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The story of Psyche, immortalized by Apuleius over two thousandyears ago, is a magnificent myth about a love thwarted by the goddess of loveherself, Venus - the love between a mortal princess, Psyche, and Venus's ownson, Cupid. Condemned to perform four impossible labours to appease thegoddess's wrath, Psyche, aided by unexpected helpers, ultimately ascends toMount Olympus to be reunited with Cupid and to attain immortality. Yet toaccomplish this, and to win the favour of Venus, she must first embody fouressential qualities - the celebrated cardinal virtues of the Platonists. In astrology, the planet Venus symbolizes not only what we value,but also our sense of self-worth. This is why she plays such a vital role inlove and relationship: we cannot truly unite with another unless we choose themin accordance with our values - and unless we can first recognise our ownworth. When we are faced with the asteroid Psyche, we must, like the princessin the myth, carry out our own inner work in order to develop certain qualitieswithin ourselves that will content Venus - that is, the qualities that allow usto build a relationship through which she may truly bring forth the joy andhappiness she promises. Thus, this asteroid holds the key to building healthy, joyful, andfulfilling relationships - relationships in which the Self may unfold and thesolar identity, our symbolic immortality, find its full expression.
The story of Psyche, immortalized by Apuleius over two thousandyears ago, is a magnificent myth about a love thwarted by the goddess of loveherself, Venus - the love between a mortal princess, Psyche, and Venus's ownson, Cupid. Condemned to perform four impossible labours to appease thegoddess's wrath, Psyche, aided by unexpected helpers, ultimately ascends toMount Olympus to be reunited with Cupid and to attain immortality. Yet toaccomplish this, and to win the favour of Venus, she must first embody fouressential qualities - the celebrated cardinal virtues of the Platonists. In astrology, the planet Venus symbolizes not only what we value,but also our sense of self-worth. This is why she plays such a vital role inlove and relationship: we cannot truly unite with another unless we choose themin accordance with our values - and unless we can first recognise our ownworth. When we are faced with the asteroid Psyche, we must, like the princessin the myth, carry out our own inner work in order to develop certain qualitieswithin ourselves that will content Venus - that is, the qualities that allow usto build a relationship through which she may truly bring forth the joy andhappiness she promises. Thus, this asteroid holds the key to building healthy, joyful, andfulfilling relationships - relationships in which the Self may unfold and thesolar identity, our symbolic immortality, find its full expression.