The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition, shared here for reflection, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
The Monkey in Chinese tradition
The Monkey is ninth, the clever trickster. Many people know it through the Monkey King of the classic novel Journey to the West, who traveled with a monk to bring Buddhist scriptures from India. In Chinese tradition the Monkey stands for intelligence, humor and invention.
Traits traditionally linked with the Monkey
Tradition describes people born in Monkey years as:
- Clever and inventive
- Playful and funny
- Quick problem-solver
- Curious about everything
And, like everyone, with a few growing edges:
- Can get restless
- May skip from idea to idea
- Mischief can tip into impatience
Treat these as a mirror, not a destiny. In the Buddhist view, character grows from what we intend and do each day.
Monkey years
The zodiac year begins at the Lunar New Year, in late January or February. If your birthday falls before that date, your animal is the one from the year before.
- 1932Water Monkeyfrom Feb 6
- 1944Wood Monkeyfrom Jan 25
- 1956Fire Monkeyfrom Feb 12
- 1968Earth Monkeyfrom Jan 30
- 1980Metal Monkeyfrom Feb 16
- 1992Water Monkeyfrom Feb 4
- 2004Wood Monkeyfrom Jan 22
- 2016Fire Monkeyfrom Feb 8
- 2028Earth Monkeyfrom Jan 26
Compatible animals, in tradition
Tradition groups the animals into four "trines" of natural allies. The Monkey's trine is the Rat and the Dragon. Its "secret friend" is the Snake, and the sign said to clash with it is the Tiger, six places away in the cycle. These pairings are folklore; any two people can grow a good friendship with patience and care.
A practice for the Monkey
Even the Monkey King learned to sit still on his long journey. A short sit with the breath gives a lively mind a home base.
Settle the busy mind: a short sit with the breath. Try the 3-minute morning practice.
Want to check your animal from your full birth date? Use the zodiac animal finder.