Born in 2009: the Earth Ox

Thunderbolt Fire: powerful, sudden, quick to act. The year stem is Yin Earth, and the Ox is steady, dependable and patient, and does not like to be rushed.

The Fire element feeds the Earth stem: what you give out tends to come back and build you up.

• Your element's colours: red, pink, orange, purple
• Supporting colours (Wood feeds Fire): green
• Go easy on (Water restrains Fire): black, blue

Colours by sound element are a popular Vietnamese and Chinese custom. Treat them as a gentle guide; a full Bazi chart may call for a different element than the year alone.

• SnakeHarmony trio: same wavelength
• RoosterHarmony trio: same wavelength
• RatSecret friend: quietly supportive
• GoatOpposite: big differences, needs give and take
• HorseHarm pair: prone to misunderstandings

Clashing animals are not a reason to avoid someone; they show where two people need more understanding. For a real answer, compare both full charts.

Kua numbers use the solar year, which turns around 4 February. If you were born before that, use the year before. Work out your Kua from your exact birthday

The Ox and the Goat are opposites, so 2027, the year of the Fire Goat brings movement: work, home or relationships may shift. Flexibility and planning ahead help most.

What Chinese zodiac is 2009?

2009 is the year of the Earth Ox (己丑). Its sound element is Thunderbolt Fire, which belongs to Fire.

What are the lucky colours for people born in 2009?

For the Fire element: red, pink, orange, purple, plus the supporting Wood colours green. Go easy on black, blue, the colours of Water, which restrains Fire.

Who is the Ox most compatible with?

The Ox forms a harmony trio with the Snake and Rooster and a secret-friend pair with the Rat. Its opposite is the Goat.

I was born in January or early February 2009. Which animal am I?

The 2009 lunar year began on 26 January 2009. If you were born before that, you belong to 2008, the Rat. Bazi (Four Pillars) switches years at Li Chun, around 4 February.