Child*Star Astrological Report for Princess Diana Compliments of: StarLight Astrology Hank Friedman 7622 Leviston Avenue El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 525-3399 Introduction I. CHILD*STAR!! How wondrous is the moment when you first look into the eyes of your newborn child! How miraculous is creation! What deep mysteries bring families together for a cycle of time! In writing Child*Star, the author, a Montessori teacher, has brought you the best of 23 years of astrological study in addition to the fruit of 10 years' experience in the classroom. You'll find in Child*Star a first-hand understanding of the trials and joys of parenthood. Being a parent is challenging. A job description for a parent would include something of almost every other job. When we study the child's astrological chart, we can instantly attune to how we can best guide her. Strengths, weaknesses, aptitude and potentials jump off the page. We can see how to turn around negative momentum and maximize talents that otherwise may not have been readily apparent. Understanding leads to greater patience, a virtue of immeasurable worth in child-rearing! Many parents intuitively take a reading at the moment of birth and even before, through dreams or visions, and receive a prescient knowing of the child soon to be born. The child comes to us with her own birthchart, her particular life plan, which many believe is determined prior to birth. Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that environmental factors, decisions made by parents, education, and free will can change, alter, or mitigate the prophecy foreseen in the chart, for better or for worse. A seed containing the blueprint of the most magnificent rose will not flower if denied sunshine, water, and good soil. And many have cultivated beautiful flowers in rocky soils through love and care. How can we challenge the child to bring out the positive Sun sign potential, but, at the same time, teach her to know clearly when she crosses the line into negatives that could cause her much grief and sorrow later, if not corrected now? This is the challenge before us as educators and parents to our children, even to the child within ourselves. So we search the chart with an eye for potential problem areas that could disrupt, hinder or block the child's best expression. We devise how to turn them around. We take note of the positive potential and see how, like a good seed, it can be nurtured to bring forth the ripest fruit on time. II. In creating this report, certain assumptions have been made: 1. Every child is unique. While most concepts will hit the nail on the head, not all you read will necessarily "fit." Throughout the report, you'll come across words and phrases like "tends to," "often will," "probably," "might." This is because there is a spectrum of possibility on any given point. At times, these phrases have been omitted, but the concept remains true throughout the report. 2. It is assumed that you are concerned and loving parents who are dedicated to helping your child realize her highest potential. 3. It is assumed that you're willing to look at yourself (as you may find Mom and Dad depicted in the pages of this report) and see where greater self-awareness and self-improvement can help you better raise your child. 4. It is assumed that you're using this report as a key to better understand your child, and as a key to unlock her potential, but that at no time will you use this report (and its recommendations) to replace common sense, and your own good judgment. You are her parents, no one can know her as you do. Remember: Astrology is meant to CONFIRM, NOT REPLACE, the inner guide! 5. To get the most value out of Child*Star, the author recommends holding "all these things in your heart" and observing the child as she grows. Maria Montessori proved that, by observing the child, you discover the laws of her being. The chart unfolds as she grows. However, the report may highlight potential talent and skill you may wish to test out by providing your child with opportunities to develop them. For instance, if an aspect (and especially if several aspects) indicates musical talent, you may want to sign your child up for song and dance lessons or teach her how to play a musical instrument. If playing an instrument doesn't seem to be her forte, try music appreciation. Remember, there's a spectrum of possibility, and it's up to you to discover what motivates your child. In reading about your child, emphasize the positive. Negative patterns can be changed; indeed, sometimes only a shade of gray separates our Achilles' Heel from becoming our most valuable asset. Conversely, our natural talents can stagnate and, if we fail to develop them, become the open door to self-indulgence. III. Keywords and concepts that will help you get the most out of Child*Star: 1. Throughout the report, reference is made to planets receiving harmonious or challenging aspects. In astrology, trines and sextiles are considered aspects that indicate energy flowing in harmony. Squares point to challenges, blocks, internal frustrations and also pronounced talents. Oppositions indicate potential conflicts we resolve in the Tai-Chi of our interactions with others. We call squares and oppositions "dynamic aspects." Here is where your child may meet her greatest challenges, but also where she may demonstrate her greatest strengths! In expressing and mastering the dynamic aspects, we grow and can realize our greatest achievements. Remember: Wherever you find dynamic aspects is where your child may need the most guidance, consistency, and patience on your part. 2. CROSS-REFERENCES: To gather a more complete picture on any given aspect of your child's chart, you may be referred to another related section. For example, every sign is said to be ruled by a particular planet. Aries is ruled by Mars, and the child with Aries Rising is learning how to direct energy constructively. But how will she do it? The report may refer you to another section on Mars. Another type of cross-reference is necessary when a planet receives more than one kind of aspect. For example, a child with Mars square Saturn can feel blocked, and Child*Star instructs you to see if Mars and Saturn receive positive aspects from other planets -- which will mitigate the difficulty and allow the aspect to manifest in a more dynamic and purposeful way. The positive aspects can also indicate to you how to work out the difficulty successfully. 3. RESOLVING CONTRADICTIONS: What to do when you come across information that is contradictory? None of us is black and white. For example, a child might be extroverted in sports, but shy in academics, or vice-versa. Some children, however, will need help in working out such structural conflicts. 4. Sometimes we come across strengths or talents in the child that may not be our forte. A child with a grand trine in earth signs, but whose parents have little or no earth emphasis in their own charts, may need other, more practical and businesslike people coming into her life to bring out the inherent qualities of efficiency, order, and organization typical of this positive configuration. 5. Astrological knowledge must never be used to demean, criticize, or put anyone down. Take note of areas of great sensitivity, vulnerability, or pain in the child's chart. Find ways to help her master these. Be kind to your child. Her star has appeared and it may be different in magnitude and brilliance than your own! Love her and teach her, and learn from her, but don't expect her to be who you are. While the child is still in the process of turning her weaknesses into strengths, we can often fill in the gap! V. CONCLUSION: In studying the child's chart -- as a representation of the book of her life with many pages left to write on -- we seek to understand her better in order to guide, help, and instruct her in bringing out her special uniqueness, her calling in life, her special star. In understanding our children, we also come to better understand ourselves, our own inner child. This report is intended as a stepping stone in your astrological journey -- a fascinating adventure. For those who hold newborns, Child*Star will offer many insights that will prove their worth for years to come. For those of you with older children, this report will shed much light that will help you better understand your child and where she is headed. Some will walk through their childhood again through the pages of this report -- finding, healing, and attuning with the child within. On the next page you will find a list of the zodiac positions of your child's natal planets, along with the house cusps, for her moment of birth. These have been calculated using sophisticated astronomical formulae to ensure high accuracy. The author, Kathie Garcia, is interested in your feedback. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to give her a call or write her a note. She can be reached at PO Box 81, Emigrant, MT, 59027. Her telephone number is (406) 333-4757. The Rising Sign First let's take a quick look at your child's Ascendant, or Rising sign. Astrologers want to know what zodiac sign is rising at birth, since this gives a picture of the way we appear or come across to others. We look out upon the world through the glasses of the Rising Sign. Your child's Rising Sign will offer clues as to how your child perceives herself or would like others to see her. Many astrologers consider the Rising Sign as important as the Sun Sign in describing identity. This makes sense, since the Ascendant describes the early childhood experience. From myriad impressions and interactions, the child will weave the tapestry of her unique selfhood. If the Rising Sign is very different from the Sun sign, the child may have to work at integrating diverse aspects of her personality. With fiery Sagittarius rising, your child is likely to be an adventurer! She may come across in a frank, candid, and scrupulously honest manner... honest to the point of being offensive! Sagittarian children are typically open minded, tolerant and love to travel in the mind (philosophy, religion) and perhaps across the Earth as well! Often, they're natural equestrians and love riding! The concept of limits is foreign to them, independence is their keynote! Teach your child responsibility and the importance of wrapping up and finishing what she begins -- show her that the Sagittarian arrow must reach the mark! Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter. If Jupiter is in a Fire Sign, the child is probably active, loves sports and the great outdoors. When Jupiter is in an Air sign, she is probably a talker! She could later work in publishing or communication. When Jupiter is found in a Water sign, the child may be naturally devotional. She could be interested in serving others through religion, teaching, medicine. The Sagittarius Rising child with Jupiter in an Earth sign would be more concerned with worldly matters: she looks for a way to make her dreams concrete. Sagittarius Rising Chart Data for Princess Diana Equal House System Planet in Sign Zodiac in House House Cusp Sun Cancer 09 Ca40' 07th 01st 18 Sg24' Moon Aquarius 25 Aq15' 03rd 02nd 18 Cp24' Mercury Cancer 03 Ca12' 07th 03rd 18 Aq24' Venus Taurus 24 Ta24' 06th 04th 18 Pi24' Mars Virgo 01 Vi39' 09th 05th 18 Ar24' Jupiter Aquarius 05 Aq06' 02nd 06th 18 Ta24' Saturn Capricorn 27Cp49' 02nd 07th 18 Ge24' Uranus Leo 23Le20' 09th 08th 18 Ca24' Neptune Scorpio 08Sc38' 11th 09th 18 Le24' Pluto Virgo 06 Vi03' 09th 10th 18 Vi24' Midheaven Libra 23 Li03' 11th 11th 18 Li24' Ascendant Sagittarius 18 Sg24' 01st 12th 18 Sc24' Planet Element Mode Elemental Balance Modal Balance Sun Water Cardinal Fire 2 Cardinal 4 Moon Air Fixed Earth 4 Fixed 5 Mercury Water Cardinal Air 3 Mutable 3 Venus Earth Fixed Water 3 Mars Earth Mutable Jupiter Air Fixed Saturn Earth Cardinal Uranus Fire Fixed Neptune Water Fixed Pluto Earth Mutable Midheaven Air Cardinal Ascendant Fire Mutable Copyright 1985-1996 Matrix Software, Inc. 315 Marion Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307 616-796-2483 Planet Aspects The Sun and Moon At the time of our birth, the planets (through their configurations and relationships) tell us something about the quality of the moment of time into which we were born. Each planet points to special traits within us. Yet, of all the planets, the two most important planets to astrologers are the "lights," the Sun and the Moon. From where we stand here on Earth, the great shining Sun by day and the reflecting Moon at night are our constant companions. The Sun and Moon are our greatest guides in understanding our children, their temperament, personality, relationship with parents and other significant adults, their sense of purpose, their feelings and much more! The Sun and Moon give us clues as to where our children are headed and how we can help them on the way. The Sun: Identity, Ego, Will, Father The Sun represents our identity, or self and as such, colors every other aspect of the chart. In a child's chart, the Sun will reveal much about her emerging personality. Your child's greatest strengths and challenges are often described by the qualities of her Sun Sign. A Leo child, for example, is a born leader but may be pompous. A Piscean youngster may draw upon a rich imagination to inspire others, but may seek to escape reality by retreating into a fantasy world. The wise parent will train the child to manifest the positive qualities of her Sun Sign. The position of the Sun also helps us understand what motivates our children. A child with a Fire sign Sun such as Aries, will generally be motivated by seeking new experiences in which she can assert herself, whereas a Water sign Sun child is more emotional and will seek comfort and security before venturing out. Children born into Earth signs tend to be grounded. They're builders and seek means of practical expression. They want to know, "How does it work?" Air sign Sun children can experience life through thoughts and thrive on social interaction and communication. The Sun also represents the child's perception of the father (or dominant parent) and the qualities the child identifies with within the father. From here, we extend our understanding of this relationship to authorities and adults in general and later, to the child's understanding of her own life purpose. For example, a child with the Sun in harmonious aspect to Mars would likely feel supported by the father and therefore more prone to self confidence than a child born with the Sun square Mars. The latter might feel blocked on some level by the father or dominant parent. Both, however, are dynamic positions indicating leadership potential. Sun in Cancer Cancer is a Water sign on the action cross. Its symbol is The Crab. Cancers respond to being needed by caring for others. Water sign children are typically sensitive, responsive, affectionate and kind. Your Cancer child needs to feel secure. She is apt to need much love and reassurance, especially at home and from Mom. Learning how to master their feelings is a lifelong endeavor for Cancerians, much abetted by the right training in early childhood. Where do we first learn love but in the arms of our mother? And who is first to teach us discipline but she? Cancerians need to exercise self-discipline to ride the waves of changing moods and emotions. Sulking, brooding, feeling sorry for oneself, justifying wrong behavior and all manner of self-indulgence are squalls best to be avoided! Assure your child that you love her but never give in to whining! Cancer is the sign of the mother and like a good mother, the Cancer child often possesses good common sense and is mothering and protective to all. Water is reflective. Cancer children often love music, meditation and peaceful activities. Other Cancer favorites are cooking, growing things, caring for pets, fixing whatever. Many Cancer children are multi-talented. Your child may "pick up" on what adults are feeling. Therefore its vital to always be honest with her. Of all the signs, Cancer is the most family-oriented, and the most influenced by the environment. On the natural wheel, Cancer is placed on the nadir, the lowest point, and so signifies our roots and heritage. The healthy tree must have strong roots and herein lies the fundamental determining factor between the Cancer child who grows up to sustain and nuture others as a self-sufficient individual and the neglected Cancer child, fearful of rejection, that later hungers for security as a clinging vine (or smothering protector) in adult relationships. Childhood impressions may last for life! The crab carries his house on his back! Like the crab, with a hard shell but soft inside, the Cancer child may hide in his room and sulk, or enter a world of her own making, if her feelings have been hurt or to escape a harsh environment. Keep communication open but discourage whining and emotional manipulation. Your little Cancerian likely loves to give to others, but like the crab, may fear to let go of possessions or friends. Life will teach her the difference between tenacity and possessiveness. Encourage self-reliance in your Cancer child who may tend to hold unto Mommy's apron strings. Sun Semisquare Venus This aspect indicates lessons to be learnt in the giving and receiving of love. Your child may have trouble giving herself credit and appreciating herself for who she really is. Perhaps she is shy. Your child could be torn between grand ideas of some ideal love for all beings in a very abstract sense as opposed to loving real people on a day-to-day level, as they actually are. She could give her all to others without thinking of herself or she could be too self-centered, needing to learn to share. Teach your child to practice appreciating the little things in life. By and by, she will attract love to herself. To love others, she needs to first love herself. Sun Semisquare Uranus Sun-Uranus aspects often indicate leadership potential. Your child may be very magnetic, others being drawn to her. She is not afraid to be different, and may indeed be a "trendsetter." Later in life she is likely to be interested in some kind of social or political reform. However, the child with the this aspect may be somewhat of a rebel, with a history of flaunting convention and going against authority. She may feel different than her schoolmates. She could separate herself out and end up as the loner, although this is not necessarily what she inwardly desires. Your child could be very bright with exceptional talent. To be happy, however, she needs to learn to cooperate with others. Be patient in seeing her through those unexciting but necessary routines which are simply part of life. Her ideas may be brilliant, but help her learn to test them for practical value as well. Sometimes, Sun-Uranus aspects describe the father as being radical, eccentric, highly individualistic or somehow unusual. Note: if Saturn is well aspected, your child is more apt to have her feet on the ground! Sun Trine Neptune This is the aspect of the beautiful dreamer. Nevertheless, Neptune can bring us into dangerous waters of enchantment and sometimes, illusion. Children with this placement are very sensitive and impressionable. Many are artistic, endowed with rich imaginations. Your child may be talented at working with images, whether psychological, artistic, or cinematic. She probably love movies and music, anything with a grand theme or gesture. To assure she not be just another dreamer, she will need to put her imagination to work! Your child may need help sorting out the real from the unreal. Sun Sextile Pluto Its said that those born with Pluto aspecting the Sun manage to cram many lifetimes into one, for during their life they pass though intense periods of self-transformation. This Sun-Pluto contact gives a Scorpio-like coloring to the chart. Your child may experience life with emotional intensity. This aspect confers stamina and good leadership potential for emergency and crisis situations. Your child could be sensitive and strong willed. She may have to work at overcoming resentment; especially when she doesn't get her way. \ The Moon: Emotions, Habits, Family, Mother In a child's chart, we look to the position of the Moon to understand the child's perception of her mother, of her need to be cared for and to nurture. The Moon also describes the child's experience within her family, with its particular dynamics, tradition and heritage. From these, the child establishes her roots. The Moon, then, indicates the early childhood environment, our early support systems. Emotional responses are traced to the Moon and hence, to patterns established during childhood (and even during other lifetimes). These often become automatic and subconscious in the adult. Thus, the sign placement of the Moon reveals much about our child's emotional needs and expressions. The Moon may dominate the child's chart during the first 7 years of life. The Moon will tell us what the child needs to feel secure and also what kinds of habits would be helpful or detrimental to her development. For example, a child with a Sagittarian Moon is happy when she has plenty of room to explore. (But she needs to learn the value of limits) A Cancer Moon child, in contrast, may cling to Mom's apron strings. (But she may need to overcome fear of making it on her on). Moon in Aquarius Aquarius is an Air sign on the feeling cross. Its symbol is The Waterbearer. The Moon in Aquarius child may be a true lover of humanity. Typically, she is altruistic. She can relate to people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. You may find that your child never met a stranger. Your child has a natural impulse to freedom, is inventive and enjoys finding new ways to do things. Computers, electronic devices and gadgetry may capture her imagination. Your child could seem somewhat detached, less emotional than other children. She may identify strongly with her friends or peer groups. She may need to develop sensitivity, tolerance and kindness. She could be futuristic, ahead of her time, and highly independent. Negatively, children with the Moon in Aquarius are sometimes willful, mentally stubborn, or downright rebellious! It's vital that she learn to account for her actions. The Moon in Aquarius child may perceive the mother as open-minded. She may share an intuitive understanding with her. If afflicted, the mother could be seen as eccentric, inconsistent or simply not around. Moon Square Venus The child with this aspect longs to feel bonded to the mother. She often is warm and affectionate but may fear the loss of love. Sometimes, the mother may be absent or unable to give the child adequate attention. Or perhaps the mother is overindulgent with the child. The child benefits by a balance of discipline and love, care and independence. The relationship with the mother influences adult relationships with the opposite sex. This child needs proper eating habits; in particular avoid over-indulging this child in sweets. Moon Opposition Mars This aspect indicates that temper gets in the way of harmonious relationships. Often there are lessons to be learnt in cooperation, in meeting the other fellow halfway. The child with this aspect could be touchy, tending to make a mountain out of a molehill and/or to take things very personally. She could be very defensive. She needs your help working out her feelings objectively, and this will demand much patience and CONSISTENCY on your part. This aspect has to do with the working out of anger amd emotions. Some children with this contact have trouble accepting:"not now" or "no, you may not" or "you must wait" and may even be prone to temper tantrums. This may not be the case with your child, but if it is its best that you don't tie into outbursts by taking it personally. She needs to learn to delay gratification and accept responsibility. M. Scott Peck, MD has some very constructive advice on this point and I recommend you read his book, The Road Less Traveled.It's best not to threaten this child with disciplines you don't plan to carry out. Usually this happens when parents are too busy or when the disciplines are unrealistic. The Moon represents the mother. Perhaps she is creative but tends to have a short fuse, herself! There could be conflicts with the mother (and later with important partners.) Teach your child not to kill a fly with a bowling ball! She likely is very active. If she learns self-control and patience during childhood, she could accomplish a great deal and may have qualities of leadership! For some children, however, this aspect could mean that action (Mars) may be blocked by emotions (Moon). Moon Opposition Uranus The child with this aspect may have a somewhat unusual upbringing. Later in life she is apt to attract a partner who is independent and also a bit unusual. If the mother is inconsistent in moods, rules or behavior, the child with this aspect could easily become confused; not knowing what to expect from her when. She needs to know she can rely on her. Children with this Moon-Uranus contact can be unconventional, even at the expense of popularity. She learns by experience and may depart from the trodden path. Your child may be restless and move around a lot. Her desire for personal freedom quite likely goes against the majority. She could be impulsive, more impatient than not, and (especially if Mars aspects the Moon or Uranus) could find it hard to control her temper. She could be subject to sudden mood changes! Your child can master this aspect by acquiring self-control and self-knowledge. Some children with this Moon-Uranus aspect are quite brilliant and original in their thinking. Teach your child the importance of keeping commitments. The Inner Planets: Mercury and Venus The planets Mercury and Venus, along with the Sun, Moon and Mars describe the child's emerging personality. These inner planets are located between the orbit of the Earth and the Sun. Venus indicates how the child appreciates and measures her experience, and describes the values established during childhood. Venus tells us how the child expresses love, the things that mean a lot to her, and her appreciation for beauty (or lack of it). Mercury tells us something about our child's perception, verbal expression, schooling --in short, how her mind works, how she thinks and communicates. Mercury: The Mind and Communication Mercury represents thoughts, ideas, and the mental process in general. Communications -- by phone, letter, spoken, or however -- are ruled by Mercury. Also thoughts, connections, phone wires, and everything that connects and conveys -- even forms of transportation. In the child's chart, Mercury describes the myriad aspects of schooling -- teachers, study habits, homework, learning skills, concentration (or lack of it). Your child's relationship with brothers and sisters are indicated by Mercury as well. The way your child thinks, receives, shares and transmits information and knowledge will be revealed by studying the position of Mercury in her chart. Mercury relates to hands, fine motor abilities, and to handwriting and drafting skills. Mercury by sign and element tells us how the child studies and what she likes to study, and how we (her parents and teachers) can help her gain greater academic expertise. Children with Mercury in Fire signs think and talk simultaneously and are spontaneous. They enjoy games that make learning fun! Children with Mercury in Air Signs can chatter away and still keep going! Words can come alive for them and they enjoy listening to (or creating) colorful tales and stories. Communication is their thing. They may have to work at being listeners, however! Children with Mercury in Water signs may need help thinking clearly since emotion runs into thoughts. These children like profound subject matter. Children with Mercury in Earth signs generally have a good measure of common sense. Hands on training suits them best. Mercury in Cancer Cancer is a Water sign on the action cross. The Mercury in Cancer child senses things with the mind and understands that feelings are thoughts too. What does this or that thought mean? Where is it pointing? These are questions she may ask herself. Your child tends to use subjective rather than objective logic -- intuition and gut instinct. Poetry, music, and the arts interest her, as does psychology. This placement usually indicates a good memory. Emotions could cloud objective thinking. Sun Conjunction Mercury When the Sun and Mercury are combined, they are said to be combust. Mercury (mind) can be overpowered by so much solar radiance (Sun). The result can be impulsive speech or action, possible mental confusion or psychological blind spots (akin to the nature of the sign the Sun and Mercury are in). Nevertheless, if you give your child the right tools and training, you will most likely discover that she can communicate with consummate skill. It is stimulating just being with her. Her high degree of mental concentration makes your child an avid student, able to excel in speaking, writing, and all types of communication skills. Her goals go hand-in-hand with communication and using the mind, and the two should never be far apart. If the Sun and Mercury receive serious afflictions to other planets, she could require assistance in self-expression and learning. Mercury Sextile Mars When it comes to self-expression, your child is likely to be a natural. She may have a knack at putting what she feels into spoken and written words. Children with this aspect typically are endowed with quick minds. Your child could do well in any of the communication fields, and with training, could be an excellent speaker. Mercury Trine Neptune The child with this aspect could have a fantastic imagination and be somehow tuned into what we all dream of at the deepest levels. The dream worlds, the more eternal thoughts of mankind, come easily to her, and she would be a convincing speaker on occult, metaphysical, and religious subjects. Your child could be sensitive, poetic and persuasive. This aspect is common in the charts of composers. She could have oratory and/or theatrical skills. On the downside, this child may weave many a tale. Help your child sort out reality from fact. Insist she tell the truth! Mercury Sextile Pluto Just call her "Eagle Eye!" Pluto conjunct the planet of mind most often gives sharp mental acumen and penetrating insight. Your child could be expert at getting straight to the heart of things, and would make a super sleuth, or researcher. The deeper a secret is buried, the more likely it is that she will turn it up. In its negative expression, Pluto could cause brooding, irritability, mental stubbornness and/or and nervous tension. There could be a karmic tie with a sibling or relative. Venus: Values, Love, Art Venus rules our values and sense of appreciation. When we appraise or appreciate something, whether that be another person or a new car, this is Venus -- the sense of love and compassion we may feel. Venus in the child's chart shows us what kinds of things our child appreciates, her innate sense of beauty (which can be developed), the manner in which she interacts with her friends and with adults, and how she shows love. Children with Venus in ardent Leo, for example, are demonstrative and fun-loving. They tend to shine and love bright, colorful things. Venus in Scorpio children, on the other hand, may be shy but exceptionally kind and thoughtful. These children may want Mom all to themselves! The Venus in Libra child is a social butterfly and loves beauty in her clothes and bedroom. Venus in Taurus loves beautiful things, pretty rocks and later precious stones. She may be a gourmet. She may need help learning to share what she sees as prized possessions. A study of Venus by sign, house and aspect also reveals something about your child's taste in food, eating habits, care of possessions and attitude toward money and belongings. Venus in Taurus Taurus is an Earth sign on the feeling cross. Its symbol is The Bull. Taurus is sensorial. Your child may love to explore the five senses. Especially during the primary years, she would be delighted by tactile games and lessons. Your child could identify with his things -- toys, clothes, knick-knacks -- and could be very possessive. She likely loves food and all the creature comforts. Money and what it buys may be very important to her when she is older. She feels secure in a comfortable home, surrounded by plenty of tender loving care. Children with Venus in Taurus tend to be loyal, loving, and down-to-earth. Your child may have a green thumb and may like gardening, floral design, and flowers. Precious stones and jewelry have a particular appeal! Moon Square Venus This square indicates challenges or even blocks in expressing love, perhaps stemming from a harsh early environment. Much depends on the signs the Moon and Venus are in and other positive or challenging aspects they may each form, but in general, a child with this placement needs plenty of praise and attention. She needs at least one close "kindred spirit" with whom she can play. She may feel that her feelings go unappreciated or she may find it hard to show love. Your child may be warm-hearted and affectionate but may need to learn a greater measure of self-discipline and discernment when it comes to selecting companions and also in habits, such as eating. If your child is raised in a loving home with supportive parents, allowing her space to grow but also teaching her discrimination with desires, she will develop good self-esteem and therefore avoid the more trying manifestations of this aspects. Venus Trine Saturn This is the child who enjoys responsibility, and loves to bring order and discipline to anything (or anyone) with whom she is involved. Even in a more open chart, this aspect adds a measure of restraint. The child's friends may tend to be older than she. She probably gets along well with her elders. The child could have marked artistic talent. Even if your child doesn't end up being an artist or performer, teaching her a skill such as painting, dancing or singing in a disciplined manner over a period of time will help develop character. Your child is loyal to loved ones. On the negative side, some children with this Venus-Saturn contact find it hard to express their feelings. Others may feel unappreciated or unloved. Your child may need more affection than you suspect. Venus Square Uranus This aspect brings challenges in relating to others. Sometimes this Venus-Uranus contact brings unusual, strange or unique attractions. Your child may have many friends. As a youth, she needs to understand the dangers of quick attachments and infatuations. She could confuse love and friendship, be fickle (especially if in mutable signs) or get bored and drop friends abruptly (cardinal). In fixed signs, desire could take the place of common sense. You can help your child work out this energy positively by teaching her to delay gratification (when necessary and appropriate), accept responsibility and be respectful of other people's feelings. It all begins in the nursery! The External Planets: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn The major planets outside the Earth's orbit (external to us) are Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These are the planets describing the outer world and circumstances surrounding the child, the status, well-being and conditions she is born into and what urges her on to greater achievements as she grows. Mars will tune you in to what motivates your child and the way she approaches life. Jupiter shows us how she is most apt to channel that energy, and Saturn decrees what sort of obstacles will confront her on the road to success. Again: Saturn tells us about the territory we will be going through, Jupiter the way or path through it, and Mars what kind of push or drive we can count on to keep going. Mars: Action Through Desire; Drive, Motivation, and Anger Mars is the planet of emotion and drive. When we search for the meaning of something, it is Mars that urges us on, keeps us searching. Mars will tell us what motivates our child, what captures her interest. By studying the aspects formed between Mars and other planets we discern if our child expresses desire in a healthy and direct manner or whether she feels blocked (squares) by inner or outer conditions. We also learn how our child expresses anger, whether in strong bursts (Mars in Fire Signs), bottled up and tears (Mars in Water Signs) or with cutting words (Air signs). With greater understanding we can help our child deal with her feelings in a constructive way. Mars tells us about our child's interest and aptitude (or lack of it), for physical exercises, sports, recreation. Mars drives us against things, too, and sends us into war and combat. Mars imparts courage and stamina. The house position of Mars in the child's chart will tell us in what area of life she is likely to enter the greatest degree of active conflict or activity: In the 11th, with friends, in the 3rd, perhaps with sisters and brothers, or in competitive learning at school. Mars in Virgo Virgo is an Earth sign on the thinking cross. Its symbol is The Virgin. Mars in Virgo children are motivated to help and be of service. They need child-sized tools and real jobs to get to work. Work well done merits praise and recognition. Your child must develop a sense of the worth of her work, and her own worthiness lest she offer her services indiscriminately. Otherwise, friends could take advantage of her by playing upon her need to serve others. Your child likely has an innate urge to save, salvage and conserve, and can make a silk purse from a sow's ear. She can't bear waste and is very thorough and precise. Your child is apt to be a perfectionist, but watch out! Discrimination is fine, but criticism and pettiness would lose her many a friend if not pointed out and corrected! As an adult, an over-fastidious and demanding attitude typically leads to contention with co-workers or with employees. An overconcern with every little picky detail sometimes means the job never gets done at all! On the brighter side, the Mars in Virgo child is usually patient. She is capable of learning and applying detailed techniques whether this be in crafts, in well-laid out botany displays, in building models or in writing papers. Your child is apt to do her best work in a neat and structured environment. She could feel frustrated, angry and/or disoriented in a messy room (even her own)! Many artisans and craftsman have Mars in this detailed earth sign. Your child might enjoy sewing, embroidery or in some way working with cloth. Mars in Virgo children are born investigators. They love to research the laws behind manifestation. A walk through the woods that turns into a research project would excite your child. Since she tends to be methodical and likes to plan, you could set out your project before venturing out! She enjoys the mental stimulation of inductive learning. Try presenting her with math problems and then let her come up with the rule! Virgo is a practical sign related to the healing arts. As she matures, you might discover that medical research, dentistry (especially with strong Saturn positions), nutritional analysis or psychology may be your child's forte. Mars in Virgo is common in the charts of researchers, critics, analysts, accountants, mathematicians and engineers and other professions where precision, detail, and analytical ability are requisite. If Mars is afflicted, the child could be quite restless and prone to worry. She needs to learn to relax. Moon Opposition Mars Does your child have brothers and sisters? If so, she may have ample opportunity to work on mastering this aspect which demands one learn to share and work harmoniously with others! Opposition always challenges us to bring the yin and yang forces within ourselves into harmony through interactions with other people. Study the signs involved to gain greater insight into the nature of this opposition which basically points to potential conflict between desire and right action. Relationships tend to be intense or marked by crisis. It all begins in the sandbox so observe your child and see; is she argumentative, excessively competitive in class, impulsive or irritable? Does she tend to want to overthrow the apple cart and do it her way, alienating friends and elders? She needs to learn to be at peace with herself and must work at acquiring a sense of moderation and balance in all things. The patient mother can help her child work out this aspect and thus avoid difficulties in relationships later in life. Often, however, the conflict has its roots in the relationship with the mother. Avoid long lectures and harangues when disciplining your child. State the facts and what the consequences are but stay clear of diatribes! When pointing out misbehavior, let her know its the behavior you object to, not her! Speak with love. If you control your own anger, your child has a better chance of learning to control her! Mercury Sextile Mars Your child is apt to demonstrate a great love of the written and spoken word. Her enthusiasm for mind, the intellect, and the world of ideas makes it easy for her to communicate these things to others, and is a plus factor at school! Your child would probably be a good teacher. Your child just might have a hair-trigger temper, so watch out! She may, however, forget to control her sharp-tongue, tending to use it before she has time to think, resulting in little mental and verbal explosions that she later regrets. The sad part is that half the time she doesn't even mean what might have escaped in anger. What is clear to others is that your child communicates as much with feelings as with words. Mars Conjunction Pluto The child with this aspect may have great perseverance and staying power. She may have a drive to delve into the unknown. The cosmos has real trouble keeping secrets from her once she has made her mind up to investigate! You may find that your child is brave and works well in a crisis. She could be self-motivated. This aspect indicates potential leadership ability. Negatively, drive is so powerful here that when the child doesn't get her way, she could be manipulative or even dishonest. She could need help learning how to deal with anger. The relationship with the father could influence relationships with men and authorities in general. Study well the signs and house positions: Pluto and Mars will intensify the qualities/challenges of the signs and houses in which they are posited. Jupiter: The Teacher; Opportunity, Career and Life Path The Hindu word for Jupiter is Guru. Jupiter is the guru and guide, the way we go through life, our life path and personal philosophy. Our first teachers and guides are usually our parents. Then there are our school teachers, ministers, and other significant adults who enter our life and guide us. Jupiter is the body of knowledge and wisdom made available to us, our method for dealing with the laws of life, our Saturn, or limitations. Saturn represents the father, structure, rules of behavior and social norms we must learn to abide by. Jupiter is the light or path. Jupiter rules religion, philosophy, culture, travel, history; how we expand our horizons, our philosophy of life. It has always been an indicator of how successful we may be, our vocation. In the child's chart, we look to Jupiter for clues as to how our child seeks to know more about life, what appeals to her, and where she may need to pull in the reins and balance exploration (Jupiter) with greater discipline (Saturn). A child with Jupiter in the 1st house in Aries, for example, will jump to the occasion for a trip, an experience to broaden her horizons and self-understanding but will need to find the balance between opportunities for growth and responsibilities (Saturn). Jupiter in Aquarius Aquarius is the sign of individuality and freedom and Jupiter relates to new horizons, so you can bet that your child will seek unique and creative ways of self-expression. A true progressive, especially in community or group work, she may be democratic to the point of being radical -- an idealist, a revolutionary, a reformist or a rebel! This is the position of the scientist who opens up new vistas, works on group projects, catapults reform. Teach your child that true freedom is framed by accountability and that no one can be a law unto themselves. As she matures, your child will show a great interest in new trends and world affairs. This placement favors a career in aeronautics, diplomatic corp, personnel management, reform movements and astrology. Your child is future-oriented. Saturn: The Lawgiver; Rules, Responsibility, Trials, Growth, Father Saturn rules the laws and limitations of this material world we all live in. Saturn indicates where we are bound to learn, the narrowness that makes our way felt, the walls that make homes possible. Saturn holds us together as much as apart. Saturn represents the law and is said to be the Great Teacher. Saturn defines and clarifies. Saturn represents the reality of life in the physical universe. We understand how vital it is that our children learn to accept responsibility, maintain their environment in order, finish homework and projects on time, learn how to delay gratification. Hopefully, they learn as they grow how to turn mistakes into lessons, obstacles into stepping stones to success. Saturn represents the father or dominant parent, all adults whom the child looks up to as authorities. Saturn represents the law of the land we're born into, the family rules and traditions and our own innate or developed sense of fairness. Saturnian qualities are rarely self-evident in the small child. Children have to learn self-discipline, order, patience, obedience. This they do in cycles of time. Saturn represents the process of maturity, the outlines for growth presented to us by our teachers and our inner biological clock. Saturn by sign, house, aspect and Saturn cycles in your child's chart and in your own provide a wonderful blueprint whose design you can follow to help your children grow to be successful in this world. Saturn in Capricorn Saturn, the Great Teacher, is at home in this sign of concentrated spiritual power in the earth! When we are humble and attuned to the light within, we can conquer the world! Children born with Saturn in Capricorn are typically somewhat mature for their age. The child with this placement is conscientious and dutiful and is usually willing to shoulder more than her share of responsibility at home and at school. Especially if Saturn aspects a personal planet or is close to the Ascendant or Midheaven, the child's personality will be colored by practicality, orderliness, organization and a compelling motivation for meaningful accomplishment. Patience and fortitude help the Saturn in Capricorn child overcome obstacles and achieve success. She could, however, be excessively critical of herself and of others. Teach your child to capitalize on her strengths rather than condemn her weaknesses. Even if she projects a serious cast, she may need more affection than meets the eye! Allow time for play and enjoyment! Success comes later in life and may require much preparation and prior experience. Sometimes children born with this placement are overcomers, rising up out of difficult early circumstances. If Saturn is afflicted, the drive for prominence and power can be obsessive. If the child is subjected to verbal or physical condemnation during childhood, she herself could be dictatorial as an adult. A compulsive ambition for outer status could mask her true need to establish a core sense of self-worth. At best, this position confers integrity, honesty, dependability and steadfastness and favors any role entailing hard work and responsibility. Venus Trine Saturn Your child could be an excellent teacher in areas requiring discipline and organization. She values order and places a high premium on hard work and effort. Whatever is most practical is best. She is apt to appreciate things that are durable and long-lasting. Your child has a natural love of truth, philosophy, law, and the like. This is considered a favorable aspect for architects, designers, teachers (especially of music or art), and performing artists since discipline/structure/form (Saturn) and art/beauty/relationships with others (Venus) are harmoniously linked. This Venus/Saturn aspect also favors lawyers, bankers, and real estate agents. Endowed with common sense and understanding, your child should be responsible and caring. Her friends are apt to be older than she. Jupiter Conjunction Saturn Unless difficult aspects tie into this coupling, the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction is an excellent indicator of success, since opportunity and drive work together! If the child is given a broad base of learning in a structured environment she will benefit most from this aspect. This aspect comes around once every 20 years! Look up the sign Jupiter and Saturn are in to get a greater idea of their expression (Libra could be in close partnerships, PR work, and law). Check out the house position to see in what area of life these energies will work themselves out (1st house might be sports, self-expression; 2nd house, values and belongings; 3rd house, schooling, siblings, transportation and communication, etc.) As a group, your child and his schoolmates are interested in truth, religion, and philosophy. So, during childhood, your child would learn much from religious training, exposure to travel, different cultures, the lessons of history and an understanding of the law. Your child might tend to "overdo" it, whether in work or in play. She could find it hard to accept delays or obstacles in her projects. The Outer Planets In the previous sections, we have dealt with planets that we can see with our naked eyes. In general, these planets refer to life as we know and live it and are the so-called inner planets. Beyond these are three planets that are not visible in the sky and which have cycles longer than the average human life span. Since they are beyond Saturn or time, astrologers call them the trans-personal or transcendental planets -- Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Here you will find information on issues and attitudes typical of your child's generation. Uranus represents the sense of discovery, new frontiers, revolutions and consequent changes we make. Neptune reveals how we understand and accept these discoveries, our understanding of mystical and/or inner realities, the expression of devotion and compassion. Pluto points to the great challenges confronting ourselves and our civilization. How can we best prepare our children to meet these challenges? To fulfill their fiery destiny individually and collectively? To stand firm amidst the winds of change? To reach out for worlds beyond the physical? To feel secure in their relationship to God? For most of us, the challenges increase as we mature but certainly the foundation is set in childhood! Uranus: The Awakener; Rebellion, Breakthroughs, Insights, Originality Uranus is the planet that indicates how we free ourselves from the difficulties and problems life presents us. Uranus represents our link to the higher mind, Universal Intelligence. Here is the way insights come to us, how we discover or come to know and understand ourselves. Uranian energy shows us how to find new uses for old things. It rules inventions and sudden insights into our life -- everything that is unusual, eccentric, and out of the ordinary. Uranus is, in many ways, the opposite, or undoing of Saturn. We look to Uranus in the child's chart to understand her personal sense of uniqueness, where she dares to be different. Uranus also may reveal individual genius, talent, interests. With hard aspects, or if Uranus is placed in the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th houses, we may have to deal with willfulness and/or rebelliousness in the child, or she may perceive herself as somehow different from the rest. Parents and teachers can help the child with strong Uranian aspects by providing her with avenues for individual expression and creativity, and by recognizing her natural bent to experiment with new ways of doing things. At the same time, the child needs to learn that there is no true freedom without accountability. Be consistent in applying the rules. She needs to know the consequences of her use of free will. Uranus in Leo As a subgeneration, this group sought greater freedom in personal expression, love and romance. Uranus in Leo ushered in new art forms, unique childrearing methods, freer notions about sex and original leadership. Creativity can be brilliant here, but unless the heart is truly developed, Uranus in Leo manifests as a tendency to be uncooperative and rebellious. Especially when Uranus aspects personal planets, the child with this placement may have no problem dishing out commands to others, but may buck against taking orders herself! Individually, people with this placement tend to be outspoken, dramatic, even regal. They seek relaxation with children, sports, acting, singing, and such. Moon Opposition Uranus Children with Moon/Uranus contacts yearn to be free. They thrive on independence and may in fact be quite willful. The relationship with the mother may be unusual in some way. Sometimes the mother is quite unique, avant garde or New Age or perhaps she is inconsistent, absent much of the time (or so perceived). Others may find your child original (certainly very different) and perhaps unpredictable, especially when it comes to emotional reactions. Your child may have a tendency to show emotions suddenly and/or in unusual ways. She likes unconventional friends and is probably a nonconformist herself. The Moon/Uranus child needs room to create but must be made to answer for her actions as well. Your child must recognize the importance of considering the feelings of others. She may seem to go out of her way to shock, confront, challenge whatever is traditional and customary. Venus Square Uranus This aspect points to the awakening of new values, often through a process of trial and error with friends, (later) partners and organizations. The tension of the square may not be very apparent in the first 12 years of life except in that your child may change friends quickly, demand a certain space in relationships or avoid "buddy-buddy" friendships. At best this aspect gives a love for freedom. Perhaps your child will be attracted to friends who are different, avant-garde, or radical. Neptune: The Savior; Illusion, Ideals, Imagination, Spirituality Neptune provides the key for unlocking our child's imagination! Neptune represents the bridge to worlds we cannot see. Neptune, then, tells us about the child's need for worship, adoration, devotion. Neptune relates to music and the arts and is prominent in the charts of many creative people. Being an outer planet, Neptune also paints a picture of the collective dreams of our child's generation, dreams which may build upon, alter or even challenge our own. Neptune's influence tends to be subtle, often affecting us on subconscious levels. If afflicted, Neptune can indicate areas where the child may feel confused, uncertain or fearful. Read Neptune by sign, house and aspect but realize that your child may not consciously be aware of Neptune's influence until she reaches adulthood. Neptune in Scorpio For many of this generation, the spiritual search became paramount in their lives. Others hooked unto false stars in rock and drug subcultures. The collective unconscious threatens to burst in this sign and individually its members must reach higher. As parents of today's children, many of whom have Uranus in Scorpio, the inner search of individuals with this placement will have much to do with how they awaken their child to inner truths...or conversely, to emotional pain and chaos! Money, power, and sex are issues that need to be clarified. Hopefully, this generations will impart sound values to their child, lest they later break away! At best, this placement confers compassion, intuitive understanding and a healing presence. Sun Trine Neptune Your child may have a natural ability to grasp spiritual and visionary matters and to put them to work. She can perform with the imagination and capture metaphysical thoughts like others work with durable things. Much of her own self-image is wrapped up with her ability to work with images -- dreams and the imagination. She would make a good teacher in areas of music, philosophy, and all that is mystical. This aspect is favorable for a career in entertainment. Mercury Trine Neptune Your child has a way with words and ideas. Your child creates mental tapestries and conveys them in a way that captures the attention of others. Your child loves a good story, especially those dealing with great heroes, colorful Biblical tales, mythology, and romantic legends such as that of King Arthur and His Knights! The danger is that the mind can be impressionable to a fault. Your child would make an excellent teacher of philosophy or religion, for she can't help but communicate these subjects and enchant all who come to know her. Your child might have literary or artistic talent. Although she has a rich imagination, your child needs to develop mental self-discipline to avoid daydreaming, especially at school! Your child would make a good director, for she likes working with mental images. Your child is devotional and understanding. She may be particularly devoted to a younger brother or sister. Jupiter Square Neptune All art requires discipline! Children born with a Jupiter/Neptune square often are imaginative and creative. The pitfall is self-indulgence, over-extension of self or resources (later in life, this could be an over-extension of credit!) your child is apt to be kind and warmhearted. She tends to idealize. Teach her to always mean what she says and not to make promises she cannot keep or others might consider her dishonest. Woolgathering could be a problem at school (unless offset by strong Mercury/Saturn aspects). You can help your child make her dreams come true by teaching her to finish her projects on time (starting with putting the building blocks back on the shelf is not too early), stressing the importance of order and neatness in her room, desk, homework, appearance, labeling her clothes and bringing them home from school, and by finding creative ways to channel her imagination. In short, teach your child to discipline the mind. Pluto: The Shadow; Deep Fears, Inner Change, Growth, Regeneration Pluto is the planet of profound change, of generation and regeneration. Pluto often touches upon the most sensitive psychological areas within us. Once touched, we have no choice but to change and grow. If Pluto aspects a personal planet in your child's chart, she will experience an intense desire for self-transformation on some level of her being. Pluto contacts often teach us through intense experiences. We feel as if we've lived several lifetimes in one! The struggle of our century with nuclear power is a Plutonian issue. Will this intense power be used as a dynamo of life or to devastate life? Stress the positive, be ready to help your child navigate through intense emotions she may feel, but not necessarily comprehend. Teach her to express this power wisely. Pluto in Virgo Your child was born into a group who brought the world revolutionary concepts in health, industry, food, and computer science. Individually, they tend to be radical when it comes to self-analysis, which means health care, food (natural foods movement), physical well-being, and so on. Serving and caring for oneself and for others are primary sources of inner growth and changes. The Pluto in Virgo individual may be sensitive to criticism, or she may dish it out too intensely. She can fixate on details and lose sight of the forest for the trees. She needs to learn how to let go of anxiety. As Virgo represents the Earth mother, an afflicted Pluto in Virgo may indicates lessons in morality and sexuality. Youth born into this sign need to learn right diet, dress, and hygiene. They need to respect their bodies as the temple of the inner light! Sun Sextile Pluto Check and see if other elements of the chart point to leadership, for this position if often found in the charts of those who make a significant impact in the lives of others. Your child may go through periods of incredible change and transformation during her life. She is a natural detective and analyst, psychologist and fact finder, and enjoys getting beneath the surface. See to it that your child is challenged intellectually at school and has opportunities to take the lead. Mercury Sextile Pluto When it comes to mental work, you may find out that your child has a natural gift for research and investigation. She enjoys examining and analyzing, in particular when it comes to psychological and sensitive areas of the mind. Math, writing and the sciences may appeal to her. Watch for a natural know-how in sifting through difficult material and coming up with what is essential every time! Your child likes to discuss and communicate, especially at a very personal level. Others may find your child just too intense. Mars Conjunction Pluto Boy, does she have drive! This aspect gives intense determination. Some children with Mars/Pluto contacts enjoy sports and other physical outlets. Your child may have the energy of 10, so watch out! Check out the house position to see in what area of life this dynamo will be expressed. Negatives include anger, wilfulness, selfishness. Hopefully, the relationship with the father will be free of major conflict. Otherwise, Mars/Pluto can indicate problems later on with men or with authority figures. Emotionally intense! Jupiter Quincuncx Pluto The Jupiter/Pluto quincunx suggests that philosophical, cultural and/or religious attitudes may be in need of adjustment. The child with this aspect may want to accomplish on a big scale. She could see herself as out to change the world...and indeed, maybe she is! Nevertheless, during childhood she needs to acquire humility, tolerance for other religious faiths, races and creeds. In some cases, the child may be uncomfortable with the belief system of those around her. Teach her to look honestly at her reasons for doing things and remind her that the ends don't justify the means. Show her that the best way to change others is by our own example. She needs to learn to be fully responsible for her actions. It's vital that your child receive the training and education she needs to develop skills, get the job done correctly, and later to launch her into her chosen career. Insufficient, inappropriate or improper education could interfere with her ability to make her mark in adulthood. Your child would benefit by lessons in right stewardship of funds during youth. Neptune Sextile Pluto This aspect belongs more to the times, describing the opportunity at hand for great change through understanding of profound spiritual laws. It points to the interest in psychology so prevalent int his century. The times themselves prove to be a great teacher. The Elements, Modalities, and Angularity Elements, modalities, and house quadrants. These are all techniques used by astrologers to gain a general picture of energy patterns and focus, temperament and modes of action. How does your child's planets and houses total up? Which does she have in abundance, and which does she lack, if any? Those with high totals show what we can or must do in life; plus points to be developed. These are qualities we have. "Wants" are areas that may be weaker and need developing or balance. Sometimes people overcompensate the "wants" and even pretend to have them. The old adage is: we become what we want (or lack), while we do what we can (or have to do) with what we've got. Here are your child's totals: Have Earth Your child may be concerned with preserving the status quo and is apt to be stable and methodical in her ways. She could resist change and might have trouble getting started, but once on the move should be indomitable. She could mistrust that which is new or untried. Want Fire If your child lacks an inner self-confidence, she could try to overcome this by defensive aggressiveness. She probably wishes she had more of the self-assurance her more fiery acquaintances display. Inspire in your child the joy to overcome all challenges. (A strong Mars or Sun, by sign, aspect or house position or a Fire Ascendant would compensate.) Have Fixed She is a solid supporter, always gravitating to the heart of things. Your child may have trouble getting moving, but once rolling, others better watch out. She has the stick-to-itiveness of the tortoise that beat the hare! Want Mutable Your child may lack flexibility, and could be more stubborn than not! She could have trouble adapting to situations or to the demands of those around her, and could put her foot in her mouth when she least needs it! Perhaps it's not easy for her to communicate or smooth over things. (A strong Mercury, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces Rising, the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in these signs or many planets in the 3rd, 9th, 6th or 12th houses could compensate.) Have Cadent Circumstances could throw your child into positions where she must use her mind and deal with communications, service, or enclosed hidden interests. She may deal with education, psychology, spiritual enlightenment or teaching principles and techniques. Want Angular Your child could have difficulty getting outer recognition for her efforts or accomplishments. This doesn't mean they're worthless. It does mean she should throw her efforts into work or ventures she really loves doing. House Activity and Emphasis The twelve houses of the horoscope, particularly when they are occupied by a planet, provide a clue to areas of special activity in the child's life and development. They paint a picture of the environment in which she will work out the challenges and talents signified by the planets and aspects. Here is an analysis of house activity based on planet emphasis: First House: Physical Appearance, How Others See Me, Personality First House The 1st house is the house of "Me!" How I see myself, the "me" I would like to be, and how others see me: in short, my identity. The key phrase of the first house is "I AM." This house rules our personal self and everything about us that draws a reaction from our surroundings or from others. The 1st house describes the early childhood environment (or the child's perception of it). Much of the child's identity will be a reflection of the environment in which she grows up. The child's projected image (personality) will reflect her experience and assimilation of her interaction with others. The sign on the Ascendant (1st house cusp) and its ruler (see intro.) are key components to understanding your child's emerging personality. Any planet "rising" in the 1st house is going to color the personality considerably. For example, if Neptune is in the 1st house, the child will be sensitive and impressionable, no matter what sign is on the Ascendant. A child with Venus in the 1st house is likely to be attractive and charming. Mars in the 1st house is common in the charts of athletes. Astrologers will often blend the characteristics of the Sun sign with the sign on the Ascendant. For example, a child with an Aries Sun is usually somewhat self-centered. If the child, however, has Pisces Rising then she is likely to be assertive but compassionate and interested in serving others. Sometimes, however, the child may experience a conflict; in this case, for instance, part of the child may want to jump right into new experiences (Aries) whereas another part may be shy or afraid (Pisces). The child could feel overwhelmed (Pisces) by the stern parental rebuke given in response to a typically Arian impulsive action! All this may seem very complex, but you can take it step by step. Are any of us really all that simple to understand? You will have to study well the Sun sign and the Ascendant (and the sign and house the Ruler is in) plus the nature of any planet in the 1st house. Learn the keys, be sensitive and observe the child. You will see how it all comes together. Sagittarius on First House Cusp Sagittarius is associated with religion, philosophy and travel. Your child may seek to "expand her horizons," or to express her highest ideals and personal philosophy through the affairs of the house on whose cusp Sagittarius is found. Second House: Possesions, Talents, Resources, Sense of Self-Worth Second House The key phrase of the 2nd house is "I have." The 2nd house, then, deals with our material security, our means of livelihood, our resources and talents, and how we utilize the resources of this world. The 2nd house also reveals much about our values, what is valuable to us. We study this house for clues as to the child's basic attitudes and sense of self-worth. The sign on the second house cusp and any planets in the 2nd house will tell you how your child is most likely to deal with things. Here we see her attitude toward her belongings. Responsibility, stewardship, and sharing all come into play here. If your child does not have any planets in the 2nd house, look to the sign, house and aspects of the planet ruling the sign on the cusp, and to the planet Venus, for clues as to money making potential and spending habits. Capricorn on Second House Cusp Capricorn is the business energy of the zodiac. Given to clear-headedness and practical insight, this sign takes a distanced perspective, a cool appraisal. Lessons in power may be indicated in the affairs governing the house hosting Capricorn on its cusp. Or this may be where your child is particularly willing to work hard for earned results. Jupiter in Second House Watch out, this child will talk you into buying the sky! A natural salesman, she likes nice things! Values, that's the key phrase of this position! Never tire in instilling them. Teach your child good money habits. By itself, this Jupiter placement often indicates wealth and natural business ability. If afflicted, money may go out as soon as it came in! Your child's career or life-path may depend on her talent for responding and making something out of ideas, insights... whatever is new and challenging. The business world may call for her ability to react and build on opportunities. Often Jupiter here signifies a love of travel or a desire to obtain the means to travel and have many experiences. Saturn in Second House In an adult chart, Saturn in the 2nd can indicate considerable business ability and wealth or conversely, a lot of sweat with little to show for it. Since this is the house of values, much depends on the examples set (especially by the father or dominant parent) and values developed during childhood and the growing up years. You may consider setting up your child with an allowance, and later a savings account of her own as a framework for helping her develop good monetary habits. Sometimes this positions indicates frugality bordering on stinginess. The way your child treats her possessions may give you a clue. Look to Saturn's sign and aspects for a fuller picture. Your child will enjoy working for rewards, saving up points or pennies for that special something! This position lends itself toward merit programs. Saturn in the 2nd house favors government contracts, business management, mining, construction and commodities trading. Third House: Communication, Early Education, Brothers & Sisters Third House The key phrase for the 3rd house is "I think." At no time is the 3rd house more important than during childhood. This is because the 3rd house is the house of early education. The astrologer looks to the sign on the 3rd house cusp, its ruler and any planets abiding there (and to the planet Mercury) to get a picture of the child's approach to learning. The 3rd house is a very mental house, concerned with finding, researching, communicating, and all manner of questioning. Traditionally this house rules brothers and sisters. Planets in the 3rd house can tell you something about your child's interaction with her siblings, and with neighborhood pals. Children with personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) in the 3rd house tend to be very active at school. Aquarius on Third House Cusp Aquarius is the sign of brotherly love. Aquarian energy is futuristic, prophetic, communal. The focus is on the goal, and the goal is for the many, not the few. This sign tends toward independence. The house with Aquarius on the cusp sometimes indicates areas of special talents. Moon in Third House Your child has a knack for putting the feelings of a group into words and may serve as the class spokesperson. Because the Moon (emotion) is an the house of mind (3rd), emotions may cloud objective thinking. Your child needs to learn to sort out her thoughts from her feelings. Experience will teach her not to act simply because she "feels like it." On the other hand, this placement confers intuitive insight. The Moon here may point to a nervous temperament (especially if in Gemini or Virgo). If so, work with the hands provides a steady counterbalance to an active mind. The Moon in the 3rd house may signify an important relationship with a brother or sister. This position favors travel, journalists, truck drivers, teachers, telephone operators, writers, radio announcers. Fourth House: Home, Family, Needs, Mother Fourth House The 4th house is the house of the home and family. The 4th house represents our roots and also relates to our perception of our mother. The sign on the 4th house cusp and any planets abiding here describe the early home environment. Young children yearn to feel secure within the arms of mother and father, within the walls of home. The small child fears abandonment. This house tells about the emotional foundation upon which the rest of the chart can stand or collapse. Traumatic childhood scenes take years to resolve. A memory of a nurturing and secure experience helps the adult get through many a storm. Since many of the early patterns are repeated, the fourth house (and the sign, house position and aspects of the Moon) describes how your child is likely to manage her own family one day. Land and property also come under the fourth house domain. Pisces on Fourth House Cusp Pisces energy runs deep and toward the psychological -- whatever is beneath the surface. Pisces is said to be related to the past, to memories and to karma. Pisces pertains to "hidden enemies" and also to illumination. The affairs of the house with Pisces on the cusp may signal an area of vulnerability in the chart, where your child could be subject to illusion, or where she could be particularly sensitive, intuitive and imaginative. (i.e. Pisces on the 7th house cusp could indicate disappointments in relationships, perhaps due to a tendency to attract unstable partners. On the other hand, Pisces on the 7th house cusp could indicate a sensitive, spiritual partner). Fifth House: Self-Expression, Creativity, Giving/Receiving Love Fifth House The 5th house is the house of dramatic self-expression; its key phrase is "I create." Many actors have planets here. The 5th house relates to fun and recreation: planets in the 5th house plus the sign on the cusp provide clues as to what kind of recreation your child might enjoy. Fire signs may like sports, competitive games and outdoor exploration. An Earth sign on the cusp could take to nature walks, hiking, building, mechanics. For these children, work can be fun! Children with Air signs on the 5th house cusp are going to enjoy mixing with other people. A Water sign on the 5th house cusp may enjoy family outings, be attached to loved ones, find their niche through the arts. The giving and receiving of love is also connected with this house. Children with personal planets in this house (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars) feel most fulfilled when they are actively creating, sharing, expressing their emotions. Aries on Fifth House Cusp Aries is the sign of the pioneer and leader. Aries energy is attention-getting and assertive, tending to provoke a response from the surroundings, from others. The house with the Aries cusp shows you in what area of life your child is most apt to be assertive, and even a bit impulsive. Here is where she can learn the lessons of patience. Sixth House: Responsibility, Work, Health, Habits Sixth House The key phrase of the 6th house is "I work." That which was conceived in the 5th house is applied and produced in the 6th! In an adult chart, this house indicates employment, attitude toward work, and relationship with employees and/or co-workers. In the child's chart, we study the 6th house to understand her daily habits. How she handles her chores, how she approaches her school work. Is her handwriting sloppy or neat? Is she happy to help others when asked or does she complain? The 6th house rules dress and appearance. This house also tells us about eating habits, diet and basic health. Obviously, eating habits and diet will affect health for better or for worse, as the case may be. A water sign on the cusp, or the Moon or Neptune in the 6th indicates that emotions will affect health and vice-versa. The sign on the cusp and planets in the 6th house can show you health areas that may require your attention. Taurus on Sixth House Cusp Taurus energy is stable. Here is where your child is likely to be resourceful, where talent may lie! She could perhaps make money from the issues related to this house. Taurus is the way we "have" things, how we possess and acquire things. The house cusp can tell you where the child might need to learn the lessons of obedience or non-attachment. Venus in Sixth House Your child likes to do things with care and enjoys being discriminating and exact. Her critical faculties are excellent, and you she can generally pick out what is worth saving and what is not. You may find that your child has excellent taste in clothes! She appreciates a caring attitude and is service-oriented. The child with this Venus placement typically loves to bestow affection on pets! With the planet of love in the house of service, your child may express her love by doing favors for other people. She may choose acting or art as a career. This position is also favorable for employment in the clothing industry, furniture business, healing arts and service oriented jobs. Seventh House: Relationships with Others Seventh House The 7th house is the house of partnerships, relationships, social life, and all that carries us beyond our personal self into an awareness of other people, community, and the like. Children with planets in this house seek to understand themselves through others. They are rarely alone. How does your child deal with competition? Is she able to hold her own in a match? Can she stand up against peer pressure? To succeed with 7th house issues, the child needs to feel secure within herself (1st house polarity.) Planets in the 7th house and the sign on the cusp can also provide clues about your child's interaction, as she matures, with the opposite sex. For instance, a child with Mars in this house or Aries on the cusp would likely be bold in relationships, and hence, make friends easily. Nevertheless, she could incline toward arguments and contention (Mars) in close friendships (and later in marriage). She may, however, be willing to work hard (Mars) to make a relationship (7th house) work. The wise parent would teach this child the dangers of entering into relationships impulsively. Gemini on Seventh House Cusp Gemini is concerned with connections and communication of all kinds; letters, wires, telephones, voice, thoughts, writing,and mental processes in general. Gemini is the gadfly, the communicator, the busy-body of the zodiac. The Gemini cusp can reveal in what area of life your child is apt to show curiosity, mental interest and diversity. Sun in Seventh House You can be sure that friends and relationships play a major role in your child's makeup. A "bosom buddy" or close pal may be an essential key to happiness. Close bonds (friendship, marriage, partnership) will be very important to her when she is older. Children with the Sun (ego) in the house of others (7th) need to balance their need for companionship with a well developed sense of self. Encourage your child to stick up for what's right and not to give in just for the sake of maintaining the peace! She is likely to have a strong sense of justice and fair play. In fact, she may be the class peacemaker, helping her classmates see their way out of disputes. This is a favorable position for future lawyers, psychologists, diplomats and any work dealing with people on a daily basis. This placement also confers graciousness and diplomacy. Your child will benefit from early exposure to the social graces. Mercury in Seventh House The child born with Mercury in the 7th house is interested in learning what makes other people tick! She likes to discuss ideas and exchange opinions with other people and may gravitate toward intellectual types. Her ideas tend to be balanced, fair and impartial. An inborn objectivity could lead to a career in law. She is at her mental best when he's communicating, teaching, or counseling with others. She probably enjoys studying with a friend. Since your child likely understands differing points of view, she may become the class peacemaker. Since the 7th house is the house of marriage, when your child is older she will want to marry someone with whom she shares a mental rapport. This position favors careers dealing with people on a daily basis. Also highlighted are law and psychology, and any field where understanding human motivation is key. Eighth House: Pain, Sharing, Attitudes toward Sex Eighth House The 8th house is traditionally the house of death and regeneration. This is the house of surgery: where something must be removed so something else can thrive. Thus, this house also covers initiation: getting rid of excess parts of ourselves that we no longer need so we can get to the heart and deeper meaning of life. The no-nonsense quality of the eighth house makes it good for business ventures since here we are stripping away the dross to reveal the truth or essence of the subject. But what meaning does the 8th house hold for the child? Any planets in the 8th house will give a Scorpio, hence deeply subjective, coloring to the chart. The key phrase here is "We have": for the adult, the 8th house relates to shared money, property, resources. It all begins during childhood. How does your child approach sharing her things with others, in carrying out joint responsibilities. Also, how does the child deal with pain, crises, even the death of significant others? This is the house of sex, and moreover, the house of desire. Planets in the 8th house and the sign on the cusp shed light on the child's ability to attract things to herself through desire, and to let go when necessary or right. Cancer on Eighth House Cusp Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing for others. The house with Cancer on the cusp is where your child is likely to look for security. The child could be particularly sensitive to the issues of that house. Ninth House: Faith, Ethics, Cultural Traditions, Higher Education Ninth House The 9th house covers higher education, long journeys and religion (the longest journey of all). Here is what remains of the purification that takes place in the 8th house -- the seed, or essence, of an entire cycle of experience. Religion comes from a Latin word that means to bind back, and thus refers to all things that last or endure, such as the truth. Essential ideas, philosophy, and the courts of law belong here. In your child's chart, the 9th house reveals the influences shaping the's child's notions of right and wrong, her search for higher meaning, where she reaches out to know more, the (life-long) evolution of her belief system. As a youth, she is apt to be more concerned with her direct experience than with abstract thoughts. From these, however, she will draw conclusions shaping her beliefs. Priests, judges, historians, college professors, philosophers and explorers often have key planets here. The child with planets in the 9th house enjoys expanding her horizons through travel. Leo on Ninth House Cusp Leo energy is expressive and concerned with dramatic self-awareness and a sense of pride and ownership. Here is a sense of confidence from which the emotive and outgoing Leo energy operates. Often very artistic, and always theatrical and expressive, this sign is good for creativity and the arts. Your child may seek creative means to express herself through the affairs of the house with Leo on the cusp. Mars in Ninth House One day she may end up traveling the world. Especially if the rest of the chart indicates refinement and good breeding, your child may experience an inner urge to discover the very heart of truth in all things. This quest could propel her to search near and far. Your child is very motivated when it comes to ideology, religion, and all things essential and lasting. Especially if Mars (or Mercury) are in a Fire sign, your child may "tell it like it is." Naturally adventurous and zealous, she is an explorer at heart! She may enjoy a subscription to National Geographic. Point out new horizons to her as she grows. Teach her to finish what she begins and to take care of the details, even if she be bored by routines! She may love horses and riding. Sometimes this positions points to religious fervor. With afflictions, and particularly when the religious/moral upbringing is narrow, this placement can manifest negatively as a prejudiced mentality or fanatical or intolerant religious/intellectual stance. If afflicted, the child may need to acquire the humility to swallow her pride and accept corrections. Uranus in Ninth House This is the position of a "freethinker," especially in the realm of law, religion and philosophy. Your child may have a sense of being on a quest or mission even as a tot! Her inquiring mind could lead her to unique discoveries in religion, law, philosophy, science or electronics. Especially if well aspected to personal planets, her mind could be quick, ahead of her time. She could become easily bored with standard academic fare! Unless counterindicated in the chart, she could be more interested in the bigger picture and sloppy about details. Be patient in helping your child follow guidelines of thoroughness and neatness in her schoolwork and chores. Insist she finish what she begins! The down side of this position is difficulty stilling one's thoughts, a mind-set that leans toward rebelliousness (although some great Revolutionaries have Uranus in the 9th house), a tendency to question rules and regulations. The child with this Uranus placement could be independent and somewhat of a loner. She is likely to enjoy traveling. Pluto in Ninth House Individuals born with Pluto in the 9th house experience spiritual regeneration through the discovery of universal laws and eternal truths. Listen well to your child's questions on the nature of life and man. She is searching and there's nothing superficial capturing her attention. An intense analytical approach to life cuts through to the heart of things. A marked bluntness may be misunderstood by others; she tells it as it is, or as least as she thinks it is! She may be possessed of a powerful will, but try to show her the value of tact and diplomacy. A fanatical or rigid religious (or cultural) upbringing could evoke the more negative aspects of this placement: spiritual pride, fanaticism, and religious intolerance. If afflicted, there could be obstacles to overcome in obtaining higher education, perhaps due to a general impatience with the academic process. Tenth House: Father, Authority Figures, Peer Status, Career Potential Tenth House The 10th house is the point of crystallization, what we give back to the world in concrete form: hence, the 10th house deals with career, and subsequently status and reputation. The 10th house is connected with authorities: father, government, employer, Guru. In studying the planets in the 10th house plus the sign on the 10th house cusp in the child's chart (and Saturn), we discover clues about the nature of the child's ambitions (what she wants to do and who she wants to be when she grows up), how she deals with authorities, how she handles responsibility, and her relationship with her father or dominant parent. The child's way of dealing with her elders during childhood obviously will be transferred to dealing with her boss later on! Children with planets in the 10th house may be thinking ahead. Children with the Sun, Jupiter or Saturn or many planets in the 10th house often want to be someone of consequence in this world! The 10th house relates to Saturn and hence to maturation through time. Sometimes planets in the 10th house (especially the Sun or Saturn) indicate a need for much training before reaching the career goal. Virgo on Tenth House Cusp Virgo energy is analytical and precise, always separating what is worthwhile and worth supporting from that which is outmoded and of no further use. The affairs of the house with Virgo on the cusp reveal the area of life in which the child seeks to serve, and/or where she may take a systematic and detailed approach. Eleventh House: Friends, Aspirations, Community Eleventh House We have been on the mountain and had a vision (10th house). In the 11th, we bond with others who share our vision and can help us realize it. Thus, this is the house of friends and community life. The young child is greatly influenced by her companions. As she matures (and particularly during pre-adolescence and teen-age years), peer pressure and conformity may take precedence over parental guidelines in her mind. Planets in this house and the sign on the 11th house cusp indicate what traits your child may admire in a friend and the kind of friends she is likely to attract. For example, if Uranus is in the 11th house or if Aquarius is on the cusp, the child would attract friends who are unique, unusual, somehow different. If Gemini is on the cusp, she may enjoy having many friends, but could be fickle. Traditionally, the 11th house is called the house of "hopes and wishes." The 11th house provides clues as to how to tune into the child's aspirations; how to teach her goal-fittedness; how to measure our projected aspirations for her against her own! The 11th house also addresses the child's willingness (or lack of it) to cooperate with others in group projects. Libra on Eleventh House Cusp Libra energy is always facilitating and responsive, assuming the appropriate reaction or response to any question or statement. This is certainly the social sign, par excellence. The affairs of the house with Libra on the cusp indicate where your child may enjoy working with a close pal; this may also be where she must learn lessons in cooperation. Libra can tie in the theme of beauty and diplomacy into the affairs of the house whose cusp it is on Neptune in Eleventh House The child with Neptune (illusion/idealism) in the house of friends could be overly impressionable and should choose her friends wisely. Your child may gravitate toward peculiar friends or perhaps they'll be attracted to her. With this position, she may indeed have very close friends who are spiritually inclined. Perhaps she sees others with rose colored glasses and hence, set herself up for disappointment. Be patient (but firm) in teaching her discrimination in her choice of companions. Group or community work with high aims (great altruism) might later be her cup of tea. Twelth House: Fears, Fantasies, Imagination, Compassion Twelfth House The 12th house is called the house of endings. This house is considered "karmic" in that here, within the layers of the subconscious, are buried the records of the past. The 12th house relates to fears and "hidden enemies": fears born of past memories. Here to we also uncover hidden strengths and the courage and illumination to transcend our fears. The 12th house relates to the imagination. A child with many planets in the 12th house could be extremely imaginative but could be so sensitive as to withdraw. Music, meditation, dance and art are good ways to bring 12th house children out of the "retreats." The sign on the 12th house cusp can tune you into potential areas of vulnerability in your child's psychic make-up, hidden fears, as well as hidden talent waiting to be drawn out! The 12th house shows the inclination to sacrifice for others. Many or key planets in this house could signify a career in medicine, social work, or behind the scenes production. Scorpio on Twelfth House Cusp Scorpio is the most dynamically creative sign and the most abused! Intense, passionate, and very personal, Scorpio rushes past superficialities and right to the heart of any matter. Scorpio relates to sex, death, regeneration and resources we share with others. Scorpio energy will intensify and concentrate the affairs of the house whose cusp it sits on.