Welcome to the fourth of 5 articles exploring the asteroids of astrology.
We have already explored Ceres, Pallas and Juno. If you missed them, you can catch up by clicking the links below:
Ceres: Learning Astrology 101: The Asteroids Part 1 - Ceres
Pallas: Learning Astrology 101: The Asteroids Part 2 - Pallas
Juno: Learning Astrology 101: The Asteroids Part 3 - Juno
A reminder of the asteroids purpose in Astrology:
Recently, the asteroids have gained more prominence in astrology. These are objects that lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. There are millions of asteroids here so we cannot refer to them all. We use the four main asteroid: Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta. Technically, these are not all asteroids. Some were but have been reclassified while the classification of some is still under debate. However, in Astrology, we call them all asteroids in the same way we call the Sun and Moon planets.
The asteroids are named after female mythological figures so I like to think of them as bringing an abundance of feminine energy traits that balance to the mainly masculine energy exerted by the planets. This allows for well-rounded understanding of the birth chart.
This article will explore the key meanings behind the asteroid called Vesta and will help you to locate it on your birth chart.
The Astronomy
In Astronomy, Vesta was the fourth asteroid discovered in the main belt. It was discovered in 1807. Vesta has an elliptical orbit and takes just over 3 and a half years to orbit the Sun. It takes just over 5 hours to rotate once on its axis.
The Mythology
Vesta was the Roman Goddess of the hearth and home. She represented the eternal flame that brought prosperity to the Roman Empire.
[Image generated using Canva AI]
She was the oldest child of Saturn and, like the others (except Jupiter), was eaten by her father. Jupiter overthrew his father and freed his siblings, including Vesta. Jupiter allowed his sister to take control of her own path. Vesta chose to remain pure and focus on the sacred duties of maintaining the eternal flame and ensuring harmony in domestic life. Her priestesses, the Vestal Virgins, dedicated their lives to the Goddess and tended to her flame in her temple.
The Astrology
In Astrology, Vesta points to areas of our lives in which we give complete dedication and devotion. It highlights our vocation or calling. This may not be for the benefit of others but is something deep and meaningful to you. Put another way, Vesta can be seen as bringing a sacred practice to secular aspects of our lives (as well as spiritual ones!). It brings and highlights our sense of purpose, dedication and fulfilment and in what areas of life we invest our time, energy and focus. Vesta can also indicate areas of our life that we sacrifice for the sake of others. It should be noted, however, that this does not mean we must sacrifice ourselves to help others. Instead, we must find a suitable balance between selflessness and self-care. Ultimately, Vesta informs us of our purpose, passions, inspirations and how we express the spark that dwells within us.
[Image generated partially using Canva AI]
Finding Vesta on Your Chart
To find Vesta on your chart, visiting the following link. You will need your date, time and place of birth:
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Enter your birth details.
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You can leave the house system as Placidus or change it. I use whole Sign.
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Leave the zodiac as Tropical
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There is no need to select any asteroids as Vesta is already selected.
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Click CALCULATE
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Ceres is shown on the chart as VEST
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Look at the glyph of the sign that it is in. These are shown below:
On this chart, Vesta is in Cancer:
You can check the meaning of your placement below.
Vesta in the Signs
These descriptions show how your devotion manifests, where your commitments lie and what makes your inner flame burn brightest. It also highlights the difficulties that you may face. Remember that these are general interpretations and that the influence of your personal Juno will depend on many factors, including house placements and interactions with other planets.
Sign Interpretations
Aries
With Vesta in Aries, you are fuelled by courage, passion, and a pioneering spirit. Your commitment to personal independence drives you to take bold actions toward your goals. You shine brightest when facing challenges, exploring new ideas, or asserting your individuality. However, your strong focus on ambition may sometimes make it hard to collaborate or consider the needs of others. Finding a balance between self-reliance and teamwork can enrich your sense of purpose.
Taurus
For those with Vesta in Taurus, devotion is rooted in the physical world and tangible experiences. You prioritise creating comfort, security, and beauty around you. Your reliability and steadfastness help you remain committed to what matters most to you. However, your emphasis on material or emotional security might hinder your ability to embrace change or take risks. Expanding your devotion beyond the physical can foster spiritual growth.
Gemini
Vesta in Gemini inspires devotion through curiosity, communication, and mental engagement. You are dedicated to learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with others through your insights. Your passion ignites when you explore intellectually and engage in lively discussions. However, your tendency to jump from one interest to another can prevent you from delving deep into any single topic. Focusing your energy on a clear purpose can help sustain your enthusiasm.
Cancer
With Vesta in Cancer, your devotion lies in nurturing emotional connections and caring for your family. You thrive when you feel emotionally secure and can support others in meaningful ways. Your commitment to family traditions and protecting your loved ones is strong. However, this devotion can sometimes lead to overprotectiveness or blurred boundaries. Recognising and honouring your own needs alongside those of others can help you find a healthier balance.
Leo
Vesta in Leo encourages devotion to self-expression, creativity, and inspiring those around you. You feel most alive when your unique talents are recognised and appreciated. Living authentically and sharing your creativity brings you joy and passion. However, your desire for recognition might overshadow your ability to collaborate. Shifting your focus toward collective success can enhance your impact on others.
Virgo
With Vesta in Virgo, your devotion manifests through acts of service, precision, and self-improvement. You are dedicated to helping others and honing your skills, often paying attention to details that others may overlook. Your inner drive is fuelled by discipline and meaningful work. However, striving for perfection can lead to self-criticism or burnout. Embracing imperfection and allowing time for rest can help sustain your energy and purpose.
Libra
Vesta in Libra motivates you to seek harmony, beauty, and balanced relationships. You thrive when fostering connections and fairness, often dedicating yourself to partnerships. Your commitment to justice and equality is strong, and you also appreciate aesthetic refinement. However, your desire for peace might lead to self-sacrifice or avoiding conflict. Balancing your personal needs with your commitment to harmony can enhance your sense of fulfilment.
Scorpio
For those with Vesta in Scorpio, devotion is centred on transformation and uncovering hidden truths. You thrive in emotionally intense experiences, fully committing to what ignites your passion, regardless of the challenges. You are drawn to life’s mysteries and seek renewal and growth. However, your intensity can lead to obsession or difficulty letting go of what no longer serves you. Embracing cycles of transformation can help you maintain balance.
Sagittarius
With Vesta in Sagittarius, your devotion is rooted in exploration, knowledge, and spiritual growth. You feel most inspired when pursuing higher ideals, traveling, or seeking wisdom. Your commitment to expanding horizons and sharing your optimism is strong. However, your focus on freedom may make it challenging to settle down or fully commit to one path. Balancing your adventurous spirit with grounded dedication can lead to greater fulfilment.
Capricorn
Vesta in Capricorn drives your dedication to discipline, ambition, and long-term goals. You focus on building structures and achieving success through consistent effort. Your commitment to responsibilities is commendable, and you excel at channeling energy into tangible results. However, a strong focus on achievement may make it hard to connect with emotional or spiritual aspects of life. Incorporating moments of rest and reflection into your routine can help you enjoy the journey.
Aquarius
With Vesta in Aquarius, your devotion is aligned with innovative practices, individuality, and contributing to the greater good. You thrive when working toward progressive causes or embracing your unique perspective. Your commitment to creating change and challenging the status quo is evident. However, your focus on the big picture may lead to detachment from personal relationships. Balancing your vision with deeper connections can enhance your impact on the world.
Pisces
Vesta in Pisces inspires deep devotion to spirituality, compassion and the interconnectedness of all things. Your inner drive shines in creative or meditative pursuits, allowing you to express your dreams and connect with something greater. You are dedicated to helping others heal and fostering a vision of harmony. However, this devotion can sometimes lead to self-sacrifice or difficulty in setting boundaries.
Next week, I will post the final article exploring the asteroid Chiron.
Blessed be
Alan
It might even give me the energy for an elaborate ritual, enjoying making the correspondences just right, with the things I have at hand. Deepening that connection by learning the stories behind those correspondences really tickles me too in a fun way.
and I think it fully tracks and makes sense!