Asteroids

In Western astrology, we work with ten planets (Pluto is still in the pack as far as astrologers are concerned). In Indian astrology, they’ve managed to get by with only seven planets for thousands of years. Uranian astrologers use the Western ten planets, and then add a few more “hypothetical planets” to the mix.

And everyone seems to work well with what they’ve got.

So why should we look into asteroids? Do we need another 12,000 (and growing) bodies to consider in the horoscope?

For an understanding of a chart and the energies of an individual and their culture, no. Using the major planets is enough to understand and predict astrologically. However, there is a value to these small “rocks” that are making their long and eccentric orbits through our solar system.

We can think about it this way: the major planets set the themes of the chart, and the asteroids “color in” these themes with specific details. They add a dimension to the chart by bringing in more precise information, although this information only really makes sense in relation to the major planets (there’s just too much information to sort it out except in relationship to the major planets and points in the natal chart).

Sometimes this information is very subtle. For example, a person might have the asteroid “Beatles” conjunct their sun, and in addition to appreciating the Beatles music, they will find themselves identifying with a specific group of people in their professional lives.

Other times, the asteroids give very specific and obvious information. Prince Charles has his Venus (planet of love and relationship) in a tight aspect to the asteroid Parker, and the love of his life is Camilla Parker-Bowles. Often, when these aspects become exact by transit or progression, there will be a significant event in the relationship, as in a meeting or marriage.

One of the most intriguing things about asteroids is the way themes can emerge. A person might have their personal planets in aspect to many asteroids that have Egyptian, Russian, or Indian names, and find that that culture is very significant in their life. Many people report a sort of past-life attachment to the culture that is shown by the asteroid theme.

Even if we limit the asteroids to those that are in major aspects to the planets and points in the chart, there is a lot of sorting through to do. I can pick out the asteroid themes and look for name associations, but I need to work with the client to really expand the themes and discover what they are communicating. It takes a while, but the results are rewarding and often fascinating.

One example that comes to mind is that of place names. A person with “Chicago” on the midheaven might find their best career move comes when they take a job in that city. Another person might have Picasso conjunct their Venus, and find their success as a painter or as an art critic.

While we’re used to thinking about the planets in terms of Greek and Roman (or Indian) gods, the asteroids can be very commonplace. Many are named for individuals, and not all of them famous. This may sound a little deflating, but we have to acknowledge that our collective consciousness tends to the small as well as to the grand. We all have the goddess Venus somewhere in our chart, but we also have the asteroid Homer Simpson. On their own level, each can tell something about an individual.

The same general idea can be expressed in different ways. One person might have their Venus conjunct the asteroid Eros, suggesting that their approach to love and relationship has a very strong erotic charge. Another person might have Venus conjunct the asteroid Pecker, which suggests the same thing, but certainly gives a different coloring!

If you’re considering an asteroid reading, I think it’s best as an add-on to a natal chart or relationship reading. We can also explore the asteroids on their own. It takes a little time but I think you’ll find it worthwhile.

Asteroid readings are $25 as an add-on, or $40 on their own.

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