Your time has ended Rats
The time of the Ox ts here

 

 

by Michael Pierre

or us Westerners, as we are

called, the new year started

on January 1, 1997. But for
our Chinese and some other Asian
friends, the new year just started...
again.

February 7 marks the start of a
new year in the Chinese twelve year
animal calendar. The lunar year is
based on a twelve year cycle, with
every year represented not by
numbers, but by animals. The Bull
corresponds to the western sign
Capricorn. The Bull, known more
commonly as the Ox, is second in
this lunar cycle, following the rat.

These animal years were given by
Buddha. He summoned the animals
to honour them. The years were
named after the first twelve animals
to show up. There are stories that the
unicorn appeared after, but was
rejected on the advice of an advisor
as a thirteenth year would bring bad
luck.

The years of the Ox are 1901, 1913,
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and
1997.

What many people are not aware
of is that each animal has an element,
and the Ox is no different.

In 1901, 1961 and 2021, the Ox is
known as the Metal Ox. An example
of this type would be people who
have strong clashes of will with
others, even their superiors, who do
not agree with their views. These
people can express themselves well
and clear. An example of a Metal Ox
is Walt Disney.

The Water Ox carries the years
1853, 1913 and 1973. The average
Water Ox is a more realistic than
idealistic type of Ox. This type of Ox
is more flexible and reasonable and
thus open to suggestions. Examples
of a Water Ox are Richard Nixon and
Vincent van Gogh.

Next in line is the Wood Ox, who
has the years 1865, 1925 and 1985.
This Ox can be less rigid and at least
conscious of if not considerate of

other people’s emotions. This Ox can
be fair and impartial although his
lunar animal sign draws him toward
conservatism. Sammy Davis Jr. and
Margaret Thatcher are both exam-
ples of the Wood Ox.

Following the Wood Ox is the Fire
Ox which appears in the years of
1877, 1937 and 1997. This Ox can be
materialistic and may havea

Press

  

ad

superiority complex. However, this
Ox is honest, fair and is protective of
his or her loved ones. Examples of
this type are Robert Redford and
Dustin Hoffman.

Finally, in the years 1889, 1949 and
2009, is the Earth Ox. This Ox will
shine in any career. A perfect
description for this Ox is contained
in The Handbook of Chinese Horoscope,

   
 

David Tam Photo

by Theodora Lau, which says, “He
fights for constant advancement of
his station in life and will endure
difficulties and suffering without
complaint.” I quoted this because
examples of this type of Ox are
Charlie Chaplin and Adolf Hitler.

So what does the Ox do? What
should be expected in this year and
from Ox people?

 

The
prosecution

rests
page G

Measles update:-s
Kung hei fat choy-8
The Negro League: 12

Cheryl Chiu Graphic

Poe fone
AA brs FP o
(ro? Jy.

The year of the Ox is a fairly good
year. The Rats’ gains will not be
substantial but it will still be a bright
and happy time for their families
and they will benefit indirectly from
the good fortune of others. They
could find stress in their work area
and more responsibilities than usual.

The Ox is a hardworking indi-
vidual. No success can be achieved
without thorough conscientious
efforts and this is what the Ox
believes in. If no work is done, there
is no pay. Time is precious and waits
for no one. There is always some-
thing to do or somewhere to be and
you should be there, doing whatever
you have to do.

The Ox person will be dependable,
calm and methodical. The Ox is
strong minded but fair minded and a
good listener, although I wouldn't
count on the Ox to change its mind
as the Ox is stubborn and difficult to
change.

The Ox, on occasion, can be
terrible in affairs of the heart. The Ox
can’t fully understand love. Don’t
expect romantic poetry or serenades
by moonlight. Some people are cut
out for these things. The Ox isn’t.
The Ox man, however, can be a
knight in shining armour, but
fumbles on his words if he wants to
court a lady. An example of an Ox
lady is a no-nonsense type of
woman. She may seem boring but
she is neat and punctual. So if you
fall in love with a Ox type person,
just remember it isn’t his or her fault.
It is because they are an Ox.

To say happy new year in Chinese
is slightly differerit in each of the
two popular dialects. In Cantonese, it
is “kung hei fat choy,” which means
“May you prosper in the new year.”
In Mandarin, it is “xi nian kuai le,” or
“gong xi fa chai,” which means
“May the new year come quickly.” »