Asteroids in Astrology

Beyond the classical planets, many astrologers read a handful of asteroids that add nuance and detail to a chart. The four main ones — Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta — were named after major goddesses and represent facets of experience the traditional planets cover less directly, such as nurturing, strategy, commitment and devotion.

Ceres speaks to how we nurture and feel nurtured; Pallas to creative intelligence and pattern-making; Juno to partnership and what we seek in committed relationships; Vesta to focus, dedication and what we hold sacred. Chiron, the “wounded healer”, is often grouped with them and points to a core wound that becomes a source of healing for others.

Asteroids reward a closer reading of the chart once the planets are understood. Use the cards above to explore each asteroid, then calculate your natal chart to see which signs and houses they occupy in your own astrology.