THE EYES OF THE ZODIAC
The ancient “Grand Man” of the zodiac commences each yearly cycle at Spring Equinox with the first day of Aries, the head of the year. Zodiacal Man’s eyes are situated in Aries, because the celestial ram rules the eyes and strongly influences vision, motor nerves, the upper head, and brain in general (sans the ears and nose). Aries also co-rules the adrenal glands. We began this discussion in last month’s column with the arrival of the significant Saturn-Sun conjunction in Aries.
This month continues this cosmic fiery streak with a surprising soiree at Aries’ house. Multiple planetary adversaries are entertained in the head zone, all primed for herbal remediation. Hot Mars enters Aries, his home domain, on April 9th, further heating and drying all things head-related, plus stimulating the upward and outward rush of heat through the head. “Hot heads”, beware your tempers!
The Mars-Saturn Dynamic
April 20th features a trine conjunction of Mercury, Saturn, and Mars. This trifecta potentially enhances dryness, heat, and inflammation in the head, eyes, scalp, or sensory nerves. The notably conflictual conjunction of Mars and Saturn - two drying “malefic” planets in a drying fire sign - is a puzzler, but let’s sort it out together! Mars dries by boiling off fluids, thus producing dry heat and inflammation, whereas astringent Saturn dries by pushing fluids out, producing dry, hardened tissue states (visualize granite). Their energetic combination could heighten any tendencies toward reduced moisture and/or inflammation in the head, hair, eyes, and brain, as well as in the joints, skin, or stomach (due to their harmonic relationship with these alternative body zones). Mars and Saturn’s meanderings through Aries oppose the opposite sign, Libra, the sign in charge of fluidic balances and kidney function.
Although group conjunctions in Aries can be notably stressful and may increase tension, they also stimulate courage, determination, adventure, independence, and pioneering discovery. This period offers a prime time for improving muscular fitness and adopting beneficial habits!
We explicate these matters further in this month’s Medical Astrology Report, and also in my book Medical Astrology in Action, where the reader can dive further into these transit conjunctions and their potential effects in the horoscope. A detailed synopsis of Aries ailments can be found in my class, Aries & Libra Syndromes and Body Types.
Traditional Herbal & Medical Perspectives
Historically, what remediations might a Renaissance physician consider for a Mars-Saturn conjunction in Aries? Traditionally, the Lunar-ruled moistening, demulcent, and cooling herbs were utilized as an antidote to both the surface and internal flares of Mars, and to simultaneously soften Saturn’s toughened tissues. Additionally, the astrologically savvy physician would attend to opening the bodily vents for the needful release of Mars’ heat. Wildfire must be contained and cooled before going rogue, yet not suppressed beneath the earth, lest it smolder! Renaissance astrologer-herbalist Joseph Blagrave warned that one must never drive Mars inward, lest he injure the patient! Handling Mars’ transits requires some delicacy.
Herbs and food specific to the brain, eyes, and hair might be utilized. Additionally, the kidneys and adrenal glands were traditionally supported and nourished at this time. We will discuss April 25th’s anticipated Uranus’ “electrical” ingress into Gemini when the Sun catches up to it next month!
Medical Disclaimer: All astrological information is to be considered "hypothetical" and does not therefore constitute medical opinion, fact, or directive. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing health concerns. Herbs should not be used without your physician’s consent.
