What makes a December 17 zodiac sign special? As a Sagittarius, someone born on this day it may feel optimistic, independent, and intellectual. There are a number of characteristics attributed to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, including many characteristics that come from astrological sources. But what do you know about astrology, especially regarding what it has to say about someone born on December 17th?
If you’re interested in studying the core astrological concepts that form the foundations of the average Sagittarius, you’re in the right place. Not only will we address the personality and motivations of this zodiac sign in general, but we will also go deeper so that we can fully understand how unique someone born on December 17th is. But, before we go deeper, let’s begin by discussing the foundations of the sun sign, Sagittarius.
December 17 Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Sagittarians are capable of changing their minds, interests, or opinions in an instant thanks to their mutable modality.
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Sagittarius is the 9th zodiac sign ruled by Jupiter and a fire sign of a mutable modality. All of these concepts can be found with every zodiac sign, changing based on seasonal timing and the placement of the signs on the astrological wheel. Let’s begin by discussing the significance of Sagittarius as the 9th zodiac sign. Based on this placement, Sagittarians are connected to the 9th astrological house of philosophy and higher learning.
The 9th house is significant for Sagittarians, as the zodiac sign is deeply intellectual and motivated by philosophical possibilities in our world. This house represents personal beliefs, faith, and our potential as individuals in society. Coming after Scorpio on the astrological wheel, Sagittarians understand the importance of intensity, particularly in regard to their philosophical ideals.
Sagittarians are mutable signs because of the seasonal timing of these birthdays. Mutable zodiac signs occur during seasonal shifts, with Sagittarius birthdays happening as fall turns into winter. Tying into the temperatures and weather patterns of these seasonal shifts, mutable signs are particularly adaptable, collaborative, and occasionally fickle. Sagittarians are capable of changing their minds, interests, or opinions in an instant thanks to their mutable modality.
As a fire sign, Sagittarians are action-oriented people. All fire signs feel motivated by doing things rather than thinking about things or feeling things out. There is an athletic energy to every fire sign, a tirelessness that manifests differently depending on what sign you are. For Sagittarians, this fire sign is constantly refreshed by new experiences and possibilities, using their endless energy to pursue all potential paths in life.
We have one final concept to address in the Sagittarius astrological profile: the ruling planet of this independent sign.
December 17 Zodiac: Ruling Planets

Not only does Jupiter command the average Sagittarius into deep, philosophical pursuits, but this planet also reassures Sagittarians that life is full of possibility.
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Each and every planet in our solar system has astrological meaning. This meaning is important to every individual, as the planets all bear significance on our natal birth charts. When it comes to Jupiter, the placement of your Jupiter sign represents your potential for growth, expansion, and where your personal philosophies may hold weight. As Sagittarius’s planetary ruler, Jupiter places all of these concepts front and center in the Sagittarius mind.
The average Sagittarius is driven by curiosity. Not only does Jupiter command the average Sagittarius into deep, philosophical pursuits, but this planet also reassures Sagittarians that life is full of possibility. Associated with optimism and even luck from time to time, Jupiter helps a Sagittarius achieve great things in their lifetime, simply because they believe failure isn’t possible.
A generous and positive planet, Jupiter asks every Sagittarius to question the world around them. This is one reason why Sagittarians are more interested in conceptualizing things rather than taking things to heart. Sagittarians create their own, unique life path that allows them to explore some of society’s most intense, philosophical questions. Truth and higher meaning are both things that Sagittarians value greatly, thanks to their connection to Jupiter.
The only drawback to having Jupiter as a planetary ruler is the fact that this planet encourages consistent growth and change in a Sagittarius. When paired with the changeability of Sagittarius’s mutable assignment as well as tireless fire energy, Jupiter’s enormous potential often leaves Sagittarius feeling restless. This zodiac sign rarely stays in one place for long, constantly plagued by the notion that something better is just around the corner.
December 17 Zodiac: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Personality of Sagittarius

The average Sagittarius is inspiring in their uniqueness and life experiences, a proof of concept when it comes to living life as a confident individual.
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Sagittarians are likely the most independent and individual signs of the zodiac. This is largely by design, as Sagittarians hate being put into any singular box or way of being. In fact, this fire sign is notorious for doing the exact opposite of what someone asks or expects of them. There is a contrarian in every Sagittarius, but not because they desire to be frustrating. Sagittarians want to prove to the world that doing something in an individualistic way is what matters most.
Individuality and the freedom to express that individuality is a core belief of the average Sagittarius. Deeply intellectual and philosophical, Sagittarians make excellent friends and storytellers, full of life experiences and grandiose stories. The average Sagittarius is inspiring in their uniqueness and life experiences, a proof of concept when it comes to living life as a confident individual.
However, Sagittarians often live a lonely life because of this. While they are incredibly charismatic and capable of connecting to all walks of life in an instant, Sagittarians prefer a wandering lifestyle that limits how deep their connections go. Maintaining relationships isn’t a strong suit of the average Sagittarius, as this zodiac sign prefers flexibility in all things, including romance and even their own opinions.
At the end of the day, Sagittarians want everyone to feel as free and unique as they do. The 9th house is all about philosophic expansion as a society or group, something that Sagittarians encourage in everyone they meet. While this honest and upfront fire sign can be a bit overwhelming from time to time, Sagittarians truly mean well when they choose to give advice or share their opinions!
What Makes a December 17 Zodiac Sign Special?

A December 17th Sagittarius can’t ignore the call of the infinite found within the number eight, something that may be a blessing or a curse.
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When we add the individual digits found in the number 17, we can connect the number eight to a December 17th Sagittarius. Numerology helps us assign individual meaning to every day of the year. This ancient concept describes the number eight as a number of infinity, changeability, and well-roundedness. From an astrological perspective, the number eight is connected to the zodiac sign of Scorpio and the 8th house of taboo and transformation.
What might all of this mean for Sagittarius born on December 17th? A Sagittarius so connected to the number eight will echo the themes of the 9th house and this zodiac sign in general, at least when it comes to personal expansion. This Sagittarius birthday believes in infinity and the possibility of all things, as the number eight turned on its side represents infinity. Transformation is a core tenet of the 8th house, something that this Sagittarius birthday readily believes in as well.
Sagittarians are already bold and unafraid when it comes to conversational topics, something that they likely learned from Scorpio. However, a December 17th Sagittarius will be even more obsessed with going deeper, learning more, and uncovering dark, potentially taboo secrets about others. This is a Sagittarius that is truly fearless, tapping into the probing, intense aura of the 8th zodiac sign, Scorpio.
It’s important to note that this Sagittarius birthday may struggle even more with consistency and remaining in one place. So many aspects of the Sagittarius personality propel this zodiac sign through life at a breakneck pace, a pace that is meant to reflect their desire for new experiences. A December 17th Sagittarius can’t ignore the call of the infinite found within the number eight, something that may be a blessing or a curse.
Career Paths for December 17 Zodiac Signs

Curiosity will inspire this Sagittarius birthday to pursue any and all career paths that they set their minds to.
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An adaptable wanderer, Sagittarians are suited to a variety of careers. In fact, career variety may be very important to a Sagittarius, especially a Sagittarius born on December 17th. Curiosity and changeability will inspire this Sagittarius birthday to pursue any and all career paths that they set their minds to. Remember that fire signs are incredibly energetic and tireless, especially in the workplace. This Sagittarius birthday will embrace workplace change readily and easily.
As a general rule, Sagittarians make wonderful storytellers, mentors, coaches, and teachers. While many educators choose to teach their students a life philosophy that aligns well with the educator, Sagittarians are huge proponents of teaching individuals how to be individuals. This is extremely important at the collegiate level or even younger, as Sagittarians readily inspire others to be their best selves.
Intellectual and philosophical in their advocacy, Sagittarians are wonderful counselors, revolutionaries, and advocates for those less fortunate. They know how to go to bat for people, something that may even inspire the average Sagittarius into political or law career paths. It’s important to note that Jupiter rules higher education, a life path that Sagittarians often pursue, even if they don’t end up getting a degree!
Finally, travel is a very important thing to consider if you’re a Sagittarius. Exploring new places and meeting new people, no matter the job, will be incredibly valuable to the average Sagittarius. Choosing a career that involves travel will likely tick many boxes for a December 17th Sagittarius!
Love and Relationships for December 17 Zodiac Signs

Obligations, responsibilities, and expectations should remain individual rather than joined, as Sagittarians naturally disapprove of anyone telling them what to do.
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If you couldn’t guess already, Sagittarians don’t always enjoy long-term, conventional relationships. However, a December 17th Sagittarius is connected to the number eight and the deeply romantic, devoted sign of Scorpio. This particular Sagittarius birthday may long for a deep, lasting connection with someone else, even if travel and being a part is an aspect of the relationship equation.
No matter how long any Sagittarius relationship lasts, this fire sign loves passionately and fully. Whether it be their words or their actions, Sagittarians never hold back. They are honest, forthcoming individuals, with refreshing personalities that many people appreciate when in love. Sagittarians know how to make their partners feel treasured and special, even if these feelings are brief.
This independent fire sign will be attracted to like-minded, confident people. Freedom is of utmost importance in any Sagittarius relationship, whether it be friends or lovers. Obligations, responsibilities, and expectations should remain individual rather than joined, as Sagittarians naturally disapprove of anyone telling them what to do. This is important to keep in mind if you plan on starting a relationship with this independent, changeable sign!
Matches and Compatibility for December 17 Zodiac Signs

Water and earth sign compatibility is still possible for Sagittarius, but these relationships will require more work and time.
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While a December 17th Sagittarius may long for a lasting romance, this birthday is still a Sagittarius birthday. Therefore, romantic compatibility for this zodiac sign involves flexibility, freedom, and an assured personality. Fire signs are readily inspired by air signs and communicate instinctively well with other fire signs. Water and earth sign compatibility is still possible for Sagittarius, but these relationships will require more work and time.
What sun signs match best with a Sagittarius born on December 17th? Here are some potential matches when we consider this birthday in particular.
- Leo. Deeply romantic and fun-loving, Leos are fixed fire signs. The fixed nature of Leo will appeal to a Sagittarius born on December 17th, as Leos are particularly dedicated and reliable people. Likewise, Leos will appreciate how unique and straightforward Sagittarians are, making for a glamorous, loving match. However, this match may need to practice patience, as two fire signs partnering up can get a bit heated!
- Aquarius. Also fixed but of an air element, Aquarians offer Sagittarians a cerebral, independent match. Unique and equally rebellious, Aquarians are often drawn to the rebel in every Sagittarius. This match may wax and wane as the years progress, but Aquarians and Sagittarians are known for reconnecting as they grow older. They understand how to respect the independent rebel in the other, something that makes for a lasting partnership!
Historical Figures and Celebrities Born on December 17th
- Émilie du Châtelet (mathemetician)
- John Kerr (physicist)
- Émile Roux (physician)
- Sam Barry (coach)
- Paul Cadmus (artist)
- Willard Libby (chemist)
- Alan Voorhees (engineer)
- Armin Mueller-Stahl (actor)
- William Safire (writer)
- Dave Madden (actor)
- Pope Francis
- Ernie Hudson (actor)
- Eugene Levy (actor)
- Paul Rodgers (musician)
- Bill Pullman (actor)
- Christopher A. Wray (lawyer)
- Nikki McCray-Penson (athlete)
- Laurie Holden (actor)
- Rian Johnson (filmmaker)
- Sarah Paulson (actor)
- Milla Jovovich (actor)
- Chase Utley (athlete)
- Manny Pacquiao (athlete)
- Chelsea Manning (activist)
Important Events That Occurred on December 17th

On this day in 1903, the famous Wright Brothers achieved sustained flight in a plane of their own making.
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- In 1903, the famous Wright Brothers achieved sustained flight in a plane of their own making
- In 1969, Project Blue Book was officially ended by the United States Air Force
- In 1989, “The Simpsons”, one of the longest-running animated shows on television, debuted
- In 2017, Sebastián Piñera became the President of Chile for a second time
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Elen11
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