Nessus

NESSUS

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Nessus was discovered in 1993 on the 26th of April. Named after another prominent Centaur from Greek mythology, it is the third in the astronomical class Centaur, referring to several of these small objects with eccentric orbits found beyond the orbit of Saturn. Nessus has an orbital period of 122 1/2 years. Just as the orbit of Chiron links Saturn and Uranus, and that of Pholus links Saturn and Neptune, the orbit of Nessus links Saturn with Pluto. The mythology of Nessus partakes of some of the same elements as the other Centaur stories, including painful death. Hercules was again involved. When Nessus was ferrying Hercules ' bride, Deianeira, across a river, he tried to rape her and so Hercules shot him through the heart with a poisoned arrow. Although dying, Nessus wreaked revenge on Hercules by giving some of the poison mixed with his blood and semen, to Deianeira with the instruction that she should give it to her husband if she ever suspected him to be unfaithful and that it would keep him honest. She did as she was told, but instead Hercules died in great pain. The element of revenge and painful transformation are therefore part of this planetoid's astrological symbolism. When strongly placed, Nessus symbolizes the difficult transition between decisions and responsibility that may lead to death or violent change. An element of revenge may be present. His position by house and sign, and by planetary connection, is likely to indicate where we may need to understand more of our dark side, and where old wounds can come up for healing and renewal.