The Year of the Ox 2009 represents Earth on Earth, and it's a year of hard work, productivity, and steady progress.
This is not supposed to be a flashy or exciting year by all means. Rather, it's nose to the grindstone time.
Buckling up with personal finances is in order--frivolous spending is not favored. Duty and responsibility are keywords. Steady growth is indicated for those who are patient and hard-working.

The following is a description of the positive and negative personality traits of the Chinese “signs,” with a brief forecast for 2009:

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

Positive: Influential, sociable, imaginative, and charismatic. Rat people will always stay loyal to their friends.
Negative: Power-hungry, gossiping, indiscreet, and meddling. These individuals don’t always plan for the future.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Rat: 2009 will bring changes on both professional and personal levels. Career opportunities abound, but also require commitment. Income should increase but again, input is essential--careful assessment and control of personal finances is required. New friendships and developing (or new) romances are also indicated. Overall: quite favorable and will be much better than in 2008. The bad gossips or lawsuit is going away slowly. The Rat and the Tai Sui bond together this year. The bonding means in the year of the Ox, Rat will be meeting new friends, new relationship and new partnership. Whether the new friendship, relationship or partnership is good or bad, it is depending on the Four Pillars chart. If Earth is one of the favor elements, then obviously the end result will be on the good side. The positive changes normally start toward the birthday month.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

Positive: Diligent, stable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. These people build long-lasting friendships.
Negative: Stubborn and bigoted. Ox people aren’t often flexible.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Ox: Romance will improve in 2009, and many single Oxen will discover new opportunities for love. A much steadier and more positive year is in the forecast overall. Family life is strong and even joyous. Steady progress in career is indicated. New friendships and plenty of reasons to celebrate. As such Ox in 2009 will have a busy schedule, big pressure from every direction. Do not be too stubborn to insist your own principals. Bad gossip will be around. Boss will watch closely at the Ox. Do not argue with colleagues, supervisors or the bosses. Be open minded. Take extra care with the diets. Eat healthily, more vegetables. Try to avoid beef or steak. Do more exercises. For exercises, need to make sure there is sweating for every exercise.
Barack Obama was born in the 4^th August 1961. He is an Ox. Not only that he will experience the same animal sign year effects mentioned above, but also he is having a few clashes his chart. It is a tough year ahead for him. January and August are the months to pay more attention to his news.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Positive: Brave, strong, charismatic, and benevolent. Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers.
Negative: Impetuous and hot-headed. These people aren’t good at taking orders from others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Tiger: As this is the year before his/her own year, 2009 can bring the Tiger some challenges, but never insurmountable ones. Avoid acting on impulse in 2009. It will be important to accept work responsibilities and to expand your knowledge set and skills base, rather than to push ahead aggressively on a professional level. Some disagreements with others could arise. Patience, controlled spending, and hard work will help Tigers to conquer any challenges that arise. In the year of the Ox will be a busy year for the Tiger. Tiger’s five elements is wood. Wood conquers earth the Tai Sui as well as underground bonding with the Tai Sui. This means for the working tigers, they would get power/authority from the superiors. However the Tiger will be segregated by the others

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Positive: Tactful, intelligent, caring, considerate, and virtuous. Rabbit people don’t like conflict.
Negative: Pedantic and secretive. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Rabbit: 2009 will be favorable overall and life will be more stable. Emotions should be kept in check. It's not a year of dramatic advancements on the job front. Rather, steady work and attention to duty pays off in small ways. Modest income increases are indicated. Social opportunities need to be sought out, the relationship impact from the year of the Rat is gradually faded away. The lawsuit will also have a clear outcome and fading away. For the Rabbit’s parents or grand parents will have health problems. There may be funeral affair in the family.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

Positive: Successful, proud, lucky, and enthusiastic. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.
Negative: Rigid and easily infatuated. Dragon people don’t like routine.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Dragon: Crucial changes are ahead in 2009. The Dragon prefers immediate or at least quick, results from his/her efforts, but the year of the Ox is one of hard work and steady progress. So, some patience needs to be cultivated. It's not the best time to make sweeping changes or advances on the career front. It's a good year for romance overall, although love can be complicated as well. Beware of lawsuit in partnership with others. It may happen in April, July and October. It is better to be conservative than aggressive. Keep all the ideas in your heart. Do not be presumptuous to give ideas. It is important to keep calm since there will be a lot of different ideas exchange with the Boss or colleagues.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Positive: Intuitive, wise, perceptive, and compassionate. Snakes prefer the finer things in life.
Negative: Lazy and extravagant. These people may have a problem with depending on others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Snake: Be ready for ups and downs in 2009. The year brings a mixed bag of energies, and any complications that do arise can generally be handled successfully with a disciplined and patient attitude. All areas of life require extra effort and discipline, but particularly with regard to finances, which should be attended to vigilantly. Snake is bond with the Tai Sui to form metal element. If metal element is a favor element, then the income will be increased. Snake will have a lot more social activities or dinner parties dinning out more in 2009.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Positive: Popular, engaging, refined, and persuasive. Horse people are hardworking and independent.
Negative: Selfish and unscrupulous. These individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Horse: Success in career and recognition professionally can be attained in 2009. The year is a strong one in many ways, as it requires hard work and effort, which Horses are very capable of putting forth. A much more favorable year than last year is in store. Social relationships are expected to be fair, and attention is necessary to others' feelings. Rumors or gossip could play a role. The clash in 2008 the year of the Rat will subside. After 2008’s change things will settle down at around your birthday. Be very clear mind, it is easy to get into trouble simply too stubborn.

Goat (or Sheep or Ram) (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Positive: Sensitive, imaginative, and well-mannered. Goats are peace lovers who don’t like disagreements.
Negative: Pessimistic and tardy. These people can let others take advantage of them too easily.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Goat: The year of the Ox tends to be a demanding one, and rules will have to be abided by. Goats don't always feel comfortable--in fact they could feel quite anxious--when too much is expected of them. Avoid overspending or money matters could become critical. It's time to buckle down with money. Expect better interpersonal relationships in 2009. Because the Ox and the Goat are opposites, the year is likely to be somewhat challenging, but not overwhelming. The Goat is having a clash with the Ox in 2009. Clash means confrontation. There will be big change for the Goat, like career change, job change, position shuffle school change, moving house or traveling. The Goat has a yearly star called “Da Ho.” which in English means “Big spending.” So for the Goat spend wisely. It is wise to buy something will be valuable in the future. Avoid high risk investments. Beware of contract terms if contract need to be signed. For Goats born in 1991, they must drive very carefully after obtain the driving license. As clashing easily cause traffic accident. For the Goat, in 2009 if planning of traveling, avoid going to the northeast direction. The northeast direction is the Grand Duke direction which will increase the level of the clash. Blood Donation is encouraged and is one of the best ways to reduce bad luck and on the hand attract good luck in 2009.  If blood donation scares you, try to do a blood test or visit a dentist in Jan and July 2009.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Positive: Very inquisitive, curious, and witty with leadership qualities. Monkeys are popular people.
Negative: Deceitful and self-absorbed. These individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Monkey: Travel is a good option for 2009. Monkeys will have to be more disciplined than usual in the year of the exacting Ox, particularly with money, and also with health and well-being. While 2009 is not a year of making huge strides, the social life is rewarding, family relationships satisfying, and romance is more settled and reliable. It is wise to remember to be clam in 2009. Remember this Chinese saying: “Guns shoot at the birds for those pop their head up first.” At the good side, monkey has a good star “Heaven Happiness” in the year of the Ox. There will be something good happen like getting married or having a baby. Second half of the year will be better than the first half for the monkey. There will be someone helping too.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

Positive: Enthusiastic, dignified, and resilient. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers.
Negative: Bossy and pedantic. These people are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Rooster: The Rooster's personality is well-suited to the qualities of the year of the Ox. Work extra hard and joyous events will happen in 2009. The only thing to watch for is overconfidence and unrealistic thinking, as the Ox does not favor fanciful endeavors. Outlook for career, romance, and money look favorable, particularly if the Rooster keeps things "real". It is very much like the Snake. The rooster is bond with the Tai Sui to form metal element as well. If metal element is a favor element, then the income will be increased. There may be a small operation in March in relation to the arms, legs or the back.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others’ problems, and to fight for a good cause.
Negative: Cynical and tactless. These people don’t always forgive easily, especially those who cross them.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Dog: Expect many changes in 2009. In the year of the Ox, Dogs will succeed best if they keep their expectations realistic and expect only minor improvements. This is not to say that improvements cannot be made. If Dogs work hard and take care of others' feelings, they can overcome obstacles and challenges that they may face. The dog has a penalty relationship with the Ox. This means that the Dog will be easily punished by their superiors or by the Law. Be very careful on what to say in public speaking especially in July. Easily break rules, like traffic rules and get penalty and fine

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Positive: Gallant, kind-hearted, and sincere. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing.
Negative: Materialistic and pig-headed. These individuals have a problem saying “no” -- to people, and to food!
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Pig: Marriage and pregnancy could happen in 2009. This is a favorable year for the Pig overall. Determination and a master plan help the Pig to succeed in his/her career and with personal finances. Relationships that build gradually with modest and realistic expectations are those that will be most satisfying now. For the pig, this year has the “courier horse” star. There will be a lot of outdoor excursions, interstate or international business trips. It will be internal transfer to a different nature of job in the same organization as well.

Note: The Chinese Zodiac forecast is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. Much like the Western Astrology characterization based on the Sun signs, the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals describe broad cycles of influences that are thought to affect people born during certain times of the year. Other factors, such as the finer details of the person's astrological chart, education, cultural and environmental influences, feng shui, unconscious beliefs, conscious intentions, etc., determine any final outcome.

Superstitions and Taboos of Chinese New Year

House Cleaning

The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.

Personal Appearance and Cleanliness

On New Year's Day, we are not suppose to wash our hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Children and friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with Chinese Coins or crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.
We sell envelopes and coins!

Bringing In the New Year and Expelling the Old

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.

New Year Activities Set Precedent

All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.

Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.

If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.

More New Year Superstitions

For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.

The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.

It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.

Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.

While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

A FENG SHUI NEW YEAR
by Kathryn Weber

It's important to start the New Year off on a positive, hope-filled note. This can include everything from stocking the refrigerator to clearing out old junk from the closets.

To greet the New Year, set aside a couple of hours to give your house, bedroom, or office a New Year Blitz. Just remember, you are inviting a very special guest to your house: the New Year.
So treat your house the way you would a very important dignitary.
This is a new year of your life, so welcome it in a grand way!

Take the list below in hand and check off the items one by one! Are you ready? Then, let's get ready for a new year! Remember to get everyone in the house in on the act.

OUT WITH THE OLD!

1. De-clutter. Grab a laundry basket. Next, set a timer and take it with you from room to room. Set it for five minutes. Now, start throwing out old papers, magazines, empty bottles of shampoo from the bathroom, old clothes you know you'll never wear again! Do it. Got CDs you never listen to? Throw those out or donate them to charity. Have some old coffee mugs that don't match, or odd drinking glasses still hanging around in your cabinets? Pitch 'em. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't forget to look under the bed, too! And toss that lipstick you haven't worn in two years! Remember to clean out the pantry, and toss that half-empty box of Rice Krispies that's gone stale.

2. Sweep or vacuum. Get the old energy out by making the floors clean.

3. Do the laundry. Don't have dirty clothes hanging around. You can throw in a load or two while you declutter. Be sure to fold and put the clean clothes away.

4. Clean the bathroom. Make it sparkle. You don't want a nasty mess to greet the next year of your life!

5. Empty all trashcans. Don't want last years' trash hanging around, do you? Toss, toss, toss.

6. Clean out the refrigerator. Got a half-empty jar of apple butter? Get rid of it. You don't want to go into the New Year with old food or a moldy science project lurking in the fridge.

7. Clear out visual clutter. Too much stuff everywhere? Clear off the counters in the bathrooms and kitchen. Clear off your desk and dust it. Pitch the sticky notes and papers and things taped everywhere! You can do it. Don't forget the refrigerator! Make it a blank slate. Make as much space as possible. You cannot bring in new things if there is no room for it and we want a fantastic year, right? Then make your space "open" for the abundance of the New Year!

8. Yard work. Make sure the yard is picked up and the front door step is swept and clear.

9. Change the sheets and towels. Put clean sheets on all the beds on New Year's Eve and clean towels in the bathroom and kitchen. New sheets are even better.

10. Clean the car. This is what gets you around during the year. Drive through a car wash, take out the trash and do a quick cleaning.

All done? Wow, doesn't that feel good! Now you're ready for the next step.

IN WITH THE NEW!

1. Fill your pantry and kitchen. Stock the refrigerator with food and make sure the pantry is also stocked. It's bad feng shui to have an empty refrigerator and pantry. If you have canisters in the pantry or on the countertops, be sure to fill these.

2. Got citrus? Oranges are excellent symbols for the New Year and the Chinese often celebrate the New Year by rolling oranges (symbols of gold) into the house. Place a big bowl of oranges in the living room or central location in the house next to dishes of nuts or candies to symbolize an abundant, fruitful home.

3. Buy a new plant. Put a beautiful new plant in the East (health & family relationships) sector of your house or office to symbolize a healthy beginning. You can also display some beautiful flowers here to symbolize your good health in the coming year.

4. Welcome good news. Place a golden bell in the NW corner of your home, office, or bedroom to bring good tidings from helpful people. Like old school bells? If so, place one of these in the NW corner of your yard for good news from helpful people.

5. Hang up new calendars. What better way to greet the New Year than by throwing out the old one? Take down all of last year's Calendars.

6. Fill your wallet. You don't want to go into the New Year with an empty wallet. Even ten $1 dollar bills is enough to put a bulge in your purse!

7. Invite a toad to your house. Place an old, broken clay pot upside down next to a water spout so a toad can make its home here. Toads are believed to invite money into the household; they're especially nice by the door. You can also place figurines of toads by the door.

8. Feed the birds. Birds are excellent feng shui and believed to bring good news. Fill your feeders or put out a feeder for the New Year.

9. Have fun and celebrate. Fun is good feng shui. A happy vibrant home or space is a good space. And a home or office with good feng shui is easy to spot: it's the one where everyone goes and doesn't want to leave! Make your space that kind of place!

(c) Kathryn Weber, reprinted, with permission, from the Red Lotus Letter. Kathryn Weber is a certified feng shui master practitioner in traditional Chinese feng shui and is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter, the Web's largest weekly feng shui e-zine. 

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