If you’re looking for a way to increase your self-care, studying the asteroid Ceres could definitely help you. Orbiting between Mars and Jupiter, Ceres is the largest of the asteroids. Named after the Roman goddess Ceres, this particular asteroid represents what we need to feel nurtured and loved. This may sound similar to what is provided by the moon. However, the main difference is that the moon focuses on the emotional aspect of self-care while Ceres is connected to what is needed physically to feel nurtured. As you explore this placement, you will learn more about how to become a better nurturer for yourself and others.
The story of Ceres is related to the story of her daughter Persephone as she is known in Roman mythology. Persephone was abducted by the lord of the underworld, Hades. While Persephone was underground with Hades, she ate several pomegranate seeds which bound her to the underworld. When Ceres attempted to take her daughter Persephone back to earth, she had to strike a deal with Hades that Persephone would spend part of the year above ground on earth and the remainder of the year underground with Hades. According to Roman mythology, this is how the seasons were born as Ceres spends the part of the year without Persephone in mourning. When Persephone goes underground for her obligatory stay with Hades, the earth becomes barren and dull as Ceres weeps for the loss of her daughter until Persephone is able to return to above ground, and then the earth will become fertile again.
The story of Ceres is a reminder to take care of ourselves especially when we have experienced a loss. Ceres, as the earth mother, focuses on providing care for herself as well as being able to care for her offspring. The fertile ground represents her abundant harvest which is only experienced when her offspring Persephone returns to be with her.
Ceres in Astrology
In astrology, Ceres is the quintessential earth-mother providing sustenance through her harvest. She’s associated with nurturing through food and cooking. There is also the association with grief and loss via the story of Ceres losing her daughter Persephone to Hades, the god of the underworld. In regards to self-care, Ceres is the personal relationship that we have with the physical world.
The sign and house placement of Ceres in our natal chart show what we need to feel physically nurtured. Some themes to consider with Ceres include our relationship with food and how we feel about making the space to care for ourselves. It is very important to analyze your Ceres asteroid placement as it can teach you how to take time for yourself so that you can feel connected to this physical world. Likewise, the Ceres placement also shows our ability to provide comfort and support to others in a physical way. In some extreme cases, Ceres represents issues surrounding child custody where there is the possibility of separation from the child. For clarification of this particular aspect of Ceres, it is best to consult the assistance of a professional astrologer.
Ceres in the Signs
For additional guidance on how Ceres is experienced, the following is an overview of the Ceres placements throughout the zodiac signs.
Ceres in Aries/1st House-Ceres in Aries is nurtured through being independent, taking action, and physical activity.
Ceres in Taurus/2nd House-Ceres in Taurus is nurtured through physical touch as well as providing a stable environment where the senses can be thoroughly experienced and explored.
Ceres in Gemini/3rd House-Ceres in Gemini finds nurturance through communication, relationships with siblings, and basic education.
Ceres in Cancer/4th House-Ceres in Cancer is nurtured through the mother. The home and family will play a very important role in the nurturing process.
Ceres in Leo/5th House-The Ceres in Leo placement is nurtured via recognition, being in the spotlight, feeling special, and through creative expression.
Ceres in Virgo/6th House-Ceres in Virgo finds nurturance through the pursuit of perfection, self-discipline, and discrimination.
Ceres in Libra/7th House-Ceres in Libra finds nurturance through cooperation, forming relationships, and beauty.
Ceres in Scorpio/8th House-Ceres in Scorpio is nurtured through the formation of deep, intimate bonds and seeking self-empowerment.
Ceres in Sagittarius/9th House-Ceres in Sagittarius finds nurturance through exploring beyond its boundaries through philosophy, higher education, religion, travel, and having an optimistic perspective.
Ceres in Capricorn/10th House-Ceres in Capricorn feels most nurtured when pursuing important goals, seeking status, accomplishments, and learning how to be disciplined and responsible.
Ceres in Aquarius/11th House-Ceres in Aquarius feels nurtured by embracing its uniqueness and individuality, and developing a mindset that bucks the status quo.
Ceres in Pisces/12th House-Ceres in Pisces feels most nurtured when being of service, giving, and receiving unconditional love and compassion.
Using Your Ceres Energy
The Ceres placement is important in learning the art of self-care. By focusing on the sign and house placement of Ceres, we learn how to provide ourselves with what we need in order to feel nurtured and personally cared for. As one of the mother figures of the zodiac, Ceres offers the very important insight that it is impossible to care for others without first knowing how to care for the self.
The needs that are expressed through the Ceres placement are both basic and essential as they connect us to the physical world. If we don’t know how to balance ourselves within this reality, we may find it difficult to properly care for ourselves and others.
Take some time to explore how you can integrate Ceres energy into your life so that you can provide yourself with the self-care that you need to be a whole and physically connected individual.
