Page 44 - All About History - Issue 186-19

THE ZODIAC MAN

Astrology played a very important
role in medieval medicine

The human body was seen as a microcosm of
the universe and so prognosis and treatments ARIES
were linked to the movement of heavenly The Ram controlled the
bodies. Each zodiac sign was assigned to a part head and influenced
of the body that it was believed to influence the eyes, the brain,
adrenal glands and
and control, leading to the ‘zodiac man’, an
blood pressure.
illustration that features in various surviving
almanacs. Physicians always checked the
position of the stars before performing any TAURUS
procedure, because if a sign was active then it
would be dangerous to conduct treatment on The Bull controlled the
the associated body part. neck and influenced
the throat, ears, vocal
chords and teeth.

GEMINI
CANCER
The Twins controlled
the shoulders and The Crab controlled the
influenced the lungs, chest and influenced
g
arms and nerves. the breasts and some
bodily fluids.
LEO
VIRGO
The Lion controlled the
sides and influenced The Maiden controlled the
the heart, spleen, spine stomach and influenced the
abdomen, gallbladder, pancreas,
b k
and upper back.
intestines and liver.
LIBRA SCORPIO

The Scales controlled the buttocks The Scorpion controlled
and influenced the lower back, the reproductive
hips, endocrines and kidneys. organs, bladder, rectum
and pelvis.

SAGITTARIUS

The Archer controlled
the thighs and CAPRICORN
influenced the legs. The Sea Goat controlled
the knees and
influenced the bones,
skin and nerves.
AQUARIUS

The Water Bearer controlled
the ankles and influenced
the blood vessels .

PISCES

The Fish controlled the
feet and other extremities.
Image source: wiki/Condé Museum

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