2020 was the year of the Rat, 2021 is the year of the Ox. So is that any reason for hope?
In Asia the Rat is considered smart and active. His ‘year’ is the first in the twelve year cycle so the Rat is seen as a sign of ‘new beginnings’ – of love, money and other opportunities. So far, so good. However the 2020 Year of the Rat was under the influence of another star and foretold to cause all kinds of health issues. As you know he did create opportunities – for the Covid virus to spread. Active but not very smart. Maybe that is why elsewhere the rat is considered a pest.
Now enter the Ox. In countries where the Ox has been the tractor for muddy rice fields he (or she) is considered hardworking, positive and honest. Korean proverbs often praise the Ox, Chinese paintings lovingly portray the Ox and Japanese temples abound in Oxen. The Ox‘s image has always been praised, he (or she) is considered the helper of mankind.
So what has the Ox to offer us in 2021? Well, did you notice that the next vaccine being offered to us, easier to transport and not needing extreme refrigeration, is the Ox-ford. No coincident there.