The Zodiac Explained

Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is divided into 12 months, the Japanese Zodiac is divided into 12 years, and each year is named after an animal. The zodiac is based upon the ancient Chinese concept that all time shifts according to a twelve-year cycle. Legend states that, before Buddha departed the Earth, only twelve animals came and gave their devotion to him. To honor them in return, Buddha named the years after them, in the order that they arrived. The year 2009 marks the year of the Ox, but there are also years of the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar, and Rat.

The Year of the Ox

In Japan, everyone knows what year of the zodiac they were born in, for it is believed to play a part in influencing character and personality. Those born in the year of the Ox are said to be patient, kind, talented, smart, and successful. Oxen are born leaders, though they say very little; when they do speak, however, they do so eloquently. They prosper through fortitude and hard work, capable of enduring any amount of hardship patiently and without complaint, much like their namesake. Rather than seek financial gain in life, the Ox would much rather avoid risks and longs for security in his life. He is logical, honest, dependable, strong-minded, and stubborn.

Oxen in Love

Oxen are most compatible with Snakes, Roosters, Rats, and Dogs and are less compatible with Dragons, Monkeys, Pigs, Tigers, and other Oxen. An Ox should especially avoid the Ram, with whom he is least compatible. The ideal partner for an Ox is truthful and gentle but knows how to cajole and tease, for it is important to be able to put the Ox at ease. Although practical in many other ways, the Ox is often naïve when it comes to love. It takes time for him to develop intimate relationships and to let his true feelings show, but once he does, the Ox is completely committed and trusts his partner wholeheartedly.

Famous Oxen

Famous people born under the year of the Ox include actors Charlie Chaplin, Bill Cosby, Anthony Hopkins, Sissy Spacek, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, and Meryl Streep. Former President Gerald R. Ford was an Ox, as was the maker of magic, Walt Disney.

Are you an Ox?

For those who don’t feel like doing the math, a new Ox comes along every twelve years. If you were born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, or 1913, you are, indeed, an Ox.