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The Biggest Book of Horoscopes Ever
Learn More About Your Future and Past With This Extraordinary Collection of Astrological Readings
By Trish MacGregor Page Street Publishing Co.
Copyright © 2016 Trish MacGregor
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-62414-300-7
CHAPTER 1
2017
Introduction to 2017
The year begins with Mercury retrograde in Capricorn, then moving back into Sagittarius on January 4, and turning direct in that sign on January 8. It means the year may be off to a slow start, with things not falling into place the way we would like. After January 8, the pace picks up. Be sure to check on the specifics for your sign in the monthly roundups.
Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion, begins the year in air sign Libra — particularly good for all you air and fire signs — and on October 10, enters water sign Scorpio, where it will be for about thirteen months. Check your respective signs and monthly roundups for what that means for you. During that transit, water and earth signs will benefit the most. If you have any planet in Scorpio, Pisces or Cancer, though, that planet's energy will be bolstered and expanded. It will be retrograde from February 6 to June 9.
Since September 2015, Saturn has been in Sagittarius. On December 20, it enters Capricorn, the sign it rules, and will be there for the next two and a half years. During this period, it will be traveling with Pluto in Capricorn, a powerhouse for Capricorn and other earth signs and for the water signs. Remember, Saturn is about foundations and structure and making dreams concrete and real. Pluto is about power and transformation.
Uranus has been in Aries since 2011 and continues its journey through that fire sign until next year, 2018. Neptune has been transiting Pisces since early 2012 and won't be changing signs until 2026.
Dates of Mercury Retrogrades in 2017
When Mercury turns retrograde, it appears to move backward relative to the earth. These retro periods can be especially trying for Geminis and Virgos, signs ruled by Mercury. But, as you can see in the example about the Mercury retrograde in 2000 (see here), everyone is impacted in some way.
During this time, miscommunication is often rampant, and appliances and electronics break down. It's wise not to launch any new projects or to sign contracts, since Mercury rules contracts. Try to follow the rule of the three Rs — review, reconsider, revise — rather than launching anything new. Mercury also rules moving parts, so it's smart not to buy a car or electronics during these periods. Travel can be iffy — plans go south quickly and itineraries change without warning. Everything moves more slowly. By following the guidelines above, you can mitigate some of the effects of these retrograde.
The Mercury retrograde periods are noted in the monthly predictions, but here's a quick reference:
On December 19, 2016, Mercury turns retrograde in Capricorn and won't turn direct again until January 9, 2017, in Sagittarius.
On April 9, Mercury turns retrograde in Taurus, travels back into Aries and turns direct in that sign on May 3.
On August 12, Mercury turns retro in Virgo, travels back into Leo and turns direct in that sign on September 5. Notice that Mercury will be in this position on the day of the solar eclipse. If you're planning to travel to a particular location to see the eclipse, be sure to make your plans before Mercury turns retro and give yourself extra time on the day you actually travel.
On December 2, Mercury turns retro in Sagittarius and turns direct in that sign on December 23.
New and Full Moons for 2017
New moons, when the sun and moon are in the same sign, usher in new opportunities. They mark the beginning of a fresh cycle and are great for setting goals, launching projects or starting anything. If you're trying to actualize something, then the new moon is the time to set your intentions, visualize and back your intentions with powerful emotions. This is when creative seeds are planted. The two-week period from the new moon to full moon are the most powerful for new opportunities.
Full moons, when the moon and sun are opposite each other, are times of culmination, harvest and completion. It's a good time to complete what you began under the new moon. Emotions that have been buried often roar to the surface. Issues in a relationship sometimes must be confronted. Emergency rooms often get more than the usual amount of patients. You get the idea here. Full moon lunacy!
These moons are calculated for Eastern time.
NEW MOONS IN 2017
December 29, 2016 — Capricorn
January 27 — Aquarius
February 26 — Pisces: solar eclipse
March 27 — Aries
April 26 — Taurus
May 25 — Gemini
June 23 — Cancer
July 23 — Leo
August 21 — Leo: solar eclipse
September 20 — Virgo
October 19 — Libra
November 18 — Scorpio
December 18 — Sagittarius
FULL MOONS IN 2017
January 12 — Cancer
February 10 — Leo: lunar eclipse
March 12 — Virgo
April 11 — Libra
May 10 — Scorpio
June 9 — Sagittarius
July 8 — Capricorn
August 7 — Aquarius: lunar eclipse
September 6 — Pisces
October 5 — Aries
November 4 — Taurus
December 3 — Gemini
Eclipses
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the earth and the sun. It happens only with a new moon, when the sun and moon are conjunct, meaning in the same sign. If a solar eclipse is visible where you live, then the day turns from bright to partial or full darkness, depending on whether the eclipse is partial or total. If it's a total eclipse, the black disk you see is actually the moon and the aura of light around it, the corona, is light from the sun.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon, cutting off the sun's light to the moon. Usually, there are two lunar and two solar eclipses each year, and they happen two weeks apart.
Astrologically, solar eclipses are the most powerful of the two types, and the degree of the power is determined by the amount of light that's cut off. A solar eclipse is like a double new moon — double the new opportunities — and usually involves external events. A lunar eclipse triggers inner needs and concerns, and we tend to feel things more deeply. Depending on how sensitive you are to eclipses, the effects can be felt for several months on either side of the eclipse date.
The total solar eclipse of August 21 will be the first since March 1970 that's visible in the southeastern U.S. It will also be the first time in nearly a century — since 1918 — that an eclipse will be seen across the entire breadth of the continental U.S. It will be at 28 degrees Leo, a fire sign. So Leo and other fire signs — Aries, Sagittarius — born in the latter half of their sign will be powerfully impacted by this eclipse in a positive way. Also, Geminis, Libras and Aquarians born in the latter half of their signs will also feel the effects. Other signs, of course, will also feel the impact of this eclipse, but fire and air signs will feel it most strongly.
As a general guideline, it's best not to make major decisions near or on the day of an eclipse. The energy of eclipses is sometimes extreme and it's best to let things settle down first. That said, though, the purpose of eclipses is to clear out the old to make way for the new. And that's done from the inside out!
Aries 2017
Your sign is ruled by Mars, so pay particular attention to that planet's transits each month. It will be noted when Mars is making angles to other planets and when it changes signs. Mars won't be retrograde at all this year, so it will transit eight of the twelve signs.
If you know your natal rising sign, it's a good idea to keep track of that sign's ruling planet, too. Let's say your rising or ascendant is Taurus. If you look in the introduction, you'll find that Taurus is ruled by Venus, so its various transits and angles it makes to other planets will be significant for you.
In 2017, Venus will be retrograde in your sign from March 4 to April 15, when it turns direct in Pisces. This period may create some bumps in your love life and possibly in your finances as well. But the good news is that you enjoy two periods this year when Venus is moving direct in your sign, always an excellent harbinger of smooth sailing!
The new and full moons, eclipses and various retrogrades are also included in the roundups.
January 2017
Starts slow, picks up speed
The year starts off with the stars lined up in your favor for new business and personal partnerships. If an offer comes your way during the first week of January, don't sign a contract until after the 8, when Mercury turns direct in Sagittarius. On the 12, Mercury enters Capricorn and joins Pluto in your career area, bringing great mental resolve and determination.
With expansive, lucky Jupiter in your partnership sector until mid-October, you and a lover may decide to take your relationship to the next level. You might move in together or get married and it all may unfold quickly, suddenly and without warning. But you're a master at flying by the seat of your pants! Jupiter here could also improve your relationship with a business partner and even an enemy! Open enemies fall in this area. It's possible that a little diplomacy could turn an enemy into an ally.
The full moon on January 12 could bring some tension and irritation in your domestic environment. Just roll with the punches, Aries. The new moon on January 28, in the compatible air sign Aquarius, will be more to your liking. It ushers in new opportunities that enable you to reach for your dreams. Your network of acquaintances and friends proves vital.
For much of the month Venus and your ruler, Mars, travel together in imaginative Pisces. This duo heightens your love life and creativity. Your intuition is sharper, so it's smart to follow hunches and impulses. Your dreams may turn lucid and be easier to recall. Keep a notebook by your bedside. During this period, which lasts until the 28, you may have psychic experiences — telepathic moments with a loved one, a prescient dream or an out-of-body experience. Synchronicity will be your ally.
On the 28, the same day as the new moon, Mars joins Uranus in your sign and will be there until March 9. During these weeks, you're innervated, enthusiastic and focused on moving everything in your life forward. From the beginning of January through mid-December, Saturn is forming a beneficial angle to your sun, bringing greater structure and commitment to whatever you're involved in.
AT A GLANCE
January 3 — Venus enters Pisces
January 8 — Mercury retrograde ends
January 12 — Full moon in Cancer, Mercury joins Pluto in Capricorn
January 28 — New moon in Aquarius, Mars enters Aries
February 2017
Busy, creative and romantic!
There's a lot going on this month in the stars!
It looks as though February is all about romance, love and whatever brings you pleasure, Aries. On February 3, Venus joins Mars in your sign and the two travel together until March 9. This period is particularly favorable for existing romantic/sexual relationships or for the beginning of a relationship. Whenever Venus and Mars travel together, your sexuality is heightened.
With Venus in your sign, you're going to enjoy one of the most romantic and creative periods all year. Your muse is whispering in your ear, and your love life hums along at a pace that suits you. Since Uranus is also in your sign, there may be an edgy, unpredictable quality to your personal relationships that keeps things exciting. The only other period this year that is equal to this one occurs between August 26 and September 19, when Venus transits Leo and the romance/creativity section of your chart.
On February 6, Jupiter turns retrograde in Libra, in your partnership area, and remains that way until June 9. The retrograde may slow things down a bit in your personal and business partnerships, but it's nothing insurmountable. Jupiter's retrograde turns its expansive energy inward, so you are better able to figure out how your personal and business relationships can be improved.
Circle February 7 on your calendar. Mercury, the planet of communication and travel, enters compatible air sign Aquarius and suddenly, your social calendar heats up. You're out there networking, meeting new people and making new contacts.
On February 10, the lunar eclipse in fellow fire sign Leo is likely to bring about sudden insights and you'll feel quite self-confident about expressing your individuality. Sometimes with lunar eclipses, there's a lot of angst because eclipses tend to bring personal issues up front and center, and you have to make quick decisions. However, your creativity is stoked, and you're eager to get moving with a creative project.
Between February 25 and March 12, Mercury transits water sign Pisces, and your conscious mind is exceptionally intuitive and receptive. That heightened intuition will be particularly helpful on February 26, when the solar eclipse in Pisces ushers in new opportunities to work behind the scenes in some capacity, perhaps pioneering some new project that is radically different from what you've done before. Solar eclipses represent new opportunities, but something in your life may end first, making way for the new. Intuitively, you'll grasp what's going on.
Overall, it's a busy month, Aries. Don't run yourself ragged!
AT A GLANCE
February 3 — Venus enters Aries
February 6 — Jupiter turns retrograde in Libra
February 7 — Mercury enters Aquarius
February 10 — Lunar eclipse in Leo
February 25 — Mercury enters Pisces
February 26 — Solar eclipse in Pisces
March 2017
Love life bumps & bruises
Your love life may take a step backward this month when Venus turns retrograde in your sign on March 4. Between then and April 15, when Venus turns direct again, you may have second thoughts about a personal relationship. You and your partner may not see eye to eye on an issue. Creatively, you may have to backtrack on an endeavor, revise and review. It's nothing huge. Just be aware.
Keep an eye on your finances, too. With Mars entering Taurus and your financial sector on March 9, a lot of your physical energy is poured into earning income, perhaps from various sources. You may feel an urge to splurge. If you can afford the splurge, then by all means go for it, and pay cash! Otherwise, play it safe. Since Venus involves money and it's retro in your sign, the Mars transit through your financial area could be a source of discord with a partner. Try not to argue about money. The Mars transit lasts until April 21.
A full moon in detail-oriented Virgo on March 12 may bring a work project to fruition. You also may become more health conscious on a day-to-day basis, making you more aware of the food you eat, the exercise you get, what you think about what you eat and do. If you already have an exercise routine, you may increase the time you spend doing it. If you're a runner who routinely does a mile a day, for example, consider increasing it incrementally. Or, add a yoga or Pilates class each week to your routine. If you have a health app on your phone, keep track of how far you walk just in the course of your daily life.
A day later, on March 13, Mercury enters your sign, where it will be until the 31. During this period, you're completely in step with who you are. Your conscious mind is sharp, edgy and alert for opportunities. Your entrepreneurial spirit is dominant.
The new moon on March 27 falls in your sign, and that happens just once a year. It sets the tone for the rest of year. You can expect new opportunities to be ushered into your life in whatever area you focus on. One good thing to do before this new moon arrives is to create a wish list. What would you like to see happen in your life this year? Focus on those things, back the focus with emotion and then get out of your own way and let the universe do its job.
AT A GLANCE
March 4 — Venus turns retrograde in Aries
March 9 — Mars enters Taurus
March 12 — Full moon in Virgo
March 13 — Mercury enters Aries
March 27 — New Moon in Aries
March 31 — Mercury enters Taurus
April 2017
A mixed bag
Since December 2014, Saturn has been in fellow fire sign Sagittarius, forming a beneficial angle to your sun. This transit has helped you to fortify your worldview, your beliefs and the structure of your life. Perhaps you have gone to college or grad school or taken workshops in something that interests you. Maybe you've traveled overseas and gained considerable perspective on foreign cultures and people. However this transit has unfolded for you until now, things are about to slow down.
Between April 6 and August 25, Saturn will be moving retrograde in Sagittarius. While it's retro, you may be examining the various belief structures in your life — your spirituality, your worldview, your politics and your fundamental philosophy about who we are as people, as a culture, as a society and as a global community. The retro period facilitates scrutiny of the various goals you have set yourself. Are they realistic? Too small? Too large? Then, on December 20, it's going to enter Capricorn and your professional career area, where it will be for the next two and a half years. So this retrograde helps you fine-tune what you would like to achieve professionally in the next few years. Saturn can help you to establish the proper structures for realizing your ambitions and dreams.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The Biggest Book of Horoscopes Ever by Trish MacGregor. Copyright © 2016 Trish MacGregor. Excerpted by permission of Page Street Publishing Co..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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