Childhood is a time filled with promise. A new life, fresh beginnings and — for parents and teachers — it’s the ultimate challenge. How many times have parents wondered why kids don’t come with instruction manuals? There’s a secret: they do!

Each person is born on a certain day at a special time and a certain spot on the surface of the globe. Astrologers use this information to chart the positions of the planets at the date, time and place of birth. At the birth moment, and when viewed from the birthplace, the pattern of the Sun, Moon and planets is something that will never be repeated in quite the same way. This unique pattern forms a person’s natal chart or horoscope.

The natal chart is a symbolic map of a person’s unique potentials, drives and needs. A sort of “cosmic guidebook,” it can give someone perspective on his or her own being, and it can also help others better to understand that person. The report that you are reading now is specially designed to help anyone who is raising or teaching a child. Unlike a regular horoscope interpretation, it shows how the symbolism of the chart is likely to work out during the earlier stages of human development, from babyhood to adolescence. Children change rapidly, and, in the process of becoming themselves, they need special love and guidance. Hopefully this report will give you a few hints and insights that will help you to appreciate this child’s unique qualities and help them to blossom as the child grows.

Please remember that everyone — including a child — has free will. So while an astrological report can give you some valuable information, it doesn’t indicate a fixed set of limited options. Of course, environment also has its influence, but by understanding the significant drives and needs represented by Drew’s chart, you can better appreciate her incomparability, and, hopefully, guide her to fulfill her potentials in the healthiest possible way.

Basic Underlying Personality Traits
Just as there are layers of personality, there are several layers in an astrological chart. The building blocks of the chart are the planets, signs and houses. You’ll see these terms scattered throughout this report. In a nutshell, the planets (plus the Sun and Moon) represent specific energies and drives. These drives each have a different purpose in the developing personality. The twelve signs of the zodiac represent qualities, characteristics and traits. The houses (the twelve divisions of the chart wheel or circle) symbolize the facets of a person’s life. In the drama of life, the planets represent the actors, the signs show the roles the actors play, (including their mannerisms, costumes and props), and the houses show the setting and scene of the play.

Drew’s Balance of Elements and Modes
There’s another layer, too. Each sign represents the energies of one of the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air or Water, and the way these elements are balanced in a birth chart reveals a great deal about the person’s basic personality. To find the balance of elements, we tally up the zodiacal signs of the Sun, Moon and other important points in the chart.

Water signs (such as Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces) score high, indicating that Drew could be particularly sensitive. At times, especially in her earliest years, you may see evidence that she’s uncomfortable around new people or in different environments.

The underlying cause is Drew’s sensitivity to “vibrations.” Everything alive has a kind of vibratory rate, and as a Water child, Drew is acutely aware of these vibrations. There’s also an ability to sense the underlying quality of emotionally charged situations. Watch out! Since strong Water can mean a high impressionability and even deceptiveness, it can easily conform to whatever (or whomever) is around.

Drew’s most notable personality trait, however, may be a strong tendency to nurture others and a keen sensitivity to the others’ feelings. Encouraging artistic or creative expression is helpful, particularly if this can be experienced as pure fun and not be a activity that is judged by others. Also, encouraging Drew to trust her intuitive sense of things will strengthen confidence and enhance creativity.

The least influential element in Drew’s chart turns out to be Fire. This suggests a tendency for Drew to feel less confident and outgoing. Learning from enthusiastic teachers can, of course, be helpful. But to instill a sense of faith and trust, it’s important to help Drew build a positive foundation. Teach Drew to look for joy, and find plenty of reasons to celebrate. Physical activity and challenges can be helpful, but the challenges need to be within the realm of the possible. If Drew learns what it feels like to meet these challenges, then hope and optimism will be built.

When an element is low or lacking there’s no reason to be highly concerned. You can, however, look for creative ways to help Drew compensate. Focusing on what the lack of Fire might mean for this child can prove beneficial. Do understand that an imbalance in elements should not be interpreted as an actual personality deficiency. Rather, it can indicate either a tendency to overcompensate or in some way to seek what is lacking. For example, as Drew matures, you might discover that she’s drawn to others who seem to possess the Fire qualities that seem to be lacking in her own chart.

Also, besides being one of the four elements, each sign is also Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable. These astrological modes (or action models) determine how a sign manifests its energy. In the case of Drew’s chart, there’s an emphasis on Mutable signs. This suggests that she is flexible and easily able to adapt. Developing objectivity and cooperation is important, but making final decisions or choosing sides can be really difficult. This fence-sitting can be just as torturous for her as it is for other people! Praise Drew for her versatility and teamwork, but watch for signals that indicate that she’s becoming manipulative or has fallen victim to exploitation by others.

Since Drew’s highest scores are in signs of the Water Element and the Mutable mode, she will most likely show a good deal of idealism and imagination. Mutable Water represents the idealistic, intangible side of life, so that spirituality, imagination, mysticism and romanticism may become a notable part of this child’s self-expression. She may have a heightened sensitivity to all levels of existence, be they spiritual, emotional, mental or physical.

In infancy, if Drew’s personal environment is calm and pleasant, she may seem especially peaceful. If her environment is boisterous, however, she will feel it more intensely than most children and may react with surprisingly strong signs of discontent. To help maintain this baby’s strong sense of inner peace, music is almost a necessity. The soothing sound of a lullaby can be just what she needs at the end of the day.

Also, encourage an early rapport with the physical substance of water. Bath time can be a treat, swimming may become a special joy, aquariums may be fascinating, and walks near a pond, lake or the ocean will feel wonderful to this child. As she grows, swimming, scuba diving or other aquatic sports may be good outlets.

As a toddler, Drew is likely to adore fairy tales and she may be mesmerized by stories of angels and other light beings. Encourage her imagination with dressing up and games of make-believe. It’s important, however, to illustrate the difference between pretend and real. Be especially sensitive when allowing Drew to watch movies or television, since she’s likely to react strongly to the images.

Toys should encourage Drew’s imagination and creativity. She will probably enjoy costumes, make-up and other role-playing aids, and beginning at age four or five may like drama, dance or singing lessons. Later on, she may favor video games. It’s important, however, to screen the content of these games for disturbing elements, and it may be necessary to limit the amount of time spent playing them.

Drew may have an interest in painting or photography, so a camera might be a welcome gift. Music education might include not only dance, but voice, string instruments or synthesizers. Also, growing exotic flowers or caring for tropical fish could become favorite hobbies.

Drew has an amazing ability to adapt to new situations. If she feels too afraid, however, her imagination can be so strong that she will withdraw inside herself. Explore fears and hopes openly, and lend your support and enthusiasm. Encourage young Drew to share her stories and fantasies. This will cultivate her imagination while maintaining a connection between the two of you.

The Moon Sign and Early Personality Development
Although most people are more familiar with the concept of the Sun sign, during the earliest years a child expresses the qualities of the Moon sign more. That’s because the Moon tells the story of feelings and pure emotion. So, during Drew’s early childhood you might see more qualities that relate to her Moon sign. Expressing the Sun requires more self-awareness, and that develops later.

As a baby, Drew may need plenty of time in somebody’s arms, since her security needs are extremely important. This powerful urge to feel protected and cuddled is indicated by Drew’s Moon in Cancer. A change in environment can feel threatening, so something that’s carried along will be emotionally stabilizing (she is likely to be the “blankie”-carrying toddler!). Later, Drew might be the one who takes care of the other kids in the family, or the one to whom friends turn for support.

Keep in mind that Drew is not a blank slate! Though these drives are basic ingredients in her developing personality, it is up to family and teachers to nourish and support these drives. In this way, they can help Drew to make the most of the special gifts that have been given to her.

The Sun Sign and Ego Development
The sign of Drew’s Sun will show how she might like to be perceived, what she needs in order to feel motivated toward achievement, and what makes her feel significant and special in the world. This aspect of a child’s personality tends to become more apparent after the earliest years, as the full expression of the ego takes some time to develop. However, even early on, Drew is likely to show at least some of the qualities of her Sun sign.

From the beginning, Drew’s Pisces Sun seems to radiate a quality of enchantment. There is a sensitivity that invites imagination. If given ample encouragement and the right environment, even a very young Piscean may seem musically or artistically inclined. Allowing Drew to use her imagination can prove to be purely delightful. This is fortunate, because free-flowing self expression is an important source of this child’s self-affirmation.

Of course, a Piscean child innately operates in the realm of what psychologists would call magical thinking. Therefore, illustrating the difference between what is real and what is imagined can be a challenge for the parent or teacher.

It is also quite conceivable that young Drew will cry easily and be extra-sensitive emotionally. It’s not a good idea to stifle this type of emotional expression. Instead, reaching out to comfort and console her can help affirm her feelings of safety and security. Especially by the elementary school years, exploring the problems that were hurtful can help her gain objectivity about what has happened.

During the preadolescent years especially, music, dance and the arts can be crucial to Drew’s intellectual and emotional development. During this period when a young identity is emerging, these types of expression can provide a secure backdrop for her to fit into the world.

How Drew Deals with the Outer World
Another prevailing quality that’s likely to emerge in Drew’s early years is shown by the astrological sign on her Ascendant, also known as the rising sign. The Ascendant and the First House will signify Drew’s physical appearance and how other people view her. Most of us have our self-image shaped by what other people tell us about ourselves. The Ascendant represents Drew herself, her basic attitudes, and how she presents herself to the world. It also shows what kind of environmental conditioning will shape her developing personality.

With Gemini rising, Drew’s key traits may be curiosity and perhaps a sense of mischief. There may be an impish quality about her, and distractions can be a problem in some situations. Talkativeness — sometimes incessant chattering — is another possible trait.

Nurturing Intellectual and Physical Development
Parents naturally watch for the signals that indicate a child’s intellectual and physical progress. From baby’s first words to performance in school, most parents note their child’s development and keep records. Not only parents, but also teachers and other mentors need to provide the stimuli that will strengthen the mental and physical development of a child. This will help the child to master the experience of learning.

There are many factors involved in intellectual development. These include memory, judicial thinking, decision-making, speculative thought, and creativity. They also include the ability to conceptualize and communicate, and to apply rational thought to real-world situations.

In order to be whole, a child must achieve a balance between the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual parts of the self. Only then can the power of the intellect be used to its utmost. Otherwise, the mental capacities are likely to be overemphasized or misdirected in order to compensate for underdevelopment in another area.

Drew’s Style of Absorbing Information
An important factor to consider in developing Drew’s intellect is the individual nature of her thought patterns. The Moon in Drew’s birth chart reveals the way that she will store her unique experiences in the vaults of her subconscious mind. Besides being the emotional storage-house, the Moon will also show the manner in which Drew absorbs information.

Drew’s Moon is in a Water sign, indicating a strongly impressionable consciousness and a tendency to have a photographic mind. Drew may enjoy imaginative and creative concepts the most, and (except, of course, for acting!) may find artistic expression easier than expression that is purely verbal.

The speed at which the Moon was moving when Drew was born also has something to say about her learning style. The Moon can move from less than 12 to more than 15 degrees per day. In Drew’s case, it was zipping along at faster-than-average speed. This suggests that it would be easy for her to grasp new ideas quickly and to retain them extremely well. You may even observe that she seems to have a steel-trap mind.

It’s important to help Drew to find a comfortable learning pace and environment, one that encourages her to make the best use of her mind. If a learning situation allows Drew to get bogged down — for example, if she has to slow her pace to wait for others to catch up — then she may become very frustrated. Give her a chance to take the lead and help others learn. It will occupy her time and energy, and it can also help build greater tolerance for those who are slower on the uptake.

How Drew Senses and Communicates
As a baby, Drew will start to explore and learn about her personal environment through her five senses. The senses are symbolized by Mercury. Over time, Drew will use these senses in an increasingly refined manner. As her mind gains the ability to integrate more and more information, her learning will increase. Drew’s Mercury shows how she communicates her thought patterns — how she frames concepts and expresses them to others.

The years of Mercury’s heightened developmental cycle are from ages seven to thirteen, when the connections between Drew and her world will be powerfully shaped. This is when a child masters language and refines communication skills. During these years Drew is likely to project the qualities of Mercurial energy with especial strength.

With Mercury in Aquarius, Drew tends to be blessed with an original mind, with ideas that will likely be rather unusual. She may seek out visual impressions first, and then go on to a deeper understanding. She can think in the abstract and will prefer learning things that are logical. She may also be interested in ideas that can benefit humanity.

With her Mercury in sextile aspect to Neptune, Drew has imaginative thinking capacities that can enhance her learning as well as make for comfortable relations with others. Even when the details are not yet clear, she can readily identify with the essence of what is being said. Symbolic and abstract learning may come easily to her; and so may foreign languages.

While this aspect indicates that that developing communicative skills may come naturally, it doesn’t necessarily add enthusiasm for learning. In fact, this child could have a lazy attitude when it comes to applying herself. She may try to get by with minimal effort in school — unless other factors provide stimulation.

Mercury in trine to Pluto can add great depth to Drew’s thinking. Parents and teachers may be surprised at the multidimensional quality of her mind. Writing and communicative abilities can be exceptional, and she may have an excellent ability to link material. It may, however, be later in her education before the full extent of these abilities is realized. Studies in history and science may provide an excellent opportunity for Drew to increase her intellect, and parents and teachers should encourage this child to explore a subject as thoroughly as possible.

Mercury’s location in the Ninth House can stimulate an early interest in self-expression and communication skills. Exploring and learning foreign languages can be a special boost to Drew’s intellectual growth. Writing, public speaking, debate and philosophy can also be of special interest. Travel may be fascinating, as can the study of history. In fact, travel may increase her learning capacity, and cultural interests can be an especially important way to increase Drew’s intellectual diversity.

Building Drew’s Confidence and Skills
The planet Jupiter supplies additional information about Drew’s learning styles and needs. At first, she’ll experience Jupiterian qualities through the encouragement of teachers and guides. Later, Jupiter will show how she expresses confidence, and what types of stimulation will build her learning skills.

With Jupiter in Pisces, Drew can be very idealistic. This idealism can extend to teachers and to the educational process itself. Early on, she may be fascinated by anything mystical and fantastic, and may appreciate the beauty of philosophy. Drew’s ability to grasp and retain information can be very much affected by the learning atmosphere.

Whenever you’re dealing with intellectual development, it’s helpful to keep in mind that encouragement and testing are two different things. Small children don’t like to be tested — life is enough of a test for them! They do enjoy learning, but need to be encouraged to learn at their own pace. Finding that pace is one of the primary tasks of parents and teachers. Watch for signs that tell you when Drew is comfortable with a situation, and ready to push beyond it. Then stimulate that expression by setting fresh goals and opportunities to learn and to develop her mind.

Finding Fun and Encouraging Physical Development
There are many factors in an astrological chart that can indicate needs in regard to physical health. However, I feel that specific health strengths and weaknesses and their care are best dealt with using refined astrological techniques beyond the scope of this report.

One feature of childhood that we can explore here is where to find play and recreational activities that Drew would benefit from and enjoy. The planet Mars represents physical energy — the fuel that’s needed to keep the physical engine running. The placement of Mars in Drew’s chart gives helpful clues about her preferences for play and activity, including sports and achieving physical fitness.

With Mars in the Eighth House, Drew may have unusually ample energy reserves. She will enjoy activities that help build strength, skill and a sense of control over her body. Endurance sports and activities that require focus can be especially appealing.

Drew’s favorite forms of recreation and sports could include snow skiing and ski-jumping, mountain climbing, rock climbing, hiking, running (especially marathons), figure skating, endurance sports or tai chi.

Drew has a connection from Mars to Jupiter. She can seem like a speed demon — even on trikes and bikes — and may be accident-prone. While this connection increases self-confidence and a willingness to try new things, there can be a tendency to ignore limitations or even to push far past them. There can also be a laziness about working hard to develop excellence, and this can result in her being overly confident and under-prepared. However, if the reward is important enough and this child is taught to respect limitations and rules, she has tremendous potential for developing physical prowess.

Embracing Emotional Drives and Needs
At different stages and ages, Drew will be developing different parts of herself. One reason why childhood astrology is different from adult astrology is that a child is in the process of becoming. Anyone who’s been around children knows that at some stages of development a child is especially susceptible or emotionally vulnerable, and that these needs and sensibilities change as a child matures. A baby struggles each day to deal with a difficult-to-control body, but a child in elementary school is struggling to master social relationships. Each of the planets represents a different emotional need and expression, and at certain stages of development some planetary symbols become more emotionally charged than others.

Drew’s chart illustrates her own potential emotional strengths and weaknesses, and the areas in her life where she may feel more vulnerable. It is important to explore these concepts through a lens of objectivity, since when dealing with our children’s psychological and emotional issues we’re likely to run into our own issues as well.

Drew’s Basic Emotional Makeup
Drew’s most powerful emotional needs are symbolized by the Moon. While the Moon is the primary indicator of early psychological development, its emotional needs remain with a person throughout life, continually growing and evolving.

The Moon symbolizes the reflective nature of humanity, the absorbing, subconscious mind that reflects the needs of the soul. Even as a baby, Drew will have had a strong inner awareness of what is happening. As she grows, she’ll absorb more information and store it in her subconscious mind. Deeper awareness of her feelings will also grow.

The Moon is also the matrix from which habit patterns emerge, and so it indicates basic patterns of conditioning. These patterns are drawn from life experiences and filtered through the qualities of the Moon.

Additionally, the Moon symbolizes Mother and whoever else provides nurture, comfort and security. Mother and these other figures provide the model for how Drew will nurture and care for others, and - perhaps even more basically important - how this child will learn to nurture herself.

With her Moon in Cancer, Drew is emotionally sensitive, with a strong attachment to mother, home and family. As a baby, Drew won’t want to see Mother go anywhere without her. Apron strings were invented for the Cancer Moon! As Drew grows, she may feel a strong need to nurture or take care of others. Provide plenty of “babies” in the form of dolls, pets, plants and, if possible, smaller children. If there are no younger siblings, relatives and neighbors can suffice.

The position of Drew’s Moon in the Second house creates a kind of vulnerability in her feelings of personal worth. As she grows, she may be especially sensitive as she develops self-esteem. Also, it’s easy for Drew to become possessive about both people and objects. Material things can become especially important to her. Early on, she needs to learn that there is a difference between the value of a person and the value of things.

Since the Moon and Mars are in opposition in Drew’s chart, she may have a tendency to feel at war with herself. Since frustration levels can reach a peak very quickly, her toddler years may be filled with outbursts of temper. Patience will be a trying lesson. As Drew grows into early social relationships, she may stir up trouble between friends if she has been hurt or feels insecure. Drew needs to be provided with healthy and positive outlets for her feelings, and as she matures will benefit from learning good sportsmanship.

Drew may seem especially content, since the Moon in trine to Jupiter adds a kind of pleasantness to the personality and heightens a person’s sense of faith and confidence that things will always work out. It can indicate an especially comfortable relationship with the Mother, and a sense that Mother is readily available when attention and comfort are needed.

The primary pitfall of this aspect is the potential for low motivation. Instead of feeling that she needs to make an effort, Drew may tend to rely on things simply falling into place. Through her usually confident and optimistic attitude, however, she can frequently turn difficult situations around!

Drew’s Moon in conjunction with Saturn indicates a strong need for security, consistency and confirmation. There can be a serious nature to Drew’s personality, causing adults to think that she’s capable of taking on more responsibility than her young years would indicate. While Drew may rise to the occasion, saddling her with too much too soon can result in a feeling that her childhood has been lost. It’s important that Drew knows that it’s okay to be a child and that she isn’t personally responsible for everything that happens around her. This aspect can also indicate a very powerful bond with family and especially with Mother, so that Drew identifies very strongly with her.

Drew’s Developing Sense of Self
The development of individuality and a sense of identity is tied to the energy of the Sun, which is a major factor in determining “Who am I?” This radiance of Self will begin to emerge once Drew has developed enough mastery over basic bodily functions to start paying more attention to the outside world. It will really become focused once she’s relating to others on a more frequent basis, especially during her school years.

Drew has the Sun in Pisces, which is described under “The Sun Sign and Ego Development” in Chapter One of this report. However, there are additional factors that color Drew’s expression and development of her Sun energies.

The Sun in trine aspect to Uranus indicates that Drew has a real potential to develop her special qualities and abilities, and to feel good about standing out from the crowd. Though she could tend to take unusual or special supports for granted, she will benefit from an environment that caters to these abilities.

There can be a kind of ingenious quality about Drew’s personality. As early as elementary school years, she may show her ability to put her unique stamp on creative endeavors. During teen years, when children break free psychologically from parents, Drew may be able to direct her rebellion quite positively instead of feeling the need to overturn all structures.

How Drew Expresses Her Inner Feelings
Most of us are more comfortable if we can talk about our emotional experiences to someone special. A child needs to feel that it’s okay to share feelings and ideas, and that she can talk with her parents about anything. Children who aren’t given opportunities to communicate their emotional needs can develop problems communicating almost everything else.

The planet Mercury represents how we communicate. Though it isn’t traditionally linked with the emotions, its role in the expression of feelings is highly important. Mercury’s function in our lives is to link internal processes to the external world, and one of the most important links is sharing emotions.

Drew’s connection between Mercury and Neptune stimulates a need to reach into imaginative realms. For her, imaginative stories and ideas are never lacking. While magical thinking is part of childhood and should be encouraged, Drew may not like it when fantasy and reality collide! Parents can appreciate Drew’s imaginings and listen attentively to the tall tales, but they need to encourage her to tell the truth when relating actual events. If left uncorrected, those cute little “stories” told at age five can give Drew the impression that she can lie without being caught. This could lead to socially unacceptable behavior later on. Parents and family may need gently to eradicate certain childhood myths, but it’s also important that they teach Drew that imagination can be a very good thing.

With Mercury and Pluto connected in her chart, Drew may feel a compelling urgency about expressing her thoughts. This is helpful when solving mysteries or doing scientific research, but it can make honest emotional communication difficult. When there is communication, it can be irritatingly manipulative. There is also the possibility of complete silence if Drew doesn’t want to communicate. One reason could be that Drew may sometimes feel that keeping a secret is important. This could come from a fear that telling all would undermine her power.

Parents can help Drew understand that sharing ideas and feelings can actually enhance her command of the situation. But be careful: this child may have an intellectually ruthless attitude toward herself, and may feel assaulted if her ideas or thoughts are harshly criticized.

Also, it’s important for Drew to learn to accept changes in attitudes and ideas. Learning to allow others to have different ideas will go a long way toward assuring that she will be have a positive influence as an adult.

Loving and Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is another important part of Drew’s psychological makeup. This is described by Venus. Throughout life, in order to encourage growth on every level, including the growth of self-esteem, a person needs the Venusian energy of love from others. Venus also rules value systems in general, as well as artistic expression (which is itself an important emotional outlet).

Selfish behavior can be Venusian, too. In earliest years, Venus may show up mainly as Drew’s particular expression of selfishness. As Venus energy evolves, she will develop her capacity to share. After about age four, you’ll see Venus expressing in a more outgoing manner, when she may finally want to give something to another person. The full involvement of Venusian development comes during the teen years, when falling in love becomes a reality.

Through her Venus in Pisces, Drew is tenderhearted and will love sinking into a warm cuddle during story time. She may enjoy dance and play-acting. Later on, music and art may be more to her liking than math or history. Even in early childhood, Drew can learn to enjoy doing nice things for others. She is likely to show a special sensitivity in situations calling for extra care and concern.

A connection from Venus to Jupiter tends to give Drew a strong desire to relate to others, and a great need to be generous. The expectations of others may be a problem, however, and so she will benefit by practicing the art of unconditional love.

Also, Drew may have great difficulty setting limits on what she wants. If her wishes aren’t fulfilled, her disappointment may lead to acting-out behavior. Ultimately, parents need to teach her that it’s unlikely that anyone will have everything that he or she wants all at once.

Assertiveness and Anger
We’ve already looked at Drew’s Mars as an indicator of her level of physical energy and its best avenues for expression. Mars will also play a major part in describing her basic emotional nature.

The assertive, active, and fiery qualities of Mars show up early in a child’s development, making themselves really obvious during the period called “the terrible twos.” Sometimes, when Drew is upset or hurt, her Mars will surface as anger. At other times, her Mars will show up as an attempt to test limits. Testing limits is a natural part of development, and every parent hopes that the child will be safe during those times. In adolescence, a child’s Mars may also show up as the assertive side of sexuality.

Parents face a tremendous challenge in helping a child to understand, accept and deal with this raw energy. Mars’ energy needs to be released in healthy ways, or it will surface as aggression and hostility. Parents need to teach a child that anger is a normal feeling. The important thing for a healthy adjustment in life is the way that the anger is channeled and expressed. If misdirected, the expression of Mars can be destructive and hurtful. However, as Drew learns to direct her need to be assertive and strong, she will begin to feel an increasing sense of confidence, courage and personal power.

Mars in Capricorn gives Drew’s energy a self-contained quality. In unfamiliar circumstances, Drew may show caution or even fearfulness. She may first resist, then later cooperate. Drew craves consistency. Through practice and focus, she may develop exceptional physical skills. To Drew, self-discipline represents a kind of control and power that is appealing. Ultimately, self-mastery may become a personal objective. It is very important for her to learn to set and develop realistic goals. Since rules tend innately to make sense to Drew, she’ll enjoy situations where she can be the one who defines the rules or boundaries.

Mars making a healthy sextile aspect with Jupiter may make Drew seem quite easygoing, and it enhances her self-confidence. She is likely to enjoy competitive situations and may welcome challenges that allow her to prove herself. Identifying and setting limits may, however, turn out to be a challenge. Until Drew learns about specific limitations in different situations, she may get into trouble by jumping into things too soon.

Also, there is a tendency for Drew to fall into the assumption “If I really want it, I can have it.” While that may be true, putting forth the effort is another story! Drew may learn to exert only minimal effort and then expect that someone or something will come along to make up the difference if needed. If Drew can learn to couple consistent effort with discipline and focus, her abilities can quickly take her to the top.

Developing Drew’s Uniqueness
To find out how the qualities of ingenuity, rebellion and personal uniqueness are likely to surface in Drew’s personality, we look to the planet Uranus. While these traits may be evident in a very young child, they often don’t come out until teenage years, when young people most tend to rebel against the status quo.

Drew’s Uranus in the Fifth House indicates that she’ll need to express a unique form of creativity. Unusual art forms, innovative music and inventive games will be part of her creative and recreational needs. Going along with this, there may be relationships with unusual people, especially during teen and early adult years.

Because Uranus spends about seven years in each sign, its sign is likely to be the same for all or most of the children in Drew’s age group. While the signs of the slow-moving planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto don’t give much information about individual children, they do give valuable insights into the generation into which the child was born. Looking at earlier generations can be instructive, because themes that crop up in one generation tend to reappear in succeeding generations when a planet returns to the same sign. In the case of Uranus, the next entry into the same sign takes place about 84 years later.

Drew’s age group has Uranus in Scorpio. During the 20th century, Uranus was in this sign from 1975 to 1981. These children became the young adults who entered society in the new millennium. At an early age they had been challenged to deal with issues of sexuality, violence and death at level of intensity that many adults may have felt was premature. With astrology, one thing we grow to realize is that everything has its time. Drew and her generation are destined to challenge the stereotypes and barriers of past generations in order to develop truly awakened attitudes about life-and-death issues including human sexuality. This age group was born in time to create new ideas, laws and social institutions around issues like cloning, family planning, abortion, genetic engineering and sexual preferences.

Hidden Emotional Currents
The energies of the planet Pluto may also be significant in Drew’s emotional life. Because Pluto represents our deepest reservoirs of emotional energy, its qualities are not usually openly expressed in childhood. However, when Pluto connects to a major astrological point like the Sun, Moon, Ascendant or Midheaven, Pluto’s profound level of emotional and transformational energy will be easier to see, even in a child’s early years.

It’s virtually impossible, however, for a child to direct an awareness of this energy. This is because the personal self must be well-developed before knowledge of this esoteric plane of consciousness can awaken. In fact, most adults have difficulty with this part of themselves! Although generally the energy of Pluto isn’t consciously expressed during the childhood years, it may be unconsciously felt. Pluto can represent deep-seated anxieties or fears that are, for lack of a better description, absorbed into the psyche.

The house that Pluto is in signifies the area of life where you can help Drew get in touch with a need for healing and transformational change. Drew’s Pluto in the Fourth House can indicate a deep sense of connection to family and tradition. However, this placement also suggests the potential for a fear of abandonment and a sense that one’s security base can be destroyed at any moment. Any major changes in family in the early years would have a deep impact on Drew’s psyche, so that she would need extra-special attention and care.

Pluto takes nearly 250 years to make a complete circuit of the zodiac, and so its sign tells more about the transformational influence that Pluto will have on Drew’s whole generation. Her generation was born when Pluto was in Libra, which occurred in recent centuries from 1972 to 1984. Those born during these years may feel a special challenge to break down societal barriers concerning human relationships. They arrived at a time when the concepts of dysfunctional families and relationships, co-dependency, and other previously denied relationship patterns were brought into the open light of understanding. This generation therefore bears the burden of what has happened as these levels of awareness have been brought to the surface. On a personal level, Drew may feel responsible for renewing the institution of marriage based on the Libran qualities of balance and equality. Also, as they come into power, this generation may make historically significant alterations in the legal system.

Expressing Emotions in the World
We’ve already talked about the Ascendant as the window-dressing or mask of the personality. At a more fundamental level, the Ascendant is the interface through which the inner person meets the outer world. Therefore, to learn more about how Drew expresses her emotional self, we should also look at whatever planets connect with her Ascendant.

Jupiter’s square to Drew’s Ascendant adds an enthusiastic and adventurous quality to the personality. There’s also, however, a tendency to go past limits — running too fast, thinking about one thing while doing another, or overindulging in anything, including food.

The extra-sensitive quality of Drew’s personality may be amplified because Neptune opposes the Ascendant. Drew may sometimes feel invisible, and can find it difficult to make her needs known. Positive outlets for this Neptune contact include acting, music and the other arts.

The Direction of Emotional Flow
Yet another factor that influences the emotional expression of a planet is whether it was traveling forward through the zodiac as it usually does, or appearing to move backward, as planets sometimes appear to do when they are viewed from the earth. When a planet is traveling backward, or “retrograde,” it usually takes on a more inward expression.

Trusting inner security is a primary lesson for any child who, like Drew, was born with a retrograde Saturn. Questions about her own personal safety could cause her excessive anxiety, worry or fear when she faces new situations.

Also, having Saturn retrograde may at first make it difficult for her to learn Saturn’s lessons of structure, direction, discipline, and the setting of priorities. Drew may innately mistrust authority, or have problems relating to the parent who provides this structure in the early years. That parent might be inaccessible to Drew, perhaps because he or she is absent, constantly working, or emotionally distant. In such a case, Drew would need to learn to go within to achieve her own sense of structure, direction and personal discipline.

Affirmations that confer a sense of confidence, achievement and personal strength can be powerful tools for this child. Once her sense of self-doubt is overcome, Drew has the potential to become remarkably self-disciplined and focused. Pianist Van Cliburn, actor Sean Connery, dancer⁄actress Leslie Caron and singer Dionne Warwick were all born with Saturn retrograde.

Since Uranus is retrograde in her chart, Drew’s sense of uniqueness and individuality may be strongly accentuated, and she may have a powerful urge to break free of all forms of restriction to achieve true personal freedom. She possesses a knowledge that inner freedom must exist before external freedom can be achieved. So as not to feel out of step with everyone else, however, Drew will need acknowledgment of her uniqueness.

Many individuals born with Uranus retrograde have achieved positive recognition for their special talents. Some examples are Sir Winston Churchill, Johnny Carson, Katharine Hepburn and Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Pluto spends about half of each year in retrograde motion, and so a retrograde Pluto such as Drew’s is quite common. Drew needs to understand her sense of personal power in relationship to other people and situations. Parents and teachers can assist in this process by finding positive role-models for power. Superheroes may be fascinating, but a real hero will be more effective. Developing honesty will aid Drew in developing trust in herself.

Fostering Creativity and Spirituality
Children seem to be inherently connected to spiritual awareness and expression. Their joy in the daily discoveries of life can be infectious, and a child’s sense of wonder can bring light into everyone’s life.

A child needs very little encouragement to seek truth and embrace a sense of the divine. But it’s necessary to support this natural connection, because this can make all the difference in the child’s ability to trust herself. One of the most significant ways to help Drew awaken and touch Spirit is to foster her creativity. It’s not necessary for her to be a consummate artist, but she needs room to experiment with her creative self. The astrological factors that will particularly support her expression of spirituality and creativity include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Neptune.

The Link from the Inner Self
In addition to being associated with education and development of the intellect, the planet Mercury plays an important role in self-expression. This is because Mercury links ideas and concepts from the inner self to the outside world. Mercury’s position in the zodiac can suggest the creative outlets and mediums that are most suitable for a given child.

To develop Drew’s Mercury-in-Aquarius style of creativity in early years, you can encourage artistic play with models, kits or toys that inspire her to create unusual objects or designs. Even at an early age, Drew may show a fascination with computers and electronic gadgets. She may also enjoy designing and building, at first with blocks and perhaps later by creating plans and then turning them into something (a young architect, perhaps?). To enhance her design skills, she may want to use computers to make or alter pictures. She may have a particular fascination with planets and space travel. Music can also be fun, especially manipulating sound using computers, electronic keyboards or synthesizers.

Creative Expression and Artistry
Venus, which is traditionally connected with art, is of course another important part of Drew’s creativity. Venus represents beauty, an inner quality that every child needs to feel, identify and express. Venus also represents a means by which Drew can experience and express her feelings. While the Moon represents feelings, Venus can give voice and material expression to them.

Since Drew has Venus in Pisces, she will be drawn to creative activities that enable her to exercise a highly sensitive imagination. Bedtime stories can form a foundation for developing skills in story-telling or dramatic stage presentation later on. Not only is Drew apt to find these fun, they may also provide her with valuable opportunities to distinguish between real and pretend.

Music will be especially important to Drew. Along with talents for singing or playing instruments like harp, guitar or electronic synthesizer, she may have a special love of dance. On stage, she could enjoy anything from acting and singing to makeup, costume design, and set decoration. Mime or ventriloquism might also be fun. Artistic talents should be encouraged early, so keep art supplies handy at all times. Drew may show an interest in painting, or even in animation Whatever expressions are considered, the important thing is to encourage Drew to explore those that feel good to her heart.

In addition, Drew’s Venus is in the Tenth House, which indicates a desire to develop an artistic career, or at least have some public display of her artistic talents. To encourage these talents, approval from family and teachers is very important for this child. She may also have a gift for directing the efforts of others.

Venus-Jupiter aspects confer confidence, especially when they are harmonious and flowing. With her Venus-Jupiter conjunction, Drew will have a desire to gain attention, and will truly appreciate praise. She may have a strong talent for writing or public speaking, and may love to read and travel.

Drew may attract the support of gifted teachers and may be easily inspired by a teacher or other mentor. Drew herself can also be a positive supporter of others. This is a helpful connection to find in the chart of a cheerleader (and later, an agent or attorney).

Inspiration and Enthusiasm
The expansive energy of Jupiter takes Drew beyond purely self-centered awareness and encourages her to reach out and expand her personal universe. Jupiter brings a desire to grow, to broaden one’s horizons, to feel adventure and joy. Through Jupiter, Drew can begin to exercise her sense of hope and vision, and her generosity and enthusiasm. Most important, when she’s in touch with Jupiter, Drew is inspired.

The earliest awareness of Jupiter deals primarily with the concepts of sharing, positive thinking, enthusiasm and hope for reward. It’s generally not until elementary school and preteen years that a child develops enough cognitive skill to manifest Jupiter’s philosophical side. Moral questions flow through the realm of Jupiter, and learning higher principles from inspiring teachers and mentors is another way that this energy can take form in later childhood. While Jupiter gives the potential for exploring religious teachings and developing a personal philosophy, this may take a lifetime to develop. Jupiter is a function of the higher mind, the part of our consciousness that can connect with the Divine. During childhood, Drew is likely to express Jupiter mainly through endless questions and by feeling a natural wonder about universal principles and a Higher Power.

Jupiter’s placement in Drew’s Tenth House indicates that she will have a strong need to learn about morality through role models. Teachers and parents will be lasting models for spiritual leadership. Drew’s enthusiasm for any value systems will be directly related to the type of response that she receives during formative years from parents and other authorities in areas ranging from religious ideologies to political philosophies. In order to understand that one belief system doesn’t necessarily make a person any better than others, it’s crucial that she be given permission to explore ideals different from those of her “origins.”

Dreams and Imagination
Then, there’s the world of imagination, which is largely ruled by Neptune. What child isn’t a master of make-believe? Drew should be encouraged to use her imagination and to trust her dreams, since these, too, are an important part of reality. It’s important, though, to teach her to identify the difference between real and imaginary worlds. This can be quite a job, but it’s an important lesson for a child to learn.

The sensitivity that Neptune bestows also allows Drew to connect with parts of the spiritual, nonphysical realm. Neptune can be an expression of divine compassion, something that needs special support and nourishment during childhood. Drew can be taught to express this through charity. A child taught to give to others less fortunate is definitely a blessed child.

For clues about the best ways to engage Drew’s imagination, what she likes to dream about, and the areas of life where she’s most likely to exercise compassion toward others, we look to the house where Neptune is placed in her chart. Drew’s Neptune in the Sixth House brings a special sensitivity toward care-taking. She could be the neighborhood bird rescuer, or might enjoy chances to do something for a sick friend. Activities suited for Drew’s type of imagination include developing drawing skills, using a video camera, and getting into the creative flow by playing a musical instrument. More than most, Drew will like to puther imagination to work in practical ways.

Neptune’s sign speaks for Drew’s whole generation. Drew was born into the age group that has Neptune in Sagittarius, which occurred in the 20th century from 1970 to 1984. This generation entered adulthood at the beginning of a new millennium. They grew up in an era when a more widespread knowledge of different religions and ideals was being countered by a resurgence of orthodoxy and fundamentalism. Part of this generation’s collective psyche is an awareness of heightened terrorism stemming from perceived insults to radical religious groups. Since Neptune’s energy can help to dissolve barriers and locate the higher thread of any principle, this generation is likely to have a profound influence on the way the media present information and expose the truth.

How Drew Will See Her Parents
Guess what? You can tell how Drew is likely to see her parents or other primary caregivers by looking at her own chart. Understanding how Drew perceives Mom and Dad can be especially helpful, since what Drew hopes to see and needs to experience from her parents forms the basis of her own sense of self. In this chapter we’ll look at Drew’s own personal view of mother and father figures, as well as of authority figures in general.

Projection is a key factor in human psychology. To better understand this concept, think of a movie projector, which shows an image against a screen. In human psychology, the process of projection works much the same way. When Drew feels happy, the world looks bright, too. But if Drew is physically or emotionally low, her view of the world changes accordingly.

In their relationships with others, both children and adults will project their feelings and perceptions onto other people. The undeveloped aspects of the self are projected onto others usually as a means of “seeing” one’s own feelings or needs. In other words, by projecting her needs onto the people in her personal environment, Drew is actually experiencing herself.

Sometimes the other people are reasonable targets for those projections. This is especially true if the connections are tied up with emotional or other commitments. For example, Mother represents the inner feminine self for boys and girls alike. A child looks to Mother as the person who will reflect his or her own nurturing, feminine needs.

Drew may, however, see things in Mother that Mother doesn’t recognize in herself. It makes no difference whether Mother sees herself in this light. Drew holds these particular perceptions of Mother because Mother is a projection screen for Drew’s inner needs for security. As Drew matures into adulthood, the way she views her mother will determine how she’ll play a nurturing and mothering role toward others.

How Drew Will See Mother
Drew’s view of the mother figures in her life is shown by the placement of her Moon. A Moon in Cancer suggests that Drew will see her mother as the ultimate Mom, “the best Mom in the world.” While nurturing and protective, Mom could also, however, sometimes feel overbearing or smothering to this child.

A difficult connection between Moon and Mars brings a possibility that Drew’s feelings of anger often may be projected upon Mother. If Mother has difficulty expressing anger, then Drew will feel a strong inner frustration with her own angry feelings. Especially if Drew has a basically angry temperament, she will need Mother’s example in order to find positive ways to direct that anger.

In addition, a strongly flowing Moon-Jupiter connection suggests the image of a mother who encourages her child to expand and grow — perhaps a bit too much. (“Now, eat everything on your plate!”) This expansion also involves Drew’s moral sense, which is likely to be modeled after her mother’s. Drew looks to Mother for confidence and optimism, and may see her as the ultimate spiritual teacher.

A problematic contact from the Moon to Saturn adds a sense of separation or alienation from the mother. This frequently occurs in the charts of first-born children whose mothers were just learning about the responsibilities and restrictions that motherhood brings. If Mother fails to take full responsibility for her own job as a parent, Drew will be likely to develop a kind of resentment that can result in emotional separation. If Drew feels that Mother isn’t providing for her fundamental needs, she may seek a substitute for the nurturing quality that she feels to be lacking. Drew may feel that she has to grow up too soon and take on major responsibilities earlier than her peers.

This Moon-Saturn aspect could also mean that Drew perceives Mother as tremendously judgmental, and feels guilty when she cannot meet the high standards that Mother seems to require. It’s important that Mother avoids leaving the impression that Drew must be “perfect” in order to be loved or accepted. She must make a special effort to allow this child to have shortcomings as well as virtues.

Drew’s parents need to be especially alert to situations that could be emotionally difficult for her. For example, if there’s a crisis, move or other significant change that could compromise this child’s sense of emotional security, Mother may have to go the extra mile to reassure Drew that everything will be okay and that she is safe.

It’s also crucial for Mother to be aware of the manner in which she uses discipline. She needs to keep specially in mind that if disciplinary measures are inappropriate for the situation, they’re likely to create emotional damage.

How She Will See Father
Perceptions of her father and other male nurturing figures are mainly symbolized by the placement of the Sun in Drew’s chart. The Sun, the primary masculine energy in astrology, is also described as a person’s sense of self. A true sense of self is very limited in a young child, who is unlikely to “own” these qualities until the preteen years or later. Nevertheless, the development of self may be strongly tied to the initial relationship with the father and, later, to interactions with other significant male figures. If these important people in her early life are supportive and consistent, Drew will come to feel that her own individuality is reliable and strong.

With her Sun in Pisces, Drew may see Dad as a somewhat mystical figure, someone who embodies the qualities of spirituality, imagination and tolerance. Drew may also tend to over-idealize Dad or the other male figures in her life. More than most children, she needs to share experiences with Dad that inspire her to feel good about being part of the world.

Drew’s Sun in the Tenth House will tend to make Father seem especially important. Dad’s role within the family may command great respect, at least from Drew. More than most, this child needs to experience Dad’s positive leadership and guidance in order to discover her identity in the world.

Drew’s Sun-Uranus connection could mean that she sees her father as aloof or unreliable. Alternatively, she may see Dad as independent, exceptional, or even eccentric. Dad may be viewed as someone who lives beyond the limitations and structures of society and who offers a different view of life from the norm. Drew may see her father as a model so unique that she herself feels that she could never fit into it. When given an opportunity to prove her own uniqueness to Father, Drew will require positive reinforcement for her talents and abilities. Then she should be able to feel confidence in her own individuality.

Authority Figures and Stabilizing Influences
Another important need that children have is for solidity, structure and safety — and most children look to their parents to establish this for them. Though Drew will learn about these eventually, as a small child she won’t be capable of understanding the ways of the world, nor will she understand the need for limits. It’s up to parents and teachers to set these limits and expose her to the rules of life. These rules, tests and structures are shown in her chart by Saturn.

Many children are anything but delighted at the prospect of being “responsible” — that’s what adults are supposed to be, not kids! Therefore, especially in childhood, Saturn energy may much of the time feel judgmental and limiting. Nevertheless, Saturn brings the discipline, structure, stability and relationship to tradition that every child needs.

Saturn will show how Drew needs to be stabilized and what she requires in terms of a sense of safety and security. Male and female parents, as well as teachers, can provide this stabilizing function in her life. The placement of Drew’s Saturn will also show how she will relate to other authority figures and to authority in general.

Drew’s Saturn in Cancer suggests a powerful need for family ties. This child has a special desire to see her parents as true providers of emotional security and a clear sense of home, stability and meaningful traditions. She is likely to think of the parental structure as representing an ideal.

Her Saturn being in the First House adds a desire for confirmation of the self. Drew therefore has a strong need for positive acknowledgment from parents and teachers. Also, since she will look especially to her parents to understand how to handle responsibility, it’s important that her parents show consistency.

As Drew moves through the various stages of childhood, she will be able to take all the qualities and expressions that she once saw through others, and incorporate them into herself. The examples that Drew observes may become the pattern for her own self-expression. In some instances, however, she may see something that isn’t worth emulating. That, too, can be a part of her learning process. During her childhood, Drew will have a grand opportunity to experiment and learn — hopefully while under the protective guidance of a loving family.

Conclusion
Here we’ve looked at the building blocks for the person who will become Drew as an adult. Childhood is a critical time because its vestiges remain throughout a person’s life. To some degree, these fragments will play a role in her personal creativity, career choices and life path for many years to come.

I hope that this look at Drew’s astrological chart has enlarged your understanding of the unique gifts, needs, problems and potentialities that she’s brought with her into this lifetime. Perhaps by reading it you will have gained some insights that will enable you to further her chances of having a happy and fulfilling life, and of growing into the person she was meant to be.

An Afterword from Gloria Star
Whether you’re looking into the life of a child dear to your heart, or recalling your own childhood through the lens of this report, it’s always interesting to explore what astrology illuminates.

I’ve been a professional astrologer since 1975. My first book, Optimum Child (Llewellyn, 1987), came from a desire to show parents that exploring their child’s astrological chart could be tremendously helpful during the challenges they would face. This book was based on observation of hundreds of children and many years of feedback. Since I wrote those first notes, I’ve had a chance to continue my research in this area, resulting in an expanded and revised book titled Astrology & Your Child (Llewellyn, 2000). That book gave rise to the observations in this report.

I’ve written other books, too. Among them, Astrology: Woman to Woman (Llewellyn, 1999) is especially for and about women. Instead of insisting that my readers try to figure out how astrology might apply to their lives, I prefer to write about real-life experience, and then bring astrology into this realm.

I love to travel, and teaching astrology in lectures and workshops both at home and abroad has provided a marvelous opportunity for me. Thousands of astrological charts later, I realize that I’m still learning! That’s one reason I love this subject — there’s no end to what you can discover.