Rule of the cosmos changes hands on the 12th February 2021 when the creative and entrepreneurial Rat presence is replaced by the comforting protection of the paternal Ox.

Modest, hard-working and surprisingly generous, the next twelve months could present significant rewards to those who go beyond the call of their duty to serve others. Being the strong and silent type, the Ox does not like to reveal his feelings about anyone he holds in high regard, so if you receive a promotion or greater responsibility along with an increased pay packet, read between the lines. It is commonly known that the Ox will not part with his pennies unless he feels someone has earned it.

Short cuts are not advisable in an Ox year. Everything will be expected to be done meticulously by the book even though this means taking the long way round. Daddy Ox just wants to make sure you get the benefit of the experience. As far as he’s concerned, there is no substitute for lessons learnt on the hard road which will keep you in good stead later on in your life.

The projects started last year in the instigating phase of the Rat may need a strong infusion of persistent hard work and prudent resource management to see them through to the next level. That is where the Ox takes over. The vision has been decided, now the Ox provides intense labour without complaint.

Looking at famous people born under the Ox sign, you will notice that there are many powerful personalities, many who proved themselves to be one-person political forces to be reckoned with, (Please go to the Ox page for a list.) This trait of self-empowerment will be shared with all. In a many contexts, this could lead to arguments, misunderstandings and confrontations as meeker signs will be lent the Ox’s self confidence so finally have the audacity to say what they really think.

There tends to be something inescapably autocratic about the way Ox signs like to work and this influence can also be felt in their years. Let’s not forget most of the dictators we have seen in our recent past have come from this sign as they are stern, dominant and powerful. It is common for them to be in leadership positions as these traits have been historically what was deemed to be required. However, that seems to be shifting so this type of leadership is losing its grasp. As a result, this Ox year may push those in traditional leadership positions to become increasingly more tyrannical, but the common people, aided by the Ox’s earthy confidence will be more likely to stand up against them.

Adolf Hitler, Sadaam Hussein, Napoleon, Pol Pot and even Machiavelli are All Ox signs. (Incidentally, all five are Ox-Taurus.) But those that openly oppose established institutions also belong to the Ox sign, people such as Princess Diana who stood up to the royal family, Malala Yusef who stood up to the Taliban and was shot through the head yet still lived to tell her tale and even Ricky Gervais who highlights the hypocrisy of Hollywood at every opportunity. (Incidentally, all three are Ox-Cancer.)

NOTE: The above does not mean there is a good or bad chart, it means that certain combinations are born with certain traits; these are just patterns, all chart combinations are neutral in essence, the direction you choose depends on how you choose to use your innate traits.

There isn’t an abundance of resources in Ox years and people prefer to complete minor jobs themselves rather than paying someone else. Rather than getting bonuses in pay, many may find that they get rewarded with periods of free time. Spending more time in nature is commonplace as the Ox is the gardener of the cycle and loves nothing more than spending time working the land. They also find it hard to express their emotions or show vulnerability so other signs may be lent this inhibition also.

Remain respectful and as diplomatic as possible whilst standing your ground, work hard without expecting praise and keep the finish line in your minds eye. Employ every ounce of your discipline and don’t look for an easy way out. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Ox territory, it would be wise to do as the Ox says for an easy life… although “easy” is not a word for this year. It is likely to be a slow and steady year with no great perks as such, just amazing spirit and a big quiet heart.

2021 is the year of the Ox.

For your 2021 prediction, click on your sign at the bottom left of the screen.

Chinese New Year: 5th February 2019

The Year of the Boar

By Zakariya Adeel

 

2019

 

We emerge, barely intact from the demanding Dog year, unable to cope with anymore scrutiny to enter a paradise-like haven where everything is made of Belgian chocolate and sugar sweet candy. This, the Boar has hand-made to spoil us rotten. Yes, it is a year to let the defenses down and revel in a little luxury. Relaxed, cheerful and extravagant, the Boar knows how to have a good time and shares it with us over the next twelve months.

 

The Boar owns the twelfth year of the Chinese cycle and is known as the year of “Good Will” where all signs are accommodated for in ways that specifically suit them. Keep hold of your will-power though and remember to discipline yourself. If you eat your chocolate house, you’ll be out in the liquorish street and the cola rain will ruin your hair.

 

With the Boar’s carefree attitude, problems are not taken too seriously and the focus is more on social activities rather than business. That’s not to say that business is forgotten, the Boar year promises to be profitable for commercial ventures, as long as all the details are checked before any funds are invested.

 

The subjective and sociable Boar creates an environment where informal casualness reaps larger rewards than an objective formality. Much of the business leads converted this year will be from contacts and reputation. Everybody feels like they are on holiday for the year and they just want to soak up the sun and do whatever feels good. This may mean that projects are prolonged and deadlines are not always met, but it’s not the end of the world is it?

 

Being one of the most sensual signs, the Boar encourages new experiences where your senses are thoroughly exercised. It is a good year for food, a bad year for diets; a good year for extravagant shopping, a bad year for your accountant; a good year for sensuality-led activities, a bad year for hard-core traditionalists. Expect numerous parties with open invitations and everyone is welcomed.

 

There is an inherent irrationality or better put heightened emotionality to the Boar sign, which is reflected in their years. Things may not proceed as expected because the obvious choice which would lead to the obvious desired outcome, may be rejected without good reason. Decisions will be made based upon feelings and gut responses instead of detached objectivity. Although this is one’s prerogative in personal situations, it can be risky where business and financial matters are concerned. This is why it is still recommended to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.

If you have a sensitive disposition, the Boar influence may add to the apprehension you may feel when trying to please. Paralysis by over-analysis might lead people to undermine their own abilities. On the other hand, harsher personalities often soften from the Boars gentle energy. Being self-disciplined and confident is of paramount importance this year to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved. Extravagance and overindulgence is all very well as long as you remember to go to work on Monday morning.

The current Chinese cycle comes to an end with Boar years so this year is full of conclusions, revelations where truths are finally revealed and dénouements take place. At the same time, festivities abound and there is much to be learned. The Boar year is where we learn how to be happy without needing money or success and learn how to “be” with humility and simplicity.

 

To find out what the boar year has in store for you, look up your animal sign in the year charts and read what the Chinese fates have to say.

 

The Rat

Your fortunes in 2019

As a highly empathic sign, you may be susceptible to the moods of other people, so it makes sense to choose wisely whom you associate with, as there may be some who are struggling around you. Help by all means, just be aware of your boundaries and do not feel bad about pulling back from people who impose upon your good nature. There may be much to be grateful for and even some things that look too good to be true. Follow your feelings and if it feels right, go on an adventure, but do not invest anything you are not prepared to lose. Boar years are great ones for Rat signs to meet a new partner or make a commitment to an existing one. Lose the worry and unnecessary fear and this Boar year will be a romantic and happy one.  This is the beginning of a positive three-year roll for you – so make a three-year plan at the beginning part of this year.

 

The Ox

Your fortunes in 2019

You will find that much of your time will be spent handling family matters and dealing with consuming issues that pull you away from all that you would rather be doing. It may be time-consuming, but deep inside, you know that there are something’s that only you are equipped to deal with. There is much to look forward to also, many opportunities come your way that allows you to travel, take a new career direction and even move home if you chose to. The power is yours to choose as long as you handle your current responsibilities first. Do not take on everything in one go, organise your diary because you will not be able to control your time in quite the way you are used to. The Boar year is an auspicious one for romance, you must be aware not to see through rose-tinted glasses though and you may need to sift through the frogs before you find the one.

 

The Tiger

Your fortunes in 2019

The Dog year (2018) set you down a certain road and provided a new kind of stability, as a result, you enter the Boar year (2019) holding on to things that have now served their purpose.  This is the time to let the past go. This isn’t easy for you as loyalty is a big thing; if it comes down to your integrity and your best interests versus a distorted sense of loyalty to someone who doesn’t deserve your favour, it would be wise to choose yourself. By the end of the year, you may be without “friends” who had previously been fixture in your life. Even if they chose to leave themselves, this is a good thing for you. Consequently, you will welcome the arrival of fresh energies that awaken another side of you that makes you feel alive. That is when you will be able to achieve a lot in a short space of time. In terms of the contracts you may be offered this year, it’s important to check the details, fine print and people attached before committing. If you commit, commit fully as the gains could be vast.

 

The Rabbit

Your fortunes in 2019

As one of your best friends, the Boar’s year is a safe and protected one where you can afford to be bold enough to make some courageous moves. It is always wise to make sure you have done your research to the level it is required, especially when finances are concerned. Courage is great, but covering all of your bases ensures that your choices are more likely to bring you what you want. Although everybody is in a giving mood, providing your time may be the wisest investment of all, both spiritually and for your own professional advancement. There are many influential people around watching you carefully; make sure they see you at your best. Spend in moderation and avoid gambling activities. Generally, it is a good year where you can get ahead, but not without some hard work and moxie.

 

The Dragon

Your fortunes in 2019

This is a much more stable year for you where you regain your authority, your territory, and your power. It is a very lucky year and goals can be achieved by maintaining a positive frame of mind and by being a good example of what you stand for. The Dog year suppressed your presence, but it is back with full force now and attracts desired opportunities towards you. It is likely to be a busy and sociable year where everything seems to go your way so set forth your intentions and make your plans early because if you do not, you can get drawn into the plans of others. You are happy to be back to your powerful Dragon self but others might abuse your ego and get you to do their bidding. Be mindful of your purpose. However, as a karmic sign, what you give out is what you get back and releasing good energy in the year of the Boar snowballs in your favour.

 

The Snake

Your fortunes in 2019

As you enter the year of the Boar which is your polar opposite sign, potential obstacles may raise their heads and demand your time. You may encounter people who are not enamoured by your wisdom and fail to be taken in by your charm. This may affect your self-esteem and consequently, other areas of your life. However, with your tenacity and intrepid nature, you will develop new ways of handling situations that will serve you well. It is not a year to take shortcuts, even if you see others taking them. Do not be tempted to follow the road of least resistance because that way lies a snake trap. Be good, do good and expect good in return. However, the Boar is generous to all and will not leave you vulnerable so it will be a mixed year of blessings and lessons learned the hard way. Your humility and sense of humour will be your best assets.

 

The Horse

Your fortunes in 2019

Liking to keep your feet firmly on the ground, the year of the Boar may frustrate your delicate nerves by sending you in different directions at the same time rendering you unable to trust your instincts that got you there. The problem is external factors are influencing your decision-making and you don’t know what you believe anymore so are going by what you think you should believe. It is likely to be a busy year where you play trouble-shooter for many projects. Take time to rest and search yourself for your moral centre so you maintain a sense of who you are and can choose your fights sensibly. It is a great time to buy property or make long-term investments.

The Sheep

Your fortunes in 2019

After the distressing Dog year, the Boar brings welcome comfort. In fact, it could turn out to be one of the best years of your life. The atmosphere the Boar creates is perfectly aligned to the way you like to live, happiness and abundance everywhere you look. Your money situation improves and your self-confidence is at a high after you were forced into confrontations last year which taught you a lot. This is just as well as you may be subjected to a number of parasites whom you need to assertively direct to the door. You are in a good place to control your future and your pure intentions give you a glow which makes you highly attractive so it’s a great year to find the love of your life if you haven’t already.

 

The Monkey

Your fortunes in 2019

A steady year where you could make lots of money, although, the methods you must follow may not be your preference. Things move slower than you would like. Do not get drawn into unhealthy habits though as you are susceptible to excessive influences. Keep your own counsel and try to keep up your personal routine that keeps your mind and body in good stead. It is a time to avoid petty arguments so placate rather than antagonise, as you don’t want to back yourself into a corner that you cannot climb away from. Yes, it is famously known amongst Chinese Astrologers that the Monkey is mentally very quick and likes to show off his mental acuity, but that’s lost on the Boar who finds it all unnecessary. Exercise prudence more than usual, as people will not be as reasonable as you would like and just fight your cheeky tendency to provoke. Just chill and get involved with the fun and games, it’s a more productive pass time this year. Lots of sensual pleasures await you if you are open to the adventures.

The Rooster

Your Fortunes in 2019

The end of last year may have seen large changes in your personal circumstances which has led you to be more cautious and ready for something new. In your mind it just feels like all preparation and no outcome or release. Keep in mind that all of your work is leading somewhere and faith is necessary to nurture your dreams. Keep your own counsel and resist the tendency to ask all of your friends for their advice because you already know what you want. Also, although secretly you love activity and being busy, this year may see you so busy that you’ll want to yell “Stop!” Not that you can’t handle it, but love or family life may be affected by your missing involvement. You are not alone, although, at times, you may feel it. Look around you, you are loved and everyone is stood there with their hearts wide open.

 

The Dog

Your fortunes in 2019

The last few years have been preparatory, getting you in the right place to capitalise on your skills or a favourable environment and finally, it is here. It is time for you to show the world what you are made of and come out in grand style. The time and place could not be better for your creative ventures to come to fruition, just commit 100% and go for it. As a big brother to the Boar sign, your affection and protection is returned in the Boar’s year allowing you to take risks without severe repercussions. Your popularity could soar and everything is ripe for your picking. Have faith, leap and you could prosper in a way nobody could have imagined.

 

The Boar

Your fortunes in 2019

As the baby of the cycle, you love to be spoiled and this is your year so get ready to be showered with gifts and affection. Being so adorable, it’s hard for people to dislike you, especially in your own year so you can expect a healthy social life, entertaining and traveling. When everyone is so giving, you usually respond in like and this is all very well as long as you keep an eye on your bank balance. Moderation has never been your strong point, but a little self-discipline is a good idea. Allow yourself to receive the acclaim and love shamelessly because it’s rightfully yours. You deserve every ounce of it.

Aries – When life’s pace speeds up, you are quite adept at keeping all the balls in the air and juggling your responsibilities; but what you don’t realize is just how much you have to be grateful for. Take some time out to appreciate it.

Taurus – Being in the early stages of a new endeavor, you may feel daunted by what lies ahead; just know that you have what it takes and think on all of the ways you are going to exceed your own and everybody’s expectations.

Gemini – Sometimes you just have to accept that you are not going to get the full picture, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking action. Listen to your intuition; you may even be having lucid dreams at this time, take heed of them too.

Cancer – Though it might be complicated and difficult, you may have the opportunity to free yourself from some sort of restriction or cage. Be brave and do what is right rather than what is easy. You will be glad you did in the long run.

Leo – Being in the position that you are, you might not have the luxury to be able to slow down or take a break, so despite what is happening, despite your emotions, just keep going until you reach the clearing. Then you will have more freedom.

Virgo – It may time to analyse your inner self, observe your actions while you are on autopilot to see what your behavior tells you and maybe you will understand how you ended up where you are. Take your time and be kind to yourself.

Libra – Finally, you are ready to move on and leave certain conflicts behind. Acceptance will be a good first step towards finding peace followed by an attempt to reconcile your differences acknowledging the role your ego may have played.

Scorpio – Know that the universe is a loving and abundant one that will always provide for you so there is never any need to be stingy or believe in lack. The more you give, the more you get; this is true in every area of your life.

Sagittarius – If you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, then do yourself a favor and let it go. Often times, it is all in your head anyway and even if you do have responsibilities, there is no point in worrying yourself about something you have little control over.

Capricorn – Finding yourself in a powerful phase, you are able to bring people, circumstances and events together in a way that serves your ends. Do not feel like you are being selfish or manipulative, just do what feels right and is right in front of you.

Aquarius – If you have been hiding away or not dealing with some aspect of your life, the time has come to pull your head out of the ground. Even if you do not make the necessary strides right away, at least take the first step.

Pisces – Whatever options lay before you, consider taking the most obvious and well trodden route as although there may be sexier potential routes, the tried and tested one is often the best. At least, that is the case this September.