Ceres in Astrology: The meaning of the asteroid
In mythology, Ceres represents fertility. But what does the asteroid Ceres mean in astrology? Here’s the explanation.
Ceres is a celestial body still considered an asteroid in astrology, but declared a dwarf planet by astronomers in 2006. It is the largest element of the asteroid belt located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Ceres was discovered in 1801 by Giuseppe Piazzi. Its name is the one of the Roman goddess of agriculture. Ceres’ orbital period is about 4 years and a half.
Ceres in mythology
In Latin mythology, Ceres was the goddess of agriculture and of the earth, the equivalent of the Greek goddess Demeter. She was Zeus’ sister and the mother of Persephone (Proserpina in Roman mythology).
Hades, the god of death and ruler of the underworld, fell in love with Persephone, kidnapped her and took her to his realm. Deeply saddened by the lost of her daughter, Demeter left Mount Olympus and traveled the world to find her. During this time, the soil became infertile and the humans had no more crops. Fearing that the mankind will starve, Zeus sent Hermes, the messenger of the gods, to bring Persephone back. Hades agreed to free the young goddess if she stops eating while living in the underworld. Yet, he convinced her to eat the seeds of a pomegranate, a fruit that in ancient Greek symbolized sexuality. This way, Hades had a reason to say he had sexual intercourse with Persephone and she was considered to be his partner. So, even if Persephone was allowed to go back to her mother, she had to return to the underworld several months each year.
This legend is the way the ancient Greeks explained the passing of the seasons. Demeter was sad when Persephone was in the underworld, during autumn and winter – these are the seasons when the soil is infertile. In spring and summer, Persephone was with her mother, who was happy and made the soil fertile again. The word “cereals” derived from the name Ceres.
The Asteroid Ceres in Astrology
In astrology, Ceres has a similar meaning to the goddess’ role in mythology: it’s the asteroid of fertility, of abundance and of motherhood. To understand what I mean when I write “abundance”: Ceres could indicate a good financial status, if the asteroid is in the second house in your birth chart, for example. Or it could be the sign of multiple childbirths if located in the 5th house (forming positive aspects).
The second meaning indicates the way we take care of other people, but gives us some information about the relationship between children and parents, too. But even more important are Ceres’ transits: they indicate a pregnancy, giving birth and so on. When analyzing the chart of a pregnant woman or of one who just gave birth, you will always see Ceres activating certain planets or points in the woman’s birth chart.
And I also have a personal theory: Ceres could have some influence on getting breast cancer. I analyzed the birth charts of many female celebrities who had breast cancer and I believe that a negatively aspected Ceres increases the risk of getting breast cancer. Especially if the asteroid Sedna is also forming squares or oppositions to Mars, Neptune or Pluto (or to the Ascendant, in rare cases). But, as I wrote earlier: this is just a supposition of mine. I’d have to analyze much more birth charts before being certain that I’m right. And that also doesn’t mean that all women who have a negatively aspected Ceres will be sick. There must be a combination of many unfavorable factors for that to happen.
