In addition to the planets, a new host of guides supplement our astrological journey; the asteroids. Overlooked by some, under rated by others, the asteroids have eagerly revealed their influences to me. Mythological stories provide much insight into the asteroid stories, but additionally, this column must begin and end with credit to author Demetra George and her book “Asteroid Goddesses, the Mythology, Psychology and Astrology of the Reemerging Feminine”. Demetra has written a classic guide to asteroid interpretation, and without her work, this aspect of astrology would be sorely lacking.
Discovered in the early 1800’s, the asteroid belt is a grouping of planetary bodies orbiting between Mars and Jupiter, symbolically forming a bridge between our personal awareness as represented by the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Moon, and Mars), and social integration of collective values and lastyle as represented by Jupiter and Saturn and the other outer planets. Most of the asteroids are notably feminine, emphasizing humanity’s evolving need to return an earth based goddess model of divinity. Several asteroids (with names such as Icarus, Psyche, Pandora, and Sappho) orbit between Mars and Jupiter, but the first four discovered are the largest and primary influences; Pallas Athene, Vesta, Juno, and Ceres.
Ceres, also known as Demeter (or ‘the Mother’) is the largest and possibly original source of the asteroid family. This Mother’s mythic origins drive back through time to the earliest Sumerian fertility goddess, Inanna. Again, as with the early stories of Venus, we find a female fertility goddess who must enter the realm of darkness in order to bring life to humankind. When unhappy, she expressed her wrath by denying a fruitful harvest. Ceres is also associated with the fall, and the ensuing season of decay and fallow fields.
Ceres is venerated as a goddess of the grain harvest; but also known for her connection to the underworld below the earth through an endearing love for her daughter Persephone. After Persephone’s abduction by lord of the underworld, Pluto, Ceres departs to search for her beloved child. Her vehicle is a torch lit chariot pulled by winged snakes. (Now, there’s a woman’s with wheels!) During her travels, Ceres is given safe and friendly refuge in the town of Eleusis. In this resting place, she blesses the community with her gifts of agriculture as well as the teachings of divine worship. Thereafter, the Eleusian Mysteries are incorporated as initiation rites of the ancient world, addressing a soul’s journey between death and rebirth.
In the natal chart, Ceres gives clues to our acceptance of nurturing and unconditional love. She also provides insights on self esteem. As an archetypical Mother, Ceres can reveal early childhood nurturing issues, as well as how we raise our children. And critically, this corn goddess of agriculture and growth shostyle how we weather the trans-formational mysteries of birth and death.
Next in the lineup of asteroid goddesses is Juno, also known as Hera. Juno is yet another earth based female consort of a male sky god; mythology remembers her as the loyal wife of philandering Zeus. Renowned for their stormy relationship, the story of Zeus and Juno is a repository of Greek and Roman history. However, the origins of Hera are much more powerful than her role as a wife.
Hera is first noted as a sky queen of peace and fertility ruling over three lunar stages of life: child – maiden of the New Moon; fulfilled bride of the Full Moon; and solitary widow of the Dark Moon. Early Hera’ cults were so influential that pre Hellenic conquering tribes forced the early Greek goddess to symbolically wed their Achaean god Zeus. Hera is depicted as a loyal but coerced wife; the ‘sacred marriage’ of our Hera is remembered as a union likened to the sudden storms that overcome peaceful skies.
Nonetheless, Juno/Hera is assigned themes of committed relationships. These can be traditional themes such as those surrounding love and marriage as well as business relationship, or even teacher – disciple partnership. Key, though, is commitment, and the deepening of trust that ensues. This further step into intimacy opens the doors to sexual union and the depth of tantric, or divine energetic bliss. The next step opens the deepest meaning of Juno, and her doorway to one of the secrets of life.
Another aspect of sexuality and love is symbolized by our next asteroid – Vesta. In contrast to Juno’s realm of intimacy within the boundaries of a formalized relationship, Vesta’s altar was one of sacred sexuality in the name of devotional love. Vesta was worshipped in early Greece as goddess of hearth and home and no enterprise was begun without prayer at her altar, which consisted only of a sacred fire. Later as the more militant Romans formalized the cult of Vestal Virgins, Vesta, was stripped of her natural fecundity as a Moon goddess, becoming isolated and associated more with ritualized chastity. Vesta’s energetic realm is that of ceremony and ritual psychic development.
Expressing her keynotes of purity and fire, in the natal chart Vesta shostyle one’s area of meaningful focus. In keeping with the solitary culture of Vestal Virgins, it can also show where we ‘work alone’. It’s where our inner hearth fire burns and guides us as we direct our personality. Once again, there is a call for commitment- this time to one’s self.
Last but not least is Pallas Athene. Also known as Minerva, this warrior goddess daughter of Zeus came to life fully mature and ready to meet her destiny. She is renowned for her gifts of prophecy as well as her wisdom. Her dual names refer to her rulership of war and victory (Pallas) as well as her role of healer, guardian, and instructor during times of peace (Athene). In the natal chart, she accents issues dealing with intellectual drive and our creative urges. She supports excellence in the professional world, but also addresses the cost women (and men) sometimes pay for intellectual armor which denies deep emotion. Pallas Athene also addresses how one’s will is manifested into physical structures, be it artistic endeavors or healing energies.
With their placement between Mars and Jupiter, bridging the inner personal planets and the outer collective bodies, personal transformation and our consequent integration into a more conscious society is the gift of the asteroids. I will close with again acknow-ledgement to Demetra George and her fabulous works, as well as a fond thank you to the stories of our culture that make life so rich.
