ASTEROID GODDESS INTEGRATION

In Greek Mythology, Astraea, also known as the Star Goddess or Maiden, was renowned as the virgin god of justice, innocence, purity, and precision. She was beloved by the Greeks and thought to represent the Light in the world during what scholars have referred to as 'The Golden Age'.

The Golden Age (Age of Innocence) was one of the five Ages of Man in the old Greek religion. In mythology, the ages represented the history of human existence and its subsequent deterioration. Astraea came to symbolize humanity's fall and the hope that a new age of innocence would return.

As to her origins, there are differing stories; however, the widest accepted is that she herself is a descendant of the Titans. 

According to Hesiod’s Theogony, her father was the second-generation TITAN, Astraeus, the astrological GOD OF DUSK. Her mother was EOS, the goddess of the dawn.

Astraea is also considered the feminine principle of Hephaistos, the masculine representation of work, order, integration and disintegration.

Astraea in Through the Signs

According to Ovid, Virgo is Astraea's natural home, and both are endowed with the same qualities. Virgo's true origins in Greek mythology reflect Astraea, the goddess of innocence and justice; thus, many believe they are one in the same. To know Astraea is to know Virgo's earthly qualities, and to know Virgo is to know Astraea's heavenly qualities.

Considered an intermediary sign along with Virgo and Scorpio, Libra is a part of a transformative trifecta that brings a person from individualized consciousness (Aries thru Leo) into collective consciousness (Sagittarius thru Pisces).

In Virgo, the individual perfects and integrates oneself so that they may enter into the sign of partnership, Libra, as a whole and complete individual. Here we become aware of the "other" for the first time.

Communication that leads to sustained interaction is the groundwork for the final transmutation in Scorpio, the Alchemist, where the personal "I" dies and totally submerges, interpenetrates, and unifies with the other. The union of "I" into "We" becomes the gateway into the collective awareness symbolized by Sagittarius. 

Powerful shifts are occurring across the planet and individually. This transit prompts us to broaden our horizons through study or become stagnant, entrapped by toxic beliefs. Osho once said that the go exists off friction and feeds off our desire to be something else. This is why the ego exists, for this very lesson.

The ego dies by accepting who we are in the moment and desiring to be nothing else or nowhere else. The reconciliation of what is desired with what currently is creates the balance within us. This balance facilitates the death of the ego because what we've done or achieved no longer matters here in the present.

The power of Astraea in Scorpio is alchemical transformation from within, from me, myself, and I, to we, us, and they, and thus solidifies in Sagittarius. This process began by submerging ourselves into justice, innocence, purity, and awareness in the present moment of life rather than ignoring it for a desire.

Astraea's strong rulership association is with the three transitional signs, Scorpio being the final piece of the trifecta; therefore, they function as the active agents in these signs that facilitate the transformation from individual to collective awareness.

In Sagittarius that awareness becomes straightforward, philosophical, and freedom-loving from constraints, having experienced the alchemical process of transformation in Scorpio. 

Just and scholarly, Astraea in Sagittarius expands our visualization into profound understanding and broadminded optimism that is both philosophical and religious.

In Capricorn, we take all of the above and get down to business by manifesting our goals through dedication, commitment, and hard work. It's imperative that we balance our ambition and hard-wired focus with downtime. This can be communing in nature or enjoying time with close family or friends.

In Aquarius, invention and a focus on justice through humanitarian efforts increase. Here tradition can be broken or enhanced to compensate for personal freedom. 

Commitment to causes that we truly care about, particularly involving injustice, increases and our desire for equality and balance solidifies. We can also expect an increased desire for the pursuit of intellectual pathways that manifest visions for the greater collective.

Astraea's journey through the signs isn't just about our actions but healing. This is accomplished by demonstrating a high standard of morals and ethics in all that we do in Love, relationships, and work. When we act against what we know to be true, we wound ourselves or deepen an existing wound a little bit more.

Advocating for others who are unable to defend themselves will likely be a theme throughout this transit. It may also be a trigger to past injustices that we may have experienced. These are signals of unhealed wounds within us. We can heal them through forgiveness and focusing our support on others less fortunate.

Living and expressing ourselves authentically also serves as a balm to our spirit when we align with our values through integrity. This builds harmonious and accepting relationships.

Remember, Astraea’s journey is not just about external actions; it’s also about internal healing. By nurturing your own sense of balance and wholeness, we can become a beacon of harmony and inspire others to do the same. 

Europa was the daughter of Phoenician rulers King Agenor of Tyre and his wife Telephassa. She was born from a lineage connected to the god Poseidon and the Egyptian royal line through Libya and Epaphus. 

Some accounts also describe her as a daughter of Phoenix or as a Cretan moon goddess later incorporated into Greek mythology. 

She is often associated with the Argive lineage and ultimately linked to the mythical nymph Io. 

Myth records Europa was playing with friends on the shore of Sidon when she encountered Zeus disguised as a magnificent white bull. Because the bull was so gentle, her friends sat on its back: however, when Europa climbed aboard, the bull suddenly lunged into the sea, accompanied by dolphins and the sea god Poseidon. 

Europa was carried to the island of Crete, where Zeus revealed himself and promised to make her queen. 

Europa bore three sons known for their fairmindedness and justice. She later married the king of Crete, Asterius, who adopted her sons. She was also worshipped under the name Hellotis, and the festival Hellotia was held in her honor. 

The name “Europe” is believed to derive from Europa. The earliest use of “Europe” as a geographical term appears in the 6th century BC, linked to her myth. 

Europa in Astrology:

In astrology, Europa embodies the ability to ride the bull, harness its power and give birth to its resourceful creativity. Innately she is the image of feminine power, guidance and direction. 

Embodying earthy instincts, she knows how to cultivate the earth and create abundance through her passionate, attractive and commanding nature. How she finds expression in your life is explored through the goddess Europa's placement in your horoscope.

Europa in Cancer (current transit)

Europa's power is enhanced in Cancer, as this Moon-ruled zodiac sign represents the feminine and nurturing aspect. We may feel like a perpetual student who loves to travel to acquire knowledge just beyond the horizon. It reaches far beyond simple tourism to a transformational desire to expands our experience through knowledge. 

Because Cancer is associated with intuition, the feminine aspect, domestics, and roots, our desire for knowledge leans toward our heritage. By tracing our ancestral roots, we become enamored with genealogy and tradition. 

We could go as far as integrating ancient rituals into our domestic realm, thus linking the past with the present. We could even experience healing through understanding our lineage. 

Mercury is the patron of short-distance travel; therefore, this conjunction will likely expand our desire for a day trip to the library, museum, or historical place to delve into the annals of yesteryear. 

This conjunction perfects in the 11th house, expansion through local or foreign organizations and/or causes peaks. Our hopes, goals, and social networks are all enhanced through connective discovery. 

With the Moon VC until tonight, I don't advise beginning a new project; however, it's a wonderful day to finish up tasks or explore the past. Getting our hands dirty through the roots of our soul can be refreshing. 

Hekate is a goddess whose origins can be traced back to ancient Greek religion, with possible roots in the Carians of southwest Asia Minor. 

She has also been associated with the Egyptian goddess of fertility and childbirth, Heqet, who, like Hekate, was also associated with Heka, the god of magic and medicine.

She was known as the daughter of Titan Perses and the nymph Asteria and became a powerful figure with dominion over the heavens, earth, and sea.

According to Hesiod, she held sway over many things:

Whom she will she greatly aids and advances: she sits by worshipful kings in judgement, and in the assembly whom she will is distinguished among the people. And when men arm themselves for the battle that destroys men, then the goddess is at hand to give victory and grant glory readily to whom she will. 

Good is she also when men contend at the games, for there too the goddess is with them and profits them: and he who by might and strength gets the victory wins the rich prize easily with joy, and brings glory to his parents. 

And she is good to stand by horsemen, whom she will: and to those whose business is in the grey discomfortable sea, and who pray to Hecate and the loud-crashing Earth-Shaker, easily the glorious goddess gives great catch, and easily she takes it away as soon as seen, if so she will. 

She is good in the byre with Hermes to increase the stock. The droves of kine and wide herds of goats and flocks of fleecy sheep, if she will, she increases from a few or makes many to be less. 

So, then, albeit her mother's only child, she is honored amongst all the deathless gods. And the son of Cronos made her a nurse of the young who after that day saw with their eyes the light of all-seeing Dawn. So from the beginning she is a nurse of the young, and these are her honours.

Hekate is most commonly represented holding torches to illuminate multiple paths, keys to the crossroads, or dogs, symbolizing her role as a protector of the household and a guide through the night. 

More modern depictions show her in a triple form, representing her ability to see in all directions of the crossroads, emphasizing her connection to boundaries and transitions, making her a guardian of thresholds and a mediator between different realms, much like the messenger Hermes. 

In the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (600 BCE), Hekate is referred to as "tender-hearted", an epithet referencing the disappearance of Persephone, as she assisted Demeter with her search for her daughter after her abduction by Hades. 

Hekate became Persephone's companion on her yearly journey to and from the realms of Hades, serving as a psychopomp. Because of this association, Hekate was one of the chief goddesses of the Eleusinian Mysteries, alongside Demeter and Persephone, according to Charles Edwards. 

There was a temple dedicated to her near the main sanctuary at Eleusis, says, Mary Bachvarova, in a May 2010 publication, "Hecate: An Anatolian sun-goddess of the underworld". 

Hekate offers a powerful foundation for integrity built on five core virtues: Justice, Temperance, Courage, Wisdom, and Compassion, what the Greeks called Eudaimonia: A dynamic pathway to an authentic, flourishing life. 

Integrity is the active process of doing the right thing when no one is looking, so to align our inner principles with your outward actions. 

Hekate's most fundamental teaching involves choice and accountability for that choice. 

She illuminates all paths at the crossroads; however, never chooses for us. We are left to contemplate, reflect on every potential outcome before owning our decision.

This is the catalyst for the greatest personal growth. 

This integrity extends outward through Xenia, the ancient and sacred Greek principle of hospitality. Xenia requires us to treats all strangers with inherent respect and generosity. By doing so, we weave our own virtues into the collective. 

She is much like Saturn, the teacher and task master of the zodiac. Nothing is given, especially a purposeful life by Hekate. It's earned through the conscious application of the aforementioned virtues and bearing responsibility for our own choices. 

And so, we face ourselves in the mirror of experience. 

Hygieia is a goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene. Her name is the source for the word "hygiene".

In Greece, this goddess is associated with medicine and healing. She is the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine and a son of Apollo, the Olympian god of light and music. 

Hygieia has four sisters who also represent aspects of Apollo's art of healing: Panacea (the universal cure), Laso (the recovery from illness), Aceso (the healing process), and Aegle (the glowing health).

A reference to Hygieia as a goddess of health appears in the Hippocratic oath requiring physicians to swear by different healing gods, including Hygieia, that they will adhere to a set of ethical principles of practice.

A human-sized statue of Hygieia, the goddess of health, was unearthed by archaeologists from Dumlupınar University in August 2021. The statue, which depicts Hygieia holding a snake in her arms, was found in the columned gallery along the south wing of the agora in the ancient Greek city of Aizanoi. 

Hygieia in Leo (current transit)

Hygieia in Leo is a potent astrological combination that can inspire positive health and healing transformations. Leo is heart-centered, passionate and creative. We are more likely to take control of our health and wellbeing, as well as that of others, particularly children during this transit. 

This can be an opportunity to adopt healthier habits, such as exercising regularly or eating better.

Hygieia motivates us to start a new exercise regimen, consume healthier meals, or acquire a new skill in sports, while Leo provides a generous dose of ambition and self-assurance. If we've been considering a new health regime, now is the perfect time to implement it. 

All good things have their cautious sides, and this transit is no different. Take care that pursuing better health can sometimes lead to impulsive or aggressive actions that may do more harm than good. Leo is notorious for dramatics and vanity, but also dignified and idealistic. 

Individuals and organizations should plan and consider their health initiatives carefully rather than acting hastily and without balance, especially as Leo is often overbearing and pretentious. 

This transit encourages us to be proactive and confident toward our health and well-being, not just on a personal level, but a collective level as well. 

We can use this time to make beneficial changes in our lifestyles and support a healthier society through our own example.

Lilith is widely recognized in Jewish tradition as a seductive demoness who haunts men's dreams at night and is said to harm infants. 

She is depicted negatively in these narratives, often portrayed as Adam's rejected first wife.

Barbara Black Koltov, PhD, portrays the Shadow woman in this tradition as one who resists subjugation, embodying the irrational and rebellious facets of womanhood, along with the fears that thrive in the darkness of the night and the new moon.

She inspires fear and revulsion, as she alternately is a nubile, young woman who seduces men and leads them away from their pious lives, and an ugly hag who brings death and kills babies descended from Eve, out of revenge upon Adam.   

In "The Book of Lilith," Koltov explores the mythology surrounding Lilith, detailing the rituals, customs, and purification rites practiced by both men and women to safeguard themselves against her influence. 

These include adhering to particular guidelines prior to marital sexual relations and employing birthing amulets for mothers and newborns. These amulets were inscribed with spells and pleas to placate Lilith, aiming to deter her from claiming the lives of infants.

Lilith's origins are believed to trace back to ancient Sumer. She is associated with the Sumerian goddess Lilitu, whom Demetra George characterizes as "an emanation of the venerable winged Bird Goddess".

She is also depicted in Sumerian mythology as a youthful servant of Inanna, the Sumerian Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her role was to guide men from the streets to Inanna's temple for holy ceremonies that included the sacred sexual rituals of that era.

Regrettably, the rise of Hebrew culture led to the decline of ancient Sumerian spiritual traditions and practices. This shift was largely due to the belief that spiritual salvation is achieved by renouncing bodily desires. 

These views have diminished women's spirituality to just wisdom and purity, eclipsing the concept that female divinity arises from the holiness of her sexuality and the power of her physique.

While the ancient methods of Lilith's interaction with her followers are no longer known, contemporary authors like Demetra George in "Mysteries of the Dark Moon" and Betty De Shong Meador in "Uncursing the Dark" offer thought-provoking insights into engaging with Lilith in ways that are positive and healing.

In the journey of spiritual growth, we are guided to delve inward and discover our Shadow self. This aspect of the feminine psyche, often likened to Lilith, symbolizes the elements that have been historically marginalized, repressed, denied, feared, and mistreated.

Through the emotions of anger, outrage, and rebellion, and by embracing the feelings that arise from invoking Lilith, we undergo a spiritual transformation. 

By experiencing and accepting Lilith, we learn to integrate our Shadow selves—our irrational, moon-cycling, intuitive, and feeling aspects that dwell in the night's darkness, the subconscious, and the depths of our wombs. 

This powerful monthly cycle reconnects us with our sensuous, sexually sacred bodies, enhancing our understanding of femininity and leading us toward wholeness.

I'm not going to post the ritual here because it's quite in-depth; however, if you are interested in receiving it, please feel free to DM me and I'll be happy to email it to you; however, know that it will take a month to prepare for the ritual—Dark Moon to Dark Moon—so, while you can begin preparing, it will be next month's Dark Moon before you should truly begin. 

References: 

• Order of the White Moon 

• The Book of Lilith, Koltov, Barbara Black, PhD

• THE GODDESS, Shahrukh Husain

• Mysteries of the DARK MOON, Demetra George

• Uncursing the Dark, Betty De Shong Meador

• Grandmother Moon, Zsuzsanna E. Budapest 

Medea in Mythology

Goddess Medea: The Wise One

Zodiac association: Scorpio and Pluto

According to the Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology (1968), Medea imparts "female wisdom," stemming from the Sanskrit concept or force of "medha." This concept is also shared by other mythological figures like Métis and Medusa. Additionally, it traces back to the Babylonian "Me" or "Mother Wisdom," as well as the Egyptian 'Met' and the Greek "Meter," which also means 'mother”. Her name means “Wise One”.

In Greek Mythology, she is considered to be the source of all healing, and was versed in the use of herbs, magical plants, potions, and the art of transformation. She held the title of Princess of Colchis, was the granddaughter of Helios, the Sun god, and the niece of Circe, the enchantress. 

Many believe that her archetype transcends time and space, offering insights into the transformative power of the Dark Feminine.

According to Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman, she represents the untamed wildness of the soul, the shadow self that holds the keys to our deepest desires and fears. Through her, we learn to embrace the darkness within us, harnessing its potent energy for personal growth and spiritual evolution.

She was also recognized as the first sorceress to conduct rituals in Thessaly, is a pivotal figure in the region's reputation as 'the land of the witches.' Her legend suggests that she was instrumental in bringing women's herbal knowledge from Asia Minor to Greece.

Vilification

In later myths, Medea is often remembered not for her healing skills but as a vengeful and rejected partner, overwhelmed by jealousy for which she found no cure. During the classical era, playwrights portrayed Medea as being consumed by anger, taking the lives of her own children to retaliate against Jason's betrayal.

Medea serves as a symbol of the profound respect and understanding of healing, herbs, and magic, only to be overlooked and ultimately vilified. The myth contains elements of an ancient tradition. 

The name Jason signifies 'healer,' and his alliance with Medea reflects the traditional methods of healing that existed prior to the rise of empirical medicine and the vilification of magical practices.

As a heroine, she embodies the feminine wisdom that intuitively understands cooperation with nature and its cycles. She has an instinctual knowledge of the precise moments to conduct rituals and ceremonies that summon healing spirits or banish demons.

A prominent Medea in a birth chart signals a call to delve into the age-old feminine practices of herbalism, alchemy, and magical rituals. It speaks to our innate understanding of the body's natural cycles and its requirements for wellness.

This goddess evokes the time-honored tradition of connecting with the plant world, acknowledging the wisdom of nature, and recognizing the potent healing and transformative qualities inherent in the natural realm. 

Instinctively, the witch represents the drive that guides us to the right remedies and potions at the opportune moment and is the inspiration to craft rituals and ceremonies that summon the goddess's energies.