Our Children- Life’s Blessing And Spiritual Opportunity

by Maria Shaw

Gemini and Cancer are the two signs that celebrate birthdays this month. (I am one of those and looking forward to a great solar return.) Because Gemini represents children and Cancer represents the “mother” sign, I thought it appropriate to write a column about kids. Whether your children are adults or little ones yet, this column is for you.

I believe that we choose our parents before we are born. If you believe in the theory of reincarnation, I feel we choose our moms and dads for our soul’s growth. There are specific lessons that perhaps we can only learn from certain people. Some folks may ask, “Why would someone choose an abusive mother or an alcoholic father?’ Perhaps that soul needed to experience a difficult childhood for its growth or maybe were unselfishly trying to help the parents. 

Whatever the reason, remember this: whether you are a parent now or in the future, your child may be an older soul than you. They may have lived just as many lifetimes as you have. It’s not the age of the person that really matters, it’s the age of the soul. Your children are spiritual beings just as you are. They have reincarnated with specific talents, wisdom, personality traits and karma. Consider it a blessing that they have chosen you to gain more experience through. They’ve hand picked you to help them along their way as they develop spiritually. Maybe they are repaying a debt or allowing you to complete some karma. Perhaps you were their child in a former lifetime and now it’s your turn to re-pay the favor or make amends.

The greatest opportunity that souls have to grow is through relationships with other people. Our first introduction to love is through our parents and family relationships. Think of the issues and problems you may have with your kids now. Look at them as opportunities for spiritual growth. What lessons can we learn as conflicts arise? How can we help our children develop spirituality through their difficult periods as well as their joy-filled ones? We as parents sometimes set up roadblocks for growth and advancement by blaming and worrying or trying to dodge problems with our kids. When your child is having a tough time, ask yourself, “what is their lesson?” And then ask “what can I learn from this experience to aid in my own spiritual development?” If we look at our relationships with our kids from a spiritual standpoint, they will improve, even during the teenage years.

When you get frustrated with Sam or Suzie, remember to take a moment and honor the fact that this soul has chosen you to tackle life’s lessons with. They know you can handle whatever comes their way. Show your children you care. Spend time with them. The best gift you can give is your time. Not all of the money in the world is as important as “being there” for your child. Whether they are fifteen or fifty, they need you, not just for physical and monetary support but for their souls’ growth. You in turn can learn a lot from them too.

As an astrologer, I often counsel people on their children. Cancers, Virgos and Taurus always ask about kids in their readings. Your birth chart will show what role it is you are to play in your child’s life and what lesson they are to learn from you. Their chart will show why their soul has specifically chosen you.

In my Scorpio daughter’s chart, it’s suggested that I am here to teach her about money and her own self worth. In my Cancer daughter’s chart, she is supposed to learn more about using her intellectual gifts. I am a strong advocate of higher education and her soul knew I would give her opportunities to go to a good university as well as foster a love for travel, different cultures and philosophies.

Have you figured out what role you are to play in your child’s life? Here’s a few ideas. If you have an: 

Aries Child: Teach them independence and pride in themselves. Praise them for their achievements. Through these kids you will learn the art of patience and determination. 

Taurus Child: The best thing you can give a Taurus tike is security; a solid home base and foundation to work from. In turn, you will learn about your own strength and the importance of family. 

Gemini Child: Talk to these children. Listen to them. They need to develop their communication skills. Praise and acknowledge their creative side. From the Twins you will learn versatility and how to look at life from different perspectives. 

Cancer Child: They need to feel emotionally secure. Give them a close-knit family. Make them feel safe. Allow them to express their feelings openly. Through them you will experience a very deep, nurturing and loyal love. Your maternal qualities will grow. 

Leo Child: Let them shine! Let them expand their wings and fly. Treat them like the princes and princesses they truly are. Encourage them to use their creative talents. In turn, you learn much about self pride, respect, love and loyalty. 

Virgo Child: Tell the Virgo child that they are perfect. Teach them to love themselves for who they are, not what society thinks they should be. Then you will have a devoted and happy child. You’ll learn how important the little details of life really are. 

Libra Child: Allow this child to experience the beauty and wonder of life. Enroll them in art, dance and music classes. Set a good example in your own relationships for them to follow. You’ll learn about peace and harmony. They’ll teach you to create more balance in your own life and appreciate the beauty in simple things. 

Scorpio Child: This child has a very special gift. Acknowledge and honor the power they possess to achieve anything the heart desires. But teach them to use this power for their highest good and that of others. You’ll learn a great deal about transforming yourself as well as your own personal power in the process. 

Sagittarius Child: Join them in their zest for life. Don’t be too overprotective for the Sagittarius needs to experience freedom of thought and movement. They find the “positive” in every negative. In turn, you will learn to trust the universe and seek more spiritual truth in your everyday life. 

Capricorn Child: These children are mature for their age. Many are old souls. Talk to them about tradition and family heritage. Allow them to express their opinions for they will have many. You’ll learn how to honor and keep the “past” alive but still live wholeheartedly in the present. 

Aquarius Child: Teach them about the importance of working for the betterment of humanity. Don’t limit them to only your views on society. Talk about the other side of the coin too. Princess Diana was a good example of this. In turn, you will make a “difference” in the world. 

Pisces Child: Encourage daydreaming. Allow this child to use their imagination and psychic abilities. Give them plenty of hugs and kisses. Play with them. Through these kids, you will learn the world really is a magical place. 

Maria Shaw is a relationship astrologer. She has appeared on Soap Talk, Anna Nicole Smith, Blind Date, Fox’s Mr. Personality and America Talk Radio She is the author of The Enchanted Soul and Heart and Soul. Visit her at www.MariaShaw.com.