Welcome to the Year of the OX Chinese Tea & Astrology for 2021
Chinese New Year Tea traditions
Tea offering and well wishing is the first ritual of Chinese New Year.
First thing in the morning the eldest generation sit in the dominant chairs in the living room. Their next generation offer them sweet tea. If there is another younger generation, these grand children do the same to their grandparents and then parents. All properly dressed in the new clothes and and using ceremonial tea etiquette.
The younger generation faces their elders standing and slightly bowing. They address them properly when handing over the cup and fold their hands in front lightly while reciting traditional New Year wishes. When the tea is sipped and the well-wishing said, the elders gift the younger generation red envelopes (with money) and blessings.
Auspicious items in the tea for new beginnings
To make the tea a little special during this festive season, little sweet things are put in the teacups. Candied or dried fruits (such as dried jujube and candied coconut) are used for making Chinese New Year sweet tea. The tastes of black tea, classic style oolongs, and puerhs blend well with these candied fruits.
It does not matter whether it is hard times or good. As long as tea can be afforded, it becomes the medium to heal connections between generations or individuals. If there are resentments or misunderstandings that built up over the year, tea makes an easy ritual gesture to smooth out bad feelings and to renew connections going into spring. A time to offer tea with well-wishes gives everyone an opportunity to start again.
Chinese Tea Eggs
Cooked in a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon, these tea-stained eggs are a Lunar New Year staple and a favorite everyday street food in China.
Yield: makes 8
Ingredients
1⁄2 cup soy sauce
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 tsp. whole black peppercorns
1⁄2 tsp. fennel seeds
8 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
2 sticks cinnamon
1 tbsp. loose-leaf black tea
8 eggs
Instructions
Bring soy sauce, sugar, peppercorns, fennel, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and 2 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan; remove from heat and add tea. Let steep for 10 minutes. Pour marinade through a fine strainer into a bowl and keep warm. Place eggs in a 4-qt. saucepan; cover by 1⁄2″ with cold water. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil; cover pan, remove from heat, and let sit until eggs are soft-boiled, about 5 minutes. Drain eggs. Crack shells all over but do not peel eggs; return to saucepan along with marinade. Bring to a boil and let cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 cups ice. Let cool in marinade before serving.
Astrology 2021 Year of the Metal Ox
Astrology by Susan Levitt.
NEW MOON in AQUARIUS
begins CHINESE NEW YEAR
& METAL TIGER LUNAR MONTH
Feb 11 – Mar 12
Feb 11 is a new Moon in Air sign Aquarius at 11:06 am PST that begins Metal Tiger month and Metal Ox year. The date is Feb 12 in China because Beijing China is 16 hours head of the time zone here in San Francisco. That is why if you research the lunar new year date online, it’s listed as Feb 12. Chinese New Year is the second new Moon after Winter Solstice.
So Ox year is the time to follow through and bring to completion what was started in Rat year. Establish a routine, use tried-and-true methods, and stay with a structure that can bring a bountiful harvest in autumn. Daring new concepts will not be well received. Save them for the following Tiger year.
The Element Metal
2021 is a Metal year of the five Taoist elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. In feng shui, the Metal environment is clean, pristine, pared down, and shiny like metal. So begin by cleaning your home, reduce clutter, and maintain tidiness all year round. The main focus is on the bedroom as hard-working Oxen do best after peaceful sleep.
The most favorable season in a Metal year is autumn. In Chinese medicine, Metal rules the lungs so take care of your lungs this year. If you smoke, this Metal Ox year is an ideal time to quit smoking. And the healing vaccine for Covid will systematically and in an organized manner be administered during Ox year, aiding economic and health recovery. The big change for Covid will be on the new Moon in Leo that begins Fire Monkey lunar month on August 8. In the meantime, maintain Covid precautions.
Your fortune in Metal Ox Year
Rat
Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
Next year of the Rat is 2032.
Rat is in a very good position in the year of the Ox. Expect fewer hardships because Rat is Ox’s good friend and ally. Ox’s influence requires a larger contribution at work. Therefore, Rat benefits by putting forth increased effort to follow through because Ox delivers, and expects dedicated, consistent labor from others. The element Metal is firm and resolute, not flexible, so don’t seek clever Rat shortcuts. Strive to not overextend or take on too many commitments. Your luckiest month is April, and winter is your best season. The element Metal empowers Metal Rat born in 1960, and Water Rat born in 1972.
Ox (Buffalo)
Birth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937,1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
Next year of the Ox is 2033.
Ox year begins a new twelve year life cycle for you. Everyone benefits by increasing their efforts this year, but for Ox it can be a very positive and productive year when your hard work is finally rewarded. You can reap the benefits of the efforts you’ve made over time. You’ve paid dues, and are ready to enjoy the hard-won results. Be open to receiving help and advice from others, not just going it alone as is your pattern. This is also an excellent year for marriage, having a child, or purchasing a new home. The element Metal empowers Metal Ox born in 1961, and Water Ox born in 1973.
Tiger
Birth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
Next year of the Tiger is 2022.
Free-spirited and adventurous Tiger does best to adjust to the steady work ethics of the Ox. Ox year dynamics require Tiger to work hard and remain focused to successfully complete projects. You can build a solid foundation this year. Tigers who control their temper and aren’t too rebellious or independent should experience a good year. Rewards arrive in 2022 your Tiger year when you start a new life cycle. So keep your emotions in check, especially Wood Tiger born in 1974. The element Metal empowers Metal Tiger born in 2010 or 1950, and Water Tiger born in 1962.
Rabbit (Hare)
Birth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
Next year of the Rabbit is 2023.
Rabbit has a much better year after the challenges of the previous Rat year. Being more determined, aggressive, and persistent (all Ox characteristics) helps you succeed. Although at times Rabbit could feel challenged during an Ox year due to unrealistic work standards and expectations from others. So take care of yourself emotionally, be patient, and do not become frustrated if rewards are delayed or projects take more time than anticipated. It’s best to avoid making quick decisions because Ox year is not an auspicious time for big change. Spring is your best season. The element Metal empowers Metal Rabbit born in 2011 or 1951, and Water Rabbit born in 1963.
Dragon
Birth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
Next year of the Dragon is 2024.
Ox year is your time to follow through with activities initiated in Rat year 2020. Dragon can be a high-flying dreamer, whereas Ox is realistic and hard working. So under Ox’s influence this year, Dragon might have to tone it down and be more conservative, or use different strategies and tactics. Appearances and great ideas are not what Ox values. Instead, if you create a solid structure or a routine to maintain stability, then anticipate a year of steady progress. It’s fortunate to work with others this year, not your usual independent self. The problems of those surrounding you need not effect you. So stay focused, grounded, and do not meddle. April, August, and December are your luckiest months. The element Metal empowers Metal Dragon born in 2000 or 1940, and Water Dragon born in 1952.
Snake
Birth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
Next year of the Snake is 2025.
Anticipate a fortunate and successful year because Snake is in a harmony trine with Ox and Phoenix (Rooster). There will be opportunities for advancement, career goals can be attained, and relationships deepen. Snake’s work will be recognized and rewarded. Others admire your wisdom, insights, and resourcefulness. Just don’t allow Ox’s stubborn influence to make you unreasonable or too demanding. Be mindful of how you approach difficult subjects or manage certain relationships. Intelligent compromise benefits everyone. The element Metal empowers Metal Snake born in 2001 or 1941, and Water Snake born in 1953.
Horse
Birth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.
Next year of the Horse is 2026.
Rat year 2020 was a difficult year, especially for Horse because Rat is opposite Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Fortunately, Ox year can be less challenging. Expect easier and smoother circumstances, although Ox’s influence demands hard work, and work is not Horse’s favorite activity. Horse can succeed by maintaining more control in personal interactions, but romance could still be problematic so stay steady. Adapt to Ox traits of discipline and perseverance to succeed. Next year Tiger 2022 is your lucky time to race off to greener pastures or gallop after new opportunities, but not now. Your best season is summer. The element Metal empowers Metal Horse born in 1990, and Water Horse born in 2002 or 1942.
Sheep (Goat, Ram)
Birth years of the Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Next year of the Sheep is 2027.
Sheep is opposite of Ox in the Chinese zodiac. Therefore, Ox year can be challenging for us Sheep. It’s not an auspicious time to create new opportunities. Instead, stay organized, reduce clutter, and maintain focus. Under the influence of Ox, at times Sheep must perform repetitive or mundane tasks. Just don’t allow finances or morale to be low, and avoid opportunities to overspend because “Sheep eat paper.” Others may not be available to offer emotional support, so we do best by being more resourceful and self reliant. Summer is our luckiest season; winter is not. The element Metal empowers Metal Sheep born in 1991, and Water Sheep born in 2003 or 1943.
Monkey
Birth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Next year of the Monkey is 2028.
Ox year is a time of work and discipline, but neither are Monkey’s favored activities. Monkey is more devoted to play and creativity. Therefore, during Ox year there can be difficulties that force Monkey to restrain ambitions. Monkey can avoid Ox’s demand for hard work by teaming up with others to be their messenger or liaison. Monkey’s wit and winning personality does bring luck in avoiding tasks that Monkey does not want to do. But this is a good year for Monkeys to establish a solid foundation so it serves you to adapt Ox’s methods. The element Metal empowers Metal Monkey born in 1980, and Water Monkey born in 1992 or 1932.
Phoenix (Rooster, Chicken)
Birth years of the Phoenix: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
Next year of the Phoenix is 2029.
Ox year can be very fortunate and favorable for you because Ox’s values closely align with yours. Ox and Phoenix are highly compatible because they are both diligent and determined, and appreciate hard work and a job well done. Ox year energy offers the stability, faithfulness, and sincerity that Phoenix enjoys. Projects come together, and goals are attained. If you promote yourself, you will be respected and highly regarded. This is your year for success when you can recover from any previous Rat year challenges. All months are lucky. The element Metal empowers Metal Phoenix born in 1981, and Water Phoenix born in 1993 or 1933.
Dog
Birth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
Next year of the Dog is 2030.
Ox’s influence brings conservative politics and restraints. Dog fights for the underdog, so Dog’s revolutionary ideas and altruistic concepts might not be in favor this year. Ox prefers to stay the steady course, whereas Dog enjoys trying new methods. So there could be some minor problems or roadblocks due to differences in perspective. But Dog perseveres, is responsible, and does hard work that can be rewarded in an Ox year. Dog’s Ox year contribution lays a foundation for success in your lucky year Tiger 2022. The element Metal empowers Metal Dog born in 1970, and Water Dog born in 1982.
Pig (Boar)
Birth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.
Next year of the Pig is 2031.
Ox year can be a harmonious year when Pig’s efforts are appreciated. There are opportunities for career advancement and good fortune in relationships, although Pig must comply with Ox’s strong work ethic and follow rules. But Pig is naturally realistic and goal oriented, and that fits well with Ox’s pragmatism. Others rely on you this year when your generosity and emotional support will be greatly appreciated. Remain diligent in your efforts, and anticipate an abundant harvest in autumn your lucky season. It’s also a good year for education and learning new methods. The element Metal empowers Metal Pig born in 1971, and Water Pig born in 1983.
Happy New Year! Leave a comment to let me know what you are looking forward to in the Year of the Ox!
