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Dear
Ralfee:
 My
birth data is April 24, 1950, at 2:43 am in Eugene, Oregon. I noticed
I am about to have a Chiron return. Chiron is natally in my Tenth House.
Also, Pluto conjunct Chiron just passed over my Midheaven. I am at a career
crossroads. What might this mean to me? For the last decade, I have done
things I believed in but haven't earned me much money. Is there more hope
for me with these astrological aspects?
Thank
you,
D.S.
Dear
D.S.:
Nicknamed
the Wounded Healer, Chiron emerged on the astrological scene just as "healing"
became a buzzword in the new age movement. It was a dynamic synchronicity
that captured our imagination. Chiron's discovery in the late 70s was
resonant with a collective movement toward health. But it's hard answering
questions about Chiron because despite its instant fame, we have very
little experiential evidence about its impact.
The
best way to gain a glimpse of Chiron's role is to study his mythology.
There are many myths about Chiron. But because you're having a Chiron
return, and returns signal new cycles, it seems appropriate to begin with
the myth of Chiron's birth.
Here's
the short form: Chiron is the child of Cronos and Phyllra. Cronos was
the head god at the time. He was highly sexual and chased all the goddesses
around his heaven. Phyllra was a nymph who tried to escape from Cronos
by going to Earth and turning herself into a horse. But Cronos located
her, turned himself into a horse and raped her.
Chiron
was born half human and half horse. Phyllra refused to even look at this
baby, calling him an abomination. Poor Chiron, rejected by his mother
through no fault of his own. But the good news was that Apollo adopted
Chiron and taught him all of the arts, including the healing arts. Chiron
grew up to be a great guy, and there are myths of his bravery, magnanimous
heart and healing skill.
It's
a juicy myth. Chiron's story symbolizes our dual nature, illustrating
a fundamental split in all of us. On one side of this existential divide
lies our instinctual nature, with all of our very human appetites. On
the other side lies our reason, with all of our desire to participate
in the divine.
Chiron's
story is also a story about shame. Chiron is rejected by his mother simply
for being himself. And often Chiron's placement in the natal chart indicates
where we, too, are carrying some deep shame about who we are. What isn't
perfect about us often becomes an incredible cross to bear. And even if
we work hard to hide it or deny it, that shame lurks in the shadows, waiting
to erupt. And a Chiron return is bound to trigger it.
Yet
Chiron's story also embraces the possibility of healing. He learns. Acquires
knowledge. Chiron becomes skillful through his own efforts, developing
a strong, positive reputation.
At
50, when Chiron returns to its natal position, we return to our initial
wounding. We revisit ancient patterns. Old ghosts and demons we thought
were long gone come back for a chat. We're invited, in that uncomfortable
Chironic moment, to face where we are still holding shame. Often this
process feels as if we've made no progress at all.
Your
natal Chiron is in the Tenth House, the sector of the chart that holds
career. But at a deep level, the Tenth House isn't only about profession.
The Tenth House is the home of the soul's desire. It's the place where
we align purpose and action. Put simply, it's what we most want to be
when we grow up, because being "that" will answer a calling
deep within. This longing could include the need for material success,
but it could just as easily stir a desire for spiritual accomplishment.
So it's not surprising you're at a career crossroads.
From
your question, it's clear you opted over the course of your professional
life to pursue what mattered most to you rather than concentrating your
efforts on making money. It's an honorable choice. But as part of your
Chiron return you'll be examining the consequences of your actions.
What's
more, you're reviewing a lifetime's worth of choices. So don't be surprised
if you find yourself wishing you hadn't been so idealistic. Question your
motivation and intention. Were you hiding from your ambition, afraid to
let your desire for success show to the outside world? Ashamed of your
desire for fame and recognition? If so, you could arrive at the end of
your Chiron return with a new determination to go "out there"
and make it.
A
Chiron return is where we begin the process of gathering personal wisdom.
As we reflect on the results of our choices, we realize some things just
don't change. You may find you're still committed to the choices you've
made and come to peace about your issues of income.
We
live in a materialistic culture that worships at the altar of celebrity.
It's hard to honestly assess our true accomplishments in the glare of
so much exaggeration and exploitation. No one takes their fame or money
with them when they die. So as you assess your situation, keep ultimate
value in mind.
Pluto's
transit through your Tenth House assists in this process. Pluto reveals
underlying motivation, uncovering what is inauthentic as it simultaneously
helps us discover what is true. Let Pluto help you release old attitudes
about success. Maybe you are already successful and just don't know it
because you're busy measuring your accomplishments through an old system
that just doesn't work.
What's
most important about this Chiron return is your willingness to not blame
yourself for your choices. Take responsibility, but let go of harsh self-recrimination.
A Chiron return is an opportunity to stop rejecting ourselves. Embrace
yourself instead, and you'll open a portal to deep self-knowledge. Accepting
who we are, warts and all, creates tremendous healing.
This
acceptance forms the bridge of synthesis and integration. And it may ultimately
be the true gift of Chiron. Our humanity, flawed as it may be, is as divine
as the gods. When we embrace it, we create a truly holistic perspective.
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