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The power of conviction and the pursuit of universal truth is at the forefront of Vesta’s November 15th transit into fiery, expansive Sagittarius.
Vesta in Mythology
The word “vesta”, according to the ancient historian Ovid, is derived from the Latin “vi stando”, which translates to “standing by power”. In Greek mythology, Vesta is the goddess of the hearth, which also symbolizes family structure, home, and a certain creative power associated with purity, sacrifice, and fertility. In Ancient Rome, one of the most revered temples was that of Vesta’s, represented by an eternal flame guarded and tended by priestesses known as Vestals. Only the Vestals were permitted to enter the temple, and due to this her name became associated not only with the modern understanding of the term virgin but also the concept of purity. She was considered a protector of the city of Rome and was rarely depicted in human form. Vesta was also known to be the sister of Jupiter, and after both Neptune and Apollo sought her hand, she requested to her brother that she be allowed to remain unmarried. Jupiter agreed, and out of gratitude she decided to care for her brother’s hearth and home. Thus, Vesta has a unique position in archetypal representation as she refers to the care of a home and domestic life but not necessary of marriage.
Astrological Significance
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Vesta is the brightest asteroid in the sky as well as the second to be discovered after Ceres. It is also one of the largest. In astrology, Vesta represents that “spark of life” that denotes not only your individuality but your fire and will to be as you are. Vesta’s location in the natal chart is also an indicator of where meaningful sacrifice can be made in order to liberate our life experience—in other words, how we can release the limiting beliefs, narratives, or ideology surrounding emotions that we experienced in the past that are actual obstacles in our path. Because of this, Vesta also represents devotion. It requires devotion to one’s own journey and authenticity in order to identify and release what is holding that back. It is not always easy to do so, and an extra helping of that transformative, creative fire is necessary sometimes to burn through those obstacles.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is a mutable sign, known for its flexibility but also for its wide-ranging dominion over personal development. Jupiter is the ruler of this fire sign, and brings its famous jollity and good luck to travel, spiritual journeys, and anything in which the goal is to aim higher. Sagittarius is an archer, and brings energy to any forward movement the way an arrow shoots forward from the bow. Those influenced by Sagittarius are not afraid of change, and herald it as an opportunity. They are the least homesick of all the signs and feel at home on an adventure. Indeed, Sagittarians are known for their sense of adventure, and are comfortable being challenged as they have a clear understanding that challenges refine your sense of self. Broad horizons are what this sign is all about–they don’t like to be limited, boxed in, stereotyped, or otherwise underestimated. In fact, they may even go out of their way to prove you wrong if you do so. A quest for truth is close to the heart in the sign of Sagittarius, and their personal development will always arc towards and be a direct reflection of that quest. Because of this, they may have a tendency to believe that they are more inclined towards truth than others, and may nurse a bit of a prophet complex if they’re not careful.
Sagittarius is the sign of the ninth house, and rules journeys, personal growth, and second marriages–plus, all the experiences where you have risen to the challenge and become more than you thought you could.
Fire Meets Fire
Vesta in Sagittarius is a big dose of that personal spark, and emphasizes that that inner eternal flame has divine origin. The firm faith of Sagittarius that home is in the heart of the traveler combined with the eternal flame of gratitude, service, and protection makes it an excellent time to plan trips or visit someone in need. It is a time to experience yourself in new ways, to try things you never imagined yourself doing, and to examine what you must sacrifice in order to see yourself as a dynamic individual whose individuality is not lost in the process of change.
Perhaps the past is dictating to you a version of yourself which you created in order to survive. Perhaps you have outgrown that sense of self without even realizing it. Your ideas surrounding change are what must be sacrificed at this time, including the assumption that fear is an all-encompassing reality in which one must remain stagnant until one no longer feels fear. Fear, rather (if one is not being threatened) can simply be a shift in energy from one sense of comfort into another, healthier zone where new experiences can take you where you were meant to be rather than away from your sense of self. It is alright to have a rebirth. You will always be you, and the wisdom that who you are is non transient while all other circumstances are fleeting may be the strongest sense of self that is possible to have.
Either way, the message of Vesta in Sagittarius is assuredly that the hearth is in the heart. That spark of life that makes you unique in a planet of billions is found at your own altar within, and the sacrifice of that which is holding you back will bring you closer home.
