Also called Kentauroi, Pholus, Nessus.
Their story
The Centaurs were descended from Ixion and a cloud shaped like Hera, and lived on Mount Pelion in Thessaly. At the wedding of Pirithous, king of the Lapiths, they became drunk and tried to carry off the bride, starting a great battle. The fight was carved on the Parthenon and the temple of Zeus at Olympia. The centaur Nessus tricked Deianira into giving Heracles a poisoned robe.
Best times to give to them
- In wild places
- When reflecting on self-control
What they like being given
- None are traditional; a walk in wild hills is fitting
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
How to honour them
- Reflect on the balance between wild instinct and civility.
- Drink moderately; the centaurs' story is a warning about excess.
How they can help you
- Balancing instinct and reason
- Understanding the wild
Symbols
- horse body
- tree branch
- bow
- wine jar
Chiron and Pholus were kinder exceptions.
Sources
- Homer, Odyssey 21.295-304
- Pindar, Pythian 2.21-48
- Pausanias, Description of Greece 5.10.8
More Greek spirits
- The Anemoi The four winds
- The Muses The nine daughters of Memory
- The Moirai Spinners of the thread of life
- The Charites The Graces of joy and charm
- The Horae Keepers of the seasons and order
- The Erinyes Avengers of blood and broken oaths
- The Harpies The snatchers
- The Gorgons The three sisters of the terrible gaze