Overview
For the Monkeys, the Rat year of 2008 is an ok year - not that great but not horrible.  With three bad stars on the horizon this year, you have to be more alert than usual. So your best strategy in the year of Rat is probably to keep a low profile and don’t make any major changes and decision such buying a house, changing career or starting your own business. 

You will need to count on yourself more than anyone else in the year of Rat. This means you need to work extra hard.  You must learn how to be a team player, and pay more attention to details.  Also, your stubbornness seems to get the better of you this year.  You should try to be more flexible and practice and learn to listen and communicate with others.  And although you will face all types of challenges this year, you will always have someone to the rescue and help you out eventually. Colleagues, friends and superiors will be very supportive towards you and will be firmly behind you in all endeavors. 

Meanwhile, remember to watch your back because someone might betray or is plotting against you.  You may inadvertently step on a few toes or bruise a few egos due to conflicts, so do take note and cool your heels before allowing yourself the chance to speak. 

Finance
For those working for commission such as insurance, real estate, you must plan ahead and be prepared for a year with ups and downs.   In general, avoid big investment, and never act on impulsive decision. Be objective and rational when it comes to investment.  And remember, do not believe every tip from your friends and stay away from risky investment, partnership or gambling. In fact, someone is plotting to trick you into some financial losses. Don't let them fool you.

Traveling might bring you unexpected surprise that will increase your financial gains. So don't hesitate, start planning for your next vacation. Also, it might be a good idea to start doing business or take some freelance cases from overseas.

Inauspicious months in finance: January, April, May, September and December. Watch out for theft in July and fraud in December.
Lucky months in finance: March, June and November.

Romance
Although your Peach Blossom luck is not especially strong in the year of Rat, nevertheless, Single Monkeys will be quite popular in 2008. Lots of eligible guys and dolls are in the store for you Monkey ladies and men, and you will get to choose your pick. Male Monkeys will go through several relationship in just one year and Female Monkeys will be surrounded by many suitors. BTW, you probably don't know this, but you actually have one or more friends who are your secret admirers. So keep your eyes and ears wide opened, and you might just find yourself a great significant others.

For the married or attached Monkeys, overall, your relationship will be smooth and stable in the year of Rat.

Inauspicious months in romance: February, April, August, October and December.
Lucky months in romance: June and November.

Career
There will be conflicts and obstacles in your career path.  In fact, you need to keep a low profile and be productive behind the scenes and avoid confrontational approaches in order to succeed this year.  You will need to count on yourself more than anyone else in the year of Rat. This means you need to work extra hard. Also, beware not to dabble into office politics and watch your back whenever you can, because someone is lurking to stab in the back.

Also, don't promise anything unless you are 100% sure. Monkeys who were born in the Spring and Summer will have a better luck in career than those who were born in Fall and Winter.

Inauspicious months in career: January, February, May, August, September and December.
Lucky months in career: March, June and November.

Health
Health-wise, you will not experience any serious illness or health threats.  But you do need to pay attention to minor illness, most likely you will experience flu, stomach flu and fever.  Don’t ignore them; go see a doctor when you are not feeling well. Also, exhaustion might be an issue this year as well, so try to get as much sleep as possible. You always become extremely agitated and cranky if you don't get enough rest.

Frustration over a series of setbacks in your career or finance could increase your stress level, so you must learn to relax to release your stress.  Meditation and Yoga are good approaches to ease your stress.  And if you can, go to your doctor and have a checkup sometimes this year. Try to exercise and go out more and it might be a good idea to do some volunteer works as well.  You will feel much better about yourself after you do some good deed to help others.  Moreover, why not play an overseas trip to visit a foreign country?

Months to be alert in Health: February, July and September. Pay more attention to the elders in the family in January, watch out for skin condition in March. Be extra careful when you are in the water or road in May and be careful with fire in October.

Best Directions: West, Northwest and Southeast
Best colors: Blue, Black and White. (Avoid Green and Red)
To enhance your luck in the year of Rat, wear a white or blue stone pendant.
Lucky numbers: 2 and 3.

Monthly Forecast: (Lunar Calendar)

Learn more about Monkey People (Compatibility and personality traits)

Happy Chinese New Year .....