Niu Jin Niu (Ox Golden Ox)

The Ox Constellation is the second of the Seven Northern Xuanwu Constellations and belongs to the Metal element, manifesting as a black ox. It is the very constellation that contains the Star of the Weaving Maid’s Husband (Altair), which faces the Star of the Weaving Maid (Vega) across the Milky Way—a pairing immortalised in the Qixi Festival legend and widely known throughout China. In Daoism, this constellation is venerated as Lord Niu Jin Niu. According to traditional astrological lore, the Ox Constellation governs sacrificial rites and oversees river fords, bridges, and frontier passes; when its stars shine brightly, livestock flourish and sericulture yields abundant harvests. In popular belief, devotees worship Lord Niu Jin Niu to ensure the safety and prosperity of their domestic animals and the smooth progress of agricultural work—farmers hold him in especially high reverence.