Those born on December 17 are concerned with the underlying structure of things. Earthy individuals, they are very body-oriented and bound to practical considerations. What is substantive and solid in life interests them; that which is flighty, superficial or overly fanciful does not. Those born on this day live in the here and now, and want to know how things around them work. Similarly, they tend to judge people on the basis of their actions and what they produce.

December 17 people usually limit their philosophical speculations to what they can see, touch, taste, feel and smell. They are pragmatists who think less about motives and more about causes and effects. For them what is not present has little meaning, except of course as a goal toward which they can bend their physical energies, ideas, and creativity. Because of their capacity to concentrate on the matter at hand, they can accomplish a great deal without wandering off the track.

When social or interpersonal problems arise for December 17 people it is often due to their serious nature. In conversation, they have a tendency to dismiss many thoughts as trivial and fine points as mere semantics. An aversion to hierarchy or protocol may not do much to enhance their chances of rising in some social circles and work environments. But for many December 17 people, the social status and recognition they receive for their accomplishments is enough for them.

Those born on this day must beware, of course, of getting stuck in the material plane, their imagination and fantasy dulled by an overemphasis on objective reality. They should thus cultivate their love of elegance and grace which leads to a deep appreciation of the arts—particularly disciplines such as painting, sculpture and dance, which highlight earthy, sensuous qualities.

On a personal level, December 17 people can find it difficult to resist those who manifest such earthy or sensuous qualities in their makeup and may want to become involved with them as fully and for as much time as possible. When doing so they should beware of claiming behavior, mutual dependency, relationship addiction and perhaps getting stuck. In general, being too firmly bound to ideas, individuals, structures or organizations can inhibit those born on this day and retard their individual development and growth. This is particularly true when circumstances dictate that it is time to move on.

Health

December 17 people must beware of chronic ailments involving their veins, bones and muscles. Due to their earthy nature, they may be fond of diets that spell weight problems. They should particularly cut down on meat and fat, and possibly consider limiting their intake of dairy products. Physical exercise of a vigorous nature is recommended. If chronic health problems prohibit such activities, those born on this day should try yoga and milder forms of calisthenics. A tendency to overindulge in two primary pleasures of the bed—sex and sleep—can for some dull their mental faculties and initiative, particularly if such pleasures become an escape or excuse for nonaction in other areas.

Numerology

Those born on the 17th day of the month are ruled by the number 8 (1+7=8), and by the planet Saturn. The number 8 indicates a conflict between the material and spiritual worlds; those ruled by the number 8 can be lonely and prone to indulge themselves. Saturn carries with it strong feelings of limitation and restriction, as well as judgmental aspects. For December 17 people, a conflict can arise because their jupiterian influences (Jupiter is ruler of Sagittarius) tend to be optimistic and expansive. If saturnian (contractive, restrictive) and jupiterian (expansive, boundless) energies can be balanced, December 17 people may go a long way in their field of endeavor.

Tarot

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. For December 17 people this may be a particularly relevant message.