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.

The child with Libra rising comes across as gracious and sociable! With proper education, these normally refined children can be exceptionally well mannered and polite. The Libra Rising child tends to reflect and mirror other people's feelings or their perceived expectations of her. She needs to cultivate a sense a "me." Because she doesn't like tipping the Libran scales, she may tend to accommodate others rather than "rock the boat." She needs to learn to stick up for herself, and to deal with consequences (and even confrontations) without fear. Venus, the planet of love and beauty, rules Libra. If Venus is found in a Fire sign, the child may be socially outgoing. With Venus in an Air sign, the child mixes well with all sorts of people. When Venus is in a Water sign, the child could be kind but less apt to feel secure in relationships. She needs to know her own self-worth! If Venus is in an Earth sign, the child often loves beautiful things. The Libra Rising child is typically very aware of her appearance. She may be physically attractive and probably likes to look nice. A warning: Libra Rising youngsters are often aware of the dividends a little charm can bring. If not checked, an affected charm can be an effective way to manipulate others. Teach your child to be sincere and honest.

Libra Rising

 

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 Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a Fire sign on the thinking cross. Its symbol is The Archer. Your fiery archer likes to be out-front, frank, and even rough and tumble at times. She gets to the heart of any subject and tells it like it is! Sagittarians are generally outgoing and well-liked, but they're notorious for being too blunt; the ol' foot in mouth syndrome! Teach your child tact and social graces. Do not allow rudeness in your household.

Sagittarians are the explorers of the zodiac. Little Archers in particular can be quite restless! Baby Archers delight in strolls around the neighborhood. Tricycles, bicycles and scooters are welcomed with glee! Sagittarian children do not generally take to boundaries readily, so don't be surprised if your child lets you know the playpen's not her favorite place! "Don't fence me in" could easily be her theme song. The challenge begins at toddler age when she takes off in all directions! Older Sagittarians may have trouble staying put in a school chair all day! No wonder! This sign's natural impulse is to transcend all limitation. Nevertheless, for safety's sake and for the sake of future success you'll need to teach your child the necessity for limits! For the same reasons, the Sagittarian youngster may resent restrictions on her freedom. Your child may be a born adventurer. Nevertheless, watch out for signs of "dare-devilry" that border on arrogance! All children need to learn to play by the rules and Sagittarian youngsters are no exceptions!

Sagittarian children love to travel, its true, but not just physically. They travel with their minds. Seek ways to introduce your child to a wide range of subjects. Colorful books on religious themes, heroes and noble deeds, far-off lands will capture her attention and ignite her own sense of mission! She has a love for the law and a natural sense of fairness. Even more important than book learning for Sagittarian children may be exposure to a variety of diverse environments and experiences: the park, the marketplace, the mountains, the sea. Sagittarians are also known to be outdoorspeople and enjoy participating in or following sports. Horseback riding comes naturally to many children of this sign, whose symbol is the Centaur. Show your child the arrow in the Centaur's hand. The arrow must reach the mark. Tire not in reminding your spirited archer that she must finish what she begins, whether it be putting away her toys or completing her homework. Especially if Mercury is in Sagittarius (less so if its in Scorpio or Capricorn) she may tend to skip the details in her work or become easily distracted. Help her develop good study habits and mental concentration by learning to pull in the reins of the mind and focus on task at hand.
Sagittarians are typically friendly and outspoken. When they feel they have been wronged (disciplined or hemmed in) Sagittarian children may express resentment and a desire to get even. Retaliation is the misuse of the Sagittarian light! The Sagittarian youngster needs to experience bringing her project to completion, getting the ball in the net and making that goal. When her youth is marked by victories, there is no room for resentment!

Moon Sextile Sun

This aspect taken by itself strengthens the constitution and indicates a basic harmony between the feelings (Moon) and the will (Sun). Children born with the lights forming a sextile often enjoy a close relationship with their parents, or perceive the parents as well-suited. Your child may be inquisitive and creative. Unless other aspects strongly indicate otherwise, she is apt to be popular with both boys and girls.

Sun Conjunction Uranus

Positive 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." Chances are she paddles her own canoe! Children with this aspect typically love whatever is new or unusual, and breakthrough flashes of original insight are typical. Your child is likely to be creative with a natural love for inventions, electronics, computer science and the like. Your child will appreciate independence and originality in others, especially in a friend, and may tend to have novel companions who are very likely male. Problems at school could arise from a tendency to only see it "my way," difficulty conforming to rules and regulations, and/or a non-cooperative attitude. Or perhaps teachers have a hard time with her because she somehow doesn't fit into the prescribed way of doing things. Your child likes to keep things spontaneous, and she probably keeps you hopping! Nevertheless, you'd do well to train her to finish what she begins and to look before she leaps! 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!

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 own).

Moon in Aquarius

Aquarius is an Air sign on the feeling cross. Its symbol is The Water bearer. 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 Sextile Sun

Spirit and matter, mother and father, mind and emotion are in harmony, which is a blessing and an indication of a healthy personality! Usually this aspect indicates harmony between the parents or that the child has a good rapport with both, providing her with a strong foundation for successful adult relationships. Typically, these children work well with authorities: parents, teachers, other adults. Life may not always be a bed of roses for any of us, but with this positive Sun-Moon contact, your child will likely always find the resources she requires at hand plus the necessary instruction as to how to use them. Your child is apt to be sociable and likable. She likely feels at home with people of all ages. A love of pets and animals, children, older people, and the needy and downtrodden in general, is likely to be a lifelong trait.

Moon Trine Saturn

The child born with this aspect is usually loyal and dependable. She probably doesn't enter nor drop relationships lightly and may be a tad shy. This aspect lends stability to the chart. Your child may seem mature for her age.

 

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.