The Ways of Chiron

Bringing Chiron to Life: The Inspiration Behind Chiron’s Way

Creating Chiron for The Council of Horses Oracle deck was a profound journey from the past into the present. As a centaur rooted in mythology, Chiron represents the fusion of human intellect and wisdom with equine sensitivity and instinct. My goal was to envision him not just as a mythological figure but as an integrated being, reflecting both his human qualities and his horse nature in harmony. This blog explores the inspirations and intentions that guided my creative process in creating his portrait.

Chiron (Detail) also showing part of the horse head in cave opening)

The Challenge of Integration: Blending the Human and the Equine

My creative challenge was to portray the centaur, Chiron, as an integrated being, not just half-man, half-horse, but a seamless combination of both. I felt a deep commitment to create this work of art to depict not only a centaur, but the specific healing presence of Chiron himself. Chiron is not merely a centaur, he was the first sentient centaur. In mythology, Chiron represents the fusion of human intellect and wisdom balanced with equine sensitivity and instinct. Thus began my search for the man who would become a centaur.

Looking for reference photos is often as much a process of following signs and synchronicities as creating the art itself. I scrolled through thousands of stock photos to find a male model that could convey the specific expressions and qualities I was looking for. I was thrilled when I saw a picture of a heroically handsome - and tattooed - man. I hadn't been looking for a man with tattoos, but surprisingly, this reflected my wish to portray him as a mentor relevant to those who seek his wisdom in our modern age, while honoring his mythic origins.

Intriguingly,  the images of the tattoos appeared classical and nature-based, and were intriguingly relevant to his character, including one of a woman who looked like a Grecian goddess.

The details of the tattoos made creating this part of the pastel very challenging. I painstakingly worked to create the tiny details of the designs, portraying them in the curves and hollows of his powerful torso.

Grecian Goddess tattoo

Relevant images and symbols to which I added Pegasus

Envisioning Chiron’s Human Form: The Mentor’s Expression

Chiron needed a human face that reflected his deep empathy and resilience as a mentor who has undergone hardships and emerged wiser. At the same time, I wanted to avoid making him look merely human.

Fortunately, his expression was already present. To me, the man’s prominent, straight nose and the angle of his profile seemed very horse-like. I was drawn to his direct gaze that was assertive yet softened by the position of his bowed head. I added a slight smile, which conveyed his authenticity and warmth, inviting connection while maintaining a sense of his mysterious nature.

Chiron's Greeting

The Equine Form: Poise, Balance, and Grounded Power

It is always challenging to morph two beings together in a way that seems logically and anatomically possible. I sought to create Chiron’s equine body in balance and proportion with his human torso, expressing grace and grounded strength through his posture and movement. I was honored to receive permission from equine photographer Wojciech Kwiatkowski to use his photo of a graceful stallion in mid-stride, his weight shifted forward almost in a bow, conveying the gracious attitude of his character.

Chiron's equine form

Inspiration from the Earth - Chiron’s Cave

Chiron was known to reside in a sacred healing cave in Mount Pelion in Greece. I was fortunate to find a photo posted online by an archaeologist named Niels Andreason. The photograph showed the cave opening and a glimpse of a rock wall bathed in light. 

My intuition revealed images in the stones of human faces and figures, and a single powerful horse's head. It seemed as if the earth herself was speaking of Chiron's lessons to humanity through the medium of my pastels.

In my meditations, Chiron’s cave was not a cold and empty cavern, but a comforting sanctuary lit with sparkling gems that looked like stars in the night sky. In Greek mythology, Zeus placed Chiron among the stars to be honored as the constellation Centaurus, so I brought that celestial influence into the cave's walls.

Chiron's Way pastel (cave detail) four human faces

Chiron's Way pastel (cave details)Centaurus constellation and two human faces

Making Chiron Relevant: A Modern Myth for Today

While Chiron’s origins are ancient, he is not confined to the past. I wanted to bring him into the present, as a modern mentor. It is fascinating to know that the asteroid Chiron first appeared in our solar system in the 1970s. Chiron's archetypal energy and astrological influences allow us to access his gifts in our lives and to embrace his healing and guidance in this tumultuous world.

I designed my studio to emulate a cave-like environment, so this piece fits right in.

Reflection: Embracing the Ways of Chiron

Creating Chiron demanded more than my artistic skills—it called for my soulful engagement with the archetype he represents. Chiron assisted me in utilizing my creative intellect, ideas, and ability to interpret his complex physical form while intuiting the somatic and emotional impact of his energy and environment so I could bring forth a centaur who embodies the mind of a mentor with the heart and soul of a horse.

The final pastel of "Chiron's Way"

SHOP PRINTS AND ORIGINAL