Astrology doesn't directly cause health issues but offers insight into potential health strengths and weaknesses. Medical astrology uses the birth chart, a snapshot of the planets' positions at the time of birth, to identify potential health tendencies. For example, the Sun's placement can offer insight into vitality and constitution, while the Moon can point toward emotional sensitivities and areas needing extra care. The Ascendant sign's placement can indicate an individual's overall approach to health.

Houses in the birth chart are also important in medical astrology. The 6th house, often called the "house of health", is associated with health habits, routines, and potential weaknesses. The 8th house is linked to transformation and psychological depth, indicating areas of deep healing or chronic conditions.

Transits, the movements of planets in the sky, are another key element of medical astrology. Transits describe the influence of planetary energies on an individual's natal chart over time. They can indicate periods of increased vulnerability to health challenges or highlight opportunities for healing. By understanding the timing and nature of transits, medical astrology can offer insight into potential health trends and empower individuals to make informed choices about their well-being.

While medical astrology is not a replacement for conventional medicine, it complements modern health practices by offering a holistic perspective. Many people find it provides deep insights into areas traditional methods might overlook. Medical astrology, also known as iatromathematics, has its roots in ancient civilisations such as Babylon, Greece, and Egypt, where celestial observations were intertwined with healing practices. Physicians in these eras often used astrology to diagnose illnesses and determine optimal times for treatments. In medieval Europe,

it became a cornerstone of medical practice, with notable figures like Hippocrates and Paracelsus advocating for its use.

Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th-century English herbalist, physician, and astrologer, was a prominent figure in the integration of medical astrology into healing practices. He believed that understanding the cosmic influences on the human body was essential for effective treatment. Culpeper's seminal work, The Complete Herbal, combined herbal medicine with astrological principles, aligning plants with specific planetary rulers to enhance their healing effects. For example, he associated certain herbs with Mars for treating inflammation or Venus for balancing hormones. Culpeper used astrology not only for diagnosing illnesses but also for timing treatments, demonstrating how celestial movements influenced bodily health. His work bridged traditional medicine and the astrological sciences, shaping holistic approaches that are still valued today.

Yes, medical astrology can be helpful in understanding chronic health issues. While medical astrology doesn't diagnose or treat illnesses, it identifies patterns in the birth chart that may contribute to these challenges. This is based on the concept that various astrological components like planets, signs, houses, and aspects hold symbolic meanings related to different bodily functions, systems, and energetic tendencies. By analysing these patterns, medical astrology can uncover potential root causes of chronic conditions, offering a broader perspective on the individual's health.

For example, a stellium, which is a cluster of three or more planets in a particular sign, can highlight a concentration of energy that might manifest as chronic issues related to that sign's bodily associations. Additionally, challenging aspects, such as squares or oppositions between planets, can indicate areas of tension or stress that may contribute to chronic health imbalances.

This can involve:

• Identifying periods of heightened vulnerability: Transits, the movements of planets in the sky, can indicate times when an individual might be more susceptible to health challenges related to specific planetary energies. By understanding these transits, individuals can take preventative measures or seek appropriate support during these periods.

• Working with elemental and modality imbalances: An excess or deficiency of certain elements (fire, earth, air, and water) or modalities (cardinal, fixed, and mutable) can be associated with various health conditions. Medical astrology can offer insights into these imbalances, suggesting ways to restore balance through lifestyle choices, nutrition, and other practices.

• Understanding the role of stress: Chronic conditions are often associated with stress and its impact on the body. Medical astrology can reveal an individual's stress response patterns and suggest personalised stress management techniques based on planetary influences.