Monkey Chinese Zodiac
Everything you need to know about the Year of the Monkey.
The Monkey
Sharp • Smart • Curious • Innovative
Birth Years
1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Lucky Charms
Numbers: 4, 9
Flowers: Chrysanthemum, Crape Myrtle
Color: #4169E1
☯️ Yin / Yang Energy
The monkey is primarily a Yang sign. Yang energy is active, outward, and expressive. It represents the sun, heat, and day.
Future Luck Timeline (2026-2037)
Average luck.
Average luck.
Your Ben Ming Nian (Birth Year). Challenges may arise.
Average luck.
Average luck.
Average luck.
Year of the Rat is harmonious for you.
Average luck.
Year of the Tiger clashes with your sign.
Average luck.
Year of the Dragon is harmonious for you.
Year of the Snake is harmonious for you.
2026 Year of the Horse Predictions
"The Fire of 2026 puts pressure on the Monkey's Metal. You might feel stressed or overworked. However, pressure creates diamonds. This is a year of discipline and career advancement through grit. Avoid speculative gambling. In love, clear communication is essential."
Elemental Synergy
The Fire of the 2026 Horse year controls the Metal of the Monkey. In Chinese metaphysics, Fire melts Metal. This sounds destructive, but it is actually a process of refinement. Metal needs Fire to be forged into a useful tool. 2026 will put pressure on you—deadlines, demands, and challenges. You will feel the heat. But if you embrace the discipline, you will emerge sharper, stronger, and more valuable. It is a year of career advancement through grit and hard work.
Challenge Months
The Clash month. Travel chaos and sudden changes. Coping strategy: Adaptability and caution.
The Harm month. Emotional misunderstandings and betrayal. Coping strategy: Discretion and avoiding gossip.
Lucky Rituals for 2026
- ✦Carry a Dragon or Rat pendant to form a protective water affinity triangle against the Fire.
- ✦Place a metal wu lou (gourd) in the Southwest sector to absorb illness energy.
- ✦Wear white or gold clothing to strengthen your Metal element against the Fire.
- ✦Perform acts of charity in February (Tiger Month) to resolve the clash energy.
Monthly Forecast
The year starts with a Clash. The Tiger challenges your Metal. Expect sudden changes, travel, or conflicts. Be adaptable. Avoid risky investments. It's a time to be cautious but open to new directions. Health needs attention.
The energy improves. The Rabbit brings opportunities for wealth (Wood is your wealth element). Financial gains are possible. Social networking is favored. Romance is exciting but perhaps short-lived. Enjoy the moment.
A fantastic month. The Dragon is your ally. Success comes easily. Career advancement is likely. You feel confident and capable. It's a great time for launching new projects or signing contracts. Love is harmonious.
A complex month. The Snake is your secret friend but also a Clash partner. Relationships are intense—love/hate dynamics. collaborative projects can be fruitful but stressful. Travel is highlighted. Be flexible.
The pressure is on. The Fire of the Horse melts your Metal. Work demands are high. You might feel stressed. However, this pressure shapes you into something better. Focus on discipline and hard work. Avoid conflicts.
Relief arrives. The Sheep brings support and harmony. Mentors appear to help you. It's a good time for learning and skill acquisition. Family relationships improve. Financial stability returns.
Your month! You are in your element. Confidence and wit are at their peak. It's a great time to showcase your talents. Social life is buzzing. However, watch out for arrogance. Stay humble to maintain your success.
A strong month. The Rooster supports your Metal energy. Competition is likely, but you thrive on it. collaborative efforts succeed. It's a good time for financial planning. Romance is stable.
A steady month. The Dog brings loyalty and protection. Work is routine. It's a good time to focus on health and wellness. Relationships are supportive. Avoid taking unnecessary risks.
The 'Harm' month. Misunderstandings and emotional conflicts are possible. Someone may be talking behind your back. Stay calm and don't engage in gossip. Focus on your own goals. Protect your reputation.
A fantastic month to end the year. The Rat is your ally. Wealth luck is strong. Career opportunities abound. You feel smart and resourceful. It's a great time for travel and celebration. Love is sweet.
The year ends on a stable note. The Ox supports you. It's a time for planning and consolidation. Prepare for the Tiger year (another Clash) by saving money and strengthening your position. Rest well.
Origins & Legends
The Legend of the Race
The Monkey arrived with the Sheep and Rooster. It helped clear weeds and encouraged the team. Its cleverness in solving problems during the journey earned it the 9th place. It is linked to the Monkey King legend.
Historical Significance
The Monkey is revered due to the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) from "Journey to the West". It represents rebelliousness, cleverness, and the ability to achieve immortality. It is a trickster figure but a powerful protector.
Personality Traits
Monkeys are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. They are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They are sociable and love a good challenge. They can be mischievous but are generally well-intentioned. The Monkey is the trickster of the zodiac, but this label hides a brilliant mind. They are the ultimate problem solvers, seeing shortcuts and solutions where others see walls. Their adaptability is their greatest strength; throw them into any situation, and they will not only survive but thrive. They are intellectually restless, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. In relationships, they need a partner who can keep them mentally stimulated. Boredom is their kryptonite. While they can be mischievous, their heart is often in the right place, using their wit to bring joy and laughter to those they love.
🌊Which Type of Monkey Are You?
Your birth year determines your element, which shades your personality.
Wood Monkey
1944, 2004, 2064Wood Monkeys are helpful and compassionate. They have strong self-esteem but can be stubborn. They are always ready to help friends.
Fire Monkey
1956, 2016, 2076Fire Monkeys are ambitious and adventurous. They are irritable but very capable. They are popular among the opposite sex.
Earth Monkey
1968, 2028, 2088Earth Monkeys are frank and optimistic. They are fearless and pioneering. They are great entrepreneurs who build from nothing.
Metal Monkey
1920, 1980, 2040Metal Monkeys are smart and confident. They are quick-witted and humorous. They can be arrogant but are very successful.
Water Monkey
1932, 1992, 2052Water Monkeys are smart and quick-witted. They are natural leaders. They can be easily distracted but have great potential.
Love & Compatibility
Monkeys are fun-loving and exciting partners, though they can be fickle. They need mental stimulation. If a partner bores them, they will stray. However, they make lively and youthful parents.
Relationship Scenarios
This pairing is deeply reminiscent of the partnership in the classic novel 'Journey to the West' between the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) and the White Dragon Horse. Sun Wukong is powerful, magical, and i...
In the famous Chinese novel 'Journey to the West', the dynamic between the clever Monkey King and his master, the Monk Tang Sanzang, parallels this relationship. The Monk is gentle, compassionate, fea...
Career & Wealth
Monkeys can do well in any career. They excel in accounting, banking, science, and engineering. They are great at solving complex problems and finding shortcuts.
Life Path Guidance
You are a problem solver. Your life will be defined by the puzzles you solve. Avoid boredom at all costs. You are capable of mastering multiple fields, so don't feel limited to one career.
From the Field
"Watching the opera performers in Beijing portray the Monkey King, I saw the essence of this sign: mischievous, impossible to control, but ultimately the one you want on your side when demons attack. Humor is their weapon."
? Frequently Asked Questions
What are the birth years for the Monkey?
The recent years of the Monkey are 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028. If you were born in these years, this is your Chinese Zodiac sign.
Who is the Monkey compatible with?
The Monkey is most compatible with the Rat, Dragon, Snake. These signs share similar values and energy.
What are the personality traits of the Monkey?
People born in the Year of the Monkey are typically sharp, smart, curious, innovative. Monkeys are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. They are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They are sociable and love a good challenge. They can be mischievous but are generally well-intentioned. The Monkey is the trickster of the zodiac, but this label hides a brilliant mind. They are the ultimate problem solvers, seeing shortcuts and solutions where others see walls. Their adaptability is their greatest strength; throw them into any situation, and they will not only survive but thrive. They are intellectually restless, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. In relationships, they need a partner who can keep them mentally stimulated. Boredom is their kryptonite. While they can be mischievous, their heart is often in the right place, using their wit to bring joy and laughter to those they love.
What is the lucky element for the Monkey?
The fixed element for the Monkey is Metal. This influences their basic nature and characteristics.
Are Monkeys compatible with Tigers?
This is a difficult match. The Tiger demands respect, and the Monkey loves to tease. They tend to annoy each other.
Why are Monkeys considered smart?
In Chinese culture, the Monkey is the human-like animal. Its ability to use tools and mimic humans makes it the symbol of intelligence and evolution.