Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year

Oxen who find love or are in the early stages of a relationship should let the romance develop in its own way rather than make commitments before they feel ready. This way they will be more certain of their feelings. Also taking time, rather than rushing, suits the Ox psyche.

Domestically, this promises to be an active year, with many Oxen being especially proud of the achievements of a loved one or reaching a personal milestone. There could be good reason for a family celebration in many an Ox household. Oxen will also be keen to embark on some practical projects about the home. They should, however, be realistic in what is doable at any one time. Short-term projects that can be broken down and tackled in stages will be easier and more satisfying than overambitious undertakings. To help, Oxen should consult those around them, be mindful of their views and involve them in their plans. This will not only lead to more happening but also more being appreciated.

Overall, Oxen will find their commitment and efforts rewarded this year. Progress can be made and experience gained. Relations with others will need care, attention and good communication. However, if Oxen make the effort, they can gain a lot from the Rat year and emerge from it with knowledge to build upon and opportunities to develop.

Tips for the Year

Be receptive to the possibilities that open up for you this year. You may need to be adaptable, but the skills you gain can not only help your present situation but also the longer term. Value your relations with others and take especial note of their views and feelings. Extra care and attention can enhance this good year.

Ox Fortunes in the Year of the Ox

Oxen are set to fare well in their own year and enjoy some steady growth and pleasing personal developments. Even so, the year will not be without its obstacles and delays. Results can sometimes be slow in coming through and this is more a time of gradual accumulation than spectacular breakthrough.

However, one important factor will be the chance Oxen will have to consider their overall situation, think ahead and introduce some changes. If there is some aspect of their life they are not currently satisfied with, now is the time to act. Oxen like to take responsibility, and this is a year for taking responsibility for their present position and future direction. Decisions made now can have far-reaching effects. Oxen can be their own architects this year, designing their life and considering what it is they want to see happen.

A particularly positive area concerns their relations with others, and for many there will be personal celebrations in store. Affairs of the heart are favourably aspected and some Oxen who start the year unattached will meet someone who is destined to become very special. For those who are alone and perhaps feeling dispirited, this is a year to reach out, to engage in what is happening around them and to meet new people. Positive effort can lead to a change in personal fortunes. For Oxen who are enjoying romance, marriage and/or settling down with someone are possibilities this year. Some Oxen could start a family or see their family increase in numbers. Domestically, these can be fine and often special times.

Shared interests and family occasions can also bring memorable moments. There may be personal and family news to celebrate as well as the realization of some much-anticipated plans. As ever, Oxen will advise certain family members over key decisions and their wise counsel and solid nature will be much valued.

With travel well aspected, they should also take advantage of any chances to go away with their loved ones. A holiday and trips to certain attractions can be much appreciated.

Socially, the Ox year can bring an increase in activity, with Oxen themselves enjoying spending time with their friends and meeting new people. Such is the nature of the year that some new contacts could be especially helpful with certain undertakings. Indeed, throughout the year, Oxen will have many people rooting for them and encouraging them on.

At work, many will be content to focus on their existing role and use their current skills. Work-wise, Ox years are not always straightforward, though, and certain duties and objectives may be problematic. With support and skill, however, Oxen can still accomplish a great deal and some will have the chance to move to a more specialist role. Steady progress can be made this year.

Oxen who are unfulfilled where they are or are seeking work should give careful thought to how they see themselves developing. By obtaining advice and following it, many will be successful in securing the chance to establish themselves in a new role. This may require time, but Ox years reward commitment.

Progress made at work will help financially and many Oxen will be able to go ahead with plans and purchases they have long considered, including travel.

Personal interests can also be satisfying and Oxen who would welcome new challenges should set time aside to pursue something different. This is an excellent year to follow through ideas, make some changes and enjoy some new interests. Also, Oxen deserve some treats and some ‘me time’.

In general, the Ox year holds considerable potential for Oxen. On a personal level, there could be celebrations, special times and new love to enjoy. New activities could add interest to the present time, while at work there will be opportunities for Oxen to demonstrate their skills and move ahead, albeit steadily. A full and fulfilling year and on a personal level an often special one too.

Tips for the Year

Much can change this year and you can be firmly in the driving seat, but you need to decide on your route and set forth. This may require effort, but can offer substantial benefits too. And there will be support, goodwill and good personal times along the way.

Ox Fortunes in the Year of the Tiger

There will be many times during the Tiger year when Oxen will look askance at developments and despair of the pace with which they are happening. Tiger years are fast-moving and lack the stability that Oxen favour. But, while this is not an easy year for them, Oxen are made of stern stuff and, with care, can still benefit.

With the aspects as they are, they should, however, proceed cautiously and, when situations call for it, keep a low profile. Although Oxen are usually forthright, in volatile situations they should consider their responses carefully. ‘A word once spoken cannot be retrieved’, as the Chinese proverb tells us, and Oxen would do well to bear this in mind this year. In addition, while they may have doubts over certain developments, sometimes their initial fears could be misplaced and patience will often be the best approach.

A feature of Tiger years is that they give rise to ideas and initiatives, and this is particularly evident in the workplace. Often new systems and ways of working will be introduced and Oxen, who favour tradition, could feel uneasy about the changes and the inevitable teething problems they bring. To compound situations, new colleagues and/or the unhelpful attitude of some could be of concern, but amid the challenges, there are important gains to be had. Sometimes training will be available which will not only further the skills of Oxen but also be helpful in their subsequent progress. Also, as workloads increase and staff change, openings can arise. Tiger years can be demanding – and exasperating – but, by being prepared to adapt, learn and make the most of situations, Oxen can make headway.

With the Tiger year being one of change, some Oxen will seek a position elsewhere and some will decide to take their career in an entirely new direction. For these Oxen, as well as those seeking work, obtaining a new position will require great effort, but with persistence and initiative, they can succeed. Many redoubtable Oxen can triumph this year in spite of often difficult conditions.