Your Chinese Horoscope 2016: What the Year of the Monkey holds in store for you

The Ox is not as outgoing as some and it often takes him a long time to establish friendships and feel relaxed in another person’s company. His courtships are likely to be long, but once he is settled, he will remain devoted and loyal to his partner. He is particularly well suited to those born under the signs of the Rat, Rabbit, Snake and Rooster. He can also establish a good relationship with the Monkey, Dog, Pig and another Ox, but he will find that he has little in common with the whimsical and sensitive Goat. He will also find it difficult to get on with the Horse, Dragon and Tiger – the Ox prefers a quiet and peaceful existence and those born under these three signs tend to be a little too lively and impulsive for his liking.

The female Ox has a kind and caring nature and her home and family are very much her pride and joy. She always tries to do her best for her partner and can be a most conscientious and loving parent. She is an excellent organizer and a very determined person who will often succeed in getting what she wants in life. She usually has a deep interest in the arts and is often a talented artist or musician.

The Ox is a very down-to-earth character. He is sincere, loyal and unpretentious. He can, however, be rather reserved and to some he may appear distant and aloof. He has a quiet nature, but underneath he is very strong-willed and ambitious. He has the courage of his convictions and is often prepared to stand up for what he believes to be right, regardless of the consequences. He inspires confidence and trust and throughout his life he will rarely be short of people who are ready to support him.

The Five Different Types of Ox

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 elements on the Ox are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore Oxen born in 1961 are Metal Oxen, Oxen born in 1913 and 1973 are Water Oxen, and so on.

Metal Ox: 1961

This Ox is confident and very strong-willed. He can be blunt and forthright in his views and is not afraid of speaking his mind. He sets about his objectives with a dogged determination, but he can become so involved in his various activities that he can be oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around him, and this can sometimes be to his detriment. He is honest and dependable and will never promise more than he can deliver. He has a good appreciation of the arts and usually a small circle of very good and loyal friends.

Water Ox: 1973

This Ox has a sharp and penetrating mind. He is a good organizer and sets about his work in a methodical manner. He is not as narrow-minded as some of the other types of Ox and is more willing to involve others in his plans and aspirations. He usually has very high moral standards and is often attracted to careers in public service. He is a good judge of character and has such a friendly and persuasive manner that he usually experiences little difficulty in securing his objectives. He is popular and has an excellent way with children.

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 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 2016

The Year of the Goat (19 February 2015–7 February 2016) will have been a tricky one for the Ox and in what remains of it he will need to keep his wits about him. The Ox likes certainty and the volatility of some situations will exasperate him in the closing months of the year.

At work, he could feel unsettled, as extra demands are placed upon him. Also, he may not always be in full accord with certain colleagues. However, it will be a case of knuckling down and concentrating on specific duties, and remaining wary of distractions and time-consuming trifles. Although great effort will be required, impressive results can still be achieved. For Oxen keen to advance their career or seeking work, September to early November may see interesting chances to pursue.

With many demands on his resources, the Ox would do well to watch spending at this time and check the terms of any major transaction.

More positively, his personal life can bring him considerable pleasure and there will be opportunities to go to parties and other get-togethers and catch up with relations and friends he has not seen for some while. By sharing news and seeking the opinions of others (rather than keeping his thoughts to himself), he could benefit from the advice and generosity of another person. For some Oxen, romance can also add excitement to this time. August and December are likely to see much social and domestic activity.

Overall, the Goat year will have had its awkward moments, but the Ox is a realist and by adapting and doing his best, he will still have learned and accomplished a great deal during it.

The Year of the Monkey starts on 8 February and will be an interesting one for the Ox. Although he will have reservations about the speed of certain developments, many of his plans will work out well and some good opportunities will come his way.

The Ox is always keen to develop his knowledge and skills and the Monkey year will encourage this. Whether in his work or his personal interests, if he has the chance of training or can undertake personal study and research, he will find his time well spent. Professional and personal development can be rewarding this year and this is an area all Oxen would do well to consider.

At work, the aspects are also encouraging, although the Ox should still expect some volatility. A lot can happen quickly, sometimes too quickly for the Ox’s liking, but by making the most of the opportunities that open up, he can further his position and use his strengths to advantage.

This also applies to Oxen who feel unfulfilled in their present position and those seeking work. By keeping alert for openings, they could identify a new and sometimes very different position which offers the fresh challenge they desire. They do, though, need to be swift in making their application and could help their prospects by finding out more about the duties involved and so be better prepared at interview. In the Monkey year, initiative, purpose and going that one step further can make a difference. April, May, September and November could see important developments.

Also, if at any time the Ox should be offered training, or the chance to deputize for someone or become involved in a new initiative, he should seize the opportunity. This is very much a year which rewards commitment.

Progress made at work will lead to many Oxen increasing their income and as a result many will proceed with plans they have long had in mind, including updating equipment and improving their home. When considering purchases, the Ox’s thoroughness can lead to some useful acquisitions. Also, if he is in a position to make provision for the future, this too can be helpful.

Being conscientious, the Ox drives himself hard, and throughout the year it is important he allows himself a respite and sets time aside for pursuits he enjoys. The Monkey year encourages trying the new, and whenever the Ox hears of something that intrigues him or is inspired by an idea, he should follow it up. If he can involve those close to him, this can often add meaning to the activity. In the Monkey year, the Ox does need to be receptive to what is available and allow time for some well-deserved leisure.

The Ox is selective in his socializing and can be reserved until he knows someone well. However, in the Monkey year some interesting social opportunities can arise and he would do well to take up any that appeal to him. The Monkey year favours participation. April, June, August and December will see the most social activity.

For Oxen enjoying romance or those who meet someone new, during the course of the year, the relationship is likely to strengthen steadily. Oxen do like to take their time in matters of love and affection.

The Monkey year is a fast-paced one, however, and in the Ox’s home life some matters may arise which require swift attention. These can include decisions the Ox or another family member may have. Frank discussion will be helpful in determining the best way forward. In addition, some plans for the home could move ahead as the right opportunity suddenly arises. A lot can happen quickly this year and while this may not suit the Ox’s character, improvements can often result.

Throughout the year, a great deal of pleasure can be had by sharing interests and enjoying time with loved ones. Here the thoughtfulness of many Oxen can add a special ingredient to home life. August and December could be eventful months and give rise to some surprise occasions or travel opportunities.

Although the Ox may not always feel at ease with the fast pace of the Monkey year, he can gain a lot from it. In his work, this is an excellent time to add to skills, and this can have considerable value later on. Developing personal interests can also be satisfying. Throughout the year, the Ox will value the support of those around him and his thoughtful approach will be appreciated. This will be a busy year, but personally and professionally a rewarding one. It is a time for seizing (and enjoying) the moment.

The Metal Ox

The Metal Ox possesses great resolve and is prepared to work long and hard for what he wants. However, despite his best endeavours, his progress in recent times may have been muted. While the Monkey year will bring its challenges, it is a more positive one for him and will see him enjoying some worthy successes.

For any Metal Ox who may start the year feeling discontented, now is a time to focus on the present rather than feel fettered by what has gone before. To help, these Metal Oxen should set themselves some goals to work towards. With purpose, and their considerable Metal Ox resolve, they will find a lot can become possible this year, but the initiative does rest with them.

The Metal Ox’s work situation can give rise to some interesting opportunities, especially for those Metal Oxen who feel they have not been making the most of their potential recently. With the expertise the Metal Ox has built up, not only can he be influential in his workplace but, as specific situations arise or positions fall vacant, he will often have the skills needed to advance his career and reap the rewards of his loyalty and commitment. April to early June, September and November could see significant developments, although whenever the Metal Ox sees an opening, he should be quick to show interest.

For Metal Oxen who feel there is a lack of suitable opportunities where they are, as well as those seeking work, again the Monkey year can hold encouraging – and surprising – developments. By keeping alert for openings and talking to friends and contacts, these Metal Oxen could be alerted to companies looking to recruit or advised of an opening worth considering. Resolve and persistence can yield significant results this year.

Monkey years also favour enterprise and some Metal Oxen may decide to become self-employed or find ways to put an interest or skill to profitable use. The Monkey year is rich in possibility.

Progress at work can help financially and many Metal Oxen will enjoy a rise in income over the year. Some will also benefit from the receipt of an additional sum. However, the Metal Ox does need to budget well, ideally setting funds aside for specific requirements. With good planning, not only will he be pleased with his decisions but he could also benefit from some favourable purchasing opportunities. On quite a few occasions this year, he will delight in some luck.

The Monkey year will also bring encouraging developments in his personal interests. Some Metal Oxen will have ideas or projects that will particularly enthuse them, and by setting time aside for these, they will not only enjoy what they do but also the way their activities develop. With this being a year of opportunity, some may be tempted by a new pursuit or decide to join an activity group or support a cause. This is a time to be receptive to what is available and to develop ideas and skills.

Some of the Metal Ox’s activities can have a good social element and over the year he will have the chance to spend time with those who are like-minded. However, there are also quite a few Metal Oxen who like to keep themselves to themselves. These Metal Oxen should be careful not to become too insular. Going out and participating in what is going on around them can do them a lot of good and the Monkey year will offer a variety of attractions. Reserved Metal Ox, do take note and look to embrace the spirit of this interesting year. For socializing, April, June, August and December could be active months.

Many Metal Oxen do enjoy the close and enduring friendship of those they have known for a great many years and over the year one of these close friends could seek advice on a delicate matter. Not only will they welcome the support and suggestions the Metal Ox may offer, but his words may be of more value than he may realize. Once again this year, there will be quite a few who value the Metal Ox’s level-headed approach.

The Metal Ox’s home life will see much activity. Not only will the Metal Ox himself have plans he is keen to carry out, but both he and his loved ones could face work choices which impact on established routines. At such times it is important that the Metal Ox is forthcoming and discusses his views. With good dialogue, better decisions can be made and some plans (including of a practical nature) more easily advanced. This is a year favouring joint effort.

With the Metal Ox and other family members likely to be leading busy lifestyles, it is also important that time is set aside for shared interests and taking advantage of what is available locally. In addition, many a Metal Ox home will have a special occasion to celebrate, often occurring in the late summer. The Metal Ox will also delight in the travel opportunities the year brings.

In general, the Year of the Monkey holds great promise for the Metal Ox but it is a time to be focused and involved. In both his work and personal interests, there will be the chance to further ideas and skills. The Metal Ox will be helped by the support of those close to him, although to fully benefit he needs to be forthcoming as well as watch his sometimes go-it-alone tendencies. He does, though, have much in his favour this year and his resolve, experience and initiative can deliver good results.

Tip for the Year

Decide on your objectives and work purposefully towards them. With firm intent and your skills and experience, you can accomplish a great deal. Also, preserve time for your loved ones and personal interests. If you keep your lifestyle in balance, you can make this a gratifying year.

The Water Ox

The Water Ox will have seen a great deal happen in recent years and in this one can look forward to reaping some perhaps overdue rewards. This can be a progressive year. However, to get the best from it, the Water Ox needs to set his plans in motion and believe in himself. With determination, he can make this a significant time.