2009: Year of the Earth Ox

By Donna Stellhorn

Each year has its own special energy in the Chinese zodiac calendar. January 26, 2009 begins the Ox year, traditionally a year of hard work and responsibility. The time of the Ox is a conservative time where we have success when we choose our actions carefully and follow through with conscientious effort. Each Ox year, which comes every 12 years, is different. This Ox year is represented by a gentle, yielding, earth loving ox. This year will bring lots of changes, a deeper interest in protecting and nurturing the earth and a renewed love for home and family.

For us this means simplifying our lives by removing the clutter, both the physical clutter in the house and the mental clutter in our heads. We need to take care of what we have and we can't do that if we have so much that our closets are bursting and our attics and basements are overflowing. In the gentle Ox years things are done more deliberately after thinking things through. We can't just pick up and move, or easily change jobs or continue to use up the earth without a thought. This year we will value the simple things; having a nice meal with friends, growing something in the garden, having a clean and attractive home. Security and stability will be the two main goals and we will feel inclined to pay off debts, save more, and use things up before discarding. The Ox energy is very determined, very hard-working and endures difficulties without complaint. It is a year where we will feel capable, responsible and if we put in the effort, at the end of the year we will feel content prosperous.

There are five elements in the Chinese Zodiac system and each year one of these five are represented. This year it is Earth. Earth, as an element, blocks Water (another element) and so we can't be as emotional or as spontaneous as previous years. We need to keep focused on the practical and on our goals. We may find we have to stay put and make the most of what the current environment offers. Fire creates Earth and so we are supported by active energy and by increased thinking and planning. There can be several fires of activity (several jobs or several projects) or one big bon fire. Still we are concerned where we will get the fuel to make the fire so we are inclined to conserve our energy for the most important ventures. Wood depletes Earth so unchecked growth will weaken our position, we can't expand until we have the strength and resources to expand. This will cause us to simplify, pay off debts and shrink their lives down to the basics to get our lives back under control. Finally, Earth creates Metal. If we work towards sustainability and stability we will find treasure and reap great rewards in 2010.

For health, this Earth Ox year reminds us of the value of organic products, things that come directly from the earth. Consider trying new root vegetables and try fruits prepared in new ways. This would be a good year to eat less wheat and explore other grains such as oats, rye, kamut, splet and amaranth. And for better health we should do as the cows do and chew our food very thoroughly. Consider eating consciously, turning off the TV and sitting down at a table and really tasting the food.

Many will find this year much more peaceful than the chaotic Earth Rat year we are leaving behind. Ox years still have their challenges but by working hard and honoring the earth and the things you love you can make this a great year.