What in astrology determines our physical appearance?

“What in astrology determines our physical appearance?” was a question I answered on Quora.

The ascending sign (in an accurate Western birth-chart) is useful in determining the physical appearance we show to the world.

But you may want to take this further and consider how the signs link with the whole body – and its shape. If you look into traditional astrology the body was split into the 12 signs running from the head (Aries), to toe (Pisces). This is how astrology was applied in medical practice up to post mediaeval times.

By the way, while I knew the broad picture, I’ve drawn on the Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology (McGraw-Hill Book Company) for the details to this. The book is a very useful resource for the study of Western astrology.

Aries rules the head and face.
Taurus the neck, throat, pharynx, larynx, vocal cords, and thyroid gland.
Gemini rules the shoulders, lungs, and upper rib cage.
Cancer the breasts, stomach, thorax, liver, digestive system, and general metabolism
Leo rules the heart, the spinal column and the lower back.
Virgo rules the abdomen and organs it contains, especially the digestive tract, the spleen, and the duodenum.
Libra rules the kidneys, adrenal glands, lumber region, ovaries and skin.
Scorpio the reproductive system, the excretory system (especially the large intestine and bladder).
Sagittarius the hips, thighs, sciatic nerve, sacrum, and coccyx.
Capricorn rules the knees, the joints, the connective tissue, and the skin, bones, hair and nails
Aquarius the calves, the ankles, and the blood circulation.
Pisces rules the feet, the lymphatic system, and the glands, especially the lachrymal glands.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Associated links:

• What does a yod mean in a natal chart?
• Why are zodiac signs different?
• Christianity and Astrology