My parents called me stubborn when I was a kid because I often questioned what they said. They got angry when I challenged them, meaning I ended up in a lot of hot water back then. However, by age 10 I must've finally given in (or up). After that, I was careful what I said. Our fights decreased, but I resented feeling that I was misunderstood and unappreciated. It all seemed so unfair. If my parents had had my astrology birth chart back then, things would have been much different.
It wasn't until I was in my early 40's, newly divorced with two young sons, that I found myself sitting in an astrologer's candle-lit living room listening to her interpret my own chart. To say I was dumbfounded is a huge understatement. I was amazed to hear me described, for the first time, in the way I'd always known myself.
I resolved back then that I'd find a way to help kids get the respect and appreciation they needed through their birth chart information. Four years ago I launched my birth chart online business.
A birth chart is a circular map of the locations of the planets at birth. It's divided into 12 pie-shaped "houses" that follow a life path from the deeply personal to the family, to friends, and out into the world.
Many people may know their birth (Sun) zodiac sign (i.e., Aries, Leo, Scorpio, or Pisces), but they don't usually know that other planets and zodiac signs in their chart influence them as well, sometimes much more than their Sun sign.
Natal charts explain specific energies, interests, and predispositions -- how the person communicates, approaches work and their health, relates to others, and where their talents and limitations lie.
A person's birth chart is unique to them; the location of the planets happens only once every 25,000 years. People born near the same time on the same day and year in the same place do share the same chart. But since astrology charts aren't destiny, there's room for differences in how one's life plays out.
When you have a birth chart done, you usually receive the circular diagram and a report that describes what the diagram means. I also include a little booklet that ecplains birth chart basics in simple language.
Birth charts are valuable for several reasons.
1. They provide parents and caretakers a wonderful road map, telling them what their little bundle of joy will need so they can be their best selves as they grow up.
I now understand that my parents weren't intentionally trying to be mean to me when I was a child. They were just seeing the world through their own talents, hopes, and limitations, according to their own birth charts. And like most parents, they were imposing that view on me, without knowing what I needed according to my own chart.
2. A birth chart also helps parents appreciate the uniqueness of their child so they're less likely to make him or her wrong for not being like other children.
Many parents in families with more than one child will tell you how different their kids are. It's often a trick to make sure everyone's needs are met. It's even trickier when the kids don't get along. Some will say,"Oh, that's just kids!" But often it's more than that; it's clear differences in birth charts.
3. Birth chart information provides a baseline from which parents can work together effectively to set helpful boundaries for their child.
Without a birth chart, figuring out what the right thing to do isn't always easy. Many kids are good at playing one parent against the other. But when both parents are on the same page of music, there's less strife and more consistency.
I'm probably the same stubborn person I was as a kid, but I've learned to channel that energy in more productive ways. I also appreciate and own that part of me, perhaps the greatest gift a birth chart has to offer.
Pamela Dodd is an organizational psychologist with a lifelong interest in personal effectiveness. She's the co-author of The 25 Best Time Management Tools & Techniques and believes that despite her academic background astrological birth charts are THE best way to understand yourself. Bar none!
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Contributor's Note
If you're still skeptical about astrology and birth charts, please see the FAQ on my site.
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