How many times have you heard parents exclaim: “I cannot understand how my two children came from the same family – they are so different!”
To those of us who understand astrology, this comment comes as no surprise. It simply confirms that each one of our children is born with his or her own unique blueprint that begins to manifest immediately after birth. Our job as parents and teachers is to enable each child to fulfill the seed potential within them.
Astrology is a wonderful tool to empower adults to the see the child for who he or she really is. We have a birth chart, the soul’s blueprint, allowing us the beautiful gift of guidance should we choose it. Imagine if parents and educators were to use astrology in a helpful and responsible way to maximize a child’s potential. A new paradigm in child rearing would certainly occur!
Astrology would find an important application in childhood education. For example, the planet Mercury represents thoughts, ideas and the mental process in general. Mercury describes the myriad aspects of schooling, such as study habits, concentration and communication style. The sign, house placement in the horoscope, and natal aspects of Mercury in the birth chart reveal great insight and depth into these specific areas among others.
Let’s take a look at how Mercury’s energy is expressed through the different zodiac signs. A child may be born with the winged messenger planet in one of 12 zodiac signs from Aries to Pisces:
A Mercury in Aries child thinks and speaks impulsively and quickly. He will be direct, assertive and tend to learn quickly in a more active environment. This child will not readily sit still. He will be full of curiosity and enjoy being challenged at all times! A Mercury in Taurus child, on the other hand, thinks slowly and deliberately. He will thrive in a calm, somewhat structured routine. He will have the ability to stick with an assignment until it is finished. Even if takes him a little longer to learn something, once he learns it he will never forget it.
A Mercury in Gemini child suggests an agile, keen and perceptive mind. Positively, this child will have the capacity to think objectively and logically. She will have an avid curiosity and endless desire to learn a multitude of subjects. She will have the ability to perform several tasks at once. She would benefit from acquiring self-discipline to stick with a subject long enough to learn it thoroughly.
A Mercury in Cancer child will have a photographic memory. This child’s thinking process is linked to intuition and feeling. She will soak up details like a sponge. She will also think, learn and respond on an emotional level. Her decisions will be emotionally based. Her best learning environment will allow her to learn through all her senses. Her vivid imagination will thrive through creative activities such as dance, drama and creative writing.
A Mercury in Leo child will have a creative mental outlook and a dramatic expression of ideas. The Leo child wants to be “king” and craves recognition. He likes to be center stage. If he feels admired and respected for his thoughts, he will try harder.
A Mercury in Virgo child will possess excellent detail and analytical abilities. He will be meticulous and never be satisfied until something is done right. He may be a perfectionist whose learning style is rational with a good dose of common sense.
A Mercury in Libra child links mental ability with fairness and justification. He will look for compromise and often play a mediator role. You could say he was a born diplomat. He would learn well in teams or within groups in a harmonious environment.
A Mercury in Scorpio child will possess a probing mind that penetrates the depths of a matter. She will be secretive, shrewd and cunning with a desire to perceive the hidden nature of things. Sometimes her deep emotions get in the way of her thinking. She may need guidance in developing self-control.
A Mercury in Sagittarius child links the conscious mindset with idealistic concepts, adventure and visionary ideas. He needs a learning environment where he is free to ask many questions and discuss various issues and philosophies. A rigid education might stifle his abundant curiosity and high spirits. Sagittarians are known for their honesty and bluntness. He may need guidance in the art of diplomacy.
A Mercury in Capricorn child fosters mental ambition and well-ordered thought. He has a methodical reasoning ability. He would learn best in an ordered, more structured environment. Do not expect him to devote any interest to any subject that does not have practical value.
A Mercury in Aquarius child will have an intellectual, inventive mindset that is progressive, original and somewhat rebellious. Her mind is attracted to the unusual and futuristic. She will definitely let you know what she thinks about matters. Her mind is fixed and stubborn and she is not impressed by emotion. She will need a learning environment where new technologies are explored and freedom is encouraged. She would also benefit from teachers who are open-minded and unconventional.
Lastly, a Mercury in Pisces child heightens the imagination and emotional perception. This sensitive child will have a creative and poetic mindset. Psychic awareness is very common with this placement. Her rich imagination should be channeled into poetry, art or music. She may not be interested in detailed studies like math or science, nor is she motivated by practicality or logic. She would thrive in a learning environment that gives her free reign for her sensitive imagination and deep feelings. She will need help and guidance sorting out what is logical from her fantasies.
By Carol Bellis, Fall 2003
Carol Bellis is a lifelong student of the intuitive arts. She earned her astrological certification from professional astrologer and teacher Carole Devine in 1998. She has been teaching and practicing astrology professionally in Mashpee since 2000. She is currently enrolled in the internationally acclaimed Noel Tyl Master Program for professional astrologers. She holds a BS degree in Marketing Management.
