You may have wondered what astrological factor rules flower essences and other forms of vibrational healing. To my way of thinking, it is Chiron. This mysterious astronomical body was discovered on November 1, 1977, orbiting erratically between Saturn and Uranus. Named Chiron after the centaur (half-man, half-horse) in Greek mythology, the new "planet" later lived up to its hybrid name and the intuition of Charles Kowal, its discoverer, in choosing it.

Chiron became the first of a new breed of outerplantary objects aptly called centaurs--half-planetoid (small planet) and half-comet. But Chiron was different from other comets--caught in an orbit--much like we are caught in Earth's orbit as our spirits descend into matter. What a shock it must be to fall from the state of free-floating light into the dense world of physical bodies and feelings.

That "fall" and those feelings we encounter when we incarnate are the first hints of Chiron's meaning, as well as its link to flower remedies. For the past 22 years, astrologers have considered the many possible interpretations of this rich new find. Chiron came to be associated with the "New Age" and holistic health.

Many astrologers call Chiron the ruler of astrologers themselves, hands-on healers, channeling, crystals--and, of course--flower essences. Chiron acts as a catalyst--something tiny that triggers great changes. Flower remedies in their extreme dilution, a drop at a time, do just that. What's more, they do all this in the realm of feelings.

As the myth goes, Chiron was a misfit, rejected by both parents. He didn't quite belong with either people or horses. Nor did the wise and gentle Chiron fit in with the other centaurs--drunken, wild beasts who raped, pillaged, and destroyed the forest. Chiron's isolation led him to turn skyward (what we all finally do when we just don't understand what on earth is happening to us).

From the heavens, Chiron was fostered by Apollo and Artemis in the guise of the Sun and Moon. With this balanced education from both a male and female perspective, Chiron ultimately returned the favor. He grew from "freak" to treasured teacher. Chiron became a valued mentor of the greatest Greek heroes, bringing them up from challenging teenagers to become the likes of Jason, Hercules, and Asclepius.

But mythical Chiron is best known for his wound that would not heal. In a birth chart, Chiron points to where and how you were wounded, considering its house, sign, and aspects. It pinpoints your core issues--where you are stuck--the blockage keeping you from becoming all you can be. Chiron's glyph or symbol is shaped like a skeleton key, one that unlocks all doors. Chiron is a secret compartment revealing a tremendous starting-point for work with flower essences.

Since most core wounds are incurred in childhood, here are some essences to consider when working with Chiron: FES's Golden Eardrops (releasing painful feelings from childhood), Bach's Pine (guilt), Bach's Crab Apple (shame) or FES's Zinnia for contacting the positive inner child. Mariposa Lily and Sunflower (both from FES) are possibilities when dealing with mother and father issues or Chiron in natal aspect to the Moon or Sun.

For those stuck in childhood (Peter Pan syndrome), there is Fairy Lantern by FES. Thyme (also by FES) helps identify where and when (the pun with time) the magical child got stuck. Rosemary (FES) helps those who have disassociated from their body due to their pain to remember the perfect self who existed before it happened.

However, I consider Shooting Star to be Chiron's signature flower essence (FES). It eases "not fitting in," and captures the metaphor of "bringing heaven to earth." Alienation is the ultimate earthbound malady. We all start out as Chiron did-abandoned by Father-Mother Spirit to our adventure on this foreign feeling planet with bodies that hurt from the inside out.

The good news is that as we work on releasing chronic pain, we often find our life's purpose in offering up to others our survival techniques (or our mere example). The real heroes are those who overcome the wounds that bind them, who transfigure pain into blessings. (Note: I am grateful to astrologer Stan Riddle who first coined this perfect description of using Chiron's energy at its best.)

Becoming whole again and fulfilled is Chiron's promise. Discover this treasure in your toolbox of astrological knowledge, so deeply complementary to your work with flower essences.

Chiron recently entered Sagittarius, where it will join Pluto in an exact conjunction on December 30th. Look for big changes and integration in our spiritual and global perspectives. It's a good time for essences like Scotch Broom by FES (seeing opportunities for service in world challenges) or the astrological blend for Sagittarius (Desert Alchemy).

Becoming whole again and fulfilled is Chiron's promise. See my other article in this issue for more tips on how to work with flower essences to catalyze the best outcomes in these turning-point times, heralded by the Chiron/Pluto Millennium Conjunction.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF THESE REMEDIES: Pine and Crab Apple are also available through FES, Healing Herbs, and Pegasus; Mariposa Lily is also offered by Desert Alchemy; and Sunflower is made by Alaskan Flower Essence Project, Harebell, and Pegasus, as well. Rosemary is also available through Desert Alchemy and Pegasus. Additionally, Shooting Star is made by the Alaskan Flower Essence Project and Pegasus.

BIO: JOYCE MASON is an "astrologer-plus" and an FES-certified flower essence practitioner near Sacramento, California. Her eclectic practice, Inner Growth Work, also includes the Motherpeace tarot and dreamwork. For information on her services from near or far, contact her by email, by phone at (916) 315-9210, or by fax at (916) 315-9211. Read her astrological writings on the Australian Web site, A Place in Space. Joyce has also published articles in Vibration, including another piece in this suite and two in our September, 1999 issue.

ART CREDITS: This background was created by The Rhymester. The Chiron image came from a collection of classical graphics at Forum Romanum.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

previous page     top    next page
Current Issue Back Issues Resources FAQ
Contact Us Search Books Submit an Article Subscribe

©1999 Vibration Magazine/The World Wide Essence Society
PO Box 285     Concord, MA 01742     978 369-8454
webmaster@essences.com