Chiron

Astronomy Quick Facts:

Type: Minor, Terrestrial Planet

Size: 206 km in diameter

Rings: 2 (number remains unconfirmed)

Year Discovered: 1977 by Charles Kowal

About Chiron

Although you won’t always find him in natal charts, modern astrologers are beginning to recognize the rather powerful influence of a minor planet (an object in orbit around the Sun that is neither a planet nor a comet) called Chiron (pronounced kai-ron). We haven’t known him for very long, but since his discovery in 1977 we’ve kept an eye on the space between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus, where Chiron travels. In Greek Mythology, Chiron is the son of Saturn, so it only makes sense that they orbit next to one another.

Because we have only just been acquainted with Chiron, he has not yet been assigned as ruler of any particular zodiac sign (yet). Some astrologers believe Chiron may even be maverick, meaning he may not rule any sign at all. Chiron’s significance over human life on Earth is also still being examined. That said, Chiron’s history in mythology explains how most astrologers understand his influence.

A physician, teacher, warrior, oracle, and astrologer, Chiron is recognized as the most superior centaur in mythology. After being wounded by a poisoned arrow, Chiron sacrificed his immortality and god-status to end the pain from the infected wound. Thus, Chiron has come to indicate the suffering and burdens that we must endure and learn to live with as mortal beings. Chiron unites paradoxes and extremes, indicating, as astrologer Judy Hall explains, “what must be integrated into and eliminated from life in order for an individual to achieve wholeness.”

• Fire sign Chiron carries wounds in the ego, the heart, and self-expression.
• Air sign Chiron carries wounds in communication, relationships with others, and being accepted by society.
• Earth sign Chiron carries wounds in the body, sense of security, perfectionism, and authoritarianism.
• Water sign Chiron carries wounds in the emotions, death-related trauma, and separation of the soul and source (Universe).

Although it appears tragic at first, it is his release from pain and ascension to the stars that makes Chiron’s story so important. We must all struggle through certain hardships throughout life; it is how we rise to meet those hardships that will free us.