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Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
Monkey and Ox

Chinese Zodiac sign, the Monkey
Chinese Zodiac sign, the Ox

Compatibility overview

It may not have the highest profile in the Chinese zodiac, but the combination of firsteast and secondeast has truly excellent prospects. With many compatible personality traits, and a healthy dose of favourable underlying energy, this match provides a terrific foundation for all kinds of relationships.

Monkey and Ox - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the MONKEY and OX zodiac signs...

The four Trine Families, the essential building blocks of the Eastern zodiac, can be split into two compatible pairs (like the elements in Western astrology). One such pair comprises the family of the Monkey (with the Dragon and Rat) and that of the Ox (with the Rooster and Snake). True, the Monkey and Ox combination flies more under the radar than some other matches among this inter-family group, but these two still benefit from the beautiful surrounding energy.

Early interactions between the Momkey and Ox will often be charming and exciting. The powerhouse Ox is driven to achieve success, and the many gifts of the Monkey will tend to make a powerful first impression. The Monkey, always impatient to apply their talents, will sense how much excitement and adventure they could have in the company of the awe-inspiring Ox. The real potential of this relationship, however, lies in what may happen next. These signs are both known for being somewhat isolated—the Monkey shielding gloominess behind witty hijinks, the Ox hiding deep moods under a facade of steely calm. The natural affinity here means these two signs may find it much easier than in other relationships to rely on each other for openness and support. Hence the passage of time may bring increasing depth and reliability. It may not all be plain sailing, of course.

The Ox tends to be more fixed in their attitudes than the flexible, ever-playful Monkey. Freedom is essential for the Monkey, where the Ox prizes stability and constancy. Showdowns arising out of these tensions could be viciously intense, as the Ox's temper is legendary, and the Monkey can be wickedly clever in a fight. This energy thus does need some space to breathe, so it is especially well suited to professional collaborations or intimate relationships where both parties have plenty of space.

With a few practical and creative initiatives to maintain harmony there is wonderful potential here for long-term happiness, reassurance, and dependability.

Celebrity Monkey/Ox Pairings*

*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.

Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall
Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall (click for attribution/s)

Eddie Murphy (4/3/1961, Aries Ox), Arsenio Hall (2/12/1956, Aquarius Monkey)  : The two actors/entertainers and friends famously co-starred in Coming to America (1988) and Coming to America 2 (2021). Hall is godfather to Murphy's eldest daughter, and in 2021 led Murphy's induction into the NAACP Hall of Fame. Asked on Jimmy Kimmel Live! about the times Murphy appeared as a guest on The Arsenio Hall Show (1989-1993), Murphy said: "If you’ve ever seen those old interviews, look at them, we'd just be laughing…I think they actually did, on [TV show] Living Color, they might have even made a joke about how when we're in an interview it's just like us laughing and inside stuff…screaming and falling out." Hall added: "One time I'm interviewing him and we actually forgot the whole segment, and the clip and everything, and brought on his Uncle Ray."

Anthony Hopkins (12/31/1937, Capricorn Ox), Stella Arroyave (3/20/1956, Pisces Monkey)  : The actor and antiques dealer have been married since 2003. Hopkins has said: "She met me ten years ago when I was shut down...Not trusting anyone. Certainly not trusting women...Everyday she wakes up happy. She's very positive about everything. I learnt from her just to take life as it comes."

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (click for attribution/s)

Richard Burton (11/10/1925, Scorpio Ox), Elizabeth Taylor (2/27/1932, Pisces Monkey)  : The two Hollywood legends made 11 movies together and shared one of the most well-known and turbulent relationships of all time, including being married and divorced twice. Taylor described in 1973: "When you are in love and lust like that, you just grab it with both hands and ride out the storm."

Sigourney Weaver (10/8/1949, Libra Ox), Jim Simpson (2/21/1956, Pisces Monkey)  : The actor and director have been married since 1984 and have a daughter together. Weaver has described: "I’ve always believed what they say in the psychology magazines—that whatever is wrong with your current relationship, you’ll re-experience it in the next one. So why not stick with this great guy who you found and work things out with him?"

Kate Beckinsale (7/26/1973, Leo Ox), Michael Sheen (2/5/1969, Aquarius Monkey)  : The two actors were together for seven years from 1995 to 2002 and have a daughter together. They have remained close since their separation. Beckinsale has commented: "I really love him and like him and we make each other roar with laughter."

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