angstoic.com Astrologer, Ang Stoic
German philosopher Nietzsche once wrote, “what does not kill me makes me stronger” [Twilight of the Idols (1888)].
Although the saying “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” is often used to imply that enduring pain or adversity can help build resilience to overcome future challenges, it overlooks the fact that some experiences can leave lasting physical and psychological scars. This is particularly true for those who have been through traumatic events such as combat, working in the social welfare sector for a prolonged period, or surviving an abusive relationship, divorce, or heartbreak. In these cases, the aftermath of what we have been through can result in lasting damage, leaving us with conditions such as PTSD.
Although this saying is often used to express positivity and courage in the face of adversity, it is somewhat ironic because it implies that we can become a stronger version of ourselves by tapping into natural attributes such as our ability to use painful incidents to our advantage. Since the discovery of Chiron in 1977, which is a strange-looking object resembling a comet in the outer Solar System, orbiting the Sun between Saturn and Uranus, the idea of “triumph over adversity” has taken on a new meaning.
Chiron’s key position as a ‘mediator’ between the mundane (♃ ♄) and the supernatural (♅ ♆ ♇) provides a bridgeway into understanding the mysteries between the physical and quantum universes. His effect helps us to unravel many of the secrets that plague and cripple the human energetic complex. As we come to understand that all accidents, illness and dis-ease are essentially energetic disturbances, we also learn how to heal the world’s problems better. Here, we awaken to the possibility of true spiritual immortality.
Over the past 45 years, there has been an exponential shift in humanity’s attempts to comprehend the cruelty caused by the perceived limitations of Saturn’s three-dimensional structure. This has led to an exploration of higher-dimensional modes of behaviour. By adopting the perspectives of religious heretics, psychotic madmen, spiritual mavericks, political anarchists, or shamanic healers, we can learn to defy a certain sense of doom. Those who view the ordinary world through the lens of wild visions and prophetic dreams, and who see the quantum universe as an infinite source of natural medicines and healing, can overcome threats and dangers and not just survive but thrive.
CHIRON
Chiron soothes emotional blockages caused by past wounds, often tied to family history. Natal positioning and aspects reveal our propensity to suffer and heal. Chiron’s transit brings old wound-stories to the surface, often manifesting as physical ailments. These instances can force an inner crisis, stirring up an ‘awakening’ of latent emotions and forging new energetic pathways of healing.
MARS
Mars is crucial for our survival, as it triggers the fight-or-flight response and energizes us into action to defend ourselves and maintain our boundaries. It is our ego-defence mechanism that prevents our individual will from being usurped by dominant forces. Without Mars, we might submit and cower in the face of danger. Therefore, it is an inherent part of every organism’s survival mechanism to put up a fight or flee to fight another day.
THE MARS/CHIRON WOUND
The Mars energy within us is necessary for maintaining our boundaries and taking action in situations where our competency and resistance to invasion are required. However, where we have failed to assert ourselves, or our ability to rise to action has been hindered by a more dominant force, we may carry wounds within us. These wounds are stored in the lower chakras and can lead to harmful, regretful, and traumatic incidents if not properly treated.
Chiron’s contact with Mars, particularly through hard aspects, can highlight critical developments in our experience that may result in harmful behaviour if left untreated. Untreated wounds to our divine masculine system can lead to unconscious coping mechanisms, victim mentality, and complex psycho-sexual behaviours that are often passed down through generations.
The good news is that each Chiron transit presents us with opportunities to gain greater insight into our wounds and work towards healing them. By working through our relationships and summoning the courage to confront our wounds with awareness, we can overcome harmful conditioning and habits that may have been learned through cultural norms or family traditions.
Healing the “wounded masculine” means addressing sabotaging patterns of aggression and resentment with courage and compassion. This involves embracing our animus and working towards recovering stored anger and resentment from our unconscious memory. By deprogramming both our individual and collective minds from old stories about masculinity, we can build healthier relationships and move towards doing what we do best without shame or hesitation.
WOUNDED IN ACTION: THE CURRENT MARS SQUARE TO CHIRON
On Wednesday, 29 May 2024, Mars and Chiron will align at 22°10′ Aries, creating a powerful initiative in a 2-year cycle on how we intend to address deep-seated wounds. This conjunction will bring to the surface issues related to self-assertion, maintaining individual sense of identity, and venting/healing suppressed anger, offering a profound opportunity for healing and transformation.
Many of us carry scars from times when our assertiveness was punished or criticised, leaving us hesitant to stand up for ourselves. This transit will likely stir those old feelings, forcing us to confront the fear of being too aggressive or, conversely, too passive. It’s a time when past memories and current situations where we felt we couldn’t express our true selves may come rushing back, demanding attention and resolution.
Psychologically, this transit can feel like a tug-of-war within. You might swing between being overly assertive and avoiding conflict altogether, leading to passive-aggressive behaviour or sudden outbursts of anger. However, this alignment is not just about experiencing these extremes; it’s about recognising these patterns and finding a healthier, more balanced way to express your Mars energy.
We often despise the bully and the brawler, but staying silent in the face of injustice is equally damaging. True courage lies in the willingness to stand up for yourself and those you love, even when it’s uncomfortable. Engaging in physical activities like sports or martial arts can be incredibly therapeutic during this time. These activities provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy and help build confidence and reconnect you with your sense of personal power.
Balancing this assertive energy with compassion is also key. Practices like mindfulness or therapy can help you become more aware of your emotional responses and learn to regulate them. By doing so, you transform Mars energy from a source of conflict into a positive force for personal growth.
On a societal level, this conjunction invites us to rethink how we express masculinity and assertiveness. It encourages us to find healthier ways to embody strength and vulnerability. Historically, Chiron in Aries has been linked to significant shifts towards personal freedom and social justice. This transit holds similar potential, urging us to heal collective wounds related to aggression and power.
During this period, it’s crucial to guard against burnout. The intense drive to prove oneself, a hallmark of Mars in Aries, can lead to overexertion. Prioritising self-care, including rest and relaxation, is essential to maintaining balance and well-being.
The difference between successful people and truly successful people often lies in the ability to say no. This conjunction also offers a chance for deep self-reflection and spiritual growth. It’s a time to examine your motivations and desires, moving beyond actions driven by ego to those rooted in a more authentic self. Harnessing Mars’ positive qualities—like courage, initiative, and confidence—can lead to profound healing.
Professionally, this conjunction may highlight challenges related to leadership and assertiveness. Increased tension might call for assertiveness training and conflict resolution strategies. Addressing these issues can prevent burnout and foster a healthier work environment.
The Mars-Chiron conjunction kicks off a powerful cycle for healing and adaptation of how we put ourselves across. It invites you to try anew, face up and heal old wounds related to self-assertion and aggression. By doing so, you can move towards a more balanced and healthy expression of your inner warrior, embracing both strength and healing.
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