The Cosmos Within You: Teach Kids to Read Their Birth Chart

In Melanin Magic: A Young Mystic’s Guide to African Spirituality, kids are invited to join the characters Yawa and Kossi as they embark on a journey to discover what African spirituality is at Forest Magic School.

Written by Dossé-Via Trenou, a West African astrologer and the author of Signs & Skymates, the below chapter introduces kids to the ancient practice of reading their birth chart. Enjoy the astrological journey ahead, and don’t forget to look up at the stars!

The fourth week of Forest Magic School, the scholars were awoken by the sounds of crowing roosters. This week they were set to learn about honoring cosmic cycles. The almost twins were even more excited that morning because it was Mami’s birthday.

“She’s a Cancer sun,” Yawa reminded Kossi as they made their way to the village’s artisan market to find a gift for their maternal grandmother. “And she has a Libra moon,” Kossi added as he parked his bike near a fig tree.

“Since she’s a Cancer sun sign, she’ll probably love something that makes her emotional,” Yawa said.

“But with her Libra moon, she’d also want a gift that helps her learn something new,” Kossi continued. The almost-twins decided to get her a photo album and a new book.

Yawa and Kossi’s parents had introduced them to astrology when they were babies by framing a natal report above both of their beds, so they could feel their Ori’s connection to it.

Deeper learning from Dossé-Via: In African spirituality, Ori is our divine head and intuition! Learn all about it in Melanin Magic!

Astrology is the oldest form of spirituality known to humans. For many centuries, astronomers—people who study the stars and planets—used to also practice astrology, which is the study of the planets’ placements in our solar system and the influence those planets have on earthly affairs. Many astronomers used astrology to help rulers and leaders plan their next moves, using that person’s birth chart as a guiding and enlightening tool.

A birth chart is a map of the sky at the exact time, place, and location of your birth, or more specifically, the first breath you took on earth. Every human has one, but not everyone knows about this. Your birth chart is as unique as a snowflake, and no birth chart is the same, not even that of identical twins (kind of like your Ori).

Key Components of a Birth Chart

The Planets

In astrology, each planet in our solar system represents a core part of your personality. The Kemites, and other astronomers around the world, studied the planets for several thousands of years and were able to figure out what each represents in a person’s birth chart. Here’s a short overview:

The Sun: The sun is considered a planet in astrology and can also be called a luminary. It is the core of your essence. Your sun sign symbolizes the constellation through which the sun was traveling when you were born.

The Moon: The moon is considered a planet in astrology or a luminary. It represents your emotional nature. Study your moon sign to know how you best express your feelings, and how you would like to be treated and cared for. It symbolizes how you feel when no one’s around.

Mercury: This is the planet of communication. Study your Mercury placement for tips on how best to learn, study, explore, read, write, and communicate. It can also help you figure out which subjects you like most at school, or what job you’d like to have as you keep growing.

Venus: This is the planet of love. Your Venus sign helps you figure out what type of friend you are, and if one day you want to be someone’s romantic partner, Venus can help you see the type of person you are drawn to and feel most yourself with.

Mars: This is the planet of action. Your Mars sign shows you what you need to feel good about yourself. It also shows you how you tend to act and who you may be drawn to as a friend, crush, or creative partner.

Jupiter: This is the planet of luck and abundance and the largest planet in our solar system. Its placement in your chart shows you what you need to feel happy in life. But it also shows you ways that you take things to extremes, such as if you eat too much sugar or stay up too late.

Saturn: This is the planet of challenge and responsibility and often has the reputation of being the meanest, coldest, and most difficult planet of all. Saturn has tough-love energy and feels less welcoming than Jupiter. Saturn can teach you in loving ways, if you’re willing to do the work and are not afraid of facing challenges. That’s when Saturn is the kindest to you, because you’re willing to help yourself thrive.

Uranus: This is the planet of change and revolution. It’s farther out than the earlier planets, so you may not feel its energies as directly. But it helps you learn to deal with what seems out of your control.

Neptune: This is the planet of dreams, music, movies, and fantasy. It’s about what is felt, not seen. Neptune in your chart shows you the type of dream world you want to create.

Pluto: This is the planet of transformation and the farthest in our solar system (in astrology, Pluto is still considered a planet). It’s also the most mysterious. Pluto represents all the hidden aspects of yourself. It encourages you to get to know the parts of yourself that you tend to hide from the world. Your Pluto sign also shows you what you need to transform in yourself and in your life.

Rising Sign / Ascendant

This can be calculated only by knowing your exact time of birth. It explains the way people view you from an outsider’s perspective. But once they get to know you more deeply, the energy from your sun and moon signs shines through. Your rising sign represents the way people may think you act, even if it’s different from how you feel you act.

The Signs

There are twelve zodiac signs in the current astrology system (but keep in mind that the Kemites recorded way more than twelve signs on their temple walls). You’ll learn a bit about what each sign represents in modern astrology, but remember that you are way more than just your sun sign. So look at your birth chart (you can calculate it for free online with an adult’s help) to see what other signs exist there, and read their meanings, too. You are a multidimensional being, and that’s super cool!

Dive Deeper

Pick up a copy of Melanin Magic to learn more about the origins of birth charts in African spirituality and how to calculate yours!

Dossé-Via Trenou

About the Author

Dossé-Via Trenou is a West African astrologer who has been studying the field since she was ten years old. She has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers via her platform @ScorpioMystique and on the app, KnowTheZodiac. She graduated with her Master’s degree in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a professional model, actor, and creator of Magic & Melanin, a travel agency providing immersive experiences for humans of African descent to know, explore, and invest in the Motherland. She is the author of Signs & Skymates, and this is her first book for young readers.

Catmouse James is a cartoonist and illustrator based in Madagascar with experience in graphic design. When she isn’t working, she likes petting her dogs Pluton and Bowie, traveling, discovering hidden gems in animation, and reading.

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