Year of the Metal Ox
February 12, 2021 – January 31, 2022
The following information is compiled from a large group of resources and there are many (sometimes conflicting) interpretations on the year ahead. Yet sometimes differing interpretations can help us better understand the year. For those of us less familiar with the Chinese Zodiac, it is made up of 12 animal signs and 5 Elements, comprising a 60 year cycle. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between January 21st and February. 20th. In 2021, the first day of the Lunar New Year isThursday February 11th, initiating the Year of the Metal Ox, which ends January 31, 2022
Ancient lore says, the Jade Emperor invited all of the animals in the world to join him for the New Year celebration, but only 12 animals bothered to turn up. As a great reward, he named a year after each one of them in the order that they arrived to celebrate. The Ox was the second to arrive (the Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride and then jump off making him first).
General Indicators for this Year
- The Ox is an Earth element by nature, and as Earth produces Metal (in the 5 Element Theory of Feng Shui & Chinese Medicine), this creative cycle adds promise that this year will be more compatible with itself then last year was. (Read about the qualities of the 5 Elements – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal here SacredCurrents.com/about-feng-shui/about-elements).
- The trend towards values of ethics, intuition, versatility and respect for others will be most important.
- Businesses involved in renewal energy and protection of the environment will thrive.
- Transparency and racial equality in business will be rewarded – the righteous Ox insists on it – and the Metal Element this year underscores the the importance of teamwork and loyalty.
- Other industries that may thrive include the ones represented by the Earth or Metal Elements. Some of these are real estate, land development, mining, insurance, computer software, and technology.
- Less fortunate industries may include those related to the Water and Wood Elements, such as shipping, transportation, communication, media and fashion.
- The Metal Element represents the lungs, large intestines, and skin in Chinese medicine. As there is little Fire Element this year to balance Metal, CoVid has a good chance to continue to afflict us.
Ox Friends and Foes:
- Rat, Rooster, and Snake are the good friends of the Ox.
- Snake & Rooster are in 3 harmony with the Ox..
- Snake & Rooster are in 3 harmony with the Ox.Horse most incompatible with the Ox (Biden a Water Horse).•Ram is directly opposite and in conflict with the Ox..
- Snake & Rooster are in 3 harmony with the Ox.Dragon and Dog form right angles and thus are offending to the Ox (Trump is a Dog).
A few famous people born in the year of the Ox are: Princess Grace Kelly,, Napoleon, Adolf Hitler, Walt Disney, Margaret Thatcher, Barack Obama, Marilyn Monroe, Saddam Hussein, Ivanka Trump, Gerald Ford, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Vincent Van Gogh, Princess Diana, Richard Nixon, Angelina Jolie, and Orianthi.
___________________________________
Prior to the Lunar New Year, it is a good idea for all of us to ‘clear house’ both physically and metaphorically.
• In other words clean up outstanding debts, issues and generally complete things before the Lunar New Year. The Chinese literally sweep their homes clean, taking out all the bad karma from the year.
• All signs will do well to perform the ‘Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell’ ritual, along with ‘Changing the Chi of the Environment.’
• I have suggested the zodiac signs that will specifically benefit the most from performing the Golden Cicada Ritual for protection below.
For more specific adjustments and/or personalized recommendations for your astrology and floor plan, call or email for more information about a phone or onsite consultation.
___________________________________
Each zodiac animal has its own qualities that are consistent year to year, yet every sign will be influenced by the Ox’s energy this year. Below are some insights for each zodiac animal in 2021. Please note that fortunes can be reduced or enhanced with Feng Shui, rituals, meditations and transcendental adjustments, and all people have their own karma to consider.
INSIGHTS FOR THE 12 CHINESE ZODIAC ANIMALS:

RAT – 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Rats are charming creatures with a large dose of intelligence. They are independent and have a sharp eye for detail. Rats are warm-hearted and opportunistic and at times stubborn perfectionist. Yet Rats also have a great ability to be adaptive problem solvers.This is a year full of prosperity that will support any activity or movement in the Rat’s career. They can have great achievements even without making great efforts. For single Rats the end of the year could be promising for romance. Health should be good this year but pay close attention to signals from your body, and take time to relax. The Rat has great affinity with the Ox, Dragon and Monkey. Carry your best friend the Ox and he’ll help support your good fortunes this year.

Ox – 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Ox is dependable, earnest and conservative. They work logically and hard to accomplish their goal. Ox generally don’t form many close relationships but are reliable, loving partners. They’re logical, yet sometimes display tempers.
Although one’s own zodiac year is traditionally the most unfortunate (due to the fact that you’re ‘sitting atop of the year god’ or Tai Sui), this year is one to clarifying many personal and professional aspects of your life. With hard work, the calm and the patient nature of the Ox will ensure a rich “harvest” and significant achievements – as long as they don’t allow themselves be carried away by an excessive stubbornness or inflexibility. Stay calm and patient – the wheel of fortune always changes for everyone.
Doing the Golden Cicada Ritual on 3 consecutive nights starting on New Year’s Eve – the 10th of February, will turn misfortune into auspiciousness. You’re in 3 harmony with the Rooster and Snake and share a six harmony relationship with the Rat and Monkey. Carrying a talisman of yourself or one of your good friends is advisable.

TIGER –1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
The wonderfully intense vitality of the Tiger makes them both passionate and optimistic. Tigers can easily sway a crowd but its best if they avoid extremes. They are born leaders yet need to listen as much as take charge. Tigers will fight for their own rights and for the rights of those they love.
This year you should be filled with strength, however your emotional health can be much improved by avoiding conflicts with those around you. Diving into spiritual development this year may be just the thing, New projects may be lacking inspiration to further proceed. Your financial situation should be stable but deal carefully to avoid unnecessary spending. The Peach Blossom star will enhance your relationships and prospects.
The most compatible signs for the Tiger are the Pig, Dog and Horse. Carrying a talisman of an Ox will keep you in his good graces.

RABBIT –1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Rabbits are kind, graceful and sensitive yet sometimes overly sensitive to criticism. They have good judgment in business and in general.
In 2021, there is opportunity to use your imagination and express your thoughts in the artistic environment. Committed relationships will be tested but resolve themselves for the better. Single Rabbits will have a colorful romantic life this year.
This will be a moderately good year for your career, but rather undramatic for the most part – perhaps good for the peace loving Rabbit. It’s a good year to study and satisfy your intellectual curiosity from new experiences. Your health will be good if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. The best partners for the Rabbit are the Rams, Dogs and Pigs. It is suggested you carry a Ox this year.

DRAGON – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The intelligent, energetic Dragon has high standards for themselves and others. When they are not too demanding, they have the potential to accomplish great things. Dragons don’t accept defeat easily and will come to your rescue when in need.
The Dragon is in 9O degree conflict with the Ox thus this may cause problems in your career. The best advice is keep your head down and be conservative with expenses. Spiritual pursuits will help mitigate stresses from work or relationships, and preserve health.
Stay in good communication personally and professionally, while caring for yourself to ride through a year with a few bumps in the road. Your most compatible signs are the Monkey, Rat and Snake. Carry a Ox this year for good luck.

SNAKE – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
The Snake is known for its passion, talents, tenacity and is fortunate in having most of its needs met. They are always planning and are quite alert and observant. This is a good year for the Snake as it is in the 3-Harmony position with the Ox (along with the Rooster).
In 2021, your most valuable advantage is in communication. Old conflicts with your family can be resolved. Your career should should shine with creativity and promotion. Whether single or in a relationship love is in the air.
The best partners for Snakes are the Ox, Rooster and Dragon. The Ox is your talismans this year and will protect you. With all the positives pay close attention to getting enough rest and make your mental health a priority.

HORSE – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
The Horse is a social, optimistic and non-conforming animal. Their changeable nature needs plenty of stimulation. Happiness is more of a motivation than wealth or fame. They can anger quickly but are just as quick to forgive and forget.
Your luck this year is less than good due to the fact the Ox is such a good friend of the Rat – the Horse’s sign of conflict. Thus 2021 may be a bit of a rough ride for the Horse, however it will be worth it in the end. Try to avoid unnecessary risks and strive to maintain stability in both your personal and professional life.
Doing the Golden Cicada Ritual on 3 consecutive nights starting on New Year’s Eve – the 10th of February – will turn misfortune into auspiciousness. The Horse is most compatible with the Tiger, Dog and Ram. It is best to carry the Ox as it will soften him up.

RAM – 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
The Ram is a sensitive, good-natured and creative animal. The good seminarian of the zodiac yet she/he can also be uncommunicative. They preserve through difficulties, having high tolerance and motivation. Rams can pursue with confidence any career that uses their artistic skills or their love of caring for others.
The Ram is in the direct conflict position to the Ox, hence approach this year carefully. You’ll need to put more effort into your work in order to secure your position and avoid misunderstanding and errors. It will not be a good year for investments. Take especially good care of your health this year as you are more vulnerable to illness and stress. But take heart, things get better as the year progresses.
It is recommended to do the Golden Cicada Ritual on 3 consecutive nights starting on New Year’s Eve. The Ram’s most compatible allies are the Horse, Pig, and Rabbit. Carrying a Snake & Rooster the Ox’s good friends helps to soften the conflictive year.

MONKEY – 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Versatile Monkeys use their lively, clever and ambitious personalities to their advantage. They can do most things well and no challenge is too great for them. As a result they can be arrogant. However, they view everyone as a teacher and willing to listen to critique and learn from their mistakes.
This is an opportune year for your career and finances but avoid any ‘sketchy’ investments at all costs. If single, it could be a popular year for your love life and if partnered, your bonds will be strengthened. Activities such as meditation, tai chi or yoga will help you to relax and gain physical strength this year due to some potential health issues and immune deficiency.
Your good friends are the Dragon and Rat, but Monkeys are very much in demand. Only Snakes and Tigers do well to avoid them. Carry a Ox for good fortune this year.

ROOSTER –> 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
The Rooster is a talkative perfectionist who is known for directness and hard work. They need to keep their emotions in check especially around other Roosters. They really need loved ones to validate and encourage them.
Being in a 3-Harmony relationship with the Ox (and Snake) makes this an auspicious year for the Rooster. It is the year of change and although some sacrifices will be in order, you will manage to achieve most everything you want in your financial, professional and personal life. However be alert to stressful situations which can impact your health.
Your compatible signs are the Snake, Ox and Dragon. You should carry an Ox talisman for good fortune and protection.

DOG – 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Dogs are loyal and likable, intelligent and morally sound. They are diplomatic in all their dealings but if that fails you may get to see their lovely teeth. Although Dogs are not materialistic but always provide for their loved ones.
The Dog is in a conflict with the Ox as a result of their 90 degree relationship. Thus you are likely to experience challenges in your relations, both at work and in your social circle. Try to stay clear of augments. It is not a particularly good year for investments.
Make sure to stop and make time for the outdoors and exercise to balance your health and potential stress. The Golden Cicada Ritual is recommended on New Years Eve. Dogs are compatible with the Horse, Rabbit and Tiger. Carrying an Ox will keep you in good stead.

PIG – 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
The intelligent, generous and likable Pig is a pleasure seeker who is not opposed to hard-work. Pigs seek universal harmony and sometimes can be overly generous or promise more than they can deliver.
Pigs should expect positive development in their professional life – both income and interesting projects could increase. However, personal relationships will have some challenges and precaution is recommended in all of your dealings. The Pig does not handle stress well, so be sure to leave room in your schedule for rest and relaxation.
You are most compatible with Rabbits, Rams and Tigers. Carrying a Ox this year will keep you protected.
___________________________________
According to ancient tradition there are 3 types of luck – Heaven, Earth and Manmade luck
• Heaven luck is your astrology, which cannot be changed. We cannot change the time, place or family we were born into.
• Earth Luck is where Feng Shui comes into play and can either strengthen your luck by attracting auspicious energies and protect, or prevent negative energy from coming to us.
• Manmade Luck is what we create through networking, education, good habits, self-improvement, meditation, etc.
If you would like help insuring your Earth Luck with specific Feng Shui recommendations for your home and/or office in this Year of the METAL OX, please contact me for an on-site or Zoom consultation at:
Sacred Currents | 917-903-9390 | Contact Judith »
Gung Hey Fat Choy
Wishing You the Blessings of Health & Prosperity
Judith Wendell
Year of the Metal Ox design by Alan Zitko
zitkoroosisl -at -aol.com
Thumbnail illustrations by The Swimming Paintbrush:
SwimmingPaintbrush.com
