Chinese Astrology: 2016 Horoscopes Year of the Monkey
The Chinese Lunar New Year and Calendar
2016 is the Year of the Monkey (Fire Monkey) - from February 4th.
The Chinese Lunar New Year occurs every year on the New Moon of the first lunar month, which is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. The exact date can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar takes 60 years and comprises five cycles of 12 years-12 animal signs and 5 elements.
The Chinese Lunar New Year differs from that of the Roman New Year because the Chinese calendar is based on the phases of the moon, whereas the Gregorian calendar, on which the Roman New Year is based, is an arithmetic calendar.
Each of the 12 years of the Chinese lunar calendar is named after an animal. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to see him before he departed earth. Only 12 came, so he rewarded those 12 by naming a year in the Chinese lunar calendar after them, in the order they arrived to see him.
As with Western astrology where it’s believed that the Sun’s position at the time of an individual’s birth determines certain personality traits that a person will possess, it’s thought that each animal represented in the Chinese lunar calendar bestows certain characteristics on individuals who are born during the year that particular animal "rules."
In 2015, Chinese New Year fell on February 18/19, but the year of the Goat ran from February 4th, 2015, forward.
In 2016, Chinese New Year falls on February 8th, but the Year of the Monkey runs from February 4th, 2016, forward.
The Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese Zodiac.
The Monkey is clever, versatile, a trickster, and popular. The Monkey year favors making changes and adjustments, stepping up to the plate, building, creating, and innovating. Problem areas can be deceptiveness, fickleness, and difficulties controlling our passions. It’s a fast-paced year that can be temperamental at times.
The Year of the Monkey 2016 is a Yang Fire year, and it’s a year for pursuing our interests, grabbing opportunities, and taking calculated risks. The year favors those who are self-motivated and who quickly bounce back from setbacks.
A picture of a monkey representing the Year of the Monkey.
{Note that the sequence of years runs as follows: Yang Wood, Yin Wood, Yang Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Earth, Yin Earth, Yang Metal, Yin Metal, Yang Water, Yin Water.}
Caution and moderation were advised in 2009, the Year of the Ox; flexibility and the ability to deal with change were considered essential qualities in 2010; the ability to make compromises and negotiate were important in 2011; adventurousness and boldness were favored in 2012; 2013 favored inner development and renewal/recycling; 2014 favored quick decisions and a quick pace, and 2015 favored healing and supporting.
The Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac, and 2016 is a 9 year in Numerology, so the symbolism of this number is powerful.
The last Monkey year was 2004 (12-year cycle). The last Fire Monkey year was 1956 (60-year cycle). Events occurring this year can bear some similarities to these years in history.
A picture showing the Chinese Zodiac animals and their signs.
In terms of how each Chinese Zodiac sign will fare in the Year of the Monkey, a major consideration is how compatible your sign is with the Monkey sign:
- Monkeys are most compatible with Rat and Dragon (the Dragon, Rat, and Monkey form a harmonious triangle of affinity - all three signs are Water), and these are the signs that are expected to fare the best in 2016 generally speaking.
- Monkey is Metal, like Rooster and Dog, and this helps boost the year’s fortune for both animals.
- Monkeys are most incompatible with Tiger (their opposite sign) and to a lesser degree with Pig, and these are the signs that are expected to find 2016 the most challenging, for the most part.
Another important consideration is your Element. The year 2016 is a Yang Fire year.
Fire creates Earth, and Wood creates Fire. Water destroys Fire, and Fire destroys Metal. As such, Fire is in good shape with Earth and Wood and is in a difficult relationship with Water and Metal.
Fire is friendly or compatible with Earth and Wood.
Metal and Water are incompatible with (destructive/hostile to) Fire.
Yang Fire is attracted to Yin Metal, so relationships can be very good for Yin Metal people in 2016. (The Rooster is naturally Yin Metal).
While 2016 is a Yang Fire year, Monkey is naturally a Metal sign.
2016 is a Yang Fire year, and since Horse is naturally yang Fire, which helps boost the year’s general fortune for Horse. There is Enmity between Yang Water and Yang Fire, so that the Monkey, which is naturally yang Metal, may have some ups and downs in 2016.
Monkeys are traditionally not especially favored in their own year.
Love & Relationships in the Year of the Monkey:
In the Year of the Monkey, focus is on moving forward confidently and boldly in our relationships. 2016 is a Fire year. The Fire element is confident, bold, and decisive. Generally speaking, this is a time for taking action, movement, confidence, and innovation. There may be quick break-ups and quick hook-ups. This can be a disruptive year for some long-term, monogamous relationships.
Don’t know your Chinese Zodiac Sign and/or Element? Find out here: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction
Please note that the year of your birth is not the only factor involved in your Chinese horoscope for any given year. Your month, day, and hour also have associated elements and animals. As such, the following are generalizations based on your year of birth alone. However, if you know your Month, Day, and Hour animals, then you can also to some extent apply the following interpretations to them. The following are descriptions of the positive and negative personality traits of the Chinese zodiac signs, with a brief forecast or horoscope for 2015:
- Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
- Positive: Influential, sociable, imaginative, and charismatic. Rat people will always stay loyal to their friends.
- Negative: Power-hungry, gossiping, indiscreet, and meddling. These individuals don’t always plan for the future. The Rat is Yang Water.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Rat: Overall luck in 2015 is better than in 2014. However, money and relationships may be challenging at times. It’s important to be very moderate with money - keep a closer eye on it (this is not typically natural for you, but will do you much good this year). In love, attraction is not a problem at all - Rats are coming across with personal magnetism - but there can be ups and downs in relationships themselves. They should watch that they are not misinterpreted or taken advantage of in love relationships. Health requires some attention. Rats will need to be especially careful finding a balance between work and rest in 2015. Money matters should be good, but spending can be a problem. Rats should avoid taking risks with money again this year. When it comes to career, it is important to work hard and to be tactful with others.
Socially, difficulties arise due to what is called a “hurting” or “harm” relationship between the Rat and Goat, and the best way to handle this is to approach relationships as honestly as possible. Rat’s fixed element is Water, and there is no Water in the 2015 Sheep/Goat year, suggesting that the Rat is at their best supporting and nurturing others this year.
- Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
- Positive: Diligent, stable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. These people build long-lasting friendships.
- Negative: Stubborn. Ox people aren’t often flexible. The Ox is yin Earth.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Ox: The Ox and Goat/Sheep have a clashing relationship. This suggests that of all signs, the Ox is the least likely to prosper in 2015. Even so, they are not expected to do poorly. It is most important to avoid messy relationships and argumentative people. It is also vital that the Ox look for areas they need to change and take it upon themselves to make those changes and improvements. Otherwise, change may seem forced upon them. Money is not expected to come in strongly, so the Ox is better off working hard for their money and watching spending. In business, it will be important not to take big risks or to push things too hard this year.
Because of some money worries, the need to work harder, some social concerns, and the Ox’s natural resistance to change, health may not be as strong in 2015. This is an excellent year for ridding themselves of bad habits and paying extra attention to the mind-body connection when it comes to health.
- Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
- Positive: Brave, strong, charismatic, and benevolent. Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers.
- Negative: Impetuous and hot-headed. These people aren’t good at taking orders from others. The Tiger is Yang Wood.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Tiger: 2015 should be a strong year for money and resources for the Tiger. Even though there can be some loss, more money is likely to come in. It’s also a very good period for relationships with friends, siblings, and co-workers or relatives from approximately the same generation - in other words, with peers. Love is mostly strong this year, and opportunities tend to come through social events, networking, and friends. Energetically speaking, since Tiger’s fixed element is Wood and 2015 is a Wood year, this should be a fairly good year. However, this same energy can lead to over-confidence and arrogance which could trip the Tiger up - these things should be watched for and behavior modified. Career is likely to be status quo in the Year of the Sheep, and there can be some additional pressures involved. Health should be average or status quo.
- Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
- Positive: Tactful, intelligent, caring, considerate, and virtuous. Rabbit people don’t like conflict.
- Negative: Pedantic and secretive. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times. The Rabbit is Yin Wood.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Rabbit: Rabbits should do especially well in the Year of the Goat/Sheep. Energetically, the Rabbit is very much in tune with the year, being naturally Yin Wood and because 2015 is a Yin Wood year. Additionally, Rabbit gets along well with Sheep. This is a good year for turning around difficult or problematic situations. Education should prosper. It’s a strong year for learning, solving problems, and gaining recognition for intelligence. Socially, peers are supportive, and the Rabbit readily helps and supports others. People in authority, such as parents and bosses, are also looking favorably upon the Rabbit this year. Even so, career opportunities may not be abundant. Rabbits will need to rely on their people skills to help boost their career. The Rabbit’s particular skills and intelligence can be in demand this year. Love should be strong. Existing relationships can be healed, boosted, and strengthened.
- Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
- Positive: Successful, proud, lucky, and enthusiastic. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.
- Negative: Rigid and easily infatuated. Dragon people don’t like routine. The Dragon is Yang Wood.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Dragon: This year of the Goat brings strength and activity to the Dragon’s career. While they have many opportunities here, there are also pressures to perform. The year is also strong for relationships with peers, and employing their help in weak areas may be the key to success. Even though the Dragon will be working harder, income may not be increasing. It’s not expected to be a difficult year with money, but not necessarily a prosperous one.
In love, Dragons can improve existing relationships and find a rather easy time meeting others. They may need to tone down drama, which is not as favored in a Goat year. Making peace with others is rewarding. Attraction is strong, but building love relationships with new people may not be as easy. People skills are good this year, so that businesses that improve with strong people skills can thrive. The Dragon should make a conscious effort to pay attention to fitness goals.
- Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
- Positive: Intuitive, wise, perceptive, and compassionate. Snakes prefer the finer things in life.
- Negative: Lazy and extravagant. These people may have a problem depending on others. The Snake is Yin Fire.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Snake: People help and support the Snake this year. When it comes to work, there can be increased recognition in 2015, but money may be status quo so that this recognition may not quite translate to increased income (for now). Love relationships should be fair this year - nothing particularly special, but the Snake can solidify and strengthen relationships already in place. Attractions can be plenty, but not necessarily leading to something big.
The Snake’s reputation should be good, and even better if the Snake plays a supportive role to others. It’s an important time to help out others, which will be rewarding. There is good energy for Snakes who are studying - people are recognizing their intelligence and valuable input. Health needs watching, as minor problems can need attention from time to time this year.
- Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)
- Positive: Popular, engaging, refined, and persuasive. Horse people are hardworking and independent.
- Negative: Selfish and unscrupulous. These individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others. The Horse is Yang Fire.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Horse: The Year of the Goat is expected to be good for the Horse. Career is likely to be status quo. This is good in that there is very little pressure to perform for Horse workers, and since relationships with peers for the Horse in 2015 are expected to be strong, there should be nice interactions with co-workers. However, for Horse bosses and managers, there may not be much progress. Money is not especially strong, making it important that the Horse control spending. With work, relationships with supportive others can make all the difference. The Horse can get special help from friends, siblings, and acquaintances.
Love is expected to be strong. Passions run high, and the Horse will have many admirers. Partnered Horses may need to pay special attention to keeping the relationship fun and alive. Single Horses are likely to enjoy nice opportunities to partner up.
- Goat (or Sheep or Ram) (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
- Positive: Sensitive, imaginative, and well-mannered. Goats are peace lovers who don’t like disagreements.
- Negative: Pessimistic and tardy. These people can let others take advantage of them too easily. The Goat is Yin Fire.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Goat: This is a year of new beginnings for the Goat - it’s the start of a new twelve-year cycle. The choices Goats make this year will be defining ones for years to come. Nevertheless, please keep in mind that the Goat is not expected to fare especially well in Goat years. It’s not a time for really standing out and thriving as one might imagine. The best way to handle this is to be humble, keep a low profile, and make sure expectations are reasonable. In fact, doing so can actually help you find yourself, get more rest, and enjoy life with a little less pressure. There may be competition in business, but generally good prospects. Watch money, particularly when it comes to lending it out.
Health and wellness need special attention in 2015, and more care should be exercised to stay safe and avoid accidents. Medical check-ups shouldn’t be missed. Family relationships are expected to be good, and while career is not expected to be a big headline this year, steady progress is possible. In fact, the Goat may decide to spend more time off work and/or with family this year, and sometimes circumstances are such that this happens, such as due to illness. The good news is that energy is generally good this year, and recovery from minor illness should be quicker than usual. There can be competition in the Goat/Sheep’s love life. Generally speaking, social life is expected to be average or slightly above average in 2015.
- Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
- Positive: Very inquisitive, curious, and witty with leadership qualities. Monkeys are popular people.
- Negative: Deceitful and self-absorbed. These individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief. The Monkey is Yang Metal.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Monkey: Monkeys should have a very good, stable year overall. People in authority, including teachers, bosses, and parents, are looking on them favorably and are in Monkey’s corner in 2015. Monkeys can make very important, helpful connections this year. Their reputation improves, and career opportunities are good.
Love is strong both for partnered and single Monkeys. Opportunities are everywhere, and the only real caution is that if the Monkey is already with someone, they should watch for a roving eye. This is a strong year for making money, advancing in career, and general popularity. Potential issues (minor ones) have to do with health, as the Monkey is a little vulnerable to minor health problems or accidents, and potential loss of valuables, making it important to safeguard personal possessions. Money can come in, but it’s up to the Monkey to hold on to it. 2016 will be the Year of the Monkey.
- Rooster (1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
- Positive: Enthusiastic, dignified, and resilient. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers.
- Negative: Bossy and pedantic. These people are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized. The Rooster is Yin Metal.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Rooster: This is not an especially significant year for energy flow or luck. The Rooster should enjoy moderate success in their careers, although they may need to brush up on their skills. People in authority, such as parents, bosses, and teachers, tend to look on them favorably in the Year of the Goat. However, their reputations may not improve, and they may not be getting extra attention or recognition for their work. Money, however, should improve. Generally speaking, this is not a time for major changes or expansions in business.
Love relationships are likely to be status quo - no significant changes are expected generally speaking. There isn’t anything significant happening in this area of life for the Rooster. As such, the focus should be on strengthening what they have and not trying to push things in love. At times, the Rooster’s emotional life is a bit rocky. The Rooster may be moodier than usual, possibly because of the additional pressure of work. The same goes for health - Roosters should avoid neglecting their health routines as they can be busy in 2015 and may not feel they have the time for regular exercise or check-ups.
- Dog (1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
- Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others’ problems and to fight for a good cause.
- Negative: Cynical, worried, and tactless. These people don’t always forgive easily, especially those who cross them. The Dog is Yang Metal.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Dog: Dogs are expected to be working hard in the Year of the Goat/Sheep. They may need to work harder than usual and not necessarily make more money in the process. However, money is generally quite fine. Dogs shouldn’t be wanting this year. The Dog should cultivate stronger relationships with co-workers and friends to improve their careers. Generally speaking, it’s better to avoid major changes or business expansion in 2015. Dogs should build on what they have. Females and female-related businesses tend to fare better.
Love relationships are expected to be fair or status quo. There isn’t anything significant happening in this area of life for the Dog. As such, the focus should be on strengthening what they have and not trying to push things to advance.
At times, the Dog’s emotional life can be a bit rocky. The Dog may be moodier than usual, possibly because of the additional pressure of work. The same goes for health - Dogs should avoid neglecting their health routines as they can be busy in 2015 and may not feel they have the time for regular exercise or check-ups.
- Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
- Positive: Gallant, kind-hearted, and sincere. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing.
- Negative: Materialistic and pig-headed. These individuals have a problem saying "no" — to people and to food! The Pig is Yin Metal.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2015 for the Pig: The Pig is expected to have a generally good year in 2015. Learning and communications are especially favored, making it a strong year for students and those Pigs who are updating their work skills. Work and career should be more enjoyable in the Year of the Goat/Sheep. However, it’s important to avoid controversy and to keep everything above board. This is true also for the Pig’s social life in 2015. Money should improve moderately this year for most Pigs.
Because Pigs and Sheep get along well, love is expected to fare well for Pigs in 2015. Even so, there isn’t any additional boost coming their way when it comes to love besides the basic attraction factor. As such, it’s best to develop relationships patiently rather than try to push things to advance.
See Also The Year of the Sheep 2015 for the Western Zodiac
See also: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction and Chinese Astrology: More than the Twelve Animals. If you don’t know your Chinese zodiac animal or element, both of these articles will help you determine it. Try our Love Oracle, which is based on fortune-telling with playing cards.
