The Astrology Book

MNEMOSYNE

Mnemosyne, asteroid 57 (the 57th asteroid to be discovered, on September 22, 1860),

is approximately 116 kilometers in diameter and has an orbital period of 5.5 years. It is

named after the Greek goddess of memory, who was the mother of the Muses. The

location of Mnemosyne by sign and house indicates something about how one remem-

bers. When involved in inharmonious aspects, this celestial body may indicate a poor

memory or unpleasant memories.

Sources:

Kowal, Charles T. Asteroids: Their Nature and Utilization.Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Ellis

Horwood Limited, 1988.

Room, Adrian. Dictionary of Astronomical Names.London: Routledge, 1988.

Schwartz, Jacob. Asteroid Name Encyclopedia.St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1995.

MODERNPLANETS

The expression “modern planets” refers to the planets beyond Saturn that were not

discovered until the development of modern telescopes, namely Uranus, Neptune,

and Pluto. Although technically not “planets,” some contemporary astrologers classify

asteroids and Chiron as modern planets because they were not discovered until the

development of astronomical telescopes.

MODESTIA

Modestia, asteroid 370 (the 370th asteroid to be discovered, on July 14, 1893), is

approximately 44 kilometers in diameter and has an orbital period of 3.5 years. Its

name is a personified form of the Latin word for modesty. In a natal chart, Modestia’s

location by sign and house indicates where one is most likely to be modest or experi-

ence modesty. When afflicted by inharmonious aspects, Modestia may show immod-

esty or false modesty. If prominent in a chart (e.g., conjunct the Sun or the ascen-

dant), it may show an exceptionally modest person, or someone for whom the seeking

of modesty and humility is a dominant life theme.

Sources:

Kowal, Charles T. Asteroids: Their Nature and Utilization.Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Ellis

Horwood Limited, 1988.

Room, Adrian. Dictionary of Astronomical Names.London: Routledge, 1988.

Schwartz, Jacob. Asteroid Name Encyclopedia.St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1995.

MODUSEQUALIS

Modus equalisis the older term for what is now called the equal house system.

MOIRA

Moira, asteroid 638 (the 638th asteroid to be discovered, on May 5, 1907), is approxi-

mately 41 kilometers in diameter and has an orbital period of 4.5 years. Its name is

Mnemosyne

[458] THEASTROLOGYBOOK