Chinese Animal Zodiac Monkey
Hours ruled by the MONKEY : 3 pm - 5 pm
Direction of its sign : West - Southwest
Season and principal month : Summer - August
Corresponds to Western sign : Leo
Fixed Element : Metal
Stem : Positive
Of the Labyrinth.
The genius of alacrity,
Wizard of the impossible.
My brilliance is yet unmatched
In its originality.
My hearts filled with potent magic
That could cast a hundred spells
I am put together
For mine own pleasure.
I am the MONKEY.
You are a vary intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.
THE MONKEY PERSONALITY
Of all the animals in the lunar cycle, the Monkey bears the closest resemblance to the Naked Ape himself, Man. It is therefore no wonder that it should be he who will inherit most of man's intelligence as well as his capacity for deceit.
The Monkey is the sign of the inventor, the improvisor, and the motivator in the Chinese zodiac; a charlatan capable of drawing everyone to him with his inimitable guile and charm. Being the quick-witted genius of the cycle, he is clever, flexible and innovative. The Monkey can solve intricate problems with ease and will be a very fast learner. He can master anything under the sun and usually has the aptitude for being a good linguist. A person born during this year will be successful at whatever he chooses to do. No challenge will be too great for him.
On the negative side, the Monkey person has an inborn superiority complex. He doesn't have enough respect for others. Or rather, from his point of view, he has too much for himself. He can be extremely selfish, egoistic and vain. There is also a jealous streak in him that surfaces every time someone gets a promotion or something that he does not have. He is extremely competitive, but good at concealing his feelings and planning his cunning moves. In his pursuit for money, success of power, the Monkey's prowess is unbeatable.
With his innate versatility, the Monkey-born can be a good actor, writer, diplomat, lawyer, sportsman, teacher, etc. He is an immensely sociable character who can get on the good side of everyone. He has the rare gift of making you like him even after he has tricked you.
In the Monkey's many-sided personality the one quality that isn't missing is confidence, no matter how shy or docile he may look. He will take care to display a good bearing, well-rehearsed politeness and a calm dignity. He has an intense and unshakable belief in himself. But it would be inaccurate to dub the Monkey as a completely selfish person. No, he is more like a child in his delightful preoccupation with himself. He can be totally oblivious of others if they are not directly involved in what he is doing at the moment. He views himself with the same fascination and ecstatic joy that a baby exhibits the first time he learns how to play with his fingers and toes. Observe how the infant reacts when he discovers how to clap his hands. He will squeal with glee and proceed to do the same thing over and over until he masters the act. Totally occupied with his marvelous discovery, he is unaware of anything else.
So you will find the Monkey showing the self-same unabashed joy at his own cleverness and brilliant accomplishments. He won't masquerade his pride but neither will he be artificial about it. He honestly believes there isn't anyone else around who can top his act.
If you really know the Monkey well, you will always find it hard to begrudge this wonderful joie de vivre. It's what makes him so different from others, so enviable at times.
Even in the Holy Bible one can spot a Monkey. Methinks that Mary Magdalene could well have been a she-Monkey, while the Prodigal Son was definitely a he-Monkey. If you recall, they both got to eat their cake and keep it, too. How unfair that they get to slide back into everyone's good graces like that. But there you have it. The Monkey's not only lucky and clever, but also unsinkable.
Throwing insults, accusations and reprimands at him will prove ineffective - even frustrating. They will just bounce off him harmlessly. It's simply unthinkable for him to believe all those nasty things you call him. It can't be true. He will find your admonitions baseless, maybe even hysterically funny. He has such an accurate picture of himself, his talents and his well-deserved good fortune, that you must be insanely jealous to make such ridiculous statements.
The Monkey does not lack credibility. His main problem lies in yielding to temptation, because he finds it amazingly easy to devise ways to justify his actions or to solve dilemmas without too much expense. Consequently, he finds it difficult to instill in others a total sense of trust. With such an innately clever personality, others are always tempted to suspect his motives. Often, Monkey people are judged harshly or accused erroneously by others below his scope. His popularity ratings could go up or down like a yo-yo. Yet, he never seems overly concerned about your present opinion of him, no matter how contrite he appears. Perhaps it's because he knows that he can always get around to changing it. This does not mean that the Monkey is callous or refuses to accept criticism. Not in the least - when you get to know him, that is. It is just that he realizes ahead of everyone else that nothing is ever permanent or irreparable. Don't sulk, despair or cry "Doomsday". Let him put his gray matter to work and soon things will be right side up again. Remember, to him, records were made to be broken; standards to be upgraded by higher specifications; inventions to be rendered obsolete by more sophisticated designs. He is the impresario, the perpetual improver. Rarely discouraged by his failures or impressed by the success of others, the Monkey strives constantly to do better and often astonishes even himself.
When dealing with a Monkey - be factual. Objectivity is something he lives by. But ultimately, you might as well know, it doesn't matter to him whether or not you approve of his methods. He needs but one sanction - his own.
The Monkey-born can clinch any bargain with flourish. You will find him conscientious about wheedling the little extras that go along with the deal, too. He may not pounce on you like the Tiger or immobilize you with the power gaze of a Dragon; he will just take one teeny-weeny inch at a time, which may seem quite harmless, but do your arithmetic quickly and you will find that twelve inches make a foot and three feet a yard. But by the time you have finished your calculations you may be surprised at how far he has crept up on you. His coups de grace have a lethal whiplash all of their own. But then, after you regain consciousness, you must admit that never before have you been KO'd with more charm and ingenuity.
But don't worry, you will live. And just as soon as you have recovered sufficiently from the first shock, he'll be back with an even nicer package, a brand-new failproof scheme, and sure enough you will fall neatly under his spell again. See what I mean? What has he got - witchcraft, sorcery? Never mind, it's too late now; you are a Monkey addict and you are hooked on him or her.
The Monkey is an intellectual and will possess a fine memory. With his superb intelligence and proficiency, he cannot help but be a winner. His genius is fueled by insatiable curiosity. He must try anything at least once. If he is stumped by a problem, he will nonchalantly go on to invent a solution. What else? Besides being bright and crafty, the Monkey is practical; he counts his dollars and cents. You won't find him wasting time on losing enterprises. A realist, adroit in self-preservation, the Monkey will not hesitate to take the easiest way out of a trap. When he is concerned, he can be unscrupulous in his means of escape. But the Monkey does have a conscience and when it bothers him too much he will be hit by bouts of charity and may be overwhelmingly generous all of a sudden. Make hay while the sun shines, for these bouts will not last long.
The Monkey girl is Miss Sparkle herself. A natural show woman, she brings excitement and stimulation wherever she goes. Few people will be left unstirred by her liveliness and provocative beauty. She has a good head for figures and will adapt easily to change. She will work with any group, given enough incentive and sound reasons to do so. A great party-goer, entertaining speaker, gracious hostess and tactful confidant, the lady Monkey must never never be underestimated. She is ultracompetitive, observant and calculating. Ms. Monkey will also be attracted to the stage light and could be a gifted performer. Cheerful and resourceful, she can take disappointment in stride and will be able to fend by her own initiative from the word "Go". This efficient female will not be needing you to lead her by the hand and point put every step of the way. Independent and self-assured, she knows exactly where she wants to go and may be able to teach you a few handy shortcuts of her own. She may be nosy, but she won't be giving away any of her secrets in exchange for your well-guarded information.
The Monkey girl will be guided by incentives. She won't work for free! Good at choosing her words, she will say the right thing at the right time. She rarely blunders on important matters or makes silly, unfounded remarks. She's as adept at getting her own way as she is an excellent judge of character, and she will never exceed her limits. You won't find her doling out money either. One has to perform if one expects her to pay for something - and perform well, because she can be very critical and snobbish.
Every Monkey will be an original; they don't make molds of this character and stamp them out by he dozen. Yet in spite of his many individual flaws, people will rally around him simply because they cannot do without the Monkey's expertise and skills.
He is the top PR man - remarkably original, shrewd with money and, in fact, such a wizard at manipulating everything that industry, politics and trade would be lost without him. The Monkey's guile is famous in Chinese history and his name is synonymous with cleverness. He is certainly a big asset to have on your team. But first make sure that he is 100 percent on your side. There are bound to be some mercenary Monkeys in the tribe.
It is difficult to be angry with him for long because the Monkey person is an expert at making himself likable and indispensable. He will always maneuver himself into a lucrative position. When he loses, the Monkey is no stubborn fool; he knows how to give in when the odds are stacked against him. Master of the art of survival, the Monkey thrives by the "better to run away and live to fight another day" philosophy.
The Monkey is born a strategist. He never moves without a plan, most probably several plans. He'll never turn his back on opportunity (which he will recognize in any disguise) and he'll hitch his wagon to a star, a Cadillac, a jet plane or anything that moves for that matter. He just loves free rides and will travel first-class whenever possible.
The Monkey makes a good critic. He can pinpoint the specific area where something went wrong and suggest workable remedies. Of course, how he goes about it will depend on what type of Monkey he is. Some lower types can be so smug about their know-how that you would rather die before accepting their help.
But generally speaking, a Monkey is a warm, natural and spontaneous person who is prepared to work hard - especially if he gets a piece of the action. The bigger the piece, the harder the pitches. Pay him with peanuts and he will turn the tables on you, giving you nothing but peanut shells in return. Take a good piece of advice: never try to trick a Monkey. Chances are you won't get away with it. Aside from being an expert at taking revenge, the Monkey-born will usually have a wry sense of humor. You catch him chuckling wickedly more often than than laughing heartily.
Since the Monkey gets what he wants without too much effort or struggle, he will not treasure his conquests. He loses interest. He should learn to be more constant and more serious. In his life, he will trust only a handful of people and will not have many real or long friendships because of his complicated and suspicious personality. He dislikes confiding in others.
Nonetheless, the Monkey is very much in demand. The Rat will be enchanted by his ingenuity. They will recognize each other by the dollar signs in their eyes. The Dragon will seek him out for his superior wits. Rabbit, Sheep, Dog, Horse and Ox will all benefit from the Monkey's versatility and value his competence. The Boar and Rooster will likewise have need of the Monkey's genius.
Naturally, the Snake with all his wisdom and similarly doubting mind will never be completely comfortable with the Monkey. The Tiger should avoid getting into the Monkey's path, as he will be the prime target of the Monkey's mischief and pranks. The Monkey cannot but show his prowess when challenged, and upon discovering that the Tiger is a bad loser, he will revel in annoying him.
THE FIVE TYPES OF MONKEY
Metal Monkey - 1860, 1920, 1980, 2040
This is the fighting Monkey. Strong, sophisticated and independent, he will have an irrepressible urge for financial security. Capable of making wise investments, this type of Monkey will prefer to run his own business or else earn money from outside work if he has a regular job. He is consistent and will be able to hold on to his savings if he doesn't speculate in risky ventures.
Metal makes him ardent and demonstrative in his affections. He will have high aspirations and may appear to be status-seeking or overdramatic at times in his behavior.
Characterized by a lively disposition, the passionate Metal Monkey can be warm, positive and very convincing. He will sell you anything conceivable and his designs, if he is creative, will be both aesthetic and useful. The Metal Monkey could be an excellent trend-setter.
When he is negative, the analytical Metal Monkey can be exceedingly self-conscious and proud. His loyalties will be few and linked only to himself. Hard-working and practical, he shuns assistance from others and will be more than able to take care of his own interests.
Water Monkey - 1872, 1932, 1992, 2052
This is a cooperative but speculative Monkey. The " You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours " sort of person. Yet, in spite of his dignified and worldly appearance, this type of Monkey takes offense easier than other Monkeys. He will have a secretive although kind nature and can be deft and patient in the pursuit of his objectives.
Water mated with his native sign imparts to him a greater sense of purpose. But he will know not to be to direct or obvious in showing his intentions. He can compromise with grace and will know how to work around barriers rather than waste his time and energy in knocking them down.
The Water Monkey will have flair and originality; he motivates himself as well as others with his pleasant ways and his ideas meet little resistance because of his ingenious way of introducing them. He will present things in their best possible light. He has a keen understanding of how human relationships function and will use this knowledge to achieve his ends.
When he decides to be negative, the Water Monkey can suffer from lack of direction. He vacillates and becomes in turn erratic, evasive and meddling.
Wood Monkey - 1884, 1944, 2004, 2064
Good communications with others will be essential to this type of Monkey. But he will not like to pry into the affairs of those around him if possible, and prides himself on being able to keep his house and accounts in good order.
Although he is basically honorable and desirous of prestige, this Monkey will be restless and have a strong pioneering spirit. He is aware of everything that is going on around him and is very curious about new inventions or modes of thinking. The Wood element gives him an intuitive mind which will be able to foresee the course of events. He searches constantly for answers and will not take setbacks calmly.
While maintaining his own admirable standards, the Wood Monkey will strive constantly to elevate himself above his present station. He is always looking forward and never quite satisfied with what he has. On the lookout for greener pastures, this type of Monkey will leap at new challenges.
This resourceful person will establish order in whatever work he decides to take up. He is rarely given to exaggeration or speculation. Carefully he whittles away the opposition bit by bit.
Fire Monkey - 1896, 1956, 2016, 2076
An energetic, gesticulating Monkey, who will show traits of being a natural leader and innovator. He is self-assured and determined, expressive and truthful with his emotions and very interested in the opposite sex.
The Fire element will lend him great vitality, and he will have a tendency to dominate or teach those less aggressive than himself. He will possess a fertile imagination and should not let his ideas run away with him. He is inventive but not always careful.
The Fire Monkey will have a powerful and constant drive to be on the top of his professional field. He is competitive to the extreme and will be capable of great jealousy. His creativity is born of willpower, necessity and initiative, and these will enable him to upstage others and keep one step ahead of the game.
The Fire Monkey is the most forceful of all the Monkeys. He relishes being in full control and can be opinionated, stubborn and argumentative when he is negative. He is lucky in speculative ventures and he can correctly evaluate risks. But in spite of the bold and collected face he presents to the public, this type of Monkey hides morbid suspicions of how others may be deceiving him.
America was born in 1776 (year of the Fire Monkey)
Earth Monkey - 1908, 1968, 2028, 2088
A placid and reliable Monkey who may have a cool and collected nature. He is expansive and given to disinterested acts of charity.
He quietly demands admiration and appreciation for his talents and services and when this is not forthcoming, he can sulk and become insolent. He is likely to be an intellectual and will be academically studious or very well read if he cannot pursue a higher education. Generally, he will be honest and straightforward and will achieve distinction through his thoroughness and devotion to duty.
The Earth Monkey will not be too fond of entertaining unless it is necessity, but he will be genuinely kind and loving to those he cares for. Less concerned about his ego, he can devote himself unselfishly to the good of all. He will value his integrity and can be overconscientious about operating only within the law.
HOW THE MONKEY FARES IN DIFFERENT YEARS
Year of RAT
A lucky and prosperous year for the Monkey. Money comes rom unlikely sources and it is an excellent time for him to advance his position or ask for loans. Problems are easily solved and he is feted or sought after by important people. New members are added to his family.
Year of OX
A somewhat moderate year. The Monkey's profits and enjoyment are restricted and the loss of personal belongings is indicated. His family life will remain smooth but he will be forced to travel or suffer from some chronic illness. His progress is not up to his expectations. A time to curtail his over ambition.
Year of TIGER
A very unsteady time for the Monkey. He is very vulnerable to the attacks of his enemies and may be forced to flee, travel, work for others or borrow money at high interest. People tend to take advantage of his weak position. He must remain patient and lie low A year for him to consolidate his resources and refrains from embarking on new ventures.
Year of RABBIT
A good year. The Monkey's prospects are bright again and he will receive help from unlikely people or places. Tranquility is restored at work and home and business is back to normal although his gains will only be modest. A time for him seek out new opportunities or make changes in his environment.
Year of DRAGON
Gains this year for the Monkey will be in the form of knowledge or technical know-how. The benefits he receives will not be tangible or immediately realized. Troubles and unsettled differences cloud his mind and he may have to spend his own money or savings to push his plans through. A year to watch and learn. He must not speculate.
Year of SNAKE
A moderately happy year as the Monkey receives assistance from friends or support from his superiors. Good times are in store although there are some disputes at home. A year in which he must hold his tongue and avoid confrontation at all costs.
Year of HORSE
A fair year for the Monkey although he is still faced with worries and frustrations. His difficulties will be able to work themselves out if he does not rock the boat and agrees to lower his expectations a bit. A year to join the opposition when it becomes clears he cannot beat them. He must be conservative and observant to succeed.
Year of SHEEP
An involved and busy year. The Monkey finds it easy to make money but his profits will be reduced by unexpected expenses. He meets new and beneficial associates and will have to entertain or travel more than usual. Some minor health upset or unhappiness at home is indicated. A year to be secretive, as others may try to obtain classified information from him.
Year of MONKEY
An excellent time for the Monkey native. He can start his own business as achievements, happiness and recognition area indicated. He will make fantastic progress. Headaches will come mainly from subordinates, debtors or people who finance his bold undertakings. Health problems stem from overexertion.
Year of ROOSTER
A moderate but stable time for the endeavors of the Monkey person. He will have the extra money he needs and the right contacts to push his plan through, but in turn he will neglect his home life, take on too much forced socializing and find himself exhausted or overextended where commitments are concerned. A year in which he must not underestimate his opponents.
Year of DOG
A difficult year as the Monkey's plans go awry and people break their promises to him. He may suffer losses in his investments and should not lend money to anyone. A year in which he will discover who his real friends are. Disappointments will make him realize where and how he went wrong.
Year of BOAR
An active but trying year. The Monkey will have business disputes, financial or legal troubles or even complications in his illnesses. His problems can be resolved but not without much compromising. He will have to make difficult concessions or take insults from his enemies. A year in which he should not even trust his best friend. Joint ventures will prove unrewarding or even dangerous.
COMPATIBILITY TABLE FOR THE MONKEY
MONKEY and RAT
Very compatible together. Highly successful union. Have deep and strong affinity for one another. Will find love and contentment.
MONKEY and OX
Have mutual reservations about each other. No deep or lasting ties. Communication barriers. Moderately good relations at best.
MONKEY and TIGER
Strong clashes and rivalry. Will not comprehend each other. Mutually suspicious. No areas of common interest. Highly incompatible.
MONKEY and RABBIT
Some petty differences and rivalry. Cannot achieve complete understanding of each other. Will tolerate each other moderately.
MONKEY and DRAGON
One of the best unions. Mutual love and understanding of each other. Very strong affinity in love and business relations. Prosperous and successful team.
MONKEY and SNAKE
No special degree of attraction. May have communication problems. The presence of mutual suspicions and inability to make concessions affect both sides.
MONKEY and HORSE
Acceptable and congenial union to a favorable extent. Will have practical need for each other only. No struggles for dominance.
MONKEY and SHEEP
Will not have strong need or understanding for one another. Cordial to relatively cool relations in marriage and business.
MONKEY and MONKEY
Could work together successfully as a team. Have areas of similar interest. Favorable to good relations in love and business. No strong rivalry.
MONKEY and ROOSTER
Will be able to communicate to a certain degree only. Will tolerate each other if mutual cooperation is required. Cool ties.
MONKEY and DOG
Mutual respect and friendly feelings for one another. Will cooperate to a good extent. No underlying animosities.
MONKEY and BOAR
Share common areas of interest. No difficulties in relating to each other. Fairly good relations in love and business. No large clashes.