Struck by Eros…

By Laura Poggiani

In Greek mythology, Eros was the god of Love. Today, the same name also designates a large asteroid that NASA has placed at the center of its attention for the NEAR mission (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous). The mission took place under the sign of love: on February 14, 2000 (Valentine’s Day), the spacecraft successfully entered orbit around the asteroid.

Over an entire year, more than 160,000 images were taken, and many craters were named after characters linked to love stories.

With the landing of NEAR on asteroid 433, the astronomical name of Eros, astrological investigation into the effects of Eros in the natal chart also intensified.

In perfect harmony with the name attributed to it, the position of Eros indicates the way one expresses love, passion, creativity, and sexuality, as well as erotic impulses. In mythology, Eros was the god of carnal love and desire. Eros for the Greeks, Cupid for the Romans, was depicted as a beautiful child armed with a bow and arrows to shoot at those destined to fall in love—often blindfolded, symbolizing love’s blindness.

When Eros is prominent in the chart (for example, if it is conjunct the Ascendant, or the Sun, Moon, Venus, or Mars), its meanings strongly influence the individual’s life. The mind focuses on sex, and one often falls in love.

Some examples of famous people? Elizabeth Taylor, whose troubled love with Richard Burton was added to other affairs with colleagues, had a particularly powerful Eros: it was in Pisces, conjunct the Sun and Mars, and opposed Neptune. Pamela Anderson, married to Tommy Lee and also known for her strikingly enhanced physique, had Eros conjunct the Moon (in Aries), opposite Mars, square Mercury, and trine Venus. O.J. Simpson, who made headlines after the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown, had Eros in Sagittarius, opposite Mars. Marilyn Monroe, the sex symbol with tormented loves and a tragic end, had Eros in Capricorn square Venus. And what about the much-talked-about ex-couple Simona Ventura and Stefano Bettarini? Bettarini’s Eros was in Capricorn square Pluto: passionate adventures were irresistible for him but intolerable for “Super Simo,” whose Eros in Aquarius formed a harmonious aspect with Venus. Tom Cruise’s Eros, on the other hand, was in Gemini, conjunct Mercury and in aspect with Venus: for him, fatal attraction is directed toward younger partners, culminating with Katie Holmes, whose Eros in Sagittarius was conjunct Mercury and trine Jupiter, destined for relationships with significant figures. Finally, Brad Pitt’s Eros in Aquarius, sextile Jupiter and square Neptune, speaks clearly of the conjugal love with Angelina Jolie, whose Eros was in the pragmatic and calculating sign of Virgo.

EROS IN THE SIGNS

ARIES
This position characterizes a tendency toward instinctive and rapid infatuation. Sexual attraction is immediate and based on momentary sensations. Passions are intense; the way of showing love may seem eccentric, as passion arises and dies quickly. Sexual expression is not very emotional but very passionate while it lasts. Those with this position are very instinctive and tend to view the partner as an object or property. They prefer frequent relationships over long conquests.

Compatibility: sparks with Eros in Gemini but short-lived; excellent with Eros in Leo; to be avoided with Eros in Capricorn.

TAURUS
This position indicates extremely sensual lovers who seek to possess their partner. Sexual possessiveness can be a real issue here, though competition is less important than with Aries. Sexuality and desire are expressed in a primitive way. Those with this position aspire to stable love stories, and if that does not happen, they are very unhappy. Their sexual nature is deeply rooted in the senses.

Compatibility: excellent with Eros in Virgo or Scorpio; best to avoid Eros in Aquarius.

GEMINI
This is the position of those who are sexually curious and eager for new experiences. They are excited by words, letters, and even erotic literature. The mind is always active, even during sex. Somewhat voyeuristic, they enjoy talking during intimacy. Their personality is elusive, preferring fleeting and adolescent-like love over great passions.
Compatibility: good with Eros in Libra or Aries; troubled with Eros in Pisces.

CANCER
Here there is a strong need for emotional connection and elevation in the sexual act. While intimacy and warmth excite them deeply, sexual possessiveness can be problematic. They may at times view their partner as an object due to fear of rejection. A sensitive and intuitive lover, but often insecure.

Compatibility: passionate with Eros in Pisces, good with Eros in Taurus, cold with Eros in Capricorn.

LEO
Desires revolve around the partner. Determined and dominant, they always pursue conquest. The partner is treated as prey. They may have many love affairs and infatuations, but can still be loyal. They live for passion and attraction and need constant attention to feel alive.

Compatibility: very exciting with Eros in Scorpio, excellent with Eros in Sagittarius, avoid with Eros in Aquarius.

VIRGO
Materiality and intellect blend here. The person is sensual, especially when spontaneous. They may swing between celibacy and promiscuity, always analytical and conscious of their body. Sex is seen as healthy and renewing. Gentle and accommodating with partners.

Compatibility: good with Eros in Taurus and Cancer, too problematic with Eros in Pisces.

LIBRA
Charming and seductive, with a need for sexual equality. Often puts the partner’s needs before their own. Enthusiastic in the initial conquest but easily bored once settled. Romantic, captivating, and flirtatious.

Compatibility: excellent with Eros in Aquarius and Gemini, cold with Eros in Capricorn.

SCORPIO
Perhaps the most erotic position of all. Intense, passionate, and magnetically attractive, with little inhibition in sexual intimacy. Seeks both body and soul of the partner, and loves intensity and thrill.

Compatibility: good with Eros in Taurus, lukewarm with Eros in Cancer, troubled with Eros in Gemini.

SAGITTARIUS
Enthusiastic, playful, and adventurous in love. Sex is joy and exploration. Not very tender or romantic, but open, honest, and freedom-loving. They thrive on new experiences.
Compatibility: fiery with Eros in Aries, good with Eros in Aquarius, short-lived with Eros in Pisces.

CAPRICORN
Strong but controlled sexuality. Desire is carefully filtered through rationality. Love and sex are secondary but can still lead to something significant.

Compatibility: good with Eros in Virgo, lukewarm with Eros in Aries, conflicting with Eros in Cancer.

AQUARIUS
Fascinated by variety and the unusual. Sexually creative, open-minded, curious, and non-possessive. Values freedom and dislikes jealousy. Not inclined to exclusivity.

Compatibility: stimulating with Eros in Gemini or Sagittarius, avoid with Eros in Scorpio.

PISCES
Highly adaptable and sensitive to the partner’s needs. Seeks reassurance and complete love. Able to accept many preferences and expressions of sexuality. Romantic and gentle, but insecure.

Compatibility: excellent with Eros in Pisces or Scorpio, troubled with Eros in Virgo.

Text by Laura Poggiani – All rights reserved