How Health Astrology Works
In health (medical) astrology, every part of the body is linked to a zodiac sign, a planet and a house of the birth chart. The body is divided into twelve parts, from the head down to the feet, and each part is ruled by one of the twelve signs. The strength of these signs, the planets placed in them and the condition of the related houses together describe a person’s constitution and the kinds of health problems they may be prone to.
Zodiac Signs and the Body
| Zodiac sign | Parts of the body |
|---|
| Aries | Head, face and brain |
| Taurus | Throat, voice and neck |
| Gemini | Arms, shoulders, lungs and nervous system |
| Cancer | Chest, breasts and stomach |
| Leo | Heart, spine and upper back |
| Virgo | Digestive system and intestines |
| Libra | Kidneys, lower back and skin |
| Scorpio | Reproductive and excretory organs |
| Sagittarius | Liver, hips and thighs |
| Capricorn | Knees, joints, bones and teeth |
| Aquarius | Ankles, calves and circulation |
| Pisces | Feet, toes and the lymphatic system |
The Houses and Your Health
The houses show the severity of an illness, its cause and the remedy – which may be as simple as the kind of food that suits a person’s chart. The strength or weakness of each house has to be judged to make a medical reading.
| House | Health matters it covers |
|---|
| 1st house | The physical body and overall vitality |
| 2nd house | Food, blood and conditions such as diabetes |
| 3rd house | Lungs (for example asthma) and speech |
| 4th house | Chest and inherited (genetic) conditions |
| 5th house | Heart, stomach and pregnancy |
| 6th house | Diseases and ailments in general |
| 7th house | Lower back, kidneys and reproductive health |
| 8th house | Chronic illness, accidents and surgery |
| 9th house | Hips, thighs and long-term wellbeing |
| 10th house | Knees, joints and the body’s metabolism |
| 11th house | Circulation and recovery from illness |
| 12th house | Hospitalisation, sleep, depression and isolation |
In practice, the lord (ruling planet) of a house matters more than the planets sitting in it, so astrologers look first at the house lord to judge the kind of illness a person may face.
The 1st and 6th Houses
The 1st house governs overall health. When the 1st house and its lord are strong, a person usually stays healthy, and the dasha (planetary period) of the 1st lord tends to be a time of good health.
The 6th house is the house of disease. When a person runs the dasha or sub-period of the 6th lord, they are more likely to fall ill with the diseases that house indicates, and the strength of the 6th house shows how serious those illnesses may be.
Many important diseases can be predicted from the planetary positions in a birth chart, but this is one of the most complex areas of astrology. Our automated report covers a set of specific conditions; it is not a substitute for medical advice, so always consult a doctor for any health concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can astrology diagnose an illness?
No. Health astrology shows tendencies and sensitive periods. Diagnosis and treatment should always come from a qualified doctor.
Which house shows disease in a birth chart?
The 6th house is the house of disease, while the 1st house shows overall vitality. The 8th and 12th houses cover chronic illness and hospitalisation.
When am I more likely to fall ill?
Periods ruled by the 6th house lord, or by planets afflicting the 1st house, are the times to take extra care of your health.