by Theodora Lau
Hence, a Dragon with an incompatible ascendant, like the Dog, has perhaps a more difficult inner struggle than a Snake born during the hours of the Snake. The double intensity of the Snake person will be easily understood by horoscope readers, while the more intricate Dragon/Dog may exhibit the contrary Dog and Dragon traits to varying degrees. There are many voices within each person, but in the end, only the individual determines which course he or she will follow, which choices he or she will make.
Following are the time periods governing the twelve ascendants, with descriptions of each ascendant’s effect on the Ox born during that period. The time of birth used to determine the ascendant is always the local time in the place of birth.
11 p.m. to 1 a.m. = Hours of the Rat
You have a sentimental side to your nature. The Rat’s charm softens you and makes you more flexible and communicative. You are more adept with words and in relationships than other Oxen, and you have a keen sense of humor. Still, you never forget an injury or how to count your pennies. You can be critical and demanding when you set your standards too high. Otherwise, everyone would love to have you for a friend.
1 a.m. to 3 a.m. = Hours of the Ox
Yours is a double Ox sign or a “pure” sign, because you have the same ascendant as your birth sign. You are gifted with extraordinary stamina, self-control, and determination. It would be foolish for anyone to try to outlast or outfight such a combination. Not much can be said for your humor or imagination. Try to lighten up a bit on that discipline; not everyone is out to deliberately break the rules. If you don’t overreact when you are in control, people will learn to appreciate your true worth and respect you more.
3 a.m. to 5 a.m. = Hours of the Tiger
You are a captivating Ox with a lively, dramatic personality that draws people to you. You won’t be as soft-spoken as other Oxen, or as shy, either. Watch out for your explosive temper, and don’t jump to conclusions without checking everything twice. It will be worth your while to restrain your impulsiveness. With the Tiger’s influence, you will need and demand more attention than other Ox natives. Performance is where you excel; you are a natural actor or athlete.
5 a.m. to 7 a.m. = Hours of the Rabbit
With the Rabbit’s influence you will be kind, diplomatic, and discreet, but like the Ox, you are not likely to change your opinions easily. A creature of habit, you dislike disruptions and unforeseen delays, and you will seek to establish order and control over your life. You are a refined Ox who will collect art and antiques and will appreciate music and the theater. Your Rabbit ascendant will usually prevent you from becoming a workaholic.
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. = Hours of the Dragon
You have the strength and power of the Dragon for achieving your ambitions in life. Your main shortcoming will be your opinionated and inflexible Ox character. If you could adapt to changes and accede to the wishes of the majority, you would gain much more. The Dragon’s intensity makes you see things only one way: your own. But to succeed, you will need help from different sources. Try to learn to negotiate instead of dictate.
9 a.m. and 11 a.m. = Hours of the Snake
With the Snake as your ascendant, you will be doubly secretive, because the Ox is not exactly one to confide in others. This makes you uncommunicative about your true feelings. Give others a chance to understand you by being more candid and open with them. Otherwise, you will end up being a loner. You have a deeply religious side to your personality, and you trust in your beliefs and intuition immensely. More often than not, you will be right to rely on your own judgment. Others will find the hidden mystical side of you intriguing.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. = Hours of the Horse
The Horse as your ascendant makes you a happy-go-lucky person. You are open-minded and carefree. The Horse makes you a good dancer, a lover of music, and a sharp dresser. It also makes you change your mind more often than you would like. However, you are one Ox who will like having variety in your life and will enjoy travel and new adventures.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. = Hours of the Sheep
You are an artistic Ox with a tender side to your personality. Easily moved by sad news or tragedy, you are generous and trusting, and you are always ready to help the less fortunate. With the Sheep ascendant, you are receptive to new ideas and have a flair for art. However, with the stable influence of the Ox, you will be business-minded enough to make money from your talents. The biggest inner struggle you could have is the conflict between the Sheep’s lavish, free-spending ways and the Ox’s love of frugality and simplicity.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. = Hours of the Monkey
You will be a shrewd but jovial Ox who will not take your problems too seriously because, with the Monkey’s influence, you won’t have to. The Monkey’s shrewdness will always find a way out or invent a solution if there isn’t one. The Ox in you strives for discipline and order, while the Monkey bends the rules to suit its own agenda. People will have to wake up very early to put one over on you.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. = Hours of the Rooster
People would describe you as dynamic and dutiful and would probably vote for you if you ran for public office. A cross between the soldier and the preacher, you could hold the Bible in one hand and a firearm in the other. What you won’t win by rhetoric, you will win by sheer force. Not one to deal lightly with opposition, you may tend to keep fighting even after you have won the battle. Your enemies are the ones who need our sympathy; they won’t be able to keep up with you.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. = Hours of the Dog
The Dog ascendant brings popularity and happiness to the Ox’s rather spartan outlook. You are fair minded and will listen to all sides before making a decision. However, you do tend to favor the underdog and like to champion difficult and hard-to-win causes. The Ox will accept any challenge without flinching, and the Dog is loyal to a fault. Everyone would love to have you working for them or at least on their side.
9 p.m. to 11 p.m. = Hours of the Boar
Although you are still conservative and disciplined, the Boar colors your world with its zest for life and love of material things. You will no doubt like to work hard, but you will know how to play hard, too. Good food, fine wine, and the company of friends are what you like best. The Boar’s generosity combined with the Ox’s sincere ability to make strong commitments will produce a dependable and friendly personality who is more than willing to shoulder responsibilities that others may find overwhelming.
When Moon Signs Meet Sun Signs
In our interpretation of Chinese horoscopes, the first lunar sign, the Rat, is not linked with the first Western astrological sun sign, Aries. Instead, we pair the Rat with its Western counterpart based on the month and season of the Rat, which are December and winter. This makes the most sense, as the lunar month of December (also called the Twelfth Moon or the Twelfth Earth Branch) is supposed to parallel the sun sign Sagittarius, the Archer. We envision the Eastern and Western horoscope cycles as two large wheels, each with twelve spokes. To correctly juxtapose these cycles, we must find the matching notch that will join them together. Once the Rat and Sagittarius are paired as the first signs, the other eleven signs of both systems fall into place with each other.
Following are the twelve Western solar signs, with descriptions of each sign’s effect on the Ox born under that sign.
Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21
Sagittarius Ox = Fire + Negative Water
The Archer here will utilize the Ox’s authority with more finesse and goodwill. The Sagittarian Ox is still heavy-handed but will make up for their stubbornness with exquisite yet practical taste and manners. A more focused perfectionist, the Sagittarian Ox is realistic but has flair and style. Looking for the good in others and planning how to salvage hopeless situations brings them the most happiness and success. The Ox is a strong helmsman, and the Archer’s instincts and showmanship are above par. As a result, the Sagittarian Ox can conduct flawless rescue operations and will probably be an excellent entrep
reneur. Noble, altruistic, and practical, the Sagittarian Ox loves both wisely and well.
Capricorn: December 22 to January 20
Capricorn Ox = Earth + Negative Water
A serious marriage of these two slow but sure signs produces a personality made of granite who will withstand hard times and adversity. This Ox’s convictions are often inflexible, and their righteousness is overpowering. These harsh but extremely self-sufficient people conceal the lighter side of their nature and will themselves to climb the loftiest cliffs without a word of complaint. Although they may be tender and selfless toward those they love, they are rarely demonstrative. These spartan people are simple and deliberate. They know what they want, and to get it they will be able to bear twice the level of responsibility that others would find hard even to think about. The Capricorn Ox is sure to reach the peak of any mountain they decide to climb.
Aquarius: January 21 to February 19
Aquarius Ox = Air + Negative Water
The belligerent qualities of the Ox are altered by the cool and airy ways of this Uranian sign, the Water Bearer. Nonviolent but also nonconforming, the ebullient Aquarius will teach the stiff Ox that one must sometimes stoop to conquer. The Water Bearer is too intelligent to resort to the brute force Oxen may employ when they are vengeful. Likewise, this subject will have above-average foresight and social graces. They are less predictable than other Oxen and are not above defying public opinion by bending the rules to suit themselves.
Pisces: February 20 to March 20
Pisces Ox = Water + Negative Water
Prim and proper, Piscean Oxen will possess a mystical and sweet nature marked by strong inhibitions. Yet people are drawn to them despite their reticence because they exude a feeling of security and display the Ox’s knack for being able to control their environment. Their reserved ways and quiet mannerisms only emphasize their strength and trustworthiness. Solemn, but with the gourmet taste of Pisces, they will also use the Ox’s ability to achieve financial stability. As genuine as 24-karat gold and absolutely honest, the Piscean Ox will still have an ego that bruises easily, partly because of the Fish’s sensitivity and partly because the Ox will refuse to tolerate any disrespect.
Aries: March 21 to April 19
Aries Ox = Fire + Negative Water
Because the Ox is slow and sure and the Ram is self-possessed and occasionally arrogant, this will be a temperamental and stubborn personality. Neither sign is gifted with words, so the result could be too much action and strength of will and not enough tolerance. Still, these people do look before they leap, as both animals here are surefooted and reluctant to give up territory staked out as theirs. Aries Oxen go a long way by themselves and seldom seek help or burden others with their troubles. If and when they decide to challenge authority, they can be intolerable.
Taurus: April 20 to May 20
Taurus Ox = Earth + Negative Water
When dealing with this slow but extremely persistent climber, bear in mind that the Taurean Ox has four horns and eight hooves, and this amount of hardware is enough to overwhelm anyone. The Venus personality of the Bull is sensuous, but both signs here are very definite about who they are and what they want. Orderly, practical, and determined, the Taurean Ox can also be dictatorial and obsessed with self-enforced discipline. They express themselves in plain, down-to-earth language, and they abhor flattery and fancy talk. When the Taurean Ox is aroused, he or she can suddenly turn into a one-person stampede. And once they set their mind to something, well, they are about as open to discussion and as movable as the Sphinx.
Gemini: May 21 to June 21
Gemini Ox = Air + Negative Water
The Gemini virtuoso brings wit and vitality to lighten the Buffalo’s stodginess. Yet the Ox’s methodical ways should prove a blessing, as the Gemini personality will not be so mercurial. The Gemini Ox will be able to finish tasks on schedule and will not resist carrying out routine or boring but essential assignments. These responsible souls will be able to both take care of themselves and utilize their sound visionary qualities. And this Ox will certainly know how to speak his or her mind, thanks to the Gemini gift of eloquent speech.
Cancer: June 22 to July 21
Cancer Ox = Water + Negative Water
A person born with this combination will not be half as amiable as they look. But they will be thoughtful and considerate in spite of behaving like a motherly dictator at times. The Cancerian Ox is not a sacrificial lamb and will create an uproar if their rights are trampled on. Nor will the Buffalo allow the Crab to be overly controlled by their emotions. On the other hand, the Cancerian influence on the Ox will definitely ameliorate some of their dictatorial and dogmatic ways. This person may turn out to be a very good listener who can be firm and understanding at the same time.
Leo: July 22 to August 21
Leo Ox = Fire + Negative Water
This will be a warm-hearted yet slightly impersonal character with a dignified appearance. The Leo Ox could also be dramatic and even pompous at times, as the Lion’s ego does take up a lot of room. The Buffalo’s sternness and uncompromising outlook will only serve to reinforce this sun sign’s indomitable will. But the Lion spreads largesse and radiance onto the otherwise dour Ox, and this person will be far from dull. A respected and commanding personality, the Leo Ox will have the ability to lead effortlessly.
Virgo: August 22 to September 22
Virgo Ox = Earth + Negative Water
The Virgo Ox is shrewd, very careful, and in their own estimation, quite infallible. No matter how much formal education a Virgo Ox has had, they will never stop assimilating knowledge and bettering themselves throughout life. They will also hate being in crowded or noisy places, as it offends their monastic soul and interferes with their desire for quiet contemplation. Need someone to set down every letter of the law? No one should be better qualified than the Virgo Ox. Very strong, deeply religious, and systematic to a fault, this combination emphasizes discipline and will never hesitate to take wrongdoers to task.
Libra: September 23 to October 22
Libra Ox = Air + Negative Water
The Libra Ox will not be stubborn or hot tempered, for Venus’s child always opts for comfort and compromise. The Buffalo’s rigidity is curbed a good deal here, although this personality will not have that strong Libran need to be dependent or Libras’ notorious inability to make up their mind. Cheerful and undemanding of others, this Ox will make friends easily while maintaining high standards for those they choose to model themselves on. This is an Ox who loves the good life and won’t plan on working too hard without bouts of leisure in between. Trust the Libra Ox to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Scorpio: October 23 to November 21
Scorpio Ox = Water + Negative Water
This personality is gifted with the Buffalo’s strength and the Scorpion’s deadly sting. Never doing things by halves and quick to retaliate, they will fearlessly navigate the deep waters this combination represents. Endowed with an inflexible will and a demanding ego, this person will be an outstanding religious or military leader. Alternatively, they could use all their energies to either uphold the law or rebel against it. Never vague about their desires, the Scorpio Ox will pursue their dreams with rare intensity. This Ox will reach the finish line first because of their innate tenacity and absolute refusal to come second to anyone.
The Seasons of the Ox
Spring
Oxen born during the day will be more active, hardworking, and social than those born in the evening. Because the Ox must toil endlessly in the spring to prepare the soil for the crops, any person born in the spring will have to work hard in life and shoulder a heavy burden of responsibilities. Usually they will be capable and prepared to deal with whatever life shoves their way. As natural leaders and innovators, they hate to waste time and are very achievement conscious. Physically and mentally strong, Oxen born in the spring will be noted for their invaluable contributions to society and their families.
> Summer
The summer Ox is fattened by the fruits of their labor and will have a contented life. Grass is plentiful, and they will be well cared for because they are the farmer’s most valuable asset. The long, warm days are still filled with duty and chores, but the Ox of summer enjoys a busy life filled with commitments they love. They have few fears and do not need to prove anything to themselves or others. Self-assured and reliable, this Ox will go through life ready and able to pull their own weight. They will love learning and will be dedicated to whatever profession they decide to master.