Thyroid Health in the Natal Chart
A Medical Astrology Perspective on Thyroid Conditions
The natal chart is a valuable and reliable tool as a language for self-awareness—extending from personality archetypes well into the realm of medical and fertility astrology.
A medical astrology assessment can be used not only for preventative medicine and lifestyle design purposes, but as a diagnostic tool to further understand what might be going on underneath it all (or should we say, above it all?)
I by no means view it as a predictor of our fate, but as a mirror of one’s unique cosmic blueprint which influences how our bodies express themselves through physiology, and even the emotional and karmic landscapes.
When it comes to thyroid expressions, there are a few places in the natal chart that might confirm what the body, here in the Earth realm, is experiencing.
The thyroid itself is ruled by Mercury and Uranus, Taurus, and the 2nd House. Although this is the first place we can look to for trouble, a thyroid condition is not a root cause dis/ease—as we discussed in episode 19 of The Cosmic Conceptions Podcast—and so the underlying causes for a thyroid expression will often present in other places. This is where the natal chart as a diagnostic tool really comes in handy!
ENDOCRINE DISTRESS
Some women are more prone to system-wide hormonal imbalances. For this we consider the signs of Scorpio and Libra.
Libra—as reflected by her symbol, the scales—rules the kidneys, the ovaries, and the ovarian tubes, as well as the role of acid-alkaline balancing and hormone balancing. Libra Moons are often very sensitive to environmental influences and are more prone to hormonal imbalances.
Scorpio was believed to govern the endocrine system in esoteric teachings (and maintains partial rulership over the thyroid). This is due to the belief that the endocrine glands served a more spiritual, rather than physiological, purpose. [Popham]
Mercury is also a big player, as s/he is considered the ruler of all hormones within the body (both Mercury and hormones symbolize the role of the messenger).
It’s also possible to observe a poorly functioning Pituitary gland—which tells the thyroid how much T4 to produce—by observing Jupiter and Uranus, Scorpio, and the 8th House.
ADRENAL FATIGUE
Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue can be at the root of a poorly functioning thyroid. The adrenals are ruled by Mars and Jupiter, Libra, and the 7th House. The Aries-Libra axis represents glandular balance and specifically, the adrenals.
Those with strong Vata qualities in their chart (Air and Mutable signs) may be more prone to stress and anxiety and can use this constitutional cue to accommodate their needs through lifestyle changes.
POOR DIGESTION & GUT HEALTH
Those with extra sensitive digestive needs will often find key placements in Cancer or Virgo.
Cancer rules the stomach as well as co-rules the liver with Virgo. Interestingly, Cancer also governs temperature regulation within the body. The Cancer-Capricorn axis represents the body’s ability to assimilate and absorb nutrients. It symbolizes the process of food being taken in through the stomach (Cancer) and structured into skeletal matter (Capricorn).
Virgo plays a deeper role in the digestive track with her rulership over the small intestine, pancreas, and liver (lower lobes). Virgo Moons specifically are often sensitive to digestive disturbances caused by the emotional field.
An afflicted Moon, Mercury, or Mars may reflect the condition of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine respectively.
BLOOD SUGAR
Root causes of blood sugar imbalances are varied, but certainly in the natal chart we see Libra play a role as sugar addictions generally fall under the category of Libra dis/eases. A Venus placement in Libra is particularly prone to sugar addictions as well Taurus Moons.
It’s important to know that blood sugar imbalances can easily be caused by poor eating habits that go beyond excessive sugar consumption. In this case, the astrology could reflect issues such as disordered eating behavior, restrictive habits, overeating, emotional trauma, etc.
LIVER STAGNATION
The liver plays a huge role in maintaining balanced hormones, both through the process of detoxing and facilitating hormone conversions (e.g. thyroid hormone T4 is converted into its active counterpart T3 in the liver). The liver is ruled by Jupiter, Cancer and Virgo, and the 4th and 6th Houses. Although this organ is co-ruled by two signs, it’s typically Virgo placements that represent liver troubles.
It’s important to remember that medical astrology is here to support us, not pathologize us! No singular placement guarantees a condition will manifest, just as no singular input in life guarantees a condition will manifest.
The combination of a medical astrology reading along with comprehensive observations of a woman’s lived experience can reveal diagnostic clues that highlight the root causes most likely to require immediate attention on any healing journey.
It’s not unusual for the chart to reveal what we already suspected about ourselves, and in its own unique way, provide the witnessing we have been looking for.
Want to dive deeper? Be sure to join us for…
THE METAPHYSICS OF THE THYROID
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
8 AM PT / 10 AM CT / 11AM ET
The flow:
We’ll open the circle by somatically Grounding In before jumping into the Wisdom Share, followed by Group Witnessing.
IN THIS CIRCLE WE’LL EXPLORE:
Astrological Correspondences of the Throat and Thyroid
Root Causes of Thyroid Conditions in the Natal Chart
The Throat Center in the Traditional 7-Chakra System & the Human Design 9-Chakra System
The Emotional Signatures of Thyroid Dysfunction
Skills for Empowered Self-Expression That Go Beyond “Speaking Your Truth”
THIS GATHERING IS FOR YOU IF:
You have a thyroid condition that you’re interested in healing (in preconception or any season of life).
You have completed healing your thyroid and would like to see if these teachings resonate for long-term well care.
You want to be informed about this topic in service to yourself and others.
You just love a good reason to be in a Zoom room with other women!
See you then,
Athena