Sexual Astrology: Eros

Astrology of Sex: Eros in the Natal chart

Sexuality & Astrology

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. Reproduction is certainly a function of our sexuality, but humans do not engage in sexual behavior to reproduce alone.

A major element of our sexuality comes under the domain of Mars. The sign and house position of Mars in our natal charts, as well as the aspects Mars makes with other planets and points, gives us some insight into our personal sexual style. However, Venus, the planet of love, romance, and pleasure, plays a role as well. The Moon, representing our emotional nature, affects our sexuality. In fact, as sexuality is a powerful motivator and is part of our identities, we can safely say that all of our planets and points have something to do with our sexuality in some way. 

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. Namely:

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 helps us get in the mood for sex.

Moon. The sign of our Moon shows us some of our underlying emotional needs  that may express themselves as sexual fantasies and needs.

Eros. The sign position of the Asteroid, Eros, can reveal some of our erotic turn-ons, as well as the level of our erotic nature.

We explore the sign positions of Mars and Venus in relation to sexual styles here, and Eros below:

The Asteroid Eros can shed some light on some of our erotic turn-ons. In mythology, Eros was the god of sexual love and desire. He was considered irresistible. 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. Sometimes he carried a flower, but more commonly the silver bow and arrows, with which he shot darts of desire into the bosoms of gods and men." (Encarta Encyclopedia)

Eros overpowers the mind with love and sex. Eros represents sexual objectification, passion and desire, and creativity.

Don't know your Eros sign? See how you can find it below the interpretations.

Eros in the Signs. 

Eros in Aries. ( in)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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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. 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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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. ( in )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.

Famous people examples: Justin Timberlake has Venus conjunct Eros () within a 2 degree orb (in Capricorn) and square to Pluto. Elizabeth Taylor has a particularly powerful Eros: her Eros is in Pisces, conjunct both Sun and Mars, and opposing Neptune! Pamela Lee Anderson has Eros conjunct Moon (in Aries) opposite Mars, square Mercury, and trine Venus. O.J. Simpson has Eros in Sagittarius opposite Mars. Marilyn Monroe had Eros (in Capricorn) square Venus. Prince has Eros in Pisces square Sun and Saturn.

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.

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. You can also find the placement of Eros in a chart online:

The sign positions of Eros and Psyche can be found on our site here: Eros & Psyche Sign Tables.

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). See the monthly positions of Eros, Psyche, and Sappho by sign.

An ephemeris for Eros (Asteroid # 433) is available through Astrodienst here. This ephemeris shows the position of Eros every 5 days, which is generally sufficient for finding the sign of your Eros. Another online source is ephemeral.info's Asteroid Ephemeris Generator which can be found here. At the same site, there is an Asteroid Position List for any date of birth. You must input your time of birth, time zone, and the latitude and longitude of your place of birth, however. 

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. Eros is Asteroid # 433.

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References & suggested further Reading:

Kim Falconer's site - Excellent reading on Eros, other asteroids, mythology, compatibility, and more.

The Ultimate Asteroid Book by J. Lee Lehman, Ph.D. includes interpretations of over 50 asteroids, organized into categories such as "escapism" and "the mind asteroids". There is an excellent section devoted to Sex, Passion, and Intimacy, which discusses Sappho, Eros, Amor, Juno, and Pecker in terms of relating.

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. This is a well-written book with a wealth of information on the major asteroids. It includes handy ephemerides for all 4 major asteroids as well as many minor asteroids.

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