If you’ve been dabbling with zodiac signs for a while, I’m sure you’ve come across planets and asteroids as well. But what exactly is the meaning of asteroids in astrology?
Asteroids are small celestial objects that orbit the sun, and you’ve likely learned about them in science class. There are thousands of asteroids, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
In astrology, a few special asteroids help us to better understand our birth charts.
While asteroids don’t have as deep of an impact as zodiac signs, houses, and planets, they offer an important extra layer of information. I like to think of them as the seasoning or flavor added on top of the main ingredients.
I look to my astrological asteroid placements to help me understand the details of my life. This could range from my specific relationship style to my unique career path.
Asteroids help me figure out exactly how I go about getting what I want.
And who doesn’t want more clarity around their path to success? As you can see, asteroids provide valuable information that can help us fine-tune our lives.
Here are the asteroids that have had the most profound impact on my astrological journey:
- Chiron: The asteroid of healing, wounds, and teaching
- Ceres: The asteroid of nurturing, food, and fertility
- Pallas: The asteroid of strategy, intelligence, and creativity
- Juno: The asteroid of relationships, marriage, and commitment
- Vesta: The asteroid of service, devotion, and routine
Read on to learn more about how these asteroids and how to work with their potent energies.
Asteroids in Astrology
These 5 asteroids are said to have the largest impact on your natal chart. They possess feminine energy and their archetypes are often associated with the goddesses they are named after.
Chiron: The Wounded Healer
Chiron is named after the Greek god of healing who was himself wounded. Although the mythical centaur was able to guide and heal others, he was never able to heal himself.
The orbit of Chiron is perpendicular and elliptical, weaving between Uranus and Saturn.
This asteroid represents our wounds, both physical and emotional. It is also associated with teaching and learning. Those with strong Chiron placements are often gifted healers and teachers.
Chiron helps others through deep empathy. The understanding of Chiron comes through suffering that is rooted in childhood. In order to heal, we must first acknowledge the wound.
Chiron strives to teach us how to confront the pain that is ignored or not even consciously processed. It encourages us to stay hopeful that by opening these wounds, we can experience true healing.
Pay attention to where Chiron lands in your natal chart. This is an area where you feel vulnerable or underdeveloped in your life. Take a look at this area and ask yourself what has happened in the past that might have led to these feelings.
In this way, Chiron is an arrow that points directly to the places we need to work on in order to heal.
Chiron is linked to the astrological sign of Pisces as well as Virgo. While it doesn’t serve as their official ruling planet, it may have a stronger influence on these signs.
It is also associated with the tarot card, The Tower. This card symbolizes a time of upheaval or chaos in order to bring about change and healing.
Ceres: The Nurturer
Between Mars and Jupiter’s orbits lies the dwarf planet Ceres, the largest and first discovered asteroid. Her name comes from the Roman goddess Ceres. Demeter was the counterpart of Ceres in Greek mythology.
Ceres is associated with food, fertility, and nurturing. This asteroid represents the caretaker energy within us. Those with strong Ceres placements have a natural ability to nurture and take care of others.
Ceres is also connected to our relationship with our mother. Our experience with maternal love (or lack thereof) is reflected in our Ceres placement.
Grief is also a keyword associated with Ceres. This asteroid can show us where we need to let go in order to move forward. It also helps us to embrace grief as a healing process.
Ceres wants us to remember that we are all connected. We are all here to take care of each other. When we open our hearts and give ourselves permission to grieve, we can access the deep well of compassion that resides within us.
Ceres has been suggested as the ruler of Virgo and Taurus by certain modern astrologists. This is because of her connection to the earth, fertility, and nurturing.
It is also associated with the tarot card The Empress, which is a card of fertility, creation, and abundance.
Pallas: The Strategist
Pallas is named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and war and the daughter of Jupiter. She was known for her strategic thinking and ability to see the big picture.
Pallas represents intelligence, creativity, and strategy. Those with strong Pallas placements are often gifted strategists and thinkers.
This asteroid is connected to our relationship with our father. Our experience with paternal love (or lack thereof) is reflected in our Pallas placement.
Pallas straddles the role of Mars and Venus. It steps up to ask pressing questions about romantic relationships in our lives. If there are any red flags or areas of concern, Pallas will make them known.
Pallas wants us to use our intelligence and creativity to come up with solutions that are win-win for all parties involved. It also reminds us to look at the big picture and not get bogged down in the details. This is how, through a broad strategy, we can achieve our goals.
Pallas is an unofficial ruler of Libra, Aquarius, and Leo. This is because of her connection to strategy, justice, and balance.
Pallas is also associated with the tarot card The Star. This card symbolizes hope, inspiration, and guidance from the Universe.
Juno: The Relationship Expert
Juno is named after the Roman goddess of marriage and relationships. In Greek mythology, she was known as Hera.
Juno represents commitment, relationships, and marriage. Those with strong Juno placements are often gifted relationship counselors and experts. They also experience long-lasting romance and companionship themselves.
This asteroid is connected to our relationship with our spouse or partner, so it could be helpful to take a look at their Juno placement as well. This could give you some insight into the dynamics of your relationship as well as overall compatibility.
Juno also asks us to look at the role of relationships in our lives. Are we committed to ourselves first and foremost? Do we allow our relationships to nourish and support us, or do they drain us? Are they healthy and supportive, or are they toxic and draining?
This asteroid also points to the areas where we need to learn how to compromise. In order for a relationship to work, both parties need to be willing to give and take.
Juno wants us to remember that relationships are a two-way street. We need to be as committed to our own happiness as we are to the happiness of our partner. Only then can we create lasting and fulfilling relationships.
Juno rules the sign of Cancer. This is because of her connection to motherhood, nurturing, and the home.
Juno is also associated with the tarot card, The Hierophant. This card symbolizes tradition, religion, and conformity.
Vesta: The Devotee
Vesta, the keeper of the flame, is named after the Roman goddess of the hearth and home. In Greek mythology, she is known as Hestia.
Vesta represents hearth, home, and family. Those with strong Vesta placements are often gifted at creating a warm and inviting home and personality.
This asteroid is connected to our relationship with our own passions and definitions of sacredness. The flames kept by vesta represent our burning desires and purpose for existing. They also represent our calling to a spiritual path.
When we allow our Vesta flame to burn brightly, we are able to access our deepest longings and create a life that is in alignment with our highest purpose. However, when we allow our Vesta flame to be extinguished, we can become lost and disconnected from what truly matters to us.
Vesta also asks us to look at our relationship with service. Are we of service to others? Do we allow others to serve us? How can we create a balance between giving and receiving?
This service can be as simple as cooking a meal for someone or taking the time to listen to them. It can also be more significant, such as volunteering your time or talents to a cause you are passionate about.
Vesta unofficially rules the signs of Virgo and Capricorn. This is because of her connection to service, perfectionism, and the Earth.
Vesta is also associated with the tarot card Temperance. This card symbolizes balance, moderation, and harmony.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a brief introduction to some of the more important asteroids in astrology. I hope this has helped you to better understand how they can impact your life. Take some time and see where each of these asteroids falls in your chart. See how they might be affecting your relationships, career, and home life.
Learn more about the complex and fascinating world of astrology by getting your free moon reading. This reading will give you insights into the deeper aspects of your natal chart.
