THE STATELY OX - PART ONE

READ PART 2 HERE

Collectively we bid adieu to a year like no other. The measure of 20/20 vision acuity was not mirrored in the year it shared with its namesake —2020 blindsided us. ‘Twas the year that stood still, while the global pandemic that brought nations to their knees still marches on. From a Chinese metaphysical perspective the outgoing year lived up to all it promised. Especially in the closing month, when the vermin disease-carrying Rat did double duty – a Rat month, in a Rat year – in opposition to the Travelling Horse - leading to a rapid spike in the spread of the virus. On Feb. 3rd Chinese Solar calendar resets and the Chinese New Year begins. The more widely known and celebrated New Year festivities actually indicates the beginning of the Lunar New Year; this year it falls on 12th February 2021 - forming a palindrome – 12022021. Will the root origin of the reverse sequence word ring true for 2021 - ‘to run’, ‘back again’? Or will it be ‘reversed’ in the Year of the Ox?

The closing month of the Rat 2020, was Ox month which acted as a micro teaser of the macro year ahead. Due mainly to the Monthly Flying stars (#6) mirroring the incoming Annual chart. The Yearly solar energies of Ox Year will officially commence on 3rd Feb. 2021 @ 11.00pm and it lays the foundation for the seeding of a new beginning, under the second New Moon of 2021– AKA Chinese Lunar New Year of the Ox. So what will the Year of the Yin Metal Ox bring?

Chinese metaphysics observes and decodes Qi patterns to decipher annual themes . It’s through the lens of elemental interactions, sexagenary cycles, historical themes, trigrams, hexagrams and BaZi (4pillars) that we’ll view 2021 . Most folks will know the Zodiacal animal associated with their year of birth. But the animal alone only alludes to a quarter, or more correctly, an eighth of the picture for how a year my personally manifest.

SEXAGENARY CYCLE

Looking to the 60-year cycles (sexagenary), which hold significance due to Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions (3 x 20 years) as both planets are heavyweight players in the Time and Space practice of Feng Shui. Incidentally, Jupiter & Saturn have two of the longest cycles in our solar system and both planets have the biggest magnetic fields. No wonder their ‘pull’ if you will is so tangibly evident. Western astro also places emphasis on these planets conjoining as indicators of new elemental shifts. Arguably a new 20 year Feng Shui epoch and Age (Period 9) occurred when Saturn and Jupiter recently aligned on Dec. 21st 2020 — as 20-year shifts are intrinsic to New Feng Shui Periods. Historically in Ancient China the December Winter Solstice was originally the beginning of a New Chinese Year –And coincidentally, the Ox happens to belong to the Winter Solstice. Worth mentioning also is the mind-bending synergy between the solar and lunar calendars, specific to this year.

Solar Ox New Year starts 3rd Feb.- tallying with - 21st Dec., the Winter Solstice in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.
Lunar Ox New Year starts 12th Feb. - tallying with - 1st Jan., in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

*Laozi Riding an Ox by* Zhang Lu (1464–1538) public domain

STATELY OX*

Perhaps a New Year and New Age did commence in December 2020? That said and however intriguing Jup/Sat conjunctions are to like-minded practitioners; it’s the 60-year cycle that traditionally holds the answers garnered from historical modelling but I’m also keeping a keen eye on wider cycles. Accordingly, through sexagenary lens the former years that elementally mirrored the previous Yin Metal Ox Years were 1961, 1901, 1841….. etc. (Note; Ox years repeat every 12 years but only combined with Yin Metal every 60 years). Common themes appear of - wars, figureheads, leaders, notable forms of deaths, freedoms of lands and or speech and the prefix ‘State’, be it State independence, Statesmen, Heads of State and even the United States and it’s senior figurehead. So what will the alchemy mix of the Yin Metal Moo bring to the table in 2021?

Bovines are sacred animals in many cultures, with each civilization focusing on it’s own symbolism and lore. The most famous image of an Ox in Chinese myth is the depiction of Lao Tze, the Chinese philosopher who rode an Ox in his quest for immortality. According to traditional consensus the Taoist philosopher lived the life of a hermit. A fitting reflection upon the mandatory isolation that saw our homes turn into hermitages while we questioned the very topic of mortality and that of loved ones under the year that was. Perhaps we’ll see a ‘repeat’ and ‘run back’ during this palindrome year?

Another Bull take, hails from Druid Ireland– two white bulls were the chosen sacrificial animals when a New King was needed, note also a synchronicity with Druids and Winter Solstices and bull sacrifice via previous post. While yesteryear’s Kings were rulers of the day, today’s leaders are Presidents and Prime Ministers – indeed sexagenary lens suggest nations will grapple with leadership to navigate our New Now this year.

HEADS OF STATE

Notably the U.S has just handed the Commander in Chief baton to a new leader. Plotting the sexagenary barometer as far back as 1781 (4 x 60 years) we see New U.S. Presidencies illustrating a theme of confronting and untimely misfortune* in each increment from 1781, 1841, 1901 and 1961. John Hanson was elected as ‘President of the United States – in Congress’ in 1781, which in the eyes of some earned him first holder of the US Presidency. Although not in office at the time of his death, as only one year tenures were in effect – he died in poor health two years later. The oldest President, (bar Regan, now trumped by Biden) and the shortest serving president W.Harrison, died in office from suspected pneumonia in 1841. While William McKickley, was assassinated in 1901. He was shot at the Temple of Music in Buffalo, N.Y, on Sept. 6, 1901, six months into his second term. And finally J.F Kennedy was elected in 1961. He too was assassinated two years later - the same time lapse, as Hanson earlier.

Lungs diagram via Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator via CC Attribution 2.5 License 2006

Why outline the above snapshot of history? Firstly because Presidential figures are akin to the Metal trigram ☰ Chien/Qian - that speaks to the original heavenly leaders and Emperors of the day. The trigram also relates to Male figureheads, Heads of State, Sovereigns, Principles, Patriarchal fathers etc. Secondly, professions the Ox persona oft gravitates to, are that of a Statesman and Justice leader or professions relating to war. The ‘Chien’ trigram relates to the No.6 Gua which this year also coincidentally governs the Flying Star chart for the Year ahead. Thus Metal themes are strong. In the five elements system each element is associated with a weapon; Earth is paired with the Bullet, which is also by its nature metal and nails a Yin Metal elemental manifestation (more on the elemental configuration in Part Two). Pneumonia is a Lung related issue, which in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is the organ elementally linked to Metal. The head is also linked to No. 6 Gua, so things like Heads of States, Figure heads- like father figures, Head injuries, be it physical or illness related or mental health issues.

Note also how long McKinsley held office – six months, a Metal number and two terms, an Earth number and the Ox is the second Zodiacal animal. Note the place of death – Buffalo (Ox) and in the Temple of Music. The element sound associated with Earth is Singing, combined with Metal that governs the lungs, breath and mouth. Every year has hit songs but major landmark music events like Band Aid and Live Aid happening in an Ox Year (1985). In 61’ Elvis Presley performed a benefit show in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii and raised $62,000 - Metal & Earth numbers. While The Beach Boys release their debut single 'Surfin' and Motown Records signed The Supremes. No doubt themes of Music and Song will feature heavily this year as both Metal and Earth combine in 2021. *Of course all of the above factors weave a common thread but the manifestations are also tied into each leaders Personal BaZi charts; which hasn’t been discussed here.

Meanwhile back in England, the British Monarch Queen Victoria’s long rule ended in her death in 1901 - then succeeded by her son Edward VII, who on his way to Denmark in 1900 was the victim of an attempted assassination. Britain joined the Organization for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) in 1961 - it’s now leaving the EU at the beginning of another Metal Ox year. During the current Monarch’s tenure; Queen Elizabeth II, toured Ghana in 1961 and dismissed fears for her safety, even though President Kwame Nkrumah, who had replaced her as Head of State, was a target of assassins. The same year Nkrumah played two key moves; the initiation of Ghana’s Nuclear Reactor Project and delivering a speech called "I Speak Of Freedom". The speech noted how "Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world". Africa he suggested is a land of "vast riches" with mineral resources that "range from gold and diamonds to uranium and petroleum". Then the Congo war in 1961 brought the loss of many Ghanaian soldier’s lives - 43 men were massacred in a surprise attack by the Congolese army. While Patrice Lumumba, the PM of the Rep. of the Congo was imprisoned and assassinated by a firing squad – metal bullets. Here we see similar to the aforementioned themes unfold in a different country.

Drawing, three speech bubbles with indicated text and motion lines. via HD@DH.rw | Michelle Dahlmanns CCA Attribution 4.0 license.

THE POWER OF SPEECH

Another theme already revealed in the final month of Rat Year in Ox month, resurrects themes of Speech - a metal associated action. President Nkrumah’s, 1961 ‘I Speak Of Freedom’ articulates a speech of the virtuous variety and it alludes directly to the elements of earth and metal. One well known manifestation of this was the suspension of the out going US President’s social media accounts. Leaving aside the why and the who’s account was suppressed - although relevant, it was a male figurehead’s account. It is our righteous Freedom of Speech that will be topical in 2021. Furthermore authoritative figureheads, like Heads of governments will battle with big tech and social media companies to define communication boundaries. On a personal level this may manifest as Male Figurehead’s or Social Media/Press speech being suppressed, potentially by Female figureheads who will jockey for thoughtful, reflective transformations relating to speech. The tone will be morally correct, precise, sharp, detailed and to the point. The pensive Ox is a powerhouse, but aligning more with firm yet gentle, placid yin Oxen profiles, over yang Bullish heifer tendencies. Alluding to precise and articulate females, who will pave the way over their male counterparts. (Post script - Note Amanda Gorman’s awe inspiring poem at the inauguration.)

‘Freedom’ equates the Metals action of ‘to split’, to divide from and be independent, which was illustrated by Ghana (and other countries, see below) to steering their own path. Freedom also alludes to ‘liberty’ and ‘movement’ i.e travel and segregationist policies. Combining 2021’s governing elements, we see the Metal associated action to ‘Split’, paired with the Earthly action of ‘Crossing’. Past and present it speaks to freedom - of countries and land, States and crossing Borders and divisions of dominions and colonies and the act of separation and segregation. Being cut off - metal cuts deep and severs. History captured this in the US as Freedom Riders - civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated Southern United States in 1961. And the UN also condemning apartheid in South Africa.

Countries may act on the deep desires to seek out Independence and split from ruling Governance - the desire to no longer be under the thumb if you will. The thumb is the digit associated with Earth and perhaps as earthly Ox represent women more female leadership will emerge. Presently in Australia State v’s State topics are to the fore; especially relating with borders as well as international and interstate travel arrangements. Another on point topic relates to Britain, as Ireland and Scotland grapple with Independence. (Note not sexagenary related but this year is the centenary of a divided Ireland, when Ireland was partitioned into Southern and Northern Ireland.) Perhaps we’ll see talk if not action resulting in less Commonwealth countries. 1961’s themes of imprisonment, may vibe more with being cut off from country-to-country, state-to-state rather than home detentions we saw in 2020. Speaking of Borders and the separation ensuing from curfews and lockdowns, it’s not surprising to see the parallel with Germany’s Berlin Wall, which commenced construction on 13th August - a Yin Wood Ox Day, in a Yin Metal Ox Year 1961.

CONFLICT CYCLES

With New leaders or Heads of State it oft leads to countries aching for New Independence or Governance, which often sadly ensues in wars erupting. Today’s Wars may be metaphorical Wars - such as the fight for our liberty and freedom of movement or speech; our enemy may not be a Country or a State but a virus and the forced imprisonment we now know possible and our liberty to travel suppressed. In times of crisis things are brought to a head; below are just a few more examples of brewing wars and themes of new governance in Yin Metal Ox Years - these countries may once again make headlines for similar reasons;

1541 - In Ireland parliament changed, when Henry VIII declared the Kingdom of Ireland.
1781 – The Maratha Empire (India) defeats the British East India Company in battle against Bhorghat.
1841 - Belgium’s Congo colony history also weaves a common thread with the Congo war and New Presidential leaders taking office in 1841, 1901 & 1961 Ox years.
1841 – In China the Second Battle of Chuenpi, during the 1st Opium War, resulted in the cession of Hong Kong Island to the British Empire, after which the British took formal possession of the island on 26th January 1841. *
```
(*Post script - UK expects 300,000 HK residents to flee to UK 30/1/21 visa's applications open.) 
```
1841 – the Coronation of the last Emperor of Brazil, closely followed by rebellion against the unification of power under a central government, which limited the powers of the States.
1841 –New Zealand was proclaimed as a separate colony, no longer part of New South Wales.
1901 –Queen Victoria dies – Edward VII ascends throne.
1901 - Thomas O'Donnell, a Nationalist Member of Parliament, is stopped from addressing the British House of Commons in his mother-tongue - Irish.
1901 – Australia became a federation with its 1st PM of Australia. Six British colonies to become one nation, the Commonwealth of Australia.
1901 – First President of the Rep. of Philippine’s, Aguinaldo was capture by American forces, which effectively dissolved the First Republic after he pledged allegiance to the United States.
1961 - The Republic of Timor was proclaimed in the border town of Batugade on 9 April 1961. It was quickly put down by Portuguese troops.
1961 - The US opposed Cuba’s then PM Castro and unsuccessfully attempted numerous assassination including at the Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961. Castro then aligned with the Soviet Union allowing them to place nuclear weapons in Cuba.
Second Republic of South Korea, overturned by a Military coup d’etat in 1961.
1961 -South Africa becomes a Republic and temporarily withdraws from the Commonwealth. Verwoerd remained as the 6th PM of S. Africa, but was also sadly assassinated while in office in 1966.
1961 - Brazil saw the Presidential baton change hands four times in one year, with a Goulart tenure ending in a US backed military coup d'état in 1964.
1961 - Under the tenure of J.F Kennedy troops were sent to Vietnam.

Speaking of wars, we can’t overlook weapons of the Nuclear Warhead variety, with themes first appearing in 1901, although not necessarily war related headlines. Rutherford and Soddy in 1901 discovered nuclear transmutation - a radioactive element changed into new elements in the process of decay, added to radium’s visibility. Fast forward 60 years to 1961, and a spate of nuclear related events occurred. A pioneer of nuclear medicine, Pierre Curie, incurred the first radium burn. While the first therapeutic use of radium for lupus also occurred later that year. Then President Nkrumah initiated Ghana’s Nuclear Reactor Project and an experimental nuclear power reactor in the United States - SL-1 Nuclear - had a reactor meltdown killing three men. And finally not over looking thermonuclear weapons i.e hydrogen bombs, which also made headlines in 1961 when the Tsar Bomba mushroomed, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated. The test remains the most powerful artificial explosion in human history.

Scotland’s Swanston Farm Highland cattle …… you can go see these beauties in the flesh!

CHEW THE CUD

If you ever doubted astro legitimacy, hopefully the compelling correlations deduced from this peep back at sexagenary cycles, will act as a harbinger to collectively learn from malefic and confronting historical patterns. One would think the outlined historical cycles point to exercising an abundance of caution by Heads of State in regard to safety, wars and weapons - let’s avoid ‘running back' over that old warring terrain.

No matter your political persuasion, it’s hard not to keep an eye on U.S politics on the world stage. Circling back to the notion of a palindrome and Heads of State, could former President Trump¹ ‘run’ / ‘back again’? It’s not the last we’ll see/hear of Trump - Earth’s tendency and direction relates to Centre. Or perhaps the palindrome alludes to a lot more palindrome themed words entering the 2021 lexicon, such as - CIVIC (local), MOM & MADAM (matriarchal), LEVEL (balanced), RADAR (radio waves, radioactive, 5G etc.) or SAGAS (history repeating). As the Lunar New Year date draws closer on 12.02.2021 it seems credible we’ll edge backwards and forwards over old terra firma - like the Oxen that draws the plough- two hard fought steps forward and one step back in the quest to find stability; while it sows the seeds of the future that is 2021 ⧇ READ PART 2 here

¹ (Post script - The impeachment trial was served in a Peach blossom year of the Rat 2020, that clashed with a Horse in his BaZi chart; in 2021 he has another clash between the Ox and the Goat in his day pillar. As I understand it, if convicted of Impeachment, there maybe an option to hold a separate vote on whether he’s allowed to have another crack at the Presidency  - perhaps a reversed impeachment?)