2016 - year of the Fire Monkey

Not all of us in the West are familiar with the Chinese horoscopes so here's a quick handy guide for the newly dawned Year of the Monkey. I'm apologizing in advance if I get any bits wrong, please correct me! I do find it fascinating.

Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. By the way, 2016 marks the 4713th Chinese year.

If you are turning 24, 36, 48, 60 or 72 this year, you are a Monkey. Your compatibility signs are Rat, Dragon, or another Monkey - the positive signs, the doers, dynamic and ambitious. (America, born in 1776, falls under the sign of the Monkey)

There are also five vital elements: Gold, Water, Wood, Fire or Earth. 2016 is a fire year. The cycles match every 60 years so any Monkey turning 60 this year is in double jeopardy - ironically, the years of your sign are tougher. As Monkey years are challenging for everyone, Monkeys especially need to keep their wits about them this year.

Challenging it may be, but for all 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac,provided you demonstrate endurance and patience, 2016 is a great time for receiving invigorating energies.The combination of Fire with the sign of the Monkey brings vitality and innovation to both business and personal relationships.

During 2016, political tensions will be stronger as governments and financial markets get a harder time. People and money are moving around the planet at an even faster rate, and only the most resourceful and risk-taking individuals amongst the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are promised great success in 2016.

It's a year to reconsider part of the organization of your social life, as some friends may suddenly become bitter and jealous, leaving you disappointed and disengaged.

Not an easy year, and especially for Monkeys, but still a year of optimism, cheerfulness and happy family gatherings.

What are you?

Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948
Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949
Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950
Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951
Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952
Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953
Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954
Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955
Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956
Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957
Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959

As I already said, this is interest, not expertise, I poached off the internet and will instantly correct anything I got wrong, sorry!