Astrology & Your Child: A Handbook for Parents - Softcover

Star, Gloria

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1567186491 ISBN 13: 9781567186499

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, 2000

Synopsis

Every child is an individual. But since it is your job to aid in their development, how can you know where they need extra help and where they need to be challenged? Astrology & Your Child (a revised edition of Optimum Child) by Gloria Star gives you the information you need to understand your child and guide him or her to reach full potential.

Star has been an astrologer for over twenty years, but you don't have to be an expert to use this book. Her years of experience allow her to present an understandable introduction to astrology. Then you will learn how to use this information to help your child grow, develop, and become a secure, self-empowered adult.

With astrology you will learn your child's strengths and weaknesses. This information, available to you from the moment of birth, will let you finally understand why your child behaves as he or she does. Then you can determine in which areas your child will need support and in which areas he or she will need to be challenged. If you need help in deciding what to do, Star makes many suggestions that can help you.

So just how specific can this book get? Very.

What types of food will a child like? Venus will tell you. Is your child depressed or lacking in emotional expressiveness? A moon in Aquarius can give you a clue. If your child has the moon in trine aspect to Pluto, the child is likely to be emotionally resilient. If Venus aspects Uranus, your child may need unconditional acceptance.

This book is the key to helping your child grow and mature in a healthy way. It will also help you better understand how you related with your parents and let you overcome old angers. It's a must for everyone.

About this title

About the Author

An internationally renowned astrologer, author and teacher, Gloria  has been a professional astrologer for over two decades. She has written written the Sun Sign Book for Llewellyn since 1990, and has been a contributing author of the Moon Sign Book since 1995.  Her most recent work, Astrology: Woman to Woman,  was released by Llewellyn in April 1999.   She is the author of Optimum Child: Developing Your Child's Fullest Potential through Astrology, now translated into four languages.  She also edited and co-authored the book Astrology for Women: Roles and Relationships (Llewellyn 1997).  Her astrological computer software, Woman to Woman, was released by Matrix Software in 1997.  Ms. Star has contributed to two anthologies --  Houses: Power Places in the Horoscope (Llewellyn 1990),  and How to Manage the Astrology of Crisis (Llewellyn 1993).
Listed in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in the East, Gloria is active within the astrological community, where she has been honored as a nominee for the prestigious Regulus Award.  She has served on the faculty of the United Astrology Congress (UAC) since its inception in 1986, and has lectured for groups and conferences throughout the U.S.A. and abroad.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

1
Rudimentary Principles of Astrology and the Houses
The fundamental principles of astrology are really quite simple, yet I have always been amazed at the number of students who overlook these basic concepts in their eagerness to grasp the more complex issues. The possibility that astrology can offer a glimpse into the future entices most students to try to speed through the basics to get to the juiciness of predicting. But unfortunately, without the basics, all is lost! When the student becomes sufficiently confused, he will either humbly decide to return to the basics or abandon the study of astrology altogether. Astrology is a complex language, and if explored with care and the intention of creating a solid foundation, it is a language which describes life at its fullest.
If you are well-versed in the basics of astrology, you may consider the following material a review. If you are just beginning to study this cosmic science, these fundamental principles will be the foundation of your understanding. These concepts represent the framework, and, as you study astrology over time, you’ll add to that framework until you have a fully formed understanding.
An Accurate Birth Chart
In order to make the best use of the information in this book, you must have a child’s natal horoscope. The astrological birth chart, or natal horoscope, is calculated using the precise time (hour and minute), date, and place of birth. Although we will not cover the mathematics involved in calculating the chart, I strongly suggest that you have an accurately calculated birth chart. If you are interested in learning the math, you will find references for further reading in the bibliography at the end of this book. Any professional astrologer can provide you with a chart, or, if you have a computer and computation software, you can chart the horoscope yourself. In most towns, libraries have programs on their computers that calculate charts, and access to this information is also available via the Internet. Metaphysical bookstores frequently offer chart calculation services, or you may choose to have your chart calculated through a mail-order computer service. For having purchased Astrology & Your Child, please see the back of this book to obtain a natal chart at no cost from Llewellyn Worldwide.
Correct birth times are necessary. Since they are not always paying attention to the clock during delivery, mothers may not be reliable sources for this information. (Being an astrologer, on the other hand, I was watching the clock very closely during the birthing of my children!) Generally, a birth certificate will indicate the time of birth. When requesting a birth certificate from vital records bureaus, be sure to ask for the long form birth certificate, since many states offer a shorter version of the birth certificate which does not include the time of birth. If a birth certificate cannot be found, hospital records are often available.
Orientation to the Chart Wheel
The chart itself is a circle with a variety of symbols placed within and around it. In Western astrology, we draw the map of the chart on a circular wheel. The wheel itself is symbolic, because the circle is a perfect structure with no beginning and no end. The circle is an ancient symbol, and is often associated with the concept of the human spirit. The chart itself represents the whole person.
Illustration 1 shows an empty astrological chart. This chart is divided into twelve segments called houses, which are numbered counterclockwise from one to twelve. The houses are indicators of the different facets of the individual―the environments, persons, activities, and experiences in our lives.
Mentally divide the chart in Illustration 1 into upper and lower halves. The axis dividing the two halves represents the horizon. On the left you will see the cusp, or dividing line, of the 1st House. This house cusp is called the Ascendant (ASC). Directly opposite the Ascendant is the cusp of the 7th House, which is called the Descendant (DSC). At the top of the chart you will find the cusp of the 10th House. This cusp is called the Midheaven, and is often abbreviated MC for the Latin phrase Medium Coeli. Opposing the Midheaven is the IC (Imum Coeli). These four house cusps are referred to as the angles in the astrological chart, and are sensitive points. They also denote the four points of the compass―the MC is South, the IC is North, the ASC is East, and the DSC is West. The directions are reversed from our usual view of a map because this is a map of our place in the heavens, not on the Earth.
The symbols for the planets, the Sun, and the Moon are placed within the houses. (The planets are discussed in chapter 3.) These represent the energies we experience and express in our lives. Energy is an extremely important concept in the study of astrology. We are each energy under the direction of consciousness. Each planetary energy symbolizes different aspects of the Self and offers us insights into our personal identity. The planets are placed within the houses according to their positions in the heavens at the time of our birth. Houses which contain planets indicate areas in our lives which will receive more of our attention and energy.
The twelve signs of the zodiac symbolize particular characteristics, qualities, and traits. Planets appear in different signs; therefore, a planet will energize the qualities of the sign in which it is placed. (The signs are fully described in chapter 2.) Much attention has been given to the signs, especially in “Sun Sign” newspaper and magazine columns. Although this widespread practice has brought the idea of astrology to many people, Sun Sign astrology is a very simplistic approach to a complex subject. There is accuracy in Sun Sign astrology, but it is limited. I have written Sun Sign material for many years, and there is definitely real astrology involved in this work. Because most people can relate to their Sun signs, this does provide a illumined doorway into the potentials of astrology. But when you study the complete horoscope of an individual, you’re studying the Sun’s sign along with other factors in the chart. The Sun only describes the ego self―why stop there?
You will also note the symbols for the signs at the cusps of each house. These signs amplify the meaning of the house by giving particular characteristics to that area signified by the house. For example, Aries on the cusp of the 2nd House would give Aries qualities to the energy present in the 2nd House.
Basically, the planets indicate what the energy is, the signs show how the energy manifests itself, and the houses identify where the energy is expressed in an individual’s life. My favorite metaphor is to think of the Sun, Moon, and planets as the actors in your personal drama and consider the signs to represent the roles the actors are playing, the costumes they wear, and the props they’re carrying about. The houses represent the setting and scene of the drama. Astrologers also study the interaction of the factors in the chart using geometric relationships called aspects. Aspect patterns, which identify themes in the birth chart, are also important and help to fine-tune certain issues and personality characteristics.
I suggest that students learn astrology using both intellect and intuition, since both are required to fully delineate a chart. The intellectual part requires a certain amount of memory work, such as learning the basic meanings of the houses, planets, and signs. To activate your intuitive understanding, try meditating on the astrological symbols (see Table 1). A good way to begin is by drawing one symbol on a piece of paper. Study the symbol; impress it in your mind. Then allow yourself to relax. Close your eyes and recall the symbol in your mind’s eye. Focus only on this symbol, and surrender to your feeling for that symbol. Certain thoughts may come into your mind. You may also notice particular colors or special energies. After your meditation, make some notes about your experience with the symbol. A notebook may well become one of your most valuable keys toward experiencing astrology.
The Houses
The twelve houses in the astrological chart symbolize the multiple facets of the individual and her life. They represent the various environments, both internal and external, in which the personality develops and expresses itself. In the natural zodiac each of the twelve houses contains its complementary planetary and sign correspondences.
The Perspective of the Houses in Childhood
Since a child’s perspective can differ dramatically from an adult’s, the houses take on different meanings during childhood. Illustration 2 shows the viewpoint of the houses during childhood. Included are the elements, signs, and planets associated with each house in the natural progression of the zodiac. These correspondences are key factors to help you understand how houses, planets, and signs are related to one another.
The houses that contain planets have greater impact since more energy is directed into those areas. If a house does not contain a planet, we interpret the meaning of the house using the sign on the house cusp. We can further extend this to the planet which is associated with the sign on the cusp in the natural zodiac. For example, if the 5th House contains no planets, this does not mean that the child is lacking in creative self-expression. We would look to the sign on the cusp to understand the child’s approach to expressing her creative self. Looking further, the planet which corresponds to that sign and where it is placed will give us clues to the type of energy the child will direct into this area.
1st House and the Ascendant: How I Look, My Body, My Personality
In childhood, the Ascendant and the 1st House signify the physical appearance of the child and how other people view him. This is basically the same meaning we find when interpreting an adult’s chart. This is not surprising, since for most of us our self-image is shaped by what other people tell us about ourselves. It is important to include the underlying reasons people see certain things about an individual: the ASC represents the attitudes which shape the way a person presents himself to the world. It is this attitude that shines through and is interpreted in this part of the chart. When we consider the significance of this area in childhood development, we can understand why environmental conditioning plays such an important part in the development of a child’s personality self. The people strongly associated with the 1st House in a child’s life are the grandparents, and the child’s relationship to the grandparents is illustrated by any planets within the 1st House and the sign on the cusp of the 1st House. But basically the Ascendant’s sign (rising sign) illustrates how others will perceive a child’s physical appearance and basic personality traits.

Aries Rising―The Aries rising child exhibits great independence and is quite strong minded. This child is right at home being a kid―sometimes for decades! Grandma and Grandpa may be favorite playmates.
Taurus Rising―The Taurus rising child projects consistency and stubbornness. This child may enjoy natural surroundings and may have a special affinity for music. She may stay more to herself.
Gemini Rising―The Gemini rising child’s sense of mischief and curiosity are his key traits. There may be an impish quality about the personality, and distractions can be a problem in some situations.
Cancer Rising―The Cancer rising child’s protectiveness and sensitivity are expressed through her personality. This child may enjoy hanging around home, with Mom, or doing family things.
Leo Rising―The Leo rising child’s dramatic flair and personal pride are keys to his outward personality. This child needs a place to show off and shine, and may enjoy being the center of attention. It’s difficult to ignore a Leo rising child.
Virgo Rising―The Virgo rising child’s meticulous manner imparts a sense of perfection to the outer self. This child may have an extrasensitive body and may be overly concerned or worried when she does not feel well.
Libra Rising―The Libra rising child can show charm, grace, and consideration toward others and loves to feel beautiful. Boys and girls alike may have a strong idea of personal image, even at a young age, and will appreciate taking part in choosing wardrobe and colors. He can be too eager to please and may be insecure in competitive situations.
Scorpio Rising―The Scorpio rising child displays secretiveness and a sense of mystery. There may be a special curiosity about the way things work and a strong emotional sensitivity. This child can be more sensitive than you might realize, and encouraging her to express emotions honestly is very important. Grandparents may be the ones trusted with secrets.
Sagittarius Rising―The Sagittarius rising child’s enthusiasm and free spiritedness will shape the view others have of him. This child may seem to always be in a hurry (“are we there yet?”) and may love to travel. Grandparents instill a sense of adventure for this child.
Capricorn Rising―The Capricorn rising child may show a serious nature and wry humor. You may wonder how a child could laugh at adult things, but this child seems to understand the adult world. It’s not an act! Take care in offering this child responsibilities to be sure that he is actually ready emotionally to handle the responsibility.
Aquarius Rising―The Aquarius rising child may delight in being different. Whether it’s an unusual appearance or displays of eccentric behavior, she can be uncomfortable with conformity. Give this child a chance to include her special self-expression while encouraging a balance of responsibility as the child matures.
Pisces Rising―The Pisces rising child often exhibits shy behavior and may seem mystical. Music, drama, dance, and artistic expression are especially important. Provide an opportunity for this child to do things for others.

Rising sign qualities will be further altered by the planets found in the 1st House and aspects made by the planets to the Ascendant. I often find a strong correspondence between the rising sign of a child and the Sun, Moon, or ascending signs of the parents. This is especially noteworthy since it shows that the child is very likely to display many of the parents’ traits.
2nd House: My Stuff, Personal Resources
This house deals with how the child’s values are formed. Many of the child’s attitudes concerning material possessions can be determined by the sign on the cusp of the 2nd House, the planet which corresponds to that sign, and any planets found within the 2nd House. (See Table 3 in chapter 2 for planet and sign correspondences.)
The 2nd House also corresponds to the child’s developing sense of self-worth. It is a natural but dangerous tendency to tie one’s self-worth to the material world, especially in our society. What the child needs to learn when developing this aspect of the Self is appreciation for who and what he is. As parents, we can attune ourselves to the child’s special qualities and fortify them through recognition and praise. This will help the child develop a greater sense of self-appreciation. “My stuff” becomes “what I am inside” instead of “what toys I have on my shelf.”
3rd House: Communication, My Sisters and Brothers, My Neighbors
This area of the chart indicates how we communicate the concepts we have developed about ourselves and our world. Babies and very young children cannot really talk, so they must begin by expressing themselves nonverbally. We must realize that we communicate in many nonverbal ways. A child whose chart shows planets in the 3rd House may be constantly trying to communicate, especially if this house contains active personal planets like the Sun, Mercury, or Mars.
We also see the child’s sense of self being altered by relationships with siblings; the sign on the cusp indicates the types of relationships she will have with her brothers and sisters. For example, Mars in the 3rd House sometimes brings combativeness with siblings.
One way in which the 3rd House concepts of communication and sibling relationships operate can be seen by observing a family situation. Many communication skills are developed through interaction with brothers and sisters, since these relationships are significant on a daily basis. Older siblings may “translate” what younger children are communicating. Later, when the child becomes aware of the outside environment, neighbors come into play. These new playmates offer the child new concepts and varied opportunities for communication.
The 3rd House also deals with travel and transportation, and we can see the child’s approach to travel by the sign on the cusp. The type of energy directed to traveling will be indicated by the planets in the house, or the one ruling it. (See Table 3 in chapter 2.)
4th House: My Home, What I Need to Feel Secure, Parents
The child’s personal environment is his first impression of the world. The 4th House tells us about the people in that environment who create a feeling of security for the child, usually either Mother or Father. Planets in this house will indicate the specific energies the child will feel from the nurturing parent.
The sign on the cusp of the 4th House tells us what kinds of activities go on at home, and which qualities of the home environment the child identifies as “home” and what will be important in creating a comfort zone for him. For example, the meticulously clean housekeeping of Virgo might be important for the child who has this sign on the cusp of the 4th House.
5th House: What I Like to Do for Fun, How I Can Be Creative
This house relates to creative self-expression. One of the best ways to encourage this is through the types of play in which a child engages. Creativity flows more easily if it is free of unnecessary inhibitions and fears.
Look to the planets in this house to find the types of energy the child will have the best time with. For example, Uranus in the 5th House would really enjoy futuristic activities: planetariums, movies about space, and the unusual. If a child has Capricorn on the cusp of the 5th House, she might enjoy “working” or doing chores―something that feels constructive and purposeful.
Another concept associated with this house is giving love. Children need to learn how to give of themselves. As the child matures, she needs to learn that true creative efforts are indeed an expression of love.
6th House: Health Habits, Good Deeds, My Pets
Awareness of physical well-being is symbolized by this house. 6th House activities involve the development of good habits. The sign and planets affecting the 6th House will give clues to the child’s basic well-being. They will also point to the areas which may be physically weakened and require further attention.
The 6th House is also traditionally the house of service, and it is through this facet of the self that the young child develops an awareness of other people and their needs. Children should be given opportunities to serve others by doing good deeds and favors for friends and family members.
One way to learn service is through caring for an animal friend. The child can be given the responsibilities of feeding, grooming, and sharing time with his pet. Children who have planets in this house should definitely have their own little animal friends. With Mercury and/or Neptune placed in this house, the child is likely to have a special ability to communicate with pets.
I have always felt that pets can play a special part in a child’s emotional development. Part of this development comes through performing caring service for the pet. This helps the child begin to see needs in the world outside himself. It also gives the child a sense that he is vitally connected with life.
7th House: Partners, Competitors, Comparing Myself with Others
Children with planets in this house usually like to do things with someone else most of the time. It may be difficult for these children to feel comfortable just being by themselves. They are certainly not looking for a long-term relationship or a marriage partner―they are looking for themselves through others. The other people in her life provide vital feedback to the child with planets in this house.
This area of development also indicates the child’s approach to comparing herself with others: “But Ginny has orange hair, Mom!” Seeking approval from others is something we all do to feel more secure. Ultimately, however, the approval must come from within the child. This self-acceptance does not just appear from day one; it initially requires an excellent support system in the child’s personal environment.
The 7th House indicates the types of people the child will be competing against as she begins to be active in sports or other arenas where competitiveness may arise. Use the sign on the cusp of this house to determine if the child will have a strong, positive approach to competition. The fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are likely to be strongest in this regard. (The four elements are explained in chapter 2.)
As the child matures, this house also deals with her approach to the opposite sex. When the sense of personal identity becomes muddled by the rumblings of hormones, it is often difficult to even like the opposite sex. I think it is interesting that preteen boys and girls are “open enemies,” (7th House) yet later become “potential partners.”
8th House: What I Like About You, How I Handle Drastic Changes
The 8th house indicates the value we place upon other people in our lives. For a child, this would be the things he seeks out in others. It tells us what might be a real “turn-on” or “turn-off” for the child.
This facet of the self is also related to how a child may develop attachments, and the qualities radiating in and through this part of the chart indicate whether or not a child will do well adapting to changing circumstances or relationships. This is the part of the chart that deals with life-stage transformations. Parents would look to the 8th House to understand how to approach toilet training, among other things. A child with a cardinal sign on the cups of the 8th House might move quickly through this stage, the mutable sign would vacillate and need several tries, and the fixed sign might resist the idea entirely from the beginning! (The three modes are explained in chapter 2.) The sign on the cusp and the planets here are also good indicators of how to approach sex education for this child.
The 8th House is also the area of ourselves which undergoes deep transformational changes. Planets in the 8th House indicate that a child is likely to experience drastic changes, perhaps even the deaths of significant others, during childhood. The sign on the cusp of this house indicates the child’s approach to drastic change and transformation and the way he will deal with it.
9th House: My Church, My Country, My Beliefs
The experience of the 9th House deals with what astrologers call the Higher Mind. This is an area of development which does concern the mind, but not at the basic conceptual level. These concepts are more expanded, focusing on the overview of the life a child might obtain through the teachings of her religion, the tenets of her nation, and the basic attitudes of her community.
During childhood, external belief systems usually take a back seat to the child’s direct experiences. As the child matures, though, she will have more opportunities to experience other systems of thought just by spending time with other people. I can recall my own experiences as a little girl in church. I never questioned the teachings I was receiving, because I had no idea there was anything to question! When I grew into my teen years, however, I had the opportunity to visit other churches with friends and began to see other approaches to worship. This was a bit shattering at first, but then it became exciting. From that time on, I was inspired to study world religions and different philosophies―one of my passions to this day.
We also see the 9th House as the child’s approach to travel, especially to other cultures. The person who has never left her own culture and spent time in another can never truly understand her own culture. Books, television documentaries, and the like cannot even begin to compare to the actual experience. The child with planets in the 9th House will truly benefit from travel, since the Self cries out to experience other views of life. Foreign language study may also be of interest.
I see this area of a child’s life focusing on the manner in which she integrates the world into a sense of personal identity. This is also where she builds a bridge between the mind and the Source of All Knowledge and the experience of the Divine.
10th House: My Reputation, What I Want to Be When I Grow Up
This region of self-development is not usually focused upon until the child reaches school-age. At that time, interaction with others takes up most of his waking hours, and reputation and honor become issues the child must deal with.
As a child matures, he will also begin to consider what type of career might be rewarding. The primary role models are usually the parents. Secondary influences are significant others and famous people.
The child with planets in the 10th House―especially the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars―will devote a great deal of energy to career considerations even in the early years. It’s important that he is given a chance to find out how the world works, and to spend time observing how Mom and Dad do their jobs or the nature of their occupations. The 10th House cusp, or Midheaven, is the highest point in the chart. The sign placed at the Midheaven gradually develops more and more importance as the person matures and eventually becomes “my approach to establishing my place in society.” It is never too early to learn how society works or to understand the types of demands society makes before it awards “success.” The sign on this house cusp tells us much about how the child may handle success and what situations will affirm for him that he has reached a pinnacle.
11th House: My Friends, My Goals
Friendships are important at any age, but are especially so for the school-age child. Friends form one of the basic support systems at this time, and can dictate the standards and often the activities in which the child participates. The sign on the cusp of the 11th House tells what qualities the child seeks in a friend.
Goals are also the domain of this house. Helping a child set and master goals is important even in preschool years. I find that parents will often set goals which are inappropriate and/or unreachable for the child. The sign on the cusp of this house indicates the types of goals which will be truly interesting to the child, and better appreciated! For example, the child with Gemini on the 11th House cusp could have a variety of goals. Because Gemini enjoys stimulation of the mind, she might be especially motivated if the goals involved going somewhere or doing something different.
12th House: My Dreams and Fantasies, My School, Institutions
The 12th House is the realm of the imagination: the abode of dreams, fantasies, and secret desires. Here is where the “imaginary” playmates live, fairies dance, and dragons hide away.
Children should be allowed to have their secret spaces. These become their inner refuge in times of distress and difficulty, and their infinite playground for just plain fun. This is the private part of the Self, where one can let go of the pressures of the outside world and float in the peaceful space of the inner Self. Here the individual connects with the spirit of all humanity and feels the Oneness that lies beyond the illusion of separation.
The 12th House concept of “institutions” will probably apply most directly to the school the child attends. Children are generally aware of hospitals and other institutions, but usually have not spent much time inside them.
Sometimes a child born with several planets in the 12th House will have a clearer concept of what institutions are. I have a good friend, whose chart shows four planets in this house, who attended private catholic schools until graduation. She is now part of the Sisterhood of the Catholic Church. Another client with several planets in this house had two parents who were physicians. She spent most of her first six years staying with a nurse or secretary at the hospital while Mom and Dad worked.
Basically, this house ties into the deepest recesses of our consciousness, where we connect with the One. Children with personal planets in the 12th House may feel confused about their personal identities. Sometimes these children are hard to reach. If this is the case, music can often be a good tool to bridge the gap. The younger child with planets in the 12th House may be drawn out of his shell through musical games and action songs. Older children may prefer to study some musical instrument, which may later become the expression of thoughts and feelings that words cannot describe.

Although these basic house meanings can be extended much further, this introduction should be sufficient to get you started. Through the houses, we gain an understanding of the environments of our lives―both internal and external. The persons within those environments become an active part of our sense of Self. For the child, the person and the environment might be the same thing!
The basic concepts of astrology are the building blocks in our understanding of human nature. Since we are focusing upon children, our approach is a developmental one; we see the developing needs of the child expressed through the planets, signs, and houses of the chart. None of these factors stands alone, but must be integrated within a framework of wholeness. This will offer a portrait of a complete being in succeeding stages of growth and change.

Edition details

• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1567186491
• ISBN 13: 9781567186499
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 312