Cardiovascular issues are some of the most common types of diseases and the leading cause of death in the western world, and as such deserve quite a bit of attention. Unlike issues like lung diseases which are limited to only a few specific organs, the cardiovascular system is spread through almost the entire body and contains quite a few different components such as blood, arteries, veins, capillaries and of course the heart itself. And as with any complex multi-part system, there is a myriad of things that can go wrong.
So how can we see various cardiovascular issues through astrology?
And how can we tell them apart?
Common denominator
It would be quite hard to designate one or even several factors as common to all cardiovascular problems, yet a few factors do stand out as more typical. The first is a weak or afflicted Sun in the birth chart, which usually indicates some form of problem with the heart itself. This is especially true if there is any kind of malefic influence on the 4th or 5th houses as well. In contrast, when it comes to problems with blood circulation or with the blood itself, they usually coincide with a weak or afflicted Mars.
The engine of our bodies – Sun
Most heart problems can be seen through an affliction of the Sun by a conjunction or aspect from another malefic. The most common problems occur when the Sun is conjunct or aspected by Saturn, with different aspects having different results. A direct conjunction of Saturn with the Sun usually results in the heart being weaker or smaller than usual. Saturn’s 3rd aspect on the other hand usually results in rapid or irregular heart beat, or in problems with the valves. And the 10th aspect of Saturn usually results in clogging or stiffening of the heart’s arteries.
Aside from Saturn, another common danger to the heart can be seen through the Sun being conjunct or aspected by the nodes. A conjunction between Sun and Ketu for example, usually indicates a congenital issue. A conjunction with Rahu on the other hand, can indicate an infection or parasite. In addition, aspects from both can indicate tumors, poisoning and various other problems.
A shadow sickness – Rahu and Ketu
While the influence of Rahu and Ketu on the Sun can indicate heart diseases, their influence on Mars can denote problems with the blood itself. A conjunction between Mars and the nodes can indicate various abnormalities with the blood cells, such as sickle cells, acantocytes, elliptocytes etc., with Rahu usually indicating acquired and Ketu congenital abnormalities.
In addition, a Ketu influence can indicate fever while one from Rahu can denote various viruses or ectoparasites such as malaria and HIV. Their influence on Mars can also indicate allergens, chemicals or even radiation poisoning, but these would also heavily depend on house and sign placement.
Interruption in the flow – Saturn
While the influence of Mars on Saturn often manifests as broken bones, torn tendons etc., the inverse can have several effects including blood clotting, high blood pressure or clogging and stiffening of the arteries. In case of blood clots, the effect of Saturn on Mars must usually coincide with an effect on the Moon as well, as the Moon signifies liquids in our body including plasma. When it comes to blood pressure, here again the influence of Saturn must extend to the Moon or Venus along with Mars, with either Saturn or Mars usually residing in water signs qs well. Stiffening or clogging of the arteries on the other hand, usually involves a very close conjunction or 10th aspect of Saturn upon Mars, with no aspects or influence from ‘flexible’ planets such as the Moon, Mercury, Venus or Jupiter.
Arteries, capillaries and veins – Venus, Mercury and Mars
While the general view among astrologers is that Mars is the planet of blood, when it comes to the various blood vessels they possess very different roles and as such very different symbolism as well. In general, it can be said that Mars only denotes the pressurized arteries. At the same time, the veins with their blue blood were associated with Venus even in ancient Greece, and in fact receive their name from the planet itself.
In contrast to the arteries and veins, little was known about the capillaries in antiquity, hence they didn’t receive a planetary correspondence at the time. Even so, the fact that they form a network that serves as an interface between the organs and the blood, places them symbolically straight in the realm of Mercury. At present this association can be viewed as controversial, with little actual studies done on the subject, but in the absence of other credible candidates it is currently the best assumption out there.
Please note: the combinations discussed here cannot be used alone to predict the possibility of disease, nor should they. They are however extremely useful for confirming a diagnosis and receiving more information about the disease itself and its root cause.