Welcome to the Nurture podcast/ blog.
Let’s create the beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
A Sweet Little Lilac Recipe For Spring
Capture the magic of lilac season in a jar.
“In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash’d palings,
Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
With every leaf a miracle—and from this bush in the dooryard,
With delicate-color’d blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
A sprig with its flower I break.”
-except of Walt Whitman’s, “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”
I love lilac season. The blooms of deep purple, violet and white call to me in the garden as I pass by. I can’t help stop and press a tower of blossoms to my face, inhaling their intoxicating scent.
Lilac season doesn’t last long, but this lilac sugar recipe will help you capture their magic to savor all year!
You’ll love sweetening your tea with this lilac sugar or maybe sprinkling some over your next batch of scones.
This recipe is super easy to make and very fun to use!
My mother once told me that it was an Irish custom for good luck and prosperity to plant a lilac bush outside your kitchen door. Luckily for me someone already had planted one before we purchased North Fork 53.
This Oregon homestead came with a lilac bush on the north side of the farmhouse that is two stories tall.
I can just reach the blossoms on it’s very lowest branches.
I went on to plant several more lilacs around our farm with different colors and bloom times so I can enjoy the flowers a bit longer- but the old growth lilac has a fragrance that cannot be matched.
Lilacs can live to be 75 years or more- so I’m hoping our homestead lilac has many good years left in her.
How to harvest lilac blooms
It all starts with lilac blooms, of course, preferably ones at the height of the season, lush and full. A sunny late morning harvest is best. Gently remove the bloom from the green stem. If you just give them a slight tug, the bloom slides right off, detaching from the little green sepal at its base, and leaving the yellow pistil behind. You don’t need to wash the flowers but giving them a good shake to remove any unwanted bugs is a good idea.
If you plan on incorporating the lilac blossoms into the finished sugar then it’s important to remove all the green stems from blossoms as they can get bitter and ruin the flavor. (note the blossoms will shrivel and turn brown as they release their essence to the sugar)
If you are removing the blossoms from the finished product then it’s easier to leave the blossoms in small clumps as it makes them easier to sieve out at the end of the week.
It’s up to you and how vibrant or subtle of a lilac flavor you want. The more blossoms you add the stronger the scent in the sugar will be. Generally you want to use a half cup of lilac blossoms per cup of sugar.
How to make lilac sugar
Layer organic white cane sugar, interspersed with layers of lilac blooms, in a quart-sized Ball jar.
(If you don’t like to use refined sugar you can also infuse maple sugar, raw honey, or unrefined cane sugar in place of refined sugar.)
2. Leave a few inches open at the top of the Ball jar to allow for daily vigorous shaking and put a lid on tightly.
3. Place the jar on your counter and remember to give it a good shake every day for 5 days to a week or so.
4. The shaking helps the sugar absorb the blooms moisture and oils over time which is what makes it so delicious.
5. After about a week of shaking, pour the sugar onto a baking sheet and let it air dry and reduce moisture.
6. After it dries out you can pour it through a sieve to remove the clumps of petals and place it back into the jar or…
7. Run it through the food processor to incorporate the dried lilac petals and place it back into the jar for storage.
10 Ways to use your lilac sugar
Using lilac sugar in my cup of tea is my favorite- it’s especially good in a chamomile blend like Nap & Nourish.
Whip with 35% cream to make lilac whipped cream.
Cream with butter in your favourite cake recipe or sprinkle on top of scones, sugar cookies or pie crust before baking.
Use in place of regular sugar in your favourite homemade ice cream recipe.
Place in small jars and give as party or wedding favors.
Add to fresh chopped berries, let the berries macerate, and use over shortcake.
Use with black tea to make a lilac infused kombucha.
Melt into a lilac simple syrup and use as an ingredient in a homemade lemonade, iced tea, mocktail or popsicles!
Rim the glass of a summer cocktail.
Blend with coconut oil to make lilac sugar scrub for your skin.
Iced tea maker video for Mother's Day
Check out our newest iced tea maker. It’s a game changer for summer sipping. Included in our Mother’s Day Gift Box!
Tea Brewing tips to make every cup better!
Graduating from good old Lipton tea bags can be confusing. Just wandering through the tea aisle at the grocery store can be daunting. If you’ve overwhelmed about where to start here’s a guide on how to make tea from scratch that you can follow to baby step your way into the wide world of tea.
How to Make a Cup of Tea Step by Step
Making the perfect cup of tea is simple. So let’s start at the very beginning.
There are only three things you need to worry about: tea, temperature and time:
Choose and measure your loose tea
Heat fresh filtered water to the correct temperature
Steep for the right amount of time
Then you can simply sit back and enjoy your well-brewed cup of tea!
What is Tea?
While most people think that tea is any kind of leaf in a tea bag that’s steeped in hot water, there are some differences.
Black Tea, White Tea, Green Tea
The only “true teas” are teas made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, which is an evergreen shrub native to China and India. Black tea, green tea, and white tea are all made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, so they are all true teas. The processing of the tea leaves is what makes them taste and look differently and creates the different colors and shapes.
Herbal Teas and Red Teas
Herbal teas and red teas are not really teas at all. They are technically classified as tisanes.
Tisanes — beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water.
So tea is a tisane, but a tisane is not necessarily a tea. Unless of course that tisane blended with the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Basic Types of Tea
If you’re just starting out making your own tea, there are a few basic kinds of tea to start with:
Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most popular teas.It also goes through the most processing. The processing turns the tea leaves into a robust, strong tasting tea. It’s usually dark brown or black when brewed. And it also has the most caffeine with 60-90 mg of caffeine in every 8 ounces. Popular varieties of black tea that are easy to find are:
Darjeeling – full-bodied and strong
Puerh – earthy and smooth
Ceylon – strong and bold
English Breakfast – robust enough to go well with milk and sugar
Earl Grey – flavored with bergamot for a citrusy taste
Green Tea
Green tea is processed less than black tea. It’s full of antioxidants and is usually a pale green color.The flavor of green tea can vary like a fine wine, based on where it was grown and the soil and climate. Green tea is a great tea for beginners but does become bitter if brewed for too long.
White Tea
White tea is the least processed of the four main tea types. It’s considered healthier because of its minimal processing. It’s described as having a delicate, sweet flavor without the astringent taste of other teas.
Popular types of white tea are:
Silver Needle – delicate sweet flavor
White Peony – darker and more robust than Silver Needle
Oolong Tea
This tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It’s neither black tea nor green tea but somewhere in the middle. The way it’s processed can make it lean more toward black tea, or more toward green tea characteristics. Because of the complexity in the production and brewing methods, it’s hard to describe the “average” oolong tea. It’s one of the most expensive and highest quality teas in the world.
Herbal Teas (Tisanes)
Since herbal teas are made from virtually anything other than the leaves of the Camellia Senensis plant, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Here are a few popular herbal tea choices:
Chamomile tea – calming effects
Peppermint tea – good for digestive issues
Rooibos tea – may improve bone health
Echinacea tea – great for colds and flu
Why Do I Care What Kind of Tea I Have?
Choosing your tea is the foundation of how to make tea properly. Because once you choose your tea, everything else falls in place. To get the perfect cup of tea, the type of tea dictates the optimum steep time and best water temperature to use.
So, go ahead and pick one and we’ll move onto the next step in the process of making tea.
How to Make Tea With Tea Leaves
If you want to learn how to make tea without tea bags, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. Tea sold on its own without a tea bag is known as loose leaf tea. Loose leaf tea is of higher quality than tea in tea bags, and it’s always going to taste better too.
So go for the loose leaf! You’ll be glad you did.
Step 1: Measure Your Loose Tea
Measuring Loose Tea:
Use one heaping teaspoon for every 8 ounces of water. So for an average mug, use about 1 heaping teaspoon of loose tea.
Step 2: Figure out Your Brewing Vessel
You just need to decide if you’ll brew your tea in your mug and strain it out, or you’ll try a tea infuser, or use a teapot. I have so many gadgets now, I have a special part of my pantry dedicated to tea storage!
Step 3: Heat Your Water to the Right Temperature
When it comes to water temperature you want to choose the best temp for your tea type.
Generally speaking, black and herbal teas need hotter water to bring out the depth of flavor, while more delicate green and white teas need slightly less hot water.
While there is still some debate on this issue, here are some guidelines:
Black Tea Temperature: 195° to 205° F (right around boiling)
Green Tea Temperature: 170° to 180° F (well below boiling)
White Tea Temperature: 170° to 180° F (well below boiling)
Oolong Tea Temperature: 185° to 195° F (just below boiling)
Herbal Tea Temperature: 208° to 212° F (right around boiling)
Going to become a tea connoisseur? You may want to invest in a kettle with a thermometer so you’ll always have perfectly heated water.
Heat fresh, filtered water to the correct temperature and get ready for the next step: steeping.
Step 4: Steep for the Correct Amount of Time for Your Tea
So now you’ve got your loose tea measured and your water hot, here comes the fun part: brewing your tea.
Brewing loose tea takes a bit longer than brewing with a tea bag. Here are some guidelines based on the type of tea:
Black tea steeping time: 4-5 minutes
Green tea steeping time: 3-4 minutes
White tea steeping time: 3-4 minutes
Oolong tea steeping time: 3 minutes
Herbal tea steeping time: 4-5 minutes
It may seem silly but do set a timer. I always set a timer on my phone… You’ve gone to all this trouble, so don’t drop out now.
Tips for Tea Steeping Success
When heating water, the microwave will do in a pinch, but it is not recommended for optimal tea steeping results. A proper tea kettle is recommended.
Be sure to pour the hot water over the tea leaves, rather than adding the leaves to a cup or pot that already has hot water in it.
Ensure the tea infuser is fully submerged beneath the water while steeping and it is large enough to allow the leaves to properly expand and open, releasing their full flavor.
Remove the infuser or tea bag as soon as steeping is finished, in order to prevent over-steeping and bitterness.
If using tea bags, do not squeeze them during the steeping process, as this can also lead to bitterness.
Before steeping, you may wish to preheat your teapot and also your cup. This step helps to prevent your teapot from cracking due to the sudden change in temperature and keeps your cold cup from dropping the temperature of your poured tea too quickly. Simply pour some of the heated water into the empty teapot and/or cup and swirl it around, allowing it to warm the pot. Then, discard the water.
Remember – as you gain experience with steeping tea, you may learn that you have unique preferences regarding the quantity of tea leaves, water temperature, steeping times, and even steeping tools.
Summary: It’s as simple as the 3 Ts!
Choose your loose tea
Heat your water to the right temperature
Steep for the correct amount of time
Then drink up! It’s tea time somewhere!
Still have questions on tea brewing? Let us know in the comments below and we will be happy to get back to you!
Unlock Your Inner Medicine with the Power of Adaptogens
Meet the Plants that hold the key to your inner medicine cabinet. They are known as Adaptogens.
Adaptogenic herbs and roots have been used traditionally for thousands of years by indigenous peoples all over the world to increase vitality and health. They tend to be plants that are high in antioxidants, are anti-inflammatory and also good at boosting energy and mood levels- what’s not to love?. The name of these herbs, roots and mushrooms, adaptogens, is derived from their ability to help you adapt to different situations in life. Turning to them in times of stress can help unlock your body’s ability to heal and feel revitalized.
Although there has been a recent surge of interest in North America around adaptogens- they have a long history of use. Ginseng was mentioned in written texts in China as far back as 196 AD described it as a "superior tonic". Ginseng was also in ancient books of scripture knows as the Vedas from India as giving, “The strength of the horse, the mule, the goat, the ram, moreover the strength of the bull it bestows on him. This herb will make thee so full of lusty strength that thou shalt, when excited, exhale heat as a thing of fire.”
The root and leaves of American Ginseng, native to eastern North America, were considered sacred by indigenous peoples who used it for headaches, croup, for soothing eyes and as a poultice for wounds. Documented medicinal use for Rhodiola dates back at least to A.D. 77 when a physician recommended it for headaches.
The Soviet Union was where the term adaptogen was first appeared in 1947. Russian scientists led the way in adaptogen research around the body and stress. They discovered that adaptogens do for your adrenal glands what exercise does for muscles, basically helping them increase mental and work capacity even against a background of stress and fatigue.
Adaptogens Work with You on a Personal Level.
There are lots of different ways that adaptogens are used around the world, which is not surprising considering many of them have been in constant use for centuries.
Part of the difficulties with adaptogen research is that they can have different results between people or even within the same body. In some studies, ginseng relieves anxiety and in other studies, it stimulates anxiety. Equally some studies show that ginseng raises blood pressure while in others lowers it. Adaptogens work with your body to make the adjustments that you personally need. This is what makes them so interesting, and also controversial within western medicine. The same herb may stimulate adrenal action and energy while also helping you relax and sleep better. They can adjust levels of hormones, raising those that are low while lowering those that are elevated.
The effectiveness of adaptogens not only depend on the state of the person being tested but also how they are combined with other herbs and used over time. Many adaptogens are intended to be taken over a longer period of time where their effects can be gentle and subtle, but very powerful. Ginseng taken over time, for example, increases energy and sexual vigor, improves skin and muscle tone, and helps build resistance to stress.
Do adaptogens have side effects?
Any plant, can be allergenic for some people, but there’s not much evidence to suggest that adaptogens have serious side effects. It is possible that some could adaptogens could interfere with prescription medications and are not recommended for people with certain conditions. Rhodiola, for example, may cause mild episodes of dizziness, dry mouth, sleep problems or jitteriness, because of its mild stimulant-type effect. Astragalus has deep immune activation, which might cause counteractions for those taking immunosuppressant drugs. Women who are pregnant should avoid Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Tulsi (holy basil). Always refer to your medical care provider for questions about your health and taking herbs or supplements.
How do you add adaptogens to your life?
There is an ever-growing list of products- pills, drinks, tinctures and salves incorporating adaptogens. If you’re looking for a straight dose of herbs, you can sip adaptogen teas or combine tinctures with water.
To add adaptogens to the foods you’re already eating, you can buy the pre-mixed powder to spice up everything from smoothies to soups to salad dressings.
Some adaptogens can be taken as capsules but it is largely buyer beware in the marketplace for adaptogen shoppers, so caution is required. Be aware of the active ingredients in the product being sold.
Although they are not yet on the radar for many doctors, others who are knowledgeable about alternative medicine like naturopaths, herbalists, and chiropractors should also be able to provide reliable information.
Some Adaptogens To Get to Know
1. Strengthen your overall system using the mushroom king – Chaga. Chaga’s origins are in Northern countries, where traditionally the Chaga was taken to assist the body and mind in dealing with harsh conditions. Chaga is also loaded with antioxidants. Taking it when things aren’t going as planned will support your overall wellbeing and allow you to respond better and quicker to the changing situation. Try our Hot CHAGAlate for a delicious adaptogenic cocoa mix!
2. Calm your mind and balance your hormones with Tulsi. The Goddess of herbs-Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a sacred plant in Hinduism. It works with your lungs, which is commonly where anxiety sits, to bring sensations of calmness and relaxation that will allow you to restore balance within the body and significantly reduce stress. Try Tulsi Green tea, Heart of Gold tea, Jasmine Green or North Coast Immunitea for a cup of our farm grown tulsi!
3. If a situation and associated stress is causing you to lose sleep, try introducing the mushroom Reishi. Reishi supports deep and quality sleep and together with a thoughtful bedtime routine can help you both to fall asleep quicker and to sleep throughout the night. Sleep is of huge importance in order to keep healthy in the long and short run, so this is a big one. Reishi mushrooms can be found wild in the Oregon rainforest and the powdered mushroom can be added to soups or teas.
4. For boosted Immunity you can try Astragalus. A perennial flowering plant, astragalus has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dating back 2,000 years. This adaptogen herb is a member of the pea or legume family.Whether for energizing the body, strengthening immunity, or nourishing and satiating appetite, it can ward off both physical and mental stress and help to combat various illnesses. Try astragalus in our North Coast Immunitea blend.
5. Licorice Root the sweetest adaptogen. Naturally sweet tasting licorice is a powerful adaptogen that benefits the lungs, skin, digestion and nervous system. It helps regulate the adrenal system and production of the stress hormone cortisol and also helps the body naturally lose fat and helps with menopausal symptoms. Try licorice root in our soothing Anise Bliss tea blend.
Health Disclaimer
Many of you have already experienced herbal medicine’s positive effect on your health. I hope that these blog articles give you tools to take an even greater role in your own well-being. The content on our website is for educational purposes only. No post should be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before trying any new herb or remedy mentioned in the website or any related forum.
The information I provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.
You are responsible for your own health. As with conventional medicine, herbal medicine is vast and complex, and must be used responsibly. People react differently to different remedies. Some herbs are contraindicated with certain pharmaceutical drugs. There are many plants and mushrooms that can make you sick, or are deadly poisonous. Be 100% of your identification before you harvest any plant or mushroom.
Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods, supplements, essential oils, or lifestyle changes have not been evaluated by medical professional or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I, the author of this North Fork 53 Communitea Blog, will not accept responsibility for the actions or consequential results of any action taken by any reader.
Do you have an adaptogen you love working with?
Please let me know more about your experience in the comments below!
Welcome to the Year of the OX Chinese Tea & Astrology for 2021
Chinese New Year Tea traditions
Tea offering and well wishing is the first ritual of Chinese New Year.
First thing in the morning the eldest generation sit in the dominant chairs in the living room. Their next generation offer them sweet tea. If there is another younger generation, these grand children do the same to their grandparents and then parents. All properly dressed in the new clothes and and using ceremonial tea etiquette.
The younger generation faces their elders standing and slightly bowing. They address them properly when handing over the cup and fold their hands in front lightly while reciting traditional New Year wishes. When the tea is sipped and the well-wishing said, the elders gift the younger generation red envelopes (with money) and blessings.
Auspicious items in the tea for new beginnings
To make the tea a little special during this festive season, little sweet things are put in the teacups. Candied or dried fruits (such as dried jujube and candied coconut) are used for making Chinese New Year sweet tea. The tastes of black tea, classic style oolongs, and puerhs blend well with these candied fruits.
It does not matter whether it is hard times or good. As long as tea can be afforded, it becomes the medium to heal connections between generations or individuals. If there are resentments or misunderstandings that built up over the year, tea makes an easy ritual gesture to smooth out bad feelings and to renew connections going into spring. A time to offer tea with well-wishes gives everyone an opportunity to start again.
Chinese Tea Eggs
Cooked in a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon, these tea-stained eggs are a Lunar New Year staple and a favorite everyday street food in China.
Yield: makes 8
Ingredients
1⁄2 cup soy sauce
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 tsp. whole black peppercorns
1⁄2 tsp. fennel seeds
8 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
2 sticks cinnamon
1 tbsp. loose-leaf black tea
8 eggs
Instructions
Bring soy sauce, sugar, peppercorns, fennel, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and 2 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan; remove from heat and add tea. Let steep for 10 minutes. Pour marinade through a fine strainer into a bowl and keep warm. Place eggs in a 4-qt. saucepan; cover by 1⁄2″ with cold water. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil; cover pan, remove from heat, and let sit until eggs are soft-boiled, about 5 minutes. Drain eggs. Crack shells all over but do not peel eggs; return to saucepan along with marinade. Bring to a boil and let cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 cups ice. Let cool in marinade before serving.
Astrology 2021 Year of the Metal Ox
Astrology by Susan Levitt.
NEW MOON in AQUARIUS
begins CHINESE NEW YEAR
& METAL TIGER LUNAR MONTH
Feb 11 – Mar 12
Feb 11 is a new Moon in Air sign Aquarius at 11:06 am PST that begins Metal Tiger month and Metal Ox year. The date is Feb 12 in China because Beijing China is 16 hours head of the time zone here in San Francisco. That is why if you research the lunar new year date online, it’s listed as Feb 12. Chinese New Year is the second new Moon after Winter Solstice.
So Ox year is the time to follow through and bring to completion what was started in Rat year. Establish a routine, use tried-and-true methods, and stay with a structure that can bring a bountiful harvest in autumn. Daring new concepts will not be well received. Save them for the following Tiger year.
The Element Metal
2021 is a Metal year of the five Taoist elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. In feng shui, the Metal environment is clean, pristine, pared down, and shiny like metal. So begin by cleaning your home, reduce clutter, and maintain tidiness all year round. The main focus is on the bedroom as hard-working Oxen do best after peaceful sleep.
The most favorable season in a Metal year is autumn. In Chinese medicine, Metal rules the lungs so take care of your lungs this year. If you smoke, this Metal Ox year is an ideal time to quit smoking. And the healing vaccine for Covid will systematically and in an organized manner be administered during Ox year, aiding economic and health recovery. The big change for Covid will be on the new Moon in Leo that begins Fire Monkey lunar month on August 8. In the meantime, maintain Covid precautions.
Your fortune in Metal Ox Year
Rat
Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
Next year of the Rat is 2032.
Rat is in a very good position in the year of the Ox. Expect fewer hardships because Rat is Ox’s good friend and ally. Ox’s influence requires a larger contribution at work. Therefore, Rat benefits by putting forth increased effort to follow through because Ox delivers, and expects dedicated, consistent labor from others. The element Metal is firm and resolute, not flexible, so don’t seek clever Rat shortcuts. Strive to not overextend or take on too many commitments. Your luckiest month is April, and winter is your best season. The element Metal empowers Metal Rat born in 1960, and Water Rat born in 1972.
Ox (Buffalo)
Birth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937,1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
Next year of the Ox is 2033.
Ox year begins a new twelve year life cycle for you. Everyone benefits by increasing their efforts this year, but for Ox it can be a very positive and productive year when your hard work is finally rewarded. You can reap the benefits of the efforts you’ve made over time. You’ve paid dues, and are ready to enjoy the hard-won results. Be open to receiving help and advice from others, not just going it alone as is your pattern. This is also an excellent year for marriage, having a child, or purchasing a new home. The element Metal empowers Metal Ox born in 1961, and Water Ox born in 1973.
Tiger
Birth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
Next year of the Tiger is 2022.
Free-spirited and adventurous Tiger does best to adjust to the steady work ethics of the Ox. Ox year dynamics require Tiger to work hard and remain focused to successfully complete projects. You can build a solid foundation this year. Tigers who control their temper and aren’t too rebellious or independent should experience a good year. Rewards arrive in 2022 your Tiger year when you start a new life cycle. So keep your emotions in check, especially Wood Tiger born in 1974. The element Metal empowers Metal Tiger born in 2010 or 1950, and Water Tiger born in 1962.
Rabbit (Hare)
Birth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
Next year of the Rabbit is 2023.
Rabbit has a much better year after the challenges of the previous Rat year. Being more determined, aggressive, and persistent (all Ox characteristics) helps you succeed. Although at times Rabbit could feel challenged during an Ox year due to unrealistic work standards and expectations from others. So take care of yourself emotionally, be patient, and do not become frustrated if rewards are delayed or projects take more time than anticipated. It’s best to avoid making quick decisions because Ox year is not an auspicious time for big change. Spring is your best season. The element Metal empowers Metal Rabbit born in 2011 or 1951, and Water Rabbit born in 1963.
Dragon
Birth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
Next year of the Dragon is 2024.
Ox year is your time to follow through with activities initiated in Rat year 2020. Dragon can be a high-flying dreamer, whereas Ox is realistic and hard working. So under Ox’s influence this year, Dragon might have to tone it down and be more conservative, or use different strategies and tactics. Appearances and great ideas are not what Ox values. Instead, if you create a solid structure or a routine to maintain stability, then anticipate a year of steady progress. It’s fortunate to work with others this year, not your usual independent self. The problems of those surrounding you need not effect you. So stay focused, grounded, and do not meddle. April, August, and December are your luckiest months. The element Metal empowers Metal Dragon born in 2000 or 1940, and Water Dragon born in 1952.
Snake
Birth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
Next year of the Snake is 2025.
Anticipate a fortunate and successful year because Snake is in a harmony trine with Ox and Phoenix (Rooster). There will be opportunities for advancement, career goals can be attained, and relationships deepen. Snake’s work will be recognized and rewarded. Others admire your wisdom, insights, and resourcefulness. Just don’t allow Ox’s stubborn influence to make you unreasonable or too demanding. Be mindful of how you approach difficult subjects or manage certain relationships. Intelligent compromise benefits everyone. The element Metal empowers Metal Snake born in 2001 or 1941, and Water Snake born in 1953.
Horse
Birth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.
Next year of the Horse is 2026.
Rat year 2020 was a difficult year, especially for Horse because Rat is opposite Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Fortunately, Ox year can be less challenging. Expect easier and smoother circumstances, although Ox’s influence demands hard work, and work is not Horse’s favorite activity. Horse can succeed by maintaining more control in personal interactions, but romance could still be problematic so stay steady. Adapt to Ox traits of discipline and perseverance to succeed. Next year Tiger 2022 is your lucky time to race off to greener pastures or gallop after new opportunities, but not now. Your best season is summer. The element Metal empowers Metal Horse born in 1990, and Water Horse born in 2002 or 1942.
Sheep (Goat, Ram)
Birth years of the Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Next year of the Sheep is 2027.
Sheep is opposite of Ox in the Chinese zodiac. Therefore, Ox year can be challenging for us Sheep. It’s not an auspicious time to create new opportunities. Instead, stay organized, reduce clutter, and maintain focus. Under the influence of Ox, at times Sheep must perform repetitive or mundane tasks. Just don’t allow finances or morale to be low, and avoid opportunities to overspend because “Sheep eat paper.” Others may not be available to offer emotional support, so we do best by being more resourceful and self reliant. Summer is our luckiest season; winter is not. The element Metal empowers Metal Sheep born in 1991, and Water Sheep born in 2003 or 1943.
Monkey
Birth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Next year of the Monkey is 2028.
Ox year is a time of work and discipline, but neither are Monkey’s favored activities. Monkey is more devoted to play and creativity. Therefore, during Ox year there can be difficulties that force Monkey to restrain ambitions. Monkey can avoid Ox’s demand for hard work by teaming up with others to be their messenger or liaison. Monkey’s wit and winning personality does bring luck in avoiding tasks that Monkey does not want to do. But this is a good year for Monkeys to establish a solid foundation so it serves you to adapt Ox’s methods. The element Metal empowers Metal Monkey born in 1980, and Water Monkey born in 1992 or 1932.
Phoenix (Rooster, Chicken)
Birth years of the Phoenix: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
Next year of the Phoenix is 2029.
Ox year can be very fortunate and favorable for you because Ox’s values closely align with yours. Ox and Phoenix are highly compatible because they are both diligent and determined, and appreciate hard work and a job well done. Ox year energy offers the stability, faithfulness, and sincerity that Phoenix enjoys. Projects come together, and goals are attained. If you promote yourself, you will be respected and highly regarded. This is your year for success when you can recover from any previous Rat year challenges. All months are lucky. The element Metal empowers Metal Phoenix born in 1981, and Water Phoenix born in 1993 or 1933.
Dog
Birth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
Next year of the Dog is 2030.
Ox’s influence brings conservative politics and restraints. Dog fights for the underdog, so Dog’s revolutionary ideas and altruistic concepts might not be in favor this year. Ox prefers to stay the steady course, whereas Dog enjoys trying new methods. So there could be some minor problems or roadblocks due to differences in perspective. But Dog perseveres, is responsible, and does hard work that can be rewarded in an Ox year. Dog’s Ox year contribution lays a foundation for success in your lucky year Tiger 2022. The element Metal empowers Metal Dog born in 1970, and Water Dog born in 1982.
Pig (Boar)
Birth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.
Next year of the Pig is 2031.
Ox year can be a harmonious year when Pig’s efforts are appreciated. There are opportunities for career advancement and good fortune in relationships, although Pig must comply with Ox’s strong work ethic and follow rules. But Pig is naturally realistic and goal oriented, and that fits well with Ox’s pragmatism. Others rely on you this year when your generosity and emotional support will be greatly appreciated. Remain diligent in your efforts, and anticipate an abundant harvest in autumn your lucky season. It’s also a good year for education and learning new methods. The element Metal empowers Metal Pig born in 1971, and Water Pig born in 1983.
Happy New Year! Leave a comment to let me know what you are looking forward to in the Year of the Ox!