by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
The Chinese system of astrology differs significantly from the Western derived system. One major difference is that the star groupings or constellations were viewed and named differently. And, where the Western system emphasized placement of planets as viewed from earth, the Chinese system placed primary importance on the daily motion of the Moon and planets. Much of the emphasis of traditional Chinese astrology lies in divination by observing the moon and planets as influenced by the earth’s atmosphere. So, for instance, if the planet Mars was observed as having a peculiar golden glow at a certain hour of the night, that would have special significance. Some of these specialties have been revived today through the art of Feng Shui, but many details of this specific oriental art have been lost to the ravages of time and modern civilization.
The first cycle of the Chinese Zodiac in use today was introduced in 2637 BC (some sources say much earlier) by Emperor Huang Ti. This ‘art form’ developed as the Chinese writing system emerged and joined with philosophy. Chinese Astrology uses the balance theory of Yin-Yang Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) to predict people’s future. It is a complex discipline in its own right based in the philosophy of Confucius, Lao-tse and especially the I Ching.
The system of Chinese astrology which has survived intact and is popularly practiced today is a twelve year system which ascribes animal characteristics to people born in a certain year. At first glance, this may seem to be simplistic, but closer examination reveals amazing synchronicities.
According to Chinese legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Chinese New Year. Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting, but only 12 creatures actually came. The first animal to arrive was the sociable Rat. Next was the steady and persevering Ox, followed by the magnetic, courageous Tiger, and self reliant Cat. The spirited Dragon joined next, along with the wise and charming Snake. Then came Horse in a reckless fury, followed by the artistic Goat. Later, the clever Monkey and the self assured Rooster joined rank. Last to arrive were the loyal Dog and the devoted Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year.
See if you can find yourself, your mate or children. It is also important to note that the Chinese New Year calendar starts on variable dates; always on the second new moon after winter solstice. Because of this, those born in January and February should check a reliable Chinese calendar to find out for sure what their animal sign is. As the Chinese say, ‘This is the animal that hides in your heart’.
The Rat: 1912; 1924; 1936; 1948; 1960; 1972; 1984; 1996; 2008
The Western use of the term in a derogatory sense does not apply. Charming and likeable; sociable with elegant manners and fine tastes. Noted for honesty and a sense of fair play, though ruthless when crossed. An angel in the crowd but a devil at home. Apt to take up a social cause or work for a charity. Nocturnal, works best during the quite hours of night. Studious and quick witted. Hunger for contact may lead to weight problem.
Famous Rats- Marlon Brando (1924) Al Gore (1948) James Taylor (1948)
The Ox: 1913; 1925; 1937; 1949; 1961; 1973; 1985; 1997; 2009
Steady achiever; can succeed where others fail because of perseverance. Excel in method and routine. Cautious and conservative about new ideas. Will always have a goal in mind, a means to an end. Easy going and calm. Family is important, but male oxen are essentially self reliant loners. Likes the country and the country life. Achievers.
Famous Oxen- Bill Cosby (1937) Princess Diana (1961) Saddam Hussein (1937)
The Tiger: 1914; 1926; 1938; 1950; 1962; 1974; 1986; 1998; 2010
An iron fist in a velvet glove. Fiercely competitive. Proud and defensive with unpredictable moods. Magnetic leaders with honorable intentions. Courageous and with an innate sense of good luck. Like to be in a position of authority. Quarrelsome.
Famous Tigers- Miles Davis (1926) Marilyn Monroe (1926) MC Hammer (1962)
The Cat: (or Rabbit): 1915; 1927; 1939; 1951; 1963; 1975; 1987; 1999; 2011
Avoids confrontation when possible, but brave when the chips are down. Sensitive to environment; hate disorder or mental confusion. Self protective and discreet. Can have hypochondriacal tendencies. Self reliant and caring, yet aloof. Gifted, yet traditional.
Famous Cats- Fidel Castro (1927) Judy Collins (1939) Dale Earnhardt (1951) Tiger Woods (1975)
The Dragon: 1916; 1928; 1940; 1952; 1964; 1976; 1988; 2000; 2012
A risk taker with a leaning towards the occult. Impulsive and can be short tempered. A love of ceremony and ritual; Artistic and often enter the world of entertainment. Strong willed, elusive, and can be selfish. Restless in love; looking for the next challenge.
Famous Dragons- Salvador Dali (1904) John Lennon (1940) Jimmy Connors (1952) Courtney Love (1964)
The Snake: 1917; 1929; 1941; 1953; 1965; 1977; 1989; 2001; 2013
Methodical with a reputation for wisdom. An elegant connoisseur who may be scandalized because of naiveté. Cerebral and cultivated. Well bred, and soft spoken. Beautiful and charming, yet has a forbidding quality. Lucky, but can be vengeful sore losers.
Famous Snakes- Yasser Arafat (1929) Dick Cheney (1941) John Edwards (1953) Oprah Winfrey (Jan, 1954) Martha Stewart (1941)
The Horse: 1918; 1930; 1942; 1954; 1966; 1978; 1990; 2002; 2014
A symbol of yang, or masculine ambitions and/or leisure activities. Independent. Restless, always on the go. Eloquent and quick witted. Hard workers. Can be impatient and tactless. Inspire confidence and earn respect in the community. Love to travel.
Famous Horses- Neil Armstrong (1930) Janis Joplin (1942) Paul McCartney (1942)
The Goat (or Sheep): 1919; 1931; 1943; 1955; 1967; 1979; 1991; 2003; 2015
Complementary sign to the Horse, represents the yin feminine principle. Peaceful and contemplative with an interest in music and poetry. Capricious, charming, nature lovers who are vulnerable, absent minded, and shy, yet are engaging. Impractical, but surround themselves with organizers. An earthy seductive sensuality. Undisciplined malcontents.
Famous Goats- John Kerry (1943) Mick Jagger (1943) Kurt Cobain (1967) Julia Roberts (1967)
The Monkey: 1920; 1932; 1944; 1956; 1968; 1980; 1992; 2004
Skillful dexterity and technological ability. Humorous and mischievous. Fascinating and clever problem solvers. Can get discouraged, lose interest, and may wander in marriage. Intrigued by fantasy. Ambiguous honesty, easily creates own facts. Opportunistic.
Famous Monkeys- Charlie Parker (1920) Elizabeth Taylor (1932) Johnny Cash (1932)
The Rooster: 1921; 1933; 1945; 1969; 1981; 1993; 2005
Competitive and aggressive, resourceful and self assured. Think that rules are made to be broken. Enthusiastic and vivacious. Love of travel. Can be short sighted and brazen. Compassionate thinkers who can protect themselves when necessary. Inventive.
Famous Roosters- Yoko Ono (1933) Katherine Hepburn (1909) Carly Simon (1945)
The Dog: 1922; 1934; 1946; 1958; 1970; 1982; 1994; 2006
A firm and loyal friend strong on defense, protection, and loyalty to the family. Magnanimous and philosophical. Possess an inner insecurity, though will champion causes for others. Can be pessimistic or stubborn. Perspective limited by circumstances.
Famous Dogs- Ralph Nader (1934) Bill Clinton (1946) George W Bush (1946) Madonna (1958) Elvis Presley (Jan 1935)
The Pig: 1923; 1935; 1947; 1959; 1971; 1983; 1995; 2007
Home makers and concerned with welfare of others. Truthful and sincere. Loyal humanitarians. Unwilling to take advice even though their judgment is not always the best. Loving and sensitive, but can be easy prey. Usually a devoted mate and partner.
Famous Pigs- Elton John (1947) Carlos Santana (1947) Hillary Clinton (1947) Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947)
An excellent source for more information on this topic is a book titled “Chinese Astrology, Plain and Simple” by Suzanne White. First published in 1976, and reprinted in 2000, Ms. White has sold over 2 million copies of her book worldwide. The new edition (387 pages) released in 2000 is thorough and well worth the cover price of $12.95.
Any system, when used properly, that helps us to understand ourselves and others better, can only improve our lives. I must confess that a closer examination of Chinese Astrology has revealed some surprising relationship insights for me. Closing with best astrological wishes for all.
Information Sources: ‘The Astrology Encyclopedia’, 1994 by James R. Lewis and www.AstroDataBank.com for birth years of famous people.
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
Homage to Amun-Re, the brilliant Sun god who sailed his boat across the hot Egyptian sky every day. By night, when the Sun set (or died) Amun-Re continued his nautical journey through the underworld and 12 hours of darkness. The doorway into each hour of the underground was guarded by frightening demons which Amun-Re hads to overcome in order to realize his sacred mission; to be reborn with the next dawn.
The Sun has been honored throughout history as a force of life and vitality. Equally important is the Moon, which brings mystical light to the night sky. The Sun and Moon are considered primary “lights” of the astrological chart. Indeed, Sun sign astrology has spawned an industry of daily nestylepaper columns and livened up many party conversations. The Sun sign is an important part of astrological interpretation, though not the only one. A complete astrological portrait includes all of the known planets in our solar system, and is a synchronistic interplay of time and space on a human soul. This article is to honor our primal movers, the Sun and Moon.
The Sun represents a focal point, or center for personality. Consider how the planets of our solar system circle around the blazing light, held in orbit by its powerful gravitational pull. Instinctively, we all know that the Sun gives life. The inner core of the Sun contains hydrogen atoms which fuse into helium and send out energy in the form of blistering gamma rays, just as the soul pours out an inner drive for expression. The Sun illuminates archetypical drive and focus represented by each astrological sign. Key words for Sun are; vitality, creativity, exhibition, and dignity.
The ruling element of the Sun is fire. Picture a camp fire at night; flames leaping hungrily into the sky. The fire is fueled by air and wood, and sustained on earth. Fire is considered to be representative of Spirit. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac is a cardinal, or action starting fire sign. The focus of Aries is “I Am”. Aries represents the primal burst of spirit into human form. Sagittarius, the 9th sign of the zodiac is a mutable fire sign which seeks expression through the keynote phrase “I Am- Free”. Personal freedom to expand consciousness is the lifeblood of a Sagittarian. Spirit develops wisdom through travel and an unencumbered outlook in Sagittarius. Vibrant Leo seeks expression through creativity and charisma. This fixed fire sign says “Look at – Me”. Leo wants recognition and refines the energy of fire through development of personality and ego. The ruling planet of Leo is our glistening mentor, the Sun, or Amen – Re sailing his vessel across the bright sky.
All Sun myths share a common storyline telling of the time when Sol disappears into the cold night and of resurrection to a new day. At night, Amen -Re enters the mysterious domain of an equally powerful light, the Moon. Notably, the Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon. However, because the Moon is 400 times closer to the earth, they both appear to be of equal size. The Moon rules a labyrinth of emotions and hidden fears. This ever changing luminary even moves the oceanic tides. How can it not influence human beings, the children of earth? The Moon represents our instinctual drives; primarily how we FEEL.
In Hindu (or Vedic) astrology, the Moon is the single most important influence on a chart. The Moon takes top priority because it responsible for the overall happiness and well being of a person. The Vedic Sun also rules confidence, authority, power, and status, but is considered a malefic, or negative planet because of its intense heat. The Moon rules peace of mind, comfort, ease of life, affluence, and fame. Both Western and Vedic astrology agree on elemental assignment of the Moon, that of water.
One element that can totally dampen the pure energy of fire is, as we all know – water. Emotions are the domain element water. Campfires are most beautiful beside a lake or the ocean. Clear water reflects the rising flames, day or night. We frolic and immerse ourselves in its fluid release; return to the primal womb. Late at night, before retiring from the day, we dostylee our campfire with the nurturing fluid to insure that the unpredictable fire will not resurrect and burn out of control when unattended.
Consider the changing forms of water; it can be contained in a vessel, frozen, or constantly moving as a river. The sign Scorpio is represents fixed (or frozen) water. Betray the intense Scorpio, and you will know the meaning of being “frozen out” of his or her life. Dreamy Pisces portrays mutable or moving water. The two fishes, here, there, everywhere; but you cannot catch them easily. Pisces is the inspirational Mystic – ungrounded, and unfathomable. Cancer, the sensitive shy crab is assigned the cardinal, or action starting qualities of the emotional water element. Cancer is the “moonchild”, silly, changeable and always busy. One of the body parts ruled by the Moon and Cancer is the stomach. Have you ever noticed how people with a Cancer Sun or Moon are strategically planning their next meal?
Western and Vedic astrology both agree in assignment of female gender qualities to the Moon, and place masculine association with the Sun. Nonetheless, there have been many female Sun goddesses throughout history. One notable deity is the Japanese Sun Goddess Amaterasu. The best known story of Amaterasu is about the day she fought with her unruly brother the Storm god and withdrew into a cave, causing the world to become dark and uninhabitable. Only Uzume, the Goddess of mirth was able to entice her interest with a bawdy show of dancing and singing. When Amaterasu curiously looked out her cave door, she was dazzled by her own beauty reflected in a mirror, and came out again to shine her light on the world.
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most visible and financially prosperous celebrities in the world, and she has set a high standard for show-biz royalty as well as every day people. Her astrological chart and Astro*Carto*Graphy maps reveal much about her personal and professional life.
The Power of Free Will Choice
Oprah Winfrey is a confirmation for astrology combined with the triumph of personal will. She has a powerful natal chart, but that alone does not pre-ordain the beacon which she has become.
Sharing a synchronicity of time and space, we are all born into a blueprint which is revealed in the natal astrological chart. However, we also have the power to create our destiny. Evolving through the combination of astrology and free will, we co-create in a unique world which empowers us to determine what we wish to manifest.
Oprah’s chart reveals her gift of beauty, her courage, and mystique. It also exposes her challenges. She was born with her Sun in the sign of Aquarius. This fixed air sign, also known as the Water Bearer, is distinguished by its desire to dispense knowledge and wisdom. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarius is also independent in both lifestyle and thought. Oprah’s Sun is also joined by the planet Venus, Goddess of beauty and love.
Oprah, you are beautiful! The photographers love to capture your image, the public adores you and your pets, and you always look – gorgeous!
With her Sun, Venus, and Mercury all in Aquarius, what we see is what we get. Oprah doesn’t pull punches and she thinks well on her feet. As a fixed air sign, Aquarius is also known for holding steadfast to an opinion; another quality which enhances her strength. She will entertain ideas other than her own, but only after careful evaluation.
An 11th house Moon in Sagittarius readily enhances her positive Aquarian qualities. Here is more of her drive for independence combined with frank speech – she’s sassy! And, considering that she also has Mars in Scorpio, (which challenges her natal Pluto) this makes her potentially armed and dangerous. Unfortunately, she had to develop her strength through battles against worthy opponents. Oprah, however, exemplifies a positive example of Mars in Scorpio (in the 11th house); a passionate fighter for the causes which she believes in, especially those which uplift a troubled society.
Another major piece of any astrological profile is the ascendant, or rising sign, which is determined by one’s time of birth. Oprah’s ascendant is also Sagittarius, the same sign as her Moon.
The Sabian Symbols
The Sabian Symbols are an oracular branch of astrology developed in 1923 by Marc Edmund Jones. They offer a synchronistic message for each degree of the zodiac, and those related to Oprah’s Moon sign and ascendant are compelling.
The Sabian message for her Moon or emotional essence is: “An old owl up in a tree. This is a symbol of steadiness and normality in human affairs combined with exceptional wisdom in each detail of personal accomplishment.” (1)
The Sabian message for Oprah’s ascendant, a reflection of her personality and how she presents herself, is equally fascinating: “The Pope. A symbol of human excellence and special values exalted in social and political hierarchies of modern civilization.” (2)
As another champion for free will choice, Marc Edmond Jones challenged the notion that astrology creates destiny. Instead, he taught that astrology helps people see their own tendencies clearly, so that they can decide what they want to do for themselves.
Oprah’s Natal Chart
The planets already mentioned do explain some of Oprah’s drive, but, still, what makes her “tick?” And, why does the public love her so much? It is because she also loves the public! Neptune, the planet of glamour is in her astrological sector of career and public image.
Part of her universal appeal is that each person sees themselves in her. Monday through Friday, at 4 PM, she dispenses benediction to us all; the female Pope becoming Sophia, supreme goddess of wisdom. We love her, and because of her outstanding development of free will choice, she has become deserving of our admiration.
Next, what do the stars reveal about her personal life? Here’s a shining example for astrology 101 – Uranus conjunct the South Node in the 7th house. We already know she’s independent, but now we see that she has “issues” around personal relationships; deep, soul issues. Astrologer Stephen Forrest teaches that the combination of Uranus and the South Node is a marker of past lifetime chaos; someone whose loving relationships were uncontrollably swept away.
Always opposite the South Node, or karmic past, is the North Node. Here is our mission; what we came into this lifetime to learn about. Oprah has her North Node in Capricorn, conjunct the wounded healer planet/asteroid, Chiron. She could be a great hand’s on healer. Instead, she heals the world through her hands on approach. With Jupiter in the 6th house, she grows spiritually through her good works.
She has made no secret about her early struggles which include the death of her first and only child, as well as sexual abuse. These are experiences which might be expected of someone with Pluto, the planet of transformation, in the 8th house of life and death. Courageously, Oprah has shared what might otherwise be dearly held as a deep secret and taught by example the value of bringing light to our dark places.
AstroCartoGraphy
As an expression of her desire to empower those less fortunate, in January of 2007, Oprah opened the Leadership Academy for Girls, a private school just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. In her own words, she “fell in love with the beauty and spirit of Africa.”
Astro*Carto*Graphy is a branch of astrology which looks at personal resonant earth locations. Look at the planetary lines which Oprah has directly over Johannesburg; Sun, Venus, and Saturn. Immediately, her self expressed (Sun) love for the girls (Venus) is evident. Her sacrifice and commitment to them are sanctioned by Saturn.
Natal A*C*G Map for Oprah Winfrey, South Africa
So far, we have examined Oprah’s natal chart. The term “transits” refers to where the planets are in the sky as of a current date. Not surprisingly, she has been influenced by some powerful transiting planest, most notably the archetype of wholesale change, Pluto. Using a birth time of 4:30 AM, which appears to be accurate, based on the placement of her A*C*G lines, Oprah faced some fearsome challenges in 2007, and she will have more transformations in 2008.
One of her most publicly daunting events was the abuse scandal which rocked the girls’ academy in South Africa. With Pluto transiting her ascendant, and having this planet in her natal 8th house of sexuality and hidden things, it is not unexpected, (from an astrologer’s point of view) that she would have to deal with such a challenge. She also had the planet Neptune transiting her natal Mercury. Predictably, she was deceived and had to untangle a web of lies. However, based on the strength of her natal chart, it’s no surprise that she took on the task like a warrior.
The next map, calculated for August of 2007, illustrates the wounded healer Chiron, traveling over Johannesburg. This map confirms the accuracy and power of Astro*Carto*Graphy. As Chiron moves over her beloved Girls Academy, a sexual abuse scandal is bought out into the public eye; she faces the injury and brings closure to a wound from her personal past.
C*C*G update map for Oprah Winfrey, August 2007
With transiting Pluto on her ascendant for most of 2008, it’s a sure bet that parts of her old life will be transformed. Already, she has broken new ground by endorsing Presidential candidate Barack Obama. After September, as her progressed Moon enters her 12th house of solitude, she will want even more time for personal reflection. Even the queen of publicity deserves some privacy.
This short analysis barely scratches the surface of all that is revealed by a birth chart. Truly, astrologers are never bored because we can always dig out more relevant information on every little detail surrounding any person; it’s a great past time!
What astrology cannot predict, however, is that marker of true individuality, how each person opens their box of potential. This is what truly makes life, and people, interesting.
Oprah Winfrey has taken her unique set of astrological gifts and challenges and created an elegant symphony. Through her mastery of free will choice, she has brought in light where there was darkness. She is beacon of courage and grace who has touched so many lives in a personal way. Thank you, Oprah, for being beautiful you.
Oprah’s Chart Wheel
(1) Dr. Marc Edmund Jones. The Sabian Symbols in Astrology. The Marc Edmund Jones Literary Trust, 1993. ISBN: 0-943358-40-X (2) ibid Natal Chart for Oprah Winfrey Data source: AstroDataBank
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
“This is the Royal Snake of Egypt, the giver of Life and Death. If you will not allow him to create, he will devour.”
* Evangeline Adams, 1930
Dramatic stuff for a greenish, icy outpost 1.8 million miles from the Sun. Uranus was discovered in 1781, though his influence is a primary mover in our modern society. The age of inception into our consciousness is associated with the American and French Revolutions, but his mythological origins are ancient. One thing for sure, Uranus has always been tied to upheaval. He powers cataclysmic changes that inevitably lead to a new way of life- that’s home field for this revolutionary.
Evangeline Adams was one of the major trailblazers of astrology in the 20th century. She successfully defended her practice in a court of law by accurate and deft prophecy, and her words are still a hallmark of astrological teaching. In reading her description of Uranus, I am struck by the occult connotations. I have always been impressed by Uranus’ powers of eccentricity and individuation. Ms. Adams sees Uranus from a darker perspective. This column will discuss both aspects of our unearthly companion otherwise known as “The Great Awakener”.
Genius; anarchist; Kundalini energy. These are all key definitions of the erratic energy of Uranus. Even the physical appearance and orientation of the actual planet is odd. Uranus has an extreme 90 degree tilt of axis, so that the north and south poles orient to the Sun. If one could live on the North pole of Uranus, you would see the Sun constantly for 42 years, and then experience the same period of total darkness. This extreme axis tilt makes it unique, different from the other known planets in our solar system.
Uranus is the ruling planet of the sign Aquarius. The symbol for Aquarius, the “Water Bearer” shostyle a human form holding a vessel and pouring the waters of life out for all of humanity. That is the life giving aspect; old Ouranos not only poured out the energy of creation on his lover Gaia, he co-created her flowers and vegetation. Loving Venus is also said to have burst forth from his spilled semen. But wait, so did the vengeful Furies. He is fecund, unruly and wild.
Ouranos comes to us as the mythological father of Saturn. In ancient Greece he was known as the first child of Gaia, Mother Earth. He first nourished her with gentle rain, and then became her consort. As their varied offspring gained vitality and power, Ouranos become jealous and so tyrannical that Gaia persuaded their youngest child, Chronos (also known as Saturn) to castrate him. Other myths portray Saturn as the jealous son eager to seize power from his father. Either way, these tales portray the inception of historical animosity between a son and his father. Symbolically, this story also speaks of the jealousy of time (Saturn) over instinctive creative ability.
Evangeline Adams also describes Uranus as ” the planet of genius, the . . . secret magical power in man that lies (according to the Indian mythology) coiled at the base of the spine like a snake, ready to strike up and illuminate the whole, or downward to damnation. Genius may break; it will not bend.”
The image of genius not bending is one of the most fascinating aspects of Uranus. I am intrigued by individuals who labor tirelessly to create their unique vision in whatever field calls them. Be it art, music, gardening; some people are called forth to create tirelessly. Individuals who march to an inner drummer, feeding an inner call and not caring what others think. These are the ones with Uranus placed at an active position in the natal chart. Uranus conjunct the Ascendant is a perfect example. (Remember the Ascendant is our mask or personality) This genius cannot bend, it sees not need to. There is a vision born not only of self confidence, but a deeper need. Vincent van Gogh suffered a wretched life, but continued to paint though rarely sold his paintings. I much admire pure creative spark; the ever flowing source that fills the well.
Self individuation follostyle creative spark. It is that voice that claims “I Am”, and “This is what I do!” Then we become separate from our parents or peers, on the road to mastery. Individuation also speaks to unwillingness to compromise, hence the revolutionary aspect. With Uranus, it is principles as well as ensuing lifestyle changes which follow. Uranus awakens you to the fact that there is more to living than food and warmth. As the “Great Awakener” Uranus helps open the door between our conscious and unconscious minds so we learn our true purpose for this lifetime.
Uranus transits are notoriously unsettling. Think of Uranus as a catalyst, an agent that causes or speeds up chemical reactions. It is like the hardener in super glue. Working subtly, Uranus can disrupt your everyday life and force you to develop unexpressed abilities. A perfect example of this type of Uranian influence is light bulbs popping or computers crashing when you touch them. One can learn to feel this energy, and even use it. But then, everything in your life goes off like a broken bulb. This touches on the occult aspect, the beginning of Serpent energy that Evangeline Adams addresses. When I see certain aspects in astrological charts, I flash to Egyptian temples. These visions are almost always prompted by Uranus aspects.
During a major transit, such as aspecting Moon or cardinal point, Uranus can transform the foundations of your life. In these times, resistance to change is a futile effort causing only more turmoil. And, things can change in a big way. We are being called to discard the old self and create a new improved version. This, I suspect, is expressed in symbolism of the real kundalini experience.
Uranus is presented as a major player in my hierarchy of astrological importance. I choose the title “The Facilitator” because he will help speed us all on our journey to higher consciousness. Mother Earth and Father Sky. They both nourish us, but this rebel also heralds the age of machines and technology that release us from toil. Uranus will take us back from whence we came, but as a new and improved version.
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
Most people who have heard of Chiron associate it with the words ‘wounded healer,’ but there is much more to his tale. Chiron’s first keyword, as described by its discoverer, astronomer Charles Kowal, was ‘Maverick’. With his eccentric orbit pattern, Chiron was indeed different from the other stellar bodies, and stood out as a unique scientific discovery. Often labeled an asteroid, Chiron may actually be an orbiting comet caught up by the Sun’s gravitational force.
Comets have always been viewed as harbingers of change. Chiron’s orbit stays mostly between Uranus and Saturn, but sometimes moves out beyond even Neptune. The trajectory of Chiron is highly elliptical like that of a comet, and astronomers question if Chiron will even stay bound within orbit of our Sun permanently. Of his 50 year orbit, the maverick spends the most years in Aries and the least in Libra. ‘Comets throughout history have been viewed as omens. Some believe Chiron’s discovery may point to the balance needed to move humanity into an alternative life-style of holism that will support Earth and all life upon it in abundance.’ (*1)
According to myth, Chiron is the abandoned child of a nymph and a philandering husband. Chiron is the first born of the race of Centaurs because his father Chronos (or Saturn), shapeshifted into a stallion at the moment of orgasm. His mother, shocked at the half bestial baby which she delivered, left it to die at the top of Mount Pelion. A human child would have succumbed to the forces of nature, but Chiron’s equine and immortal halves allowed him to thrive in the rocky slopes of Mt. Pelion. Thus, Chiron started out life abandoned and alone, forced to become self-reliant as well as face and ultimately heal his own darkness. And, true to the centaur’s archetype of healing, Chiron transits do often trigger wounding and consequential recovery events in astrology.
The Teacher
Chiron was educated by the twin team of Apollo and Artemis. From Apollo he learned ethics, philosophy, math, music, reason, logic and medicine; all that is redeeming about civilization. From Artemis, the huntress, he learned the way of the forest, and the use of herbs and all that is important about the wilderness and nature. Artemis was also considered a guardian of young children, a task which Chiron took on willingly.
He is regarded as a wise philosopher who taught a wide range of topics from astrology and astronomy to mathematics, and notably, healing. Chiron’s healing specialty was through natural methods. His name remains today as a root of the term ‘chiropractic’, which utilizes hands on adjustment of the body. Chiron was a compassionate instructor, and it would seem that he should also be assigned rulership of surrogate parenting. In his secluded home atop Mt. Pelios, Chiron raised and educated the mighty warrior Achilles, another mythological spirit who suffered from a debilitating vulnerability. Chiron is also remembered as the guardian and mentor of Jason, the warrior whose journey led him to fight a dragon which never slept. Jason’s destiny was to pursue a magical golden fleece which also caused him personal agony.
The Shaman
Being born the result of a shape-shifting event, Chiron is also associated with the shamanic tradition. The shaman in aboriginal cultures is the bridge between humanity and the outer forces, a concept very much akin to that of Chiron. The shaman is really there to serve the community or culture. And, like Chiron, the wounded healer, often in the life of a shaman there is an injury such as early disease, blindness, a near-death experience, or some other experience that causes him or her to gather strength and power and drives them to fulfill a destiny. Native American prophecy states that when the planet of healing is discovered in the sky, the ancient sacred warrior teachings will return to the Earth. Soon after Chiron’s discovery in 1977 the Native American Religious Freedom Act was passed which formally allowed Native American medicine man to practice in their culturally prescribed traditions.
The Key
Many astrologers have pooled their wealth of experience to the body of Chiron learning. One of the most interesting contributions is offered by astrologer Richard Nolle who points out appropriately, ‘the symbol for Chiron is a stylized key. Look at it and the meaning becomes clear. A key is a device used to open a passageway from one reality to another. That, in essence, is just what Chiron represents.’
Another astrologer who has added greatly is Barbara Hand Clow in her invaluable classic first published in 1987, ‘Chiron- Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets.’(*2) In the introduction she states ‘Chiron influence is not a thing, it is an energetic force; it is an action verb instead of a noun. The placement of Chiron in the natal chart functions like a hieroglyph. It is a vehicle in the chart to show where and how realities intersect. It is a doorway into feelings about events, …and a revelation of the cosmic influence. It is an occult or seeing tool.’ This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand the wise Centaur and how he functions in any astrological chart.
Two other astrologers made early notable contributions. In 1983, Erminie Lantero wrote, ‘I come to my own position. Chiron means to me the principle of healing or wholemaking, on any level. It surprised me for awhile that although healing did not go unnoticed by other researchers, they were slow to recognize it as a primary theme ¬despite the fact that illnesses and deaths were found from the beginning to occur fairly frequently under Chiron transits.’ (*3)
Zane B. Stein is also noted for an early contribution to Dell Horoscope magazine in January 1981. He writes ‘the position of Chiron in the chart of the healer not only indicates the healer’s preferred methods – but also those tools that the healer will find most successful in treating others. Sleep itself is not ruled by Chiron; but Chiron does rule a very specific part of sleep – sleep as a healing tool.’ Other keywords assigned to Chiron by Stein are: common ground, personal imperative, turning point, pulling the plug or removing the dam, and loopholes.
The Wounded Healer
Most dramatic in the legend of Chiron are the circumstances of his death. The wise master was accidentally wounded by a poisoned arrow fired by his friend Hercules. Being immortal, he did not die, but suffered on in great pain. Finally, in a bargain struck with Olympus, Chiron agreed to leave his gift of immortality and descend through the gates of the Underworld to be relieved of his dreadful physical pain. In return, the rebellious titan Prometheus was freed from his captivity and torture decreed as punishment for the gifts he had given to humans.
The gifts to mankind from Prometheus were numerous. He is most remembered for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans, but Prometheus also relayed brick and wood work, astronomy, numbers and letters, ships and sails, and the mining of metals. As an archetype, Prometheus is the Wild Man, or an expression of the planet Uranus. (*4) So, as a rainbow bridge between Saturn and Uranus, Chiron is a catalyst of courage, wisdom, and love, ingredients which set the human soul free.
For astrologers who are interested in calculating a birth chart for Chiron, astronomer Charles Kowal who is credited with discovery lists it as: November 1, 1977, 10:00 AM, Pasadena, California. The chart is rich in symbolism and there are two outstanding features. First, the ascendant is 26º Sagittarius, a degree which is also considered to be the center of the Milky Way or Galactic Center. Also notable is the Sabian Symbol message for the astrological degree of Chiron at 4º Taurus: ‘The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow.’
In his book ‘Genesis of the Grail Kings’, (*5) author and historian Laurence Gardner expounds at length on a theory that the great pyramids of Egypt were built using a superheated white powder known as monatomic gold. This altered form of gold functioned as an anti-gravity lubricant which helped workers move the giant building blocks. Gardner also suggests that monatomic gold was taken as a supplement by Egyptian pharaohs to enhance their creativity and self confidence.
Today, monatomic gold is said to be a substance which feeds and strengthens our light bodies and promotes ascension. In addition to mystical arts and healing, I propose that Chiron be assigned rulership of monatomic gold. How appropriate for Chiron whose function is to ground the pure energy of Uranus into the form and structure of Saturn; the maverick who holds the key to travel between the seen and unseen realms.
It is interesting to note that the Greek root of the word Christ is ‘khrien’, and the core meaning is ‘to anoint’; this is another action of hands on healing. Perhaps Chiron carries the archetype of a Christ like figure who has returned to our dimension with a mission of healing the Lucifer rebellion which fueled our feelings of separation from Source. Surely Chiron is both the alchemist who ignites our passions, as well as a shaman who accompanies us on our deepest healing journeys. And, as a shapeshifter, he conveys the transformative power of color and light to help us all on our healing journeys. Yes, Chiron is the rainbow, and he brings us to the gold of alchemy.
(1) Mason and O’Brien in “Chiron” Astrology Encyclopedia. James. R. Lewis, editor.
(2) Barbara Hand Clow, Llewellyn Publications 1987 ISBN 0-87542-094-X.
(3) Erminie Lantero, The Continuing Discovery of Chiron 1983 Samuel Weiser.
(4) Mythic Astrology, Ariel Guttman and Kenneth Johnson, 1998 Llewellyln ISBN 0-87542-248-9.
(5) Genesis of the Grail Kings, Laurence Gardner, Barnes & Noble Books 2004 ISBN 0-7607-6197-3.
