"Centaurs" are a tiny group of seven unusual bodies, neither comets nor asteroids, but possessing qualities of both. The first centaur, Chiron was discovered in 1977, the second, Pholus, in 1992 and the third, Nessus, in 1993. The centaurs have a primarily elliptical orbit in the outer solar system, and most likely originated from the Kuiper belt. They have long orbital periods from 49 (Chiron) to 123 (Nessus) years.
Some astrologers believe the centaurs to be highly significant in an astrological chart.
The study of asteroids in astrology is contoversial, but many astrologers believe that the asteroids do indeed have a part to play in the assessment of an astrological chart. The asteroids are important in archetypal astrology, and include Ceres (the Great Mother), Pallas Athena (Goddess of Wisdom), Vesta (the Temple Priestess) and Juno (Goddess of Marriage) amongst many others.
Kim Falconer examines the astrological, mythological and psychological significance of this asteroid named for the god of love. http://www.nrg.com.au/~d-falcon/Eros.htm
Chiron and other Centaurs (Pholus, Nessus) in astrology, astronomy and mythology. Information on asteroids, minor planets and exoplanets by Zane Stein. http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/7969/chiron.htm
Articles about asteroids and astrology, with analysis of the September 11th terrorist attacks and Timothy McVeigh's chart. Also features a complete asteroid name list. http://www.asteroids.com
Wide selection of essays and astronomical data on the astrological centaurs, much of which is available also in Spanish. Home also of the freeware calculation program Riyal. http://www.expreso.co.cr/centaurs/
