Asteroid Danae 61 in the Natal Birth Chart: How Your Feminine Potential Is Held Back and Ultimately Freed

Danae, a figure from Greek mythology, was the daughter of Acrisius, the king of Argos, who had been told by the Oracle at Delphi that his grandson would one day kill him. To prevent this prophecy from coming true, Acrisius locked Danae in a tower made of bronze, where she was closely guarded by his men and could never see any man.

However, Zeus, the king of the gods, was attracted to Danae's beauty. As he was notoriously wont to do, he strayed from his nominal vows to Hera (his PRINCIPAL but not only wife) and decided to “seduce” Danae as she lay in her tower, taking the form golden rain. He poured down upon the tower and entered through the small cracks, impregnating Danae. Soon after, she gave birth to a son, Perseus, who was the hero of many Greek myths.

When Acrisius found out about the birth of Perseus, he was furious and ordered Danae and her child to be thrown into the sea in a wooden chest. However, the gods protected them, and they washed ashore on the island of Seriphos, where they were found by a fisherman named Dictys.
Dictys took the exiled mother and son in and raised Perseus as his own offspring.

But Polydectes, the king of the island (like Zeus) coveted Danae’s beauty and tried to force her to marry him. Perseus refused to let this happen, but to be rid of him and make headway on his pursuit of Danae, Polydectes sent Perseus on a quest for the head of the Gorgon Medusa—known to turn people to stone.

With the help of Athena and Hermes, Perseus set out on a yearslong, perilous journey to slay the Gorgon. He succeeded in cutting off her head and brought it back to Polydectes, who was interrupted in the act of either trying to marry Danae or abusing her; That was that. Polydectes turned to stone, and Perseus elevated his stepfather Dictys to the throne before leaving with his mother, heading back homeward toward Argos.

But what of the prophecy?
In the end, the prophecy of Acrisius did come true.
Perseus, while competing in athletic games, accidentally threw a discus that flew so far, it escaped the field of competition, hitting Acrisius and killing him.

Despite this tragedy, Perseus became a legendary figure in Greek mythology, and his mother Danae was remembered as a symbol of beauty, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Other Women Imprisoned in Towers

Other legends and myths worldwide other than Danae feature a woman in a tower

There are several other myths and legends from different cultures around the world that feature a woman in a tower. Here are a few examples:

Princess Kaguya - In Japanese folklore, Princess Kaguya was a beautiful woman who was discovered as a baby inside a glowing bamboo stalk. She was raised by an old bamboo cutter and his wife and eventually grew into a beautiful woman. The Emperor fell in love with her and asked her to be his wife, but she refused and told him that she was not of this world. She eventually disappeared, leaving the Emperor heartbroken. One of the tales in her story involves her being locked away in a tower.

Saint Barbara - In Christian tradition, Saint Barbara was a young woman who was locked in a tower by her pagan father to prevent her from converting to Christianity. Despite her imprisonment, she secretly received religious instruction and converted to Christianity. She was eventually discovered, and her father beheaded her in anger.

Maid Maleen - This is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a young princess who is locked away in a tower by her father after refusing to marry a man of his choice. She is eventually rescued by a prince who has been searching for her.

Turandot - This is a Persian legend that was later adapted into a play by the Italian writer Carlo Gozzi and later an opera by Giacomo Puccini. It tells the story of a princess named Turandot, who sets a series of riddles for her suitors. If they fail to answer the riddles, they are executed. One of the suitors, Prince Calaf, succeeds in answering the riddles and wins Turandot's hand in marriage, but she continues to resist him and locks herself away in a towe

Rapunzel - This is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a beautiful girl with long hair who is locked away in a tower by an evil witch. She is eventually rescued by a prince who climbs up her hair.

Eros and Psyche - This is a Greek myth that tells the story of a beautiful woman named Psyche who is forbidden from seeing her lover, Eros. Eros visits her in secret at night, but she is not allowed to look at him. When Psyche disobeys and looks at Eros, he disappears, and she is punished by Venus and forced to perform a series of impossible tasks. One of these tasks involves climbing a tower to retrieve a box.

The Lady of Shalott - This is a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, based on the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Astolat. The Lady of Shalott is a young woman who is cursed to stay in a tower and weave a tapestry. She is not allowed to look out of the window, but she becomes enamored with the sight of the knight Lancelot and leaves her tower to die.

The Tower of London - This is a historical fortress in London that has been used as a royal palace, prison, and place of execution. Several famous women were imprisoned in the tower, including Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. They were all held in towers within the fortress.

Danae in Astrology

By sign, house, and aspect, Danae can offer insights into the places, people, conditions, locations, events, and situations that place extraordiary constraints on your ability to be fertile, generative, creative, intuitive, and protective—the Tower or Towers that must fall in your world so you can ultimately escape to freedom, no matter how comfortable and sheltered your comfortable high room has been.

HOWEVER, when asteroid Danae (61) is placed prominently in your natal chart, you can also rest assured that although your final justice may come to you much later in life in these areas, the fruits of your creativity will always emerge to serve you in the end—and to release you from unfair bondage.

IN THE SIGNS

In Aries: Danae in Aries could indicate that early restrictions on feminine energy may have caused impulsivity and a need to take action without thinking things through. However, once this energy is activated, there is great potential for courage and boldness.

In Taurus: Danae in Taurus could suggest that early constraints on feminine energy may have led to a fixation on material possessions or a desire for security. Yet, once liberated, there is a possibility for a deep connection to nature and sensual pleasures.

In Gemini: Danae in Gemini may imply that early limitations on feminine energy could have caused indecisiveness or scattered thinking. However, once liberated, there is potential for heightened communication skills and a gift for storytelling.

In Cancer: Danae in Cancer may indicate that early constraints on feminine energy may have caused emotional insecurity or attachment issues. However, once this energy is liberated, there is potential for nurturing and caregiving abilities.

In Leo: Danae in Leo may suggest that early restrictions on feminine energy may have led to a need for attention or validation. However, once liberated, there is potential for leadership skills and creativity.

In Virgo: Danae in Virgo could indicate that early constraints on feminine energy may have caused perfectionism or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. However, once this energy is liberated, there is potential for healing and service to others.

In Libra: Danae in Libra may suggest that early limitations on feminine energy may have caused a need for harmony or a tendency to people-please. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong sense of justice and a gift for diplomacy.

In Scorpio: Danae in Scorpio could imply that early constraints on feminine energy may have led to trust issues or a fear of vulnerability. Yet, once liberated, there is potential for deep emotional healing and transformation.

In Sagittarius: Danae in Sagittarius may indicate that early restrictions on feminine energy may have caused a restless spirit or a need for adventure. However, once liberated, there is potential for philosophical and spiritual exploration.

In Capricorn: Danae in Capricorn may suggest that early limitations on feminine energy may have caused a need for control or a focus on practicality. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong work ethic and ambition.

In Aquarius: Danae in Aquarius may imply that early constraints on feminine energy may have led to feelings of alienation or a desire for individuality. Yet, once liberated, there is potential for visionary and innovative thinking.

In Pisces: Danae in Pisces could indicate that early restrictions on feminine energy may have caused escapism or a tendency towards martyrdom. However, once this energy is liberated, there is potential for artistic and spiritual expression.

Danae in the Houses

1st House: With Danae in the first house, early constraints on feminine energy may have affected one's sense of self and identity. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong and confident sense of self-expression and individuality.

2nd House: Danae in the second house could suggest that early limitations on feminine energy may have affected one's sense of self-worth and material possessions. Once liberated, there is potential for financial stability and a sense of security.

3rd House: Danae in the third house may imply that early constraints on feminine energy may have impacted one's communication skills and education. However, once liberated, there is potential for a natural gift for storytelling and a thirst for knowledge.

4th House: With Danae in the fourth house, early restrictions on feminine energy may have affected one's family and home life. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong connection to one's roots and a nurturing home environment.

5th House: Danae in the fifth house could suggest that early limitations on feminine energy may have affected one's creativity and self-expression. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong sense of artistic expression and playfulness.

6th House: Danae in the sixth house may imply that early constraints on feminine energy may have affected one's health and work life. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong work ethic and dedication to service.

7th House: With Danae in the seventh house, early restrictions on feminine energy may have impacted one's relationships and partnerships. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong sense of balance and harmony in relationships.

8th House: Danae in the eighth house could suggest that early limitations on feminine energy may have affected one's sexuality and ability to trust others. However, once liberated, there is potential for emotional healing and transformation.

9th House: Danae in the ninth house may imply that early constraints on feminine energy may have impacted one's beliefs and worldview. However, once liberated, there is potential for philosophical and spiritual exploration.

10th House: With Danae in the tenth house, early restrictions on feminine energy may have affected one's career and public image. However, once liberated, there is potential for a strong sense of ambition and achievement.

11th House: Danae in the eleventh house could suggest that early limitations on feminine energy may have affected one's social circles and sense of belonging. However, once liberated, there is potential for visionary and innovative thinking in group settings.

12th House: Danae in the twelfth house may imply that early constraints on feminine energy may have impacted one's spirituality and connection to the collective unconscious. However, once liberated, there is potential for artistic and intuitive expression.