MONKEY FACTS: Ninth in order, Chinese name -- " HOU, " sign of imagination
CHARACTERISTICS
Imaginative, responsible, humorous, witty, curious, clever, sneaky

Monkeys can run circles around other people with ease. They are curious and clever people who catch on quickly to most anything. Monkey people generally can accomplish any given task. They appreciate difficult or challenging work as it stimulates them and makes them think.

THE SIGN OF THE MONKEY

Monkeys are fun-loving people who really enjoy a good time with friends, family or anyone else for that matter. They love practical jokes and like to play tricks on colleagues and friends alike. Monkeys tend to stir up trouble simply out of boredom, which can end up being more hurtful than they intended. Often, when this causes trouble, they expect others to understand it was all a joke and to deal with the consequences on their own.

Monkeys are curious creatures as well. Some people call them nosy. Others call them interested. The Chinese say they are just downright curious. Although gifted with a strong intellect, creativity and intuition are nor their fortes. They can't put themselves in your shoes even if they try and will become easily distracted or confused.

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MONKEY HEALTH
Monkeys believe being sick is a waste of time. They don't want to spend their days in bed. They want to experiencing the flavors of life. Usually, Monkeys are very healthy creatures, partly due to their active lifestyles. If they do experience illness, it is usually of the nervous or circulatory system.

MONKEY AT HOME
Most Monkeys enjoy the activity offered by the city life rather than the quiet and tranquility offered in a more rural lifestyle. They crave being in the middle of things, enjoying life from a spectator's view. They also enjoy people-watching and can amuse themselves for hours at a time by just watching the people walk by. They need a view, and their homes are usually filled with windows and picturesque drawings.

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THE MONKEY AT WORK
A Monkey's good memory and his ability to adapt are two of his most prized possessions. He is intelligent and stoic, able to pick new trades up quickly and easily. Monkeys are also able to do all the work in half the time it takes someone else, but will charge you double what someone else would charge. As such, Monkeys generally take occupations in the world of finance, such as banking, stock exchange or accounting.

MONEY AND THE MONKEY
Monkeys are just as good as spending money as they are at making it. They can't really save it because it burns a hole in their pockets. Occasionally though, Monkeys should put a little away today for an emergency tomorrow.

MONKEY CAREERS
Those born in the Year of the Monkey share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Monkey are listed below:

MONKEYS MAKE EXCELLENT:
Scientists, Engineers, Bankers, Accountants, Sales representatives, Market traders, Jewelers, Air traffic controllers, Couriers, Film directors, Critics, Buyers, Dealers

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LIEKS AND DISLIKES
Since Monkeys are born under the same Animal Sign they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Monkey personality.

Likes	Dislikes
* a challenge * to listen to other's problems and worries * to care for people * casting horoscopes * alternative belief systems * to travel * practical jokes * decorating their house * reading tarot cards * visiting friends * ethnic art * games of chance * nightclubs	* routine * pubs and alcohol * established religions * being manipulated * depending on others * doing without money * purely physical work * the achievements of others * conventional people * compromising their independence

Monkey Preferences:
Color Preference: Yellow and Gold
Gems and Stones: Quartz Crystal, Aquamarine, Topaz, Agate
Suitable Gifts: Books, pens, mobile phone, a makeover, joke book, crossword puzzles
Hobbies and Pastimes: Playing an instrument, working a puzzle, karaoke, mind teasers

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FRIENDS
Monkeys are sociable and lovable and make good friends. As they desire attention, they generally have a grand following of friends and acquaintances. No other animal finds communication and talking with others quite as easy as the Monkey does. As friends they will make you laugh when you want to cry. People want their Monkey friends around them because of their wit, sensitivity and effervescence.

Best Friends: Dragons and Rats

MONKEY PARENTS AND BABIES
Monkey parents can be more like big brothers and sisters than actual parents. They retain their child-like qualities and therefore find it easier to relate to their children than other people might. Monkey parents don't experience the generation gap other families might, partly because they remember what it is like to be a child. However, becoming a parent can cramp a Monkey's style. They are not ones to stay inside, helping with homework on a Friday night. They would prefer to be out and about, and sometimes take their children with them if it's appropriate.

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THE MONKEY LOVER
Monkeys, of all the other signs, are the most promiscuous. They are flirtatious and like to seek the attention of others to get what they want. They are easily bored and must be stimulated intellectually as well as physically in order to stay around for extended periods of time. The Monkey can be clever, mischievous and manipulative when pursuing a love interest.

MARRIAGE
Monkeys are intense, sensual lovers. They can tease or charm anyone in a matter of seconds. They enjoy entertaining their lovers with their senses of humor and their ability to captivate a crowd. When the Monkey decides on a mate, it is likely to be forever.

THE MONKEY LOVE PARTNER
A Monkey's best love interest is lighthearted and open-minded. He can't be overly sensitive or the Monkey will lose interest.