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.

 

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.

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Snake – Cancer

Chinese Name:  SHÉ

Rank:  6th

Hours Ruled:  9am – 11am

Direction:  South – Southeast

Season:  Spring

Month:  May

Western Zodiac Equivalent of Snake:  Taurus

Taurus’ Western Element:  Earth

Eastern Zodiac Equivalent of Cancer:  Sheep

Cancer’s Western Element:  Water

Snake’s Eastern Fixed Element:  Negative Fire*

“You can’t stamp out individuality – there’s too many of us.”

–   Cindy Lauper

 

When the potency of the Snake’s earth joins the Crab’s silent waters, presence meets creativity giving these creatures the nerve to promote themself and their ideas even when they are ahead of their time and out of the norm.  There is much overlap with these two signs; both are cold-blooded creatures that are sophisticated, quietly confident and desire to take charge.  The Snake comes from a more cerebral place and the Cancerian, the more sensual, so with two different types of data flowing, the processed information tends to be broad, full and smart.  Despite both of these signs being quite ambitious in their own right, the Cancerian’s huge heart manages to overrule the more ruthless aspects that often lay dormant, which makes them prioritise romance, love and sensual conquest.  It is for this reason, work only takes precedence when they have found and are happy in a romantic partnership.  In fact, if they can find a Monkey or a Rooster partner, their work life tends to excel prolifically because they will know how to promote their talents perfectly.

 

There are many singer song writers of this combination: Cindy Lauper, Jason Mraz, June Carter Cash, Bebe Buell, even Liv Tyler sings; this combination is a soulful creature that feels alive when it is expressing the contents of its heart.  Cindy Lauper has said, “When I sing I don’t feel like it’s me. I feel I am fabulous, like I’m 10 feet tall. I am the greatest. I am the strongest. I am Samson. I’m whoever I want to be.”  When they feel this empowered, they want to leverage it to lift others to higher state of consciousness.  As Jason Mraz has said, “Music is a weapon in the war against unhappiness.”

 

The women of this combination are soft, sensual and charming.  Their sense of humour comes as a surprise, especially as they look so cultured and sophisticated; nobody expects them to be as spicy as they are.  Of course, there are those Snake-Cancerian women who choose to be as spicy on the outside as they are on the inside.  Singer Cindy Lauper has said, “Humour is a great vehicle for getting a message across. If you get too serious, you could die of starch.”

Model and Singer Bebe Buell dubbed a “legendary beauty” by the industry, she was also the first fashion model to pose for Playboy and was fired by Ford Modelling agency for it.  Not that it stopped her, she signed with Wilhelmina and continued to work.  In fact, Mick Jagger (see Sheep Leo for Mick Jagger) said that she was who he would have accompany him “when I dine with royalty.”  These women are intelligent, classy and have a raw youthful sex appeal something akin to innocence, without being innocent.  Talking about her daughter, Bebe Buell said, “It’s so beautiful to watch her ’cause she loves every second of performing and just glows. She’s so brilliant.”  She takes after her mother in more ways than many may know as she shares her mother’s astrological combination.  Talking about her mother, Liv Tyler said, “…She had all these beautiful clothes and makeup, and in the bathroom all her jewelry was pinned to the wall… When she went out, she would always say, “Don’t get into my stuff!” and the first thing I would do was go mad dressing up.”

 

When these women really fall for someone, they cannot help but put them completely first; when Liv Tyler found out the truth about her parentage, Buell removed herself from the public forum and functioned behind the scenes.  Similarly, when June Carter Cash partnered with Johnny Cash (see Monkey-Pisces for Johnny Cash), she too removed herself.  Talking about this she said, “I’ve been really happy just traveling and being Mrs. Johnny Cash all these years. But I’m also really happy and surprised that someone wanted me to make another album, and I’m real proud of what I’ve done.”  As she should be, the Snake-Cancerian’s talent is such that it cannot be oppressed for long; even Bebe Buell continues to perform.

 

The men of this combination are interesting to know as they present like they are of the aristocracy, upstanding, well-read, authoritative… but more discerning types soon realize that this is just another Snake projecting another image to be seen to have “value” that they don’t actually believe in themselves. In actuality, they are rougher, gruffer and ready to serve their own needs first.  Naturally, introverted, they struggle with how they are going to make an impact whilst maintaining their subtle air of cool.  Milo Ventimiglia has said, “I’m tough on the outside and soft on the inside […] I’m really a shy guy… I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do anything … but I bowled like a crazy mother…”  As previously mentioned, this combination prioritizes love above all else, so it comes as no surprise that Jason Mraz said, “I want to be surrounded by women, I want to be snuggled and cuddled and pampered.”

 

All Snake combinations are born teachers, more specifically, mentors.  They get a kick out of altering people perceptions, getting them to believe in themselves and serving as inspirations.  Yes, they like to be looked up to too, it is the best way to serve the Snake’s ego, but that aside, you cannot argue with their results; they inspire people to get out there, get involved and create change.  Talking about her activism, Cindy Lauper said, “”I’m a bra-burner from way back!”

 

With a powerful connection to all things spiritual, concepts such as the law of attraction or cosmic ordering just make sense to them and they are able to use them easily in a concrete way.  Speaking about letting go of one’s physical attachments, Jason Mraz said, “Surrender to life itself and you’ll just be rewarded with so many things.”  Despite all of the ego serving behavior, image projection and materialism that Snake signs indulge in, there is also an intrinsic understanding of the futility of these things; it is only when this realization penetrates the paradigm through which they view their daily lives that they let go and experience true freedom.  This reconnects them to the cosmic flow of life, that stream of well-being that brings them a constant barrage of blessings whilst highlighting the beauty of all the smaller things that they missed before.  Cindy Lauper has said, “You always have to remember – no matter what you’re told – that God loves all the flowers, even the wild ones that grow on the side of the highway.”

 

FAMOUS SNAKE-CANCER’S:

Prince George Alexander Louis

Milo Ventimiglia

Liv Tyler

Bebe Buell,

June Carter Cash

Cyndi Lauper

Jason Mraz

Jeremy Kyle

Jaine Murray

Ashley Scott

Alex Winter

Mindy Sterling

Robert Forster

Robert Pine

George Clinton

David Kelly

Rajendra Kumar

Phyllis Diller

Susan Hayward

Lena Horne

 

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