Image of Oxen from www.afb.org/
Oxen pulled the carts and wagons that helped the pioneers cross North America from the East to the West coast.
“Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.” This is the description for OX, Chinese Zodiac animal for the year, 2009.
Ox is actually a bull that has been neutered either because of its very gentle disposition which makes it ideal for pulling work, or because the bull is not a good breeder. The best Ox is actually one with horns because the horns help the yoke stay in place. The horns also enable Ox to defend against predators.
Our Ancestors preferred Ox’s draft capabilities over that of a horse or mule where steadiness over speed was required. Ox is sure footed, patient, and generally gets along with anyone or any team-mate. Ox is also stronger, and not likely to injure itself because it is methodical in what it does, and does not jerk or rear against the harness or driver. Ox has also been used for riding because again it will go much longer in the day than a horse will travel.
As Ox is part of the family of cattle and bovines, it brings some of the same messages. If Ox is in your dreams, or shows up in pictures for you, then it does bring you a message. Some of these messages might be:
a) Are you pulling your weight in the world? Ox takes on huge loads and moves them, without protest. Have you been whining and complaining about your lot in life? Are you labelling yourself as a victim? Ox is here to remind you that everything is fair and for a reason. Put your back into what you do, and you will forget about being a victim.
b) Do you help others? Ox is in training for his part as a draft animal by age two to three, and usually will work for four to six years. Ox has committed his life to helping mankind move forward. If you are feeling low self worth, Ox suggests that you find someplace to volunteer. Helping others is the surest way to improve self esteem.
c) Are you working hard, and doing everything yourself? Do you feel unappreciated? Ox reminds you that most animals work better in a team. Why do you try to do it all yourself? Find a good team-mate, and split the work load. Bring your life back into balance.
Ox is a great example of being able to go with the flow in life, and not get excited or emotional. Let Ox be your guide for 2009.
© December 2008 Judith Hirst-Joyeux. Judith is a Sage-Healer-Shaman who works with the Great Spirit, Ancestors, Goddesses and Gods, and angelic realms. She teaches workshops, coaches other practitioners, and works with clients on helping them work with their body to heal itself.
Judy@angelsandancestors.com This article first appeared in the Angels And Ancestors Newsletter January 2009 Volume 3 Issue 4. Newsletter available at www.angelsandancestors.com.
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I thank God the creator for creating a ox to teach us the importance of a helper.I am so thankful that he taught us one step at a time together we can make it in what his purpose is for us.Domestic is just as important as any other animal. All of creation is important. Everything makes the world go around. Meanwhile the spirit is in full conception in all things in life. Meaning it beholds it until departure then it returns to it's original state. Back to the sender. Have a great life and day
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