Shaina’s Chiron talk got me thinking; I’ve never really paid much mind to him, to be honest. I mean, sure, I got wounds. But welcome to humanity, y’kno?  I consider myself well-adjusted, but fully realize self-assessment of being well-adjusted is a lot like self-assessment of humor—even those the furthest off may think they’re stellar.

Not to mention I’ve got Virgo coming out the wazoo, so maybe I should pay some attention to the Chiron dude, I reason. Just in case he really is one of Mercury’s kids.

How well do I manage my wounds? That’s what I asked, and I was completely shocked to see the ten of coins in response.  (I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge this as a clear vote for Mercury’s rulership of Chiron. The symbols are for Mercury in Virgo.)

My wounds are my treasures? Well…with Virgo, they sure could be, provided they’re ultimately used in service.

I noticed a long time ago, the people I knew in my life who were off-the-charts kind, the most compassionate, and the most full of love were often the ones who had the hardest lives. Folks that would have fair justification for living out their days full of bitterness and hate just didn’t—what’s more, they often went the other direction, with a grand flourish! I tried hard to understand it, because it’s utterly humbling to watch.

Pain gives insight. You can either stuff it down with rage or process it with transcendence. But whatever path you take to manage your pain, you don’t soon forget it. When you see someone with pain similar, your heart goes out to them on a level that’s beyond mere understanding, but a heartfelt empathy that contains some of the hurt for them, because you can experience with them and not flinch. You know how rare that is?

I have never had the degree of challenge some have, I know. But the big wounds (to me)—being shunned by my family, losing my kids, even spending most of my life being very fat—each step along the way, I’ve tried to process and grow. And any time I see the opportunity, I share what lessons and perspective I’ve taken with others who are struggling. How could I not? Having been through the fire, surviving and thriving offers hope to others amidst the flames.

I want to do whatever I can to lighten others’ burdens. That is my goal. Dealing with my wounds, such as they are, does give me a treasure box full of insights I can may share, or even just enough understanding that I can be fully present with someone else who is hurting. They don’t have to be alone.

That is a gift—not only to them, but very much to me as well. It allows me to fulfill my purpose.

How about you? Has your pain brought you any treasures?

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Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti