The Monkey

1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968,1980, 1992,2004,2016

The Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Its intrinsic element is metal. The compass direction of the monkey is between 217.5 degrees to 247.5 degrees. This falls in the direction of the west-south-west.

You will find that this sector of the house occupies an angle of 30 degrees. This sector is said to be the part of the house deemed most lucky for those residents who are born in any of the years of the monkey. The years of the monkey are listed in the table above. These years have not been adjusted to take account of the lunar New Year. Thus if you were born in any of the above years but during say, the month of January, chances are, you might not belong to the monkey year but instead to the year prior to the monkey year which is the year of the sheep. In the same way you could still be a monkey year person if you were born in the January of the following year. To check your date of birth against the lunar calendar please refer to the 100 year lunar calendar at the back of the book.

The Monkey

The monkey and the tiger used to be next-door neighbors and were very good friends. The tiger was so fierce that all the other animals were afraid to approach him, so he clung tightly to his only friend, the monkey.

One day the tiger became caught in a hunter's net. Crying out for help he was heard by the monkey, who dashed up the tree to unite the ropes of the net and free him. After this, the tiger owed a great debt to the monkey. He was aware, however, that if the monkey told the other animals what had happened they would not take him seriously again. he thought about killing the monkey to contain his secret, but realized that if he did this he would be unbearably lonely. Consequently, he decided to help the monkey instead, to pay off his debt.

When it came to the selection of the animal signs, the tiger was one of the top prospects. The monkey's chances were not good, though, so the tiger decided to speak up or him. in front of all the animals he praised the monkey's intelligence and ability, thereby ensuring the monkey a place among the animal signs. In this way, he paid off his debt to his friend.

Personality of the people born in monkey year

You have natural intelligence which enables you to watch what is happening and then act accordingly. Even in conversation you are aware of what is going on around you, particularly if it affects you; you then make a mental note of what is said and done and store it away for future reference. You are lively company and a good listener, so others often share their sorrows or their good news. A secret is safe in your hands, and you are honest in your dealings. You like variety in your life and enjoy the company of others' most monkey people usually have an active social life. One of your strengths is your ability to adapt and respond to different situations, and when you are asked for advice it is well thought out.

Although you are generally trustworthy and unlikely to hurt someone out of spite, you do not let people escape if they have behaved badly or damaged your reputation; indeed, it would be unwise for someone to cross you too many times. You have a wily nature and bide your time knowing that a good opportunity will come your way. Your determination to achieve what you want can make you appear vain or manipulative, so be careful that this does not damage your friendships. Sometimes it is wiser not to pursue your goal and simply let things pass.

Most people born in the year of the Monkey have an excellent memory, and when others are fishing around for names or numbers you usually come up with the right answer. There is something in your openness and willingness to help people that allows them to forgive the more shrews side of your character. You can be friendly and very alluring, which makes you a welcome addition to a party, but there is also a deeper, more tender side to your nature which is moved when you see someone in trouble.

Romance

You are attracted by romance and its excitement and you probably have a lively love life. Partners drawn by your openness, good humour and your interest in the world around you. You know how to put people at ease and even the most shy person could soon be caught up in your enthusiasm for a new scheme. The difficulty lies in making a commitment, but when you finally settle down you rarely stray.

When you begin a relationship you can occasionally be unpredictable or childish; your partner may make a small mistake and you take it as an insult, or you suddenly have a mood swing for no apparent reason. It will not take long for the right partner to calm this nervousness and insecurity. Once the relationship is established you prove to be a supportive, adaptable and dependable partner. Your capacity to be charming and your and energy and cheerfulness also enable you to create firm friendships. Even when a relationship is over you will probably still be there if former partners need you in times of trouble.

Career

Your versatility and quick reactions make you suitable for a wide variety of jobs. Those born in the year of the monkey are intelligent, usually well read and often intellectual and once you set yourself a target you rarely fail to achieve it. There are certain skills that you can acquire easily and these are the ones to concentrate on; you should know your limits and not gamble or speculate. In fact, most monkey people are good at assessing risks and have a keen sense of financial situations. You rise to new challenges and hammer away at a problem until you find a solution. Even when a situation looks disheartening you explore all possible avenues until you find a promising opening. Your good organizational skills, combined with an astute and creative approach, are suited to work which involves investigation and speedy responses.

You are suited to a career in media, finance, management, the police or public relations. You would also be a good designer, skilled manual worker surveyor or planner.

Monkey Associations

Element

Metal :

In Chinese philosophy the five elements are types of energy that affect all life. It is their interaction that creates change from a global level to a personal level. The monkey is associated with the element of metal, which works in harmony with the element of water but is overwhelmed by the element of fire.

Colour

White : The monkey is linked to the colour white, which is traditionally associated with autumn and maturity. White is also linked with purity, cleanliness and freshness. Although white clothing is worn in China during times of loss, white can also denote good fortune, and white birds, particularly, are a sign of good luck.

Energy

Yin :

Yin and Yang are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. Yin is cool, watery and still, a force which becomes stronger as summer wanes and the winter season begins. Although the monkey embodies both yin and yang qualities, it is associated with water, which has powerful yin qualities linked to peace and reflection.

Direction

West-South-West :

Each of the twelve animal signs is matched to a direction of the compass. The monkey is linked to a west-south-westerly direction, which in turn is associated with the late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. This direction is also traditionally linked to the early autumn, as yin begins to gain strength.

Balancing of energy for people born in the monkey year

Monkey year people are advised to observe the following :

In the years of the Snake (2001) :

Powerful mentors come into your life, energize the north-west with a 6 rod wind chime and a wealth vase.

In the years of the Horse (2002) :

Display the God of wealth in the south-east. Place the Ru yi on your desk. Energize the south with bright lights.

In the years of the Sheep (2003) :

Enhance travel luck with the conch on your office desk. Display the ten emperor coins behind you at work.

In the years of the monkey (2004) :

A year of excellent gains. Place a gem tree in the east and the wish fulfilling cow in the living room.

In the years of the Rooster (2005) :

A year of good luck when helpful people enhance your good fortune. Place 6 crystal balls in the north-west for harmony.

In the years of the Dog (2006) :

A year when caution is the watchword. Place Fu Dogs by the entrance. A pair of chi lines at your desk protects against office politics. Control the deadly 5 yellow in the west with wind chimes.

In the years of the Boar (2007) :

You require Taoist amulets to protect you against lawsuits and legal entanglements. Make sure you have the Laughing Buddha in your living room. Place him in the north-east to overcome the deadly five yellow.

In the years of the Rat (2008) :

Good times roll again. Place the Fuk Luk Sau to ensure a continuity of overall good luck. Place a Dragon and Tortoise in the north.

In the years of the Ox(2009) :

Display good fortune symbols to enhance this moderate year. Place lights in the south and a 3 legged toad to improve money making opportunities. Place a Phoenix also in the South.

In the years of the TIGER(2010) :

An unpredictable and uncertain time. The MONKEY will benefit from the 3 Goats on a bed of coin as well a pair of precious elephants. Do not confront the Grand Duke in the East-Northeast, and place 6 rod wind chimes in the Southwest to control the deadly five yellow.