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Chinese Zodiac Monkeys of 5 Elements: Characters, Destinies

Chinese Zodiac Monkeys of 5 Elements: Characters, Destinies

Written by Fercility JiangUpdated Nov. 28, 2023

The Monkey is ranked ninthamong the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. According tofive element theory, each 12-year zodiac cycle has an element, producing: Wood Monkeys, Fire Monkeys, Earth Monkeys, Gold (Metal) Monkeys, and Water Monkeys.

Years of the Monkey and Five Elements

A Wood Monkey, for example, comes once in a 60-year cycle. It's believed that people have different characteristics according to their birth year's zodiac sign and element.

In popular Chinese astrology, zodiac years are believed to begin and end with Chinese New Year, or the lunar new year.

Monkey Year Lunar Zodiac Year Element and Sign
1932 Feb. 6, 1932 – Jan. 25, 1933 Water Monkey
1944 Jan. 24, 1944 – Feb. 12, 1945 Wood Monkey
1956 Feb. 12, 1956 – Jan. 30, 1957 Fire Monkey
1968 Jan. 30, 1968 – Feb. 16, 1969 Earth Monkey
1980 Feb. 16, 1980 – Feb.4, 1981 Gold Monkey
1992 Feb. 4, 1992 – Jan. 22, 1993 Water Monkey
2004 Jan. 22, 2004 – Feb. 8, 2005 Wood Monkey
2016 Feb. 8, 2016 – Jan. 27, 2017 Fire Monkey
2028 Jan. 26, 2028 – Feb. 12, 2029 Earth Monkey

Gold Monkeys (1920, 1980)

The Character of Gold Monkeys: Smart, Confident

People born in a Monkey year with the Gold element are smart, quick-witted, and confident but are also irritable and stubborn.They have entrepreneurial talents.

They are rather naughty in life, often playing tricks on others to capitalize on their cleverness, and they sometimes become the victims of their own cleverness.

Gold Monkeys are able to deal with issues with high proficiency and are, therefore, prone to success by making full use of good timing, geographical convenience, and good human relations.

The Destiny of Gold Monkeys: Alone

Gold Monkeys often make themselves unpopular among their communities and, as a result, should improve their interpersonal relationships with their bosses and colleagues.

They should particularly avoid being too pushy with their colleagues and subordinates, otherwise they will be powerful yet isolated.

Famous Gold Monkeys

  • Kim Kardashian (born October 21, 1980)
  • Channing Tatum (born April 26, 1980)
  • Ryan Gosling (born November 12, 1980)
  • Christina Aguilera (born December 18, 1980)
  • Ronaldinho (born March 21, 1980)
  • Steven Gerrard (born May 30, 1980)

Water Monkeys (1932, 1992)

The Character of Water Monkeys: Smart, Quick-Witted

Water Monkeys are smart, quick-witted, and fond of being in the limelight.

However, they often humiliate others with their haughty temper, which often results in them being hated by others, causing trouble in their careers.

The Destiny of Water Monkeys: Lucky

As far as fortune is concerned, Water Monkeys are blessed with good fortune, so they often make unexpected gains in life. Water Monkeys are born to be leaders.

They are highly advised to manage their money rationally and not to get involved in gambling, or they will end up being as poor as a church mouse.

Famous Water Monkeys

  • Anthony Perkins (born April 4, 1932)
  • Ted Kennedy (born February 22, 1932)
  • Debbie Reynolds (born April 1, 1932)
  • Quentin Blake (born December 16, 1932)
  • Patsy Cline (born September 8, 1932)
  • Selena Gomez (born July 22, 1992)
  • Erika Costell (born November 12, 1992)

Wood Monkeys (1944, 2004)

The Character of Wood Monkeys: Lively, Compassionate

People for whom the Wood element and Monkey zodiac sign align for their birth year are lively and compassionate, and are always ready to help their friends. They have a strong sense of timing and responsibility, always trying their best to perfect their work.

However, they often need support and encouragement from friends due to sometimes having a lack of confidence.

The Destiny of Wood Monkeys: Rich

Wood Monkeys are always as busy as bees, making a lot of money in life, just like the saying: "no pain, no gain".

They are highly advised to purchase some immovable properties after making their money instead of wasting it, and then expand their careers little by little.

Famous Wood Monkeys

  • Danny DeVito (born November 17, 1944)
  • George Lucas (born May 14, 1944)
  • Patti LaBelle (born May 24, 1944)
  • Gary Glitter (born May 8, 1944)
  • Michael Douglas (born September 25, 1944)

Fire Monkeys (1956, 2016)

The Characters of Fire Monkeys: Ambitious, Adventurous

People having the Fire element and Monkey sign for their birth year are ambitious and adventurous but irritable.

They have good relationships in society and are very popular among their friends and partners.

The Destiny of Fire Monkeys: Ups and Downs

They have a head for business and think much of the ties of friendship.They go through ups and downs in life due to reaching for what is beyond their grasp.

Fire Monkeys are not content with their current lifestyles and tend to leave their hometowns to make their fortune. They have harmonious family lives and are prone to succeed with the help of their wives.

Famous Fire Monkeys

  • Tom Hanks (born July 9, 1956)
  • Larry Bird (born December 7, 1956)
  • Theresa May (born October 1, 1956)
  • Joe Montana (born June 11, 1956)
  • Mae C. Jemison (born October 17, 1956)

Earth Monkeys (1908, 1968)

The Character of Earth Monkeys: Optimistic, Fearless

People of the Earth element and a Monkey year are frank, optimistic, and fearless, often building up their own enterprises from nothing and seldom getting help from their siblings.

The Destiny of Earth Monkeys: Lucky

Earth Monkeys are rather lucky when it comes to finances, and the chances are that they will receive an unexpected fortune in life.However, they will soon lose it due to their poor management of financial issues,so they are recommended to learn a special job skill in life, ensuring they live a comfortable life.

Famous Earth Monkeys

  • Hugh Jackman (born October 12, 1968)
  • Kylie Minogue (born May 28, 1968)
  • Celine Dion (born March 30, 1968)
  • Lucy Liu (born December 2, 1968)
  • Barry Sanders (born July 16, 1968)
  • Naomi Watts (born September 28, 1968)

Five Elements Analysis for Zodiac

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