About Chiron            Chiron is an asteroid discovered on November 1, 1977. Its orbit lies between Saturn and Uranus and thus many astrologers feel its symbolic meaning draws from both of these outer planets. It is seen as somewhat of a “bridge” symbol, taking mankind’s consciousness from the old established forms and beliefs of Saturn to the more enlightened and progressive ideas of Uranus and the New Age. Ideally, it contains the best of both of these worlds; preserving the older earth wisdoms of Saturn while also opening our minds to new forms of thinking and living represented by Uranus.        Since it’s still a very new symbol in the pantheon of planets, much more study and research will be needed to fully understand what meaning it holds for us.        For example, there is as yet no clear agreement as to which astrological sign it belongs to. Some say Virgo, with its connections to nature and holistic healing. Others point to its obvious connection with horses (mythological Chiron was a centaur) and also the teacher archetype it embodies and suggest Sagittarius. And still other astrologers believe Aquarius is the best fit, since it so often has shown connections to New Age thought and learning. All of these have their merits, and time will tell which sign will best represent Chiron. Working with Chiron in your birthchart        Here are some of the main archetypal forms that my clients often encounter in working with Chiron. 1. The Misfit - Chiron was a half-breed in more ways than one. Since his father was Saturn (Kronos) and his mother a mortal woman, Chiron contained both elements of the divine and the human within his character. And also, since he was a centaur, he was both man and horse, symbolizing the dual human/animal nature we all carry within our biological and psychological makeup.        So one way to begin working with Chiron is to look at which house in your birthchart Chiron is in. This will be a life area where perhaps you have always felt different from other people; where you didn’t quite fit in. The 5th and 11th Houses have obvious social meanings here, and also the 7th House. If it’s in the 3rd House, maybe your way of thinking has always been different than others, especially in school. Or in the 4th House, maybe you were the “misfit” in your family in some way. 2. The Wounded Healer - this is probably the most well-known archetype for Chiron, and the one which presents a challenge for many people. Chiron was wounded in battle, in his leg or foot, and since he was part immortal, the wound couldn’t kill him. And yet neither would it heal. What was required was a “career change” and a change in the way he lived, from being a warrior to a healer and teacher. By studying herbology and healing, he was able to not only heal himself, but also unselfishly began to heal and teach others.               So many times Chiron will symbolize an old wound we carry within us, that in order to be healed requires us to change our lives in some radical way. To examine our way of thinking about ourselves, our connection to nature, and our inner conflicts between our idealized spiritual selves and our human needs. In the 6th House or 1st House (Ascendant) the wound is often physical and chiefly health related. While in the 8th or 12th Houses, the wound may be more psychological and emotional. 3. The Shaman - this figure encompasses both of the above. As the medicine man or woman in a tribe, these people were often “chosen” at an early age by visions or other psychic phenomenon that marked them as different from the others. Often either shunned or feared, or both by the other members, they were also highly revered for their special powers and healing abilities. They had often undergone a Death/Rebirth experience and had strong connections to the Other World.        This symbolism may have strong meaning for you, especially if Chiron is closely aspected to your Sun or Moon, or located in your 8th or 6th House. You may undergo a healing challenge at some point in your life that inspires you to begin working to heal and teach others, particularly in the holistic fields such as massage, herbology and nutrition. If Chiron is in the signs of Scorpio, Sagittarius or Aquarius, it may direct you to work more as a therapist and counselor instead of physical healing. The Cycles of Chiron        Chiron’s orbit can be erratic at times, but basically follows a 49 to 50 year cycle of completion. Thus everyone will have their Chiron return sometime between these ages. This can often be a time both of crisis and opportunity for many people. A health problem, often connected to older life issues is common. Other people will feel the need to make a career shift and other lifestyle changes that is more in line with their spiritual growth and personal needs.        Also, Chiron’s other transits throughout life are often major transition points and are valuable to work with. Among these are Chiron’s squares and oppositions to its birth position, as well as Chiron’s transits to the Sun, Moon and Ascendant.               Currently Chiron has just entered Aquarius for the first time since the mid 1950’s, and it will remain in Aquarius through 2011. Examine the house of your birthchart that contains Aquarius to see how it will be influencing you over the next few years.