Ceres in astrology

Ceres, with a diameter of about 913 km, is the largest of the main asteroids within this solar
systems' Asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter). This was the first minor planet, or
asteroid, to be discovered--occurring on January 1st 1801 by G Piazzi at Palermo in Sicily.

The distance of Ceres from the Sun varies between 381.5 and 446 million kilometers (237 to
277 million miles), and has an orbital cycle of 4.60 years. The orbit is inclined at 10.6
degrees to the ecliptic.

Named Demeter in Greek mythology, she was the goddess of harvest and fertility; daughter
of Cronus (Saturn) and Rhea; mother of Persephone by Zeus. In Roman mythology, she was
named Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and grain. Pluto (Hades), the god of the underworld,
kidnapped Persephone to live with him. A devoted mother, Ceres was very distressed. After
a years search, Helios, the Sun god, took pity on Ceres and informed her where her
daughter was. Ceres was angry with Zeus and the other gods for their collusion in allowing
Persephone to be carried off, and refused to live with them, preferring to live on Earth
among men.

Saddened by their actions, Zeus held council with all of the gods to determine Persephone's
fate. It was decided that if Persephone had not eaten anything, she should return to her
mother, or otherwise remain in the lower world. Persephone had only once eaten a
pomegranate, so the gods decreed that eating only a pomegranate should not allow her to
remain continually, but only for a third of the year. As long as the ears of corn were below
ground, Persephone had to remain in the lower world with her husband.

Ceres loved all men, and had created corn for their use, and often wore a wreath of wheat-
ears around her head. She taught men how to cultivate plants, and in return they prayed to
her during sowing, and raised alters of earth during the harvest. Her worship was connected
not only as the earth goddess, but with fertility rites and rites for the dead. Her chief festival
was the Cerealia, and is celebrated on April 19. The word cereal is derived from her name.

With a strong association to her mythology, Ceres connects well with the signs of Cancer and
Virgo, symbolizing an individuals nurturing potential and cultivation of plants. Sustenance in
both physical and emotional forms is a keyword for Ceres.

Ceres can have a significant influence in female biological functions throughout her life, from
puberty to menopause, including conception. Whether easy or difficult, being the perfect
mother falls into the realm of Ceres.

Referred to as a minor planet, Ceres may have a strong impact in one chart, but negligible in
another. In charts with challenging planetary influences, a degree of separation, isolation,
eating disorders, or abuse may be evident. With beneficial aspects involved there can be an
emphasis on caring for people and things. How we use food for better or worse can reveal a
great deal about our relationship to ourselves and to those we care about and love.