is the best way forward for you. Expect challenges to any decisions that you make and count your pennies very carefully while the Ox holds sway. Take things in your stride as you slither along and try to avoid being stubborn.

Horse – A much smoother year for you than the previous two have been. Hard work remains a necessity, but this Ox year gives you the ability to control your personal circumstances as you gallop along. There should be some financial gains and very few difficult situations to be handled. Any problems that may arise would come from subordinates or children.

Sheep – A difficult year for you because arguments and misunderstandings will happen. The demands of family and/or friends might also keep you busy and away from your preferred pursuits. Curb any inclination to over-spend and be extravagant because money is scarce for you this year. Do not follow the crowd to what may appear to be greener pastures. Stay where the grazing may not be lush, but is sufficient.

Monkey – Another sign that should practice moderation in this Ox year. Your quick-witted nature will not bring you any gains or pleasure during this time frame. So keep your agile and adept actions under control. You may even lose something that personally belongs to you, as you swing through this period of your life. Unwanted travel or even illness may curtail your usual prowess of achieving what you want.

Rooster – This is the second sign that lies within the Affinity Triangle with the Ox. It is a year to regain lost power and to overcome those who have opposed you. You may receive help from someone outside your brood and there is the possibility of good news on the homefront. There could also be the prospect of traveling, but just be careful where you scratch and peck because an injury is possible. A medical procedure or operation is another possibility.

Dog – Uncertainties will abound for you this year. Try to avoid decisions made hastily because they may lead to unwanted compromises having to be agreed to by you. Definitely curb any desire to bark at those who surround you. Your intention may be well-placed, but friends and co-workers will misinterpret what you are trying to convey and they will become offended. The Dog’s loyalty and forthright nature is overshadowed by concerns over loss of finances or influence.

Pig – A much better year for you after the previous one. There is the possibility of starting your own business, and any gambling or sudden gut feelings could prove lucrative. No major problems should interfere with your happy foraging so enjoy your astrological ‘nice guy’ image. Just one word of caution – life in the barnyard might get a little messy over romance or family matters.

Whatever your sign, remember life is full of ups and downs. If this year brings difficulties, as the cycle moves on to another sign, they will disappear and be replaced by good fortune. There is always balance in the universe. So try to enjoy whatever the Earth Ox may bring as he plods his way through 2009 and into 2010. Keep things simple and have some fun.

hReturn to Main Pageg