Skyscript Astrology Forum

Judith Hill has shared an article with skyscript on The Astrology of Depression. Whilst this may not be a topic for everyone, we probably all know someone who has been affected by depression at some point in their lives and have likely considered this astrologically as well.

http://skyscript.co.uk/astrology_of_depression.html

In this thoughtful article, The Astrology of Depression, by Judith Hill, we are encouraged to fuse together modern and traditional approaches to astrology, and look at depression with both new and old astrological insights. Judith takes us through the varying forms of depression, focusing in particular on Chronic Depression, and provides us with 15 testimonies to use in the determination of depression today, some of which will be familiar to psychological and traditional astrologers alike, but many of which may be unexpected and refreshing as Judith lends the wisdom of her own client-driven experience to the task. We are offered two case studies from Judith's personal collection of clients as well as an examination of the chart of Abraham Lincoln, a well-known sufferer of depression.

This is an excellent article, but I'll add a plug for the sidereal zodiac. Judith Hill wrote:

However, the traditionally 'phlegmatic' water signs appear to match the symptoms of chronic depression far better then do the supposedly 'melancholic' earth signs. This error appears to have been caused when Hippocrates bodily humor 'melancholy' (or black bile) and its assigned 'melancholic temperament' were wrongly conflated with the astrological earth element (and therefore the three earth signs).
(...)
Light deficiency in the birth chart appears an important theme! Winter births, night births and late Moon Phase natives appear more likely to experience depression, especially is all three conditions simultaneously attend the birth time...

The Astrology of Depression
Judith Hill, 2016

I completely agree with Judith Hill's observation regarding tropical water signs. But look how perfectly the symbolism transfers to the sidereal zodiac! Tropical Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces equate to sidereal Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. These are the sidereal "cold" (Aristotle) signs; the opposite signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are 'hot.' (Despite modern Jyotish texts to the contrary, the sidereal signs don't align well with the four elements, but with Aristotle's four qualities.)

So in the sidereal zodiac melancholia or depression and lack of light belong to the triplicity that ancient astrologers gave to Saturn (along with Mercury). One of these signs (Libra) is the Sun's fall (lack of light) and the exaltation of Saturn. Another triplicity sign, Aquarius, has Saturn as domicile lord. Sidereal Libra is in the ecliptic area of tropical Scorpio, which Judith Hill links to major depressive episodes. Scorpio's ancient domicile lord was Mars. Few astrologers today would associate depressive tendencies with fiery Mars.