The human soul is encapsulated in three different bodies: 1) Physical (Gross) body 2) Astral body and 3) Causal body
The physical body, also known as the gross material body, is composed of flesh and bones, relying on food and water for nourishment. However, dietary preferences and digestive abilities vary significantly from person to person. Have you ever wondered why certain foods don't sit well with you, while a friend can indulge in large meals without any discomfort? Or why some people struggle with digestive issues despite eating healthy?
In this article, we explore these mysteries of food habits, digestion, and gut health—through the lens of astrology. Could the stars and planets hold the key to understanding your body's unique relationship with food? Let's find out.
Key Planets & Houses and their influences
The 4th house, ruled by Cancer and its planetary ruler, the Moon, governs key areas of the body such as the stomach, lungs, breasts, and bodily fluids. Any negative influences on this house or the Moon could manifest as digestive sensitivities, emotional eating patterns, or even eating disorders.
Similarly, the 6th house, associated with Virgo and ruled by Mercury, plays a crucial role in regulating the intestines, central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and enteric nervous system—all of which are deeply connected to digestion and gut health. Imbalances in this house can contribute to digestive disorders, food intolerances, or stress-induced gut issues.
On your birth chart, analysing the planets occupying the 4th and 6th houses, placement of their natural rulers moon and mercury and any aspects to these planets will help gain a deep understanding of our relationship with food and digestion.
Moon in Sixth house: Whimsical and fanciful, with love towards liquids and moist foods. When Moon/Mercury is occupying the sixth house, it is advised to refrain from distractions during meal times. Avoid reading, screen exposure or being anxious
Mercury in the sixth house: The individual might have fads and fancies associated with the diet. Unless well aspected, Mercury in the sixth house usually means that the individual lacks common sense pertaining to diet.
Mars in the sixth house: Indicates healthy appetite, sometimes leading to over indulgence and excessive eating
Venus in Sixth house: Love for having nice things to eat and drink. Could sometimes be excessive, but the influence is usually moderate, especially if Venus is in Libra
Jupiter in Sixth house: Might indicate ill health through surfeit and love of feasting. The individuals would be benefitted from others joining them for the meal
Saturn in the sixth house or ruling sixth house: The individual would be magnetically affected by the people that are at the table during the meal. The individual might be too ascetic and take up prolonged durations of fasting. To counter this, the individual must have a diet that is generous and nourishing and take their meals in warm sunny rooms
Food preferences
Based on the planet in the sixth house, the individuals may prefer these kinds of food:
- Sun - Spicy
- Moon - Salty, liquids and moist food
- Mercury - All kinds
- Venus - Lemony, tangy
- Mars - Bitter
- Jupiter - Sweet
- Saturn - Fermented, cold food, usually with pungent odour
Moon in Transit
While your birth chart indicates the state of your health and associated with food in general, planets transiting in the sixth house could indicate the temporary benefits or issues associated with that transit.
Moon in transit and its aspects to the major planets is usually a strong indicator of health.
- Moon afflicted by Sun or Uranus indicates issues with digestion or aggravation of IBS
- Moon afflicted by Mars indicates Inflammatory issues due to the association of Mars with the Fire element
- Moon afflicted by Saturn indicates an issue that is Chronic in nature.
Illustrations
Case 1:
In the birth chart, Moon (4th lord in the 9th house) and Mercury (6th lord in 12th house), both indicators of health, have a square aspect indicating poor health. Since Mercury is in the 12th house, health problems are due to the karmic past. The individual would have a highly sensitive digestive system. For individuals with such aspects, being a vegetarian is highly recommended.
Moon Progressions:
The Moon in progression takes 28 years for a complete cycle. Approximately, every 7.5 years the Moon shifts 3 houses.
- When Moon moves to Pisces, it has a square aspect with the Natal Moon
- When Moon moves to Gemini, it has a square aspect with Natal Mercury and an opposition to Natal Moon
- When Moon moves to Virgo, it has a square with Natal moon and an Opposition with Natal Mercury
During these progressed moon positions, the individual has suffered from food poisoning, indigestion, diarrhoea, dehydration.
Transits of Major planets and Moon:
Moon completes the full cycle in a month. During a month, the individual usually faces health issues at least 2-3 times. The individual has resorted to fasting on these days to avoid the problems.
Major planets like Saturn, Uranus, Neptune (Uranus and Neptune are slow moving planets) - When these transiting planets have stress aspects with Mercury or Moon, the individual faces health issues.
Case 2:
This individual has Moon in the 2nd house (natural 6th house) and Mercury in the 5th house. There is a square aspect between Moon and Mercury, and similar to the case above the individual usually faces health concerns.
According to the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verses 7-10), every action, including our dietary choices, reflects our spiritual evolution. 1/6th of the food that we eat goes to our 'manas' or mind. The food we consume aligns with the three gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—which shape our physical and mental well-being.
- Sattvic foods—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts—promote clarity, balance, and vitality.
- Rajasic foods—including spicy, salty, and heavily flavored dishes, as well as eggs and meat—stimulate activity and restlessness.
- Tamasic foods, which lack vitality due to improper preparation or preservation, can dull the mind and body. Red meat also falls under this category, as do unhygienic or heavily processed foods.
Ultimately, food is more than just sustenance—it is a means to harmonize with nature and balance planetary influences. By making conscious dietary choices, we not only nourish our bodies but also align ourselves with higher vibrations for overall well-being.
If you're curious to explore how your birth chart shapes your dietary habits and digestive health, we invite you to reach out to us atsupport@leoastro.com