Laurie Baum
This comprehensive astrological forecast for 2017 was written by my good friend Laurie Baum, MSW, a psychological astrologer and psychotherapist in practice in Encinitas, California. As you can see from her article below, Laurie integrates the wisdom of natural patterns in the heavens with spirituality and psychological insights.
Click here to read Laurie’s 2017 predictions for each individual zodiac sign.
Personally, I never had much of an appreciation for astrology and just didn’t care enough about the subject to investigate it further. Then two things happened.
First, I happened to read a chapter in a life-changing book that burned off the fog of ignorance and answered every question I had about astrology. It was written with clarity, precision, wit and wisdom, and I felt the subject come brilliantly alive for me as I read it. Click here to read that excerpt on astrology.
Second, I had an hour-long astrological reading with Laurie Baum. We discussed every area I could think of: health, relationships, finances, lessons in need of learning, major life changes to come. Not only did she nail everything—and I mean everything—about me, but she provided very helpful insights that will help me navigate the years ahead with more confidence and authority. It was uncanny: everything she told me aligned perfectly with what my intuition had long been telling me; but she also went far beyond that point and gave me much to think about. This reading with Laurie gave me a much deeper appreciation of the value of astrology and a more profound respect for its power. Thank you, Laurie!
NOTE: After this post appeared, Alan, a very spiritually minded friend of mine, e-mailed me: “Given your glowing recommendations I just sent Laurie an email requesting a reading.” Three days later, Alan sent me this note: “I had a wonderful astrology reading experience with Laurie. She was able to deliver insightful information in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. I found it timely and useful on many levels so I thank you for introducing me to her.”
You, too, can benefit from Laurie’s wisdom. She writes a free astrological newsletter about how planetary alignments affect our lives on earth. Click here to e-mail Laurie to subscribe at no cost, or visit Laurie’s website and click on “Free Email Newsletter.”
Laurie is a former newspaper and news magazine reporter who is profiled in the books Psychic New York and The 100 Top Psychics in America. She is the author of five books:
A to Z Acrophonology: Discover the Power of the Letters in Your Name
Everything You Need to Know About Your Astrology Sign
Astrological Secrets for the New Millennium
Laurie also offers counseling appointments by phone. She will answer your questions about major life decisions and talk with you about the reasons you have incarnated, the lessons you are here to learn, where you are on the wheel of karma, and the psychological developmental cycles you have been through and are going through. She will look at current influences on your health, finances, relationships, career, and any relocation plans that may be necessary. She also will look ahead with you at the next seven years of your life. A reading with Laurie can help you take the next step in your life. Sessions, which are available via landline phone or Skype (audio or video), are digitally recorded.
To make an appointment with Laurie, click here to e-mail Laurie or call her at (760) 753-7676. Click here to visit Laurie’s website for more information.
2017 ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
by LAURIE BAUM
The Chinese Year of the Rooster arrives on January 28, 2017. The energy of the Rooster in 2017 will bring us what the symbol of the Rooster suggests: a lot of crowing, fertilizing (new ideas) and people strutting about, pushing their weight around. The Fire Rooster year of 2017 portends a lot of new ideas in their embryonic stages. There will be time before the eggs hatch. But remember, the rooster’s crow is the herald of a new day. Similarly, a call has gone out for change, both material and spiritual. We are on the brink of a new age.
The trick in the upcoming year of 2017 will be to discern which of the embryonic ideas you encounter are true, realistic, and worth pursuing, and which are untrue, unrealistic, and better let go. There will be a lot of divisions forming between people and ideas in 2017. It will be important to stay above the fray so you can objectively find your own center.
This newsletter presents the larger planetary picture of what is happening in our world. Pluto wields a great deal of influence over our collective awareness and leads to positive evolutionary change. It determines where we focus our minds and where we have the greatest potential for growth as a society. Pluto is currently in the government-oriented sign of Capricorn, which is turning our awareness to the limits and potentials of governmental leadership.
Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008. By the time transformative Pluto leaves Capricorn in 2024, the United States will have gained the awareness and maturity it needs to rebuild its governing structures on a more evolved, conscious level. Until then, the nation (and many other nations across the globe) will be going through various challenges and tests to demonstrate to these societies the spiritual and ethical values that need to be incorporated into their collective thinking. Current political affairs are vividly showing us what is in need of healing and change.
Pluto orbits the Sun only once every 248 years. Pluto was last in Capricorn from 1762 to 1778, when the American democracy was created. Given that Pluto is in Capricorn again, for the first time since the 1700s, current affairs are testing the principles upon which the U.S. democratic government was founded. Planetary patterns indicate the nation could potentially undergo a second revolution, or at least a revisiting and completion of the first. Resolution of unfinished business from the 1700s is a high priority.
Pluto takes issues that have been buried, which may include hidden treasures, and raises them to the light for healing and transformation. The energy of Pluto will show us the shadow side of power, authority, government, and greed as well as ways to transcend these limitations. In the meantime, the effectiveness of big government will be eroded as untruths, chaotic messages, opposition from a majority of individuals, or plain old inefficiency escalate. We will see greater power naturally flowing to the local level. Once a critical mass of people become aware of the shadow side of our governance, apathy will give way to action.
Eventually, each individual will be led to take greater self-responsibility and exercise greater self-control—because of the weakening of previously-relied-upon governing structures. We will become more skillful in self-governance and self-mastery. We also will be collectively moved to get along better with our neighbors, both locally and internationally, because there may be fewer viable structures to negotiate, protect, or stand up for us.
A stressful relationship between Pluto in Capricorn and revolutionary Uranus in the individualistic sign of Aries from 2012 to 2015 also is fueling a shift in thinking–toward more individualistic behavior in relationships, personal and business, and in lifestyle decisions. Although it may seem that people will be temporarily more self-absorbed, a focus on our inner rather than outer worlds is the next step in consolidating our relationships with our souls in our continuing evolution toward Spirit.
While transformational Pluto is in Capricorn from 2008 to 2024, revolutionary Uranus travels through Aries from 2011 to 2019. Thus, the revolution in our thinking has already begun. Uranus, which takes 84 year to orbit the Sun, was last in Aries from 1929 to 1936. Similar challenges to the status quo–psychologically, spiritually, materially, and interpersonally–may be confronted again, to the extent society has more to learn in these areas.
In addition to the celestial passages of consciousness-raising Pluto in Capricorn and revolutionary Uranus in Aries, karmic Saturn and wishful Neptune are currently passing through the spiritually-oriented signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. These flowing influences will bring greater clarity and inner meaning to spiritual practice. Conversely, without cultivating a deeper connection to your soul, you may feel some confusion about the value of your present reality. Your relationship with the Divine, on the other hand, will bring rich rewards.
Saturn will travel through Sagittarius until late 2017. Saturn was last in Sagittarius from 1985 to 1988. You may experience similar issues to those you experienced 30 years ago (if you were on the planet), with an ability to resolve those issues on a higher level, given your greater life experience and maturity. Neptune will travel through Pisces from 2011 to 2026. Neptune was last in Pisces from 1847 to 1862, at the time of the Gold Rush, when people left their comfortable homes to cross new frontiers to find gold. This time, the new frontier will be be in our own consciousness. The “gold” will be a greater awareness of our connection to Spirit.
Many of you may feel a mixture of optimism, trepidation, or fear about the direction the world seems to be moving. Given that our universe is on an upward path of evolution, despite appearances to the contrary, events during this time will eventually lead to healing and higher consciousness—even if the direction seems retrogressive at times.
There may even be good coming that some of us have yet to recognize. For example, the breaking of “protocol” by the new U.S. president-elect, in his embracing of shunned world leaders, could lead, paradoxically, to greater peace and harmony around the globe. Or perhaps the new U.S. leader’s ties to Russia will serve to unite the two countries rather than empower one and disempower the other, and thus lead to greater peace, harmony, and unity across the globe. Sometimes, when situations reach the point of greatest misalignment, they will reverse direction and create the effect opposite of the one that was anticipated.
Still, it is clear we have entered a new, transitional, and perhaps chaotic stage of human evolution. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, or Green, you are probably aware that the energy on the planet is less stable than we are accustomed to.
This transformation of life as we knew it was heralded by a series of challenging planetary alignments that began in 2012. The planetary alignments indicated that chaos and break-down of old structures would be necessary for a new, more unified and workable reality to emerge. It is a law of physics that the greatest chaos precedes the greatest order.
America’s collective choice of a new leader is, as always, a reflection of the state of the nation’s collective consciousness and mass karma. The assumption of a powerful leadership position by someone who you may not agree with or feel sympathy with presents an opportunity for growth. We can condemn or feel fear of the new “reality.” Or, we can introspect about how this choice may be a reflection of our own collective state of consciousness—and figure out how to heal it. Yet, a new reality cannot help but be for our ultimate highest good, as it serves to hasten the decline of the old way. Eventually, the new way will be opened for a more progressive reality.
It is very important that each of us contribute whatever light we have to make the collective light burn brighter and stronger. Sometimes, before the light shines through, the dark becomes darker, the classic “darkest before the dawn.” The light on the planet is building through your collective thoughts, prayers, and actions. When the collective power of your positive thoughts, prayers, and the accumulation of positive acts of lovingkindness reaches a critical mass, greater light will return. This will portend the arrival of enlightened leaders who will help create the kind of society we feel we should be living in at this stage of our collective evolution.
The current weakening of governmental structures across the planet will continue to transfer greater personal power to each of you. You will discover in the coming times that your reality lies within your heart and mind, not in the events around you. You will have the opportunity to fortify your own center and brighten your own light as you transcend the turbulent energies around you (and hopefully not within you).
Clear yourselves of negativity to bring greater peace and harmony to the world. If you think of someone with love, you can even change an enemy into a friend. Try to see the good in every situation without judging. If you give love and positive prayers, they will come back to you in beautiful and unexpected ways. If you give hate and fear, they will come back to you as well. Try to see the big picture. No matter what your political affiliation, please pray for the good of our world without political fracturing, and for the ascendance of leaders with reasonable, balanced viewpoints, and a higher state of consciousness. Imagine a bubble of golden light surrounding the globe, and pray for the highest good of all.
It eventually may be said that the recent electoral events in the United States were in divine right order. The election of a dealmaker who lacks previous experience in public service, may paradoxically be what the planet needs to mobilize positive energy for change. Some may need to see our shadow in “technicolor” to recognize what we must do.
I heard a relevant joke about the U.S. president-elect that may contain a germ of truth. According to the joke, the Pope is going to name the new U.S. president a saint. Why? Because he has been responsible for getting the whole world to pray! So, please do continue to pray and send positive thoughts and prayers to our world and its leaders!
The Bible says that at the time of “Resurrection” (of our consciousness to a higher state of mind) “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God…” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) I realize the word “trump”should be “trumpet,” but the King James Version of the Bible uses the word “trump!” Additionally, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:51-52)
It could be a coincidence. But my sense is that someone with a loud mouth like a “trumpet” is needed to wake us up out of our lethargy and apathy so we may grow, and resurrect the abundant goodness, caring, lovingkindness, and light within ourselves. To those biblical scholars among my readers, please forgive me if you have an alternative interpretation of these passages. However, the way I randomly discovered these passages just after the election leads me to believe there is some significance that needs to be considered.
So, the need for resurrection (change) is apparently here, and the trumpet has been sounded. It is time for us to raise ourselves to the highest level of generosity and kindness that we are capable of to counteract any darkness that may appear to be coming toward us. Once the light becomes bright enough, the darkness will automatically disappear.
If you live in the light of goodness, then your light and goodness can only contribute to the wellbeing of all. Let’s all pray and visualize a peaceful, harmonious, coherent world, filled with kindness, love, and mutual acceptance. Please visualize golden light encircling and permeating the globe. Golden light is less polarizing than white when it comes to mingling with potentially dark or dense energies.
The planetary alignments of 2017 do portend a struggle between beneficence and greed, altruism and self-interest, the old and the new. Key planetary alignments occur in March, August, September, and November. (see table below for dates and descriptions). These months will metaphorically plant the seeds of new ideas as old concepts are washed away.
Challenging planetary alignments will alleviate in coming years. As the pace of change and our perception of time quickens, a more enlightened society, with leaders who reflect our higher consciousness, is just around the corner. Goodness and righteousness will prevail.
What is happening planetarily in 2017 includes the alignment of fortunate Jupiter with change-oriented Uranus and Pluto. Both Uranus and Pluto were in a tense alignment from 2012 to 2015. The addition of expansive Jupiter to the mix strengthens the power of the changes initiated by Uranus and Pluto. Jupiter also expands and makes more public the energies it triggers. So, expect to see the changes, which are ultimately for our evolution and highest good, to be perhaps larger than life at times and widely discussed. Change-oriented Uranus and Pluto align with Jupiter on: March 3, March 30, August 4, September 28, and November 11, 2017.
Less impactful planetary alignments also occur when karmic Saturn aligns with change-oriented Uranus to create more stable structures to foster changes on May 19, 2017; and Jupiter connects in a positive way with dreamy Neptune on December 3, 2017. This celestial alignment will help you find greater solace and access to intuitive wisdom through spiritual practice, yoga, and meditation.
Also, take heart, as the planetary alignments will be far less complex in 2018 than they were in the years since 2012. Planetary stress eases throughout the rest of this decade, and will open the way for greater positive transformation after Pluto exits the sign of Capricorn in 2023-24. Thus, we will have greater opportunities in coming years to implement the energetic changes that have been evolving since 2012 in creative, enlightened ways.
As ever, it is important that you continue to pray for and visualize the kind of positive qualities you would like to create in yourself so they are reflected powerfully in yourself and in the world around you. And it is doubly important to act in ways that promote caring, compassion, and generosity in our world.
Let us welcome back the light as the days become longer beginning at the Winter Solstice on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 (2:45 am PST/5:45 am EST/10:45 GMT/11:45 CET and 15:15 IST).
Many Blessings for Love and Light at the Winter Solstice and in the New Year!
Paramahansa Yogananda
Modern chaotic conditions all over the world are the result of living by ungodly ideals. Individuals and nations can be protected from utter destruction if they live by heavenly ideals of brotherhood, industrial cooperation, and international exchange of earthly goods and experiences.
— Paramahansa Yogananda, Where There is Light
PLANETARY TRANSITS IN 2017
January 8, 2017: Mercury Direct in Sagittarius * The time has come to speak the truth.
February 10/11, 2017: Lunar Eclipse in Leo-Aquarius * Rectify out-of-balance situations from 1998.
February 26, 2017: Solar Eclipse in Pisces * Face reality with courage.
March 3, 2017: Jupiter in Libra Opposite Uranus in Aries * Major change comes through minor adjustments.
March 4, 2017: Venus Retrograde in Aries * Relationship issues from 2015 will rise to the surface for resolution. See where you may have neglected the viewpoint of another.
March 30, 2017: Jupiter in Libra Square Pluto in Capricorn * Contribute positive thoughts, prayers, and positive energy.
April 9, 2017: Mercury Retrograde in Taurus * Learn how your attachment to money or material goods is not serving your highest welfare.
April 15, 2017: Venus Direct in Pisces * Feel compassion for others to promote positive and loving relationships.
May 3, 2017: Mercury Direct in Aries * Diplomatically state your views.
May 19, 2017: Saturn in Sagittarius Trine Uranus in Aries * Make changes incrementally. Precipitous actions produce disorder.
August 4, 2017: Jupiter in Libra Square Pluto in Capricorn * Be honest in relationships. Secrets will be revealed.
August 7, 2017: Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius-Leo * Rebalance relationships and power dynamics.
August 12/13, 2017: Mercury Retrograde in Virgo * Deal with outstanding details to make progress.
August 21, 2017: Solar Eclipse in Leo * Practice humility. Over-inflation or boasting produces negative results.
September 5, 2017: Mercury Direct in Leo * Under-inflate rather than over-inflate your assessments.
September 28, 2017: Jupiter in Libra Opposite Uranus in Aries * Be diplomatic when you initiate sudden changes.
October 10, 2017: Jupiter Enters Scorpio for First Time Since 2006 * Detective work and awareness of the hidden truth brings positive results.
November 11, 2017: Saturn in Sagittarius Trine Uranus in Aries * You are ready to create greater stability in your life.
December 3, 2017: Jupiter in Scorpio Trine Neptune in Pisces * Relax and let your eyes go out of focus. Breathe deeply. Trust your intuition.
December 3, 2017: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius * Get the facts. Don’t make assumptions.
December 23, 2017: Mercury Direct inSagittarius * The truth is revealed.
* All dates are calculated for Greenwich Mean Time
Click here to view all my posts about Laurie Baum.
ABOUT PHIL BOLSTA
If you feel more stressed than blessed . . . if you have more confusion than clarity about how to live your beliefs . . . if you long to live a richer, happier, more meaningful life . . . you will find a wealth of insight and guidance in Through God’s Eyes: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Troubled World.
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For an inscribed copy, click here to e-mail Phil for information.
Click here to visit the Through God’s Eyes website.
Click on the link below to download a FREE 28-page chapter!
SEE EVERY MOMENT AS A GIFT
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Here is a two-minute video introduction to Through God’s Eyes.
Like to learn more about Through God’s Eyes? Here is a free 44-page PDF sampler from the book that includes:
• an overview of the book
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THROUGH GOD’S EYES PDF SAMPLER
Schedule a Mastery Mentoring phone session with Phil to learn how to apply principles of spiritual living more effortlessly and effectively. Priced affordably! Click here to e-mail Phil for details.
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Tags: 2017, astrological forecast, astrology
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