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Those born under this sign
are intelligent, but they can
also be crafty and cunning
For many the so-called new year has brought little more than soggy spirits mirroring the high winds and rains that caught us by surprise. There's nothing auspicious about a leaky roof or torn fence.
There is another chance to start the year on the right footing for those who follow or switch their allegiance to the Lunar New Year, which begins today.
Those born under the sign of the Monkey are said to be intelligent and eager to learn, with a knack for problem-solving, but it is also the sign of craftiness, cunning and some dishonesty. And Monkeys have so much confidence they often fail to heed advice.
"Your Chinese Horoscope 2004"
By Neil Somerville
Element, paperback,
366 pages, $14
The personality of the Monkey will define the year. Neil Somerville, author of "Your Chinese Horoscope 2004," writes in his introduction to the year, "Whether leaping from branch to branch, playing chase or sitting immersed in his own thoughts ... you never know what he is going to do next.
"Anything can happen in a Monkey year."
It will be a year that will reward the quick-witted and clever, with hazards for those who aren't careful.
Somerville, who lives in Berkshire, England, answered some of our questions about Chinese astrology -- which he's studied for about 25 years -- via e-mail:
Question: People seem glad that the Goat year is over. Why was it so painful, and what are the general prospects for the Monkey year?
Answer: The Year of the Goat was always going to be a year subject to lots of different influences, and, as I wrote in "Your Chinese Horoscope for 2003," "... sudden events will lead to some anxious moments, but major attempts will be made to settle disputes and bring peace to troubled areas," and it could be said that the decision to invade Iraq was very much an attempt to bring peace to what was a very troubled area.
However, 2004 is a much more dynamic year, and while it will not be free from its flash points, protests or upheavals, it will though see much enterprise and many major initiatives. The announcement about a mission to Mars is very indicative of some of the bold schemes likely to be announced and, with this being the American presidential year, further momentous initiatives, too, could follow.
There will also be a spirit of enterprise to the year with new ideas and products catching the imagination. Events such as the Olympics in Athens will be particularly colorful and memorable, while for the individual the Monkey year is a year to make the most of individual talents and ideas.
Q: Did you believe in Western astrology while growing up?
A: As with most people, I was mildly interested.
Q: In Hawaii, half of us have roots in Asia, so you can understand that we were brought up with an awareness of the Chinese zodiac -- how did you come by that awareness in the U.K.?
A: Chinese horoscopes were popular in France in the 1970s, and interest in them quickly crossed the channel, with articles in the press and books being translated. Also, as more Asians moved to Europe, they helped Europeans become more aware of Chinese horoscopes.
Q: What drew you to study Chinese astrology in depth?
A: Having been so fascinated and impressed by the I Ching, I was drawn out of curiosity to Chinese horoscopes, and once I read and found out more about the signs -- and discovered how true they were -- I decided to learn more.
Q: What did you make of your own sign as a Snake? Were you repulsed? Curious?
A: This was another reason why I became so fascinated and drawn to Chinese horoscopes. I share a great many characteristics of the typical Snake personality, and I found discovering strengths and weaknesses about my own sign very instructive. And I do very much like the helpful and instructive nature of Chinese horoscopes.
Q: I'm sure most of us have an overly simplified view of the Chinese system as being defined by 12 animals. It's only been within the past few years that many have started to recognize that each animal sign is also defined by the five elements of water, earth, fire, wood and metal. What is the general impact of the various elements on the signs?
A: The elements tend to have a strengthening or moderating influence on the sign, so, for instance, water tends to make the sign more reflective, thoughtful and effective as a communicator.
Q: Is there a particularly powerful combination that creates world leaders or that parents should be aware of as to recognizing perhaps why Junior is so rowdy or headstrong?
A: One of the most powerful of all combinations is the Fire Horse and applies to those born in 1966. As far as leaders are concerned, Oxen are certainly redoubtable figures, with Margaret Thatcher an example of a strong-willed Ox. Dogs, too, are very determined and resolute, and this again has been shown by Sir Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, all born under the Dog sign.
But all signs have their individual strengths and qualities, and, as far as bringing up children are concerned, it is a case of recognizing these qualities and traits and showing empathy and encouragement.
Q: Do you ever get carried away in writing your forecasts, say, embellishing the qualities of your sign as a Water Snake? Or recalling antics of Pigs you've known?
A: I really try to stay impartial when it comes to writing forecasts, and so if a certain time is difficult for the Water Snake, I say so. But at least I am forewarned, and this is another reason why I like Chinese horoscopes. It can serve as a warning and indicator of trends, and if, say, a certain year is not good financially, then you know it would be wise to be careful when dealing with money matters.
When writing about the personality of the signs, I do sometimes think of those I regard typical of their sign. For instance, I always regard Ronald Reagan as a typical Pig, genial, good-humored, able to put himself across well but also astute.
Q: What can nonbelievers learn from all of this?
A: With the publicity about the Year of the Monkey, this is a marvelous time to look again at your Chinese sign and see whether you do share any of the key traits of that sign. And if so, it is possible you may be able to make more of your strengths as well as look at some of your weaknesses.
And as you set about your activities this year, the Monkey year is a year for making the most of personal strengths and, whether you believe or not, in 2004 do your best, use talents well and remember the Chinese proverb, "Sow much, reap much; sow little, reap little." This is a year to sow.
Copies of Neil Somerville's "Your Chinese Horoscope 2004" are sold at Dragon Gate Bookstore in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St. A-120. The shop also offers lucky talismans for the Lunar New Year.
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What’s in your future?
Here is an overview as to what 2004 will bring for the various signs of the Chinese zodiac, excerpted from Neil Somerville's "Your Chinese Horoscope 2004."Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
With his skills and ability to get on well with most people, the Rat will find himself well placed to progress and make more of his talents. This is a time to seize the initiative and be bold.Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
A pleasing year. Events may sometimes move more swiftly, but by taking advantage of the opportunities that become available and following up on his ideas, the Ox can do himself a lot of good.Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
A good year, but there will be many temptations to spend, and some control of the purse strings would be wise. With travel well aspected, it would be worth setting money aside for holidays and breaks.Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
A reasonable year ahead, although the Rabbit will need to pay close attention to all that is going on as well as be prepared to consult others and listen closely to their views. This is not a time to be too independent in his actions.Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1988, 2000
The Dragon enjoys company and will certainly be in demand. He will gain a great deal by consulting others and in certain instances should consider a more accommodating approach rather than hold so rigidly to his views.Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1989, 2001
To do well in the Monkey year, the Snake must conquer his independent tendencies, seek support for his ideas, be forthcoming and liaise with others. Although he may like to determine his own course, by being prepared to adapt to changing situations, he can do his prospects much good.Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1990, 2002
The aspects are good for making new friends and for romance. The Horse is also likely to devote much time and energy to his home, perhaps even move house.Goat: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1991, 2003
This will be a year of change with many Goats taking on new responsibilities or having to adjust their role in some way. Although some of the Goat's new tasks and duties will seem challenging, they will enable him to widen his experience and often discover new strengths.Monkey: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
An excellent year ahead, but to benefit the Monkey will need to take action. He should make the most of his ideas and will find his resourceful and innovative approach an often winning combination.Rooster: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1981, 1993, 2005
The Rooster likes to follow set patterns and procedures, but the Monkey year could have different ideas. Sudden changes could upset Rooster's plans, but by being willing to adapt, important gains can be made. Rooster does need to be mindful of others. Too many candid remarks or insisting on having his own way could endanger an otherwise positive year.Dog: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1982, 1994, 2006
A busy year, sometimes made all the busier by a change of residence. Resources do need to be managed well, particularly as many Dogs will move or make expensive purchases for their accommodation.Pig: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1983, 1995, 2007
There will certainly be chances for the Pig to make headway in 2004, but to do well he needs to work closely with colleagues and show himself a good team member. Also, he should not allow his often high standards to slip. This is a year for care, hard work and vigilance, but in return the Pig will be rewarded.
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