Eros, the God of Love in Signs

 

Eros is a minor asteroid--but very useful when needed in charts to understand one's physical and passionate nature, especially when another chart is used in relationship comparison.

Eros in Aries.  These people instinctively and quickly become infatuated. Their sexual attractions are formed quickly and they get off on the sensations of the moment in an intense manner. These lovers may seem a little erratic to others, simply because their passions rise and fall so quickly. They are not as giving and emotional in their sexual expression, but they are passionate while it lasts. 


Eros in Aries people are attached to the sensations of the moment and may see their partner as an object, or an extension of themselves. They often prefer to do the pursuing in relationships and may be addicted to the conquest.

Eros in Taurus. These are highly sensual lovers who may seek to own their partners. Sexual possessiveness is often an issue with these lovers, and, unlike Eros in Aries, competition is not a turn-on. These lovers can be somewhat primitive in their desires and not as attracted to too much sexual intricacy. Plenty of masturbation is likely, although these lovers tend to be most unhappy without a steady partner. Their sexual natures are rooted in the senses. 

Eros in Gemini. These lovers are sexually curious and interested. They like to be knowledgeable in sexual matters, and often are turned on by the written and spoken word. They may write letters to their lover, or enjoy writing and reading erotica. Because it is difficult for these lovers to turn their minds off during sex, there is a voyeur within the person during sexual expression, and it may be difficult for these lovers to simply "let go". Many Eros in Gemini individuals enjoy talking, and being talked to, during sex.

Eros in Cancer. There is a need to infuse emotional care and nurture into the sex act. When the self-image is low, these lovers may use others as sexual objects, probably as a result of their fear of rejection. The breasts are a big turn-on, and many are orally fixated, and some may be attracted to a domination theme. When the self-image is stronger, intimacy and warmth are powerful stimulants.


Eros in Cancer lovers seek to achieve psychic and emotional renewal through sex. They can be very intuitive bed partners. Sexual possessiveness is often an issue. Sometimes, these lovers want their partner to be relatively chaste, but they don't have the same standards for themselves. These lovers often fall in love with their sexual partners.

Eros in Leo. Fantasies for Eros in Leo often revolve around their partner's desire for them. These lovers generally get off on what they believe their sex partner must be feeling about them. They can put a lot of time into auto-erotic behavior, and are often given to much flirtation and many infatuations. Nevertheless, they can be more loyal than most. Eros in Leo lives for love and attraction. They are threatened when passion settles down in their relationships. They feel the need to keep passion alive, and when it settles in a relationship, they can be addicted to flirting with other people in order to feel alive and potent. Eros in Leo lovers have a big ego investment in their relationships.

Eros in Virgo. Earthiness and intellectuality combine in Eros in Virgo. These lovers are sensual, especially when they are not thinking too much. Because of the tendency for Virgo to think and analyze, however, there can be a tendency to be one's own voyeur during sex. Vicarious enjoyment of sex is often highlighted with this placement. A meeting of minds is important to Eros in Virgo. These are somewhat moody lovers who may have distinct phases between promiscuity and celibacy. 


Virgo is very connected with--and aware of--the body and its functioning, and Eros in Virgo often seeks renewal through sex, with an attitude that sex is healthy and good for you. These are generally sensitive and tender lovers who do a lot to please their partners. Some awkwardness and shyness in terms of letting themselves go is often characteristic of this position. Virgo's symbol is the Virgin. This should not be taken literally, although when Virgo is connected to the sexual nature, there is a sense of purity and independence. These lovers can be promiscuous at times, and quite kinky, but emerge from their experiences with a sense of purity nevertheless.

  Eros in Libra. This is a rather flirtatious and charming position of Eros. Libra's tendency toward a "tit for tat" attitude shows up as a desire for equality on a sexual level, but in practice, Eros in Libra lovers often forget their own sexual needs because they are focusing on those of their partner. Communication is sexy to these lovers. These people can be hopelessly addicted to all of the "trappings" of falling in love, so much so that when a relationship settles, it may seem boring. Highly romantic and charming, Eros in Libra people enjoy the social "game" surrounding making connections with lovers, and they can be quite seductive.

Eros in Scorpio. This is an especially erotic position of Eros. These lovers can be addicted to the thrill of getting to know a person inside and out, and to the power of love and sex. Intensity is important to these lovers. They don't just want their partner's body, they want a bit of their soul as well! This position suggests very little fear in the area of sexual intimacy, and these lovers will pretty much do anything and everything with a willing partner. They are passionate, and the more intense the relationship is, the better. Animal magnetism is high, probably because these people think about sex and intimacy a whole lot, and others may sense their intensity. They can easily get under your skin, tapping into others' desires.

Eros in Sagittarius. These lovers have an enthusiastic and exuberant appeal. Sex is meant to be fun for Eros in Sagittarius, and some roughhousing and plenty of hearty laughs are turn-ons. Sexuality is sometimes viewed as if it were a sport by these people. They may surprise you with a very open and almost innocent attitude toward sex and intimacy. Sex is a bit of a game, and how this attitude is received will depend a lot on the audience! There can be a bit of an addiction to the chase, and avoidance of intimacy when it feels restricting in any way. 


Tenderness and romance are not the kinds of expressions that come as easily to these lovers. Laughter and fun are aphrodisiacs for this position of Eros. Sexual exploration and freedom are important, as well as a need for sexual honesty—sex without the frills and trappings that these lovers may find to be unnatural and even dishonest. Eros in Sagittarius can show up as passion for knowledge, hunger for new experiences, and a love of travel and exploring new lands and cultures.

Eros in Capricorn. These natives are sensual and earthy in their sexual desires. The libido is strong, but controlled. Saturn-ruled Capricorn is a sign that likes to be in control—not necessarily in control of others, but in control of themselves. Many Eros in Capricorn people channel much of their desire nature into accomplishing something significant. 

Eros in Aquarius. These lovers are intrigued by the unusual, finding variety exciting. The detachment of Aquarius can mean finding sensuality in non-contact scenarios in addition to contact ones. Sexual creativity is one of the strengths of this position. Their open minds with regards to sex can stimulate creativity in their partner. 

Eros in Pisces. There is a chameleon in this position of Eros, as these lovers are very adaptable to their partner. This is not to say these lovers don't have sexual preferences or possess a strong identity. Instead, the Pisces compassion, and ability to understand and accept virtually every color of the rainbow shows through in a sexual/romantic way. They tend to be most comfortable and at ease when their partner is expressing him or herself confidently. This position also suggests a passion for Pisces-ruled subjects. 

Eros in Aspect.

When Eros is prominent in the chart (for example, if Eros is conjunct the Ascendant, or if it conjuncts the Sun, Moon, Venus, or Mars), Eros themes are strong in the individual's life. Often, the individual oozes sexuality in some way. The mind is often focused on sex and infatuation.

Eros in Love.

Eros represents our awareness of our mortality. Because we know we are going to die, we continually recreate feelings (confirmation, if you will) of our own vitality. We can so do in a Leonine way—for example, through romance, bearing children, and creativity. Eros love is very self-centered. Eros is, indeed, turned on by the idea that they are arousing someone else, but this kind of "feedback" is very much used to feed our own need to feel alive and vital.

Psyche & Eros: Sensitivity and Passion

Either love is in the air--or someone has hot pants--because I keep getting hits from people looking for information on Psyche and Eros.  Talk about lust in the dust!  Okay, I've transcribed the information on these two asteroids from that splendid book by Demetra George at http://psyast.blogspot.com/search/label/Asteroids.

Psyche & Eros: 

  Asteroids of Sensitivity and Passion

The asteroid Psyche represents the principle of being psychically attuned and bonded to another human being.  Often portrayed as a butterfly maiden, Psyche was born as a beautiful mortal, who in her search for reunion with her lover Eros (the Roman god Cupid), mastered heroic tasks set upon her by a wrathful mother, Aphrodite (Eros’s mother).  Through each undertaking, Psyche sensitized her internal telepathic channels.  Depicting the soul’s journey from mortality to divinity, Psyche successfully transformed her earthly nature into that of a deity so that she could become the heavenly bride of Eros, god of erotic love.  Their union produced children named Bliss, Pleasure, and Ecstasy.  Together, their love has come to symbolize soul-mate union.

In perfecting the relationship progression of Lilith (the scorned mate) and Juno (the faithful Life Partner), Psyche represents the completion stage of the development of the feminine as a consort.  Astrologically, Psyche is a higher octave of Venus, expressing a refinement of personal love and psychic attunement to another.  Through following the path of Psyche, conscious relationship provides a path to spiritual illumination.

In chart analysis, a prominent Psyche symbolizes the capacity for psychic sensitivity to the mind and feelings of another person (her symbol or glyph is the Greek letter psi.)  This heightened awareness can produce the yearning for mystic, soul-mate union.  Stressful placements of Psyche can indicate a total lack of sensitivity to others, a blocked psychic awareness, or the inability to enter personal relationships.  Because of their need for deep, intuitive communication, Psyche individuals may often decline to enter into superficial or short-term relationships. Thus, they may have many admirers but remain essentially alone.

When analyzed according to element, Psyche in an air sign depicts mental telepathy; in water, she implies empathy; in fire, she suggests the ability to control and direct energy fields; and in earth, she points to achievements in physical manifestation.

Psyche aspects connect the meaning of the contacted planet with a heightened awareness: with Uranus, she indicates precognition; with Chiron, she indicates abilities in psychic healing; and in Ceres, she can show how the individual can mirror skills in communicating with plants or children.  In synastry, Psyche contacts describe points of intuitive knowing—and understanding—or total lack thereof—between individuals.  Psyche-Eros contacts indicate the potential for soul-mate union.

Eros, god of erotic love, represents the principle of passionate desire.  Mythologically, Eros was a primal, phallic god born out of Chaos (the Void) at the beginning of time.  Embodying the masculine sexual force, he served as the generative masculine power which brought the world into creation.  Thus, he manifested as the son of Mars and Venus in later Roman myths.

Astrologically, Eros functions as a higher octave of Mars.  Eros was able to refine and transform his unconscious, instinctual sexual drive into erotic love as a path to spiritual illumination through his romance with Psyche.  In classical Greece, Eros became a patron of homosexual love and can be one indicator of sexual preference.  Beyond sexuality, Eros’ passion is experienced as simply “whatever turns you on, excites, or arouses.”  Eros is also the powerful emotional force that motivates one toward consummating desires and visions.  

In chart analysis, Eros serves as an indicator of one’s passion, sexual attraction, sexual preference, and vital energy.  The Eros personality is marked by the need to continuously recreate the excitement of falling in and being in love.  Hence, Eros by transit is a timer of sexual activity.

Stressful placements of Eros in the chart may describe potential difficulties in sexual potency and activity, frustrated passion, a depletion of vital force, or obsessive-compulsive attitudes toward love until the individual positively channels passion.  Planetary contacts indicate that the individual will be “turned on” by the aspected planet:  with Ceres, the passion is food; with Uranus, metaphysics, astrology, and music; with Saturn, a love of work.  In synastry, Eros aspects signify sexual compatibility and the reciprocation of passion.