The Astrology of Children
Aries—March 21 to April 19
Red and fast. Here we have the tricycle champions and lots of redheads—Aries always like to be on the move and have fiery temperaments right from the very beginning. The Rams love to adventure, roam, and scout out the next room and everything in the book case.
Their ruling planet is Mars, the god of action, energy, muscle and aggression. Not easy for them to sit still as they have an abundance of physical and emotional energy and can be very impatient when waiting for you to answer their needs. Both boys and girls like to compete and are usually good at all kinds of sports; they need physical outlets to burn off their high energy level. Aries like to be first and to try new games, ideas and toys.
In the body, Aries rules the head, partially explaining why they can be so headstrong and subject to high fevers. And why they always seem to land on their heads when they fall—every adult Aries I've ever met has a scar someplace on their head from ramming into something as a child.
Hats can be an Aries favorite, along with machines and metal objects, including jewelry—all ruled by Mars. Aries are smart, too, and can learn new subjects and ways to get into the cookie jar very quickly.
They need to learn to be patient; something as simple as teaching them to take three deep breaths before they speak or act can help them avoid jumping into an accident or a fight. And because they are a fire sign, candles, fireplaces or a flickering night light give them comfort and cheer—just be sure they are out of reach as Rams will want to find out what it makes the glow that is so fascinating.
Fire engines, peppermint, lambs, garnets, eagles, steam engines and cigarette lighters (another potential danger for the curious young) are all ruled by Aries. Fathers are the dominant parent as the Aries child will pick up his values, attitudes and ways of dealing with the world. It is very important that all Aries children have a close and loving relationship with dad, girls especially, as his image will guide her to finding a future mate—for better or worse.
Taurus—April 20 to May 20
Sweet and stubborn. Sounds like a contradiction but it isn't.
Taurus is an earth sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love, peace and beauty. Usually they are even tempered, agreeable and full of joy. The stubbornness comes from being a fixed sign, like Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Fixed signs are determined, persistent, and downright stubborn when their desires or wishes are thwarted.
Taurus is also the money sign and these natives can go to extremes with money and be very frugal, or be very extravagant due to their love of quality and beauty. Good idea then to start the young ones off on saving money and starting a bank account early on. Having the first lemonade stand on the block to make a few dollars is definitely a Taurus tradition.
As infants, they need touch and physical closeness more than any other sign. Their senses are keen and so they will respond favorably to aromatherapy, massage, flickering lights and candles and the sound of water or beautiful music. The little Bulls like routine and a consistent schedule. Funny, even as small children, they dislike changes and can be shy or afraid to meet new people or go new places.
In the body, Taurus rules the throat, neck and shoulders. Yes, sore throats are common with this sign, but also a beautiful voice that can often be trained for stage or theatre. Their colors are the blue of the sky and the green of the grassy meadows. Usually they love to be outdoors and have a green thumb when it comes to growing a garden or vegetables—patience is a Taurus virtue—and they enjoy raising pets and watching seeds turn into flowers.
Encourage their artistic gifts and interests which can also blossom as they mature. Like the other earth signs, Virgo and Capricorn, Taurus children will pick up the traits and tastes of the mother, as she is the dominant parent.
Gemini—May 21 to June 20
Talk, talk, talk. Mercurial. Gemini, the sign of the Twins, is ruled by quick thinking Mercury who constantly asks: “Why?”
Restless, versatile and endlessly curious, Gemini is the butterfly of the Zodiac who likes to visit every flower in the garden. The duality in the symbol of the Twins gives a mind capable of seeing issues from both sides that sometimes can appear to be fear or reticence.
Things in pairs: Gemini rules the hands and the lungs in the body. They often make excellent musicians because they have fast hands and a great ability to handle an enormous amount of detailed information. They can learn to type quickly, and in general, have a quick, active mind that can be put to very good use in all walks of life.
They fail when they get so scattered—their breathing becomes sharp—and here's a big clue about Gemini. They are an air sign. Air is breath. Just teaching them simple breath control exercises will show them how to control their mind and mood for the rest of their lives. They “feel” the air in a room and listen very closely to the words being said. Putting something sweet in the air can thus soothe infants; they are always alert to changes in the environment.
Colors are light blue, grey and yellow, and pastels. Mercury also gives them a gift of being able to learn languages easily—this is a child who could be bi-lingual from birth, or the mimic who picks up foreign accents easily. Education of some kind is the key to their future; helping them to develop their communications skills will give them the foundation to succeed.
Give the Gemini a diary, pens and pencils, stationary, a tape recorder or a musical instrument to play. Teach them to make lists, to write things down, to find books to explain things—and step back. Their interests will surprise and fascinate you. Like the other air signs, Libra and Aquarius, Gemini children tend to pick the father as the dominant parent and often will copy closely the father's manner of speech.
Cancer—June 21 to July 21
Moon children. Moody, sensitive, expressive and somewhat shy, Cancer children are gentle souls ruled by the Moon. Here's a clue as to their many mood changes and feelings because the Moon is the fasting moving body in the heavens, changing signs ( and Cancer's mood ) every 2 and a half days (while Pluto can stay 25 years in just one sign). And if you get a lunar calendar and watch the Moon and the Moon child's behavior, you will see a pattern that repeats every 28 days, the cycle of the Moon.
In the body, Cancer rules the stomach and breasts—very sensitive, but they do like their groceries. In fact, many great cooks are Cancer. Silver, pearls, the chickens and the barnyard are Cancer totems. The gift of this water sign, and something to nourish, is an ability to “mother” people and situations—like the chickens and the critters in a barnyard. Or a television production company. Or the United States – George W. Bush is a Cancer.
This mothering power is of great value in every walk of life. Help them learn to share as there is a selfish instinct (this is mine) lurking in Cancer's crab claws that hold on tightly to possessions (and later to negative emotions). Teach them to let go and trust the universe and feed their satisfaction of helping others.
Certainly, they like Pisces and Scorpio, are soothed by water and the sound of water—these are water signs—suggesting a fish tank, fountain, the sound of the ocean—will be healing to infants, especially at night. Water signs are also the most psychically aware and if you are having an argument, be sure Cancer children are not in the room—they pick up vibes you may not even be aware you were sending.
Obviously too, the mother is going to be Cancer's dominant parent. This is the 280 lb. linebacker in football who crushes a quarterback and turns to the camera to say “Hi Mom.” Something of the innocent child never vanishes—a gift of the Moon.
Leo—July 22 to August 22
Expressive. Dramatic Leo is ruled by the Sun, the most powerful force in the heavens. Here we have a personality that wants attention, to be in the limelight, along with a powerful ego that can command the stage like no other sign. Mick Jagger, Madonna, an entire clan of very creative souls are in the Lion's den.
How wise it is then to feed this energy and desire that Leo children have to be appreciated (that's the root need) and be the center of attention. Music lessons, dancing, art—just find their natural bent (each child different due to their unique personal astrology) and support it.
Their totems are gold (this figures as Leo is a royal sign), sunflowers, all the feline species (cats know this and will usually come right to Leos), citrus fruits, almonds, candles, fireplaces—sources of light. They need lots of sunshine and bright colors around them. Since Leo is the sign associated with fathers, these children have a top priority need to be dad's favorite and will take on many of the father's habits and tastes.
Teach these children to share the limelight and to use their great gifts to help others, and you will set this child up for a life of success and happiness. In the body, Leo rules the heart and back, and yes, they love to have their backs scratched, like a kitty. With a big heart comes their deep sense of loyalty, and a generous spirit. Leo children are the Kings and Queens of the Zodiac—balls of energy—blessed with the fire of the Sun, and the heart of a lion.
Virgo—August 23 to September 22
Gentle, but fussy. Virgo is an earth sign ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet that also rules Gemini. Mercury is the messenger, the communicator, the planet of intelligence and reason, and of details—most particular are Virgos about details. They are always thinking and observing people and circumstances with the ability to quickly perceive, reason and learn.
Mercury is also the planet that rules our hands, and the reason Virgos are good, very good, with all kinds of tools and instruments. As an earth sign, they are at ease with realistic, practical applications of their knowledge—lots of vets, architects, craftsmen, accountants and medical and dental professionals are Virgos. A very sharp eye and sense of discrimination can also make them fussy at times and very set in their ways, even at an early age.
In the body, Virgo rules the upper intestine and ability of the body to assimilate nutrition, and thus, they are the most sensitive sign in the Zodiac regarding diet and nutrition. Help them develop good eating habits as a child, and be aware than herbs and natural forms of healing often are superior to traditional medicine—they may in fact be allergic to drugs and toxins that don't affect other members of the family.
Virgo is the sign that rules small animals and here we find their totems and love objects in the form of cats and dogs and all the critters in the barnyard. This is why Virgos make good vets: they have a gentle nature that animals respond to. Earth signs need touch and physical affection and will tend to pick up the traits and tastes of their mother, usually the dominant parent in their lives.
Libra—September 23 to October 22
Gentle folk, and the peacemakers, like Jimmy Carter. Libra is an air sign ruled by the planet of love and beauty, Venus. The symbol for Libra is the Scales, an instrument used to weigh balances, and for Libras, ideas. And while they are the best consultants and balancing agents for others, they have trouble making decisions for themselves.
Interesting that Libra is the only sign in the Zodiac that is not represented by an animal or human form. As an air sign, they are up in the clouds thinking, observing and feeling the currents of energy in the room. They are pleasers who want approval and acceptance, and dislike violence and conflict. Venus gives them the gift of personal charm and beauty, and the ability to use their fine aesthetic sensibilities in all fields of art, decorating, music and fashion.
Pastels, especially rose, are the colors associated with this sign. Their gemstone is an opal. In the body, Libra rules the kidneys, the organ that has trouble keeping up with a high sugar consumption—sweets are ruled by Venus, too. Libra is also the sign of partnership and it's important that these children have lots of social interaction with positive role models and friends. Negative contacts unbalance the scales and can turn their world upside down.
Comfort to infants comes through the air: playing beautiful music, aromatherapy, or just the smell of flowers and incense. Keep your arguments and bad vibes out of the nursery—if you are upset they will know it and likely react. All air signs tend to pick up the tastes and traits of the father, as he is typically their dominant parent.
Scorpio—Oct 23 to Nov 21
Scorpio is the most intense sign of the Zodiac with an incredible sense of will power—something parents of Scorpio infants learn very quickly. Scorpio is a fixed water sign making these children determined, persistent and stubborn. You can see it in their gaze when little hands find something interesting to touch or play with.
Water is usually comforting to Scorpio children (along with the other water signs Cancer and Pisces). Trips to the beach, the lake or river, and bath time can calm their spirits and erase bad moods. A gurgling fish tank or water fountain in their room helps them sleep and relax. Often they enjoy water sports, boating and fishing, so it's a good idea to give them swimming lessons as soon as they are ready.
Their colors are burgundy, black, dark purples and browns. Amphibians and reptiles are ruled by Scorpio suggesting frogs, lizards and turtles as natural symbols of comfort and interest. The kitchen and the bathroom are the two rooms of the house ruled by Scorpio. And they tend to be late-nighters who get their second wind around midnight, and often wake up a bit cranky and confused.
They are very sensitive souls, as all water signs are, who pick up the vibes of everyone in the house – definitely a child that should be shielded from the violence of the media at an early age—boys and girls.
Mysteries, puzzles, things to solve or take apart, captivate Scorpio children as that is their gift: an ability to intensely focus and concentrate on a situation and bring about a solution or healing. This is the person you want as your doctor, financial planner, movie director, engineer, on and on, as they excel in many walks of life.
Support their interests and you will have a child who can play and entertain themselves for hours—their intensity is a wonderful gift when channeled into constructive outlets. However, you will have to let them pick the situation or subject; Scorpio is stubborn and fixed on their desires. As with all water signs, too, the mother is the dominant parent and the child will pick up many of the mother's traits and mannerisms.
Sagittarius—Nov 22 to Dec 20
You've got a traveler and adventure-hound in your house if you have a Sagittarius child. Curious, optimistic, and ready to boogie, Sags come into this world with a yen to explore both the physical world and the world of philosophy and ideas.
Their ruling planet is Jupiter, the planet of abundance and good luck. And yes, Sag is considered to be a lucky sign due to their optimistic, happy-go-lucky nature and deep sense of faith in themselves and others. Sag is a fire sign: idealistic, creative, and always looking for new worlds to conquer.
In the body, Sag rules the hips and thighs—that's why many of these natives grow tall and sturdy. And they often are very good in sporting activities due to their powerful legs, athletic ability and enjoyment of contest.
Pine trees are associated with this sign—a walk in the forest is healing—even the smell of pine incense or oils can be soothing to them. Turquoise is their mineral. Horses are their totem animals. Their flowers are narcissus and goldenrod. The colors given to Sag are deep blue, seagreen, turquoise and purples.
Usually interested in everything around them, Sags need to learn to focus and concentrate on one thing at a time. They have the gift of gab, make natural salesmen, but can be too blunt and outspoken as teenagers and adults. Girls are often tomboyish and play better baseball than house in grade school—both sexes make friends easily and enjoy group activities and games.
Higher education, travel, the law, teaching are also associated with Sag and they tend to do better in school as they advance through the grades. So, start a college fund as Sags often find their calling in the halls of a university. As with all fire signs, the father is usually the dominant parent and the child will pick up many of the father's traits and mannerisms.
Capricorn—Dec 21 to Jan 19
Serious, serious. From the very beginning Capricorn children often exhibit a serious demeanor and seem to be sad that they are babies. It could be they are the oldest souls around, remember what it's like to be an adult, and are impatient for the time to pass.
All of this is due to the energy around Saturn, the ruling planet of Capricorn. Saturn is the planet associated with responsibility, ambition, practical achievement and time. Here's the reason Capricorns grow up looking for a mountain to climb and a world to conquer. They are typically late bloomers who are old when they are young and live long productive lives growing in health and strength as the years pass.
In the body, Capricorn rules the knees, bones and joints—make sure they drink their milk and get enough calcium. And be sure to outfit them with knee pads whenever the sport requires it as bumps and bruises are certain.
Capricorn is an earth sign and these children find comfort and interest in plants, critters and the world of nature. The entire Native American culture is also linked to Capricorn and all of the art and totems of American Indian tribes will appeal to them.
As infants, the sound of a ticking clock in their rooms is soothing, and as they age, watches will be important to them, and thus excellent gifts to mark important passages of time in their lives.
Capricorns want to be responsible and even very young children will enjoy taking care of a pet or project, or organizing the button box. Emotionally, they are very sensitive, but also very good at hiding hurt feelings and worry—getting them in the habit of talking about these subjects increases their ability to find love and happiness as they mature.
All earth signs, Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn, need structure and continuity in their daily schedules; they like to know what is coming up and are often afraid of new situations or surprises. Earth signs are also physical and need lots of touch and cuddling—their senses are keen which can make them great cooks and wine makers, or overly indulgent with sweets and French fries. The mother is typically the dominant parent and the child will pick up many of the mother's traits and philosophies.
Aquarius—Jan 20 to Feb 18
Nonconformists. Right from the very beginning you'll detect a touch of rebellion and nonconformity in Aquarius children. They want to be different and usually know what they want. Aquarius is an air sign: friendly, smart, curious, experimental and original.
In the body, Aquarius rules the ankles and the circulation of blood—they tend to have cold hands and feet, even as adults, due to a sluggish constitution that needs some exercise and physical activity. Long in the ankle, and often with large, expressive hands, the profile of Aquarius is frequently tall and slender. They are generally good natured, although very stubborn at times, and really enjoy having friends and joining in group activities.
Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet associated with computers, cars, electrical devices and lightning. Yes, you have a potential computer wizard on your hands with these children, maybe too, a child who will get to attached to the television as they mature. Remember Mr Spock in “Star Trek?” He has all the classic Aquarian traits: logical, humanitarian, honest, intelligent and capable of a high level of mastery in many subjects. What you seldom see Spock do is express his feelings as he tends to let his logic rule. That's not always a good thing and something to encourage in your Aquarian child (or adult, for that matter) is for them to talk about their emotions and feelings.
This is a sign that usually loves car rides and exploring the neighborhood and nearby parks and attractions. Generally they are sturdy children with few health problems and the strength to overcome those they do have. As infants, they can be soothed by changing the air in their room: adding music or the sound of the ocean, and by aromatherapy or fragrant incense, or a candle or small set of lights.
Most of all, these children need people, activities and the ability to chose their own books, studies, and interests. Likely they will be very good at something you cannot do and interested in worlds you have never explored. Like the other air signs, Gemini and Libra, the father is the dominant parent and the child will pick up many of the father's traits and habits.
Pisces—Feb 19 to Mar 20
Gentle souls. Here are the most sensitive spirits on the Earth. Pisces is a water sign ruled by creative and psychic Neptune. Astrology associates this sign with dancers, musicians, artists, doctors and nurses, psychics and spiritual teachers, actors and fishermen—all ruled by Neptune. These children have a vivid imagination, dream in color, and are incredibly sensitive to violence, poisons and chemicals, and bad vibes.Many are allergic to common drugs and would really be better served by homeopathy, herbs and natural forms of healing.
They are like psychic sponges; they absorb the energy and feelings of people around them. They are powerful dreamers who often create their own world out of fantasy and imagination. Pisces are sympathetic, compassionate and always for the under dog (these are the kids who bring home the stray kitties).
Hopefully, you'll give your Pisces child a lot of exposure to the creative arts and encourage their interests. And be vigilant in protecting them from the violence in the media—often a cause of nightmares or sleep disorders. In the body, Pisces rules the feet (usually good dancers) and that means a gentle foot massage and warm socks can soothe a cranky infant. Ok, adults, too. This is why Pisces have “a thing” about shoes—they have sensitive feet.
Fishing and water sports of all kinds are also apt to appeal to this water sign, although they may be afraid of the water as children, especially the ocean, due to past life recollections of danger and drowning. However, a gurgling fountain or fish tank in their rooms is comforting and soothing to the sign of the Fishes—the sound of water.
Jesus is the human representation of Pisces: a fisher of men, who walked on the water, who washed the feet of his disciples, and took in the strays and homeless. That spirit of love and devotion to others is the gift of Pisces. Typically, they will pick up the habits and traits of the mother as she is the dominant parent.
just passing along some good reading about your new little one. L,D
— Matt Alioto Feb 18, 07:54 PM #thank you so much
— keisha Mar 31, 05:32 PM #