ABOUT

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Ox," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

• 19 February 1901 - 7 February 1902: Metal Ox
• 6 February 1913 - 25 January 1914: Water Ox
• 25 January 1925 - 12 February 1926: Wood Ox
• 11 February 1937 - 30 January 1938: Fire Ox
• 29 January 1949 - 16 February 1950: Earth Ox
• 15 February 1961 - 4 February 1962: Metal Ox
• 3 February 1973 - 22 January 1974: Water Ox
• 20 February 1985 - 8 February 1986: Wood Ox
• 7 February 1997 - 28 January 1998: Fire Ox
• 26 January 2009 - 14 February 2010: Earth Ox
• 2021 - 2022: Metal Ox
• 2033 - 2034: Water Ox

The Ox of Chinese Astrology is no bull in a china shop. Steadfast and solid, this powerful Sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Oxen tend to be plodding and methodical; they approach projects in the step-by-step manner that serves them best, and they never lose sight of their goal. They are tireless workers who are detail-oriented and believe in doing things right the first time.

The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. This sturdy sort is less than social by nature and tends to become introverted in a crowd. To make things worse, they can't be bothered with what other people think and prefer to do what makes them feel best. Behind that calm facade, though, lives an Ox who can feel hurt, lonely and unable to connect with others. Friends and family are a great source of comfort to this beast, even if they don't always understand what makes the Ox tick. As a lover, friend, family member or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable.

Out in the world, though, Oxen tend to be stubborn, dogmatic, my-way-or-the-highway kind of people who have no concept of when to back down. Oxen don't care to be pushed, especially since they think they're the good guys of the Chinese Zodiac. There is some truth to that theory, since the Ox is smart, trustworthy, caring and honorable. If you need honest, steady and unbiased advice, call on the Ox.

A good lesson for mighty Oxen is to strive to overcome a judgmental nature that keeps them from getting close to others. If they can learn to value their own good qualities, they'll have more room in their hearts to invite others in.

The most compatible match for an Ox is the Snake or the Rooster.