| Years: | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 |
| Element: | Metal |
| Yin or Yang: | Yang |
| Lucky Colours: | White, Gold, Blue |
| Lucky Numbers: | 1, 7, 8 |
| Crystal: | Topaz |
| Flower: | Chrysanthemum |
| Characteristics: | Clever, Charming, Social, Persuasive |
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The Legend of the Monkey
The ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac is the Monkey, an intelligent, witty, and innovative sign that has oodles of charm and just as much cleverness.
In the original Chinese zodiac legend race where twelve animals had to compete to earn a place in the Jade Emperor’s calendar.
Halfway through the race, the Monkey got stuck at the riverbank along with the Rooster and the Goat, the three of them wondering how they would cross the river. After the Rooster discovered a raft nearby, the three of them hopped on and began paddling. It was the Monkey’s quick thinking that ensured they did not get trapped by the tangled weeds – they all paddled with such ferocity that the weeds snapped in two.
The Monkey and Rooster began to bicker with one another upon the raft, but luckily the Goat was there to calm them down and keep the peace. Once they reached the other side, both the Monkey and Rooster were grateful to the Goat for keeping things harmonious, and so they allowed the Goat to cross the finishing line before them to secure eighth place.
They then graciously offered the next spot to one another, but the Rooster insisted the Monkey go before him because of his clever thinking during the paddling. And so, the Monkey took ninth place, and the two parted as friends.
Year of the Monkey Personality Traits
The true “Magician” of the Chinese zodiac, the Monkey is perhaps the cleverest and also one of the most confident.
The Monkey has absolutely no problem drawing a crowd—they’ll show you tips and tricks of the trade, and you’ll be left in awe at their captivating way of speaking and the remarkable things they have to show you. But caution is also advised with the less honorable members of this sign: the Monkey would have no problem enchanting you and then draining you of every penny you have before making a run for it!
The Monkey of the Chinese zodiac is an excellent problem-solver, and if anyone can be relied on to find a solution, they can. Their powers of innovation are quite extraordinary, and they are also extremely fast learners. This is a Chinese zodiac sign that is highly resourceful and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to finding resources for otherwise impossible tasks.
Monkey is Yang, and this demonstrates their active, outward take on life, using their inner genius to make their mark on the world.
Monkeys may have many sides to their personalities, and they are extremely astute in knowing what side to show to whom and when. At least one of the Monkey’s sides is a dark side, though, and they can be arrogant, selfish, and vain. Their competitive streak can get out of hand, and they may resort to questionable methods in their desire to win. Jealousy can also be a difficult trait they possess, rearing its head, particularly if someone else is awarded something they consider rightfully theirs.
Yet, as demonstrated in the Chinese zodiac legend, Monkeys have an inherently noble side. If they succeed in banishing their ego or reining it in, they become gracious losers and are happy to pat their rivals on the back, congratulating them on a job well done. The best way to coax this side out of a Monkey is to show a degree of humility yourself. Though Monkeys are the great tricksters of the Zodiac, they admire these qualities in others and will be sufficiently humbled enough to recognize their own ego may have been getting out of hand.
Chinese zodiac Monkeys tend to have thick skins; insults and reprimands have very little effect on them. The Monkey is not an overly sensitive sign but an analytical one.
Anyone attempting to hurl insults at them in an effort to hurt them will be doubly frustrated when they bounce off the Monkey, and more so if the Monkey simply laughs at them. For the confident and competent Monkey, the only reason anyone would say such nasty things about them is out of jealousy, pure and simple! Hence, they find such outbursts humorous.
Monkeys do not rush into things. They calculate their movements carefully, using a combination of guile, charm, and intelligence.
They are great diplomats and thus make excellent business people and politicians.
The Monkey is far more of a realist than an idealist and usually has little time for fanciful ideas that are a little too “airy-fairy” for their liking. At the same time, however, they enjoy imagining scenarios where they have reached the height of their achievement and all the benefits that come with it, however outlandish this may be. But for the Monkey, these are not merely fanciful whims but a very real outcome if they use all their powers of innovation and integrity to work towards the greater goal.
Highly sociable characters, Monkeys make excellent companions and can be a true joy to spend time with. Their wit often has people in fits of laughter, and there is just something so silly about their humor that you simply cannot be annoyed with them, no matter how bold or shocking their statements may be.
Monkeys actually seem to have a twinkle in their eye and a rather cheeky look about them; they are the ultimate wind-up merchants who love playing pranks and though they have been known to cross a line or two at times, what usually happens is that the poor pranked person ends up laughing along with them!
Monkeys truly are magical members of the zodiac. Some patience may be necessary with the wily Monkey, but in terms of sheer entertainment and astounding innovation, Monkeys are second to none!
Monkeys & Love
The Monkey of the Chinese zodiac stands out in the crowd. There is a very dynamic and exuberant quality about them that makes them very attractive individuals.
Monkeys may not always be beautiful in the classical sense, but their incredible charm usually has others believing they are anyway.
Monkeys are ardent and passionate lovers, and life is rarely dull with them around. The best partner for any Chinese zodiac Monkey is one who understands their cheeky, fun-loving ways but still knows how to draw the line when they allow their wily tendencies to run away with them.
Male Monkeys
Monkey males use their unique intelligence and oodles of charm to attract mates. Potential mates are often captivated by them, but what they don’t realize is that Monkeys are investigating them from the moment they meet. In fact, the Monkey’s analysis may already be whizzing around in their head just moments after shaking hands.
Hence, a date with a Chinese zodiac Monkey can actually be more of a job interview, though the potential mate may not fully grasp this until afterward. If a romantic interest passes the “interview” with flying colors, they can look forward to a whirlwind of excitement in the coming days!
Female Monkeys
Female Monkeys are usually the life and soul of the party, with a gaggle of friends and admirers surrounding them. The female Monkey will never be short of admirers. A typical Monkey lady has plenty of admirers at hand but shrewdly assesses which one is the best match and why.
Monkey females will enjoy stringing a long line of suitors along in a harmless, amusing sort of way, but when she sets her sights on the one she wants, she’ll drop all others like a ton of bricks to vigorously pursue the object of her affections. If her affections are not returned, she will use all her powers of guile and charm to change the situation and can spend years in pursuit of passion.
Monkey Love Compatibility
As a member of the First Trine in the Chinese zodiac, made up of animals who are known primarily as doers and achievers, the Monkey is most compatible with the other animals in this Trine: the Rat and Dragon.
The Dragon and Monkey make a fantastic pair. Both are visionaries and can often be seen as a “power couple.” They will both work hard to achieve their goals and simultaneously boost one another along the way.
Similarly, the Rat and Monkey make an excellent pair. The Rat admires the Monkey’s quick wit and intelligence while the Monkey enjoys intellectual discussion with the Rat, as well as their ability to plan and prepare.
The Monkey is advised against pairing off with a Tiger.
In the Circle of Conflict, these two animals stand opposite one another, demonstrating their irreconcilable differences. Metal is the Monkey’s fixed element, and the Tiger’s is Wood, which clashes with one another.
Unless there is an ascendant-friendly animal (such as a Monkey having a Tiger ascendant and vice versa), this match can result in flaming rows and terrible misunderstandings. The Monkey will regularly pull the Tiger’s tail before streaking up a tree out of paw’s length; while the Tiger is raging and roaring below, the Monkey is laughing at him from the top of the tree.
The Tiger is a sensitive creature, quick to anger, and does not appreciate being the butt of the joke. The Monkey enjoys making everyone and everything the butt of the joke, especially the highly sensitive feline. This match is ill-advised.
Monkeys & Career
Being of a highly versatile nature, the Monkey of the Chinese zodiac can fit into any job and perform extremely well. Their gifts of sociability and aptitude are much appreciated in any company, and they often receive the approval of their peers and those in a higher position of authority.
Their magician-like qualities make them excellent actors, so the center stage would be the perfect role for them.
As they are also good at building bridges and keeping things light and jolly, they also make terrific diplomats. Monkeys are wonderful at making people like them, and for this reason, they are in high demand when it comes to all types of jobs and careers.
They also make very good stockbrokers, lawyers, and teachers.
Anything dealing with people is a win for the Monkey as they can put their talents to good use. Whatever role they end up in, they will make a success of it because of their ambitious drive and high levels of confidence!
Monkeys & Money
As Monkeys tend to make a success of themselves, money is usually not a problem for them. But money can come and go, and typically, the Monkey’s relationship with money is a little like a yo-yo–very high one minute and low the next.
This is partly because they enjoy splashing out (admittedly, this is a little to do with showing off at times!) and partly because Monkeys tend to have rather erratic finances in general throughout their life.
However, Monkeys are generous creatures, provided they are acknowledged for this generosity. Money is not a motivator for the sake of money; rather, it is desirable because of all the perks that come with it, particularly adoration from others.
The Monkey Through The Elements
Metal Monkey
1920, 1980
A very strong and self-sufficient Chinese zodiac Monkey, the Metal Monkey is the one that cares most about money and will do everything to secure they are financially stable. Being highly innovative, it is not unusual for the Metal Monkey to run their own business or work as a freelancer of some sort.
This is a warm Monkey who cares about their relationships with others.
They have an excellent ability to motivate others, particularly those who are feeling down in the dumps. However, when this Monkey is down in the dumps herself, they will mark it with arrogance and pride; few can penetrate their vulnerable spots when these moments hit.
Water Monkey
1932, 1992
The Water Monkey is a dignified Chinese zodiac Monkey and, unlike their elemental counterparts, is rather on the sensitive side.
This Monkey believes very much in the aspect of borrowing and owing—if they do someone a favor, they expect this favor to be returned, no matter how many years or decades have passed.
With much style and originality, the Water Monkey of the Chinese zodiac stands out in the crowd. They are extremely sharp and have an excellent understanding of everyone’s individual characters. This Monkey does not believe in labels or bracketing people and is a keen advocate of individualism.
Patience is something Water Monkeys struggle with sometimes, but if they can learn to harness it, they will find themselves able to deal with troubling or difficult situations with greater ease.
Wood Monkey
1944, 2004
Highly sociable, the Wood Monkey is never short of friends and acquaintances. They make friends easily and are wonderful hosts of parties and events.
There is much ambition in this Monkey, and social climbing is one way of achieving their goals. However, the Wood Monkey does not sink to deceptive methods to achieve what they want, making them both honorable and noble individuals.
Wood Monkeys of the Chinese zodiac can be perfectionists, always striving to be better, much to the admiration of those around them. When finding themselves up against any opposition, Wood Monkeys use charm and clever tactics to defeat their opponent, and before they know it, the opposition is snared by the Wood Monkey’s incomparable cunning.
Fire Monkey
1956, 2016
The most energetic of all the Monkeys of the Chinese zodiac, the Fire Monkey is a leader and exhibitionist all in one.
It is hard to miss the Fire Monkey, who displays great passion and daring, using their eloquence and articulation to magnetically draw crowds towards them. They are imaginative and bold, often shaking up the status quo.
Fire Monkeys can be controlling and selfish at times, and if they are not careful, they can develop tendencies toward tyranny. The Fire Monkey benefits from a placid partner who is not afraid to stand up to them and help them realize when they are crossing a line.
Earth Monkey
1968, 2028
A gentle Monkey that can be quite cheeky yet quite innocent, the Earth Monkey has a refined and debonair way of conducting themselves. However, they always have a little smile lingering around their lips.
Earth Monkeys are not loud or boastful about their achievements but instead wait for subtle acts of appreciation.
Highly intellectual, the Earth Monkey of the Chinese zodiac loves philosophical discussion or anything that can engage their mighty brain cells. They are often academics and rise quickly to the top of their chosen professions.
The Earth Monkey needs quite a bit of quiet time to engage with their own thoughts, though they are warm and loving with those they care for.
Famous People Born In The Year Of The Monkey
- Venus Williams
- George Lucas
- Harry S. Truman
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Celine Dion
- Lyndon B. Johnson
- Will Smith
- Lucy Liu
- Charles Dickens
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Rod Stewart
- Alicia Keys
- Bob Marley
- Jennifer Aniston
- Theresa May
- Kylie Minogue
- Demi Lovato