The Lights: 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: Your Self and Future

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 his emerging personality. Your child's greatest strengths and challenges are often described by the qualities of his 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 his 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 he can assert himself, 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 his 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.

Aquarius is an Air sign on the feeling cross. Its symbol is The Waterbearer, who pours out the waters of life to all. Like other Air sign children, Aquarians are friendly and like to socialize. Aquarius is the sign of fraternity. Friendship and camaraderie mean a lot to the Aquarian child. You may discover that your child "never met a stranger" and don't be surprised if among his friends are a few off-beat characters! He himself may be somehow unique, different, even perhaps eccentric! Because Aquarius is a mental sign on the fixed cross, your child may be stubborn about his ideas. He may insist upon doing things "my way"! On the positive side, once your little waterbearer makes a friend, his loyalty tends to be unwavering. Aquarians are known to be open-minded and democratic, but can become intolerant or aloof of what they perceive as lesser minds. Discourage a "know-it-all" attitude should it appear. Aquarius is the sign of prophecy. It is said that Aquarians live in the future. They are inventive and innovative. If he can't find a kindred soul who understands his vision, the Aquarian child can feel quite alone. Because the Aquarian child may tend to live in his head, he may need help getting in touch with his own feelings. He may need to learn to be more sensitive to other children who are more emotional than he. Your Aquarian child may be more interested in the world of thought and ideas than in sports and physical activity, but this is not a die-hard rule. Perhaps he takes to cycling, tennis, and running. Drama appeals to the Aquarian child. Many have a fascination for anything technological. Electronics, computers, space travel and alchemy may capture his attention. Especially if Mercury is in Aquarius, you may have a scientist ready to open new frontiers. Above all, the true Aquarian is progressive and enjoys putting into practice new ideas and reforms that help this world be a better place to live in. As he grows, he will want to keep abreast of the news. He may be searching for a cause. Aquarius is the sign of freedom. Aquarian children love to be with people, but also demand time and space to be alone. Stress always that true freedom entails responsibility. He needs room to think, to create, to be, but he also needs to know from babyhood the difference between freedom and rebelliousness. Historical accounts and anecdotes are helpful in teaching the consequences of the right and wrong use of free will.

Sun/Uranus aspects often indicate leadership potential. Your child may be very magnetic, others being drawn to him. He is not afraid to be different, and may indeed be a "trendsetter." Later in life he 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. He may feel different than his schoolmates. He could separate himself out and end up as the loner, although this is not necessarily what he inwardly desires. Your child could be very bright with exceptional talent. To be happy, however, he needs to learn to cooperate with others. Be patient in seeing him through those unexciting but necessary routines which are simply part of life. His ideas may be brilliant, but help him 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 his feet on the ground!

Your child's perception of others could be colored by an over-idealized vision, great devotion, or negatively, by emotional bias and wishful thinking. Children born with this aspect may be shy, fearing rejection. Help your child overcome fear through understanding and objective thinking. He needs a strong sense of self-worth. Your child could be naturally devotional with mystical leanings.

The Moon: The Support System

In a child's chart, we look to the position of the Moon to understand the child's perception of his mother, of his need to be cared for and to nurture. The Moon also describes the child's experience within his family, with its particular dynamics, tradition and heritage. From these, the child establishes his 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 his development. For example, a child with a Sagittarian Moon is happy when he has plenty of room to explore. (But he needs to learn the value of limits) A Cancer Moon child, in contrast, may cling to Mom's apron strings. (But he may need to overcome fear of making it on his on).

Taurus is an Earth sign on the feeling cross. Its symbol is The Bull. Children with the Moon in Taurus typically have strong, stable emotions and tends to attract the perfect environment for their upbringing. This placement often indicates support and good fortune from friends and relatives. Your child values constancy and security in all things and possesses a good business sense (if well aspected). He is, by nature, somewhat domestic and enjoys nice surroundings and beautiful clothes. He could hold on stubbornly to attitudes, things and habits best left behind! Sometimes Moon in Taurean children may need help getting started on projects. If over-indulged at home, they can become complacent. These children are natural gourmets but need sound eating habits from birth. This lunar placement usually indicates a good relationship with the mother. The child sees her as materially and emotionally supportive. If afflicted, the relationship with the mother may be highly emotional. The child could perceive the mother as possessive, or may stubbornly buck against her authority.

Children born with this aspect are often imaginative and expressive. Nevertheless, the child may find it hard to understand and talk about his feelings. Or perhaps his intentions are misunderstood. (Sometimes this results from the perception of the mother as somehow non-communicative.) If he feels awkward in conversation, the child could be shy or moody. Take the time to talk with your child. Help him learn to separate his thoughts from his feelings. Find ways to build his self-confidence in speaking and interacting with others: i.e., build his vocabulary, teach him elocution and the social skills, be generous with praise. Some children with this Moon/Mercury contact are high-strung, restless, and/or mentally stubborn. On the other hand, your child could be exceptionally glib and clever with a noticeable wit! He could be a born salesperson! Whichever is the case, he benefits by right schooling and training.

This child needs to develop enough self-confidence to be able to deal with intense emotions without fear. He benefits by learning obedience from love, rather than from fear. The psychological tie to the mother goes very deep. Individuals with this aspect tend to hold onto early childhood conditioning for years to come. Older children with this aspect sometimes feel vulnerable when deep emotional issues are brought up, and may tend to avoid confrontation and self-examination. Painful past memories from childhood can get in the way of healthy adult relationships if not resolved.

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 his experience, and describes the values established during childhood. Venus tells us how the child expresses love, the things that mean a lot to him, and his appreciation for beauty (or lack of it). Mercury tells us something about our child's perception, verbal expression, schooling – in short, how his mind works, how he 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 his 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 he likes to study, and how we (his parents and teachers) can help him 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.

Aquarius is an Air sign on the feeling cross. Its symbol is The Waterbearer. The Mercury in Aquarius child is typically an impartial thinker, democratic to the point of being impersonal. Fascinated by the latest technology, your child is likely to come up with very original and inventive ideas. While you may think he comes up with some pretty off-beat notions, why not test them out? The Aquarian mind is often prophetic, perceiving future trends. He could be simply ahead of his time. He tends to idealistic and believes in putting into practice what is preached. His mind is quick, he thinks on his feet, but he may seem strangely aloof at times. He is group-conscious, community-oriented, and a natural reformer. Mercury in Aquarius usually indicates ability in math and sciences. Your child could be quite stubborn, even willful, demanding space to do his own thing his own way. He does need space, its true, but emphasize the responsibility that accompanies true freedom.

This aspect often indicates a problem-solver, someone who can think of a way to do almost anything (or think his way out of almost anything)! Children with this aspect have a reputation among their peers of being fair and honest. Typically, they enjoy learning and are confident of their mental abilities. Your child is apt to enjoy traveling and seeks new experiences to broaden his horizons. This aspect indicates an ability to persuade others, and therefore favors politics, counseling and ministerial type work. As an adult, your child may find himself interested in legal matters, publishing, philosophical and religious subjects, and would make a good teacher or instructor. Scientific investigation might interest him also.

Brilliance or eccentricity? Children with this aspect may be very original thinkers! Nevertheless, they usually require instruction in follow-up and consistency in their work. This child's natural tendency could be to change his mind in the middle of a project and go rushing off in some new direction. Guide your child in finding practical uses for his plentiful insights.

Venus: Values and Discrimination

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, his innate sense of beauty (which can be developed), the manner in which he interacts with his friends and with adults, and how he 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 his clothes and bedroom. Venus in Taurus loves beautiful things, pretty rocks and later precious stones. He may be a gourmet. He may need help learning to share what he 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.

Capricorn is an Earth sign on the action cross. Its symbol is The Goat. The Venus in Capricorn child is in love with what's practical, right down to the last detail. He probably will enjoy opportunities to be in charge, especially in management roles. He appreciates tradition and ceremony and tends toward the conservative side in most things. He is loyal, dependable and a bit grown up for his age. He likes to be in control. Watch out for a tendency to be overly materialistic or overly demanding of loved ones and family. He could be acutely aware of the family's social status and is prone to equating material status with emotional security. His taste in clothes is likely to be more formal than not, perhaps on the tailored side. Children with this placement need plenty of love and approbation. The child that appears cold, may actually have built walls around his heart to safeguard himself from being hurt or rejected. Capricorn relates to construction and to carpentry so the young child with this placement may delight in erector sets, tools (just like Daddy's), sandbox toys (that make something). Older children may enjoy hikes and mountain climbing.

Positive Venus (love, art, beauty) /Mars (action, energy) aspects indicate creativity, and often describe a happy disposition. Children with this contact typically show a zest for life. This aspect calms an aggressive personality and sparks a passive one. Others may find your child charming. The child with this contact could be generous, but possibly extravagant. There is often a strong physical attraction to the opposite sex and a busy social life. The relationship with the parent of the opposite sex will influence adult relationships. This child gives plenty of love and needs warmth and affection in return.

This is the child who enjoys responsibility, and loves to bring order and discipline to anything (or anyone) with whom he 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 he. He probably gets along well with his elders. The child could have marked artistic talent. Even if your child doesn't end up being an artist or performer, teaching him 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.

Children with the planet of beauty coupled with the planet of illusion are very artistic. Even if they themselves are not artists, they could learn art appreciation and generally have an eye for beauty. Your child could be compassionate and kind, and sensitive to others. He could uplift others through the power of love. On the downside, the child with this aspect may be a dreamer, not always drawing the line between fact and fantasy. He could find it easy to be caught up in images – dreams, psychology, metaphysics, cinema, etc. (he probably loves movies – anything that flickers on the silver screen.) This aspects indicates a devotional nature. Your child would probably benefit by early religious instruction. Without suitable objects for their affection, these children could misplace their love, getting caught up with rock stars or unreliable characters.

People with this aspect are known for getting into intense involvements. They seem to invite emotional confrontations. They seek spiritual regeneration through love. In adult life, they could learn valuable soul lessons through intense karmic relationships. Children with this aspect may cleave to the mother, or to their friends. They may seek to control (or be controlled) by their close pals. Especially during the adolescent years, they could tend to attract partners that aren't particularly good for them. To help your child master this intense aspect, you will need to impart to him solid values regarding sex, money, alcohol and drugs and relationships in general. The better his own sense of self-esteem, the surer he feels in your love, the more likely he will be to attract fulfilling relationships later on. This is a powerfully creative aspect in an artist's chart.

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 he is born into and what urges him on to greater achievements as he grows. Mars will tune you in to what motivates your child and the way he approaches life. Jupiter shows us how he is most apt to channel that energy, and Saturn decrees what sort of obstacles will confront him 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: Drive and Emotions

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 his 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 he 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 his 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 he 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.

Capricorn is an Earth sign on the action cross. Its symbol is The Goat. The Mars in Capricorn child is by nature a very hard worker and is driven to accomplish, manage, and be in control. He is a natural born supervisor! Reinforce his inner urge for order by providing him with an orderly and structured environment. Teach him economy, practicality, and the importance of fair play. Your child has a sense of duty and responsibility that may belie his years. Because of a marked ability to take decisive action and to delegate responsibility, children with this position may grow up to be administrators or public servants. Work in construction or carpentry is also favored. Other jobs your child may be suited for are; chiropractor, government official, military officer, economist, draftsman, manager or bricklayer! Whatever his future profession, he is likely to seek to be in command. This powerful placement is best framed by a humble and reverent attitude. Teach your child not to judge (condemn) others, lest he be judged. Some negative traits to avoid or work through are a tendency to be temperamental, dogmatic, overbearing, and/or ambitious to the point of disregarding the rights of others. Positive qualities to instill in your child are a true sense of humility, sensitivity to the needs of others, and the balance between worldly ambitions and spiritual values. Teach him that the ends don't justify the means! Your child is willing to work hard to get to the top! He might enjoy physical (mountain) climbing. Mars in Capricorn youngsters typically enjoy contact with the earth: building in the sandbox, outdoor hikes, gardening, rocks collecting. Your child might take to sports that require endurance such as jogging. The influence of the father (or dominant parent) is pivotal for later success in life and may provide the prime motivation (positively or negatively) behind the child's drive to be somebody important when he grows up!

This is a sign of excellent managerial ability. At best, this aspect indicates patience, courage and resourcefulness. Your child is capable of much discipline. His work tends to be well organized and efficiently produced. He is willing to work hard and expects to receive the reward of his efforts. Some children with this aspect, however, get frustrated and angry when their efforts are blocked. Encourage your child to develop a positive attitude. Avoid being overly critical, excessively strict, judgmental or condemnatory with this child.

Jupiter: 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 him, and where he 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 his horizons and self-understanding but will need to find the balance between opportunities for growth and responsibilities (Saturn).

Born with the opportunity planet in the sign of religion, law and philosophy, your child will seek out people and experiences that broaden his horizons. He could delight in travel, especially to faraway places where people speak a different language and eat different dishes. He embraces religion easily, or if religion is not a part of the early training, he could adopt a certain stance or philosophy. He doesn't like work for its on sake only, but sees his vocation as a vehicle for expressing his particular philosophy of living! Always on the go, your child may grow to be a skilled diplomat, negotiator, or representative. Honest, frank, and to the point, he could be prone to side-step routines whenever possible! He likely loves the outdoors, horses, travel, and sports. Especially if Jupiter positively aspects one or more of his personal planets, your child tends to look on the brighter side of things. He has an innate sense of things working out in the end. Generally independent, you may have difficulty convincing your child of the need for playpens, fences or curfews!

Saturn: Responsibilities

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, 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 his 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. He could, however, be excessively critical of himself and of others. Teach your child to capitalize on his strengths rather than condemn his weaknesses. Even if he projects a serious cast, he 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, he himself could be dictatorial as an adult. A compulsive ambition for outer status could mask his 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.

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: Break-Thrus & Insights

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 his personal sense of uniqueness, where he 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 he may perceive himself as somehow different from the rest. Parents and teachers can help the child with strong Uranian aspects by providing him with avenues for individual expression and creativity, and by recognizing his 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. He needs to know the consequences of his use of free will.

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 himself! Individually, people with this placement tend to be outspoken, dramatic, even regal. They seek relaxation with children, sports, acting, singing, and such.

Neptune: Ideals & Imagination

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 he reaches adulthood.

For many of this generation, the spiritual search became paramount in their lives. Others hooked onto 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.

Pluto: Inner Change and Growth

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, he will experience an intense desire for self-transformation on some level of his 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 he may feel, but not necessarily comprehend. Teach him to express this power wisely.

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 change. The Pluto in Virgo individual may be sensitive to criticism, or he may dish it out too intensely. He can fixate on details and lose sight of the forest for the trees. He 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!