iracles,
Let us discover what is happening in the heavens so that we might be fully rooted here in this gorgeous earth. In this post we will go through the various phases of the moon, briefly look at what each of the planets will be up to in 2017, and of course I will give you pertinent retrograde dates and eclipse dates as well.
As always for every single point I will give you at least one question to consider. Why? Because although the popular way of teaching astrology (and most other things) is by telling you dear reader what I think they mean, I have found that a much better way of approaching anything in the sacred arts is to give you the tools to think about it, feel into it, and figure it out for yourself.
Questions, the right questions, can help you do just that. I teach both tarot and astrology in this manner and from the reports I have received and my own experience I know that it works. So get those pens and notebooks ready!
Looking to enchant your planner approach? We’ve got you covered with the first ever Sacred Arts Book of Hours.
And now, the dance of planets:
The Many Faces of the Moon
La Luna is the most visible and easily trackable celestial body in the sky besides the sun. And so it makes complete sense that the earliest calendars were lunar to say nothing of the many ceremonies, rites, and feast days that honored Luna in her various phases.
Within the sacred arts there are four lunar phases to pay especial attention to: First Quarter, Full, Balsamic and/or Dark, and New.
New Moons are the best time to start any project or breathe new energy into any situation or area of your life. At this point the Moon is at the very beginning of her next 28 day phase – luna is starting fresh and so can we.
First Quarter Moons are best for looking at relationships and bringing harmony, balance, and intuitive insight to any given situation. Traditionally this phase of the moon was considered the best time to divine and the very famous Oracle at Delphi only gave out her divinations during this phase of the moon.
Full Moons illuminate the land and the sky, allowing us to “see in the dark” and making this the best time to look at and uncover the aspects of a situation that usually remain in the shadows; revelations occur during Full Moons.
Balsamic or Dark Moons are traditionally times to rest, fast, dream deeply, and banish anything that is no longer relevant and/or of use to you.
It is important to note that everyone has a very different relationship with the phases of the moon. While the above descriptions are tried and true in my life and the lives of many of my students and clients, I also know a hefty number of folks who feel (for instance) very depleted energetically during new moons and much more alive and full of energy during the Balsamic phase. Use the information as a springboard but then pay attention to your own experiences.
Below are the lunar phases for 2017 in central time. If you need help with timezone conversation go here.
And, if you want a specialized report on how each of these moons will affect you and play out in your personal natal chart and star-scape, you might want to check out my latest Astro RX Special Report: I See the Moon.
January 2017
1/5: First Quarter at 15 degrees Aries, 1:47 PM
Ask: What does right relationship to myself look and feel like?
1/12: Full Moon at 22 degrees Cancer, 5:34 AM
Ask: What are my dreams telling me?
1/27: New Moon at 8 degrees Aquarius, 6:07 PM
Ask: What do I want to broadcast out into the world?
1/19: Balsamic Moon at 0 degrees Scorpio, 4:13 PM
Ask: What stories about my wounds no longer serve me?
February
2/3: First Quarter at 15 degrees Taurus, 10:19 PM
Ask: What does right relationship to easy abundance look and feel like?
2/10: Full Moon at 22 degrees Leo, 6:33 PM + Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 6:45pm
Ask: What am I no longer willing to be ashamed about?
2/18: Balsamic Moon at 0 degrees Sagittarius, 1:33 PM
Ask: What chains need to be broken?
2/26: New Moon at 8 degrees Pisces, 8:58 AM – Annular Solar Eclipse at 8:54 AM
Ask: What is one pattern, attitude, and/or belief I no longer wish to follow in my creative and/or spiritual life and how can I reversed it today?
March
3/5: First Quarter at 15 degrees Gemini, 5:32 AM
Ask: What does right relationship to ideas and learning look and feel like?
3/12: Full Moon at 22 degrees Virgo, 9:54 AM – NOTE: daylight savings time begins
Ask: Where am I sovereign?
3/20: Balsamic Moon at 0 degrees Capricorn, 11:58 AM + Spring Equinox (sun enters Aries at 5:23 AM)
Ask: What competitions take me away from myself and my work?
3/27: New Moon at 7 degrees Aries, 10:57 PM
Ask: What am I ready to risk?
April
4/3: First Quarter at 14 degrees Cancer, 1:39 PM
Ask: What does right relationship to my family look and feel like?
4/11: Full Moon at 21 degrees Libra, 1:08 AM
Ask: Who are my partners and allies?
4/19: Balsamic Moon at 29 degrees Capricorn, 4:57 AM
Ask: What can I stop pretending to be/do?
4/26: New Moon at 6 degrees Taurus, 7:16 AM
Ask: Where do I feel really good?
May
5/2: First Quarter at 12 degrees Leo, 9:47 PM
Ask: What does right relationship to courage look and feel like?
5/10: Full Moon at 20 degree Scorpio, 4:42 AM
Ask: What do my scars show me?
5/18: Balsamic Moon at 28 degrees Aquarius, 7:33 PM
Ask: What connections are no longer relevant?
5/25: New Moon at 4 degrees Gemini, 2:44 PM
Ask: What really educates me?
June
6/1: First Quarter at 11 degrees Virgo, 7:42 AM
Ask: What does right relationship to cleanliness and order look and feel like?
6/9: Full Moon at 18 degrees Sagittarius, 8:10 AM – Jupiter DIRECT
Ask: What is my aim?
6/17: Balsamic Moon at 26 degrees Pisces, 6:33 AM
Ask: What addictive thoughts, behaviors, and/or attitudes do I need to banish?
6/23: New Moon at 2 degrees Cancer, 9:31 PM
Ask: Where am I hungry?
6/30: First Quarter at 9 degrees Libra, 7:51 PM
Ask: Where is it easy for me to have right relationships and where is it harder?
July
7/8: Full Moon at 17 degrees Capricorn, 11:07 PM
Ask: What do my gifts and talents tell me?
7/16: Balsamic Moon at 24 degrees Aries, 2:26 PM
Ask: Where do I need to be less impatient?
7/23: New Moon at 0 degrees Leo, 4:46 AM
Ask: What am I ready to share with my tribe and audience?
7/30: First Quarter at 7 degrees Scorpio, 10:23 AM
Ask: What does right relationship to mystery look and feel like?
August
8/7: Full Moon at 15 degrees Aquarius, 1:11 PM + Partial Lunar Eclipse at 1:21 PM + Launch of Spinning Gold 2017-18!
Ask: What messages do I keep receiving and ignoring? How can I stop ignoring them?
8/14: Balsamic Moon at 22 degrees Taurus, 8:15 PM
Ask: Where does lethargy and laziness not serve me?
8/21: New Moon at 28 degrees Leo, 1:30 PM – Solar Eclipse at 1:26pm
Ask: What is one pattern, attitude, and/or belief around being seen and beloved that I no longer wish to be influenced by and how can I reversed it today?
8/29: First Quarter at 6 degrees Sagittarius, 3:13 AM
Ask: What does right relationship with religion/spirituality look and feel like?
September
9/6: Full Moon at 13 degrees Pisces, 2:03 AM
Ask: What do my sensitivities teach me?
9/13: Balsamic Moon at 20 degrees Gemini, 1:25 AM
Ask: Where do I need to be less scattered and unfocused?
9/20: New Moon at 27 degrees Virgo, 12:30 AM
Ask: What do I want to plan for?
9/27: First Quarter at 5 degrees Capricorn, 9:53 PM
Ask: What does right relationship with recognition and appreciation look and feel like?
October
10/5: Full Moon at 12 degrees Aries, 1:40 PM
Ask: What do I put first?
10/12: Balsamic Moon 19 degrees Cancer, 10:20 PM
Ask: What are the emotions that consistently trip me up?
10/19: New Moon at 26 degrees Libra, 2:12 PM
Ask: Where do I need harmony and balance?
10/27: First Quarter at 4 degrees Aquarius, 4:22 PM
Ask: What does right relationship with my community look and feel like?
November
11/4: Full Moon at 11 degrees Taurus, 12:23 AM
Ask: What is luxurious to me?
11/10: Balsamic Moon 18 degrees Leo, 2:36 PM
Ask: What does false pride keep me from doing?
11/18: New Moon at 26 degrees Scorpio, 5:42 AM
Ask: What shadow am I ready to explore?
11/26: First Quarter at 4 degrees Pisces, 11:03 AM
Ask: What does right relationship with my intuition look and feel like?
December
12/3 Full Moon at 11 degrees Gemini, 9:47 AM – Mercury Retrograde begins
Ask: What do my friendships show me?
12/10: Balsamic Moon 18 degrees Virgo, 1:51 AM
Ask: What does the need for perfection prevent in my life?
12/18: New Moon at 26 degrees Sagittarius, 12:30 AM
Ask: What am I ready to set free?
12/26: First Quarter at 4 degrees Aries, 3:30 AM
Ask: What does right relationship to new beginnings look and feel like?
Lunar and Solar Eclipses in 2017
There are four eclipses in 2017. You can learn more about eclipses and how to work with them here. In short, I have found that eclipses are very useful for breaking long-held patterns of thought, behavior, attitude, and action that no longer serve. Many astrologers talk about eclipses in negative terms but don’t let that keep you from noting eclipse times and trying your hand at working with them in an intentional manner.
2/10: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 22 degrees Leo at 6:45pm
Ask: What am I no longer willing to be ashamed about?
2/26: Annular Solar Eclipse at 8 degrees Pisces at 8:54 AM
Ask: What is one pattern, attitude, and/or belief I no longer wish to follow in my creative and/or spiritual life and how can I reversed it today?
8/7: Partial Lunar Eclipse at 15 degrees Aquarius at 1:21 PM
Ask: What message do I keep receiving and ignoring? How can I stop ignoring it?
8/21: Total Solar Eclipse at 28 degrees Leo at 1:26pm
Ask: What is one pattern, attitude, and/or belief around being seen and beloved that I no longer wish to be influenced by and how can I reversed it today?
Mercury Retrogrades for 2017
Every planet has retrograde periods but most people are only familiar with Mercury in Retrograde – mostly because many astrologers and non-astrologers alike make this period out to be terrible, full of bad luck, and extremely frustrating. It can be, but I prefer to practice with Mercury retrograde instead of in resistance to it.
You can learn more about Mercury retrograde in my Mercury rx archives here and check out this article to start to get a sense of how you might deepen your retrograde experience. If you are what I call Mercury-sensitive you will want to make a note of the things to do BEFORE Mercury goes retrograde and join up with the Mercury RX Survival Kit.
Here are the dates for the 2017 Mercury Retrogrades
December 19th 2016 – January 8th, 2017: Retrograde starts at 4:55am in Capricorn moves into Sagittarius on 1/5, ending on 1/8 at 3:43am.
Ask: What areas and concerns am I holding onto too tightly? Where have I made up my mind in too rigid a manner? What areas of my life need more freedom and flexibility?
April 9th – May 3rd: Retrograde starts at 6:14pm in Taurus and moves into Aries on 4/21, ending on 5/3 at 11:33am.
Ask: Where have I allowed myself to get too comfortable? Where am I unwilling to try something new or take a risk? Where has my life become too predictable and staid?
August 12th – September 5th: Retrograde starts at 8:00pm in Virgo and moves into Leo on 9/1, ending on 9/5 at 6:29am.
Ask: Where have I allowed structures to take over content? If my closet is beautifully organized but I don’t like any of my clothes then what does that get me? Where do I need more fun and spontaneity in my plans?
December 3rd – December 22nd: Retrograde starts at 1:34am in Sagittarius, ending on 12/22 at 7:51pm.
Ask: How do I engage with places, people, and ideas that are not immediately familiar to me? Do I wear exotic experiences or unlikely friendships like badges of honor? Do I hide from anything or anyone that is new and different or do I go seeking out after adventure?
Planets
Just like the stars, planets move throughout the sky all of the time. The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) all move relatively quickly through signs and sections of the chart. The outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto) all move at a much slower rate through the various constellations and houses of the chart. Inner planets traditionally are understood to deal with every day, practical, real-life issues while outer planets are understood to work with big cycles, realizations, and patterns in our lives. First we will spend some time with some of the inner planet happenings in 2016, starting with the ever dreaded Mercury retrogrades.
Mercury, Venus, and Mars
These three inner planets move through the sky and around the zodiac relatively quickly. In 2016 we saw Mars spend an inordinate amount of time in Scorpio and Sagittarius, due to a lengthy Mars retrograde. I’m happy to report that in 2017 there is NO Mars retrograde, so for those of you who had a tough time last summer, cue that sigh of relief now.
We have already gone over the Mercury retrograde dates so now we have to turn our attention to another long retrograde period we will experience in 2017 – Venus retrograde. Here is the info on that:
March 4th – April 15th: Retrograde starts at 3:09am in Aries, moving into Pisces on 4/3, ending on 4/15 at 5:18am.
Ask: What is the role that love plays in my life? What do I love? Who do I love? Where can I love more and can I accept love from others?
Jupiter in Libra + Scorpio and square Pluto
For most of 2017 Jupiter is in the sign of Libra. This is excellent placement for the great planet of abundance, wisdom, and wealth. I actually have thirteen questions for you to ask when it comes to Jupiter in Libra but I am just going to give you the first one here.
September 9th 2016 – October 10th 2017: Jupiter is in the sign of Libra.
Ask: What am I married to? What are the ideas, attitudes, behaviors, and yes, people, that you are in closest alliance with? Do those alliances still make sense for you? Do the alliances work or are they not fully functioning? Jupiter is poised to breathe tons of life and energy into your closest partnerships so make sure that the partnerships you have are the ones you want and need?
There is a Jupiter Retrograde in 2017 as well.
February 6th – June 9th Jupiter is retrograde in the sign of Libra.
Ask: Where am I too invested in a relationship, partnership, or romantic experience? Where do I need to exercise more self-control?
October 10th 2017 – November 8th 2018: Jupiter is in the sign of Scorpio.
Ask: What is the blessing I can bring to my broken places right now?
Jupiter and Pluto Square Off
There are three squares between Jupiter and Pluto in 2016-17 that I want you to be aware of. A square occurs when two planets are at a 90 degree angle to each other, in this case that is Jupiter in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn. Between Autumn of 2016 and Autumn of 2017 there are three exact squares and this is the big square energy that we will feel throughout 2017.
From a mythic perspective this is a period of tension and confrontation between the Ruler of the Heavens and the Ruler of the Underworld. Pluto in Capricorn continues to blast through long-held notions of “the way that things have to be” from education and family planning to finance and politics. Jupiter, the planet of blessing and abundance can resist change if it seems like it might be painful or destabilizing – but Pluto is not to be resisted.
Ask: What change have I put off making for far too long, how can I start to make it in a way that brings more and not less blessing into my life?
Saturn in Sagittarius + Capricorn
For most of 2017 Saturn continues its journey through Sagittarius, the Archer. This is the area of our lives where we engage in creating a VISION for ourselves and the world that we live in. Freedom, philosophy (as in your philosophy of life), education, and religion all have a role to play in this relationship. Saturn, planet of Time among other things invites us to consider our relationship to each of the areas that Sagittarius speaks to.
Ask: Where in my life can greater discipline lead to truer freedom? What is one thing that I absolutely believe? Why?
On December 19th : Saturn moves into its favored sign of Capricorn.
Ask: What do I need to master most now?
Neptune in Pisces:
Neptune continues moving through the sign of Pisces, giving us plenty of deep ocean to swim around in and go diving for treasure. With the intensity of Saturn in Sagittarius and Pluto in Capricorn, and the unbridled excitement of Uranus in Aries, it is so nice to have Neptune hanging out in its most favorite sign. However, there will be a Neptune Retrograde in 2017 too.
June 17th 2017 – November 22nd 2017: Neptune Retrograde in Pisces.
Ask: What unfinished creative/dream work do I need to turn my attention to now? What unhelpful fantasy needs to be revised and made relevant?
Uranus in Aries
Uranus continues its transit through Aries for another year, it is not until 2018 when it will move into Taurus. This continues to be shake up of everything from appearances (I think the whole yoga clothes for business movement is a great expression of this transit), to the way that we enter into a room, to the way that we launch products and services, to the way that we dive into conflicts. Uranus in Aries favors and encourages risky behavior but is not always the best about picking up the pieces once the party is over.
There will be a Uranus retrograde in 2017.
August 3rd 2017 – January 1st 2018: Uranus Retrograde in Aries.
Ask: What big endeavors, projects, beginnings have I left unfinished? Where have I taken a gamble but not followed up to see how it really turned out?
Pluto in Capricorn
Capricorn works hard and Pluto goes deep so this pairing cannot help but leave an impact wherever it happens in your chart. Capricorn is often thought of as the career sector of the chart but I think of it more as craftsmanship. The difference is that for many of us career is a notion tied distinctly to our jobs, while craftsmanship is a virtue that we can apply to many areas of our lives. Pluto relentlessly tears down whatever is not working and Capricorn has the good sense to continue moving forward and refining all needed skill sets.
Ask: Why do I do the kind of work that I do?
Sync up with the stars
We’ve created digital calendars with all the important dates, times and events for your convenience:
download the google Calendar
download the iCalendar
download the Sacred Arts Book of Hours – a planner for Soulful Seekers for $24 here.
Further Reading + Resources:
If you would like more personal one on one astrological guidance book a series of Sacred Arts Sessions for deeper exploration.
Astro.com – home of free charts galore.
The online ephemeris – any planet, any year – yes, for real.
Heidi Rose Robbins – soulful astrological readings via phone or skype
Mystic Medusa – fun astrological insights often tied to current events and pop culture
Amelia Quint – brilliant advice on tarot and astrology
The Tarot Lady – check out her specialty forecasts like the Entrepreneurcast and her fantastic FREE astro training Star School.