Kalliope/Calliope Asteroid #22
This is the first post in our Greek Muse Asteroids Series, and we are excited to share the mythology, general meaning, and astro observations with you all! We are starting with the "leader of the muses," Calliope. Her asteroid is number 22, which corresponds to spirituality and is a master number in numerology. Let's get into who Calliope is and what this asteroid indicates!
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Muse of: Epic Poetry, Eloquence
Other associations: Singing, Leadership
Other Names: Kalliope
Mythology: Calliope (also spelled Kalliope) is the muse of epic poetry and eloquence. She is the oldest of the nine greek muses and is also often called their leader. She is said to have a beautiful voice, and to have been graced with singing talents. According to Hesiod she was also the wisest, and most assertive muse. Her symbol is the Lyre, which is a stringed musical instrument, similar to a harp. She is often depicted with a writing tablet, a roll of paper, or a book in her hand. She also usually wears a golden crown, and is shown with her sisters or her children (in some cases.) She was married to Oeagrus, the King of Thrace in some stories, and is often said to be the mother of Orpheus and Linus. There is also a famous story in which she had a singing match with the daughters of Pierus, the King of Thessaly. It is said that they challenged her thinking they would win, but they did not. Their punishment for losing after challenging Calliope was being turned into magpies. (A type of song bird.)
This asteroid can indicate talents in writing, specifically in poetry or the fictional category. It can indicate someone who really has a way with words, and who may have a pleasant or harmonious voice. People with this strongly and positively aspected may be able to command the room with their voice, or people may listen to them (and their innate wisdom) very intently. Depending on the placements it can indicate someone who is an inspiration for someone else's poetry, song lyrics, or music. (This is something you can see in synastry or the composite chart between two people.) Prominent placements can show someone who is wise, or who is a great leader or teacher of some sort. There may also be indications of someone who is very assertive. However, hard aspects may show someone who is more reserved or struggles with assertiveness. It can show someone with a love of novels, epic poetry, mythology, and other forms of creative writing. Career wise it can show someone who would excel in journalism, research, documentation, making documentaries, technical writing, astrology, painting, or art. It can be seen prominently in the charts of some Librarians and Teachers as well. With it's correspondence to angel number 22 it may also indicate someone who is interested in spirituality or philosophy, as well as someone who seeks balance and justice in the world.
✨ Kalliope in Libra, Gemini, or Virgo can indicate someone who enjoys writing or reading. It can also indicate someone who is very wise or intelligent beyond their years. These people may enjoy getting lost in novels, or they may really embody the academic aesthetic. They could be really into reading stories or writing about justice, or the human condition. They may be collectors of books, and you may often see books, art supplies, instruments, etc. in their environments. (Dark academia lovers unite!)
✨ Kalliope in Aries or positively aspecting Mars can indicate someone who is very assertive or creative. These people may make really great leaders, or have a very commanding presence, especially if Kalliope is conjunct or positively aspecting the Ascendant. They may really embody someone who naturally seems to be gifted with words, a beautiful voice, or leadership capabilities. It can even seem as though sometimes people follow them blindly into things.
✨ Kalliope in a Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, or in the 4th, 8th, or 12th houses can indicate someone who uses creative writing, poetry, or music (usually in the form of lyrics) to process their emotions. These people may also use their emotions to write or create a lot. There are a lot of musicians who are talented with lyricism that have these placements in their charts. It's the same if this asteroid is conjunct the moon or Neptune.
✨ Kalliope in Scorpio, the 8th house, or conjunct/aspecting Pluto can indicate someone who can use writing, reading, or the arts to transform themselves or others. These placements or aspects may show someone who also likes to keep their talents somewhat hidden or use them only in the safety of their own space. You may never know that these people have a talent in writing. Poetry may be a specific strong talent for these types.
✨In Aquarius, the 11th house, or aspecting Uranus can indicate someone who is able to use their voice to lead in social causes. It can also indicate someone who loves technical writing, who is popular for their writing or creative talents, or who is able to easily establish non-profit, or organizations supporting causes.
✨ In Capricorn, the 10th, aspecting Saturn, or Aspecting the Midheaven can indicate someone who writes for work or who uses their writing or voice for work. Potentially someone who is famous for their voice. Singers and authors may have these placements. It can also indicate someone who is able to lead a company or who is a manager or in a higher up position where they work. They may also be someone who starts their own creative business. I could see someone owning a stationary store, or a book store with these placements.
✨ Kalliope in Sagittarius, in the 9th house, or conjunct Jupiter can indicate someone who is very wise. This is a place where you can see someone who is a librarian or teacher. The 3rd house and Gemini can indicate a teacher as well, but Sagittarius, the 9th, and Jupiter can indicate higher learning, so it gives off the professor type of vibe. These placements can also indicate an affinity for astrology, psychology, and mythology. These placements can also show someone who writes stories or poetry based on travel experiences. People who make documentaries or who write about other cultures and philosophies besides their own can have these aspects and placements prominent in their chart.
✨ In Libra or the 7th house can indicate someone who really loves academia aesthetic. Their home or their style may look like a library, or it may look very put together and beautiful. Generally this placement is wise, and is very balanced when it comes to their writing or communicating. They may really like classical style, greek mythology style. (Think like...white columns, sistine chapel, classic beauty...) They are also prone to enjoying romance novels, and may be really good at writing in the romance genre themselves. Libras are usually naturally drawn to being writers, so this may add a little extra dose of interest there. These types may also make really good lawyers or judges because they are gifted with communication skills centered around balance and fairness. They can easily explain and help others understand morals.
✨ This asteroid in Pisces, the 12th, or conjunct Neptune can indicate someone who may not see their natural talents in writing, singing, speaking, lyricism, music, or art, but who is very very talented in these areas. These people may find comfort in journaling, painting, or writing for their own pleasure. Creative writing and writing music may be really big hobbies for these people. You may see some people with these placements use music or books as a way to escape their daily life. They can get lost in these hobbies when they need a break from reality. They may have a tendency to be more shy when it comes to their talents, and they may never share the things they create in private, but if they do people will notice.
✨ In the 6th house, or in Virgo this can show someone who has a lot of wisdom, and may use writing or music to help others. They may read a lot of books and gain a lot of knowledge. Generally they may be shy to share, and there's a possibility they give off the shy girl next door vibes (although this also depends on what else is in your chart.) An idea of what types of things this placement would write: Cookbooks, medical journals, plant encyclopedias, etc. Think earthy academia. They also may have a knack for poetry, or for communicating thoughts in creative ways that others easily understand. They may be prone to using metaphors. (Virgo is traditionally ruled by Mercury.)
✨ In Leo, the 5th, or aspecting the sun can indicate someone who is famous for writing, their voice, or their artistic talents. This person may get noticed easily when it comes to what they choose to write about. Creative writing, fiction novelists, and lyricists can be indicated here. Some celebrities that sing or give speeches can be seen with these placements.
✨ Gemini or the 3rd house can show someone who is quick and has a great sense of humor. They could be comedians, as their voice is easily heard. They also could be someone who enjoys teaching children, or who is able to create easy to understand and aesthetically pleasing online content. These placements can indicate someone who may make a good teacher. Because Gemini is one of the two signs ruled by Mercury, communication comes easily to them. They may also have a pleasant voice, and could give ted talks or be able to lead a marketing team, or speak at conferences. (Cute side note they could be great narrators, especially for children's books.)
✨ In Cancer or the 4th house, or positively aspecting the moon or the IC, can show someone who is the leader in their family. They may also really love to have their home be a place of learning and creativity. They may own a huge collection of books or art supplies. They may also encourage their loved ones or children to be more creative, or to be more assertive. They may really love visiting libraries and museums, and they might like to have classical music playing in their home. The moon is associated with emotions, the home, and nurturing, and this can indicate someone who enjoys poetry, music, and storytelling as a self care tool. They may read books to help them ground, or they may listen to music as a way to get out of their heads. These placements can indicate someone who finds safety in books, novels, music, or art.
✨ In Taurus or the 2nd house can show someone who values literature, the arts, and teaching. It could also be someone who earns money from the things associated with Kalliope, or someone who has a more eclectic "academia" aesthetic to their home or surroundings. They may also be someone who likes to buy hardcover books, instruments, or stationary. This is extra true if there are positive aspects to Venus.
✨ Hard aspects between Kalliope and mercury may show someone who has difficulty in expressing themselves through writing, or someone who may have difficulties with reading or with learning. They may have more misunderstandings when texting or messaging than other people do. In some cases this aspect can make it difficult for the native to speak or to communicate in general.
✨ Hard aspects to the sun can show someone who doesn't feel as in touch with their creative side, or who may feel that writing and reading are not really their thing. They may not like their voice, or have trouble being assertive. They can also come off more shy depending on other placements. They are more likely to stifle their voice, or to shy away from any writing, music, or vocal talents. They also might not feel like they have the capability to be a leader sometimes.
✨ Hard aspects to the moon can show insecurity in writing, music, lyricism, assertiveness, or a struggle with desire for these types of things. Either the native isn't interested in the things associated with this asteroid at all emotionally, or they are interested but don't have confidence in their talents or gifts. They may be very hard on themselves when it comes to their voice as well. Example: If a singer has this they may always feel like their voice isn't good enough, or deep down have an insecurity about their talent, even if they seem confident on the outside.
✨ Conjunct the descendant can show someone who seeks a partner that is assertive, or who is a great leader. They may gravitate towards people who have beautiful or unique voices, singers, musicians, writers, or teachers. This is also a sign that these natives can use writing, singing, lyricism, art, or music as a form of self care, or to express love to themselves or others.
✨ In synastry if your Kalliope asteroid is conjunct any of the other person's planets, especially the moon or Venus, it can indicate the other person seeing you as a muse or as inspiration in general. They may really love your voice or the way you talk. They could also find you interesting to listen to or compelling, just by you being yourself. You may also find this person to be a muse in the topics related to the planet Kalliope touches. If your asteroid touches their Venus you may be inspired to write about their looks, aesthetic, or your experience with the way they love/your partnership with them.
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We hope you enjoy Kalliope and find out a little more about yourself and how she influences astrology! Don't worry if this asteroid isn't prominent, even if you love any of these things. There are lots of other placements in your basic astrology, as well as other asteroids, that can indicate an interest or talent in the same areas as Kalliope. If you aren't interested in these things then it may just not be a prominent placement for you, or you may not have unlocked those passions or talents yet. Regardless: take what resonates. Let us know what you think and how this asteroid feels for you in the notes, and check out the other Muses once they are posted!
