On February 12, 2021, the Chinese New Year will usher in the zodiac animal sign of the Ox ─ a creature synonymous with hard work, endurance, discipline and loyalty. This year, its element will be Metal and the energy will be Yin (feminine). Therefore, this will be a Metal Yin Ox year where determination, and consistency will form the hallmarks of success. This Ox, being Yin, will also be known for its quiet strength for order in the household, bringing with it stability and peace to the family.
Many mothers and mothers-to be will be expecting their babies too this year. Although Chinese New Year starts on February 12, 2021, any child born on February 3, 2021 will be an Ox-year baby. This is because the zodiac sign of the Ox starts on February 3. Naturally, parents will be curious to know what having an Ox-year child will mean and how the year will play out in the face of an on-going pandemic.
Motherhood turns to Master Ben for some advice and answers. A Feng Shui practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in personal consultation and Feng Shui practice, Master Ben has given exert advice to over 39,000 individuals, house-owners and corporations and has given consultations to top companies from more than 10 countries across the world. He holds an MBA and a Doctorate and is also a parent with three grown-up children.
Predictions & Advice on Ox-Year Influence over the Economy, Health, Children and Family
1. Motherhood: The Year of the Rat in 2020 has been one wracked with Covid-19 and economic turmoil. What is the general outlook for this coming Year of the Ox in terms of health, business, economy and stability of the country?
Master Ben: There was a recent signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement between the 10-member countries of ASEAN plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. From a Feng Shui perspective, there is good and bad from this agreement that will affect our Malaysian economy.
In terms of domestic business, those who are prepared to work hard and are strong like the Ox will definitely find markets that will open up for them. For example, those who embraced digital marketing and who have learnt how to leverage on this new market trend will reap the benefits.
Those who are still undecided and not ready to take risks may find themselves in a not so favourable situation. From the Feng Shui point of view, the Ox year has a very good hexagram Qua of “Pi Qua”. It represents coming good luck for those who are persistent, resilient and prepared. Their business will be back to normal soon.
Covid-19 has become part and parcel of our normal life. We would have to accept it, deal with it and move on.
Health wise, those who have low immunity must be careful of sicknesses such as: Heart problems, Respiratory system issues, Stomach sickness and Throat problems.
In terms of stability, Malaysia will still be turbulent in the Ox year, especially in the second half of the year when natural disasters may occur. The current flood situation is an indication of what is to come. However, the good news is ─ the year will end smoothly.
“There is a difference between “Chinese Culture” and “Authentic Feng Shui”. Feng Shui is known as Geomancy or Metaphysics because it is a practice of both art and science.” ~ Master Ben
2. Motherhood: Can you comment on how the Ox year will influence relationships and family life?
Master Ben: As far as relationships are concerned in this Ying Metal Ox year, those born in 1961 will have to have strong will and patience with your married partner. The reason is due to the ox year energy (Qi) which will tend to be very vibrant for those born this year. If you persevere at working at your relationship, it will definitely improve. For other Oxen, family love and relationships will be good.
Of course, those born in Ox years will conflict with Grand Duke or Tai Sui in 2021 but don’t worry, Ox people will still have good luck and strong wealth but you must prepare and plan for it. Wealth is for those who plan and work for it.
3. Motherhood: Is this a good year to get married?
Master Ben: Actually, every year is a good year to get married. However, you have to select a good date to get married. Especially Ox people born on the years of 1961 and this year 2021, they should get advice from a Feng Shui Master to select a good date so as to avoid the so-called “separation bad star”.
4. Motherhood: Can you tell us a bit about the personality traits of Ox-born people and especially babies born this year?
Master Ben: As a Yin Metal Ox, you were born to be loving and will attract attention wherever you go. When you grow up, you can use your good PR skills to further your career in whatever you choose to do. You can even be a good performer or a good artist.
Healthwise, the Ox baby needs to take extra care of kidney, urinary and stomach issues.
To accumulate wealth, it is advisable for the Ox-born not to take high risk investments although some of you may grow up to become good financial advisers but generally speaking, you are born not to take high risk investments. This year’s Ox baby tends to be a bit emotional. Think more with your head and not so much with your heart. Always plan properly and never be impulsive.
5. Motherhood: What are the careers that are best suited for Ox-born children?
Master Ben: Based on Feng Shui perspective and general speaking, the best industries and career are:
- Financial industries
- Construction industry
- Public relations
- Nutritionist
- Property
- Land and Forestry
6. Motherhood: In Feng Shui, the destiny of a child is shaped in part by the month he or she was born in. Can you give us a chart that indicates the child’s destiny?
Destiny by Birth Month
7. Motherhood: Can you explain what this chart means and why it is important for parents to know how to interpret it?
Master Ben: In areas where the child is predicted to be “weak”, this chart will provide parents a general guideline and information as to how they can “step in” to give their child the best chances in life.
For instance, if your child is born in February, and he has only two stars under Helpful Persons or Guardian Angels (as they are often called in Feng Shui) category, your child will need to build up resilience and independence. Helpful Persons are the child’s benefactors or beneficial people who may appear in the form of a relative, colleagues, officials, friend, or even the parents of the child themselves who will always step in and offer help ─ financial or otherwise ─ at the time of the child’s need.
If your child is “lacking” benefactors, parents can then provide him better education, or strength of character, for instance, to build up his ability to stand on his own feet without the need for helpful people to give opportunities or save him from difficult situations.
For those who have two stars only for wealth opportunities, perhaps parents can equip the child with financial literacy from young so that he understands how to make money work for him in order to build better wealth when he grows up. Encourage good saving practices and help him learn financial management skills to stand him in good stead.
As for attracting love, this love mentioned here applies both to romantic love as well as love across all relationships with other people including bosses, colleagues and other people in the child’s life. Is the child always hot tempered? Is he so painfully shy he cannot interact with others? Adapt the upbringing to inculcate likeable social behaviour and values.
When there are only two stars for career opportunities, perhaps parents could be more flexible and open-minded in terms of widening the child’s career options so that there is no further limitation to the child career. For example, most traditional parents only allow their children two career paths when they enter university: They must either become a doctor or a lawyer ─ no other profession.
Nowadays, career opportunities span the spectrum. The world has changed especially in this pandemic era where survival is very much hinged to the online space. Technology offers a million options. Especially when you know his career stars are not the brightest, allow your child to pick out his own occupation according to his own preference, inclinations and interest. He might even want to make a career out of his hobby.
“Authentic Feng Shui is where we do proper environmental arrangement of heavenly Qi, Human Qi and Earth Qi called cosmic trinity.” ~ Master Ben
8. Motherhood: What are the best directions for an Ox-born baby to sleep in this year?
To ensure the following benefits for Ox-born babies, the best directions to sleep are:
9. Motherhood: With reference to the above chart, why is it important for mothers to know the best sleeping positions for their baby?
Master Ben: It is important for mothers to have this knowledge so that she knows where to place her baby to maximise his potential in life. The positions differ for boys and girls as can be seen in the chart above. These positions are also called energetic positions. Of the four positions given, A and D are the most vibrant but do be aware that your baby may cry a lot for the first three months in their life while sleeping in these positions. This is because these positions emanate a very strong energy, activating the mind so the brain starts working from the get-go. The child will be excellent in academics and business as a result. If the mother wants the child to stay well always and succeed in life, place him/her in these positions.
10. Motherhood: Can you give us some advice on the best directions in a home this Ox year to bring about health, stability and prosperity?
Master Ben: This year, the wealth and money luck star bringing good luck to the home and to mother and baby, will be coming into the West sector of the home. To activate this special money energy to bring in a whole year of wealth and luck, you can place a fountain, a decorative crystal such as a crystal elephant, or a painting or picture such as a phoenix or bird to activate this sector. However, it is also advisable to get more accurate advice form a Feng Shui Master so that it is customised for you.
11. Motherhood: How do you ensure that children do well in their studies?
Master Ben: In 2021, the academic star is in the East sector of the house. You can place ornaments such as a calligraphy set, abacus or even a pencil box there so long as the pencil box is not made of metal. A canvas or cloth pencil case is preferable. Alternatively, place a computer there.
“Feng Shui is about achieving balance and harmony between the Human Qi (energy) and Earth Qi (Positive energy vibration) so that we can have a balance of good positive Qi from the environment for us to live in and receive wealth, health and longevity.” ~ Master Ben
12. Motherhood: What are some of the health issues faced by Ox-born babies?
Master Ben: Ox-born babies tend to have bone issues such as hand and leg and head issues. If they are always sick, parents might want to pay more attention to these areas.
13.Motherhood: Infertility is a recurrent issue. Some women have problems conceiving. Even those who have become mothers have problems conceiving their second or third child. Is there any advice you can give?
Master Ben: To conceive, always look at the Southwest sector of the home. Assuming you live in landed property, make sure there is no thorny trees or plants such as a rose bushes or cactus in your garden. Inside, clear your house of all clutter and make sure you are not hoarding or keeping junk and rubbish in the home.
14. Motherhood: Because you also audit homes, can you give advice to those seeking to buy or rent a home on how to choose a good house in the Ox-year?
Master Ben: Let’s give the example of a terrace house since it is a most common type of house in Malaysia. Make sure you do not choose a house that is near a hospital, graveyard, place of worship and schools. If you are wondering why schools are mentioned, it is because young children are very active and require a lot of energy to maintain their activity levels. If the school or kindergarten is next door, their energy may draw the Qi away from your house.
Ensure you do not have a big tree or lamppost that is stationed in front of your house and ensure the house is not at a T-junction.
The good locations to be in include: South, Northeast and Southwest.
For a deeper insight into the Ox Year, Master Ben can be contacted via his Facebook Page Feng Shui Destiny.