The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

The Ox is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支 / dì zhī) Chǒu (丑) and the hours 1–3 in the morning. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳 / yīn yáng), the Ox is Yang.

Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise. In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.

Lucky things for Oxen
• Colors: blue, yellow, green
• Numbers: 1, 4
• Flowers: lily of the valley and lucky bamboo
• Directions of auspiciousness: East, Southeast
• Directions of wealth: Northwest
• Directions of love: South

Unlucky things
• Colors: red, brown
• Numbers: 3, 6

Oxen

The Metal Ox Birth Year May be Turbulent

(People born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

The year of a person’s birth sign, known as Ben Ming Nian, is believed to be unlucky because of its conflict with the Tai Sui, who are the powerful deities represented as the stars opposite Jupiter. Therefore, 2021 will be a turbulent year for the Ox. You may encounter unexpected challenges, especially in your career and studies, which can leave you feeling stressed out, distracted, and emotional. The heavenly stem force of Xin this year is Metal, which will help the Ox to some extent. The key to overcoming any potential bad luck is to strengthen your morale. Use this time to cultivate your relationships. With the support of your family and friends, you will likely manage to navigate any difficulties and gain a deeper appreciation for what you have.

Tigers

Good Overall Fortune

(1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

The “Tin Yuet Benefactor” star plus the “Hung Luen” star appears for Tigers, so expect both career and love life to be going places. Overall, 2021 will be a stable year for the Tiger. Many of you felt a lot of stress in 2020, which may have affected your health.

Though this year may be stable, it may not feature the career accomplishments you have long sought after. The Tiger will have great luck with romance this year. The lucky Peach Blossom star will increase your confidence and appeal, making this a good year to get out there and explore your options.

Rabbits

2021 is an Average Year

(1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

2021 will be a moderately good year for the Rabbit. While you will manage to avoid your unlucky stars this year, you will unfortunately avoid your lucky stars as well. Your career will remain stable, though you will need to pay attention to your workplace relationships. Sweet things will happen in your romantic life this year, so find the time to enjoy your newfound love and connections. Your health may worry you though, so make healthier diet choices and get some exercise.

Dragons

“Clash with Tai Sui” in the Year of the Ox

(1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

The Dragon and the Ox are not always on good terms. Dragons will also experience a year under the destructive influence of the star opposite the Tai Sui. You are likely to run into problems in both your professional and personal life. The year will be full of ups and downs, and it is up to the Dragon to adapt to these situations. Be conservative with your expenses. Focus on the most important things in your life, and bigger investments will come later when you have a steady flow of income. You should also watch out for your health, as several inauspicious stars could bring you bad luck. However, there is a lucky star of “Tai Yum Benefactor” shining, and meeting female friends with good luck can add to your personal luck.

Roosters

Better Fortune This Year

(1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

The Rooster and the Ox are one of three compatible pairs called San He. In the Year of the Ox, the Rooster will be blessed with opportunity and fortune. This will be an excellent year for you to achieve your goals in both your professional and personal life.

Three lucky stars bring positive energy to the Rooster fortune, making it easy to meet benefactors for help, and turn bad times into good. Roosters are affected by three small disadvantageous stars, so you need to be careful about family relationships and “spilling blood calamity” [Editor’s note: I don’t know what this is, but it’s probably best avoided!]. The lucky star “Jeung Sing” will enter your life. If your boss entrusts you with important tasks, bravely undertake them and there may be unexpected surprises!

Dogs

The year of “Clashing with Tai Sui”

(1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

The Dog will clash with Tai Sui in the Year of the Metal Ox, which may dim your overall fortunes this year. Affected by the four inauspicious stars of “Saam Ying”, “Guen Sit”, “Gwaa Suk”, and “Baan On”, Dogs will endure many disputes with gossipy people, and are unfortunately prone to lawsuits. Negative energy can depress your will and work projects may be dragged down by people meddling and getting in the way. You are likely to experience challenges in your relationships, both at your workplace and in your social circle. Choose your words carefully this year, and focus on bettering yourself; you won’t regret it.

Pigs

Mediocre Fortune in The Year of the Ox

(1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

The Year of the Ox will be a stable one for the Pig, but the “Yik Ma” star is on the move, making you busy. You will not encounter any major troubles, and your overall fortunes will be average. What your year will look like largely depends on what you make of it.

You can either keep the peace at home and work, or you can push yourself out of your comfort zone and take on more challenges. This will be a great period to establish your long-term plans for the future. Since the seven Red flying stars enter the horoscope, it is easy to lose money, so be careful not to make hasty decisions.

Rats

2021 is an Overall Positive Year

(1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

2021 will be a promising year for the Rat, as the Rat and the Ox are known for their great compatibility. The Metal Ox will bring you a sense of confidence and optimism, and you will feel more at ease navigating social interactions. If you are single, 2021 is a great year to seek out romance. The Rat is more likely to find new love with someone you already know, likely one of your friends. Try to save up as much money as you can in the first half of the year, as you are likely to experience financial problems in the second half. If you are relatively frugal with your expenses, you should be able to remain financially stable in 2021.

Snakes

Luck of Great Momentum

(1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

In the Chinese zodiac, the Ox and the Snake are in harmony with each other. Therefore, the Year of the Ox will bring the Snake luck in all areas of life. You will find success in your personal and professional life thanks to your continued efforts throughout the year. “Gwok Yan” and “Saam Toi” lucky stars shine on you, and so exert their positive energy, and any new romantic relationships you make are bound to be enduring (for good or bad). While your hard work and perseverance will reward you, remember to relax and spend time with the people you care about.

Horses

“Harming the Tai Sui” this Year

(1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Affected by the “Luk Hoi Star”, Horses may have many troubles in interpersonal relationships, including irregular and bad romances. You will be overwhelmed with the stress of your career and relationships, and you may feel frustrated at times. You should not let these obstacles get the best of you, however. If you are being careful about making friends, reducing nightlife and unnecessary entertainment, paying attention to health and eating habits, and doing more good deeds, then financial calamities and health issues can be avoided.

Sheep

“Conflicting with Tai Sui”, Potential Problems Abound

(1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

The Goat and the Ox form one of the six conflicting pairs in the Chinese zodiac. In the Year of the Ox, the Sheep will conflict with Tai Sui, and the presence of the “Three Bik” star will make the whole year turbulent. Sheep may also be prone to accidents, including those involving personal safety, career, popularity, love, and wealth. 2021 will be an uphill battle, so remember to step back and evaluate your options before making major life decisions. Keep your chin up, as your luck will improve towards the end of the year.

Monkeys

Clashes With “Three Bik” Dispute Star

(1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Monkey fortunes are good and also bad for this year. There are three lucky stars but also three detrimental stars in the Monkey horoscope, and everything is negatively affected by the “Three Bik” Dispute star. Failure is caused by careless handling of negative people and disputes. On the bright side, you will have many avenues for growth, particularly in your work and social life. Lucky stars will help get support of benefactors and may bring a breakthrough in your career!