Planet Aspects - 1

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.

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. He 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 his favorite place! "Don't fence me in" could easily be his theme song. The challenge begins at toddler age when he 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 his 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 his attention and ignite his own sense of mission! He 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 outdoor people 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 he must finish what he begins, whether it be putting away his toys or completing his homework. Especially if Mercury is in Sagittarius (less so if its in Scorpio or Capricorn) he may tend to skip the details in his work or become easily distracted. Help him 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 his project to completion, getting the ball in the net and making that goal. When his youth is marked by victories, there is no room for resentment!

Moon Trine Sun

Considered by itself, this trine between the Lights indicates a balanced personality, one in which will (Sun) and feeling (Moon) work together harmoniously. Unless either the Sun or Moon receive hard afflictions, it is probable that your child is popular among his friends and content among his kin. The Sun/Moon trine infuses the chart with vitality and often indicates physical strength and/or a healthy constitution at birth. Children with this aspect typically get along well with friends of both sexes.

Sun Conjunction Venus

Your child is gracious, expressive, warm and affectionate. He radiates love and others are drawn to him. This combination attracts friends and indicates popularity. Your child may gravitate toward authority figures. He probably attracts friends who are older, or dignified in some way. Your child may enjoy a close relationship to his father. He may be artistically gifted, or grow to appreciate theater and the arts (if you give him the opportunity to develop along these lines). Your child may be magnetic, robust and yet quite refined in manner. He may have a sweet tooth.

Sun Opposition Saturn

At its best, the child with this aspect gets along well with authorities because he has a strong sense of his own identity. He might seem somehow mature for his age, but could tend to take himself a tad too seriously. He could enjoy a close relationship to the father (or a special teacher or elder) who is apt to be instrumental in forming the child's character and direction in life. However, some children with Saturn (law/father) opposite their Sun (ego), frequently find themselves at odds with authority, rules, and conventions in general. The child may tend to be self-critical and may feel he has to "earn" his parents love. He especially seeks approval from the father or father figure. If the father is absent, estranged, too busy to spend time with the family, or condemnatory (or so perceived), the child with Sun/Saturn aspects may be apt to somehow blame himself. He could feel undeserving of being loved (even when this, in fact, is far from the truth). He may look to others for the approval he needs.
Make certain you let your child know that he is loved and that his contribution at home counts. Be careful not to be unduly harsh or critical of him. He could need more affection and attention than you suspect! The child's perception of the father may be largely based on the first 7 years of life. Unresolved feelings with men and/or the father could emerge around age 14 or 15 when Saturn opposes its own position in the chart (and conjoins him Sun) for the first time. On the positive side, this aspect often indicates inner strength and determination. Set up your child for victories and he should rise steadily to the top. He may show particularly mature or sound judgment. Later in life he could be interested in matters of law and psychology. Help him bring out the best of the signs the Sun and Saturn are posited in.

Sun Opposition Uranus

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!

Sun Sextile Neptune

This is the aspect of the beautiful dreamer. Nevertheless, Neptune can bring us into dangerous waters of enchantment and sometimes, illusion. Children with this placement are very sensitive and impressionable. Many are artistic, endowed with rich imaginations. Your child may be talented at working with images, whether psychological, artistic, or cinematic. He probably love movies and music, anything with a grand theme or gesture. To assure he not be just another dreamer, he will need to put his imagination to work! Your child may need help sorting out the real from the unreal.

Sun Trine Pluto

Its said that those born with Pluto aspecting the Sun manage to cram many lifetimes into one, for during their life they pass though intense periods of self-transformation. This Sun/Pluto contact gives a Scorpio-like coloring to the chart. Your child may experience life with emotional intensity. This aspect confers stamina and good leadership potential for emergency and crisis situations. Your child could be sensitive and strong willed. He may have to work at overcoming resentment; especially when he doesn't get his way.

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).

Moon in Cancer

Cancer is a Water sign on the action cross. Its symbol is The Crab. Children with the Moon in Cancer seek to nurture and be nurtured. Your child would probably enjoy caring for younger children, pets, and plants. Your child is exceptionally sensitive, picking up easily on the mood and feelings of others. This is a good placement for service-oriented careers; counseling, nursing, restaurants.

Your child is probably quite emotional, and has a natural sense of that which pleases, but may swing from the heights to the depths in a single day (or hour!). Learning to hold his harmony may be a lifelong endeavor! Moon in Cancer children thrive when taught self-discipline tempered with much love. The reinforcement of positive habits in daily life like good eating habits, keeping their rooms in order, waking up on time help them learn control of their inner feeling world as well. Cancer can be overly protective (or protected), but are generally good at parenting and creating a home.

Your child needs to feel bonded to the family, and especially to the mother, but you should balance caring with independence lest he be afraid to let go of Mama's apron strings! Encourage self-reliance and teach him, when appropriate, to make his own decisions. Cancers are known for good memories. He is apt to respond more to feelings than to logic and reason. Keep communication open, but discourage whining and emotional manipulation.

Children with their Moon (emotions) in this sensitive sign often have to overcome fear, perhaps of abandonment or of condemnation. Procrastination and/or indecisiveness could be a symptom of fear or self-indulgence. If afflicted, the mother could be perceived as emotionally unstable or could be too indulgent or protective. Patterns established during childhood influence the Moon in Cancer child for life.

Moon Trine Sun

Spirit and matter, mother and father, mind and emotion are in harmony, 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 him 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 he requires at hand plus the necessary instruction as to how to use them. Your child is apt to be sociable and likeable. He 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 Mercury

This aspect indicates fluency in communication. Even if your child has an emotional personality, you will be able to reach him through dialogue. He could be a fine speaker. He is likely to be most persuasive! This Moon/Mercury aspect often indicates success in life due to a positive mental attitude.

Moon Trine Venus

People are just naturally attracted to this child, perhaps because they sense that he really cares for them, too. This aspect often indicates popularity; many friends and lots of relationships. Your child might be artistic or attracted to artistic types. He could be conscious of the way he looks and probably likes nice clothes. This aspect is favorable for feminine industries: fashion, beauty, style, etc., and any work involving plenty of contact with the public.

Moon Conjunction Jupiter

Children with this aspect are often fortunate in that they rarely have trouble finding support and approval from others. Your child may find that working with people is what he wants to do when he grows up! Whether professionally or not, he will likely find himself guiding and directing other people in one way or another. He has a way with others and could do well in advertising, sales... any occupation that works with the public. Unless there are strong counter-indications in the chart, he tends to look on the bright side and may have a good sense of humor. The child with this aspect typically is generous but tends to overdo in some way - in food, in action, in speech. He feels close to the mother, but should not be over-indulged.

Moon Sextile Uranus

Your child may have a knack for taking an ordinary event and turning it into something brand new, really special! He is likely to be mentally alert and curious about just about everything! Others are attracted to his magnetic personality and he is more likely than not, rarely alone. He may have a somewhat unusual upbringing, and later will likely attract a partner who is independent and also a bit unusual. If the mother is inconsistent in moods, rules or behavior, the child with this aspect could easily become confused. He needs to know he can rely on her. This aspect confers a certain love of adventure. Your child could become bored easily with hum-drum normal routines! One thing is for sure, with this child there's never a dull moment!

Moon Sextile Neptune

Children born with this aspect may be enchanting, with a dreamy look about them. They often have artistic and/or musical talent. They are highly impressionable and tend to pick up on other people's vibrations. Children with the Moon aspecting Neptune need to learn to be discriminating in their choice of companions. Your child may be very kind, but gullible and easily duped (and therefore disappointed.) The line between fantasy and fact may not be apparent. The child could adore the mother, or be confused by her. The mother may help the child develop his creativity productively.

Moon Conjunction Pluto

The Moon aspecting Pluto is an extremely powerful aspect that can indicate a dynamo of creative potential, or tremendous destructive force. Your child is apt to be courageous. He is willing to try harder to improve himself or his work. This child needs a strong bonding to the mother. Nevertheless, the child with Moon/Pluto contacts may feel overwhelmed or overpowered by her. This aspect gives a Scorpio coloring to the Moon and indicates the need for trust and communication in the mother-child relationship. The child feels intensely but is not apt to reveal his feelings without prompting. He may be dauntless, but willful; intuitive, but secretive; insightful, but manipulative. Establish the law and maintain it consistently, never in anger but in love.

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.

Mercury in Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a Fire sign on the thinking cross. Its symbol is The Archer or The Centaur. The Mercury in Sagittarius child is typically fair-minded and above-board, always direct and honest in thought. Sometimes, he could be blunt to the point of putting his foot in his mouth or offending others. He could feel self-justified in "telling it like it is," but do not allow him to be rude or inconsiderate in speech. He is more interested in eternal thoughts and broad landscapes than in minute details. Although he may get the picture right away, his is a wandering mind that loves to travel. Focus, and finish one job at a time are his formulas for success!

Sun Conjunction Mercury

When the Sun and Mercury are combined, they are said to be combust. Mercury (mind) can be overpowered by so much solar radiance (Sun). The result can be impulsive speech or action, possible mental confusion or psychological blind spots (akin to the nature of the sign the Sun and Mercury are in). Nevertheless, if you give your child the right tools and training, you will most likely discover that he can communicate with consummate skill. It is stimulating just being with him. His high degree of mental concentration makes your child an avid student, able to excel in speaking, writing, and all types of communication skills. His goals go hand-in-hand with communication and using the mind, and the two should never be far apart. If the Sun and Mercury receive serious afflictions to other planets, he could require assistance in self-expression and learning.

Moon Trine Mercury

Chances are your child loves learning, has an inquisitive and curious mind. Given the right teachers and tools, children with this aspect generally like school. He is a natural teacher and communicator. Your child may even have a little too much gift of the gab at times! Your child may often handle words and tell stories with consummate skill, and others love to hear him speak or entertain. This aspect often indicates a good memory. Your child may feel very close to a brother or sister.

Mercury Conjunction Venus

Your child may love to talk and write, and probably does so beautifully. His sense of color, harmony, manners, and all that is artistic, is self-evident. Your child knows quality, and may love to pick out art or arrange color schemes.

Mercury Opposition Saturn

On the plus side, this aspect indicates mental stamina and the ability to take on tasks others might consider laborious. The young child especially may take to repetitive work. The mind set could be overly serious, critical, or judgmental. Perhaps this is the result of being censored as a child. Your child needs to be heard. He may need your loving guidance in overcoming blocks to self-expression.

Mercury Opposition Uranus

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.

Mercury Sextile Neptune

The child with this aspect could have a fantastic imagination and be somehow tuned into what we all dream of at the deepest levels. The dream worlds, the more eternal thoughts of mankind, come easily to him, and he would be a convincing speaker on occult, metaphysical, and religious subjects. Your child could be sensitive, poetic and persuasive. This aspect is common in the charts of composers. He could have oratory and/or theatrical skills. On the downside, this child may weave many a tale. Help your child sort out reality from fact. Insist he tell the truth!

Mercury Trine Pluto

Just call him "Eagle Eye!" Pluto conjunct the planet of mind most often gives sharp mental acumen and penetrating insight. Your child could be expert at getting straight to the heart of things, and would make a super sleuth, or researcher. The deeper a secret is buried, the more likely it is that he will turn it up. In its negative expression, Pluto could cause brooding, irritability, mental stubbornness and/or and nervous tension. There could be a karmic tie with a sibling or relative.

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.

Venus in Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a Fire sign on the thinking cross. Its symbol is The Archer. The Venus in Sagittarius child loves all things plain and true, and possesses an innate sense of religion and justice. In relationships, he is attracted to "kindred souls" with whom he can share his dreams and aspirations. Not prone to limitations, your child may insist on freedom in all things. He may love sports, the outdoors, and travel. Sometimes, this position gives a love of horses. An idealist by nature, your child is likely to be outspoken and affectionate. He may have an appreciation for religious art and music.

Sun Conjunction Venus

Your child has a basic self-esteem that is plain to all who meet him. Your child is sociable and he displays a sense of beauty in his appearance and environment. Your child may be gracious in manner or artistically talented. (Look up the house position and sign of the Sun and Venus to get a clearer idea of how this combination will outpicture) If free of major afflictions, your child is happy and tends to uplift others. Because of his pleasing manner, your child gets along well with peers and with elders. Sometimes, self-indulgence and a sweet tooth need to be curbed with this combination. Your child may be physically attractive, or concerned with the way he looks. A favorable placement for teachers, personnel consultants, interior decorators, artists, beauticians and anyone working with beauty and people.

Moon Trine Venus

Your child is loving and kind. He is a natural arbitrator, tending to see the best in people. Your child has a natural appreciation for the past, personal as well as world history - all that is traditional. He finds it easy to work with music, color, fabric, and the arts - whatever is beautiful and genial. He would make a superb decorator of homes and, in general, all kinds of environments. Very likely, your child has some measure of musical or artistic talent. Many performers have this aspect.

Mercury Conjunction Venus

Your child has a love affair going on with the mind and values all of its offspring: words, ideas, thoughts, books and such. And oh, how he loves to talk! In particular your child enjoys telling and hearing a good tale! Your child appreciates good conversation, and feels that stimulating mental adventures (either alone or with others) are among the most exciting experiences life offers. A daily journal might help your child develop his ideas.

Venus Opposition Saturn

The child with this aspect may feel hampered by authority and elders. Too many rules and regulations may inhibit or put a damper on what his heart feels like doing. Nevertheless, he is likely to be dependable. He could procrastinate and put off attending to the necessities, with the result that duties tend to pile up. He could be somewhat defensive about expressing his real likes and dislikes for fear of being criticized or cut down. He needs a strong sense of self worth and a lot of love from his parents.

Venus Opposition Uranus

This aspect brings challenges in relating to others. Sometimes this Venus/Uranus contact brings unusual, strange or unique attractions. Your child may have many friends. As a youth, he needs to understand the dangers of quick attachments and infatuations. He could confuse love and friendship, be fickle (especially if in mutable signs) or get bored and drop friends abruptly (cardinal). In fixed signs, desire could take the place of common sense. You can help your child work out this energy positively by teaching him to delay gratification (when necessary and appropriate), accept responsibility and be respectful of other people's feelings. It all begins in the nursery!

Venus Trine Pluto

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.