TIFFANY'S+RESEARCH

More specifically, Saturn is the planet of discipline, duty, limits, boundaries, responsibility, commitment, structure, experience-based authority, restrictions, and reality. Chiron, on the other hand, is the maverick, astrologer, holistic healer, ecologist, and mentor. In the latter role, the Greek mythological Chiron //transmutes// ordinary mortals into mythic heroes and aids them in the achievement of each of their individual quests. The opposition of these two planets in effect pits the maverick mentor heroes and individuals (including ecologists) against the authorities (including special interest groups) who would impose boundaries and limits on those same individuals. Moreover, Chiron teaches students to be generalists instead of specialists, holistic techniques rather than reductionist ones -- all in direct contrast to Saturn’s defense of the status quo. Chiron also considers the ultimate act of heroism to be the transformation of self. In this regard the mythological god, Chiron, gave up his immortality in order to save another, stating in mythological terms that the teacher must die in order for the student to truly live. Saturn, on the other hand, would defend the authority figure to the death. Thus, the opposition of Chiron and Saturn refers to sociocultural Saturnian restrictions on the Chironian quest of individuals for self-transformation, or at the very least, Saturn attempts to rigidly channel the transmutative energies. The Chiron-Saturn opposition indicates “challenging phases in the cycle, times when adjustment and compromise must be made, or else conflict will result -- the latter is typically the more likely outcome.” [3] Mythologically, Chiron is the priest king of the Centaurs and the half-brother to Zeus. As such, Chiron was skilled in music, gymnastics, hunting, warfare, medicine and **__[|Astrology]__**. He was the astrologer-teacher, the mentor who initiated heroes, warriors, and magicians; including Achilles, Orpheus, Jason, Hercules, and Peleus. Chiron’s warrior training was one of the spirit, encompassing a way of life and ranging from the sacred spiritual warrior to members of street gangs -- existing at all levels along a continuum. Chiron’s talents were more intuitive and rational, and he trained his students to, above all, follow their destiny. He also founded the Asclepian, the ancient healing temple. Importantly, Chiron was also the wounded healer, the immortal who upon being accidentally fatally wounded by a poisoned arrow, descended into Hades in exchange for the freeing of Prometheus, the giver of fire to mankind. Saturn, on the other hand, the Roman god identified with the Greek god, Cronus, was the father of Zeus. Saturn (Cronus) was the ultimate patriarch who, concerned that his son might overthrow him, swallowed each of his children when they were born (thus providing the ultimate in tasteless acts -- particularly when one considers the taste of most children). Eventually, Saturn was overthrown in true patriarchal fashion by his youngest son, Zeus (who had obviously managed to avoid his father’s weird eating habits). In many respects, Zeus continued the patriarchal traditions of Saturn, while his half-brother, Chiron, went off in an entirely different direction. Now they are actively opposing each other. Do not underestimate the extent of this battle between the two opposing forces. They are very much alive in the world today, and the outcome is not clear. Chiron also has an affinity for Pluto, the two of then having conjuncted only once since Chiron’s discovery, on -- of all dates! -- //December 31, 1999//! According to Richard Nolle [3], Chiron conjunct Pluto may be an easing of the tension between Saturn’s status quo and Chiron’s instinct of the human spirit seeking to manifest itself. Barbara Hand Clow [2] speaks specifically of //Initiation//. Recall that the mythological god, Chiron, in his **__[|Descent into Hades]__**, represents this critical concept of initiation, of a **__[|Descent into the Underworld]__**, into Hades (another name for Pluto), letting go of all the attachments of ego and status (as the Goddess, **__[|Inanna]__**, did in her own descent), and ultimately finding pure gold and enlightenment (“The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow”). In Clow’s view [2], “we cannot survive the death analysis of the journey to the Underworld without the synchronous [Cronus!] experience of the vibration of the higher self.” Chiron brings us the divination skills to align with the collective unconscious, such that with the hard work of depth clearing, we can also evolve in the vision of our higher self. The Sabian Symbol for the Chiron-Pluto, millennial conjunction is: “A Flag Turns into an Eagle; the Eagle into a Chanticleer Saluting the Dawn. The spiritualization and promotion of great symbols of a New Age by minds sensitive to its precursory manifestations.” The implication involves a new step in human evolution, wherein the flag becomes the eagle (both symbols of the USA), where as the first living creature to perceive the rising sun, heralds the new age. The key word is “Annunciation”. At least, to those “mind sensitive to [a New Age’s] precursory manifestations”! And the conjunction occurred on 12-31-99! The universe must be grinning from ear to ear! The Chiron-Pluto initiation is one into the most profound mysteries and esoteric teachings, descent into the Underworld to activate the atavistic response, and ultimately beginning the process of moving toward genuine spiritual enlightenment. The final curiosity is that Chiron may be an errant planet, and not necessarily an established member of our solar system’s hierarchy. This recently discovered maverick appears to have limited stability in its orbit, and may be a new arrival! In other words, it may have arrived at just this time in history, and for some very specific purpose(s). As it finishes its opposition with Saturn, it may find it has other fish to fry, and thereafter leave our solar system. While Saturnian interests would prefer a stable (solar) system, mavericks tend to break away from the pack and head for new pastures. Don’t be surprised if Chiron does exactly that! ^_IIabcdefghi^_IIabcdefghi^_IIabcdefghi