by Theodora Lau
The Ox will find pleasure in athletic pursuits. Running, biking, and challenging treks are all great outlets for the Ox. These joys could quickly become obsessions, as there is always a higher mountain to climb or a personal record to beat.
Of all the twelve signs, the colorful and somewhat eccentric Rooster will make a splendid partner by bringing sunshine into the Ox’s orderly life. Both signs have high respect for authority, admire efficiency, and possess a strong dedication to duty, and these common attributes will unite them successfully. Almost as well suited will be the affectionate Rat or the wise Snake, both of whom will care deeply for the worthy Ox. Dragon, Rabbit, another Ox, Horse, Boar, and Monkey will be compatible to a lesser degree.
The Dog may find the Ox too bland and may criticize the Ox’s lack of humor. The Ox will not care for the company of the capricious Sheep or the rebellious Tiger, who in turn will resent the Ox’s authoritarian ways.
Whatever happens, one can be sure that the success enjoyed by the Ox will have been earned by the Ox’s own merits. In short, the strong and disciplined Ox does not expect, and will not get, any free rides in life. This stalwart person will emerge a winner through their own efforts, and no one could be more deserving of their victories.
The Ox Child
The Ox child will not be one to complain when they are sick. This child has the willpower and inner stamina to endure whatever trials life may bring. Usually tough and not very talkative, the Ox child will likely be obedient and attentive. They will follow the examples of their elders without question, whether good or bad. So it is imperative for an Ox child to learn the difference between right and wrong at a very early age.
A rugged individualist, the Ox child tends to begin speaking late and prefers to settle arguments with their fists instead of their tongue. These children are stubborn and unyielding when their mind is made up, and they can turn the house upside down when they insist on having their own way. They are not whiners or complainers, but they can be adamant about the few concessions they do demand. One such demand will be their privacy. An Ox child will know how to be discreet, even secretive, at an early age, and they can be trusted to keep confidences.
The Ox child won’t resent discipline and will in fact welcome your establishing a schedule for them. They may insist that their meals be served at the same time each day, although they will not be particular about food. Regularity is what the Ox thrives on: knowing where everything is and what exactly is expected of them gives them a sense of security. Most children born under this sign will like to keep their rooms neat and organized when they can establish their own routine and call the shots. Much to a parent’s delight, if given more autonomy, Ox children will grow to enjoy cleaning up without too much supervision.
The Ox youngster enjoys taking charge when a parent or teacher is away and is stern and unsympathetic to offenders. They can and usually will give you an unbiased opinion, as they are not easily influenced or taken in by flattery. Instead of bribing an Ox child, it would be more effective to simply say: “It is an order!” Ox children are not argumentative by nature, but you must gain their respect before they will cooperate with you.
The Ox child relishes teaching younger children. They will display remarkable patience when waiting for what they want and great perseverance while working for it. Being the strong, silent type, the Ox Child may not readily reveal their feelings. They can be deeply hurt and no one may even suspect it. Although the Ox child always presents a strong, brave front, they can be terribly naive about the realities of life. They need to be protected in this respect and will rely heavily on moral support from parents, teachers, and family.
At school, they may be exemplary students, as they are not inclined to lock horns with authority. Their serious, no-nonsense outlook on life makes them avoid joking or clowning around. They should be encouraged to overcome their natural shyness and develop a sense of humor.
Above all, the Ox child will be responsible and reliable. They will win the respect of their elders as well as their peers. This child could be an outstanding example of both a good leader and a good follower. With a minimum of guidance, they will take the initiative to perform to the best of their ability and prove their worthiness to themselves and all who know them.
The Five Different Oxen
Metal Ox—1901, 1961, 2021
The Metal Ox will have clashes of will with people who do not agree with their views, including their superiors. These Oxen express themselves clearly, intensely, and resolutely; no one can ever accuse them of being vague about what they want! They will stick to their guns at all costs. When necessary, they can be quite eloquent, and they will use their abilities to the full when they want to forge ahead. They are definitely the do-or-die type.
Metal Oxen are not affectionate by nature. They may have scholarly inclinations and may love classical music and art. They have a strong sense of responsibility and can be relied upon to keep their word, which shouldn’t be too difficult, as they are people of few words.
At times, the Metal Ox tends to force issues and can become a formidable and fanatic one-person army when obsessed with succeeding in their objectives. Tough and arrogant, they don’t know the meaning of the word “failure.” A person of remarkable stamina, they will require little rest or diversion. They won’t mind working around the clock if that is what it takes to get things done. Metal Oxen should guard against being narrow-minded and vengeful when they don’t get their way.
Water Ox—1913, 1973, 2033
This Ox is more realistic than idealistic. Patient, practical, and unrelentingly ambitious, they possess a shrewd mind and a keen sense of values. They put things to their proper use and make many notable contributions because they know how to bide their time and organize their activities.
This Ox will be more reasonable and flexible than other types of Oxen. They are open to suggestion, although they may not approve of change or unconventional methods being introduced into their life. But they will not be too unhappy if asked to bend a little to achieve their goals. They are primarily concerned with improving their status and security, and they will uphold law and order in everything they undertake.
They will make their mark by working well with others and can steer their own course without any difficulty, provided they are not too rigid and do not demand too much from others. They can concentrate on more than one goal at a time and can both wear out and wait out the opposition through their methodical calmness, patience, and unshakable determination.
Wood Ox—1925, 1985, 2045
This type of Ox is less rigid and reacts faster than other Oxen. As a result, they are likely to be more graceful socially and more considerate of other people’s feelings. They will be admired for their integrity and ethics. They are fair and impartial, although their lunar animal sign draws them toward conservatism. They understand and operate within a fixed social system and will be much better performers than the Oxen of the other elements.
Given the opportunity and motivation, they will embrace new and progressive views; they are less stubborn and more able to concede to majority rule.
They could climb to great heights, amassing wealth and achieving prominence, if they can succeed in founding and developing sizable industrial firms. With their strong drive, they can exploit their potential to the maximum. They understand the importance of coexistence and will link their ambitions to a larger order of things. They are capable of teamwork and are likely to be very corporate minded.
Fire Ox—1937, 1997
This Ox is a combustible performer and the type most drawn to power and importance. The Fire element reinforces their native sense of control and determined temperament. As a result, they can be more forceful and proud than the other Oxen, with the exception of the quiet Metal Ox. The Fire Ox is materialistic and may have a superiority complex. Consequently, they tend to eliminate persons or things they consider useless or inappropriate without attempting to see their true worth. Fire Oxen are ob
jective and outspoken, and they can be harsh to those who dare oppose them.
The Fire element could turn this Ox’s hard-working nature toward military service. With their militant tendencies, the Fire Ox will not hesitate to wage an all-out war against their opponents. Fire Oxen tend to overestimate their abilities at times and may show a lack of consideration for the feelings of others. Despite all this, this Ox is basically an honest soul and will not take advantage of others if they can avoid it. Their family will benefit most from the Fire Ox’s labors. This Ox will be very protective of their loved ones and will see to it that they are always well provided for. The Fire Ox will never shrink away when duty calls. They will most likely be flying their banner high and leading the charge.
Earth Ox—1949, 2009
This is an enduring although less creative type of Ox who is always faithful to their ideals and principles. The Earth Ox becomes aware of their limitations and imperfections quite early in life. However, they will shine in any career they decide to undertake because they are practical, industrious, and prepared to pay the price demanded for success. They contribute their share willingly and will favor practical and worthy endeavors. Security and stability are their two master goals.
Although the Earth Ox may not be sensitive or emotional by nature, they are capable of sincere and lasting affection and will be loyal and steadfast to their loved ones.
They will fight for advancement constantly throughout life and will endure difficulties and suffering without complaint. Purposeful and determined, this Ox will go far; it will be hard to push them back because they will never surrender captured ground. This may be the slowest but surest of all the Oxen.
Compatibility and Conflict for the Ox
The Ox is part of the Second Triangle of Affinity, which consists of the most purposeful and steadfast signs. The Ox, Snake, and Rooster are dutiful and dedicated fighters who strive to reach great heights and conquer by their sheer constancy and unfailing determination. These three are fixed in their views and given to thought and systematic planning. They are the most intellectual signs of the cycle. They rely on their own assessments of facts and figures and give little credence to hearsay evidence. They are most likely to comply with the dictates of their heads rather than their hearts. Slow and sure, they prefer to act independently. They will invariably seek each other out and can marry and intermingle most successfully.
Oxen will encounter their most serious personality clashes with people born in the year of the Sheep. Anyone whose ascendant is in the hours of the Sheep will also conflict with the Ox. In the Circle of Conflict, the Ox and the Sheep are 180 degrees apart and are thus total opposites. The Ox’s direction or compass point is north-northwest; the Sheep’s direction is identified as south-southwest. The Ox rules in winter, and the Sheep’s season is summer. The Ox’s fixed element is Water, while the Sheep’s natural element is Fire.
After the most compatible signs, the Snake and the Rooster, and the least compatible partner, the Sheep, the other nine signs are compatible with the Ox to varying degrees.
Rat
The Rat and the Ox do well in marriage or business relationships. Both are family-oriented hard workers who need security. The Rat tends to nag, but the patient Ox will tolerate it, knowing that the Rat has the Ox’s interests at heart. These two could live well and prosper if they keep to their proper roles in the relationship: the Rat will be the more verbal partner, and the Ox will be the good listener and superachiever.
Triangle of Affinity for the Ox
Circle of Conflict
Ox
Ox and Ox make for a lukewarm partnership. There may be areas of common interest but not enough to sustain real in-depth commitment. They may understand each other well, but each will be reluctant to bend to the will of the other. Necessity may bring them together, but once the crisis is over, they may opt to go their separate ways. There may also be a marked absence of communication, because both tend to keep their feelings to themselves and expect too much of the other.
Tiger
The Tiger and Ox are friends in good times, but when the going gets rough, they both tend to lose their infamous tempers and blame each other. The Tiger is loud and demonstrative, the Ox quiet and stubborn. The Tiger is defiant and rebellious in the face of authority, while the Ox will adhere to the rules and probably draw up a few new ones just to irritate the Tiger. A good referee is advisable for such a union—someone who can get both sides to calm down and listen to reason. On the whole, the Tiger may be too passionate and adventurous for the methodical Ox.
Rabbit
Both the Ox and the Rabbit are reserved and shy, and they might discover mutual interests; but there will probably be no magic here unless one of them has the other’s sign as an ascendant. The Rabbit is too well-mannered to offend, but he or she may be turned off by the Ox’s spartan outlook on life. The Ox will not be attracted by the Hare’s love of ease and luxury. Besides, the Rabbit’s best friends, the Sheep and the Boar, are not on the same wavelength as the Ox. Compatibility may be strained if the Rabbit has to choose between their friends and the exclusive company of the Ox.
Dragon
This is a workable relationship, as these two powerhouses of energy make a good team. They have mutual respect and understanding. Both can identify and work on their goals with religious zeal and for the common good. These two will have no major struggle for dominance if each keeps his or her end of the bargain. The Ox will let the Dragon hog the limelight so long as the Dragon pulls their own weight and gives the Ox their just due.
Snake
The Ox and the Snake will find a lasting friendship. Both animals look at decisions with a long-term view and believe in investing effort where it has an opportunity to pay off. Oxen are generous in providing support to Snakes and their sharp, strategic minds. As long as the Snake acknowledges the Ox’s hard work, the two can have a very happy and beneficial relationship.
Horse
Relations are limited or temporary between the Horse and the Ox. Nothing lasting can result unless one has the other’s sign as an ascendant. The Horse is mercurial and independent, while the Ox has feet firmly planted on the ground. The Horse uses intuition and charisma to achieve their goals, while the Ox prefers to go by the book. Communication barriers could easily preclude a close relationship between these two signs. The Horse prefers shortcuts, while the Ox sticks to the proven path.
Sheep
The Ox and the Sheep have very different approaches to life. The Ox is quick to learn the rules and abide by them, while the Sheep believes that everything is up for negotiation. Always on time and prone to working solo rather than being a team player, the Ox easily loses patience with the Sheep. The Sheep is more emotional than the objective-minded Ox, which can result in a parting of ways when the two cannot come to a working agreement.
Monkey
Both signs have mutual reservations about each other—and with good reason. The clever and intricate Monkey considers the Ox too slow and unimaginative. The Ox distrusts the Monkey’s schemes and cannot fully comprehend the Monkey’s ideas. They would actually make a good team if each were able to appreciate the other’s complementary qualities and could learn to take advantage of their differences. The Monkey is most likely to be the brains, the Ox the brawn. If they can work out their differences, their partnership will bear fruit.
Rooster
The Ox and the Rooster are highly compatible, stemming from a shared respect for organization and hard work. While the Rooster is chattier than the more subdued Ox, the two animals find working together quite easy because each pulls their own weight. The Ox may even learn a trick or two from their fellow taskmaster.
Dog
Dog and Ox can do well together if they are working toward the same goals or moving in the same circles. Otherwise, they may not have much sympathy or attraction for each other. The Dog is warm, likable, and idealistic in general. The Ox is stern, determined, and loyal only to their own idea
ls. These two may expect too much from each other and in the end could go their separate ways if the chemistry is not right. The congenial Dog may find the Ox too uncompromising unless they both champion the same cause. In a fight for justice or freedom, these two would make a great team.
Boar
The Ox can be compatible with the Boar to a certain degree. There will be no great personality clashes between these two unless the Boar’s best friends, the Sheep and the Rabbit, interfere. Then the relationship could cool or die because the Boar will always choose the Sheep and Rabbit over the domineering Ox. Otherwise, the social Boar will get along with the Ox and will try to keep the peace. Although there may be no struggle for dominance here, there may be no lasting bond either.
The Ox and Its Ascendant Relationships
We all have a shadow that follows us throughout life. Sometimes it grows bigger than life, and at other times it shrinks until it disappears into the soles of our feet. Sometimes it walks tall before us, and on other occasions it lags behind like a sulking friend. In Chinese horoscopes, this constant partner, manifest or not, is our ascendant, the animal sign that rules the hour of our birth and becomes a comrade in our journey through life. We may view it as friend or foe, or even a little of both. It surfaces when we least expect and shows a better or worse side of our nature. We can often be confounded by the way we listen to our “other self,” and we can feel resentful of the significant influence it can exert on us. Actually, a personality has many rings around the center of the self, and each ring can have a different size, texture, and aura. When all these factors combine, they bring forth the unique individual that the person truly is.