Your Chinese Horoscope 2009: What the Year of the Ox Holds in Store for You

For Fire Oxen born in 1937 the Ox year also holds promising prospects. However, to benefit, they should give some thought to their activities for the year and decide on what they want to do. That way they will not only make better use of their time but also benefit from some good opportunities. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, wellbegun is half done, and a good beginning to the year can get it off to an encouraging start.

In considering his hopes for the year, the Fire Ox would do well to discuss them with others. The pooling of ideas and support can make some of what he wants to do a lot easier to accomplish. The Fire Ox may have a tendency to keep his thoughts to himself, but in 2009 a greater openness on his part will be to the advantage of all concerned.

Some of the Fire Ox’s thoughts are likely to concern his accommodation. They could include improving certain areas and sorting out items he has accumulated – something that will appeal to his methodical Ox nature. Also, he may decide to buy new equipment or home comforts which will make certain aspects of his life easier. Again, time spent considering his options and discussing them with others will lead to better choices.

The Fire Ox will also derive considerable pleasure from his various interests over the year, especially those that allow him to extend his knowledge in some way. For some Fire Oxen this could involve improving their computer or technical skills, while others may prefer more expressive pursuits, but by setting themselves rewarding objectives they can help to make this a satisfying time. The Ox year does encourage the Fire Ox to make the most of his interests.

Given the favourable aspects, the Ox year can also give rise to some unexpected opportunities and the Fire Ox would do well to make the most of these. Some could be travel opportunities or invitations to visit others or go to social events. Although some may come at short notice, by taking them up the Fire Ox will often enjoy himself as well as appreciate the spontaneity of the process.

The Fire Ox will also find certain interests he has bringing him into contact with others and may enjoy the chance to share his knowledge and ideas. Any Fire Ox who would welcome more company would find it well worth considering joining a local interest group or club this year. March to May, August and September could be the busiest periods socially.

As far as money matters are concerned, this can be a reasonable year, although, as with all Oxen, it is a case of keeping a watchful eye over spending. By making provision for his plans in advance and keeping good control over his budget, the Fire Ox will not only help his current situation but ultimately be able to achieve a lot more.

The Ox year can be a highly satisfying one for the Fire Ox and, whether born in 1937 or 1997, with careful planning, good support and a certain amount of effort, he will be pleased with his achievements.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

With a positive attitude and the goodwill of others, you can achieve a lot this year. New ideas or emerging talents can open up some interesting possibilities. This is very much a year for making the most of your chances.

The Earth Ox

This is the Earth Ox’s own year and promises to be a special one. By setting about his activities in his usual purposeful way, he can look forward to some pleasing times. And in a lot of what he does he will be encouraged by the support of others.

The Earth Ox’s domestic life is especially well favoured and there will be some special occasions to look forward to. These will not only include the possible marking of his own sixtieth year – and here there could be some surprises lined up – but there could also be some pleasing family news, particularly involving the achievements of a younger relation. There will certainly be times during the year that will make the Earth Ox feel proud and special.

The Earth Ox will also be satisfied by the way that he is able to advance many of his plans. These can include projects to improve his home and garden as well as other ideas he is keen to pursue. For many Earth Oxen their own year can see a great deal of practical activity and by planning this out carefully and in consultation with others, the Earth Ox will be pleased with what he gets to do and the benefits that will often follow on. Shared interests can also lead to some special occasions and can add to the pleasure and value of the year.

Travel can also figure strongly during the year and those Earth Oxen who are keen to visit a particular destination or who see a travel offer that appeals to them would do well to follow it up. This is very much a year for making the most of opportunities.

The Earth Ox will also value his social life and even though some Earth Oxen may have kept this relatively low key in recent times, this year could see an increasing number of opportunities to go out. These could come as a result of work, friends or interests, but certainly many an Earth Ox will find his social life enjoying a revival. Those Earth Oxen who are alone and would welcome new friends or something extra in their lives would do well to take up their chances to go out and become involved in new activities. Their actions can definitely make a difference to their situation this year. Not only will they get to meet others with similar outlooks and interests, but for some the year could mark the start of a special friendship. The months from March to May and August to mid-October could see the most social activity.

Another encouraging feature of the year will be the opportunities the Earth Ox has to try out new activities. These could involve a subject he wants to find out more about, a course run locally or a new fitness discipline. By getting advice and making the most of his opportunities, he will find this adding an interesting element to the year.

As far as work matters are concerned, many Earth Oxen will be content to remain in their current position, where they can use their skills and knowledge. However, they should not let this prevent them from taking advantage of training opportunities or chances to add to what they do. By furthering their skills and keeping themselves informed of new developments they will not only help their current situation but also enhance their prospects should they decide to move on.

For Earth Oxen who are already eager for change, their own year can be important, but they do need to think matters through carefully. Some will be keen to take on a greater role, while others may decide to retire or reduce their working commitments and look for something nearer to where they live. Although they may know in their own mind what they want, there will often be other implications to consider. The Ox year may be encouraging, but the right opportunity may not always be swift in coming. Over the year, however, many Earth Oxen can help their situation by consulting those in a position to give advice, as well as colleagues and other contacts. With help, backed by their own efforts, their hopes can often be realized, but this is a year for patience and persistence. May and June could see interesting developments, but it is in the second half of the year that many Earth Oxen will reap the rewards of their efforts, notably September and November.

In money matters the Earth Ox can look forward to some good fortune in his own year, possibly through a bonus, the fruition of a policy or a gift. For some, an enterprising idea or interest they have could bring in something extra. However, while this can be a favourable year for money matters, the Earth Ox still needs to manage his situation well. With family activities and the plans he wants to carry out, possibly including travel and changes to his accommodation, he does need to budget carefully. Also, if he is able, he should try to use any financial upturn to reduce any borrowings he may have. The attention he is able to give to money matters can make a noticeable difference to his situation as well as allowing him to do more over the year. With care, this can be a positive and often fortunate year financially.

In almost all respects the aspects are on the Earth Ox’s side this year and if he acts on his ideas and seizes his opportunities, he will be pleased with how he fares. The support of those around him can also help him in a great deal and there will be some enjoyable times in his domestic and social life. This is the Earth Ox’s own year and his determined nature and positive actions can help to make it very special.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

To mark your sixtieth year it could be worth considering taking up a new interest or challenge or setting yourself a particular project. Also, be forthcoming with your plans and ideas. This is your own year and it is a time to enjoy.

FAMOUS OXEN

King Abdullah of Jordan, Lily Allen, Hans Christian Andersen, Johann Sebastian Bach, Warren Beatty, Kate Beckinsale, David Blaine, Napoleon Bonaparte, Albert Camus, Jim Carrey, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Natalie Cole, Bill Cosby, Tom Courtenay, Tony Curtis, Diana, Princess of Wales, Marlene Dietrich, Walt Disney, Patrick Duffy, Jane Fonda, Edward Fox, Michael J. Fox, Peter Gabriel, Elizabeth George, Richard Gere, Ricky Gervais, Handel, King Harald V of Norway, Adolf Hitler, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Joel, King Juan Carlos of Spain, B. B. King, Keira Knightley, Mark Knopfler, Burt Lancaster, Jessica Lange, Leona Lewis, Kate Moss, Alison Moyet, Eddie Murphy, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Leslie Nielsen, Barack Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar Peterson, Paula Radcliffe, Robert Redford, Lionel Richie, Wayne Rooney, Tim Roth, Rubens, Meg Ryan, Jean Sibelius, Sissy Spacek, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Lady Thatcher, Alan Titchmarsh, Scott F. Turow, Vincent van Gogh, Minette Walters, Zoë Wanamaker, Sigourney Weaver, the Duke of Wellington, Arsène Wenger, W. B. Yeats.

THE TIGER (#ulink_26785d4b-75f8-5edf-b3bd-c25c29c504db)

THE PERSONALITY OF THE TIGER

It’s

the zest,

the enthusiasm,

the giving the little bit more,

that makes the difference.

And opens up so much.

The Tiger is born under the sign of courage. He is a charismatic figure and usually holds very firm views. He is strong-willed and determined, and sets about most of his activities with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. He is very alert and quick-witted and his mind is forever active. He is a highly original thinker and is nearly always brimming with new ideas or full of enthusiasm for some new project or scheme.

The Tiger adores challenges and loves to get involved in anything that he thinks has an exciting future or that catches his imagination. He is prepared to take risks and does not like to be bound either by convention or the dictates of others. He likes to be free to act as he chooses and at least once during his life he will throw caution to the wind and go off and do the things he wants to do.

The Tiger does, however, have a somewhat restless nature. Even though he is often prepared to throw himself wholeheartedly into a project, his initial enthusiasm can soon wane if he sees something more appealing. He can also be rather impulsive and there will be occasions in his life when he acts in a manner he later regrets. If he were to think things through or be prepared to persevere in his various activities, he would almost certainly enjoy a greater degree of success.

Fortunately the Tiger is lucky in most of his enterprises, but should things not work out as he hoped, he is liable to suffer from severe bouts of depression and it will often take him a long time to recover. His life often consists of a series of ups and downs.

The Tiger is, however, very adaptable. He has an adventurous spirit and rarely stays in the same place for long. In the early stages of his life he is likely to try his hand at several different jobs and he will also change his residence fairly frequently.

The Tiger is very honest and open in his dealings with others. He hates any sort of hypocrisy or falsehood. He is also well known for being blunt and forthright and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He can be rebellious at times, particularly against any form of petty authority, and while this can lead him into conflict with others, he is never one to shrink from an argument or avoid standing up for what he believes is right.

The Tiger is a natural leader and can invariably rise to the top of his chosen profession. He does not, however, care for anything too bureaucratic or detailed, and he does not like to obey orders. He can be stubborn and obstinate and throughout his life he likes to retain a certain amount of independence in his actions and be responsible to no one but himself. He likes to consider that all his achievements are due to his own efforts and he will not ask for support from others if he can avoid it.

Ironically, despite his self confidence and leadership qualities, the Tiger can be indecisive and will often delay making a major decision until the very last moment. He can also be sensitive to criticism.

Although the Tiger is capable of earning large sums of money, he is rather a spendthrift and does not always put his money to its best use. He can also be most generous and will often shower lavish gifts on friends and relations.

The Tiger cares very much for his reputation and the image that he tries to project. He carries himself with an air of dignity and authority and enjoys being the centre of attention. He is very adept at attracting publicity, both for himself and for the causes he supports.

The Tiger often marries young and he will find himself best suited to those born under the signs of the Pig, Dog, Horse and Goat. He can also get on well with the Rat, Rabbit and Rooster, but will find the Ox and Snake a bit too quiet and serious for his liking, and he will be highly irritated by the Monkey’s rather mischievous and inquisitive ways. He will also find it difficult to get on with another Tiger or a Dragon – both partners will want to dominate the relationship and could find it difficult to compromise on even the smallest of matters.

The Tigress is lively, witty and a marvellous hostess at parties. She takes great care over her appearance and is usually most attractive. She can be a very doting mother and while she believes in letting her children have their freedom, she makes an excellent teacher and will ensure that her children are well brought up and want for nothing. Like her male counterpart, she has numerous interests and likes to have sufficient independence and freedom to go off and do the things she wants to do. She has a most caring and generous nature.

The Tiger has many commendable qualities. He is honest, courageous and often a source of inspiration to others. Providing he can curb the wilder excesses of his restless nature, he is almost certain to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life.

THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIGER

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Tiger are described below, together with the years in which the elements were exercising their influence. Therefore those Tigers born in 1950 are Metal Tigers, those born in 1962 are Water Tigers, and so on.

Metal Tiger: 1950

The Metal Tiger has an assertive and outgoing personality. He is very ambitious and while his aims may change from time to time, he will work relentlessly until he has obtained what he wants. He can, however, be impatient for results and become highly strung if things do not work out as he would like. He is distinctive in his appearance and is admired and respected by many.