It is said that medical astrology can be defined as,
- "A holistic astrological view that integrates the symbolic and practical connections between the cosmos and the human body."
The cosmic symbolism and astrological influences that are considered when applying medical astrology are explained in detail in this article. But in more practical terms, medical astrology is essentially a method of analysing a person's horoscope to identify health risks and vulnerabilities. This information may then be used to ward of potential health problems and aid in the treatment of existing conditions. This form of astrology is a supplement to medical treatment, not a substitute and no good astrologer is going to suggest that you consult your chart, instead of your doctor.
The Zodiac Signs & Health
It is well known that each zodiac sign is connected with a specific part of the human body. However in medical astrology, a deeper connection between the Moon and Sun signs and the different anatomical systems is considered. This correlation has been established through an association of archetypal symbolism, planetary rulership and ancient observations of celestial movements and health patterns.
- The Zodiac Body. Macrocosm-Microcosm.
In astrology, the human body is viewed as a microcosm of the greater cosmic order. The zodiac is believed to represent the full spectrum of human existence, starting from Aries at the head and ending with Pisces at the feet. This is known as the 'Zodiac Man'.
Astrologers historically noticed that certain health issues were more prominent during the time of specific zodiac signs. Over time, these associations became linked to parts of the body influenced by those signs. For example, Aries, ruled by Mars and associated with aggression and action, was connected with the head. As a result, ailments such as tension and headaches are often associated with Aries' energetic personality.
- Symbolism and Archetypes.
Astrology applies archetypes, assigning qualities of a sign to body parts or systems that reflect similar attributes. Leo governs the heart and spine, symbolising leadership and vitality qualities central to Leo's archetype. Virgo, associated with health and detail, rules the intestines and nervous system, critical for digestion and well-being.
- Energetic Affinities and Organ Systems.
Astrologers also consider the elemental qualities of signs (fire, earth, air, water) and how they influence bodily functions. That is,
- Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Associated with, energy, heat, circulation and muscle activity.
- Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Associated with, structure, digestion and physical maintenance.
- Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Associated with, breathing, nerves and communication.
- Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Associated with, fluids, emotions and detoxification.
A detailed look at each sign reveals:
- Aries ♈ (March 21 – April 19) Rules the head, upper jaw, skull and adrenals. Associated with Mars, it governs energy, competition and the 'fight-or-flight' response. Co-rules the teeth (upper jaw) with Capricorn and the frontal lobe with other fire signs.
- Taurus ♉ (April 20 – May 20) Governs the lower jaw, tongue, taste buds, salivary glands, tonsils, throat, thyroid and vocal cords. Co-rules the teeth (lower jaw) with Capricorn and has a connection to the brain stem.
- Gemini ♊ (May 21 – June 20) Controls the lungs, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers and parts of the ear. Governs the sensory nerves and co-rules the nervous system with Virgo.
- Cancer ♋ (June 21 – July 22) Associated with the stomach, breasts, uterus, mucous membranes, limbic system (especially the hippocampus) and the pericardium. Governs memory and emotional recall, the gums and co-rules the pituitary gland with Capricorn.
- Leo ♌ (July 23 – August 22) Rules the heart, thymus gland, spinal cord, back and cell nucleus. Associated with vitality and leadership.
- Virgo ♍ (August 23 – September 22) Governs the intestines, autonomic and enteric nervous systems, pancreas, spleen, diaphragm and liver (with Sagittarius). Co-rules the immune system with Pisces.
- Libra ♎ (September 23 – October 22) Associated with homeostasis and balance. Rules the hips, kidneys, endocrine system, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Often linked to paired organs.
- Scorpio ♏ (October 23 – November 21) Governs the genitals, prostate, cervix, colon, urinary tract, sweat glands, nose and sinuses. Associated with elimination and reproductive processes.
- Sagittarius ♐ (November 22 – December 21) Rules the liver, thighs, buttocks, sacrum, sciatic nerve and lower spinal cord. Connected to nervous system integration and possibly the hypothalamus.
- Capricorn ♑ (December 22 – January 19) Governs the bones, joints, teeth, nails, hair, skin and gallbladder. Co-rules the pituitary gland with Cancer.
- Aquarius ♒ (January 20 – February 18) Controls the ankles, calves, Achilles tendon, circulatory system and electrolyte balance. Governs the electrical impulses in the body and blood circulation.
- Pisces ♓ (February 19 – March 20) Rules the feet, lymphatic system, appendix and co-rules the immune system with Virgo.
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Planetary Influence on Health
Each planet is believed to govern specific organs, bodily functions and health conditions.
- The Sun ⊙
- The Sun is associated with overall vitality and general well-being. The Sun is responsible for the heart, spine and circulatory system.
- Rulership: Leo.
- Associated Body Parts: Heart, thymus, back, spinal cord, right eye (for men), left eye (for women).
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Vital Life Force: Symbolises energy, temperature regulation and metabolism.
- Consciousness: Loss of consciousness is often linked with solar influences.
- Sunlight and Vitamin D: Governs skin's ability to synthesise Vitamin D from sunlight.
- Body Emphasis: The Sun highlights the health significance of the body areas associated with its sign in a person’s birth chart (e.g., Capricorn Sun emphasises bones, joints and skin).
- Positive/Negative Impact: Depends on the Sun’s dignity and placement in the chart.
- The Moon ☽
- The Moon is associated with a person's physical and emotional state. The Moon has an influence on the bones, breasts, digestive system and lymphatic system. This planet has a strong influence on one's psyche, confidence and general psychological state.
- Rulership: Cancer.
- Associated Body Parts: Stomach, mucus membranes, female reproductive organs, brain membranes (meninges), lymphatic system and gums.
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Functions and Health Impact:
- Body Fluids: Governs all bodily fluids and lubricating membranes.
- Health Significance: Regulates sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm), reproductive cycles and other biological rhythms. Plays a role in food preferences and eating habits.
- Episodic Memory: Involves recalling life events (connected to the hippocampus).
- Emotional Memory: Influenced by the amygdala, tied to emotional experiences.
- Health Indications: Indicates unconscious habits and patterns influencing health.
- Nutritional Link: Connected to potassium, essential for fluid and electrolyte balance.
-
Jupiter ♃
- Jupiter is associated with growth, expansion and the regulation of metabolism. It governs processes involving fat metabolism and liver function.
- Rulership: Sagittarius and Pisces.
- Associated Body Parts: Liver, pancreas, thighs, buttocks, lower back, sciatic nerve and hypothalamus.
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Functions and Health Impact:
- Liver Function: Governs fat metabolism, digestion and liver health, including the gallbladder.
- Nervous System: Influences the hypothalamus and the peripheral nervous system, which transmits signals from the brain to the body.
- Cognitive Function: Connected to the cerebrum, influencing higher brain functions.
- Circulatory Health: Governs arteries and arterial blood circulation.
- Nutritional Link: Associated with fats and cholesterol.
- Psychological Influence: Can relate to excess and indulgence, potentially causing metabolic disorders.
- Rahu (North Node of the Moon) ☊
- Rahu is a shadow planet with no physical mass and a malefic nature. It is associated with illusion, obsession and hidden diseases. It governs sudden health problems, addictions and psychological disturbances. Its influence often manifests as conditions that evade easy diagnosis or which turn chronic in nature.
- Associated Body Parts: Nervous system, lungs, endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid), respiratory system, lower limbs, colon and intestines.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Psychological Characteristics: Causes mental health challenges such as anxiety and phobias.
- Tendancy towards Addictions: Triggers addictions including but not limited to alcohol, drugs or food.
- Chronic Illness: Manifests as sudden health issues that can turn chronic, depending on its alignment and prevailing planetary periods.
- Infections: May lead to infections and allergic reactions, as well as sensitivity to toxins or pollutants.
- Mercury ☿
- Mercury is associated with the nervous system, the brain, speech and communication. It is believed to influence the throat, mouth, lungs, thyroid, gall bladder and respiratory system.
- Rulership: Gemini and Virgo.
- Associated Body Parts:
- Gemini: Respiratory system, arms, hands, ears, nervous system.
- Virgo: Intestines (especially small intestine), spleen, pancreas.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Nervous System and Communication: Governs brain function, breathing, manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Influences language processing, speech and auditory abilities (including hearing issues).
- Health Conditions: Affected by Mercury’s afflictions (e.g., hearing loss, cognitive decline).
- Vitamin Connection: Linked to B1 (thiamine), with deficiency possibly causing memory disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- Involuntary Functions: Regulates "fight or flight" and "rest and digest" responses, influencing digestive health and immune function.
- Venus ♀
- Venus is associated with beauty, harmony and balance. It governs the body’s sense of touch and affects reproductive health, skin and the kidneys.
- Rulership: Taurus and Libra.
- Associated Body Parts: Kidneys, skin, throat, reproductive organs, lumbar region and venous circulation.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Reproductive Health: Influences fertility, sexual health and overall reproductive system balance.
- Venous Circulation: Governs veins and their function, aiding in the circulation of blood throughout the body.
- Sensory and Emotional Well-being: Affects the body’s sense of touch, pleasure and emotional well-being.
- Skin Health: Plays a role in maintaining skin health, hydration and beauty.
- Kidney Function: Responsible for kidney health and the body's ability to filter and maintain fluid balance.
- Hormonal Influence: Affects hormone regulation, particularly those related to attraction and bonding.
- Ketu (South Node of the Moon) ☋
- Ketu is the binary twin of Rahu. The health problems caused by Ketu can be mysterious, often linked to autoimmune conditions, accidents or viruses and parasites. It can also be responsible for psychological withdrawal or fatigue.
- Associated Body Parts: Feet, eyes, blood circulation and lymphatic system, nervous system.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Immune Response: Causes a susceptibility to viral infections and can compromise immune response mechanisms.
- Exhaustion: Triggers chronic pain, exhaustion, fatigue and anaemia.
- Neurological Impact: Can cause neurological issues such as hallucinations and depression.
- Injury Prone: May lead to injuries or accidents, especially involving animals.
- Positive/Negative Impact: Brings mysterious or karmically influenced health problems.
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Saturn ♄
- Saturn governs structure, discipline and the skeletal system, with strong connections to chronic diseases and aging processes.
- Rulership: Capricorn and Aquarius.
- Associated Body Parts: Bones, ligaments, joints, connective tissues, skin, hair, nails and gallbladder.
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Functions and Health Impact:
- Skeletal System: Regulates bone structure and joint function, including inner ear bones, impacting hearing.
- Gallbladder Health: Linked to gallstones and issues involving the hardening of tissues.
- Aging and Chronic Conditions: Associated with slow, degenerative diseases, including depression.
- Nutritional Link: Governs calcium and its absorption.
- Mental Health: Influences psychological issues, especially depression.
-
Mars ♂
- Mars rules both Aries (modern astrology) and Scorpio (traditional astrology). It is associated with action, willpower and the body’s defense mechanisms.
- Rulership: Aries and Scorpio.
- Associated Body Parts: Head, skull, eyes, optic nerves, adrenals, frontal lobe (co-ruled by fire signs), prostate, cervix, urinary tract, sweat glands, nose and sinuses.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Defense Mechanism: Mars governs the immune system, defending the body against illness and injury.
- Adrenal and Sympathetic Nervous System: Responsible for fight-or-flight responses, providing offense against physical attacks.
- Inflammatory Response: Tied to inflammation, fevers, pain and the body’s response to injury.
- Blood and Injury: Mars rules blood and its role in injury and surgical procedures, including emergency surgeries.
- Muscular System: Controls the action and function of muscles.
- Reproductive System (Men): Tied to sperm, sperm count and testosterone levels.
- Nutritional Link: Associated with protein and iron, especially important for individuals with strong Mars placements, who often require meat in their diet.
- Surgery: Mars governs sharp instruments and surgeries, especially in acute scenarios.
-
Uranus ♅
- Uranus represents sudden changes, disruptions and electrical impulses in the body, influencing nerve function and rhythms.
- Rulership: Aquarius.
- Associated Body Parts: Calves, ankles, Achilles tendon, nervous system and circulatory system.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Electrical Impulses: Governs the body's electrical systems, such as nerve impulses and heart rhythms.
- Nerve Health: Influences conditions like seizures and sensory processing disorders.
- Body Rhythms: Regulates coordination of brain and heart rhythms.
- Pathology: Associated with sudden, spasmodic conditions and inflammatory responses.
-
Neptune ♆
- Neptune governs sensitivity, altered states and immune function. It influences sleep, dreams and autoimmunity.
- Rulership: Pisces.
- Associated Body Parts: Feet, lymphatic system, pineal gland and immune system.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Sleep Regulation: Governs circadian rhythms through melatonin production by the pineal gland.
- Immune Function: Influences autoimmunity, allergies and fungal infections.
- Altered States: Rules sleep, dreams, hypnosis and psychedelic experiences.
- Mental Health: Associated with confusion, misdiagnoses and sensitivity on multiple levels (emotional, psychological, physical).
-
Pluto ♇
- Pluto governs transformation, detoxification and trauma. It is linked to regeneration and psychological resilience.
- Rulership: None traditionally, but linked to Scorpio in modern astrology.
- Associated Body Parts: Reproductive organs, excretory system and areas involving cell death and detoxification.
-
Functions and Health Impact:
- Detoxification: Governs the removal of toxins and purging processes.
- Tissue Regeneration: Linked to cell death, necrosis and recovery processes.
- Mental Health: Heavily associated with trauma, OCD and PTSD.
- Psychological Influence: Brings intensity but also fosters resilience and the ability to recover from adversity.
Natal Chart Houses for Illness
In astrological terms, there are at least three houses of a natal chart that specifically allude to a person's health, well-being, physical characteristics and life span. These being the:
- 1st House: This is the house of the ascendant planet of the chart and governs the general mental and physical health, physical attributes, thoughts and temperament of a person.
- 6th House: This is the house of disease and illness. The planets that rule, occupy and aspect this house show what types of major and minor illnesses a person may be susceptible to. The planetary periods that the individual will pass through during their lifetime show when these illnesses may occur and end.
- 8th House: This is the house of death and longevity. The planets that rule, occupy and aspect this house are also an indication of the more major ailments that may affect an individual's health.
In addition to these houses, the main natal chart may be sub-divided into a further 16 divisional charts, each of which contains a complete set of twelve houses. One of these divisional charts is known as the 'Trishamsh' chart and this describes the possible forms of health related misfortune that an individual may suffer, during their lifetime. An astrologer will take into account all such horoscope details whilst compiling a comprehensive Medical Astrology Report.
Astrological Remedies for Good Health
There are many astrological remedies for protecting and ensuring good health. Some of the more widely accepted ways to improve one's health through astrological practices are:
- Planetary strengthening through the use of gemstones.
- The chanting of Mantras for health and those associated with planets.
- Colour therapy such as wearing clothes or using colours associated with specific planets. This also relates to gemstone remedies.
- Ritual prayer ceremonies for specific planets and to appease planetary deities and ward off health issues.
- Talismanic objects such as Vedic amulets or 'Yantras'. These are sacred geometric diagrams connected to planets and specific remedial measures.
Effective Astrological Amulets & Objects
This is an astrological remedy in the shape of a fashion accessory. Lucky charm bracelets and astrological pendants are quite similar in function, with bracelets offering increased physical contact. This can be of advantage if the material of the bracelet has therapeutic benefits, such as the rudraksh bracelet show in the figure. This bead of the rudraksh tree appeases Saturn, Venus, Mars and the Moon and helps to calm the nerves and regulate blood pressure.
This talisman represents Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and obstacles who forms part of the divine trinity. He is worshipped by all Vedic planets, including the malefic ones. This talisman is essentially for well-being and good health, but has a dual effect as this also appeases and subdues many astrological problems.
This amulet is a wearable Mahamrityunjay talisman and physical representation of the Mahamrityunjay Mantra, which is a potent chant for gaining the blessings of Lord Shiva, who is referred to as Lord to the gods. This Mantra was composed by the sage, Rishi Markandey and is described in the ancient Hindu scriptures the 'Rig', 'Yajur' and 'Athhur' Vedas. 'Mahamrityunjay' can be considered to be a form of Lord Shiva which means, victory over death and it uses 'Knowledge of Resurrection' or 'Sanjeevani Vidya', to prevent an untimely death and misfortune. This amulet brings good health, vibrancy, strength and all forms of good fortune.
'Trigaya' is a Sanskrit word that means to singularly focus one's energies so as to achieve a specific task or objective. This word is also synonymous with Lord Buddha. The talisman of this name brings great strength so as to extend one's lifespan that is, this talisman promotes a long life. It is placed at a fixed location in the home of the worshipper and is to face east. It then focuses the positive energy coming from the east to bring strength and longevity to the worshipper.
'Hanuman' is the monkey God and son of 'Pavan', the deity who rules the atmosphere. According to Hindu mythology, 'Hanuman' possesses great physical strength, enough to move mountains. This talisman benefits from Hanuman's immense strength and blesses those who possess it with good health, physical strength and protection. However, this talisman is considered to mainly be of benefit to men, due to Hanuman's celibate nature.
This bracelet not only looks good, it brings good luck and good health. Made of high quality 'Rudraksh' beads interspaced with natural crystal beads, it has therapeutic properties such as regulating blood pressure and relieving stress. The Rudraksh and crystal beads in this lucky bracelet enhance the condition of the wearer's health and aid with spiritual enlightenment.
Like the 'Mahamrityunjay Mantra', the Gayatri Mantra is a powerful Vedic chant. Placing this graphical representation of this Vedic Mantra in your home, promotes peace, harmony and wellness and drives away negative energy.
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