"I've seen firsthand that being president doesn't change who you are. It reveals who you are."

Michelle Obama (Jan. 17, 1964)

We All Have a Past

This forecast begins with highlights of your past because if what I say about your past rings true, then you can trust what I say about your future.

Many of you went through a time of flux and change around 1993-1996. Quite likely, you changed jobs or residences or both. Fortunately, around 1993, you were looking good, especially in the eyes of bosses and VIPs. This was a fortunate for you while you dealt with these changes. (And for many, it was what actually triggered the change, for example an offer of a great job or a promotion in another city.)

Another lovely influence came along in 1996, when lucky Jupiter was in your sign boosting your confidence and your self poise. This helped you a lot. Although you might not have known it, it was also the signal that you were beginning a 12-year cycle of growth when you would get a better understanding of who you are.

By 1997, your choice was obvious: You had to establish a safe refuge for yourself. You needed a home that you could rely on, something that provided security for yourself and your family. Therefore, for the next several years, you worked to secure your home base. You might have moved again; or you might have done major repairs or made major purchases so that you felt good about where you lived. By 1997, many of you started to earn more money, which helped with these home improvements.

Nevertheless, in 1999-2000, you had a fabulous opportunity to improve your real-estate situation. This meant you might have bought, sold or built a home or rented something better. You enjoyed where you lived more and felt richer at home. Likewise, relations with family improved in a positive way because family members were more mutually generous. Around the turn of the millennium, many of you took a wonderful vacation. Some of you expanded your family around that time as well.

From 2003 until 2006, marriages, partnerships and close friendships were challenged. Some of you said goodbye to important relationships. Nevertheless, you were becoming stronger and more independent, which is why your reputation was shining in a lovely way in 2005-06. People thought highly of you then.

By 2008, lucky Jupiter was back in your sign. This was fortunate because it put you in the right frame of mind to get ready for 2011, which was an important time of harvest for you. This is when you were really on top of your game! And by a "time of harvest," I am referring to a 30-year cycle - so this was important. This time of harvest was during 2011-2015. Something happened that made you feel proud of yourself. You achieved something that was important. It gave you status, respect, kudos and acknowledgement for your efforts. It could have been anything from a graduation to a big promotion. That was also an excellent year to improve your home situation. In fact, some of you expanded your family at that time. This was a strong time for you with many successes both big and small.

In the year 2014, you were ambitious to achieve something. This might have led to a promotion or a job change. Ironically, this promotion might have triggered a situation around 2015, which made you begin to dismantle much of what you had created since 2003. You started to downsize your life by letting go of places, people and possessions. You are still doing this and so you are not quite ready to move on -- not yet.

This year you will continue to undergo change before stepping through a new door in 2018.

And Here It Is ... 2017!

Wealth, Career and Reputation

Astrology is based on cycles; and for those of you who are older, you can hearken back to a time around 1987-88, because in a way, that's where you are right now. Of course, other planetary cycles have changed, so nothing is exactly the same. It never is. But there is a similarity that you can learn from. In the same way that back then, many of you were letting go of things, likewise you are doing this again. For some, the process of downsizing began two years ago. It's important that you don't think of this as loss. Really, it is a time of tightening up things. You are lightening your load to get ready for 2018, which is a time of new beginnings.

This means it's appropriate to let go of professional acquaintances and contacts that no longer benefit you. It's time to move on. Likewise, you might even give up certain beliefs and principles because now you are starting to see a new way of looking at things. Whereas before you might have clung to something and felt secure in those beliefs and values, now you see they are hindering you or holding you back from exploring something new in your future.

Good news! Just when you are wrapping up a three-year window of letting go of things, you will experience the blessing of lucky Jupiter at the top of your chart in 2017. This is fortunate! The last time this happened was in 2005. The next time it will happen will be 2028. This kind of good fortune only occurs roughly three or four times in your adult life, depending on how long you live. (And you are a long-lived, youthful sign.)

What does this mean for Capricorn? Well, Jupiter symbolizes wealth, good fortune, expansion, magnification, increase, foreign countries, travel and matters related to healing, publishing, the media, medicine and the law. Jupiter also represents higher education and wisdom. It is the symbol of universities, libraries, publishing houses as well as the judicial system. This means that you might change your line of work to any one of these Jupiter related fields in 2017.

However, if you don't change your line of work, then 2017 will be a time of promotion, kudos, and public recognition. Your focus will be on your profession, your career and your reputation in the community; and you will try hard to move forward in these areas.

For starters, you will sense that 2017 is a time when you can move forward and earn the praise of others. In turn, this will lead to a greater self-confidence because this is one of the few years in your life when you are in touch with what you can do and how much others admire your talents and abilities. It's a strong time for Capricorns! And yet, ironically, while all this wonderful public acknowledgement is taking place, you continue to let go of what you no longer need. That's because you want to get rid of the deadweight that is weighing you down and holding you back.

Since 2009, the planet Pluto has been in your sign. It will stay there until 2025. Not everyone experiences this. That's because it takes 250 years for Pluto to go through all 12 signs, which means some signs never have Pluto in their sign. (Not in this lifetime.) So what does this mean for you? Ironically, Pluto is helping you divest yourself of what you don't need. For example, in astrology, Pluto represents many things, and one of them is garbage. It also has domain over archaeology and anthropology, which are "old" garbage. This means that since 2009, some of you have lost weight. And most certainly, since 2015, you have gone through cupboards, closets, lockers and garages so you can recycle, sell and turf what is no longer useful. This also applies to your job and your dealings with professional colleagues.

This is why many Capricorns are undergoing a dramatic change in their job or career because they are letting go of things they embraced in the past but will no longer want to embrace in the future. This is a big change! It will be completed by next year, when you enter something so new, your daily wardrobe might be different. That's why your challenge this year is work smoothly with change.

Romance and Relationships

If there's one thing (aside from hot sex) that a Capricorn wants in a relationship, it's security. You are not a casual person. After sowing your wild oats, you are serious about relationships and partnerships. You marry for life. This is why it's been such a challenging time for you in the last few years because since 2015 (and actually, since 2009 when Pluto entered your sign) you have been saying goodbye to many people. Younger people might be amazed at how many "serious" relationships they have experienced.

The planet Pluto always wants a superior result, which is why it is associated with taking something that exists and then improving it. For example, Pluto has domain over surgery, which is intended to improve a medical problem. This is why Pluto is associated with renovating, refinishing, re-sanding, reupholstering, redoing or doing anything where you want to get a better result form something that already exists. Since Pluto has been in your sign, many of you have felt that you need to "redo" your relationships. You either want to improve your relationship with someone or you want to end it and move on to hopefully find a better relationship.

This is why many of you are opting out of friendships and relationships because you feel you can do better. Or if you were in a relationship that was more trouble than it was worth, you are prepared to fly solo.

Therefore, this is a time of flux and change with regard to relationships for some of you - not all of you. Either way, the lovely thing about 2017 is that with lucky Jupiter at the top of your chart, you look good to others. The top of your chart is the part of you that is high viz. In other words, everyone can see this influence in your life. Not only do you look good to bosses, VIPs and professional people (which is why this is the time of promotion and recognition), you look attractive to everyone -- even your friends, your partners, your lovers and people you might meet this year. Not only do they see you as affable, successful, talented and capable, they see you as more cosmopolitan. This is because Jupiter is associated with foreign countries.

Therefore, some of you will meet people who are different. These people might come from another country. Or if you are in an existing relationship, you might travel more or become more involved with another culture.

It's an exciting time for you because in one way, you are letting go of what you no longer need in your life, and yet, at the same time, everyone admires you, which means you can attract new, people and experiences into your world. It's important to be aware of this so that you can take advantage of it. If you don't know you have an advantage, you might waste it. And if there's one sign that deplores waste - it's you.

You are practical and you like to make the wisest use of not only what you own but also the wisest use of the opportunities that are available to you. This is why you must be aware that while you go through this time of change and letting go of things, you impress others. You can take advantage of this. Use this influence with professional relationships and also by attracting people to you in a romantic way because you will look so appealing to others.

With Jupiter at the top of your chart, you appear successful, desirable, capable and accomplished. This is just a super bonus that comes your way this year and will not come your way again until 2029.

Therefore - play the part. As Shakespeare wrote, "Assume a virtue if you have it not, (like) a frock or livery that is put on" and it will "change the stamp of nature." In other words, assume a virtue and it is yours!

This is very true. If you take a virtue like patience or generosity, and you start to apply it in your life, and you use it in a daily way, it will become a habit, and of course, your habit will eventually become character. This is a wonderful advantage that wise Jupiter offers to you in 2017.

Some countries call Jupiter Jove (hence the origin of the word jovial). However, Jupiter is also associated with wisdom. This means these qualities are "stamped on" you this year, like wearing a brooch or an insignia. It's like a light shining on you with a colour gel. Just believe this is true and make the most of it. You will look wise and joyful to others in 2017; and if you know this, you can use it to your advantage by displaying the qualities that attract wonderful, positive relationships to you.

Home, Family and Real Estate

The two main influences to keep in mind that impact your sign this year are Jupiter and Saturn. For most of the year, lucky Jupiter is at the top of your chart, which means you effortlessly create a marvellous image with others, especially parents and older relatives. (As well as bosses and VIPs.) So one thing is certain, your reputation within your family dynamic is positive this year. People will look to you for advice. People will ask what you think about things. They will perceive you as successful and wise. (It might be a good idea to remember the words of Abe Lincoln who said, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to speak out and remove all doubt.")

Right from the get-go, we know that in 2017, you will enjoy a good footing with your family and that they will respect you. This is important for several reasons. First off, no sign more than you values respect from your peers. Respect and prestige are important for Capricorns. But secondly, every sign has a number of archetypes to describe it, and most definitely, one of the archetypes for Capricorn would be - happy family, 2.5 kids, white picket fence, God, motherhood and the flag. This means that you value a conventional home and family that is supportive to you, especially one that offers you emotional and practical security. So on this score, you can relax for the coming year because your family will love and respect you.

The above is largely the influence of Jupiter. However, the influence of Saturn is quite another thing. It has been in your 12th House since 2015. This influence occurs once every 30 years, and this is the influence that is forcing you to go through cupboards, closets, garages, lockers and storage places to get rid of what you don't use or do not need. You are also letting go of relationships that are no longer meaningful. Some of you are will even let go of married partners. Some are contemplating a residential move. And some are letting go of countries and heading off into the unknown.

Essentially, you are streamlining your life and there is nothing you can do about it except to go with the flow. Whatever you no longer need - recycle it, sell it or give it away. It's important to do this with care and thought because you do not like waste. Therefore, if you can find someone, especially a family member, who wants your cherished dining-room suite - this will please you. You want to know that things that are precious to you will go to someone who appreciates them. Beyond that, try to sell things and get some value for them. And of course, beyond that, you just have to let it go.

Do not worry about a few family relationships that might be fading away because in 2018, you will have a popular year where you will make new friends and be involved with new groups, clubs and associations. Be ruthless about giving up what you no longer need. Don't be a packrat.

Highlights of 2017 Month by Month

January

This is a strong month for you with the Sun in your sign. Quite literally, it's your turn to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Your sign always has the advantage of beginning the year with this extra boost of energy. Not only do you look good to others, your communications this month are direct and forthright. You mean what you say and say what you mean.

February

Your communication skills are still excellent this month; however, they are softer and more sugary. It's a good month for writers and salespeople. It's a good month for business people too, because you have a strong focus on business and commerce right now. People will listen to you.

March

Busy you! This month you hit the pavement running. Your schedule will be active because you are trying to do so much. Expect to take short trips, do errands, talk to everyone and for some reason, also read, write and study more than usual. Very strong time for sales, teaching, acting and writing. In addition, you're making changes at home with renovations or redecorating projects. Many of you are entertaining at home as well. (Gasp!)

April

You will actively seek out social situations and pleasure this month; and your communications with others will be super charming. However, for the most part, you will have a strong focus on home and family at this time, perhaps because home repairs are taking a priority.

May

Although recently, you have wanted to have fun and play and entertain at home - this month, you will really go after pleasure and entertaining diversions! No question. This is the perfect month for a vacation. It's a great month to enjoy sports events, playful activities with children, romance, love affairs and anything that appeals to you. You will work hard this month; nevertheless, you will also redecorate at home and entertain guests.

June

Just a reminder, that you look fabulous to everyone because lucky Jupiter is still at the top of your chart. This month you are keen to make advances in your job. In particular, you want to be efficient, productive and effective in everything you do. You want the most bang for your buck. Make your home look more attractive because you will enjoy entertaining at home. Nevertheless, you also want to work hard this month, and delegate as much as possible.

July

You will need more rest and more sleep this month - that's a certainty. Furthermore, you might feel increased tension dealing with partners and close friends because fiery Mars will be opposite your sign. This is a bit of a bummer. Your only recourse will be patience, tolerance and understanding. Fortunately, relations with coworkers are excellent. You win some; you lose some.

August

Relations with partners and close friends have magically improved! (Thank gawd.) In fact, your sex drive is amped this month. Holy Teddy! In addition, you will have an increased focus on shared property, taxes, debt, inheritances and insurance issues. Some of you will think about making travel plans at this time as well.

September

Now you do want to travel! You want to get outta Dodge so that you can expand your world and see something stimulating and exciting. You also want to learn more, which is why some of you might sign up for a course or go back to school. Meanwhile, romance swoons dizzily along because your sex drive is still amped. Sometimes chaste is a waste. After all, life is short - and fat. This is a good month to ask for a loan or mortgage because you will benefit from the wealth and resources of others.

October

This is a powerful month for you because now both Jupiter and the Sun are at the top of your chart, which means you look stellar to others! Jupiter completely magnifies your good qualities and suggests to others that you are competent, capable and accomplished. The Sun, is like a spotlight on you but it is a flattering spotlight. So it will enhance the job that Jupiter is already doing! This is obviously the time to make your pitch. Go after what you want. Demand the advantage. And meanwhile, travel for pleasure still appeals. Wow!

November

This is a popular time for you. You will truly enjoy hanging out with others, especially younger people. Nevertheless, with Mars at the top of your chart, your ambition is aroused. You are still going after what you want, which is not surprising considering your success from last month. People in power look kindly on you. In fact, some of you will strike up a romance with a boss or someone who is influential.

December

Because your birthday is just a month away, you are waiting in the wings, as it were. This means you prefer to play it low key and work alone or behind the scenes. However, you will work hard because fiery Mars is still at the top of your chart arousing your ambition. Nevertheless, you are now in planning mode. In fact, this is a good time to plan what you want for your new year ahead. Incidentally, it appears that secret love affairs are taking place for some.

A Sneak Peek Beyond

Next year is a popular year for you. Not only will you enjoy increased popularity, you will benefit from your interaction with others. It's important to know this. The year 2018 is a hallmark year for you because it marks the beginning of a new 30- year journey.

In 2020, lucky Jupiter will be in your sign, which means you will be happy that year and feel magically content. The year 2021 looks very good for chances to boost your income.

But your real financial opportunity arrives in 2023, when you have the best chance in over a decade to make money from real estate. If you do not buy or sell real estate, you might rent something better; or you might renovate where you live because whatever happens - you will enjoy your home more in that year. Family life will probably expand and certainly be happier as well.

Plan for a fabulous vacation in 2024, which is also a great year for romance. And finally, in 2025, you have the best chance to improve your job that you've had in ages! Looking good!

Your Capricorn Mantra for 2017

"Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success!"

Mercury Retrograde in 2017

Mercury retrograde occurs three times a year. This is when Mercury appears to go backwards in relation to planet Earth. (In reality Mercury always moves forward.) During these so-called retrograde times, the areas that Mercury has domain over inexplicably suffer from errors and delays. The errors are small but frustrating!

Mercury is the symbol of everything that moves forward:

  1. all forms of ground transportation, (cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, buses, taxis, trains)
  2. the mail, parcels, packages (Post Office and Courier and Delivery Services)
  3. communications -- email, social media, phone calls, conversations
  4. daily living (the people we encounter, the items we deal with, the transactions we make and how we relate to others.)

During Mercury retrograde, all the areas under the rulership of Mercury tend to go "backwards." (They certainly have trouble going forwards!) This is why we can expect transportation delays, missed buses and car breakdowns. Mail will be late or lost, daily items that we handle like keys and papers will be misplaced; and communications with others will be confused and misunderstood. Plus people from our past will pop up into our lives. "Boris?" "Natasha!"

Use Mercury retrograde times to finish things, study the past, do research and reflect. But do not open a business or begin new projects then. Mercury retrograde is also a bad time to buy cars, trucks, bikes, computers, printers and phones.

The dates below are the actual retrograde dates plus the buffer times. This is because Mercury starts to slow down before it goes retrograde. Then afterwards, it needs more time to catch up to where it was at when it first went retrograde.

The craziness (delays and errors) is most pronounced during the actual retrograde time. However, if you are buying a big ticket item like a car or a computer, I recommend that you play it safe and avoid these purchases in the buffer times as well. You'll be glad you did.

December 19 - January 8 (Buffer times: December 2016 to - January 28)
April 9 - May 3 (Buffer times: April 1 - May 21)
August 13 - September 5 (Buffer times: July 30 - September 20)
December 3 - December 23 (Buffer times: November 26 - January 11, 2018)

Lucky Days for 2017

  • January 24, 25, 26
  • February 21, 22
  • March 20, 21, 22
  • April 17, 18
  • May 14, 15
  • June 10, 11, 12
  • July 7, 8, 9
  • August 4, 5, 31
  • September 1, 2, 28, 29
  • October 24, 25, 26
  • November 21, 22, 23
  • December 18, 19, 20

Who Shares My Birthday?

December

22
Ralph Fiennes 1962
23
Yousuf Karsh 1908
24
Lee Daniels 1959
25
Justin Trudeau 1971
26
Kit Harington 1986
27
Masi Oka 1974
28
Denzel Washington 1954
29
Jennifer Ehle 1969
30
Ellie Goulding 1986
31
Anthony Hopkins 1937

January

1
Christine Lagarde 1956
2
Allen Sapp 1928
3
George Martin 1926
4
Julia Ormond 1965
5
Robert Duvall 1931
6
Nigella Lawson 1960
7
Lewis Hamilton 1985
8
David Bowie 1947
9
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge 1982
10
Pat Benatar 1953
11
Amanda Peet 1972
12
Kirstie Alley 1951
13
Ruth Wilson 1982
14
Grant Gustin 1990
15
Jessy Schram 1986
16
Rene Angelil 1942
17
Mohammad Ali 1942
18
Jane Horrocks 1964
19
Katey Sagal 1954