Asteroid Alkeste (124) carries the name of Alcestis, one of the most moving figures in Greek mythology. Her story isn’t about conquest or ambition, but about love: quiet, steady, and willing to sacrifice everything.
Alcestis was the daughter of King Pelias and the wife of Admetus. When Admetus’ time to die came, Apollo tried to bargain with the Fates. They said there was only one way: someone else had to go to the Underworld in his place. His parents refused. His friends refused. But Alcestis, who loved him deeply, stepped forward. She literally gave her life so he could keep his.
In some versions, Heracles brings her back; in others, it’s Persephone who releases her. Either way, she returns pale, silent, and changed. It’s not the fairy-tale “happily ever after,” but a reminder that even the deepest love leaves marks on us.
Asteroid Alkeste in your birth chart shows where you might give a lot of yourself for love, friendship, or even a dream. It’s the part of you that proves love through action, not just words. It can show the ways you’re willing to sacrifice, or where you sometimes give more than you should. But it’s also about devotion that transforms… how love can bring you back from the “underworld” moments of life and make you stronger.
When Alkeste Meets Your Personal Planets
- Alkeste conjunct the Sun: You shine through your loyalty and what you’re willing to give others.
- Alkeste conjunct the Moon: Your emotions run deep. You’re the one who quietly takes on the struggles of loved ones, sometimes at your own expense. Learning to set boundaries is a big theme here.
- Alkeste conjunct Mercury: Words of devotion matter to you, but it’s often your actions that really speak. Sometimes you’ll feel torn between saying “I love you” and proving it in silence.
- Alkeste conjunct Venus: Classic romantic devotion. You love hard, you give everything, and relationships are where you feel this archetype the strongest.
- Alkeste conjunct Mars: You fight for those you care about. Devotion shows up as action, protection, and effort. Just make sure you’re not burning yourself out by carrying battles that aren’t yours.
- Alkeste conjunct Saturn: Here, love and duty get tied together. You may feel like relationships always come with responsibility or sacrifice.
Living with Alkeste in Your Chart
Wherever Alkeste lands in your natal chart, there’s a story about devotion and sacrifice. Sometimes it’s beautiful, proof of how far you’ll go for love. Other times, it’s a warning not to give yourself away to people who can’t match your loyalty.
The myth reminds us that even the purest acts of love don’t erase who we are. Alcestis returned from death, but she was never the same.
