Chinese New Year: A Tale of the Ox In the distant past, Time was an illusion and chaos reigned among the animals of the earth. Every creature from the cunning rat to the arrogant tiger proclaimed that he alone was the most virtuous and unique. The Jade Emperor, Lord of Heaven, needed to restore order. He would hold a great race, and the first to cross the finish line would be declared the First of the Earthly Creatures. After the dust raised by ten thousand paws, claws and hooves settled, the winners were the rat, the ox, the tiger, the hare, the dragon, the serpent, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the cock, the dog, and the pig. Each was awarded it's own year, and these twelve years of the Chinese zodiac cycle are each characterized by the distinctive traits of that year's animal. From these twelve symbols, a person's fortune, character, strengths and weaknesses, as well as the course of his personal and social life may be told. February 7 marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox. This stalwart creature was seemingly destined to be the winner of the celestial race. But his perseverance would lose to the craftiness of the rat (the wily thing was hiding in the ox's ear and leapt out across the finish line ahead of him). Those born under the sign of the ox are known for their dexterity and driving perfectionism. They're generous and devoted, but, though they may be loving and pensive, they're not likely to forgive and forget when wronged. THE PERSON BORN IN THE "YEAR OF THE OX" IS... Generally, a person born in the 'year of the ox' (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997) is very reliable and hard-working. Other features include patience, stability and confidence. At work, an ox will be very thorough and ensure the job is done correctly regardless of the time it takes. In business, an ox will be able to rise to positions of responsibility and authority through sheer hard work. Oxen tend to go 'by the book' and are usually quite conservative in their outlook. They rigorously defend their point of view and it is generally very difficult to get an ox to change his mind once it is made. Oxen are not readily forthcoming with their emotions but underneath the undemonstrative exterior you can be sure of a loyal and trustworthy character. An ox has high family values and can be counted on as a provider. HOW WILL YOU FARE IN THE "YEAR OF THE OX"? THE RAT (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996) Rats generally have a good time during the year of the ox provided you work hard and don't stray too far from the 'conservative path.' You will experience a happy time with regards to family life but work could prove more stressful in the coming year due to increased responsibilities. THE OX (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985,1997) Oxen should use this favorable time to make serious decisions about their future. Forward planning is the key to success this year. This is a good time for marriage and matters related to home. THE TIGER (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998) It is advisable to take a back seat if things do not seem to be going your way. Do not confront authority - you will not come out on top! The most sensible course of action would be to keep your head down and steer clear of the firing range. THE RABBIT (1915, 1927,1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) Do not make any major decisions this year. The rabbit does not generally feel very comfortable during the year of the ox. Although you will undoubtedly work hard, the results will not be visibly apparent, but you must endeavor not to become too despondent. THE DRAGON (1916, 1928, 1940,1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) The year of the ox will prove fortunate for the dragon provided you don't rock the boat. Ensure all your affairs are well in order and maintain an organized method in day-to-day business. If you don't make unnecessary waves, you will be rewarded by good fortune in all areas. THE SNAKE (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) Go with the flow this year. Do not go out of your way to change the direction of your life, just accept things the way they are. Be careful to avoid financial miscalculation and keep the peace with people in authority. THE HORSE (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) Altogether a better year than last. The ox's main criteria this year is hard work, and you know all about that. Professionally, this will be a very good year for you and finances will not be anything to worry about. In matters of romance, the wisest course of action is to steer clear. Overall though, this will be a happy year for horses. THE SHEEP (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003) The sheep's laid back approach to life will not go down too well this year where hard work is the name of the game. Do not try to fight the opposition this year, just keep your nose to the grindstone and stay out of the way of conflict. THE MONKEY (1920,1932,1944, 1956,1968,1980,1992, 2004) You can get away with your usual eccentric behavior up to a point this year. Do not overstep the mark though as the ox could come down hard on you, in an attempt to straighten your ways. Keep a check on health matters and curb your enthusiasm until next year. THE ROOSTER (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) Altogether a happier year for the rooster. The ox will pretty much leave you to your own devices and you will make considerable progress at work. However, lighten up with loved ones and all your problems will be solved without too much conflict. THE DOG (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970,1982, 1994, 2006) Dogs would do best staying out of the way of the heavy-handed ox. Your enthusiasm could well be misread and land you in trouble. Be patient in decision-making nothing too hasty! Do not attempt to analyze every situation this year. Accept things the way they are and you will have a much easier time. THE PIG (1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1083, 2007) This is another good year for pigs. Trust your own judgment and things will run very smoothly. You will have to work hard, though, to keep the ox happy, but this shouldn't be too difficult since you will start to see the rewards of labor very quickly. [back]