Report

Like a cat, those born on October 17 usually manage to land on their feet. No matter what difficulties or dangers they face, it is their balance above all which they strive to maintain. This might be a simple matter were it not for the fact that they love to take chances. Instability may be their worst enemy, but most often it is of the self-induced variety. There are two distinct types of October 17 people: on the one hand the quiet, seemingly stable kind who appear to have it all together, and on the other hand the daredevils to whom life without risk-taking is dull and tedious. Some of these latter individuals may think nothing of taking life-threatening risks, attracted by the skill required to win at long odds. Others less extreme will nevertheless be gamblers of a kind, whether money, property or even love are the stakes. The more stable of October 17 people may enjoy a fairly settled life, but closer examination makes it apparent that they are often attracted to highly artistic, nervous or unusual people who bring an element of uncertainty with them. Both October 17 types love drama and lively events—the more stable ones as observers and the risk-takers as participants. October 17 people find it hard to change their ways. They often fall victim to hubris, as if they put themselves above laws of ordinary human experience. Alas, they do make mistakes, and big ones, costly in terms of finances or physical health. Yet on they go—resilient, confident that they can recover from setbacks or accidents no matter how major. In this respect they treat fate like a lover of long standing or, at the very least, an old friend. Perhaps they are up to this dangerous game, but they must particularly beware of all forms of self-deception. Most October 17 people are quite unrestrained when defining themselves and their talents, thus artists born on this day can incorporate the ideas of others in their work and make them their own. Masters at taking old or time-honored themes and reworking them, October 17 people are traditionalists, and no matter how modern or advanced their thinking, remain conservative in their basic approach to life. Caution, limitation and detailed research based on experience are what enable them to take such apparently dangerous risks in so cavalier a fashion. On the other side, October 17 people generally act in a measured, considerate manner with their colleagues, friends and family—but don’t get their back up! Their tempers can explode when their authority is threatened or their intentions brought into question. Those born on this day feel that their judgment is excellent, and well it may be in most cases, but they may fail to recognize when they are headed in the wrong direction. A deeper self-knowledge is required, perhaps a more serious pursuit of spirituality and, for some October 17 people, a discarding of values tied to superficial excitement and glitter.

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 with it a strong feeling of limitation and restriction, and also indicates a judgmental aspect as well, reinforcing the above-mentioned tendency of October 17 people to be self-righteous. The connection between Saturn and Venus (Libra’s ruler) can trigger the darker, more discontented aspects of their personality, leading to all sorts of complications in their private lives. The number 8 also holds a conflict between the material and spiritual worlds; those ruled by this number can be lonely, and at times prone to indulge in excess.

Archetype

The 17th card of the Major Arcana is The Star, which shows a beautiful naked girl under the stars pouring refreshing water on 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 slavery to it. The stars above her are an eternal reminder of the presence of the spiritual world. October 17 people, then, should always beware of excessive greed, or lust for money and power, and above all never forget the higher goals of life.

Health

An obvious health risk for many October 17 people is an attraction to danger and lack of healthy fear. As far as accidents go, most in jeopardy are their back and internal organs. For some born on this day, sexually transmitted disease is a threat that demands careful precaution. Cultivation of the culinary arts usually comes naturally to October 17 people, as they enjoy expressing their flamboyance in the kitchen. Only moderate exercise is here recommended—particularly walking, swimming and other low-impact activities.

Advice

Don’t push yourself so hard. On the other hand, beware of smugness and self-satisfaction. Surrender occasionally and don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes. Is your image that important to you?

Meditation

Everything has to be paid for sooner or later—even what is given away free