What is Chiron?
Known as the “wounded healer,” Chiron represents our core wounds and our ability to turn that pain into healing. Chiron is one of the most complex and misunderstood symbols. First discovered in 1977 by astronomer Charles T. Kowal, Chiron is classified as a minor planet and a comet. It is named after a centaur in Greek mythology who was a healer, teacher, maverick, philosopher, and mentor.
Chiron represents the deep sources of pain, suffering, and wounding in our life. It’s our soft spot; the part of us that feels wounded, sensitive, and vulnerable. The theme of abandonment is central to understanding the meaning of Chiron, as it represents a legacy burden wherein childhood wounds may show up as fear of abandonment and attachment trauma in adult relationships.
But Chiron isn’t just about pain. It represents the great potential we have to heal ourselves and others through our own painful experiences and turn them into individual and collective healing. Chiron encourages us to accept the fragmented pieces within ourselves – to live with them rather than try to fix, cure, or excise them because they cannot be denied as part of who we are.
The symbol for Chiron is shaped like a key, and that key is what unlocks your healing potential. Wounded healers are driven by the desire to relieve the suffering of others after experiencing or witnessing suffering in their own lives. These experiences shape wounded healers into being intuitive, wise, sensitive, compassionate, and empathetic people. I am a wounded healer. Personally, I have experienced trauma and many dark nights of the soul in my life. By embracing the darkness of my painful experiences, my wounds are now wisdom.
The gifts that I’ve developed through suffering have inspired my life purpose of helping others who’ve walked a similar journey. This has required years of my own self-work and reflection, and dedication to healing. By committing to healing, that same energy can turn my pain into my greatest strength as a healer and help to bring peace and growth to others. On the other side of your deepest wounds — that is, the fears, anxieties, traumas, and pain you’ve endured — is your very own courage to heal.