Astrology and Health
       vitalism and humours

The humours are here explained in detail, from both symbolic and biochemical perspectives, as well as showing how humoral physiology can be used parallel to biochemical medicine.

In comprehending humoral ideas it is important to stop analysing what the humours are, in the same way that blood is currently broken up into its anatomical and biochemical components, but to allow the symbolism of the Elements to reveal in your mind's eye the nature of the humours.

The Sanguine Humour

The sanguine humour is the principal humour of the blood which embodies the other three humours, the choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic within it. The sanguine humour is perceived with the Air Element and is synonymous with the totality of the blood. Since the blood and the Air Element are both hot and moist, this where the symbolic connection is made. Air is unique amongst the four Elements, since it is the only one of the four gross Elements that is able to embrace the other three equally. Similarly the sanguine humour embraces the other three humours. In a state of health the choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic humours are indistinguishable within the sanguine humour. See Figure 2. They only become manifest when disease occurs.

Read more on the Humours
About the Vital Force
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