Throughout healing traditions across the world, there exists a fascinating intersection between astrology, medicine, and herbalism. While many might associate astro-herbalism with Nicholas Culpepper’s work in the 1600s, this healing tradition extends far deeper into human history, weaving together the wisdom of the stars with the healing power of plants.
What Even Is Astro-Herbalism?
Astro-herbalism is an ancient holistic approach to herbal medicine that assigns planetary and zodiacal influences to plants. Following the “as above, so below” philosophy, the concept recognises that each plant embodies archetypal energetic patterns from the cosmos. Here’s a brief example with explanations. Beautiful St John’s Wort, solar correspondence is beautifully reflected throughout its physical characteristics and therapeutic actions. Its bright yellow flowers reaching toward the sky mirror the Sun’s radiant energy. This theme of light extends into its medicinal properties – it’s photosensitizing effect demonstrates a literal interaction with sunlight, while its uplifting action on mood and ability to dispel depression aligns with the Sun’s archetypal qualities of illumination, vitality, and bringing light to darkness. Just as the Sun represents the center of consciousness and vitality in astrological tradition, St. John’s Wort acts as a central nervous system tonic, bringing warmth and restoration to the spiritual and emotional core of a person. Its wound-healing properties also reflect solar themes of vitality and regeneration, while its traditional harvesting at the height of summer (around St. John’s Day when the Sun is at its zenith) further cements its solar nature.
Rose’s Venusian nature is perfectly embodied in its sensual, feminine qualities – from its soft, layered petals to its intoxicating fragrance that has captured hearts for millennia. Its therapeutic actions align with Venus’s dominion over beauty, love, and the skin: the flower’s gentle astringent and anti-inflammatory properties tone and soothe the complexion, while its aromatics lift the spirits and open the heart. Even its thorns represent Venus’s protection of beauty and love, while the flower’s ability to both soothe inflammation and attract pollinators mirrors Venus’s dual nature of harmony and attraction.
So, this is how medical astrology and astro-herbalism come together so well. Such correlations weren’t viewed as mere coincidence, but as evidence of nature’s intelligent design, where cosmic forces imprinted their qualities on both the human conditon and the medicinal plants that could restore it. This holistic approach allowed health practitioners to prescribe remedies that addressed not just physical symptoms, but the deeper planetary patterns at play in both disease and cure.
A Rich Historical Legacy
Until 1666 in Europe, medical practitioners weren’t considered qualified without passing examinations in medical astrology. These physicians weren’t just doctors—they were herbalists and astrologers, understanding health through a holistic lens that encompassed both celestial movements and earthly remedies.
The roots of this practice run deep. Ancient civilisations—from Egypt, China, Arabic countries, India and many more—integrated celestial observations into their healing practices. The Sumerians, known for their meticulous sky watching, left us clay tablets from 5,000 years ago containing herbal prescriptions, demonstrating their understanding of the connection between celestial movements and earthly healing.
Notable Figures in the History of Medical Astrology
Even some of history’s most renowned scientific minds embraced medical astrology. Galileo Galilei not only practiced medical astrology but taught it to medical students and offered his services to wealthy clients. He followed in the footsteps of great thinkers like Ptolemy and Kepler, who also recognised the value of this ancient art and science.
In the first century CE, Dioscorides created “De Materia Medica,” a comprehensive pharmacopoeia documenting over 600 plants along with various animal and mineral substances. This work laid a foundation for understanding the relationship between celestial bodies and healing substances.
Galen, physician to Emperor Nero and a pivotal figure in Western medicine’s development, built upon Hippocrates’ theories to create a medical system that would dominate European and Arabic medicine for over a millennium. His famous quote, “Astrology, as taught by Hippocrates, should be followed in medical practice,” underscores the fundamental role of celestial observation in ancient medical practice.
The Philosophy Behind the Practice
In ancient Greece, medical astrology was known as Iatromathematica, or “Doctorly Calculations,” involving precise planetary position calculations to assess patient conditions. The fundamental philosophy underlying both medical astrology and astro-herbalism is “as above, so below”—recognising that celestial influences manifest in both human bodies and plants.
A Modern Renaissance
While the rise of the biomedical model and pharmaceutical medicines temporarily overshadowed these ancient practices, we’re witnessing a renaissance today in medical astrology and herbalism. It’s crucial to remember that our ancestors weren’t less intelligent or capable than we are today—they possessed the same intellectual capacity and developed sophisticated healing systems based on careful observation and experience.
Rather than dismissing these ancient practices as primitive or ineffective, we should approach them with respect and curiosity, understanding that they represent millennia of accumulated wisdom and observation.
I’m Ash, a naturopath practicing in Kalamunda, Perth Hills. If you’re interested in exploring how naturopathy or medical astrology can support your health journey, I invite you to schedule an appointment!
References:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/23047154
https://www.magiran.com/paper/2519288/medical-astrology-in-hippocrates-and-galen-s-medical-works?lang=en
https://virtuallyapractice.com/galen-and-the-humoral-theory-of-medicine/
https://www.greekmedicine.net/medical_astrology/Introduction.html
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/687/medicine-in-ancient-mesopotamia/
https://nursingclio.org/2019/10/24/anoint-an-aries-with-sheeps-blood-finding-the-familiar-in-the-astral-medicine-in-ancient-mesopotamia/
https://www.vox.com/2015/2/3/7969843/scientific-genius-magic
https://hsm.stackexchange.com/questions/13088/did-galileo-galilei-believe-in-astrology
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0021828618793218?journalCode=jhaa