In mythology, Eros was the god of sexual love and desire. In Roman mythology, Eros was known as Cupid. In Greek art, Eros was depicted as a winged youth, slight but beautiful, often with eyes covered to symbolize the blindness of love. Eros overpowers the mind with love and sex.
In astrology, Eros represents sexual objectification, passion and desire, and creativity. Eros was the god of passionate and physical desire, and similarly, represents these things in an astrological chart. With Eros, the desire for something can come on suddenly and overwhelmingly. Note that Eros is not always sexual, per se, as Eros also represents creative passion and creative joy.
However, the sign of Eros is more descriptive of how we tend to pursue our passions than it is of what excites us.
Eros, the god of love and desire, as depicted in ancient art.
Understanding the Basics
How can we interpret a person’s sexual nature using their natal chart? Because sexuality is complex, there isn’t a simple formula for determining an individual’s sexual preferences, fantasies, and styles of sexual expression. Although instinct certainly plays a role, human sexuality is made complex by our intelligence and the role of society, as sexuality is primarily a social behavior.
Read also: Synastry Aspects: Venus Conjunct Eros
A major element of our sexuality comes under the domain of Mars. However, Venus, the planet of love, romance, and pleasure, plays a role as well. The Moon, representing our emotional nature, affects our sexuality.
When exploring the astrology of sexuality, I keep in mind that the entire chart of an individual is involved, but there are some factors that tend to play a larger role than others.
- Mars: The sign of Mars shows us the style in which we express our sexual nature.
- Venus: The sign of Venus shows us some of the important “trappings” and foreplay that help us get in the mood for sex.
- Moon: Our Eros can show us how/where we might become obsessed, filled with desire (sometimes irrational), and single-minded.
Don’t know your Eros sign?
What Does Eros Mean In Astrology? - Astrology Awakening
Eros in the Signs
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. 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.
Eros in Taurus
These are highly sensual lovers who may seek to “own” their partners. These lovers can be somewhat primitive in their desires and not as attracted to too much sexual intricacy. Simple, earthy, and comfortable pleasures are most appealing. These lovers tend to be most unhappy without a steady partner.
Read also: Spiritual Evolution
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. Many Eros in Gemini individuals enjoy talking, and being talked to, during sex. They put a lot of weight into communications. This position can also point to a person who truly loves learning and special-interest projects. Making lists, teaching, and guiding can be huge interests!
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. 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.
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 autoerotic behavior, and are often given to much flirtation and many infatuations. 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 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’s an inclination to be one’s own voyeur during sex. A meeting of minds is important to Eros in Virgo. These are somewhat moody lovers who may have distinct phases between promiscuity and celibacy. 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. On another level, Eros in Virgo gets off on activities that organize, edit, and fix.
Read also: Learn about Rick Levine and his contributions to astrology.
Eros in Libra
This is a rather flirtatious and charming position of Eros. 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. 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.
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 Eros in Sagittarius. 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 depends much on the audience! 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.
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. This position is highly focused, principled, earthy, and sensual. There can be a great love of accomplishment and competence.
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 can stimulate creativity in their partners. Eros in Aquarius can otherwise show as a great love of people and their quirks, causes, and unusual hobbies.
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.
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.
Infographic showing the different Eros signs and their characteristics.
Finding Eros in Your Chart
Because Eros is a minor asteroid, finding its placement in your chart isn’t quite as straightforward as finding that of your Sun, Moon, and so forth. The books referenced below contain ephemerides for Eros. The position of Eros can also be approximated by using the ephemeris tables on our site (this is best for those who are familiar with using ephemerides).
An ephemeris for Eros (Asteroid # 433) is available through Astrodienst here. You can also use Astrodienst’s free chart services by selecting “Extended Chart Selection” and moving down to the bottom of the page where the number of the asteroid you would like to insert into your chart can be inputted.
Resources:
- The Ultimate Asteroid Book by J. Lee Lehman, Ph.D.
- Demetra George’s Asteroid Goddesses: The Mythology, Psychology, and Astrology of the Re-Emerging Feminine is mostly devoted to the meanings of the four major asteroids (Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta), but contains information for a number of minor asteroids as well, including Eros.
Psyche and Eros
Psyche and Eros are two asteroids with an intertwining mythological saga that centers around the quest for eternal love. The story begins with Psyche, a mortal woman of such unparalleled beauty that even the goddess Aphrodite grows envious. In a bid to diminish Psyche's allure, Aphrodite dispatches her son Eros, the god of love, with the task of making Psyche fall in love with the most despicable creature imaginable.
However, the plan takes an unexpected turn when Eros himself becomes enamored with Psyche's beauty and grace. As the tale unfolds, Eros's attempts to sabotage Psyche's love life backfire spectacularly. Instead of shooting Psyche with an arrow to induce love for a monster, Eros accidentally pricks himself, instigating his own deep, uncontrollable love for her.
This sets the stage for a series of trials and tribulations, as Psyche embarks on a journey to prove her love and worthiness to Aphrodite, facing daunting tasks that test her resilience, courage, and determination. From fetching a flask of water from the River Styx to retrieving a box of beauty from the Underworld, Psyche's trials are a testament to her enduring spirit and the transformative power of love.
Ultimately, her unwavering devotion and perseverance lead to her reunion with Eros and her ascension to immortality, symbolizing the soul's triumph over adversity through the eternal bond of love.
The Lessons of Psyche
In an astrological chart, the asteroid Psyche represents the essence of the human soul, our deepest emotional needs, and the pathway toward self-awareness and inner fulfillment. Its placement in the natal chart sheds light on the areas of life where our soul seeks growth, the emotional challenges we may face, and the path to achieving a sense of completeness and harmony within ourselves.
By examining the sign, house, and aspects of Psyche, we can uncover valuable insights into unlocking our spiritual potential. The transits of Psyche offer significant opportunities for introspection and deepening our understanding of ourselves and our relationships.
Psyche’s placement in the birth chart may also represent areas in which one might attract envy and rivalries, or areas in which one may need to persevere through trials in order to gain full actualization. Psyche transits are marked by a heightened awareness of our needs and the potential for achieving a greater sense of inner balance and fulfillment. By attuning to Psyche, we can learn to navigate our emotional landscape with grace by embracing our immovable inner beauty.
The Influence of Eros
Eros, in contrast, embodies the force of desire, passion, and the transformative power of love in our lives. Its position in the natal chart illuminates our approach to love and intimacy, the nature of our desires, and the potential for deep, soul-stirring connections. The aspects formed by Eros reveal the dynamics of our romantic relationships, the lessons we need to learn in matters of the heart, and the ways in which love can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
Similarly, the transits of Eros bring into focus the evolving nature of our desires and the role of passion in our lives. These transits invite us to explore the depths of our romantic inclinations, rekindle the flames of desire, and embrace the transformative power of love. By following our Eros transits, we can align ourselves with our heart center and witness the unfolding of our romantic journey.
Psyche and Eros in Synastry and Composite Charts
In synastry, the study of relationships through astrology, the interaction between Psyche and Eros in two individuals' charts is a powerful indicator of potential soulmate connections or karmic ties. When these asteroids form harmonious aspects, they suggest a deep, magnetic attraction and a profound emotional and spiritual bond. The synergy between Psyche and Eros in synastry highlights the potential for a relationship that transcends the physical realm, offering a glimpse into eternal love and soul union.
Composite charts, which represent the energy of a relationship as a whole, also benefit from the analysis of Psyche and Eros. The placement of these asteroids in a composite chart can reveal the purpose of the relationship’s soul, the nature of the love shared, and the potential for lasting emotional and spiritual growth. Understanding the role of Psyche and Eros in a composite chart can shed light on the dynamics of a partnership and the evolutionary lessons it offers.
The Archetypal Journey of Psyche and Eros
The myth of Psyche and Eros serves as an archetypal story that mirrors our own experiences of love and the pursuit of self-discovery. Psyche's transition from mortal to goddess, guided by her love for Eros, symbolizes the transformative power of love and the potential for personal growth and enlightenment through the trials and tribulations of relationships. Eros, as the instigator of this journey, represents the spark of desire that propels us into the depths of our own psyche, urging us to explore the mysteries of our heart.
To calculate where Psyche and Eros are currently transiting in your true sidereal chart, use our sidereal chart calculator. When you are looking for clues to your relationships, it is often Mars or Venus that first comes to mind. These are the major planets known as the cosmic lovers and which together represent passion and love. However, they do not necessarily touch upon your innate sexuality - but Eros does.
Eros Meaning in Astrology
The asteroid Eros in astrology governs your sexual desires, giving insight into what turns you on. Eros is the astrological body that is most known for representing sexuality. While Mars can sometimes equate sex, your Mars sign more so equates to passion and drive while your Eros sign represents how sexual you are, what turns you on, and even what fetishes you may possess.
In Greek mythology, Eros was the God of Desire, son of Aphrodite and ruler of all that is sexual in nature. Eros is not about love, but sex. Eros specifically speaks to how you want and need to connect to others in a sexual way which can give greater insight into your relationships as well as how you operate within life.
Eros does represent sexual desires, passion and even how creative you are when it comes to physical pleasure, but it also can hold keys for what type of relationship you need because certain Eros signs are likely to be monogamous or when others need multiple partners to feel fulfilled.
While it is common to look to see if you and your romantic partner or love interest have compatible Mars and Venus signs, having compatible Eros signs means that your sex life will be off the charts. It ultimately represents the sexual expression of the physical body and how you approach this type of intimacy. Eros is the ruler of chemistry.
Often, that feeling of wanting to rip each other’s clothes off is attributed to complementary (or even opposing) Eros signs. Many times, it is the unconscious attraction to a prospective partner's Eros that can even have you in relationships in which you are constantly emotionally unfulfilled, yet the sex is amazing.
By learning and understanding your Eros sign, not only can you tap more deeply into your sexual nature, but you can also learn more about what you need from a relationship.
Eros in the Signs (Detailed)
Below is a table summarizing the key characteristics of Eros in each sign:
| Sign | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Aries | Infatuation, crave of the chase, dominant, high sex drive |
| Taurus | Sensual gratification, sexual possessiveness, pleasure with the body |
| Gemini | Curiousity, experimentation, verbal stimulation, intellectual arousal |
| Cancer | Emotional connection, possessiveness, need for emotional safety |
| Leo | Need to be adored, desire for partner's desire, loyalty |
| Virgo | Mental and sensual arousal, seeking sex as renewal, purity and independence |
| Libra | Charm, flirtation, focus on partner's needs, appeal to beauty |
| Scorpio | Intense craving, need to know partner deeply, fearlessness in intimacy |
| Sagittarius | Enthusiasm, playfulness, exploration, hunger for new experiences |
| Capricorn | Strong libido, control of desires, focus on perfection and achievement |
| Aquarius | Sexual creativity, eccentricity, need for freedom, mental stimulation |
| Pisces | Enchanted world in sex, merging with partner, healing nature |
Eros in Mythology
In mythology, before the gods of Olympus ruled from their lofty thrones, there was Eros - the primal god of love, born out of Chaos, the original void. In the earliest traditions of Greek mythology, Eros was not the playful cherub later associated with Valentine’s Day, but a sacred and potent force: the phallic, masculine principle of creation itself. He embodied the raw, generative power that first stirred the cosmos into existence.
Later myths portrayed Eros as the Son of Ares (Mars) and Aphrodite (Venus), symbolising the fusion of passion and beauty, desire and grace. His love affair with Psyche became a powerful allegory for the soul’s journey through love, loss, and ultimate transformation. Psyche and Eros’ offsprings was named Bliss, Pleasure, and Ecstasy - symbols of the enduring fruits and soul-mated union.
Eros in Astrology (Further Details)
In astrology, Eros functions as a higher octave of Mars, refining instinctual sexual drives into pathways of spiritual illumination through passionate connection. It points toward where, how, and why we feel passion, experience desire, and are drawn toward transformational experiences. Unlike planets, which express many layers of meaning, the asteroids each focus more narrowly.
Demetra George and Douglas Bloch define Eros’s essential principle as "vitality and passion." Zipporah Dobyns associates Eros with "romantic love," underlining its role in emotional intimacy. J. Lee Lehman describes Eros as ruling "romance and passionate attachment," emphasising that Eros symbolises not just sexual drive (as Sappho does) but the mental and emotional conceptualiaation of attraction.
Jacob Schwartz captures Eros’s energy as "sexuality, eroticism, passionate romance, and being 'turned on.'" Astrologically, Eros represents more than physical attraction - it is the emotional and creative magnetism that compels us toward union, transformation, and fulfilment. Beyond sexuality, Eros defines “whatever turns you on” - whatever excites and arouses life itself.