Year of the Red Fire Monkey

The Year of the Red Fire Monkey.  It sounds like the title of one of the Nancy Drew mystery novels that I read when I was a schoolgirl.  For my school friends and me, the Year of the Red Fire Monkey is one of those twice in a lifetime experiences. In Chinese astrology, a fire monkey comes 'round once every sixty years.  

So as not to sound egotistical, vain, arrogant or snobbish (which those born under the monkey sign are accused of being) the twice in a lifetime rule applies to everyone!  Chinese astrology is based on twelve animal signs, and five elements.  The animal signs are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.  The five elements are: fire, earth, metal, water and wood.  It takes twelve years to go through each animal sign, and sixty years for each animal sign to go through each element.  So, anyone born in 1956 - the last year of the Red Fire Monkey - it's your time again!

Quick witted and sociable, the little monkeys of the Chinese zodiac are natural entertainers.  Add the passion, creativity and joy of a fire year, and expect a great year for the entertainment industry, as the Fire Monkey energy shakes, rattles and rolls.  Sixty years ago, Elvis had one of his best years ever, with a string of hits, including Heartbreak Hotel, Don't be Cruel, Hound Dog and Love Me Tender. 

Even the Money Man appears to be pondering his financial future in this Fire Monkey year.  The fire element moves the stock market.  The previous Fire Monkey year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose above 500 points for the first time ever.  It is said that, in a Monkey Year, people have that monkey optimism and confidence.  Predictions are, it will be a great year for the stock market, finance, and entertainment, as well as transport, shipping and communication.

It is said to be a time when risks are rewarded.  So, take a monkey leap into something new. Do something creative and innovative.

Who doesn't love a monkey?  Birthrates in Asia go up in Monkey years.  They skyrocket in a Fire Monkey year, because the monkey is the "Academic Star" for Fire years, and babies due in 2016, are destined to have high intellect, and a passion for learning.

Those born in fire years are described as strong and dynamic, and able to overcome obstacles and illness. The heart, blood circulation, and inflammation are all health concerns in this fire year.      

When it comes to matters of the heart, Monkeys love romance!  So for all signs, this could be a romantic, passionate year. Or not.  Monkeys are also easily bored, impulsive and a little reckless. The year will be unpredictable.  In the words of another 1956 hit, Que Sera, Sera:

Que Sera, Sera

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be

It's now the year 4,714.  Happy New Year!

Photograph of Chinese Astrology Animals courtesy of Wiki Images
Photographs Copyright of:  Ruth Adams, Widow's Endorphins Photographic Images Incorporated