My purpose is to alleviate chaos
And perpetuate stability
To hold my ground against
Hardship, danger and adversity
Steadfast and above reproach
I am here to enforce honor and fair play
To set a moral code
By becoming one with nature,
Constantly working toward my goal
To bring about harmony and good fortune.

The year of the Ox is just what's needed to clean up any mess and clutter left by the Rat. The Ox is not as he appears and should not be underestimated or considered slow or unaware.

The Ox is the quintessential hardworking, conventional cleaner-upper who will put everything back in order and turn chaos back into reason. There is no room for anyone looking for a free ride during an Ox year. Hard work pays and laziness does not. It's a plain-and-simple, cut-and-dried, yes-and-no type year. It's a year to get papers in order and your life back on track, and to do whatever it takes to budget and plan for your financial future, lessening the stress and securing your position. Tradition will be important and keeping order and making sure that everyone plays by the rules a must. The Ox doesn't care for sob stories or those looking for a handout. There is nothing less appealing to an Ox than someone wanting his or her way paid for. You must gain respect through your actions if you want to fare well during the year of the Ox.

The United States must curtail ambition and set goals within reach. Limited profits will leave many without. Strict budgeting, joining together as one regardless of race, creed, color or political beliefs will be essential. It will take a strong leader, ready to do whatever is necessary to ignite a nation struggling to reinforce its voice and place in a world gone awry. New strategy and a bold jump into the future will be essential to maintain a leadership position. New measures must be implemented throughout 2009 to prepare for the vast opportunities this great nation has heading its way in 2010.

... As for the rest of us walking the planet, the Ox will not put up with anything short of supreme effort. No one will be able to get by without putting out. It will be necessary for everyone to plan carefully for the future and to live on less and give more in order to support the falling economy. It will be up to the people to question their leaders, to make sure they don't give supremacy to just anyone and to remind the powers that hold our fragile existence by a string that it isn't the individuals living on the planet who cannot get along but our leaders who cannot resolve issues peacefully. The Ox calls for simplicity, patience and the ability to work as one. The less cordial the main players are, the less we will accomplish as a collective group.

By EUGENIA LAST

COPYRIGHT 2009UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

 According to Chinese legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Chinese New Year (which falls on different dates, from mid-January to mid-February.) The Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting, but only 12 creatures attended. The first animal to arrive was the talkative Rat (who was aggressive enough to jump off the back of the Ox in order to be the #1 arrival) next in place #2, came the serious, enduring and hard-working Ox with the honorable Tiger, and cautious Cat. The outspoken Dragon joined the others, along with the philosophical Snake. The physically active Horse arrived with the artistic Goat. The spirited Monkey and the showy Rooster came as well. The last to join the others was the watchful Dog and the meticulous, resigned Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year. As the Chinese say, 'This is the animal that hides in your heart'

-- shelly wu