Chiron Retrograde

Chiron is something of an odd duck. In 1977 astronomers discovered a small object between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus. Astronomers could not agree on exactly what this object was. An asteroid? A comet caught in solar orbit? Other such objects were discovered and a new category of solar system objects was created called Centaurs – small bodies similar to asteroids in size but with the composition of a comet. Half asteroid; half comet.

In Greek mythology, Chiron was a centaur. Half human; half horse. He was the trusted advisor to Zeus and mentor to the children of the gods. In Shamanic Egyptian Astrology, Chiron is allied with Anubis in his role as the guide to the newly deceased on their journey into the underworld. Chiron and Anubis were wounded early in life; both were abandoned by their mothers. Both must go through a process of self-healing in order to ascend to their greatness.

In traditional astrology, Chiron is The Wounded Healer. Where Chiron falls in our chart – sign, house, aspects – we find an indication of our core wound. The movement of Chiron through our chart (its orbit is approximately 50 years), triggers personal healing around our core wound.

Our core wound is always about abandonment, including self-abandonment. Whatever happened in childhood – our personal experience of abandonment – must be understood, processed, and released in order for us to step into our soul purpose. This is the lesson offered to us both by the Centaur Chiron and the psychopomp Anubis. We all must all come to terms with these deep abandonment wounds in order to move forward in our lives.

Chiron retrograde provides an opportunity to dive deep into our own healing at whatever stage we find ourselves.

Chiron turns retrograde on July 30 at Aries 27 degrees and will turn direct on January 2.

July 29, 2025, by Ruby Falconer. Available for chart readings.

Art: Proxima Centauri by Rafal Muszczak