Which years are considered the Year of the Ox?
In the twelve zodiac signs, the Ox corresponds to the Earthly Branch “Chou.” Those born in the Year of the Ox are those whose Earthly Branch in the sexagenary cycle is “Chou,” and the zodiac division is based on the Lunar New Year. That is, the time when the zodiac changes is at midnight on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
The correct years for the Ox include 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913, etc. These years strictly follow the 12-year cycle, with 2021 as the base year, and each previous year subtracting 12 years forms an Ox year.
The specific calculation method is: divide the Gregorian year by 12; if the remainder is 5, it is typically the Year of the Ox, expressed as “Gregorian year ÷ 12 = quotient, remainder 5.” For example, 2021 ÷ 12 = 168, remainder 5, so 2021 is the Year of the Ox; 1985 ÷ 12 = 165, remainder 5, so 1985 is also the Year of the Ox, and so on.
The Five Elements (Nayin) and fortune characteristics vary depending on the year of birth:
2021 and 1961 (Geng Chen Year): The Nayan element is “Wall Soil,” with the heavenly stem being Xin Metal and the earthly branch being Chou Earth. Metal and earth generate each other. People born in this year are usually calm, resolute, and meticulous, and they tend to develop steadily in stable fields such as finance or construction. With their diligent and responsible traits, they often gain recognition and achievements later in life, with wealth accumulation characterized by stability.
2009 and 1949 (Ji Chou Year): The Nayan element is “Thunder Fire,” with the heavenly stem being Ji Earth and the earthly branch being Chou Earth. Fire and earth are strong. These people have strong action ability and motivation. They may experience more hardship and challenges early in life, but as they accumulate experience, their careers become gradually stable, and their wealth grows accordingly.
1997 and 1937 (Ding Chou Year): The Nayan element is “Stream Water,” with the heavenly stem being Ding Fire and the earthly branch being Chou Earth. Fire generates earth, which moistens water. People born in this year have high emotional intelligence, are adaptable, and good at communication. They are suitable for industries that require interaction with others, such as education or media. They often have a strong fortune of auspicious people and can achieve good results with others’ help.
1985 and 1925 (Yi Chou Year): The Nayan element is “Sea Gold,” with the heavenly stem being Yi Wood and the earthly branch being Chou Earth. Wood loosens the earth, and the earth produces gold. These people are introverted and resilient. They need to continuously accumulate themselves in their early years, gaining experience and resources. After the age of 40, the golden energy becomes apparent, and they are likely to experience a surge in wealth in areas such as investment or business.
1973 and 1913 (Gui Chou Year): The Nayan element is “Mulberry Tree Wood,” with the heavenly stem being Gui Water and the earthly branch being Chou Earth. Water and wood generate each other. People born in this year have strong adaptability and can quickly adjust direction during industry changes, finding new development opportunities. Their later life is usually quite stable.
It should be noted that the zodiac division is based on the Lunar New Year. For example, those born before midnight on February 12, 2021 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) are considered Ox-born, while those born after midnight belong to the Tiger. Similarly, those born before midnight on February 20, 1985 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) are considered Rat-born, and those born after midnight are Ox-born. This is particularly important when determining the zodiac of a specific birth year.
When are "Wealthy Oxes" Usually Born?
From the perspective of Chinese metaphysics, "Wealthy Oxes" are usually born in the third, seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months. These months have a five-element energy that complements and supports the Ox, enhancing their fortune:Third lunar month (Chen Month): Chen Earth is damp earth, and it shares the same element as the Ox (Earth), forming a "Chen-Chou Mutual Support" configuration. The earth energy is strong, and the Chen Earth reservoir regulates it, making it neither dry nor stagnant. In terms of career, they receive assistance from auspicious people, and their main income increases steadily. Since Chen Earth is known as the "Treasure Store," these people are good at accumulating wealth, and their family situation tends to become prosperous in middle age. People born in this month are usually gentle and resilient, able to win trust through cooperation, laying the foundation for wealth and status.
Seventh lunar month (Shen Month): Shen Metal is Yang Metal, and the Ox's Earth produces Shen Metal, forming a "Earth Produces Metal" relationship. Metal represents the "Financial Star," and Shen Metal also has a half-union with the Ox, allowing financial energy to flow smoothly. Besides regular income, they often gain additional benefits, such as investment profits or project dividends. People born in this month possess both the stability of Earth and the decisiveness of Metal, showing sharp insight in commercial decisions and easily seizing opportunities for wealth and status.
Eighth lunar month (You Month): You Metal is Yin Metal, and the Ox's Earth produces You Metal, resulting in pure metal energy and a strong financial star. Their main income increases with career advancement, and since You Metal does not clash with the Ox, their interpersonal relationships are harmonious, with many friends offering support, making wealth accumulation smooth. People born in this month are usually meticulous and detail-oriented, skilled in managing wealth, ensuring the continuation of prosperity.
Ninth lunar month (Xu Month): Xu Earth is dry earth, and it shares the same energy as the Ox (Earth). The earth energy is thick and supported by fire (Xu is a fire store), forming a "Fire-Earth Produces Metal" chain. In terms of career, the "Official Star" becomes active, making them likely to hold high positions and control resources, with significant income from power and position. Additionally, Xu Earth is known as the "Hua Gai" star, indicating hidden assistance from auspicious people, making the path to wealth and status relatively smooth.
Those born in these months must combine their own efforts to transform the innate energy field into actual wealth; it is not enough to simply rely on the birth month to enjoy wealth effortlessly.
Combining annual planning: Those born in the Wall Soil Year (1961, 2021) are suitable for industries related to Earth, such as real estate and construction; those born in the Mulberry Tree Wood Year (1973, 2033) are suitable for industries related to Wood, such as culture and education; those born in the Sea Gold Year (1985, 2045) are suitable for industries related to Metal, such as finance and jewelry.
Leveraging the advantages of the birth month: Those born in the "Wealthy Months" can wear five-element accessories to enhance their energy field, such as crystals (which produce Metal) for those born in the third month, and jade (which produces Metal) for those born in the seventh month. Those born in other months can interact more with those born in the "Wealthy Months" to benefit from their energy field.
Daily conduct principles: Maintain the Ox's trait of being diligent and hardworking, avoiding impatience and recklessness. In years when the Financial Star is strong (such as the Year of the Rat, Snake, or Rooster), they can moderately expand investments while keeping their hearts grounded and avoiding risks caused by greed.
Understanding the birth years and "Wealthy Months" of the Ox helps better grasp the laws of fortune and achieve a smooth life and wealth accumulation through postnatal effort.
