9 Ways We Can Use Astrology to Take Care of Our Bodies

A guide to the stars and spirituality, Wiji Lacsamana writes a monthly astrology column for Vogue Philippines. This July, the astrologer dives into the relationship between astrology and wellness and how your chart can become a chart for understanding the body.

“As above, so below.” One of the most integral messages that arises when studying astrology, or any occult language for that matter, is the lesson of interconnectedness. Everything is connected to everything else. We, as a planet, live in deep interrelation as an ecosystem. Within us, singularly, though, is an ecosystem even more intricate: the universe within the vessel we call our bodies. 

Astrology is a vast domain of study, mirroring the vastness of its focus. Within it is the field of Medical Astrology, also called iatromathematics. One of its significant premises is in its planetary associations with the body: that certain planets rule over specific body parts and energetic systems. 

A disclaimer: I am not an expert on this but a mere student and observer. But I wanted to discuss what I’ve learned so far, and how, interestingly, my body already knew some of this. Take this as a good practice in intuition, in trusting the wisdom of the body.

For one, as Jupiter moves towards my astrological first house (the sector that rules over the physical body and how one moves through life), I have become hyper-aware of the potential for physical expansion. Essentially, wherever Jupiter is in your life, there is great growth potential. A perfect example: the last time Jupiter was in the first house, I got pregnant, which is the ultimate physical expansion.

This had me thinking about our bodies more than usual, and more specifically, how we choose to move them. When Saturn was approaching and entering Aries (the sign that is ruled by Mars and thus tends to love starting things with passion, a sign that loves movement), I’ve observed a collective interest in physical activities: a lot of people got into tennis and pickleball, even Pilates and yoga, more than I’ve ever observed before. I’ve been noticing how, collectively, our choices have been swayed by these changes in planetary tides.

The workouts you may be drawn to could be signaling your weaker ‘planets’ or energetic areas. Our internal compasses are intelligent. There could be deeper, more intuitive reasons why you may be drawn to one workout more than another, much like how we are drawn to certain people, books, songs, or hobbies. It all boils down to an alignment of frequencies. Alternatively, if you feel stuck or unable to choose, this can serve as a helpful guide.

The following is in no way professional or medical advice, just a practice in listening to what your body is telling you. Let’s call this an exercise in self-observation. Ultimately, if you have any serious injuries or physical concerns, please go to medical professionals for advice. 

For confidence, look to your Sun

If you find yourself struggling with low self-worth, a lack of confidence, and a constant need for external validation, you may be dealing with a weak sun. The Sun rules over our vitality and confidence. It also rules over the heart, spine, and eyes. Cardio and core workouts may be most helpful for you. Alternatively, if you find yourself drawn to these kinds of workouts, your body already knows your heart and core need strengthening. 

For sleep, emotional eating, and bloating, look to your Moon

If you struggle with poor sleep, emotional eating tendencies, and bloating, your Moon may need extra attention. The Moon rules over our emotions, fluids, and recovery. Take this as a sign to honor your body’s cycles. It might be most beneficial to train in line with your body’s daily energy levels. Track it like you would track the moon. The moon shifts signs, and therefore energies, approximately every two days. Every zodiacal sign comes with a corresponding energy; some are more active, some are more passive. Train according to your body’s energy, not against it; this is a good practice in trusting the body’s wisdom. Your body will point to which workout will feel best at that moment. Rest and hydration are imperative.

For anxiety and mind-body connection, look to your Mercury

If you struggle with anxiety, scattered energy, and poor mind-body connection, you may be dealing with Mercury that needs more attention. Mercury is the planet of logic and communication. It also rules over the brain, the central nervous system, breath, and coordination. You might need movements that sync the body, the mind, and the breath. Yoga, swimming, martial arts, and racket sports like tennis could be good options for you.

For better rest and body perception, look to your Venus

If you identify as someone who feels guilty about rest and are often unsatisfied with the body that you currently have, your Venus might be signaling for help. Venus is the planet that rules over love and pleasure. It rules over the throat, kidneys, and thymus gland. You must move in ways that feel good, not solely in productive ways. Pleasure-based movement is key: dancing, stretching, taking slow walks.

For anger, setting boundaries, and lack of energy, look to your Mars

If you struggle with suppressed anger or are unable to set proper boundaries (or perhaps you keep crossing boundaries) and generally feel a lack of energy, your Mars may need help. Mars is the planet of assertion and energy; it rules over the muscles, red blood cells, adrenal glands, and overall physical drive. Strength training could be a good workout for you. There is something so beneficial about the very act of lifting something heavy and then putting it down. It’s a true physical metaphor: the acknowledgment of a burden, the carrying of a burden, the letting go.

For consistency and commitment, look to your Saturn

If you find yourself inconsistent and unable to commit, perhaps struggling with joint problems, your Saturn needs help. Saturn is the planet of discipline, commitment, and endurance. It also rules over the skeletal system, teeth, and joints. The practice in strengthening your Saturn lies in simply showing up to complete a workout, any workout. Know that discipline isn’t punishment; it is the road to mastery.

For excess weight and poor digestion, look to your Jupiter

If you struggle with excess weight, poor digestion, and an overall lack of optimism, your Jupiter may need help. Jupiter is the great benefic, the planet of expansion. It rules over the liver, hips, thighs, and the overall accumulation of fat in the body. You might need exercises that make you feel expansive. Brisk walks or running, or perhaps Pilates to stretch. It is also important to switch to higher-quality choices when it comes to nourishing yourself. 

For overtraining, look to your North Node

If you find yourself addicted to going to the gym and overtraining, welcome the possibility that you might be using fitness to escape something deeper. The North Node is a mathematical point in the sky that shows us what we are hungry for in this lifetime. It can also be tied to obsession and excess. To tame this, balance is needed. Face the thing you have been trying to escape, and life will feel lighter. You can never escape what is growing within you.

For better body connection, look to your South Node

Conversely, if you feel a complete sense of disconnection from the body, this could be the South Node cutting you off from the physical reality. The South Node is the point directly on the opposite side of the North Node. It represents what arrives to you with ease and could therefore be a point of complacency. It could be important to rebel against this tendency, to try and do any movement that calls you, even with something small.

What works for others may not necessarily work for you, and that is okay. We are all built so differently. It is so important to explore the whispers from within, what our bodies knew all along. This physical form, our bodies, is the vessel our energies live in. Let us be mindful stewards of this vessel; listen to it and care for it so that we may also care for each other.