2009: The Year of the Earth Ox

Note:
The following is a general forecast of what year 2009 has in store. You’ll likely see these trends around you but please don’t worry (or get too excited) unnecessarily as we need to examine your personal BaZi chart for direct effects.

The Year of the Earth Ox…a still, stagnating year… With Yin Earth sitting on top of the Ox (whose main qi is also yin earth), it’s not going to be a year with much immediate growth or movement. The Ox is the last of the winter animal signs. Visualise a pile of cold, stacking earth. Things will plod on... As such, on the world stage, it’s unlikely we’ll see any economic recovery until 2010 at the earliest.

Earth in the study of the all-important 5 elements of Chinese Metaphysics indicates both an end OR a beginning. While the year itself will present obstacles and hindrances for most, it’s still a great year for planning for the future and to “plant the seeds” for future projects and endeavours. The potential is there to START a long-term project or new endeavour in life. Remember, the key is planning AND thinking long-term.

What does this mean? It means that you should use this as a year for planning, study and to take initial steps toward a long-term goal. Use this year to cultivate your skills and for self-development. Indeed, the element that is first much needed to “unearth” the potentials of the year is fire. We first need to warm-up the cold earth before we can do anything with it. Specifically, what we need is the fire and warmth of the sun, which is Yang Fire. Imagine the sun, the giver of life, the key source of growth and comfort.

Thus, by looking at the qualities of the fire element, passion and joy are KEY for anyone in making the most of the year! Those who follow their hearts and their passion can make the most of the year. Do what makes you happy. Stay happy! Live the year with excitement, do the things you’re most passionate about and you’ll make the most of the year.

However, if you’re not currently living your life doing what makes you feel good, then fret not. Take time out to evaluate your life and priorities. It’s also a good year for this. Seek answers from within if you still haven’t found what you’re looking for in life. Turn to spirituality (which is also represented by the fire element) and reflect on your goals in life. Focus on learning and self-development. Focus on art, creativity and more right-brained activities. The best part of the year to do this is in the middle of the year during the summer months. However, as the fire element in 2009 already starts making an appearance from February onwards you should make these your (Chinese) New Year resolutions!

Alas, the Ox is also what is termed a “graveyard” animal. “Graveyards” animal years tend to cause complications with relationships. As far as interpersonal relationships go, it’s a year of keeping secrets and not wearing hearts on sleeves. You’ll find that people will not be open with their feelings and there’ll be a lot more that meets the eye and is not revealed. As such, communications will blur and true intentions will be hidden. This is bound to lead to a strong feeling of being misunderstood and not being able to understand one another. Focus on better communication and being clear/open with people around you to minimize these problems.

The Ox year being a “graveyard” year, as mentioned earlier, also signifies things coming to an end. Though morbid, there’ll be a higher percentage of deaths this year. Sickness will be more prevalent, particularly with problems of the Earth and Water organs. Earth organs include the abdomen, stomach, spleen and digestive system. The risk of contamination and infection of the Water organs like the bladder, urinal system and internal reproductive system is high. In addition, there’s also heightened risk of injury to the lower back and lower legs. Those who have a Goat, Ox or Rat in the BaZi chart as well as those having bedrooms or house main doors in the North sector need to be extra vigilant. On a positive note, however, these health issues bode well for the wellness and health industry!

The year of the Earth Ox will prove most beneficial for wood industries like consulting, development, teaching and fast-moving-consumer goods (FMCG). Those in the creative industries like writing, design and advertising will also benefit. Wood industries involving growth (eg. Project Management) and education will benefit the most esp. if a long-term stance is taken.

As fire qi is dampened this year, those of you in fire industries have to make full use of the spring and summer months. Fire businesses eg. beauty, visual media, performing arts, electrical/electronic goods and high-tech gadgets will experience a weaker year esp. in the 2nd half of this Earth Ox year. However, there are exceptions. Those in wellness, healing, metaphysics, internal cultivation and medicine will find business booming. In addition, as fire is the much needed element for the year, those of you in the fire industries can still find opportunities popping up here and there if you look and work hard enough!

Earth industries eg. insurance and property will be strong but competitive. Opportunities are abundant but competition is strong. You’ll find the scenario of having the rug pulled out suddenly from under your feet (by your competitors) will be a common occurrence in the year. Again, the best strategy is to BE competitive and to think long-term.

Metal industries eg machinery, banking and finance will be the worst hit this year. Those involved in metal industries need to maximise the autumns months of August to October because the year holds very little potential. Those in metal industries will plans difficult to move and run into plenty of obstacles and hindrances. Often times, judgement will be clouded. If you’re an entrepreneur in these industries, it’s a time for planning for the future and to think up grand plans to implement for the following Tiger year.

Financial instruments are of course collectively group in the Metal group. As these are affected, financial markets (which are categorized as the Water element since metal produces water) will continue to remain in the doldrums with slightly better performance towards the end of the year. In addition, water industries are negatively affected due to the strong earth of the year. Businesses involving travel, tourism, logistics and verbal communication will suffer due to external pressures, problems with regulations/authorities and hidden issues.