Chinese New Year 2016 is here, and with it, the opportunity to pursue exciting new beginnings! 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, specifically the Fire Monkey. One of the five elements are paired each year with the Chinese zodiac animal.  The five elements include Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

The Fire Monkey can be controlling and competitive but is charming and always the life of the party.  This year promises change and upheaval, especially in the political realm. It is important to keep an eye out for great opportunities, as the risk taker will be rewarded.

No matter your sign, a thorough understanding of Chinese astrology will help you accomplish great things. Detailed below are the 12 major signs of the Chinese zodiac and their corresponding personality traits. Also included are the birth years for each Chinese New Year animal and the other types of zodiac animals with which they are compatible.

And don’t forget to celebrate the New Year as they do in China – with plenty of quality family time complete with playing games and setting off fireworks. You may even entertain the idea of making fish the star of your New Year meal, as it symbolizes prosperity and fortune.

Rat

Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Compatibility: Dragons and Monkeys

Personality traits associated with the rat include creativity and hyperactivity. Imaginative and intuitive, rats often manipulate others for personal gain. This is not always necessarily a negative trait, however -- there are good and bad forms of manipulation. In 2016, rats are advised to use their skills of persuasion to achieve not only professional success, but also harmony among friends and family members.

Ox

Years: 1925, 1937, 1961, 1949, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Compatibility: Roosters and Snakes

In the best of circumstances, oxen are gentle and peaceful. They tend to be slow to anger, but when they do grow angry, their abundant physical strength can make them quite dangerous. Rarely risk takers, oxen nearly always use logic to solve problems. This ability to set emotion aside and rely on logical solutions will serve oxen well as the Lunar new year approaches. Often solitary, oxen are advised to place more trust in loved ones and learn to determine when pure logic is needed -- and when a softer, more emotional approach is preferable.

Tiger

Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Compatibility: Horses and Dogs

Tigers are physically and mentally tough, but they also tend to be moody and short-tempered. They have a strong sense of independence, which often contributes to their entrepreneurial success. In 2016, it is important for tigers to practice calming techniques such as yoga or meditation; this will help them get a handle on the frequent emotional surges they experience -- and ensure that those emotions do not compromise their professional endeavors.

Rabbit

Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Compatibility: Goats and Pigs

Notoriously kindhearted and affable, rabbits desperately want for their friends, family members, and co-workers to get along. Romantic partners find rabbits very attractive, which perhaps explains why they possess Chinese zodiac compatibility with so many other personality types. However, discontent can creep into romantic relationships with rabbits, just as it can for any other type of relationship. Often, it is up to the rabbit to step up and use his or her cooperative abilities to keep the peace. This Chinese zodiac personality trait makes rabbits excellent mediators in all walks of life. Whether in romance, family affairs or professional pursuits, rabbits will find themselves facilitating compromise on numerous occasions in 2016.

Dragon

Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Compatibility: Rats and Monkeys

Those born in the Year of the Dragon show talent in numerous areas -- especially the performing arts. They wear their emotions on their sleeves and can be prone to angry outbursts. This emotional nature can occasionally make dragons difficult to be around, but it also is responsible for many of their greatest creative successes. This year, instead of turning anxiety or anger on others, it is important for dragons to channel those emotions into their creative work.

Snake

Years: 1928, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Compatibility: Roosters and Oxen

Physically attractive and mentally astute, snakes are great at gathering information, although they sometimes struggle to retain the knowledge they seek. In today's information age, snakes' unique skills make them incredibly valuable. Despite their love of community, snakes can sometimes be overly suspicious. However, they rarely share this feeling of distrust with others. In 2016, the snake's journey will involve letting go of suspicions that may hold them back and embracing their romantic, family and professional relationships.

Horse

Years: 1929, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Compatibility: Tigers and Dogs

Charming and popular, horses can be quite moody when alone. Individuals born in the Year of the Horse adore social contact and are always eager to make new friends. Although very stubborn about their own ideas, horses are also willing to hear the perspectives of their friends and family members. However, while they will listen to other ideas, these discussions rarely convince them to change their preconceived notions. Horses are always inclined to take on social opportunities, but they will especially want to do so in 2016, when tension will be minimal.

Goat

Years: 1930, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Compatibility: Pigs and Rabbits

Goats are strong, but also obstinate and rarely willing to budge. They are secretly artistic, but their creative talent often goes unexplored. This is bound to change in 2016, when numerous creative opportunities will present themselves. It is up to goats to use their powers of observation to recognize when these opportunities are available, and then to have the willingness to pursue projects outside of their comfort zone.

Monkey

Years: 1931, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Compatibility: Dragons and Rats

Prone to goofing off, monkeys love to be the center of attention. Their talents are versatile, but they often struggle to remain on task, and thus may be unable to reach their full potential. The 2016 Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Monkey, and thus, is the perfect time for monkeys to pursue exciting new ventures. Monkeys are always eager to embrace new opportunities, but their failure to follow through sometimes leaves others in the lurch. In 2016, this problem can be solved through setting clear goals and taking the time to write them down. A social element may make it easier for monkeys to stay on track, as they are most likely to find inspiration in their friends and family members.

Rooster

Years: 1932, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Compatibility: Oxen and Snakes

Punctual and attentive, roosters know how to get things done in an efficient and effective manner. However, they tend to take on far more than they can handle. Thus, the best tool a rooster can possibly invest in for 2016 is a good planner. Instead of packing that planner full of obligations, roosters will need to prioritize and determine which activities are most important.

Dog

Years: 1933, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Compatibility: Horses and Tigers

Just like man's best friend, those born in the Year of the Dog are loyal to a fault. They can occasionally be quick to show temper, but they are also quick to forgive. This forgiving nature, when combined with the dog's natural loyalty, can make them easy targets. Although dogs are never advised to exchange their trusting nature for cynicism, they can benefit from working with those prone to suspicion. This balance is most beneficial in working and romantic relationships with tigers.

Pig

Years: 1934, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Compatibility: Goats and Rabbits

Pigs tend to be loners, but the few friends they do make remain loyal for life. Their attention to detail is appreciated not only by their loved ones, but also in the professional sphere, where they excel. In 2016, this natural fastidiousness will be accompanied by a renewed sense of optimism. Expand on this newfound optimism by keeping a gratitude journal or creating a collection of inspiring quotes.

Opportunities abound for all Chinese zodiac animals in 2016. A thorough understanding of each animal's personality traits and compatibility can help you plan ahead and make the most of the exciting possibilities brought about by the Year of the Monkey. If you’re interested in Chinese culture or traditional Chinese medicine, learn more about becoming a student in one of PCOM’s acupuncture, massage therapy or holistic nursing programs.

Source

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-17/monkey-baby-drive-may-...