Happy Lunar New Year of the Golden Ox!
Image by Carrie Hirsch
The lunar new year of the Metal Ox arrives on February 12th, 2021 in Asia as the Moon turns new in Aquarius.
Read on below for a general forecast to the year of the Golden (Metal) Ox, according to the animal signs that are in the Year and Month pillars of your natal chart. These two pillars from the natal chart represent the external world. If you’d like to review how the prevailing elements of the Ox year will affect the environment and the world at large, check out the Year of the Ox Chinese Astrology outlook and Feng Shui insights previously posted back in January.
Ox
Those born in an Ox year (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) have the backing of Grand Duke Jupiter in the year of the Metal Ox. The year one encounters the animal sign of their birth is usually a transformative year full of big changes (personally and professionally) and it usually coincides with Jupiter return in one’s natal chart (though not always, especially if you were born in the early or later part of the Ox year as Jupiter has a not so exact twelve-year cycle). Being open to change is key! The Ox is also blessed with the Small Auspicious star, bringing blessings of joy in small doses. The Ox may feel low-spirited at times, however, and will need to strengthen their spirit essence (Shen) with positive thinking, grounding practices, and meditation.
Those born in the month of the Ox (January 5 to February 3, give or take a day) will have their Western astrology Sun signs somewhere between 15° Capricorn to 15° Aquarius. Jupiter and Saturn have been going through these degrees and will continue to go through Aquarius in 2021, with Uranus in Taurus bringing disruptions, while Pluto has also been within the degrees in Capricorn. Since the month pillar in Chinese Astrology represents one’s career, those born in the month of the Ox will continue to go through major changes in their professional life. This is a year to tackle more challenges to rise up in your field. Keep your positive attitude: what you offer can really transform the world.
Tiger
If you were born in a Tiger year (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010), growth is probably always on your mind as a Yang Wood sign. This year, your focus is on rebuilding and gaining new experiences. Keep working on your goals as 2022 will be a life-changing year for you and you want to spend 2021 preparing and getting ready for it. Since the Tiger shares the same palace as the Ox in the Feng Shui chart, those with a Tiger in their chart’s also blessed with small doses of joy.
If you were born in a Tiger month (February 4 – March 5, give or take a day or two), your Western astrology Sun sign should be somewhere between 15° Aquarius – 15° Pisces. Since the month pillar in Chinese Astrology represents one’s career, those born in the first half of Tiger month, blessed with Jupiter visiting their Sun in 2021, may finally see the fruits of their labor, while those born in the second half of the Tiger month experience effortless work-related change from Uranus in Taurus.
Rabbit
If you were born in a year of the Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011), you may have had to deal with relationship issues in 2020 as the Rabbit and the Rat have a relationship penalty with each other. The Ox year will be more low-key for the Rabbit, with opportunities to mend relationships that are worth saving or start new ones. Invest your time and energy in continuing education and learning new skills that will put you in a path of growth.
Those born in the month of the Rabbit (March 6 – April 4, give or take a day or two) will have their Sun sign somewhere between 15° Pisces to 15° Aries. Neptune is the main influence to those born in the first half of the month, which could be highly inspirational if you’re in the creative fields. Neptune transiting the Sun can also bring fogginess to one’s aspirations – focus on building a solid foundation rather than shooting for the top. Those born in the second half of the Rabbit month have the support of Chiron and may find the work that they do to be very healing to themselves and to others, while Jupiter and Saturn help broaden and deepen their scope of experience.
Dragon
As a fellow Earth sign, the Dragon has a side clash with the Ox, which can manifest as heaviness and weariness throughout the Ox year. Persistence is key to those born in the year of the Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012). With the side clash, this is a year to avoid high risk activities. The Dragon is blessed with excellent success luck and good life force (Qi) in 2021. Their spirit essence (Shen), however is not as strong, which may bring a tendency to lose hopes – cultivate a stronger Shen with a consistent meditation practice.
Those born in the month of the Dragon (around April 5 – May 4, give or take a day) will have their Sun sign between 15° Aries to 15° Taurus. The past few years may have been tough as the universe keeps throwing you work-related challenges. Progress may be slow with Jupiter and Saturn now out of the way for those born in the first half of the month but not yet bringing rewards, while those born in the second half of the month may feel as if they’ve been giving it all without getting as much in return. Keep your faith, stay focused, and let your experience empower you even more – you’re a survivor and your time to shine again will come soon enough.
Snake
The Snake, an ally of the Ox, benefits from a few auspicious stars in the year of the Ox. Those born in a Snake year (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) can expect a more harmonious and supportive year in 2021 (provided all the other signs in your natal chart do not clash with the Ox or with each other). This is a year to pursue your dreams and invest your time and energy on your quests without fear. Be discerning and impeccable with your words, however, as others may take what you say out of context.
Those born in the month of the Snake (May 5 – June 4, give or take a day) will have their Western astrology Sun sign between 15° Taurus to 15° Gemini. This can be a year of big career breaks for you! If you were born in the first half of the month, you have had the support of one or more of the outer planets (Neptune, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto) in your career path. Neptune and Pluto will continue to bring inspiration and positive transformation in 2021, however Jupiter and Saturn now in Aquarius will throw some challenges your way as you take on more responsibilities. Keep up with the hard work – you have the Ox’s support as your ally. Success seems more effortless for those born in the second half of the month, as a trine from Jupiter to your Sun helps expand your growth while Saturn is ready to bring in his rewards. All the years of hard work are paying off and you deserve it!
Horse
The Horse is finally out of the clash / opposition with the Rat and can breathe a sigh of relief in the year of the Ox. As the Peach Blossom star of the Ox, those born in the year of the Horse (1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) are in for a highly social year. Be discerning with who you spend your time and energy with as many will be drawn to you. Annual star 1 of wisdom and victory in the South palace (where the Horse is located in the Feng Shui compass) provides heavenly and earthly support. Share your joy – practice kindness and generosity for more blessings.
Those born in the month of the Horse (June 5 – July 6, give or take a day or two) will have their Sun sign between 15° Gemini to 15° Cancer. Those born in the first half of the month will get a big boost from Jupiter in their career – you can really grow your influence this year, though remember to stay grounded and in your center as Neptune can cloud your vision now and then. Chiron helps bring healing to those born in the second half of the Horse month through the work that they do – share the healing journey to help others.
Sheep
If you were born in year of the Sheep / the Goat / the Ram (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015), this is your clash year as the Sheep is the sign opposite the Ox and in 2021, the Sheep confronts the Grand Duke Jupiter / the Tai Sui. Most likely, transiting Jupiter will oppose your natal Jupiter sometime during the year. A clash year is usually one of the most transformative years, with decisions and actions made during the year affecting far into the future. Be ready for a year of big changes. You may find yourself in a completely new environment, with unfamiliar players. A clash year happens when we turn 6, 18, 30, 42, 54, 66, 78, and so on. Those are usually critical years of graduating from one phase of life and firmly moving into another phase. Adapt and accept these changes as necessary to your personal growth.
If you were born in a Goat month (July 7 – August 6, give or take a day or two), your Sun sign will be somewhere between 15° Cancer – 15° Leo. Those born in the first half of the month will continue to rise up to career challenges thrown by Pluto – it hasn’t been easy at work but Jupiter and Saturn have now left you alone, while Neptune gifts you with creativity and vision. Saturn and Jupiter are now busy putting pressure at work on those born in the second half of the Sheep month, with Uranus in Taurus often disrupting and changing the rules. Set your priorities straight – you’re ready to take on more responsibilities, but realize that when you’re making room to grow, something else must go.
Monkey
If you were born in the year of the Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016), you are blessed with the presence of a few auspicious stars in 2021, bringing you opportunities to increase your wealth and influence. The Rat as one of your allies provided you with protection / easy trine in 2020 but you may have been craving more excitement, which you may very well get in 2021. This is not a year to sit around – invest your energy into creating or strengthening your community. You have the creativity and resources to offer new services – be generous in your offerings and the universe will provide what you need.
Those born in the month of the Monkey (August 7 – September 7, give or take a day or two) will have their Western astrology Sun sign somewhere between 15° Leo to 15° Virgo. If you were born in the first half of the month, Jupiter will oppose your Sun sometime during the year, which could be an extremely productive, expansive time. Take care not to exhaust yourself, however, and set your boundaries and priorities straight. Since the month pillar in Chinese Astrology represents one’s career, work-related changes and opportunities come effortlessly to those born in the second half of the Monkey month thanks to Uranus in Taurus. The more you allow yourself to experience every moment fully, the more the world will open up for you.
Rooster
The Rooster benefits from being an ally of the Ox year and is blessed with a few powerful stars in 2021. If you were born in the year of the Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017), this Ox year is a year to reap what you sow, especially the seeds that you planted in 2020. Keep up with your momentum or step it up – you have strong leadership and money luck this year – the more you nurture, the more you get in return. The trine from the Ox generally indicates a smooth year ahead, with support from your circles of friends, family, and colleagues.
Those born in the month of the Rooster (September 7 – October 7, give or take a day or two) will have their astrology Sun sign between 15° Virgo to 15° Libra. If you were born in the first half of the Rooster month, you’ve been dealing with Neptune opposing your Sun and it may be challenging at times to discern truth from untruth. Remember to stay in your center – “stay” should be your mantra this year, in fact, as we tend to escape / take flight from the uncomfortable during a Neptune opposition. As a Yin Metal sign, channel the Neptune energy into creating beautiful art. Those born in the second half of the month are blessed with a trine from Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, putting you in the spotlight at work or in your field. Saturn trine Sun is one of the most positive transits. Enjoy the easy flow – the last time Saturn made a trine to your Libra Sun was when he was in Gemini from 2001 to 2003!
Dog
Enriching the mind with wisdom is one of the main quests of those born in the year of the Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) this year. Gifted with sharp intuition which has contributed to their success, the Dog will gain even deeper insights into the inner workings of their world as they rise up further in the external world. With so much going on, the Dog may neglect their social life and may often feel like a lone wolf. Make time to reconnect with friends and family. Avoid taking unnecessary risks, however, and keep your awareness high as the Dog also suffers from a side clash with the Ox.
Those born in the month of the Dog (October 8 to November 6, give or take a day or two) will have their Sun sign between 15° Libra to 15° Scorpio. If you were born in the first half of the month, you’ve probably been dealing with Pluto testing your limits at work as you gain more responsibilities and power. Jupiter brings his blessings this year and you may find yourself enjoying a better professional environment. Work situations are more challenging to those born in the second half of the month, with pressures coming from Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, while opposing Uranus may contribute to ever changing environment, rules and regulations. As a Yang Earth sign, you have the tenacity and strength to overcome any challenges thrown at you.
Pig
Those born in the year of the Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) are in for a busy, fast-paced year, with places to go and people to see. Even if you’re mostly staying home, you’ll be getting out and about, wheeling and dealing on Zoom, or doing projects around the house. You’re eager to expand your external world and have the courage to step outside of your comfort zone. With so much going on, remember to pause and slow down so you can recenter and reflect, especially in the months of the Snake (May 5 – June 4) and the Pig (November 7 – December 6). Keep your focus on your visions so that you don’t lose sight of your purpose.
If you were born in the month of the Pig (see above), your Sun sign will be between 15° Scorpio and 15° Sagittarius. Work-related matters may overwhelm those born in the first half of the month due to a square from Jupiter in Aquarius. As much as you’re eager to test your boundaries, take care not to overextend yourself. You do have the confidence and skills to pull off whatever’s required of you, thanks to support from Pluto. Those born in the second half of the month are discovering / rediscovering their inborn talents, with the karmic south node awakening long-forgotten gifts and latent skills. Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius will help you expand and go deeper into these gifts. Sooner or later you’ll transform them into tangible assets.
Rat
Those born in the year of the Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) may be glad to pass the torch to the Ox in 2021 – it’s been a lot of pressure to be the sign visited by Grand Duke Jupiter. The year of the Ox offers an easier time and more stability for the Rat, with secret friend protection bringing support and help from others when needed. The Rat is also blessed with better financial luck and sharper intuition – a good year to invest in education programs, assets, or apps that can contribute to your growth or increase your value. Watch your health and energy levels, however – the Rat may have a weaker than usual life force (Qi) and spirit essence (Shen). Turn to meditation as a safe place whenever you need to cultivate your Qi and Shen.
If you were born in the month of the Rat (December 7 – January 4, give or take a day or two), you will have your Sun sign between 15° Sagittarius to 15° Capricorn. Jupiter brings support to those born in the first half of the month, expanding your career possibilities. With Neptune squaring your Sun, however, be highly discerning with opportunities presented to you. Those born in the second half of the month enjoy effortless change courtesy of Uranus in Taurus. Chiron challenges your healing journey now and then, but you’ve been smart to turn your wounds into inspired offerings and you’re getting more and more comfortable with your ever-changing, ever-evolving role in your field and/or your community.