⚷︎ Chiron

Chiron is a small celestial body discovered by Charles Kowal in 1977 that orbits between Saturn and Uranus. Because it shows features of both an asteroid and a comet, it belongs to the class known as «centaurs». It takes its name from Chiron, the wise centaur of Greek mythology: wounded by Heracles' poisoned arrow, Chiron could not escape his pain because he was immortal, yet he still became the teacher and healer of many heroes.

In astrology, Chiron represents the «wounded healer» archetype. This interpretation rests on the idea that the place where we feel our deepest sensitivity is also the source of the wisdom we can offer others. Chiron's place in astrology is relatively new and has no counterpart in classical astrology; its interpretations come from contemporary psychological astrology. Because its orbit lies between Saturn and Uranus, it is also interpreted as a bridge between tradition and innovation.

Chiron in the birth chart

Chiron's sign and house show where the wound lies, and with it the potential for healing. Because Chiron stays in a sign for between 1.5 and 8 years, its sign placement describes a generational theme, while its house placement describes a personal area of life. In the 1st house it suggests sensitivity around identity and appearance; in the 4th house, an old wound around family and home; in the 7th house, a fear of rejection in relationships; and in the 10th house, a sense of inadequacy in one's career that can, over time, give way to a role as teacher or guide.

Chiron's sign describes the nature of the wound. In Aries, the wound may relate to asserting oneself and taking the first step; in Taurus, to self-worth and security; in Gemini, to expression and being understood; in Pisces, to the dissolving of boundaries and self-sacrifice. Chiron has no traditional table of rulership or exaltation; although some astrologers have proposed associations with particular signs, there is no consensus.

Chiron's aspects to the personal planets show which function the wound is felt in. A Sun-Chiron aspect describes sensitivity around identity, a Moon-Chiron aspect emotional wounds, and a Venus-Chiron aspect hurt in relationships and in valuing oneself. Interpreting Chiron does not mean expecting the wound to close completely; the real aim is to become aware of the wound, make peace with it and be able to offer it to others as understanding. Where serious trauma or ongoing difficulties are involved, astrological interpretation is no substitute for professional support.

Its cycle

Chiron completes its orbit around the Sun in about 50.7 years. Because its orbit is highly elongated, the time it spends in each sign varies widely: it stays in Aries for about eight years, but in Libra for only around a year and a half. The Chiron return takes place between roughly the ages of 50 and 51; in astrology, this period is interpreted as a time in the second half of life to revisit the themes of wounding and healing.

Chiron retrograde

Chiron goes retrograde for about five months each year. During this period, the themes of wounding and healing turn inward, and sensitive issues that were passed over in the past may resurface. In the birth chart, retrograde Chiron is read as a style in which the wound and the healing process unfold mostly within, at their own pace. Chiron is retrograde about 40 percent of the year, so it appears often in birth charts.

This year's retrograde dates

Common questions

Where is Chiron in your chart?

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