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The Ox Sign
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Hours ruled by the Ox
: 1 a.m. to 3
a.m. |
THE YEAR OF THE OX
We will
feel the yoke of responsibility coming down on us this year. No success can be
achieved without conscientious efforts. The trials and tribulations the Ox year
brings will be mainly on the homefront. It is a good time to settle domestic
affairs and put your house in order.
This year will no doubt bear fruit, but the motto is: "No work, no pay!"
Time waits for no man; if we are lazy to sow then we can blame no one if we have
nothing to reap. We will find a great many things requiring our attention, and
the list of what needs to be done will seem endless. The Spartan influence of
the Ox will be a constantly cracking whip over our heads. Better to apply
oneself diligently than waste time arguing with the authorities. They will
prevail, as the year of the Ox favors discipline.
Most conflicts this year will arise more from a lack of communication
and refusal to give in on small technicalities than anything else. But hang on
and be patient. Everything will be sorted out and we will be rewarded by our
efforts - so long as we remember to do things the conventional way. This is no
time for tricky shortcuts.
For the rebels, it may be worthwhile to point out that although the
stoical Ox is soft-spoken, he carries a big stick, and this is his year.
THE OX PERSONALITY
The Ox
sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. A person born during
this year will be dependable, calm and methodical. A patient and tireless
worker, he sticks to routine and conventions. Although he is generally
fair-minded and a good listener, it is difficult to make him change his views as
he is stubborn and often has strong prejudices.
Still, because of his steady and trustworthy character, the Ox person
will be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility. He will not
fall short where duty calls. As a matter of fact, he should be careful not to
get carried away.
Beneath his somewhat modest but neat appearance, the Ox shields a
resolute and logical mind. His intelligence and dexterity is hidden by the
reticent and undemonstrative front. But in spite of being basically an
introvert, his forceful nature can turn him into a commanding and eloquent
speaker when the occasion arises. In times of turmoil, his presence of mind,
refusal to be intimidated and innate self-confidence will restore order. He
walks with his head held high.
A person born under this particular sign is systematic. He adheres to
fixed patterns and has great respect for tradition. In fact, he tends to do
exactly what is expected of him and is so predictable that he may be unfairly
criticized for a lack of imagination. But the dutiful Ox knows that only through
doing things in their proper order can he hope to achieve lasting success. His
is the uncluttered mind. You won't find him muddling through life depending on
his luck to pull him through. What people born under the other signs may
accomplish by guile and wit, the Ox-born will by sheer tenacity and dedication.
You can rely on his promises; once he gives his word, he will stick by it.
Public opinion means little to him. He will apply himself wholeheartedly to
whatever task he is doing and finish the job. He detests loose ends.
The Ox can be terribly naive about affairs of the heart. He cannot fully
comprehend the entrapments of love, much less employ enticing strategy and other
allures to plead his romantic cause. Don't expect lyric poetry and moonlight
serenades from him. He just doesn't have the right chemistry for these sort of
things. Even his presents are likely to be strong and durable wares:
unpretentious and long lasting.
Because they are traditionalists, the Ox man and woman will also be
inclined to long courtships. It takes time for them to develop intimate
relationships. They are slow to warm up and reveal their true feelings. The Ox
man may be a knight of the most distinguished order, a gentleman of the highest
caliber, but he can turn into a fumbling, tongue-tied lad when it comes to
wooing his fair maiden.
But if you marry him and place your trust squarely on his shoulders, he
will never disappoint you; he will stick by you faithfully all his life. You
never need worry about the rent or the bills getting paid. He may not keep you
in diamonds and furs but life will be as comfortable as he can make it and you
will never be in need.
If you have the good fortune to marry an Ox lady, you sure picked the
no-nonsense type of girl. She'll starch your collar just the way mother does it,
fold your newspaper neatly on the breakfast table every day without fail and
poach your eggs to perfection. Even that "good morning" kiss may seem like
nothing more than a dutiful peck now and then. But if you think of her as being
boring or too set in her ways, consider this. She is neat and punctual. You will
never go through married life without clean shirts or holes in your socks or
having to eat burnt dinner. Honest, hard-working and above reproach, she will
make an ideal wife. The checkbook will be balanced and your joint account never
overdrawn. It's up to you to liven up her life and take the lead. After all, the
Ox person usually performs more than his or her share. A lot of wonderful things
come wrapped in plain brown paper. The Ox is one of them. Don't ever belittle
the packaging. He is worth his weight in gold.
Aside from his many sterling qualities, the Ox person is also known to
nurture grievances far too long. He has a long and exacting memory, and injuries
can be registered down to their last detail.
Where other signs such as the Tiger, Rooster or Rat may complain
vehemently when they are upset and the Sheep and Rabbit will sulk and become
morose, the Ox will react by plunging himself into hard work to alleviate his
misery and tension. If severely disappointed in love, he may bury himself in his
work forever and lead a solitary existence instead of running the risk of ever
being humiliated or rejected again.
The Ox will insist on settling his accounts. Debts will be paid to the
last decimal point. If he owes you something he will never forgive himself if he
doesn't show his gratitude in a tangible way. No profuse but empty phrases of
appreciation from him. He considers flowery words and lavish flattery uncouth
and beneath his dignity. But won't it come as a surprise to you when you find
out that that gruff fellow, who barely managed to mumble "Thank you", left you
something in his will? Well, that's a typical Ox gesture for you. If anyone's
actions speak louder than words - his do.
Beware of the Ox's legendary patience, because when an Ox person loses
his temper, he is really something to reckon with. It could be a terrifying
experience. There will be no reasoning with him: he will act like a bull and
attack anyone in his path. The only advisable thing to do is to get out of his
way until he cools off. By and large, however, he is seldom given to such taxing
display of fireworks unless he finds his situation truly unbearable.
At home, his word is law. He knows how to give orders as well as follow
them. And he expects his directives to be carried out to the letter. He has a
materialistic outlook on life, and although he may be inordinately fond and
proud of his family, he demands a lot from them, too. He will use the yardstick
of success and personal achievement to measure his love for them. Even though he
is not easily moved by emotions, he is a good provider and is capable of great
sacrifices for his family's welfare. When and where it really counts, he will
not let them down.
An Ox person will always be an asset to his firm and family. He has no
reason to feel insecure himself as he will be well cared for all his life.
Reason dictates that one so valuable should not be left to fend for himself.
The Ox born during the day will be more aggressive and active compared
to the quiet night Ox. Similarly, the winter Ox will have more trying times and
a leaner life than the summer Ox.
The native of this lunar sign is a down-to-earth type and will follow
his head rather than his heart. So if you want to win your case, appeal to his
reason and intelligence. Make a list of the pros and cons and support every
request with pertinent and reliable data. Sentiments alone rarely make him
change his mind. He also has a remarkable constitution and does not get sick
easily. Proud and uncompromising, the Ox is disdainful of weakness in others. If
he can learn to cultivate more humor and compassion, he will be much happier.
A natural-born leader and disciplinarian, he tends to be too rigid.
Likely to be a self-made man, he staunchly believes everyone should pull his own
weight - and no hedging about it either. At his worst, the Ox is unapproachable,
inflexible and narrow-minded. His lack of tact and consideration for others
coupled with a militant view of life at times could make him unsuitable for
positions involving public relations, diplomacy and finesse. However, he is
respected and liked for his basic honesty, unpretentiousness and steadfast
principles. He inspires loyalty in all his subordinates, as no task is beneath
him.
As mentioned earlier, the Ox person is not one who will go for the
shortcuts. His quiet dignity and strong morals will prevent him from resorting
to unfair means to achieve his goals. He will dislike asking others for help. As
a matter of fact, he is so self-reliant, that you may have to beg him to accept
a service.
The Ox-born has dynastic tendencies. Careful and conscientious, he
builds things to last. This sturdiness in his genes will extend to his offspring
and generations to come even if they are not born under the same sign. His
excellent character makes him an empire builder. He will take all precautions to
ensure the prosperity and survival of his lineage.
As the paterfamilias, he will lay down the laws pontifically and stand
for no youthful rebellion. He builds his life around his home, his work and his
country and will always prefer long-term, stable investments. Being a strict
creature of habit, he is no gambler: risk and razor-thin margins unnerve him
because they endanger his deep-felt need for security.
Of all the twelve signs, the colorful Rooster will bring the sunshine
into the Ox's orderly life and make a splendid partner for him. Both have high
respect for authority, admire efficiency and possess strong dedication to duty.
These common attributes will unite them. Equally well suited will be the
affectionate Rat or the wise Snake, both of whom will care deeply for the worthy
Ox. Dragon, Rabbit, Ox, Horse, Boar and Monkey will also be compatible to a
lesser degree with the Ox. But the Dog may find him too bland and criticize his
lack of humor; the Ox himself will not care too much for the company of the
capricious Sheep or the rebellious Tiger native, who in turn will resent his
regimentation.
Whatever happens, one can be sure that the success enjoyed by the Ox
will have been earned by his own merits. In short, the strong and disciplined Ox
does not expect and will not be getting any free rides in life. This stalwart
fellow will emerge a winner through his own efforts and no one should be more
deserving.
THE OX CHILD
This child
will not be a crybaby. He is unusually tough and can endure hardship. A rugged
individualist, he tends to begin speaking late and would rather settle arguments
with his fists. Stubborn and unyielding, he can turn the house upside down when
he puts his mind to it. He is not the fussy type but will be adamant about the
few concessions he demands. One of them will be his privacy.
He won't resent discipline and in fact will welcome your fixing a
schedule for him. He may insist on having his meals served at the same time each
day but he will not be particular about food. He thrives on regularity; knowing
where everything is and what is expected of him will give him a sense of
security. A girl born under this sign will go for order and neatness at home.
The Ox youngster enjoys taking charge when mother or teacher is away and
is stern and unsympathetic to offenders. He can and usually will give you an
unbiased opinion, as he is not easily influenced or taken in by flattery.
Instead of bribing or begging him to do something unpleasant, it will be more
effective to simply tell him, "It is an order!" He is not argumentative by
nature but you must gain his respect before he will obey you.
He relishes teaching younger children and will show remarkable patience
and perseverance in waiting for what he wants. Being a strong, silent type, he
may not readily reveal his feelings. He can be deeply hurt and no one may even
suspect it, because the Ox child is a very private person. Although he may put
up a blunt, strong-willed and loyal front, the Ox is terribly naive about the
realities of life. He needs to be protected in this respect and he will rely
heavily on moral support from his parents, teachers and family.
At school, he may be an exemplary student as he is not one to lock horns
with the authorities. His serious and no-nonsense outlook on life makes him
avoid joking or clowning around. He should be encouraged to express his emotions
and develop his sense of humor.
Above all, he will be reliable and responsible. He will win the respect
of his elders as well as his peers. The Ox child will be an outstanding example
of both an excellent leader and follower and perform his duties well.
