Master the Monkey mind

Celebrations are kicking off around the world to mark the new Chinese year — the Year of the Monkey. The new year, which is also known as the Spring Festival, officially begins from today and will last until January 27, 2017.

The year of the Red Fire Monkey is an opportunity for self growth especially in the financial zone.

2016 is also the perfect time for utilising positive energies as it is going to be a high energy period where agility and quickness of the mind and action remain of high value. New businesses will do well this year too.

Overall, a good year for relationships and an auspicious period for babies to be born in.

The Red Fire Monkey brings stimulation in social life and is overall a year of optimism and action. Those who do not channel their heightened energies towards gainful directions will cause unrest. Hence mastering the monkey mind keeps harmony and growth intact for all.

The Monkey 2016 being a Red Monkey year is a tricky phase for the Monkey. Career-wise, great discipline is required to overcome challenges brought by 2016. It is important for Monkeys to follow intuition this year while trusting people.

A major part of the year is smooth yet you will need to be cautious and lie low financially.

Health-wise, the energy of the year makes you vulnerable hence attention must be paid to the quality of nutrition and hygiene.

In relationships, Monkeys have to wait a while to meet someone special. Practicing Feng Shui can absorb ill effects of this year for the Monkey. All the best!

The Rat In 2016, people born in the Year of the Rat can expect remarkable professional and monetary success. All laborious efforts will be rewarded. Career paths will be smooth too as the Rats will overcome challenges easily with their creative and positive strategic approach. Many great opportunities may knock at your door so you are advised to be attentive. Financially, you are advised to manage your money carefully. Health-wise, as it will be a hectic period, care must be taken to rest enough or exhaustion will cause issue. In love and relationship, you will experience harmony. Those planning a wedding can choose the beginning or the end of the year. Keep your temper in check. Those single may merit love this year.

The Ox This year will make the calm Ox to stand up for what they believe in. It is a good year for education and learning new skills. It is also advisable to build good rapport with colleagues and team mates for a smooth operation. With a clarity of mind the Ox will be able to plan for long term success as this year will be all about focusing and laying foundations for the future. Career prospects remain bright overall. Money-wise, the Ox are advised against reckless investment and are reminded that slow and steady wins the race. Health-wise, nutrition needs to be prioritised. Relationship-wise, the Ox are advised to nurture themselves and their loved ones. If needs of loved ones are ignored conflicts may erupt.

The Tiger In 2016, the Red Fire Monkey is not greatly compatible with the Tiger. Hence people born under this sign may face challenges, however, if you remain flexible then you can encash the blessings 2016 has to offer. Career-wise, it is best to avoid conflicts and use diplomacy and tact while handling people. Money-wise, it is best to be moderate and avoid high risk investments. Health-wise, 2016 will be a time to arrest poor health habits and to raise body immunity by self-care. Relationships in 2016 will be a tricky space and it is advisable to remain balanced emotionally.

The Rabbit This year brings a mixed bag of experience for the Rabbits. Career-wise, an attitude of focus and discipline is called for. It is imperative that you watch what you speak or you can land up in several conflicts. Cooperation and team work is critical for them to maintain. Rabbit’s inner strength will be tested too throughout this year. However, the second-half of 2016 will be brighter in comparison. Financially, cost cutting approaches and saving are a must. Health-wise, watch out for over indulgence in food and drink. In relationship zone, 2016 will be a learning space with many spiritual lessons. It is best not to ignore the red flags in critical relationships. Singles may meet their ideal partners.

The Dragon Dragons will experience a good fortune in 2016. Any challenges may turn into opportunities for growth this year. Career-wise, the ambitious Dragons may get some life-changing experiences. An open-minded approach while problem solving may be rewarded greatly. Persistence is important while meeting career responsibilities. It is best to keep away from people who bring negative energies. Health-wise, as it will be a year filled with activity the Dragons will be required to focus on fitness, rest and nutrition. In relationship, the Dragons need to give time to nurture a bond they cherish. Arrogance will keep the love away so stay grounded. An active social life brings good luck.

The Snake 2016 brings reasonable fortune for the Snakes. Career-wise, there is a smooth phase after initial hiccups. It is advised to watch out for those playing politics at work. The middle of the year brings an easy phase for success. Money-wise, 2016 has a steady inflow and financial gains from investments. Health-wise, it is advised to raise fitness through meditation. In love and relationship space, the Snakes remain popular and enjoy harmony and love. Singles may meet new love interests though 2016 is not the best time to settle down for marriage. The second half can bring imbalance in relationships, however, it can be dealt with calmness and communication.

The Horse 2016 brings very good fortune for the Horse in career and money spaces. Career-wise, great opportunities are in sight and it is best to prioritise and focus on important goals. It is a good time to invest in academics. Money-wise, you may see several lucrative benefits as it will flow easily. Keeping a low profile is advised so as to not attract negativity from jealous energies. Health-wise, 2016 warns against indulging in vices since it will derail one’s health. In love and relationship, it is a good year for developing deep and lasting bonds.

The Sheep This year brings in many positive developments for the Sheep. Career-wise, great fortune influences this zone and you may experience professional success. Networking will play a major role too. Money-wise, it is a great year and you can plan big investments. However, it is advised that you utilise your financial gains to help the under-privileged to preserve your own fortune and to not let success go to your head. Health-wise, it is a favourable year for fitness and healing. It is important to nip stomach issues in the bud by following a healthy diet. Relationships are healthy and promising with minor challenges.

The Rooster This year is a mixed bag of good and bad. Career-wise, you may experience big achievements provided you quickly seize the opportunity coming your way. Money-wise, everything will be smooth. The start of the year is crucial in setting the financial flow. However, as the energy of the year is fickle, it is advisable that you spend cautiously and avoid borrowing and lending money. Health-wise, things will be rosy. In love and relationship, it is advised to follow inner-voice while deciding on a suitor and not be impulsive. Indulging in personal growth goes a long way in healing your relationship with self and others.

The Dog This year may have varying effects on the Dog. Career-wise great inner strength and determination is needed to meet professional goals. Challenges are to be met with a calm spirit. The second-half of the year is professionally promising. Being aggressive is going to slow down any development, so a word of warning there. This is a year for laying a foundation for growth. Money-wise, it is a moderate year with a regular financial flow. Health-wise, exhaustion and fatigue can create challenges so taking rest is imperative for physical well being. In relationship, it is advised that you give your heart away with caution and take some time before entering a commitment.

The writer is a rune expert, a clinical hypnotherapist, Tarot consultant and HYL workshop leader