Chiron is a planetoid that was discovered in 1977 at Mount Palomar Observatory. Chiron has a very elliptical 50-51 year orbit, and it spends the most time in the sign of Aries (8 years) and the least time in the signs of Libra and Virgo (about 2 - 3 years per sign). A description of its orbit may be seen below:
Below is the horoscope of the discovery of Chiron. Note the Ascendant = Galactic Center and Pluto is very close to the Midheaven (MC):
Below is the traditional explanation of Chiron from an astrological basis by Christina Zodiac Poetry. I do agree with the traditional definition that Chiron has a lot to do with healing oneself and healing of others. Thus, Chiron may indicate the use of mystical and metaphysical methods for healing (AND THIS INCLUDES TAROT, YOGA, MEDICINAL HERBS, CRYSTALS, AND ASTROLOGY). But note that Chiron is also prominent in the charts of individuals involved in espionage, public surveillance, high-level and advanced technology, and people with extraterrestrial experiences or UFO witnessing. Also note that mass murderers Susan Atkins ("Helter Skelter") and Edmund Kemper ("The Co-Ed Killer") had Chiron strong in their horoscope charts; both claimed a great healing sensation when they murdered people.
Please note that all the presented horoscopes below (except Aleister Crowley) use 12:01 PM as a time for birth since the time-of-birth is unavailable or unknown. Thus, one can only use angular relationships, and not house placements or use of the Midheaven or Ascendant. Marie Lenormand's horoscope is below; she is considered by many to be the greatest tarot card reader of all time.
Marie's Sun Conjunction Aldebaran (JFK had this also) is forming a strong Sextile with Chiron. Sextiles represent opportunity, and with Chiron Conjunction the star of Algenib ("good intuition"), she may have really "answered the door" when "opportunity knocks." Uranus Conjunction Algol is in Semi-Square with Chiron. Algol is considered by many to be "the most evil star in the sky," but I notice that Algol placements usually indicate art talent (Liberace and 9-Inch Nails' Trent Reznor had Sun Conjunction Algol), and Algol can produce energies that allow one to "see other realms or realities in this reality" and especially to "see real evil intentions below the surface of important encounters or experiences." This is why I stress to people who have this placement that it is not the end of the world if you have Algol strong in your chart, but it is important to work with the energy of Algol in a positive way. Now on to Jean-Baptiste Alliette. He is noteworthy for writing the first book on tarot. And like Marie Lenormand, he used the Marseilles tarot deck, which was the most popular tarot deck at that time. His book was entitled "Etteilla, ou manière de se récréer avec un jeu de cartes" ( or "Etteilla, or a Way to Entertain Yourself With a Deck of Cards"), and written in 1770.
Jean-Baptiste Alliete had Chiron Conjunction Rigel, which is considered by many to be a fortunate star for popularity, humor, and riches. And the Trine of Chiron with Venus (in the ruling sign of Libra) is strong, and this may indicate the great popularity that took place with his book on tarot published in the 18th century. He would eventually earn 100 percent of his income via tarot readings, similar to Marie Lenormand. Now on to Oswald Wirth, whose horoscope is below.
Oswald Wirth would be the first major tarot card reader who would design his own tarot card deck outside of the design of the Marseilles tarot deck (which was considered to be the "standard" tarot deck at that time). The Opposition of Chiron with the Conjunction of Mercury and Saturn ("applications of tarot in a constructive matter designed to improve communications") takes place with Chiron in the sign of Aquarius (which I consider to be an exalted placement for Chiron) and Saturn near the star of Regulus (which many regard as the most fortunate star in the zodiac). Now on to Aleister Crowley, creator of the Thoth deck. The Thoth deck of tarot cards currently ranks #2 in popularity among both usage and purchase per tarot card decks. Crowley's chart below is according to his stated time of birth.
Due to questionable occult practices (and rumors of revealing secrets to outsiders), Aleister Crowley was forced to leave the organization of the Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn in 1900 (and he took their secrets related to tarot with him). Similar to Marie Lenormand, Crowley has a planet (in his case Pluto) in Conjunction with the star of Algol and applying to Chiron. But Crowley also has Chiron in Opposition with Venus in Libra (and Venus is in Conjunction with the very fortunate star of Spica). This may explain for Crowley's great success with obtaining so many important occult-based relationships in addition to a very artistic tarot card design (which he collaborated with per artist Lady Freida Harris, whose birth date I could not obtain). Unfortunately, Aleister Crowley (like so many people involved with dark and intense areas of the occult) crossed a line he should have never crossed in his studies of occult knowledge, and this is the ritualistic death of other people. And while I do feel an affinity with his Thoth tarot card deck, it is in my opinion (and as a former initiated member of Crowley's organization O.T.O.) that it is fair to condemn a majority of his occult practices, especially those involving death (AND YES, HE DID WRITE ABOUT THIS USE OF DEATH IN MAGICK. Go to page 93 of "Magick: In Theory And Practice" if you don't believe me). Now on to A.E. Waite.
A.E. Waite was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn at the same time Aleister Crowley was. Interestingly, both men absolutely despised each other despite their similar astrology placements. While I cannot prove it, A.E. Waite (with the help of artist Pamela Colman Smith) may have "rushed out" a production order for a creation of a new tarot deck due to Crowley's creation of the Thoth tarot deck with Lady Frieda Harris. The problem with this is that unlike Crowley (who was kicked out of the Golden Dawn), A.E. Waite was still a member of the Golden Dawn and subject to the charter by-laws of its members. And as a result of his membership with the Golden Dawn (and his failure to protect certain secrets of the organization that pertained to tarot), A.E. Waite was subject to tremendous conflict and authority conferences with the Golden Dawn organization. This is clearly represented by the Pluto Square Chiron placement in his chart above. The good news is that his tarot card deck (known as the Rider-Waite tarot deck) is still #1 per popularity and purchases among tarot card users. This is clearly displayed with the very hard Mercury Trine Chiron placement (with Chiron in the exalted sign of Aquarius) in his horoscope above. A.E. Waite's Rider-Waite deck is the recommended deck for beginners in tarot; it may be considered to be the most important contribution by A.E. Waite from his studies with the Golden Dawn. Now on to the artist who helped design the deck, Pamela Colman Smith.
Neptune rules artistic expression, and combined with Chiron (while forming a Square with Mercury in Mercury's exalted sign of Aquarius) indicates much trial and tribulation with artwork that designed the popular Rider-Waite tarot deck. And yes, Venus is in the exalted sign of Pisces (in the 9th House) and is also applying to Mercury (via Semi-Sextile) and to the Conjunction of Neptune with Chiron (via Sextile), and this adds an additional emphasis on artwork with this Square depicted above (and circled in red). But what is probably significant with these placements is Chiron's Conjunction with the star of Stella Mira, which emphasizes "prudence" and "progress." This type of energy was needed in lieu of the possible confusion that could surface with Mercury Square Neptune. And it may be this type of creative energy applied in a simple artistic manner that is behind the popularity if the Rider-Waite deck, currently the most recommended tarot deck for first time users and students in tarot.
Thanks for reading.
Love to all,
Malcolm
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