by
John Stan
| Jan 27, 2016
Written by Lillian Bridges 
February 8, 2016 ushers in the Year of the Red Monkey.
Monkeys are considered the tricksters of the Chinese Twelve
Animal Signs and this means it is likely to be an exciting and
“interesting” year. But remember that the fortune cookie
proverb, “May you Live in Interesting Times” is actually
considered a curse!
The elements of this year are Yang Fire over Metal, which
means there is automatically a clash as Fire melts and weakens
Metal. This Yang Fire is not that dangerous because the Monkey
is such a strong Metal Element. However, when there is a clash
of this kind, there will be opposing energies and you can expect
governments and people taking different sides. So there is a
high probability that there will be a war of mostly words
between people, politicians running for office and internationally
between countries. There will be more threats than action.
Political fights, especially infighting is expected, as the Fire
Element is involved with words and speaking. Certain world
leaders will be acting even more provocatively than usual and
their posturing and saber rattling will be more amusing than
dangerous. People, especially already famous ones, need to be
careful about acting and looking ridiculous this year, as
notoriety will definitely bring a kind of exaggerated fame that is
troubling to their reputation long-term.
It is also expected that there will be sudden instability in many
formerly solid governments and leaders that previously looked
impervious to criticism will be challenged as the Monkey makes
the stable suddenly unstable for short periods of time.
Therefore, international conflicts are likely, but the good news is
that disputes can be settled rather easily and most conflicts will
be short-lived.
The balance of these two elements – Fire over Metal - also
means that it is likely to be an expensive year, as money is
Metal and Fire melts it. People will spend exponentially more
than usual, especially for travel, trendy items such as clothing
and whatever becomes an “it” product phenomenon. Stock
Markets are likely to fluctuate rapidly, but economic growth is
expected overall globally by the end of the year.
Metal is solid until it becomes liquid and that means things
change quickly this year and anything can happen. Adaptability
and versatility are traits that will be of great value in this Monkey
Year. Expect the unexpected and don’t become complacent.
There will be more trickery, deception and opportunism than
usual. Watch out for con artists and hucksters, as it is easier to
be persuaded, fooled or taken advantage of this year.
There will be enhanced communication and motivation –
especially if it involves fun. People will become wittier and being
serious will not be as beneficial as usual. Comedians will
become more popular and stand up comedy will be revitalized.
People will be funnier by accident and humor will be more
appreciated. Many clever inventions, especially those that are
new and different are likely to catch on and unplanned success
is quite possible. There is great luck in this year, but it is quite
random and currencies will fluctuate. Creativity and imagination
will be admired and rewarded. This is a good year for taking
small risks and for non-conformity, especially in thinking and
dress. Ultimately, progress will be made although it won’t be
evident until later in the year exactly how far things have actually
progressed.
Yang Fire is symbolized by the Sun and it will burn bright and
hot this year in many places. Weather will change rapidly. As the
Monkey loves change, places that are usually wet will be dry
and places that are usually dry will be wet. This has already
started showing with the massive El Nino phenomenon currently
reaching it's peak at the start of this new year and will change,
reversing into a La Nina later this year. Weather will be very hard
to predict and rainfall, drought and heat waves will be scattered,
even within one country or region. The Metal Element is also Air,
which condenses to make rain or melts to make water, so there
will be lots of rain in areas completely unused to so much rain or
snow and ice will melt unexpectedly, which will cause flash
flooding. Some areas will become excessively hot and the
infrastructure of the electric utility grids in these areas will
become severely challenged. With fires and heated air, it will be
a hard year for birds and other airborne creatures like bats and
insects. With heated oceans and lakes in some areas, it will also
be difficult for many sea creatures.
Natural disasters will happen very suddenly and without much
warning. Expect more dramatic storms, more lightning and
lightning sparked fires and fires in many places that spread
easily and are hard to contain. The good news is that the Earth
Element will be fed, so there will not be as many earthquakes.
However, volcanic eruptions and melting snow are both likely.
There will be more Northern Lights as we are at the peak of
Solar Flares, so expect disruptions in the electrical grid system
from this as well in many places for short periods of time. These
Auroras are expected to be seen further south than usual as
well, and sunsets will be especially vivid and beautiful as Metal
is the direction of the West and the setting sun.
In business, the High Tech industry will likely suffer some
setbacks, as it is considered part of the futuristic Metal Element
that may come under attack. Expect Tech companies to face
consumer backlash, and new products will be popular for a
shorter period of time than expected. New products of all kinds
will be discarded easily. Unexpected and quirky products will
become a temporary craze and must-have items. People will
buy impulsively and they will be particularly interested in new
scientific inventions and creative solutions. Crafts and
craftsmanship will be more appreciated.
This is a great year for Marketing and Advertising. Humorous
and/or heartwarming ads/commercials will be valued. Sales will
increase, as people will be in a buying mood so the retail sector
is expected to do well. Personal spending is expected to
increase exponentially so this is a hard year to save money and
banks may be affected. Start-ups will get more traction than
usual and Entrepreneurs will be celebrated. There will be more
hiring and it will be much easier to get temporary jobs and
contract jobs.
Since Fire Monkeys love to learn, this is a particularly good year
for education as well as for the arts and culture. There will be a
push to make learning more fun and campaigns to make art,
crafts, physical education, music and fun electives a bigger part
of the curriculum in schools. Students will have livelier minds
and curiosity should be rewarded.
The Entertainment Industry gets a big boost. People will want to
see more movies and television, and comedies, including
romantic comedies and parodies will be popular. Audiences will
appreciate having a good time. And, people will listen to more
music; especially music with a strong beat, and dancing of all
kinds will become more popular, as this is strong part of the Fire
Energy of the year.
The Fashion industry will also have a great year, as people will
want very colorful, trendy and playful clothing. Resort wear -
sundresses, shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, lingerie, pajamas and
even sunglasses will be big sellers. This is a year for colorful
patterns and mixing and matching styles. Furs, sequins,
embroidery, playful glamour and glitz, and any kind of quirky
fashion will be hot, but trends will be short-lived and replaced
by another one swiftly.
This is a great year for restaurants, as eating out is part of the
Fire Element. Appetizers, Tapas, Dim Sum and Small Plates,
along with unusual, exotic and even relatively unknown cuisines
will have their day in the sun. Finger foods and snacks,
especially hot and spicy foods will also become more popular.
People will drink more alcohol and particularly enjoy cocktails
and mixed drinks along with sparkling beverages of all kinds –
especially Champagne, Wine and Coffee, which are
quintessential Fire drinks.
People will want to travel more, especially to fun destinations
and will take more short trips and quick road trips. They will
want to have fun as the main objective. So it is also a good year
for the Gaming Industry, which includes video games as well as
gambling and betting. People will also want to have more
parties so Party Planners and Party Stores will also do well.
However, this is not a good year for the airline industry and
there will likely be more accidents and mechanical problems. All
machinery involving metal and electricity, engines and batteries
will have problems. There will be a chance of more fires and
explosions. Office buildings (particularly Skyscrapers) and
Power Plants are also not considered as safe this year and need
to be protected. There will be more fires in houses and
explosions too, so make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy
and put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms.
The strong Fire Energy will feed the Earth Element so there will
be an increase in crop production and the food industry should
see a boom, especially with the sales of new products and
exotic foods. It is also a good year for real estate. Expect quick
sales of homes – fire sales as well as a return to flipping houses.
There will be an increase in the rental market as the Fire
Element is about temporary housing and moving around.
Relocation experts and Real Estate Agents should do well.
Healthwise, there will be problems with the Metal Organs;
particularly the Lungs and Respiratory System, the Large
Intestines and the Skin. It is wise to watch your diet and eat
carefully if and when digestive problems occur. Dehydration,
Constipation and IBS will be particularly problematic as the Fire
Element is so drying. Respiratory illnesses are expected to be
widespread this year so it looks to be a particularly bad cold
and flu season. These can more easily turn into inflammatory
conditions like pink eye, ear infections, bronchitis, sinus
infections and pneumonia. There may also be a resurgence of
Tuberculosis. More throat infections and an increase in
coughing are also expected with more laryngitis.
Allergies and Asthma will flare up and worsen in those that are
susceptible and there will be many more people suffering from
skin rashes and inflammatory skin problems such as hives,
eczema, shingles, cold sores and skin infections from simple
cuts. It is easy to get cut this year so be careful. You can also
expect more burns and more accidents.
As the Fire Energy is so strong, there is a chance for in increase
in Angina and Heart Disease in those with already weak hearts.
There is likely to be an increase in the number of Heart Attacks,
although many will be minor. There will probably be more
people diagnosed with diseases involving the blood and
circulation, such as excessive bleeding or high red blood cell
count. It may also manifest as infections involving the blood,
such as sepsis and inflammation of the veins and arteries.
Because the Fire Element depletes the Water Element, the
Kidneys and Bladders of many people may be impacted.
Inflammatory conditions like Cystitis and Kidney Infections are
also expected to be prevalent and unfortunately it is an easier
year to be impacted by Kidney Stones.
Because of high
temperatures, many people will be affected by Heat Exhaustion
and Heat Stroke and Burns are also very likely to be a serious
health condition suffered by many and many illness that involves
fevers will be problematic. It is extremely important to stay well
hydrated this year.
The Brain is also going to be impacted and there is likely to be
an increase in the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
and Dementia, but there is also a very strong chance that big
breakthroughs in treatment will be found. The nervous system
will be impacted by the amount of Fire in this year, so expect
that there will be an increase in nerve pain and conditions such
Shingles and other Herpes Virus outbreaks, as well as an
increase in Mania and Neurological glitches.
The most pervasive problem with the intensity of the Fire energy
is the expected increase in insomnia, hyperactivity, hysteria and
mania. This is a year where rest must be consciously added to
everyone’s schedule or this could become a precarious year for
health, as the nervous system will be tested. Food as the Earth
Element will help ground the body, so diet will become another
way to enhance health and food should be treated as medicine.
The good news is that many people will have a stronger spirit
due to the increase in the Fire Energy. They will feel more
youthful, lively and energetic. There will be waves of optimism
and joy, often for no apparent reason. People will want to talk
more and will feel more playful. People will also laugh more and
feel amused easily. There will be the urge to play more practical
jokes, give more parties and people will just feel more
mischievous and social.
But people will also feel more scattered and disorganized, which
will lead to more anxiety and frustration. People will have quick
tempers, sometimes even explosive anger and there may be
more yelling or crying, but it will not last very long for most
people. There will be less violence, but more sadness, but it is
also much easier to laugh this year. People will feel impetuous
and have sudden likes and dislikes that change. It will also be
easier to disregard personal values, so it is advised that people
think before giving into impulses since it is a year of impulsivity.
Overall, people will feel more emotional and have an easier time
expressing their emotions and acting on their emotions this
year, but they will be transitory. People will open their hearts
and become more intuitive. There will be more enthusiasm and
more impulsiveness. People will feel more sensitivity for the
plight of others and will open their hearts and wallets for them,
but in a smaller way than in a Wood year.
This is a good year for love and romance, but the playful kind of
affection will be most evident and there will be lots of teasing
and repartee. People will become infatuated easily and they will
be more charming and flirt more, but there is also a chance for
more dalliances, extramarital affairs, flings and short-term
relationships. There will be provocative behavior from people
you would not expect to act that way. People will be surprising
in many ways!
Spirituality and religious fervor will increase with the Fire Energy.
There will also be an increased interest in magic and miracles.
People will feel more open-minded and more tolerant of
differences. There will be an increase in friendliness and there
will be urges to get together and just chat.
Creativity is enhanced and people will want to bring it out. This
is a good year for experimenting with your personal style and it
is advised that you try something new: a new hairstyle, a new
wardrobe or learn a new language, take up painting or some
other creative endeavor. Eccentricity will not just be tolerated; it
will be greatly appreciated in a Monkey year.
Metal is forged and strengthened from Fire and Metal people
will be tested. There will be many irritations and triggers.
Endurance is called for and a good sense of humor to see the
Cosmic Joke in the trials. When this year and the next one are
over, Metal people will emerge polished, much stronger and
ready to face life with much more personal power.
Honesty will be expected and desired this year, as truth makes
the heart happy and the Fire Element rules the heart. And yet
this is also a year where scruples will be lacking in many. Watch
out for arrogance, as it will not be appreciated. Quick thinking
and cleverness will be rewarded and the ability to solve
problems will be enhanced by the energy of the year. But this is
not a good year for making long term plans.
The Monkey year will help many people feel happier than they
have felt in a long time and they will be able to have more fun.
Although temporary, these feelings will arise often throughout
the year. This year will feel like it is going by quickly, so get
ready for the new pace. A sense of humor will be essential and
flexibility, as well as versatility are great assets to possess in
navigating this chaotic, changeable and ultimately quite fun
Monkey year!
Individual Animal Forecasts for the Year of the Monkey 2016
Rat - Water Element: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984,
1996, 2008 and 2020
Excellent year – ambitions rewarded and accomplishment is
possible on many levels. Rats will feel confident and healthier.
Promotion is likely, finances improve, social life is happy and
romance is satisfying.
Ox – Earth Element: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997,
2009 and 2021
Oxes should lay low and activity should be slow and steady,
which is opposite the energy of this year. Oxes should stay
home more and enjoy the quiet life. They will find life improves
overall by the end of the year.
Tiger – Wood Element: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986,
1998, and 2010, 2022
This is a difficult year for Tigers personally, but good
professionally. Business and finance improve with travel, but
obstacles create delays. Family life is tense and romance is
complicated. Be careful with health - avoid accidents of all
kinds.
Rabbit – Wood Element: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987,
1999, 2011 and 2023
There are many irritations this year in business with numerous
delays and redirections. Rabbits will feel overwhelmed easily
and need to stay calm – going on vacation is important. The
good news is that romance flourishes this year.
Dragon – Earth Element: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988,
2000, 2012 and 2024
This is a great year for Dragons. Risks are rewarded and growth
in business and reputation is likely. However, they must watch
their spending, as it is likely to be an expensive year due to the
desire to live the high life. Romance is good.
Snake – Fire Element: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989,
2001, 2013 and 2025
Snakes should travel less this year and business is hectic.
However, this is a very good year for personal relationship and
romance. Health improves dramatically and as the secret friend
of the Monkey, there will be more luck.
Horse – Fire Element: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990,
2002, 2014 and 2026
This year can be challenging for Horses but overall they will feel
healthier and more enthusiastic. Creativity is enhanced and selfesteem
increases. A move or a job change is likely and will
make Horses much happier. Drive carefully.
Sheep/Goat – Earth Element: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967,
1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015
This is a year of miscommunication so be careful of
misunderstandings. It is important to write things down.
Relationships are a bit tense and health is variable. Sheep do
best with time alone to be creative and they may travel more.
Monkey - Metal Element: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980,
1992, 2004 and 2016
This is a year of success in business. Monkeys will be social,
but prone to overstimulation and exhaustion. They are happier,
funnier and more confident and have more charm, but need to
be tactful and find balance for their health.
Rooster –Metal Element: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969,
1981,1993, 2005, and 2017
This is a good year for Roosters professionally and business
improves. But this is an even better year for love and romance.
Roosters will be very happy. However, there may be problems
with multiple repairs needed at home and/or with cars.
Dog – Earth Element: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982,
1994, 2006, and 2018
This is a good year for financial stability. Dogs will be very social
this year and will feel scattered. They will be busy at work or
travel more so family members may feel neglected –
compromise is essential. Be careful to avoid accidents.
Pig – Water Element: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983,
1995, 2007, and 2019
This is a very creative and cultural year for Pigs. Business may
slow down and it will be harder to collect money. However,
romance is well aspected and it is easy to find a new partner or
rekindle smoldering embers in a long-term relationship.
*Monkeys and Tigers should carry a Snake charm for protection
and benefit this year, as the Snake is Monkey’s secret friend.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this forecast is based
on the ancient principles of the Chinese Five Element Theory
and on an understanding of the animal symbolism in Chinese
Astrology. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. There
is no express or implied guarantee of results from using this
information, and individual users are solely responsible for their
own interpretation or application to their own circumstances.
Further, the information is not, nor is it intended to be, a
substitute for legal, medical, or psychological advice, evaluation
and/or treatment.
Lillian Bridges, Lotus Institute 2016