This book does not undertake to teach Astrology -- that vast and complicated subject which would require many volumes -- but it does present authentic astrological information gathered by the author during her more than thirty years of devotion to the furtherance of the science of Astrology and its application to the needs of humanity. Part I of the book is largely based on Solar Biology, which concerns itself only with the influence of the Sun, and does not take into consideration the attributes contributed by the planets. Those who will consult the table in Part III to ascertain the sign that was rising when they were born (provided they know their hour of birth) can make use of Part I for the purpose of understanding better their general characteristics. If they will synthesize the description of their rising sign and the sign in which their Sun is located at birth (which is determined by the part of the month in which they were born) they can have a very good idea both of their true nature and of the nature that appears on the surface.
Commencing with Part II, more scientific material is given. When one has fully familiarized himself with this knowledge, all that is necessary is to balance the influence of a planet and the sign in which it may be placed, as well as the aspects operating with it, in order to get a very good understanding of what the effects must be. For example, if you find the cold, conservative Saturn in the practical, noncommittal sign Scorpio, the effect will be very different from the effect of this same restricting planet in the unselfish benevolent sign Sagittarius. You might consider {v} placing a very vicious character in home of a humanitarian, God-fearing man, and it would be merely a matter of time for the less desirable individual necessarily to take on some of the nobler characteristics of his host.
If this suggestion is followed in considering the Sun and Moon, the seven planets and the twelve signs, as well as all the aspects, a very workable "modus operandi" of the science will be obtained.
The Ancients discovered that the planets were more sympathetic and exerted a more powerful influence in certain signs than in others. This was because the fixed stars which constituted the signs harmonized with certain planets. As an example, they determined that Mars, which stands for physical energy, aggressive force and ambition, was at its height of power when in the signs Aries and Scorpio; Mars is, therefore, the Star of Destiny, or ruling planet, when either of these signs is on the eastern horizon. If the reader will refer to the Table of Ascendants (Part III), he will find that on January 1 of any year, between 2 and about 4.20 A. M., and between about 11.30 A. M. to 12.30 noon, the signs Scorpio and Aries, respectively, will be on the Ascendant, and therefore Mars will be the ruling planet.
If the hour of birth is not known, it is not possible to say definitely just what the ruling planet or Star of Destiny will be, although the sign in which the Sun is placed will determine what planet will strongly influence the native. For instance, if one is born from March 22 to April 21, the Sun will be in the sign Aries, which partakes of the vibrations of Mars. Therefore, with no knowledge of the hour of birth, Mars can be considered as the dominating force in the horoscope.
It will be noted that Mars, Venus and Mercury are found to be powerful in two different signs, whereas the {vi} other planets are apportioned to one sign each; for instance, Aries is the diurnal house of Mars and Scorpio is the nocturnal. The chapter on Horary Astrology describes particularly the author's special contribution to the science -- a theory evolved during her years of practical experience, whereby she considers not only the mundane position of the heavens at the time the query is made, as was done by the Ancients, but combines with this the natal horoscope of the querent.
As the aim of this book is primarily to point out a way to the practical use of the science of Astrology, a long discourse on its history will not be attempted -- that can be found in the Encyclopedia Britannica or in special volumes -- but a brief outline may be of interest as an introduction to the following descriptions and directions.
Astrology is the science that describes the influence of the heavenly bodies upon mundane affairs and upon human character and life. It is the oldest science in existence; it is not only prehistoric, but pretraditional; it is the science of the effects of the Solar Currents on the living things of our earth, especially on human life.
Astronomy is an outgrowth of Astrology, just as chemistry is an outgrowth of alchemy. Astrology was the mother; astronomy, the daughter -- it is only within historic times that astronomy has become the study of man. The Astrologers of Babylon were interested in astronomy only so far as it was necessary in computing the positions of the stars. They wanted to know what was in store for the nation even more than for the individual. They consulted the history of former kings, together with their horoscopes. Looking backward, they saw where good fortune was promised the kingdom by the ruler born under a lucky star, and they also saw where misfortune, also promised by the stars, had been realized. {vii}
So far as we know, they had not knowledge of the theory of vibration, but they did know that certain impulses dominated persons born under a certain arrangement of the stars and the planets and that other impulses were given those born under other configurations. In the light of modern science, we know that all matter vibrates, and it therefore follows that planetary vibrations quicken or retard the action of the brain and body with far-reading consequences. Radium is only one element about which man has learned something within the past generation; he is using radium emanations for the good of the race. He also knows that the colors of the spectrum have a curative effect on disease.
The stars and the planets vibrated in the days of ancient Babylon; just as they had vibrated for ages and ages before; just as they are vibrating to-day; and just as they will vibrate in ages to come. Those vibrations register with greater or less intensity upon every living atom. The stars and the planets have been performing their creative work since they were hung in the heavens. Their influence on the human mind has been studied in accordance with established laws from time immemorial, just as the influence of present-day phenomena is studied by the modern scientist. Instead of records of only a decade or two, however, such as the scientists have, the Astrologers have the compiled records of ages.
The wisdom of the Chaldean Astrologers spread to Greece and to the Western World, and also to the Orient before the Christian era. With this spreading of knowledge came also the spreading of its application. At first, only the horoscopes of the royal families were read, for as rulers they were looked to by their people for the preservation and growth in power of the nation -- but to-day, as is the case with all knowledge, Astrology is open to the man in the streets, as well as to the rulers of the earth. {viii}
Astrology is divided into four distinct branches; i.e., Natural, Mundane, Natal, and Horary. Natural, or Physical Astrology, pertains to the action of the Sun, Moon and planets upon the tides of the ocean and other terrestrial phenomena, the atmosphere, climate, seasons, weather, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Mundane Astrology considers the heavenly bodies as they relate to prosperity and adversity of nations and communities. Consequently, it treats of matters respecting governments, ruler, peace, war, revolutions, famines, plagues, and everything that has reference to people generally. Natal, or Genethliacal Astrology, is that department of the science which considers the individual and everything that pertains to him from the moment of his birth to the end of his existence. While this branch of the science can be of inestimable value in assisting the individual to know himself and to be forewarned, it is important that it shall be clearly understood that the horoscope indicates tendencies only and shows what will happen if knowledge and will power are not used to avert the evil or to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Fate at the moment.
We quote from Claudius Ptolemy, who lived in the first half of the second century A. D., and to whom Astrology is indebted for some of the earliest expositions of the science. He writes as follows: "Judgment must be regulated by thyself, as well as by the stars; for it is not possible that particular forms of events should be declared by any person, however scientific, since the understanding conceives the idea of some sensible event and not its particular form. It is, therefore, necessary for him who practices therein to adopt inference. They only who are inspired by the Deity can predict particulars."
Horary Astrology, as the name might imply, has reference {ix} to a figure of the heavens erected at the moment when a person is seriously agitated concerning the result of any undertaking or impending event. A figure is then erected for the minute in which the question was asked, and if the Astrologer is competent and the querent sincere and really desirous of obtain reliable information, there is no reason why the question should not be completely solved by making use of the author's new method of Horary Astrology.
Although all branches of Astrology are equally fascinating and instructive, the problems and perplexities with which we are confronted during the present century make Natal and Horary Astrology seem most important to the ordinary individual. Natural and Mundane Astrology are more necessary in the study of national and international affairs, especially concerning industry, tariff, weather conditions and all matters relating to peace and harmony of the world. In order to obtain the necessary statistics to arrive at accurate conclusions on these two branches of the science, tremendous research work is required, which cannot be done by one individual. This is a field of research that offers great possibilities to an endowed organization.
Among modern writers on the subject, Dr. Richard Garnet, who was a famous English writer, translator and editor, and who for many years before his death was the Librarian of the British Museum, has done much valuable work for Astrology. Among his works, which were multifarious, he published in the "University Magazine," under the pseudonym of "A. C. Trent," a well-recognized treatise on Astrology with the title of "The Soul and the Stars." His death prevented the publication of a second volume on the same subject.
On page 8 of "The Soul and the Stars," Dr. Garnet writes: "It is the more necessary to insist on the strictly {x} empirical character of Astrology, inasmuch as it is generally regarded as an occult science. The Astrologer is considered as a kind of wizard. ... The fact, nevertheless, remains that Astrology, with the single exception of Astronomy, is, as regards the certainty of its data, the most exact of all the exact sciences. The imperfection of the geological record may mislead the Geologist; an error in analysis may baffle the Chemist; the Astrologer takes his data from observations which the interest of Astronomy and navigation require to be absolutely faultless. He works, as it were, under the surveillance of his brother, the Astronomer, and cannot falsify his data without instant detection. The principles of his art have come down to him in essentials from the most remote antiquity; they have been published in a thousand books and are open to the examination of all the world. His calculations are performed by no more cabalistical process than arithmetic."
Again, on page 25, we find: "It will be conceded that there is nothing occult or mystical in the line of argument we have been pursuing. We have appealed throughout to the testimony of facts, partly the notorious and indisputable facts of history and biography, partly astronomical observations derived from no more recondite source than the ordinary ephemeris. Anyone can verify or disprove these observations in a moment by the same process; anyone who will be at the trouble to search for examples can investigate the subject for himself."
He goes on to show that nine sovereign princes who were notoriously insane or deficient in intellect had Mercury and the Moon afflicted by Saturn, Mars and Uranus; and that eight religious enthusiasts and visionaries had the Moon and Mercury in aspect with Uranus. Fourteen instances of eccentricity accompanied by great mental power had Mercury in aspect with Mars and Uranus, and {xi} two noted French socialists had practically the same aspects in their horoscopes. He further shows that Mr. Gladstone and Cardinal Newman, who had intellects of so similar a character, both had Mercury in conjunction with the Sun and quartile with the Moon and Mars in aspect to Mercury. He also shows that Bacon and Bishop Thirwell had Mercury and the Moon aspected very similarly.
Many other instances could be quoted from his valuable work, which goes to prove that he made a very thorough and scientific study of his investigations; and he is only one of the many students of Astrology who have done similar work.
Dr. Joseph Butler, the author of "Analogy of Religion" -- "Butler's Analogy," as it is known in our theological schools -- decided to attack and confute Astrology, and that he might do so most effectively, begin to study its principles and teachings. Through this study, he became so convinced of its truth and wisdom that he wrote an able defense of astral doctrines. This was published in 1680 and is one of the rare books on Astrology. Part of the dedicatory epistle of Bishop Butler's Defense of Astrology, to Sir Thomas Doleman, one of the clerks of the Privy Council, reads as follows:
You have here, Sir, three propositions, or a sacred stool on three feet, each of them carrying their several weight, and you may sit safely thereon. The first leg bears this position, that there is an astrology certainly written in the heavens. And this leg stands fast. The second bears up what skill in some measure may be attained, in the understanding of the same. And the third upholds the legitimacy of the means; shows how by true art, and without infernal help, it may be lawfully compassed.
If, Sir, I may add light to a lawful and honest Science, I hope I have done my God, and my country, good service, especially {xii} in an age where true treasure is a scarce commodity; and as God shall bless mine endeavors, my hearty prayers and good wishes are, that mine Honorable Patron, may have an honor worthy of his name and fame; and, that, worthy Sir, the good blessing of God may crown with honor and felicity, the whole work of your virtuous life, is the continual prayer, and wish of, Sir,
Your most humbly devoted,
JOHN BUTLER.
Archbishop Whately, of Dublin, also changed his opinion through study of the science. He says: "When young and inexperienced, I preached a sermon against Astrology, denouncing it as anti-Christian and infidel in teaching and tendency. I had never read a standard work on the subject and had no knowledge of it save that gained at the addresses of itinerant lecturers quite incompetent to deal with it. ... The study of this science has removed my ignorant prejudice and I now find pleasure and profit in the perusal of its literature. ... It has open up fields of thought before unexplored and it has furnished arguments and illustrations for the unfolding of truth, before unknown."
Henry Ward Beecher, when asked his opinion of Astrology, said: "I have never made it a study, but if its principles are sound, and I think they are, then the practical application of Astrology should interest every human being who cares to rise above the common level of humanity. Its value is in that it does for the human race what no other science pretends to do, and that is to show man his proper place in life."
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THE RISING SIGNS
"Preliminary Remarks"
The sign that is rising and the sign in which the ruler is placed at a person's birth seem to determine his physical appearance, more than any other factor, in the majority of cases. There are instances, however, where the position of the Sun or of the Moon, in male or female nativities respectively, seems more important, but this could only be where the ruler of the rising sign is weak or afflicted.
There may also be modifications of practically all characteristics of any rising sign when there happens to be a planet in close proximity to the Ascendant. For example, the ordinary idea of the Leo face is of a ruddy complexion and frank expression. Saturn or Uranus rising will darken the complexion; Uranus will not alter the general shape of the face, but it will make all its lines sterner and more resolute, with a hint of subtlety; Saturn, again, might lengthen the face and give an expression of great gravity and melancholy.
It may be asserted that, in general, the planets being far more positive in their influence than the signs of the zodiac, it is hardly possible to get an absolutely pure example of the unmodified action of any sign, since its ruler is always somewhere in the heavens, modified in diverse ways by his position. The zodiacal sign is of the nature of an atmosphere rather than a unity of force. This may seem a somewhat intangible quality, but to the {xv} trained observer the signs of the Zodiac are more recognizable at a glance than any planetary combination.
The general characteristics of a rising sign will naturally be most modified when a powerful planet of an opposite nature occupies the sign. Taking, for example, the sign Cancer, we have two main types, the passive, watery, Luna type, and the cardinal, aggressive, Jupiter type. Imagine Mars and Uranus rising in conjunction in this sign and it will be evident that they will almost wipe out the former, while emphasizing the latter. Such elements of confusion must, of course, be taken into account, but it must not be supposed that any combination of planets, however powerful, can wholly destroy the general effect of the rising sign. No possible modification of Aries can give the effect of Taurus. The general characteristics or temperament of the individual will remain as a background. One may slow up the action of Aries in all kinds of ways, but the result is to produce hesitation in the execution of rash action, not to prevent the original hasty resolution. Never forgetting the cardinal point of our doctrine, that we are describing a negative and not a positive condition, we may say that the signs of the Zodiac divide humanity into twelve major classes.
No one, it is to be hoped, will be so simple as to suppose that the infinite variety of face and figure which humanity presents is to be classified in so rough and ready a fashion. It is probable that every degree has its own peculiar magical image, but the difficulties connected with the measurement of time are enormous, and there is usually an inaccuracy of minutes at least in the casual observation taken of a nativity. However, patient experience is leading us to distinguish finer and finer vibrations. {xvi}
But the infinite variety in the details of feature, complexion, size, and proportion which all go to make up the appearance of an individual depends to a considerable extent upon other factors than the Zodiac, the modifications caused by rising planets or by the ruler of the Ascendant sign. Every planet contributes its work. Mars rules the muscular system, so that even where we have a general type inclined to femininity, softness, or fatness, the muscularity will depend upon Mars and be modified by his strength or weakness by position or aspect. Take, for example, Venus rising in Pisces. That will determine the general appearance, but if Mars should be in Capricornus, the muscular system, particularly in the lower parts of the body, will be lean and strong, as if of steel and whipcord. It is further to be remarked that every planet possessed multiple functions. Mercury rules the conscious mind, but his position and aspects will also determine the appearance of the mouth as well as all those parts of the body that are ruled by him and the part of the system itself which he governs.
In describing the personal characteristics from a nativity, every detail must be considered separately, and a judgment formed as to its probable effect in modifying the main type. The general welfare of a being depends on the harmony of all the elements of his make-up, and a single bad fault is likely to ruin the rest of the structure. A body like that of Hercules is not much good if the head happens to be hydrocephalic. A man may have all the qualities of a great statesman, but if he should be a hopeless drunkard, these qualities will have no chance to operate.
Another complexity is introduced into the problem of {xvii} the rising sign by the fact that there are usually certain quite characteristic elements in the physical appearance which are manifestly due to heredity, and would seem on superficial view, to have nothing to do with astrology. But when we separate the indications of heredity from those of the native's own chart, we find large confirmation of astrological laws. For example, there will be great unlikeness due to the different horoscopes between a child born with Cancer rising, whose father has Capricornus rising, but there may be a great likeness due to the heredity. The astrologer should be able to determine which influences are responsible for which effect.
Enlarging this subject, we may suppose two children born in the same house at the same moment, one a Spaniard and the other a Chinese. Where is the resemblance to come in? Unless there is a resemblance, astrology is utterly false. The explanation of the dissimilarity is really very simple. The same causes are in operation, but each set takes place within a separate sphere.
The Chinese race is rule by Libra, the Spanish race by Sagittarius; consequently, in all specimens of either race will be certain great basic sets of conditions, corresponding to those signs. Now take a Chinese and a Spaniard, each with Scorpio rising, and you will perceive a certain similarity in the midst of the dissimilarity.
Most of our shallowness of thinking on this subject has arisen from our failure to make proper observation. Every sheep in a flock of sheep seems to look like every other, but only to the man who does not know sheep intimately. The shepherd knows each one by sight and is familiar with every little trick of every little lamb. In the same way, one is overwhelmed by the insistence of {xviii} the main type whenever one comes into contact with an unfamiliar race, and one may take some days to learn to recognize new servants in a foreign country; but live among the foreign race for any length of time and experience will make them just as individual as one's own people. Indeed, the converse phenomenon often takes place in the case of explorers who return to civilization after months or years of sojourn among alien peoples; they may think they recognize an old friend in each stranger they met -- the very general likeness has become emphasized by the acquired unfamiliarity. It would be well for the astrologer to select people of some alien race and compare them very carefully with reference to their horoscopes. Practice in this will enable him to recognize with certainty the effect of a nativity considered as a microcosm within the sphere of the great ruling race signs.
It should thus be possible in every case to work out with minute accuracy a complete physical description of the native, and this accuracy will evidently be increased as we progress to a fuller understanding of the attribution of each degree of the Zodiac, the power of each planet in each degree and a better knowledge of the limits within which aspects become operative. From the foregoing it should be clear that an astrological diagnosis of the physical characteristics of any given person is an exact science; still suffering, it is true, from the lack of completely organized data based on accurate observation. It should also be evident that this branch of astrology, lending itself as it does to unquestionable demonstration, should serve to the science much as the discovery of the laws of constant and of multiple {xix} proportions did to chemistry. Nevertheless, whatever may be the planetary influences in the horoscope, they never wholly outweigh the general type given by the Zodiacal sign rising. Bearing this in mind, and remembering all the factors of differentiation, we may now proceed to consider the main classification of humanity in the twelve-fold zodiacal division.
It should be remembered, throughout the following descriptions of the influence of the rising sign upon the moral characteristics, that many of the qualities considered will be much more dependent upon the position and aspects of a specific planet than upon the nature of the ascendant. The influence of Jupiter will be paramount in financial affairs, just as that of Venus and, to some extent, Neptune, will govern the love nature. These influences will be fully discussed in the consideration of the planets. There are certain general tendencies in the character which depend upon the rising sign and it is to these that we shall direct the reader's attention in the following pages, reminding him that even these general tendencies are subject to modifications by the pertinent planets.
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