The Chinese zodiac is different than the Hellenistic astrology that many people in the western world follow. Instead of signs like Virgo or Aries, the Chinese zodiac uses 12 animal symbols, including the ox. Another difference from Hellenistic astrology is that each year of the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal on a rolling 12-year cycle. The ox is the second animal in the cycle.
The Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar calendar. So, the year of the ox almost never starts on January 1. It starts on the Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year.
In addition to having 12 animals, the Chinese zodiac also operates on a rolling cycle of five elements: wood, water, metal, air, and fire. These elements give that particular group of people with the sign of ox different personality characteristics.
Was I Born in the Year of the Ox?
The following chart will tell you if you were born in the year of the ox and which element is associated with the year you were born.
| Dates | Element |
|---|---|
| February 19, 1901 – February 7, 1902 | Metal |
| February 6, 1913 – January 25, 1914 | Water |
| January 24, 1925 – February 12, 1926 | Wood |
| February 11, 1937 – January 30, 1938 | Fire |
| January 29, 1949 – February 16, 1950 | Earth |
| February 15, 1961 – February 4, 1962 | Metal |
| February 3, 1973 – January 22, 1974 | Water |
| February 20, 1985 – February 8, 1986 | Wood |
| February 7, 1997 – January 27, 1998 | Fire |
| January 26, 2009 – February 13, 2010 | Earth |
| February 12, 2021 – January 31, 2022 | Metal |
| January 31, 2033 – February 18, 2034 | Water |
| February 17, 2045 – February 5, 2046 | Wood |
| February 4, 2057 – January 23, 2058 | Fire |
| January 23, 2069 – February 10, 2070 | Earth |
| February 9, 2081 – January 28, 2082 | Metal |
| January 27, 2093 – February 14, 2094 | Water |
Lucky Symbols and Times
The ox is the second sign on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
©LFRabanedo/Shutterstock.com
Each animal of the Chinese zodiac has both lucky and unlucky symbols and times associated with it. People born under the sign of the ox may use these lucky symbols to find good fortune in life. Those who believe in Chinese astrology also say that unlucky symbols should be avoided. Here are the lucky symbols for people with the sign of the ox in the Chinese zodiac.
- Lucky numbers: 1 and 4, as well as any number that combines the two of them such as 41
- Lucky colors: Blue, Red, Purple
- Lucky flowers: Tulips
- Lucky directions: East & southeast
- Lucky direction for money: Northwest
- Lucky direction for love: South
- Ruling hour: 1am – 3am.
Unlucky Symbols and Times
As mentioned, each sign in the Chinese zodiac also has unlucky symbols that people with the sign should avoid. People in each Chinese zodiac may also expect bad luck every 12 years when the sign of their birth comes back around. Here are the unlucky symbols for people born under the sign of the ox.
- Unlucky numbers: 6 and 9, as well as any number that combines the two like 96
- Unlucky colors: White and green.
Does the Year of the Ox Have Yin or Yang Energy?
The year of the ox has yin energy. In traditional Chinese philosophy, this is the side of yin and yang most associated with feminine and restful energy.
Which Element Is Associated With the Year of the Ox?
The year of the ox is associated with the element of earth. In Chinese philosophy, earth is the third and middle element out of five. It is centering and balancing and is a combination of yin and yang. It is associated with the color yellow, damp weather, and the mythical animal, the yellow dragon.
The year of the ox is associated with the season of winter.
Which Heavenly General Is Associated With the Year of the Ox?
The heavenly general associated with the year of the ox is Vajra in Sanskrit or 招杜羅 in Chinese. Each year of the Chinese zodiac is associated with one of these holy generals that are considered protective gods.
Year of the Ox Personality Traits
The attributes of oxen can also be applied to those of the ox zodiac.
©Hung Chung Chih/Shutterstock.com
If you think about the qualities of the ox animal, they are often thought of as stubborn yet calm. Those characteristics can also be attributed to people who fall under the sign of the ox. People with this sign are very dependable, determined, and hard-working. People with this sign may be very traditional and conservative-minded. They make very faithful and dedicated partners and have a lot of patience to build whatever they are working on in life.
Oxes are very detail oriented. They like to have a plan for everything and will come up with a sure course of action before making a move. Because of their careful planning and determination, they are likely to be successful in their work. They can find success in many areas of commerce, whether it is being a craftsperson or having their own business.
The ox is more likely to have a few close friends rather than a large and varied social circle. They appreciate routines. While they can be traditional, they like to be comfortable and are willing to spend money for comfort.
However, the more challenging aspects of this are that oxen are very stubborn and don’t easily divert from their plan. They may not readily take the suggestions of others and may have low communication skills as they can get easily frustrated when others don’t go along with their plans.
Wood Personality Traits
Wood oxen may be a little more restless than oxen of other elements. They are also always ready to defend the underdog.
Fire Personality Traits
Fire oxen are very practical but they may be more conservative than other types of oxen. This may lead them to become short-sighted or even selfish.
Earth Personality Traits
Earth oxen are very honest people, but tend to be more careful than others.
Metal Personality Traits
Metal oxen are more social than other oxen elements. They may have a busy social calendar!
Water Personality Traits
Water oxen are able to get through hardship particularly well. They also have a strong sense of justice.
Famous People Born During the Year of the Ox
Some famous people born under the sign of the ox in Chinese astrology include:
- Marlene Dietrich
- Barack Obama
- Walt Disney
- Kylie Jenner
- Louis Armstrong
- Billy Joel
- Jack Nicholson
- Malcolm X
- Jane Fonda
- Meryl Streep.
What Other Chinese Zodiac Signs Are Compatible With the Year of the Ox?
Those born during the year of the ox are most compatible with roosters, as well as rats and snakes.
©iStock.com/Lois_McCleary
The signs that are the most compatible with those that were born in the year of the ox are the rat, snake, and rooster. The least compatible signs are tiger, horse, goat, and monkey.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © MM.Wildlifephotos/Shutterstock.com
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Chinese zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac is different than the Hellenistic astrology that many people in the western world follow. Instead of signs like Virgo or Aries, the Chinese zodiac uses 12 animal symbols, including the ox. Another difference from Hellenistic astrology is that each year of the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal on a rolling 12-year cycle.
Which number in the Chinese zodiac cycle is the ox?
The ox is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
What are the lucky numbers for people born in the sign of the ox?
The lucky numbers for people born in the sign of the ox are 1 and 4, as well as any number that combines the two of them such as 41.
What are the lucky colors for people with the sign of ox in he Chinese zodiac?
The lucky colors for people born in the sign of the ox are blue, red, and purple.
What are the lucky flowers for people with the sign of ox in the Chinese zodiac?
The lucky flowers for people with the sign of ox in the Chinese zodiac are tulips.
What are the lucky directions for people born under the sign of the ox in the Chinese zodiac?
The lucky directions for people born under the sign of the ox in the Chinese zodiac are east & southeast.
What are the ruling hours for the sign of ox in the Chinese zodiac.
The ruling hours for the sign of ox in the Chinese Zodiac are 1am – 3am.
What are the unlucky numbers for people with the sign of ox in the Chinese zodiac?
The unlucky number for people with the sign of ox in the Chinese Zodiac are 6 and 9, as well as any number that combines the two like 96.
What are the unlucky colors for people with the sign of the ox in the Chinese zodiac?
The unlucky colors for people with the sign of the ox are white and green.
Does the sign of the ox have yin or yang energy?
The sign of the ox in the Chinese Zodiac has yin energy.
Which element is associated with the year of the ox?
The year of the ox is associated with the element of earth.
Which heavenly general is associated with the year of the ox?
The heavenly general associated with the year of the ox is vajra in Sanskrit or 招杜羅 in Chinese.
What are personality traits of people with the sign of ox?
People with the sign of ox in the Chinese Zodiac are dependable, hard working and traditional.
Who are some famous people born during the year of the ox?
Some famous people born during the year of the ox include Barak Obama, Walt Disney, and Kylie Jenner.
What are the most compatible signs with ox in the Chinese zodiac?
The signs that are the most compatible with those that were born in the year of the ox are: rat, snake, and rooster.
What are the least compatible signs with ox in the Chinese zodiac?
The least compatible signs with ox in the Chinese Zodiac are tiger, horse, goat, and monkey.
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