we learn to tread the middle way between denial and indulgence of our pain. We dis-
cover that healing does not happen through human skill alone, but emanates from the
great source, however we understand that. So around Chiron we may meet the “unfix-
able” as its process is intended to lead us beyond superficial “cure” to the mysteries of
our participation in the cosmos and a deeper understanding of our place in it. Discern-
ing the difference between the pain of an experience and the ongoing suffering caused
by our resistance to feeling the pain is part of the healing journey of Chiron, and it
asks of us that we tread the path of service as we invite healing for ourselves and oth-
ers along the way.Ancestral Influences and Prenatal Life
With Chiron and also the other Centaurs, the “liminal” realms of ancestral
influences and prenatal experiences often feature as an interesting aspect of their
healing process. Examining Chiron in this light may reveal family “stories” that are
incomplete, the residue of which is passed down through the generations, and, like
the poisoned arrow of Hercules, lodged in our energy-body, creates pain and distress
until healed through awareness. So differentiating ourselves from those who went
before, but also honouring their gifts to us is part of the Chiron process. We heal the
ancestral line by doing this consciously. Equally, an important but “invisible” aspect of
our heritage has its roots in our intrauterine experience, where our soul is strongly
impacted by the emotional experiences passing between our mother and father and
other significant members of the family, and indeed their attitude to our immanent
arrival. In deep psychospiritual processes occurring both in natural development, and
also through shock or trauma, this area may open up and what is sometimes termed an
“ego death” may result, meaning a radical transition involving the letting go of previ-
ous ways of being. Such experiences may be difficult to communicate and thus to inte-
grate, as they belong to the precognitive realm, and may also lead into dimensions of
experience that are not yet part of the traditional models used in psychotherapy,
although familiar to the ancient shamanic ways of indigenous cultures. Hence, the
theme of “exile” that is often felt around Chiron. We feel different, not understood,
outside life, and in seeking to heal this wound, we may discover a deep thread of spiri-
tual continuity that allows us to release our highest potential into life. Enquiring into
these areas may bring significant healing as the “arrows” of ancestral issues are
removed. (Note that in astrology we use the birth chart, which also embodies the
major celestial patterns at work during gestation.)Expanding Our View
As Chiron moves between Jupiter-Saturn-Uranus, its process reflects the
development of our understanding, beliefs, and perspectives as we try to live up to our
highest potential, participate in creative change, and integrate new ideas. The suffer-
ing created by Saturnian resistance to the new (Uranus) is gently processed and inte-
grated over time, so that change can truly be grounded and our participation in life is
enhanced (Jupiter). It seems that a nondual perspective is trying to take root, where
the opposites of mind/body, material/spiritual, and other polarities all have a place,
but are not fused or confused. A “transcognitive” wisdom must develop, going beyondChiron
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