Come January 26, 2009 and we will all celebrate the Chinese New Year with special focus on those who were born in the year of the Ox which rules this year. The Chinese calendar follows a 12-year pattern with each year named after an animal.

Legend has it that Jade Emperor invited all of the animals to join him for a New Year celebration but only 12 animals turned up. To reward the animals that did come, the emperor named a year after each of them in the order that they arrived, starting with the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Depending on the year you are born, you are believed to have the various character traits of that year’s animal. This year all those who were born in the year of the Ox can match their traits and personality with that of the oxen.

The Ox being the beast of burden usually carries the load of other people. It is a very patient animal and seldom objects to the work given to him, but if overburdened, it can be very dangerous. Usually the Ox is calm and quiet and can be trusted. You can be rest assured that they will honour their commitments and can be relied upon.

The male bull is much more aggressive than the cow. It is always the cow that looks after the family and not the bull. It is a leisurely animal and is never in a hurry. You will often find that Ox people chew gum or munch on something or the other just like the ox that chews cud all the time.

They need a peaceful environment to work in and have very rigid ideas which do not change hastily unless they are well convinced. They cannot be made to accept and implement new ideas without proper reasoning. They are very strong-headed people who although calm at most times, can become very angry and uncontrollable if provoked.

They like to live within their means and do not overspend. They are not very humorous people and need a partner who will give them lots of love and affection. They do not like to be cheated in love and will not easily forgive a person who has deceived them.

They are disciplined people and like to work very seriously in a precise manner. They are able to get things done in a very organised manner. They know exactly what to do and when to do it. They do well in farming, army, and teaching and make good religious leaders because of their methodical way of working.

They are ruled by the earth element, which is compatible with metal but is weakened by the wood element. Their favourite colours are beige, cream, yellow and brown.

They are directly associated with the northeast direction so all the people born under this sign will do well by displaying a figure or a picture of an ox in the northeast of their living room or the bedroom. Alternatively wearing a pendant of an Ox will strengthen their self-confidence and boost their morale.

This year people who are born under the sign of Ram are threatened with the arrival of the Ox. Rat comes as a lucky mascot that helps to make Ram and Ox compatible. So all the Ram people are advised to wear a pendant or keep a picture or a figure of a Rat close by till the end of the Chinese year of the Ox.

The year of the Ox can be calculated by deducting every 12 years from 2009. For example 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937 and so on.

Tip of the week: A very powerful time of the year for making wishes and see them being realised is on the January 26, 2009 at 1.25pm. This can be done by writing your wishes on a yellow piece of paper within 10 minutes of this time. Begin with being thankful to God and then after making the wishes place them in your temple, light a candle or a diya and meditate on your wishes and visualise them materialising.

Float them in running water once they are realised.