OX

THE TENACIOUS, PATIENT OX
Symbolic Characteristic: STRENGTH
Energy: YIN
Element: EARTH
Month: JANUARY
Direction: NORTH/NORTHEAST
Season: LATE WINTER

WOOD OXEN (1925, 1985):
Wood brings even more stability to the Ox's calm character. Wood Oxen are extremely dependable and live life by a vary clear and specific code of ethics. They set and reach high goals in all areas of their lives and usually attain material wealth.

FIRE OXEN (1937, 1997):
The fire element can bring both dangerous volatility and vibrant enthusiasm to the Ox's character. Fire Oxen are ready, able, and willing to express their emotions, especially their anger. Inflamed with passionate creativity, Fire Oxen are a powerhouse of achievement and require a constant stream of new projects to keep them happy.

EARTH OXEN (1949, 2009):
The double earth element gives these Oxen plenty of resourcefulness and wisdom. They are typical Oxen, displaying all the Oxen's core traits. Reliable and steadfast, Earth Oxen know what they want out of life and set out early with quiet patience and hard work to achieve their goals.

METAL OXEN (1961):
Metal has the effect of strengthening the Ox's core character traits. Blessed with vision and logic, Metal Oxen make extremely capable business leaders. Metal Oxen are the most ambitious and materialistic of all Oxen and will persue their goals with tenacity.

WATER OXEN (1913, 1973):
Water brings eloquence, intuition, and reflection - traits it usually lacks - to the Ox's character. Water Oxen will be more focused on others then themselves throughout their lives, displaying competence as counselors or social workers. Wise, caring, and logical, Water Oxen are the most altruistic of the Ox group.

RELATIONSHIP CHART FOR OXEN:

OX With	Rating	Potential For Love, Friendship and Professional Life
Rooster	Best	Much sucess could come from this pairing, as flamboyant Rooster will attend to the social aspects of the relationship, while Ox will attend to the detailed planning and physical work.
Snake	Best	Much happiness could result from this pairing. The Ox will provide Snake with stability and physical resources so that they can meet common goals. Snake will entice Ox into lighter moods when necessary.
Rat	Positive	A mutually rewarding partnership in any context. Rat's intelligence and ingenuity will complement Ox's physical tenacity. This pair could achieve much together.
Ox	Good But Needs Work	For the most part this pairing could work, as neither will ask too much from the other. However, life could become extremely dull, as all Oxen are quite serious.
Tiger	Challenging	In the wild, these two would be natural enemies. Both are physically powerful and will want to dominate the relationship. This could lead to conflict and exhaustion on both parts.
Rabbit	Positive	Rabbit will be happy for Ox to dominate and provide. Rabbit's gentle optimism will act as a soothing balm to Ox's grueling pessimism.
Dragon	Challenging	A powerful but thwarted combination. Ox won't be able to stand Dragon's passion for the unconventional. Dragon will quickly become bored and frustrated with Ox's fixation on routine.
Horse	Challenging	A mutual lack of understanding and respect will unfold quickly with this pairing. Horse will crave freedom and excitement and will soon leave the traditional and authorative Ox.
Monkey	Good But Needs Work	Ox will be fascinated by Monkey's sparkling wit, and Monkey will appreciate the attention. However, the attraction will be brief; Monkey craves change and Ox respects routine.
Dog	Positive	These two share values such as loyality and respect. This pairing could work if Ox could lighten up and if Dog could maintain an understanding of Ox's temperament.
Pig	Good But Needs Work	Both crave a peaceful and quiet home life. However, Pig may be irresponsible with money, which will frustrate Ox. Unless Pig learn restraint, Ox will soon leave.
Sheep	Very Bad	Ox will have no respect for the excitable and morally deviant Sheep, who will find no excitement in the dull Ox. This pairing is best avoided, as the values and beliefs will be directly opposed.