Asteroid Goddess Ceres and How The 4 Major Asteroid Goddesses Work in Your Astrology Chart (#1 of 4 Part Series)

Welcome dear reader to the first of a 4-Part series of articles written on the 4 Major Asteroid Goddesses, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta.  Discovered in the early 1800's, the "asteroid belt" is largely thought to be a planet that was either never fully developed, or destroyed somehow, and forever remains in orbit between Mars and Jupiter - representing the masses and its collective consciousness and strength in numbers.  The Asteroid Belt, and the ability for one (asteroid) to become prominent, tells the story of Ceres - the largest of all the asteroids - including the three next largest asteroid goddesses -  Pallas, Juno and Vesta.

While the four major Asteroid Goddesses represent female energy, they influence everyone's astrological chart - as Ceres represents the Mother (or mother figure) in your life, and your own mothering role in later years); and Sister-Friend (Pallas) who is a loyal partner who can be male or female; then Juno who represents the spouse to another who takes a vow to join as equals; and Vesta who sacrifices for the good of the whole.

There are three (3) stages to the Goddess's circle of life .  The first is the Young Maiden, and the placement of any of the 4 major asteroids by Sign and House will have strong influences (usually from other people) to form strong impressions that carry on into adulthood.  The second stage is the Mother in child-bearing years and prime of life, who is gaining in experiences and insights that offer opportunities to grow and evolve.  The third stage is the Crone Goddess and represents the keeper of wisdom, healer, seer, midwife and guide for others during life's hardships and transitions.

I hope you enjoy learning more about Ceres - the Goddess Mother - and gain new insight that helps empower your nurturing qualities for yourself and others to receive.

-Patricia Rogers, Astrologer

Ceres  (the first and largest asteroid discovered in 1801) represents motherhood and family relationships, food, agriculture, transitions in a female’s life, and nurturing qualities we received as children and (often) replicate as adults. With Ceres, there is a love of what is simple, natural, and good for you.  There is also a strong need to nurture and protect, as well as to treat other living beings, including animals, with respect and reverence.  For those reasons, Ceres is often associated with the Sign of Virgo.

Ceres is also connected to grief, as well as the possibility of destroying everything in one’s path in order to regain what was lost. It might also be connected to separation and time-sharing, as Ceres in mythology had to strike a deal with Pluto (Hades) who had kidnapped and married her daughter, Persephone, to agree to share Persephone with him for part of the year, rather than lose her daughter entirely.  For those reasons, Ceres is also associated with the Sign of Scorpio.

Ceres represents the Mother – the life-giver and sources of nurturing, devotion, patience, and unconditional love. The ability to forgive and provide for her children and put them before herself is regarded as the essence of a good mother.

Ceres shadowy aspect can be devouring, abusive and abandoning. She can make her children feel guilty about becoming independent and leaving her. She can be the “helicopter mom” who lives her life through her children and may not allow them to learn through their own mistakes. Another “dark Ceres” is one who abandons her children, or too busy to nurture and available when needed.

Women without children impart Ceres’ energy thru their own nurturing & devotion to living things.

In 2020 , the Goddess Ceres began the year in Capricorn and in the "mix" with powerful Planets Pluto and Saturn as the Covid-19 virus began to take hold globally. As Ceres entered the humanitarian sign of Aquarius in early February 2020, the world was already beginning to restrict travel and the process of separating began. Late April, Ceres entered Pisces and the full grip of the pandemic was felt and people advised (or ordered) to shelter at home - further separating loved ones while fear mounts everywhere. Ceres remained in Pisces until September 27, 2020, when she retrograded back into the Sign of Aquarius, and brought new wisdom and tools to sooth and comfort and heal the masses through the end of 2020.  In 2021, Ceres left Pisces on February 22, to the self-sufficient sign of Aries - where she will remain until May 9, 2021.  She is learning how to prioritize and care for her own needs, while being better-able to take on task for others who can't do for their self.  There is a strong sense of empowerment with Ceres in Aries - no matter where she is placed in your natal astrology chart!

*Click here for info and samples of Natal Astrology Chart Interpretations and how to get yours!

Ceres in the Signs of the Zodiac: Shows our early nurturing and (eventually) our own nurturing style and what make us feel nurtured.   Ceres placement by SIGN show HOW we may "hang on" and grieve over children or loved ones who we can no longer care for as before.  The brief descriptions below provide a glimpse into Ceres' influence in your natal Astrology chart, as well as transits, progressed and solar return charts.

Ceres in Aries: Nurtures by action and physical activity of any kind! Less Hugs – More Play! 

Positive traits: Demonstrative & takes charge: Negative traits: Competitive

Ceres in Taurus: Nurtures through physical senses – (food, touch and comfortable & predictable surroundings) Has money issues. 

Positive traits: Protective – Negative traits: Possessive.

Ceres in Gemini : Nurtures through talking, writing, and teaching. Loves short trips and social interaction. Close to siblings & neighbors. 

Positive traits: Stimulating – Negative traits: Superficial

Ceres in Cancer : Nurtures through hugs, kisses and close-knit family activities. Traditions important. 

Positive traits: Sense of belonging and cared-for – Negative traits: Smothering

Ceres in Leo: Center stage with “the best of everything”. Grew up educated, talented and loving, and wants same for children. 

Positive traits: Self-confident – Negative traits: Self-centered.

Ceres in Virgo: Nurtures through work & service to others. Sets routines and strives for “best you can be – body, mind & soul. 

Positive traits: Caring for needs – Negative traits: Critical 

Ceres in Libra : Often conflicted and pulled between parents for affection. Nurtures thru beauty, arts, manners, & fairness. 

Positive traits: Sensitive & supportive – Negative traits: Hates being “bad guy”

Ceres in Scorpio : Nurtures thru sex, occult, mystery, transforming & healing. Tough love. 

Positive traits: Protective – Negative traits: Suspicious & secretive

Ceres in Sagittarius: Nurtures thru knowledge, education, and long-journey adventures. 

Positive traits: Encourages independence – Negative traits: Indicates “absent mother”

Ceres in Capricorn: Nurtures on world scene and gives purpose & organization. Disciplined and rarely hears “I love you”!

Positive traits: Self-reliant – Negative traits: Undemonstrative

Ceres in Aquarius: Nurtures through friends, groups and unusual (avant garde) lifestyle. 

Positive traits: Independent - Negative traits: Emotionally detached.

Ceres in Pisces: Imagination and fantasy offer nurturing feelings and escape from reality. Drugs/alcohol possible. Positive traits: Loves selflessly – Negative traits: Lacks discipline.

Ceres in the Astrological Houses: Placement of the Ceres Goddess Asteroid by House shows the "terrain" or WHERE you are likely to express and receive nurturing (i.e. 7th House - Relationships, 10th House - Career)

Ceres in 1st House : “Mothers” people wherever they happen to be!

Ceres in 2nd House : Usually indicates comfortable & sustained lifestyle at home and work.

Ceres in 3rd House : Siblings and neighbors and school mates and teachers are source of nurturing (give-and-take).

Ceres in 4th House : Home is where the heart is! 

Ceres in 5th House : Kids, romance, playtime and “show-biz”!

Ceres in 6th House : Workplace & routines, especially health-related activities.

Ceres in 7th House : Relationships are focused to keep everything fair and equally balanced.

Ceres in 8th House : Sex, drugs, death and other people’s money. May work in hospice. 

Ceres in 9th House : Travel, exploring cultures, religions & philosophies. Higher education. 

Ceres in 10th House: Takes care of business/company, employees and reaching goals. 

Ceres in 11th House : Active to improve humanitarian endeavors. Helps friends

Ceres in 12th House: The “unsung hero” that does the right thing when no one is looking. Great placement for religious, medical and psychiatric work.

Quick Facts:

Ceres - Mother Earth (but her Astrological Element is Water)

"Goddess of Agriculture & Civilization"

Father to Ceres - Saturn

Daughter to Ceres - Persephone - "kidnapped" by Pluto (Hades) and married her without Ceres consent

Sister to Ceres - Juno & Vesta

1st Asteroid discovered on New Year's Day, 1801

Largest of all asteroids - 587.8 miles diameter - orbit is 4.6 years

Symbol is crescent over the Cross (to represent receptivity and form)

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