Making Astrology Come Alive for Kids – An Interview with Jenn Sinclair

What if understanding your birth chart could unlock a path to self-discovery and spiritual growth?

Join us as we sit down with astrologer and author Jen Sinclair, who reveals her transformative journey into astrology. Jen opens up about how discovering astrology during her 30s, in a challenging period of her life, led her to profound personal insights and a greater sense of purpose. We cover the fundamentals of astrology, such as the significance of the “big three” in a birth chart, and delve into the fascinating world of the 12 houses. Jen also shares her inspiration behind writing her children’s book, “I am the planets, I am the stars, I am stardust”, and how it aims to make astrology accessible and engaging for young minds. (Interview has been edited for readability.)

How did you become interested in astrology?

Jenn Sinclair: The story, the big story. I mean, let’s go back to childhood here. When I was younger, I was super into astronomy. You know, moon, stars, I had all the jewelry of the stars and moons and stars over my ceiling. I was obsessed with looking at the planets, but that was just a fascination. I thought it was cool, like the moon and the stars, it was so exciting.

I had a ton of books as a kid, but I had no idea about astrology. I didn’t know any of that stuff until my thirties. I found astrology through a very dark place, which is common. Many find things through a darker lens. In my thirties, I had two little kids, left a career as a photographer, moved from New York to Southern California, and I just hit rock bottom. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I didn’t know what I was doing, where I was going. One night, I called my brother, crying, and he said, “I have been waiting for this moment. You’ve arrived. Are you ready to do what you were meant to do for the rest of your life?” He was into astrology, but I had never picked it up from him. During this kind of mental breakdown, he talked me through a lot of astrological things, which led me into therapy, yoga, and a positive, spiritual path. Astrology started to resonate with me. He taught me things that validated aspects of myself, making me realize I was okay, even amazing. That’s how I found astrology.

I found it through a dark place, but it led me to practice and deepen my self-practice. I got so into it that I started teaching and reading charts for people. It was a long journey, but I’m so grateful for it.

When I see something like a newspaper horoscope or a meme on Instagram about astrology, how do you differentiate between what’s happening this week and a personal birth chart?

Jenn Sinclair: Those are two different but connected things. You have a birth chart, which is the chart you were born with. It describes who you are, your journey, your personality traits, moods, and more. This chart is fixed and doesn’t change. Every day, however, the planets move and make different aspects in the sky, influencing energy. For example, the sun might make a square to Mercury one day. This aspect affects everyone, but it also interacts with your fixed birth chart in unique ways.

Your birth chart remains constant, but the moving planets create aspects that influence you based on your chart. It’s important to learn your birth chart first to understand how daily planetary movements affect you. Does that make sense?

When you started getting into astrology, did you have other family members or friends who thought you’d gone off the deep end, or were they supportive?

Jenn Sinclair: I actually kept it low key. I live in Santa Ana, California, close to Tustin, which is a bit conservative. I still don’t tell everyone what I do. I teach yoga, so I say I’m a yoga teacher. Some people think it’s odd, but my parents were super supportive. I didn’t have anyone coming at me saying I’d lost it, but I did filter who I told.

My Capricorn husband was very supportive. He’s always like, “If it makes you happy, go for it.” He jokes about astrology sometimes, like saying “Is Mercury in Gatorade?” when his computer isn’t working. He doesn’t participate deeply, but he supports me.

Tell us all about your children’s book “I am the planets, I am the stars, I am stardust” and why you wrote it.

Jenn Sinclair: Let’s see. So, COVID. Life changed suddenly. About a year before, around 2019, I started getting serious about my astrology business. I was seeing clients, moved into a new house, and had a space for sessions in my upstairs bedroom. Everything was happening, and then COVID hit. Suddenly, I couldn’t see clients or do anything, and I had two young kids at home. I was just sitting there, wondering what to do.

I switched my business to Zoom, but people were just trying to survive, not seeing astrologers. I posted a lot on Instagram about kids and astrology, and a friend suggested writing a kids’ book. I thought, why not? I’m a Sagittarius, so I’m up for trying anything. I started writing, trying to understand how a kid would react to things. All of a sudden, I had a book. It was very fun.

Did you know Erica beforehand or did you connect specifically to hire her?

Jenn Sinclair: Yes, she is a friend. I put a call out on Instagram for illustrators, and she responded. I didn’t realize she was an illustrator. We had a bunch of meetings, and she started drawing. Her illustrations were amazing. She was pregnant at the time, so it was a special project for her, too. She took my ideas and brought them to life beautifully.

Did you self-publish the book?

Jenn Sinclair: I did. I hired a designer and found someone to print the book. Social media was a big help. I had never done this before, so I reached out for advice. I sold out my first batch of books and now have more ready to go. I hope to take it to a publisher eventually, but for now, I’m just doing it myself.

How old would a kid need to be to read this on their own versus a parent reading it to them?

Jenn Sinclair: On their own, I would say nine or ten. With a parent, a more mature seven-year-old could wrap their head around it, but ten is probably the peak age.

You also have stickers and an activity in the book. Tell us about that.

Jenn Sinclair: Erica suggested adding an activity. We created a sticker chart for kids to place zodiac signs and planets on their birth charts. It’s a hands-on, visual way to learn astrology, making it fun and educational.

You talk about a birth chart based on where the planets were in the sky at the exact moment you were born, likening it to a pizza with 12 slices representing the 12 houses. Can you explain the 12 houses for someone who knows only a little about astrology?

Jenn Sinclair: Sure. A birth chart is a 360-degree circle divided into 12 houses, each 30 degrees. Each house represents a part of your life. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Self
2. Values
3. Communication
4. Family
5. Creativity and education
6. Health
7. Relationships
8. Transformation and mystery
9. Higher learning and travel
10. Career
11. Groups and friendships
12. Dreams and secrets

Planets fall into these houses, enhancing aspects of your life. The book simplifies this complex system.

How are zodiac signs connected to specific dates?

Jenn Sinclair: Zodiac signs are based on constellations in the sky. They appear at different times of the year, which is how they connect to dates. It’s a blend of astronomy and astrology.

What happened in the astrology community when Pluto got bumped out as a planet?

Jenn Sinclair: We didn’t listen. Pluto remains important in astrology. It’s small but mighty. We continued to include Pluto in our charts and readings.

You talk about the big three: the sun, moon, and rising signs. Can you break that down?

Jenn Sinclair: The sun sign is where you shine, your foundation, and energy. The moon sign represents your emotions and moods, your true feelings. The rising sign is based on your birth time and is your first impression to others. It’s how you present yourself initially. These three signs give a good sense of who you are.

How does astrology intersect with spirituality for you?

Jenn Sinclair: For me, astrology feels interconnected, like we’re all one. It gives a sense of the essence of God or the universe. It’s spiritual because you can see and feel the influence of the planets and stars, making it deeply spiritual and interconnected.

How do you differentiate between astrology, human design, and other spiritual tools?

Jenn Sinclair: They all aim to help you learn about yourself. It depends on what resonates with you. I find human design confusing, but others understand it well. It’s about personal preference and what helps you grow and become a better person.

How do you use astrology on a daily basis in your own life?

Jenn Sinclair: I check an app called Time Nomad every morning to see the planetary aspects and how they affect my birth chart. It helps me prepare for the day, whether teaching yoga or sending emails. It’s about awareness and using the energy wisely, not about fear.

What do your kids think about all this?

Jenn Sinclair: They love the book and think it’s cool that I wrote it. They’re still figuring out astrology. My daughter asks questions occasionally, and my son humors me. They have their own journeys and will likely find their spiritual practices later in life.

How can people work with you?

Jenn Sinclair: I do natal charts, which are birth charts, and my favorite, mini readings, called transit charts. These show what’s happening in your life based on planetary movements. It gives detailed information and validates experiences. I write everything for my clients, which is unique. It takes more time, but it feels right for me.