People who are born in the Year of the Monkey tend to be extremely clever and flexible, and they are also known for being mischief-makers, much like the animals that they are associated with. The monkey is a yang zodiac sign, with strong masculine influences, and the fixed element of the monkey is metal. Metal makes monkeys strong, determined, self reliant, sophisticated, and tenacious, and it also gives them naturally reserved, caring, and respectful personalities. Monkeys tend to succeed at anything they put their hands or minds to.
The Chinese zodiac is an extremely complicated cycle, rather than a simple and straightforward list of creatures. In addition to the 12 zodiac animals, the Chinese zodiac also incorporates the five elements in both yin and yang aspects. As a result, it is important to know what year someone is born in when evaluating his or her personality in terms of the Chinese zodiac. Place and time of birth are also important.
Monkeys are entertainers, constantly on the go, and often leaving a wake of chaos behind them. They are also extremely charming and persuasive, and people often find themselves cleaning up monkey messes quite cheerfully, as monkeys are skilled at tricking people into thinking that their very presence is an honor. Monkeys are also very bold and confident, apparently undisturbed by the fact that they tend to introduce an unexpected and chaotic element into the lives of others.
The monkey person is also naturally extremely clever. Monkeys have very quick minds, and they are skilled at solving problems, evaluating situations, and filing information away for later. They are also very trustworthy people, but they also have a strong sense of honor. Crossing a monkey is not a good idea, and monkeys should try to remember to act slowly when they sense that they are wrong, rather than behaving rashly. However, this trait also means that monkeys will hold people accountable for their actions, making them valuable if sometimes trying friends.
Because the monkey personality is so versatile, monkeys can succeed in almost any career. They are extremely intelligent, allowing them to pick up a range of skills, and their charming personalities serve them well in the workplace. However, their love of mischief and chaos can be disrupting for those around them, especially in a small workplace.
Rats, dragons, and roosters all tend to like monkeys and get along very well with them. Horses, snakes, sheep, and other monkeys are also relatively good partners and friends with monkeys, while rabbits, tigers, oxes, pigs, and dogs do not pair well with monkey people.