Similar to last year, the Year of the Fire Monkey will likely see advances in media and technology, according to Alan Lum, a specialist in Chinese Four Pillars astrology. But when it comes to personal fortunes, hold onto your seats. Just as the fire element can be unpredictable, 2016 could bring clashes and volatility.

This might lead to some interesting possibilities in this election year.

Today marks the Year of the Monkey in Chinese popular astrology, in which everyone born in a certain year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals in the heavens. But in Four Pillars astrology, it’s said that earthly and heavenly energies during one’s day and time of birth also exert their influence on personality and fortune. Each of the animal signs also contains five elements — metal, water, wood, fire and earth — that affect the individual.

The main energy in the universe, or astrology’s heavenly stem, in 2016, is fire, according to Lum. “Fire energy can be dynamic, unpredictable, unconventional, volatile, and can be intense,” he said.

Industries associated with fire include technology, electronics, electrical and media. “This could be indicative of further growth in the electronic/technological field. It will be interesting to see what megacorporations like Microsoft and Apple will launch.”

Lum said there is likely to be continued growth in networking online, including more mainstreaming of online teaching, universities and business conferencing, once considered unconventional.

“Fire is very unconventional, so we may see more changes in our society, which could be in areas of our economy and employment. People may be looking toward new and more innovative types of jobs that differ from the status quo. New ideas and advances will result from thinking outside of the box.”

In examining the year, Lum said we must also take into account the earthly stem energy of the monkey representing the year. Monkey energy comprises strong metal, earth and water qualities.

“The monkey is an animal that has a mind of its own and doesn’t like to be controlled. When challenged, a monkey can be stubborn and hold its ground, reflecting its metal traits,” Lum said.

With this dominant energy, we could see growth in such metal-related fields as the automobile and steel industries, including a rise in steel-frame buildings, real estate developments and other construction, bringing more economic growth and opportunities.

As the year’s fire energy has the ability to melt metal, there is a heightened destructive energy associated with the clash between the heavens and the monkey, reflected by global unease in political and military arenas.

On the positive side, the monkey’s earth trait brings a love of stability and family. This energy suggests a degree of stability, even with the potential technological, governmental and/or economic upheavals in society, Lum said.

Though unpredictable, the monkey’s water trait makes it capable of adapting to new environments and circumstances to go with the flow. The water element of the monkey could be reflected in more focus on the sea and marine resources, nature and sustainability. Water also supports wealth and success.

In this election year, Lum said, “Things could get really interesting because of the unpredictability of the fire element.”

With a quick look at the charts of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who was leading the GOP field when we consulted Lum, and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the astrologer gave Clinton an edge.

Trump was born June 14, 1946, the Year of the Fire Dog. “He is able to express himself because he is an earth sign, which means he can also be stubborn.

“He has a lot of metal, so it gives him many outlets to express himself. That’s why he’s able to go wild. But as far as the election, he only has a small chance of winning because he lacks the water element, the achievement part.”

He might have found more success in a water year.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton was born Oct. 26, 1947, the Year of the Fire Pig, a water sign with strong earth energy.

“She could use more of a supportive element like fire, which would help her with achievement, but looking at the two charts, hers is more conducive to achievement and attaining goals,” Lum said. “She had more things going for her when she was campaigning eight years ago, but I guess Barack Obama’s chart was stronger.”

YEAR of the MONKEY
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
This is your year to be in the limelight and shine. It can be a year of fame. There is high energy for power and influence over others. Be sure this influence is toward positive means and goals. Don’t forget that friends play a significant role in your success.

RAT
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Your energy is high for wealth and achievement. This is also a year of support, guidance and friendship. There is a good possibility of romance or a relationship moving to the next level. It can be an exciting year for you

TIGER
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
This year could hold conflicts and clashes. It is a year of challenges and learning. You can have the opportunity to be creative, but don’t push yourself too much or you may become drained and exhausted.

DRAGON
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
With much support this year, there may be opportunity for prosperity. Make use of opportunities while being cognizant of balancing your life with activities and hobbies that relax you and rejuvenate your health.

HORSE
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
The tide is high for a successful and prosperous year for you. Partnerships may be a key toward reaching your goals. Your high-energy, exciting year will sometimes be volatile and unpredictable.

ROOSTER
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Friendships (that could also be romantic) that complement your life may be in store for you. Like polished jewelry, you might have a shiny year of elegance and refinement. Enjoy the taste of the good life, but be aware that this may be fleeting, and don’t take your loved ones for granted.

OX
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
It’s a year of support and close friends and/or family looking out for you. Don’t forget to be thankful and reciprocate by helping others. Don’t take friendships for granted. Mutual cooperation can be vital for happiness.

RABBIT
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
This can be a year to bloom. Find outlets to channel your creativity. You might find some support, but be careful not to let others control you. There is a good chance to see fruition of your plans and goals.

SNAKE
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
A year of friendships awaits you. Success and wealth may also be in the wings. Mentors can help steer you toward success.

RAM
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
This can be a year of support for you. Find your outlets for learning and growth. Welcome new adventures in your life. Show appreciation for significant people in your life.

DOG
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
A year of support might also come with conflicts that create tension. Working together with others can bring positive results. Strike a balance in your life with family, career and leisure.

BOAR
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
There is a good possibility for personal and/or career success, including some financial gain. Go with the flow, but maintain stability by balancing sound judgment with your quest to try new things. Your creativity will also fuel the fire toward success.

Find your birth year and zodiac sign on our Year of the Monkey fortunes, with prospects for the new year provided by feng shui consultant and author Alan Lum, who specializes in Chinese Four Pillars astrology. Email Alan Lum at alanlum@hawaii.edu.