Overview: A universal one-year, 2017 will initiate a new nine-year cycle during which we can expect many new beginnings with massive social and global implications. Three significant astrological events will take place featuring Leo, Scorpio and Capricorn, the three main power signs of the Zodiac: The Lunar Nodes which comprise an 18-month cycle will shift from service oriented Virgo and Pisces to dramatic and revolutionary Leo and Aquarius on May 9. On Oct. 10, Jupiter will exit diplomatic, broadminded Libra and enter psychologically deep and secretive Scorpio. On Dec. 20, Saturn will finally release its hold on Sagittarius completing a long three-year cycle and will enter Capricorn, its own sign which hints at increased governmental authority.
Aries
(March 21 - April 20)
In 2016 you began to expand your social horizons and this trend will continue. For a variety of reasons 2017 stands to feature a series of breakthroughs for you. These will likely occur toward the end of the year. You will have to contend with Mercury retrograde early on which could be the source of some professional stresses. Mars in Pisces in January could contribute to getting off to a slow start. However, these minor setbacks will pale in light of a growing drive to succeed beginning in February. By June you will begin to reveal to the world a new phase of what makes you special. Indications of auspicious returns begin in November. Build your momentum and confidence in 2017; you will need it in 2018.
Taurus
(April 20 - May 21)
A steady rate of deep changes characterized the past couple of years – a process of letting go of the past – and these will continue in 2017. Call it a metamorphosis. At best, you are in the final stages of a process of liberation. Your confidence levels may still be lower than you like, challenging you to get extra clear on your priorities and to acknowledge your successes and progress. Manifesting your dreams, especially in terms of security and especially that of family, will increase by summer. Your own health, as it relates to your family’s overall welfare, is the hidden element that you are wise to recognize and address. Increases are likely in October.
Gemini
(May 21 - June 21)
To whom and to what do you feel most committed is a question on your mind as 2017 begins. Cultivating your arts and crafts skills is one likely answer. Philosophical perspectives are lingering and your creative abilities may be recognized as among them as you reach for new levels of subtlety. Both may be interpreted as features of a steadily emerging mode of spirituality emphasizing co-creation. You will become more social again by mid-spring especially. You may even experience a sudden surge to travel afar and also be inspired to be original and inventive, especially between May and October. Generally, a year spiked with fulfilment but pay more attention to your health.
Cancer
(June 21 - July 22)
A good deal of your focus will centre on your home in 2017. While this does include family members, the emphasis is on your actual living space, a continuation from last year. The overall pace has probably been quite busy and this will continue through to spring. You may have to contend with a series of unexpected changes by early March, especially connected with your social and professional status. By June you will know the outcome. The good news is that these are likely to lean in your favour, but it may not seem like it at first. The learning curve gets steep in late June into July but you are happy for it. August is playful, September you are back to work. Save bigger projects at home for October.
Leo
(July 22 - Aug. 23)
Hopefully, you enjoy multitasking and are able to focus on a variety of fronts as 2017 will require it, especially this winter and late summer. The shift of gears perhaps especially in your profession has already begun. By mid-May, you will feel extra determined so focus on any ground work prior. Late July through August stands to be dynamic and productive. However, April into May could prove slow and/or include some minor setbacks, at worst, posing a challenge to your confidence levels. Stick to hands-on activities and trust that your energy levels will rise in May and include a rebellious determination to restore the balance. From mid-October, your faith and confidence begin to rise to new levels.
Virgo
(Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
A direct confrontation with the fears that stand in the way of your dreams was big in 2016 and will continue in 2017. The balancing act is between your ambitions to make money, yet in a manner that feels purposeful and meets with your creative aspirations. In some respects, the entire process can be recognized as a spiritual one, a fulfilment of destiny. Dependency on others and escapist tendencies may be an issue especially very early in the year. But your motivation levels should rise steadily and measurably with each new month. If ever you needed a plan, now is it, and better yet if it is longer-term like three to five years. Get ready to be busier with improved time management.
Libra
(Sept. 22 - Oct. 22)
The urge to take new initiatives to broaden your horizons prevails as 2017 begins. An active quest for knowledge, leads and inspiration is a core feature. The challenge includes building upon new foundations somehow. Your attitude and interpretations are as important as practical measures regarding a well-rounded quality of success. During the latter half of 2016, it may have been difficult to gain traction. As 2017 begins you feel more grounded. Yet, it may take until June before the next effective stage officially begins. Use this time to intuitively receive and practically plan. Place the goal of better health high on your list and activate that momentum early. November brings big returns.
Scorpio
(Oct. 22 - Nov. 21)
In 2016, you summoned to step forward and out and to share your gifts, perhaps altruistically. While this call seems to require certain sacrifices, you also want to feel genuinely inspired. In addition to various outer efforts, doing inner work is also required and will deepen in 2017. It may be described as a soul-searching quest to decipher what you truly want to achieve and why. The entire process may feel like all you do is work and pay one due after another. What form these took and are taking now probably includes will, courage and discipline as well as time and money. This momentum will continue throughout 2017, yet should bring the first successive set of waves of returns by mid-spring.
Sagittarius
(Nov. 21 - Dec. 21)
Looking back a few years, so much has changed. What a few years ago was a veritable nightmare has by now become promising new territory, literally, psychologically and spiritually too. Yet, it may be that you are still searching for your best direction, what constitutes a path with heart at this stage of your journey. This will require a continued increase in your social outreach. Yet joining clubs and other interest groups will probably bring you much more than merely socializing. In fact, doing so could prove costly in many ways. Your willingness to humbly listen, learn and participate in activities that serve a higher purpose will bring rewards. Anticipate important initiatives in May.
Capricorn
(Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
2017 will prove to be a very significant year for you. Generally, you are undergoing a complex balancing act of expanding professionally and replacing old relationship attitudes and behaviour patterns with better ones. The process of doing so, or not, will contribute significantly to the outcome, which will take the entire year to achieve. Yet, the need for change will increase in May. Whatever momentum is established by the end of the year will accelerate in 2018. Deciphering what the proverbial writing on the wall reads and deciding if you want to edit or re-write it altogether, is a central theme. Aim to balance a spirit of surrender with conscious cooperation.
Aquarius
(Jan. 19 - Feb. 19)
Invitations and inspirations to get more into the game somehow began in late 2016 and will continue throughout 2017. These have come on the heels of returns which began in 2015. Yet, the need to make yet more changes began to grow steadily in 2016. These include a growing determination to take new leads and your drive to do so will increase steadily, especially beginning in May. A new quality of leadership is implied and does require an important learning curve. Answering this call is important lest you find yourself having to wait for a few years longer. It may take until mid-February before your ambitions rise and your focus sharpens. Your income could increase by year’s end.
Pisces
(Feb. 19 – March 20)
Last year was a time for accessing new resolves of discipline to increase your overall power potential. This power drive will continue throughout 2016. An important aspect of your focus is and will be to increase your exposure and influence. If you are successful you will experience measurable returns by autumn especially, but perhaps even sooner. Your ambitions and determination will become evident early in the year. Maintaining this momentum throughout the year will feel important. Increasing your overall health levels and perhaps polishing your professional image will become a priority as you focus to steadily forge ahead.
Michael O’Connor is a full-time astrologer serving an international clientele. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
