monkey

As the serene sheep meanders over to the high tree enclosure, the Monkey craftily sneaks up behind him and grabs the baton. The sheep smiles on as the Monkey starts his rein on the 8th February 2016 and we enter the magical kingdom of the cheeky imp.

 

Mischievous, mesmerising, and magnificent, the Monkey speeds up the pace of life immediately. The Sheep’s dreamy contemplation has provided us with the inspiration we needed to decide upon our next endeavours that meet our material and spiritual needs, now the Monkey pushes us to take action. No more dilly-dallying, the Sheep year is over: bring on the excitement, activity and fast-forward motion of the Monkey. As a premeditated character, the Monkey tends to know what it’s objective is and always comes with a loose, casual plan that he is prepared to improvise around. This is the best way to approach Monkey years.

 

We are all gifted with some of the Monkeys natural talents which allow us to keep up with him as the farmyard morphs into a sky high jungle tree labyrinth. We become more agile, physically and mentally, we begin to think more strategically and cannot but help to be more self-interested. It’s just part of the Monkey make-up to put itself first and there’s nothing wrong with it… as long as one does not sacrifice integrity and take this to an extreme.

 

Monkey years encourage all to explore their inerrant creative talents for the pure joy of them. Admittedly, there is not so much time for these activities as business and self-development take priority, but if one can schedule them in, they should as it creates a necessary balance, stress alleviation outlet and also esteem improvement as one gets better at childhood jollies, that inner child likes the grown up a little more which improves general self-esteem. Whatever area of life you look at, the Monkey influence provides complicated challenges requiring the use of intellect, social clout as well as diplomacy to bring forth astounding outcomes pushing you upwards along the monkey-bar highway to the kingdom in the clouds. What is interesting though, is that the greatest benefits are likely to take place in unconventional work fronts.

 

Many Chinese Astrologers believe that the Monkey is one of the most innovative signs because of their saucy, witty personalities and because of the inventions that emerge in their years, but this is not entirely accurate; the creative innovation actually comes from the sign before, the Sheep, but the Monkey is the master of marketing and sales, that tends to be their greatest innovative superpower. That’s not to say that they are not creatively innovative, they are, but where they really excel is seeing how new products, processes or services can be used to benefit the masses.

 

Air conditioning, the remote control, Velcro, zippo lighters and ballpoint pens were introduced in Monkey years. Also, the first commercial radio broadcast aired. It is the Monkey that is usually at the forefront of communications making it easier for the masses to understand the concrete applications of these products. Politically, it was in 1920 that women got the right to vote in the US and in 1932 that Amelia Earheart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic so women’s rights are also important at this time. Political assassinations seem to peak in Monkey and Horse years, both signs of which are known to have the fastest minds, impulsive and quick energy. When the other signs are gifted with the speed of these two signs, it takes some time to learn how to manage it.

 

A major misconception about the Monkey is that they are dramatic show offs, while it is true that they are natural entertainers and speakers, showing off in a public way does not appeal; instead, they like to show off to themselves! Monkeys are competitive, so they set internal goals to be better than, to outwit or win against somebody else and then set about making that happen, proving their superiority to themselves… and if anyone else notices the game that is being played, then wonderful!

 

With the smart Monkey energy, we will be encouraged to take many small and persistent steps towards our goals. We also have greater immediate clarity that helps us to make sensible choices rather than emotion-led ones that keep us trapped in self-defeating patterns. This can be a really fun year, but you have to make time for the fun. The Monkey’s productivity can overpower the need to stop and enjoy the moment because there is so much opportunity at this time. But what is success without enjoyment of the fruits of ones labor? The Monkey knows this, but other signs might not. Work, find success, but play too! Don’t use all of Monkey-Magic’s energy for work because you really will miss out of the joy, laughter and play! Isn’t that what all the work is for?

2016 is the Year of the Monkey.

 


Chinese New Year of the Horse Article


Chinese New Year of the Horse

Rule of the cosmos changes hands on 31st January 2014 as the scandalous Snake, reluctantly, passes the baton to the humanitarian Horse.

The Snake year (2013) is over, so the Snake’s short cuts just do not work anymore; instead, work will be undertaken at an exceptional pace without a song and dance and the outcomes will be that much more satisfying; add to that, the Horse’s joie de vivre, everyone will be having a blast at the very same time.

Fun, frisky and fearless the Horse’s energy picks us up, carrying us along as if caught in a sort of Horse hurricane. This sign knows how to work hard and most definitely plays hard. Horses do both by the book; work adhering to the rules, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s and then they go party like hedonists! That sets up what this year has in store for everyone. There is a focus on quality as well as quantity and everybody feels obliged to come up to the bar; when they do, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and positive self-esteem.

Lending its humor to all situations, the Horse entertains whilst drawing attention to issues that require notice. This is the sign of the humane rebel advocate who uses its intelligence, audacity and nerve to unsettle the established powers to push them to extend their boundaries and force them open to change. As the academic, satirist and rebel, the Horse’s opinion holds clout with the masses despite attempts by political machines to undermine it. However, because of the Horse’s unwavering pursuit of the truth, underdogs emerge victorious. That is why Horse years are famous for political upheavals, protests and riots.

With a strong leaning towards social activism, unification and general humanitarian concerns, it comes as no shock that the women’s vote was earned by the Suffragettes in 1918, the reunification of Germany occurred in 1990, the Euro became the sole currency in most part of Europe in 2002, the international Criminal Court was established and many other major movements for equality occur during Horse years. Horse sign Nelson Mandela was released in 1990, which was also the year of the Horse. Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is that to instigate these changes, often times, some chaos is required and Horse years are known for this too. Leaders and important people are assassinated in Horse years.

Feminism, gay rights and sexual liberation are also given freedom of expression. It was in 1954 that the first issue of Sports Illustrated was published, Robert Maplethorpe’s homoerotic artwork was given the go ahead in 1978 despite public outcry and Horse sign Harvey Milk was assassinated in Horse year 1978 which, although a negative event, ultimately heralded in a period of greater acceptance for the LGBT community. Horse years favor politics that are left of the centre, inclusive environments and free speech for all, however disturbing one’s views may be.

With the copious amounts of daring and energy of reckless abandon, this is a great time to make dreams a reality. Taking on the Horse’s casual and detached nature encourages a carefree attitude that is conducive to creating powerfully romantic connections. Neither projects desperation and both are happy to let go and see where the chemistry leads. That is a wise strategy this year as the winds can change direction very quickly so it’s better to go by your instinct than any conventional wisdom. Grab on to something though, for the storm inside this stallion is stirring and he is ready and rearing to go; riding with this impulsive, responsive and confident creature, this much can be guaranteed, it is going to be one hell of an adventure. 2014 is the year of the Horse.