Welcome to 2017 dear Bulls! January hits its straps with the Full Moon on the 12th in loving Cancer, your 3rd house of communication. It will create a T-square to expansive Jupiter and disruptive Uranus, bringing a number of issues to your attention that will affect your work, health, transport, travel arrangements and day-to-day tasks. If possible, maintain a measure of emotional control and avoid vocal outbursts, particularly if you are feeling frustrated. You may experience unexpected changes to your work role, and planned arrangements with friends and groups could go haywire. Women, or a female relative, are likely to be the focal point of conversations and problems with neighbours. With Mercury also retrograde during this time, prepare for all sorts of telecommunications problems and unexpected travel delays, including air flights, cancellations to bookings, car and computer problems. Added to this, the next Moon in Cancer from February 7th to 8th, will activate a grand cross configuration that has the potential to affect you. Past relationship problems are likely to arise, as are secrets, private concerns and hidden activity behind the scenes.
In the meantime, the transformative forces of dark Pluto slowly trudge through your 9th house of the higher mind. Revolutionary Uranus still continues to clash with Pluto for most of the year. You will slowly emerge from this experience with a different philosophical outlook on life, religion, justice, the sciences, studies and travel. More involvement with people from a different culture is in the stars, or you may be caught up with revolutionary events, politics and an alternative lifestyle, or perhaps moving overseas. From February 21st to 24th, volatile Mars squares the Dark Lord causing tremendous inner frustrations, and problems with travel to distant places, so be very conscious of dangerous conditions and conflicts that could surround you. Your religious beliefs may be challenged, or there may even be a chance of violence against you.
Venus Retrograde
This year the love Goddess Venus, your planetary ruler, turns retrograde in fiery Aries your 12th house of secrets, sorrows and hidden motivations, then tracks back into Pisces, your 11th house of friends, hopes and wishes. 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, with the phase lasting about six weeks. The love Goddess turns in conjunction with the Fixed Star Alderamin, marking 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 period of retrograde motion 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 Fishes 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.
The effects of this retrograde phase will be felt until April 15th, when Venus returns to 26°54′ of Pisces, where she first made her station (this is called the “Shadow Period”, which, especially just after the direct station, can be as intense as the actual retro phase!).
The first part of the Venus retrograde phase is in your 12th house. From March 4th to April 2nd, the influence of the Goddess in your house of secrets, sorrows and hidden motivations urges you to get away from the humdrum of life by finding solitude to replenish your energy. Someone from a past relationship may get in touch with you, rekindling a spark; or a secret love affair could re-emerge stirring your emotions, guilt and anxiety. Either way you are likely to keep your feelings to yourself, and hold any secrets close to your chest. Feelings of unhappiness could overwhelm you, with things not going right and even playing the martyr game of “why does it always happen to me?”. Above all keep positive; find a resolution to fears and problems that might arise and show understanding.
The second part of the Venus retrograde phase is in your 11th house from April 3rd (in Pisces) to April 27th. Romantic relationships are likely to go through a lull, where for one reason or another you won’t be as enthusiastic, or your lover will have other commitments to attend to. You may connect with old friends, visit old clubs, groups and organizations. If there has been a misunderstanding, try to find a resolution and rebuild friendships. From April 6th to the 25th, the Goddess squares stern Saturn, even though Venus turns direct on the April 15th in Pisces. You’ll be feeling the weight on your shoulders, disappointed over the possible ending to a good friendship or love affair; however your situation may appear worse than it really is.
Amidst all this, your personal New Moon is on April 26th and, with Mercury in a retrograde phase, it’s not the ideal time to start up a new relationship, sign agreements, documents or make a commitment. You’ll also be thinking about your personal needs, goals and dreams.
Relationships: the Journey to the Heart
February 26th brings a New Moon and Annular Solar Eclipse in companionable Pisces, your 11th house of friends, hopes and wishes. This will impact your friendships, love attractions, associations and groups that you belong to (read below for further details).
Your personal New Moon is on April 26th. With both Mercury and Venus retrograde, you’ll need to take your time in forming decisions about future plans and relationships. Someone from the past could re-enter your life, making it difficult to see through your own situation and concerns.
On August 13th Mercury turns retrograde in Virgo, your 5th house, which could create misconstrued love messages, an inability to express your emotions, and delays in getting projects off the ground. The Cosmic Joker then slips back into your 4th house on August 31st but re-enters Virgo on September 10th. You’ll be able to set things in motion after September 20th, just in time with the arrival of Venus.
On the other hand, Macho Mars marches through Virgo between September 5th and October 21st. You’ll have exceptional energy, dear Bulls, full of get up and go. So you’ll be on the prowl in more ways than one. Apart from that you’ll need to release some of your physical energy through recreational sport.
September 20th sees attractive Venus make her way into your 5th house, sewing up broken love threads, misunderstandings, and giving your love-life a burst of energy. It’s also a great time to enjoy the fun side of life, to be creative and make the most of going to entertainment venues. September 20th also brings a New Moon in Virgo, adding to the flavour of new quests, hobbies, socialising, visiting friends and partying.
October 3rd to the 8th sees sensual Venus join passionate Mars, promising a wow of a time, except that stern Saturn is not only likely to throw a spanner into the works with finances, but will be a quite the kill joy in other ways as well. Try not to be overly possessive, or show jealousy in close relationships.
The big moment will come when the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter converge in seductive Scorpio, your 7th house of significant commitments. Leave your calendar open in October and November for special events and announcements. New and existing relationships will see an upsurge in love, making commitments and resolving any difficulties.
On October 10th, optimistic Jupiter will start a major 12 year cycle in Scorpio, your 7th house of significant commitments. This new cycle brings an opportunity for new unions, getting engaged, married, or taking up residence together. Relationships and partnerships should run smoothly and you may start a relationship with someone from a different cultural background to your own. You’ll also gain a broader perception and new experiences in current relationships. This is also a favourable time for business partnerships, joint ventures, and acknowledgement in public relations. This extends to advice from consultants, litigation, contract negotiations and receiving cooperation from others. Think on a larger scale, but don’t take your partner and assistance from others for granted. It’s wise not to exaggerate the prospects of status within a relationship, agreement or commitment. Balance good fortune with reality at all times. There’ll be good tidings, a significant commitment from October 17th to the 19th, as Mercury conjuncts Jupiter, then the Sun conjuncts Jupiter from October 24th to the 27th. Jupiter will remain in Scorpio until November 8th, 2018.
Your personal Full Moon occurs on November 4th, then on November 7th, sensual Venus dances into Scorpio your 7th house. Good fortune will prevail as the Goddess joins jolly Jupiter from November 12th to the 14th. The weeks ahead promise a time of luck and indulgence, love, happiness and harmony in relationships.
Career and Finances: Stake Your Claim
At the end of 2016, fascinating Venus placed you in the limelight with your career, employers and those in your profession. January 19th to February 17th, the Sun beams in laid-back Aquarius, your 10th house, stimulating your calling, ambitions, long-range plans and most importantly your career. This is followed by a New Moon in Aquarius on January 28th, which will be a great time to think about improving your career path, bringing in your organisational skill and assertiveness.
From February 7th to the 25th, Mercury speeds into your 10th house. It will be time to negotiate, talk the talk and express your ideas and goals. August 7th sees a Full Moon and partial Lunar Eclipse in your 10th house, which will prove to be a turning point on the career front.
Finances
Stern Saturn remains in your 8th house of sex, death and taxes until December 20th. The hard taskmaster has brought in restrictive degrees in the way you have handled money — not just your own but also joint resources and money you handle on behalf of others. Debts, loans and mortgages all play a part in the way you meet your financial obligations and may limit income through other sources. Difficulties may be encountered through credit cards, investments, taxes, inheritances, and superannuation. The Taskmaster teaches you to be patient, even struggle a bit, in order to get rewarded later.
Mighty Mars marches into intellectual Gemini from April 21st to June 3rd, your 2nd house of personal earnings, values and possessions. This is the time to safeguard your money, and not invest in risky speculations. Unexpected expenses could diminish your cash flow, so be frugal if possible. May will be challenging and problematic, particularly from the 27th to the 31st as Mars opposes Saturn. However, May 25th brings a New Moon in Gemini, which will set you in a new direction with finances. Devise a budgetary plan, draw up a spreadsheet and discuss any important finance issues with your bank or advisor.
On the upside, Venus breezes into your 2nd house on July 5th remaining there till August 25th. You will notice that money is easier to come by, with the temptation to spend on luxuries and those little indulgences that you have wished to buy.
From November 25th to the 30th, use your critical skills to probe financial concerns which will be brought to your attention once again from December 1st to the 8th for a final liberation. Mercury goes retrograde from December 3rd to the 23rd, in Sagittarius your 8th house, then out of the shadow phase on January 11, 2018. Do your best to secure your funds and meet your outgoing debts.
Home and Away: Family and Children
A Full Moon and Penumbral Lunar Eclipse occurs in proud Leo on February 11th, illuminating your 4th house. It will feature major unexpected changes to your domestic sphere.
The North Node/South Node axis, also known as the Dragon’s Head and Dragon’s Tail is particularly potent just before changing signs. The Moon’s Nodes travel in retrograde fashion, and the Mean Node will be moving from Virgo into Leo on April the 29th, with the True Node following suit on May 9th. The karmic effects of this change will be felt most strongly at 0 degrees of Virgo, your 3rd house of communication. Throughout the year karmic lessons, fated situations and balancing one’s career with family demands are in the stars. Your expectations for extraordinary ambitions, or the demands of a parent and family, may hamper your real progress. What are your realistic ambitions? Are they based on self-importance? Review your heritage, emotional ties to past memories, and build on establishing closer family relationships.
July to September will see you putting in greater effort on the home scene. During this time the Cosmic Messenger will be retrograde upsetting your plans for developments. This produces a stop-start situation and will include family talks, agreements, real estate contracts and property.
Warrior Mars marches through your 4th house from July 20th to September 4th disrupting the household with energetic bursts of action, completing an array of jobs around the house. Arguments with family members, or past family feuds could surface; problems with housemates are also in the frame. Remember to take safety precautions to avoid injuries, and keep your home and contents insurance up to date. Be aware of potential fire hazards at this time. Overall, you may achieve more than what you set out to do. The Warrior then treks into your 5th house from September 5th to October 21st, when children will need extra attention.
The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd, followed by two New Moons in Leo, the first on July 23rd, followed on August 21st by a powerful Total Solar Eclipse, which has the influence to bring unexpected and life-changing conditions.
Venus follows suit on August 26th and through to September 19th will be a fabulous time to harmonise family relationships and make peace offerings. You’ll enjoy entertaining at home, inviting relatives and close friends.
Work and Health: Balancing Your Energies
Mighty Jupiter remains in Libra, your 6th house of work, health and routine. This should be a fortunate time for work conditions, bringing recognition and success, and more responsibility. Chances are you will be offered a better job, increase your salary, or be rewarded in some way. However you may be tempted to take on more than you are capable of delivering. It’s also the time to watch your weight, so consider a healthier diet regime.
Giant Jupiter will turn retrograde on February 6th, then the Lord of Fortune and disruptive Uranus in Aries are in tight opposition to one another during the first week or so of March. Jupiter turns direct on June 9th, so between September 21st and October 7th, you are faced with a final opposition between Jupiter and Uranus, though this opposition is an underlying vibration affecting most of the year to one degree or another. This is not good for working cooperatively, and secret enemies are likely to work against your best interests, especially if you try to break away from the burdens of the past. Hidden areas must also be confronted, including subconscious resentments, secret fears, childhood conditioning, past failures, and disappointments. You may, for instance, be unexpectedly confined or isolated for reasons of health, work, or other circumstances. You may also be required to assist a family member who unexpectedly experiences a serious work- or health-related difficulty. There is some potential for becoming involved in secret societies or dealing with the confidential matters of a friend. It would not be unusual if you were to develop interest in the occult, interpretation of dreams, the subconscious mind, and psychic energy.
It will be a crucial time on February 8th, then February 25th to March 1st as the Moon in Aries (your 12th house) on February 28th brings hidden concerns and anxiety into motion. With this, there’s a likelihood of irritations, tensions, arguments, and an impulsive desire to dig your toes in and change jobs. Your job location may change where you may have to travel at a greater distance. Don’t let upsets get the better of you or ego battles with your boss, and work colleagues.
April 11th brings the Full Moon in stylish Libra, your 6th house. With Mercury and Venus retrograde and so much happening behind the scenes, it will be hard to knuckle down to important work activities. Make an effort to improve your relationship with work colleagues and subordinates.
From September 1st to the 17th, Jupiter and the Nodes join up, giving you a lucky break, recognition, or your chance to make momentous changes to your job role. September 9th to October 17th, Mercury enters your 6th house increasing your mental prowess, sharpening your efficiency and routines, while improving your diet and fitness.
At the Equinox on September 22nd the Sun brightens up your work area, placing added emphasis on orderliness and being of service to others. Pay particular attention to your health, diet and exercise program, particularly if you have neglected your wellbeing through bad habits. You might decide that you want to change jobs, or that the pattern of your days needs to be altered in some way. Important news may come your way from October 17th to the 19th.
The Goddess pirouettes into Libra from October 14th to November 6th, gracing your area of work with better working conditions, pleasant work relationships, and a chance of increasing your pay packet. However, watch those tempting indulgences in sweet and fatty foods.
