The season of autumn begins with Monkey month, on the day that is known as ‘Li Qiu’, in the Chinese solar calendar. This year, Monkey month starts on 7th August. In Chinese metaphysics, autumn is the season when metal energy is strong and the feeling of melancholy is in the air. Summer is over and winter is approaching.

The new moon on the 20th August marks the start of the seventh lunar month. What is special about the seventh new moon in the Chinese lunar calendar is that it is the start of ‘Month of Hungry Ghosts’. The spirits of the deceased are said to wander on earth during ghost month. Traditionally, people avoid getting married, starting a new business and moving house during ‘Ghost Month’ because it is considered an inauspicious time. However, such inauspiciousness is down to superstition, rather than the astrological energies of the time of year, so don’t worry if you are starting something new and important during the lunar month starting on the 20th August. Your personal auspicious times are determined by your full natal Four Pillars chart.

The sharp metal energy of monkey month brings clarity, and this is particularly noticeable in a muddy earth ox year. If there has been confusion over a decision, Monkey month will be a time for getting clear about the pros and cons and the how’s and why’s. Articulating your ideas will be easier because this is a Water Monkey month and communications flow more smoothly when there is water energy about.

Clever and amusing are the key qualities when it comes to the Monkey sign, so will Monkey month be the time you make all the smart moves and make everyone smile? Check your animal sign and see what is coming up as cheeky Monkey month swings into action:

Check your animal sign and see what Monkey month has in store for you:
Rat 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984
Ox 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985
Tiger 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986
Rabbit 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987
Dragon 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988
Snake 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989
Horse 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990
Goat 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991
Monkey 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992
Rooster 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993
Dog 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994
Pig 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995