“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso
Art and Healing Come from the Same Well
Chiron, a centaur of mythological fame and an early archetype of the wounded healer, was said to have been accidentally struck by an arrow shot from Hercules’ bow. The arrow was dipped in the venom of the Hydra, creating a painful and incurable wound that added depth to this Apollo-trained healer’s medical prowess. Known for his empathy and innovative cures, Chiron approached each “patient” as a unique individual with needs unlike anyone else’s. The centaur also symbolizes a creative approach to healing.
Whether we are healing ourselves of life’s inevitable psychic wounds or supporting others in their healing, we are all wounded healers. Like Chiron, we are not likely to cure all of our wounds completely. Often, the best we can hope for is some relief from the pain and insight that helps us turn wounds into something creative and product…
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