In 1991, at the age of 30, the famous actor Michael J. Fox noticed a twitch in his left pinkie while on the set of the movie Doc Hollywood. After going to see the doctor, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This is a rare and incurable illness causing a progressive degeneration of the nervous system. Symptoms include uncontrollable twitching, shaking, seizures and paralysis. Eventually, those with Parkinson’s disease become unable to walk and talk, and need constant care to manage their symptoms.

At the time of his diagnosis, Saturn was conjoining Fox’s natal Jupiter in Aquarius and Pluto was making a square to his Mars. In other words, Saturn’s transit began to limit and constrain his nervous system (Aquarius) while Pluto began to take him on a difficult journey affecting his physical health and vigor (Mars in Leo).

Michael J. Fox was uncomfortable telling the world about his illness and waited until 1998 to go public. At that time, Fox was playing the mayor’s assistant on a very popular TV show called Spin City. While filming last year, Fox made the decision to quit the show so he could focus on helping educate and generate money for the cure of PD. This year, Uranus has been opposing Fox’s natal Mars and Uranus conjunction while also traveling over his Aquarius Ascendant. These transits can have the effect of exacerbating Fox’s Parkinson’s disease symptoms. It is vitally important that Fox takes considerable time to rest and regenerate his health through this difficult time.

From Family Ties to Spin City

Michael J. Fox began his acting career at the age of fifteen, and his astrological chart shows someone who could be gifted as an actor. Fox’s Gemini Sun points to his quick-witted, humorous and clever personality. His Mars in Leo shows someone who is a natural talent who can shine for the cameras. Fox also has his Mercury in the Fifth House, showing someone who can put their natural intelligence and sharp wits towards an expressive and dramatic career.

Fox auditioned for the television role of Alex P. Keaton on the comedy show Family Ties in 1982. Though the producers of the show were unsure about hiring him for the part, Fox and his supporters lobbied tirelessly to get him the role. Through their efforts, Fox was hired and went on to play the conservative, uptight older sibling until 1989. Fox continued to gain fame when he signed on for the Back to the Future movies in the late 80s. This comedic role helped gain Fox the considerable success that he enjoys to this day.

When studying Fox’s chart, there are a number of factors that arise as to why he may have contracted PD. Fox is a Gemini with Aquarius rising, both air signs that are linked to the nervous system. People with these signs accented in their charts can have a tendency toward more nervous system disorders such as fibromyalgia, panic attacks and anxiety. Fox also has his Mars conjoined to Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius. Mars is linked to vitality and vigor while Uranus is connected to the nervous system. With the two conjunct, there can be an increasing risk to Fox’s nervous system.

Does this combination of factors mean that Michael J. Fox was fated for bad health in terms of his nervous system? I don’t believe so. I think that the astrological chart can show some tendencies, and that we can take precautions to insure our optimal health. For some people, there may be genetic and environmental factors that are very difficult to overcome, even with the best intentions and care for our good health. In the case of Michael J. Fox, he acquired this illness at a very young age and it is likely that hereditary factors played a role in getting Parkinson’s disease.

Fox is taking a number of medications to help him with the severity of PD. Along with his allopathic treatments, I will outline a few therapeutic ideas that he, or anyone with a strong air and Uranus emphasis, could use to help alleviate nervous system complaints.

Chamomile, skullcap and valerian are all very soothing to the nervous system and allow us to relax and unwind.

Mullein can help open the lungs (connected to Gemini) so Fox can breathe deeply.

Ginseng and licorice will help strengthen his adrenals, which can be sorely taxed by Uranus’ present transit.

Fox would do well to spend a lot of time resting. This does not just mean watching TV or playing video games. Resting is best done in fresh air, with lots of sunlight and near nature. Gentle stretching and light yoga or tai chi would be tremendously beneficial. Deep breathing meditation is wonderfully soothing and healing for the nervous system. It allows fresh oxygen to circulate throughout the entire system and removes unwanted stress from all the organs of the body. Fox would also definitely do well to participate in a gentle exercise program so that he can sweat some of the anxiety-producing toxins out of his body. This also helps energize and soothe the nervous system.

With proper rest, nourishment and care, Fox can assist his nervous system to strengthen and heal. Though he may not be able to rid himself of all his symptoms, Fox can help lessen the pain and severity of his illness.

Jonathan Keyes, B.S., is an astrologer, herbalist and plant spirit medicine practitioner. His writing has appeared in The Mountain Astrologer and in numerous Llewellyn almanacs. Jon has written a book entitled 'Guide to Natural Health, The Horoscope as a key to Ancient Healing Practices'. Jon is available for readings and can be contacted at jon_keyes@msn.com. Go to Jon's web site at jonkeyes.com