Chiron and sea level rise, part one: What's Chiron?

Have you ever heard of Chiron? It's a "short-period comet" orbiting between Saturn and Uranus and is variously referred to as the "wounded healer" or "rainbow bridge". In addition to its literal position in the solar system as a "bridge" between the slowest of the inner planets and the start of the outer or generational planets, in astrology it represents the connections between the physical and non-physical world. It is associated with wisdom and mentorship, as well as healing- though an appropriate image may be a shaman speaking to the spirits to intervene in the disease, rather than the institution-based health methodologies. In Greek mythology, Chiron was a centaur with a conscience. While most centaurs focused their energy on wine, misbehavior and just generally "gettin' their freak on," Chiron was a refined, cultured mentor, adept astrologer, and healer. Chiron was wounded himself, but was unable to cure this wound. This is the significant image for astrologers- Chiron as a player in the horoscope represents both an area in which we have deep pain, wounds or insecurities, and yet through this experience have great wisdom and healing power to give to others.

Understanding Chiron can help puncture the wall of physical reality that seems to surround us. Chiron can be particularly challenging, as well, because it forces us to open wounds that we may have long covered up and chose to ignore. Fitting with the theme of Chiron as a Shaman, however, it seeks to heal, or at least understand and work with, the wound itself. Modern medicine, in contrast, in some ways may focus more on treating symptoms in the interest of maintaining one's ability to function in society and feel "okay."

Chiron works in the generational realm of astrology as well, especially considering it's proximity to the outer generational planets. It was discovered relatively recently- 1977, during a time of increased "shamanic" awareness- in the environment, in increasing fascination with "new age" ideas, the further development of astrology, etc. More recently, it moved into the last sign of the zodiac- Pisces- last year on April 20, 2010. Pisces is associated, as the culminating sign of the 12 zodiac signs, with sensitivity, compassion, concern for the world at large and especially the world's oceans and sea life. Pisces has a shamanic energy itself- a sensitivity to the non-physical world which leads as much to Pisces' potential for spiritual awareness as a potential for confusion, non-action and martyrdom. What else happened on April 20th, 2010? The Deepwater Horizon oil rig blew up.

If you've seen my previous post, "The Day Before Jupiter Moves Into Aries", you'll have a little understanding of the significance of the anaretic degree of Pisces. It's a point of final culmination before bursting into the assertive leap forward of Aries. Here's a short quote from that post:

"So, the challenge with "packing our bags" at 29 degrees of Pisces is that what we take with us and what we leave behind aren't going to be entirely clear."

The last time Chiron was in Pisces was 1960-69. This was a time of increased sensitivity and compassion in connection with the world around us, and especially the great aquifer of the world's waters (such as the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring). In 1969, at the anaretic degree of Pisces, can you guess what happened? If you guessed The 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill, you'd be right! This horrible ecological disaster off the coast of California washed big fat globs of unignorable oil on the pristine beaches of the super-wealthy residents of Santa Barbara, and was one of several, if not the major, nitro boost to the budding development of American environmental stewardship. Oil had been growing and functioning in a non-physical dream world of infrastructure development without issue, fueling a comfortable way of life in the physical world of American wealth. Chiron, almost as a last warning after 10 years of struggle to increase environmental awareness, crossed the bridge between the worlds and brought oil literally to people's doorsteps. It worked, it helped... as much as it could.

What's at stake in our world now as the environment suffers, and policy makers continue to "cover up the wound"? Chiron is back to show us what we can lose, as well as how we can come together with wisdom and heal ourselves and our wounded earth. Chiron has 8 years with us in Pisces, but it's clear that we need to start examining our wounds now. We don't even know the long-term consequences of the Horizon Oil Spill... and what about global warming and sea level rise?

Lots to think about as I end part one of this post. I recognize how hard it is to feel the compassion that Chiron in Pisces demands, especially if you're comfortably using a computer with a Cappuccino or a nice brew (as I admit I am now). So... for all you lovers of British and Belgian Beer...

In part 2 I use sea level rise to KILL YOUR FAVORITE BREWERIES! We'll examine some maps in part two that you can't ignore...

Do you remember the Santa Barbara Oil spill? Were you affected by the Horizon Oil spill? What can we learn from the environment? Worried about a brewery and want me to make sure to include it in part two? Leave a comment!