Fire Ox (丁丑): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Fire Ox, 丁丑, lends the Ox passion and a stronger voice. The tradition reads it as warm-hearted, driven and outspoken.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 丁丑
Years: 1937, 1997
Character
丁丑 sets 丁, yin fire, the candle and the hearth, over the Ox's earth. Fire makes earth, and the tradition reads this as a supported pair: a hearth fire in a farmhouse in winter, warmth sustaining the household's strength.
People born in a Fire Ox year are read as hard-working and determined like every Ox, with more warmth, confidence and ambition. They speak their mind and like to lead. The tradition admires their energy and their care for their own. Its shadow for the Fire Ox is a quick temper and a stubborn pride — once its mind is made up, the flame burns steadily in one direction, even when the wind changes.
In love and at work
In love the Fire Ox is read as passionate, loyal and generous, though it may need to learn to listen as much as it speaks. At work it is a driven leader or specialist, suited to management, crafts, engineering and entrepreneurship. The tradition suggests the Fire Ox leave room for others' views before deciding.
A question to take with you
When did your conviction last help you — and when did it keep you from hearing something useful?
Updated October 28, 2026