Working Paper on Astrological Physiognomy: History and Sources

k. William Sheldon (1898-1977)
<strong>Working</strong> <strong>Paper</strong> on Astrological Physiognomy: History and Sources
William H. Sheldon. The Varieties of Human Physique: An Introduction to Constitutional
Psychology. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1940.
The American psychologist William Sheldon developed a three-fold system of body types
based on thousands of photographs made of nude male Ivy League students taken as a routine
part during the matriculation process. Here is Sheldon’s classification scheme 40 :
Somatotype/Shape Bodily System
Emphasized
Endomorphic/ Digestive system,
Plumpness especially the stomach
Mesomorphic/
Muscularity
Ectomorphic/
Slightness
Muscular and
Circulatory system
Nervous system and
Brain
Temperament Psychological
Characteristics
Viscerotonia Tolerant
Love of comfort and luxury
Extravert
Somatotonia Courageous
Energetic
Active
Dynamic
Assertive
Aggressive
Risk Taker
Cerebrotonia Artistic
Sensitive
Apprehensive
Introvert
Classification of Physical Body Types
Endomorph, Mesomorph, and Ectomorph (from left to right)
Just as the case for the vital-motive-mental system of Fowler/Wells, there appears a direct
linkage between Galen’s three spirits/forces and Sheldon’s somototypes: natural=endomorph;
vital=mesomorph; psychic=ectomorph. Today, Sheldon’s work is considered a fad of the
1940s/1950s. His thesis that body type impacted personality and behavior could not be
confirmed by independent analysis.
40 Similar to the system of Ernst Kretschmer (1888-1964), German psychiatrist.
©Regulus Astrology LLC, 2010. All Rights Reserved.
31