Using Astrology to Determine

Diatery Needs

by Gretchen Lawlor

Your astrological chart/profile describes your unique constitutional makeup. From this, a medical astrologer can identify health issues you are most likely to experience, as well as specific recommendations of what you can do to regain and maintain optimum well-being. Astrology identifies four basic constitutional types: fire, earth, air and water.
A simple way to identify your constitutional type is to start with your Sun sign, the Sun being symbolic of one's essence and vitality. If you are familiar with your birth chart, you can look beyond the basic Sun sign to see if you have a large number of planets in any one of the four elements. If you do, you can apply the information below to that element in addition to your basic Sun sign.
The fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, and are considered to possess the most energy and vitality of all the signs. The air signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, are considered the second most vital, though more reactive to external stimuli. The water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, are more changeable and emotionally reactive. The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and possess great steadiness and endurance, though not the vital spark of fire or air.
The maintenance of health is a process of constant readjustment to change. We each tend to experience periods of excess or deficiency of our constitutional element, which require adjustment of diet, lifestyle or even supplementation.
Fire Constitution: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
Fire rules the function of internal combustion or digestion—the burning up or absorption of food. Fire also purifies the system by burning off toxins, viruses, bacteria and fungus. Fire signs easily fight disease. Their constitution naturally tends toward high temperatures and inflammations in this process.
Excess Fire
Fire signs, when unbalanced to excess or overstimulation, are prone to burning themselves out. They do not naturally conserve or pace themselves. Excess fire burns with adrenalin energy, is ardent and excitable. Excess fire can be impatient and angry, or internalizes it into hypertension, heart problems, ulcers or inflammations. Excess fire is brought back into balance by foods that are cold, moist and heavy, or slow-burning foods that ground energy, such as grains and root vegetables.
Anything that stimulates the system aggravates excess fire, such as spicy foods or red meat. Herbs, particularly relaxants (such as chamomile or lemon balm) and sedatives (skullcap, valerian) serve to cool the system, draw energy down and disperse excess fire.
Low Fire
When your fire is low, it may be hard to burn off or fight disease. Digestion and absorption of food are inadequate. Eat foods that are hot, light, dry and aromatic. Avoid cold foods. Hot spices and sour foods such as lemons and yogurt are good, as are whole grains cooked in oil. Bitter greens such as kale, mustard or collard greens support digestion. Keep dairy and meat to a minimum, and eat frequent light meals.
A main meal eaten at lunchtime takes advantage of maximum fire at midday. Use digestive stimulants such as cayenne, mustard and cloves, circulatory stimulants such as cinnamon and garlic, or ginger, which is stimulating to both the digestive and circulatory systems.
Air Constitution: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Air rules the nervous and circulatory systems and the function of movement, peristalsis, urination and breathing. Air people are easily stimulated, with quick and extremely sensitive minds that are easily thrown off balance and overwhelmed.
Excess Air
Overactive, restless, sensitive minds and nervous exhaustion plague air signs, as does dry skin, hair and mucus membranes, insomnia and memory loss from systemic overload. Excess air benefits from scheduled windows of quiet, with minimal stimulation, to allow the nervous system to recharge itself.
Air energy tends to collect high in the body, and benefits from a diet rich in earthy foods that draw the energy down, such as grains and root crops. Raw foods aggravate excess air and should be avoided, except in the summer months. Instead, use lightly steamed or even boiled vegetables served with oil dressing, nuts or croutons. Avoid yeasty foods and refined sugars. Enzymes allow nutrients to be better absorbed.
Low Air
When the air element is low, there is difficulty with the flow of energy through the body. A weakened nervous system benefits from mineral supports such as calcium and magnesium, and circulatory stimulants such as gingko, cayenne, garlic and ginger. Gotu kola and FoTi stimulate brain activity. Low air responds well to dairy (especially easily-digested yogurt, kefir).
Foods that are light, drying and stimulating are supportive. Avoid heavy foods, eat plenty of raw foods, vegetable juices and sprouted seeds. Oats in any form—oatmeal, oatstraw tea or oat tincture, are tonifying to a weak nervous sytem without being sedating. Bitter tonics such as dandelion root or angostura bitters stimulate the digestive process and draw energy down through the body.
Part Two of this article explores the water and earth elements. More -->

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gretchen Lawlor, N.D. is an astrologer and naturopath. Send an email to the author.For more information about Gretchen Lawlor, click here.
Other StarIQ articles by Gretchen Lawlor:
Your Health and Moon Sign
11/20/2000
Mercury, the Nervous System and Energy Medicine
10/2/2000
Mercury, the Nervous System and Herbal Support
9/18/2000
Astrology and Diet Part Two
4/3/2000
What Can Medical Astrology Do for You?
2/21/2000

The Month of Love
by Alice DeVille

What true romantic would dream of ignoring the emotional overtures of the love planets, Venus and Mars, in Cupid’s month? When this star-struck duo teams up each February, unique love symphonies unfold. Have you ever read the romantic postings in your newspaper on Valentine’s Day? That’s Mars and Venus expressing devotion in graphic harmony, aided by Mercury’s way with words. Even love seekers without partners rekindle the longing for romance under the attraction-generating influence of these planetary lovebirds.
Romantics take their cues from the inspiring fabled legends of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella or the touching story of real-life lovers Elizabeth Barrett, a Pisces, and Robert Browning, a Taurus. You have only to read the letters of Aquarian former president, Ronald Reagan to his cherished Cancer wife, Nancy, in the book I Love You, Ronnie, to know that modern day soul mates do exist. Who among you has not dreamt of being swept off your feet (by dashing Mars), falling in love at first sight (with the goddess Venus) or finding your soul mate across a crowded room (Venus and Mars in an eye lock)? Cherished “oneness” is possible when this exhilarating twosome makes provocative moves toward a love connection.
The Love Team: Venus and Mars
Venus manages your social life. She desires a harmonious partner and shared commitment. Her place in your chart describes the power of your love, the way you express it, and how you wish to be adored by loved ones. A fire sign Venus wants passion and excitement (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius). Water signs crave understanding and security (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). Earth Venuses feel balanced with affection and creature comforts (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), while the air Venus enjoys your tender words and steamy love notes (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius). Venus in a man’s chart describes women that attract him. A compatible relationship with Mars in a woman’s chart often leads to romance.
Mars regulates initiative, drive and passion and represents the masculine influence in your chart. A woman’s Mars describes the men that attract her. How much she wants those men to pursue her is indicated by the connections between their planets. A fire Mars is impulsive and moves quickly in the love game, while a water Mars paces the relationship until the emotions are convinced there is something going on. An earth Mars wants expressions of reassurance, a gentle touch and a little jealousy. The communication-oriented air Mars uses intellectual determination and the gift of gab to win a partner.
Valentine’s Day 2001
Although our article focuses on the Venus and Mars pairing, it is important to point out that the Sun and Moon, and all the other planets, play a part in the relationship game as well. On Valentine’s Day 2001, the planets’ aspects (the angles between them) show a passionate mating dance forming between our love planets, Venus and Mars, in fire signs. In addition, the Moon (emotions) in the focused and intense water sign, Scorpio, and a stellium of planets in airy Aquarius will highlight the planetary lineup for the day.
A stellium is a group of three or more planets in the same sign. In this case, we have Neptune (romantic bliss), Uranus (the love-at-first-sight factor), Mercury (conversations of the heart) and the Sun (power of expression) in friendly and unconventional Aquarius. This unpredictable combination often sets up love-in-the-fast-lane scenarios and whirlwind courtships, especially with Venus and Mars on the dance floor.
What special effects will the Valentine’s Day planets have on your astrology chart? In previous articles I mentioned that if nothing is going on in your chart (no natal planets stimulated by transiting planets), there is little you can do to attract lasting romance. You owe it to yourself to plot your own romantic course by examining your chart. What type of lovers do you attract? Are your relationships fulfilling? What can you expect in the love game with the current lineup of planets?
If you have personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and/or Mars) in the fire signs, your love life could take exciting turns over the next several months. Impulsive Venus is in Aries right now, and she is ready to flirt with Mars, who makes a mad dash into adventure-seeking Sagittarius just as your Valentine Day activities get underway.
Those of you with Venus or Mars in the fire signs (Aries, Leo or Sagittarius) could have the time of your life. Why? Venus will occupy the sign Aries until early June while Mars stays in Sagittarius through early September, favorably affecting those with fire sign love placements in their birth charts. Normally, Venus travels through a sign in approximately one month and Mars in about six weeks, but both of these planets will experience retrograde periods soon (a condition that slows down the planets’ motion so that they appear to travel backward for a time before turning around and moving forward again), making for a longer than usual stay in their respective signs.
Martian energy is sensual and open to a good chase, while Venus needs a little persuasion to demonstrate her everlasting love. For some couples, this extended stay in the fire element would be long enough to meet, court, get engaged and marry. A few may elope after the first date while established couples grow closer and strengthen their love. At any rate, it offers a passionate and romantic period. Sound inviting? What are you waiting for? Buy those bubbles and bake those cakes. Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve—just spoil your sweetheart with TLC. Cupid is watching over you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice DeVille has been an astrologer, workshop presenter, and writer for over 25 years. Her expertise in romance and relationships attracts a diverse client base in the U.S. and abroad. She developed a series of workshops on finding your Soul Mate and other romantic themes. Alice combines a variety of consulting skills in her astrological practice, including business, financial and change management, real estate, and intuitive insight. Her writing appears in Llewellyn’s Sun Sign Book and Moon Sign Book.Send an email to the author.For more information about Alice DeVille, click here.
Other StarIQ articles by Alice DeVille:
Let’s Talk Business
8/13/2001
Runaway Love
4/12/2001
The Love Assessment
9/29/2000
Is There a Promotion in Your Future?
9/13/2000
Romancing with the Moon
8/25/2000
Is There a Moving Van in Your Future?
6/28/2000
Let’s Talk Business
6/14/2000
Home Sweet Home
5/10/2000
Soul Mate Zone
4/21/2000
Walking the Green Mile with Tom Hanks
2/11/2000
Interview with the Messenger
1/26/2000

The Astrology of Menopause

by Elizabeth Spring
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Between the ages of 42 and 59 there is a revolution in women’s lives that doctor’s call menopause. Astrologers have three names for it: the Uranus Opposition around the age of 42, the Chiron Return at 51, and the Second Saturn Return around 59. These three stages that span the entire menopausal experience are the rites of passage into our wise woman years. Like any journey they have their merciless moments of drama as well as quiet epiphanies. But how might menopause be different if these times came with an instruction manual like some of us received when we turned 13? “This is menstruation! Welcome to Becoming a Woman.” How might it be different if we did get a menopausal map?

Astrology offers us the closest thing that I’ve ever seen to a wise woman’s survival guide of these times, although the links between these three stages of menopause hasn’t been truly explored. I’m going to touch on this huge subject and offer a few insights, although the exact timing of these events is best explored with your own astrologer.

Uranus Opposition
At the first stage of the Uranus Opposition we begin our journey by being slightly unnerved and restless. The body’s electrical energy system begins to get revved up—fired by new messages from our glandular system. Uranus rules the electrical circuitry in our bodies, and the evolutionary purpose of Uranus is to create change—our life opens up; we see new options and possibilities. Our culture calls these years “peri-menopause” but astrologers see this as the time when we begin to be more true to ourselves, and do things differently. We may be shocked because repressed aspects of ourselves and long-forgotten dreams now come forth and demand expression. The unconscious stirs as we hear ourselves speak raw and outspoken truths in a way that startles even us. This is the same energy that makes us feel even sexier and stronger as we become serious truth-tellers.

Peri-menopause is powerful and underestimated, especially since it creeps us on us undetected. It’s as if our internal “B.S.-detectors” are amped up, and we can smell a rat or hear a lie a mile away. At this first entrance into the menopausal journey it’s time to consciously make new plans, craft new intentions, de-clutter our inner psyches and outer homes, and prepare for a new life. The Uranus Opposition is the first call towards what the Jungian psychologists call individuation; towards becoming who you truly are. Trying to maintain the status-quo at this time is the worst thing one can do. Let this be your motto: “Let’s do something different.”

As we move through our forties into menopause, it’s as if we’re being stripped of the Teflon coating of hormonal agreeableness, as we’re being catapulted into a time of intense honesty punctuated with times of intense irritation. The worst physical culprits, such as loss of sleep and hot sweats exhaust us, allowing the emotional roller coaster of moodiness to have its way with us. When we’re awake and sweating at 3:00 AM, we may find ourselves contemplating the limits of sanity, divorce or freedom even when we’ve actually have a good mind, a good marriage or good job—or so we think, up till now. Reflecting and reframing our lives is best done at 9:00 AM with our best friend over coffee, when we can exaggerate our “wet sheets story” just enough to get a good laugh and a tender hug.

The age of 51 is the average age for menopause to occur, although the process that leads up to it is as powerful as the actual ceasing of our periods. This is the turning point into our wise woman years, and many of us find ourselves coming into our own power and personhood more in our 50s than ever before. We’ve already been experimenting and finding out what works for us and what doesn’t. We’ve made changes—physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are keenly aware that our life is already more than half-lived.

Chiron Return
As we move towards the Chiron Return at age 51, the electric and truth-seeking trials of Uranus link up with the archetype of Chiron. The changes we’ve made and the healing we’ve done stand us in good stead as we approach the time when our periods actually stop, usually around the time of the Chiron Return.

Chiron can be seen as the mythological image of the “wounded healer.” As we round the corner past 50, we’ve gained some experiences and wisdom that can be helpful to others. The mythology of the planetoid Chiron is fascinating to read. The essence of it is that Chiron, the mythological god who was unable to heal himself, can now heal others. Through the process of experimentation and self-healing he learned how to become a useful mentor, healer, and teacher although he was never able to completely cure himself. Chiron is like all of us who struggle with menopause and its many remedies in an effort to heal and be whole. We delve into new treatments and new lives seeking to find physical relief and the best life, but perfect healing may elude us. We do the best we can as we struggle through it. Menopause is sloppy in all the ways of imperfection, but if we take good mental notes on our process we learn a great deal. We learn that change can be good and that open-heartedness and experimentation lead to healing. We find our way, and then we are able to help others do the same.

Second Saturn Return
As we make our way through the fifties we begin to approach the Second Saturn Return, which comes for most of us around the age of 59. This Saturn Return is typically easier than the first Saturn Return at age 29 as it ushers us into our wisdom and Elder years. This third and last part of the menopausal journey is when any unfinished business physically or emotionally needs to be taken care of. We cannot afford to be lazy in our attention to what needs to be done at this time, especially caring for our bodies. If we put off that call to the dentist, it may not be long before we’re calling the oral surgeon. If we don’t listen to our body’s messages now we may have some tough lessons with “reality”—that’s Saturn’s job.

But don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have unfinished business—coping with aging parents, health issues, loneliness…there are old problems and perhaps new solutions. We may slow down a little, and others may say we look tired. This is the time when our culture gets us thinking about retirement, and we are shocked when we tell someone our age. Can it be true? Our mental image of what this age is about is ready to change.

This is when we need to look deeply at the anatomy of our intentions. It is indeed time to see oneself as a wise woman and to act the part with quiet dignity. But do you have any great ambitions? Have you looked at what Jupiter and Neptune in your chart is whispering in your ear? Maybe you could aim higher in your intentions? Or is it just about losing weight and interior decorating? On your deathbed will you remember poignant moments doing volunteer work at the hospital or the time when you lost (and perhaps regained) fifteen pounds?

But what are the words in our hearts as well as our heads? Intentions and affirmations may find a “disconnect” if these two are not synchronized. For example, if our heart desires a new partner and yet we’re aware that our habits and lifestyle leave no room for another person in our life, then chances are it won’t happen. Or if we are still holding a powerful longing or resentment towards a past partner, where’s the room for a new person? This is the time to avoid the seductive power of our shadow and avoid scenarios where we feel our old unconscious stuff emerging—our old tapes of “not-good-enough” or “nobody loves me.” A reality check may be called for.

Someone once told me that a good rule of thumb for this time is to “sneak a little God into your daily chow.” This means different things for everyone. And we need to add the Saturnian practicality to the chow as well—a Muslim might say: “Pray to god, but tie your camel.” Or we remember the old-fashioned phrase, “God helps those that help themselves.” The gift of the Second Saturn Return is a practical wisdom combined with a more compassionate attitude, but you can’t bring naiveté to it. It’s time to get savvy. Saturn is the archetypal planet of reality that rewards in the long run for work well done, but who, as the Lord of Time, can bring delays and occasional moments of melancholy. We lose our naiveness, but gain a larger perspective.

Having just finished this third and last stage of the Menopausal Journey, I’ve found that I still feel the occasional hot flash of Uranus, the struggle with Chironic experiments in healing, as well as enjoying Saturnian moments of sitting quietly in my chair journaling. I’m finding that there is a new sanity and serenity emerging in which my ego needs are relaxing. And I’m remembering that when I’m not happy it doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong—it may be that I’m in the process of getting something right!

The Second Saturn Return also ushers us into the age of the “Yoga of Generosity.” We may find that our biggest joys come from having the chance to give whatever we can to all those “youngsters” under the age of sixty. Whether it isç giving our time, money, or telling our stories, it’s time to link the pieces together into a whole, sharing our wisdom with the story of the rough road of the journey. Remember that the difference between the boring old person and the one with the love and sparkle in her eyes is that she’s done her homework of digesting her stories. She doesn’t ramble or bore you. She’s learned something from her life, and taken more responsibility—a Saturn word that allows blame and shame to be reframed by compassion and understanding.

Moving through your menopausal journey you see the links between these transiting life stages as you pick up on the dropped stitches of meaning and healing along the way. You take good care of yourself, aligning your heart’s truth with the mind’s intention, and then point the arrow of intention in the direction of your dreams and let it release. It’s no “secret” since you’ve been doing the work and taking good notes. Chances are you’ll find the Second Saturn Return to be a very pleasant surprise.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Spring, MA, has a degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in Jungian psychology. She has studied astrology since 1969 and has been a professional astrologer since 1992. You can read other articles, or contact her for comments on her website: http://www.elizabethspring.com/.