Chiron was discovered by James Kowal on November 1, 1977.  It was initially thought to be an asteroid, but according to NASA, it is now classified as a cometary body.  Chiron, along with the other Centaurs,  is believed to be an escaped member from the Kuiper belt, which is a hypothetical disk-shaped reservoir of objects of sizes ranging from tiny particles to Pluto or larger sized bodies. Chiron orbits between Saturn and Uranus, having a 50.7 year orbit.

In Greek mythology, Chiron was the eldest and wisest of the legendary Centaurs.  Chiron, born apart from the other notoriously untamed Centaurs, and he was revered for his intelligence.  It is noteworthy to say that Saturn was the father of Chiron, although Saturn rejected his son.  Instead, Apollo raised the Centaur, teaching him many things.

As he grew, Chiron was adept at medicine, and renowned as both a great healer and teacher.  As a teacher, his students were many, including Achilles and Hercules.   

Chiron was accidentally wounded from one of Hercules' poison arrows.  Although immortal, Chiron would end by gifting his immortality to Prometheus.  Thus, eventually, he died, taking his place amongst the stars.

In astrology, Chiron is known as The Wounded Healer.  He is karmic and he brings awareness through crises.  Chiron's liminal nature is still present and felt through his dichotomous wounding and healing nature. Chiron possesses the ability to teach beneficial lessons, however painful.  There is no way around this.  The Chirotic experience will be felt differently for each of us, depending on sign and house placement.  
The Saturn, Uranus, Sun and Chiron Connection by Cara Rungo

According to Greek mythology, it is important to mention that Chiron is born from Saturn, the stern and rejecting father.  Saturn, in fact, dealt the first wound unto Chiron--the deep wound of rejection.  This impacted a son as anyone could imagine, affecting his identity and sense most basic sense of belonging.  Chiron, unlike the other wanton and lusty Centaurs, became an intelligent just creature with many talents.  He was adept as a hunter, a musician, a gymnast, a teacher, a student, a healer, a man of medicine and surgeon--loftier goals than the others within the Centaurian tribe.  One could argue that this was an attempt to win the approval of the Saturnian father.

Saturn is the teacher and the student.  Chiron learned many things from Olympian god of the Sun and the light, Apollo, whom essentially adopted the orphaned Chiron.  In return, Chiron not only taught many, but he also reared many children, serving as a father figure (Saturn)  in the ways of music, weaponry, hunting and healing.  Amongst his students were Achilles, Actaeon, Aristaeus, Asclepius,  Jason, Medus, Patroclus and Peleus.

Chiron was also believed to be just and fair as is Saturn, who often represents the father, the judge, the stern right one with the heavy hand.  In many ways, Chiron emulates Saturn.  Therefore, lessons will be learned, only in a different way.  The losses of Saturn are not the same as the wounds of Chiron.

Just in the way that Saturn abandoned Chiron, Apollo picked him up, giving him another life (the giver of life, Sun).  Apollo was the god of the life-giving Sun, light and truth, music, poetry, plague, medicine, healing.  Apollo was considered a god of prophecy.  In astrology, the Sun also rules the father.  So, essentially Chiron is wounded by the rejection of Saturn, but given a great useful gift and essentially healed by the Sun.  In many ways, Chiron emulates the Sun.  Chiron possesses a healing ability much like the healing light of the Sun.  Chiron has the ability to teach much like father Sun.  

A third connection is noteworthy--the Uranus connection.  This is evidenced by Chiron's final deadly wound.  Hercules unintentionally dealt the final deadly blow when he accidentally shot Chiron with a poison arrow.  The accidental nature of Uranus is prominent in the accidental death of Chiron.  Moreover, Chiron was adept at music, a talent learned from Apollo.  Music is also Uranian in nature. In many ways, Chiron emulates Uranus, ruling accidents.

Lastly, we revisit the Sun connection with Prometheus and the gifting of life.  Although immortal, Chiron could not bear his eternal wound, and to resign from living was a relief.  However, he did not just die.  He gifted his immortality to Prometheus, freeing and healing him.  Another example of the Sun's trait of giving life and light, lending purpose.

Chiron orbits between both Saturn and Uranus.  Therefore, astrologically, he inherits several traits from both planets.  Mythologically, Chiron inherits several traits from the Sun.

In essence, what occurs is that we are rejected, then healed through enlightenment.  In turn, we teach others what we know, yet we are then accidentally or intentionally injured by the very people in our lives whom we trust.  And, finally, our wound gnaws away at us until we are compelled to act.  That act is to bestow a healing gift.  This seems to be the chirotic cycle.

Aries Chiron

                                                                                                                              "Physician, heal thyself"  Luke 4:23

The self is wounded.  The self also possesses the capability to heal, especially using the hands.  In this particular sign, healing others is easier than healing the self.  This native harbors a powerful healing ability that can actually manifest as a physical ritual of taking other peoples' illnesses into their own bodies and dumping the negative energy out through the hands or fingertips.  Building and forming a lasting meaningful relationship with the self and loving thy self can heal. Aries is a fire sign, ruling spirituality.  Wounds will be spiritual in nature.

According to author Barbara Hand Clow in her book titled, "Chiron:  Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets:

    "This position causes quick action to breakthrough Saturn barriers and act idealistically with Uranus.  But unless there are other factors in the chart which foster mysticism, these natives may not activate the subtlety of Chiron.  The warrior energy is the most powerful manifestation for these natives.  They need to be encouraged to systematically develop a discipline which will enable them to empower Chiron and get in touch with the potential power of the etheric plane." (pp. 83-84, Hand Clow)

Self-awareness and self value is the chirotic experience.  Seeking true identity and self-actualization are of great importance to this placement.   These Divine Warriors learn to know, love and become themselves. Only after this has been established can these natives truly contribute their inborn healing gift.

Taurus Chiron
                                                                               "For I can raise no money by vile means."  William Shakespeare

Finances are wounded.  Accepting that tangible objects are just that--objects--can heal.  Placing value on the wrong things seems to be a real danger.  Taurus is an earth sign, ruling physicality.  Wounds will be physical in nature.

One female client having this position was stabbed multiple times in the neck.  This physical wounding to the Taurus-ruled part of the body embodies both the Saturnian energy and Uranus energy.  The perpetrator of such a heinous crime was her third husband, who was a Capricorn with Aquarius rising.  The crime stemmed from an unexpected sudden upheaval that eventually led to his long-term restriction of 30 years in prison.

This same woman experienced the Taurus Chiron with her first husband.  In adolescence, her father (Saturn) arranged and forced her to marry his friend (Uranus).   However, her first husband was an elderly (Saturn again)  lecherous man whom she eventually divorced.  However, the very next day after the divorce was final, her ex-husband became a millionaire when he won the lottery.

In her particular case, she was married four times and divorced four times.  All of her husbands either had money or real estate, which she never gained from, but was motivated to marry them perhaps for that exact reasons.  Her story exemplifies the Taurus Chirotic experience.

Another important thing to note is her money-making capability or career as a stripper and prostitute.  Her lifestyle again exemplifies the Taurus chirotic experience as Taurus is the polarity of Scorpio, ruling sex and power.  The client utilizes the Scorpionic power, attaching monetary value to lower base instincts in order to achieve financial gain.

Awareness of sexual prowess seems pronounced with this particular placement.  These natives seem to fall victim to the misconception that mistakenly places too much emphasis and value on lower earthly pleasures.  However, it could also work the opposite way, transmuting the sexual energy into the intended gift to teach and heal.  Either way, the sexuality will be marked.

Gemini Chiron
                                                                                                                                                   "I'll see it when I believe it."

Communication and education is wounded. Experiencing some sort of learning blockage early on or unorthodox learning methods seem likely.  Crystallizing the mental energy into a long lasting tangible form, or reforming thought patterns based on real experiences is indicated.  Catharsis can heal.  Gemini is an air sign, ruling the mental plane.  Wounds will be mental in nature.

A male client with Chiron in Gemini never learned to read, and he suffered from dyslexia during childhood.  He was wounded by early educators who took a disliking to him.  His behavior in school was quite rebellious and problematic (Uranus), causing the school board to eventually expel him in the sixth grade.  His parents shunned the responsibility of educating him.  His father (Saturn) rejected him and threw him out of the house.  By age 13, he was homeless and committing crimes with like-minded friends (Uranus) and addicted heavily to drugs.  His lack of schooling led to lifelong reading problems.  He was educated on the streets.  This embodies the chirotic experience in Gemini.

Another client with Chiron in Gemini is a documented genius that was offered membership into Mensa during high school with his exceptionally high IQ.  According to Mensa:

    "Membership of Mensa is open to persons who have attained a score within the upper two percent of the general population on an approved intelligence test that has been properly administered and supervised."

However, he dropped out of high school and obtained his GED.  He continues to intermittently go to community college, but life obstacles keep forcing him to quit.

Awareness and value are placed on academia and education.   The native might experience real fear and crises when presented with the thought of overcoming his or her educational barriers.  Continued learning is borne from humanity and a variety of cultures.  As Gemini is mutable, crises will force the need to be adaptable to different cultural surroundings, exposing the native to many different thinking patterns and systems.  Saturnian energy of structure and form manifests through more physical channels, and this native is adept at building long-lasting structures with the hands.

As Sagittarius is the polar opposite of Gemini, crises may also arise from what is not only learned and taught, but what is believed or practiced.  Religious persecution is possible as Chiron was in Gemini during the entire course of  the Salem Witch Trials from 1692 to 1693..  Historically, people who were not really witches were murdered during these trials because of vicious gossip, which  shows the darker side of Chiron in Gemini.   

Criminality (Uranus) and the law (Saturn) can lead to crises with this particular placement.  This is especially true during youth.  

Cancer Chiron
                                                                                                          "Only the insecure strive for security."  Wayne Dyer

Motherhood and the early childhood are wounded.  Building and forming a lasting meaningful relationship with the inner child and the mother and small children can heal.  Striking a balance between the playful inner child and the outer adult who accepts responsibilities and duties can heal.  Cancer is a water sign, ruling emotions.  Wounds will be emotional in nature.

Security issues are highlighted with this Chiron placement; crises will be experienced through safety vs. freedom, the known and the unknown, the old and the new, youth and old age.

Early childhood was probably pretty difficult for these natives.  They may have experienced some sort of chirotic event early on that they are having difficulty with as they mature.  Some may be late bloomers as Saturn lived up to its name here and served as the Universal Playpen that kept these people restricted.  The parents, especially the father, may have been rather stern.  They may long to venture out from their inner selves and their safety nets that they have built around themselves, but Saturnian fear may have them heavily in his grasp.  They experience real fear or phobia about stepping out into the unknown (Uranus).  Any change proves frightening for those with Chiron in Cancer, even when that change allows them to enjoy independence and freedom.  Letting go of the painful past and early engrams will prove to be a real challenge.  This person feels safe in the cage.  This person may be accused of being antisocial or some sort of hermit.

There is a great awareness of the inner self and much inner reflection, but these people are naive when it comes to dealing with the big bad world and their sensitive emotional nature is easily wounded by the deeds of other people.  Forgiveness for past actions does not come easily for this placement.  Chiron in Cancer natives may have no desire to venture into the outside world and take on grown-up responsibilities, gripping tightly to the past and the childhood.  This thwarts growth and they become stuck.  These people place much value their family roots and home base.  Crises comes through change.  Only after being forced to leave their safe cocoon and experience adult life filled with duties and responsibilities and change, can a much-needed transformation occur.  They heal through learning and interacting with their outer world.  This builds confidence in their abilities, helping to alleviate some of their feelings of insecurity.  

Leo Chiron

                                                                     “There is no place for grief in a house which serves the Muse."  Sappho

The artistic expression and the children are wounded.  Building and forming lasting relationships with children can heal. Any outer extension of the self or release through artistic expression can heal.   Leo is a fire sign, ruling spirituality.  Wounds will be spiritual in nature.

With this position, super stardom can be achieved.  One of the most renowned artists in history responsible for thousands of oil paintings and a forerunner of the impressionist movement, Pierre-Auguste Renoir also had this placement. Renoir changed the face of art with the impressionist movement (Uranus), changing the face of creative form (Saturn).  It is well known that Renoir suffered an affliction of rheumatoid arthritis in his hands in later years.  The hands are ruled by Chiron, and it is through the hands that the chirotic gift often emerges.  Although, his crippling wound affected the very part of him responsible for producing his greatest contribution to humanity, he remained a prolific artist up until his death.  

Most of Renoir's artwork depicted realistic scenes of women and romantic scenes and children.  These are all things ruled by the sign of Leo.  He often painted his own extensions of the self, including his own children and other artists he knew.  Moreover, his mistresses and romantic interests are often portrayed in the nude.  According to an online article by author Milan Jaukovic:

    "It seems that his painting and his desire for the company of women were symptomatic of a more general attitude towards them. Women, and to a lesser extent children, might serve as muses."  

Awareness of the self and ego exists with Chiron in Leo.  Renoir painted many self portraits.  According to author Barbara Hand Clow in her book titled, "Chiron:  Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets:

    "When they [Chiron in Leo natives] are ready to let the ego go and release their gift through creativity, they fuse with the higher will or Uranian dynamic.  Any identification of purpose is very helpful to them, and resonation with their struggle relieves their anxiety." (pp. 90, Hand Clow)

Virgo Chiron
                                                    "A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem."
                                                                                                                                                                      ~Albert Einstein

Health is wounded.  Medicine and physical labor may work through and heal.  There will healing through the hands--the physician and the surgeon.  There will be astounding healing powers with this position.  Virgo is an earth sign, ruling physicality.  Wounds will be physical in nature.

This position often brings wounding through vehicular accidents.

The ability to work may be impaired by either the self or the partner.

Rulership remains a debatable subject in the astrological community.  Barbara Hand Clow writes that Chiron rules the sign of Virgo.  Authority on the astrological Chiron, Melanie Reinhart, feels Sagittarius is the ruler of Chiron, and that it is exalted in Virgo.  Either way, Chiron feels quite at home in the zodiac sign of Virgo.  

According to author Barbara Hand Clow in her book titled, "Chiron:  Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets: 

"The low form of the Virgo dynamic is compulsive and Saturnian....The high energetics of Virgo develops a keen understanding of the positive use of Saturn which is to bring matter into form, but not to hold it.  The ability to allow Uranian transformation matures with time and evolves into a deep intuition about perfect timing." (Hand Clow, pp. 91-92)

Hand Clow continues that sixth-house Chiron natives are destined to teach perfection of form here on Earth in order to achieve higher consciousness.

Women with this particular placement suffer a dichotomous complex--wavering back and forth between the two archetypes:  the Virgin Mary vs Eve.

Twelfth house matters may be the avenue through which sixth-house Chiron natives expresses themselves.  Time alone is beneficial to healing.  However, this can also lead to negative compulsions, fears, guilt, depression and substance abuse.  A twelfth house expression of the Chiron energy also lead one to occultism and spiritual pursuits.

Libra Chiron

                                                                  "We can only learn to love by loving." Iris Murdoch Novelist, Philosopher

Relationships are wounded.  Building and forming lasting relationships can heal.  Libra is an air sign, ruling the mental plane.  Wounds will be mental in nature.

Relationships prove karmic with this placement.  Drama and changeable nature make a relationship with this individual difficult and stormy.  Domestic violence is likely.  Obstacles to achieving a true, lasting union will be the chirotic experience.  This placement signifies that the Chiron in Libra individual has much to learn from the chosen mate, and all lessons will not be pleasant.

Awareness of the need for another half is indicated.  The identity might somehow be tied to another person.  Too much value might be placed on other people instead of the self.  Self neglect causes this native to always look outward, never within.  They can only seem to know the self through mental interaction with others.  A mirroring takes place that makes them eventually aware of themselves.  Without this exchange, they cannot receive the healing gift.  Reaching a perfected highly evolved union and ultimate healing comes through gifting another with unconditional love without the Saturnian fear or worry of whether that love is reciprocated.

William Shakespeare, the author of the most famous tragic love story, "Romeo and Juliet," had Chiron in the seventh house, which shares similarities with Chiron in Libra.  It was also Shakespeare whose quote captures both tragic love and the chirotic experience in Libra:

    "I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand which I love so well."



Scorpio Chiron

"To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others."  Buddha