For centuries, astrologers believed that each zodiac sign governed a specific part of the human body—from Aries ruling the head to Pisces ruling the feet. This idea was illustrated in a traditional diagram known as the Man of the Signs, a zodiac body chart once used as a practical guide for timing everything from medical procedures to farm work.
What Is the Man of the Signs?
Early Almanac readers were thoroughly familiar with The Man of the 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 the 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.
Zodiac Signs and Their Associated Body Parts
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.
Below is a zodiac body parts chart showing which sign is traditionally linked to each area of the body.
| Sign | Symbol | Body Part |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | ♈ | Head |
| Taurus | ♉️ | Neck |
| Gemini | ♊️ | Arms |
| Cancer | ♋️ | Breast |
| Leo | ♌️ | Heart |
| Virgo | ♍️ | Belly |
| Libra | ♎️ | Reins |
| Scorpio | ♏️ | Secrets |
| Sagittarius | ♐️ | Thighs |
| Capricorn | ♑️ | Knees |
| Aquarius | ♒️ | Legs |
| Pisces | ♓️ | Feet |
Astrology, the Moon, and “Best Days”
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Man of the Signs?
The Man of the Signs is a traditional astrology chart that links each zodiac sign to a specific part of the human body. It was widely used in medieval and early modern almanacs as a guide for timing health-related activities.
Which zodiac sign rules the head?
Aries is traditionally associated with the head. In medical astrology, activities involving the head were often avoided when the Moon was in Aries.
Which zodiac sign rules the heart?
Leo is associated with the heart. According to traditional astrology, this sign governs matters related to the chest and heart.
What zodiac sign rules the feet?
Pisces is linked to the feet, completing the zodiac’s symbolic journey down the body from head to toe.
What is medical astrology?
Medical astrology is the historical belief that celestial bodies—especially the Moon and zodiac signs—affect different parts of the body and influence health and healing practices.
More Like This
Although I am not an astrologer myself, many of our readers look at the time when the Moon is in the sign associated with the part of the body where one is having surgery. One wants to be several signs away from that sign. For example, for dental work, you want to avoid times when the Moon is in Aries, which is associated with the head (see the Man of Signs illustration on this page), and also probably Taurus, which is sometimes associated with the lower teeth. Also, you want to avoid the time of the full Moon and a few days surrounding it, as it is said that one might bleed a little more freely at those times while healing. So, for November 2018, the Moon is in Aries on Nov 18, 19, 20, and in Taurus on Nov 21, 22. The full Moon is on Nov 23 (see https://www.almanac.com/astronomy/moon/calendar, or page 164 of The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac for November Moon phases). If you need to schedule in the few days remaining in November, then the best times might be at the very end, on November 27, 28 (both Leo) and 29 and 30 (both Virgo) of 2018. Our astrologer suggests November 27 and 28 as the very best days for dental care (see page 240 of The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac)--she looks at other factors in addition to the Moon. Hope this helps!
Although we don't usually advise people about scheduling surgery, and urge you to work with your doctor about the best times, our readers do look at times when the Moon is in a sign that is several signs away from the one associated with the area where one is having surgery. Taurus is associated with the neck, so you'll want to find when the Moon is not in Taurus, and ideally a few signs away from it, such as Libra etc. It is also said that one should avoid the time of the full Moon, and a few days around then, because during that time, one might bleed a little more freely while healing. To find out the Moon's astrological signs in February 2019, you can go to page 225 of The 2019 Old Farmer's Almanac (a digital version of the 2019 Almanac is available for purchase here, for immediate access https://store.almanac.com/the-2019-old-farmers-almanac-online-edition/. ) The Moon phases for February 2019 can be found on page 126 of the 2019 Almanac, or by using this tool: https://www.almanac.com/astronomy/moon/calendar. The Moon is full on February 19, 2019. During the weekdays of Feb 11-15, 2019, the Moon will be in the following signs: Taurus (Feb 11, 12), Gemini (Feb 13, 14), Cancer (Feb 15). Although I am not an astrologer myself, based on criteria that our readers often use, if you need to have surgery that week, then perhaps Feb 15 might be best, as it is 2 signs away from Taurus. The last week of Feb, 25-28, actually looks better, perhaps, if you have the option: Scorpio (Feb 25), Sagittarius (Feb 26, 27), Capricorn (Feb 28).
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