diff --git a/gitnexus/package.json b/gitnexus/package.json
index c4403f9d8..5595b2c17 100644
--- a/gitnexus/package.json
+++ b/gitnexus/package.json
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@
     "gitnexus": "./dist/cli/index.js"
   },
   "files": [
-    "dist"
+    "dist",
+    "skills"
   ],
   "scripts": {
     "build": "tsc",
diff --git a/gitnexus/skills/debugging.md b/gitnexus/skills/debugging.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ac75c13d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gitnexus/skills/debugging.md
@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+---
+name: gitnexus-debugging
+description: Trace bugs through call chains using knowledge graph
+---
+
+# Debugging with GitNexus
+
+## Quick Start
+1. `gitnexus_search(query)` → Find code related to the error
+2. `gitnexus_explore(name, "symbol")` → Get callers and callees
+3. `gitnexus_cypher` → Trace specific dependency paths
+
+## When to Use
+- "Why is this function failing?"
+- "Trace where this error comes from"
+- "Who calls this method?"
+- "Debug the payment issue"
+
+## Workflow
+```
+Bug Investigation:
+- [ ] Understand the symptom (error message, behavior)
+- [ ] gitnexus_search to find related code
+- [ ] Identify the suspect function
+- [ ] gitnexus_explore to see callers/callees
+- [ ] Check which processes the suspect is in
+- [ ] Trace dependencies with gitnexus_cypher
+- [ ] Form hypothesis and verify
+```
+
+## Tool Reference
+
+### gitnexus_search
+Find code related to error or symptom.
+```
+gitnexus_search({
+  query: "payment validation error",
+  depth: "full",
+  groupByProcess: true
+})
+→ validatePayment, handlePaymentError, PaymentException
+→ Grouped by: CheckoutFlow, RefundFlow
+```
+
+### gitnexus_explore (for symbol)
+Get symbol context.
+```
+gitnexus_explore({name: "validatePayment", type: "symbol"})
+→ Callers: processCheckout, webhookHandler
+→ Callees: verifyCard, fetchRates
+→ Cluster: Payment
+→ Processes: CheckoutFlow, RefundFlow
+```
+
+### gitnexus_cypher
+Custom graph queries for tracing.
+
+**Find all callers of a function:**
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH (caller)-[:CodeRelation {type: 'CALLS'}]->(f:Function {name: "validatePayment"})
+  RETURN caller.name, caller.filePath
+`})
+```
+
+**Find what a function calls:**
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH (f:Function {name: "validatePayment"})-[:CodeRelation {type: 'CALLS'}]->(callee)
+  RETURN callee.name, callee.filePath
+`})
+```
+
+**Trace call chain (2 hops):**
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH path = (a)-[:CodeRelation {type: 'CALLS'}*1..2]->(b:Function {name: "validatePayment"})
+  RETURN [n IN nodes(path) | n.name] AS chain
+`})
+```
+
+## Example: "Payment endpoint returns 500 intermittently"
+
+1. **Search for payment error handling**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_search({query: "payment error handling", depth: "full"})
+   ```
+   → validatePayment, handlePaymentError, PaymentException
+
+2. **Explore the suspect function**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_explore({name: "validatePayment", type: "symbol"})
+   ```
+   → Callers: processCheckout, webhookHandler
+   → Callees: verifyCard, **fetchRates** (external API!)
+
+3. **Form hypothesis**
+   `fetchRates` calls external currency API → intermittent failures when API is slow
+
+4. **Verify**
+   Read `fetchRates` source to check timeout/error handling
+
+5. **Root cause**
+   `fetchRates` doesn't handle timeout properly → fix with retry logic
+
+## Debugging Patterns
+
+| Symptom | Approach |
+|---------|----------|
+| Error message | Search for error text, trace throw sites |
+| Wrong return value | Trace data flow through callees |
+| Intermittent failure | Look for external calls, timeouts |
+| Performance issue | Find hot paths via callers count |
+| Recent regression | Check recently modified files |
+
+## When to Use Something Else
+
+| Need | Use Instead |
+|------|-------------|
+| Explore unfamiliar code | `gitnexus-exploring` skill |
+| Check change impact | `gitnexus-impact-analysis` skill |
+| Plan refactoring | `gitnexus-refactoring` skill |
diff --git a/gitnexus/skills/exploring.md b/gitnexus/skills/exploring.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8488c13ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gitnexus/skills/exploring.md
@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+---
+name: gitnexus-exploring
+description: Navigate unfamiliar code using GitNexus knowledge graph
+---
+
+# Exploring Codebases
+
+## Quick Start
+1. `gitnexus_context` → Get codebase stats and hotspots
+2. `gitnexus_overview` → See all clusters and processes
+3. `gitnexus_explore(name, "cluster")` → Deep dive on a cluster
+
+## When to Use
+- "How does authentication work?"
+- "What's the project structure?"
+- "Show me the main components"
+- "Where is the database logic?"
+
+## Workflow
+```
+Exploring Codebase:
+- [ ] Call gitnexus_context to get codebase overview
+- [ ] Call gitnexus_overview to list clusters
+- [ ] Identify the relevant cluster by name
+- [ ] Call gitnexus_explore(clusterName, "cluster") to see members
+- [ ] Call gitnexus_explore(symbolName, "symbol") for specific functions
+```
+
+## Tool Reference
+
+### gitnexus_context
+Get codebase overview. **Call first.**
+```
+gitnexus_context()
+→ Stats: 2,400 nodes, 12 clusters, 45 processes
+→ Hotspots: most connected functions
+```
+
+### gitnexus_overview
+List all clusters and processes.
+```
+gitnexus_overview({showClusters: true, showProcesses: true})
+→ Clusters: Auth, Database, API, ...
+→ Processes: LoginFlow, CheckoutFlow, ...
+```
+
+### gitnexus_explore
+Deep dive on symbol, cluster, or process.
+```
+gitnexus_explore({name: "Auth", type: "cluster"})
+→ Members: validateUser, checkToken, hashPassword
+→ Processes using this cluster
+
+gitnexus_explore({name: "validateUser", type: "symbol"})
+→ Callers: loginHandler, apiMiddleware
+→ Callees: checkToken, getUserById
+→ Cluster: Auth
+
+gitnexus_explore({name: "LoginFlow", type: "process"})
+→ Steps: handleLogin → validateUser → createSession → respond
+```
+
+## Example: "How does payment processing work?"
+
+1. **Get overview**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_context()
+   ```
+   → 2,400 nodes, 12 clusters, 45 processes
+
+2. **Find payment cluster**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_overview({showClusters: true})
+   ```
+   → Clusters: Auth, **Payment**, Database, API, ...
+
+3. **Explore payment cluster**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_explore({name: "Payment", type: "cluster"})
+   ```
+   → Members: processPayment, validateCard, PaymentService, ...
+   → Processes: CheckoutFlow, RefundFlow
+
+4. **Trace the checkout flow**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_explore({name: "CheckoutFlow", type: "process"})
+   ```
+   → handleCheckout → validateCart → processPayment → sendConfirmation
+
+## When to Use Something Else
+
+| Need | Use Instead |
+|------|-------------|
+| Debug failing code | `gitnexus-debugging` skill |
+| Check change impact | `gitnexus-impact-analysis` skill |
+| Plan refactoring | `gitnexus-refactoring` skill |
diff --git a/gitnexus/skills/impact-analysis.md b/gitnexus/skills/impact-analysis.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cc3a85e8f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gitnexus/skills/impact-analysis.md
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+---
+name: gitnexus-impact-analysis
+description: Analyze blast radius before making code changes
+---
+
+# Impact Analysis
+
+## Quick Start
+1. `gitnexus_impact(target, "upstream")` → What depends on this (will break)
+2. Review affected processes and clusters
+3. Assess risk level
+
+## When to Use
+- "Is it safe to change this function?"
+- "What will break if I modify X?"
+- "Show me the blast radius"
+- "Who uses this code?"
+
+## Understanding Output
+
+| Depth | Risk Level | Meaning |
+|-------|-----------|---------|
+| d=1 | WILL BREAK | Direct callers/importers |
+| d=2 | LIKELY AFFECTED | Indirect dependencies |
+| d=3 | MAY NEED TESTING | Transitive effects |
+
+| Confidence | Meaning |
+|------------|---------|
+| 1.0 | Certain (static analysis) |
+| 0.8+ | High confidence |
+| <0.8 | Fuzzy match (may be false positive) |
+
+## Workflow
+```
+Impact Analysis:
+- [ ] gitnexus_impact(target, "upstream") to find dependents
+- [ ] Review affected processes
+- [ ] Check high-confidence (>0.8) dependencies first
+- [ ] Count affected clusters (cross-cutting = higher risk)
+- [ ] If >10 processes affected, consider splitting change
+```
+
+## Tool Reference
+
+### gitnexus_impact
+Analyze blast radius.
+```
+gitnexus_impact({
+  target: "validateUser",
+  direction: "upstream",
+  minConfidence: 0.8,
+  maxDepth: 3,
+  includeTests: false
+})
+```
+
+**Parameters:**
+- `target` — Function, class, or file name
+- `direction` — "upstream" (what depends on this) or "downstream" (what this depends on)
+- `minConfidence` — Filter out fuzzy matches (default: 0.7)
+- `maxDepth` — How far to trace (default: 3)
+- `includeTests` — Include test files (default: false)
+
+**Output:**
+```
+Impact Analysis for "validateUser":
+
+d=1 (WILL BREAK):
+- loginHandler (src/auth/login.ts:42) [CALLS, 100%]
+- apiMiddleware (src/api/middleware.ts:15) [CALLS, 100%]
+
+d=2 (LIKELY AFFECTED):
+- authRouter (src/routes/auth.ts:22) [CALLS, 95%]
+- sessionManager (src/session/manager.ts:88) [CALLS, 90%]
+
+Affected Processes: LoginFlow, TokenRefresh, APIGateway
+Affected Clusters: Auth, API
+
+Risk: MEDIUM (3 processes, 2 clusters)
+```
+
+## Example: "What breaks if I change validateUser?"
+
+1. **Run impact analysis**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_impact({
+     target: "validateUser",
+     direction: "upstream",
+     minConfidence: 0.8
+   })
+   ```
+
+2. **Review output**
+   - d=1: loginHandler, apiMiddleware (WILL BREAK)
+   - d=2: authRouter, sessionManager (LIKELY AFFECTED)
+   - Processes: LoginFlow, TokenRefresh, APIGateway
+   - Risk: MEDIUM
+
+3. **Decision**
+   - 2 direct callers → manageable
+   - 3 processes → need to test all three
+   - Auth + API clusters → may need API team coordination
+
+## Risk Assessment Guide
+
+| Affected | Risk |
+|----------|------|
+| <5 symbols, 1 cluster | LOW |
+| 5-15 symbols, 1-2 clusters | MEDIUM |
+| >15 symbols or 3+ clusters | HIGH |
+| Critical path (auth, payments) | CRITICAL |
+
+## Pre-Change Checklist
+```
+Before Committing:
+- [ ] Run impact analysis
+- [ ] Review all d=1 (WILL BREAK) items
+- [ ] Verify test coverage for affected processes
+- [ ] If risk > MEDIUM, get code review
+- [ ] If cross-cluster, coordinate with other teams
+```
+
+## When to Use Something Else
+
+| Need | Use Instead |
+|------|-------------|
+| Explore unfamiliar code | `gitnexus-exploring` skill |
+| Debug failing code | `gitnexus-debugging` skill |
+| Plan large refactors | `gitnexus-refactoring` skill |
diff --git a/gitnexus/skills/refactoring.md b/gitnexus/skills/refactoring.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0bd0c84ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gitnexus/skills/refactoring.md
@@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+---
+name: gitnexus-refactoring
+description: Plan safe refactors using blast radius and dependency mapping
+---
+
+# Refactoring with GitNexus
+
+## Quick Start
+1. `gitnexus_impact(target, "upstream")` → Map all dependents
+2. `gitnexus_cypher` → Find all references
+3. Plan changes in dependency order
+
+## When to Use
+- "Rename this function safely"
+- "Extract this into a module"
+- "Split this service"
+- "Refactor without breaking things"
+
+## Checklists
+
+### Rename Symbol
+```
+Rename Refactoring:
+- [ ] gitnexus_impact(oldName, "upstream") — find all callers
+- [ ] gitnexus_search(oldName) — find string literals
+- [ ] Check for reflection/dynamic references
+- [ ] Update in order: interface → implementation → usages
+- [ ] Run tests for affected processes
+```
+
+### Extract Module
+```
+Extract Module:
+- [ ] gitnexus_explore(target, "symbol") — map dependencies
+- [ ] gitnexus_impact(target, "upstream") — find callers
+- [ ] Define new module interface
+- [ ] Move code to new module
+- [ ] Update imports across affected files
+- [ ] Verify no circular dependencies
+```
+
+### Split Function
+```
+Split Function:
+- [ ] gitnexus_explore(target, "symbol") — understand callees
+- [ ] Group related logic
+- [ ] gitnexus_impact — verify callers won't break
+- [ ] Create new functions
+- [ ] Update callers to use correct function
+```
+
+## Tool Reference
+
+### Finding all references
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH (caller)-[:CodeRelation {type: 'CALLS'}]->(f:Function {name: "validateUser"})
+  RETURN caller.name, caller.filePath
+  ORDER BY caller.filePath
+`})
+```
+
+### Finding symbols by name pattern
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH (s)
+  WHERE s.name CONTAINS "Payment"
+  RETURN s.name, labels(s)[0] AS type, s.filePath
+`})
+```
+
+### Finding all imports of a module
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH (importer)-[:CodeRelation {type: 'IMPORTS'}]->(f:File {name: "utils.ts"})
+  RETURN importer.name, importer.filePath
+`})
+```
+
+### Finding community/cluster members
+```
+gitnexus_cypher({query: `
+  MATCH (s)-[:CodeRelation {type: 'MEMBER_OF'}]->(c:Community {label: "Auth"})
+  RETURN s.name, labels(s)[0] AS type
+`})
+```
+
+## Example: Safely Rename `validateUser` to `authenticateUser`
+
+1. **Map all callers**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_impact({
+     target: "validateUser",
+     direction: "upstream",
+     minConfidence: 0.9
+   })
+   ```
+   → loginHandler, apiMiddleware, testUtils
+
+2. **Check for string references**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_search({query: "validateUser"})
+   ```
+   → Found in: config.json (dynamic reference!)
+
+3. **Get affected processes**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_explore({name: "validateUser", type: "symbol"})
+   ```
+   → Processes: LoginFlow, TokenRefresh, APIGateway
+
+4. **Plan update order**
+   1. Update declaration in auth.ts
+   2. Update config.json string reference
+   3. Update loginHandler
+   4. Update apiMiddleware
+   5. Update testUtils
+   6. Run: LoginFlow, TokenRefresh, APIGateway tests
+
+## Example: Extract PaymentValidator Module
+
+1. **Understand current dependencies**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_explore({name: "validatePayment", type: "symbol"})
+   ```
+   → Callees: verifyCard, checkAmount, fetchRates
+   → Callers: processCheckout, refundHandler
+
+2. **Map blast radius**
+   ```
+   gitnexus_impact({target: "validatePayment", direction: "upstream"})
+   ```
+   → 2 direct callers, 3 processes
+
+3. **Create new module**
+   - Move validatePayment, verifyCard, checkAmount to PaymentValidator
+   - Keep fetchRates as external dependency (inject it)
+
+4. **Update callers**
+   - processCheckout: import { validatePayment } from './PaymentValidator'
+   - refundHandler: import { validatePayment } from './PaymentValidator'
+
+5. **Verify**
+   - Run tests for CheckoutFlow, RefundFlow processes
+
+## Refactoring Safety Rules
+
+| Risk Factor | Mitigation |
+|-------------|------------|
+| Many callers (>5) | Update in small batches |
+| Cross-cluster | Coordinate with other teams |
+| String references | Search for dynamic usage |
+| Reflection | Check for dynamic invocation |
+| External exports | May break downstream repos |
+
+## When to Use Something Else
+
+| Need | Use Instead |
+|------|-------------|
+| Explore unfamiliar code | `gitnexus-exploring` skill |
+| Debug failing code | `gitnexus-debugging` skill |
+| Quick impact check | `gitnexus-impact-analysis` skill |
diff --git a/gitnexus/src/cli/ai-context.ts b/gitnexus/src/cli/ai-context.ts
index 119877c09..8dcf1bd36 100644
--- a/gitnexus/src/cli/ai-context.ts
+++ b/gitnexus/src/cli/ai-context.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@
 
 import fs from 'fs/promises';
 import path from 'path';
+import { fileURLToPath } from 'url';
+
+// ESM equivalent of __dirname
+const __filename = fileURLToPath(import.meta.url);
+const __dirname = path.dirname(__filename);
 
 interface RepoStats {
   files?: number;
@@ -156,6 +161,74 @@ async function upsertGitNexusSection(
   return 'appended';
 }
 
+/**
+ * Install GitNexus skills to .claude/skills/gitnexus/
+ * Works natively with Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot
+ */
+async function installSkills(repoPath: string): Promise<string[]> {
+  const skillsDir = path.join(repoPath, '.claude', 'skills', 'gitnexus');
+  const installedSkills: string[] = [];
+
+  // Skill definitions bundled with the package
+  const skills = [
+    {
+      name: 'exploring',
+      description: 'Navigate unfamiliar code using GitNexus knowledge graph',
+    },
+    {
+      name: 'debugging',
+      description: 'Trace bugs through call chains using knowledge graph',
+    },
+    {
+      name: 'impact-analysis',
+      description: 'Analyze blast radius before making code changes',
+    },
+    {
+      name: 'refactoring',
+      description: 'Plan safe refactors using blast radius and dependency mapping',
+    },
+  ];
+
+  for (const skill of skills) {
+    const skillDir = path.join(skillsDir, skill.name);
+    const skillPath = path.join(skillDir, 'SKILL.md');
+
+    try {
+      // Create skill directory
+      await fs.mkdir(skillDir, { recursive: true });
+
+      // Try to read from package skills directory
+      const packageSkillPath = path.join(__dirname, '..', '..', 'skills', `${skill.name}.md`);
+      let skillContent: string;
+
+      try {
+        skillContent = await fs.readFile(packageSkillPath, 'utf-8');
+      } catch {
+        // Fallback: generate minimal skill content
+        skillContent = `---
+name: gitnexus-${skill.name}
+description: ${skill.description}
+---
+
+# ${skill.name.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + skill.name.slice(1)}
+
+${skill.description}
+
+Use GitNexus tools to accomplish this task.
+`;
+      }
+
+      await fs.writeFile(skillPath, skillContent, 'utf-8');
+      installedSkills.push(skill.name);
+    } catch (err) {
+      // Skip on error, don't fail the whole process
+      console.warn(`Warning: Could not install skill ${skill.name}:`, err);
+    }
+  }
+
+  return installedSkills;
+}
+
 /**
  * Generate AI context files after indexing
  */
@@ -178,5 +251,12 @@ export async function generateAIContextFiles(
   const claudeResult = await upsertGitNexusSection(claudePath, content);
   createdFiles.push(`CLAUDE.md (${claudeResult})`);
 
+  // Install skills to .claude/skills/gitnexus/
+  const installedSkills = await installSkills(repoPath);
+  if (installedSkills.length > 0) {
+    createdFiles.push(`.claude/skills/gitnexus/ (${installedSkills.length} skills)`);
+  }
+
   return { files: createdFiles };
 }
+