Year Of The Ox: Chinese Horoscope

Want something done? Give it to the steadfast Ox. This hardworking Chinese horoscope sign will shoulder any burden, plodding dutifully along with strength and determination.

All about the Year of the Ox!

Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac

1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

The personality of the Ox in Chinese astrology

Steady and loyal, the Ox is a faithful creature who always come through. Lean on an Ox in times of need. They love to be there for you! This sign is a rock-solid family person and a lifelong friend. Change and whirlwind affairs aren’t big on this sign’s agenda, but marriage, deep connections and children fulfill them.

Some may find an Ox boring, stubborn or set in their ways. Like the plodding animal, the Ox endlessly repeats the same habits, meals and conversations. The Ox calls that dedication and commitment, and these are this sign’s prized values. After all, an Ox’s success is built on sticking to goals and honoring promises. Look elsewhere for excitement, but turn to an Ox when you need a comforting, rock-solid presence and a dependable friend.

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The Ox is ruled by the planet Saturn

The steadfast Ox is ruled by structured Saturn, the planet of hard work, discipline and responsibility. The Ox’s rigor is echoed by the Saturn-ruled sign of Capricorn, its Western astrological counterpart. Rising and ending the day with the Sun? The dutiful Ox is all about it. Like authoritative Saturn, the Ox’s mission is to provide.

Not that this Chinese zodiac sign can’t have a good time—like earthy Capricorn, Oxen love good food, beautiful music and material comforts. But in true Saturn form (similar to Capricorn), there may be delayed gratification or well-planned fun, scheduled between obligations. Having something to look forward to (and earn) can drive the productive Ox’s spirit, because they wisely know that the reward is all the sweeter. 

Struggling? The Ox is the person you call in a crisis, willing to step up as the “adult in the room” if one is legitimately needed. Strong and able to withstand a hefty burden, the Ox may carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Saturn is the planet of leadership and authority, and this Chinese zodiac sign can make capable managers of people and projects, seeing them through to the end. Just don’t mistake that stiff upper lip for a lack of compassion. Like stoic Saturn, the Ox can be stern and emotionally guarded, at least until you win their loyalty.

The “Animal Planets” (Chinese astrology planetary rulers)

Rat: Jupiter
Ox: Saturn
Tiger: Uranus
Rabbit: Neptune
Dragon: Mars
Snake: Venus
Horse: Mercury
Sheep: Moon
Monkey: Sun
Rooster: Mercury
Dog: Venus
Pig: Pluto

Other traits of the Ox Chinese astrology sign

Western Sign: Capricorn

Who is the Ox compatible with? RoosterSnake

Famous Oxen (these celebrities were born in a Year of the Ox): Heather Locklear, Nick Lachey, George Clooney, Heidi Klum, Barack Obama, Victoria Beckham, Tori Spelling, Jack Nicholson, Tyra Banks, Aaron Carter, Kate Moss, Malcolm X, Oscar De La Hoya, Madeleine Albright, Kylie Jenner, Bella Thorne, Camila Cabello, Olivia Holt, Chloe Grace Moretz, Bruno Mars, Anna Kendrick, Lana Del Ray, Chrissy Teigen, Amanda Seyfried, Ciara, Malala, Jungkook

The 5 Elements of Chinese Astrology

The Chinese zodiac is divided into five key elements of nature, or Wu Xing: wood, water, metal, fire and earth. Each lunar year is governed by a different element.

Years Ending in are ruled by:
0-1: Metal
2-3: Water
4-5: Wood
6-7: Fire
8-9: Earth

Years of the Ox and their element

1925: Wood Ox
1937: Fire Ox
1949: Earth Ox
1961: Metal Ox
1973: Water Ox
1985: Wood Ox
1997: Fire Ox
2009: Earth Ox
2021: Metal Ox

Not an Ox? Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element using the calculator below:

Find your Chinese Zodiac sign

Calculate your lunar year zodiac sign + element here!

Find your Chinese/lunar year zodiac sign

Learn which animal archetype ruled over the 12-month lunar year that you were born:

Find our elemental year (metal, water, wood, fire or earth)

Every decade is divided into two-year blocks, each ruled by an element:

The Chinese zodiac sign that governs your birth year can tell you a lot about your personality, interests, romantic compatibility and career path. Learn more about your Chinese zodiac in the Chinese astrology section of Astrostyle.

Feature art by Rosie Dienhart

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Chinese zodiac illustrations by The Grande Dame.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.