Astrology Basics: The Opposition Aspect and Lily-Rose Depp

A natal chart shows the placements of the planets in the sky at the time of someone’s birth. To the average person, it may just look like a lot of dots in a circle, but to an astrologer, it reveals the patterns and tendencies in that person’s behavior and needs. The planets, while very far apart in our sky, look closer together when placed in the natal wheel, and connections between them can be seen by tracing certain mathematical angles between the planets, such as the 90 degree angle, called a square.

Mlle. Kiddie would like to introduce you to a challenging aspect called the opposition. Oppositions can be easy to spot because they are directly opposite each other. An opposition is created in a natal chart by two (or more) planets that make a 180 degree angle* when a straight line is drawn across the wheel to connect them, like this:

An opposition in a natal chart shows a connection between two planets, or parts of ourselves, that may conflict with each other because they have opposing needs and/or styles of fulfilling the needs that those planets represent. This internal 'tug-of-war' can be frustrating to manage and can feel like we are not sure what we want, but it can also keep our awareness heightened in each area because these planets pull on each other.

The chart pictured is Lily Depp's natal chart,^ the 12-year-old (currently) daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. She has an opposition between Jupiter in Aries and Mars in Libra. Jupiter is a planet of growth, one that represents our desire to hope, to strive, and/or to take a chance. It is known as a lucky planet because it can represent opportunities that come our way, although it's up to us whether we take those opportunities, or see them as such. Jupiter in Aries shows an initiating, go-for-it kind of attitude, being willing to take leaps of faith to go for what one wants. However, Jupiter in Aries can be impulsive if allowed to go unchecked, sometimes leaping before looking.

Across the pond, Mars lies in Libra. Mars is a planet that governs the style in which we take action and the kinds of things that prompt us to take those actions. Mars in Libra people like to weigh all the options before making decisions. They also like to get the opinions of others, and want to make sure that their actions won't displease others greatly. This can be a wise and courteous style of acting, but can also lead to too much hesitation or indecision out of fear of stepping on someone's toes or making the wrong choice.

The impulse to act freely and according to one's own agenda (Jupiter in Aries) is battling the desire to act with caution and courtesy (Mars in Libra) in Lily's chart, which can represent a dynamic where she may struggle with these two opposing desires. Quite often, those who have oppositions in their charts find that they frequently get stuck here, paralyzed between the two desires and not sure how to make a move without causing themselves internal stress.

However, the key for Lily is to learn how they can balance each other. Her desire to act courteously and cautiously can help reign in her Jupiter in Aries impulsiveness, and drive to leap freely and bravely into life can help her overcome the tendency toward excessive hesitation represented by Mars in Libra. Ultimately, planets in opposition can produce fruitful results once a person learns to handle the balancing act inside themselves!

*A degree is a unit of measurement. They are marked by the degree symbol following the numbers by each planet in a natal chart. There are 360 degrees in a circle. Each sign is divided into 30 degrees, so counting restarts at 0 when entering a new sign. To find an opposition, locate any planet in a natal chart and note its degree number. Then count 6 signs from there in either direction and see if another planet lands in the same degree (give or take a few degrees) in the new sign. That’s an opposition! If you’re not sure, or you don’t have a copy of your natal chart, you can calculate one for free instantly online at Kiddiegram.com!

^Lily's birth time is not publicly known, so a sunrise chart has been cast. This does not affect the planets placement in the signs, except possibly the fast-moving moon, so the planets in signs discussed are correct even without a birth time.

Image of Johnny Depp is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license and attributed to nicogenin. Image of Vanessa Paradis is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license and attributed to Lunon92.

Sarah Jessica Parker's Twosome

In a interview with Parade magazine, Sarah Jessica Parker revealed some tidbits about the personality of her twins, Loretta and Tabitha, who just turned 2 in June:

“Loretta is deeply inquisitive: ‘Do you see that, do you hear that, Mama?’ She constantly checks that we are connecting with her.” Her sister is the family princess: “Tabitha does not give; she receives.”

One of the theories about twins in astrology is that each twin presents stronger in different areas of the chart; one may reveal some of the more outgoing components, the other the more introverted components, for example. If this is true, Tabitha is probably channeling the 'royalty' face of her Leo south node--a princess in a prior life would certainly expect to be treated as one in this life! No doubt that her mom and dad can provide a life where she won't have to go without, monetarily speaking, but Capricorn mom Sarah will certainly be grounded enough to help this princess land with her feet on the ground (in fabulous shoes, no doubt):

“[Tabitha] can put on any kind of shoe—she gets the feet right, figures out the Velcro. Yesterday she had on my husband’s shoes, mine, her brother’s, her sister’s, and a babysitter’s.”

"Deeply inquisitive" Loretta sounds like she's presenting the face of Mercury in Gemini (inquisitive) in the 8th house (deeply) that the girls share. Mercury in Gemini can be quite alert and curious, but put it in this mysterious and almost psychic house and Loretta will probably ask penetrating questions far beyond her youth. She'll probably have a knack for knowing when she's not getting the whole story as well. With Virgo Rising, these girls can focus their powers of observation sharply.

The girls share Venus and Mars in the 7th house of relationship as well, so they'll likely need a lot of connection to feel like they're being heard and understood, but also as a way to compare what others see to what they see. But at the very least, a princess needs her subjects!!

Image of Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.
Credit: David Shankbone.

Jewel Wants Kase to Find His Passion

Singer Jewel and her bull-riding husband Ty Murray love their "perfect" little boy, Kase, now about 5 weeks old. In a recent interview, Jewel and Ty both agreed on one important thing: they don't want baby Kase to grow up like daddy! Well, at least in his professional life.

“We want him to find his passion. Whatever that is, we are fine with it, but I hope it isn’t bull-riding,” Jewel told People. “I don’t want him to ride,” Ty said. “It is the most dangerous job in the world. But if he’s crazy as I was about it, then what do you do? One of our biggest dreams for Kase is that he finds something he loves.”

Kase's chart shows he's more likely to be a lover than a rider--with the Sun and Venus in gentle Cancer in the 7th house of relationship, he certainly wouldn't want to worry his loved ones. However, Uranus forms a square to his Venus, so he might feel so inclined to rebel a bit whenever he feels too compelled to do what someone else wants for him if it conflicts with his own needs, and with Pluto in Capricorn in the 1st house -- well, let's just say, don't get in the way of this powerful kid!

He has Mars, the planet of passion, action, and often associated with the daredevil in us all, is close to his south node, but it lies in the flexible and curious sign of Gemini, which can be a 'jack-of-all-trades' signature. He has entered this life with an eye for trying everything at least once! Hopefully all those varied experiences will prepare him to focus in a more dedicated and consistent manner toward that which he chooses as his passion, as his chart reveals.

Saturn lies right on his Midheaven, which speaks to a career based on patience toward achieving one's goals and the potential for becoming a respected authority in his chosen career area. His passionate Sagittarius Moon and north node lie in the 12th house, revealing his focus will grow more and more toward a sense of meaning which will propel him from the inside. A sense of a greater, and perhaps altruistic purpose will drive his passions.



Image of Jewel is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Signature Leo Star Child: Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale

Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale, son of musical artists Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani, is our featured Leo "Star Child." The Kiddiegram reports are the heart and soul of Kiddiegram, because they were created out of a desire to help you understand and nurture your precious one. It's truly a "user's manual!"

"What is amazing about [a Kiddiegram], is that you can read it as your son grows. Read it when you get it, then put it away with his birth record. In years to come you both will read it again! Yes, you will be amazed!"

Zuma has a Leo Sun, which falls close to his Midheaven (the line that divides the 9th house from the 10th house), so it's likely we'll see some dynamic expressions from him as he grows into his own person and interacts with the world on a larger scale (famous parents don't hurt!) But he has a quiet, laid-back Taurus Moon, and three planets in humble, dedicated Virgo. These earth signs like to make a contribution in their own way, with less drama and flair and more concrete and substantial contributions.

His Taurus Moon in the 6th house indicates that establishing a healthy daily routine will be key to his emotional sanity and peace-of-mind. He may enjoy taking things slow in some ways, but he certainly won't be lazy. With three planets in Virgo, he'll enjoy working on something that feels important to him, developing and demonstrating new skills. With Jupiter in Capricorn, also a practical, producing, earth sign, in his 2nd house of resources, he'll probably never want for anything financially, but it'll also be important for his self-esteem to feel that he can stand on his own two feet.

With a Leo south node, a Leo Sun, and Mars in creative Libra, he'll certainly want to express himself artistically--perhaps musically like his mom and dad, or in some other way. Here's more about Zuma from his Kiddiegram Report:

Mercury conjunct Venus

Zuma is persuasive in a charming and gracious way. He is a natural diplomat and peace-maker, and he likes to bring people together socially.

He also uses words well and enjoys "painting pictures with words." Literature and poetry are likely to be pronounced interests of his.

Create your child's Kiddiegram report instantly online now!

Happy Birthday Leo Kids!

The Sun is in Leo from July 23rd to August 23rd this year, which means Mlle. Kiddie is much overdue to wish these lions and lionesses a happy birthday!

Leo children are playful and engaging. While Leo gets a reputation for wanting to be the center of attention, truly what a Leo child wants is to be seen and appreciated for who they are. This will often have them demonstrating what they've created, such as their art, or telling a funny joke, or showing mom and dad the story they drew or enact the skit they planned out. All signs can exhibit creativity in their own way, but for Leo, it's a way to let their light shine. Leo children want to know they are important and special to the ones they love.

Like Leo Mother, Like Leo Son Madonna's son Rocco is a Leo, born just 5 days before Madonna's own birthday. He's also got Mercury and Mars in the sign of Leo, all in his third house of communication, so he's definitely here to Express Himself! A Capricorn south node child, he may have been born with a certain mature edge, coming across as very grown up, so three planets in Leo should help him learn to let himself play and relax.

Jupiter, planet of optimistic vibes, is right on his Ascendant, so a positive outlook is always available to him, and it's in Gemini, which reinforces his third house planets: communicate and express yourself. Just let it rip! I think Madonna would approve.

Do you have a Leo kiddie in your life?

Treat their parents to a tailor-made Kiddiegram!

Leo Sun Kids
July 24 Bindi Irwin (Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin & Terri Raines)
July 25 Arthur Saint (Selma Blair & Jason Bleick)
August 2 Sawyer (Sara Gilbert)
August 5 Maddox (Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt)
August 8 Dylan (Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones)
August 10 Penelope Athena (Tina Fey &  Jeff Richmond)
August 10 Beau Lee (Emma Bunton & Jade Jones)
August 11 Rocco John (Guy Ritchie & Madonna)
August 13 Haven Garner (Jessica Alba & Cash Warren)
August 16 Greyson Chance (extraordinary child)
August 20 Gia Zavala (Lucy & Matt Damon)
August 21 Zuma Nesta Rock (Gavin Rossdale & Gwen Stefani)

Leo Moon Kids
Jan 3 Vida (Matthew McConaughey & Camila Alves)
Feb 26 Jackson Riley (grandson of Jim Carrey)
June 7 Honor Marie (Jessica Alba & Cash Warren)
June 15 Harper Renn (Tiffani Thiessen & Brady Smith)
June 18 Sam Alexis (Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren)


Image of Madonna is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license; credit: David Shankbone

'Grandpa Opie' Loves to Spoil Theo

Everyone knows grandparents spoil the grandkids, but mom and actress Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of director Ron Howard, sounds a little envious when she describes the things her 4-year-old son, Theo, gets away with over at grandpa's house:

“He’s just hellbent on completely spoiling [Theo]. I think that’s customary for grandparents, but it’s a little aggressive actually,” Bryce told Jay Leno, laughing.

"I never watched any television when I was growing up, and my parents kept me away from sweets and all that kind of stuff and I went over the other day — [Theo] spent the night at my parents’ house — and it was 8:30 in the morning and he was watching cartoons and stuffing his face with Oreos!"

Ron's nurturing style is represented by his Capricorn Moon, which feels comfortable providing rules, structure, and teaching responsibility, so it's no surprise that daughter Bryce was raised with the rules she mentioned. Ron would take the role of parenting very seriously in his quest to bring children up to be responsible adults. But as all grandparents learn, grandpa gets to have some fun when the pressure is off!

Grandpa Ron and Theo share a Venus connection--they both have Venus in mid to late Pisces, so there's plain-old 'like-ability' between them. Theo will probably charm Grandpa Ron easily. Theo's Mars is also right on Ron's moon, so he probably won't have much trouble getting his way by appealing to Ron's heart (Moon), since what Mars wants, Mars gets!

And apparently, Theo's Mars wants Oreos!


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Ron Howard Image licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license; credit: David Shankbone
Bryce Dallas Howard licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Genericgdcgraphic license; credit:

Spice Babies!

Emma Bunton, otherwise known as "Baby Spice," has a little Leo boy celebrating his 4th birthday this Wednesday, Beau.

With his accomodating Libra Ascendant, Beau can probably share the spotlight happily with his new baby brother, Tate, but his 4 planets in Leo reveal he'll probably be quite pleased to have an occasion where he gets to shine! Beau is sure a cutie. Check out this pic of he and his daddy, Jade Jones, at the Kung Fu Panda 2 premiere.

Happy Birthday, Beau! Here's a Spice Baby roundup to mark the occasion:

Geri Halliwell (middle), known as "Ginger Spice" has a 5-year-old Taurus girl named Bluebell Madonna.

Melanie Chisholm, a.k.a. "Sporty Spice" (left) has Pisces baby girl Scarlett, now 2-1/2.

Melanie Brown, called "Scary Spice" (second from right) has two daughters and another one on the way this month: 12-year-old Pisces Phoenix Chi and Aries Angel Iris, 4 years old.

It's two babies for "Baby Spice" Emma Bunton: (right) Leo Beau, almost 4 years old, and Taurus Tate, just 3 months old!

Victoria Beckham, "Posh Spice" (second from left), just welcomed new baby girl, Cancer Harper Seven, who has three older brothers: Pisces Brooklyn Joseph, Virgo Romeo James, and Pisces Cruz David.

And the Pisces' have it! Four of them in this "Spice"-y family: Scarlett, Phoenix, Brooklyn, and Cruz.


Image of Spice Girls is in Public Domain

Parenting with Astrology: Speech Development

Amy Herring has been a professional astrologer for 15 years and a proud mother for 6 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, Mlle. Kiddie would 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 any time to amy@heavenlytruth.com.

Stephanie writes:
My son Silas is almost 20 months and seems to be having a harder time than most children his age at verbally communicating his wants and needs. His pediatrician even suggested that we get him into speech therapy, just to help us help him and to ward off any negative behaviors. His father and I are already pretty sure he has ADD. He doesn't pay attention to me very well when I am trying to teach him new words, or he just smiles and nods his head and laughs.

He hasn't gotten really frustrated yet because I've been able to somewhat figure out what he wants. He definitely tries to talk, so he's not disinterested.

I was curious to know if there is any indication in his chart of any type of learning disabilities, and if so, what would be the best way to approach his personality type?

Amy answers:
For questions about communication and speech, Mercury tops the list. Silas' Mercury is in Capricorn in the 11th house, but most interesting at first glance is that it's conjunct his north node, which indicates that it represents part of his life's challenge and soul development. This can and will mean many things, such as learning to communicate with authority (Capricorn), and to let go of any fear or reluctance about sharing his opinions or making it known what he thinks (11th house=public), so there are rich possibilities for development throughout his life when it comes to how he expresses himself as he matures.

Consideration for the overall picture reveals his south node in Cancer in the 5th house, which indicates a potential desire to remain 'in the womb', so to speak, to have his needs taken care of and be sheltered enough to, well, stay young and protected, not having to do for oneself. His Capricorn north node indicates he's come to develop a sense of independence, and self-reliance, hence so many placements in his chart that indicate a need for freedom (such as Uranus in his first house of self, and three planets in freedom-loving Sagittarius). With Uranus prominent in his chart, he can probably be quite stubborn and independent.

In light of this south node, one thing you can do any time you are able is to be conscious of not enabling him by intuiting what he wants, something moms can be very good at, and something that's very instinctual to do, especially when they're still babies! It'll certainly be challenging for him, but without this necessity, he'll easily fall back on south node behaviors of having his needs provided for him.

You expressed concern about potential ADD, which I can't say is or isn't present, as that's for a professional to diagnose, but there are a couple of chart indicators that can sometimes be consistent with that possibility. His Sun and Moon are in Sagittarius and they are in a square to Uranus in Pisces, which is a difficult relationship (getting planets that square each other to work in harmony is challenging--they represent the points of inner tension and self-sabotage in us unless we work consciously with them). He is probably going to be interested in bigger ideas and concepts, tuning in more easily to intuition, sudden knowing, and may have a vulnerability to jumping to conclusions, as he's likely to have little patience for the nuts and bolts of boring things like fact-checking, sentence structure, and the like. ;) He has the makings of a sort of philosopher, though, if he can reign in his thought processes.

His outlook on and style of approaching the world is governed by his Pisces Ascendant, which tends to receive a wide variety of impressions and can sometimes get overloaded by the level of input. This can sometimes make concentration challenging as it he can get not only overloaded, but more easily distracted than some.

To take it down to practical terms, speech therapy, whether or not it's absolutely necessary, isn't a bad idea to assist him. Mercury (planet of communication and learning) is in the sign of Capricorn, and the sign Mercury falls in describes the nature and the method that's most ideal for the learning and communication process. Capricorn benefits from a structure and a clear set of rules and boundaries to understand what is expected. The structure will help him learn to reign himself in and communicate what he needs to, as well as give him the specific tools (sounds, for example) to focus on at this age. A more structured daycare program (as opposed to simple babysitting) may also provide this, although in a less-intensive manner than the one-to-one that speech therapy would provide.

As far as learning disabilities, I don't see anything in the chart that looks too extreme that would indicate severe problems. His Mercury, other than being on his north node and representing a bit of a soul 'learning curve' is otherwise unafflicted (not hampered by difficult aspects) for the most part, so his hurdles in this area shouldn't be gigantic or impossible to overcome. If ADD is present due to other factors I mentioned above, they no doubt can be managed.

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.