The endocrine system is a chemical coordination system that monitors and controls a wide range of physiological functions. I

Its functionality plays a crucial role in your health and wellbeing.

It consists of eight major glands that are scattered throughout the body or nine if the male and female gonad glands are counted separately.

The glands that comprise the endocrine system are

The pituitary gland

Thyroid gland

Parathyroid glands

Adrenal glands

Gonad glands – ovaries and testes

Thymus gland

Pineal gland and

Pancreas – the Islets of Langerhans

The endocrine glands

Each endocrine gland is a group of cells that manufacture and release chemicals called hormones.

This release process is called secretion: and the endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

They are then transported to all parts of the body where they regulate cell activity and the rate of many body processes.

When a hormone reaches its target cell, or target tissue, it locks onto a specific site on the target’s plasma membrane, called a receptor site.

This causes chemical changes within the cell.

The endocrine system in action

Each hormone differs in both its chemistry and function.

The endocrine system uses chemical feedback to regulate hormone levels.

When the hormone level in the bloodstream rises too high the hormone output is reduced or switched off, or a counteracting hormone is released to bring the level down.

Or, if the level is too low, the hormone output is stepped up or switched on.

This delicate balancing act attempts to maintain normal body chemistry, which is essential for good health.

Each endocrine gland has definite duties to perform.

The thyroid gland, which needs iodine and vitamin B to function properly, attends to energy production.

The front pituitary gland, which must have manganese and vitamin B to function properly, works to sustain energy production.

The pancreas gland, which must have sulfur, stores fuel as fat and glycogen for future use.

The adrenal glands, which need vitamins A, B and C to function properly, mobilize the body in emergency situations.

It is the work of the parathyroid glands, which must have calcium and vitamin D to function properly, to keep the nerves calm and steady.

And the gonad glands, which must have vitamins A and E to function properly, rejuvenate the tissues and give virility.

Each endocrine gland performs a specialized work and must have its special food requirements; and the endocrine system must function efficiently to maintain good health.

The endocrine glands in astrology

The Sun rules the endocrine system and each endocrine gland is influenced by one or more planets.

The Sun, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto influence the activity of the front pituitary gland.

The Moon influences the activity of the back pituitary gland.

The Sun and Venus influence the activity of the thyroid gland.

Mercury, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto influence the activity of the parathyroid glands.

Mars, Saturn and Pluto influence the activity of the adrenal glands.

Venus and Mars influence the activity of the gonad glands.

The Moon influences the activity of the thymus gland.

Neptune and Pluto influence the activity of the pineal gland.

And Jupiter influences the activity of the pancreas.

The activity and functionality of each gland is influenced by the not-conscious thinking indicated by its planetary ruler so not-conscious thinking is the key issue.

Harmonious thinking inclines towards orderly endocrine function and a good health outcome.

Discordant thinking inclines towards disordered endocrine function and a tendency towards disease.

The thinking, in response to planetary stimulation or some external condition, causes the continued secretion of the chemical into the blood and this results in the physical reactions characteristic of the gland’s influence.

Astrology for Aquarius – sharing our knowledge