What is Chiron?

You're probably very curious at this point. After all this entire blog is primarily devoted to Chiron. What makes Chiron so fascinating? What is Chiron about? What does it mean? Let me introduce you to Chiron aka "the wounded healer".

Discovered on 1 November 1977 by American astronomer Charles Kowal, Chiron is a small ringed outer solar system body. It orbits the Sun between Saturn and Uranus and is part of a group of unclassified bodies called The Centaurs. An inhabitant of the Kuiper belt its classification overlaps several astronomical definitions, and at present it’s classified as both a minor planet and a comet. Originally dubbed "Object Kowal", which it's key-shaped glyph is a monogram for, the body was eventually renamed after the centaur Chiron who was renowned mentor to Greek heroes.

In Greek mythology Chiron was a wise teacher and healer, known to be the keeper of astrological knowledge, the art of medicine and healing, and a fearless warrior. Since it has been discovered, vast strides have been made in the fields of psychology. There has become an increased awareness of the mind-body connection and acceptance of holistic medicine as a modality of healing. War has gone on to change in its mode of operation as terrorism has been named a major threat for this century and new tactics have been developed to deal with it. These are all thought to coincide with the Chironic influence and thus factor in as traits of Chiron.

The Mythos

Chiron was the son of Cronus and the sea nymph Philyra. To escape his jealous wife, Cronus transformed himself into a horse just as he climaxed. Thus when Philyra gave birth Chiron was born part human and part horse. Philyra abandoned her child, finding him to grotesque. Having been abandoned by both his parents Apollo and Artemis adopted the orphan. Chiron's foster parents taught him about medicine and the arts. Through much of his life Chiron lived in a cave in the mountains and meditated or studied various topics: the healing arts, herbs, botany, music, science, hunting, archery, medicine, the stars, astrology, magic, rituals, prophecy and crystals.In contrast to the centaurs, who he was similar and often mistaken for, Chiron became renowned for his wisdom, kindness and intelligence. He was sought out as a revered mentor for many, particularly having a fondness for mentoring youths. Some of his notable students were Asclepius, Jason, Actaeon and Achilles.

Chiron was wounded in the thigh by one of the poison arrows Hercules was shooting at a drunken mass of centaurs. Because he was immortal and the arrow magical, Chiron could not cure the wound and it never healed. He was in such great pain that he devised a plan to become mortal so as to end it. It had been decreed that Prometheus, the Titan that had aided humanity against the gods will and brought them fire, could only be released from his punishment on the top of a mountain if one of the gods were to die and descend into the underworld. Chiron and Prometheus traded places and Chiron became mortal and died. Prometheus was free and joined the gods of Olympus. Zeus honored Chiron by placing him among the stars as the constellation Centaurus.

The Discovery Chart

Courtesy of https://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Celestial:_Chiron_Discovery

The discovery chart is often an insightful tool for understanding what a new body will likely bring to the astrological table. Let's look at that of Chiron.

Sun, Mercury and Uranus (Aquarius) in the 11th house highlight that Chiron's discovery opens up a view into societies ills and how deep-seated issues effect humanity as a whole. These three planets go on to square Mars(Leo) in the 8th house suggesting the hidden aggressions and feelings of powerlessness that can drive humanity towards violent actions. Saturn(Leo) in the 8th wants practicality and maturity in dealing with these deep-seated issues. Neptune(Sagittarius) in the 12th house highlights a desire to understand those deep-seated issues and heal them with compassion and understanding as a human conglomeration. Looking at these briefly we can surmise that Chiron has a lot of inner work to bring to the surface for humanity. New improvements in understanding about psychology, medicine, science and philosophy are also likely with its discovery. Our discovery of Chiron heralds a new phase in humanity just as Pluto did upon it's discovery.

Chiron in Astrology

Chiron is said to be the bridge between Saturn and Uranus. Issues that it presents are often chronic and unusually difficult to remedy. The key to dealing with them is a mixture of both the discipline and practicality of Saturn and the insight and ingenuity of Uranus.

In a natal chart Chiron indicates some deep-seated wound or feeling of inadequacy that a native can learn to minimize via discipline, patience and insight. They never truly overcome this wound, however. These psychological issues usually have their base in parental influences from the childhood. The native has a strong desire to overcome these issues, and seeks throughout life to find insight or manners of alleviating them.

Known as the "Great Teacher" Chiron also reveals where the native may be good at giving guidance and counsel to others. Once the native alleviates their own ills there is a desire or ability to render aid and insight to those suffering from similar maladies. The native may be very wise and insightful beyond their years in matters related to the house and sign placement of Chiron. They often have a talent for putting their insights to practical use. Chiron's placement indicates the areas in which a native has the ability to teach or guide others with ease, once they have mastered the challenges indicated.

The name Chiron comes from the Greek kheiron meaning “hand”.

A prominent Chiron influence may indicate one that works with their hands. These people are also highly interested in the holistic arts, alternative medicine, astrology, massage therapy, chiropractors, herbal remedies and supplementation, crystal healing, tarot reading, rituals and music, especially for holistic purposes. Chiron’s placement can indicate where chronic illnesses may occur. Archery and martial arts may also be a prominent interest.

Some astrologers a while back were suggesting that Chiron is the true ruler of Virgo instead of its traditional ruler Mercury. Admittedly it carries many traits of the sign Virgo. Chiron deals with healing of the body through natural means, executing tasks with efficiency and practicality and serving others, all of which are common Virgo traits. But as of yet, it does not cover perfectionism, daily tasks and many of the other traits associated with this sign, either mundane or natally. Looks like we may still be looking for an alternate ruler for Virgo.

Final Thoughts

I have been studying Chiron since it came to my attention when I was writing my doctoral thesis. It has fascinated me continuously since then. It is like the final key in a chart to delve deeper into an interpretation, tying everything together under a single motivation. Of course a chart can be interpreted without Chiron. But at this point, for me doing so leaves out a very connective element that lets you know the underlying why certain psychological proclivities are such. Eventually I'll do a few case studies on some very interesting and important famous figures, focusing on their Chiron placements and how the interpretation of it clarifies a lot more in their psychologies or abilities.

Hopefully I have cleared up some things about Chiron and given you some insight and curiosity about this body in astrology. This concluded this first dip into Chiron's world. Stay tuned for the next articles where we get more into basic interpretation techniques.

For now, calculate your Chiron placement. Tell me what you think about Chiron. Do you find it useful in interpretations? Do you have an interesting experience you would like to share? Leave your comments below.