Chiron is a planetoid that was discovered in 1977 by astronomer Charles Kowal. Chiron travels between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus, and its 49-year orbit is quite steep when compared to the ecliptic. As a result, Chiron takes far longer to travel through some zodiacal signs (such as Pisces and Aries) than others.
In Greek mythology, Chiron was the son of the Titan Chronos and the nymph Philyra. He was born in the form of a centaur, and abandoned by his mother as a result. Chiron was fostered by Apollo, who taught him healing and medicine, the arts, archery and hunting. He was known to be the wisest and most civilized of the centaurs, who were often violent and unruly. He was a teacher and mentor to many prominent Greek heroes, including Achilles, Jason, and the healer Asclepius.
Chiron was wounded in battle, and despite his healing knowledge, he was unable to cure himself. However, because he was immortal, he did not die, and thus was forced to live on in tremendous pain. Because of this, Chiron is often referred to as the “wounded healer.” According to myth, Chiron traded places with Prometheus, and ultimately Zeus honored him with a place in the stars, turning him into a constellation—either Sagittarius or Centaurus.
Chiron, as half man, half beast, is seen as a link between the human and natural worlds. Further, his placement between Saturn and Uranus speaks to the integration of the outer teacher or authority and the inner wisdom. In the natal chart, Chiron is often said to represent a native’s deepest wounds, including past-life wounds that must be integrated and reconciled. Chiron in the horoscope and by transit can also relate to themes of spiritual teaching, healing, enlightenment, and wounding—either as the victim, the healer, or sometimes as the perpetrator.
Further Listening & Bibliography:
The Astrology Podcast, Episode 271, The Astrology of Chiron, with Melanie Reinhart, Chris Brennan & Melanie Reinhart, September 16, 2020.
Reinhart, Melanie, Chiron and the Healing Journey, Starwalker Press, London, England, 2009.
Article Information
- Author(s): Claire Rootjes
- Editing or additional contributions: Chris Brennan
- Originally published: November 10, 2020
- Last updated: November 10, 2020
- Cite this article: Claire Rootjes, “Chiron,” The Astrology Dictionary, November 10, 2020, http://theastrologydictionary.com/c/chiron/
