Your Chinese Horoscope 2017: What the Year of the Rooster holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
on the signs. The effects of the 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 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 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 a small circle of very good and loyal friends.
Water Ox: 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 2017
The Year of the Monkey (8 February 2016–27 January 2017) is invariably fast paced and some of its developments will have worried the Ox, who likes to proceed in a measured fashion. However, despite the pressures, for the most part he will have fared well.
There will be little let-up in activity in the closing months of the Monkey year. At work, the Ox could face a growing workload with challenging objectives to meet as well as other matters to deal with. These can be exacting times, but the Ox is tenacious and can add to his reputation. September and November can be important months, including for promotion or possible new openings.
There will also be an increasing number of social occasions towards the end of the year, including the chance to meet some people the Ox has not seen for a while. In addition, a friend could impart some surprising news. By taking up his invitations, the Ox can enjoy many convivial times.
He will also be keen to make some specific purchases, and by taking the time to consider his options, will be pleased with what he acquires.
Domestically, there will be several ideas he is keen to implement and it is important he talks these through with those around him. Discussion can lead to a lot happening and shared activities result in satisfying outcomes. December will be a particularly full month in many an Ox household, with travel possibilities and impromptu family occasions.
The Year of the Rooster starts on 28 January and will be an encouraging one for the Ox. Like the Ox, the Rooster favours planning and consistency, and the Ox will find the Rooster year gives him the chance to put his strengths to more effective use. However, while many aspects are positive, the Rooster year also has its more cautionary elements, and in particular the Ox should be wary of taking people and situations at face value. Without care, there is a risk he could be misled. Extra alertness would be wise this year.
Another important feature of the year is that the Ox will often feel the time is right for change and will act on plans he has been considering for some time. These could include taking on fresh challenges at work, taking up a new interest or moving house. Once the Ox has an idea in mind, he likes to see it through, and the Rooster year is very much one for action.
At work many Oxen will have been giving some thought to their situation, especially in the light of recent developments. For those who are dissatisfied or consider themselves in a rut, this is a year to take action. Some may be tempted by a complete career change, but whatever the Ox decides to do, by keeping alert for openings and seeking advice, he could find a position that better suits his skills as well as offers potential for future growth. Oxen do not embark on change lightly, but work-wise this year favours progress.
For Oxen who decide to remain with their existing employer, again the Rooster year can bring significant opportunities. New initiatives could need staffing or staff movements open up positions with greater responsibility. Here many of the Oxen’s proven skills will enable them to take their career to a new level. The Ox is quietly ambitious and the Rooster year will reward his commitment.
The prospects are also encouraging for Oxen currently seeking work. By widening the scope of their search, quite a few could secure a position which provides a fresh challenge. Although there will be much to learn, the Rooster year can re-energize the career of many Oxen. April, June, September and October could see interesting possibilities, although whenever the Ox sees an opening that appeals to him, he should pursue it.
However, while the aspects are encouraging, the Ox still needs to exercise care. During the year an issue with a colleague could concern him, and if he senses a possible difficulty, he needs to be wary and discreet and remain focused on what he has to do. Similarly, if he has doubts over any matter, he should check the situation himself. By remaining vigilant he can steer himself round many of the obstacles and niggling matters that may arise this year.
This need for care also applies to financial matters. When making major transactions or entering into agreements, the Ox needs to check the costs and implications and seek professional advice if necessary. If he lends to another person, again he needs to be careful. Verbal agreements in particular may give rise to later difficulty. Oxen, take note and remain vigilant.
More positively, the Ox’s personal interests can develop in encouraging ways this year. Some Oxen will take up new interests and welcome the challenge this brings, while for those who would like to meet others, a local interest group might prove ideal. In addition, some will be keen to make lifestyle changes, perhaps starting an exercise discipline, improving their diet or allowing more time for recreation. This may not only help their lifestyle balance but also do them a lot of personal good.
The Rooster year can also give rise to some pleasing social occasions. May, June, August and September could be lively months, and Oxen who keep themselves to themselves will find it worth making the effort to go out more. Again, by broadening their lifestyle, they can enjoy good times and other benefits.
Oxen who are enjoying romance or who find love this year will, in true Ox fashion, like to take this steadily. For some, a relationship started now can become a permanent one. The Rooster year does have long-term significance.
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