Monkey and Rooster of the Chinese Zodiac

1.Five Elements – Gold

Shared Five Elements, Directional, and Seasonal Attributes: In traditional numerology, both the Monkey and the Rooster belong to the “Metal” element of the Five Elements. They correspond to the cold and restrained energy of autumn and are both associated with the western direction.
The Monkey represents Yang Metal, corresponding to Geng Metal. It has a fierce and sharp nature, like a sharp blade, focusing on transformation and action. Its associated direction is the southwest-west, which contains dynamic energy.The Rooster represents Yin Metal, corresponding to Xin Metal. It has a gentle and restrained nature, like exquisitely carved jewelry, focusing on precision and resilience. Its associated direction is the due west, which contains purer and more stable energy.
Complementary Role of Yin and Yang: The two have complementary attributes of “same Metal element but different Yin-Yang properties”. The pioneering spirit of the Yang Metal Monkey combines with the meticulousness of the Yin Metal Rooster, forming the complete “combination of hardness and softness” of the Metal element. This lays the foundation for subsequent analysis of personality and fortune based on the Five Elements theory.

Monkey‘s core strengths: People born in the Year of the Monkey correspond to Yang Metal (Geng Metal), as sharp as a blade, with quick wit as their core trait. They think fast, excel at solving complex problems and proposing innovative solutions, and have strong adaptability. They are humorous, sociable, “mood boosters” in crowds, and their curiosity about new things drives them to explore the unknown.
Monkey‘s main shortcomings: Influenced by the dynamic nature of Yang Metal, people born in the Year of the Monkey tend to lack focus due to craving excitement, have short attention spans for tasks, and occasionally show signs of impatience, impulsiveness and self-centeredness.

Chicken‘s ’ core strengths: People born in the Year of the Rooster correspond to Yin Metal (Xin Metal), as restrained and meticulous as exquisitely carved goldware, with prudence and practicality as their main traits. They are careful, detail-oriented, and highly responsible for work and life, with outstanding execution and planning skills, showing unique advantages in data processing, precision verification and other fields. They have a straightforward and honest personality, strong self-esteem and social competence.
Chicken‘s ’ main Shortcomings: People born in the Year of the Rooster are slightly critical due to their pursuit of perfection, and occasionally appear stubborn and rigid. Influenced by the restrained nature of Yin Metal, although they act steadily, they tend to fall into the trap of over-calculation, which affects interpersonal harmony.

Marriage Compatibility for Monkey-born People: Monkey-born people (Yang Metal, agile) are most compatible with Rat (Zi Water, Triad, Metal-nourishing, complementary) and Dragon (Chen Earth, Triad, Metal-nourishing, aligned); secondarily compatible with Snake (Si Fire, Six Harmonies, restrictive balance) and Horse (Wu Fire, resonant, avoid impulsivity); cautious with Pig (Hai Water, harmful conflicts) and Tiger (Yin Wood, clashing conflicts), needing Earth-element items to balance and strengthen communication.

Marriage Compatibility for Rooster-born People: Rooster-born people are suitable for Ox, Dragon and Snake (Dragon is the top match via Six Harmonies, Snake and Ox are top matches via Triad, with alignment in personality, career or finance); they should avoid Rabbit, Dog and Rooster (clash with Rabbit, harm with Dog, prone to conflicts; self-punishment among Roosters leads to frequent blame).

Selection of Mascot Materials and Designs: Monkeys and Roosters both belong to the Metal element, so mascots should be made of metal, jade, or beeswax. For monkeys, choose designs such as holding a peach or climbing a branch; for Roosters, recommend bronze or jade roosters (which can be paired with gold ingots).
Placement Suggestions for Different Zodiacs: People born in the Year of the Monkey can place monkey figurines in the north (to boost career, as Metal generates Water) or southeast (Wenchang Position), and place beeswax or gold ingots in the southeast wealth position. People born in the Year of the Rooster can place golden rooster figurines in the east (to boost initiative) or northeast (Wenchang Position), and place golden roosters (which can step on gold ingots) in the west or southeast wealth position.

Mascots for Enhancing Noble Luck (Dragon Figurines): People born in the Year of the Rooster can place dragon figurines (symbolizing Liuhe noble luck, a key helper in destiny). Choose wooden ones (eco-friendly with traditional cultural charm) with majestic, smooth shapes and exquisite details. Place them in prominent spots in offices or studies to boost noble luck and promote career development.
Mascots for Enhancing Wealth Luck (Golden Toad, Goldfish Tank): Place golden toad figurines (wealth-attracting mascots) in the southeast wealth position of the living room—choose plump, round ones (carved with auspicious clouds and lotus flowers, gold-based color with gold/red bases). Or place goldfish tanks in the living room’s wealth position, select glass/ceramic ones (decorated with aquatic plants and pebbles), and keep an even number of goldfish/koi. They can be paired with green plants to improve feng shui, boosting wealth and career luck. The overall style is traditional feng shui, with elegant colors and rich details.

Overall Cultural Positioning of Monkey and Rooster: Among the twelve zodiac animals, the monkey and the rooster carry rich folk connotations and spiritual metaphors.

Symbolic Meaning and Deep Implication of Monkey: Corresponding to the Earthly Branch “Shen”, the monkey symbolizes intelligence, agility and vitality, often associated with Sun Wukong in Journey to the West. It embodies both the courage to break constraints and defeat demons, and the dual nature of resourcefulness. While folklore praises its adaptability, it also warns against being shrewd and cunning, conveying the pursuit of balancing wisdom and righteousness.
Symbolic Meaning and Deep Implication of Rooster: Corresponding to the Earthly Branch “You”, the rooster mainly symbolizes punctuality and auspiciousness. The rooster’s crow at dawn signals the start of labor, giving rise to the metaphor of “keeping promises and fulfilling responsibilities”. The homophony of “rooster” (ji) and “auspicious” (ji) in Chinese makes the painting of “a rooster standing on a stone” symbolize “great auspiciousness”. The image of a rooster pecking a centipede symbolizes exorcising evil and bringing good fortune, embodying the yearning for order and peace.