The Building Blocks of Medical Astrology
Every object in our perceivable universe is composed of four building blocks called elements (fire, air, water and earth). Our bodies and minds are no exception. Disease arises when an imbalance in those four elements reaches a certain critical level. Too much fire indicates that our body is too hot and too dry, too much earth: too cold and too dry, and so on. That root imbalance will manifest through the weakest parts of our body/mind according to our constitution, history and environmental conditions; what we then see are the symptoms of the imbalance both physically and mentally.
The Four Elements
In Medical Astrology and humoral medicine, such as Eastern Medicine, those four elements are referred to as humors. They are:
YELLOW CHOLER
Element: Fire
Qualities: Hot and Dry
PHLEGM
Element: Water
Qualities: Cold and Moist
BLOOD
Element: Air
Qualities: Hot and Moist
BLACK CHOLER
Element: Earth
Qualities: Cold and Dry
The Diagnostic Method
An astrological horary chart is drawn in order to map out the conditions of a living organism and determine whether there is an imbalance present, its type and its degree. Recognizing these imbalances is the first step towards addressing them, through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and specific therapeutic interventions. This holistic approach aims to restore balance, acknowledging that our health is influenced by a complex interplay of factors.
Examples of Humoral Imbalance and Some Common Corresponding Symptoms
Yellow Choler / Fire Imbalance
Too Hot and Too Dry
- Physical Symptoms
- Conditions characterized by inflammation and heat, such as fever, infections, inflammatory diseases like arthritis, or skin conditions like eczema and acne. A person might also experience high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.
- Psychological Symptoms
- Excessive fire can manifest as irritability, anger, impulsiveness, or an overly competitive spirit. It might also lead to burnout due to an inability to relax and constant striving for achievement.
Phlegm / Water Imbalance
Too Cold and Too Moist
- Physical Symptoms
- Issues that involve fluid retention or accumulation, such as edema, excessive mucous production, or weight gain. There might also be a tendency towards colds, flu, and fungal infections. Digestive system sluggishness and lethargy are common as well.
- Psychological Symptoms
- Overwhelm, sadness, a tendency toward depression, or feelings of detachment. People might find it hard to let go of emotions, leading to emotional stagnation akin to the physical stagnation seen in their bodies.
Blood / Air Imbalance
Too Hot and Too Moist
- Physical Symptoms
- Problems related to the respiratory system and circulation, such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis, are common. People might also experience nervous system disorders, including tremors or restlessness, and skin conditions like hives that involve swelling and moisture. Headache and migraine.
- Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety, scattered thoughts, inability to concentrate, or constant worry. An excess of air can lead to feeling ungrounded and having difficulty making decisions or sticking to plans.
Black Choler / Earth Imbalance
Too Cold and Too Dry
- Physical Symptoms
- Conditions that reflect a slowing or hardening process, such as osteoarthritis, constipation, or dry, flaky skin. There might be a general sense of physical sluggishness or fatigue, and issues related to nutrient absorption or the skeletal system.
- Psychological Symptoms
- Excessive caution, reluctance to change, stubbornness, or feeling stuck in certain patterns of thought. There can be a tendency towards melancholy or being overly focused on material security.
