The Yang Metal Stem (庚) supports the Water Rat (子) which lies below it, according to the Five Element cycle. The Rat is a Water Element. Hence in the Five Element cycle; Metal births Water.

In the year of the Pig 2019 we have a shift in elements from the year of the Dog 2018 which was dominated by strong Earth pillars, those being the Yang Earth Dog. This year the subtle vibration of the Yin elements come into play.

This year constitutes the heavenly stem of Yang Earth and the Earthly Branch of the Dog. This will be a strong Earth year for the Chinese astrological new year. The settled stability of the earth element has come into fruition.

The heavenly stems and branches for the year 2017 Yin fire and Yin metal Rooster present these elements as the dominant theme for the year. The combination of elements are the same as last year, however they have shifted from expansive to contractive energies.

Those who will benefit from the year of the Ox will depend on the your personal favourable and unfavourable elements within your chart, not to mention how the Ox interacts and combines with the other animal totems within your chart.