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Astrology offers us infinite layers of insight as to what we love, need, and desire, allowing us to more deeply understand our personal vibe and that of our loved ones. While we can access this knowledge through our planetary placements, there are other celestial bodies used in modern astrology that can add even more nuance and dimensionality. Enter: the asteroids in astrology.

While there are thousands of asteroids in the cosmos, a handful of them get star billing, being used more regularly by astrologers than others. What’s striking about the asteroids used in astrology is that most are named after female deities and embody feminine signatures—a counterbalance to the planetary pantheon, in which all but the moon and Venus are named after masculine deities. (Regardless of how you identify, in astrology, it’s thought that we all embody masculine and feminine energies, with the asteroids reflecting mainly the latter.)

Like the planets, the asteroids in astrology were named by those who discovered them, and astrologers imbue them with archetypal meaning based on their mythical namesakes.

Like the planets, the asteroids in astrology were named by those who discovered them, and astrologers imbue them with archetypal meaning based on their mythical namesakes. For example, the asteroid Ceres, named after the Roman goddess of fertility, agriculture, and motherly relationships, signifies the ways we protect our offspring; and the asteroid Hygeia, named after the Greek goddess of health, reflects our relationship to our own well-being.

How to interpret the asteroids in astrology

Much as you’d interpret the planets in your birth chart by seeing which zodiac signs they occupied when you were born, you can work with the asteroids in astrology by determining the same. To discover the location of the main asteroids in your birth chart, enter your birthdate, time, and location into a birth-chart generator like this one, and select these asteroids from the drop-down: Ceres, Chiron, Eros, Hygeia, Juno, Pallas, Psyche, Sappho, and Vesta.

Then, read on for a primer on all nine of these main asteroids in astrology, plus a breakdown of how they will influence your personality depending on the zodiac sign where they’re located in your natal chart.

What are the main asteroids in astrology, and what do they mean?

Ceres

Since 2006, Ceres has been categorized astronomically as a dwarf planet; yet in astrology, it’s often still referred to as an asteroid. Named for Ceres, the Roman goddess of motherly relationships, fertility, and agriculture, Ceres in astrology conveys big mama energy. It connects us to the fierce mothering side of ourselves that doesn’t just nurture our offspring—whether our children or the creative projects we birth—but also fiercely defends them at all costs. Subsequently, Ceres also helps us understand how we relate to loss and sacrifice.

Ceres in Aries: While you passionately take on the mantle of defender, once the battle is seemingly over, you move on quickly.

Ceres in Taurus: You’re a believer in the power of nature—as well as retail therapy—to help cultivate a greater sense of resilience and comfort.

Ceres in Gemini: Language is precious to you; not only do you wield it adeptly, but you’re a staunch defender of using it intently and judiciously.

Ceres in Cancer: You’re the OG caretaker who prizes the sanctity of others feeling nourished and will spend an abundance of time and effort making sure your loved ones’ literal (and figurative) cups are full.

Ceres in Leo: You can readily c