Introduction to Decumbiture

,

• Publisher: The Wessex Astrologer
• Year: 2014
• Print ISBN: 9781910531006
• eBook ISBN: 9781902405988

A decumbiture chart, taken from the time a patient 'takes to their bed' (Latin decumbere, to lie down), is a traditional technique used in medical astrology to help discover the causes of an illness and to ascertain if the treatment is working and whether recovery is likely. Very few of us have the luxury of taking to our beds these days but the time for a doctor's appointment or the onset of a fever for example are equally valid and the resulting chart can be very informative. Wanda Sellar teaches the techniques in a clear and easily understandable format then demonstrates their use in a wide variety of case histories

1

An Introduction

“The true crisis is best of all taken from that moment of time when first the sickness invaded the infirm.”

‘Christian Astrology’, William. Lilly, p.291

Grounds for Decumbiture

That someone might remember to look at their timepiece at the onset of illness, more particularly at the time of taking to their bed, would show a remarkable presence of mind. But this is the foundation of the technique of decumbiture in astrology. Indeed, the expression ‘decumbiture’ derives from the Latin decumbere, meaning ‘to lie down’. The process of lying down is more likely symbolic of the vital spirits or the life force no longer burning so brightly or flowing so freely, and that there was a need for recuperation, and almost inevitably the services of a physician.¹ If the physician was also an astrologer, he might set up a horoscope for the moment the patient took to his bed, and judge it accordingly.

It was also possible to apply decumbiture rules to a chart drawn up for the moment a patient took a vial of his urine to the physician/doctor.

“Accept of that time when the sick parties Urine was first carried to somebody, to enquire of the disease, whether the party enquired of was physician or not.” ²

The inspection of urine (uroscopy) was a routine procedure amongst those who practised physic, and was thought to indicate the performance of body fluids, important in humoural medicine. Physicians who specialised in urine examination were colloquially referred to as ‘pisse prophets’.³

The time of meeting between patient and physician could also constitute a valid decumbiture chart, which may have been a likely choice in most instances, since not everyone would have possessed a timepiece or have the presence of mind to run out into the garden and consult the sundial. Or indeed, thought of taking their urine to the physician.

Quite possibly, any breakdown in health or enquiry into a health matter does constitute credible grounds for the erection of a decumbiture chart, so it is quite likely that such a chart not only refers to the time a person takes to his or her bed, but also to any situation where there is a possible disruption of the life force. Culpeper mentions various occasions where decumbiture charts are drawn up for reasons other than succumbing to a supine position.

He examines a chart ⁴ for the moment where a 60-year-old man has been run through with a sword causing injury to his arm. Another chart describes a similar sword wound to a young man’s knee. Not a likely occurrence these days, but injury with a knife could of course occur. Another chart describes someone falling sick whilst travelling. We may consider various possibilities upon which a decumbiture may be erected:

a) Accidents

b) A fall

c) Sting by insect

d) Heart attack

e) IVF treatment

f) Patient arriving for any kind of therapeutic treatment

g) Waiting for results of a medical test

h) Horary questions about one’s own health, or that of another

i) Entering a convalescent or nursing home

j) An epidemic

Astrological Judgement

Astrologers William Lilly (1602-1681) and Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) recommend rules of delineation which may appear formulaic, but judgement rests with the astrologer, as always. Some of the aphorisms (truths or maxims) associated with this form of astrology may seem as if they are absolute pronouncements of certainty, but in fact they may only indicate possibilities rather than probabilities.

The decumbiture chart enables the astrologer/physician/therapist to help the client/patient deal with their condition, indicate a possible outcome, to monitor their feelings, make helpful suggestions and if the therapist is properly qualified, outline a course of treatment, orthodox or complementary.

The popularity of the decumbiture chart was at its height seemingly in the 17th century when herbs constituted the prescribed method of treatment, but it would appear that essential oils, as used in aromatherapy today, were also available, as well as minerals. Culpeper mentions the use of essential oils and minerals in his herbal.⁵ Minerals or crystals were often used internally, not a method anyone would advocate in present times! (Like some plants, they can be toxic.)

The usual therapeutic use of minerals these days is through crystal healing, a therapy which purportedly has an effect on the subtle bodies and the meridians, which wasn’t apparently taken into account in times gone by.

Naturally, to suggest medications, the astrologer should also be a qualified practitioner in a recognised therapy; nevertheless, the decumbiture chart can still be a useful aid in helping the astrologer to understand the genesis, and possibly predict the outcome of the condition.

In the past, with little regulation in medical matters, prescribing medicines in accordance with an astrological chart, and even diagnosing the disease, was not deemed unethical. Even predictions of death seemed to be a normal occurrence. Indeed there are many astrological aphorisms which warn of the impending presence of the grim reaper.

Where astrologers are not doctors, caution is necessarily exercised in making a definite diagnosis of illness and whether it is likely to be fatal or not. It would be more advisable for the astrologer to pinpoint areas of the body which may be subject to weakness, as well as inform on critical days, rather than be too definite about naming a particular disease.

The method of charting the progress of illness is one of the most useful aids in a decumbiture, if the client/patient attends regularly for treatment. If the condition is acute, minor, and brief (clears up after a month), it is judged by the transit of the Moon. For chronic conditions the Sun’s movement is considered. Methodology is examined in the chapter on Timing and Length of Disease.

The decumbiture chart is basically an event chart, but since there is information sought, it links very well with horary astrology. The various strictures associated with horary are without doubt useful to contemplate in judgement, but should not obviate judgement as one might with a horary chart. For instance, an early or late degree rising does not deem that the chart is unfit to be judged, rather that the illness or condition is either at its inception or culmination, respectively. If the Moon is void of course (making no applying aspect to another traditional planet before leaving the sign), it does not mean that ‘nothing will happen’, rather that the condition will not change for better or for worse in the near future. It is a subtle difference, and even a helpful pronouncement, or indeed, the reverse!

Rules of delineation, strictures and aphorisms are given for guidance and as helpful aids for the astrologer’s own judgement. Above all, it is imperative to keep the patient positive, as far as possible.

In the first instance the chart is judged by examining the seven traditional planets (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) and the Ptolemaic aspects (conjunction sextile, trine, square and opposition), thereafter other aspects and outer planets might be considered.

A Question of Time

An occurrence such as a fall, an operation or an accident may have designated moments of time, so no question arises about validity. Some astrologers practising decumbiture prefer to set up a chart for the moment someone may telephone (or some other relevant means of communication) for an appointment. Other astrologers prefer to use the actual meeting in the consultation room. Which is right? There is no easy answer. Perhaps whatever works for the individual astrologer, or whatever seems apposite for the situation in question.

Revision

1.   What does the Latin expression decumbiture mean?

2.   What might the inspection of urine reveal?

3.   Name three occasions where there might be a disruption of the life force.

4.   Name three ways in which a decumbiture chart can enable the astrologer to help their client.

5.   What originally constituted the main form of Materia Medica in regard to decumbiture charts?

6.   Would it be advisable to recommend medications if not properly qualified?

7.   Which planet governs the progress of acute conditions?

8.   Which planet governs the progress of chronic conditions?

9.   What might an early degree on the Ascendant suggest in a decumbiture chart?

10. What would a void of course Moon mean in a decumbiture chart?

References

1.   CA, p.270.

2.   CA, p.243.

3.   Porter Roy. Quacks, Tempus, 2000, p.181.

4.   AJD, p.112 onwards.

5.   CHE, pp.205, 254, 353.

2

The Houses

“O Heaven! Were man but constant, he were perfect.”

‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’, Act 5, Scene 4, William Shakespeare

Naturally all houses play their part in the delineation of a decumbiture chart, but certain houses are particularly significant.

The 1st house is of prime importance simply because it relates to life, and describes the constitution. After the cosmic links to the 1st house have been judged, then attention should be given to the 6th house. The houses may be examined in the following order, though this is not a strict rule, since other houses may be drawn into the process of delineation.

1st	The Constitution
6th	The Illness, or Condition
7th	The Physician
10th	The Medicine
4th	The End of the Matter
8th	Crisis, Death
12th	Hospitalisation

A Brief Description of the 12 Houses

First House: This house is first in importance since it represents the physical body, and life, and reveals the strength or weakness of the physical constitution at the time of illness. It may or may not reflect the strength or weakness of the physical constitution in the natal chart. If there is strong similarity, the current illness may be a genetic one, or a long standing one, though this is only conjecture.

The physical body in its entirety, the head and its structures (that is the brain) and important glands, belong to this house.

Mercury has joy in this house, and if dignified indicates resilience due to a strong flow of the life force. If debilitated, the patient’s mental state may not be conducive to recovery and methods of support, psychological or medical, may need to be employed.

Second House: The neck, throat and all the internal str...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• 1 An Introduction
• 2 The Houses
• 3 The Zodiac Signs
• 4 The Planets
• 5 Planetary Strength and Weakness
• 6 Fixed Stars and Azimene Degrees
• 7 Antiscia, Arabic Parts and Midpoints
• 8 Aspects
• 9 The Constitution
• 10 Illness
• 11 The Physician
• 12 The Terminal Triangle
• 13 Physic
• 14 The Humours
• 15 Timing and Length of Disease
• 16 Plants, Aromatics and Astrology
• 17 Material Medica
• 18 Steps to Judgement
• 19 Case Histories
• 20 Pet’s Corner
• 21 Terminal Cases
• 22 Famous Decumbitures
• Conclusion
• Footnote