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In Western astrology, 2021 marks the start of the Age of Aquarius, which
signifies a progressive era to come. In the Chinese zodiac, we welcome the year of the honest and methodical ox under the rigid element of metal, which suggests that success comes after extremely hard work. The Year of the Metal Ox is all about giving it your all and turning over a new leaf, especially after the dramatic changes and upheavals of 2020.
If you’re born in late January or early February, you’re likely to be under the previous astrological year. Be sure to check your Chinese zodiac sign based on your birthdate. Read on to find out how the year will affect your sign and the colors you should keep around.
? Rat: “Keep it up”
Birth Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Whether in work, relationships or health, this year foresees a smooth ride for the rat. Things will get busy in the career department as they’ll be given more responsibilities. The versatile and sophisticated creamy white is easy to work into existing wardrobes, and the color adds the sense of calmness and composure that those under this sign need. Also embrace mikan orange this year, an earthy and warm color that invokes a sense of happiness, and is perfect for keeping spirits up!
The naturally sociable but usually low-profile rat will see an increase in social opportunities, such as chances to reunite with old friends or to form new and meaningful bonds. The bright and enchanting fuchsia pink is a confident, mature and unapologetic color that suits the rat’s expanding social life.
? Ox: “Stay positive”
Birth Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
For the governing zodiac, 2021 may be a more challenging year. The ox may find themselves more stressed and irritated than usual, but be sure to maintain a positive mindset! When feeling blue, the energizing hue of pumpkin spice can invigorate the ox with a sense of hopefulness. If feeling agitated, look to the soothing celadon color to restore a sense of zen and serenity.
The key goal is to continue to work hard while avoiding hasty decisions, especially on important matters. To help stay grounded and focused, look to Egyptian blue, a wardrobe cornerstone color that can add a regal touch to an outfit without compromising on seriousness.
? Tiger: “Reclaim your glory”
Birth Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
After enduring a confidence-shattering year, the tiger will find 2021 to be more uplifting. There’s a high chance the tiger will encounter important mentors or partners who inspire or support their aspirations. One of Pantone’s Colors of the Year for 2021 is Illuminating Yellow, which was chosen to represent hope during difficult times. The tiger can embrace this positive color for a sense of hope.
Similarly, the refreshing emerald green sparks liveliness and confidence, which can work synonymously with the tiger’s improving mentality. After learning valuable lessons in the past, the tiger should avoid being too trustful in new friendships and prepare for when things don’t go according to plan. Aqua blue may be a dreamy color, but its invigorating air can help the tiger regain motivation and inspiration during hard times.
? Rabbit: “Patience is key”
Birth Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
For the optimistic rabbit, this year’s mantra is all about being patient and steady. It’s wise to abstain from voicing out frustrations impulsively, especially in a work environment. Navy blue is a color of honor and reliability that can help the rabbit reinforce their professionalism.
In Hinduism, saffron is a sacred color associated with strength, a quality the rabbit must manifest when in doubt. Likewise, the stimulating color of strawberry red is recommended to encourage the rabbit to be more active socially, as it could lead to potential suitors, clients and partnerships.
? Dragon: “Take the initiative”
Birth Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Under the influence of the Metal Ox, career will be a strong focus for the dragon in 2021.The enlightening citrine yellow is perfect for a motivational boost and for nurturing the pursuit of goals, as the gemstone itself is associated with prosperity.
Working hard is important, and so is keeping the body and mind healthy. Try infusing bits of mint green in one’s personal and professional lives, as the tranquil color offers a relaxing and stress-reducing effect for the dragon. Similarly, sky blue gives off an air of expansiveness, depth and trust, qualities that help the dragon push forward in any situation without losing sight of the original objective.
? Snake: “Rethink your approach”
Birth Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
2021 will work in favor of the snake as long as this sign plays safely and puts in honest work. Despite overall good luck, social inconveniences may still trouble the snake, so take caution when discussing certain subjects and engaging in certain relationships. The color silver oozes sensibility, kindness and tenderness, traits the snake should adopt when navigating difficult relationships.
The deep color of pine green exudes a sense of clarity and fluidity, which can be exceptionally helpful in easing tensions in their professional and social lives. 2021 won’t be a productive year for romantic encounters, but it may still be if the snake is living abroad or working closely with people from overseas. To spice things up, use more cherry red in your life, a confidence-boosting color that incites passion and intensity.
? Horse: “Feel the buzz”
Birth Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
2021 will be a thriving year for the horse socially, and this could become beneficial professionally too, especially for those in a client-facing role. If the horse needs a reassuring boost, cerulean blue is a great and versatile color to look to when conveying charm and confidence.
Grass green is also a great color for the horse to incorporate this year! It generates feelings of renewal, growth and ambition, qualities that can aid in their pursuits. Additionally, use the bold and energizing carrot orange to bring a sense of joy and enthusiasm that can be favorable to their mental and physical well-being.
?Sheep: “Believe in your decisions”
Birth Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
For the creative yet gentle sheep, 2021 marks a progressive year ahead, but this sign will feel a little out of the comfort zone as some serious decisions need to be made. Both violet and ink green emanate an air of wisdom and devotion, qualities that should be kept in mind at all times. These colors can help the sheep commit to a decision that is truly right for them.
Whether in social or work settings, the sheep is often a little reserved when confronted with an unfamiliar situation. This is where a dash of vibrant rose comes in handy! The color works as an instant mood and confidence booster as it radiates love and optimism.
? Monkey: “You got it!”
Birth Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
This is a blooming year for the monkey socially, with plenty of chances for a singleton to discover a love interest, while those in a relationship are likely to take their commitment to the next level. Things are looking bright, so why not double that positivity with a splash of cheery sunflower yellow? The monkey can also use mystical yet lively absinthe green when in need of a creativity boost.
At some point, the monkey may find themselves feeling emotionally lost. Vanilla, a softer and more muted alternative to stark white, exudes innocence, comfort and hope – traits the monkey should look to if they need to be nudged back into reality.
? Rooster: “Stay true to your nature”
Birth Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
2021 is a positive year for the perfectionist rooster, an astronomical best pal to the governing sign of the ox. The rooster always works incredibly hard, and it’s about time they enjoy a smooth-running year while finally gaining the recognition they deserve. To convey a stronger professional image, the disciplined military green is the color to opt for as it resonates with the qualities that the rooster values deeply.
Luck may be on their side, but the rooster can’t simply kick back and watch the year unfold. Even though the Year of the Ox is all about sincerity and stability, the rooster still has to put in the work! Among crystals, apatite denotes concentration, intellectual pursuits and stimulating thoughts and ideas, while the enchanting color also has a motivating effect. As the heather flower is a symbol of good luck and admiration, its mild, calm and versatile color can be easily incorporated into the rooster’s everyday life for luck.
? Dog: “Self-care is a must”
Birth Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Those born in the year of the dog give off the impression of being loyal, reliable and honest – and 2021 will be a year when they need to stick to these values as much as possible. Likely to attract gossip and unfavorable situations, those under this sign should be mindful of their mental well-being, specifically stress as it won’t be an easy year to navigate.
Aside from practicing regular self-care, they can try injecting happiness-inducing colors to their belongings and surroundings! Try the cheerful and vivid lemony yellow or mandarin orange for a dose of warm enthusiasm. Alternatively, bring in more pearl gray, a less flashy color that communicates an air of organization, patience and calm. These vibes can help restore the dog’s equilibrium and inner zen.
? Pig: “Take chances”
Birth Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
After a rather challenging year, the pig can finally relax a bit. However, luck isn’t all that abundant as the pig may work even harder in 2021 than the year before. While a busy schedule in the career department may be a good sign, the diligent pig may put their well-being at risk, particularly with stress. It’s important to maintain good work-life balance. The warm and playful color of grapefruit can remind the pig to indulge in less serious activities from time to time.
Rosy with a kick of zest, the vibrant color of pink punch screams high energy and persuasiveness, qualities that can help this sign be more active socially and professionally. Surprisingly, the seemingly calm buttercup yellow evokes youthfulness, modesty and tidiness, characteristics that resonate with the pig’s personality and strengthen their professional image.
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