Welcoming the Year of the Metal Ox

"In early agricultural communities, people often went for days without eating and feared starvation. To aid suffering humans, the gods and goddesses removed Ox from heaven, where she was a star, and sent her to earth. The divine ones instructed Ox to tell people that with her help they would avoid starvation and would eat every three days.

But Ox misunderstood, and told humanity that they would eat three times a day! Ox had to make her words true, so that is why Ox labors for humans and endures many burdens without complaint. Therefore, the year of the Ox is time for honesty, hard work, duty, and discipline. Like Ox plowing the field, success is attained through diligent work and conscientious effort."  -Susan Levitt 

"The Farmer stares out across the fallow field and sees mud and downed branches from the storms of winter, knowing that first he must clean up the field and then wait patiently until the land is ready. When it is time, the Farmer puts the yoke on the Ox and slowly plows the field. Then the Farmer plants the seeds and waits for them to grow. Eventually the Farmer brings in a good crop, maybe two if luck is with him. This is the story of this Ox Year. (2)" -Lillian Bridges

Co-owner Celeste was born in the year of the Ox, so we can expect energy like hers: calm, steady, reliable, hard working, and sacrificing. This year, establish routines and rituals, plant seeds, serve your community, be patient, and know your efforts will pay off in the long run.