Friday 12th February, 2021 is Chinese New Year’s day, the first day of the Chinese Lunisolar Calendar in the year 4718. The zodiac year of the Yin-Metal-Ox, referred to as the Golden Cow, the White Ox, or the Metal Bull.
The home should be spotless for the new year, you should have had a haircut and now you are ready to forget about work and chores for two weeks (until the full moon) and feast with family and friends. The idea is your start the year, how you want the year to go – give the year it’s tone! Bring on the dumplings!
How is Chinese New Years Day Calculated?
The Chinese New Year celebrates the combination of the lunar and solar cycles. The solar start to the year for the Chinese is February 4 – 立春 Lìchūn (start of spring). The lunar months start with a new moon, therefore Chinese New Year combines the solar and lunar cycles by starting with the closest new moon to February 4. This is, most often, the second new moon after winter solstice.
Note: Prior to the Julian calendar (which took effect on 1 January 45 BC enforced by the Romans), both the Germanic and Scandinavian Calendars were lunisolar fixing the beginning of the year at the first full moon after winter solstice.
Another Note: When calculating your Chinese zodiac sign, you use the solar date February 4th as the beginning of the year. For determining your zodiac animal, ignore the Chinese New Year (new moon) date, and simply use February 4th as the beginning of the year. All babies born after that date are the new zodiac sign and all babies born before February 4th are the preceding zodiac sign.
General Predictions for the Yin-Metal-Cow Year
2021 is the Yin-Metal-Ox/Cow year. Yin-Metal-Cow ranks 32nd out of 60 Stems & Branches philosophy. ‘Yin-Metal’ is the Heavenly Stem and ‘Ox/Cow’ is the Earthly Branch in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. As Yin-Metal is linked to gold, 2021 Yin-Metal-Cow year can be nicknamed Golden Cow, (or White Ox, or Metal Bull).
Yin-Metal is gold, pearl, jade, diamond, or small precious stones. Yin-Metal is linked to the Yin-feminine. Think of a softer, more graceful approach or a beautiful piece of jewelry. The characteristics of Yin-Metal are mild, enduring, persevering, constant, and frank.
Yin-Metal can also be connected to fog, smog, and unhealthy air. Fog blurs our sight. Therefore, the other traits of Yin-Metal are complaining, showing dissatisfaction, being irresolute, hesitant, and uncertain.
The Cow contains Yin-Earth, which is connected to the ground, farmlands or flatlands.
The image of the Yin-Metal is a Cow pulling a cart of treasures.
That’s a sign of traveling, beauty and prosperity, a happy mood. However, to show-off your treasure may be inviting trouble and loss of money, or wealth. Therefore, stay alert and be on the look out for tricks and risks.
Generally it is thought that in 2021 people will show an increased interest in their income, investment, and national economy.
Extra Notes:
Cow/Ox is the second animal sign of 12 Chinese zodiac signs. The Cow is in the Earth group according to the Chinese Five Element theory. The Cow is connected to hills or farmland as they persevere the cold of winter. The Cow doesn’t enjoy the greatest working environment. The personalities of the Cow are quiet, inactive, slow, and calm. The characteristics of the Cow are quiet, inactive, hardworking, diligent, responsible, and very persistent (some would say stubborn).
Cow contains mainly Yin-Earth. It also contains a little Yin-Water and Yin-Metal. The Cow is also connected to the idea of a storeroom, or storehouse, for this Metal. This implies the Cow has a place to store treasure. The month of Cow is January. The temperature is still chilly and cold. So, the Yin-Metal-Cow doesn’t possess natural passion for social activities after work. Their preference is to be alone, learning and gaining knowledge, and they don’t like to be bothered. Water in the Cow is cold and can become ice. Water represents a Cow’s money and the money can freeze. The Cow is unable to spend easily. Therefore, the Cow is considered a good saver.
As we mentioned, the Cow is in the Earth group and related to farmland. Yin-Metal represents the lake in Yi Jing (I-Ching). Think of a lake on a beautiful farm that helps vegetables, fruits, and crops to grow. The lake also serves to attract people gathering together for relaxation. The lake implies a joyful time and brings fortune and happiness to people. This signals a positive time to work on building social networks and relationships.
More Specific Predictions for the Yin-Metal-Cow Year
The most important thing to remember here that the year has an energy and there is your own personal energy (zodiac astrology). In fact, it really depends on your own zodiac sign and how that interacts with the year in question.
I recommend Joey Yap’s videos. For the general 2021 prediction – click here.
Most important is how your specific zodiac animal interacts with the year, so don’t miss the individual predictions. For example if you are:
Rat – click here
Ox – click here
Tiger – click here
Rabbit – click here
Dragon – click here
Snake – click here
Horse – click here
Goat – click here
Monkey – click here
Rooster – click here
Dog – click here
Pig – click here
Why Does Alex Prefer A Lunisolar Calendar?
From ancient times people have recognized that the most important heavenly bodies, the sun and moon, have the greatest influence on the earth, its nature and its inhabitants. The solar positions are represented by the 24-solar terms. The phases of the moon are represented by the dates of the month. Since ancient times, it has been observed that the calendar you follow – i.e., how you follow time – influences the flow of your daily life.
For example, if you simply follow a solar (sun-yang) calendar you become more yang-biased. Follow a lunar calendar and you tend to be more yin-biased.
New emperors, kings and the dawning of new ages introduce new calendars.
‘Who owns your time owns your mind; own your own time and know your own mind – follow both lunar and solar rhythms’
We believe who owns your time owns your mind, body, and spirit. Thus, we encourage you to own your own time and know yourself – stay in touch with both lunar and solar rhythms to facilitate this.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Tan L.AC. is a licensed Acupuncturist. After completing his degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Alex lived and practiced Chinese Medicine for 10-years in Beijing, China. A native-born Australian, the son of his Australian mother and Chinese father, Alex’s bi-cultural heritage helps him skillfully bridge Eastern and Western health perspectives. He believes the true power of Chinese medicine lies in a balanced approach towards prevention and treatment. Rooted in Chinese Medicine observation based theory & methodology over millenniums, Alex’s talent lies in delivering these Eastern healing modalities to his modern Western clients. For more about Alex click here
Alex runs a clinic in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona. Alex welcomes comments and questions to his articles. To schedule an appointment in person or telco-appointment click here
