Every Major Asteroid in Astrology, Explained

If you've ever read your horoscope or used the Pattern to unveil your romantic compatibility with someone, you're probably already aware that the planets play a huge role in your birth chart and in your day-to-day life. However, these heavenly bodies aren't the only variables that impact you. Along with the the sun, moon, and planets, astrologers also look towards certain asteroids to discern some of the energies riddled in your astrological profile.

While there are thousands of asteroids, the asteroids astrologers primarily focus on are Ceres, Pallas, Juno, Vesta, and Chiron. These cosmic orbs are associated with Greek and Roman goddesses, and are said to harness feminine energy, but according to celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, they affect everyone, regardless of gender expression.

Asteroids can tell you a lot about the relationships between the other elements in your birth chart, like your house and planetary placements. They represent how you react situationally. "Just as planets are frozen in a snapshot at the time of our birth, so, too, are asteroids," Thomas explains. "One can look up where their asteroids fall by consulting an astrologer or using an online calculator."

To get a better understanding of what each asteroid means and how they affect your birth chart, POPSUGAR asked Thomas give us all the details about each of these celestial objects. Read on to learn everything you need to know about each asteroid in astrology.

Ceres is connected to the Greek goddess of agriculture, Demeter. Demeter lost her daughter, Persephone, to Hades, and according to Thomas, Ceres symbolizes the cycle of loss and return. "Ceres is often tied to maternal and earthly energy—as opposed to how the Moon ties to maternal emotional energy," explains Thomas. "Ceres echoes how we embrace self-care and self-nurturing, as well as what we require from others to feel taken care of."

Pallas is all about intellect. It's symbolized by Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom, so it relates to all things related to upheaval and strength. "This asteroid reveals how one approaches problem-solving," Thomas says. "This vibration empowers our inner warrior spirit, and can also hold ties to creative thinking."

Associated with the Greek goddess Hera — who rules women, marriage, and family — Juno is a reflection of commitment. This asteroid is a great place to find out what your needs are in a relationship.

"With her clear ties to marriage, weddings, and monogamy, Juno brings insight into what motivates us in being in a relationship, as well as any traumas we may feel around personal attachment," Thomas explains. "This asteroid can also reveal the kinds of traits we will require in a long-term partner."

Connected to the spiritual realm, Vesta is associated with the Greek goddess its name derives from. This asteroid reflects the inner parts of ourselves, and according to Thomas, is where we give devotion to a cause, belief, or person.

"Vesta offers insight into how we give ourselves over to a greater power, as well as use that power as an inner fire to survive and pursue our true sense of authenticity," Thomas says.

In Greek mythology, Chiron was a wise centaur who was a healer and a mentor. Likewise, this asteroid discerns your deepest wounds. Chiron is used in astrology to help understand the pain we carry that affects our lives, so we can learn and heal from it. "While Chiron can illuminate our greatest insecurities, it can also aid us in working through them on deep levels," Thomas adds.