Astrological Healing

Medical Astrology is an ancient branch of the art with roots stretching back in time. It is a complex area of astrological practise that requires years of study to fully master. This feature gives you a broad outline of medical astrology but it is not intended to replace a full diagnosis by a qualified health professional. Alternative therapies are gaining more acceptance and respect in today’s society as people are adopting natural healing options, often as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, traditional western medicine.

Medical astrology is useful in aiding diagnosis and for this reason is an excellent complement to traditional medical practises and other natural remedies.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, advised his students to always analyse the horoscope of each patient. However, the Hippocratic oath, sworn by the medical practitioners of today, carries no such astrological message. Most doctors in western cultures would scoff at any suggestion that astrology can be useful in diagnosis or in assessing health issues.

Long ago, traditional western medicine lost its connections to these astrological roots when astrology fell into disrepute in the 1700s, but before this it was common for physicians to have a comprehensive knowledge of astrology and it was commonplace to study the horoscope chart when treating their patients.

Today, there is a growing awareness that prolonged stress can impact on our health and wellbeing. We each possess different ways of dealing with stress and each have particular areas where we are physically vulnerable. Clues to specific strengths and weaknesses can be found in the birth chart.

Astrology is much more readily accepted and used medicinally in eastern cultures. The Chinese, for example, understand the importance of the planets. In fact Chinese Astrology underpins this holistic eastern philosophy. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) each planet governs specific main organs and physical functions:

PLANET	ELEMENT	ORGANS	ORGANS	Colours
Mars	Fire	Heart	Small intestine	Red
Venus	Metal	Lungs	Large intestine	White
Jupiter	Wood	Liver	Gallbladder	Green
Mercury	Water	Kidneys	Bladder	Black
Saturn	Earth	Spleen	Stomach	Yellow

Source: Sheila McNamara and Dr Song Xuan Ke Traditional Chinese Medicine, Penguin Group 1995

In this system, there is a complex relationship of rulerships between the elements and the planets, which ties into the health and wellbeing of the individual. These complex relationships mirror the intricate connections between various physical processes in the body. In TCM, if you have a problem with your kidneys, it might be necessary to treat a completely different organ, using herbs or acupuncture, in order to balance and correct the problem.

In Western Medical Astrology, each planet and sign governs specific vitamins and minerals, physical functions and parts of the body. A planet that is badly aspected in the birth chart might indicate a tendency for that particular energy to be over or under active and therefore it may represent an imbalance that is likely to manifest emotionally and also on the physical level.

We each have particular strengths and weaknesses -on a physical as well as psychological level. Psychological issues and our reactions to stress are often associated with the root cause of a particular physical ailment. But these problems can be treated. Physical healing often has a psychological component.

In matters of healing, it is also important to take into account the will of the individual to change negative behaviours, to let go of destructive thoughts and maintain a positive outlook. Mind, soul and body are all important when it comes to healing, because often the state of mind and emotions lie at the root cause of a physical ailment.

Difficult planetary placements in the birth chart can show what our health challenges might be. The horoscope shows us what challenges we might face and offers clues to the way forward. Finding out what the problem is, is often half the battle. Once we have conscious awareness of the underlying issues, we can begin to deal with them. In this way astrology, even western astrology, is holistic in its approach to dealing with physical ailments. It looks for causes and considers the whole person, body, mind and soul.

THE SUN

The position of the Sun is possibly the most important indicator as to the health and vitality of the individual. The Sun is associated with energy and the life force and should never be overlooked. We get Vitamin D directly from the Sun. Living in places where sunshine is limited can result in a range of diseases, most commonly rickets. The Sun through its association with Leo, rules the heart which pumps blood throughout the body.

A badly afflicted Sun can indicate a lack of energy and vitality, or an underlying weakness or disease that may be genetically inherited.

THE MOON

The Moon relates to our emotional state and inner wellbeing. It governs the fluids within the body. In addition, it is thought inadvisable to undergo surgery when the Moon is full or approaching fullness and far better to do so when the moon is waning, which is to avoid excessive blood loss. It is also considered risky to have surgery on the days when the Moon is located in the sign of the zodiac that rules the part of the body being operated on. For example, it would be better not to have an operation on the feet when the Moon is in Pisces.

MERCURY

Mercury rules the nervous system and mental processes. The planet also appears to be associated with the thyroid gland. Through its association with Gemini, the planet rules all the tubes of the body, which are the body’s messengers or communicators. The planet is also associated with brain function. Those who have positive Mercury aspects can usually handle day-to-day stress effectively. If outer planets form hard aspects to Mercury, it can become overly activated which can lead to mental overload or burn out.

VENUS

Venus has rulership over our personal self-worth and self-esteem. Venus is the goddess of beauty and love and therefore on a physical level is associated with the skin and female reproduction. A badly aspected Venus is implicated in poor diet, where an individual may replace self-esteem with fatty or sweet foods. Venus is also implicated in other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Through its association with Taurus and Libra, Venus is also linked to the throat, thyroid function and kidneys.

MARS

Mars rules the blood, the muscles and adrenal glands. An overactive Mars may lead to inflammatory diseases and fevers, whereas an under-stimulated Mars may be implicated in muscle wasting diseases or chronic fatigue syndrome. Mars governs sexual desire and in particular, male reproductive function. Mars can be implicated in emotional/physical disorders such as high-blood pressure.

JUPITER

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and therefore governs the largest organ - the liver. Liver function and the metabolism, in particular the metabolism of fats, are under Jupiter’s domain. Those people with an imbalance in Jupiter function can be prone to weight gain from eating foods high in saturated fat. Sugar problems may also be associated with an afflicted Jupiter. A strong Jupiter on the Ascendant can indicate a large physical frame. When Jupiter transits this position, weight gain is often experienced.

SATURN

Saturn primarily rules the bones and teeth. It also governs the skin as well as the knee joints. Arthritis is a classic Saturnian disease. Stressful Saturnian transits, especially involving the Sun can often manifest as physical diseases. This happens when one is faced with difficult decisions or the need to take action that will cause major life changes, which are stressful. Delaying the decision making process, or feeling blocked and unable to move forward, can often result in problems with bones, skin rashes or teeth.

URANUS

Uranus is associated (along with Mercury) with the mind and the electrical impulses of the brain. Accidents can occur when Uranus transits activate personal planets, like Mars for example. These are times when we are agitated or tend to rush and are therefore careless in our haste. If Uranus is highly active in the birth chart we are often more prone to accidents because we try to do physical things as quickly as we think of them.

NEPTUNE

Those with a difficult Neptune placement often want to escape reality and can be drawn into drug and/or alcohol abuse. A more productive alternative for expressing Neptune is through music and the arts. Psychic ability is often strong in Neptune types. It is a good idea to ground these ethereal qualities in some practical outlet, which is why the arts are a useful way to express Neptune energy. Neptune also rules the lymphatic system.

PLUTO

Pluto, through its rulership of Scorpio, is connected to reproduction and the cycle of birth and death. Pluto can be implicated in serious life-threatening diseases. Those with Pluto in difficult aspect to a personal planet may have undergone stressful childhood events that result in emotional wounds that go very deep. Pluto transits are also often emotionally stressful. Psychotherapy is often very useful in healing Pluto issues.

Summary of Functions and Parts of the Body - rulerships

Aries: Head and brain.

Taurus: Throat, neck, esophageus, thyroid, vocal chords.

Gemini: All tubes in the body, for example the bronchial and fallopian tubes along with the urethra and sinuses. The lungs, arms, hands, shoulders, and nervous system.

Cancer: Stomach and breasts, diaphragm, sternum, membranes, glands.

Leo: Heart and spine.

Virgo: Intestinal tract, spleen, pancreas, assimilation and absorption.

Libra: Kidneys, eyes, skin, acid-alkaline metabolism.

Scorpio: Reproductive organs and genitals, colon, bladder, prostate gland.

Sagittarius: Liver, hips, thighs, sciatic nerve, lumbar region.

Capricorn: Gall Bladder, knees, bones, teeth.

Aquarius: Ankles, oxygenation process and nervous system, spinal cord.

Pisces: Feet, parathyroid, lymphatic system.

Planetary rulerships- Vitamins and Minerals

Planets	Vitamins/Minerals
Sun	Vitamin A&D, Iodine, Magnesium.
Moon	Riboflavin (B2), Potassium.
Mercury	Thiamine (B1)
Venus	Niacin (B3), Vitamin E, Copper.
Mars	B12, Folic Acid, Fatty Acids, Chlorine, Cobalt, Iron, Phosphorus, Selenium, Sodium.
Jupiter	B6, Biotin, Cholin, Inositol, Pangamic Acid, Chromium, Manganese, Zinc.
Saturn	Paba, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Bioflavonoid, Calcium, Fluorine, Sulphur.
Uranus	None
Neptune	Pantothenic Acid, Laetrile.
Pluto	Orotic Acid.

STRESS

Stress is a major cause of disease. This is now being recognised more and more by the traditional medical establishment. When we are suffering from stress we are more susceptible to a variety of ills.

Therefore, managing stress is vital for our wellbeing and optimal health. Each sign of the zodiac has a particular mind-set, which affects the way we view the world and the way we handle stressful events.

Whilst every person is unique, and much depends on the individual birth-chart, clues can be found in the position of the Sun at birth. This often shows the way in which we view the world, process life events, our inner state of being, our basic vitality and our energy levels.

THE MODES

The Modes represent the ways in which expression happens. Whilst the elements relate to different perceptions, the modes describe the way in which we operate.

CARDINAL	FIXED	MUTABLE
Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn	Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius	Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Cardinal signs are the initiators and entrepreneurs of the zodiac and they have strong leadership qualities. Cardinal signs react to stress intensely, but also recover quickly. Short-lived ailments are a common reaction to stress for Cardinal signs. Stress for Cardinal signs tends to originate mainly from family or work pressure and relationships.	Fixed signs are determined and persistent. They will stick with a project until it is finished, and even beyond. Generally, Fixed signs are very resilient to disease and do not get sick often. But when illness strikes, it can be serious and/or take a while to recover. Stress comes mainly from dwelling on issues and because they often have trouble adapting to change.	Mutable signs are the communicators of the zodiac and are easily adaptable. These signs generally cope with stress better than Cardinal or Fixed signs, but are more prone to picking up infections and diseases. Stress comes from a variety of sources including worry, boredom, lacking a sense of purpose, or from trying to do too much at once.

SIGNS OF STRESS

Each zodiac sign reacts differently to stress. Most people know their Sun sign, but the other planets should be taken into account in as well. Look at your birth chart (or get your chart calculated by an astrologer) to see in which sign each planet is located. Especially check the signs in which the personal planets, the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are found. Check if any planet is on an angle, particularly the Ascendant, and what sign your Ascendant is. This information will show you how your physical, emotional and mental expression can be effected by stress and ways to deal with its effects and offers some suggestions of ways to treat the causes of stress.

ARIES

COMMON STRESS: Frustration with others and impatience STRESS REACTIONS: Headaches, migraine, stomach acidity, angry outbursts, fevers. HEALING OPTIONS: Intense physical exercise and high adrenaline adventures, to burn up excess energy LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Develop an outlet for creativity TO MINIMISE STRESS: Try to learn to be patient.

TAURUS

COMMON STRESS: Sudden changes and money worries STRESS REACTIONS: Food and self-esteem issues, neck pain, skin problems HEALING OPTIONS: Massage and other tactile therapies, pamper yourself now and again LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Try something new and different once in while TO MINIMISE STRESS: Learn to accept that change is part of life

GEMINI

COMMON STRESS: Frustration at those who are not as mentally quick as yourself. STRESS REACTIONS: Colds, flu, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis HEALING OPTIONS: Sea-air, allergy check, slow down and learn to relax- try yoga.   LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Get in touch with your emotions TO MINIMISE STRESS: Stop trying to do six things at once

CANCER

COMMON STRESS: Family and domestic problems, lack of emotional support STRESS REACTIONS: Fluid retention, food/emotional issues, stomach disorders, chemical sensitivity/allergies HEALING OPTIONS: Nutrition, diet changes, counselling LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Swimming, water sports, live near the water TO MINIMISE STRESS: Strike a balance between giving and receiving

LEO

COMMON STRESS: Issues around children and creative expression STRESS REACTIONS: Heart palpitations, back problems, fertility issues HEALING OPTIONS: Chiropractic care, massages, sports and games LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Do what you enjoy and express yourself creatively TO MINIMISE STRESS: Let go the reins and let others take the lead now and again

VIRGO

COMMON STRESS: An unfulfilling job, not feeling useful, or workaholic. STRESS REACTIONS: Digestive complaints & assimilation disorders, burnout. HEALING OPTIONS: Yoga, cleansing and de-tox diets. Nutrition. Allergy check. LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Find an enjoyable job. Change your routine once in a while. TO MINIMISE STRESS: Stop worrying about everything

LIBRA

COMMON STRESS: Relationship issues STRESS REACTIONS: Skin problems, eyestrain, urinary tract infections, kidney infections and headaches. HEALING OPTIONS: Beauty treatments and facials. Art therapy. LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Feel it’s ok to spend time alone. Learn meditation. TO MINIMISE STRESS: Stop trying to please everybody else by being always fair

SCORPIO

COMMON STRESS: Feeling powerless and/or money worries. STRESS REACTIONS: Sexual issues, reproductive problems, constipation. Lower back problems. HEALING OPTIONS: Colonic irrigation, crying, laughter, psychotherapy. LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Learn to relax and let go. TO MINIMISE STRESS: Stop trying to control everything and everyone

SAGITTARIUS

COMMON STRESS: Being stuck in one place, routine and boredom. STRESS REACTIONS: Indulgence in alcohol, liver complaints, skin rashes and infections. HEALING OPTIONS: Meditation, yoga, spiritual healing LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Regular holidays, horse riding, adventure trekking. TO MINIMISE STRESS: Try to enjoy each moment wherever you are

CAPRICORN

COMMON STRESS: Business or work pressure STRESS REACTIONS: Sleep disturbances, teeth, knees or back problems, arthritis HEALING OPTIONS: Massage, chiropractic care, osteopathy LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Yoga, mountain climbing, golf, gardening TO MINIMISE STRESS: Stop taking responsibility for absolutely everything

AQUARIUS

COMMON STRESS: Trying to fit in when/where you don’t STRESS REACTIONS: Circulation problems, heart palpitations, headaches, migraine, unusual diseases and conditions, burnout. HEALING OPTIONS: Anything that works for you LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Develop your own unique lifestyle TO MINIMISE STRESS: Find a balance between fluctuating extremes

PISCES

COMMON STRESS: Lack of any spiritual or meaningful life philosophy STRESS REACTIONS: Indulgence in alcohol or drugs, chemical sensitivity HEALING OPTIONS: Role-playing, art therapy, de-tox diets, meditation and spiritual healing LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Swimming/water sports, fishing, live near the water, music TO MINIMISE STRESS: Develop a set of personal values and stick to them. Try to stop negative influences from affecting you.

I wish to acknowledge the work of Eileen Nauman whose 1982 book, The American Book of Nutrition and Medical Astrology was used as a reference source for the vitamins and minerals section in this feature.

This article first appeared in the 2005 edition of Wellspring Astrolog