YEAR OF THE OX - PERSONAL FORECAST

The year of the Ox could be described as a "pay-it-forward" year as a direct result of their determination and committed work ethic. A cultivator of hard work, the Ox has a practical and determined sense of sensibility and does not like taking risky shortcuts. Work over play is the flavor of each day.

The Ox symbolizes integrity and prosperity backed by hard work. It is not a great believer in short-term, firecracker turnarounds, but is a devotee of steady and calculated progress through carefully planned out strategies, good communication . . . and when necessary . . . compromise. Mysteriously, the sign of the Ox seems to pop up when our economy is in a crisis. In 1949, (another year of the OX), the economy recovered from a serious recession. Will the Ox save the day? Who knows if history will repeat itself. It usually does, but worst case scenario, with a year dedicated to keeping our noses to the grindstone and ploughing through the year working hard, the timing for the Ox could not be better.

Does the Ox have any negatives? Yep. Bossy and stubborn. But then, when you know what you want and are willing to work for it, it comes down to a very simple order of the day . . . lead, follow or get out of the way. Never underestimate the power of an Ox. It is said they may be subtle and soft spoken, but they carry a big stick . . . no bull!

THE OX - Gentle, intelligent, methodical, dependable, trustworthy, faithful, conventional, disciplined,stable, slow and steady, firm, gentle, patient, methodical, determined, self-made, quiet, calm, authoritative, compromising, communicative.

YEAR OF THE OX - BEAUTY & FASHION FORECAST

BEAUTY AND SKIN CARE FORECAST
It is time to let the Ox lead the way back to the basics. Focus on the most important task at hand. A good skin care routine is essential, but for what purpose? Maintenance, anti-aging, specific skin conditions? Since simplicity rules in the year of the Ox, it is time to forget the fancy schmancy beauty care routines that may not be working well. A great deal of money is spent on beauty products, but are they the right products for you?

What is your skin type? Dry, Combination, Oily? Clear, Troubled, Dehydrated? The year of the Ox places a big priority on heightening skills and knowledge. " If you don't know, you can't grow." The Ox is not a fan of tricky short cuts, so, this is the year to put all of your beauty products on the table and analyze what you are using and why. Is it good for you? Is it doing the job? If the answer is yes, excellent . . . if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you feel it is time to 'switch it up', then begin with a proper skin analysis to understand what products you truly need and upgrade your skin care regime with a few really good products. Kick the rest to the curb.

The Ox is a saver not a spender, but acknowledges a good investment. A good investment in skin care is a great moisturizing cream and/or serum that is formulated for your particular skin type. You can save on the other end of a skin care line when it comes to cleaners, toners and some masks. Try to commit to one line of products and not the mix-and-match, patchwork-quilt program. The good news is, within 27 days, or so, you will know if it is the right product or line for you.

FASHION FORECAST
The Ox is a big fan of tradition which is not a particularly great sign for trend setting or watching. Not too busy to look good, just to darn busy to be watching everyone else. It is a leader of substance over style, darker colors, durable fabrics, simplicity, classic clean lines, modest but neat styles, and fixed patterns. The color of the Ox is violet which expresses relaxation, spiritual endeavors, accumulated wisdom and strength. Violet is the perfect creation from red and blue. Red is the color of courage and freedom and blue is the color of a calming stability.

THE YEAR OF THE TIGER - PERSONAL FORECAST

The Tiger is born to lead. Commanding and bold, warm hearted and fearsome, charming and charismatic, honest and dynamic, independent and determined, exciting and adventurous, authoritative and clever. Tigers are known for their sharpness and speed, and are always courageous in the face of danger. The cat's counter productive behavior? Short-tempered, stubborn, disobedient.

Last year's plodding and careful cultivation of the Ox is definitely a thing of the past. The Tiger brings rapid change, and with that comes a bit of turbulence. Flexibility and adaptability are key to surviving the quick pace of the year under the Tiger's influence. Opportunities will quickly come and go. Strong instincts and energy will be required to effectively seize the moment. Businesses will succeed when led by rigorous determination, strategic planning and uncompromising follow-through.

The 2010 Tiger will be a year of new beginnings, change, and renewal. It presents a year of high energy, technical advances, innovations and a level of unpredictability that always leads to a little drama. Although restlessness may be rampant, the Tiger's optimistic nature and fighting spirit keeps the ball rolling in the right direction. This year presents a unique opportunity to attack difficult personal issues with courage and passion, and successfully accomplish difficult challenges. Tigers tend to be a little more reactive than proactive, so it is important to realize this is not the year for spontaneous reactions, but one for thoughtful actions. Big cat instincts and the readiness to leap must be replaced with mindful timing. During 2010, it is far better to sit back in the weeds and wait rather than attacking each situation. The theme of this year? Ponder before you pounce.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR - THE YEAR OF THE OX

January 26th - February 14th, 2010
Mine is the stabilizing force
That perpetuates the cycle of life.
I stand immobile against the
Test of adversity,
Resolute and unimpeachable.
I seek to serve integrity,
To bear the burdens of righteousness.
I abide by the laws of nature
Patiently pushing the wheel of Fate
Thus, I shall weave my destiny.
I AM THE OX.

President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was born under the sign of the Ox (1961). Who else? Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Jim Carrey, Meg Ryan, George Clooney, Jane Fonda Michael J. Fox, Neve Campbell.

Years of the Ox: 1901,1913,1925,1937,1949,1961,1973,1985,1997,2009

THE YEAR OF THE OX - SPA FORECAST

Those born under the sign of the Ox are not fans of stress, or the feeling of being overwhelmed. Pretty much everyone is feeling the crunch. Spas are a necessary luxury to help reduce the negative effects of stress while offering a safe place to simply breathe. Spas designed with harmony and nature in mind may find themselves doing better than those nestled in the shadows of a big, noisy city. Why? Oxen graze in wide open, green spaces where meditation and relaxation are abundantly accessible.

There should be a tremendous surge in the green movement in all businesses during this period of time, fashion and beauty included. Excellent customer service is critical during the Year of the Ox. Compassion for the challenges we all face, the need for a peaceful respite, and a creative flair for structuring new mini-services and treatments for those who really wish to continue their services but need to cut back on their spending. These things will go a long way for everyone at the (and on the) table. This can be a very rewarding time of give and take, back and forth, foundational growth and unity.