Introduction to Medical Astrology Series: Prelude to Learning Medical Astrology Part 1
Medical astrology is a fascinating field of study, and after nearly a decade in relationship with the science and art of astrological medicine, it is time to begin sharing my work in a more systematic way. Before doing so, I want to offer a background context and key considerations I wish I had when I first began my studies. This is especially important for those without a prior background in the health field. My intention is to lay a coherent foundation for thoughtful contemplation.
In this article we will explore the following topics:
The lineage(s) of Medical Astrology
What is the “Medical” in Medical Astrology
Introduce the fundamental perspectives on health
We should not be ashamed to acknowledge truth from whatever source it comes to us, even if it is brought to us by former generations and foreign peoples.”
-Al Kindi
TheLineage(s) of Medical Astrology
The first thing to consider is that Medical Astrology is NOT A MONOLITH. No one way of practicing medical astrology, or any form of astrology for that matter, has been codified and made fully concrete. This consideration is vital to understand if you are learning from one teacher, in case you come across different or even contradictory information, but even more important if you are learning from a variety of sources. Many lineages of Medical astrology co-exist and I want students and practitioners alike to hold the position that we have likely lost more than we have at present, and to always seek to learn more about our shared history. This is crucial for understanding how to synthesize and innovate with humility, respect, and honor.
I want to give gratitude to all the contributors and ancestors of the Greco-Arabic medicine lineage, from Imhotep in the 27th century B.C. down to Shaykh Atabek Shukurov, my current teacher. Greco-Arabic medicine is the system of medicine that has historically connected with medical astrology. In contemporary practice, many overlook the medicine system to varying degrees. This is not right or wrong and we must be clear-sighted about this matter. It is unwise to project perfection onto the ancients and it is perhaps even more unwise to project that the ancients were ignorant. This discernment allows us to consider, contemplate, and cohere, in the present moment, in the name of becoming a link in a great chain of wisdom. I also want to give gratitude to all of the medical astrology lineages that I am a part of that are known and unknown to me. First and foremost, I am a student of Judith Hill’s lineage, not only directly through her work, but also through the work of her student, my initial herbal teacher, (that is human 😂) Sajah Popham of the school of Evolutionary Herbalism. I am forever indebted to them both for all of the knowledge and genuine kindness they have bestowed upon me. In recent years, I have gained many other teachers of this art and science which will be revealed at a later time.
"No man ought to commit his life into the hands of that Physician, who is ignorant of Astrology: because he is a Physician of no value".
-Nicolas Culpepper
What is the “Medical” in Medical Astrology
As alluded to above, Greco-Arabic medicine is the “medical” in Medical astrology. It is also called Greek Medicine, Hippocratic medicine, Galenic Medicine, Islamic Medicine, Unani Tibb, and has been known by many other names when infused with an indigenous or local ways of medicine. Do not allow the name of the medicine system to concretize your ideas around what the system is or locate the history in the imagination, as it does not belong to any one group of people. Greco-Arabic medicine, as a system according to Dr. Olomi, is a compilation of influences from various cultures and regions including; Mesopotamian, North African, Greek, Syrian, Persian, the Arabic world, and Indians. I would also add Roman as a nod to the great Galen as well. From this lens, we can see that this tradition springs forth from contributions of multiple cosmopolitan areas through time. Although understudied at present time, the lineage has never truly been broken as Unani is practiced to this day, primarily in India and South Africa.
Foolish is the doctor who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients.”
-Hippocrates
Basic Principles of Health & Medical Astrology
When I first studied Medical Astrology as an herbalist, I learned concepts that aligned with Greco-Arabic medicine, but much of the context needed to understand it as a complete medical system, was absent. This feels important to note because it is the work of myself and the ones who come after me to continue to retrieve the stories of where our tradition comes from. When approaching medical astrology, some foundational Greco-Arabic medicine principles should be considered as part of the education. The Tabi’at, (also known as physis and medicatrix nature), the six essential factors (also known as the six non-naturals), and the factors of existence (also known as the seven naturals). In this article we will discuss the Tabi’at and six essential factors that are a necessity. The factors of existence discuss matters that may not be in alignment with the contemporary practitioner, but for those who seek to be in a deep relationship with the tradition, part two of this series will explore the subject. Tabi’at can be known as “the healer within” or the inner physician. The six essential factors can be known as the six factors of human health.
Here is a reminder to KNOW HOW to think for yourself:
I want to reiterate, you DO NOT have to abide by this perspective. Many ways of practicing astrological medicine exist. It is important to recognize these ideas, as doing so allows the evolution of medical astrology to stay coherent without continually "reinventing the wheel." Innovation and variants will always take place, but they will remain tethered to a root. Without this, we risk taking the tradition for granted, lack the appropriate honoring of our ancestors, and aid in individualism and the excessive identification with personal “specialness,” rather than cultivating remembrance from which a wellspring of wisdom arises from being a part of the lineage.
What is Tabi’at?
A concept that pervades the subject of health and healing is what the Islamic physicians called Tabi’at. Many parallel ideas and names exist for the word Tabi’at. Physis and vital force are words used in place of tabi’at throughout history as well. The closest translation of Tabi’at in contemporary western medicine is the concept of the immune system although it fails to encompass the holistic perspective of tabi’at. To understand this concept, notice the similarities in the following quotes:
“Tabi’at is the force that performs all the functions for the betterment and growth of the human body. In case of disease, tabi’at is the real physician. It is tabi’at that fights disease, and the physician's role is to support the Tabi’at.”
-Hakim Shahid Bukhari
“Physis is the sum total of the body’s natural, instinctive reactions and responses to maintain, and where necessary to restore homeostasis. Physis is responsible for maintaining homeostasis between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of every individual. It works at a cellular/sub-cellular level, between all the organs and systems of the body, by constantly monitoring and adjusting the millions of biochemical and physiological pathways that are genetically designed.”
-Professor Rashid Bhikha
Tabi’at is the foundational concept in my work with astrology, herbalism, as a movement guide, and in my “healing arts practice.” No matter how detailed, precise, and down to understanding pathways of pathology a physician is, they must never remove themselves from the understanding that the intelligence of nature is the greatest healing force within the human. We have come far in understanding the mechanics of the human body, but many mysteries exist. I pray that on your path of learning medical astrology, you remain in the role of being a humble student to nature. This is the starting place for us as we move forward in the series to the factors that influence health and the tabi’at to greater harmony or imbalance.
The rest of the series will consist of:
The Six Essential Factors or “The 6 non-naturals”
Air
Food and drink (Diet)
Physical motion & stillness (Exercise & Rest)
Mental activity & peace (Fluctuations of the mind and emotions)
Sleep and wakefulness
Retention and evacuation (of waste matter)
Thank you for being here with me as we explore a depthful introduction to Medical Astrology.