Happy New Year of the Metal Ox!

Happy New Year to all! Today is the first day of the Year of the Ox and we leave the Year of the Rat behind us. Here's a lovely story of how the Ox became one of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac and how he helps humanity thrive. I'm hoping this link works, because it was an adorable short animation. 

Today is the first day of the Year of the Metal Ox. I'm 
giving you two different links, one (above) to a delightful
animation about the Ox and the Jade Emperor and how
the ox became such a helper to the farmers. The other
link (below) will take you to an easy-to-read Chinese
horoscope for the Year of the Metal Ox. Let's hope
this year will be a good one. 

While researching the Year of the Ox, I also found out that it's not only the Ox, but it's also a year of Metal, thus making this the Year of the Metal Ox. Who knew? In Feng Shui, it is a 6 Reigning Star Yin Metal year of the Ox. Whew! That's a lot to say, but I'll make it easier and give you another link to follow which will explain all of that with a full Feng Shui  and Lo Shu forecast for the year ahead (and actually, some very interesting reading that's not too in-depth to wrap your head around). 

The Year of the Ox can mean prosperity, but also is a 
warning to watch your savings carefully. The Lo Shu 
numbers have some cautionary aspects, so be warned. 

Basically, it seems quite upbeat, that we'll turn a corner this year. But it also moderates the optimism with the understanding that we'll still be vaccinating, still be wearing masks, and that we're still finding our footing in this brave new world. That seems reasonable to me, and I found  it interesting, so hopefully you will too. If you continue down past the 6 Reigning Star section, it will go through several other numbers of the Lo Shu Square for 2021 Year of the Ox, and it makes for a thorough and fascinating look at the year ahead in this one interpretation. 

OK, this is just too cute. You can actually get a Lego 
for the Year of the Ox. It's a limited edition and only 
available for a limited time, but dang! So cute! 

Of course, as humans, we're really lousy at telling the future. But anything giving a positive spin for this next year, I'm totally in favor of. We all need some positives in our lives right about now, as people stress over Covid and whether or not they can or will get vaccinated. I'm all in favor of positive strokes and attitudes. So on that note, have an excellent day. Be kind, stay safe and wear your mask. I'll be back tomorrow, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!