by Robert Wilkinson
This grew out of a conversation I was having with someone asking about the astrological associations with certain diseases. Today we get into some basics about the branch of Medical Astrology and how to approach examining health issues in their initial stages.
In Medical Astrology (MA), different planets and signs are associated with the organs and parts of the body, as well as specific functions and systems. Generally, here are a few associations, and you can find out more in many venerable books on the subject.
Aries – Head
Taurus - Neck, throat
Gemini - Lungs, arms, fingers
Cancer - Chest wall, breasts
Leo - Heart, spine, upper back
Virgo - Abdomen, intestines
Libra - Lower back, kidneys
Scorpio - Reproductive organs, pelvis, rectum
Sagittarius – Hips, thighs
Capricorn - Knees, bones
Aquarius – Shins, ankles
Pisces – Feet
The planets also have specific rulerships, such as the Moon ruling the stomach, the Sun ruling the heart and circulatory system, Mars ruling the spleen, Jupiter the liver, Saturn the bones and gall bladder, and so forth. Again, there are several excellent works on planetary physiology which offer more associations. The outer invisible planets do not rule organs, but rather parts of the endocrine system. Uranus is associated with the Pituitary gland, Neptune is associated with the Pineal gland, and Pluto is associated with the Hypothalmus.
The natal chart shows our inherent strengths and weaknesses we’re born with. However, by knowing those physiological strengths and challenges, we can find ways to maintain and improve our health regardless of whatever our chart may hold in the way of supposed “afflictions.” That requires a look at the causes of disease, regardless of whether we have a given planet in a sign or house.
All disease arises from one or more of three causes; genetic, environment, and life style. If we examine how any health issue we know we have is related to these, then we can track the cause and see the cycles of appearance, annoyance, and crisis in any health related matter.
In addressing the potential cure or care plan for any health issues, it’s important to remember there are four groups of healers who are expert in different areas. The four groups of healers are: Physicians and Surgeons; Adjustment specialists; Prevention specialists; and Spiritual healers, of which there are 7 schools.
Physicians are only good in their limited areas, since they are not trained in holistic approaches. If you need a spinal adjustment from a chiropractor, a surgeon doing back surgery is probably not a good “cure.” If you need a dietary adjustment to end some symptoms of disease, then a Reiki healer probably won’t help past a certain point.
So in all health matters, regardless of what planet is in what sign in what house in a given aspect to another planet, we must first assess what part of the body is giving us trouble, and figure out what type of healing needs to be done. As a friend of mine who is an MD, a chiropractor, and an acupuncturist has stated his entire career, “original equipment is always best.” In other words, if you don’t have to cut into it, or take it out, or replace it through surgery, it’s best not to!
After years of study and practice, I stopped doing medical astrological readings for clients because of a) the problem of expectation of disease leading to a self-fulfilling prophesy, and b) most of them wanted to know about the problem rather than solutions. To me this is the worst part of that type of counseling.
I found that if I mentioned a certain part of the body “might” be subject to a weakness or malfunction at some point and asked them to note when changes might appear they wound up in a panic at the point when something “might” happen, even if there were no symptoms whatsoever. This is where what we offer as astrologers is meaningless if they won’t cooperate with a cure or insist on clinging to the potential for a health problem to appear for whatever reason their subconscious mind generates.
So please regard these brief lessons as instructive of the accuracy as well as the cautions of investigating Medical Astrology. In part 2 we’ll briefly discuss other factors in how our astrological chart positions relate to health, the difference between progressed factors and transit factors, how “real world” factors influence our health, and how to identify which astrological factors are of primary importance in analyzing medical issues.
© Copyright 2023 Robert Wilkinson
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