Year of the Ox: Fortune and Personality – Chinese Zodiac

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.

Paired with the Celestial Stems (天干 / Tiān gān), there is a 60-year calendrical cycle. Although chǒu is associated with earth, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature (五行 / wǔ xíng).

Recent years of the Ox

Year
Celestial Stem
Earthly Branch
Zodiac
Element
Yin Yang

1925
yǐ
chǒu
Ox
Wood
Yin

1937
ding
chǒu
Ox
Fire
Yin

1949
jǐ
chǒu
Ox
Earth
Yin

1961
xīn
chǒu
Ox
Metal
Yin

1973
guǐ
chǒu
Ox
Water
Yin

1985
yǐ
chǒu
Ox
Wood
Yin

1997
ding
chǒu
Ox
Fire
Yin

2009
jǐ
chǒu
Ox
Earth
Yin

2021
xīn
chǒu
Ox
Metal
Yin

Personality and Characteristics

Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.

They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their bounds. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion using pathos. Rarely losing your temper, they think logically and make great leaders.

Elements and fortunes

Element
Year
Fortune

Metal
1961, 2021
These Oxen face obstacles early on, although there are no financial worries. Friends and family aren’t much help, but they will be able to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Water
1973, 2033
These Oxen have a comfortable early life and are respected their entire life. They will have a loving family, but it’s recommended to marry late.

Wood
1925, 1985
These Oxen are multitalented and live like a breeze. There are some difficulties in the beginning, but everything smooths out.

Fire
1937, 1997
These Oxen are friendly and social. There are no financial worries their entire life.

Earth
1949, 2009
These Oxen are detailed and like being the leader. They’re usually are make a lot of money, but can’t seem to hold onto it. However, they are able to slow down and enjoy their later years.

Men born in the Ox year are reliable and trustworthy. They put their entire heart into everything they do. They feel great responsibility towards their family as well. However, due to their confidence (almost arrogance), they don’t allow anyone to go against their rules. They hold your children to high expectations, even though it might be unrealistic.

Women born in the Ox year are calm and gentle. They will never surrender to fate and rarely think of choosing an alternative. This no doubt leads to a life of struggles. But no matter what, they will walk down the road they choose until the end. Despite this stubbornness, they think and react quickly.

Compatibility

Most compatible with Ox: Rat, Snake, Rooster

Rat’s fixed Earthly Branch is water, while Ox is earth. They have complementing personalities and hold the same goals in life.

Snake and Rooster fit Ox nicely as well. Not only will Snakes give warmth and romance, they offer help and support in work too. Honest and loyal, they can also be attracted to the Rooster’s soft and loving heart.

Least compatible with Ox: Goat, Horse, Dog

The Earthly Branches of Goat and Ox clash strongly. They can tolerate each other’s differences, but there will always be tension.

Horses have a free and wild spirit, and may not have a serious attitude toward life. This is the opposite of an Ox’s personality. With Dogs, it’s hard to find common ground.

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

Careers Fit for Oxen

Oxen often group family and work together. They look for long-term and steady work. Because of this, they are studious in school and perform well in every subject. This helps build a strong support for any future career path.

Because of their low-key personality, a stable job is the best for Oxen. Their strong sense of responsibility also makes them the perfect candidate for professional and stressful jobs. These include doctors, lawyers, businessmen and teachers. With their technical skills and effort, they can receive society’s recognition and reach their own standards.

No matter what career they choose, it must something they are really interested in. Though they may be okay with any job that fits their skills, they should take the time to find something they love. Only in a stable environment that matches their passions, are they able to find their true calling.

Health and Lifestyle

Like the wild oxen that run freely in the fields, people of the Ox year are healthy and fit. Hospital visits are rare, but this sometimes leads to overconfidence. Neglect during youth will result in problems in the later years.

As workaholics, Oxen will sometimes go days with minimal food and rest, then binge on both. Irregular diets will lead to indigestion and problems with the digestive system. Irregular exercise is what causes you to fall ill with “random” ailments.

Once they reach the middle ages, there is high risk of heart disease. Strokes are another risk. In addition, they commonly suffer from joint pain.

Most of these issues stem from irregular exercise. For a healthy life, they need to remember to take breaks from work, stretch and relax.

Horoscope

Oxen in the Year of the Rabbit (2023)

The year of 2023 will be auspicious for the Ox in general, with work and finances highlighted in particular. With three benevolent stars in their chart, the Ox is likely to experience many pleasant surprises in work and life. Don’t stop working hard as you usually do, however. It’s possible that your luck isn’t simply bestowed on you, but earned by your hard work in previous years!

That’s not to say everything will be smooth sailing this year. Little problems will pop up here and there, only to turn into opportunities in a short while. For example, you may find that your current house or apartment is no longer inhabitable, only to find a much better place to live in no time. Change is what many yearn for, and change is what the Ox will get in 2023.

In general, your luck will be trending up!

Love and Relationships in 2023

Love for the Ox in 2023, while not as promising as career, will still trend positively. The Ox will gain a certain confidence this year, as their career takes off, which will make them rather attractive in the eye of potential suitors, too. Show your dependable charms, and express your feelings with conviction, and you’re likely to end the year very happily in love.

Single Oxen could meet the love of their lives this year, with help from the auspicious star “Tian Yi”. However, please make sure not to move too slowly when you meet that someone special, as anyone who meets your high standards is likely to draw others’ attention as well. Even after you become an item, nurture your relationship with care and affection, lest others think your new relationship isn’t as solid as it could be!

If you’re already paired off at the start of the year, you should enjoy a smooth and mutually affectionate 2023 with your partner. The only note is that the Ox, while mild-tempered, can be stubborn at times. If you find yourself quarreling with your partner, try to compromise with them and remember these are only minor disruptions in your otherwise very satisfying relationship. If you can take these opportunities to learn to rein in your temper, your relationship will grow and flourish more than previous years, as long as you’re willing!

Career in 2023

In 2023, the Ox will make great progress in career, especially those in the public sector. With the help of higher-ups, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a very generous promotion.

Oxen in the private sector will likewise enjoy opportunities to showcase their unique talents and perseverance in major projects. This will lead to them gaining the approval and appreciation of both higher-ups and colleagues. But make sure you stick with anything you start through thick and thin, and not give up when the going gets tough.

If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s possible that you’ll enjoy a great year and end up expanding your business by the end of 2023. Be careful if you’re looking for funding, however, because not everyone is as honest and trustworthy as the Ox – if someone seems to be promising too much, do your due diligence if they can put money behind their words first before being carried away on this seeming recognition.

Finally, a fantastic work year for one of the hardest working zodiacs!

Wealth in 2023

In 2023, the Ox will see their wealth fluctuate more than usual. The good news is that with career advancement comes sizable raises, bonuses and earnings. However, with so much movement in the workplace comes necessary adjustments and costly periods of settling into a new position, like relocating for a job or investing in a new wardrobe.

The Ox is in general careful with finances, so they’ll likely do just fine for such situations. Even so, the Ox is advised to be extra vigilant with their expenses this year, and make sure their accounts don’t get knocked off balance. If you invest, choose more sensible products over anything that promises high returns for much higher risks – this isn’t the year to back a potential unicorn!

Education in 2023

Student Oxen will enjoy a stellar year in school. Teachers will notice your special brand of hard work, while your classmates will see how much you contribute to projects and appreciate having you on the team.

Any tests you’ll need to take, you’ll likely pass with flying colors, which will see you in the spotlight quite a few times in 2023. Enjoy the admiration and even envy, but then get back to your studies with diligence. You’re playing the long game after all, aren’t you?

Health in 2023

Health may be the only area that shows a downward pressure for the Ox. But fear not, any health problems should be minor. To avoid them, take care of your body and visit your doctor for what may feel like mild discomforts – you wouldn’t want them to snowball into any major medical conditions, would you?

The Ox should also learn not to be bothered by irritations and minor disagreements with others. Don’t let your new hubris in the workplace because it isn’t bravado that landed you in prestige. Staying your humble and hardworking self, while actively trying to maintain a Zen-like attitude will serve you best in health, as well as work and love!

Oxen in the Year of the Tiger (2022)

People born in years of the Ox will be helped by people in high places this year, and no matter what luck they encounter, Oxen will be able to turn it into good fortune. There will be many friends around to help them on a daily basis as well. Therefore, Oxen should cherish all of their friends. Generally speaking, Oxen will be favored by good fortune this year, with relatively smooth career development.

On the other hand, there may be people jealous of their good fortune lurking in the shadows, waiting to replace Oxen in some way. While cherishing friends, try to be aware if someone may not have the best intentions in their dealings with Oxen in 2022.

Love and Relationships in 2022

After a lukewarm 2021, Oxen’s love life is scheduled for a major upgrade in 2022. Whether single or in a relationship, Oxen’s love life will improve. If you are already in a relationship, you may consider commitment or marriage this year. In any case, your love for your partner will heat up even more than before. However, because this is a year when Oxen may meet those who attract their attention, if already in a relationship, be advised to keep responsibility in mind and not be tempted by new faces who will not prove as right for you as your existing partner.

Those who are single will have the chance to meet potential partners who catch their eye and who, upon further conversation, will show themselves to possess qualities that Oxen value in their other half. Note that in the beginning of your courtship, try to be neither pushy nor standoffish, but genuinely get to know the other person before deciding if they are the one for you. It is possible to enter a stable relationship in 2022 and reach the stage of peaceful bliss that every Oxen desires in this area of their life.

Career in 2022

Career will be your most fortunate domain in 2022. As long as you can boldly grasp the opportunities that present themselves, you will find yourself much more ahead at the end of the year compared to 2021. In particular, people in high places who are already in your life will extend an olive branch at many junctures, while those you will meet this year will be very willing to help you as well.

Your luck and hard work may draw the attention of competitors within your company or place of employment, so stay vigilant to potential threats to avoid being set up by anyone you do not suspect. At the very least, competition will be fierce, so you must not become complacent. Do what Oxen do best: put your nose to the grindstone.

Wealth in 2022

Both your income and your expenditure are likely to stabilize this year, and the financial strain you may have experienced in 2021 will greatly ease. Because you will be helped by higher-ups in 2022, you may have the opportunity to expand your business or income earning ventures this year. If you want to generate more investment or side income in 2022, you are advised to utilize your network, which may yield valuable information that helps your money generate more in this fortunate year. At the same time, be sure you have a good handle on everything you commit to, and not overreach your luck.

Education in 2022

Student Oxen will have great fortune in 2022, not only in maintaining their existing advantages with ease, but also through experiencing important breakthroughs in areas previously unconsidered. Even those who may not have been good students in the past will finally hit their stride and apply themselves, leading to much better results than previous years.

Health in 2022

Oxen will most likely not have any serious illnesses in 2022. However, you may already suffer from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases prior to this year, which means you should pay attention to maintaining your health. Smoke less, drink less alcohol, and exercise regularly. As Oxen may be susceptible to obesity, you should take care that your diet is not too heavy, and eat lightly when going out.