The Ox

1913, 1925,1937, 1949,1961,1973, 1985, 1997,2009

The Ox is the second sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Its intrinsic element is earth. The compass direction of the ox is between 7.5 degrees to 37.5 degrees. This falls in the direction of north-north-east.

You will find that this sector of the house occupies an angle of 30 degrees. This sector is said to be the part of the house deemed very lucky for those residents who are born in any of the years of the ox. The years have not been adjusted to take account of the lunar New year. Thus if you were born in any of the above years but during say, the month of January, chances are, you do not belong to the ox year but instead to the year prior to the ox year which is the year of the rat. In the same way you could still be an ox if you are born in the January of the following year. To check your date of birth against the lunar calendar please refer to the 100 year lunar calendar at the back of the book.

The ox was one of the first servants of the heavenly palace, often acting as a messenger between heaven and earth. One year, the land was bleak and the herders begged the jade Emperor to send new grass to feed their animals. The ox eagerly volunteered for the job and was instructed to sow a handful of seeds every three steps.

He set forth happily, but he was so pleased with himself that he stumbled over the gates of the palace and fell to earth unconscious, scattering the seeds everywhere.

The following year, all the land was covered with grass and no grain could be planted. Angrily, the Jade Emperor summoned the ox to him. The ox confessed meekly and the Emperor ordered him to eat the grass and help the farmers himself. he was then bodily hauled out of heaven and landed on earth with a crack, knocking his upper teeth, which is why oxen today have peculiar front teeth.

The ox was a dedicated worker and keen to seek forgiveness, so he paid his debt to humanity ten times over. when the signs were being chosen, the farmers cheerfully recommended the animal that had once ruined their crops, and the jade Emperor duly gave him a place among the twelve animal signs.

Personality of People born in year of ox

You have a quiet and steady nature and are perseverant even in the most trying circumstances, because once you have made a commitment you keep your word. You need peace and quiet to work through your ideas, and when you have set your mind on something it is hard for you to be convinced otherwise. Your plans and ideas are built on firm ground you are unlikely to be swept off your feet by fascinating but unrealistic schemes and your logical approach often pays off in the long term. You are well measured in your judgments and are wary of excitable or unpredictable behaviour, but sometimes you are so set in your opinions that it does prejudice your actions. Underneath your calm exterior you can be a stubborn and hot-headed as an ox if pushed against your will or forced to change your position. You then need to be left alone to regain your composure, and others are advised to keep clear during this cooling-off period.

You are not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes you nervous, indeed, the possibility of taking a serious risk could cause you many sleepless nights. You are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to you in fact, people born in the ox years are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. You are well linked because of your honesty and patience, and your close friends appreciate the fact that you are rather introverted and wary of new trends, although every now and then you can be encouraged to try something new. When you are secure in your environment you are sociable and relaxed, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over you take on the worries of the world, mulling over the problems you see and trying to find solutions.

Romance

You are gentle and open with the right partner, and will thrive on strong love and support. But in the search for a compatible relationship you have to tread cautiously since you are easily hurt. Not driven by romance, you have to be persuaded to accept invitations, to experiment with your appearance and to be more adventurous in general.

Your ideal partner is truthful and gentle but knows how to cajole and tease you. Although there may be times when you misinterpret light-hearted remarks or fail to see the humour in a situation, with a little encouragement and reassurance you will find that you are able to throw off your worries and you can begin to enjoy yourself. Your ideal partner also has the enthusiasm to introduce you to new interests but at the same time will not take risks that threaten your security. You can tolerate weaknesses in your partner, and when there are emotional upheavals you will consider whether the blame lies with you; however, you do find it hard to forgive if you have been deceived.

Career

If you feel that projects are being finalized or decisions made with insufficient attention to detail, it will not be long before you express your concern. You approach work seriously and as long as you are not forced into the public eye you are able to think clearly and plan meticulously. Your reactions may be a little on the slow side, but you are a skilled organizer and logical thinker, and as the years pass your determination is likely to be rewarded.

You are able to accept authority and are comfortable in a working environment as long as you know that the business is established on firm timetable and although you can rise to challenges and to some extent, deal with the unpredictable, you would rather be well-informed and work within a fixed framework.

You are suited to a career in farming, gardening estate management, medicine or religion. You would also make a good philosopher, teacher, chef or member of the police force.

Ox Associations

Element

Earth :

In Chinese philosophy the five elements are types of energy that affect all life. it is their interaction that creates change from a global level to a personal level. The ox is associated with the element of earth, which works in harmony with the element of metal but is overwhelmed by the element of wood.

Colour

Yellow:

The ox is linked to the colour yellow, which was the imperial colour of China- the colour reserved for the emperor. Yellow is associated with progress, fame and achievement. It is also linked to the element of earth since the fertile soils in many areas of China have a yellow hue.

Energy

Yin & Yang :

Yin and Yang are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. Yin is cool, watery and still while yang is hot, heavy and dynamic. the ox is associated with the element of earth in which yin and yang are equally balanced, a combination that is linked to thought and care.

Direction

North-Northeast :

Each of the twelve animal signs is matched to a direction of the compass. The ox is linked to a north-north-easterly direction, which in turn is associated with the very early hours of the morning. This direction is also traditionally linked to the end of winter, a time when you still has strength but yang is beginning to grow.

Balancing of Energy for People Born in ox year

Those born in the year of the ox are advised to observe the following :

In the years of the Snake (2001) :

The ox enters a good period. Let money luck flow in. Get a money or a gem tree as this magnifies your good luck.

In the years of the Horse (2002) :

A very unsettling time. Emotional and family problems prevail. Counter this by placing crystals and mandarin ducks in the south-west of your bedroom. Amulets and the dragon, tortoise also help. Wind chime in the east to control the 5 yellow. Place a Laughing Buddha in the south to appease the Grand Duke Jupiter.

In the years of the Sheep (2003) :

Confidence level increases this year. Place bright red lights in the south and display the Fuk Luk Sau in the dining room.

In the years of the Money (2004) :

A year of abundant good fortune. Place the coins, three legged toads and the Dragon, Phoenix in the living room Energize it.

In the years of the Rooster (2005) :

Good fortune times continue. Enhance with 6 or 7 rod wind chimes in the west or north -west..

In the years of the dog (2006) :

It is not a good year for you. Time to lie low. You will benefit from protection symbols. Place Fu dogs in front of the house and wind chimes in the west.

In the years of the Boar (2007) :

A very busy year. Enhance work luck by energizing the north with a water feature. Keep fish in a pond here.

In the years of the Rat (2008) :

A good year Enhance the year's luck with a three legged toad and a Chi Lin placed in the living room.

In the years of the ox (2009) :

Good family luck Excellent career luck. Magnify with Dragon images. The Dragon carp image is good for those working in government.

In the years of the Tiger (2010) :

The ox experiences troubled times. It is a good idea to place protective symbols near the main door.