Chiron Retrograde: 7 Mantras to Help You Thrive on Your Way to the Other Side

On July 11 at 2:09 p.m. PST, one day before Mercury goes direct, Chiron will also go into retrograde, making us all extra emotional. The asteroid will remain retrograde until December 13 at 7:37 p.m. PST. During this five-month period, Chiron is here to help us release old pains, reveal toxic patterns of our lives, and, ultimately, heal our wounds.

Chiron is named for the centaur Chiron of Greek mythology. Chiron was a healer and taught all of the heroes of Greek mythology, yet he could never heal himself. As such, in astrology, Chiron is known as the wounded healer, and in the natal chart represents the internal wounds we will have to heal during our lives.

This retrograde occurs in fiery Aries, meaning we will be called to boldly confront our internal hurts. Whether someone from your past has caused you grief and heartbreak that you are having a hard time letting go of or a current situation that is causing you deep unhappiness, anger is the main emotion we will working with—namely how to understand, address, and release it.

Healing, especially when you’re dealing with longtime resentments, can be exhausting and frightening. When we go deep into our emotional baggage, we never know what we can bring up. You may feel tense, moody, and fragile during this period—and that’s okay. These seven healing mantras will help get you through on your way to the other—better, more honest—side.

Read me: Chiron in Aries: In Search of Collective Identity

The past can’t haunt me anymore

Sometimes, painful moments in our personal history can still be felt in the present, even years later. Trauma scars, but it doesn’t have to define you. Repeat this mantra when you wish to banish your past and move forward into the light.

I am enough

Chiron’s retrograde will be in Aries, focusing on the ego and our identity. When we feel that we are invalid, ignored, or belittled, we start to think poorly of ourselves. During this retrograde, remind yourself that you do matter and that you are enough.

I control the flame

Anger can feel like a fierce flame that can burn you alive if you aren’t careful. Your inner flame is precious, though at times precarious: unbridled it can destroy everything, but when it burns too low it may snuff out. Repeat this mantra to remind yourself that you are always in control of your emotions—even if they feel overwhelming.

I release this burden

Often, we hold on to negative emotions like anger, resentment, and bitterness because we simply don’t know how to let go—we even begin to claim them as aspects of our identity. It’s easier to live in your anger than to begin healing because that pain is familiar. Remind yourself that holding onto anger is a burden that isn’t serving you. It’s okay to let go.

Let’s start over

Chiron retrograding in the first sign means rebirth. We begin a new chapter with a clean slate. The past may have contributed to who you are now, but you have the power to change your story. Use this opportunity to change your life for the best. Remember, it’s never too late to start over again.

I am here for a reason

In times of darkness, we might ask ourselves, “Why am I here?” Every life has a divine purpose; you matter. That’s why it’s so important for you to heal and feel whole again—so you can fulfill your destiny and contribute to the larger whole. You don’t have to know where your journey may lead. Keep going.

Thank you, next

Ariana Grande’s “Thank u, next” isn’t just a catchy pop song, it’s a powerful mantra of moving on and letting go. This mantra acknowledges that the past, no matter how you feel about it, taught you something. Be grateful for that lesson. Now it’s time to move on to the next phase of your life, without any emotional baggage holding you down. Plus, thanks to Grande, it’s a very catchy means of repeating your mantra daily.

Art by Emma Rodriguez