Your Chinese Horoscope 2017: What the Year of the Rooster holds in store for you

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 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 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 2017

The Year of the Monkey (8 February 2016–27 January 2017) is invariably fast paced and some of its developments will have worried the Ox, who likes to proceed in a measured fashion. However, despite the pressures, for the most part he will have fared well.

There will be little let-up in activity in the closing months of the Monkey year. At work, the Ox could face a growing workload with challenging objectives to meet as well as other matters to deal with. These can be exacting times, but the Ox is tenacious and can add to his reputation. September and November can be important months, including for promotion or possible new openings.

There will also be an increasing number of social occasions towards the end of the year, including the chance to meet some people the Ox has not seen for a while. In addition, a friend could impart some surprising news. By taking up his invitations, the Ox can enjoy many convivial times.

He will also be keen to make some specific purchases, and by taking the time to consider his options, will be pleased with what he acquires.

Domestically, there will be several ideas he is keen to implement and it is important he talks these through with those around him. Discussion can lead to a lot happening and shared activities result in satisfying outcomes. December will be a particularly full month in many an Ox household, with travel possibilities and impromptu family occasions.

The Year of the Rooster starts on 28 January and will be an encouraging one for the Ox. Like the Ox, the Rooster favours planning and consistency, and the Ox will find the Rooster year gives him the chance to put his strengths to more effective use. However, while many aspects are positive, the Rooster year also has its more cautionary elements, and in particular the Ox should be wary of taking people and situations at face value. Without care, there is a risk he could be misled. Extra alertness would be wise this year.

Another important feature of the year is that the Ox will often feel the time is right for change and will act on plans he has been considering for some time. These could include taking on fresh challenges at work, taking up a new interest or moving house. Once the Ox has an idea in mind, he likes to see it through, and the Rooster year is very much one for action.

At work many Oxen will have been giving some thought to their situation, especially in the light of recent developments. For those who are dissatisfied or consider themselves in a rut, this is a year to take action. Some may be tempted by a complete career change, but whatever the Ox decides to do, by keeping alert for openings and seeking advice, he could find a position that better suits his skills as well as offers potential for future growth. Oxen do not embark on change lightly, but work-wise this year favours progress.

For Oxen who decide to remain with their existing employer, again the Rooster year can bring significant opportunities. New initiatives could need staffing or staff movements open up positions with greater responsibility. Here many of the Oxen’s proven skills will enable them to take their career to a new level. The Ox is quietly ambitious and the Rooster year will reward his commitment.

The prospects are also encouraging for Oxen currently seeking work. By widening the scope of their search, quite a few could secure a position which provides a fresh challenge. Although there will be much to learn, the Rooster year can re-energize the career of many Oxen. April, June, September and October could see interesting possibilities, although whenever the Ox sees an opening that appeals to him, he should pursue it.

However, while the aspects are encouraging, the Ox still needs to exercise care. During the year an issue with a colleague could concern him, and if he senses a possible difficulty, he needs to be wary and discreet and remain focused on what he has to do. Similarly, if he has doubts over any matter, he should check the situation himself. By remaining vigilant he can steer himself round many of the obstacles and niggling matters that may arise this year.

This need for care also applies to financial matters. When making major transactions or entering into agreements, the Ox needs to check the costs and implications and seek professional advice if necessary. If he lends to another person, again he needs to be careful. Verbal agreements in particular may give rise to later difficulty. Oxen, take note and remain vigilant.

More positively, the Ox’s personal interests can develop in encouraging ways this year. Some Oxen will take up new interests and welcome the challenge this brings, while for those who would like to meet others, a local interest group might prove ideal. In addition, some will be keen to make lifestyle changes, perhaps starting an exercise discipline, improving their diet or allowing more time for recreation. This may not only help their lifestyle balance but also do them a lot of personal good.

The Rooster year can also give rise to some pleasing social occasions. May, June, August and September could be lively months, and Oxen who keep themselves to themselves will find it worth making the effort to go out more. Again, by broadening their lifestyle, they can enjoy good times and other benefits.

Oxen who are enjoying romance or who find love this year will, in true Ox fashion, like to take this steadily. For some, a relationship started now can become a permanent one. The Rooster year does have long-term significance.

The Ox’s home life is also set to enjoy positive developments. A small number of Oxen will move and enjoy settling into their new area. However, almost all Oxen will enjoy carrying out home improvements, with the Ox’s practical nature once again coming to the fore. Redecorating, rearranging rooms and replacing equipment will be on the agenda of many an Ox, although, despite early planning, timescales may need to be kept elastic and some projects may prove more extensive (and costly) than anticipated.

The Ox will also delight in arranging some family occasions this year. July and September could be marked by some pleasing times, with the Ox often the driving force behind trips out and a possible holiday. Quality time with his loved ones will be an important part of his year.

Overall, the Year of the Rooster will be a full and satisfying one for the Ox. It is a time for carrying out plans and the Ox should look to develop his ideas both professionally and personally. Some attention to his lifestyle can be of benefit and he does need to remain his thorough self, especially with finances, and tread carefully during times of uncertainty. However, he can look forward to a variety of pleasing social occasions and a busy and satisfying domestic life. Generally, the Rooster year will suit him well, and with commitment, he can make good progress.

The Metal Ox

The Metal Ox possesses great resolve and likes to proceed in a measured manner. Never one to rush decisions, he is careful and an astute planner. And his approach can reward him well this year. He can look forward to making good headway and seeing many of his plans come to fruition.

His work in particular can benefit from positive developments. Some Metal Oxen will see ideas they have nurtured or projects they have been working on gaining momentum and their skills coming into their own. Impressive results can be secured this year and many Metal Oxen will feel more energized than they have for some time. As a result of current developments, many will have the chance to take on greater responsibilities and further their career. This is a year when the Metal Ox can make his strengths really count.

There will, though, be some Metal Oxen who will feel they have accomplished all they can in their present capacity and who would welcome a fresh challenge. For these Metal Oxen, as well as those seeking work, the Rooster year can see encouraging developments. By making enquiries and talking to others, many could be alerted to new openings, including a different but attractive position. It will take time, but the Metal Ox’s tenacity will often enable him to secure the chance to prove himself in new ways. April, June and September to mid-November could be significant months.

Although the Metal Ox enjoys positive relations with many of his colleagues, there could, though, be a possible rivalry, difference of opinion or personality clash this year. Should this arise, the Metal Ox should not let it distract him from what needs to be done. If he can directly address and defuse the issue, so much the better. Throughout the Rooster year, he does need to be alert to possible difficulties and keep them in perspective.

Another area which requires care is finance. When making large purchases or entering into agreements, the Metal Ox needs to check the terms and implications and be wary of accepting all that he is told at face value. Without care, he could be misled. Similarly, if he lends to another person, it needs to be handled properly. This need for care also applies to financial paperwork. This is no year for risk.

In view of his busy lifestyle, the Metal Ox may give some consideration to his well-being this year. Setting some time aside for himself and perhaps starting an appropriate exercise discipline will be of benefit.

Many Metal Oxen will also be keen to build on certain interests, perhaps making more of their ideas, developing their skills or attending gatherings. Both professionally and recreationally, the year offers considerable scope.

Where possible, the Metal Ox should also take advantage of any chances to travel. While he is a keen planner, some trips could be arranged at short notice.

The Metal Ox likes to keep his social circle relatively small, and in it will be some friends he has known for many decades. During the year a close friend could face a problem and the help the Metal Ox is able to give may be of more consequence than he may realize. He, too, will welcome the support friends will offer and the chance to seek their opinion on ideas he is considering.

For Metal Oxen who would welcome more company and/or romance, the Rooster year has good possibilities. However, to benefit, these Metal Oxen should aim to go out more, including joining classes or activity groups in their area. As many will find, once positive action is taken, encouraging developments can quickly follow on. May, June, August and September will see particularly good social opportunities.

The Metal Ox’s domestic life will also see much activity. Existing arrangements may need to be altered and adjustments made, perhaps as another family member moves out of the household or work routines change. As ever, the Metal Ox will be keen to do his best for all concerned. Shared times will also be an important part of the year and can be to the benefit of all. July and September could be active and pleasing months domestically and could bring travel opportunities as well.

In general, the Year of the Rooster will be a constructive one for the Metal Ox and will allow him to make more of his strengths. Both his work prospects and personal interests are favourably aspected and by setting about his objectives in his usual determined way, he can enjoy some deserved success. He will need to be careful in financial matters and alert to potential differences of opinion, particularly with a colleague. However he is by nature careful and throughout the year he will take pleasure in much that this interesting year makes possible.

Tip for the Year

Use your knowledge and experience well. They count for a great deal. Build on them and put yourself forward. That way, important opportunities can open up for you.

The Water Ox

A hallmark of the Ox’s character is his determination and this is very evident in the Water Ox. When he sets his mind to a specific purpose, he works tirelessly to achieve his aim. Over the years, he will have enjoyed many fine achievements and in the Rooster year he will continue to make progress as well as reap some often substantial rewards, particularly from recent efforts.