Simon Cowell was born October 7, 1959, making him a Libra, a sign celebrated for its kindness, graciousness and consideration for the feelings of others. So what's gone awry for the man known as one of the meanest people in television? Apparently, this is no act that Simon concocted to drum up interest in the show. Those who know him best say that the personality you see on 'Idol' is totally genuine. He's a grown man who refuses to address emotional issues in his relationship, dreams only of making more money than the considerable pile he already has, and lives a lifestyle as regulated and precise as his ever-present t-shirt.

The astrological key to Simon's acerbic style is Venus, the ruler of his Sun sign Libra. This important planet modifies his Libra traits in very specific ways. First, Venus was in critical Virgo when he was born. While that's not enough to turn your average Libra sweetie pie into Mr. Mean, it does add a sharpness of perception and pickiness that won't settle for less than perfection. Simon takes this not-very-rare condition and takes it to another level of dark intensity and dissatisfaction, though. His Venus is conjunct Pluto, the mythological Lord of the Underworld, the planet of things that go bump in the night. Pluto doesn't like to please or be pleased, being more inclined towards a menacing tone or constant feeling of irritation than lightness and laughter. It's not that Venus-Pluto types don't want to be happy -- they just don't want to be seen as easy, so they often wear their taste for disappointment and love of disapproval proudly. Still, it's possible to have high standards -- which Simon clearly does -- without expressing it in a less-than-constructive manner … but that wouldn't be his way. His charm is the anti-charm. He's the bad boy who loves acting like he doesn't need anyone's approval, but that everyone needs his.

Simon Cowell's deeply critical attitude comes naturally, but part of the fun for him is the verbal swordplay. His Libra Mercury -- the planet of communication -- is conjunct Mars, the warrior planet, the fighter who uses words as weapons. Simon is clever and quick, as those with Mercury-Mars connections often are. He is even funny at times, but always with a barb that brings a laugh at someone else's expense. The Moon, too, plays a significant role here, as it does in every chart. Simon's was in Sagittarius, a sign known to be outgoing and optimistic. Well, he certainly is outspoken and adventurous, a successful businessman in music and television on two continents. Sagittarius can be blunt in its honesty, though, unwilling to tiptoe around an issue when it can be run over with a tank. The Moon's natural sensitivity is reduced by the fiery nature of Sagittarius, which is more into acting out and speaking up than introspection. It's frequently a lunar position without regrets, so Simon doesn't have to look back at the havoc he's wreaked or the spirits he's broken. Like an insensitive adolescent, he feels he's perfectly innocent and is simply being himself. We'll leave it to others to judge the judge on matters of guilt or innocence, but astrologers will certainly agree that he is only being himself.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's "Your Astrology Guide 2006." A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals and magazines and websites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the U.S. and abroad.