Medical astrology was mentioned by Marcus Manilius (1st century AD) in his epic poem (8000 verses) Astronomica. Specialized publications advised readers about the best time of year based on the astrological calendar to gather medicinal plants so they would be the most beneficial. Finally, herbs and other medicines had to be selected for treatments while considering their associated astrological qualities. Fourth, decisions about the best day for bleeding, purging, bathing, sweating, or other treatments were made based on the locations and phase of the moon in the zodiac. Third, the time of year or season when the patient became sick and its zodiac characteristics had to be assessed. Second, the affected part of the body and its sign must be considered. First, one must consider the patient's personality and constitution that were determined by the zodiac sign of one's birthday. Medical treatments were related to the zodiac in multiple ways. These associations and the impact of the heavens on the health of humans were believed by both educated elite and average people for centuries. The Zodiac Man illustrates centuries of connections between astrology and human personality, health, sickness, and medical treatments. Medical astrology and the Zodiac Man diagram associates each sign of the zodiac with parts of the body, from head (Aries) to toes (Pisces). This table, from an 18th-century Icelandic manuscript, links astrological dates with the preparation of medicine.

Encyclopedia of medical astrology pdf