Paula Abdul
As anyone who's ever seen this show knows, Paula is definitely the good cop. She understands what each contestant is going through -- the dreams they have, and how dearly they hold onto those dreams. Her empathy most likely stems from experiences she herself has lived through, over and over again, and the realizations she’s finally come to during this lifetime. She explained it most beautifully when she said, "When you wish upon a star, you just might become one."

Those are certainly the words and sentiments of someone who totally believes in dreams coming true -- someone who'd love to help make that happen for others. Think of her as a fairy godmother of sorts. Her astrological chart supports this occupation, obviously perfected over lifetimes and lifetimes of work.

Paula was born with Venus in Leo, showing many lifetimes of entertaining others -- and being not just good at it, but well-loved and appreciated as well. The good cop part of her comes from a sympathetic heart, shown by Jupiter in sentimental Pisces in an easy, cooperative relationship with gentle, sensitive Neptune. Put them together and they're the astrological recipe for compassion. So when Simon pulls out his age-old bad cop attitude, he's up against a team of planets on Paula's side that have had even more practice being generous and benevolent.

Simon Cowell
It seems only appropriate to finish with the bad cop. He's the guy who doesn't seem to give a "fig," in the language of his current land, for the wishes, dreams and hopes -- much less the feelings -- of the contestants on 'American Idol.' That propensity for bluntness without regard for the impact his words might have on his victims seems to have started at any early age. In fact, the first time he issued one of his now-famous lethal criticisms was at the (ordinarily) tender age of four. Apparently, he took one look at his mother's white hat and told her she looked "like a poodle."

Perhaps he really doesn't mean to be rude. He's most likely lived several lifetimes of seeing others be rude, or perhaps he was the victim of bullies himself. Regardless, he apparently doesn't think of what he says as hurtful -- only honest. Among those blunt comments, for example: "Sit in these auditions for three weeks and hear 'I Believe I Can Fly' out of tune for the millionth time; then YOU try and be nice."

Oddly enough, Cowell is a Libra, the sign most famous for politeness, civility and being nice, often at their own expense. Here, however, lies the rub: Libra's real job is to restore balance -- to keep tapping the scales until they're even. Cowell also has chatty Mercury and aggressive Mars in Libra. Over his many lifetimes, he's learned to use them to restore balance to unbalanced situations by being honest -- regardless of the consequences.

Oh, and let's not forget that comment to his "Mum" about her hat, brought to you courtesy of Cowell's Venus (the planet we use to express our appreciation -- or not -- of physical beauty) who just so happens to be in critical Virgo. His Venus points to lifetimes of seeing what true beauty is, and what it isn't. Add Venus to his truth-speaking missile (Mars and Mercury in Libra), and you have a complete picture. Could he have been a magistrate in a past life? Was he in charge of who lived and who died, based on their behavior toward the king and queen? Sure sounds like it.

Oddly enough, this ravenous ego-eater is a vegetarian -- maybe because he astrologically remembers what it's like to be eaten alive?

About the Author
Kim Rogers-Gallagher fell in love with Astrology 20 years ago. Ever since, she's written hundreds of columns (magazines and online) and two books, "Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain" and "Astrology for the Light Side of the Future." She also authored "The Cosmic Café" column on StarIQ.com. Kim shares her home with her pets and her computer.