I’m more than ready to wave goodbye to the aptly named ‘Year of the Rat’ and welcome in a brand new year and fresh possibilities. This Chinese Lunar New Year begins on February 12, 2021.  It is the ‘Year of the Ox’, more specifically a Metal Ox, because every year is accompanied by an element. 

What does this mean for us? I’m not in the business of prediction, but I’ve enjoyed looking up people who are eager to foretell the future. Here is a  forecast from an astrologer and a Chinese almanac.
The Year of the Metal Ox will keep us in a holding pattern. There will be obstacles to overcome but metal symbolizes duration, resistance and loyalty.  We will need spirit to succeed. Don’t be impulsive; conserve energy.

Get excited for the Year of the Tiger in 2022, that will be the time to put all the energy you’ve been saving up to good use.
To increase your chances of good fortune (and improve mental health), the metal element emphasizes the importance of keeping your home clean. Take time to reduce clutter, and maintain tidiness throughout the year.

*Susan Levitt in O Magazine,  Pocket Chinese Almanac authors and translators Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith, and KarmaWeather https://www.oprahmag.com/life/a35394134/year-of-the-ox-prediction/

Not surprisingly in Chinese medicine, the element of Metal rules the lungs so this year it’s a particular idea to take care of and protect your lungs. If you smoke, this year is an ideal time to quit.

Are you an Ox? If you were born in: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021. (Keep in mind the lunar calendar differs, so if you were born in January or February, double check when the Lunar New Year began during that particular year).

Personality traits of an Ox: Oxen are known to be strong and dependable animals. According to Chinese astrology people born in the Year of the Ox are trustworthy, patient, methodical, conscientious and opinionated. They have self confidence and hate to fail. 

Oxen don’t lose their temper often but when the do watch out there might be an explosion. Their social skills may need some help but they will have plenty of common sense. Add the element of metal this year and you also have an Ox who enjoys the finer things.

Famous Ox personalities include Barack Obama, Vincent Van Gogh, Princess Diana, George Clooney, Michael Phelps, Louis Armstrong and Walt Disney