Recently, whenever I catch a bug, I end up coughing intensely—it’s been happening for the last few months. This week, I came down with a particularly nasty bug. I managed to push through most of the week, but by the end, it got so bad that I had to rest. What’s strange is that other family members caught the same bug, but their symptoms were much milder. For me, it always seems worse. I suspect it might be related to something from years ago when my parents converted the loft in our house. The conversion wasn’t done properly—it had no windows and was basically just bare boards. I slept there for months and developed a persistent cough that even affected me at school. I think my parents eventually realized what was causing it, and once I moved out of the loft, the cough went away. At the time, I thought that was the end of it, but now I’m wondering if it left some lasting impact.

Here are the theories I have researched for this:

Sleeping in a windowless, poorly finished loft does sound like the cause of respiratory problems. Dust, mold, or even the slow, insidious effects of insulation fibers wafting about could have set the stage for long-term sensitivity in my airways. My airways might be pre-disposed to overreact. The loft’s lack of ventilation could have exposed me to allergens, spores, or particles that sensitized my lungs permanently. In rare cases, prolonged exposure to irritants can cause structural changes in the airways. It’s not something I’d notice until the body starts aging. Did the loft have hidden mold? Dust mites? Allergic reactions can simmer in the background for years, only to flare up later when something triggers a memory—my lungs’ version of PTSD.

The Health Advice:

Make your current living space as lung-friendly as possible—humidifiers, air purifiers, and avoiding irritants like strong cleaning chemicals or tobacco smoke. Keep your immune system robust with a good diet, hydration, and possibly supplements (zinc and vitamin C are the rockstars of the immunity world).

I’m not entirely sure I fully believe in the idea that certain foods can “heal,” but it’s obvious that eating better overall can contribute to a stronger immune system. That said, I do actually enjoy fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods—I eat them whenever I can. However, with the rising cost of living, I’ve found myself opting for more basic and affordable foods (less healthy), mostly out of principle. It’s just been harder to prioritize the healthier options lately.

But I may have been wrong on this:

Some health foods may scream exclusivity, but many simple, humble ingredients are just as capable of fortifying your immune system and vitality. Go for the unfashionably fabulous staples. Frozen Fruits and Veggies: A gift from the gods of thrift. These are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, often more nutrient-dense than their fresh counterparts lingering in the produce aisle. Stock up on frozen spinach, berries, broccoli, and peas—they’re affordable, versatile, and last ages. Canned Beans and Lentils: Pulses are protein powerhouses and cheap as chips (actually, cheaper). Chickpeas, black beans, and lentils can transform soups, stews, or salads into hearty meals. Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa (if you find a good deal), and barley are fiber-rich, filling, and absurdly affordable when bought in bulk. Root Veggies: Carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips, and beets are dirt cheap (pun intended) and ridiculously nutrient-packed. Health is an investment, not a luxury. And by prioritizing wholesome basics over processed junk, you’re making choices that serve both your body and your budget.  You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be consistent.

Going all-in on health foods can skyrocket your food bills to the point where they’re more expensive than your mortgage. I have moments of pride and principle where I refuse to pay exorbitant prices, even if it’s for something beneficial. But then it makes me question—what value do I place on my health? It’s a tough balance to strike. I also watched the Diary of a CEO video about toxins, and it really scared me too. It made me think even more about what’s worth prioritizing when it comes to what we consume.

I’ve been experiencing the ongoing transiting Chiron-to-Pluto aspect, which people my age are also likely dealing with. It makes me wonder if we’re all feeling some health-related or toxic challenges or maybe this urge to reassess and overhaul our well-being. For me, since this transit is currently in exact opposition to my natal Pluto, it feels especially personal. It’s like this transit is a wake-up call, forcing me to pay attention to things I might have ignored before. It’s intense, but it feels meaningful in a way, like it’s pushing me to reevaluate my approach to health and life in general.

The Chiron-Pluto Power Play: A General Reading for Everyone (But More So If Hidden Health Issues Are Arising)

Chiron, the wounded healer, asks us to examine our vulnerabilities, to look where it hurts—physically, emotionally, spiritually—and do the hard work of healing. Meanwhile, Pluto, the ruler of transformation, demands that we eliminate what no longer serves us and rebuild something truer, deeper, and enduring. Together, these energies feel like a soul-deep purge: a detox, if you will, not just of your body but of old patterns and beliefs. This push-pull might explain our urge to reevaluate what we consume—not just food but everything we take into our lives. What are we consuming that depletes us? And what nourishes our body and soul?

On Health, Values, and Priorities

Maybe a lot of us have felt the tension between principles and practicality, between a worthy investment in health and the sometimes ludicrous cost of “wellness”—it could be a very Chiron-Pluto dilemma. We are all trying to find a synthesis, a way to honor our health without succumbing to societal pressures or dogma.

Here’s a way to frame it:

1. Our Health is Important, But It’s Not a Commodity.
   The wellness industry has monetized what should be fundamental: eating nourishing food, moving our bodies, and tending to our inner lives. We shouldn’t let anyone convince us that health is only attainable if we spend a fortune on powders, pills, or perfectly curated Instagram salads.
2. Invest Where It Truly Counts.
   We might have to prioritize on what we feel brings genuine value to our well-being. If that means splurging occasionally on high-quality produce, or an organic product we deeply trust, then do so with intention. But we shouldn’t let guilt or fear creep in if we’re opting for budget-friendly alternatives. The ultimate detox isn’t in green juice; it’s in clearing our mind of shame.
3. Health is Cumulative, Not All-or-Nothing.
   Even small, consistent efforts matter. Eating a healthy soup, drinking clean water, and getting sunlight on our face can do as much for our body as a cabinet full of superfoods. Likewise, feeding our soul with good books, rich conversations, and time in nature can be as detoxifying as a juice cleanse.

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A Wake-Up Call

This transit is a spiritual overhaul. It could be about asking: What toxins—literal, emotional, or spiritual—have we been tolerating? It’s about healing not just through action but through attitude. This process may bring uncomfortable truths to the surface, but discomfort is Pluto’s gift. It clears the way for renewal.

Examine Our Shadow Around Health

Do we feel guilty when we don’t eat perfectly? Resentment toward the cost of health-conscious choices? Fear of toxins or illness? Pluto will dig these feelings up. This transit may feel intense because it’s stripping away illusions—not just about health, but about our relationship with ourselves.

Pluto in Aquarius: The Revolution of Responsibility

In this world, we’re wrestling with plastic-filled oceans, looming nuclear fears, and the vulnerabilities of our mortal bodies. These aren’t individual battles—they’re shared concerns of humanity. We’re all feeling the weight of this moment in some form, whether in our bodies, our minds, or our collective consciousness. Pluto’s entry into Aquarius heralds upheaval in all things collective—our systems, our technologies, our impact on the planet. It’s the archetype of transformation blowing a gale through the Aquarian realms of community and innovation. But these global-scale challenges often leave us feeling small, powerless even. Our focus on health, on living more sustainably—even in small, manageable ways—feeds directly into the collective shift. Every mindful choice you make becomes a ripple in the greater wave of transformation.

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Chiron’s Role in Healing

Chiron doesn’t promise a cure for chronic ailments or an escape from physical fragility. Instead, it invites us to transform our pain into purpose. Health struggles are often Chiron’s way of forcing us to pay attention—not just to our bodies, but to the ways our lifestyle, emotions, and environment shape our well-being. It’s less about eradicating the wound and more about how we live alongside it. Chiron’s message is clear: Just as we can’t “fix” the planet overnight, we can’t expect instant healing for ourselves. But we can strive to live in ways that honor both.

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Living a Better Lifestyle Without the Perfection Trap

Chiron’s wisdom isn’t in endless articles about the wound that won’t heal—it’s in what we do despite it. Like the earth, our body is strong yet vulnerable. It doesn’t need perfection; it needs attention. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics or choosing foods that support our health, the goal isn’t to be flawless. It’s to do a little better each day. Celebrate the wins, however small.

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Ready For Change?

Some of us experiencing health issues under the Chiron-Pluto influence—though not all of us will face these exact challenges—are standing on the edge of what I call the Great Wellness Abyss. It’s the moment when you’re ready to make a change but feel paralyzed by the enormity of it all, coupled with the dread that you might end up looking like one of those “wellness warriors” preaching to people. You might also have the fear of starting and not following through. But you don’t have to announce anything (like me) or overhaul everything. Small, quiet steps still count. In fact, they’re often the most sustainable. You don’t have to become “the health person” or fit into any dietary or lifestyle category. There’s no prize for perfection.

We don’t have to solve everything today, nor do we need to be a picture of health and virtue. What matters is that we’re asking the right questions, experimenting with what feels right, and honoring our values. It’s a journey worth celebrating, whether or not anyone else notices.

Perhaps there’s a bit of a domino effect for some people feeling the Chiron-to-Pluto transit, like me—and maybe even Kate Middleton. She had a health scare recently (hers was more serious), which I’ve written about, and it happened under this same transit. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s been reflecting on her lifestyle too, particularly when it comes to toxic relationships or unresolved feelings about people, given the ongoing family conflict. Even though she appears to be the picture of health, we all have things in our lives that could be “poisoning” us in one way or another. This transit might be an opportunity for all of us to learn more about what’s truly affecting our well-being and make meaningful changes.

The Chiron-to-Pluto transit feels like a collective detox—of our bodies, our relationships, and the emotional baggage we’ve been carting around. If Kate Middleton isn’t immune to its lessons, then surely none of us are. We all face this push to reassess, to confront what’s poisoning us, and to move toward something cleaner, truer, and healthier. Even those who appear to “have it all” aren’t exempt from the subtle poisons of modern life. These might include:

1. Toxic Relationships: Conflict within families (hello, royal dramas) can erode mental and emotional health over time. These dynamics may be bubbling up now for many people under this transit, forcing them to either set boundaries or find new ways to heal.
2. Internalized Expectations: Someone like Kate may feel the weight of public and family expectation—being the picture of health, grace, and perfection—while battling private struggles. For the rest of us, it might be societal pressure to achieve, to “keep it together,” or to ignore our vulnerabilities.
3. Environmental and Lifestyle Toxins: Even the seemingly healthiest among us might be dealing with hidden stressors—pollution, poor sleep, unbalanced diets, or overwork. Chiron-Pluto doesn’t let these slide; it magnifies them until we take notice.