You might be wondering, what on earth is Asteroid Hygeia? Where is it located and how big is it? Why does it have anything to do with my birth chart or my life in general? Does it play a major role in astrology and in my life’s daily horoscope?
The answer is a resounding yes! So if you’re curious about the Hygeia Asteroid and its significance in your life, read on because you will also learn about the following:
– Where is the Hygeia Asteroid location?
– What is the Hygeia Asteroid number designation?
– How far is the Hygeia Asteroid distance from earth?
– What role does Hygeia Asteroid astrology play in your life?
Hygeia Asteroid Definition
So what exactly is Hygeia Asteroid? It is the fourth-largest asteroid in existence and takes about 5 and a half years to finish orbiting the Sun. Asteroid Hygeia could qualify as a dwarf planet and even steal the title of the smallest dwarf planet currently in the solar system.
Astronomers were able to capture a high-resolution image of the Asteroid Hygeia, it being the biggest rock in the Asteroid Belt. They discovered it was spherical in shape. That’s a crucial marker to be a dwarf planet, and the only one that Hygiea has been missing up to this point.
Asteroids come in various shapes, but the spherical shape of these dwarf planets indicates that they had enough mass on their own gravity. That was the only way they were able to pull into their round shape. It has already achieved other requirements needed to qualify for the dwarf-planet classification. Hygeia orbits the Sun- it is not a moon that is orbiting another planet. Nor has it cleared other objects out from its own orbit.
Asteroid Hygeia Size, Location, Distance from Earth, and Asteroid Number Designation
This major asteroid is in the main asteroid belt. It has an estimated diameter of over 267 miles or 430 kilometers. To put things in perspective, Hygeia is one-fifth the width of Pluto. The latter has a diameter of about 1,491 miles or 2,400 kilometers. Asteroid Hygeia is approximately 594, 284,077 kilometers away from earth. That has an equivalent of 3.972544 Astronomical Units. 10 is its asteroid number designation.
Asteroid Hygeia History and Discovery
It was on April 12, 1849, in Naples, Italy when astronomer Annibale de Gasparis discovered Hygeia at the relatively young age of 29. It was the first asteroid among his nine discoveries. Ernesto Capocci who happened to be the director of the Naples observatory was the one who named the asteroid.
He decided to call it Igea Borbonica (Bourbon Hygeia) termed after the Greek goddess of health, who also happens to be the daughter of Asclepius. It was also in the honor of the reigning family of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This is where Naples is. In 1852 however, it was universally termed Hygeia. They removed its Boronica appendage. The Hygeia English form is the irregular spelling from its Greek spelling Hygieia or Latin Hygea or Hygia.
Asteroid Hygeia on Health and Wellness
Roman and Greek mythology tells us that Hygeia was the daughter of Asclepius, who happens to be the god of medicine. Its symbol was a snake entwined around a staff. It is evident on ambulances and is even embedded in the World Health Organization logo.
Hygeia was one of the five sisters that represent health and healing. Her specialization was preventive medicine. She teaches you how to care for your physical and mental bodies properly to avoid getting sick. As prevention is always better than cure.
Some of the most documented evidence of her influence dates back to the years following the Plague of Athens. This happened in 430 BC and it killed over 80,000 people. People worshipped her for centuries, still, very few depictions are evident of what she looked like, nor were statues built in her name.
One of her most popular representations is Gustav Klimpt’s painting entitled “Medicine”. The University of Vienna commissioned it. In here, Hygeia stands, dressed eloquently in gold and orange, with the snake visibly coiled around her arm.
Hygeia and Astrology
Astrologically speaking, Hygeia is also known as health consciousness. It is usually in the conflict between Jupiter (idealism), and Saturn (conservatism). The state of being ‘healthy’ is relative. It varies depending on the person’s most dominant cultural paradigm.
Nevertheless, Hygeia has a special bond with science and sensitivity. Learning its placement in your natal chart will aid you in making informed decisions. Everything pertaining to your overall health and wellbeing.
Role of Hygeia In the Natal Chart
First House: Aries (March 21- April 19)
This is an issue for people having experienced first-hand what it’s like to be terribly ill. Or witnessing a loved one suffer a health crisis during their formative years made a strong impact on their character as a person.
They may have suffered the repercussions of taking their health for granted, which became a big eye-opener. Because of this, they are now on a mission to achieve and maintain nothing less than an optimum state of health and wellness. They eat right, have a fitness regimen, do meditation exercises, and are health advocates to others as well.
Second House: Taurus (April 20- May 20)
In here Hygeia customizes their wellness experience to suit their expensive taste. Taurus just loves massage, aromatherapy, and other mood-boosters. These people are highly in tune with their bodies. They know instantly if something does not feel right.
This zodiac has no problem following a healthy diet. However, too much workload and pressure can lead to stress-eating. Which leaves them feeling lousy and lethargic. Taurus needs to watch out for these triggers so they can take them by the horn and deal with them before they get out of hand.
Third House: Gemini (May 21- June 20)
For these people, nothing is more important than having a sound mind. These intellectuals keep their minds sharp. It’s achieved by doing never-ending word puzzles, and brain-teasers. Plus, they’re always abreast of current events. However, they do not have a holistic outlook when it comes to health.
They don’t mind if their bodies need ‘tune-ups’ every now and then, as long as their minds are in perfect condition. Remember that the two go hand in hand. One cannot function without the other. So don’t wait until your body needs a ‘major overhaul’ before you finally show up to your doctor’s appointment.
Fourth House: Cancer (June 21- July 22)
The Hygeia placement here is basically a home buddy. Nothing calms them down other than a much-awaited weekend where they can finally be alone and enjoy some peace and quiet. This was after a grueling week of deadlines and office chaos.
They also love spending time with close friends and family. But more often than not, they get too involved with other people’s personal problems. This can lead to unwanted negative energy. Just be careful not to lose your balance. Empathize but set your boundaries.
Fifth House: Leo (July 23- August 22)
No one handles stress better than a Leo. When they’re down and stressed out, they pour all their energy into artistic pursuits. They never run out of personal projects to accomplish. Consequently, their ‘health barometer’ greatly relies on their leisure activities. These include but are not limited to art, poetry, music, sports, taking care of animals, and even traveling.
Their weaknesses sometimes include gambling or being too engulfed in social media. Yes, they feel good for a while, but they need to find long-term remedies rather than quick fixes to their stress and anxiety. They will never solve it until they get to the root of the problem.
Sixth House: Virgo (August 23- September 22)
Looking from the outside, it looks like it has an optimal placement. Hygeia comes forth in the sign of purification. But it does not automatically mean amazing overall health and wellbeing. Sure, this zodiac enjoys doing routines to promote wellness. But there are times they tend to focus too much on one habit or regimen to the point that it becomes unhealthy.
For instance, your primary goal in seeing your dermatologist is to have clear, healthy skin. Before you know it you’re obsessed with Botox, with serums, with facelifts, and countless other procedures that you didn’t need to begin with. There’s nothing wrong with beauty and aesthetics, as long as everything is in moderation. Anything in excess is never a good idea.
Seventh House: Libra (September 23- October 22)
Finding balance with this Hygeia placement can be a bit tricky. They really do not have a vivid idea of what will drive them to strive for optimum health until they find it. Until then they can indulge in anxiety and overthinking which clearly won’t help.
Then finally, without really expecting it, they find it. They discover where the inspiration will come from. It can be a product they stumble upon, an ad on social media, or a recommendation from a friend. However, you cannot force or coerce Libra into doing something. It has to feel right to them. It’s only then that they will commit to it and make responsible choices.
Eighth House: Scorpio (October 23- November 21)
Sex and intimacy are some of Scorpio’s top priorities. But definitely, this goes beyond the physical. The sexual act itself is merely one of many affirmations that they are loved and cherished as a person. They love facing their fears and taking calculated risks. When they overcome their fears they feel powerful and worthy. However, these are extremely sensitive souls. They are sometimes prone to paranoia. Unless they settle their trust issues, they will never feel comfortable. They will always feel ill at ease in their own skin. Once they develop trust and the confidence they need, their mind-body connection will now fall into place.
Ninth House: Sagittarius (November 22, December 21)
These people are the kings and queens of adaptability. No one adapts to change better than Sagittarius. Others can experience culture shock and homesickness for months at a time. But for them, being away from home and spending time in new places does nothing but keep their adrenaline going!
Nothing excites them more than the prospect of new beginnings, meeting new people, and going on brand new adventures. They are so used to being mobile that being forced to stay put for so long actually makes them sick, physically. Change is where Sagittarius not only survives but thrives.
Tenth House: Capricorn (December 22- January 19)
The result of the Hygeia placement in this chart needs a bit of tweaking. There’s nothing wrong with longing for external validation. Who doesn’t want to be appreciated? When they do good, look good, perform well? Everyone does more than what is expected of them if they are appreciated.
However, this becomes a problem if the person does not develop inner strength, self-love, and confidence. Because what happens when the accolades stop? When you can no longer hear loud cheering? If nobody is clapping for you anymore, will you stop doing good and feeling good? Unless you love yourself first, no one else will.
Eleventh House: Aquarius (January 20- February 18)
Aquarian’s environment has a great influence on them. They are easily taken by what they see and hear in public or social media. Even if they don’t have firsthand experience with them. They get into the latest fad diets, fitness routines, and beauty regimens. They get too excited that they no longer find the time to do the needed research to find out first if this will suit them or not.
In the end, they have wasted so much money and end up being so disappointed. Because what happened to these so-called ‘influencers’ was far from what they have experienced. Next time, do your homework first so you can make informed decisions.
Twelfth House: Pisces (February 19- March 20)
For Pisces, spirituality is the key to unlock optimum health and wellness. They love yoga and meditation. Faith-based practices also soothe them such as prayer and reflection. Pisces
love keeping a journal or diary to keep track of what is happening in their lives and the progress they are making. They believe in divination, tarot, and the influence of astrology in their life. They have a gift when it comes to lucid dreaming. Others feel stuck and paralyzed whenever this happens. But Pisces knows how to control them and dictate the outcome of their dreams. They can also decode their dreams to see what the future may bring.
