Sunday, January 30, 2011

Heidi Klum's Seriously Funny Kids

Heidi Klum has four kids, but she's about to take on a whole lot more, as host of the new show Seriously Funny Kids on Lifetime. The show is roughly based on the format of the old show Kids Say the Darndest Things hosted by Bill Cosby and featured Heidi talking with kids, mostly unscripted, and seeing what funny things come out of their mouths!

From Project Runway to Project Funny Kids may not seem intuitive, but upon seeing Heidi's massive stellium* in Gemini, it comes as no surprise.

While Gemini is an air sign and therefore can very much enjoy learning and intellectual pursuits in various modalities, the very essence of Gemini is actually very playful. On one side of the Gemini spectrum you may have the cerebral, scientifically-minded sort, but in the same spectrum you find open-hearted curiosity, a love of playful teasing, and a fascination with toys and gadgets (and the more knobs and levers, the better!) Gemini was probably the first one to say: "What does this button do?" It's whimsical nature is very child-like itself.

But it's all in how you focus Gemini (or any sign, for that matter) that determines what catches its eye over and over. Heidi was born around the time of a Gemini new moon, which means her Sun and Moon are both in Gemini, very close together. The Sun represents our basic sense of self, so planets in close proximity to the Sun modify the Sun's expression and meaning. Therefore, they strongly contribute to what gives one a sense of self. The Moon represents our heart, our emotional nature, and our desire to nurture and care for others (as well as receive that nurture). So Heidi's sense of self is greatly impacted by her desire to nurture, an urge children can instinctively bring out in Heidi.


In what way does she like to provide that nurture? The Gemini way: playfulness, whimsy, spontaneous behavior, inspiring curiosity and playing games. You can see it in the way she describes her favorite things to do with her kids:
"I try to be a kid with them. I don’t take myself too seriously. I try to understand where they are coming from. We try to have fun as a family. I always loved that about my parents- they let me do fun things. Be wild and crazy! Get dirty! You have to give them a certain amount of freedom to be themselves. My house is not a museum- we play and live in it."
It's easy to find out your own nurturing style. You can create your own Kiddiegram to find out all about you. Then, using your moon sign, visit our free Parent/Child interactive guide!

*grouping of several planets all in one sign or house

Friday, January 28, 2011

Happy Birthday Aquarius Kids!

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 20th to February 18th this year. Happy birthday to all those Aquarius kiddos (and mommies and daddies)!

Aquarians are here learning the simple and elegant art of being themselves. Aren't we all, you ask? Certainly, but Aquarius is specializing in the process of individuation - figuring out who they really are amidst the pressure of peers, parents, and popular culture.

One of Aquarius' tools, especially in children, is the instinct toward contrariness; the harder you try to get them to do something or want something, the more likely they are to do the opposite thing! The 'reverse-psychology' ploy often works longer with Aquarius kids than some - they just can't resist that rebel streak!

Rebellion against the norm is one primary way that Aquarius learns that they can assert their own individuality. As they grow, the key is for them to learn that unfocused rebellion or contrariness for its own sake is often just a knee-jerk reaction and doesn't always lead to a true realization of who they are. Being the opposite of what someone wants may not lead you any closer to yourself!

Prince Michael Jackson Jr. is an Aquarius Sun with a Taurus Moon and a Scorpio Ascendant. All these three signs are 'fixed', which tend to bring stubbornness and a tendency to plant one's feet. He also has a wealth of Aquarius in his chart, guaranteed to have him working to assert his independence at every step! One can see how having a famous parent might create the perfect incubator to walk the journey of learning about one's authentic self.


Here's more from Prince's Kiddiegram:

Independent-minded and strong-willed, Prince Michael has his own ideas about how things should be done, and they often do not conform to any already-existing standards or patterns. In fact, he seems to positively delight in challenging custom and convention. Born with a strong need to experiment, he is drawn to the novel and unusual in people, ideas, fashions, and lifestyles. Innovation, originality, inventiveness, and discovering new or alternative ways of doing things are his trademark.

Do you have an Aquarius kiddie in your life?
Treat their parents to a tailor-made
Kiddiegram!

Aquarius Sun Kids
Jan 22 Leo (Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem)
Jan 23 Axel (Will & Viveca Ferrell)
Jan 25 René-Charles (Celine Dion & René Angélil)
Jan 26 Suleman Octuplets (Nadya Suleman)
Jan 27 Sadie Grace (Christina Applegate & Martyn LeNoble)
Jan 30 Caspar Matthew (Matthew Vaughn & Claudia Schiffer)
Jan 31 Lily Mo (Kate Beckinsale & Matthew Sheen)
Feb 1 Darby Galen and Sullivan Patrick (Patrick & Jillian Dempsey)
Feb 8 Charlie Axel (Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren)
Feb 10 Maple Sylvie (Jason Bateman & Amanda Anka)
Feb 11 Finn Burns (Christy Turlington & Ed Burns)
Feb 13 Prince Michael (Michael Jackson & Debbie Rowe)

Aquarius Moon Kids
Jan 6 Flynn (Miranda Kerr & Orlando Bloom)
Jan 26 Suleman Octuplets (Nadya Suleman)
Apr 6 India (Sarah McLachlan & Ashwin Sood)
Jun 2 Grace Avery (Kevin & Christine Costner)
Aug 5 Maddox (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie)
Oct 3 Ramona (Peter Sarsgaard & Maggie Gyllenhaal)*
Nov 29 Pax (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie)*

*birth time is not publicly known so if these young ones were born very late in the day, they may have

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Unflappable Apple Martin

In the February 2011 issue of Good Housekeeping, Libra mom Gwyneth Paltrow talked about life with Apple (6) and Moses (4). Recently Gwyneth talked about taking Apple to ballet class on a day when her dad was supposed to be on duty:
"Normally, Apple is pretty unflappable... Apple started going, 'I'm not crazy about that idea! I don't like change!'"
Apple's Sun and north node are both in the sign of Taurus, a sign notoriously stubborn and disliking of change. But when these characteristics are present, they don't come from a desire to be difficult. Taurus is about learning to embrace the natural rhythm of life and finding a sense of inner peace and stability, which can be especially important for someone with a Scorpio south node (the sign opposite Taurus) like Apple. Scorpio can carry a lot of tension because it's such a complex and intense energy, but Taurus is learning the wisdom of simplicity, so it's casual and relaxed nature is most comfortable and prevents unnecessary stress. The stubbornness can come from a desire to plant one's feet and grow in a stable environment, and it's the same thing that can often make them 'unflappable'.


Gwyneth also shared some of the things she wants to teach her children, such as accountability.
"That's something my father taught me. You need to be accountable, and you need to be responsible. You need to honor your commitments."

Apple will probably respond well to the lesson of responsibility, with her Capricorn Ascendant, which reveals that her outlook on the world is always coming from a goal-oriented and practical approach, with a desire to be taken seriously. She will enjoy a certain amount of responsibility as it will allow her to prove that she's capable. She probably also makes a great big sister as Capricorn tends to easily take on the responsibility of looking after those younger or less capable than them. With her Mars and Saturn in the 6th house of duty and responsibility, in the sign of Cancer (the sign of family and the urge to nurture & care for others), she will likely look out for her little brother throughout her life.

above photo: JustJared

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Surprise New Baby for Keith & Nicole: Faith Margaret

It certainly wasn't a surprise to the parents-to-be, but the rest of the world certainly dropped its collective jaw upon hearing the news that Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman welcomed a new baby girl in Nashville via gestational carrier on December 28th. Sunday's a big sister!

Not only does Faith have a strong Capricorn Sun, but she also has Pluto in a conjunction with her Sun and Mars also in Capricorn not too far away. Her moon, in Libra, is in a conjunction with Saturn, which lends another Capricornian flavor since Saturn 'rules' Capricorn.

Kids with a lot of Capricorn energy tend to seem on the serious side and sometimes can seem like little grown-ups. While some children want to run free and wild, Faith will probably feel comfortable with being given responsibilities and clear rules.

Mademoiselle Kiddie does not know Faith's birth time, so it is impossible to determine Faith's Ascendant, but whether it's in fun-loving Sagittarius, open-hearted Pisces, or go-get-em Aries, Faith is likely to approach life with caution, especially when it comes to trust other people. It may take her a while to warm up to new people and new situations.

More from her Kiddiegram:
Faith Margaret tends to emulate the adults in her life, and to respect their capabilities, wisdom, and authority. She likes the security of having a clearly defined set of rules and boundaries, and she does not eagerly embrace new ways or new people. It takes time for her to warm up or be willing to trust someone. She needs to watch quietly for awhile. She may need to be encouraged to take risks and to express herself freely. Try to convey to her that it is all right to make mistakes and to be a little foolish sometimes!
Want to find out what makes your little one tick? Order your Kiddiegram online and find out right now!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Jennifer Grey's Up Close and Personal Interviewer

Jennifer Grey, recent winner of the television show Dancing With the Stars, was interviewed by none other her daughter, Stella, for Redbook magazine.

It turns out that Stella might just be built for journalism if she is so inclined! Her Sagittarius Sun is tightly conjunct Mercury, the planet of the mind, communication, and yes, media. Sagittarius is a truth-seeking sign, and those who have a prominent Mercury in their charts like Stella does, have a strong need to satisfy their curiosity about whatever strikes their fancy. She is built to ask questions.

Pluto is also not far away from that Sun and Mercury, which adds a shrewdness to her questions--she's looking for the real truth and won't be satisfied with just the nice, simple questions that have only one, concrete answer. She's got the mind of a philosopher.

Her Saturn is exactly opposite that Sun and Mercury, in the sign of Gemini, so throughout her life she'll be balancing that philosophical mind with the need to put information through it's paces, to recognize how information can be biased and bent. Sagittarius can be vulnerable to jumping to conclusions about what something means, so Saturn in Gemini will always be helping her keep a balance between belief and fact, having her sift through the possibilities before coming to her conclusions, like an internal critical thinker.



You can read Stella & Jennifer's interview here!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Happy Birthday Harlow!

Harlow celebrated her 3rd birthday (January 11th) a little early this year when her parents threw her a birthday shindig this last weekend (January 8th). Fab guests like Gemini Kingston and Leo Zuma Rossdale, Scorpio Ruby and Taurus Otis Maguire, and Gemini Honor Warren were among the many Hollywood princes and princesses to attend (and, of course, her Virgo brother Sparrow.

Harlow is probably a girl who knows what she wants! With a south node in Leo and a playful Gemini Ascendant, she might not mind being the center of attention, as long as it doesn't stand between her and what's grabbing her attention at the moment! With Gemini Rising, she's going to be an extremely curious child, and with Mars' added speed, mom Nicole and dad Joel have probably experienced just how fast this little one's hands can move to grab something shiny and interesting! More about Mars conjunct her Ascendant from Harlow's Kiddiegram:
Mars conjunct Ascendant

Frank, forthright, and direct, Harlow makes her presence and her will known very clearly. She is inclined to act first and think later. Decisiveness and initiative are her gifts; rashness or insensitivity to other people's needs and desires may be her downfall.

She appears self-confident and brave; others are inclined to follow her lead or at least to leave her alone to do what she wills.
The lesson? Don't stand in the way of Harlow and her birthday presents or she'll let you have it! Happy Birthday, Harlow!


Photo: JustJared

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Extraordinary Children: Jackie Evancho

Jackie Evancho rocked the house on the television show America's Got Talent this fall when she sang a stunning rendition of Pie Jesu:



It's interesting to note not only her natural singing talent, but also the ethereal quality to her voice, given that she has Neptune conjunct her south node. The south node, among other things, can point to what natural talents we may bring with us into the world, and planets conjunct the south node tell more of that story. Neptune is often strong in the charts of people with artistic talent and/or those who are highly imaginative.

Imagine an actor or actress who convinces you so wholeheartedly that they ARE the character they are playing that you actually forget who they really are. It's not just skill or manipulation, it is that Neptunian ability to remain so fluid that one can take any form, like a chameleon, and embody it. Neptunian people are able to drop their boundaries and become one with their inspiration so sincerely that we are drawn into that magic as well. Neptune is also the planetary ruler of her Mercury, planet of the voice, because Neptune is said to 'rule' (be the most at home with) Pisces, where Mercury lies, another influence pointing to her heavenly voice.

People with strong Neptunes often experience the downside of not being seen for who they really are. Their chameleon-like abilities can be so strong that they often draw to them the expectations and projections from others about what others think they are or want them to be. With such a strong talent at such a young age, she will no doubt be experiencing this and part of her work as an Aries Sun and Venus is to learn to develop a strong identity of her own so she does not merely absorb what others see of her and lose her own identity in it. With three planets (Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) in the grounded sign of Taurus, a little realism and stubbornness may go a long way to help her here as well!

With Mars, planet of will, and Jupiter, planet of growth and opportunity, clustered together with Saturn, planet of accomplishment and hard work, in the determined sign of Taurus, she has the ability to persist and achieve whatever she sets her mind to, there's no doubt in Mlle. Kiddie's mind!

Monday, January 03, 2011

Parenting with Astrology: Thanks to Amy Herring of Heavenly Truth!

Mlle Kiddie enjoys the beginning of the month because of a guest blog on parents and their children written and contributed monthly by Amy Herring. Amy, a Seattle based astrologer and author of Astrology of the Moon, has captivated our Kiddie Star Sign readers with her guest blogs filled with down-to-earth updates on issues that confront or confound parents about their kids. Take a look at some of the help she's provided our readers.

As resident advice columnist, counselor and a Mom to boot, she has illuminated questions for many parents and their children. Grateful for her generous sharing of her expertise, humor and teaching, Mlle K suggests that if you have a question that puzzles or amazes you about your child, you can ASK AMY via http://bit.ly/ContactKiddiegram (put Ask Amy in the subject heading).

As an added gift, every season, Lord Kiddie will draw a lucky winner from those who have made a comment on the Kiddie Star Sign blog or the guest blog and/or have sent her a question to consider. In gratitude Lord Kiddie will gift a lucky winner with a parental or personal reading from Amy. This reading is a $120 value (if you can’t wait you can contact Amy at Heavenly Truth directly for a reading!)

First winner March 21!

Amy Herring has been a professional astrologer for 15 years and a proud mother for 5 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.