Wondering about the 1980 Chinese zodiac? Curious about the element, animal, lucky colors, or directions for those born in 1980?
This guide by BTA Feng Shui dives into the Metal Monkey (Geng Shen), offering Feng Shui insights to guide career, relationships, and home choices.
Note: This article was directly translated from the original Vietnamese version by BTA Feng Shui using Grok 3.
What Is the 1980 Chinese Zodiac Animal?
According to the Chinese zodiac, 1980 is the Year of the Metal Monkey (Geng Shen). The lunar year spans February 16, 1980, to February 4, 1981. Those born before February 16, 1980, are Earth Goats.
In 2025, they are 45 years old (Western calendar) or 46 years old (lunar calendar).
Compatibility for Metal Monkeys is determined by the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches:
- Heavenly Stem Geng (庚): Harmonizes with Yi (乙); conflicts with Jia (甲) and Bing (丙).
- Earthly Branch Shen (申 – Monkey): Forms a secondary alliance with Snake; part of the trine with Rat and Dragon; clashes with Tiger, Snake, and Pig.
Here’s a summary of compatible and incompatible signs for Metal Monkeys:
| Compatibility | Male Metal Monkey 1980 | Female Metal Monkey 1980 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Partners | Water Dog 1982, Earth Dragon 1988, Earth Goat 1979 | Water Dog 1982, Wood Ox 1985, Earth Dragon 1988 |
| Marriage Partners | Earth Dragon 1988, Earth Goat 1979, Water Dog 1982 | Earth Dragon 1988, Water Dog 1982, Wood Ox 1985 |
| Incompatible Signs | Water Monkey 1992, Water Pig 1983, Wood Pig 1995, Earth Tiger 1998 | Metal Monkey 1980, Water Monkey 1992, Water Pig 1983, Wood Tiger 1974 |
What Is the Chinese Zodiac Element for 1980?
The term “Metal Monkey 1980” can be misleading, as it does not mean those born in 1980 belong to the Metal element. In Chinese and Vietnamese Feng Shui, 1980 corresponds to the Heavenly Stem Geng (庚 – Yang Metal) and the Earthly Branch Shen (申 – Monkey), often called the “Metal Monkey.”
However, the Na Yin system classifies this year under the Wood element, specifically Pomegranate Wood (Shí Liú Mù). Thus, those born in 1980 have the Wood element.
Pomegranate Wood symbolizes a pomegranate tree thriving on rocky terrain, embodying resilience, adaptability, and creativity. Those with this element are tenacious, innovative, and determined, flourishing despite challenges, much like a tree blooming on barren stone.
Lucky and Unlucky Colors for 1980 Chinese Zodiac
Selecting colors for clothing, decor, or personal items can enhance positive energy for those born in 1980 under the Wood element. Based on the generating cycle, these colors boost luck:
- Lucky Colors: Green (Wood element) promotes growth and prosperity; blue, black (Water element) support career advancement, as Water generates Wood.
- Unlucky Colors: White, silver, metallic shades (Metal element) may hinder luck, as Metal overcomes Wood; yellow, brown (Earth element) can drain energy, as Wood overcomes Earth.
Incorporate lucky colors in your wardrobe or home to attract good fortune and balance energy.
Personal Trigram for Metal Monkey 1980
The Personal Trigram, based on Feng Shui’s Eight Trigrams, guides home orientation, career, and relationships. For 1980, the trigram depends on gender:
- Male Metal Monkey 1980: Kun trigram (Earth element), part of the Western Four Trigrams. Men with this trigram are steadfast, responsible, and prioritize collective well-being.
- Female Metal Monkey 1980: Xun trigram (Wood element), part of the Eastern Four Trigrams. Women with this trigram are creative, adaptable, and excel at building relationships.
Lucky Directions for 1980 Chinese Zodiac
Feng Shui directions for homes, workspaces, or travel are determined by the Eight Mansions system and Personal Trigram. These directions attract wealth, health, and prosperity:
| Directions | Male Metal Monkey 1980 | Female Metal Monkey 1980 |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky Directions | Northeast – Prosperity; Northwest – Harmony; West – Health; Southwest – Stability | North – Prosperity; East – Harmony; South – Health; Southeast – Stability |
| Unlucky Directions | North – Misfortune; Southeast – Risk; East – Harm; South – Conflict | Northeast – Misfortune; Southwest – Risk; Northwest – Harm; West – Conflict |
(Source: “Building Homes According to Geography, Astronomy, and I Ching” by Trần Văn Tam, Culture and Information Publishing House, 2002)
Lucky Numbers for Metal Monkey 1980
In Feng Shui, numbers tied to the Wood, Water, and Fire elements bring luck to those born in 1980: 3, 4 (Wood) foster growth; 0, 1 (Water) spark new opportunities; 9 (Fire) supports career progress, as Water generates Wood.
Avoid 2, 5, 8 (Earth) and 6, 7 (Metal), as they may disrupt harmony due to Metal overcoming Wood and Wood overcoming Earth.
Personality and Destiny of Metal Monkey 1980
Male Metal Monkey 1980
Personality: Male Metal Monkeys are strong, decisive, and analytical, with a calm demeanor in adversity. Their sense of duty makes them reliable, though their steadfastness can border on stubbornness, requiring openness to new perspectives.
Career: Their intelligence and diligence shine in fields like engineering, research, or management. They seize opportunities and lead effectively but should embrace flexibility to reduce stress. Aligning workspaces with lucky directions like Northeast boosts success.
Love: Loyal but less romantic, they need open communication to avoid misunderstandings. Compatible signs like Earth Dragon 1988 ensure stable, fulfilling marriages.
Female Metal Monkey 1980
Personality: Female Metal Monkeys are intelligent, perceptive, and highly organized, blending resilience with charm. Their warmth and listening skills foster strong connections, making them stand out in both personal and professional spheres.
Career: They excel in roles like education, psychology, or office management, where creativity and adaptability shine. Their attention to detail drives success, especially in dynamic settings. Using lucky numbers like 3 or 4 in projects enhances outcomes.
Love: Attentive and devoted, they seek partners who meet their high expectations. Matches with Water Dog 1982 or Earth Dragon 1988 foster harmonious, lasting relationships.
Tam Tai Years for Metal Monkey 1980
Metal Monkeys, part of the Monkey-Rat-Dragon trine, face Tam Tai challenges in the years of Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon. These include:
- 2022 (Water Tiger), 2023 (Water Rabbit), 2024 (Wood Dragon)
- 2034 (Wood Tiger), 2035 (Wood Rabbit), 2036 (Fire Dragon)
During these years, exercise caution in major decisions, health, and investments to minimize risks.
This guide to the 1980 Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Metal Monkey, offers Feng Shui insights to unlock prosperity. Apply these tips on colors, directions, and compatibility to thrive. If you found this helpful, please rate it 5 stars and share to spread the wisdom of BTA Feng Shui!
Explore other Monkey years:
| Fire Monkey 1956 | Earth Monkey 1968 | Metal Monkey 1980 | Water Monkey 1992 |
| Wood Monkey 2004 | Fire Monkey 2016 | Earth Monkey 2028 |
