Monday, November 30, 2009

Aries Suri Cruise and Her Aquarius Ascendent


Suri Cruise is a little Aries fashionista who wears shoes, while her accompanying parents are often in boots. There is an old saying 'when the shoe fits, the foot is forgotten". Although three and causing a furor about health issues of wearing high heels so young, Suri's Sagittarius Mom Katie Holmes defends her daughter's use of high heels. She says "like every little girl, she loves my high heels" and notes that they are children's ballroom dance shoes. Suri's shoes shown below are taken from a picture of Suri in this week's US Magazine . What's a girl to do who doesn't like jeans? with parents who usually are seen wearing them?

Mlle Kiddie feels that her style has a lot to do with Suri's Aquarius ascendant as her Kiddiegram notes:

Aquarius Ascendant

Suri is very progressive and open-minded, and interested in anything new, different, or experimental. She has the objective, fair, detached, and logical attitude of the true scientist, and she will experiment and seek answers for herself rather than relying on the say-so of others. While she may not purposely defy authority, she is quite indifferent to social custom and convention.

She has a distinctly original way about her that makes her seem a little different or unusual, and she enjoys being her own person rather than "one of the sheep." Her offbeat sense of humor or other idiosyncrasies may make her stand out in some way. Also, she will often be the first to take up a new trend, fashion, or craze.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

First Photos of Heidi and Seal's Little Libra Lou


First photos of Heidi Klum and Seal Samuel's daughter Lou are up on Heidi's website.


The correct time of the lovely little Libra is also given. Lou Sulola was born at 7:46 pm and not the earlier time of one am first noted in the press.

Born with the Sun in the sign of Libra, with a Taurus rising
ascendant sign and a Moon in Cancer, Lou has a nice balance of earth,
air and water energies in her chart. To check out your child's basic element balance, calculate a mini-chart wheel
and Sun, Moon and Rising chart report on Kiddiegram for free.

Mlle Kiddie notes about Lou's Moon placement (from her Kiddiegram report) that her Moon is in the second house. Since her Moon is in the sign of Cancer, she'll feel that her Mom is very nurturing and caring. They share a mutual
air energy in their Sun Signs (Heidi is Gemini). To check
out their compatibility go to our Parent/Child Interactive
kiosk and enter in Gemini Mom with a Libra child.

Moon in the Second House
Favorite possessions and familiar things--quilts, toys, and so on--enhance Lou's sense of security. Long after she's stopped using them, she'll want to keep them because of all the emotional energy she's invested in them. She can become a pack-rat, and her living space may become cluttered with cherished items she's loathe to discard. For the most part this harmless quirk should be indulged. However, she should perhaps be discouraged from displacing emotional needs onto material items (like an unhappy person who buys a new hat to cheer herself up). A trip to the toy store should not become her response to all of life's woes!


Earlier post: Mom Heidi Klum Adds Libra Lou to Patchwork Family.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Birthday Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate is 38 years old today.

Christina has 5 planets, including her sun, in Sagittarius, which is a sign that is very motivated by their enthusiasm for new experiences and usually for life in general. Sagittarius is known as a very optimistic sign because there is always a hunger in them to learn, to try what they've never tried before. Christina probably gets very excited when she has a chance to try something new.

There seem to be two prominent themes in her chart. One is embodied by all her Sagittarius energy, her Gemini Ascendant, and her Moon-Mars conjunction. This represents a woman who is learning how to trust herself and find faith and joy in life by trying new things, asking questions and not being afraid of the answers, and getting a sense of her own emotional strength, especially by testing her courage. The other theme is represented by her Sun-Neptune conjunction, her Moon and Mars in Pisces, and North Node in the 9th house, which reveals that a great deal of her adventures in life will take her into her spiritual depths. Given that so much in her chart is about experience, it will be difficult and limiting to ask these questions only within the context of religion, but she must branch out and actually experience these questions and see the answers in life all around her, not in tidy theories. She is learning spiritual courage and freedom, especially.

The past 3-4 years have probably changed her greatly as they brought her need for courage and belief in her own strength to the surface. In 2005, she split from her husband, when her progressed moon was going through her 12th house of endings and release of things that have run their course, as well as re-prioritizing one's life on a spiritual level, and probably experienced a personal sense of rebirth and freedom as it moved through her first house. In summer 2008, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, as her progressed moon moved through her 2nd house, which tends to bring on various kinds of challenges all having to do with testing our ability to survive (not always with a literal life or death issue). Most interesting during this period of her life is that Saturn and Mars were passing in opposition past her own Moon-Mars conjunction. Mars often brings a confrontation with something that asks us to defend ourselves or to summon our courage and strength, or a call to action. Saturn often has us confront some kind of reality and make sometimes sobering decisions in light of the reality that cannot be bent or escaped. Christina Applegate said when she first was diagnosed "I was just shaking and — and then also immediately, I had to go into 'take-care-of-business-mode,'" which is exactly what Saturn and Mars, especially together, ask you to do. Sounds like she passed the test with a decisive move to ensure her survival and do what she had to do. Happy Birthday, Christina!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Happy Birthday Miley Cyrus: An Astrological Vignette

Sagittarius Miley Cyrus turns 17 today.
Mlle Kiddie does not have her correct time of birth and therefore cannot know Miley's moon sign or her house placements, but there is enough here to see! A Sagittarius Sun, Miley needs a lot of freedom, to move and experiment. She needs to build her sense of identity and strength by being allowed that freedom, being allowed to make mistakes, and to test her edges. From Miley's Kiddiegram Mini Report:

"She is also likely to have numerous interests and she senses limitless potential within herself. Helping her develop a focus, learn to persevere, and develop self-discipline are important tasks for her parents. She tends to get very inspired or wildly enthusiastic, and she needs to develop the practicality to make her dreams real and concrete."

Sagittarians are known for their love of travel and gypsy-like nature (roaming free). They don't like to be penned in or tied down in a way that limits their ability to learn or experience life. Mlle Kiddie laughed when she read in an interview that Miley is a bit claustrophobic! Truly Sagittarian!

Miley's chart also reveals a Gemini south node, which is not a planet, but a sort of indicator for the type of energy that can be a sort of comfort zone for Miley. Gemini, and it's planetary ruler Mercury, have very much to do with writing and with our voice - our opinions, our need to speak up as well as representing what we want to speak about. With Mars also trine Mercury in water signs Scorpio and Cancer, voicing her emotions through words may come quite easily to her.

Gemini is also known as the sign of the twins, and many people with strong Geminian (or Libran) influence often feel as though they have a sort of double identity, a natural duality. Perhaps we all have it, but they are often quite aware of it and one can see it in their opinions and actions in every day life. Miley has said: "There's no right or wrong, success or failure. I don't look at things as black or white. My life won't be a series of either/ors -- musician or actor, rock or country, straitlaced or rebellious, this or that, yes or no. The real choices in life aren't that simple." Her Geminian influence is quite easy to see when we realize her largest claim to fame has been playing the double role of Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, which is not even her original name. Many identities, indeed! But none of them need be false, merely trying on different aspects of herself.

And as a teenager, what does Miley have to say about the latest craze? "I've never seen it (Twilight) nor will I ever." Hmm ... is that her more traditional and conservative Venus in Capricorn expressing itself or the Venus/Uranus conjunction making her more than a little reluctant to be seen as falling in with the status quo?!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Cate Blanchett: Fearless

In the December issue of Vogue, Cate Blanchett stands in a stunning gold gown with a fiery red drape dangling from her fingers behind her. Mlle Kiddie enjoyed what she had to say about motherhood and "how it has made her more bold:"

Cate: "Your sense of bravery increases. You're constantly making mistakes as a parent. So you just think, 'Oh, let's give this a go—what have I got to lose?'"

Cate's birth time is not publicly known so although we see planets placed in the houses and a Cancer rising, these are speculation and more likely to be wrong than correct. Even the position of Cate's moon, shown here in Aries, is suspect, because were she to be born in the latter half of the day, her moon would lie in Taurus. However, if Mlle. Kiddie had to guess, she'd be guessing Aries.

The moon's placement in a chart is very important. It can tell us about what we need emotionally to feel happy, secure, and cared for. It is the part of us that nurtures and wants to be nurtured. In a relationship that is primarily about that sort of care, such as the bond between a parent and a child, the moon takes on even more importance. An Aries moon mother nurtures her little ones by encouraging them to experience the world, to develop their own courage and strength by testing themselves and the world around them. Cate's Taurus sun will provide a sense of stability, while her (probable) Aries moon and Mars in adventurous Sagittarius will help her kids fly just as it does for her. Her three sons, Sagittarius John, Taurus Roman, and Aries "Iggy" are sure to bring her a lot of adventure right at home!

“As your life becomes more populated with little people, you have to adapt, but I’ve never been frightened of change."--Cate.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Daughter and Father Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight reunite

Although their relationship had been strained for some time, especially beginning in 2001, in August of 2002 Angelina Jolie announced she had stopped actively participating in a relationship with her father Jon Voight. This appeared to be for multiple reasons but Angelina announced it shortly after her father begged her to get help for her 'serious mental problems' in a public interview. Jon recently confirmed that Angelina had initiated contact with him in February 2009 and they have been tentatively speaking again.

While many astrological factors can reveal the timeliness of this reunion, the tale of the progressed moon reveals the underlying emotional cycles that prompted Angelina to cut her father off as well as reconcile with him. In 2001 and 2002, Angelina's progressed moon entered and traveled through Aries - contacting her own Mars and Moon, which indicates Angelina's emotional readiness to defend what she perceived as attacks at that time, and defend herself against anything she'd been tired of putting up with. With her Moon and Mars in Aries, she is naturally loyal (Mars in Aries) to those she loves and trusts (Moon), but will defend herself (Mars) immediately and without hesitation the moment her trust feels violated. The progressed moon spends about 2 years in a sign and represents what emotional lessons you are currently learning, including the way you need to nurture and protect yourself at different times in your life. Because she had just adopted a son, her protective mother bear instincts likely added to her feeling the need to protect herself.

Fast forward to February of this year, and her progressed moon had recently entered Cancer, shifting the emphasis of her emotional needs from feeling the feistiness of the power of one's own will to the feeling of connection with those whom one calls family. Her progressed moon is also going through her 12th house, indicating (among other things) a period of time where she'll be sorting through what's really important to her and letting go of things that have run their course, which is often prompted by a return to the past to 'sift' through those memories and experiences in preparation to carry what's important forward into the future.

Jon has a trine from Mercury in Sagittarius to his Aries Ascendant. Both are fire signs, and fire signs are known for their directness. Here's hoping Jon can refrain from putting his foot in his mouth too often in public interviews, and here's hoping Angie can learn to forgive him when he does!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

John Travolta 'overwhelmed by support' after son's death

In an interview with US Magazine, John Travolta says his family has been 'working very hard to heal' with the help of 'almost daily religious counseling' and the 'outpouring of love from, really, worldwide...'

Jett Travolta's Kiddiegram seems to reveal what a sweet and optimistic child he likely was. With Sagittarius Rising and Jupiter conjunct (in the same place as) his moon, he was probably a playful and generous spirit about him. He appears to have entered into this life with a strong desire to develop independence and an open-hearted attitude for adventure.

A Cancer south node in the 7th house emphasizes the presence of a tender and nurturing spirit, always focused on how he can show love for another. His gentle Mars in Pisces reflects that compassion and empathy, and several factors in his chart indicate the likelihood of a strong sensitivity to his environment, and a strong intuition. Some of these factors are Mars and Mercury in Pisces in the third house, Mercury square the Rising Sign, and Neptune in the first house. The Neptune and Pisces prominence in his chart are a reflection of a natural sensitivity. Multiple planets in the third house can often indicate a curious, talkative, and perceptive child, which at first glance can seem confusing, since Jett had autism, a condition not noted for talkativeness and perceptiveness. An astrological theory could be drawn that oversensitivity might cause a short circuit in this case.

Venus forms a square to Jett's north and south nodes, suggesting the importance of learning to relate to others (Venus rules relationships), another quality autistic children tend to have underdeveloped. However, the love and connection between Jett and his father, John, was observed by all who came in contact with them. No doubt deep communication was taking place between them even if not always in the form of the spoken word.

When comparing John and Jett's chart to each other, there are many connections, but one that stands out to Mlle Kiddie is Jett's Sun landing right between John's north and south nodes, suggesting that the essential personality of Jett had a huge impact on John's life lessons. John's north node is in Capricorn in his 6th house. John is learning to bring his love forward, down from the ideal of Cancer in the 12th house and into the practical and tangible ways we obligate ourselves to those we love. Perhaps Jett's autism made caring for him a little more intensive, and it is likely that effort that drew John deeper into love with his son.

Friday, November 06, 2009

Sag Dad Brad Pitt May Get New Bike, Not a New Tyke


Sagittarius Dad Brad Pitt is promoting Inglorious Bastards in Japan and also shopping for a new bike. One of his favorite motorcycles was damaged last month when he clipped a parked car after being cut off by another driver. Pitt has mentioned that he will be using his time in Japan to look for a new bike.

For picture of Brad on one of his motorcycles and the story of the October incident, check out celebitchy.com.

He was wearing a helmet.

With six kids he wants to model good driving Karma (Carma!).

Perhaps he will pick up a futuristic motorcycle or even begin getting motor scooters for the family to try as they grow up.

Every time one of the Jolie-Pitts visits a new country, new speculation rachets up about the next child they might adopt. This time the transaction will be for a bike and not a tyke!

icare motorcyle image from bikerboyz electric scooter photo from MCN motorcylenews.com


Mlle Kiddie decided to look at Pitt's Kiddiegram.

This traveling Sadge with a Sagittarius rising sign as well has a Sun in the first house:

Sun in the First House

Brad is rather charismatic, and he makes a strong impact and first impression on others. Most of the time he radiates such a strong sense of himself that other children--and even adults!--follow his lead. He cannot abide being "second fiddle" for long in any situation, and will go his own way rather than put up with neglect or insufficient recognition.

Do you have a child with a Sun in the first house? Check out their Kiddiegram or if you can read a chart wheel, calculate a free chart wheel and mini report on Kiddiegram.com

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Parenting with Astrology: The Will to Live and Thrive

Amy Herring has been a professional astrologer for 15 years and a proud mother for 4 of those years. She has joyfully accepted Mlle. Kiddie’s gracious offer to share her thoughts once a month here at Kiddie Star Signs. To find out more about Amy and her personal readings for parents and children, visit her website at http://heavenlytruth.com.

Money and fame don’t solve every problem. Celebrity moms have their hopes and worries for their children too. However, I’d like to offer ‘everyday’ moms a chance to see astrology put into action to answer their parenting questions. After all, famous or not, you’re the world to your kids! If you’ve got a question about your child that you’d like Amy to answer, send your questions to amy@heavenlytruth.com.

My 8-month old son Heath experienced birth asphyxia (tight cord) and a mild injury to some motor regions of his brain. He was in intensive care for 35 days and his feeding instinct was disrupted due to long intubation. He eats almost exclusively via stomach feeding tube now, but is making good progress learning to eat orally. He is otherwise a healthy, happy, hilarious little boy with some minor, almost unnoticeable, physical delays, which he keeps overcoming, proving the docs wrong again and again. I would so appreciate your take on his chart, the resources he has to overcome his challenges, and clues to his life purpose so we can help him along.--Jennifer, Seattle

I tend to look at anyone's natal chart as representative of what they've come to learn, as opposed to what they already automatically are. We may carry these energies inherently as we enter the world, but learning to use them is the process of living. Given the stressful way that Heath entered the world, I immediately find the first house focus in his chart quite striking. The first house is about development of the self. While it could be argued that all of life (and the natal chart) is about development about the self, the first house represents the activities we do in life that are just for us, that are about learning who we are and to not be afraid to be that. Conscious selfishness might be a good way to think of it. Significantly, it is also the ancient house of health and the body. 3 planets, as well as his north node, reside in the first house, and his moon sits right on the beginning of it, all of this indicating that the development of self is key in his life. No doubt he'll find many ways to express this energy, but so far we can see the primal fight for his right to exist manifesting in the physical issues he's had and the way he's overcoming them. I'm most struck by the Jupiter and Mars conjunction. His will, desire, and physical constitution (Mars) are tied up with the principles of faith, risk, hope, growth and optimism (Jupiter). These planets are in Aquarius, a sign of individuation. With his north node in this sign and house and so close to these planets (as well as Mercury), much of his soul's purpose seems to be wrapped up in expressing his true self, learning to differentiate between what others want him to be and what he really is. Already he's thwarting others' expectations of him! Expect that to continue :)

His south node in the 7th house in Leo reflects the vulnerability for him to be good at getting other people to like him but sometimes in unhealthy ways, where he must compromise what he really is to please his 'audience' and receive validation and self-worth that way. In this life, it's about moving away from that and finding his own voice (Mercury), his own strength and desires (Mars) and his own confidence (Jupiter), based solely on the reinforcement of how wonderful it feels to be himself and how important his self-validation is. He's learning that the risk involved in being true to oneself can pay off, but he has to be willing to risk being alone and misunderstood. That is not his fate by any means but he's come into this life with a vulnerability to that assumption, and he will spend his life learning that when he is inauthentic in a relationship with anyone, all the love, validation, and attention of another will not satiate him because he will feel that he is loved for what he's pretending to be, not what he really is. Capricorn Rising and Moon tell me that learning self-sufficiency and a sense of his own natural authority will help him to self-validate. He wears the 'mask of the hermit'. The hermit is not meant to personify someone who is stodgy and unwelcoming, but who keeps his own counsel and does not need others, even though he may sometimes enjoy others.

He's learning to trust his intuition and his own point of view in a big way, which is reflected in his Sun in Pisces 2nd house, and moon on the Ascendant. While he's probably going to be able to put on a respectable and 'normal' persona, it's likely he's going to feel quite set apart and different from others, and that is meant to teach him that others cannot define him and that's quite ok. He is likely to wrestle to an exaggerated degree with what most children wrestle with anyway: being different is ok when you're watching Sesame Street, but in the real world, being different can be seen as a bad thing when you don't have the confidence in yourself and are always comparing yourself to others for how good or bad you are. This is something he is learning to grow beyond. You might be able to help him in this by giving him real world examples of how people that are different can actually be celebrated. Pretending the difference isn't there, whatever it turns out to be, is not going to be effective - he has a Capricorn moon and Rising and he's very realistic. So no need to sweep differences under the rug; just teach him how different everyone really is when you look closely and how to understand it's an asset.

Obviously there is a lot more to this story as a natal chart holds endless clues, but with so much of his chart wrapped up in the process of having the confidence to be his true self as well as testing and trusting that self, it tells me that the more you reinforce that your love is not based on his ability to charm you but on a real love for him as a person, the more he will feel the confidence to explore his own edges. He may need a lot of validation and attention, and it's fine to give him that, but empowering him by teaching him to turn inward for his own answers will help him to develop the self-sufficiency and individualism he's come for. Turning him back in on himself is going to require a delicate balance; give him the validation he will obviously need and yearn for, but at the same time, teach him that what HE thinks about life and about himself is far more important than what you think.

Would you like some input on how to understand and nurture your child in the most effective way for their unique needs? Amy offers readings for parents and children; find out more at her website.