The female Ox has a kind and caring nature and her home and family are very much her pride and joy. She always tries to do her best for her partner and can be a most conscientious and loving parent. She is an excellent organizer and a very determined person who will often succeed in getting what she wants in life. She usually has a deep interest in the arts and is often a talented artist or musician.
The Ox is a very down-to-earth character. He is sincere, loyal and unpretentious. He can, however, be rather reserved and to some he may appear distant and aloof. He has a quiet nature, but underneath he is very strong-willed and ambitious. He has the courage of his convictions and is often prepared to stand up for what he believes to be right, regardless of the consequences. He inspires confidence and trust and throughout his life he will rarely be short of people who are ready to support him.
THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OX
In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Ox are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore Oxen born in 1961 are Metal Oxen, those born in 1913 and 1973 are Water Oxen, and so on.
Metal Ox: 1961
This Ox is confident and very strong-willed. He can be blunt and forthright in his views and is not afraid of speaking his mind. He sets about his objectives with a dogged determination, but he can become so involved in his various activities that he can be oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around him, and this can sometimes be to his detriment. He is honest and dependable and will never promise more than he can deliver. He has a good appreciation of the arts and usually has a small circle of very good and loyal friends.
Water Ox: 1913, 1973
This Ox has a sharp and penetrating mind. He is a good organizer and sets about his work in a methodical manner. He is not as narrow-minded as some of the other types of Ox and is more willing to involve others in his plans and aspirations. He usually has very high moral standards and is often attracted to careers in public service. He is a good judge of character and has such a friendly and persuasive manner that he usually experiences little difficulty in securing his objectives. He is popular and has an excellent way with children.
Wood Ox: 1925, 1985
The Wood Ox conducts himself with an air of dignity and authority and will often take a leading role in any enterprise in which he becomes involved. He is very self-confident and is direct in his dealings with others. He does, however, have a quick temper and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He has tremendous drive and willpower and an extremely good memory. He is particularly loyal and devoted to the members of his family and has a most caring nature.
Fire Ox: 1937, 1997
The Fire Ox has a powerful and assertive personality and is a hard and conscientious worker. He holds strong views and has very little patience when things do not go his way. He can also get carried away in the excitement of the moment and does not always take into account the views of those around him. He nevertheless has many leadership qualities and will often reach positions of power, eminence and wealth. He usually has a small group of loyal and close friends and is very devoted to his family.
Earth Ox: 1949, 2009
This Ox sets about everything he does in a sensible and level-headed manner. He is ambitious but also realistic in his aims and is often prepared to work long hours in order to secure his objectives. He is shrewd in financial and business matters and is a very good judge of character. He has a quiet nature and is greatly admired for his sincerity and integrity. He is also very loyal to his family and friends and his views are often sought.
PROSPECTS FOR THE OX IN 2012
The Year of the Rabbit (3 February 2011–22 January 2012) will have been a reasonable one for the Ox and a lot is set to happen in the closing months.
In his work the Ox could face new pressures and an increasing workload, but with commitment and dedication he will not only impress but also achieve some creditable results. For some Oxen, including those seeking work, October and early November could see openings worth pursuing.
One of the more favourable aspects of the Rabbit year concerns the Ox’s relations with others and in the remaining months he should make the most of his opportunities to meet others. In his work, the contacts he makes could be helpful, while on a personal level he will find himself in demand, with friends to see, events to attend and, for unattached Oxen, affairs of the heart adding something special to this part of the year. September could be interesting socially, as could the weeks approaching and just after Christmas.
In his home life the Ox will continue to do a lot for others and will be kept fully occupied, whether giving advice and assistance, making arrangements or carrying out home maintenance projects. Busy though the last few months of the year may be, he will delight in how certain plans proceed as well as in the love and gratitude shown him by others. On a personal level, the Rabbit year can often be a special and rewarding time for the Ox.
With so much domestic and social activity, as well as the purchases the Ox will want to make in the last months of the year, he will, however, need to keep a close watch on spending. He should also avoid risks and take care if lending to another person. Without a proper agreement, problems could follow. Oxen, be warned.
However, the Year of the Rabbit will have given the Ox the chance to use his talents in many ways and will leave him with some satisfying achievements to his credit.
The Year of the Dragon starts on 23 January and will be a variable one for the Ox. The Ox likes to follow carefully laid plans and could feel uncomfortable with the pace and spontaneous nature of the Dragon year. It is one which will test his patience but will nevertheless give him valuable new experience.
In his work the Ox should focus on his responsibilities but also remain aware of what is going on around him. Sometimes new initiatives could change his role and he will need to adapt. Also, while he is likely to have misgivings about some of the new developments, he should be wary of being too obtuse. To appear inflexible or intransigent could be to his detriment. For many Oxen, whatever their views, the best policy in the Dragon year will be to work hard and keep their heads down.
However, while some parts of the year will be demanding, the Ox can still derive much value from it. Changes in his role will often give him the chance to broaden his experience and prove himself in another capacity. By rising to the challenge and using this year to further his skills, he will be both helping his current situation and widening his scope for the future.
Many Oxen will remain with their present employer this year and build on their experience, but for those keen on making a change or looking for work, the Dragon year can bring interesting developments. Although their quest may not be easy, by considering a wide range of positions, many could secure a job in a different capacity that will prove an interesting challenge. March, May, August and November could see encouraging developments, but the Dragon year will be fast-moving throughout, with opportunities arising quickly and sometimes taking the Ox by surprise.
Financially, with his existing commitments, some repairs that may be needed and all the other plans he will want to carry out, the Ox may find his spending easily mounting up. Whenever possible, he should set funds aside for specific requirements and watch his outgoings. Fortunately his disciplined nature will help, but the better control he has over his finances, the better he will fare.
One particular characteristic of the Dragon year is the niggles and petty irritations it can bring. These can range from annoying delays and muddles over transactions to excessive bureaucracy concerning benefits, payments or some other important matter. Some of what occurs this year could exasperate the Ox, and to help minimize these more awkward aspects, he should pay special attention to important correspondence and keep paperwork and receipts carefully. By being thorough, he will find some problems can be averted or at least more easily dealt with when they arise.
Many Oxen will be leading busy and sometimes pressured lifestyles