General Predictions for the Year of the Monkey- 2016

General Predictions for the Year of the Monkey- 2016

The Chinese New Year of the Fire Monkey began on February 8, 2016, on the second New Moon after the Solstice. The Monkey is the 9th animal in the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Predictions for the year are made in accordance with the characteristics of the animal that rules the year. For instance, the main attributes of the Monkey are intelligence, wit and inventiveness. Monkeys have irrepressible curiosity and creative energy; they are certainly playful and youthful in nature with minds free from any inhibitions and guilt. They are also problem solvers, working within a group while simultaneously demonstrating an independent streak associated with all achievers. Being a sly and opportunistic tactician, they tend to be untrustworthy. Though worshiped to some extent by the Buddhists, the Monkey is generally regarded as the emblem of trickery: for the youthfulness of the Monkey conceals the unscrupulous adolescent, and the eccentric nature can suddenly turn into unlawfulness. Henceforth, this year will reward individual effort and those who place their trust in the group or collective might face disappointment.

From a Feng Shui point of view, the Fire Monkey Years have both Metal and Water elements. Metal is linked to gold. Water is associated with the characteristics of wisdom and danger; with this in mind we can safely predict that there will be a certainty of volatility within the financial markets.

On the whole 2016 will see a big slide in the world economy. The global economic situation will be dreadful, as lots of companies will go bankrupt. Postponement of crucial financial decisions is therefore recommended. The year will be marked with unpredictable changes and, or, sudden stimulus. Even though the Year of Monkey will be an energetic, optimistic and progressive year with potential growth in real-estate, finances and politics, there will also be unpleasant side effects of uncertainty and the prevalent undercurrent of deceit dogging the year. Be warned that many businesses will apply the shrewdest angle and structure their transactions for the greatest gain. Problems abound, politically, financially, professionally, domestically or emotionally, nothing should be taken for granted. 

The Monkey is alert, smart, wily and devious and so outwitting the Monkey will be one way to assure a good return on financial investments. Keep in mind that metal is also connected to the Wind and that implies quick change. The positive and negative characteristics of the Monkey meanwhile translate into “anything is possible” in 2016.

Those looking to grow families or resolve questions of the heart shouldn't wait. The Year of the Monkey favors falling in love and is also considered a good year for procreating. Babies born at this time will be regarded as very hardworking and lucky.

Some may even profess that there’s little point in being prepared, as the influence of the Monkey puts everything into flux. All the same, careful planning and prudence have always been a good rule of thumb, where possible, when bearing in mind finances, career, and social endeavors this year. Increased communication, humor and wit will, meanwhile, help resolve the stress of these times. 

On the individual level it is best to move forward, make strides, and embrace what may lie ahead. The Year of the Monkey 2016 is a time for risky business, and herein lays the seeds of unplanned success. Run with ideas, embrace the change, be creative and don’t look back. The Year of the Monkey is a particularly auspicious time for new inventions and taking risks. It’s a year where agile, inventive minds, sheer guts and bravado will win out in the end. Only be on the lookout for deceptions. Those who can persevere and outsmart the trickster Monkey will succeed, sure enough, but those who are dull or slow witted, who can’t handle the stress, will go down.

Naturally with so much ambiguity in this year one needs to incorporate some form of regular physical activity (such as workouts, swimming, yoga, water aerobics, dance, martial arts, team sports, tennis or long walks), adopt a sound diet and a healthy lifestyle. After all, the body was designed to move and stress should to be burned off.

Chinese New Year's Day Taboos

(Things to avoid on Chinese New Year)

-Avoid using knives and scissors on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Put them away and out of sight. It’s self explanatory really; besides the possibility of accidents that would lead to inauspicious things, it also means cutting your wealth.

­- No Killing things: Blood is considered an ill omen which will cause misfortunes such as a knife wound, or a bloody disaster.

- Do not vacuum or use the broom: If you sweep on this day then your wealth will be swept away too.

­-Money should not be lent on New Year’s Day, and all debts should be paid prior to New Year’s Eve. If there is someone who owes you money, do not go to his or her home to demand it or you’ll bring misfortune on yourself and your luck will suffer the rest of the year.

-An empty rice jar or a depleted supply is considered to be an ill omen.

-No Porridge for breakfast; as it is considered poor people’s food, therefore is a bad omen for the start the year.

-Hair must not be washed on the first day of the lunar year. In the Chinese language, hair has the same pronunciation and character as 'fa' in facai , which means ’to become wealthy’. Therefore, it would mean, “washing one’s fortune away”.

-Avoid washing clothes on the first and second day, because these two days are celebrated as the birthday of Shuishen (the Water God).

- Wearing threadbare items can cause more bad luck for the year.

- White or black clothes are barred, as these two colours are traditionally associated with mourning.

-Do not give gifts of clocks, watches, scissors or pears at New Year’s as they all have a bad meaning.

-If possible avoid taking any medicine on the first day of the lunar year, for it means one will need it for the whole year.

-A woman may not leave her house; otherwise she will be plagued with bad luck for the entire coming year. A married daughter is not allowed to visit the house of her parents, as this is believed to bring bad luck to the parents, causing economic hardship for the family.

- No crying children- The cry of a child is believed to bring bad luck to the family, so parents do their best to keep children as happy as possible.

-Having your pocket picked is believed to portend your whole wealth being stolen in the coming year.

-Traditionally its best to stay up late on New Year’s Eve to welcome the New Year, and then to make noise and let off firecrackers and fireworks to scare off inauspicious spirits and Nian, the New Year monster.

Some important people born in the Year of the Monkey

Leonardo da Vinci, Federico Fellini, Pope John Paul II, Harry S. Truman, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Milton, Paul Gauguin, Lyndon B. Johnson, Nelson Rockefeller, Charles Dickens, Arthur Hailey, Queen Sirkit of Thailand, Amadeo Modigliani, Mick Jagger, Diana Ross, Julio Iglesias, Danny De Vito, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jacques Tati, Salvador Allende, Simone de Beauvoir, Gustav Mahler, Annie Oakley, Charlie Parker, Howard Cosell, Isaac Stern, Macauley Culkin, Aubrey Beardsley,François Truffaut, Elizabeth Taylor,Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Mel Gibson, James Stewart, Omar Sharif, Anouk Aimee, Peter O’Toole, Louis Malle and Little Richard.

Have a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Note: The next post will be the predictions for all animal horoscopes for the Year of the Monkey, 2016

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