Your Chinese Horoscope 2011

Wood Ox: 1925, 1985

The Wood Ox conducts himself with an air of dignity and authority and will often take a leading role in any enterprise in which he becomes involved. He is very self-confident and is direct in his dealings with others. He does, however, have a quick temper and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He has tremendous drive and willpower and an extremely good memory. He is particularly loyal and devoted to the members of his family and has a most caring nature.

Fire Ox: 1937, 1997

The Fire Ox has a powerful and assertive personality and is a hard and conscientious worker. He holds strong views and has very little patience when things do not go his way. He can also get carried away in the excitement of the moment and does not always take into account the views of those around him. He nevertheless has many leadership qualities and will often reach positions of power, eminence and wealth. He usually has a small group of loyal and close friends and is very devoted to his family.

Earth Ox: 1949, 2009

This Ox sets about everything he does in a sensible and level-headed manner. He is ambitious but also realistic in his aims and is often prepared to work long hours in order to secure his objectives. He is shrewd in financial and business matters and is a very good judge of character. He has a quiet nature and is greatly admired for his sincerity and integrity. He is also very loyal to his family and friends and his views are often sought.

PROSPECTS FOR THE OX IN 2011

The Ox will often have felt uncomfortable with the developments and fast pace of the Tiger year (14 February 2010–2 February 2011). It will have been a demanding time, with many Oxen facing increased pressures and difficult decisions. However, while the aspects in the Tiger year may be mixed, there is good reason for the Ox to take heart, for his prospects are more encouraging in the next Chinese year.

In what remains of the Tiger year the Ox will need to proceed carefully. In his work he should concentrate on his specific duties and also take note of the developments going on around him. This is no time for him to be too independent in approach. For Oxen who are considering a change or are seeking a position, September and November could see some interesting possibilities.

In financial matters the Ox will need to be vigilant and take his time when making more substantial purchases as well as watch his outgoings. Risks or haste could lead to regret.

With a lot likely to be on his mind, the Ox also needs to be forthcoming and share his thoughts with those around him. This will be far better than brooding or keeping any anxieties to himself. Both family and friends will be keen to advise and support. In addition, by playing his usual active part in home life, he will particularly appreciate some of the occasions that take place towards the end of the year. Similarly, in his social life, if he takes up invitations and spends time with his friends, he will not only enjoy himself but can also do himself considerable good, particularly as this will give him the chance to relax and unwind.

The Tiger year may be challenging, but it will not be without its pleasures, and the more the Ox joins with others (and watches his independent tendencies), the more he is likely to gain from it.

The Year of the Rabbit begins on 3 February and will be a much improved one for the Ox. Rather than feeling buffeted by events and the pace that characterizes the Tiger year, he will be able to focus on his objectives and achieve some positive results. Admittedly, the Rabbit year will still have its problems, but overall this can be a far more satisfying and constructive time for the Ox.

For Oxen who are starting the Rabbit year dissatisfied, at a low ebb or disappointed with recent progress, this is very much a time to draw a line under what has happened and to look ahead. With a positive ‘can do’ approach, the Ox will find more opening up for him.

This will be especially the case at work, and many Oxen will feel that the time is now right to take their skills further and explore new options. For quite a few, developments in their current place of work could give them the opening they want. By keeping alert and indicating their desire to progress, many will be able to make important – and sometimes overdue – headway. Any new roles and duties will also involve the Ox learning new skills and adapting to different ways of working, but by showing commitment and resolve, he can do himself and his reputation much good.

For Oxen who are keen to take their career in another direction, as well as those seeking work, again the Rabbit year can have encouraging developments in store. To benefit, these Oxen will need to be active in making enquiries as well as consider other ways in which they could use their strengths, but by chance, almost as if by fate taking a hand, an opening could arise which is not only suitable but gives these Oxen an exciting and often inspiring new challenge. Mid-March to early June and October could see some interesting developments, but whenever opportunities arise the Ox needs to act swiftly and emphasize his qualities and experience.

The progress the Ox makes at work can also lead to an increase in income, but money matters still need to be handled carefully. The Ox does need to budget for his commitments and try to reduce any borrowings. He should also be careful if he becomes involved in a more informal arrangement, including lending to another person, as problems and misunderstandings could arise. In money matters this is a year for caution and careful management.

On a personal level, however, the Rabbit year has much to offer. For Oxen enjoying romance this is set to grow stronger as the year progresses, while for the unattached, a chance meeting can often become meaningful and new love add excitement to the year. Oxen who would welcome more company can do much to help their position by taking up activities which will allow them to meet others. Sometimes a locally run course or a social or interest group could be what they need. The action they take can often reward them well. March, April, July and September could offer some fine opportunities to meet others as well as be active times socially.

The Ox’s home life can also keep him busy during the year. With his practical nature, he may well decide to improve his home in some way, perhaps redecorating certain rooms, sorting and tidying up particular areas and, for the gardener, enjoying time outdoors. Practical activities, especially those that can be shared, can bring the Ox much pleasure this year.

He will also do a lot to support loved ones during the year. Someone close to him could experience some difficulty and the support, encouragement and assistance the Ox is able to give may be of more value than he may realize. In turn, should a problem arise which he himself does not feel competent to deal with, he should seek advice. He may be keen to do his best, but if the situation warrants expert advice, he should feel able to call upon it. Oxen, do remember this. Personally, this can be a satisfying year, but do be prepared to draw on the assistance of others if required.

Overall, the Year of the Rabbit is an encouraging one for the Ox and by looking to make progress, using his time well and seizing his opportunities, he can make headway as well as enjoy some pleasing personal developments.

The Metal Ox

This will be an important year for the Metal Ox and with it marking his fiftieth birthday he will be keen to get this new decade off to a positive start. As he has demonstrated so often, when he sets himself specific aims, his hard work and focus usually secure what he wants, and so it will be this year. This is no time to be fettered by recent disappointments (the previous Tiger year in particular could have been an awkward one) but to concentrate on the present and look determinedly ahead.

As 2011 begins the Metal Ox could find it particularly helpful to draw up some plans for the year. With thoughts in mind he will find his efforts opening up some fresh possibilities and rewarding him in often special ways. The Rabbit year can be an interesting one and also have some surprises in store.

The Metal Ox’s relations with others will be especially important this year. His loved ones will often be keen to mark his fiftieth birthday in fine style and not only will he be the centre of attention but often touched by the affection shown him. However, it will not only be his birthday and other family occasions that will be meaningful, but the support and assistance he receives throughout the year. In turn, he should talk openly about his activities and plans and listen closely to advice given. In some cases, new possibilities could arise as a result. This is very much a year that favours a co-operative rather than independent approach.

In his home life the Metal Ox will also be pleased with some of the activities that take place, including practical projects and activities shared with his loved ones. He will also take a fond interest in the activities of those around him and the advice and practical support he gives to younger and more senior relations will be welcomed, particularly if they are facing problems or anxieties. The Metal Ox has many redoubtable qualities and he will not let them down.

This will also be an interesting year as far as his social life is concerned. He will have the chance to meet new people and form important new friendships and sometimes, for the unattached, find romance. This is a year that favours activity and the Metal Ox will enjoy and often benefit from his chances to meet others. March, April, July and September could be the most active months socially.

The Metal Ox should also give some time to his own interests over the year, as these help keep his lifestyle in balance. To mark his fiftieth year, he could also be tempted to try something new. By carefully thinking through his ideas and then taking action, he can make this a constructive and personally beneficial time. In addition, if he is keen to travel and has a particular destination in mind, by making enquiries he could find his travels adding another exciting strand to the year.

As far as his work is concerned, the Rabbit year holds interesting possibilities. Although progress may not be swift or opportunities plentiful, there will still be some good chances for the Metal Ox to move forward. These could be in his existing place of work as more senior positions or other responsibilities become available. The Metal Ox will often be well placed to benefit, and with determined action and the willingness to put himself forward, he can make important headway.

There will, though, be some Metal Oxen who will feel they have accomplished all they can in their present role and be keen to switch to something different. For these Metal Oxen, as well as those seeking work, the Rabbit year can have encouraging developments in store. Obtaining a new position may not be easy, but by keeping alert and thinking of different ways in which they could use their experience – talking to employment agencies could give them interesting thoughts to consider – they could be offered an interesting new challenge. This is a year to be open to possibility. Mid-March to early June and October could be important months work-wise.

In order to go ahead with his plans, the Metal Ox will need to be disciplined in money matters and keep a close watch on his outgoings. Also, when entering into agreements he needs to check the terms and details and to be particularly careful if lending to someone. Without increased vigilance, problems could arise. Metal Oxen, take note and in money matters do be thorough and careful.

Overall, the Rabbit year can be an important one for the Metal Ox. It will not only bring some special times but also some opportunities to develop. Whether in his work or his personal interests, by being forward thinking and acting on his aims, the Metal Ox will find his energy and focus leading to a lot opening up for him. A positive and encouraging year.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Decide on your aims for the year. Once your attention is directed on these, interesting developments can follow. Also, value your relations with others. These can help make this important year all the more successful.

The Water Ox

There is a Chinese proverb which states, ‘With aspirations you can go anywhere; without aspirations you can go nowhere.’ As a determined Ox, the Water Ox certainly has aspirations and the Rabbit year will encourage him and reward him well.

In his work this is a year of important developments. For Water Oxen who have been languishing in their present role or are feeling disappointed with their recent progress, the Rabbit year can provide the chance they have been hoping for. Sometimes this could arise as colleagues move on, creating vacancies and promotion opportunities, or the Water Ox could be alerted to a position which is different from what he has been used to but which he is well suited for. Opportunities can arise suddenly in the Rabbit year and the Water Ox can also help his position by taking up any available training courses and following developments within his industry. In 2011 he should remember ‘With aspirations you can go anywhere’ and should keep those aspirations firmly alive with initiative and action.

For Water Oxen seeking work, again the year can bring interesting possibilities. However, to benefit, these Water Oxen should not be too restrictive in the type of work they are prepared to consider. By looking at various options and considering different ways in which they can use their strengths, they could be alerted to an often ideal opportunity. Some might decide to retrain and certainly for many this can be a year of some very interesting options which can give their career and self-esteem a considerable boost. Mid-March to early June and October could see significant developments.

The headway the Water Ox makes in his work can also lead to an increase in income, but money-wise this is a year for care. The Water Ox’s commitments are likely to be considerable and he should not relax his usual disciplined approach to finance. He should be particularly careful if lending to another person and if he has concerns over any money-related matter during the year, he should seek advice and clarification.

His relations with others, however, will be important and often special. In his home life this can be a busy time, with the Water Ox actively helping those with decisions that need taking, assisting and encouraging those in education and perhaps also supporting someone in need. He can be of inestimable help to others over the year.

He will also spend time on practical projects. Many Water Oxen will redecorate some rooms and undertake other home improvements during the year. Their projects could take longer than intended but will be satisfying when complete. Also, while the Water Ox may be content to tackle a lot singlehandedly, it is important that he draws on the assistance of others where necessary and is open and forthcoming about his own activities and concerns. He will do a lot for others this year but should give them the chance to reciprocate too.

Although the Water Ox will have many commitments it is also important that he allows himself time for rest and relaxation. Personal interests that allow him to unwind can do him a lot of good. Also, if sedentary for much of the day, he would do well to consider appropriate exercise or activities that can help his well-being. To be at his best, it would be worth giving thought to his lifestyle, quality of diet and general level of exercise.

He should also not neglect his social life. By meeting up with friends and going to events that appeal to him, he can again do himself a lot of good as well as benefit from the support that others can give, sometimes in unexpected ways.

This is also a special year for affairs of the heart and for Water Oxen who are alone and would perhaps welcome romance, a chance encounter could add an exciting element to their lives. Chance does play a big part this year. For socializing and meeting others March, April, July and September to mid-October can be busy and important months.

Overall, the Water Ox has much in his favour this year. With his friendly, straightforward manner, determination and good judgement, he will be able to make his strengths count as well as benefit from the encouraging aspects that prevail. This is a year for progress and action, but also to be alert to the excellent and often fortuitous chances the Rabbit year can bring.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Pay attention to your relations with others. Some people you know can be particularly instrumental in your progress this year, whether through giving advice and support, making suggestions or alerting you to opportunities. Shared interests and activities can also be pleasurable.

The Wood Ox

This is a year of considerable potential for the Wood Ox, with interesting possibilities opening up and some special times to look forward to. However, it is also a year requiring action. To make things happen the Wood Ox will need to make some important decisions and be prepared to move forward. Fortunately, one of the hallmarks of the Wood Ox character is his determination, and with belief and initiative, he can get a lot out of this year.

The aspects for his personal life are especially favourable and Wood Oxen with a partner will often have exciting plans to share and will do much to help and encourage one another. For those who are parents, or become parents this year, the time they spend with babies or young children can be especially rewarding. Many will also busy themselves making improvements to their home and will enjoy seeing their plans take shape. This can be a satisfying and often exciting time.