In asteroid astrology, most people start with the big, well-known ones: Ceres, Juno, Vesta, Pallas. But once you wander a little further into the asteroid belt, you discover hidden gems like Penelope. Her name carries so much mythic weight, and in a chart she can add a surprisingly tender layer to themes of relationships, loyalty, and resilience.
Mythology of Penelope
In Greek mythology, Penelope was the wife of Odysseus. While he was off wandering the seas for twenty years after the Trojan War, she became a symbol of patience, fidelity, and cleverness. She was besieged by suitors who wanted to take Odysseus’ place, but she kept delaying them with a famous trick: she would weave a burial shroud by day and secretly unravel it at night, buying herself time.
Her story is about devotion, but not in a passive way. Penelope isn’t just “waiting around.” She uses her intelligence, her creativity, and a little bit of cunning to hold her own until Odysseus finally returns.
In astrology, asteroid Penelope represents loyalty in love, perseverance, strategy, patience, and the quiet strength it takes to endure long stretches of uncertainty.
Penelope in the natal chart
Asteroid Penelope shows where and how we practice devotion, what we stay true to, even when it takes time, sacrifice, or a bit of clever maneuvering. It’s about the ways we hold steady, even when the universe throws long tests at us.
- In houses: The house placement tells you the area of life where this energy shows up. For example, Penelope in the 10th house might show patience in career goals, you may play a “long game” and succeed through persistence. In the 7th, it can highlight loyalty in partnerships or relationships that demand endurance.
- In signs: The sign colors how this loyalty is expressed. Penelope in fiery Aries might stay loyal by fighting for what (or who) they believe in, while in watery Pisces, it could be more about emotional faithfulness, keeping love alive through imagination or spiritual connection.
Penelope conjunct personal planets
When Penelope makes a tight conjunction to a personal planet (within 1 degree), it can really spotlight the themes of loyalty, patience, and resilience in your personal life.
- Sun conjunct Penelope: A strong sense of identity tied to devotion. You may be recognized for your loyalty or for the way you endure hardships with grace.
- Moon conjunct Penelope: Emotional patience. You might cling to emotional bonds for a long time, even through challenges, or you find comfort in being the “steady one” in your family or relationships.
- Mercury conjunct Penelope: Clever, tactical thinking. You know how to buy time with words or strategy. You might also feel compelled to speak or write about themes of devotion and resilience.
- Venus conjunct Penelope: This is a classic marker of loyalty in love. It can show someone who holds onto relationships with deep faith, even when they’re tested. At its best, it’s deeply romantic; at its worst, it could mean staying too long in a situation out of misplaced devotion.
- Mars conjunct Penelope: Determined action. You might have incredible stamina for long struggles, or you fight persistently for the people and causes you’re devoted to.
Transits and progressions
When Penelope is activated by transit, life may present themes of waiting, enduring, or being asked to stay true to something. It might be a test of patience, or a reminder that sometimes strength looks like persistence rather than bold action.
The Heart of Penelope
“Asteroid Penelope may be tiny, but she’s packed with mythic meaning. In your chart, she shows where you’re weaving your own version of the shroud, those places in life where patience, cleverness, and loyalty become quiet forms of strength. Penelope reminds us that it’s not always about quick wins; sometimes it’s the long game, the steady resilience, that truly carries us through the toughest chapters.
If you’re curious, pop her into your chart (asteroid number 201, I recommend using Astro.com) and see where she falls. You might be surprised at how much this little asteroid reveals about your own myth of patience and devotion.
