CERES – the Goddess of Nurturing

Ceres is a dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Inspired by the upcoming Ceres' ingress into Libra on June 21st, 2023, here is her story.

To understand the meaning of Ceres in your horoscope, we need to reflect on Greek mythology, the story of Demeter and her daughter Persephone.

Demeter (Ceres) was the goddess of abundance, fertility, and harvest. She had a gorgeous daughter Persephone.
(Pluto), the god of the underworld, fell in love with Persephone and one day he emerged from the ground in his chariot and abducted her, taking her to the underworld against her will.

When Demeter discovered that her daughter was kidnapped, grief and anger consumed her. Demeter's sorrow led to the withering of crops on Earth and famine. Despair spread throughout the land, causing great suffering to humanity.

Zeus (Jupiter), the king of the gods, intervened and ordered Hades to release Persephone. But before he let her go, clever Hades tricked Persephone into eating a few pomegranate seeds. That bound her to the underworld forever. Persephone would have to spend half of each year in the realm of the dead with Hades. During those months, the fall/winter season occurs on Earth as Demeter is mourning for her daughter.

During the months when Demeter and Persephone are reunited, Demeter's joy is so great that she makes the Earth flourish once again. This is when the spring/summer season occurs.

The myth talks about the cycle of the seasons, but also carries a deeper meaning, emphasizing the importance of the harvest and the connection between humans and the natural world. It explores themes of love, loss, and the cycle of life and death, as well as the power of a mother's love for her child.

In your horoscope, Ceres explains how you want to be nurtured and how you nurture others. It's associated with your relationship with food, nourishment, and the natural cycles of life.

Its meaning is also connected to mothers, mother-child relationships, the motherhood approach, and fertility. It tells you about your nutrition and connection to nature and humanity.

Ceres is heightened in Cancer, but it feels good during all spring and summer signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, and Virgo (it's also an archetype of Virgo).

On the other hand, Ceres doesn’t feel nurtured during fall and winter signs – Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces, and especially in Capricorn.

Ceres associations are connected to food and service:
industry, farming, agriculture, gardens, herbalism, baking, nutritionist, herbalism, cooking, nurses, doctors, veterinarians, service occupations, helping professions, social workers, healers, chefs, waiters, union leaders, restaurants, and rural life.

With Ceres' ingress to Libra, we are entering a period of decline in agricultural activities and the withering of crops. On a global level, it can lead to drought, famine, inadequate care, malnutrition, diminished productivity, and unemployment, and it's associated with food poisoning!

In the individual charts, we need to consider its sign placement, house position, and any aspects it makes to other planets or points in the chart.

Ceres through signs and houses shows you how you nurture yourself and others.

Aries [1st house]

Assertiveness and independence.

There may be a strong desire to nurture and protect individuality and personal freedom. Helping others in need and protectiveness. Also, this placement can indicate fear of motherhood.

Taurus [2nd house]

Stability, sensuality, and need for material comforts.

There may be a focus on nurturing through physical contact and creating a secure environment. These people love to cook and eat and can be very generous in sharing money and other resources. Also, this placement can indicate fear of loss of security.

Gemini [3rd house]

Communication, intellectual stimulation, and adaptability.

There may be a tendency to nurture through exchanging ideas, talking, and gathering information. Protective of their siblings and neighbors. Individuals with this placement can be upset if being shut upped (not heard).

Cancer [4th house]

Deeply emotional, nurturing, and protective.

Centered around the home and family. There is a strong instinct to provide a nurturing and comforting environment for loved ones. Also, this placement can show big expectations from the mother.

Leo [5th house]

Warmth, creativity, and a need for recognition and attention.

There may be a focus on nurturing through self-expression and encouraging others to shine. These people are keen on parenthood, doing jobs involving children, fun, arts, and sports. Also, this placement can indicate parenthood before marriage.

Virgo [6th house]

Practical, detailed, and focused on health and well-being.

There is a desire to provide practical support and organization to promote growth and improvement, especially in the workplace. Nurtured by pets, nature, alchemy, and natural herbs. Helping and serving people is how they nurture others.

Libra [7th house]

Harmony, fairness, and maintaining balanced relationships.

There may be an emphasis on nurturing through diplomacy, compromise, and mediating between people. They can be nurtured by beautiful things and surroundings. These people can benefit from partnerships and expect support in relationships. Also, this placement can indicate marriage as being sacred, and won't divorce.

Scorpio [8th house]

Intense, trans-formative, and deeply emotional.

There may be a need to delve into the depths of emotions and provide healing and transformation to others. Also, this placement can indicate someone who nurtures others by solving crises and helping others transform sexual emotions.

Sagittarius [9th house]

Exploration, freedom, and expanding horizons by traveling, educating, and getting knowledge.

There is a desire to nurture through broadening perspectives, sharing wisdom, and encouraging personal growth. Also, these people can be upset if deprived of knowledge.

Capricorn [10th house]

Structured, disciplined, and focused on achieving long-term goals.

There may be a focus on nurturing through providing stability, guidance, discipline, and practical support. These people are practical problem solvers, they can lack emotional nurturing and might have less abundance. They might find nurturing in their careers or the food industry.

Aquarius [11th house]

Innovation, individuality, and promoting social progress.

There may be a desire to nurture through unconventional means, supporting uniqueness and freedom of expression. Social work, human rights, universal motherhood, and independence are key nurturing points for these individuals.

Pisces [12th house]

Compassionate, empathetic, and spiritual.

There is a strong intuition and ability to provide emotional support and unconditional love. These individuals care more for others and nurture through forgiveness. Need to be in insolation and by the water to feel nurtured.