Report

Those born on August 17 are powerful and explosive individuals. They have the high voltage of those born on the previous day, with whom they have much in common, but unlike the latter are very taken up with running the show. Their drive to rule has the underpinnings of a well-established earthiness which grounds their dynamic energies. Most August 17 people, men and women, are dominating authoritarians at heart, who do not brook any challenge to their right to rule whether acting as parents, teachers, military people or even friends. Indeed, those born on this day often run into trouble when their controlling nature becomes too hard for others to handle. Paradoxically, August 17 people can display a very quiet and even solitary temperament and a strong desire to protect their private life. Outside of their work or social involvements they would prefer to be left alone. Though very outgoing at times, perhaps “the life of the party,” they are hardly wanton exhibitionists, preferring not to waste their energies in grand displays. Those born on this day carry a certain refinement and charm with them, but can also be forbidding enough to keep admirers at arms length. One of the greatest challenges to August 17 people is to control their argumentative side, along with a tendency to be alternately antagonistic or defensive. If allowed free reign, such urges can create serious difficulties for them, not only making enemies but also alienating friends and family. Those who love and understand August 17 people will try to cope with this untamed energy and readily forgive explosive words and actions. But there reaches a point where those born on this day may push the tolerance of others too far. Psychologically, many August 17 people exhibit such behavior because of hidden insecurities and repressed inferiority feelings carried over from childhood. Typically, they have experienced serious problems with one of their parents (often of the same sex) whom they alternately hated and adored. In addition, they may not have taken the pains to really know themselves, and thus when encountering misfortune may brood or grow frustrated rather than learn from experience. Perhaps psychological counseling can help those born on this day to understand themselves better. Because of their deep natures and their sophisticated thought patterns, these versatile people have a great deal to offer in many areas if they can get a handle on their energies. Though August 17 people very rarely act with malicious intent, they can be driven by forces beyond their control, forces often kept bottled up inside. Various forms of mental discipline can help them manage these “hurricane” energies, i.e., learning to monitor early warning signs and calm the winds before a storm develops.

Numbers

Those born on the 17th day of the month are ruled by the number 8 (1+7=8), and by the planet Saturn. Saturn carries a serious aspect, which tends to make August 17 people severe with themselves and others. The combined influence of the Sun (ruler of Leo) and Saturn may indicate an ultra-responsible personality, but one also prone to discouragement. The number 8 carries a conflict between the material and spiritual worlds; those ruled by the number 8 are often lonely, and tend to indulge themselves.

Archetype

The 17th card of the Major Arcana is The Star, which shows a beautiful naked girl under the stars pouring refreshing water on the parched earth with one pitcher and reviving the stagnant water of a pond with another. She represents the glories of the earthly life, but also material enslavement to it. The stars above her are an eternal reminder of the presence of the spiritual world. Thus, August 17 people are reminded never to forget about the higher goals of life.

Health

The greatest health danger for August 17 people is illness brought on by suppressed aggression. If those born on this day allow problems to eat away at them and express such worries only in fits of temper, they will be at risk for ulcerative stomach and intestinal conditions, hypertension and malignancies of all kinds. Encouraging their social nature, working and living in an energetic, free-flowing fashion will do wonders for their health. All endeavors which open them up to the world are recommended—group exercise, meals and social activities of all sorts. All forms of depression (which is often anger driven inside) should be attended to as quickly as possible.

Advice

Moderate your intensity when appropriate. Use downtime to examine your motivations; get to know yourself better. Observe yourself in daily life and learn to recognize the early warning signals of destructive temper. Try to keep things light.

Meditation

Touching the nose means no