Vesta in Mythology
Vesta is one of the four main asteroids used in Astrology. She is known as Hestia in Greek mythology and is the sister of Zeus and the last born of Kronus and Rhea. When she grew up to be a beautiful maiden, Apollon and Poseidon each pursued her in marriage, but she refused them and asked Zeus to let her remain an eternal virgin. She is obviously a smart goddess and knew even at a young age that relationships take time and can be a mess at times, and why add to the existing drama of other goddesses! Anyway, so Zeus obliged and in turn Vesta was given the task of keeping the sacred fire of life burning. Keeping the fire going was important in Roman times lest something bad happens to the people. So although she chose not to get married and have children, she was revered as the protector of home and families and was called the goddess of fire and hearth. She is frequently depicted holding a kettle in one hand and cut flowers in the other hand. Her “chastity” is not about sexual chastity but it’s about not belonging to any one man and using the energy of procreation to focus on other causes. Vesta’s energy differs from Asteroid Juno which is about equality in partnerships.
Vesta in Astrology
So what does Vesta in Astrology mean? It means the need to be dedicated, focused and passionate to a cause they believe. It also means the ability to put in the work required to reach a goal, and devoted activism. Vesta goes all the way. Rumi says in one his poems ” With passion pray. With passion make love. With passion eat and drink and dance and play.Why look like a dead fish in this ocean of God? (Rumi,1207-1273). This kind of sums up the Vesta energy. Whatever planet or angle Vesta touches becomes imbibed with dedication. If Vesta touches Mars, the person often gives all they have to a task, or drive others towards achieving a goal. A mother with 5th house Vesta conjunct Mars may push her children to fulfill her dreams of success and achievement. Sometimes, to follow their heart, prominent Vesta people may end up choosing their career or activism over building a relationship. This may also happen due to life circumstances rather than out of choice. Vesta conjunct an angle, node or luminaries or combinations of these tend to express this energy more strongly. Some of the expressions of Vesta are given below.
Vesta is a Born Advocate for a Cause She Believes
Once the Vesta individual set their heart on a cause, it is hard to shake them of it. Tending the fire is symbolic of holding on to a cause and hence her symbol of Vesta is a flame. Charlton Heston, a popular actor starting from the fifties has Vesta conjunct his ascendant, and was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement and participated in the famous 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther king. However, he is mainly known for being the head of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1988 to 2003. He often said, If government officials tried to take away his gun “they would have to pry it from his cold, dead hands”. Robert Redford has Vesta conjunct his IC and south node. With this placement, he was able to focus on tasks that are close to his heart. We all know him as a popular actor but he is also known for his activism related to environmental justice, Native American rights and independent filmmaking. He has helped many independent film makers to express their skill. Nelson Mandela has Vesta, conjunct hs South node (time of birth not accurate). His whole life was about fighting apartheid in South Africa. Also, he put his work before his marriage and family, and is known to have had affairs while being married. Actress Glenn Close known for her role in the move “fatal attraction” has Vesta conjunct her midheaven and Hygiea (asteroid related to health). She is a very strong advocate for mental health and started her own non-profit called “Bring Change 2 Mind”, to raise awareness of mental health issues. Both her sister and nephew suffer from Bipolar disorder while she has openly discussed her own struggle with depression. She was awarded the WebMD Health Hero award in 2015 for her contributions to mental health.
Vesta is Prepared to Put in the Needed Work
Lyndon Johnson, the 36th President of United States has asteroid Vesta on his ascendant and conjunct the Sun. With Vesta on his personal angle, he was able to project openly his focus and dedication on projects that he believed. True to his Vesta energy, he is known to have worked 18 to 20 hours per day and did not really have any leisure activities. Before he became a President, he taught school in a poor neighborhood and was moved by the poverty of students and realized that most of them cannot afford to go to college. His biggest accomplishments as a President was the introduction of Medicare , Medicaid, education help, etc., to help out poor families. Due to his laws, many millions of Americans were able to raise their standard of living during his Presidency.
Vesta May Forego Relationship to Focus on Other Causes
Vesta energy can also be fiercely independent and non-traditional, especially when it comes to relationships. Germaine Greer is an Australian born feminist writer. She has Vesta conjunct her ascendant. Her goal was not women’s equality with men or in marriage but the ability for women to find themselves and live by their values. Her own marriage was a disaster and she never got married again. In her interview with BBC, she said “I should never have got married. I just thought I would give it a try but did not enter it seriously. He really chose me. On the way to the wedding, I knew it was silly, but I had said I would marry him.” The vesta energy can sometimes lead a person to take a stance against monogamy but I think the goal is kind of the same; to substitute focus from building a relationship to another project.
Vesta Can be Plain Hard Work or Drudgery
Sometimes Vesta could mean plain hard work, either of one’s choice or being pushed to do so by another. Stefi Graf is a former tennis player and has Vesta conjunct her Sun and Ascendant. She is known for her professionalism and hard work. One of her coaches, Boris Breskvar, mentioned in an interview that he is a person who insists on hard work and discipline with the athletes he trains, but even he was blown away at Ms.Graf’s discipline and high standard of work ethics.
Vesta is related to the Sacred
Vesta has involvement with religion or spirituality. Prominent Vesta people tend to take some stance on religion or spirituality. When Vesta is conjoined with Juno, the asteroid for intimate relationship, the person may meet his or her partner in a church, or may marry someone who is involved with religion like a priest or a Bishop, or may advocate for a cause with a partner. John Lennon has Vesta conjunct Juno and Pluto, and other than his tireless advocacy for peace along with his wife, Ono Yoko, his ideas on religion were also influenced by her.
If you have Vesta Prominent in your astrological chart, then please share your experiences here.
I have Asteroid Vesta conjunct Sun in my natal chart, and work hard at what I value. Once i put my heart into something, I give 100%. It really bothers me to see people who are morally and otherwise lazy, do a sloppy job and just the minimum required. I can never understand this attitude.
Gaia, thanks for sharing. It is true that Vesta with Sun people will bring passion into what they do. I am glad you are aware of your energy.
Just a note on Greek mythology: Hestia (Roman Vesta) is the eldest of Cronus’ children – and the last one regurgitated when Zeus slew his father. As a side note: Hestia is the only deity that the Greeks never portrayed as a statue or in a painting.
Attanasio – thanks for the information on Vesta – interesting
I have vesta retrograde right next to my north node both on my ascendant in aries, 12th house….what does this mean??? I have no idea!!!! 🙁
I have Vesta conjunct my North Node and Sun in my second house in Sagittarius. I am devoted to sensual pleasure and authentic freedom. The things that I value, I pursue with purpose and intention and love. It’s when I feel centered in my devotion and when I feel as if I am among the sacred, having something to look on with reverence, that I feel completely myself.
Hello Gracie, your experience of Vesta is very confirming. Vesta in conjunction with the Nodes or luminaries (sun and moon) shows that the person is willing to put in the hard work or a cause to which they are devoted
I have sun conjunct Vesta and it is true people notice my hard work.
People with Vesta conjunct the Sun in an angular position get rewarded for their hardwork from superiors and authority.
I have recently discovered Vesta and found your article very enlightening. My natal Vesta is at 11 Libra in the 10th house, conjunct Venus (8), Pluto (14), & North Node (14). My goal is to be of service to others and help them achieve personal balance. My husband and I have volunteered in this capacity for years. We have created healthy meals for homeless veterans, established a yoga & meditation program at a local military base, and provided free physical weight training & coaching for active military members & their families. The stress of this way of life can easily knock people off kilter, so I thought that there needed to be a place/programs that helped bring people back to a more centered and healthy space. With this strong 10th house influence, I am publicly recognized for the work that we do. The only downside is that I am remembered as “the wife of” and not as an individual. Still working on taking care of my needs…
Thanks Mos, what a beautiful way to channel your Vesta – can be seen in your dedication to your career with Vesta in 10th 🙂
I got Vesta conjunct North Node in Sagittarius in 5th house. Also Moon, Mercury, North Node conjunct in 5th house Sag. Could you tell me what this means?
Yashwant this could mean that part of what you have to learn in this world includes finding something that you are dedicated, even as a hobby, that expands who you are ….and leads you to something bigger. This won’t come easy because anything that is conjunct the North Node is a challenge. Good Luck
What does it mean when Vesta conjunct midheaven,Pluto and Moon?
Hi Astromanda. I’ve vesta conjunct moon and chiron in gemini at the cusp of 8/9houses.Opposite jupiter and uranus,square venus.What does it mean?I miss something in my life,feeling depressed.Not sure if it’s connected with this or with my conjunction of sun,mercury,MC,mars in cancer.I have no aim in my life, feeling really lost.Thanks for your answer
Caty, there could be other aspects from Saturn or Pluto triggering your depression.
I have vesta conjunct my mercury (my ascendant & Midheaven ruler)
I don’t talk much and that has to do partially because of Chiron in the 3rd house but when I do talk I usually like making it meaningful. Mostly when I talk it’s to give advice or tips.
I’m also considering being an astrologer, considering making YouTube videos and books to help others. Mostly because I’m young so I think I can help people of my age have a better understanding of astrology.
I also have Hestia conjunct my ascendant.
Hello Grace…astrology is a wonderful subject to be dedicated. I sent you an email about astrology courses.
I have Vesta conjunct Sun, Mercury also conjunct Sun and Uranus (but not Vesta), all in 3rd in Libra; with Juno rx/Moon/Saturn rx in Algol (Taurus, 10th) quincunx Vesta/Sun and square Pallas/NN in 7th in Aquarius; and Lilith conjunct SN in 1st in Virgo. I’m “dedicated” to the study and analysis of relationships (and astrology!); relationships often have a healing theme and former partners tend to reappear at intervals for counsel and/or comfort. Although I’ve nurtured quite a few children and partners through the years, I’m neither a mother nor presently a partner—and unconventional arrangements, be it long-distance or a role as an intermittent “other,” seem to work better for than 24/7 daily partnership/marriage, which I’ve also had. I love the Janduz interpretation of the Sabian symbol for my Vesta degree (28° ♎️): ” ‘In a thick wood, by a deep pond, a young man lies on the grass with a book in his hand. A few sunbeams shine through the trees.’ Melancholic, romantic, and humble character. One amasses a great deal of knowledge and becomes an expert in one’s field, but one is determined to stay out of the spotlight….”
Yes, I see that you love learning and itis true that Vesta is not about getting into the limelight but doing something with dedication. I love how the Sabian symbol goes well with your 3rd house planets.
I found your article very enlightening. I have vesta conjunct my ascendant and your article helped me understand so many things about my life. When I learned astrology in 1968 there was no information on the asteroids but I will testify that they give a whole new level of analysis. I have spent my life as a peaceful warrior in the inner city schools in a big city and now I understand why. Thank you. I am now wondering what do I do with all of that.
Ms. Thanks for sharng. I love the energy of Vesta too, it is not the kind of fire that spreads spontaneously but more of an internal flame that keeps going with dedication..
I really like the article. Lately I’ve been obsessed with astrology and looking for more info about vesta.. I don’t know if it’s prominant because I have Uranus conjunct to vesta and they both trine mars to a t. I relate to being nontraditional and being independent. I like having my freedom or alone time so I don’t like being in relationships as much. I am not really religious but a little more more spiritual and for a while I was vegan. It was a really important thing for me. It was what I stood for. It really took a lot of hard work to change my old lifestyle at that time.. Even though I’m not vegan anymore. I still have a similar lifestyle except for my diet.. but I plan on going back to eating vegan.
Hello Maria: I am glad you are aware of the Vesta energy If channeled right, it can be very powerful/
I have a kite formation involving an earth grand trine of Vesta in Capricorn (4th house), Chiron in Taurus (7th house) and Saturn in Virgo (12th house), with my 2nd house Scorpio Sun in the centre of the kite (sextile Saturn & Vesta and opposite Chiron).
I’m a health professional and I love my job and love helping people – at least most the the time! I’ve also had 3 home births, love to cook and you could say that I’m devoted to quite a few things…all of them practical in nature! Perhaps it’s my Scorpio nature as well, but I am highly dedicated to what I believe in, I have the ability to slog it out in the long-term and I’m not afraid of hard work.
I’ve had to either fight, or work hard, for everything I want in life – except my husband! Ha ha, that’s been the easiest relationship of my life believe it or not.
The family I have made is very important to me and I expect everyone to put their family first, especially when it comes to the big things in life.
I didn’t used to pay too much attention to Asteroids a number of years back, but they’re certainly worth looking at.
I found your article of great worth. I have vesta conjunct my ascendant in gemini, opposition neptune, trine juno and squaring my moon. 6 months full in astrology that is giving me the answers to mostly everything… I’m independent woman, fully self disciplined and self taught, spiritual, scientific, alchemist, philosophist, artistic, poetisse, singer, painter… I consider myself super talented in many ways, I’m so grateful for my skills and grace and that’s what people see, but people admire me for my daily grind and discipline. Anyway, most of the time I feel like an octopus in a grass field trying to find common ground with the rest. There is the other part of it all that comes with great talents, great doubts.
After many years, all my life basically, battling depression, personality issues, autistic traits, small episodes or paranoia, self doubt, self harm, abuse…. I see the light
I’m here for this call I have inside, this call pulls me off my romantic and lazy dream of a partner and regular life. Pulls me off relationships, groups, joy and the mainstream life.
I’m here to wake people up for a living with my example first… If I overcame all of this sooo anyone can. Never lose hope, it seems dark most of the time, listen to yourself. My closest people and family still make me feel like a weirdo, and they don’t act on it they really support me, but I can feel, think and see what’s in their heads and their intentions.
Sun in 5th house in scorpio as my mercury and saturn… I can see through your creative bullshit although I will let myself be manipulated with your lies and seduction cause my sense of self is very distorted after all. Because I still want to believe in goodness..
I feel Vesta very dominant in my being. I have a draconic sun in Virgo, moon in Aries, rising in Scorpio. I feel deep down I carry a lot of the energy of Vesta, who is very pure in heart. I feel like I’m
Carrying a cross against my chest, as a sacrifice to humanity. Vesta is in my 11th house. my heart is a flame of love. I also have venus in the 12th, I feel like an angel of god deep down. I feel strange to be human. I am actually celibate & find intimacy to be extremely sacred. The ways energy is exchanged physically is very intense. I believe in Gnosis. I also have only had one relationship in my life , they lived in Italy, but the idea of being with someone feels so far out of reach from me. I feel like my own true love is myself. This thinking gets me in a state where I’m emotionally vulnerable. I wish I could be loved by an angel.
“To merge with a physical plane mate is highly intimate and intricate blending of life forces and liquid light essences. Our subtle bodies are sending waves of light and energy into our partner’s body. These energies contain the programming of our unconscious worlds. They are often filled with pictures of abuse, abandonment, grief and loss. These thoughtforms contain all of the unexpressed feelings and unmet desires that we have brought with us from our past. Within the context of sexual intercourse, we are choosing to open ourselves up to the realms of each other’s unconscious. This is one way of getting to know each other’s shadow self
It is important, however, that one understand what it is he or she is undertaking in becoming physically intimate. Even sleeping next to someone involves a blending of energies, for its during the night that most interdimensional work and education is taking place. It is vitally important that one clear the day’s energies before entering sleep, and that each bed partner be free of any and all negativity towards each other and the world. It may be necessary to create a light shield between yourself and your mate so that you do not get so involved in each other’s inner worlds and dreams. By doing this you can more easily eliminate confusion and be more responsible for decoding the messages for your own dreams.” – Julianne Everett
my aspects are:
———————
Ascendant Sextile Vesta orb: 0 °
Vesta Quincunx Juno orb: 0 °
Mars Septile Vesta orb: 0 °
Mercury Conjunction Vesta orb: 1 °
Sun Conjunction Vesta orb: 1 °
Saturn Sextile Vesta orb: 2 °
3 degree Sco Vesta conjunt 4 degree Sco Pluto in the 7th. Exalted Venus in 12th. This makes me extremely particular in relationships. People think my expectations are too high but I just want what I’m capable of giving and do give. More than most. Whenever in a relationship the scorpio vesta conjunt Pluto gives me this ability to see through falsehood and bullshit to help me discern better if my exalted Venus is satisfied.
i have pluto 23 degree, vesta 28 degree in libra; and moon 0 degree and mercury 1 degree scorpio. What is the orb? I am dedicated to helping people in my homeland.
Hey! Loved reading this article! I have Vesta tightly conjunct my IC and Northside in gemini.. and exactly opposite Uranus (which sits on my MC and southnode). It gets a trine from my Aquarius Sun.
I am a very passionate person, and I am discovering that I have the gift of healing with my hands. I also relate to the sexual healer aspect of it.. and I feel very strongly about helping women discover their goddess selves.
I do not know how to apply all of this yet..
I have had an intense love life with plenty intense ups n downs and heartbreaks and pains. I am currently single at 36.. and yes I do have trouble accepting monogamy.
Any comments on this?:)
Thank you for writing such a beautiful article on Vesta!!
Love from me!!
I am still working o understand the significance of Vesta in my chart. I feel that I haven’t found my sacred purpose yet, and that may be part of why I struggle. My Vesta is in the 5th house, at 25 Leo, conjunct Juno (24 Leo) and my Moon (24 Leo). Do you have any suggestions for how to understand these placements further? I am 35, single, never in a long-term relationship, no kids. I love kids & animals but feel that part of me is fairly unexpressed. I love working with kids, but stopped doing it because I was sad about not being a mom myself & not having a sweetheart to celebrate. I am wondering if I need to find a way to be around kids again, in order to get closer to expressing my big heart & my unique gifts.