Vesta is an asteroid that was discovered in 1807. It is the second largest asteroid in our solar system, and is part of the belt of planetary bodies located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
With regard to discovery of new planetary bodies, astrologers have noted that the timing of those discoveries often coincides with the expression and integration of that particular archetype in the collective human psyche (Bloch & George, p. 2). Thus, many of the asteroids, including Vesta, which were named after female goddesses, represent the emerging expression of certain female roles and archetypes other than that of the mother (represented by the Moon) and wife (represented by Venus).
Vesta was named after the Roman goddess Vesta, also known as the Greek goddess Hestia, the virgin goddess of hearth and home. The glyph for Vesta represents the hearth-fire. In Greek mythology, Vesta was a daughter of Chronos (Saturn) and sister of Zeus (Jupiter). The temple of Vesta, and its priestesses, known as Vestal virgins, were charged with the important duty of keeping the Sacred Flame burning (Bloch & George, p. 83-83).
Because of her virgin status and complicated relationship to sexuality, Vesta can signify sexual extremes, either chastity and celibacy, or promiscuity or even prostitution (Bloch & George, p. 124-126). Vesta in the horoscope and by transit can also relate to themes of devotional or religious activities, scholarship, tradition or conservatism, or social orders and groups (Bloch & George, p. 134).
Further Listening & Bibliography:
The Astrology Podcast, Episode 242, The Asteroids in Astrology, with Demetra George, Chris Brennan & Demetra George, February 6, 2020.
Bloch, Douglas & George, Demetra, Asteroid Goddesses: The Mythology, Psychology, and Astrology of the Re-emerging Feminine, Ibis Press, Lake Worth, FL, 2003.
Article Information
- Author(s): Claire Rootjes
- Editing or additional contributions: Chris Brennan
- Originally published: November 10, 2020
- Last updated: November 10, 2020
- Cite this article: Claire Rootjes, “Vesta,” The Astrology Dictionary, November 10, 2020, http://theastrologydictionary.com/v/vesta/
