It is absolutely amazing what we can learn about ourselves if we are open to exploration and possibilities! As many know by now, I have studied astrology, chakras, and alternative health - but at different times. Kept them somewhat separate, never really thinking about how they all have a connection.  As an avid learner, there are times I come across information which I cannot ignore.  This is one of those times.  I researched, I put it all into practice, I make notes of it, and look at the world at large to see if indeed certain patterns arise. Well, something did come up and I completed my practicum and research! I thought to share it with all of you who are open minded and set for exploration. The link between your natal chart, chakra system and over all health is very interesting at best.

I am an Aries, with much in the 8th house including my sun sign (House of Scorpio). My rising sign is Virgo. Now, fast forward from the time of birth, I came across this information and thought how interesting. It had to do with our planets and our sun/rising sign. Well, originally it was just about focusing on sun signs, but I thought rising signs should be incorporated. Also, as an aside, I'm working with other natal areas such as the moon sign and location. But for the purpose of this hub, I'm keeping with the sun/rising sign.

I notice when I get a bit 'stressed' (understatement which I'm sure many more of you understand) and before I set my goals toward going into my own techniques to de-stress certain things happen. Initially, if I'm heavily burdened and stressed for a long period of time without any 'letting up' I notice two areas of my body become problematic. The first is my throat (ugh!) and I feel soreness in that area and my voice begins to become very raspy.  First it changes in tone, then it begins to ache - slow transition, but it happens.  If I don't do anything about my stress, it gets worse and I usually end up with a cold- it spreads. I also notice that when I get stressed I usually start to question everything that I'm doing. My mind starts racing and I pull back from the material world and need alone time- in a big way.  I don't go towards people, I withdraw, period. Then I begin to judge myself and my efforts while the thinking head is seemingly uncontrollable.  I literally want to jump out of my skin! Can't quite the mind/head and it's not fun (can't sleep and I'm scattered mind/body in the day) Questioning everything and I begin to self-doubt. Some times I feel sick to my stomach! Within this major stressful time frame, my self-esteem is effected! But as soon as I deal with my major stressors, and after the cold thing, stomach aches gone, I emerge into this world stronger then ever and with amazing clarity! No more racing of thoughts!  My self-esteem is peaking greatness from the highest mountain top! What happened?

There are many explanations from different camps of thought but for the sake of this hub, I'm focusing on chakras and planetary affiliations.

My sun sign is Aries and I have my sun sign in the house of Scorpio the day I was born. Interestingly enough, both Aries and Scorpio have been aligned with the Solar Plexus area/chakra which is said to be the seat of our personal force and power! How interesting I thought! This area definitely becomes problematic, noticeably so, when I'm not balanced - spirit, mind and body. My throat starts well before the cold sets in because my voice changes well in advance - that is, when again I'm overly stressed and not centered, my throat "chakra" begins to act up. Having a Virgo rising, Mercury ruling Virgo/Gemini does rule the 5th chakra which is the throat! (Seat of communication and mental control!) What's more, I do feel very dis-organized at these same times and I can't stop my thoughts from racing! Also, Virgo/Gemini related to the throat chakra!

I'm also discovering more about how the days of the week and color correspond to our natal charts. Very fascinating. I will leave you with a run down of planets and their affiliations to our chakra system/body. I say, stay open to this information and check it out yourself! Have fun!

Sun Rules Leo = Crown Chakra = Seat of divine essence

Moon Rules Cancer = Third Eye = Seat of Inner Sight/Psychism

Mercury Rules Gemini/Virgo = Throat Chakra = Seat of communication and mental control

Venus Rules Taurus/Libra = Heart Chakra = Seat of Love and Charity

Mars Rules Aries/Scorpio = Solar Plexus = Seat of Personal Force and Power

Jupiter Rules Sagittarius/traditionally rules Pisces = 2nd Chakra = Seat of emotions, creativity, desires, and passion

Saturn Rules Capricorn/traditionally rules Aquarius = 1st Chakra/Base = Seat of groundedness, security and material well-being.