What’s in store in the year of the ox?

Published in Soul & Spirit magazine, Jan 2007

Discover which Chinese astrological animal you are and how it will affect your year ahead. By feng shui master and astrologer, Jon Sandifer

Chinese astrology dates back some 2600 years BC. Unlike Western zodiac astrology, which is made up of 12 months, Chinese astrology is made up of 12-year cycles.  Each year is given the name of an animal. This is because the Buddha was said to have summoned all the animals to bid him farewell before he died, and only 12 showed up. He then named each of the years after these 12 animals. The Chinese believe that the animal of your year of birth actually hides in your heart and in your very being. 

 

Predictions for 2009 – the year of the earth ox

The year of the Earth Ox begins on January 26, 2009 and ends on February 13, 2010.  Of all the Chinese animals, the Ox – also known as the Buffalo – is the most hard-working, modest, steady and reliable. When a Buffalo/Ox year shows up, we are all encouraged to wear a yoke, knuckle down and work hard! During these difficult times, in terms of global finance, the conservative Ox will help us all to keep our feet on the ground, but in a slow and steady fashion. 

But though the ox governs the year in general, each animal has its own specific prediction. So to find out which animal you are and how this influences your year ahead, check out the chart and read on!

Discovering your animal

The Chinese start their New Year on a new moon, and hence their each year does not coincide with the Western one, and starts on a different date each year. If you are born in January or February, then the animal listed in the table below may not be correct – it could be that you belong to the year before (to find your correct sign, visit fengshuisociety.org.uk).

Your 2009 prediction

 

The rat

The rat is undoubtedly the most tenacious and relentless of all the Chinese animals.  You’re certainly not afraid of hard work and the ox appreciates your work and effort. The best course of action for you this year is to stay focused, keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the horizon. The aura of the ox will reward you for your effort, so long as you’re not frivolous or high-spending! Keep your nose to the grindstone this year and it will pay off for you. 

Rats are the most compatible with the ox, the dragon or the monkey, and be cautious with the horse! 

 

The ox

Your sign is sometimes known as the buffalo, and you come across as strong, dependable, reliable, and from time to time stubborn. However, this is your year, and since it only comes round every 12 years, it’s an opportunity for major change and even rebirth. A brilliant year for you, in terms of your career and romance – but don’t expect it all to come to you: you need to make the first step! Think back to the last time this year came round, which was in 1997 – did you make good use of the opportunity? 

The ox is very compatible with the rat, the rooster and the snake. Not so friendly with the sheep/goat.

 

The tiger

Your sign is very honest, shrewd and capable of showing huge amounts of loyalty to friends and family. There can also be an intense and emotional side of you, which will not go down well with the ox this year. Therefore, go easy on yourself in 2009; steer clear of arguments, lawsuits, disputes and try to keep your opinions to yourself. However, your tenacity and discipline as a tiger are well appreciated during the year of the ox. Try and avoid any major leaps of change this year!

Tigers get on really well with the dog, the dragon and the horse. But monkeys, you need to keep a watchful eye on!

 

The rabbit

Sometimes known as the cat in Chinese astrology, your sign is sensitive, intuitive, wise and sometimes cautious. You can be diplomatic and do appreciate a strong level of steadiness in your life. Luckily for you, the year of the ox brings this steadiness in 2009, and with it will come opportunities in both career and love. As a Rabbit, you like things to move a little bit faster and the ox will bring a rather slow and mundane pace to the year. Pace yourself well; all looks great in 2010!

You get on brilliantly with the dog, the pig and the sheep, and watch out for the expressive rooster as they’re not always your best mate!

 

The dragon

Your star in Chinese astrology is regarded as the most grounded, and indeed the most faithful of all the 12 animals. Rather like a tiger, your dragon will defend families, colleagues, and friends to the bitter end. Your kindness and generosity knows no bounds. As the year of the ox kicks in, you, like the rest of the animals, will have to toe the line more, and curtail any wild spending or starting any crazy schemes! Talk of a credit crunch and most Chinese animals get concerned, but the dragon takes it in his or her stride. All in all, a really great, but hard-working year.

You get on really well with rats, snakes and monkeys. Sometimes the dog can irritate you!

 

The snake

Probably the most wise and cautious of the 12 animals. You have a sensitivity that is legendary. Like any snake, you appreciate your cave, and a place to retreat when you’re tired or cold or hungry. During the ox year, you’ll be encouraged to come out of your cave, participate more and knuckle down to some fairly hard work. Since your snake is very friendly with the ox, it’s not a challenging or difficult year for you.

Make great friends this year with the dragon, the rooster and the ox. You work very well with the monkey, but the boar/pig can get on your case!

 

The horse

Last year was under the sign of the rat, and as a horse, your sign clashes with the rat. Therefore any hassles and aggravation will now dissipate in 2009. Your proud, hard-working nature will appreciate the diligence and tenacity that the ox brings to the scene this year. The ox and the horse both appreciate the value of knuckling down to some serious work. You will benefit from staying in your own particular field, and not chopping and changing your career this year. On the romance side, all is good in 2009, but new relationships may take off very slowly. 

As a horse, you get on really well with the dog, the tiger and the sheep, but are likely to clash with ratty.

 

The sheep/goat

Your nature is always calm, gentle, reassuring and diligent. You love to create a win/win situation, both at home and on the work front. During the year of the ox, there will more stability in your life. Some of the desire to travel, or to seek new pastures, may be temporarily put on the back burner. On the romance front, which your star is very sensitive to, the ox will bring stability. Overall, a brilliant year and you will progress well, provided you do not chop and change and alter the agenda.

You get on really well with horses, pigs and rabbits, but the ox itself can be a bit of handful for you.

 

The monkey

Of all the animals, the monkey is the fastest, quickest and sharpest of the lot! Your sign is symbolic of an individual who can see way ahead of the field and garrulously tell the world what’s going on and what is coming next! During the somewhat slower, more conservative and plodding ox year, you bring fun, agility and a sense of humour to all. Monkeys lighten up the place in 2009, and are welcome to any party! Resist making too many changes that would upset the more conservative people around you. 

You get on really well with rats, dogs, dragons, and the Snake. However, the tiger will give you a run for your money!

 

The rooster

Of all the Chinese signs, you’re the most independent and forthright. You have a vision and are not afraid to speak your mind. In a digital era, and even during these hard-pressed financial times, your charm and understanding always find a solution for everyone. You are a real trail blazer. In 2009 the ox will not favour you trying to bring in massive changes, whether in romance or work. So pace yourself well! As a rooster, your appearance is important, but try to curtail any wild spending sprees on the latest fashions … this year at least!

Your best friends are dragons, the ox, and the snake. The rabbit will give you some stick! 

 

The dog

Of all the signs in Chinese astrology yours is the most loyal to family, friends and colleagues. You will also defend your territory, rights, and indeed those of your closest friends and allies. The year of the ox is a comfortable year for you since you value the slower and steadier change that 2009 will bring to the world. Your sense of priorities and order in 2009 will not be challenged by the Ox, but actually very much appreciated. Loyalty on the romance side could be a sign that it’s the year to tie the knot! 

You get on really well with rabbits, horses and tigers, but you will have the odd run-in with a dragon!

 

The boar/pig

Your sign is definitely the most generous, home-loving and thoughtful of all. You love to entertain and to bring light and love into the lives of those around you. Your slow, sometimes laid back, easy-going nature goes down very well with the steady ox this year. This slower change of pace compared to the frenetic rat year of 2008 will suit you greatly.  Be cautious not to over-spend, as it is one of your indulgences! The thrifty ox will not appreciate you stretching your credit limit – nor will your bank manager! 

Rats, rabbits and tigers are the life and soul of your party, but be cautious of snakes.

 

Published in Soul & Spirit magazine, Jan 2009