Chinese Zodiac: What this New Year means for your animal sign 

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, and each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Those born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016 are considered Monkeys. Since this year is about the fire monkey, it will be overall be an interesting and creative year for the sign, despite some bumps and the need to carefully consider decisions.

2016 is shaping up to be a good year for monkeys (highly creative energy, skillful with hands), snakes (will see financial success), dragons (benefit those around them) and rats because of the strong energies. The rabbit is also well-favored because they have excellent business skills.

“It will be good to hang out with those born in those years, listen to their advice and partner with them in business,” Yamaguchi said.

For other signs:

• the ox will have a neutral year of nothing too crazy, as it is an animal that is slow and steady;
• the tiger’s biggest challenge is to avoid being argumentative because they won’t win;
• the horse will not see any dramatic highs or sinking lows, but will see opportunities for change to embrace;
• the sheep is positioned well for business, but may be inclined to complain and could block any good energy;
• the rooster is strong financially from Feb – July, but should slow down in the autumn;
• the dog was very well protected in 2015, but there is no unseen protector this year so must find protection and speak up for themselves;
• the pig may see a bumpy year because of some false worries, but should ignore them because stomach and back issues could arise. 

“The most important thing of this year is to bring out the best of the monkey because the monkey is full of energy, likes to talk a lot and be the center of attention,” Yamaguchi said. “Bring in the monkey with laughter, love, smiles, good music and fun cheer.”

(Feng Shui tips and Chinese New Year traditions as told to Christina M. Oriel / AJPress by Melissa Yamaguchi. You may contact Melissa at [email protected])