IF you're looking to have a better year than 2015, but you were born in 1956, 1968, 1980 or 1992, then watch out.
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That's because Chinese philosophy says you're in for a particularly difficult 2016 - the year of the fire monkey.
The new year began on Monday, and there are plenty of things you can do to attract good luck.
It can be as simple as your diet. Spring rolls, tangerines, celery and plums are customary for one of the most superstitious times of the year, as they bring various qualities.
Those who like shopping will rejoice, as another tip for the Lunar New Year period is to get some new clothes. Bright colours are encouraged to bring happiness.
Don't wear white or black, as they are associated with mourning.
And don't buy new shoes for the first 15 or so days of the year.
You're set for rough times if you get new sneakers.
It doesn't mean you can get careless with your old shoes, either. Move them indoors before going to bed to protect yourself from evil spirits.
If you're travelling, don't head east. The lucky directions are north, northwest and west. It might be finally time to take that trip to check out Broken Hill or Perth.
Former Port girl Jess Slap wouldn't have left town, and the state, for work if she thought bad luck was coming.
The ex-Port City Bowling Club bar staffer isn't sure about astrology.
"I haven't formed an opinion on it," the 1992-born Ms Slapp said.
"It's always been far from my mind."
Alexandra is 138 kilometres northeast - a mixture of lucky and unlucky directions - of Melbourne.
It has a population of less than 3000 people.
It sure is year of the monkey at Billabong Koala Wildlife Park.
The park is getting three new species in the middle of the year.
They will join spider monkeys Nacho and Maria.
