The Signs in Medical Astrology
Medical astrology blends the symbolic archetypes of the zodiac with the human body, offering rich insights into health related issues. Each sign is linked to specific bodily regions, physiological functions, and elemental qualities that influence the body's energy, resilience, and susceptibility.
While all too often we are inclined to think of the Sun sign as a personality type, this is an oversimplification. There is so much more to the seasonal influences on character type. Our expressed character type, is our outward face of a deeper vibration, spiritual and cosmic reflection of our being.
We should never rely on just the Sun sign to describe a person. However, the Sun remains the centre and heart of every chart, much as “he” rules out solar system. All aspects such as planets, houses, aspects etc must be thoroughly considered through the Sun’s influence of the birth day, its sign, position, house etc.
Sign influence extends to may levels of our being. These levels include: physical appearance, character traits, vocal tone, medical syndromes and tendencies, vocational aptitude, planet, cell salt, musical note, crystal harmony, consciousness and the influence of the weather (Judith Hill).
In this blog post we will briefly cover the different signs grouped in elements. Please refer to the later blog posts for more details analysis on the signs and syndromes associated with each sign.
Fire Signs: The Vital Flame
Representing energy, vitality, and metabolic processes, fire signs ignite the body's core heat and dynamic functions. However, they can be prone to inflammation and conditions exacerbated by excess heat.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine (excitatory)
Qualities: Hot & Dry
Functions: Dopamine fuels life force energy, metabolic processes, action, motivation, risk-taking, and inflammation. Fire is dehydrating and can lead to overheating.
Aries (The Ram)
Body Zones: Head, skull, eyes, upper jaw, and teeth.
Key Systems: Adrenal glands (fight-or-flight responses), brain's frontal lobe, and thyroid energy levels.
Health Themes: Energy surges and headaches; Aries' impulsivity may result in accidents or injuries.
Leo (The Lion)
Body Zones: Heart, spine (thoracic region), and upper back.
Key Systems: Circulatory system, with an emphasis on heart health.
Health Themes: Vitality and strength, but vulnerability to heart-related stress or spine rigidity.
Sagittarius (The Archer)
Body Zones: Hips, thighs, sciatic nerve, and liver.
Key Systems: Detoxification and metabolism through the liver.
Health Themes: Adventurous lifestyles may strain joints or liver; the sign encourages active detox and resilience.
Earth Signs: The Stabilising Ground
Earth signs bring structure and resilience to the body, focusing on foundational aspects like bones, digestion, and physical endurance. Yet, their slower energy can make them prone to chronic ailments.
Neurotransmitter: GABA (inhibitory)
Qualities: Warm and Dry (except Taurus, which is slightly moist)
Functions: GABA contributes to body structure, minerals, stamina, food storage, longevity, and tissue growth, maintenance, and repair. Earth is considered heavy, slow, and unresponsive.
Taurus (The Bull)
Body Zones: Throat, neck, and lower jaw.
Key Systems: Thyroid gland and vagal tone (linked to stress recovery).
Health Themes: A steady constitution but potential issues with throat infections or thyroid imbalances.
Virgo (The Virgin)
Body Zones: Stomach, intestines, and pancreas.
Key Systems: Digestive health and nervous system.
Health Themes: A focus on gut health and stress management, as Virgo rules the mind-gut connection.
Capricorn (The Goat)
Body Zones: Bones, joints, spine, and teeth.
Key Systems: Skeletal integrity and gallbladder.
Health Themes: Chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis; attention to joint and dental health is key.
Air Signs: The Winds of Vitality
Air signs symbolise movement, communication, and respiration, emphasizing the nervous and circulatory systems. They are often connected to mental health and sensory processing
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (excitatory)
Qualities: Cold & Moist, Cool & Changeable (slightly moist)
Functions: Acetylcholine governs the electrical systems in the body, communication channels, breathing, language, and anything that "connects." Air is associated with restlessness and irregularity.
Gemini (The Twins)
Body Zones: Arms, shoulders, hands, lungs, and nervous system.
Key Systems: Respiratory and sensory nerve pathways.
Health Themes: Susceptible to over-stimulation, respiratory concerns, or carpal tunnel from repetitive activities.
Libra (The Scales)
Body Zones: Kidneys, lower back, and skin.
Key Systems: Endocrine system and fluid regulation.
Health Themes: A quest for balance in hydration and skin care; vulnerability to kidney stones or hormonal imbalances.
Aquarius (The Water Bearer)
Body Zones: Ankles, calves, and circulatory system.
Key Systems: Venous return and electrical impulses in the body.
Health Themes: Circulatory irregularities or nervous tension; focus on grounding and balance.
Water Signs: The Emotional Currents
Water signs govern the body's fluids, including lymph, mucus, and hormonal secretions. They often reveal psychosomatic connections, where emotions influence physical health.
Neurotransmitter: Serotonin (inhibitory)
Qualities: Cold & Wet
Functions: Serotonin regulates the fluids of the body, including lubrication, lymph, and mucus membranes. Water is heavy, sluggish, drowsy, sensitive, and emotional.
Cancer (The Crab)
Body Zones: Stomach, breasts, and lymphatic system.
Key Systems: Emotional digestion and immune defense.
Health Themes: Stomach sensitivity and emotional eating; a nurturing approach to immunity is beneficial.
Scorpio (The Scorpion)
Body Zones: Reproductive organs, colon, and bladder.
Key Systems: Elimination and hormonal balance.
Health Themes: Deep detoxification is essential; Scorpio thrives on transformation and renewal.
Pisces (The Fishes)
Body Zones: Feet, lymphatic system, and pineal gland.
Key Systems: Immune system and sleep cycles.
Health Themes: Energy depletion and immune vulnerabilities; restorative practices are vital for Pisces.
Holistic Insights and Practical Applications
These associations are not deterministic but provide a lens to explore health predispositions and tendencies. By integrating the body-mind-spirit triad, medical astrology fosters a comprehensive approach to wellness. A personalized analysis—factoring in the interplay of planetary rulers, aspects, and transits—can yield profound insights into preventive care, healing, and energy management.
This framework serves as an introduction to a deeper exploration of each sign, which will be covered in subsequent blog posts for each sign, planets and other aspects in Medical Astrology. See later blog posts for more detailed information on each sign and their significations.