Zodiac Man

Zodiac Man

The Zodiac Man, also known as Homo Signorum, is a diagrammatic representation in astrology and medicine that shows the correlation between the twelve Zodiac signs and the human body. The concept originated in the Middle Ages and was widely used in medical manuscripts and almanacs.

History

The Zodiac Man first appeared in the Middle Ages in medical manuscripts and almanacs. The concept is based on the ancient belief in astrology that the movements and positions of celestial bodies can influence human affairs and terrestrial events, including health. The Zodiac Man was used as a teaching tool to illustrate the specific body parts that were believed to be governed by the different Zodiac signs.

Concept

The Zodiac Man is a human figure surrounded by the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Each sign is associated with a certain part of the body, starting from the head (ruled by Aries) and ending with the feet (ruled by Pisces). The diagram was used to determine the best time for bloodletting, a common medical practice in the Middle Ages, based on the position of the moon in the Zodiac.

Use in Medicine

In the Middle Ages, physicians used the Zodiac Man to determine the safest times for surgeries and bloodletting. They believed that the moon's position in the Zodiac could influence the flow of blood and the health of specific body parts. For example, when the moon was in the sign ruling the head (Aries), it was considered unsafe to perform surgery on the head.

Modern Interpretation

While the Zodiac Man is no longer used in modern medicine, it remains a significant historical artifact. It provides insight into the medical practices and astrological beliefs of the Middle Ages. Some modern astrologers still refer to the Zodiac Man when interpreting natal charts, although this is not a common practice.

See Also

• History of Medicine
• Astrology
• Zodiac
• Middle Ages

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  The Zodiac Man with astrological symbols and medical instructions
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  Zodiac Man illustration from 1702
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  The Zodiac Man, watercolour painting by a Persian artist