The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: A quick reference guide to the Year of the Fire Monkey
There is an important energetic interaction between your birth year and the current year. To quote the Chinese saying the animal assigned to your birth year “is the animal that hides in your heart.”1 . Your birth year has a branch (animal) and stem (element), and so does the current year. This year it is the Year of the Fire Monkey, yang fire is the element/stem for 2016.
What does this all mean? Well in the broadest terms, the animal and the element have attributes and energetic qualities that affect us and our lives.
A Fire Monkey will make for an intense and mercurial year. You will have opportunities to make great strides and explore passionate desires. The energy of 2016 could give you that needed boost of inspiration to start something new and exciting. But tread carefully as the monkey is a trickster and fire is unpredictable. Bear in mind that the outcome you had hoped for may not manifest the way you anticipated and the universe may bring you something entirely different.
Monkey year qualities and energy:
- Active
- Fun and irreverent
- Capable of great success
- Mercurial
- Productive
Yang Fire year qualities and energy:
- Impulsive
- Unpredictable
- Dynamic
- Transformational
- Passionate
Are you in harmony with the Monkey or will she wreak havoc on your plans?
Disclaimer: It is important to understand that the animal or earthly branch associated with your birth year only accounts for part of your overall astrological destiny (you still have the hour, day and month pillars). Also, it is important to mention that your destiny, that which is predetermined by the cosmos i.e. your astrological chart, is only one part of what influences your path and success in life. In the tradition of Feng Shui that I practice it is firmly held that by using Feng Shui, good deeds, hard work and education you can shift the balance. So, no need to panic if this is not a ‘good’ year for you, everything is cyclical and you will have your day in the sun.
By using Feng Shui, good deeds, hard work, and education you can shift the balance.
Each December in preparation for the New Year I purchase the latest Classic Chinese Almanac by Edgar Sung. I pore over the pages, reviewing dates and insights. I highly recommend that you purchase your own copy of Edgar’s book which comes in both digital and hard copy editions.2
Every year I create my own worksheet based on Edgar’s wisdom and predictions. This year I thought I would share it. Here is my take on the twelve animals in the Fire Monkey Year inspired by Edgar Sung’s predictions. In the spirit of the active Year of the Fire Monkey I have also included my own recommended action item for each animal.
RAT
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Overall: Very Good.
What you need to know: You are linked to Monkey on a celestial plane and when things are good for him they are also good for you. Use the fire energy to become more visible and take a creative risk.
What to do: Do good deeds and boost your chi by going to happy events. Watch out for those who secretly wish you to fail and play it safe with anything involving legal issues.
Action: Launch something new and get passionate about it.
You are most compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Rat and Ox.
You clash with: Horse.
OX
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Overall: Good.
What you need to know: Good year to find love. You will have a lot of support in your corner. Travel for work will be likely.
What to do: Do not lose sight of those who have supported you especially close family. Do not get involved with risky investments.
Action: Call your mom more often (or another close family member).
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Snake and Rat.
You clash with: Ram/Sheep.
TIGER
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Overall: Ugly.
What you need to know: Not great. Sorry, Monkey is your clashing animal. But Fire Monkey is an energetic year, so you will still have opportunities i.e. job and career. You are going to have to work extra hard at making it succeed. Travel is likely.
What to do: Many blessing and good deeds. Protect yourself with Feng Shui. Don’t take unnecessary risks and play it safe.
Action: Do at least one good deed a day.
You are most compatible with: Horse, Dog and Pig.
You clash with: Monkey.
RABBIT
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Overall: Good.
What you need to know: The energy of the year will help boost many areas of your life. You will be seen by those around you as having good and desirable qualities, this may be in terms of romance or career.
What to do: You have the support behind you - use it to your advantage.
Action: Shine on and go for that promotion.
You are most compatible with: Pig, Sheep and Dog.
You clash with: Rooster.
DRAGON
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Overall: Very Good.
What you need to know: Monkey, Rat and Dragon create the three harmonies which is auspicious and will benefit you. You will be made more visible and will not be able to hide as easily. Step into your Dragon power.
What to do: Make sure you are ready to be seen. Take care of your health and watch your stress level. Get rid of toxic people in your life. Be mindful of circumstances that involve legal issues.
Action: Revamp your website, business cards or buy a new suit.
You are most compatible with: Rat, Monkey and Rooster.
You clash with: Dog.
SNAKE
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Overall: Good.
What you need to know: Snakes and monkeys are best buds. This means you have the support of the earthly branch and the stem because snakes are mainly fire. Lots of opportunity to put yourself out there either in business or love.
What to do: Even though this is a great year for you, all that fire can burn you out. Watch your health. Avoid energy vampires and toxic people.
Action: Launch that new business .
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Ox and Monkey.
You clash with: Pig.
HORSE
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Overall: Good.
What you need to know: Horses are fire signs so the energy of the year aligns with your own. You will most likely travel. One of your trips may bring you success and wealth.
What to do: Do not take part in risking financial situations.
Action: Travel.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Dog and Ram.
You clash with: Rat.
RAM/SHEEP
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1991, 2003, 2015
Overall: Fair to good.
What you need to know: Lots of love in the stars for you this year. It may not be a great career year for you but do not fear, the Monkey year energy will give you a boost elsewhere.
What to do: Connect with your friends and family and go to many happy events. Watch out for any confrontations while away from home.
Action: Host many happy gatherings in your home.
You are most compatible with: Rabbit, Pig and Horse.
You clash with: Ox.
MONKEY
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Overall: Good (with caution).
What you need to know: Too much of a good thing is not always good. All of that Monkey energy can make for a volatile year. There will be many opportunities and successes but some may not have the outcome you anticipated.
What to do: Many blessings and protect yourself with Feng Shui. Surround yourself with love and support.
Action: Expand on something you already do well.
You are most compatible with: Rat, Dragon and Snake.
You clash with: Tiger
ROOSTER
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Overall: Good.
What you need to know: The fire energy will give you radiance and visibility and the Monkey’s metal energy will click with the energy of the rooster. Continue to build on existing achievements and use the support of those around you.
What to do: Maintain and continue to do what is working. Increase your goodwill and do many good deeds.
Action: Donate some of your time to charity.
You are most compatible with: Ox, Snake and Dragon.
You clash with: Rabbit.
DOG
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Overall: Not great
What you need to know: This is not a year to make any big changes. Your job and career will be stable but you won’t be winning any lotteries.
What to do: Hunker down and stay focused at work. Relax, take care of yourself and make sure you have fun with friends.
Action: Take up yoga or meditation.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Horse and Rabbit.
You clash with: Dragon.
PIG
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2012
Overall: Good.
What you need to know: This is a prosperous year for you. Work and finances will benefit but only if you are prudent and make sound investments.
What to do: Pay attention to your health. And stay out of any conflicts that you have no business being involved in.
Action: Book your annual physical.
You are most compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit and Tiger.
You clash with: Snake.
References:
- The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau 2007
- Chinese Almanac Year of the Fire Monkey 2016, Edgar Sung 2015