The Ox’s home life will see much activity at this time and also some pressure, as quite a few arrangements will need making. Good liaison with others and some flexibility will be helpful. While some weeks may be hectic, the Ox will especially enjoy family occasions and may be pleasantly surprised by the way certain plans take shape.
At work many Oxen will find themselves with a heavier workload and the chance to take on additional responsibilities. Some who are seeking work will be successful in securing a position late in the year. Snake years generally encourage Oxen to develop their strengths and can bring some interesting opportunities.
The Year of the Horse begins on 31 January and will be an eventful one for the Ox. Situations may change quickly and to benefit the Ox will need to move swiftly and be prepared to adjust. Failure to do so could leave him languishing or missing out on some fine opportunities. Action, initiative and hard work are very much the keywords for the year.
At work many Oxen will feel the winds of change. There could be new management, new procedures and new technology to adjust to as well as new responsibilities. Being on the conservative side, quite a few Oxen will view the developments with misgiving. However, this is no time to be left behind and the Ox will need to adapt as required. By being involved in the changes and willing to contribute rather than hold back, he could find himself in a good position to make progress. He may not always be comfortable with the situation, but with input and hard work, he can influence matters and, importantly, benefit.
There will be scope for many Oxen to build on their existing position this year and for those keen to move elsewhere as well as those seeking work, the Horse year can open up exciting possibilities. However, considerable effort will be required and these Oxen need to keep alert and act quickly when they see an opening that interests them. To give themselves the best chance, they should also register with employment agencies and, if eligible, consider training initiatives that could assist them. With drive, resolve and tenaciousness, they will find important doors opening, however, and once in a new position (even if initially on a temporary basis), they will soon have the opportunity to prove themselves. The Ox is a redoubtable worker and the Horse year will give him the chance to impress. March, April, July and September could see important work developments.
Progress at work can also lead to a rise in income. While this will be welcome, the Ox does need to manage his financial situation well this year and be particularly careful when entering into long-term commitments. This is a time to be thorough and aware of the implications and obligations involved in any transaction, otherwise misjudgements could be made. Oxen, take note, remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary risk.
Another important consideration this year is the Ox’s well-being. Although he likes to keep himself active, he does drive himself hard, and without care, tiredness or tension could take its toll and leave him lacking his usual energy and susceptible to minor ailments. To help counter this, the Ox should make sure his diet is healthy and nutritious and his lifestyle well balanced. This includes setting time aside for relaxation – something not all Oxen are good at doing! Oxen who are sedentary for much of the day should also consider taking some exercise. A little personal attention can make an important difference.
The Ox takes his responsibilities seriously and likes to make his own decisions. However, in this fast-paced year it is important that he shares his thoughts and any concerns with others rather than dwells upon them alone. Similarly, at busy times he should draw on the help of those around him and, in his household, ensure that everyone does their fair share.
In addition he will need to show some patience this year. It could be that certain plans, particularly in his home life, have to be deferred to less busy times or that plans have to be modified as schedules change. Although the Ox likes to proceed in an orderly fashion, this is a year when he will need to show some flexibility. Taking on board the viewpoints of others will be both important and helpful.
While domestic activities will keep the Ox busy, the Horse year can bring many special moments. These could include celebrating some of his own successes and marking the achievements of a loved one as well as welcome family news or a decision that delights everyone concerned. Shared activities are also likely to be appreciated and the Ox and his family could particularly benefit from a holiday or break taken during the year. Some rest and relaxation needs to be factored into busy lifestyles! June and July could see interesting developments in many an Ox household.
Although frequently busy, the Ox will also benefit from his social life. He should keep in regular contact with his friends and be prepared to confide in them if anything is concerning him. March, May, September and November will see the most social activity and if the Ox receives invitations or sees events advertised that appeal to him, he should aim to go. In this busy year his social life can be another way to help achieve that all-important lifestyle balance.
Where matters of the heart are concerned, this is a year for care. With time and attention, many a romance can flourish, but without commitment, relationships may falter.
Overall, the Year of the Horse will be a demanding one for the Ox. It is no time for idling or being resistant to change, and the progress the Ox makes will be the result of effort and commitment. However, one of the Ox’s many strengths is that he is hard-working, and by being prepared to adapt as situations require and to add to his skills, he can do well. Throughout the year it is important he keeps his lifestyle in balance and preserves time for his domestic and social life as well as gives some consideration to his own well-being. With care, effort and balance, however, he can make this a constructive and satisfying year.
The Metal Ox
This will be an interesting year for the Metal Ox, but it is also one for care. Events will move swiftly and although the Metal Ox likes to plan ahead, in 2014 he will need to show flexibility and be accommodating. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, ‘If you chase after two rabbits, you will catch neither.’ In the Horse year the Metal Ox will need to concentrate on priorities rather than spread his energies too widely.
In his work, the Horse year will bring change. New methods of working may be introduced or, by virtue of his experience, he may be given a more specialist role. Some new developments may happen quickly and catch the Metal Ox by surprise, but this is very much a year to adapt and ‘go with the flow’. If not, some Metal Oxen run the risk of being passed over and missing out on opportunities. Also, when changes take place, if the Metal Ox is a part of what is happening rather than appearing too removed, he will have more chance to bring his strengths to bear and, in the process, raise his profile and position. This is no year to stand still or let chances slip by.
Most Metal Oxen will remain with their present employer over the year and experience a change in duties. However, for Metal Oxen who would welcome new challenges elsewhere as well as those seeking work, the Horse year can bring important opportunities. To benefit, these Metal Oxen will need to be quick and flexible. Although they may be keen to pursue a certain type of work or remain in a particular industry, by widening their options many could secure a position that offers them the chance to use their strengths in other ways. March to early May, July and September could see encouraging developments.
Another benefit of the Horse year will be the opportunities it will bring for the Metal Ox to extend his knowledge and skills. Often these will come through the new duties he takes on, but if there is an area of his knowledge he would like to improve on or a skill he would like to become more proficient in, he would do well to set time aside to learn more. Whether through research he can do by himself or enrolling on a course, by doing something positive he will not only feel he is moving himself forward but also that he is helping his future prospects. A few Metal Oxen may also decide to take up a new recreational activity, but whatever the area involved, with a willingness to learn, the Metal Ox will find considerable benefits can follow on.
He can also be helped by giving some consideration to his well-being over the year. With the energy he puts into his activities and the long hours he sometimes keeps, it is important he allows time to rest and makes sure he has regular and appropriate exercise. He should also pay attention to the quality of his diet. To be neglectful could leave