An Introduction to Medical Astrology and Its Impact on Health

Astrology deals with the movement of celestial bodies, while medical astrology (or astrología médico) looks at positions of said bodies and how they might relate to health. Based on the connection between physical and mental wellbeing of each person to planetary, stellar and zodiac alignment at their time of birth, this practice dates back as far as ancient civilizations. While medical astrology also employs magical thinking, it provides a framework for understanding health issues and enhancing holistic approaches to healing, suggesting that certain planets and/or zodiac signs correspond with specific organs, body parts or health conditions.

A Brief History of Medical Astrology

Medical astrology has its roots in ancient civilizations, most notably Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and India that believed the heavens play a significant role on human health. Many ancient physicians — including Hippocrates, the so-called Father of Medicine — studied planetary alignments and believed that astrology was a critical part of healing. The ancients believed so strongly that the stars and planets affected our health that Hippocrates himself was quoted as saying, “A physician without a knowledge of astrology has no right to call himself a physician.”

Medical astrology reached its peak of influence in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance They would also use astrological charts to find out the most appropriate timing for a medical process, as well as what illness you were suffering from. Medical astrology was widely used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese medicine, where it has somewhat remained incorporated into certain holistic health disciplines.

The Zodiac and the Human Body

The zodiacal man is a medical astrology concept that maps out the different areas of the body that correspond to each sign of the zodiac. The twelve signs of the zodiac are correlated with body parts, from the head (Aries) to the feet (Pisces). Now here is a small mini-list of associations in relation to medical astrology;

Aries – The head / Face / Brain / Eyes

Taurus: Neck, Throat, Vocal Cords, Thyroid

Gemini: Shoulders, arms, hands, respiratory system

Cancer — Chest, stomach, and breasts

Leo: Heart, spine, upper back

Virgo: gastrointestinal system, guts, spleen

Libra: Skin, kidneys, lower back

Drawing elements: Reproductive organs- Bladder/Colon with Scorpio

Sagittarius: The hips, thighs and liver

Capricorn: Knees, bones, teeth and skin

Aquarius: connected to ankles and the circulatory system

Pisces ~ the soles of your feet, your lymphatic system, your immune system

These associations are believed to assist astrologers in reading possible health strengths and weaknesses from examining a natal chart, especially where the ascendant was placed (the sign of the ascendant) at birth, as well as where other specific planets landed.

The Connection of Planets With Health — Expert Chemistry

Planets also have designated meanings in medical astrology, alongside zodiac signs. Every planet governs a set of functions, organs and even personality traits which may affect health. For example:

The Sun: Is life force and the heart, spine and circulatory system.

The Moon: Ruler of emotional well being and all the fluids in our body (often connected to the digestive system, breasts and reproductive organs)

Mercury: Impacts the nervous system and breathing, along with talk and expression.

Venus (kidneys, skin, and reproductive system)

Mars — Associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and muscle strength, physical endurance, and energy.

Jupiter: Ruler of the liver, growth and metabolism.

Saturn — bones, joints, and teeth; chronic conditions

How Planets & Health Work Aspects (the angles planets make to each other) play a role here and can be seen in an individual’s unique birth chart through planetary transits.

Uses and Challenges of Medical Astrology

Although medical astrology can help us identify specific propensities and possible struggles, it is not a replacement for conventional medicine. Today, many practitioners of medical astrology use it as a means of engaging the public encourages individual awareness regarding how each person's specific astrological influences might affect one's health and lifestyle. So based on the movement of the planets and transits, what your practitioner would do is potentially recommend changes to ones lifestyle, dietary habits, or even when they should be doing their medical treatment. For instance, surgery should not be done on the full moon while planetary positions may indicate auspicious times for wellness activities.

But do always consider that medical astrology is an interpretive guide – not the final word in medicine. Interpretation in medical astrology is highly elaborate and requires a detailed understanding of the full natal chart, not just zodiac signs. Medical astrology is still a fringe practice and should only ever be used in addition to evidence-based, licensed medical care and the recommendations of state-certified healthcare professionals.

Why Medical Astrology Will Always Have Its Place

Although the practice of medical astrology is thousands of years old, it still sparks interest among those who follow alternative healing methodologies. However, it has returned to popularity in the last few decades as more people discover holistic health practices and look for personalized means of self-understanding. Medical astrology is symbolic, and it almost acts as a mirror in front of your health. It emphasizes self-awareness rather than treatment, emphasizing prevention instead of cure. It is not an alternative to medical care, but provides another modality for people to consider what it means to be well in their bodies and allows them the opportunity to contemplate connections between planets and our physical vessel.