Most of us are thrilled that we’re leaving the Year of the Rat behind (Feb. 4, 2020 thru Feb. 11, 2021) and are about to enter the Year of the Metal Ox (Feb. 12, 2021- Jan. 30, 2022.)  Surely it will be a better year, with two vaccines having been developed to fight the feared COVID-19 virus, right?  And once the civil unrest is quelled with a new U.S. President and Congress, we’ll all begin to get along.  Well, yes it will… with a little help from the information you’re about to receive!

The Nature of the Year

The Ox is all about your income, and the health and happiness of humans. From pretty close to the dawn of time, the ox has worked in service of humans. Our predecessors used every part of the gentle ox, from bone to the hide, as well as using them as beasts of burden. We are indebted to this diligent and conscientious animal.

We can learn humility from this creature, who never requires acknowledgment for its effort, or recognition for the sacrifices of its body. As we “plow” through the year, maintain a modest attitude regarding your effort.

Interestingly, the Ox is best friends with the Rat, although this is a good example of the phrase “opposites attract.”  Rats tend to take an aggressive approach, while Ox are deliberate and steady. Rats are charming, while Oxen are faithful.  Similarities include that both are conscientious, hard working, and family focused.  Because of these characteristics, they get along well together.  While the Rat is one of the most auspicious animals of the Chinese Zodiac, he achieves much because of his relationship with the Ox.

This Year’s Biggest Challenges

Animals of the Zodiac that are in a Tai Sway year include the Ox, the Rat, the Horse, the Goat/Sheep/Ram and the Dragon.  Tai Sway refers to the 12 year cycle of the planet (Grand Duke) Jupiter.  These animals will tend to have more challenges throughout the year.  Doing unselfish deeds of compassion and kindness can mitigate these problems.  You may recall the last time it was the Year of the Ox, which was 2009.  While our economy had experienced the “Great Recession” in 2008, the effects were still felt in 2009.  Just like 2009, we may still feel the negative affects from 2020 for a while.  The good news is that things will slowly improve in the Year of the Ox.

Health

It appears that things will continue to be challenging regarding the pandemic.  The virus may continue to mutate, and may affect livestock and our pets.  The important thing for all of us to keep in the forefront of our minds is to heed precautions shared with us by medical experts and scientists: maintain social distance, wear masks around others not in our household, and wash our hands frequently to protect ourselves from illness.

Good news: science will take some giant steps forward during the year.

A remedy to illness is to show kindness and support for one another, and to respect nature. This can’t be overstated. We, as a humanity are currently reaping the results of disrespecting others (humans and the animal kingdom) and nature. The more people that act in the ways of kindness and love, the more success we’ll have in paying the karmic debt we’ve incurred to nature.

Perseverance and Compensation

We may have to work twice as hard to accomplish our goals this year, and just keep those efforts at the forefront of your thoughts as you work.  When we truly align ourselves with the energy of giving, our compensation is in the goodness of the act itself.  If you’re showing off or flaunting your successes, or even your generosities, this will not work with the nature of the year.  Your perseverance will pay off and become something better than you even imagined it would be.  Make a donation to an animal support group (such as PAWS, NWF, the Humane Society, ASPCA, Greenpeace, or such) and/or to an Environmental support group (such as Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, American Rivers, the Sierra Club, Earthworks or such.)

Your Presence

Practice giving fully of yourself.  Be completely present in all areas of your life.  Work at NOT multi-tasking.  That means when you’re talking to a family member on the phone, you’re not simultaneously surfing the web; you’re not checking your phone for messages when you’re on a Zoom call with coworkers, for example. This will have as many benefits for you, as it will in your relationships with others.

In conclusion

To sum it up, you might put these words/phrases where you see them throughout your day:  (Click on the pdf below)

Work diligently

Persevere

Be kind and loving to all

Be humble

Be present in all you do

Use health precautions

If you’d like to learn more about more cures for 2021, and/or are interested in a feng shui consultation, contact us through this website. We’re working virtually on Zoom or FaceTime with clients to preserve your health.  It could bring you good luck throughout the Year of the Metal Ox and beyond.  Be sure to return on Jan. 31 for your specific birth animal’s predictions during the Year of the Metal Ox.  Go to https://tfi.design/blog/whats-your-chinese-zodiac-sign/ to learn your birth animal sign if you don’t already know it. Until then…

万事如意

wànshì rúyì

May everything you wish go well and smoothly.