Overlooked by some astrologers and underestimated by others, the asteroid goddesses Juno, Vesta, Ceres, and Pallas Athena fill critical gaps in astrological interpretation.
A recent note from a client reveals her power: “Juno put into words the feelings I’ve had for the last decade plus: that I would work with my partner and that as a couple our work would involve some kind of humanitarian quest. Over the years, I thought I was going crazy because I couldn’t articulate what I was feeling very well and I had no basis for feeling that way.
My client continues: “After a while, I just stopped talking about it so I wouldn’t have to explain myself to my friends and family. But this description of Juno says that not only is it normal for me to feel this way, it’s also that! I will prosper in the relationship! Don’t you love astrology?
Discovered in the early 1800s, the asteroid belt is a grouping of small bodies that orbit between Mars and Jupiter. Symbolically they form a bridge between our personal consciousness represented by the inner and outer planets. Several asteroids orbit between Mars and Jupiter, but the largest in size and influence are Pallas Athena, Vesta, Juno, and Ceres. Truly, as a race, we are returning to the honor of the divine feminine. Inviting asteroids emphasizes humanity’s evolutionary recognition of our dependence on Mother Earth.
Ceres – Mother Earth
Keywords: Protection, Separation, Seasonal Cycles,
Fertility and Harvest, Mother/Daughter Affairs
Ceres, also known as Demeter, (the Mother) is the largest of the asteroids. Revered as a goddess of the harvest, Ceres gives clues to our acceptance of nurturing, unconditional love, and self-esteem. As an archetypal mother, Ceres also reveals parenting issues in early childhood. And critically, Ceres shows how we weather the transformative mysteries of birth and death.
Juno – The Queen
Keywords: Marriage and Engagement, Beauty,
Renewal of love, betrayal
Next on the list of asteroid goddesses is Juno, also known as Hera. Juno is a goddess of peace and fertility who rules over three lunar stages of life: Maiden – of the New Moon, Bride – of the Full Moon, and Widow – of the Dark Moon. Juno is also assigned themes of committed relationships. These can be traditional themes such as those surrounding love and marriage, as well as business relationships. Sexuality is Juno’s deepest expression and her gateway to the secret of life.
Vesta – The High Priestess
Keywords: Focus, Dedication, Mystery, Tantric Sexuality,
Illumination, Sacred Flame
Vesta symbolizes another aspect of sexuality and love. In contrast to Juno’s realm of intimacy within the confines of a formalized relationship, Vesta’s altar was one of sacred sexuality in the name of devotional love. Vesta’s energetic realm is that of ceremony and ritual psychic development. Expressing the keynotes of purity and fire, in her birth chart Vesta reveals our focus. It is where the fire of our inner hearth burns and guides us as we direct our personality. Once again, there is a call to commitment, this time with oneself.
Pallas Athena – The Holy Warrior
Keywords: Strategy, Wisdom, Arts, Holistic Healing,
Drawing, Weaving and Ceramics
Last but not least is Pallas Athena. Also known as Minerva, this warrior goddess daughter of Zeus came to life fully mature and ready to fulfill her destiny. She is renowned for her gifts of prophecy, as well as her wisdom. She is also revered as the goddess who taught mankind the practical arts of pottery and weaving. In her birth chart, Pallas stresses issues related to the intellectual impulse and our creative impulses. She supports excellence in the professional world, but also addresses the cost women (and men) sometimes pay for intellectual armor. Pallas Athena also addresses how one’s will is expressed through artistic endeavors or healing energies.
Means
Mythological stories provide a lot of information about asteroid stories and, fortunately, some authors have taken it upon themselves to reveal the role of asteroids in our collective consciousness. One of the best books for more detailed information is “Asteroid Goddesses, the Mythology, Psychology and Astrology of the Reemerging Feminine” by Demetra George (ACS Pub 1986). Another excellent resource is “Mythic Astrology” by Ariel Guttman and Kenneth Johnson (Llewellyn Pub 1993.) Both books are authentic and valuable tributes to asteroid interpretation.
The asteroid goddesses, Juno, Vesta, Ceres and Pallas Athena enrich the lives of women and men. Greet them with reverence for the archetypal role they play in all of our lives. His stories make an amazing contribution to astrology. Thank you Goddesses!