I’m not a professional astrologer, but I’ve been working with (and teaching) this fascinating system for decades. One area it can be used for is finding the best time for a surgery or medical procedure, because there are a number of “rules.” (Rules is in quotes because we don’t always get to choose the time or date, and because the most important factor is not related to astrology, but to the surgeon’s competence.)
That said, if you have the luxury to participate in the scheduling of your surgery, there are several things to look for, or plan around.
Avoid surgery:
During Mercury retrograde (ideally, avoid 7 days pre- and post-). Why invite the possibility of missed communications or technological breakdowns? Not to mention the increased risk of having to REvisit the surgery at some date in the future.
On a day when the moon is void of course (or, schedule it for more than 3 hours pre- or post). Moon VoC is closely akin to a Mercury retrograde — there is a specific kind of energy that is temporarily awry. Why invite problems?
Five days pre- or post- a Full Moon. This is based on the idea that since our bodies are 75% water, our fluids are affected by the moon’s orbit as much as tides are. During a full moon, the fluids are increased, producing post-surgery problems like swelling and poor wound drainage.
When the moon is transiting the sign that rules the body part being operated on, or its opposite sign. During this time, the moon’s passage makes that body part more vulnerable, weaker. A similar effect occurs when it is moving through its opposite. (A list of signs the parts they rule is at the end of this article.)
During eclipses (at least five days pre- or post-). Eclipse energy frequently makes things run amok. Need I say more?
During Mars retrograde (and 15 days pre- and post-). Mars rules physical energy, its effects, and powerful emotions. During a retrograde time, we see irrationality, depression, and physical debility.
When the Moon in the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces – unless the surgery is exploratory, in which case you want the mutable energy of creativity to be available.
It’s a whole lot of “thou shalt nots,” so here are some “dos.”
Try to schedule your surgery:
Five days pre- or post- the Dark of the Moon. If the fluids in the body are at their highest at the full moon, they are at their ebb at the new moon.
When the moon is in the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius – UNLESS the surgery is exploratory. The fixed energy provides stability, steadiness, and a reliance on knowledge. If you can’t get these fixed signs, choose the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn).
When your Transit aspects indicate a sextile or trine natal Venus, Mars, or Jupiter. These aspects indicate harmony, peace, and calm.
When there are sextile or trine aspects relating to the natal 6th house (health) and its ruler. These positive aspects indicate a faster, easier, healing process.
We don’t always get to choose, but knowing these aspects can help navigate our options.