JUNO

June is the month named for Roman goddess Juno, her Greek equivalent was Hera. In mythology she was wife (and sister) of Jupiter (Roman)/Zeus (Greek). She tried to tame her unfaithful, freedom loving spouse away from his adventures, back to matrimonial duties.

The Peacock Complaining to Juno by Gustave Moreau, 1881

 

First verse of a poem titled Jupiter on Juno, by A.D. Hope from the book Antechinus

Juno is the goddess of marriage and childbirth. She is also considered the protector of women. She was devoured by her father Saturn, and rescued by her brother Jupiter, who she married. She is primarily known for being the wife of the father of all gods. She is jealous and stern, frequently quarreling with her husband over his numerous affairs, not to mention his illegitimate children.

She is usually portrayed as a majestic woman, often wearing a crown or a scepter to show her position as Queen of the Olympus. The peacock, an animal which she holds sacred, is one of her most characteristic symbols.

Juno is featured in works of art such as Tintoretto´s “Origin of the Milky Way”, as well as the painting above, titled “The Peacock Complaining to Juno” by Gustave Moreau. She is also feautured in ancient literary works, such as Homer´s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”.
Source: “Gods and Heroes in Art”, by Lucia Impelluso. Hat-tip HERE.

In astrology asteroid Juno (glyph shown, right) takes its attributes from the myths associated with that goddess - notably her position as patroness of marriage. Where asteroid Juno is found in one's natal chart is said to indicate attitude to marriage, marriage partner, etc.

Juno, right now, is at around 22 degrees of Leo.

I don't usually pay much attention to asteroids in astrology, the astrological scene is complicated enough, using all possible combinations available, without adding further content. But, as it's Juno's special month now, I took a a peek at my natal chart, with Juno added, at Astrodienst in the Extended Chart Selection segment. When I was born Juno was at 20 Capricorn, around a degree from natal Mercury, and a few degrees from the descendant angle (depending on exact time of birth of which I'm not certain). Do interpretations for this placement fit me?

There's a fairly clear consensus among on-line astrology sites that Juno in Capricorn translates as a native preferring the solid, upstanding, traditional-type partner, a good earner, reliable, trustworthy etc. Ideally will require a partnership to be legalised by marriage. May gravitate towards an older partner.
Juno conjunct Mercury : likely to be attracted to partners with good communication skills, witty and fluent. Communication will have to be clear and honest, and within any relationship an absolute priority.

Hmmm- well from that little lot I can pick two items which fit or have fitted in the past, and some which do not fit at all.

Sure, I have always paid little or no attention to age. I lived with a much older partner for 30+ years - without "benefit" a marriage certificate. Who needs that - a piece of paper? Husband and I have that piece of paper now, because US authorities wouldn't have allowed me to live with him here without it.

Close relationship is the most important thing in my life, always has been - possibly a need created by being an only child, lacking companionship of siblings in childhood. So Juno close to a chart angle works well. I've always been attracted to good writers, or at least writers who can pull a decent sentence together, a touch of wit thrown in is the cherry on top; and/or to those who can paint and draw well.

Juno in Capricorn interpretations indicating that any partner would be required to be solid, upstanding, "a good earner" doesn't fit me at all...not at all! Being severely independent I've always been able to fill that role for myself. It appears that, in my case, Aquarius Sun and Aries Moon cancel out some of Juno's indications.

Anyone interested can easily discover their natal Juno position at the link above, free of charge. Or, alternatively, there's a Juno ephemeris HERE, covering years 1900 to 2015. Finding interpretations from a variety of websites is just a matter of typing "Juno in........(whatever zodiac sign)" into Google's search box.