will often spend much of his spare time out of doors. He is usually an excellent gardener and whenever possible will make sure he has a large area of ground to maintain. He usually prefers to live in the country rather than the town.
Due to his dedicated and dependable nature the Ox will usually do well in his chosen career, providing he is given enough freedom to act on his own initiative. He invariably does well in politics, agriculture and careers that need specialized training. He is also very gifted artistically and many Oxen have enjoyed considerable success as musicians or composers.
The Ox is not as outgoing as some and it often takes him a long time to establish friendships and feel relaxed in another person’s company. His courtships are likely to be long, but once he is settled he will remain devoted and loyal to his partner. He is particularly well suited to those born under the signs of the Rat, Rabbit, Snake and Rooster. He can also establish a good relationship with the Monkey, Dog, Pig and another Ox, but he will find that he has little in common with the whimsical and sensitive Goat. He will also find it difficult to get on with the Horse, Dragon and Tiger – the Ox prefers a quiet and peaceful existence and those born under these three signs tend to be a little too lively and impulsive for his liking.
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, Oxen 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 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 2014
The Year of the Snake (10 February 2013–30 January 2014) will have been an interesting one for the Ox and allowed him to make progress as well as enjoy himself. The Snake year generally proceeds at a more measured pace and this will have suited the Ox and given him the chance to set about his activities in his own way. The closing months can be particularly satisfying.
The Ox’s relations with others are especially well aspected, and although the Ox often takes his time in getting to know others, in the last quarter of the year he will see an increase in social activity and have good opportunities to extend his circle of friends and acquaintances. Romantic prospects are also excellent and for unattached Oxen there can be exciting times ahead. October and December can be busy months and even Oxen who tend to keep themselves to themselves should make the most of their social opportunities.
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
