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The Daoist Outlook・074

Jan 23, 2026

The Waxing Earth Ox


   Oxen are stable, sturdy, and reliable - especially the Earth type. If you're lucky enough to have one of these fellows on your team, you know what we mean. They are capable, consistent, and content. What more could you ask for in a friend? When it comes to Oxen: Wood types can be timid, Fire types might catch a tantrum, Metal types tend to be heady, and Water types can get overly emotional - but Earth types are right in their native element. 

   As for the poetry of the moment, lock in. Of all the Oxen, the Earth type is one worth emulating. They are sure-footed, certain, and ready to work hard for a nobel cause. Thing is, once they get going on a groove, it's impossible to get them to move. So carve yourself a straight line to till because it might be hard to pivot once you've built up some momentum behind your year.
   To make this make sense, refine your mission statement. Find your angles and hone your approach. As we affirm our purpose, the perfect path always presents itself. Take this time to lock in the "Who, What, When, Where," and "Why" of your objective. Let the "How" come out as your road unfolds.

✧ Solidify your Mission ✧

Take Aim: Hold a realistic goal in your sights.
Measure Twice: Make sure you're primed and ready.
Line Everything Up: Prepare yourself for success.
Hold your Fire: Don't unload just yet.

Your Strength isn't in your Sweat

Contents


・Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
・New Year Festivities: We've got two different events lined up! 
・The Daoist Calendar:
Special holidays and how to observe them.
・Deep Steeps: Shifu hosts his son's Judo Sensei, David Quinonez.  
・This is How to Brew It: Steeping instructions for this month's tea club.
・Final Fortune Cookie: Big wit and wisdom from a tiny little idiom. 

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