Combined Western and Chinese Zodiacs
Cancer Ox

The fourth sign of the Western zodiac, Cancers are forever imprinted with the time of early adulthood. Like a twenty-something beginning to make their own way in the world, Cancers find their attention continually shifting inward. On the physical plane, this manifests as a priority to establish and care for their own home and family. On a more abstract level, it means a fascination with individual identity, empathy, and the formation of close personal bonds. As with all three Water signs, Cancer has a natural variability, a tendency to hide away at times in darkness, yet at others to fill the horizon like an ocean. As a Cardinal modality, Cancer represents Water at its most essential, fluid, reactive. Thus Cancers are sometimes accused of being easily disturbed, yet when at peace they can enter effortlessly a rich dreamworld, filled with compassion, sensitivity, and reflection.

The second animal in the Eastern zodiac, who in the Jade Emperor's race carried his friend the Rat to victory, is the Ox (sometimes Buffalo). The Ox possesses an almost infinite supply of determination, fortitude, and strength. They are born leaders, almost incapable of self-doubt, their drive to achieve success matched by the forcefulness of their usually unwavering opinions. Behind their resolute public personas, Oxes long to be masters of their own domain. People born under this sign strive to build a secure environment for themselves and their loved ones, where the passions that hide beneath their outward calm (and occasional intransigence) can safely be shared.