How do you heal? Chiron in Astrology

An article I wrote about Chiron and added some edits in 2010.

It is still in dispute as to whether Chiron is an asteroid or planet. Since its discovery in 1977 much speculation has continued regarding its astrological significance and scientific categorisation. Whilst we are still on fairly new territory, 25 years later astrologers are now beginning to agree on the characteristics associated with this maverick.

Many of the references to Chiron being labelled the ‘Wounded Healer’ link to the mythology. Whilst they tie up most aptly to my own definitions, I don’t personally, subscribe to ancient wisdom since my own use of astrology is as a psychological, life enhancement tool. However to refer briefly to the mythology, Chiron was a Greek God who became severely wounded. This, along with immortally, caused him grave suffering. Despite his great distress he channelled his great empathy and experiences into healing and caring for others.

Moving back to the 21st century many astrologers have begun to believe Chiron may rule Virgo, shifting Mercury to the position of ‘co-ruler’. I am one of those who subscribes to this belief, let me tell you why.

Firstly the Virgo psychology is known to be organised, detail oriented and very concerned with health and cleanliness – to sum up a few key attributes. Virgos are also often criticised for being critical but in my own experience I would regard Virgo energy as mostly self-critical. It is if this desire for perfection within the self is not met & the personal imperfections, that are common to all humans, become unacceptable that the Virgo will begin to turn that criticism outwards.

Virgos are highly capable and extremely reliable individuals, however this striving for superhuman perfection seems to leave many with insecurities and feelings of insufficiency. Their self-esteem is directly related to proficiency and order, the Virgo also desires hygiene as a precursor to well being. Health is also extremely important to them and they are very aware (to coin a couple of clichés) that we ‘are what we eat’ and that a ‘healthy body equals a healthy mind’. Most Virgos are also extremely willing and able to help others, some of the best nurses and carers around are Virgos expressing a very healthy sense of duty and diligence.

Already there is an apparent relationship between the symbolic deep wounding suffered by Chiron and the psychological wounding of the Virgo seeking perfection. We can also see how this sensitivity can manifest as a desire to help and protect others. Many links can be found between Virgo and Chiron far too many, in my opinion, to be coincidence.

How are we likely to experience Chiron by transit?

When experiencing a difficult transit to our Natal Chiron position; much depends on the planet aspecting it and also how Chiron falls natally, regards both house & aspects. However, to summarise, Chiron emotions usually relate to a feeling of deep emptiness – what I refer to as ‘the Void’. This ‘Void’ seems to be felt most in the Solar Plexus (charka/energy centre located directly below the centre of the rib cage). Memories of our earliest feelings of inadequacies, failure and lack of acceptance from others are likely to surface. We may also feel that we wish to be alone and that circumstances or people are in some way victimising us. These emotions are very personal, so we may feel we are alone in having experienced them. Of course, this is untrue it is simply that such depth is less easy to discuss and so is frequently internalised.

Unlike other outer planets Chiron transits do not have to be heeded and it is not unusual for any adverse emotions to be ignored and buried deep down in our psyches. This is by no means healthy for the individual but the hectic lifestyles and degrees of stress being experienced by more and more people often take precedence over emotional cleansing.

Many people when undergoing holistic healing will suddenly find themselves in the throes of intense, emotional release – Chiron rules experiences such as these. Chiron is also linked with eating disorders, and corresponds to the Bach Flower Remedy: crab apple and in Tarot: The Heirophant.

So how do we integrate this information into our natal charts in order to better interpret the energy of Chiron?

In order to examine the affinity in your own chart between Virgo and Chiron
first look to which Sign Chiron falls in:
 

Chiron through the signs:

Chiron in Aries individuals.......

 1 Apr 1968 - 18 Oct 1968, 30 Jan 1969 - 28 May 1976, 13 Oct 1976 - 28 Mar 1977
…wish to experience immediate healing. When ill they feel trapped and ineffective and will take proactive steps to ensure good health, though they have a tendency to cut corners when it comes to taking preventative measures. Expression of healing will be direct, truthful and to the point. Their vulnerabilities will be related to self assertion & identity. They do not like to be ignored or forgotten, as it reminds them of their failure to be self confident. Once the fear of being overlooked is faced they will be able to pioneering in their endeavours to heal and support those around them.

Chiron in Taurus individuals.......

28 May 1976 - 13 Oct 1976, 28 May 1977 - 22 Jun 1983, 29 Nov 1983 - 11 Apr 1984
…will have a very down to earth attitude to their health. They won’t be quick to change their approaches but they will be quite consistent about any new attitudes they adopt. Expression of healing will be stable, supportive and tactile. They will feel vulnerable when faced with unexpected changes, unusual occurrences related to their physical body and when their need for physical contact has been neglected. They do not like to be confused or pushed into fast decision making and are likely to fear deadlines and pressure when given no chance for preparation.  Their greatest asset is their reliability and unfailing patience both in love and when their help in needed by a worthy cause.

Chiron in Gemini individuals.......

22 Jun 1983 - 29 Nov 1983, 11 Apr 1984 - 21 Jun 1988
…although they may be flighty and unpredictable at times, there is much resilience with Chiron in Gemini natives.  They will be adaptive in their approach to healing and are intuitively aware that the power of thought is intrinsically linked to both healing and maintenance of a healthy body.  Quick to learn new ideas, they make ideal consultants, as they are likely to have tried many approaches.  I believe Chiron is exalted in this sign, as by sharing and communicating weaknesses, people feel closer and hence; less vulnerable, alone and ‘wounded’.  Their most significant downfall can be a lack of patience for others who are more negative and set in their ways.

Chiron in Cancer individuals.......

29 May 1938 - 1 Oct 1940, 27 Dec 1940 - 16 Jun 1941, 21 Jun 1988 - 21 Jul 1991
…have a natural empathy for others. They are caring, sensitive and seem to have an in-built ability to read signs of distress and unhappiness in others.  Expressions of healing may be diverse and they love to retrieve old memories and emotional experiences, though can find it difficult to let go of the past at times.   Vulnerabilities often lie in the welfare of others close to them, especially members of the family. They hate to see somebody they care about in distress and will feel most upset at any time they cannot assist. Their weakness is their inability to separate others’ feelings from their own at times.

Chiron in Leo individuals.......

1 Oct 1940 - 27 Dec 1940, 16 Jun 1941 - 26 Jul 1943, 21 Jul 1991 - 3 Sept 1993
…want to be seen as adept and able and will often be proud if they have strong bodies and healthy youthful looks.  Whilst quite self focussed, they are also extremely loyal and generous and will endeavour to be at the beck and call of their loves ones.  With a flair for colour healing and natural charisma their indefatigable positivity can be very helpful and uplifting to those needing a boost to their spirits. Their vulnerabilities lie in being overlooked or unappreciated and if they are not tangibly thanked for their loyalty they may retreat. 

Chiron in Virgo individuals.......

26 Jul - 1943 - 18 Nov 1944, 24 Mar 1945 - 22 Jul 1945, 3 Sept 1993 - 9 Sept 1995
…can be identified by their systematic and orderly approach. They are calm and able in a crisis and can easily perform as well under pressure as at any other time. When Chiron falls in Virgo, the energy is likely to be acknowledged, expressed and subsequently used in a positive manner. As Virgos already have natural tendencies to be purgative and wish to be clean throughout the mind, body & soul it seems Chiron has always been their natural ruler. Vulnerabilities for Chiron in Virgo involve being ineffective in their service to humankind. Their wish is to be there for others and if they are in some way unable to be so, disappointment will be deep. They also fear any form of uncleanliness or disorder, they are effective in many areas of healthcare and usually have great retentive knowledge and a calm demeanour.

Chiron in Libra individuals.......

22 Jul 1945 - 10 Nov 1946, 9 Sept 1995 - 29 Dec 1996, 4 Apr 1997 - 3 Sept 1997
care deeply for others, they want their health to be balanced and to have a glowing complexion. They tend to be very congenial and sympathetic to those in need and are happy to go out of their way for another, though they don’t have an instinct as to how would be the best form of assistance. Expressions of healing will be loving and warm, though they may be a little over sensitive and self preservative in a crisis. Their Vulnerabilities are mostly aesthetic, they want to be beautiful and anything that interferes negatively with their appearance or affectionate congeniality will upset their balance.

Chiron in Scorpio individuals.......

10 Nov 1946 - 28 Nov 1948, 29 Dec 1996 - 4 Apr 1997, 3 Sept 1997 - 7 Jan 1999,

1 Jun 1999 - 22 Sept 1999
…are intuitive and secretive about their fears. In regards their health they tend to suffer from suppressing their emotions the most and while they can become great spiritual healers, they need to first work on the inner self. Expression of healing with be via mediumship, intuition or through some form of deep meditation. They need depth and feelings to be able to perform well and so are good at assisting with emotional distress and grief. Vulnerabilities relate to a fear of death and destruction by unseen forces. Since they have such a connection with the spirit world, they are very aware of the troubles which can be encountered from that quarter.

Chiron in Sagittarius individuals.......

28 Nov 1948 - 9 Feb 1951, 18 Jun 1951 - 8 Nov 1951, 7 Jan 1999 - 1 Jun 1999,

 22 Sept 1999 - 11 Dec 2001
…are warm and outgoing. Whilst difficult to pin down, they are well able to lift the mood of those near them and tend to display a warm vivacity. Expression of healing with be through; warmth and humour.  Although they have a tendency to become uncomfortable with serious illness, they are great emotional supporters due to their exuberant optimism. They dislike criticism, boredom and demands being placed upon them and will respond defensively in these sorts of situations.  For them laughter is the best medicine and most will shy away from self-analysis and prefer nobody to know if they are suffering.

Chiron in Capricorn individuals.......

9 Feb 1951 - 18 Jun 1951, 8 Nov 1951 - 27 Jan 1955, 11 Dec 2001 - 21 Feb 2005
...are very serious about health matters. They tend to be quite focussed and conscientious in their attitude to healthcare.  The downside is this is they may be prone to worrying, which can cause bodily stress.  Expression of healing will be traditional and they prefer to follow protocol and statistically proven methods. Vulnerabilities lies in the unknown and whatever is beyond their control, excessive emotional outbursts will also make them uncomfortable.  Around sickness they can be remarkably calm and provide stability; however they their own illnesses may be regarded almost as failure. 

Chiron in Aquarius individuals.......

27 Jan 1955 - 26 Mar 1960, 19 Aug 1960 - 21 Jan 1961, 21 Feb 2005 - 1 Aug 2005
…don’t tend to be preoccupied with thoughts of healing and illness. They are more concerned with any lack of self-expression and individuality. Expression of healing is intellectual and they are open to new ideas and have an affinity towards holistic methods.  They fear limitation, inhibitions and for choices to be taken away from them, so will endeavour to maintain good health and believe in prevention not cure. They don’t rely on others and neither do they expect others to rely on them. They are however, altruistic and insightful so at times their intuition and ability to see the bigger picture can be most useful.

Chiron in Pisces individuals.......

26 Mar 1960 - 19 Aug 1960, 21 Jan 1961 - 1 Apr 1968
… have an otherworldly outlook on all things related to health, they also see that anything is possible and so gravitate towards alternative therapies, spiritual healing and meditation. Expression of healing is very giving, caring and concerned. However, due to their deep sensitive caring nature they will feel the pain of others at times, sometimes even unconsciously. Vulnerabilities lie in their inability to relate to the physical world. They fear real life issues at times and although they are in touch with their emotions, escapist tendencies often surface.  To avoid the depths of despair they feel when troubled and may be a little too willing to try new ventures/remedies. 

Master of Illusion ~ the astrology of Johnny Depp ~ and being born in the 60s

I don’t tend to pay much attention to gossip, media or celebrity but this talk of Johnny Depp and how the public find it so difficult to believe he could have a violent temper is quite fascinating.

From an astrological point of view, I have no doubt whatsoever that he is not only explosive, but also has the capability to disengage from people completely at times. Since he has also admitted such, I don’t feel it is inappropriate to go into how this is backed up in his astrological chart.

I will begin by looking at the generational planets, which first illustrate an intensity commonplace to those born around during the 1960s. During this period Uranus and Pluto were transiting conjunct in Virgo, with this being exact on occasions between 1965 to 1967 and being within orb for most of the decade. As Uranus is the planet of revolution, humanitarian values and individuality and Pluto is about death, transformation and rebirth (like the phoenix from the ashes) these planets together create a potent combination.

Consider that during this period there were great changes in the western world, with the 1940s generations bringing forth the hippie movement with the backdrop of Uranus and Pluto demanding an ending from the old systems of values. These were the days when the term ‘teenager’ was derived and young adults demanded equality and freedom from the judgement of the past. Recreational drugs, the introduction of the pill and political activism all became game changers, as the Vietnam war began to create between the new wave of peace seekers.

This was an interesting time to be born and nothing which began during the mid-60s has ever reversed. Societal barriers had been broken forever, and popular culture was born.

A lot of these changes were initiated by the peace-loving, idealistic Neptune in Libra generation (born 1942 to 1957) whose peaceful focus continued through to the 1970s.

Johnny Depp was born back in 1963 when all these changes were beginning, along with technological advances symbolised by the meeting between Uranus and Pluto. Much of the generation with this conjunction in their natal chart have a need to make changes in the world around them on a regular basis. Just as the nature of this planetary combination brought societal changes, it has a similar type of effect in the personal charts of those born around this time.

For the most part this 60s generation are not peace-loving, easy going set of flower power kids that you’d hope (we had to wait for the Uranus in Libra generation to bring that back into the mainstream). No, this generation were angry, they didn’t want peace they wanted equality. This is the generation who invented punk, anti-establishment beliefs through aggression and were responsible for an increase in football violence. As they were coming to age, the post war financial boom was dissipated by a matching baby boom and conservatism and capitalism began to resurge in the UK. They had a reason to be angry and in the mid-70s when Saturn and Pluto squared up this reached boiling point.

There is also a desire for control and detailed analysis with this generation. This is the group that brought anorexia into the spotlight and when they came of age, made up a large portion of the forerunners of the internet. Their innovative talents brought us the modern world as we know it.

However, it is to be noted that those who were born with personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) next to the Uranus-Pluto conjunction, whilst often the ones who have attained more prominent careers, they also have control issues.

The spanner in the works is that Chiron was opposite this conjunct for most of the period also, along with Saturn, hence where the need for change and control becomes something far more emotionally wounding and complex. A lot of the emotional based diseases became more prevalent as a result of this very difficult configuration.

Looking now at Depp’s chart in more detail, we see that Chiron isn’t close enough to be a prominent feature in his chart. This is hardly surprising as Chiron does tend to dissipate self confidence when it features in a particularly conflicted position. Depp does however have Mars conjunct Uranus and Pluto and immediately we would expect to see the kind of self-expression that is unpredictable, erratic, powerful and very easily roused. Mars conjunct Uranus alone will show an individual who is drawn to the unusual, and likes to break from convention, rarely concerned with public opinion. Bring Pluto into this picture though, and we have a more destructive and aggressive potential. This person will not back down, relent, or see anything other than their needs and wants once opposed. It is a classic, out of control type of anger where they ‘see red’ and erupt like a volcano.

It’s very difficult to control this kind of anger and it can’t be easy to live with. In Depp’s chart the Mars-Uranus conjunction falling in the first house, ruled my Leo would imply that he rarely feels remorse. This is possibly why he hasn’t chosen to address, or soften this influence.

What fascinates me the most about all this though, is that the public apparently have such a difficulty in believing the reports. Whilst I’m not one to stay in touch with the media, I’m aware that those who read celebrity gossip are not usually those with the most discerning minds. In this case however, the majority have allegedly decided to reject these reports in favour of their own opinions (if only the masses were more inclined towards such choices!!).

This sway is of course shown in the astrological chart too though. Where in any person’s chart the MC and 10th House show the career, in the case of somebody who is well known this house becomes very important indeed. You can gauge ‘how the world sees somebody’ by the condition of the 10th House (the ruler, aspects to it, planets housed here etc.). So it is no surprise that Depp has a Mercury-Venus conjunction here, in the strong, reliable, predictable sign of Taurus no less.

No matter the circumstances, the public will see somebody who is eloquent and charismatic (Mercury-Venus), stable and grounded (Taurus MC) with a measure of self-control and conscientiousness (Saturn square Mercury-Venus from the 7th House) that simply cannot co-exist alongside a more complex, uncontrollable temper!

It fascinates me that an expectation of anybody could be one-dimensional. Surely we can all identify with having a number of contrary elements to our characters? Or perhaps not, perhaps one of the reasons depression and suppressive illnesses are so prevalent in this modern age is that people do try to fit themselves into a single behavioural expression.

What do you think?