2004 - The Year of the Wood Monkey and your Sign

So what does the year of the Monkey hold in store for your astrological sign? Bearing in mind that in a real Chinese astrology analysis there is always a comparison to your unique horoscope in relation to the year, for instance, astrologers will compare your hour, day, month and year to the year in question, please accept the following guidelines as being for general energies only. The coming year of the wood monkey commences on the lunar date of January 22nd 2004.


Rat
This is a year where rat born people can make great leaps ahead in the areas of career and recognition. If you have been working towards projects over the last few years, this can be the year where the value of the project or your methods of thinking become fully recognised by others and sought after. Indeed, you can become recognised as a leader in your field in this year, however, it would be wise to pass on the accolades and take others with you if they have contributed to your road of success. There is lots of benefit and gain for you in this coming monkey year so do not be afraid to pass the good energy on. If the foundation of your success is based on a beneficial outcome for others there will only be more success in the future. Money shows it can be good, career will be good. Be careful of frittering away your money, your energy or getting carried away with the moment. Remain focused and the star of success will continue to be your guiding light. Being with monkeys and dragon born people this year will increase your luck and fortune.

Ox
This can be a year where you feel as though the bright spotlight is definitely not shining on you and at one level you could be right. Others may seem to snatch away the pearl but in the end the pearl has to return to you if it belongs to you so don't feel you have to compete in order to get something you deserve. If anyone has stolen something from you, the tables will turn very quickly in the future (and the following year of the rooster). This can be a year where your quiet determination and hard work is essential and next year the fruits will reveal themselves. Since you don't mind hard work and you like the image of being a quiet achiever, applying yourself at this level will help you to escape ?the hype?. Be discriminating in demonstrating your usual helpful self around unscrupulous people as you may find yourself with an undesirable handful if you have not judged the situation accurately. By the same token, you may end up being someone's guardian angel since you do have a compassionate outlook and nature. Just be sure this person is worthy and not using your good nature for their wicked ends.

Tiger
The year of the monkey represents your clashing year therefore it is a year where you should be mindful of all your outcomes. At times things may not go as smoothly as you would plan but if you can go with the flow, something better may come along in the long run. Either this can be a year of travel or there are many stops and starts to the projects you're working on. In either instance, meditation can be good because you need to safeguard your health and avoid being constantly irritated by silly matters. Be careful of any dealings and signing contracts with those born in the year of the snake and monkey if there is any stress in the relationship with these two signs and you try to move into a more permanent relationship with them (ie marriage or business relationship) the tension could increase after the monkey year and become a penalty (something you have to deal with for time to come). Therefore, you need to deal with things outstanding with both these signs so that the future can be honest, clear and open to insight and growth. If issues are not illuminated or you have any doubt, it might be better to wait until you see how the relationship will go before you pursue it permanently. Be careful of finances on the stock market this year.

Rabbit
This is a year where the balance of being recognised is going to others and there is nothing you can do about it, but be wary of giving away your secrets to those who might take advantage of you. Others might try to take things from you and if they succeed, it could be some time before you get it back. Fear not however, if this type of thing does occur, you will end up the winner in the long run. Keep yourself free from worry and useless thinking this year and look for a good hobby to pursue if you find yourself frustrated or feeling out of sorts. Watch out for gossipping or others who gossip, if they talk about others they'll talk about you and you don't want to know!

Dragon
This will be a year where your expertise might be called upon at a time of great need and there is an opportunity to implement something you have been developing or thinking about for some time. Be sure to act with full awareness of the future in this dealing because many others will be depending on you. Long term projects look good, money and relationships look good. Just make sure you have a plan for your spiritual balance and harmony as well. A harmonious year ahead for dragons in the monkey year and if associated with rats or monkeys it will bring a lot of good fortune.

Snake
Whilst at one level the monkey year can be a harmonious productive year for snake born people, at another level the snake would be wise to watch the monkey year especially if in some sort of deep connection with a tiger or monkey born person as this trio can produce a penalty in Chinese astrology - especially in the monkey, snake or tiger years (meaning they might be reckless and overlook important details or commitments with each other). Still, this can be a very productive and prosperous year, with windfalls coming your way, if you are cautious and sensible. Guard against losing money and forgetting important details. Create a balance for recreational reasons. Be careful of business dealings and double check all important things personally so you can ensure a successful outcome.

Horse
This year you might find yourself a little bit restlessness if you don't find something useful to do. In fact, you could change your job, house or boyfriend, or simply spend the whole year travelling because you feel so restless, therefore, it might just be more useful to slow down and look into the deeper reasons behind why you are feeling so restless. Chances are you could be creating whatever is peeving you off. Alternatively, if you have the support of others and a project you're willing to be committed to you can move ahead with it in the coming year. You just need to be aware of how others would take your leadership because you don't want to be dominating in the project. Think about how you could empower others to take the lead instead and be the leader of making sure they become the leader of what they are good at (instead of you trying to be good at things your not good at!). Beware of troubled romances this year because you are a little more vulnerable than usual so it would be good for you to be discriminating and keep the greater picture in mind at all times. Travel to somewhere special or necessary travel is indicated for you this year.

Goat
Someone might want to take credit for the things you do or take a project off you completely this year. If this is the case then be prepared to take it back off them when the temperature (of the project) begins to rise or wane. They could be in for more than they bargained for if they have discounted the details and you may have to come to the rescue - not for them - but for the project. You may come to the aid of a friend that needs you this year and if you provide them with a favour you won't be forgotten. Others may notice and admire your qualities this year.

Monkey
Its your year ahead but you need to keep your focus otherwise the year can make a monkey out of you. Don't get caught up in praise and forget the long term vision you've been holding for something that's close to your heart. Sometimes you can be a little afraid of how you become an "instrument" in certain situations and projects. Don't be afraid this time, you have very good energies supporting your progress and the progress of others, move forward and others will move forward with you. You will need to weave a little of that monkey magic to pull it off and you can do this easily and sincerely. You can increase your luck significantly if you have the rat and the dragon on your side and with what you have to add it will just be the beginning of a prosperous and happy relationship. Main thing is you have to settle down, get focused and concentrate. Go for it.

Rooster
This year you need to keep a look out for details you might have forgotten or being careless. Its very much a year where you are working towards a crescendo (in the following year of the rooster) but this year needs important attention on many items - so of which you might miss if you are too confident or not paying attention. Be sure to get help if you think you need it - after all, it won't hurt to credit others where credit is due and you do want to make an impression in the future. You can get a lot of support this year in unexpected way and even come into contact with someone, and important mentor or partner you may wish to work with in the future. Be sure to give this person the real facts. You may be surprised at what they have to contribute to the project.

Dog
This can be a year where you feel a little out of sorts and restless. You may need to review a tack you have been taking as well as looking into the company you have been keeping on a project. There might also be the need to ask yourself some very serious questions to ensure that you are taking the right path or have the right information. If this is the case then it's also OK to slow the process down so that you can evaluate what's needed. If things become out of control around you just do your best to find out and follow the truth as you know it. But don't be naive to looking for the real truth; truth often has a way of coming to the surface at an important time. And, if you haven't done your homework properly you could end up with egg on your face. Travel is indicated this year.

Pig
This is not a good year to be a forgetful pig and whilst the pig is normally a carefree happy go lucky type this year you can feel a little out of sorts so no-one would mind if you re-evaluate the situation. What they will mind is if you don't re-evaluate and then things go wrong because you've missed certain elementary details. Monkey years can tend to be a little strange for some pig people. Therefore, be a careful happy pig and write yourself a checklist.

© Copyright Gayle Atherton 2003. All rights reserved. This article was first written exclusively for Astrolog Magazine and cannot be re-produced without the written permission of the author.

Gayle Atherton is Feng Shui Master and Chinese Astrologer who commenced her studies in Hong Kong more than ten years ago. She can be contacted on +612 9362 8089 or via inquiries@fengshui.com.au . Gayle specialises in Personalised Chinese Astrology Charts.