billvv
Can anyone explain why, of all planets, Moon became the most significant influence in 16th-19th century medical advisories?
That is, the ephemerides of that era's almanacs were geared solely to moon positions and aspects; bloodletting and purging were timed by moon position; gelding cattle and weaning from the breast, too.
I also read that medieval almanacs were either "Great Almanacs" (charting all planets positions), or "Small Almanacs" charting only the Moon; and that it was the small variety that were most used for medical purposes, esp in the 17th-18th c.
Did the moon have special medical significance over and above the other planets?
Thanks,
Bill vV
That is, the ephemerides of that era's almanacs were geared solely to moon positions and aspects; bloodletting and purging were timed by moon position; gelding cattle and weaning from the breast, too.
I also read that medieval almanacs were either "Great Almanacs" (charting all planets positions), or "Small Almanacs" charting only the Moon; and that it was the small variety that were most used for medical purposes, esp in the 17th-18th c.
Did the moon have special medical significance over and above the other planets?
Thanks,
Bill vV