MONKEY BUSINESS To attract luck for the incoming Year of the Fire Monkey on Monday, a mall in Binondo, Manila, hangs monkey cutouts from a prosperity tree. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Monkey are fast learners who are witty and intelligent, but also crafty opportunists. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

TOMORROW, at 10:39 p.m., the Lunar—not Chinese as many refer to it—New Year of the Fire Monkey begins.

However, many people are toasting the Lunar New Year’s Eve at midnight tonight, 22 hours and 21 minutes ahead, not realizing they are celebrating the last day of the Wooden Sheep instead of the start of the Fire Monkey.

I have pronounced the year 2016 as a Year of Miracles. Therefore, it is not a coincidence that the Year of the Fire Monkey is just as optimistic.

In IAMISM (a course in happiness and life management), we celebrate three New Years: first, Jan. 1, which is the most celebrated in the world on the basis of Pope Gregory’s promulgation of a new calendar in 1582; second, the Lunar New Year, based on the Lunar calendar which is followed in the eastern world made up of 12 animals that change yearly from rat to pig and take on the qualities of the five different elements—fire, earth, metal, water and wood—on a rotational system; third, and least known today, is the Solar New Year, the most ancient of all, probably dating back to thousands of years BC whose basis was the first day of Spring, March 21, which also happens to be the first day of the zodiac sign Aries followed by 11 signs as shown in the chart at the end of this article.

What can one expect in the Year of the Fire Monkey? If it were a person, he/she would be described as someone who is a natural leader and a most efficient innovator—self-assured, determined to succeed, totally open in the expression of their feelings and, incidentally, very interested in the opposite sex.

Most dominant, forceful

The Fire Monkey is known to be the most dominant and forceful among all its elements. It desires to be in full control of everything, can be stubborn and when in a foul mood, can be totally argumentative.

This monkey is particularly good in ventures that are speculative and is an expert in its evaluation of risks to be taken. On the negative side, he can be overly suspicious of how others may be putting one over him/her.

Take note that America was “born” on July 4, 1776, making it a Fire Monkey and a Sheep because July 4 is a Cancer sign equivalent to a sheep. Read both the monkey and the sheep signs and you will know what is in store for America this year.

For the Philippines based on June 12, 1898, our country is both a dog and a horse.

The keywords for this Fire Monkey Year are achievable, workable and feasible. Yes, including what many may consider impossible. Everywhere, new inventions and improvisations will arise.

This year has been described as being highly “competitive” and has also been compared to a big bluff game similar to poker. This will be played in all sectors including politics, big business and even diplomacy—and everyone will be given a chance to join.

14 magnets

As far as 2016 is concerned, being a Year of Miracles, I would like to share these 14 magnets or thoughts that will magnetize all the miracles you desire:

Fix all family feuds, misunderstandings, and accept all family members as your original Karma—all your soul choices for lessons to be learned.

Practice nonresistance by resolving all negative situations instead of resisting them, thus, empowering the negatives.

Letting go the ego as exemplified by always wanting to be right and in control.

Stop futuring by eliminating from consciousness all your “what ifs” and “if onlys.”

Accepting all negative experiences as bad karma paid and eradicating all desires for revenge.

Remember the lessons, forget the hurts.

Enjoy the journey called life with all its ups and downs while remembering that the downs are merely promises for higher ups.

Your health must always come first.

All doubts and anxieties are settled by the mantra, “God knows, God shows and whatever happens, I always get the best.”

Tithe.

Stop living somebody else’s story. One of those stories could have come from what you once heard like you are so stupid and you will never amount to anything.

Polish and refine all talents and abilities you have been given.

Intend to be of service and your life follows suit making a difference in the world.

Don’t always play safe. Take a risk especially this year.

Extremely progressive

Yes, 2016 promises to be extremely progressive. Everyone will be moving full steam ahead, speculating and even exploiting risky but ingenious projects.

Business will, indeed, prosper in expected and unexpected ways as a result of new and unconventional ways of doing things.

All in all, being a Year of Miracles, one does not accept “no” for an answer whether it be in business or relationships. Note that it is also a leap year. Go for it, ladies, and brace yourselves, gentlemen.

Finally, here is how the different signs in oriental astrology will fare:

Rat—The rat experiences a rather fruitful year. There will be no serious trouble in the business or home front. However, ending friendships and partnerships should be avoided during this period. The rat must not rush into immediate action, but must remain still and focused and he will surely arrive at his goal. Affirm: I am still, focused and patient. Success awaits me.

Ox—A fortuitous and prosperous year for the ox. He will be sought after by prominent and important people who will honor him. He can also look forward to promotions, new ventures and partnerships for as long as he can let go all anxiety. Affirm: I am peaceful, quiet and serene. I am so blessed.

Tiger—Tolerance is the keyword for the tiger this year. As usual, the tiger must keep his cool and express his objections more calmly to avoid confrontations. Frequent traveling is indicated and a lot of wonderful surprises await him. Affirm: I am benevolent, trusting and cheerful.

Rabbit—The amenable rabbit must this year pause to reassess the trustworthiness of certain of his allies. Some of them may not prove to be too reliable. Minor setbacks may occur. However, love, kindness and patience resolve all these. The rabbit does quite well in the Fire Monkey year. Affirm: I am caring, loving and kind.

Dragon—The dragon can expect progress in his career and financial undertakings but must see to it that he does not take details for granted. In his relationships, he must become more giving and understanding to maintain harmony. By doing these, his good is multiplied exceedingly. Affirm: My giving makes me rich.

Snake—A snake will always find assistance when needed this year. He could get involved in disputes which can be resolved quickly for as long as no fuel is added to the fire. It is suggested that he put his attention on discovering the good wherever he goes and sharing this with others. This will surely open doors to miracles in his life. Affirm: I am seeing only the good wherever I go.

Horse—Unexpected benefits and sudden gains are in store for the horse. This is the year he will find what he has been searching for, for as long as he keeps his word and no broken promises are left behind. Affirm: I am true to my word and grateful for all my blessings.

Sheep—A very rewarding and busy year for the sheep. Recognition and promotions are expected. He must, however, remain faithful to his vision and scale that uncharted path for his greater good. Affirm: I am appreciative of all my blessings and open to even greater ones.

Monkey —It is an excellent time for the monkeys. Just like the sheep, achievements and recognition are strongly indicated. However, unexpected headaches can come from subordinates and/or people who are supporting his bold ventures. He must keep in mind that laughter is a healing balm and he can laugh all the way to the bank. Affirm: I am a winner.

Rooster—Thoroughness must be practiced by the rooster in all its decisions and must pay attention to the so-called fine print. He must busy himself with being of service to others which promises rich rewards in all forms. Affirm: I am precious and beloved by all because I am of service to them.

Dog—The dog is rewarded for its loyalty with good news and celebrations at home. Like the tiger, frequent traveling is indicated. New friends and new spending are foreseen. With perseverance, everything unfolds for him in due time. Affirm: I welcome the new knowing therein a million blessings await me.

Pig—The mind of the pig will be preoccupied with domestic and personal concerns this year. Although he would need more support in the business front, solutions are quickly found. The pig must rejoice in every opportunity to begin anew because success and prosperity await him. Affirm: I always know what to do and I do it wisely and lovingly.

Additional insights

For additional insights, one can combine the Western equivalent of the Eastern sign as indicated in the chart below:

Take President Aquino, who was born in the Year of the Rat and whose birthday is tomorrow (Happiest birthday, Mr. President), making him an Aquarian—the equivalent of which is a Tiger in the Eastern zodiac—he could read both the Rat and the Tiger to get a more extensive version of what’s in store for him in the Year of the Fire Monkey.

For readers of this writer’s regular column who are familiar with mantras, you may use the above-mentioned affirmations as your additional mantras for the year.

A year of miracles

Remember that 2016 is a year of miracles. Here’s affirming a million miracles for you. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Western/Eastern:

Cancer/Sheep: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015,

Leo/Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Virgo/Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005,

Libra/Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006,

Scorpio/Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007,

Sagittarius/Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008,

Capricorn/Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009,

Aquarius/Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010,

Pisces/Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011,

Aries/Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012,

Taurus/Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013,

Gemini/Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014,

(George Sison is a consciousness guru and author of the books “A Miracle Awaits You,” “I Am A Winner: Feng Shui of the Mind,” “Soul Spa: Meditations 24/7” and his latest, “You Are God As You.”)