The mischief-making Monkey will outsmart (and exhaust) us all, as this Chinese zodiac sign is unparalleled in cleverness and quick wit.
All about the Year of the Monkey!
Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
The personality of the Monkey in Chinese astrology
You know that person who always seems incapable of sitting still—or like he’s about to cause mischief? Chances are, he’s a Monkey. Clever, naughty and oh-so talkative, Monkeys can annoy as much as they entertain. They’re whip-smart, even if they play dumb, and will chatter away like their signature animal, sometimes in a screechy tone.
Long, dangly limbs and loud voices are traits of this sign, and they love to entertain with goofy physical comedy. Their statuesque bods make them model material, but Monkeys are uncomfortable as glamour icons. They’ll quickly disrupt this reputation by crossing their eyes, making dorky gestures or cracking silly jokes. These showoffs just want to amuse themselves (and you). Monkeys are always thinking, and can be a bit neurotic or compulsive. Their minds move as quickly as their hands and mouths. Quick on the uptake, they stir up much drama with their outbursts and reactions. Life with a Monkey may not be peaceful, but it promises few dull moments, and plenty of entertainment.
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The Monkey is ruled by the Sun
The Monkey is ruled by the Sun, which governs selfhood, strength and will. In Western astrology, the Sun is associated with Leo, one of the most playful and flamboyant zodiac signs.
The “Animal Planets” (Chinese astrology planetary rulers)
Rat: Jupiter
Ox: Saturn
Tiger: Uranus
Rabbit: Neptune
Dragon: Mars
Snake: Venus
Horse: Mercury
Sheep: Moon
Monkey: Sun
Rooster: Mercury
Dog: Venus
Pig: Pluto
Other traits of the Monkey Chinese astrology sign
Western Sign: Leo
Famous Monkeys (these celebrities were born in a Year of the Monkey): Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Karlie Kloss, Miley Cyrus, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Marc Anthony, Christina Aguilera, George Lucas, Owen Wilson, Ashanti, Gisele Bundchen, Rod Stewart, Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Katie Couric, Rebel Wilson, Macaulay Culkin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Nick Jonas, Cara Delevingne, Will Smith, Daniel Craig, Celine Dion, Molly Ringwald, Rachael Ray, Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Bourdain, Kim Cattrall, Millie Bobby Brown, Selena Gomez, Cardi B
The 5 Elements of Chinese Astrology
The Chinese zodiac is divided into five key elements of nature, or Wu Xing: wood, water, metal, fire and earth. Each lunar year is governed by a different element.
Years Ending in are ruled by:
0-1: Metal
2-3: Water
4-5: Wood
6-7: Fire
8-9: Earth
Monkey years and their elements
1932: Water Monkey
1944: Wood Monkey
1956: Fire Monkey
1968: Earth Monkey
1980: Metal Monkey
1992: Water Monkey
2004: Wood Monkey
2016: Fire Monkey
2028: Earth Monkey
Not a Monkey? Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element using the calculator below:
The Chinese zodiac sign that governs your birth year can tell you a lot about your personality, interests, romantic compatibility and career path. Learn more about your Chinese zodiac in the Chinese astrology section of Astrostyle.
Feature art by Rosie Dienhart
