The Man of Signs: What are Signs in the Body?

Early Almanac readers were thoroughly familiar with the The Man of Signs. It was not mere superstition, but a trusted guide that they consulted before undertaking any important task. Not only did readers use the Man of Signs to determine the best times for certain health-related activities, but they also found it helpful for other tasks, such as caring for livestock, cutting timber or weeds, or making sauerkraut. Specifically, they looked for when the Moon was in the astrological sign associated with a certain body part to direct them, sometimes also taking into account the Moon’s phase. Find out which sign the Moon is in today.

These readers deeply understood the connection between celestial bodies and earthly matters. They saw the signs of the Zodiac and the phases of the Moon as powerful forces that could profoundly influence their lives; by paying attention to the Moon’s changes, readers felt a sense of harmony with the universe and a greater hope of success in their endeavors. Although some in modern society may view these practices as mere folklore, it is fascinating to delve into the rich history of astrology and its continuing impact on people’s lives.

How to Follow the Man of Signs

The first sign of the zodiac—Aries—is attributed to the head, with the rest of the signs moving down the body, ending with Pisces at the feet. 

Consult the chart below to see which body parts are associated with which signs and dates. According to astrology, it is considered a poor time to do an activity that involves the given body part within the associated range of dates. For example, because Aries is connected to the head, it would be considered unfavorable to have an eye examination during Aries (March 21 to April 20).

Please Note: The Old Farmer’s Almanac does not give medical advice. Consult with a medical professional before making any decisions related to your health or the health of loved ones.

Just as in earlier times, Almanac readers today use our astrological tables to determine the timing of various events. The astrological Best Days (to do things) advice continues to be one of the most popular features and traditional practices of the Almanac, as do the dates of Mercury Retrograde.