2009 Year of the Ox Chinese Zodiac Horoscope Predictions

The Year of the Ox begins Monday, January 26, 2009. Chinese zodiac horoscopes are based on 12 animals, like those made from cultured pearls in the picture.

Since the Lunar New Year is a movable feast, those of you who were born during the first 6-7 weeks of a year should check the exact date of New Year's for the year you were born.

A friend whose birthday is January 2 told me he was a Tiger, but it turned out he is really an Ox. Indeed, you could tell he was an Ox by his personality, which is not at all like a Tiger :-)

Here are the 2009 zodiac predictions (used with permission) compiled for, and by, and courtesy of, the Hong Kong Tourist Board, who stress that they are intended for entertainment purposes only. (See disclaimer at bottom.)

Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
This will be a sociable year for you, and you’ll generally bring good cheer wherever you go. However, you’ll also be susceptible to unstable periods when you may abandon projects because of your impatience – be self-disciplined.

The second quarter of the year will prove difficult for matters of the heart, but problems and jealousies should quickly clear. Don’t let your desire to party at the end of the year cause friction with a homebody partner. Your efficiency and realism will allow a very positive year for career development.

Financial gambles are not advisable in the first quarter, and any financial decisions in the second quarter must be fully informed. The second quarter is the best time for changes in career path. Professional (and therefore personal) life will become less stressful in the third quarter.

A piece of luck and resisting temptation should allow budgetary stability in the second half of the year. Temporary hurdles at work may arise at the end of the year; these can be overcome by negotiations.

Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
This will be a lucky, creative year if you judge wisely and are discreet about your plans. The year may start with quarrels between couples, but these will give way to a period of tenderness. Beware romantic delusions (and arguments about space and money) in the third quarter, but expect full-blown romance at the end of the year.

Although you’re ambitious, this isn’t the year for whizzing up the career ladder, so you’ll have time for a fulfilling personal life. You might take up a new activity outside work which will have significance in the short-term future. In the third quarter, co-workers will be demanding and critical. Work will go well in the last quarter, but don’t be complacent.

Take special care of your health at the end of the year, avoiding stress from overwork. You may receive unexpected money in the first quarter; don’t spend carelessly in the second. You’ll improve your financial status in the third quarter and may receive an unexpected bonus in addition.

Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
This year you’ll focus on projects close to your heart, which will try your patience. Go easy on yourself and keep at it -- you’ll be rewarded. There’ll be adventure in romance. Singles can expect to meet a partner or renew an old flame. Couples may be unfaithful in the second quarter, reunite in the third, but then experience problems afresh. Don’t take decisions in anger.

You’ll have every success professionally this year, just communicate clearly and don’t strive for the limelight. Immediately grasp an opportunity abroad in the second quarter. You’ll have choices to make in the third quarter: trusting your instincts will pay off -- even if you change your working environment.

Always be professional with co-workers to avoid clashes. You’ll solve some financial problems in the first quarter, but remain vigilant: don’t spend more than you have allowed for; don’t gamble. The second quarter may bring significant financial success. Seek expert advice if you wish to invest unexpected income. In the last quarter you’ll have a healthy bank balance.

Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
A very positive year is in store for you. Don’t be overly idealistic; protect yourself from disappointments caused by other people’s actions. In love, in the first quarter, you’ll reap what you’ve previously sown. Make efforts not to let your natural jealousy sour your relationships. Be extra solicitous to your mate. The third quarter is particularly blessed for romance, and a good time for wedding plans.

You’ve every likelihood of successfully furthering your career. You’ll spend a lot of time at work, are well-armed to achieve your goals, and a turning point at the end of the year will go smoothly. The second quarter is a good time for setting up a business.

You’ve a chance at being extremely lucky in the first quarter – perhaps you’ll win some sweepstakes! However bear in mind that you are prone to poor money management. Be careful not to lose all your winnings, especially as you’ll be tempted to shop and lavish attention on your home or family during the rest of the year.

Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
You’ll become more extroverted this year, and should indulge your creativity. Don’t be too compassionate; take care of yourself first. In the second quarter, you may fall prey to impossible love -- avoid an affair with someone who isn’t free. Break-ups, make-ups and proposals will follow. Be tolerant and don’t involve your family. The last quarter bodes well for love – singles and couples.

Your problem-solving abilities will help you progress professionally as long as you keep your perfectionism in check. A good team, your instincts and advice from others will help you steer clear of any problems. However, difficulties will arise in the third quarter and you must act in a straightforward way to overcome these; don’t be too ambitious.

In the last quarter you’ll need to adapt to changes; this will prove beneficial eventually. Those travelling in the first quarter may have unexpected expenses. Your financial situation will improve, but you should be cautious in the third quarter and shouldn’t take risks in the fourth.

Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Your life at home, with your partner, in the office and in your social circles looks set to blossom this year. Always act as you would expect others to act, and you have much to look forward to. The year will begin passionately. Singles have a good chance of finding their paramours, though they must be discerning. The third quarter will be a decisive time for couples.

The first quarter will be good for you at work; take every opportunity that you can. This trend will continue. Don’t let self-doubt hinder your professional growth and your efforts should pay off by the end of the year.

You may be prone to stress this year but sports and diet can help you overcome this. Those with a serious condition will find a good remedy in the third quarter. Take care not to exert yourself too much physically in the last quarter. Your financial situation will be stable this year as long as you act sensibly.

Goat: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
You’ll start the year full of energy. Luck will be with you but you’ll still have to work hard to realise your ambitions. Those in a relationship should initially keep a close eye on their mates, then fend against temptations themselves.

Singles should be wary of appearances in the first quarter. They may meet a soul-mate in the second. The second half of the year will bring great romantic joy, followed by tranquillity. The beginning of the year will be a favourable time to take risks, start projects or improve the terms of your employment contract.

Some upsets may follow in the office, but if you keep your cool and your confidence, these won’t escalate and may even work to your advantage. Your balance sheets will glow, and by the third quarter you might be in the position to take financial risks, with a strong chance of success as long as you don’t disclose your plans unsuitably. In the final quarter however, you should be extremely attentive in this area.

Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
This year you’ll have the willpower to carry out your good resolutions in different areas of your life. You’ll be bursting with vitality for most of the year, and Fortune will smile on you. The beginning of the year will be a calm period for couples, and the second and fourth quarters will offer singles the chance to find romance. The end of the year will bring reconciliations for those who have been arguing.

You could consider a new course of training in the first quarter of the year as professional life will not be too demanding. The first quarter would be the time to make any purchases or investments.

By the third quarter however, you’ll have choices in the workplace and you’ll be able to make progress. You’ll need both patience and organisational skill to reap the benefits of these opportunities. Beware of extreme sports in the first quarter. Your finances will be healthy throughout the year, and might bring some welcome surprises.

Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
You’ll have good fortune this year as well as chances to prove yourself. Be brave, meticulous and rational, and success should come your way. Singles should be careful at the beginning of the year not to let fantasy overtake reality regarding a potential partner; Wait until the third quarter when you might not only fall for someone instantly, but have an array of choice on your hands. Your love life may be disrupted in the second quarter – don’t react hastily!

You’ll be happy at work and in a position to take control of your career, although you’ll probably have to wait until the end of the year to see concrete results. Planning and prioritising will be important in the second quarter, and protecting yourself from office politics in the final quarter. Don’t be too modest. Your finances might cause you some stress at the beginning of the year; Be very careful and don’t exceed your budget, and take heart, for things will improve.

Dog: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
This will be a year of positive change, both unexpected and worked for. If you do need advice, though, don’t hesitate to consult professionals. Your love life will start out stable but then become rather melodramatic – follow your heart but don’t make snap decisions. The second half of the year will be charmed for you – and a good time for singles to fall in love.

Be confident about your professional life -- it’s on the up. If you’re unemployed you’ll certainly find work in the first quarter. You’ll be increasingly able to shine at work, but steer clear of being too demanding and keep a clear head.

Stay focused, and your enthusiasm and abilities will bring rewards and new responsibilities -- perhaps a promotion. There’ll be no initial upheavals in your finances, and after a couple of months you should find that your benefits increase. You’re good with money and by the end of the year should be able to start to build up capital.

Pig: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Your qualities are courage and enthusiasm and you’ll be able to use these to good effect in different areas of your life this year. You can look forward to a spell of contentment. The first quarter of the year is a time for strengthening or starting (with prudence) relationships. You’ll feel pretty sexy for most of the year – just don’t let yourself be too naïve or you may be disappointed.

You won’t have any problems at work and may need to play an important conciliatory role. You may have a problem in the third quarter, which you’ll surmount as long as you’ve been thorough and stay determined. There’s the possibility of promotion at the end of the year.

Beware of overly indulging yourself by spending money -- you’ll regret it bitterly. The second quarter however will be ripe with financial opportunity and reward. By the end of the year, you should ensure that the management of your finances is in order.

Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
This year has potential for great happiness if you behave reasonably. You’ll feel energetic, and might take up a new activity which will further boost your confidence. You’ve a strong chance for romance; you’ll feel super sensual in the first quarter of the year, and may well meet and date your ideal partner. In the spring, couples’ relationships will strengthen. The third quarter is the perfect time for love at first sight – but beware of delights which may bring you harm.

You’ll have good prospects at work. Don’t be too ambitious or rebellious, keep persevering, and you’ll be appreciated. Your creativity in the third quarter might win you a bonus or a coveted project. Your finances should also be sound for the whole year, with positive surprises or pieces of luck very likely. Investments made in the second quarter should be profitable, and your income may increase in the last quarter. Just take care to invest rather than spend.

Gung Hei Fat Choy !!

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See how you fared according to what was predicted for 2008 Year of the Rat
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Feature articles compiled by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) are for reference only. Whilst the HKTB has endeavoured to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty or guarantee, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy. The HKTB accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Used with permission Snapshot Travel Blog.