Pallas Athena: Wisdom and Strategy in the Heart of Capricorn
As Pallas moves through Capricorn during the Winter Solstice, it urges reflection, strategy, and using our gifts for lasting growth
As December began, asteroid Pallas entered Capricorn, a sign known for its discipline, structure, and mastery of the material world. Later, on December 21st, the Sun followed Pallas into Capricorn, marking the Winter Solstice—a moment of profound symbolism and reflection.
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, a turning point when the light begins its slow return. It’s a time to pause, take stock, and prepare for the growth ahead, much like Capricorn’s energy invites us to lay firm foundations for future success. With Pallas and the Sun now aligned in Capricorn’s steady and determined terrain, the themes of strategy, wisdom, and creative mastery are amplified.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
As Pallas moves closer to my Capricorn Ascendant, I feel a strong push to share its story and meaning. The Ascendant shows how we interact with the world, and Pallas here is inspiring me.
In my chart, Pallas is part of a Sagittarius stellium in the 10th house, the area of career and public image. Now, with Pallas approaching my Ascendant in Capricorn, its energy feels focused and ready to be heard.
Pallas Athena: Born of Wisdom and Strategy
In Greek mythology, Athena was no ordinary goddess. She emerged fully formed and armed from Zeus’s head, a striking image of intellect and strategy coming into being. In astrology, Pallas carries this essence: the birth of wisdom, creativity, and an innate understanding of how to navigate life’s complexities.
As Pallas moves through Capricorn, it brings these qualities into harmony with Capricorn’s drive for structure, responsibility, and achievement. It’s a time to focus on practical solutions, strategic planning, and recognising patterns that help us create something long-lasting.
The Solstice and Capricorn Energy
The Winter Solstice isn’t just a celestial event—it’s a symbolic reset. The longest night of the year teaches us the value of endurance and reflection, while the gradual return of light reminds us that growth is always possible, even in the darkest moments.
Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, aligns perfectly with this theme. It’s a sign that understands the importance of patience, perseverance, and laying a solid foundation for future success. With both Pallas and the Sun in Capricorn destined to meet on 3rd January 2025, we’re invited to bring together our talents, strategies, and ambitions into a clear and actionable plan.
This energy is about creating something lasting, whether that’s in our careers, relationships, or personal growth. It’s a time to see the connections between where we’ve been and where we’re going—and to move forward with wisdom and purpose.
How Pallas Shines in Astrology
Pallas is at its most potent when it connects with key points in a natal chart, such as the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, or Midheaven. These placements integrate Pallas’s creativity, strategy, and wisdom into the core of who we are and how we interact with the world. A prominent Pallas supports the natives in their creative development as well as gifting them with the ability to see the potential of others.
For astrologers, Pallas is often a key player. It’s common to find Pallas making significant aspects in the charts of those who work with astrology, reflecting its association with pattern recognition and intellectual depth.
Christina, the Oxford Astrologer linked the asteroid Pallas with the practice of astrology. She noticed that pattern recognition, a key component of astrology, aligns with Pallas’s association with strategic thinking, political skills, and tactical vision. Christina researched the natal charts of several famous astrologers and found that many have close Pallas aspects with the Sun or Moon, Uranus, Aquarius, or Saturn. This finding led her to conclude that “Pallas really is the goddess of pattern” and is prominent in the charts of astrologers.
Examples of prominent Pallas placements in the charts of some well-known astrologers include:
Charles Carter: Pallas conjunct Sun in Aquarius
Reinhold Ebertin: Pallas conjunct Sun in Aquarius
Alan Leo: Pallas in the 9th House trine Saturn on the Ascendant
Liz Greene: Pallas conjunct Moon in the 1st House trine Mercury in the 9th House
Linda Goodman: Pallas conjunct Venus in the 9th House
Rick Levine: Pallas conjunct Uranus in the 1st house
Pallas and Relationships: Wisdom in Connection
Athena’s mythological bond with Zeus mirrors the asteroid Pallas’ role in family binds. Athena, born from Zeus’s intellect, had a unique connection to him—one rooted in shared values and wisdom, creating a stronger connection than a traditional parent-child relationship.
In synastry (relationship compatibility charts), Pallas often highlights strong bonds in father-daughter relationships, where mutual respect and the nurturing of potential play a key role. Pallas encourages us to see the gifts in ourselves and others, fostering relationships built on shared understanding and support.
Weaving Wisdom into the World
Athena’s talents as a weaver symbolise Pallas’ ability to connect wide-ranging ideas and talents into something meaningful. In mythology, Athena guided Prometheus in gifting fire to humanity, a metaphor for sparking creativity, survival, and innovation.
As Pallas moves through Capricorn, this weaving energy takes on a practical focus. It’s a time to identify our natural talents and use them strategically, not just for our own benefit but to inspire and uplift others. Capricorn reminds us that success is built on consistent effort and that our gifts are most powerful when shared with intention.
The Role of Asteroids in Modern Astrology
Asteroids like Pallas are becoming more widely used in modern astrology, though not all astrologers include them in their work. While some prefer to focus only on the traditional planets, many astrologers find that asteroids add extra depth and detail to a birth chart.
Astrology researchers like David Cochrane have shown how important asteroids can be, using careful studies to demonstrate their significance. His research reveals how asteroids like Pallas can uncover deeper meanings and patterns in a chart.
If you're interested in learning more, I’ve included a link to Cochrane’s detailed work below.
Pallas Athena in Capricorn: A Time to Act with Wisdom
As Pallas moves through Capricorn, its energy aligns perfectly with the themes of the Winter Solstice—reflection, endurance, and growth. The solstice marks a time of stillness and introspection, as the longest night of the year gives way to the gradual return of light. Similarly, Pallas in Capricorn encourages us to pause, reflect on our strengths, and recognise our inherent gifts. It’s a reminder that we have the wisdom and strategy within us to approach life's challenges with purpose and clarity.
This transit invites us to build on what we’ve learned, integrating our natural talents into something meaningful that can stand the test of time. Capricorn’s grounded energy supports us in turning ideas into concrete action, using practical wisdom to navigate the future with confidence. It's a time to assess where we are, set intentional goals, and take strategic steps toward lasting growth.
If you would like to find the position of Pallas in your chart visit AstroSeek who offer an easy-to-use asteroid calculator https://horoscopes.astro-seek.com/asteroids-astrology-online-calculator
References:
https://oxfordastrologer.com/2011/04/why-pallas-athene-is-the-astrologers-asteroid.html
https://youtu.be/mqkb_PDXwXI?si=Ny7SRn3lSsVsxZ58
Caroline, an Astrologer and Mentor based in the Scottish Highlands, draws on the collective wisdom of astrologers throughout history to inspire her work, expressing gratitude for their outstanding contributions to the field. She offers personalised 1:1 astrology sessions exploring birth charts, emotional insights, career guidance, and relationships, tailoring each session to her clients' unique needs with her background in education and expertise in neurodiversity. To learn more about exploring your natal chart visit
https://saturnseminary.setmore.com
I imagine Rick Levine would be tickled to be listed with those legends! Thank you for this, I have been cynical about the asteroids. I think the feminine, ie. Scorpion, side of Mars to be Athenean, if you will - Pallasian?... But now that I read your introduction to her, and see Pallas conjunct Sun and Mars in my chart, I'm kinda sold!