Alzheimers and other mental illnesses

[4leafclovah]

Several members of my family have suffered from mental illness. My grandmother had Alzheimers and my grandfather was said to be schizophrenic( he abandoned his family and died a hermit) I think my father is starting to show signs of Alzheimers. He is a very angry and paranoid man with extremely rigid beliefs and has manipulated everyone in his life to get what he wants. In the past few years his memory has been noticeably deteriorating (my brother and I do not speak to him) and he is obsessed with the possibility he might die the same way his mother did. What is interesting is that I have read there is a link between mental illness and Mercury in Aquarius and both my brother and I have this placement linked to the 6th house. Can such energy be detrimental to one person while a blessing to another? I happen to be the black sheep of the family and have excercised this energy differently than others in my family. I notice a general theme of sadness and anger that was evident in those I knew on my father's side of the family. I am starting to wonder if this is why researching my family roots is being encouraged right now in my chart.I have no idea how far back this goes, but it would be interesting to know. What bothers me though is that I have a hard time understanding the difference between spiritual enlightenment and "mental illness" What is paranoia? What is ascension? What is the difference between hallucinating and spiritual evolution? Why does one person's sensitivity contribute to a morbid outlook in life while another person's sensitive nature allows a more peaceful existence? It seems like a very fine line.

[Arian Maverick]

Oh wow, what great questions you pose!

It's interesting that you suspect Mercury in Aquarius may be involved in this; although Mercury does not have any particular dignity or debility in the sign of Aquarius in traditional astrology, some modern astrologers assign Mercury exaltation in Aquarius or else believe it to be more strongly placed than in other signs, with the possible exceptions being Gemini and Virgo--the signs that Mercury traditionally rules.

I have not thoroughly researched connections between certain planetary placements and mental illness, but since mental illness is regarded in psychology as "abnormal behavior" or psychopathology, it seems likely to me that the planet Uranus would be involved. As you have undoubtedly observed, Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius, and Mercury is the ruler of the mind, so any combination involving Aquarius/Uranus and Mercury may be an indication of a possible susceptibility to greater illness. By no means, however, do I believe that everyone with such contacts will develop a mental illness; this idea seems absurd to me.

The sixth house is also a house traditionally associated with disease, but I wonder if this applies to mental illness as well, since in Lilly's day, mental illness was probably thought to be a twelfth house influence, possibly the devil or other evil spirits in possession of the individual. Again, I certainly do not believe this "theory" holds a candle to psychological practice today, yet mental illness is still very much taboo in most societies, so I believe there may be some connection to the twelfth house.

As far as searching for family and ancestral influences, I'd look to the fourth house and its ruler because this is the foundation of the natal chart, where one puts down his or her roots. Perhaps some indication may be the fourth house ruler in the twelfth house, although it may be subtler than this.

Arian Maverick

[4leafclovah]

Yes ,it is interesting how mental illness(whatever it is) is seen by some people as spirit possession. What exactly is it? Disassociation,spirit possession, astral travel, psychic disturbance,etc.. Do these all relate to one another and how? How does the mind/body work together to create such experiences-both positive and negative and do the darker, compulsive (trapped) thoughts contribute to the deterioration of the brain vs. thoughts that have free range and positive outlets to express themselves? I didn't want to get too deep with this thread, but its hard not to with so many questions!

[Ekim86]

Hello. Though I'am sure you posted your natal chart here on other forums, it might be useful to post it on hear. For easier reference.;) I would First look at your chart ruler(ruler of the ascedant) and check it aspects to mercury. See if its receiving any hard aspects. And to analyze mercurys strength. Then I would check if mercury is being afflicted by a malfic; Saturn and Uranus. If Mercury is in the thrid house this could possibly mean you could be more inclined to mental illness. I have alzheimers running on my dad's moms side of the family. His mother and his aunt had it. Could just be passing it to the women. I'd love to dig up some birth data on that. Could be of some use here. I know I could get a birth date and perhaps loctation on my grandmother atleast. Prolly going to have to try and figure her ascendant out though for best accuracy. Maybe some pictures will help aid me.

[Sag Moon]

Britney SPears:
Another reason to fear for her wellbeing in the coming years.

AS for mental illness I would also check the relationship between Mercury-Saturn.Any positive aspet will give a strong mind.

I have Me/Sa trine EXact and Me/Ur sq, exact. Makes for a weird combo.I do not know weather I am coming or going at tiimes.