Chinese astrology forecast for the Year of the Ox

The lunar year of the Ox starts on the Monday 26th January 2009. Chinese people the world over will celebrate! Celebrations can continue for up to fifteen days until the full moon on the 9th February 2009.

In everyday life, Chinese people use the lunar calendar, but Professional Chinese Astrologers use the solar calendar to do full natal chart readings, known as the Four Pillars of Destiny or Ba Zi (eight characters). For Chinese Astrology purposes, the solar year of the Ox starts on 4th February 2008, known as ‘Li Chun’, the beginning of spring.

The Lunar New Year starts with the second new moon after the Winter Solstice, which is the nearest new moon to the beginning of spring on the 4th February. In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, and it is the turnaround point, for after the winter solstice, known as ‘Dong Zhi’, the daylight hours increase and the hours of darkness diminish. Some Chinese Astrologers advocate the winter solstice marks the beginning of the Chinese Year, since it is the most yin moment and hence the start of the yang moment. However, this argument is flawed because in the southern hemisphere, this is not true! A year is defined as the time for the earth to complete a revolution around the sun, therefore we can define the beginning of the year as the moment the Sun is first found in the East where it rises everyday. This is at the start of Tiger month, known as ‘Li Chun’, the beginning of Spring, which is usually on the 4th February each year. This start of the year is consistent for the northern and southern hemispheres.

According to Chinese Astrology, 2009 is a particular type of Ox year, it is an Earth Ox year. As well as the cycle of twelve Chinese Year Animal signs, there is a cycle of five elements (earth, metal, water, wood and fire), so a complete cycle is 60 years.
There are five types of Ox year: Earth Ox, Metal Ox, Water Ox, Wood Ox and Fire Ox.

The pre-dominant element of the Ox is earth, so in an Earth Ox year, the earth will be especially intense. The earth element is about stability and any movement will be slow and steady. The Ox is considered to be the most persevering and responsible of the twelve animal signs and its influence will make us more hard-working and inspire us to bring some order to our business and home lives after the turbulence of the Rat year.

Earth holds back water, so communications can easily be hindered and extra care will be needed in negotiations to avoid misunderstandings. Ploughing on one step at a time will bring greater rewards than trying to find short-cuts, quick fixes and fast bucks. Put the pedantic nature of the Ox to good use by checking all the small print to avoid broken promises, for this is a year where we can run into muddy waters. Ensuring that your messages are crystal clear will avoid you getting stuck. During business negotiations avoid sitting such that you are facing North-east. Sitting with your back to the North-east may give you the upper hand, but if you are looking for a win-win scenario, avoid either party facing the north-east across the table.

Ox year is time to be persistent without being pushy. Over-aggressiveness and over-ambition will not force closed doors open. Rather, wait for the sound of the bolt easing back before you give a gentle nudge and make your entrance bit by bit. This is not a time for heat of the moment decisions and uncertainty will hang around a lot of solutions.

In the climate of credit crunch, the Ox influence will bring about consolidation in many industries. A practical down to earth approach will serve better than elaborate strategies for many of us. Caution will still blow in the wind, yet success and prosperity will come to the lucky ones.

What does the year of the Ox have in store for you? Check your animal sign and find out.

Forecast for the Animal Signs
Rat
Unexpected opportunities will come to you this year and you can grasp them effectively. You could find yourself with extra responsibilities, so avoid over-stating your promises or it could lead to stress and hassle. Exciting times will be had from meeting new people and networking. Building bridges and nurturing new contacts will bring bonuses.	Rat (Image: China.org)
Ox
Coming into your own year, you will want to take stock and examine where you are now and where you are heading to next. Your instincts are very finely tuned this year, so listen to your inner voice and offload burdens that are hindering your progress. Minor complications will crop up, which if you handle calmly, will not turn into major obstacles. Home life can prove particularly satisfying during this year, make plenty of time to spend in the company of your nearest and dearest.	Ox (Image: China.org)
Tiger
You fill find such a lot on your plate this year that as soon as you have chewed some morsel to make space, something new lands in its place. Rash decisions could lead to you backing yourself in a corner, so take your time when faced with a dilemma. Recognise what you cannot control and let it go instead of staying stuck in a battle you cannot win. You will find much enjoyment in this busy year.	Tiger (Image: China.org)
Rabbit
It is easy for you to feel under pressure with conflicting priorities and seemingly endless lists of things to do. Unhurried, careful consideration rather than rushing past the finishing line will help bring about the desired results for you this year. Your naturally gracious manner will serve you well in any negotiations, yet you need to keep your wits about you to make sure there are no loopholes in any deals.	Rabbit (Image: China.org)
Dragon
When faced with challenges this year, you will be able to jump over any hurdles, but not necessarily at the pace you would want. Ox year can bring out a stubborn streak in you, which makes for determined efforts to accomplish goals, but can cause you to miss out on better alternatives. Remain open to other ways of looking at things and you may be pleasantly surprised.	Dragon (Image: China.org)
Snake
Acknowledgement and acclaim of your creative talents this year will put you in the limelight, so enjoy basking in the glow. If something or someone looks too good to be true, it probably is the case. Trust your intuition when dealing with unfamiliar situations and beware of underhand dealings.	Snake (Image: China.org)
Horse
If you find yourself working harder than usual in this Ox year, you will be able to reap what you sow and gain recompense. You are not going to let anyone or anything get in your way, but be careful not to trample over other people to get what you want. It really won’t pay off in the long run. Annoyances will turn out to be far less significant than you imagined.	Horse (Image: China.org)
Goat
Although you are normally most agreeable, it is very easy for you to fall out with people during Ox year, so watch out for those personality clashes, as both work and home life could be impacted. Avoid over-spending and exercise a bit more financial prudence to keep your bank balance out of the red. Accept this is not your luckiest year and take time out to chill out.	Goat (Image: China.org)
Monkey
Slowly, slowly catch the monkey. Patience is what you need the most this year, for you will experience delays and interruptions that will simply make you wait. Good fortune means you will reach your desired destination without a harrowing journey, so when the wheels are not rolling, relax a little and enjoy catching up with yourself.	Monkey (Image: China.org)
Rooster
Teamwork will bring you greater distinction than solo efforts. Remember to acknowledge all those that have helped you when you step up to receive your prize. Your wits will be razor sharp this year and you will be able to excel in any negotiations. If you are close to getting what you want, avoid picking on minor details, which might irritate the other party unnecessarily.	Rooster (Image: China.org)
Dog
Healthy competition brings you satisfaction in knowing that you have made plenty of progress. Your tenacity will pay off this year and you can achieve your objectives eventually. Avoid an attitude of rivalry when it comes to your personal life, it is easy for small miscommunications to turn into horrid squabbles. Seek to step into another’s shoes and comprehend all sides of the argument when it comes to dealing with disagreements.	Dog (Image: China.org)
Pig
The gradual pace and the steadfast nature of the Ox year is well suited to how you like to do things. Many prospects will turn out to be solid for you this year. You can make the most of your luck when it comes to career and business and you might find yourself totally absorbed in your work. Remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones.	Pig (Image: China.org)

Ting-Foon Chik is originally from Hong Kong. She learned to do Chinese astrology and feng shui from a Chinese master who is now based in Canada. She offers feng shui consultations for clients in their home and for their businesses. She also offers Chinese astrology readings as well as Yijing and face reading to help people find solutions and find their way ahead. You can visit her website at www.fengshuibritain.co.uk.