Pholus 5145

Pholus was a wise and peaceful centaur who lived in a cave near Mount Pelion, a common stomping ground for his race. His friend Heracles came to rest from his labors, after capturing the Erymanthian Boar. Pholus had in his possession a jar of wine, a gift to all the centaurs; Heracles asked for a drink, but Pholus hesitated, fearing to open the jar. Heracles brushed aside his objections, opened the jar, and poured the wine. Several centaurs in the area smelled the wine, became enraged, and charged the cave, wanting their share.

Heracles attacked them with his bow and arrows dipped in the poisonous blood of the Hydra, killing several before chasing the rest into the woods. Pholus, intrigued by how so small a thing as an arrow could kill a mighty centaur, picked one up to examine it, dropped it, and it pierced his foot, the poison killing him instantly. The name Pholus was given to one of the centaur bodies that orbit between Saturn and Uranus.

Astrologically Pholus represents the small cause yielding a large effect; “taking the lid off” a situation with explosive results; and a catalyst or reagent spurring change or transformation. Pholus also relates to mass deaths, by whatever cause, such as natural disaster or terrorist acts.

Alex Miller is a professional writer and astrologer, author of The Black Hole Book, detailing deep space points in astrological interpretation, and the forthcoming Heaven on Earth, a comprehensive study of asteroids, both mythic and personal. Alex is a frequent contributor to “The Mountain Astrologer”, “Daykeeper Journal”, and NCGR’s Journals and “Enews Commentary”; his work has also appeared in “Aspects” magazine, “Dell Horoscope”, “Planetwaves”, “Neptune Café” and “Sasstrology.” He is a past president of Philadelphia Astrological Society, and a former board member for the Philadelphia Chapter of NCGR.

2 comments, add yours.

Henk Middelraad

I wonder whether Pholus is involved with the coronavirus.

Do you have any suggestions?

    Alex Miller

    Author

    Pholus has definitely been involved; see how here:

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  1. […] the assault come with the continued TNO Ixion (named for the primary assassin in Greek fantasy) and centaur Pholus (with connections to more than one casualties) conjunction, lately at 2 and six Capricorn (the […]

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