Your Chinese Horoscope 2012: What the year of the dragon holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
Also, while he will have his preferred subject areas, the Fire Ox should not be discouraged if certain pieces of work do not get the marks he was hoping for. This will give him the chance to recognize what he did wrong and avoid this in future. For some, it can also be a wake-up call that more effort is required. The Dragon year can be demanding, but it is by being stretched and challenged that the young Fire Ox will learn more.
If, however, at any time he is struggling with a certain subject, it is important that he seeks guidance. Doing nothing can only compound his anxiety and there are many around him who will be only too willing to help.
As the Fire Ox sets about his various activities, he will find new strengths emerging and should consider how he can best build on these. Again, those around can be encouraging and if the Fire Ox is open to instruction and advice, some interesting possibilities can emerge. For the more musical Fire Ox (and many Oxen do have good musical skills), there could be the chance to learn an instrument or join a school band or orchestra, while for the sporting, extra tuition could be made available. Whatever his interests, with effort and willingness the young Fire Ox can gain a lot from the year.
He will also value his close circle of friends and the support they offer can be important. Over the year his interests will bring him into contact with others, too, and he will enjoy a good understanding with many.
In his home life the Fire Ox will need to be forthcoming and willing to help as required. The emphasis of the Dragon year is on effort and willingness, and whether in his home life, school work or interests, commitment will enable the Fire Ox to get the most out of it and enhance his prospects for the future.
For Fire Oxen born in 1937, this will be an interesting but sometimes niggling year. The Fire Ox is a redoubtable character and has a firm will and resolve. Much of the year will go well for him, but it will not be without its irritations. Whether dealing with delay, bureaucracy or misunderstandings, there will be occasions which will test the Fire Ox’s patience. However, while he may be annoyed, he needs to be careful not to exacerbate difficult situations but focus on their resolution. In particular, he should check facts, get advice and consider the best way forward. With determination and resourcefulness, the more awkward aspects of the year can be defused or averted, but throughout the year the Fire Ox does need to be on his mettle.
Nevertheless, there will be other aspects of the Dragon year that the Fire Ox will particularly value, including spending time with his family and enjoying the often good bond he has with younger relations. In addition he will often be keen to make some purchases to improve his home, and by considering his options carefully and talking his ideas over with those around him, he will be pleased with his choices, even if some undertakings do take longer than envisaged.
The Fire Ox will also find long-held interests bringing him particular pleasure and will enjoy following through certain ideas, contacting other enthusiasts or attending interest-related events. Gardening (including indoor gardening) will delight many Fire Oxen and such interests can do the Fire Ox a lot of good in this sometimes tricky year.
With the variable aspects, he will, though, need to be vigilant when dealing with finance and important paperwork. Problems can arise if certain procedures are not followed. Fire Oxen, take note. Be careful and thorough and do seek advice if necessary.
In general, the Year of the Dragon will not be the easiest for the Fire Ox. He will need to be careful not to exacerbate problems with moments of stubbornness or intransigence. Awareness, patience and some flexibility will be required. But for both the younger and more senior Fire Ox, the year will bring opportunities to enjoy personal interests and develop skills. And family and friends will be supportive and effort well rewarded.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Be prepared to work hard. Although results may sometimes be slow in coming, your efforts and tenacity will prevail and can benefit you in many ways, both now and in the future.
The Earth Ox
The Earth Ox is a realist. He has good judgement and a talent for gauging situations, and these abilities will serve him well this year. This may not be the easiest of years for him, but he can gain a lot from it as well as enjoy some deserving successes.
For those Earth Oxen in work the Dragon year can be demanding. Many will see changes being introduced which will not only impact on their role but also require considerable adjustment. The Earth Ox may have misgivings about what is happening, but he will find it best to concentrate on his duties and keep a relatively low profile. This is not a time to rock the boat or be inflexible.
However, while parts of the year will be challenging, the Earth Ox will still have the chance to put his experience to good use. His judgement can be a tremendous asset this year and colleagues will often recognize and value his contribution.
The majority of Earth Oxen will remain in their current position over the year and adapt as required. However, for those seeking a new role, the Dragon year can bring some interesting developments. Securing a new position will not be easy, but the Earth Ox is persistent and by keeping alert and considering a range of possibilities may well secure a position that gives him the chance to do something very different. This may be temporary, however, and this is a year when the Earth Ox will need to be adaptable. March, May, August and November could see some interesting work developments, but events move quickly in the Dragon year and whenever the Earth Ox sees a vacancy that appeals to him, he should be swift in following it up.
There will also be some Earth Oxen who choose to retire or reduce their working commitments over the year and again this will be a time of change and personal adjustment.
Whatever his situation, the Earth Ox will need to be careful when dealing with paperwork and financial matters this year. He does need to give these his full attention and seek advice on anything that concerns him. Also when considering large purchases or entering into agreements, he should check the terms and conditions and that his requirements are being met. Again, without sufficient attention, problems can ensue. This is very much a year for being vigilant and aware.
If possible, however, the Earth Ox should try to make provision for a holiday. With all that he does and the pressures he is likely to have to cope with in the Dragon year, a change of scene can do him a lot of good. There may be the chance to go away at short notice and if a travel offer or invitation appeals to him, the Earth Ox should follow it up.
Another rewarding aspect of the year concerns the Earth Ox’s personal interests. Over the year many Earth Oxen will be keen to take certain interests further, possibly by going on courses or setting themselves a particular project. By allowing themselves the time to do this, they can find their efforts particularly rewarding. Any Earth Oxen who feel unfulfilled over the year would do well to consider activities they could enjoy and new interests they could start. By doing something purposeful, they could transform their situation.
As with most Oxen, the Earth Ox can have a quiet and reserved nature, but over the year he should make the most of his social opportunities as well as keep in contact with his friends. This is no year to distance himself from what is going on or to keep himself to himself. Friends can be particularly supportive and encouraging and can offer valuable advice on important decisions.
In addition some Earth Oxen will give thought to their well-being over the year and those who join an exercise class or decide to keep fit in other ways will find that a great deal of fun and mutual support can be had. In the Dragon year the Earth Ox’s social life can bring him a great deal of pleasure.
His home life will also see much activity, and with the changes and pressures he may be experiencing in his work situation, along with the important decisions others may be facing, there will need to be good liaison and co-operation in his household. The more discussion and awareness there is, the better for all. However, while home life will often be busy, it will also mean a great deal to the Earth Ox, particularly as plans are realized (even if they take longer than anticipated) and some notable family occasions enjoyed. This is very much a year favouring communication, joint effort and shared decision-making.
Overall, the Year of the Dragon can be a demanding one for the Earth