Academy for Astrological Medicine

COSMIC CURRENTS

Medical Astrology & Herbs

                                    by Judith Hill ©

Last month’s Cosmic Currents addressed the extraordinary current emphasis in Leo, sign of the cardiovascular system. While still prevalent, we have new planetary news to discuss.

Mars, the hot and fiery planet will remain in Cancer until September 27^th. Cancer is a cool, moist water sign. Because planets influence signs, Mars-in-Cancer “boils the water”, producing a panoply of hot, wet conditions. What might this mean, medically? First, what body parts and function does Cancer signifiy?

Cancer governs the stomach, breast, lower lung, upper lymphatics, armpits, elbows, pericardium, periosteum, meninges - and has a strong influence over the entire mucus membrane, gums, posterior pituitary and uterus. Normally, Mars is drying, inflaming and heating. In Cancer, he agitates the moist, protective membranes - sometimes producing dribbly, wet, hot, moist conditions (instead of dry), due to increasing excretion.

Mars-in-Cancer directs his natural attacking energy inward (instead of outward as is his usual habit) - hence Mars traditionally “falls” in this sign. In medical astrology, this “fall” does not necessarily weaken his powers by transit - it only displaces them.

Normally offensive Mars turns defensive in Cancer. In this sign, ‘he’ is noted to heighten all manner of allergic and autoimmune responses. Herbalists might wish to stock allergy herbs on hand, such as Edgar Cayce’s recommended Ragweed tincture (ambrosia artemisiifolia). However, be first careful and consult your doctor! Some herbs purported to relax allergic responses in fact cause them or upset the stomach. Gentian has this reputation.

Turning inward, Mars’ heat dumps increased toxins into the internal waters of the extracellular matrix (the ocean within), the lymphatic vessels and the blood stream. We can think of this as Mars “boiling the waters”. Old Time physicians called this “dirty blood”.

             Conversely, Mars encourages the movement of sluggish internal waters. This is useful if one requires more lymphatic stimulus, cellular detoxification or increased stomach acids. However, the bodily system may still appreciate extra help in handling an enhanced dejecta dump. For Mars-in-Cancer prompted “dirty blood”, the cooling lymphagogues might be in order:  

            Blue Violet (Viola odorata or sororia) is an excellent choice with an affinity for the upper lymphatics, as does Dandelion Root Tea. These are both excellent herbs for clearing breast tissue. Excellent “blood cleansers” useful for Mars-in-Cancer include Sassafras, Red Clover, Burdock and Sarsaparilla. In fact, old timey American “root beer” is laced with the potent aroma of genuine Sassafras and Sarsaparilla!

Mars-in-Cancer increases stomach acid, potentially inflames mucus membranes throughout the body (even in the eyes!), and stimulates the upper lymphatics. One person’s armpits itch, while another gets acid stomach; a third’s bursitis acts up, and a fourth suffers a hot cough with lower lung mucus. Others may feel emotionally energized, enjoying a house cleaning frenzy or a day at the swimming hole. It all depends on one’s personal relationship with Mars, as seen in the natal chart - and also by what planets are currently influenced by the transit of Mars in Cancer!

Should a personal natal planet tenant Cancer, then we watch for those dates when Mars crosses over this planet (within a close orb of three degrees). That natal planet might heat up!  In fact, the body parts and functions of any planet in any sign that is either hard aspected or quincunxed by transit Mars may also experience increased astral heat. Sometimes, it’s a good thing, sometimes not.

            For instance, those pregnant at this time, traditionally need to exercise more caution, especially if Mars aspects their natal Moon by close hard aspect or quincunx. Herbal gynecologists utilize Red Raspberry Leaf tea to reliably protect the pregnancy during the last trimester.

            Duodenal and stomach ulcers or irritated pyloric valve are noted to respond well to Calendula, Yarrow and Chamomile (mixed or single). These are all “golden” flowered plants. Curiously, the sign Cancer is orange-yellow on the artist’s color wheel; while the Cosmic Color Ray of the Moon is orange. Moon and Cancer both co-rule the stomach!

            Transit Mars aspecting natal Mercury can coincide with potential itch, inflammation or even a herpes eruption. A medical astrologer might surmise that in this case itch is due to excess lymphatic toxins, or increased blood acidity, or a dryer mucus membrane; or conversely excess mucus caused by Mars-in Cancer’s “boiling waters”. Organic Cucumber water, Aloe Vera juice and Chickweed juice are all reliable antidotes for hot internal inflammations and inflamed joints. Chickweed is a wonderful “Mars-antidote” when applied topically for cradle cap and other hot, dry skin conditions potentially furthered by Cancer’s opposition to Capricorn, sign of the skin. However, do obtain a physician’s opinion before using. Lemon Balm is noted to be helpful in herpes eruption.

Mars-in-Cancer can also disturb hormones because the posterior pituitary is governed by this sign, while the anterior posterior is governed by Cancer’s opposite “partner” sign Capricorn. Sarsaparilla is a noted hormone balancer, whereas Spearmint is noted to mop up excess androgens.

The Virgo-Pisces axis eclipse of Aug 28^th stirred the immune responses and lymphatic system. Cancer and Virgo share co-rulership of the spleen, duodenum and pancreas; and both signs are noted for overactive immune responses. These testimonies are compounded by the presence of Mars in Cancer this month. We discussed this in greater detail in last month’s “September 2026” Medical Astrology Report.

But… we have more to add to this picture. Saturn, our cold planet is in Mar’s home sign Aries (which govern the eyes, brain, head, adrenals). The much-needed cooling balance of Saturn is  now severely compromised!  One might well say we have Ice in the Fire and Fire in the Water! This indicates a serious need to cool the internal “waters”, i.e. theemotions.

Safe and calm personal space, and deep sleep are astrologically prioritized! If called to defend sacred earth space - plant all the trees you can.  Work to clear internal streams as well as sacred wells and rivers. Clearing and defending the waters, both inside and out, is the perfect use of  this year’s fighting Mars in Cancer.

Disclaimer: All astrological information is to be considered "hypothetical" and does not therefore constitute medical opinion, fact, or directive. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing health concerns. Herbs should not be used without your physician’s consent.