Report

The extremely sensitive individuals born on February 17 develop a tough armor around themselves early in life and go out to do battle with the world. Their backgrounds are rarely conducive to their particular form of expression, so they must fight for themselves from the word go. Some February 17 people are privileged, others disadvantaged, but from whatever strata they come they are convinced of their ability to overcome obstacles in order to emerge as individuals in their own right. However, before they can battle with the world, those born on this day must battle with themselves, to shape and mold themselves in a desired form. Because of criticism, expectations or perhaps neglect, February 17 people come to realize very soon in their childhood that their sensitive natures will not survive unless they strengthen their defenses. In less evolved February 17 people, such defenses may manifest primarily as secretiveness, suspicion and physical armoring. In more evolved February 17 people, they are likely to manifest as talents, extensive knowledge or physical presence. Unfortunately, those born on this day may come to insulate themselves from influences of any kind, good or bad, which try to get through to them. Their toughness belies their hypersensitive interior, which really never dies away except in some highly unusual cases. February 17 people can be touched by the arrows of love and the soft hand of affection, but the shot must be well aimed and the sentiment direct and sincere. Those born on this day do not wish to be hindered in their quest for self-fulfillment, so often they ignore what could be desirable human contact to avoid getting stuck or bogged down. The most highly advanced individuals born on this day allow their inner expressiveness and sensitivity to shine through, not only in their attitude but also in their work. Thus they have a kind of transparence where they render their armor invisible. In fact, however, it is still very much in place. February 17 individuals are willing to go to bat for themselves, their family and friends, even for strangers in need of their help. They are extremely realistic and usually possess an insight into the existing social order, with all its inequalities and unfairnesses. Although they are combative when provoked, those born on this day are not overly aggressive, and are slow to anger or upset. They have an impressive earthiness, calm and physical presence which makes others sit up and take notice, while warning those with hostile intentions toward them to watch out. Those who mistake this calm for passivity are in for quite a shock. February 17 people are believers, with their heart in their cause, whatever it may be. Most born on this day are “spiritual warriors” whose goals are personal ones, and to whom self-development and personal expression are the most important values. Although objectively caught up with themselves (perhaps overly so), they can be highly inspirational and uplifting to those around them.

Numbers

Those born on the 17th of the month are ruled by the number 8 (1+7=8), and by the planet Saturn. Saturn carries carries with it a feeling of limitation and restriction and a judgmental aspect as well. For February 17 people, who are born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, saturnian characteristics combine with those of Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) and Neptune (ruler of Pisces) to firm up the character. However such a combination may indicate tendencies to secretiveness and suspicion as well as eccentricity. The number 8 carries a conflict between the material and spiritual worlds; those ruled by the this number can be lonely, and also prone to indulge in excess.

Archetype

The 17th card of the Major Arcana is The Star, which depicts 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. The Star may serve as a reminder to February 17 people not only to strive for a bettering of their material circumstances but also to realize what is best in them.

Health

Those born on February 17 often suffer injuries, particularly in their early years, that can bother them through life. Particularly at risk are the lower extremities, the internal abdominal organs, the bones of the arm, wrist and hand, and the venous circulatory system (through thrombosis). February 17 people should be extremely careful to control the amount of cream, animal fat and sugar in their diets, to reduce the risk of circulatory problems. For most February 17 people, exercise of a non-competitive but self-developing type, such as weight training, swimming, running, hiking or less strenuous forms of rock climbing is recommended.

Advice

Keep yourself open to the outside world. At least let others look in, even if entrance is denied. Use your sensitivity to teach you the way to the spiritual life. Beware of being too secretive or suspicious.

Meditation

That which offers no resistance can be harder to push