Monkey See, Monkey Do
Gosh, sounds a little familiar to the Sheep energy of last year. Sheep also like to follow, but the Sheep is more about conforming and doing what is best for the greater good, while the Monkey is all about doing his own thing in his own way. The playfulness of the Monkey almost makes it a silly game of who can out-do the other. This is the innate competitive nature of the Monkey, trying to out wit, out scheme, and out play his contender.
Animals are great teachers. They guide us by revealing their true inherent natures. We can learn from their behavior during natural occurring events and consequences of daily life. What differentiates us from them is our ability to ask. While an animal is driven by instinct, humans are motivated by the desire to know who, what, where, when and why? You remember the 5 Ws from 2nd grade. While we can learn how animals react instinctually to procreate, feed, survive, and protect we have the added benefit of being guided by our own inner guidance to ask, seek and then choose. It’s a beautiful thing indeed!
The Monkey is a Yang, or male, energy. His shenanigans make him careless. It is in this carelessness that we doubt and lose trust. Trust in a system, a person and even in ourselves. The Monkey doesn’t necessarily care about the things you think are important. You may even find yourself losing interest in matters or people you once felt were important. This is a much more harsh energy than last year. The Monkey is competitive and wants to move ahead, almost at any cost. He is extremely intelligent, intellectual, quick, and clever. Watch out! You just never know what he is capable of.
Now imagine this Monkey being chased by a blazing Fire. Yang (or big) Fire is the ruling element this year! This Fire energy adds unpredictability, flare-ups, destruction, and uncertainty to the Monkey who will be quick to overreact.
We are already seeing this energy play out on the national stage. How is this energy showing up in your own life? A balanced chart and home will assist you in experiencing the more playful Monkey characteristics. The Yin, or feminine, expression of the Monkey energy is happy-go-lucky; social; wants to entertain and make others laugh; likes to travel and see the world, take on a new project or take a class.
This year many of us may do better by just being the observer. We can buy a ticket to the zoo, but it doesn’t mean we need to jump in the cage with the monkeys. Be amused by their quirkiness and playfulness and even sometimes their disgusting behavior, but move along and be sure to visit the other empowering animal guides throughout the zoo.
The Sheep to Monkey Transition
I want to spend just a few minutes on the Sheep/Monkey relationship. It is quite unique and I feel we can learn from this perspective. On the Chinese Zodiac wheel and the Feng Shui Compass, the Sheep and Monkey sit next to one another. They share space in the Southwest direction or Marriage/Commitment sector of the compass (bagua).
Their relationship is very representative of the Yin/Yang dynamic. This space they occupy is more than the marriage sector, it is also associated with the Sacral Chakra, the number 2 (duality), and the main underlying lesson is Self-love. The feminine Sheep is the calm sensitive one. She’s about being PC, compassionate, communal, nurturing, and doing what’s best for the whole. The Monkey lacks empathy, unable to put himself in others’ shoes, he is detached and rambunctious.
While the Sheep fully positions herself in this Yin Earth energy of the SW, the Monkey positions himself straddling the SW and the West. He already has one foot in and one foot out — ready to move whenever he feels so inclined. Moving his energy more into the West alongside the Rooster makes him more guarded and defensive. He can’t decide if he wants to settle down with a Sheep or play the field like the Rooster.
My guess is what we had last year may be turned on its head if the Monkey chooses. Sometimes a shake-up like this can be just what we need. How we handle the shake-up…well, that’s up to each of us. Remember, we have a choice!
The Four Pillars of the Yang Fie Monkey Year
February 4, 2016, 18:14
In the 4 Pillar chart above you can see how each moment of time is influenced by one of the 5 Chinese elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth) and an animal from the Chinese zodiac. This year, as a whole, our emotions are ruled by Yin Fire Rooster. The Rooster wants to be heard. Many of us may be inspired to voice our feelings and inner desires. The Rooster insists on honesty but he must be careful with his words so as not to come across as harsh and demanding. The added Fire is symbolic of tempers, passion and Spirituality.
Our health and physical energy may be taxed this year as the Yang Fire Dragon likes to burn the candle at both ends. This Dragon will add another level of competitive spirit to the mix as he is quite independent and doesn’t like to be told what to do. Physical practices such as tai chi, yoga, and qi going serve the Dragon well as it bridges the physical body with the spiritual body to bring balance.
The Yang Metal Tiger is ruling our mindset. The Tiger is either in or out — no middle ground here. This tells me we live in a time when we are still struggling with the duality and extremism that this beautiful planet presents. We are still hashing through our beliefs about things, not liking the feeling of having to choose one side over the other. This year will give us even more to think about and we would be well served to hold off any judgment and concrete decision until a more supportive year comes around.
Then Yang Fire Monkey in the year pillar is that unpredictable, who-knows-what, that will guide our life path and connections with others.
While it seems there is a lot of contention in this chart, the good news is that at some level, we ARE being supported through this. It’s a benevolent energy which feels a bit like tough love parenting. The Rooster and Dragon are Secret Friends and the Dragon and Monkey are Allies. Feeling as though there is a bigger plan to all this and even through the chaos and uncertainty we will come out the other side just fine.
The biggest challenge will be between the Monkey and Tiger as they don’t see eye to eye on anything. Timing is everything for the Tiger. Rest when you need to rest and act when you need to act.
What do the Elements Tell Us?
We must also look at the elements and their percentages (in the element wheel above). The year is ruled by Fire (at the top). This energy is very high not leaving much room for anything else to survive in that kind of heat. Ideally each element should have 20% to create a balanced co-existence. This year’s Fire is twice what it needs to be.
These elements are energetic symbols of how we understand ourselves, our place in this world, and our relationship with others. Think of how these elements exist in their natural state. Use that visual symbolism to teach you about this year’s energy.
Earth is a bit low, leaving us wondering if we are really accomplishing anything. Earth, like stones and crystals, and walks through the desert or mountains, is what grounds us. The Monkey is not very grounding, so whatever you can do to reconnect with Mother Earth energy will assist in balancing the year out.
Metal is also quite strong this year. Metal symbolizes money. So there is money to be made. Metal also symbolizes structure and determination. High Metal with high Fire takes us into volatile territory. Keep a fair distance from sensitive issues so you can approach with wisdom.
Water is very, very low. Water will be our main go-to source this year! If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, stuck, or just plain not yourself…go for Water! Drink Water…lots of it! Play in the Water or spend time soaking in it. Use it in your meditation, as accent pieces in your space with the many shades of blue, from aqua marine to deep dark blue. Add a small water feature to your desktop, a small fishbowl to the side table, a blue vase filled with water in the Southeast, Southwest, and Center of your home or office. WATER, WATER, WATER!!! Water assists in communication, healing, travel, and flexibility. It will temper the big Fire energy to cool things down.
Wood is also weak, which will show up as feeling a lack in support. Because Wood is the source of Fire, it is used up quickly, exhausting all resources, leaving us wondering…What now? Wood is about family, connections, creativity, and life. Continue to build your strong network of friends and colleagues, as community support will prove quite valuable.
Even though this Fire is high, the good news is that through this destruction comes great transformation. Fire is alchemy. We will for sure feel the changes it brings, and if we trust the bigger picture then great things can come of it!
Remember ~ Water, water, water!
Change is Good
I’d like to confess that this article was probably one of the most challenging ones I have ever written. So many distractions. Not really being able to wrap my head and heart around what this new year is bringing us. At moments it is all very clear, then I lose my thought and can’t find a new track to begin again. Not sure if I am not sharing enough or too much. I feel it just may be indicative of the Yang Fire Monkey energy playing out already. Here one minute, gone the next. This crazy Monkey will keep us on our toes for sure!
The way I made it through the process of writing this was by allowing the distractions to just happen and the process to unfold the way it needed to, without any pressure, resistance, or judgment. Perhaps we can use these same strategies throughout the year to meet the Yang Fire Monkey energy on its terms with the resources and support we have to bring us back to balance.
If we have looked at your 4 Pillar (Chinese Astrology) chart before, it may be a god idea to review it with this year’s influences in mind. If you are new to all this, then what an exciting time to get started! There is luck to be had and lessons to be learned. It’s all in how you play the game. You can reach me at firehorsesixty6@gmail.com for more information to schedule a reading and gain some perspective to deal with our playful and unpredictable Yang Monkey!
Wishing you a year filled with all your heart’s desires — Happy New Year!
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Here is a great video to learn more about the 5 Elements from a Feng Shui Perspective: