A comet-like planetoid now called Chiron was discovered by Charles T. Kowal on November 1, 1977. This rara avis flies between the courses of Saturn and Uranus in a highly elliptical 51-year orbit, closer at perihelion to the Sun than Saturn and almost as far out at aphelion as Uranus. This has the effect of moving him swiftly through some signs, such as Libra, but very slowly through others, such as Aries. The prevailing scientific view is that Chiron most likely originated in the Kuiper Belt, a region of objects orbiting beyond Neptune. The first of many such minor planets (Centaurs) to be discovered, Chiron still remains the largest and most significant of these in terms of human destiny.

Chiron, the immortal offspring of Kronos (Saturn), presides over healing and relationships. He instructed legendary figures like Jason, Achilles, and Heracles to reach their full potential. Chiron passed his wisdom to Asclepios, the god of medicine. In contemporary astrology, Chiron symbolizes the profound wounds we carry into this life for healing, thus empowering us to heal others. His symbol signifies a holistic grasp. The chart sector housing Chiron becomes the epicenter of karmic restoration, often an arduous journey.

When Chiron is triggered by significant progressions and transits, we often encounter experiences that confront us with the underlying reasons for our presence on this beautiful yet sometimes agonizing planet. The anguish and suffering from the distant past are reawakened, rising to the surface, offering us an opportunity to address them and emerge from the slumber of eons. These experiences are karmic in the truest sense, as they will jolt us into awareness, provided we do not diminish their impact through alcohol, drugs, or other numbing behaviors like excessive work or compulsive sexuality.

Chiron influences us based on our character, as indicated by the symbols in our natal chart. An individual with a dominant Mars might resort to violence or aggression to evade the truth; a person with a prominent Venus may drown awareness in indulgence; someone with a strong Moon could turn to substance abuse; Jupiter may lead to gambling; Saturn to excessive work, and so forth for all planetary types. Recognizing this offers the chance to attain a higher state of awareness, heal our wounds, and become a source of healing within our communities.

In contrast to the inebriated centaurs, Chiron was known for his wisdom and vast understanding of healing, astrology, music, and medicine. During a skirmish with the centaurs, Heracles (Hercules) accidentally injured his mentor in the knee. Consequently, the wound was somewhat self-inflicted, as it was Chiron who had instructed the hero in crafting the poisoned arrow by immersing it in the Hydra’s blood.

Chiron, the last of his kind, gave up his immortality so that Prometheus, the titan who bestowed the gift of fire upon humanity—a gift he took from the gods—could be freed from his perpetual suffering. In sacrificing himself for mankind’s benefit, Chiron perished. Following his death, he was immortalized in the stars as the constellation Sagittarius.

Chiron, known as a keeper of knowledge, imparts profound teachings in the guise of an external mentor (Saturn) or an internal guide (Uranus). Representing the “wounded healer” archetype, Chiron emphasizes the significance of introspection to discover answers and the subsequent sharing of this wisdom with others.

In the realms of education, music, and medicine, Chiron bridges the gap between body and mind, as well as instinct and intellect. His age-old wisdom is experiencing a resurgence with the rise of holistic health and education practices. Often regarded as a “maverick,” this perception may stem from his unusual orbit and proximity to Uranus. Moreover, Chiron is associated with profound, dreamlike states of consciousness, particularly when in significant astrological aspect with Saturn.

Approaching their fiftieth birthday, many individuals undergo what is known in astrology as the Chiron Return, when Chiron aligns with its position in one’s natal chart for the first time in fifty years. This event is considered a key moment for karmic awakening. Those born between 1961 and 1968 with Chiron in Pisces are currently experiencing their Chiron Return. This phase is believed to facilitate the revival of the spirit, which is central to our existence on this vibrant blue planet. We all bear significant burdens, and the majority of us grapple with the pain of a deep psychological wound. Healing this wound is crucial for thriving in a state of well-being, for moving gracefully through life’s tapestry, and for sharing our innate beauty, thus enabling others to join in the dance of liberation. After being dormant in our collective awareness for approximately two thousand years, Chiron has re-emerged, ready to bestow its healing powers.

Chiron, known as the Wounded Healer in mythology, has an orbit that differs from other planets. Often considered the ‘true’ ruler of Virgo due to its healing and magical properties, Chiron is also associated with the feminine aspect of the Centaur, linking it to Sagittarius. Its influence is subtle and experiential, causing a persistent ‘niggling’ effect in its house placement. It resembles the perpetual wound of an immortal god—never healing, always present. This constant, subtle discomfort is believed to drive individuals to confront and come to terms with the issues symbolized by Chiron’s vibration in the relevant area. Like a skeleton in the closet, it’s rarely addressed but always subtly impacting one’s attitude and directing focus in a specific direction. Although it may be repressed, the pain remains real and persistent.

The Wounded Healer is recognized as a teacher, and it is believed that the lessons from this entity will be crucial for our development in this era. Astrologer Barbara Hand Clow describes it as ‘The Rainbow Bridge’ between ignorance and enlightenment, connecting Saturn and Uranus, which jointly preside over the paradox of Aquarius. Chiron is purported to govern Magick, and if comprehending magick has the power to heal, then perhaps Chiron’s vibrations at this juncture will harmonize sufficiently for science and Magick to unite as allies.

The myth of Chiron is as fascinating as any other. Hercules, fresh from his battle with the Hydra, had neglected to clean the poison from his arrowheads, a careless act of Arian impulsiveness. While dining on a hillside with Chiron, Hercules accidentally jabbed Chiron with a poisoned arrow in a clumsy gesture. Although it was Hercules who battled the Hydra, it was Chiron who suffered the wound. Immortal Chiron could not die, yet was condemned to endure the agony of the poison indefinitely. Ultimately, Chiron chose to relinquish immortality.

If we are all part of the healing process for others, then we are not immune to the conflicts they endure. If everything is energy, then perhaps Chiron’s acceptance of the pain Hercules avoided is similar to how we absorb the pain others evade. Take, for instance, the spouse of an alcoholic or gambler who endures pain most days, even when the afflicted individual believes their struggle has ended. They, like Hercules, who assumed his battle was finished, overlook that the poison persists, continuing to harm others. I envision that a Chiron in the 8th house could be akin to a medium who, getting too close to her communicants, is inadvertently wounded. Yet, we can also be hurt simply by sharing a meal with a friend who carries their burdens to the table.

It is often said that the remedy lies within the challenge, and this aligns with the essence of Chiron. As a centaur, Chiron is depicted in mythology as a hybrid figure, possessing the body of a horse and the upper form of a human. The notion that Zeus, the masculine sovereign with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a horse, could be complemented by Chiron’s emergence in the 1970s as a feminine counterpart, introduces a Yin to the previously unbalanced male Yang. While this remains speculative, it merits consideration, particularly in light of the ongoing gender dynamics. Notably, in Greek mythology, Chiron was not female; it was a realm dominated by males, where women had minimal influence on state affairs and were primarily seen as child bearers, while homosexuality was prevalent among men who mentored boys in governance and relationships. Chiron’s role as an educator was significant, offering esteemed and officially recognized guidance.

There is much to discover about Chiron, and it’s likely that more insights will emerge as this celestial body with its unique orbit becomes more prominent in our collective understanding. Astrologer Palden Jenkins, in his book “Living In Time,” portrays Chiron as offering a distinct perspective. For instance, when Chiron aspects Saturn, it symbolizes the ability to “find needles in haystacks,” suggesting that Chiron’s presence enables us to navigate through rigid structures in seemingly magical ways. Chiron has the power to alter and expand the conventional viewpoints associated with its house placement in the astrological chart. This capability allows us to approach situations from an alternative angle, especially when feelings of futility and despair have deeply entrenched themselves in our psyche. Recognizing and understanding this influence is crucial for shaping a better future.

Let’s explore the various ways Chiron, as a celestial body, influences the different signs and houses in our astrological charts, and appreciate the magic.