|
|
|
Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter
Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
|
Issue #2016-2a
|
|
|
Year of The Fire Monkey
Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái
Welcome to the Year of the Fire Monkey 2016!!!
On February 8, 2016 we will shift out of the year of the nurturing Yin Wood Sheep into the year of the passionate Yang Fire Monkey. The year of the red, fire Monkey 2016 spans from February 8, 2016 - January 27, 2017. The Monkey is the 9th of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. As the name suggests, the year of the Yang Fire Monkey is all about having fun, taking risks, being proactive and going after what you truly desire. Yang energy is action based energy, so 2016 will really favor making bold decisions, getting ahead an
d staying assertive. The year of the Fire Monkey is most fortunate for those born under the sign of the Dragon, Rat, Snake, and Monkey.
The Years of the Monkey:
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
The Personality of the Monkey:
It is believed that the year a person is born is significant because that person is engendered with the qualities of the animal of that year.
People born under the year of the Monkey are witty, inventive and intelligent. They are natural problem solvers and often over achievers. They are independent and work well alone. Monkeys also have a a graceful and playful side, which can be enjoyable to watch.
If the person becomes out of balance, a monkey personality may become manipulative and opportunistic due to their natural trickster tendencies. The fire Monkey knows exactly how to get what it wants and is not afraid to play games in order to get it, so be mindful of getting sucked into this energy. It is also easy for a fire Monkey to get stuck in a repetitive pattern or cycle. The Monkey can get stuck in leaping in a circle again and again and wondering why he isn't moving forward.
The monkey holds the ninth position in the Chinese zodiac, called the "Shen" branch, which symbolizes limitless curiosity and creative energy. Monkeys represent freedom of the mind - a mind free of inhibitions and guilt. Since they are unbound by these attributes, monkeys have the unique ability to think outside the box, pushing boundaries in ways most would not. This is why monkeys can do the impossible as they do not see the limitations that would discourage others.
Monkeys are highly social, lively, and talkative and often attract a wide circle of friends. Monkeys are inquisitive, and very curious and because of this are prone to boredom and have a hard time doing anything for an extended period of time.
The year of the Fire Monkey can be unpredictable, so try not to be too rigid in your plans, as things are likely to surprise you. In matters of love and relationships, the year of the Fire Monkey favors fun social gatherings, meeting new people and forming new friendships This is definitely the year to look for love within your own friendship circle. By nature, the Fire Monkey is flirtatious and passionate. This year may bring a lot of short, passionate romances as well as the desire to explore your sexuality. Long term relationships can be strained under the Fire Monkey due to issues surrounding trust, ego, jealousy and control. However, when channelled positively, this energy can bring excitement, a stronger sense of intimacy and growth.
2016 is expected to be an innovative and powerful year and those who are willing to go with the flow, make bold choices and keep their eyes on their target are likely to do well with the energy of the Fire Monkey. The Fire Monkey is here to shake up some energy and help us all to see things with a fresh, new perspective.
Source: Chinese Astrology 2016: Year of the Fire Monkey
|
 |
|
Monkey Facts
Lucky Things for Fire Monkeys:
Lucky Numbers: 4 and 9
Lucky Days: the 14th and 28th of any Chinese lunar calendar month
Lucky Colors: White, Blue, Gold
Lucky Flowers: Chrysanthemum, crape-myrtle
Lucky Directions: North, Northwest, West
Lucky Months: Chinese lunar months 8 and 12
Famous People Born in the Year of the Monkey:
Leonardo da Vinci
Pope John Paul II
Harry S. Truman
Eleanor Roosevelt
Mick Jagger
Bette Davis
Charles Dickens
George Lucas
Lyndon B. Johnson
Diana Ross
Joe Cocker
Joan Crawford
Julio Iglesias
Danny De Vito
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Mel Gibson
Nelson Rockefeller
Howard Cosell
Elizabeth Taylor
Omar Sharif
Peter O'Toole
|
SIGNATURE YEAR OF THE FIRE MONKEY
COCKTAIL FOR 2016
Silk Journey
- 2oz Bombay Sapphire East Gin
- 0.75oz Fresh Lime juice
- 0.5oz Pomegranate syrup
- 2oz Oolong and mandarin tea
Shaken and served long over ice and topped with Ginger beer. Garnish with large orange zest and potentially either candied ginger or pomegranate seeds.
CHRYSANTHEMUM AND TOFU SALAD
Ma Lan Tou
Source: Lunar New Year Recipes from Danielle Chang
SERVES 6
INGREDIENTS:
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ cup Asian sesame oil1 bunch chrysanthemum leaves, thick stems discarded, leaves finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 scallions (green and white parts), finely chopped
- 1 pound firm tofu
** Not to be confused with the Sichuanese dish ma po tofu, ma lan tou is a refreshing and easy-to compose cold salad that is frequently served as part of a selection of small plates at the start of a Shanghainese feast.
** Along with crumbled firm tofu, chrysanthemum leaves (known as shungiku leaves in Japanese, or tong ho in Cantonese) are the co-star of the dish. They impart a fragrant and mildly grassy note to this herbaceous salad, and are easily found in Asian groceries (particularly when in season, from spring to autumn).
** Excellent raw, young chrysanthemum greens are also a great addition to soups and the Japanese hot pot, shabu shabu.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Whisk the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sea salt, white pepper, and sesame oil together in a small bowl.
- Combine the chrysanthemum leaves, cilantro, and scallions in a large bowl.
- In another large bowl, crumble the tofu with your hands.
- Add the salad mixture to the tofu and toss to combine.
- Then add the dressing, toss, and let the salad marinate for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle.
- Do not leave the dressed salad for more than an hour,or the greens will start to wilt.
- Serve the salad chilled.
TIP: This dish is for cilantro lovers. If you don't fall into that category, feel free to substitute flat leaf parsley for the cilantro.
|
|
The information contained within the
newsletter is only used to educate
and inform. This newsletter is
not a substitute for the advice of a licensed
and registered health
care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult
a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
