No Time to Monkey Around

Words Sondang Grace Sirait

With roots that date back to as early as the 2nd century BCE, Chinese astrology has thrived until contemporary times. At its core is the harmony between the five elements of life'€”metal, wood, water, fire and earth'€”and the principles of yin and yang. In determining someone'€™s fortune, Chinese astrologers still employ the same old system of computing fate and destiny based on birthdays, birth season and birth hours. To find out more about what the Year of the Monkey holds, JPlus talks to local Chinese astrology experts Hong Xiangyi and Fajar Alfarizi.

What'€™s in store for the Year of the Fire Monkey?

HX: Expect lots of shocking news throughout this new year, though it may come and go. You could say it almost began with the terror attacks we just saw in January. There'€™s bound to be major shocks in the economy and also a possibility of a natural disaster.

FA: It'€™s an active, energetic and dynamic year. This year we'€™ll be witnessing real characters and real talents coming from people with strong personalities. But because the element of fire signifies aggression, dynamism, drama, entertainment and adventure; we will also see a lot of scandals, be they in love, politics or business. Monkeys are the type of animals that are always moving and are hard to get a grip on. It would be prudent for anyone engaging in a business or work contract to get everything done on paper.

Who will gain the most?

FA: I see four zodiacs in the spotlight this year. Dragons and Monkeys make the perfect combination. They bring out luck, intellectuality and flexibility. Dragons out there should make the most of this year, because really, it'€™s their time to shine. You'€™ll advance in business, career and love.

For those under the Horse sign, this year will be definitely much better than the past few years. They'€™ll feel more peaceful as things fall into place'€“in their favor. Keep an open mind and always be ready to make compromises.

It'€™s also a very positive year for the Rat. Rats and Monkeys just complement each other. The most successful Rats this year are those who can come up with new innovations. Follow your heart and stick to your original beliefs. It'€™ll be a year of learning and improvement for the Goat. Expect good health and changes for the better, although when it comes to financial investment, it'€™s best to stay conservative.

Who will gain the least?

FA: For those under the Monkey sign, this will be a year of fierce competition and emotional conflict. Monkeys are very confident people, but they'€™re also capable of extreme jealousy and self-centeredness. It'€™s not easy for them to trust other people. In general, it'€™s going to be a turbulent year for the Monkeys.

That said, it'€™s also not going to be an easy year for the Tiger, Snake, Rabbit and Ox. Tigers should stay low for the whole year. If possible, delay any major decision in life until next year. The Snake should beware of backstabbing and stay away from making any big investment. Rabbits out there will have to work harder, because luck won'€™t be on their side. As for the Ox, try to maintain a cool head. There'€™s also a chance they'€™ll run into some serious health problems.

How can we make the most of the Year of the Monkey?

HX: Maintain a cool head. Don'€™t be emotional when responding to any situation, however shocking it may be. Look at it as a year of valuable learning, for which we need to prepare ourselves mentally. But do stay away from short-term investments this year.

FA: First, develop a healthly balance of work and play, perhaps more work and less play. Next, keep a cool head and stay away from any confrontation. Monkeys are hotheaded creatures and easy to irritate. Be careful in picking business or work partners. Beware of liars and backstabbers. This being a year of scandals, it'€™s advisable for couples to improve the quality of their communications at home. At the same time, it'€™s a good year to come up with new innovations. If you'€™re thinking of pursuing higher education or any other skills, now is the time to do it. Also, always be ready to stand up for your beliefs. Some other things I like to tell people ahead of the New Year are you better get in the habit of effective multitasking and in being prudent in your financial investments.