Read

July/August 2004 Cosmic
Understanding Your Child Through Astrology

by David N. Kleber, BearLight

Most parents who have more than one child are quick to tell you that their children are very different and that these distinctions have been noticeable from birth. What if there was a reliable way to understand these differences and anticipate the needs arising out of them? This is exactly what a natal reading for a newborn child can do.

A natal reading involves constructing a chart for a child based on the date, time and place of birth. Each chart is a unique representation of the planets at the time of the child's birth. It is also a map of the newborn's psyche, with each planet representing a different part of the child's nature and each sign describing how that part functions most naturally.

Beyond the Sun Sign

Most people are familiar with their Sun sign. In popular Astrology, this is what you "are."  For example, if a person is born on May 15, then his or her Sun sign is Taurus. Common descriptions of Taurus personalities include words like "dependable", "sensual", "slow-to-anger" and "strong", but they are only one important piece to understand the total human being.

There are nine more planets and other symbols that Astrologers use to conduct a reading. Each planet describes a specific function of consciousness. In a natal reading, a parent might want to know about a child's emotional nature or security needs. If that's the case, Astrologers look at the Moon sign. The information can prove to be very valuable. For example, in a recent reading of a six-month-old baby girl who did a lot of fussing, we discovered the child had a Sagittarius Moon. What this meant was that the infant had a need for freedom and movement. Her parents, out of concern for her health, however, were in the habit of bundling her up tightly. After the reading, they tried covering her lightly and her fussing lessened almost immediately. The parents also increased the frequency and time they took their baby for rides in the car, knowing that travel soothed the soul of this particular child.

Tapping into Communication Styles

Recognizing a child's natural communication style is also important in establishing a loving, supportive and positive bond. For this information, Astrologers look at the placement of Mercury. A child with Mercury in Cancer will usually have a nurturing quality to his or her communication style, whereas a child with Mercury in Virgo will often have an analytical, perfectionist style. When teaching the first child, praise for sensitivity and caring will help the child's mind develop most naturally. With the second child, praise for organizational abilities will help the child prosper.

Energy Flow

Parents who want to know how their children will assert themselves can look at the Mars sign. The child whose Mars is in Gemini is likely to assert himself or herself mentally or conceptually. These individuals go after what they want by gathering information, sifting through it and then acting. On the other hand, if Mars is in Pisces, the child will often project his or her actions in fantasy before taking steps physically. This child's energy most naturally flows out through emotions and imagination.

Following the Road Map

With each planet, parents get additional information about offspring and will be better equipped to work with innate tendencies. Accordingly, they will be able to recognize potential and challenges early. This information helps parents focus on a child's natural gifts, thereby minimizing unnecessary struggles. Just as it's valuable for parents to use astrological information in understanding their children, it is equally important for parents to have similar insight into their own dynamics. That way, they can recognize the difference between their agendas and the motivation of their children. For example, one father had a strong physical and mental orientation, and his newborn son had a very pronounced emotional nature. Because the father was receptive to learning about himself and his son, their relationship started out in a positive way. The father was able to acknowledge his own values enough to see that his son's temperament was different. This is not a matter of better or worse, just different. In this family, the child will grow up validated for his own abilities, and his dad will likely feel grateful to know that he's made a big difference in his son's sense of self-worth.

The Gift of Understanding

It is natural for parents to want the best for their children. They seek to provide them with love, shelter, food, protection, educational advantages and the many other opportunities life offers. The gift of insight and understanding that comes with Astrological knowledge is one of these valuable opportunities. When used in conjunction with other parenting tools, it can help the family become stronger, healthier and happier.

David Kleber has an astrological practice in which he specializes in readings for parents about their children and relationship readings that surface a deeper personal and interpersonal understanding. For more information, please call (503-591-1210, or email BearLight@comcast.net.