Astrological Perspective on Chronic Depression

Medical astrology is an ancient discipline that studies the effects of planets and signs on human health. Studies in this field help us understand how the energetic balances in individuals' birth charts affect their physical and mental health. Medical astrologer Judith Hill's article "Astrology of Depression" is an important resource that examines the astrological foundations of chronic depression in depth. 

Astrological perspectives of depression are evaluated through the balance of certain energies in the individual's natal chart and their reflections on psychological states. Chronic depression is defined as a long-term state of sadness and fatigue, and the person is unable to change his mood against his will. Judith Hill's work explores how depression can be related to these astrological energies and highlights 15 causes. 

In this reading, you can discover the reasons identified by Hill and have the opportunity to re-interpret depression from the perspective of medical astrology.

Types of Depression

Clinical psychology studies depression by dividing it into various categories: Chronic Depression, Major Depression, Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Atypical Depression, Psychotic Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Situational and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. This study focuses specifically on chronic depression. Chronic depression is characterized by deep sadness and loss of energy that individuals feel for long periods of time. Hill's astrological studies reveal how this type of depression is related to specific planets and zodiac signs.

From an astrological perspective, chronic depression is associated with the dominance of certain planets and signs in the natal chart. For example, the influence of water signs and Saturn can form the astrological basis for symptoms of depression. Hill details how these astrological placements affect individuals' susceptibility to depression and explains the effects of these placements on psychological states.

Traditional Views of Depression

Renaissance physician-astrologers attributed depression to various astrological and physical causes. At that time, the effects of planets and signs on human health were an accepted approach. According to traditional views, one of the main causes of depression was the cold and dry energies of Saturn. These views, blended with modern astrological understandings, address the causes of depression from a broader perspective.

The four elements and four 'humors' theory suggests that depression occurs as a result of energetic imbalances. The elements of water, earth, fire and air can cause certain humoral imbalances in the human body. These imbalances can cause mental conditions such as depression. Hill's work combines these traditional theories with modern astrological practices to help us understand the energetic and astrological underpinnings of depression.

So what is the four humor theory?

The four 'humors' theory is an approach based on ancient Greek medicine that proposes that the four basic fluids (humors) in the human body determine health and disease. This theory was developed by Hippocrates and elaborated by later physicians such as Galen. Each humor is associated with a specific element and qualities: Blood (sanguine humor) is warm and moist with the air element; yellow bile (choleric humor) hot and dry with the fire element; black bile (melancholic humor) cold and dry with the earth element; Phlegmatic humor is defined as cold and moist with the water element. 

It is believed that a healthy body is characterized by the balance of these four humors. If one or more of these fluids are out of balance, the person's physical or mental health will deteriorate. For example, While excess black bile can lead to depression, excess of yellow bile can cause anger and irritability. By combining this humoral theory with astrological elements, Renaissance physician-astrologers tried to understand the effects of planets and zodiac signs on human health in more detail. Judith Hill's work blends these traditional approaches with modern astrological practices to help us understand the energetic and astrological foundations of depression.

Water Signs and Chronic Depression

Water signs, especially Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio, are closely associated with symptoms of depression. The energies of these signs are characterized by emotional sensitivity and inner depth. They are known for intense emotional swings and deep melancholy.

The depression tendencies of astrological water signs occur when the energies of these signs become unbalanced. For example, Pisces' hypersensitivity and introversion can lead to symptoms of depression. Similarly, Cancer and Scorpio zodiac signs may show symptoms of depression due to intense emotional experiences. 

Astrological Causes of Chronic Depression

Fifteen astrological signatures of chronic depression are based on years of observations by Judith Hill. These signatures include specific planet and sign placements in natal charts that indicate symptoms of depression. 

Sun, Moon, Ascendant or Mercury in Water Signs

It is common for individuals who are prone to depression to have water signs (especially Pisces and Cancer) dominant in their natal charts. Water signs are known for their emotional depth, sensitivity, and strong connections to past lives. These energies can increase symptoms of chronic depression.

Having the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Mercury, Venus or Jupiter in the Signs Ruled by Saturn (Capricorn or Aquarius)

These placements may increase individuals' susceptibility to depression, especially when Saturn makes harsh angles. Saturn's cold and oppressive energy can weaken the positive effects of these planets.

Birth Charts with a Lack of Light

Those born in the last quarter of the Moon, during the Balsamic or New Moon phase, may be more prone to depression due to lack of light, especially if they were born during the winter months and at night. This may predispose to low serotonin levels and seasonal affective disorder.

Dominance or Hard Aspects of Saturn

If Saturn is dominant in the natal chart or makes hard angles with the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or Neptune, it can increase symptoms of depression. Saturn's cold and dark energy can negatively affect individuals' moods.

Locations Near the South Node

Having the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, or Neptune in close proximity to the South Node can cause individuals to struggle with energies from the past. These placements can increase symptoms of depression.

Dense Settlement in Water Houses (4th, 8th and 12th Houses)

The 12th house, in particular, is a strong indicator of depression. Planetary placements in this house associated with water signs indicate that individuals may experience problems with internal struggles and hidden hostilities.

Great Stress on the 3rd and 9th House Axes

The presence of Saturn or the Lunar Nodes in the 3rd or 9th house or the presence of more than one malefic planet (Mars and Saturn) on this axis can increase the stress and mental burden in individuals' daily lives.

Mercury or the Moon at 27-29 Degrees of Water or Earth Signs

These degrees are sensitive points that increase individuals' susceptibility to depression. The presence of Mercury or the Moon at 27-29 degrees of Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) and earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) can strengthen this effect.

Neptune's Hard Aspects and Positions

Neptune making harsh angles with the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Mercury or Saturn, individuals' desire to escape from reality. This is also one of the frequently observed clinical symptoms of depression.

Difficult Positions of the Moon

The Moon making hard angles with Saturn, Mars, Neptune or the South Node, being in the 8th or 12th house, and being in signs (Scorpio or Capricorn) where it is in detriment or decline according to the basic nobility system, may cause individuals to experience emotional imbalances and depression.

Lack of Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

a in the natal chartLack of zodiac signs can cause individuals to experience a lack of life energy and motivation. Fire signs represent the warm and energetic aspects of life, and their deficiency can increase depression.

Weak Position of Sun and Mars

in the natal chart The presence of the Sun and Mars in detriment or weak signs or houses (Aquarius, Libra, Taurus and Cancer) may cause individuals' energy and life forces to weaken. This may increase symptoms of depression.

Venus Being Weak and Forgiving

Venus being in harmful signs or houses or Venus making harsh angles with Saturn may cause individuals to experience a lack of love and happiness. This may increase symptoms of depression.

Jupiter's Forgiveness

Jupiter's detriment in earth or water signs may cause individuals to experience a lack of joy and hope in their lives. Even a strong Jupiter can sometimes not completely prevent depression, it can create extremes.

12. Harmful Accents in the House

The presence of Saturn, the South Node, or other harmful combinations in the 12th house may cause individuals to experience struggles in their inner world and increase symptoms of depression. The 12th house is also associated with secret enemies and subconscious problems.