We can expect this is alluding to the incurable wound of Cheiron which was inflicted by a poisoned arrow, but it also demonstrates how the symbolism of this constellation contains interwoven and conflicting principles, such that innocence and guilt, and pain and healing become entangled in each other. Many authors have also emphasized a destructive connection with poison. "… hard-heartedness, inclination to vengeance, love of arms, strong passions and an energetic nature". In particular, his text describes a proficiency and intuitive skill in the veterinary vocation, for its native: He ascribes to it a general affinity with horses and the healing art. Manilius's 1st century description of the constellation's influence is very much in keeping with the nobler aspects of Cheiron mythology. His place in the heavens was awarded in honour of his selfless renunciation of his immortality in favour of the Titan Prometheus. His own incurable injury gave him the empathy to understand the pain of others, and earned him a reputation as the healer who could not, himself, be healed. As the son of Chronos and the ocean nymph Philyra he was immortal, but he received a terrible, poisonous wound from an arrow which was shot (in error) by Hercules. He was proficient in many arts - astronomy, philosophy, botany, music, divination and medicine - and he was also a great teacher under whom many Greek heroes studied. That Cheiron was different proclaims his ability to rise above, rather than be pulled into, the expectations of his environment. Tales of the centaurs describe them as aggressive and brutal. Centaurus barely featured in the 4th century BC text of Aratus, but according to Eratosthenes, who wrote of the constellations in the 2nd century BC, the star group depicts the mythological figure of Cheiron: a half-man, half-horse creature who was remarkable amongst his wild and lawless race because of his wisdom, gentility and love of humanity. The mythology of the Southern Centaur is believed to be of Greek origin, developing later than that of the more warlike Sagittarius, whose imagery is known to be Mesopotamian.
As a consequence the alpha star of this constellation has been given little attention in traditional astrological works - considering it is, after all, the closest star to the earth and the 3rd brightest star in the sky. In Athens (23 N) they scarcely appear above the horizon, so the early Greek texts undermined their importance. Centaurus is a southern constellation and its brightest stars are not visible in regions above latitude 29 north.
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