How many signs are there in the Chinese zodiac and when does the Chinese New Year begin?

There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs based on the 12 animals that Buddha chose to best represent the characteristics of each year, and therefore the characteristics of persons born in that year. In the order in which they occur, they are the Rat, Ox/Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit/Cat/Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster/Chicken, Dog, and Pig/Boar.

The date of the Chinese New Year varies each year because the Chinese year starts at the new moon, which usually falls at the end of January or the beginning of February, the date of which is different each year. This year is the Year of the Ox and the New Year falls on the 12th February 2021. The year ends on 31st January 2022 when the Year of the Tiger begins.

What does the Year of the Ox hold in store for everyone in 2021?

The desire to attain close family ties, loyalty in friendships, fidelity in relationships, etc. There will be a yearning for domestic bliss, good neighbourly relations, unity in the community, and support in the workplace.

A year that upholds fitness, a balanced diet, stress management, and prioritising health and well-being because a healthy lifestyle results in a stronger constitution and emotional calm, physical strength, and mental resilience.

Horticulture, agriculture, and work that requires working with one’s hands, such as a craft or a trade, will do well this year, as will rural activities, sports, and outdoor pursuits.

Kindness with humour will prevail with a universal ‘decency code’ being adopted amongst people. Mostly the main goal will be to work towards financial security and economic stability for all. Best results will be achieved through hard work and a methodical, consistent approach to the issues at hand.

The Government and State bodies may take an authoritarian, disciplinarian approach so we may need to pull together, plod along as best we can, and just go with the flow.

Are there any other factors that influence the year ahead?

Yes, Yin and Yang will influence whether the year will be slow and low in energy, and Yang will be a more dynamic year for everyone and will make the year seem to go by more quickly. This year is a Yin year.

Also, the 5 elements which represent 5 types of energy that exist in our world – fire, earth, metal, water and wood, and the characteristics of the element belonging to the year influences the year’s coming 12 months as well as how we fare during the year according to whether the element works with our own element.

This is a metal year (for the second year in a row so it has a stronger influence on the coming year), and metal relates to fixed views, an inflexible approach, and an unbending attitude. It also represents money, business acumen, and accuracy. As the ox works hard for financial security, so will we. However, success in career or business will be possible if the work is carried out diligently and conscientiously. Quality and accuracy will prevail over speed and quantity, so this will be rewarded.

About the author

Nina Kati is Ireland’s leading feng shui interior design consultant, coach, educator, and speaker specialising in holistic design for positive living. She works closely with you empowering you to live your best life by creating life-changing transformations. She has a track record of success spanning more than 20 years, won many awards, and uses her expertise to create positive energy, colour harmony, emotional well-being, physical vitality, and healthy flow. ninakati.ie