The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

The Ox is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支 / dì zhī) Chǒu (丑) and the hours 1–3 in the morning. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳 / yīn yáng), the Ox is Yang.
Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise.
In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.

Paired with the Celestial Stems (天干 / Tiān gān), there is a 60-year calendrical cycle. Although chǒu is associated with earth, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature (五行 / wǔ xíng).

 

Recent years of the Ox

Year Celestial Stem Earthly Branch Zodiac Element Yin Yang
1925 chǒu Ox Wood Yin
1937 ding chǒu Ox Fire Yin
1949 chǒu Ox Earth Yin
1961 xīn chǒu Ox Metal Yin
1973 guǐ chǒu Ox Water Yin
1985 chǒu Ox Wood Yin
1997 ding chǒu Ox Fire Yin
2009 chǒu Ox Earth Yin
2021 xīn chǒu Ox Metal Yin

Personality and Characteristics

Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.

They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their bounds. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion using pathos. Rarely losing your temper, they think logically and make great leaders.

Elements and fortunes

Element Year Fortune
Metal 1961, 2021 These Oxen face obstacles early on, although there are no financial worries. Friends and family aren’t much help, but they will be able to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
Water 1973, 2033 These Oxen have a comfortable early life and are respected their entire life. They will have a loving family, but it’s recommended to marry late.
Wood 1925, 1985 These Oxen are multitalented and live like a breeze. There are some difficulties in the beginning, but everything smooths out.
Fire 1937, 1997 These Oxen are friendly and social. There are no financial worries their entire life.
Earth 1949, 2009 These Oxen are detailed and like being the leader. They’re usually are make a lot of money, but can’t seem to hold onto it. However, they are able to slow down and enjoy their later years.

Men born in the Ox year are reliable and trustworthy. They put their entire heart into everything they do. They feel great responsibility towards their family as well. However, due to their confidence (almost arrogance), they don’t allow anyone to go against their rules. They hold your children to high expectations, even though it might be unrealistic.

Women born in the Ox year are calm and gentle. They will never surrender to fate and rarely think of choosing an alternative. This no doubt leads to a life of struggles. But no matter what, they will walk down the road they choose until the end. Despite this stubbornness, they think and react quickly.

Compatibility

Most compatible with Ox: Rat, Snake, Rooster

Rat’s fixed Earthly Branch is water, while Ox is earth. They have complementing personalities and hold the same goals in life.

Snake and Rooster fit Ox nicely as well. Not only will Snakes give warmth and romance, they offer help and support in work too. Honest and loyal, they can also be attracted to the Rooster’s soft and loving heart.

Least compatible with Ox: Goat, Horse, Dog

The Earthly Branches of Goat and Ox clash strongly. They can tolerate each other’s differences, but there will always be tension.

Horses have a free and wild spirit, and may not have a serious attitude toward life. This is the opposite of an Ox’s personality. With Dogs, it’s hard to find common ground.

Lucky things for Oxen

  • Colors: blue, yellow, green
  • Numbers: 1, 4
  • Flowers: lily of the valley and lucky bamboo
  • Directions of auspiciousness: East, Southeast
  • Directions of wealth: Northwest
  • Directions of love: South

Unlucky things

  • Colors: red, brown
  • Numbers: 3, 6

Careers Fit for Oxen

Oxen often group family and work together. They look for long-term and steady work. Because of this, they are studious in school and perform well in every subject. This helps build a strong support for any future career path.

Because of their low-key personality, a stable job is the best for Oxen. Their strong sense of responsibility also makes them the perfect candidate for professional and stressful jobs. These include doctors, lawyers, businessmen and teachers. With their technical skills and effort, they can receive society’s recognition and reach their own standards.

No matter what career they choose, it must something they are really interested in. Though they may be okay with any job that fits their skills, they should take the time to find something they love. Only in a stable environment that matches their passions, are they able to find their true calling.

Health and Lifestyle

Like the wild oxen that run freely in the fields, people of the Ox year are healthy and fit. Hospital visits are rare, but this sometimes leads to overconfidence. Neglect during youth will result in problems in the later years.

As workaholics, Oxen will sometimes go days with minimal food and rest, then binge on both. Irregular diets will lead to indigestion and problems with the digestive system. Irregular exercise is what causes you to fall ill with “random” ailments.

Once they reach the middle ages, there is high risk of heart disease. Strokes are another risk. In addition, they commonly suffer from joint pain.

Most of these issues stem from irregular exercise. For a healthy life, they need to remember to take breaks from work, stretch and relax.

Oxen in the Year of the Ox (2021)

The year of a person’s birth sign, known as Ben Ming Nian, is believed to be unlucky because of its conflict with Tai Sui. Therefore, 2021 will be a turbulent year for the Ox. You may encounter unexpected challenges, especially in your career and studies, which can leave you feeling stressed out, distracted, and emotional.

The heavenly stem Xin of 2021 belongs to Metal, which will help the Ox to some extent. The key to overcoming any potential bad luck is to strengthen your morale.

Use this time to cultivate your relationships. With the support of your family and friends, you will likely manage to navigate any difficulties and gain a deeper appreciation for what you have.

Career

Though 2021 may bring you bad luck, it will also bring you stable career prospects. Because Ox energy is suppressed in Ben Ming Nian, you will find it harder to achieve breakthroughs in your career this year.

You may find it challenging to get the results you expected, even though you are level-headed and hardworking. Moreover, the Ox will need to proceed with an abundance of caution in workplace relationships this year. You will need to compromise in order to avoid hostile interactions with your colleagues.

2021 will be a great year for the Ox to hone your skills and spruce up your talents. Remember – when luck is not on your side, hard work will make a great substitute.

In 2021, the heavenly stem Xin will suppress your wealth to some extent. Ben Ming Nian will cause volatility in the Ox’s fortunes, and Oxen should therefore establish a stronger budget management system to prepare for rainy days. Avoid luxury purchases during this period, and stay thrifty to prevent financial turmoil.

Lucky Months: April, September, and December

Unlucky Months: May, June, and July

Education

The Ox may find it more challenging to make progress in their studies this year. The Ox has an inherently strong work ethic, which helps bring a sense of steadiness to your learning journey. However, even with the promised stability, you need to do the groundwork for future actions.

You may find yourself choosing between different paths in your education this year, such as transferring to a different school, deciding on a major, or choosing a new advisor. Keep a level head while weighing these decisions. If you are prudent in your decision making this year, your efforts will pay off in time.

Relationship

Oxen may find it difficult to further improve the relationship with your partner this year. Hiccups in your relationship may affect your mental state, and certain events may seem out of your control.

Your partner might stray or harbor selfish ambitions during this time. Be patient. These hardships will pass in time. Though your road may be rocky, love and kindness will always bring you back together.

Unfortunately, the single Ox will not have much luck in love this year. Between their traditionally passive personalities and this year’s bad luck, this year will be a disappointing one for romance.

Consider taking this year to focus on learning more about yourself. Figure out what you want in love and what you can bring to a relationship. Love will come eventually, but this year may not be the right time.

Health

Be careful with your health this year. In Ben Ming Nian, the Ox’s fortunes will become precarious. You will be more prone to catching minor infections this year, so make it a point to schedule routine checkups.

Tai Sui will throw many curve balls at you this year, and these may cause you stress and anxiety. Ailments can lead to more serious problems if left untreated, so rest whenever you find the time to do so. Try to exercise more often, and stay away from risky activities whenever possible.

Lifestyle

Chinese astrology predicts that this year will start on a relative low note for the Ox. Ben Ming Nian’s conflict with Tai Sui will bring significant instability to your fortunes, and you can easily encounter something unexpected if you act rashly.

This should not prevent you from working on personal development and living your best life, however. If you ever get into trouble, do your best to adapt to the situation. With some hard work and determination, you’ll find your way out again.

Stay calm, and be patient with yourself—the wheel of fortune will turn in your favor soon enough.

Oxen in the Year of the Rat (2020)

A better year is on the horizon for the Ox. The compatibility of the Rat and the Ox will make for a year filled with blessings and advances. What a year it will be for your career, education, and health! Lucky you.

On the other hand, relationships will need a little extra love and care. Communication will be critical for the year; do your best to be diligent and maintain open channels. Even if it is a struggle, you can do it with the help of regular conversations, speech classes, or therapy. Hard work towards any goal will do the job.

Career

Although the Year of the Pig proved to be lacking for the Ox, this year will make up the difference. The Rat is on your side for 2020! Already known for their honesty and perseverance, the Ox can expect extra praise in the form of promotions and compliments. Your best character traits will be visible to all, and your hard work will finally pay off. Revel in the knowledge that everything you have been working towards will come to fruition. With success on the horizon, you even have the opportunity to start something new. Set up an online store, a small pop-up restaurant, or a company with an old coworker. Don’t waste your good luck this year. Go big or go home, as they say!

Be mindful of colleagues, however, as misfortune might come your way in the form of a male coworker. Even though you value honesty and reliability, others may not. Choose your friends wisely, and your work friends even more so.

Lucky Months: February, April, July, August, and November.

Unlucky Months: January, March, June, and September.

Education

2020 is your year to strive for greatness. With the benefits of the Rat and your general demeanor, no one will be able to stop you! Dedication, hard work, and logic will be your three pillars to focus on throughout your education. Invest yourself in your studies. Set yourself up in the library, study groups, and lecture halls. If you are worried about your ability to think and talk clearly, grab a dictionary or conversational book and get to it. If you are feeling bold, you could even enlist in a speech class to elevate your rhetoric.

Health

As one of the healthiest zodiacs, Oxen can expect a great year with regards to well-being. Strong and sturdy, they will be able to endure any minor ailments and the stresses of work life. Although you might want to avoid the doctor for the year because of your healthy outlook, keep in mind that regular checkups are necessary for preventing any unwanted maladies. Something could be hiding just beneath the surface; get yourself checked out annually to be sure.

Take special care to maintain a routine eating schedule. When you put in overtime at work, it affects your mealtimes. If you can’t get away from the office, bring a couple of healthy snacks with you, like granola bars or fruits and vegetables. Your digestive health is just as important as the rest!

Relationships

To thrive in relationships this year, Oxen will need to put in the effort to communicate clearly. As communication is not a strong characteristic of Oxen, any means to boost your abilities will be beneficial. Both single and married Oxen will need to work through this slight rough patch. Listen to your partner, invest in their daily experiences, really take note of what they are trying to tell you. If you can get your partner to notice that you genuinely want to be with them, it will pay dividends. Working through hard times together as a loving couple often leads to a healthier, stronger relationship.

Be on the lookout, however, as you might face some issues regarding other parties, men or women, trying to pull your partner away from you. If you are looking to keep the relationship alive, fend off any advances and put an end to them immediately. You want to stay far, far away from any affairs. However, if you are honestly looking to end a relationship, do so kindly with your partner’s emotions in mind.

Lifestyle

The 2020 year will impact the Ox in a positive light. Throughout the year, hard work will be necessary, but as this comes naturally to the Ox, it should be a breeze. Luck is on your side with the Rat, so don’t waste it on small plays. In your career, work for that promotion even if it seems too far out of reach. In your educational journey, shoot for the stars, and take that extra class; try an elective that will bring you to earlier graduation. In your health, do everything you can to keep yourself active and fit. In your relationships, be loving, kind, and communicative. Whatever you do for the year, do so with a genuine focus on hard work and success. It will most certainly come your way!

 

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