Welcome to 2017, proud Lions!
The New Year starts with Mercury retrograde in Capricorn touching on your area of work and health, but soon re-enters your sector of romance. Venus turns the focal point onto finances and intimate relationships, however. Then January 12th brings a Full Moon in Cancer, with sensitive hidden issues playing on your subconscious fears. Recharge those emotional batteries and conquer those fears that are rising to the surface. The emphasis will be on you this year, with two personal New Moons, the first on July 23rd followed by a Solar Eclipse at the second on the August 21st. February 11th brings your Personal Full Moon and a Lunar Eclipse! I approach this subject further on in the forecast.
February 26th sees a New Moon and Solar Eclipse in your 8th house of sex, death and taxes. It will have quite an impact on your finances, joint resources and possessions; legacies, taxes, along with money owed and owing, are also in the frame. August 7th sees a Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius, your 7th house of significant commitments. Each of which will be of great importance, not only to your personal needs but also your relationships and partnerships.
The Moon’s North Node, the Dragon’s Head, moves into Leo on May 9th. This will bring a sense of fated happenings, karmic events and people from past lives, together with people who have a significant bearing on your future.
Venus Retrograde
This year, dear Lions, the love Goddess Venus, will turn retrograde in fiery Aries, your 9th house of the higher mind, then step back into Pisces, your 8th house of sex, death and taxes. A planet is retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. It’s a cosmic illusion, as planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, thanks to the interaction of the planetary orbits. It’s a bit like travelling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards.
Sensual Venus turns retrograde only once every eighteen months, the phase lasting about six weeks. This year, the love Goddess turns in conjunction with the Fixed Star Alderamin on the right shoulder of Cepheus, the King. It’s a fortunate star ruled by Saturn and Jupiter, grave and stern in judgement, awakening severe trials, celebrated in poetry and drama. By the Kabalists this constellation is associated with the Hebrew letter Shin and the 22nd Tarot Trump, “The Fool”.
At 9:10 UT on Saturday, March 4th, 2017, Venus reaches her retrograde station at 13° Aries 6′, in preparation for a retrograde phase that will last until April 15th, 2017, when she reaches her direct station at 26° Pisces 54′. At this time she halts in the sign of the Fish and begins her return to direct motion through the zodiac. On April 28th, she re-enters Aries, but remains in a shadow phase until May 19th, 2017. This shadow phase, especially just after the direct station, can be quite as intense as the actual retro phase.
The first part of the Venus retrograde phase is in your 9th house. From March 4th to April 2nd, the influence of the Goddess in fiery Aries awakens your 9th house of the higher mind. If you have planned to travel the high seas, whether interstate or overseas, you are more than likely to be disappointed in some way, although Venus in your 9th does favour pleasurable experiences. The shine may not be as brilliant as expected during a holiday, for there’s a chance of getting a tummy bug, sea sickness, or other illness while you are travelling. Lions may be hopeful of rekindling a past romance, or reconciliation in a past relationship with someone from overseas. Law matters may need further negotiations with an eventual compromise. You may not gain the expected success with marketing a book, articles, and journals, either through a lack of popularity or of your own enthusiasm to press on with material. Studies or other creative forms of art may prove less than satisfying.
The second part of the Venus retrograde phase is in your 8th house from April 3rd (in Pisces) to April 27th. This should be a fortunate position for Venus, when finances seem to fall on your lap, but recent loan approvals could meet with hitches. Financial benefits may be slower coming through, notably a payout, or money through other people. Your libido in intimate relationships may not be as stimulating and intense as you had hoped. From April 6th to the 25th, Venus and stern Saturn will apply a square aspect to each other, which will obstruct the expression of your deeper feelings thanks to psychological fears arising in relationships. Financial speculations and business deals will not be favourable.
The Moon’s North Node/South Node axis, also known as the Dragon’s Head and Tail, normally travels in a retrograde fashion, and is particularly potent just before changing signs. The Mean North Node will be moving from Virgo into Leo on April the 29th, with the True Node following suit on May 9th. However, the effects of this change will be felt most strongly at 0 degrees of Virgo, your 2nd house of personal earnings, values and possessions.
As the North Node retrogrades into your 1st house, karmic lessons can be learnt from identifying your self-worth, which may present challenges within relationships and partnerships. Find your own singular vibration without the continual dependence and desire to please others. Although it may be difficult, it will help you grow as an individual taking control and leadership. The plan is to balance your needs with those of other people in your life without sacrificing your own identity, thereby gaining happiness.
Relationships: the Journey to the Heart
Taskmaster Saturn remains in your 5th house of romance, creativity and speculation for most of the year. It’s a tough time for love affairs and relationships, when your emotions are likely to be uncharacteristically reserved. This can lead to feelings of rejection, both by you and by those you love. You may suffer pangs of loneliness, associated with an inability to understand the motives of others and taking a serious attitude in matters of the heart. You will feel less inclined to enjoy frivolity, as it would appear to others as though you are acting immaturely. You will view things responsibly, while you undergo restructuring and the demands that are placed on you. Learn to give more of yourself while taking care of loved ones and children. If you remain positive and use this time constructively you will reap the rewards of endurance, loyalty and deep love in your relationships. Thank heavens December 20th sees this awkward phase end, with Saturn entering ambitious Capricorn, your 6th house of work and health. More on that next year.
From the start of 2017 until January 27th, energetic Mars will be in your 8th house, stimulating your deeper sexual desire. However, in the process, this could bring on problems with jealousy and possessiveness. From January 3rd to February 2nd, adorable Venus joins Mars in your 8th house, adding romance and intensity to your close relationships. From January 27th to the 29th, love may bring disappointment, but at least you will remain realistic about your expectations. Finances could also be affected at this time. Your actions during this phase will be brought back to mind when Venus retrogrades back into Pisces between April 3rd and April 27th. You’ll be able to patch up disagreements, recovering your feelings and the passion in your relationships.
Mercury is retrograde at the start of the year and briefly enters your 5th house on January 4th, then going direct on January 8th and re-entering Capricorn on the 12th. You’ll touch base on clearing any misunderstandings with children and loved ones.
Then Sun moves into innovative Aquarius from January 19th to February 17th in your 7th house of significant commitments. You will pour harmony into relationships, partnerships, marriage and alliances. Put your efforts into reaching resolutions and making compromises.
This is followed by a New Moon in Aquarius on January 28th, when you will undergo a new direction in expressing your own emotional needs and understanding your partner’s needs. Emotions however could fluctuate, so pay attention to what you are saying and to your reactions. Mercury sweeps into your 7th house from February 7th to February 25th when you will have plenty to chat about as you negotiate agreements. The main emphasis is on co-operation, finding a balance and resolving any concerns. During February you might decide to travel, settle legal issues, or take up a study.
The Lunar Eclipse in Leo on February 11th will bring unexpected opportunities, while also illuminating your relationships, legalities, travel and expanding your mind thanks to the fascinating people you meet. The Solar Eclipse on February 26th will bring changes in your intimate relationships, but make sure your feelings are not delusional thanks to Neptune in your 8th house. Some will experience a closure, a parting or separation.
August 7th brings a partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius, your 7th house. Quite often this marks the onset of significant changes to a relationship. The choices you make could well change your long term plans, heralding a separation. It doesn’t mean it will happen to everyone, because that depends on the impact it has on the planets in your natal chart. It will pay to talk through any problems that may exist, review each other’s needs, and reach mutual compromises. August 21st brings a Solar Eclipse in your sign, which also has a bearing on relationships, legal agreements, divorce settlements and any open conflict. It will serve as a conclusion. Whether a relationship is resilient enough to continue and withstand any storms may be totally out of your hands.
December 1st to the 24th sees Venus in your 5th house, which will be great for romance, creativity, entertainment and fun times. However Mercury turns retrograde on December 3rd in your 5th house. You may have to do some sweet talking; peer through the fog and don’t allow emotional dramas to get the better of you, not only in friendships but also love relationships thanks to the Full Moon in charming Gemini on December 3rd. This will be very timely, as the New Moon in your 5th house arrives on December 18th, setting a new direction with your love life, social activities and children. On December 19th, you’ll feel the tensions ease when Saturn thankfully makes his peace with your 5th house and moves on to your 6th house of health and work.
Career and Finances: Stake Your Claim
Fearless Mars starts the ball rolling from March 10th to April 21st, entering your 10th house of career and ambitions. You are likely to be highly motivated and enthusiastic about accomplishing your objectives and long-term plans. Impress employers, authority types and those in your profession with your ability to lead and control. However, in your hurry to fulfil your ambitious streak, challenges may present themselves by others in your sphere. Try not to be too bold and egocentric with superiors; be aware that your reputation could be tarnished through impulsive actions.
That said, Mercury is retrograde between April 9th and the 19th. This will bring annoyances, particularly if you have applied for another career role, want to discuss your options with your employer, or are waiting for that promotion. Mercury, having started the retro phase in Taurus, steps back into Aries on the 20th, but will return to direct motion on May 3rd. The Cosmic Messenger will be in a shadow phase until May 21st, after which you can present your ideas, or even change your decisions and plans.
During this phase the Sun blazes into your 10th house from April 19th to May 19th, emphasizing your career and long-term plans. If you feel that you have taken one step forward, then two steps back, blame it on Mercury and Venus retrograde! On April 26th, there is a New Moon in Taurus, which gives you the confidence to take steps in promoting yourself. Go with your gut feel as to your next career move, be it lateral or on a different path altogether. Loving Venus then skips into your 10th house from June 6th to July 4th, giving you the promise of prestige, recognition and achievement. You are likely to be in the limelight in some way, so make the most of your success.
November 4th brings the Full Moon in Taurus, which will heighten your desire for success in business and professional issues. You might find yourself swirling in the limelight although you can expect some unrest over travel, people from overseas and educational matters. You’ll dwell on areas of finances, sentimentality and intimate relationships. You will be intuitive of other people’s needs, spirituality and interest in life after death. Try to balance your professional life with that of your family. Review your progress during the last 6 months and evaluate the future long-term goals you want to achieve.
Finances
Nebulous Neptune will remain in your 8th house of finances for some time. Ensure there is no confusion over money matters and your financial obligations, as misunderstandings, misrepresentation and deception are highly possible. This can arise through jointly held finances, business ventures, legacies, benefits and investments. It’s best not to borrow from friends, or invest in quick moneymaking schemes.
February 26th sees a New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Pisces, your 8th house. It’s an important time to take care of your finances, especially if you rely on money coming through investments, a partner’s income or other shared resources. Events may urge you to be cautious, and put some money aside as a nest egg for the future.
March 12th sees a Full Moon in meticulous Virgo, your 2nd house of personal earnings, values and possessions. Be ready for a call for adjustments to expenditure, budget constraints and evaluating your financial situation. Arguments could ignite over joint accounts, other people’s money, overseas investments and travel.
Mercury heads into Virgo on July 25th, but will turn retrograde on August 13th. Set out to have all your financial affairs up to date well before this time. From August to September you will be in a position to appraise your money situation. From September 5th to October 22nd, Mars steams through your 2nd house, so you will be prone to spend money impulsively, or be faced with extra expenses. Thankfully, with the help of the Goddess Venus, from September 20th to October 13th, money should be easier to come by, either through your earning capacity or other sources. There’ll be the temptation to spend up just as quickly on lavish items.
Home and Away: Family and Children
May 10th sees a Full Moon in Scorpio, your 4th house of home and family. You’ll have the energy to delve into family matters, which will also affect your work and health. Your emotions will be intense as you concentrate on concerns on the home front. Don’t let misunderstandings with family members get the better of you. Balance your self-importance, security needs, career and ambitions with your home life and build on family relationships. Sentimental possessions, family heirlooms, collections, and real estate matters are also in the frame.
On October 10th, expansive Jupiter moves into your 4th house. There’ll be plenty happening on the home front for the next twelve months, bringing you opportunities to improve your lifestyle either through home extensions, moving to a larger home or property, even moving interstate or overseas depending on career necessities. A parent or family member may be of assistance in helping you set up a new home. You’ll want to have space, and free yourself from restrictive situations. You’ll realise how important the security of your home is to you, with its traditional values and childhood memories. This is a fortunate phase, but if possible refrain from going over-board with home plans and your capacity to meet your obligations. If you are not sure, then take the middle road and remain reasonable with big future plans. Jupiter remains in Scorpio until November 7, 2018. Happy renovating!
October through to January is going to be a hectic time, starting with Mercury in your 4th house from October 17th to November 4th. This is the time to get your ideas and plans underway with agreements, ideas and plans, contacting relatives, thoughts of moving and real estate matters. From October 23rd to November 21st the Sun moves through your home sector for one month, generating further energy to attend to matters at home, including memorabilia, sentimental keepsakes, old wares, your family tree and your unconscious drives.
November 7th to the 30th beautiful Venus starts the ball rolling with redecoration, entertaining at home, sprucing up the garden, and uniting family members with harmony and peace offerings. The New Moon on November 18th will activate your deeper emotional feelings about security, comforts at home, the past, and take you on a new direction with family relationships. However, you may find it difficult to adjust to changes not only with conditions at home but also with family. Action-orientated Mars zooms into your 4th house from December 9th to January 25th. You’ll have greater physical energy to get jobs done around the home, such as clearing rubbish, maintenance and repairs. At the same time beware that your impulsiveness and hasty actions could create arguments with family. Accidents, cuts, abrasions and fires around the home are also possible. Keep your insurance up to date, especially with Mercury retrograde during the holiday period.
Work and Health: Balancing Your Energies
Dark Pluto remains in practical Capricorn, your 6th house, and will do for some time to come. Your health will come under attention, forcing you to take steps to regenerate and not neglect your well being, diet and exercise regimes. Circumstances and work issues could cause a physical breakdown, and other illnesses that could surface at this time, depending on aspects to your natal chart. Meanwhile rebellious Uranus is still in the background, clashing with Pluto to restructure your work, routine and job role. It will be a tense time on February 8th, when you are likely to keep worries and concerns to yourself, not only in your work area but also with regard to travel, study, politics and the law. From February 21st to the 24th, there’s a chance you will clash with authority types and be put in a position of quarrelling, particularly if you are challenged over your beliefs, overseas issues and travelling.
Mercury will remain in a retrograde phase at the start of the year, re-entering your 6th house on January 12th. If you have had a holiday break then you’ll soon need to get back to work issues by catching up on your workload and clearing the decks of the backlog and plan for 2017.
July 9th sees the Full Moon in Capricorn, when emotions are likely to be testy particularly if you have to deal with authority types. This will be an intense time when subconscious fears and concerns could overwhelm you, due to changes happening in your area of work and health.
Saturn Enters Capricorn
The Lord of Karma, Saturn moves into your 6th house on December 20th for a long stay. During this time greater responsibilities will be given to you with your work, and you’ll take your job seriously although you may not always gain the recognition that is warranted. You’ll need to take of your health and worry less as your work load will consume your vitality. You may be involved in public relations, a government job or take more control, organise and delegate. You’ll require more concentration when analysing, and detailed work. You’ll be particularly critical, not only of yourself but also with work colleagues. Your intent will be steadfast with routine and work regulations. From December 20th to the 23rd, you will have a load on your shoulders, so just deal with it the best way you can.
On December 25th, lovely Venus dances into your 6th house. Until January 17th, you’ll find your working conditions improve, as the social world interacts with your duties. However, from December 25th to the 27th, try to enjoy yourself without feeling isolated. Take care of business where you can, and don’t let relationship issues get the better of you.
