Happy Chinese New Year! On February 12th we are entering the Year of the Yin Metal Ox, which is actually the year 4720 in the Chinese calendar.

Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into the world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better the rank one would have. The next day, all the animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. The rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he encountered a river. He had to stop there, owing to the swift current. After waiting a long time, the rat noticed an ox was about to cross the river and swiftly jumped onto the ox’s back. The diligent ox did not mind at all and simply continued. After crossing the river, the ox raced towards the palace of the Jade Emperor. Suddenly, the rat jumped off the ox’s back and dashed to the feet of the Emperor. The rat won first place and the ox was second.

Tiger and rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, but the tiger was faster. The rabbit got across the river by hopping on stepping-stones and a floating log. Good-looking dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said dragon’s son could be sixth. But dragon’s son didn’t come with him that day. Just then, the snake came forward and said dragon was his adoptive father; so the snake ranked sixth. The horse and the goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. The Jade Emperor saw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth. The monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones and caught up to be ninth. Last were the rooster, dog, and pig. These 12 animals became guards of the Heavenly Gate.

We all know last year, the year of the Metal Rat was not what any of us expected. However, the message of the Year of the Yin Metal Ox could not be clearer: Success will come to those who work hard. Really hard. This year will embody the characteristics of the ox; duty, discipline, and dependable. An ox moves slowly so this year will slow down as compared to that quick-moving year of the rat.

Every Chinese Zodiac year is based on one of the five elements and each of you, based on your birthday, was born under one of these 12 animals. I want to invite you to a free Live Zoom Event I am having on February 10th at 11:00 am MST about the Year of the Yin Metal Ox and what it specifically means to you based on the animal you happen to be.

First I will show you how to determine your animal, and then I will give each of you forecasts on finances, health, career, and love, based on your unique animal. All you have to do is click the link in this video description. I only have room for 90 people so sign up soon. If you don’t get a spot, I will make sure the recording is available to you.

Here’s to a wonderful, safe, healthy, and successful Year of the Yin Metal Ox!

Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.