Review from Kira Sutherland Alan's book takes you on a journey that goes beyond what most classical medical astrology texts cover. He introduces the basic principles of medical astrology and then takes the reader to another level of analysis by incorporating the biorhythms, the chakras and the Moon's Nodal soul story as key players in our health and occurrence of ailments. This book layers many ideas regarding the body and how they all interplay to increase or decrease our 'vital energy' and thus affect our health, ailments and energy levels. There is a spiritual theme throughout the book, with the emphasis on the soul's Nodal journey having a great impact on our health if we lose our way from what the Nodes are here to express in this lifetime. There are many great case examples that give the reader a good understanding of the interplay of these new ideas presented and how they manifested as ailments from a physical, mental or emotional starting point. I come from a modern medical astrology background that incorporates the traditional aspects as well, and think Alan's book can add a great deal of insight and understanding for those wanting to work on a deeper level than just the physical aspects of astrology. I especially liked the use of the Moon's biorhythms and chakra systems to give a road map for the practitioner to investigate not just the physical aspects of disease but the emotional and spiritual dimensions as well. Practical application is of paramount importance when working with medical astrology, as to tell the client all their health issues without guiding them on a journey of healing potential is a job only half done.

Alan demonstrates and covers this second half of the healing process with great insight. One Body Many Illnesses has many great case studies, where Alan clearly delineates certain illnesses using both the traditional alphabet of medical astrology and his added new techniques. There are instructions for how to calculate the biorhythms and directions to websites to assist in this matter. I especially like the array of differing case studies, not only focusing on physical ailments such as cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, and lung issues but on personality disorders, alcohol abuse and psychosis. The timing and description of Patrick Swayze's illness and eventual passing was a great example to understand the synthesis of Alan's techniques and to gain an understanding of timing of illness and a soul's journey through health and disease. This is a book for those with a solid understanding of medical astrology and can lead the practitioner to new thoughts and insight as to why ailments may have presented themselves. It is a beautifully written book that doesn't just teach new medical techniques but leaves you pondering the inter-connection of the universe, one's soul and its necessary expression in the physical world. Kira Sutherland Australian naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and astrologer.