The Zodiac Body: Celestial Influences in Medieval Art and Mysticism

In the luminous pages of The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry, one of the most magnificent Books of Hours ever created, lies a symbolic image that bridges the heavens and the human form: the Anatomical Man.

This figure, delicately inked in the manuscript’s calendar section, is surrounded by the twelve signs of the zodiac – each one associated with a specific region of the body.  From head to toe, the stars were believed to govern our anatomy, emotions and very essence.

This celestial- body map wasn’t just artistic fancy; it reflected a core medieval belief – microcosm and macrocosm.  Just as the universe is vast and ordered by the movement of the planets and stars, so too is the human being, echoing that divine design.  Physician, astrologers and mystics all consulted these charts when diagnosing illness or determining the best times for healing.

Here is the traditional alignment of the zodiac signs with the parts of the body:

Aries  – Head and face

Taurus – Neck and Throat

Gemini – Arms,  shoulders,  Lungs

Cancer – Chest and Stomach

Leo – Heart and upper back

Virgo –  Digestive system and intestines

Libra –  Lower back and kidneys

Scorpio –  Reproductive Organs 

Sagittarius – Hips and thighs

Capricorn – Knees and bones

Aquarius –  Ankles and circulation

Pisces – Feet and the lymphatic system

To the medieval mind, this connection between star and body was both sacred and practical.  One’s physical health, emotional temperament and even destiny were thought to be written in the stars, yet also felt deeply within the flesh.

The Anatomical Man serves as a mystical reminder : we are not separate from the cosmos but part of its divine rhythm.  Our very bodies are a reflection of the star’s poetry.

As we walk though modern life, it’s worth pausing to reflect on this ancient wisdom – that healing is not only of the body, but also of spirit, soul and sky.

-Kristina Psychic Medium

If you feel guided to explore your personal connection with the stars or seek clarity through intuitive insight, you’re warmly welcome to book a session with me on the booking page.  Let’s journey together through the sacred language of the spirit and stars.