Today marks the start of the Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Ox – one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Unlike Western astrology, each sign of the Chinese zodiac ‘rules’ over an entire year, bringing with it particular energy to everything that occurs over the next 12 months.
As might be expected, the Year of the Ox signals good fortune for those born in the ‘Ox’ years of 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009. It also influences the fortunes of the other 11 animal signs, depending on their relationship with the Ox.
‘The animal of the Chinese Zodiac that presides over 2021 is the Metal Ox, a steadfast and sensible fellow who knows above all how to lock his energy,’ explained Kay Tom, a Leicester-based master in feng shui and horoscopes at The Energy Specialist.
Chinese New Year will mark the start of the Year of the Ox – one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Pictured, all 12 signs: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (or Goat), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig
‘Leading from the front and starting as he means to go on, this will represent a year when we need to be sensible in our life choices in order to engage damage limitation.
‘Over committing, over stressing and overindulging are a few ways energy can be wasted so take heed of his warning as forewarned is forearmed. Burnout is the alternative.’
Speaking to Femail, Kay revealed exactly what the next 12 months holds in store for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac.
It is worth remembering that unlike the Roman calendar new year, the lunar new year changes, although it usually falls between January 21 and February 20. This year it falls on February 12.
This means that those born in the early part of the calendar year are actually assigned the Chinese zodiac of the previous year.
Scroll down to read Kay’s predictions…
The Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Ox is full of good intention and his main aim in 2021 is to get things into perspective and to bring some balance to our lives. The challenges of 2020 have been immense, the effects of which are still foremost in our mind.
The energy of the Ox is slow indicating the fact that progress will also be slow. Take heart, as to build slowly will last a long time, build quickly and the foundation isn’t strong and prone to collapse. Patience is the Mother of Miracles.
The Ox will present opportunities in 2021, the challenge is to be astute enough to notice them. Opportunities come and opportunities go, often never to return. It is our choice to take them or miss them.
The Ox of 2021 has a huge weight on his shoulders as do the leaders of the world. Alone he cannot stop a tsunami but with assistance he will have a very good go. Covid 19 is an energetic tsunami that has hit the world.
The Ox is the strongest and most stubborn of the 12 Chinese Animals and the best equipped to stem the flow. It will take hard work and commitment so he will don his yoke and plough through. Above all it will take his Positive Mental Attitude and determination so be courageous, be strong and be determined.
Never before has fitness, good diet, mental health, relaxation and sound sleep been more important. The Ox wishes us wellness in all aspects of life.
The Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
To the Tiger the Ox represents the energy of money, making finances high on the agenda of the Tiger. Sitting next door to the Ox he is a close neighbour and first to have a chance to take a bite of the cake.
The Tiger has an entrepreneurial spirit and is eager to join the gang in forging new opportunities to get any prospects off the starting block.
The challenge for the Tiger is not to run before he can walk for the energy is fresh and immature but with careful planning there are excellent long terms prospects.
The Animals that understand the Tiger’s energy best of all and that make the best connection to his entrepreneurial spirit are: The Horse, the Dog and the Pig. It is the Monkey who has the biggest challenge in identifying to the Tiger’s staunch attitude.
The Tiger presides over the month of February presenting an opportunity for everyone to utilise his qualities regardless of their Zodiac Animal during this month.
There is cause for celebration this month even though there is still a selfish attitude in the air. People are inflexible making them vulnerable to misinterpretation of the information on hand. In matters relating to the signing of documents it is vital to read the small print. The leaders need to guard against making the wrong decisions.
The Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The Rabbit likes his comfort and indeed his luxuries and therefore prefers to be kept in a manner to that which he has become accustomed, a trait that can lead to a tendency to overspend. The Ox represents finance and fortune to the Rabbit making his endeavour in 2021 to encourage more saving and a healthier bank balance.
The Rabbit best connects to the energy of the Pig, the Sheep and the Dog so to unite any of these players with the Rabbit will create a formidable team. It is the Rooster who least understands the Rabbit and the feeling is mutual, the Rabbit finding the Roosters strong opinions too much to take.
The Rabbit presides over the month of March hence his energy has an impact on all of us.
The Rabbit’s head strong approach is untouchable and doesn’t hear anyone’s advice as a consequence. This leads to a lack of opportunities this month. Living under the constant strain people have become desperate as they need to put food on their tables. It is very important to be cautious this month and to take care of your security.
The Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Highly capable: The Dragon is highly intelligent, an entrepreneur and has the capability of turning a situation round. The Dragon’s endeavours will be successful this year
The Dragon is the mystical animal of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. He is highly intelligent, an entrepreneur and has the capability of turning a situation round. In the Chinese culture an employer will always offer a position to someone born in the year of the Dragon from the shortlist of suitable candidates for the role.
He understands the Ox and is eager to carry the Ox’s endeavours forward, an endeavour that is highly successful because he respects the pace of the Ox.
The Dragon’s best allies are the Monkey, the Rat and the Rooster. The Dog and the Dragon do clash but on occasions this is no bad thing as it sometimes takes a jolt to get the energy moving and the job done, and this is the case with these two characters.
The Dragon presides over the month of April, offering us all the opportunity to utilise his insights. There are a lot of conflicting opinions coming forward this month giving rise to the vulnerability of arguments.
Debates are great and are necessary, arguments can escalate and make matters worse if we fuel the fire. It is important to think before you speak and not to take on the problems of others this month.
The Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
No one better understands responsibility than the Horse and no one loves moving in the appropriate circles more than the Horse. In other words, he understands the energy of power and he loves to stand in it. He also understands action so if you want a job doing then this is the person to ask.
The Ox represents career prospects to the Horse making it important to keep his ear to the ground and to listen to the whispers on the wind. The key issue for the Horse in 2021 is to reign in somewhat in order to guard against the vulnerability of over stretching his stamina.
The animals to best connect to the team of the Horse are the Tiger, the Dog and the Sheep. The Tiger is the instigator and the one to present the ideas, the Dog and the Sheep both more encouraging in keeping the balance and getting things into perspective.
The Tiger does not warm easily to the Monkey as both are quite similar with a preference to being in charge.
The Horse represents the month of June and is only too willing to lend his vitality to all of us. The energy of the year is beginning to stabilise and a stronger feeling of optimism starting to emerge. It is important to respect the leaders, especially someone from the North West who can give guidance.
There is a vulnerability in the South East where misinformation is being circulated. In the UK London sits in the South East of the country making it necessary to take extra care, especially in health matters.
The Sheep: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
The sheep is the perfect diplomat and all things to all men. His energy may be slow but sometimes that is what we need, particularly in the 9 Fate period that we are currently residing in when life has become so yang, so quick and so fast. The vulnerability for the Sheep is that he is totally opposed to the Ox and consequently finds it hard to accept the energy of the year in 2021.
Frustration is an understatment. The Chinese people will be wearing a red string around their waist, or red socks, or red underwear for the duration of 2021. This is not a year for major decisions for the Sheep. Keeping a low profile and restoring one’s own chi is the best strategy. The Horse is a very close ally that the Sheep greatly appreciates throughout the year.
The animals best suited to join the team of the Sheep are: the Pig, the Rabbit and the Horse.
The Sheep and the Ox are not the best buddies. As the Ox is the leader of 2021 it is necessary for the Sheep to be respectful and ideally keep a low profile by avoiding making any major decisions, changes or investments this year.
The Sheep represents the month of July and has the following advice for everyone.
Headaches seem to be an issue making it advisable to use water energy to dilute them by taking extra showers, swimming regularly or spending time by a river, lake or ocean.
The Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey! The Monkey must slow down in order to seize opportunity
The Monkey is always a very lively player and one with enthusiasm in making a contribution.
The Ox is an ally of his too in that his guidance will help the Monkey to conserve some of his energy for a rainy day rather than swinging from one party to the next.
Party animal as he is, the Monkey is not stupid and knows when to spot an opportunity. For this reason, the Monkey heeds the advice of the Ox for he knows opportunities are rare, miss them and they may never come again. To slow down is to stand a better chance in recognising a good thing when he sees it.
The Monkey’s best allies are the Rat, the Dragon and the Snake. The Tiger being the least favourite addition to his team.
The Monkey represents the month of August and wishes everyone to follow his example.
The energy is not productive so there can be not better time to take a holiday and to recharge your energy as to work hard will not bring the best results.
The Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
There are many types of Dogs ranging from cuddle pooches that are used as a fashion accessory, to snarling Rottweilers. The Dog of 2021 is more like the Rottweilers with a sharp bite. This year the Dog is a defender of the faith, the best advice being not to get on the wrong side of him.
The Dog understands the Ox well and respects his authority to the letter. In 2021 the price of puppies is likely to escalate making them a valuable commodity.
The Dog’s best allies are the Tiger, the Horse and the Rabbit. It is the Dragon and the Dog who agree to disagree.
The Dog represents the month of October and recommends we all follow the rules this month as to go against them will be to our peril. The Ox is not forthcoming in his support without some form of exchange so negotiation will play a vital role before he is willing to do anything. Take extra care of your security this month.
The Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
The Pig likes to dig deep until he gets to the heart of the matter and knows exactly what he is dealing with. In other words, he likes the cards on the table, good or bad, as he prefers to know where he stands. There is no false news from the Pig.
He respects the energy and authority of the Ox and enjoys being part of the status the Ox commands in 2021.
The animals best to join Team Pig are the Rabbit, the Sheep and the Tiger. It is the Snake and the Pig who least see eye to eye.
The Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
The Rat is a huge ally of the Ox and one to happily join forces with him in order to strengthen his army. The Rat is a doer and likes to get on with the job in hand, never one to be caught standing still.
In this light the Rat will be encouraging the new beginnings on the Ox’s agenda with zest and fortitude, even so the Ox will slow him down and encourage him to gain a more realistic perspective on the challenges. Patience is not a quality of the Rat but under the influence of the Ox he will learn to be more realistic and to pace himself.
The animals that work best with the Rat are the Ox, the Monkey and the Dragon. It is the Horse who least of all understands the traits of the Rat.
The Rat represents the month of January and who leads us into the New Year of 2022. The Year of the Water Tiger.