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 | yǐ | chǒu | Ox | Wood | Yin |
| 1937 | ding | chǒu | Ox | Fire | Yin |
| 1949 | jǐ | chǒu | Ox | Earth | Yin |
| 1961 | xīn | chǒu | Ox | Metal | Yin |
| 1973 | guǐ | chǒu | Ox | Water | Yin |
| 1985 | yǐ | chǒu | Ox | Wood | Yin |
| 1997 | ding | chǒu | Ox | Fire | Yin |
| 2009 | jǐ | 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.
Horoscope
2021 2020
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.
Great Portuguese Artist