Glass. Book- /69c Significance of Birthdays 1 1 SIGNIFICANCE — ■ =OF= BIRTHDAYS By W. J. COLVILLE * %. mg0* MACOY PUBLISHING AND MASONIC SUPPLY CO., :: :: NEW YORK :: :: & /Tvfrx Bt> LIST OF CONTENTS. The First Sign, Aries f . / . f The Second Sign, Taurus . *+*$t . ^ .. The Third Sign, Gemini The Fourth Sign, Cancer The Fifth Sign, Leo The Sixth Sign, Virgo The Seventh Sign, Libra The Eighth Sign, Scorpio The Ninth Sign, Sagittarius The Tenth Sign, Capricornus The Eleventh Sign, Aquarius The Twelfth Sign, Pisces . The Four Triplicities, General Summary Significance Names and Numbers List of Kindred Books * • • • • p« B8 16 30 41 51 61 69 79 90 102 111 123 132 141 153 163 Gems of the Months. Garnet, January, Fidelity. Amethyst, February, Sincerity* Bloodstone, March, Wisdom. Diamond, April, Innocence. Emerald, May, Happiness. Agate, June, Prosperity. Ruby, July, Constancy. Sardonyx, August, Loneliness. Sapphire, September, Kindness. Opal, October, Changeable, Topaz, November, Friendship. Turquoise, December, Success. tt~"f*tf the ffcm As Leo, whose period is from about July 22, to August 22, has always been regarded as the heart of the macrocosm or archetypal man, we may take as an appropriate motto for our present lesson the well quotation from the book of Proverbs, "Keep the heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." As each sign has its specific character, and signs which follow each other are usually in direct contrast, we find that Leo people are as unlike those whose place is in Cancer as it is possible for two sets of individuals to be. Cancer is slow, conservative and apt to be selfish. Cancer people are usually giv- en to saving their strength and husbanding their en- ergy for fear of becoming exhausted. Cancer is called a watery sign, and is, therefore, apt to be coldly intellectual, fish-like, shell-fish like; and is it not curious to note when these words are placed in juxtaposition how singularly alike are selfish and shell-fish? Both words suggest retirement into one's own personal sphere, lack of communion and lack of sympathy with the world outside. Though when lifted to a higher plane the selfish or shell-fish (crab- 62 The Significance of Birthdays like) character becomes only well protected, shielded from attacks of all kinds, through an un- usually perfect development of individual aura. So beautiful can the originally selfish, shut-in nature become as it grows benevolent, that at length it may be compared to a sweet moss-rose protected by a soft, velvety covering and having no need of thorns. Cancer people at their highest and best are retiring and given to a study of occult mysteries as becomes those whose province is the breast of the Grand Man. Leo people are forceful, energetic, impulsive, out- spoken, distributive, highly magnetic, lavish in the expenditure of their vitality, in all respects the very opposite of Cancer. Leo is called a fiery sign, and is, therefore, placed in the same triplicity with Aries and Sagittarius. We note often that Cancer people are great stud- ents, and by virtue of their studiousness they often impress the public through valuable literary 'efforts. Leo persons are individually attractive, and draw to themselves admiring throngs if they are in any public capacity. In this sign we find many effective presid ing officers, as well as natural orators, actors and others whose career necessitates public personal ap- peal to the multitude. Every one who ever heard and saw Henry Ward Beecher knows how much of his popularity was due to his personality. He was Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 63 a loving, lovable man. He had a great, warm, ten- der heart, running over with affection, in consequence of which, people ran to him not only to listen to his words, but to bask in the sunshine of his presence. Emerson said and wrote many more wonderful things than did Beecher; but Emerson's popularity is still growing among intellectual people, and he was not highly esteemed by the masses while on earth. His nature and style might be called Platonic and academic, while Beecher's was intensely popu- lar. And so it was to a large degree with Phillips Brooks. Many preachers have delivered sermons, which, when published, were quite as full of thought, and quite as rich in beauty of illustration; yet the multitude was not drawn to the man as crowds were drawn to Brooks and Beecher. Then consider Ingersoll, who could always crowd a spacious theatre to hear a lecture at theatre prices, from gallery to orchestra chairs. Ingersoll did not say, as. a rule, any very remarkable things. His lec- tures on Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Paine were brilliant and historical ; but his Ghosts, Skulls, Mis- takes of Moses, Gods, and many others, contain nothing particularly enlightening. Still the same people went to hear the same lecture time after time because Ingersoll delivered it. Were it only the subject matter they were after, they would be equally content if they could buy the pamphlet and 64 The Significance of Birthdays read it or hear it read to them at home. When in ancient Greece oratory was at its height, and poets read their own poems to enamored audi- ences, composed of the wealthiest and most cultured citizens of Athens and distinguished visitors from far and near, the Leo type of humanity was very much esteemed and very much in evidence. Leo people are remarkably successful healers when they see their patients, talk with them and touch them. They usually believe a great deal in personal influence and in the virtue of the magnetic touch, which they are well able to bestow. We all know men and women whose personal influence is very much greater than simply what they say. A Cancer person may do all his business successfully through the postoffice, but Leo people need to be seen* as well as heard from to be appreciated; unless, indeed, they have attained the unusual height of those exalted metaphysicians, who have so far conquered the limitations of the geo- graphical, that they can send their rich, warm, pow- erful thoughts skimming over unseen wires and ac- complish results without any reference to place of body. The average Leo person is good looking, even commanding in appearance, and generally dresses well, not foolishly following prevailing fashions; but gratifying personal taste in the matter, and expressing love of beauty in externals, as correspondences to Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 65 thoughts within. There is as much difference be- tween the typical Leo and the typical Cancer cast of mind and general appearance as we have seen exhibited by Cardinal Manning (Cancer) and Col. Ingersoll (Leo) . We do not mean that Cancer peo- ple are necessarily theologians, or that Leo people are usually agnostics; but these two very widely known men exhibit the extremes of tw r o opposite types. Cardinal Manning was attracted to antiquity, tradition, ceremony, authority and all that tends to conserve an ancient and illustrious regime. In per- son he was spare and in mode of life ascetic. Ingersoll, on the other hand, was ready to kick over all traces and revel in the exuberance of an almost boundless vitality. Manning's power lay almost en- tirely in his thoughts ; Ingersoll's strength lay largely in his personal magnetism. Even his bitterest oppon- ents can hardly deny that he had a warm, loving heart and was an excellent friend, husband, father and neighbor. Leo is so prone to act from the centres of emotion, that the heart controls everything with Leo people; and it was Ingersoll's heart more than his head that revolted against the barbarous doctrines of old Cal- vinism. "All the world loves a lover'* is a good old saying in which there is a great deal of truth. Why should the world love the lover but because love is so distributive that it makes itself felt wherever it 66 The Significance of Birthdays exists? Everybody likes to love some one and to be loved in return by somebody; but Leo people are especially dependent upon affection, and cannot exist without it. They generally get a good deal of affec- tion showered upon them, because, being so full of it and so free with it, they become powerful magnets to attract it. Leo children are warm, impulsive and effusive. They easily make friends and are generally great favorites at school. They are often masterful and inclined to be dictatorial, but they generally get their own way without much effort because of their pleas- ant manners, genial disposition and prepossessing appearance. The Leo child is often the beauty and generally the pet of the family. In business, people in this sign are quickly promoted. They receive and grant favors readily and often get on in life in con- sequence of their exceeding popularity. They can be terrible in anger if greatly aroused; but like large, fine dogs they are, as a rule, good natured and even tempered; though high-spirited. Self esteem is large with them, and they are not deficient in approbative- ness. Mirthfulness is also often a prominent organ in their brains. They are not always very industrious, often loving pleasure and ease and being willing to receive attention and let others wait upon them. They are so clearly designed by nature to rule rather than to be ruled, that any attempt to quell their ardent Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 67 impulses by coercive restraint is resented forcibly by them. We find much will in this sign, as will and love always go together. A very loveful person must be willful, for lovefulness and willfulness are very near of kin. The former word is rarely used, and the latter is mercilessly abused and misapplied; but when both these two good words are used in their true sense they are found to be very nearly synonymous. All will, desire, affection, love, must spring from that element in our nature which directly acts upon the heart. All emotions act first through the brain, and thence upon the part of the body which directly corresponds to that particular section of the brain acted upon. In a Leo head, amativeness and philoprogenitiveness are usually full, so that love of home and family and of children in general will be characteristic. Leo people seldom like to live alone and they rarely succeed in business by themselves. They are frequently very generous and sublimely philanthropic, taking real delight in help- ing and healing the distressed. As healers they are "Al." No sign contains so many natural healers as Leo, which produces a wealth of people, who, almost from their cradles, benefit the sick and cheer the sad by their simple presence. Leo people when subject to maladies through lack of knowing how to govern their propensities aright, are inclined to palpitation of the heart, 68 , The Significance of Birthdays obesity, shortness of breath and the difficulties com- mon to persons of generous build and full habit. Alimentiveness is often large with them, so they enjoy the pleasures of the table and are sometimes given to undue conviviality. In this sign will be found a great many popular club men, social leaders of both sexes, and women w r ho get up fairs, bazaars and ail sorts of entertain- ments for charity. Such people are friends to cooking schools, soup kitchens and all places where "Lady Bountiful' 9 finds a field for the exercise of her generosity. The Leo type is often indiscrim- inate; it is apt to hate red tape, and it does not approve of associated charities and systematized efforts which are often cold and perfunctory in the name of the warmest of the graces. Impulse is so strong in Leo and frequently so kind and generous that official proceedings and the slow movement of large organizations are spurned with contempt as well as disrelish. On the whole this sign may fairly be styled the warmest, handsomest and most lavish of the twelve. It holds many of the greatest artists and most suc- cessful doctors of all schools. Heartiness is the right word to use when summing up its most con- spicuous evidences. J7*C-K-5*>/K Virgo, whose period is from about August 22 to September 23, is the solar plexus or vital centre of the Grand Man, and includes the womb or matrix of the social organism. As Leo (the heart) is warm, impulsive, gushing, exuberant, magnetic, rejoicing in the fullest consciousness of opulent strength, given to free distribution of energy, and in every way disposed to impart knowledge, vitality and whatever else is communicable, Virgo is inclined to be motherly, conserving force for the upbuilding of offspring. Leo stands for love, will, desire, and all that pertains to the affections. Virgo is the symbol of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and generally displays its chief characteristic in a natural instinctive perception or discernment. Wisdom in the book of Proverbs, and elsewhere in and out of the Bible, is spoken of as feminine. Wisdom is said to build her house on seven pillars (vide Prov. ix, I). Sophia (wisdom) is a Greek noun of feminine gender; so, when, in the eighth 70 The Significance of Birthdays chapter of Proverbs, she is said to have been with Him from the beginning, the masculine element there referred to is the root of will, the true word or logos which, jointly with understanding, creates all things and brings all things to pass. When the ancient Egyptians placed the emblem of the Sphinx in the vicinity of the Great Pyramid at Gizeh and many lesser pyramids, they unques- tionably intended to convey the idea of Leo-Virgo, which is the union of will and understanding. Children born on the cusp, between August 20 and 23, are often found to be, by natural tendency, remarkably well balanced. They have, as a rule, a very fine perception of how to adjust and balance to a nicety. They are not apt to be carried away by their affectional impulses, as many Leo people are, nor are they so very calculating and intellectual as many who are fully in Virgo. Virgo is a constructive, home-making sign, and though it is said to belong to the earthly triplicity, this does not mean that it conduces to sensuality, but rather that its tendency is toward perfect ultima- tion, or a complete externaiization of thought. In Virgo we find many seers and prophets. A large proportion of those gifted with clairvoyance, or second sight, are found in this department of the maximus homo; and it may be fairly stated that of all the signs this is the one which gives evidence Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 71 of the greatest recuperative power. The typical Virgo person is not seemingly very robust, is not muscular in large degree, and not generally particu- larly impressive on first acquaintance; but there is an immense fund of reserve energy stored up in the secret recesses of such a nature. The contrast presented between Leo and Virgo is particularly marked. Leo wins friends and holds them by magnetic charm and personal attractive- ness. Virgo, on the other hand, wins its way by appealing to the understanding. Leo is the sign of a very large percentage of magnetic healers and persons who are eminently successful in any capacity where the personal equation is of large account. Virgo is the sign of many deep philosophers and reasoners, and is the province of a great array of naturally endowed teachers of all descriptions. A very conspicuous example of Virgo was Goethe, the world-renowned poet and philosopher, the friend of Schiller, from whom, however, he widely differed in many important particulars. Goethe is one of the subtlest and most analytical of modern writers, and nowhere does he display his Virgo qualities more than in his delineations of Faust and Mephistopheles. All great creative artists deal with their own ex- periences and record their individual victories and temptations in what they write or print or sculpture 72 The Significance of Birthdays or sing; but though this is a universal fact, there are but few, comparatively, who can dissect themselves as clearly as they can read others. To Virgo people more than to any others belongs the power of self- comprehension. Synthesis characterizes Leo; an- alysis, Virgo. Leo people take a general view of things. They are satisfied, as a rule, with what pleases or delights them. Virgo is never contented without looking deeply into the whys and where- fores, tracing causes to effects and effects to causes. Mental and moral dissection is very gratifying to the distinct Virgo type, of whom it may be said, that never are its representatives so happy or so con- genially employed as when they are picking some- thing to pieces, with a view to understanding its mechanism and the mainspring of its movement. In this sign there are many chemists and some alchemists; many who are given to occult studies, and who succeed in psychological review; and though occasionally there may be outbursts of temper, the Virgo person is rarely a fighter, as he is too intellectual to desire anything short of arbitra- tion in place of warfare. In the work of teaching and healing we find but few, as a rule, who are eminently successful in both public and private lines of work, and still fewer who blend with approximate perfectness the dispo- sition to state principles clearly and generally, with Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 73 that warm affectionate sympathy which draws one to another, as we are attracted to a cheery fire on a cold night. While Leo people draw others to themselves, and make many w r arm personal friends who are attached to their personalities, Virgo draws to what is taught, to the principles set forth, rather than to the one who sets them forth. A great many distinguished casuists and many highly successful lawyers are in Virgo; and among able barristers it is well known that eloquence is common. For lucidity of statement, purity of dic- tion, grammatical accuracy, correct spelling, and many other graces of this sort, Virgo bears the palm; and it is also a sign in which we find much artistic ability and great love of order and beauty. The feminine qualities of Virgo are shown in a disposition to retain, mature and reproduce in new forms whatever intelligence has been received. Virgo people are not, as a rule, very swift in motion, nor are they particularly industrious on the outward plane; but as their minds are usually active, they are by no means idle. In this sign there is often found a great apprecia- tion of the psychic realm. Virgo people are not, as a class, superstitious, nor are they very pious; they incline to idealistic rationalism. All that is trans- cendental and aesthetic appeals to them; they are fond of music and ceremonial, and are disposed to 74 The Significance of Birthdays dwell much in the realm of symbols and metaphors ; but their regard for forms is not superficial, as they see through them to the things signified. Many people in Virgo make excellent debaters, and they are very difficult to vanquish in argument, as they are exceptionally logical, and never feel themselves finally defeated. Their great character- istic is the ability to rise like india-rubber, so that momentary defeats, however crushing, do not dis- hearten them. After the greatest overthrow they are soon ready to start afresh and commence a new work with all the ardor of an original enthusiasm. Persistency belongs to this sign and, practically, regardlessness of time. If a true Virgo person loses health, apparently he soon recovers it; and if he loses one fortune, he makes another. Virgo presents the paradox of strength within and fragility without, and of deep stores of knowledge hidden below an appearance of indifference and, possibly, ignorance. Its people, though very capable of endurance, are extremely sensitive, little things highly pleasing or greatly annoying them; and while they seem much influenced by trivial occurrences, the fact is that they are so introspective and analy- tical, that they follow a small clue and see the greatness of the admission which must logically be made if the entering wedge is granted. Virgo people are extremely critical of themselves Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 75 as well as of others ; whenever they are good-natured and well-disposed, they make first-rate book re- viewers and synoptical reporters. Having a keen eye to incident and a rare faculty for following a slight hint to a remote conclusion, they make good counselors and advisers, and are usually much pleased to be made the recipients of confidences, which they seldom betray. There is a fine, though peculiar, sense of honor about Virgo people. They have often very little regard for the mere feelings of the people about them; and if they discover disagreeable facts, they may make unpleasant use of them, as they are often fond of gossip and are very inquisitive; but tell them in confidence something you wish kept secret, and they will sacredly respect your trust, and con- tinue loyal to their word, which is truly their bond. Such people are very fond of attention paid to their attainments. They do not value personal ser- vices or affectionate attentions very highly, but they insist upon being treated with respect. If you wish to make a real friend of a Virgo person, the best way to do it is to pay court to his intelligence, as pride of intellect is really the besetting weakness, and, at the same time, a characteristic strength of those in this sign. Conscientiousness is prominent in Virgo, and so is self-esteem. Love of personal freedom is also conspicuous, and the sense of in* 76 The Significance of Birthdays dividual rights and liberties is frequently so strong that unintentional trespass upon private ground is often sharply resented. People in this section of the Zodiac usually enjoy a sense of private property in personal belongings. They are generally highly egoistic, though they may be altruistic also; but they are disposed to draw a sharp line between mine and thine. It is often diffi- cult for such persons to hold subordinate positions. They love to lead, but when they are in the ruler's seat they are not despotic. Though they adore their ( own way, and think it better than any one's else, they are extremely tolerant of other people's idiosyn- crasies, provided they are permitted to enjoy their own in peace, and they are, as a rule, peaceful folk. Leo exhibits the canine qualities in the animal world. Virgo is distinctly feline. Having said this, we will observe that both the dog and cat were divine emblems in Egypt. The dog, as a hunter and protector, was esteemed and venerated as an embodiment of affection and fidelity; while all ani- mals of the cat species were regarded as emblems of the clairvoyant faculty, which the feline race dis- plays in its ability to see in the dark, through a dis- tinctive elongation of the pupil of the eye. The occupations best adapted to Virgo people are invariably those which require tact, skill and the exercise of the logical faculty. Sedentary pursuits Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 77 are often favorable, particularly work of a literary character. The distinctly Virgo type of mind may be compared to very fruitful earth, where seeds quickly germinate and results multiply. Virgo women are often mothers of large families, and they bear and rear children with much greater ease than those in some other signs. When the development of a Virgo person is intensely intellectual, and the sense nature is quite subordinate, we witness great fruitfulness on the mental plane. The children of the intellect multiply in that case, and in many in- stances a single seed idea dropped into the fruitful soil of a Virgo mind will spring up and bear a surprisingly abundant harvest of results. Virgo people have usually very tenacious mem- ories and the smallest details rarely escape them. They are vividly impressed oftentimes by much that most people would allow to entirely escape them; and while this regard for details often looks like evidence of a mind bent on trifles, it is not in reality so, but when rightly understood betokens ability to trace analogies between things great and small, inward and outward. Swedenborg's doctrine of correspondences can probably be more readily understood by representatives of this sign than by those of any other, it being their disposition, and a favorite study and pastime with them, to trace out curious analogies and to follow a suggestive hint to 78 The Significance of Birthdays its uttermost conclusion. Henry Wood's system of "Ideal Suggestion through Mental Photography," would be likely to appeal strongly to persons in this sign, as they like to see everything clearly mapped out before them, and are vigorous exponents of the doctrine of associated ideas and of mental suggestion. Virgo, in fine, is a sensitive, psychic, motherly sign, and though in the earthy trigon is not at all given to coarseness or gross materiality. "Let us hear the conclusion of the matter," may be a favorite text with this type of individual, who loves nothing so well as to follow tirelessly a proposition to its ulti- mate. In the productions of the masterly mind of Goethe we see revealed the very soul of Virgo. - Wqt Palatum The number seven, always regarded as highly important and significant by reason of its perpetual recurrence in nature, was, by the wise men of old, regarded truly as the harmonic of twelve. Seven, when applied to anything in Kabalistic works, always designates perfection of quality, while twelve denotes fullness of numerical representation. The seven colors of the rainbow, seven notes in the musical scale, seven days in the week, etc., may all be regarded as nature's testimony to the value of numbers. All life is expressed in geometrical ratio, and without mathematics there can be no scientific achievement. When the Europeans of the middle ages, imbued with Ptolemy's absurd errors concern- ing astronomy, persecuted Galileo and Copernicus, because of their blind and stupid belief that there were only seven planets in the universe, they did but instance a case of truth overlaid with errors; for — though these ignorant people knew it not — they had derived their doctrine of the music of the spheres 80 The Significance of Birthdays from the profoundest scholars and closest reasoners of antiquity; men and women so enlightened that they could build the great Egyptian pyramid, and many other marvellous structures on strictly geometric lines, which to-day excite the reverent amaze of many of the most distinguished scholars of the modern world. The seventh sign of the Zodiac is the sign of judgment. Therefore, wherever original pictures of the correct idea of judgment, entertained by the truly illumined are to be found, a female figure is represented balancing the scales, she herself blind- folded. The woman is the equinoctial virgin (Virgo) ; the scales she holds are Libra, the sign which immediately follows in the Zodiacal pro- cession. We have called attention in a previous essay to the secret of the Sphinx (Leo- Virgo), and alluded in passing to the necessity for blending the masculine qualities of Lep, the heart of the archetypal man, with the feminine attributes of Virgo, the solar plexus. Leo being Will, and Virgo, Understanding ; Leo being the seat of emotion, and Virgo, of intui- tion, it logically follows that when Libra is attained the day of judgment is at hand; for then are we in condition to judge righteously, i. e., equitably. Unfortunately for the ready progress of correct ideas, words are used again and again in a stulti- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 81 fying sense, and in no instance does our language suffer more from incorrect usage than in the nu- merous places where justice is technically substituted for equity. This radical mistake in phraseology is as fundamental as the sociological falsehood implied in treating of man as though woman were of little or no account; while humanity and mankind ait words which signify men and women equally. The Latin word justitia is placed under the portrait or statue of the woman holding the scales. This should be erased and equitas substituted. Justice may be fairly defined as due regard for the interests of society as a whole. Mercy pleads that clemency be shown to the individual. The two great reformatory objects of well directed corrective measures in lieu of bar- barous punishment are very generally conceded to be the protection of society and the reformation of the wrong doer. Justice insists upon the former; mercy, upon the latter. Equity points the way to the realization of both these highly desirable and greatly needed ends, the combined result of both being the actual improvement of society. Justice and mercy are bride and bridegroom. One never appears in council without the other; and it will not be until they invariably appear together, that the human race will so understand itself as to frame and execute laws for the preservation of order, and the increase of happiness and general prosperity. 82 The Significance of Birthdays We meet sometimes with people who seem endowed from birth with the happy faculty of being able to see a subject on both sides. Men like the justly revered James Freeman Clarke, author of "Ten Great Religions," and many other admirable w r orks, was, in our judgment, a good illustration of the Libra character, which is not ardent and impul- sive like Leo, nor conservative like Cancer, but given to weighing, measuring, balancing, comparing. A study of comparative religion would be most agree- able to such a type of mind, because it would not partake of the qualities of the zealot or rash devotee, but would delight in contrasting one system with another to discover the good in all. We do not say that such minds have no preference or strong attach- ments to any special form of faith. They may, like Dr. Clarke, esteem a liberal kind of Christianity far superior to any other religious system on earth; but if they do, their conception of the system they espouse and defend will be so broad and eclectic that it will be very nearly universal religion, and will always be a system that lays more stress on noble character than on theological tenets of belief. Leo is the sign of martyrs; Virgo, of deep, intui- tive philosophers, while Libra gives birth to people who are called in "Psycopathy" by Cora L. V. Richmond, social solvents. However great Shakespeare may have been in Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 83 his ability to read character and interpret human nature to itself, in "The Merchant of Venice" he entirely fails to introduce a single character whose ethical ideas are satisfactory. It may be urged that he was holding the mirror to the times and reflecting the state of prevailing sentiment in Europe in the middle ages. Be that so, you have thereby ac- counted for the play; but you have not proved to us that its author had grasped the true solution of a momentous problem vitally affecting legislation. Shylock is just, but not merciful. Portia is merciful, but not just; and not a single character in the whole drama is equitable. Shylock was harsh and ungen- erous, but those who opposed him were unfair. We need a playwright to-day who will give us a drama in which equity is exhibited in so unmistakable a manner that no one can leave the theatre without feeling that he has learned a moral lesson he will never forget, and whoever does this satisfactorily will doubtless be a characteristic Libra man or woman. Libra people are reconcilers and peace-makers by natural disposition. They are fine, dispassionate reasoners, excellent in debate, but by no means given to contentious arguing. Never argue, but always reason a matter out, is good practical advice for everybody. Head and hsart have equal rights, entitled to mutual respect and courteous consider- 84 The Significance of Birthdays ation. Only when we deal with questions from the intellectual and emotional standpoint alike are we in the way to an amiable settlement of the many questions which continually press their claims upon us. Libra is the sign of many of the best jurists the world has ever seen; and when lawyers of the highest type are found, we often discover when we learn their birth days that they were born some- where between September 23, and October 22, which is Libra's period. Conciliation and arbitra- tion are words very full of meaning and very accept- able in the ears of people who are confirmed in this sign, and it may fairly be added that they are, as a rule, very unwilling to believe ill of their neighbors. They do not object to talk about people, but they are not given to speaking against others. They may be very talkative, and have no dislike for friendly gossip, but malicious misrepresentation they abhor; and they are generally quite willing, even in cases which closely concern themselves, to confess that there are both faults and merits on either side. Such people can always be reached by rational appeal. They do not wish to quarrel or to continue at enmity ; and though they may sometimes be disposed to go to law, they enter suit for the purpose of arriving at an equitable decision ; not out of spite or with any unkind or malicious intent. Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 85 In social life, in religion and in politics, Libra is often said to be "on the fence" in an attitude of impartial observation. The leading feature of this sign is its diplomatic and non-committal character. It exhibits great tact, makes many friends and recon- ciles the estranged, as well as bringing together in the embrace of solid friendship people who had pre- viously stood aloof from each other. In an old Kabalistic representation of Ezekiel's Wheel, Libra is placed in the central position, marking the turning point or place of juncture between the ascending Macrocosmos and the de- scending Microcosmos. This is a somewhat am- bitious attempt to illustrate involution and evolution by means of. a diagram. The six signs preceding Libra; viz., Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo and Virgo, are placed in the upper hemisphere ; and the remaining five following Libra; viz., Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, in the lower hemisphere or nether world. Libra comes in with the autumnal equinox and is the sign of harvest, of the ingathering of the fruits of the earth. Thus in every sense does it denote the judge who comes to separate the kernel from the husk, and the wheat from the tares. If Christians in common with all other bodies of religionists, will but faithfully face their own ecclesiastical calendar and fearlessly read its inner 86 The Significance of Birthdays meaning, they will find therein a key to the sublimest and most stupendous mysteries of the universe, as they directly affect human life; and in this discovery they can gain knowledge of the true secrets of disguised alchemy. The philosopher's stone and the elixir of life would be in their pos- session. But forever let it be understood that the true Rosicrucians never sought to discover in the outward, but only and ever in the inward realm the key to the vast results they were seeking to accom- plish. In the most external ways of life the character- istics of Libra manifest themselves amiably and use- fully, in full accord with the deepest spiritual import of the sign, when its innermost significance is acknowledged. Many excellent chemists are good examples of Libra, and the best analytical chem- ists are the finest readers of character. At any rate they have ability to dissect character if they give themselves at all to the work. The most charming social office of Libra is often performed at a dinner party, or at any festive gathering where people have been called together, who are not on friendly terms in private life. An intelligent host or hostess, who reads character well, or who is versed in the Zodiac as represented in humanity, can often get a Libra person to render a genuine service in the following manner : Miss Wratte and Miss Mousse have had Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 87 a falling out. They will not speak to each other, or even how in passing on the street; and had the one known that Mrs. Katt had invited the other to her party, neither would have accepted the invita- tion. As it is they have met and glowered at each other in the drawing room before going in to dinner. Mrs. Katt, a very penetrative woman, has pur- posely invited the Misses Wratfe aad Mousse, and also a mutual friend— one they all like, esteem and are glad to meet, Mr. Balance; and he it is whose seat at the table is between the two ladies who regard each other so contemptuously. Mr. Balance, a fine Libra gentleman, mutual friend and entertaining conversationalist, easily succeeds in interesting both ladies; and as he sits between them and engages the attention of both, and they both agree with him and respect his opinions, no sooner are they in the draw- ing room again after dinner, than they begin talking to each other quite affably, and wondering secretly why they ever so magnified estranging trifles and regarded each other with such unfriendly eyes. Among well-known people who are in Libra, and whose life-work can be popularly estimated, we may mention President Hayes, who certainly made many friends and left an excellent record behind him. Sarah Bernhardt is also in Libra, and so is Mrs. Besant, two public women of whom the newspapers frequently speak, and to whom the 88 The Significance of Birthdays multitude will flock, though for very different reasons oftentimes. Both these women have had diverse experiences, they have played many parts, sustained different roles and acquitted themselves wonderfully well in the characters they have as- sumed. Mrs. Besant has lived a self-denying, philanthropic life very largely, and through it all she has displayed an equable temper, never rushing to violent extremes or indulging in coarse invective. Mrs. Besant's reason for leaving the English church in which her husband was a clergyman, was that its ministers did not, and would not if they could, satisfy her eager questioning intellect. In. all her addresses on the labor question she was temperate and just; socialistic, but never anarchistic in her tendencies; and her scheme of socialism was ever to level up, not to level down. Her acceptance and advocacy of Theosophy was based entirely on its appeal to her sense of equity; and it may be here remarked that many Libra people take very kindly to the doctrines of Karma and reincarnation. There is much that fascinates them in the elaborate metaphysical systems of India, which seek to explain the working of perfect equity in the experiences of every individual ; and as Libra people are, as a rule, close reasoners and patient workers — and, if need be, waiters — they are not so averse to the extremest application of the theory of evolution, as are most of those who repre- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 89 sent the more impulsive and hasty signs. Sarah Bernhardt has achieved truly marvellous success on the stage largely through her continuous study of her parts. Gifted by nature with rare histrionic ability, she has persistently cultivated and supple- mented her natural skill by the closest attention to every detail of her art. Though she can be fiery, she is in many respects a reconciler, and has rare ability to play many parts well because of her striking ability to look on both sides of any character she essays to interpret. It will usually be found that Libra people are well fitted for influential posts or positions of trust. They make good overseers, choir masters, band conductors, stage managers, bailiffs, stewards and housekeepers; and when they are highly developed intellectually they make excellent professors in universities. Libra is without doubt the judge's seat; and while every human being can attain to equity, those who are in Libra are in a sense "to the manor born." We will here remark that in all we have advanced concerning this and other signs, we do not wish to be understood to say that all persons born at a certain time of the year do now exhibit all such signs as we have delinerated; but we decidedly hold that our generalizations concerning their aptitude are very nearly accurate. ^t ?K$fyify #%tt— $wtpxa f This sign, the period of which extends rrom about October 22 to November 22, is one of those mysteri- ous enigmatical divisions of the Zodiac, which, by their very mysteriousness and inexplicability from the ordinary standpoint, have given rise to very malodorous stories concerning their malefic or malignant influence. Scorpio is the place of nativity of three very remarkable characters in modern history, Marie Antoinette, General von Moltke and President Gar- field. Scorpio seems to be the seat of tragedies, and those who are within its embrace are often the subject of the most singular and unlooked for experiences. But it is with the true characteristics and natural bearings or tendencies of the sign in general that we seekers specially to deal. In our progressive march through the twelve celestial houses, w T e discover as we advance from station to station on our journey that marked contrasts greet us at every turn. Each sign is sandwiched between two signs very unlike Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 9 1 itself, and this surely applies to Scorpio, whose place is between Libra and Sagittarius. A scorpion with its sting is not a delightful crea- ture to contemplate, and from the title of this sign we might well expect only what is both disagreeable and dangerous. But on further investigation we may find ourselves happily disappointed ; for though Scorpio (or Draco) is the veritable old serpent or dragon mentioned in the Apocalypse, and the cause of unknown terror to the superstitious in eastern countries from time immemorial, the very devil should receive justice at our hands, and this boon may be called in some sense a vindication of the character of his satanic majesty. Scorpio is satan, and it is with the satanic character we have now to deal. Satan as mentioned in the book of Job was not a bad character by any means, according to the conception of the writer of that very ancient poem. The accusing angel was a rightful administrator in the heavenly court of equity; and though it was his disagreeable duty to point out errors, and bring even the most secret motives of mankind to judgment, the judgment eventually meted out was always just. The Scorpio man or woman is the accuser in society, and though the accusing angel is not apt to be particularly amiable, he may be thoroughly consci- entious. The Scorpio temperament is not usually a very 92 The Significance of Birthdays happy one. It is too closely analytical and too se- verely critical to be what is generally called good natured; but it has its place, even though that place be the room of critic and censor, and though its influence often tends to cast a shadow, and its artistic office is to paint a back-ground, these things need to be done. Scorpio people when not very far unfolded spiritually are apt to be hypercritical and uncompromising in their denunciation of what they feel to be wrong. They may be just, but they cer- tainly are not merciful. Their nature is exacting, and they have the sentiment of the words, "Thou shalt not come forth until thou hast paid the utter- most farthing." We have all met people whose work in life seemed to be that of censors of everybody, them- selves included. Rigid to the point of painful inflex- ibility in all matters pertaining to conscience or morals, they have appointed themselves, and con- sider themselves divinely ordained to sit in judg- ment on everything and everybody. Such tempera- ments are usually quick, restless, wiry, energetic, fond of travel, and of darting quickly from place to place. Many born detectives are in this sign, and so are many people gifted with clairvoyant penetra- tion and what the Scotch call second sight. Quick- witted, quick of thought, speech and action, gener- ally small in stature and of high, nervous tension, Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 93 these people find it difficult to serve as peacemakers. They usually stir up strife and often bring a tempest about their own ears without in any way desiring or expecting so violent an upheaval in their environ- ment. People who are thoroughly in the midst of this sign feel it to be their special duty to stir things up and call people to a sense of neglected obliga- tions. They have every characteristic of a shrill trumpet which calls to judgment and proclaims NOW is the judgment day. It would be easy enough to enumerate the disa- greeable features of this sign, but our aim is to point out its usefulness; therefore our brief is for the de- fendant rather than for the plaintiff. One who stirs up stagnant natures, and refuses to let apathy and in- dolence doze on undisturbed may be a very useful member of society, though he does prod the sleepers rather sharply oftentimes. Healers who are in this sign have a rousing mag- netic effect upon their patients, and are well adapted to break up chronic cases of rheumatism, gout and other long standing ailments, which represent fixity and obduracy of erroneous thought. In political affairs, the purification of the munici- palities may well follow in the train of a scorpion- like agitator, whose province it is to scent out what needs to be done, and how to do it. Scorpio stands for shrewdness, sagacity and penetration, and by 94 The Significance of Birthdays no means suggests spitefulness or vindictiveness, except where judgment is perverted through unbridled and misdirected passion. As Libra de- notes the true philosopher who weighs and balances all things with impartial equity, Scorpio represents the judge who pronounces sentence favorably 01 unfavorably as the case may be. There is a good aspect of Scorpio rarely noted in treatises upon the Zodiac, which seldom show forth the best features of the subject they discuss, and that is the signifi- cance of the eighth or octave note, which commences a new scale, and therefore denotes the first stage in a higher or regenerate life. The gospel tells us that after we have cast out the beam from our own eye we shall see clearly how to cast the mote out of a neighbor's eye, which obvi- ously means that when we are quite free from error, prejudice, blindness and all else that hinders mental and moral vision, we shall be in a condition to teach others to rectify even small wrongs in their own way of thinking, and the conduct which springs from it No more useful service can be rendered any one than to point out to him lovingly and unmistakably how he may correct his errors and live in future above the reach of the follies which aforetime marred his use- fulness. The best type of Scorpio disposition, then, is a singularly useful type ; for with remarkably keen and penetrative incisiveness, people of this stamp are Oar Place in the Universal Zodiac 95 able to ferret out hidden causes, and give advice of priceless value by reason of their clear discernment of special needs. It depends almost wholly upon the attitude a person takes to things in general whether he will search for disease with the pathologist, or for health with the true spiritual scientist. Diagnosis is a favorite occupation with Scorpio, but diagnosis is a totally different thing with metaphysicians than with physicians and the ordinary run of medical clair- voyants. All who have read "If Christ Came to Chicago," by William Stead, and "If Jesus Came to Boston," by Edward Everett Hale, must have been forcibly struck with the thought of how easy it is to relate facts and confine one's illustrations to actual occurrences, and present, as one chooses, either a painfully pessi- mistic or a delightfully optimistic view of any situa- tion. Now the disposition to hunt up news, to col- lect statistics and to do reportorial or newsmongering work in general and in particular, may be either a very useful or an extremely offensive trait, according to the use or misuse made of it by its possessor. Ex- pressions in common use in society are rarely accur- ate; consequently the fine distinction which should ever be made between talking about people and talk- ing against them is not usually drawn. It is quite ami- able to talk about our neighbors, provided we say only good of them; therefore, the habit of talking 96 The Significance of Birthdays about people when their backs are turned should not be regarded as offensive or unkind, unless the re- marks made concerning them are unkind or in any way censorious. So sure do we feel that people will always seek to fulfill their natures, and that all na- tures are good, that we cannot positively condemn even the practice of gossiping, to which Scorpio peo- ple are especially prone; for gossip in itself is not by any means an evil, but on the contrary, when wisely directed, may be made the means of accomp- lishing much real good. There is, however, a still graver tendency which is very prominent in this sign, and that is the ex- treme tendency to sexuality which characterizes it, Scorpio corresponding to the generative organs. Much is often said and written on this always deli- cate subject, but in very few instances do we find esoteric physiology taught with much definiteness and directness. The sexual impulses are not evil, and when rightfully directed their usefulness is clearly seen ; thus the excessive animality which distinguishes so many Scorpio persons is capable of being transmut- ed into genuine active psychical ability. The love principle being the life principle, there is always strong vitality and much opportunity for good, wher- ever there are any strong impulses of any kind; and those impulses, which are commonly called animal and carnal, are only such on the most exterior plane Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 97 of life's manifestation. All great intellectual and artistic work is accomplished by means of that very animal vigor, otherwise directed, which, when it ex- presses solely on the most physical plane, is the ser- pent of temptation mentioned in Genesis and else- where in the Bible. There are two distinct tempters mentioned in the Bible, the serpent and Satan; and these are but dif- ferent aspects of the same sign. Judas Iscariot was the one among the twelve apostles who was- cast out of the apostolic fraternity, but his place was taken by Matthias, as eleven could not fulfill the require- ment of a complete fraternity, which must have a representative of each of the twelve divisions of the Zodiac. If you read the 49th chapter of Gen- esis and then the 7th chapter of Revelations, in both of which chapters the twelve tribes of Israel are specially referred to by name, you will find that in Genesis the name Dan occurs, while it is missing in Revelations, yet there are twelve in each enumera- tion. Of Dan it is said in Genesis 49, "he shall be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path that biteth the horse's heels so that the rider falleth back- ward." Those words convey exactly the correct idea of the sensual proclivities of human nature, so long as they are undisciplined by the higher ele- ment in character. In the Apocalypse Dan is omit- ted, and yet there are twelve. This involves on its 98 The Significance of Birthdays truly esoteric side a deeper problem than we may yet be able to solve ; but whether we have reached its in- most meaning or not, we can certainly discern this truth, that as we figuratively take up serpents, we transmute but do not destroy the elements of lower selfhood. We hear altogether too much of the mere strug- gle for existence, and far too little of the strug- gle for improvement. The procreative faculty is usually looked at from far too low a plane, and on far too earthy a side; therefore, the question of re- production is either ignored or handled as though it were something not agreeable to discuss. Until all such false modesty is removed, and the most import- ant questions touching human welfare are freely and honorably treated from all sides, we shall look in vain for any vital progress in the direction of the improvement of the human species. Scorpio, the so-called adversary in the Zodiac, is properly not Satan the Accuser, but Lucifer the Light-bringer. The whole cosmic tragedy of the fall of Lucifer, who, when fallen, becomes Satan, con- cerns the debasement of the reproductive force in nature; and when in very early times, Phallic wor- ship prevailed universally — -and it was beautiful be- fore it became corrupted — the Phallic emblems de- noted purely spiritual ideas, clothed in appropriate natural garments. Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 99 Henry Drummond in "The Ascent of Man," em- phasizes very strongly what we are endeavoring to teach regarding the struggle everywhere manifest in nature, not simply for continued but improved exist- ence, which is a fuller and more glorious manifesta- tion of the purpose of living. The survival of the fittest would never be accomplished through simple reproduction. It can only be brought about through the agency of improved production. Thus can we accept two proverbs, "History repeats itself" and "We must make the best of things," and so give expression to helpful metaphysical ideas; that evolu- tion with its sublime doctrine of transmutation en- shrined in its very heart at its vital core, may illum- inate our student pathway and show us how to make the best of so-called bad. things by transforming them into what is positively good and appreciably bene- ficent. Scorpio is the sign of the alchemists whose ambi- tion it is to turn base metals into gold; and where can we find a fitter or exacter illustration of what we can actually accomplish within ourselves, than by considering how this dream of the mystics may be practically fulfilled in the evolution of nobler char- acter than ever appeared before? Scorpio children need very careful training. They require the most helpful counsel and tender loving guidance to assist them to overcome the perils which 1 00 The Significance of Birthdays always surround their way, as they are inclined to be very inflammable, and when their passions are great- ly aroused they may do desperate deeds for which they may deeply repent after much mischief has been accomplished. Persons in this sign have usually very quick tempers. Their nature is volcanic. The dis- orders to which they are most subject are of an in- flamatory type. As all aberrations can be successful- ly conquered by mental methods, but special methods are adapted to special cases, we should recommend all who have much to do with people in this sign to adopt soft colors and employ gentle music. Mental stimulants like martial music and scarlet robes are good for Cancer people, but Scorpio people need quieting. They require much sleep, and are better without highly seasoned foods and exciting entertain- ment. At their best they are very original, daring and creative in their genius, capable of much success through bold enterprise, but unless well mellowed in disposition they are erratic, impatient, and the appetites are too little held in subjection to intelli- gence. Curiosity is a leading trait of all Scorpio natures, and this may range all the way from a disagreeable prying into other people's affairs, to a remarkable shrewdness of observation and highly useful penetra- tion. The cusp which occurs about October 2 1 , when Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 101 Libra merges into Scorpio, is a time when birth is given to many very remarkable geniuses, and we shall find that many of the most distinguished people the world has ever known have combined great sens- uality with high intellectual development and a keen sense of abstract equity. The cusp which occurs about November 2 1 , when Scorpio merges into Sag- ittarius, is the natal time of many remarkable people also, and those who blend these two signs in their makeup are usually extremely swift in action, quick to decide, impulsive and determined to vigorously sweep aside all obstacles which may confront them. Mephistopheles as drawn by Goethe is a true de- lineation of Scorpio at its worst when degraded and debased; but take the same subtlety and diplomatic ability and raise it to a noble plane, and what a splendidly successful being in honorable ways that same Mephistopheles would be. Though censorious fault-finding is often displayed by Scorpio people, they must learn that the intensely critical disposition, which is theirs by right, can be used so wisely, up- rightly and lovingly, that instead of censuring their fellows and making the world a harder place for sen- sitive natures to live in, they can so consecrate and wisely use their critical acumen that they can see through all deceptive appearances, save those who would otherwise be victimized, and produce in the society in which they move a higher tone of righteous- ness. Though comparatively few very remarkable per- sonages are to be found in this sign, i. e., few whose gifts or genius can be said to lift them entirely be- yond the average run of men and women, there are, indeed, many who are domiciled in Sagittarius whose accomplishments are certainly of no mean order. This autumnal sign, whose period extends from about November 2 1 to December 2 1 , is indicative of a very direct nature, an excellent marksman, one who will never willingly permit himself to be turned aside to accommodate any considerable circumstance. Were we to single out an example of this type of character by referring to a piece of mechanically executed workmanship, we should choose for our simile the celebrated railway between the two Rus- sian capitals, Moscow and Petersburg. This rail- road, built by order of one of the best of the Czars, was executed by soldiers in days of peace, men who proved their abundant ability to render useful service of a constructive nature when not engaged in the Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 03 destructive pursuit of war. This unique road is laid between the two great cities without the slightest ref- erence to the convenience of any persons who live between the two capitals. It is intended to serve as a speedy means of transit between Petersburg and Moscow, and it does so. It has a definite, well de- fined mission, and it fulfills it. We often hear the expressions "a bee line" and "as the crow flies." These expressions are thoroughly characteristic of the action of genuinely Sagittarius people. An ar- row shot from a bow hitting a predetermined mark without any miscarriage, is the sign of the Archer in the Zodiac. Whatever this type of person may be, he is decid- edly not a bore. He never uses unnecessary words, and is a great economist of time as well as energy. Circumlocution is atrocious in his eyes, and he has little patience with those who lack directness, and use up oceans of other people's time and strength, in crawling and meandering to the point they wish to gain. As there is a natural vibratory sympathy be- tween man and the elements of nature around him, it is not remarkable that at a season of the year when the coldest weather is approaching, and there is a brisk frostiness in the air, inviting, almost com- pelling, rapid motion, those who are ushered into mortal existence under such bracing atmospheric in- fluences, should be swift of thought, quick of motion, 104 The Significance of Birthdays nimble and fleet-footed in all senses of the term. We must here make a seeming digression from our central point in this essay, to answer a pertinent in- quiry often put to us in much the following phrase: If people are born at the antipodes under the South- ern Cross, must not the statements made in the North- ern Hemisphere concerning the constellations be com- pletely reversed? To this question we reply that there is much rea- son in such a query, and as by far the largest portion of the human family are born north of the equator a special explanation may be needed for Australasia, South America and South Africa. This specific teaching, however, could easily be given by any one who simply bears in mind the obvious fact, that the seasons being completely reversed below the line, the characteristics of Aries might be manifested in Libra; those of Taurus, in Scorpio, and those of Gemini, in Sagittarius, as mid-summer in the Northern Hemi- sphere is mid-winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. To return to Sagittarius immediately and endeavor to delineate its leading qualities, we may fairly say that those are, in a marked degree, love of freedom, impatience of all restraint and hatred of delays. The fastest express trains and the swiftest of ocean greyhounds often seem slow in their progress to the pure Archer type of man or woman, who seeks to Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 105 consummate every engagement without a moment's unnecessary delay. We look confidently for the per- fection of the means of aerial transit to ambitious scientists who belong in this section of the Zodiac; and not only do we rely upon them to furnish means for surpassingly swift locomotion, but we expect from them innumerable discoveries and practical annihila- tion of distance in all respects. It cannot be denied that however great may be the interest taken in an attempted solution of psychic problems by a great variety of mental types to-day, there are but very few people, comparatively, who attain to anything like eminence as thought trans- mitters. Mental telegraphy, telepathy, thought trans- ference, and all phenomena allied thereto, are only susceptible of being brought to a high pitch of de- monstrable perfection by people who possess distinct- ly Sagittarius attributes. We do not mean to say anything disheartening to anybody who is striving to do good in any manner, but the words are ever true, "There are diversities of gifts, though but one spir- it;" and though, "The manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal," there are distinct types of its expression; all when rightly understood being of equal use and value. In teaching and healing ministries we all discover that some people are far better adapted to convey instruction aloud than silently. Others, again, do 1 06 The Significance of Birthdays their very best work in the silence. Some healers only do their best work in presence of their patients, while others succeed equally well, if not better, when giving absent treatment. The type of people we are now considering is, as a class, noted for its ability to send thought waves to great distances. Clear-cut, finely articulated mental messages always travel further than those which are less definite and precise. The very clearest and most direct frame of mind is essential to the best success in absent healing, and we certainly cannot help observing, when we only listen to people's voices and watch their movement, how far they are characterized by precise definiteness, in which Sagittarius usually excels. Some people consider the pure or full Sagittarius type disagreeable, because it is so often blunt, brusque, and reaches a point with little, if any, of that tact or diplomatic skill, which so greatly softens the asperity of unpalatable, though truthful sayings; but there is one great advantage to be derived from the intense outspokenness of the Sagittarius temperament, and that is, it leaves no doubt whatever as to the meaning intended to be conveyed. This type of humanity is extremely intuitive, and is, therefore, given to seership and prophecy. Self- reliance is another marked trait; and so perfectly self- confident are persons in this sign, and generally well balanced, that their very confidence secures them Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 107 against the many accidents which so often befall the unwary. The ability to lead while others follow is a marked trait; and it is quite appropriate to mention also, in this connection, an astonishing development in the region of locality. Sagittarius people rarely miss their way. Place them in utterly strange surround- ings, and they will, unless nervously agitated, find their way instinctively to any point they desire to reach, and instead of following a circumlocutory track, they will compass the distance along the most direct line possible between any two points. Such people must be self-reliant, or they are lost. They cannot afford to be led by others, as they seem fre- quently to have such peculiar missions and extraord- inary vocations, necessitating the employment of such unusual insight, that they are soon lost in a wilderness of perplexity, if they take counsel with others instead of heeding the dictum of their own inner feeling. Great activity amounting often to restlessness is another feature of these people. In the business world they are generally rushing, driving, pushing, quick to see and ready to take immediate advantage of every opening or opportunity for advancement. They ac- complish much in the way of definitely consummat- ing arrangements, while their neighbors, in other signs, are pondering, meditating and talking the mat- ters over with their advisers. Whenever quick action in a case of emergency is needed, Sagittarius is the 1 08 The Significance of Birthdays readiest and ablest of all to furnish the required as- sistance ; and though his motions are very swift, he is not flurried, nor does he blunder. As great reserve power is indicated by this sign, it may be truly remarked, that, though Sagittarius peo- ple display great ability for active exertion in cases of emergency, they are apt to appear uninteresting, and even indolent, when there is no special cause for activ- ity. When they rest they can sleep profoundly and quietly await the hour when necessity arouses them from slumber. As the physiological correspondence is always sug- gestive, it is well to consider the province and func- tions of the hips and thighs, when considering the characteristics of those whose nativity is between No- vember 20 and December 20. As this sign changes into Capricorn, i e., at the commencement of the cusp, on or about December 1 8, we find strong tend- encies to endure hardships, and also decided econom- ical traits, for which the Goat is so pre-eminently celebrated. The marksman shooting straight at his mark, and rarely, if ever, missing his aim, will always be the symbol of the Archer ; and when this is borne in mind, it is not difficult to see how much easier it is for Sagittarius people, than for many others, to obey the wise injunction — look forward, not backward. The very strongest and most admirable Sagittarius tendency is the happy disposition to persistently per- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 09 severe in whatever has been undertaken. When the hand has been once put to the plow, not even a glance must be cast behind, if victory is to be gained and the goal successfully reached. In the accomp- lishment of desires on which their hearts are set, Sagittairus people are unusually successful, and their wishes are speedily fulfilled. This is because they are not prone to loiter on the road. They do not procrastinate or dilly-dally, but march right onward. Therefore belonging to this section of the Zodiac, we find many successful generals and military com- manders, who can so command the manoeuvres of their troops, that by prompt, decisive, sudden action, a victory may be gained, even when the odds against it appear to be tremendous. The faults which are often conspicuous in any class of people are abnormal or inverted characteris- tics which may at any time be relinquished, as they are fungus growths or parasites, and no portion of the essential tree. Taking this stand with regard to failings and unpleasant eccentricities, such as charac- terize impostors, bores and other decidedly disagree- able people, we do not dwell upon disorderly condi- tions as properly pertaining to any sign, but only in- cidentally mention them as perversions or inversions of inherently excellent qualities. The chief faults to which Sagittarius people are liable are no doubt petulance and irritability, proceeding from an ex- 1 1 The Significance of Birthdays tremely nervous organization, highly strung and very responsive to external influences until disciplined to look within. Many Sagittarius people make good old fash- ioned Quakers in one sense, and when they adopt something of the Quaker mode of worship they are likely to derive great good from it; for no practice serves them so well as to sit serenely in the silence and allow the spirit within to commune with the intellect and direct its path on the road to true wisdom. Sagittarius people may often spend much of their time in silent work. They are first rate telepathists. Mental telegraphy they can comprehend and prac- tice readily, because of their peculiar incisiveness of thought and action. And after all no matter how many treatises may be prepared upon the subject — the kernel of all that can be said on qualifications for the practise of thought transference may be com- pressed into the following words: Take a straight, steady, mental aim; know exactly what you wish to convey, and where and to whom and for what pur- pose you desire to convey it; then go ahead; shoot your arrow from your bow, trusting to the law of the universe to bring about the result. 94 Wp (Bmt It is a noteworthy fact that all the feasts and fasts of the Christian calendar owe their literal origin to astronomy and astrology, and nowhere does this fact strike the thoughtful student more impressively than at Christmas-tide, when the earth enters Capricorn on the shortest day of the year, December 2 1 . Fol- lowing this day dedicated to Saint Thomas, the doubting Didymus of gospel story, come the three days of uncertainty and gloom, according to the old Egyptian idea, during which the sun was supposed to be imprisoned in Hades; then when December 22, 23 and 24 are over, the sun reappears above the line on Christmas day, December 25, which is the natural birthday of the year, and celebrated on that account with the greatest jubilation from the ear- liest recorded time. The Roman Saturnalian feast and the Druid's Yuietide festivities can all be traced to the same origin. There is a deep significance in all celebrations which are held in honor of annual changes in the climate and general condition of the 1 1 2 The Significance of Birthdays earth, as man sympathizes with the planet, and the planet reciprocally sympathizes with man* At the time of the winter solstice we reach the darkest, long- est nights and the shortest, dullest days ; but immedi- ately the night has seemingly gained a victory over the day ; the tables are turned, and at once we behold an increase in the length and brightness of the day, and consequently an equal decrease in the length and darkness of the night. For several centuries the Fathers of the Christian Church were undecided as to the proper time for celebrating Christmas. Some kept the festival of the nativity of the Christ in the spring ; others, in the autumn; but at length the unanimous decision was reached that it was highly appropriate to take the ancient solar festival of the new birth of Osiris, the light-bringer, and connect it with a distinctively Christian idea. Such is the origin of Christmas with all its traditions of frost and snow. We have no word of criticism for this beautiful, poetic yearly commemoration. We, however, are interested in knowing the truth relating to all things. Therefore, we never seek to hide the true origin of any celebrations on the specious plea that too much light may shatter ideals and strip commemorations of their old-time beauty and solemnity. The feast of Christmas is so suggestive entirely apart from its ecclesiastical surroundings, that we find ourselves Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 1 3 ready at any time to expatiate lovingly upon the les- sons we may profitably learn from the myriad asso- ciations which cluster thickly about it; and as the Christ child, whom all Christendom reveres, is said to have been born in the manger of the Zodiacal Goat, we may certainly say that the popular idea of the greatest teacher the world has ever seen, is that of a soul ultimated in Capricorn, which corresponds to the knees of the Grand Man, and, therefore, de- notes service, though not servitude. Those who will- ingly stoop are not slaves. A royal nature which takes a basin, girds itself with a towel and washes the feet of humble brethren is a kingly type of man. Ich dien (I serve) is one of the proudest mottoes of influential orders, notably of the Knights Templar. It is also the motto of the Prince of Wales, heir ap- parent to the British Crown. No finer or more ex- pressive words do we find in the entire Gospel than "I am among you as one that serveth," and "Who- ever would be greatest let him be servant to all." Serfdom is detestable because it implies coercion; and whatever service is rendered from compulsion, instead of willingly, is abominable. The Episcopal liturgy declares that the service of God is perfect freedom; and if that is the case- — which it undoubt- edly is — no slave can be other than the prostrate victim of some sort of error, from which he needs emancipation as quickly as possible. The true dis- 1 1 4 The Significance of Birthdays tinction between work and labor is that the former is natural, spontaneous, healthful, enjoyable and es- sential to growth and general well-being, while the latter is irksome in the extreme. We shall all out- grow labor, but our work, our power to work and our love of work will go on perpetually increasing as we evolve to higher and ever higher states of conscious- ness in manifestation The typical Capricorn person is a bora worker; one who loves to be industrious. As a child such a one loves to help mother with the house work in every possible way, to run errands and to assist others in the fulfillment of their tasks. Comparatively few who are in this department of the Zodiac are born great, and equally few have what is commonly called greatness forced upon them ; but many such achieve a very true greatness, though it may be, and generally is, of a quietly effective and altogether unostentatious kind. Hewers of wood and drawers of water, as they are sometimes called in Biblical phrase, consti- tute the rank and file of the Social Army every- where ; and while a few may always be lifted to ex- traordinary heights of eminence, there must ever be a number who serve faithfully in the knees of the Archetypal Man. The fundamental error we are seeking to destroy all through these lessons is the wide spread belief that our situation in the Zodiac is either dignified or un- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 1 5 dignified, desirable or undesirable according to posi- tion. So long as this view is taken the absurd state- ment may be made that Capricorn is one of the un- pleasant signs, as though the knees of the great body of humanity need be diseased or disjointed any more than the shoulders or the hands. Such ludicrous fallacies as we find still promulgated in astrological treatises and works of allied character make it high- ly incumbent upon all who know better to disabuse the public mind on these questions, and explain the peculiarities of the various signs as simple variants in the expression of a perfect unity. Capricorn is not usually the home of very enterpris- ing or ambitious people, like those who are lodged in Aries. On the contrary, the disposition of the Zodia- cal Goat is rather contented with its present situation, which, however, it seeks diligently to improve by making the best of it in the true sense, viz., by making it yield all it is capable of yielding. We all know some people who are by nature so remarkably economical that they can make one dollar go decidedly further than many others would make five dollars go; and this is because of their practical utilitarian disposition, which causes them to see how best to use every cent to the utmost possible advant- age. The horns of the goat and its disposition to butt must also be taken into consideration; likewise the surefootedness of this often much maligned ani- 1 1 6 The Significance of Birthdays mal, and furthermore its proverbial ability to thrive upon what other creatures could not possibly digest. Take the Goat as a sample of Capricorn's influence, and we shall readily find a key to unlock the mys- teries of character which specially belong to those of our brothers and sisters whose natal day is somewhere between December 20 and January 20. Persever- ance, plodding industry, resolute determination to vanquish even the greatest obstacles are some of the most prominent traits we are likely to encounter. Self-will, even stubborn obstinacy, is characteristic of Capricorn, whose nature is so stalwart, that, though it will bend to the lowest works and subsist upon next to nothing, there is a sturdy vein of self reliance running through it all, which may be char- acterized in some such sentence as this: "I am willing to work even at the humblest trade; I am ready to get down upon my knees and scrub the floor, but I will not be put down ; no one shall degrade or trample upon me." The phrase "poor and proud" often describes Capricorn; but honest poverty is independent and canhot for an instant be compared with abject desti- tution, except to mark a vivid contrast. Voluntary poverty is one thing; involuntary destitution is quite another. We cannot give anything away if we have nothing to bestow; consequently the idea of poverty being in some cases voluntary proves that they who Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 1 7 are now voluntarily poor are not compelled to be so. Among notable people who are found in Capricorn, we will mention as first and foremost William Ewart Gladstone, one of the most truly remarkable men of his age; a man who at eighty-five years appeared hale, vigorous and intellectually as able as when in the prime of early manhood, the Capricorn tempera- ment being proverbially that which conquers ob- stacles and simply will not succumb to difficulties. Gladstone evidenced it in singularly high degree,, for during his long parliamentary career he van- quished nearly every foe who measured steel with him in the intellectual arena, and proved himself the proud possessor of a physique so marvellously en- dowed with recuperative vigor that an operation for removal of cataract was perfectly successful in his case, though between eighty and ninety years of age at time of its performance, while many a man twenty years his junior would be regarded as quite too old to bear the strain and recover sufficiently to make the surgical experiment worth while. The in- domitable push and perseverance manifested all through Gladstone's public career has marked him a true illustration of the celestial Goat. Many people may differ radically from him in nearly every con- clusion; not a few there were who considered him the Nemesis of Great Britain; but all, including his most determined opponents, pay tribute to his power. ] 1 8 The Significance of Birthdays Though all persons can, if they will, develop a large share of persevering industry and dogged de- termination to succeed, it does not come equally easy to all to do so. The Capricorn temperament is born to butt its way successfully through the world in spite of obstacles ; and while many temperaments are soon discouraged by the apparent force of hostile agencies, the type now under consideration is one that rises on emergency and literally loves to battle with the breakers and win a victory through even the fiercest storm. It is also decidedly worthy of note that Charles Sumner and Lucretia Mott were both born in Capri- corn ; and here again we see decided evidences of the indomitable perseverance which characterizes this sign more than any other. Lucretia Mott, as is well known, espoused the cause of woman suffrage, and protested against slavery in all its forms, in defiance of the most determined opposition. Of gentle na- ture, though firmness personified, she led where others scarcely dared to follow; and as a noble pioneer of freedom her name is loved and esteemed to-day as one of the greatest emancipators of thought her cen- tury had witnessed. Her motto, "Truth for author- ity, not authority for truth," is now a household phrase wherever liberality of sentiment prevails and people dare to assert the courage of conviction. Charles Sumner, again, was a man who dared to face anything ; and through his fearlessness, as well as by Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 1 9 reason of his unusual ability, he won for himself an honored place in the American College of Immor- tals. The Capricorn temperament is, of course, when undisciplined liable to peculiar aberrations, especially to that form of self-assertion which may be called head-strong obstinacy ; but tenacity of will and reso- luteness of purpose are the normal characteristics of this sign. It is, therefore, quite unnecessary to treat it pathologically. In private life this type of men or women excels in conquering little things, in rising superior to the petty disabilities which threaten to impede the progress of the average person ; and it is in business and in the household that the Goat in the Zodiac uses its horns to the very best advantage. Capricorn people often meet with decided opposi- tion, and the fates seem frequently to war against them, but they defy fate and triumph over circum- stances. To make environments submissive to their will; to prove the rightful ascendancy of mind over things — this is their special work; and though their path is not generally thickly strewn with roses, they conquer by sheer force of determination to succeed. Of all the twelve manners of people they are the least ready to show the "white feather," or allow that they have been or ever can be defeated. There are many successful mental soldiers in this sign, and the amount of private heroism practiced in 120 The Significance of Birthdays unsuspected ways by many who represent it in home and business life is inestimable. There is a great deal of the bull-dog nature in Capricorn, and so much per- sistence of every kind, that defeat to such natures, when normal, appears impossible. Those who ad- mire a soft, yielding disposition, or who seek effemin- ate luxuries, will not be much in sympathy with this relentless disposition which succeeds by utter force of grip and inward strength. Whenever a hard battle needs fighting, an unpopular cause steadily defend- ing, or any enterprise pushing to a victory in spite of the most discouraging symptoms, Capricorn is ready to take up the work and do it manfully and womanfully. In the practice of mental healing the characteristics of this sign are very desirable, as they include ability to conduct successfully the most depressed and de- pressing cases, and to hold on to the thought of health, even when every sign of disease is evident to mortal view. "Never say die" and nil desperandum are mottoes which belong to this section of the Zodiac especially ; and though the more genial and attractive qualities common to Aries and Leo may often be absent from Capricorn, for sturdy devotion to any undertaken task this mid-winter constellation unques- tionably bears the palm. The goats are outside the fold; they do not need shepherding; they can take care of themselves; and though they are often alluded Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 2 1 to as lascivious, and, in many ways, unholy, they are simply the representatives of a great amount of ener- gy, all of which, if it be expressed as yet on the lower planes, can be transmuted and directed into the purest, noblest and most useful channels. To make the best of things; to make a little go a great way ; to endure hardships so as to conquer them, and not be conquered by them; to live anywhere and derive one's support from nature, even in the most adverse climates, these are prominent traits of Capricorn people. Ready to work anywhere, and capable of succeeding anywhere, they are, in our judgment, like the knees in the body, powerful sup- ports to the entire frame. Knees bend easily, and in bending they are not broken; their joints are flexi- ble and they can bear a great amount of strain with- out injury. To learn well the lesson of the knees; to grasp the right idea of service; to know how to master obstacles and conquer our fate, mak- ing much out of little and compelling circum- stances to bend to our decree and do our bidding— this is to know the secret of Capricorn, the most truly optimistic of all the signs, as it is the one which most readily demonstrates the truth of optimism. As we are often confronted with temporarily aber- rant conditions, we may encounter persons in this sign who appear considerably the reverse of the best we have indicated; but as disorderly states can be 1 22 The Significance of Birthdays vanquished and the true nature of the sign revealed, it is unscientific to assume that because certain people are misrepresenting themselves they are incapable of being led to a state where they will correctly repre- sent their nativity. Through development character is not radically changed, but its expression is rend- ered symmetrical. >^, ^'* a tater fearer. The familiar figure of the man with the watering pot naturally suggests this, the eleventh sign in the Zodiac, whose title Water-bearer immediately brings before us the thought of irrigation and all things pertaining thereto. Having considered the Paul-like qualities of Aries at the outset of these studies, we have now reached that point in our consideration of the twelve great divisions of mankind, where we are confronted with the Apollos-like characteristics common to Aquarius. "Paul planted, Apollos wat- ered, God gave the increase," is a text from which an excellent analytical sermon could be preached concerning the special work of that particular kind of people with those peculiarities we have now to deal. We are all thoroughly familiar with the fiery, in- trepid, energetic pioneer who runs up and down the country planting churches, holding revivals, starting societies and generally awakening interest in what- ever appears to him to be of the highest value, and we are, also, familiar with those far less con- 1 24 The Significance of Birthdays spicuous, but none the less effective, workers who fol- low after the enthusiastic promoter of some new en- terprise and water the ground patiently and contin- ally wherein the seed has been sown. Aquarius is not the sign of the brilliant orator so much as the home of the patient, quiet, unobtrusive, faithful teacher, one who knows just how to irrigate the mental soil and carefully tend such natures as require judicious treatment if they are to show forth the best that is in them. Persons born between January 20 and February 20 of any year are very apt to find themselves impelled by natural disposition to occupy the teacher's seat. It may be publicly or it may be quite in private that they exercise their honorable function of imparting knowledge, "line by line and precept by precept," for that is their method. These people are often gifted with a wealth of il- lustration. They are fine reasoners and can usually adapt their utterances to the comprehensions of any children or adults with whom they may be thrown. They often excel as healers and instructors of private classes, and their persistency makes up for any lack of fire and apparent energy they may fail to possess. We notice that in this sign were born Abraham Lincoln, Robert Burns, the poet of freedom whom Scotland idolizes, Swedenborg, Thomas Paine, Strauss, Thomas Edison, the so-called "wizard of the nineteenth century," Talleyrand and many other Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 125 extremely notable people. Careful examination into the careers of such widely dissimilar people as Emanuel Swedenborg and Thomas Paine, or Abraham Lincoln and the electric Edison, will show that no matter how utterly different their outward courses may have been, they all possessed the faculty of keeping on steadily with whatever they had under- taken until they succeeded in making their work tell powerfully. Lincoln, as one example of Aquarius at its best, may be cited as a largely self-made man, a man whose industry and sterling worth raised him from obscurity to unusual eminence. He was slow of speech and deliberate in manner and frequently annoyed impulsive people, who wished to rush busi- ness in a desperate hurry, by his leisurely methods of procedure ; but he was sure of his position before he took it, and, having taken it, he was uncompromis- ingly tenacious of the stand which conviction had impelled him to occupy. Swedenborg was a deep student, a tireless worker, a most painstaking experimentalist, who, long be- fore his remarkable illumination in 1757, had pub- lished scientific and philosphic works in great abund- ance, displaying surprising erudition, and marked at every turn with the footprints of a genius which might very well be described as an infinite capacity for taking pains. Consider also the work of Thomas Paine, whose 126 The Significance of Birthdays conscientious adherence to conviction is now beyond dispute, and who, despite his iconoclasm in some directions and his lack of insight into the interior meaning of the Bible, has given us some of the grandest sayings extant in any literature, not ex- cepting the very highest. "Every man a brother, every woman a sister, the world my country, to do good my religion." What can be sublimer than such sentiments? And the marvel of it is that they were written at a time when the most unfraternal theories were circulating in every direction; when church and state alike were eaten up with partisan jealousies and devoured by hostile factions every- where. Robert Burns is another example of the same spirit of manly fearlessness. Who has protested more vigorously than he against every sort of sham? has exposed hypocrisy more boldly, and who has extolled genuine virtue more sincerely? Strauss, the sceptical author of a "Life of Jesus" and many other rationalistic works, also illustrates many of the leading traits of this decidedly unortho- dox and unconventional sign. Typical Aquarius people are always departing from accepted standards of belief and practice. They are among the most pronounced of the radical teach- ers of mankind, and if we are to have genuine teach- ers of any sort we must have eagles rather than par- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 127 rots ; men and women who soar, and do not imitate. Thomas Edison, who is one of the most conspicu- ous examples of the true Aquarius nature, richly en- dowed and broadly developed, is a forceful, living illustration of the whole-souled concentrativeness which is one of its most expressive features. It is recorded of this renowned electrician that shortly after his marriage with a woman between whom and himself the truest sympathy existed, he actually for- got that he was married, so thoroughly absorbed was he in important electrical experiments. Concentration on a given theme, complete devo- tion to a work in hand, entire absorption in the chosen duty — there may be fairly regarded as con- spicuous elements in the true Aquarius character. As Aquarius is placed in the airy trigon or triplicity, and air symbolizes imagination, we are not surprised to find that people who are deeply rooted in this sign are singularly aspirational and prophetic in mental tendency, but not as a rule positively impetuous. Be- ing addicted to elevating kinds of study they are generally well adapted either for a scientific or liter- ary career, which necessitates close application to the work in hand, coupled with much perspicuity. These people illustrate the truth of the proverbial saying that constant dropping wears away the hard- est stone. They win through their indomitable per- severance. They are often divinely patient and 128 The Significance of Birthdays willing to allow the fruits of their efforts not to ap- pear, if need be, till after many days. Such people are frequently on the unpopular side of important questions. They are often vigorous reformers, but usually their work is done in a quiet, plodding way. They write their briefs and elaborate their essays with much precision. They are careful in expres- sion, weigh well their arguments and reach con- clusions by orderly, logical process. It is rarely you can disagree with an Aquarius person if you grant his premises, as faultless, logical style and wealth of elucidation of a theme are seldom absent from the speeches or writings of people of this type, who are usually better writers than speakers by reason of their measured style and lack of much personal mag- netism. They are like all truly intellectual people, given to brainy rather than hearty appeals; but in this statement we do not intend to imply any dispar- agement of their genius. We only mean that as Leo natives are disposed to regard everything from the centre of feeling, and that is characteristic of all the fiery signs, those in Aquarius and some other signs are touched more strongly by reasoning than by emo- tional excitement. It is extremely interesting to watch with what minute precision Swedenborg iterates and reiterates his propositions. He writes as a man of infinite leis- ure ; but, though he is somewhat tautological because Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 129 extremely affluent in expression, those who follow him closely will perceive that no two sayings of his are exactly identical, and no two narrations are pre- cisely similar, though there is a close resemblance between a multitude of his expressions and records of wonderful experiences. Strauss when a young man (he wrote his "Life of Jesus" when fresh from the University he was not much over twenty-five years of age) exhibited all the peculiar limitations of the undeveloped individ- ualist; later on his style improved greatly. Utterly unlike the poetic and romantic Renan, who was also a sceptic, Strauss wrote a somewhat barren story, and instead of seeking to explain unusual occurrences in a rational manner, if possible; he simply dismissed them as incredible and strove to account for legends in so very matter-of-fact a manner that the reader soon grows weary of his most inadequate common- places. Such writing is that of a man seeking to stifle or repress imagination. No so-called "development theory" will satisfy the inquiring spirit of to-day, which is a most enterprising and ambitious spirit ; but there is a grand service which cool, deliberative in- tellect can render to the present psychical research movement; and that is to sift evidence, compare tes- timonies, dispassionately examine into alleged mar- vels and then give the public the clearly reasoned result of so wise a system of procedure. 1 30 The Significance of Birthdays In the sign Aquarius we find scholarly attainments of no mean order. This is a student's sign, and be- cause somewhat lacking in intuitive perception, those who most fully represent it are all the more given to such mental pursuits as tend to establish knowledge on a firm external base. According to physiological correspondence, Aquarius is in the ankles of the Archetypal Man, and surely the ankles, having great weight to support, need to be strong, firm and capable of much endur- ance. Following this suggestion we can read this type of humanity very accurately. They think and act for others; they are supports to their weaker neighbors, burden bearers, tireless, incessant, uncom- plaining workers when in good condition. Being very near the extremities of the social body they are singularly able to carry out their ideas to logical and complete conclusions,, Aquarius children are generally modest and re- tiring in behavior. If they show pride it is pride of intellect, not personal vanity. They are good schol- ars, patient at their lessons, though not especially quick in learning, and very fond of asking questions from books as well as of their teachers. All literary and scientific pursuits are suited to per- sons in this sign, though of course different individuals show special preferential aptitudes for particular studies. Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 3 1 As Aquarius overshadows Pisces, and Pisces is the twelfth sign, signifying the feet of the Grand Man, or final ultimation of the entire organism, we observe that those born on the cusp of Pisces between February 18 and 22 are often particularly given to conceiving and executing new ideas. They have a wonderfully versatile faculty for grasping the, as yet uncomprehended or unthought of, and bringing it down to the every day affairs of earth. Though Aquarius is an airy, and Pisces a "Watery sign, and air signifies imagination and water intellect, the imag- ination of Aquarius is of a very practical, reasonable kind, and may safely be called the scientific type of imagination, whose special province it is to see ahead what can speedily be rendered actual. C t \ A, X^t ! < X \yfUt %\p %mmh mw~~W ****** ^¥ We have now reached the final section of the Zodiac, and are now in the feet or ultimate extremi- ties of the Maximus Homo. Feet and fish suggest the lines along which we must proceed if we are to duly comprehend the attributes specially pertaining to this, the most external region in the Zodiac, which is the place where the utmost circumference is reach- ed. It is interesting to note that George Washington, founder of the American Republic and its first Presi- dent, was born just as Aquarius had melted into Pisces (February 22), the period of Pisces extend- ing from about February 20 to March 20, the Ver- nal Equinox. Many other celebrities find their home in this, the last of the watery signs, where the waters become prolific of living creatures, and bring forth abundantly the moving denizens of ocean, lake and stream. Voltaire and Victor Hugo are two of the most notable modern representatives of this sign, whose distinguishing features are love of complete fulfillment of designs and final decoration of all that has been previously undertaken. Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 133 The typical Pisces man, woman or child strikes us at once as one who is singularly precise and orderly, hating confusion, and very much objecting to leaving things in an unfinished condition. We may often visit the artistic studio or literary sanctum of an Aries person, and find a variety of pictures, statutes, manu- scripts, etc., in various stages of incompleteness, as Aries people often begin things which they never finish, and especially owing to their remarkable quickness of perception, they grasp an idea but can- not fully externalize it ; or, as is still of tener the case with them, they are so eager to rush to the newest work which they are conceiving that they neglect and even forget the subject of their earlier inspirations. Pisces people are the very reverse of this. Usually they are not originators, architects or designers, but they are fulfillers of the law to its utmost jot and tittle. Having set out to accomplish anything they insist on its entire completion, and being particularly apt at ending works which others have left unfinished, they are often successfully appealed to to write the last chapter of a story, or the last scene in a play, and to do a variety of useful things which their more flighty and impetuous neighbors have not concluded. We all know people whose pet delight is in fully finished productions, and whose chief aversion is to anything not fully carried out. 1 34 The Significance of Birthdays We note how incomplete and, therefore, largely unsatisfying are the works of many distinguished novelists and playwrights of this day, notably those who, like Henrik Ibsen, the famed Norwegian dram- atist, allow the curtain to fall, as in "A Doll's House," upon an ending which is properly no end- ing, but only a transitional move, a temporary ex- pedient on the part of the bewildered heroine. Some people, notably those of the pure Pisces type, when well developed, can supply perfect endings to these unfinished pictures; but such persons are the very ones who are best adapted to externalize their own mental conclusions in such a way, that people un- like themselves and lacking in their culminative in- tellectual ability, may not be left at the mercy of uncertain conjecture as to the real lesson conveyed by; the play or novel. Pisces people are good moralists. They can easily write morals explanatory of fables written by their friends, who are in other sections of the Zodiac. We all know the careful hostess who inspects the guest chamber before the visitor's arrival, and makes sure that every detail of preparation is complete, even to pins in the pincushion and flowers in the vases. Such a woman is a good representative of Pisces, and she will also be very particular with her own dress, and quick to observe any lack of completeless in the apparel of another, and in the furniture of an apart- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 35 ment. Mural decorations, gilding of cupolas, finish- ing of spires and all similar work is congenial to this type of humanity, whose eyes are very quick to dis- cern outward deficiences wherever they may appear. As with all the other signs so with Pisces, there are various planes on which the distinguishing traits of the sign are most conspicuous with different indi- viduals born in it, and further differ with the same in- dividuals at different stages of their progress. It must never be forgotten that evolution and education do not radically or essentially change disposition, but by these means characters are raised, advanced and in every way assisted to more perfect expression. Pisces is a sign in which we find many pedestrians and travellers of all sorts ; children and adults who like to use their feet, and whose congenial occupation com- pels their use of these members. The desire for loco- motion may be expressed in the pettiest, fussiest, ex- ternal manner, or it may show itself forth in the sub- limest way. To travel with intellectual feet, regard- less of the motions of the pedals of the flesh, is to have attained to a means of locomotion which only such rare geniuses as Emerson and a few others seem to have comprehended yet; but we are certainly ap- proaching, and that rapidly, a state in consciousness where we shall dispense greatly, if not totally, with our present physical globe-trotting apparatus. We all know how familiar are the phrases, "change of 1 36 The Significance of Birthdays air" and "change of scene." We all know how constantly physicians and others, fall back upon these trite recommendations when medicines, rea- sonings and all else seems to have failed, and we cannot deny that after an ocean voyage or a trip over land many a pallid invalid has returned home buoyant and vigorous to outward seeming. But these superficial appearances are often deeply treach- erous, for very soon after resuming the old life in the accustomed place, the old disorderly symptoms reappear, and another prolonged absence from home and business is seemingly necessitated. Pisces peo- ple of all with whom we are acquainted need to be kept most constantly on the move, and till they have grasped a higher philosophy than materialism they must have frequent physical change and motion to keep their machinery in working order. When they have become elevated in thought to a higher plane of consciousness, these natural pedestrians can enjoy ev- ery advantage of travel without stirring a yard from their domestic hearth. To the intelligent student of Mental Science it is extremely interesting to watch the true resurrection of various types of humanity to regenerate conditions. Pisces stands figuratively for all that baptism by water unto repentance and sub- sequent elevation of life signifies; and students of oc- cult lore know well enough that baptism by water signifies intellectual regeneration, which is nothing Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 137 .less than a transposition of intelligence, a transference of thought, to a higher or interior realm. Pisces children are usually active and of rather a roaming disposition. They enjoy excursions in the woods, wandering by the streams, and out-door life generally. They are neat in their persons, orderly in their behavior and often given to write out com- positions with extraordinary accuracy. We do not say that people in this sign buy pic- tures for their frames, but we do find that as a rule they are not satisfied with unframed pictures. They are, unless highly awakened inwardly, too disposed to look at the setting of a gem. The casket which enshrines a jewel is often, to them, quite as much as the precious stone itself. Being very much concern- ed with ultimates these people are splendidly adapted to fashion receptacles for truth and to give attention to the minutest detail of expression. In this sign are to be found many actors, elocu- tionists, teachers of methods, instructors in languages, copyists, readers, decorative artists, coiffeurs, mil- liners, dressmakers, tailors and, in a word, people working at all sorts of trades which require the knack of putting an excellent finish to something. It is by no means a difficult task to trace the par- ticular inversions to which persons born at different seasons of the year are most liable until they have reached the height of the wise men, who rule their 1 38 The Significance of Birthdays stars and are no longer classable among the unwise, who are ruled by them ; but to dwell at length upon tendencies to ailments of any kind is both depressing and unnecessary, as all besetting weaknesses, which most readily accompany special temperaments are simply inversions of the excellent qualities normally characteristic of the sign. Pisces, considered in its position of pedal extremities of the Grand Man, is most likely, if caught napping, to be at- tacked with some disorder of the feet, or with difficulty immediately connected with the most external aspects of business or family life. A very wise mental attitude to take is the following : When- ever you find yourself disposed to some special an- noyance, read your distinctive mission through it. If you are in Aries, and your head is liable to trouble you if you get unduly excited, consider that you are specially capacitated by nature to do excellent work, not only with your own head, but on behalf of the heads of your neighbors; for wherever our greatest strength lies, there are our temptations fiercest. We all have to do battle at the very point where we are capable of rendering the most efficient service; for wherever the scene of conflict is there must the vic- tory be ; and wherever the overcoming is, there do we find the victor's robe, wreath, palm and crown. In the Apocalypse there is a wonderful statement to the effect that he that overcometh shall receive Our Place in the Universal Zodiac ] 39 a new name, and a white stone wherein will be written the name which no other than its recipient can read. This refers to the glorious result of in- dividual victory, when the conqueror takes his seat and rules in his domain, to be henceforth no more a slave forever. Every one of us, no matter where we may find ourselves in the Zodiac, will have to wrestle until we have conquered, in the field of action in which our native strength is tried. The deep underlying truth contained in the doctrine of the successive incarnations of the same Ego, on this or some other planet, until final ascendancy over all the elements of nature is reached, is to be found in this most reasonable reflection; viz., that we must strive until we conquer. We must go over our lessons again and yet again until we have learned them to perfection. Physical dissolution solves no problems. Individual regeneration solves all prob- lems for the regenerating individual through the agency of orderly regenerative processes. Suicide is a weak act fraught with no exemption from the sub- jective bugbear we may vainly seek to escape from. There are no loopholes of escape from ourselves or from the consequences of our acts. The wheel of change turns with us dri it, until we have escaped from the wheel by soaring above it. Now that Oriental philosophies are being investi- gated pretty thoroughly in Europe and America, so 140 The Significance of Birthdays that Americans and Europeans are beginning to un- derstand something of the wisdom of the ages con- cealed in all venerable systems in part, though wholly in none, the time is ripe for a searching comparison of the essentials of all religions and philosophies, to the end that we may discover the essential root of truth underlying all. Then as we cease piling refuse on this foundation, which is none other than the truth embodied in the old Quaker doctrine — there is a Christ in every man — we shall set to work intel- ligently to do our own work nobly and cease criticis- ing and reviling our neighbors because we differ one from the other as do forest trees, garden flowers and all the beautiful forms of nature in all her provinces or kingdoms. Let us take into our lives the full significance of the mottoes: We are all good, though we are all different; and We must agree to differ, but never disagree; and very soon we shall learn to solve ev- ery problem which now vexes us, and go forward as a happy, industrial army to the ideal commonwealth not so very far ahead. Having in the preceding essays endeavored — though but in barest outline — to give as lucid an account as possible of the predominating char- acteristics of twelve representative manners of peo- ple, classified according to the ancient idea of the Universal Zodiac or Archetypal Man, we, in this concluding essay, endeavor to answer some of the many questions which the preceding essays have raised. In the first place let us call attention to the four-fold division of the Zodiac, common to all writers, both ancient and modern. The four trigons, triplicities or domains, as they are called, are por- tioned out as follows: The fiery signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, corresponding to the head (Aries), heart (Leo) and thighs (Sagittarius) of the Grand Man. The airy triplicity is composed of Gemini (the arms), Libra (the loins) and Aquarius (the ankles). The earthy trigon is constituted of Taurus (the neck) , Virgo (the solar plexus) and Capricorn (the knees). 1 42 The Significance of Birthdays The watery domain contains Cancer (the breast), Scorpio (the genital organs) and Pisces (the feet). These four sections of the Zodiac may be very profitably studied by all who are seeking to compare one sign with another to the better understanding of the main subject in general and in particular. Those who are born in any part of the domain of fire are apt to be impetuous and inflammable in dis- position. When such persons collide it is as when two fires meet to produce an intense blaze; but this comparison needs to be followed on to its spiritual planes of application, if we would illustrate our theme by referring to the higher rather than to the lower aspects and expressions of this impulsive type of disposition. Those whose abode is in the realm of fire, if living on a merely animal plane of exist- ence, are very apt to fly into rages on slight provo- cation, and to be carried away by every novelty and exciting circumstance. They are highly sen- sational, melo-dramatic and tragic when keenly aroused, and are consequently the heroes in fields of strife of all descriptions. When such people are thrown together they are terribly apt to quarrel, and though frequently very affectionate in temperament, and sincerely attached to each other in the depths of their nature, on the surface of existence they may be embroiled in never ending conflict. When persons of this stamp rise from animality to intel- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 43 lectuality, and leave behind them the baser emotions common to the lower section of the fiery domain, they may be most successful collaborators and pro- duce a joint work of far more value than either i could produce singly; while on the highest moral altitudes and in the spiritual or interior degrees of these warm, impulsive signs, frequent exhibitions are made of a sublime and glorious enthusiasm for all that makes for righteousness, illustrating the prac- tical truth of the widely accepted doctrine, that love is the supreme power, the weightiest force in the universe. Fire has ever been directly associated with God, and equally with the devil by theologians. Never was there a divine appearance or revelation of any kind, according to the Jewish scriptures, but fire was directly connected with it. Moses is startled at the sight of a burning brush at Horeb. Elijah proves the superiority of Adonai to Baal by means of a fiery test; and so on through every recorded instance of a heavenly communication, fire enters conspicuously into the accompanying phenomena. The New Testament takes up the strain where the Hebrew prophets have left it; so when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostolic company in Jeru- salem they witness cloven tongues of flame descend- ing upon those who are awaiting inspiration, prior to the entrance into them of that fullness of spiritual 144 The Significance of Birthdays strength which causes them to transcend all ordinary limitations and prove themselves capable of rising to meet every conceivable emergency. Nature un- mistakably testifies to the reasonableness of this con- ception. Every living body is warm, while dead bodies are invariably cold. As the devil only means force inverted or power abused, a lake of fire is said to be satan's habitation, while God is said to dv ?11 in fire forever, and more than that, the writer of /.he epistle to the Hebrews says: "Our God is a con- suming fire." The present popular study of comparative religion is fast revealing to the world the fact that the learned among all ancient peoples entertained the idea of fire as coeval and co-extensive with Deity. Animal wor- ship was only a lower form of worship, practised by the comparatively ignorant and illiterate ; but the word animal literally means a living creature, an or- ganism endowed with some animating principle ; from the Latin animus, anima, meaning mind or spirit, the English noun and adjective animal are directly de- rived. Wherein does an animal distinctly differ from a vegetable, but in that it is a higher form of organized existence, considerably warmer and with powers of locomotion which a plant does not possess. To follow out the correspondence of fire at all fully would require a good sized volume at the least ; but when we find that the ancients placed fire both Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 1 45 in the head and heart of the Grand Man — and these are the universally acknowledged vital centres — we can judge something of the importance they attached to this most sacred of the elements. When mythol- ogies are studied even reverently with a view to grasp their inner meaning, we shall all be surprised to dis- cover how truly wise many of our far-off ancestors were, and how flippant is the conclusion based on gross ignorance, that nothing is worth anything unless it is brand new. It is said by some students of the different man- ners of people that those born in the same triplicity should not intermarry. If there is any truth or jus- tice in this remark it refers only to very undeveloped persons who are living entirely on the sense plane. Those who are in any way super-sensuous in their attainment, when both are in the fiery trigon, stim- ulate each other to proficiency in the noblest under- takings. The marriage question, however, cannot be settled by cold arguments concerning utility, un- less people are willing to surrender emotion to in- tellect altogether, and allow themselves to be actu- ated by utterly rationalistic considerations. As mar- riage, resulting in the birth of offspring, is a social question of the first importance, affecting the com- mon good of a community and the interest of the human family at large, it cannot be out of place to call upon people to consult the general weal, not ' 46 The Significance of Birthdays merely to gratify their own impulses; but though an immense reform can be instituted in this direction, it will probably always remain true as Longfellow has said in his "Building of the Ship": "It is the heart and not the brain, That to the highest doth attain, And he who followeth love's behest, Far excelleth all the rest." When heart and head are truly blended we may safely say that the divine fire is aglow within us, and we are prepared to let our true light shine for the enlightenment of all humanity. Swedenborg's profound and lucid statement concerning fire, that its heat corresponds to love, and its light to wisdom, is the most perfect condensation of truth on the sub- ject to be found in any literature. Such a definition cannot be simplified or improved upon, and it opens so wide a field of thought that to follow it as a sug- gestive leader is to be introduced into an endless pasture land of richest herbage for the soul. The quality of air, being widely different from that of fire, suggests that the airy triplicity must be the home of natives who are by nature volatile and transitional in temperament or disposition. Air and fire always work well together. A draught is neces- sary to kindle a blaze, and wherever there is a raging fire a strong current of air accompanies it. The di- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 147 vine effluence is always compared in ancient scrip- ture to wind or breath, and we all know that quick breathing induces and accompanies added warmth of the system. As the subject of breath is now so much discussed among students of all phases of occultism, and breathing is unquestionably a vitally important process, while speaking of people who are in the airy constellations, it may be well to remark that their special power is in their breath, which is Kabal- istically related to imagination, as fire is always asso- ciated with affection. External breathing-exercises have a certain symbolic value, if only on account of their suggestiveness ; but breathing is really regulated by imagination, and as all people in the airy triplicity are naturally imaginative, it is well that they should understand the true nature of imagination, that they may understand themselves. Imagination is, prop- erly speaking, the imaging, portrait-taking or photo- graphic faculty, and is, therefore, directly connected with seership and vision. Clairvoyance is frequently exhibited, even during infancy, by children born in Gemini, Libra or Aquarius; and while disordered imagination leads many people into trouble, we know of no sure cure for any disorder except the truly ra- tional method pursued by intelligent Mental Scien- tists, who seek to discover the true province and func- tion of a faculty and usefully employ it accordingly 1 48 The Significance of Birthdays with its natural intent. To attribute ideals to imag- ination is scientifically correct so far as language goes, provided the speaker is a genuine etymologist ; other- wise it amounts to a flippant dismissal of a subject too high for the foolish to grasp, and too deep for the thoughtless to comprehend. Imagination is the road to every new discovery and fresh achievement in science, literature and art. Without imagination we stagnate in cellars instead of breathing in the bracing air obtainable from the summits of our dwellings. The airy domain or province of the atmosphere is the habitat of all who are disposed to fly in thought above the solid earth of actual objectivity, and the moving waters of the subjective or intellectual realm, and take excursions from planet to planet, and find out as much as possible of what is going on in the psychic realm. There are more psychics or sensitives in the airy triplicity than in any of the other divisions of the Zodiac, and these natural born sensitives need perfect liberty to travel as they will through airy spaces in the unseen state. The fiery domain is the seat of rulers; the airy trigon is the abode of travellers. Restlessness is the weakness to which the denizens of the air are most addicted; but when they learn to utilize their roam- ing temperament for the highest good, they soon dis- cover that thought can move quickly and fly far afield Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 149 without involving nervous irritability or constant agi- tation of the person. The earthy signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are the abodes of the most practical and executive types of people, those who love external order and desire to carry everything out to its logical fulfill- ment. Service is the one word which best expresses the function of this triplicity, and it is only when actively engaged in some useful undertaking that such people are really well or happy or feel in any way satisfied with their condition. People of this type do not, as a rule, agree very well with those who belong in the airy trigon, unless both are singu- larly well developed, as those whose home is in one of the earthy signs, though ever so idealistic in some respects, cannot be content to let things rest in the vapory realm of speculation. Air people are often flighty and volatile, and are satisfied to dream of things they never execute; but earth people, though they may be very spiritual in their conceptions, axe determined not to rest till they have ultimated their own or somebody's else ideals. When air and earth people understand each other, they can enter into partnership and produce a singularly felicitous result of joint activity. Concerning the watery signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces it may be truly said that these three constella- tions are apt to be the province of coldly intellectual 150 The Significance of Birthdays people, who weigh and measure everything in a decidedly emotionless manner; and this triplicity is by far the most conservative of the four. The earth nature is motherly, and though very practical and often external in its objects and de- lights; it signifies the womb of nature, the matrix in which gestation, germination and insubation take place. The dwellers in the sea, the finny tribes of ocean, are called cold-blooded, and so they are when contrasted with hot-blooded mammals. Fish always stand for cool intellect, and refer to whatever can be deduced by rational process. Many distinguished persons of great intellectual ability are found in the watery domain, but unless very highly unfolded they are too critical and fail to understand life as it ap- peals to warmer temperaments. As fire and water quench each other, so do we often see instances of lamentable incompatibility be- tween married people ; when one is in the fiery, and the other in the watery trigon. If it is discovered in families that brothers and sisters are illy adapted one to another, it is surely better to help them to gravitate to congenial spheres of action, instead of stolidly insisting upon keeping a family together, which is often done at the expense of health and harmony and to the detriment of all concerned. We are indebted to Eleanor Kirk's very interesting book, "The Influence of the Zodiac Upon Human Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 151 Life," for a final classification of the twelve signs into three groups as follows : Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer are the four positive signs. Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio, the four middle signs. Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, the four negative signs. In a picture of the Grand Man they stand anatomically as follows: Positive parts of the body, head, neck, shoulders and breast. Middle portions, all the nutritive, digestive and reproductive system. Negative section, the lower limbs and feet. Each of these three divisions con- tains four signs the first of which is fire; the second, earth; the third, air; and the fourth, water. This fin- al division makes the four domains practically equal, though fire always takes precedence of earth, and air takes precedence of water. Though from the 21st day of one month to the 21st day of the next may be broadly stated as the period occupied by each sign, a more exact classifica- tion reads as follows: Aries, March 20 to April 20; Taurus, April 20 to May 21 ; Gemini, May 21 to June 2 1 ; Cancer, June 2 1 to July 22 ; Leo, July 22 to August 22 ; Virgo, August 22 to September 23 ; Libra, September 23 to October 23 ; Scorpio, Octob- er 23 to November 22 ; Sagittarius, November 22 to December 21 ; Capricorn, December 21 to January 21 ; Aquarius, January 21 to February 20; Pisces, February 20 to March 20. Three days at the com- mencement of each sign may be allowed for the wan- 152 The Significance of Birthdays ing of the outgoing and the waxing of the incoming influence. The twelve tribes of Israel as mentioned in the forty-ninth chapter of Genesis and in the seventh chapter of the book of Revelation are, by some stud- ents of the Kabala, connected with the signs in the following order : Aries — Benjamin. Taurus — Issachar. Gemini — Simeon-Levi. Cancer — Zebulun. Leo — -Judah. Virgo — Asshur. Libra — Dan. Scorpio — Gad. Sagittarius — Joseph. Capricorn— Naphtali. Aqua- rius — Reuben. Pisces — Ephraim and Manasseh. This designation is in accordance with the words, "The first shall be last and the last first." We have given this enumeration in response to numerous in- quiries. The two orders are simply the heliocentric (esoteric) and the geocentric (exoteric). Both are correct, but the matter is viewed from opposite stand- points. In concluding we desire to state plainly to all our readers that we have written suggestively to provoke further inquiry, not dogmatically as though we were settling the matter finally for all mankind. Broad hints and general outlines have been given, but the multifarious variations from outlined types must prove subject matter for constant individual in- vestigation. (Reprinted from Occult Review, November, 1910.) From very early times, certainly since the days of the famous Greek philosopher Pythagoras, we all know that much importance has been freely assigned to names and numbers, and many have been the in- genious theories constructed to explain their signifi- cance. The number of letters in one's name, and especially their arrangement, is forming the topic of many a modern, as it formed the theme of many an ancient, discourse. Many theorists have recourse to the Jewish Kabala and lay much stress upon the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, but the twenty-six English letters are now often called into requisition, and quite an elaborate system has been built up for the convenience of people born in Eng- lish-speaking countries and who know nothing of Hebrew. According to one system, now much in vogue, the twenty-six letters are divided into two col- umns of nine letters each, and one of eight letters, reading thus: The value of 1 is attributed to a, j, s; 154 The Significance of Birthdays 2 to b, k, t ; 3 to c, 1, u ; 4 to d, m, v ; 5 to e, n, w ; 6 to f, o, x; 7 to g, p, y; 8 to h, q, z; 9 to i and r. In reading the importance of one's name by this method, the following course may be pursued: Take as an illustration Carolined Crosspuddle. The letters are stated as to numerical value thus : C, 3 ; A, 1 ; R, 9; O, 6; L, 3; 1,9; N, 5; E, 5; D, 4; C, 3; R, 9; O, 6;S, 1;S, 1; P, 7; U, 3; D, 4; D, 4; L, 3 ; E, 5 ; making a total of ninety-one letters, and as 9 and 1 make 1 this is a name of completeness, as all the figures and the circle are represented in it. Now though the name is an unusual one it is nevertheless one of excellent omen, and according to this numeri- cal calculation its import agrees with its obvious sug- gestiveness, which is of one who conquers difficulties, surmounts obstacles and generally displayes indomi- table perserverance. It is notworthy that the three letters of the well known name Fox are all of the value of 6, but 3 times 6 is 1 8 and 8 and 1 make 9, therefore Fox is a powerful name, as 9 is the highest numeral. But as it is invariably the case that one has a given as well as a family name, different members of a Fox family would find their complete names adding up very differently; for example, John Fox totals 38, as John counts 20 and Fox 1 8. Now 1 1 , which is the acknowledged ultimate of 38, is said to be one of far more than ordinary value, for 1 1 and 22 are placed as special ultimates and not further re- Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 155 duced, as they could be by making 1 1 equal 2 and 22 equal 4. The reason assignable for this refusal to trace them to their lowest conceivable ultimate is that o do so would necessitate the reduction of an attained ultimate which is not permissible. This can readily be seen by illustrating with a name which reaches either 2 or 4 by simple first reduction. Any name made up of 11 would ultimate in 2, likewise any name constituted of 22 as its numerical value would ultimate 4. Eleven is called the octave of B, 22 is the octave of D, according to the system to which we are referring. What's in a name? is a question con- tinually raised, and very often quite inconsequently dismissed as though there were next to nothing in it, but human experience by no means justifies this shal- low view. We all know how much stress is laid upon name-values in ancient sacred literature. The Old Testament has a great deal to say about names being enlarged, and in some instances entirely changed, to indicate the further spiritual growth of their posses- sors. Abraham is a much stronger name than Abram, which it superseded, and Israel is a far nobler name than Jacob, which it supplanted. In the New Testa- ment the same idea is carried out with great emphasis in the case of naming the infant John at the time of his circumcision, when no one in the family into which that child was born had been so called. It is idle to say that there is naught but antiquated superstition in 156 The Significance of Birthdays this discussion, for entirely apart from the occultist's interior view of the matter we all know how heavily handicapped many people are by mean and ugly names, and how greatly it is to one's advantage to be the possessor of a good name in all senses of the word. Time-honored customs, which go on persisting age after age, have always something originally to justify them, and this fact is clearly evident when we con- sider the persistence with which the sons and daugh- ters of royal and noble houses are endowed with a number of names, while the peasantry of all nations have always been satisfied with few and simple ap- pellations. The reason for this is very easily traced. In the one case many and arduous duties would fall to the lot of the child as he or she grew to maturity, while in the other the work to be done would be simple and monotonous, though often physically se- vere. The good old idea of rulership was that it re- quired unusual abilities on the part of the rulers, and that high position, far from justifying laxity in morals coupled with indolence and foolish self-conceit, de- manded of all who held high rank that they set the noblest possible examples of industry and excellence of character to all over whom they were placed. To live up to a lofty name is a great and honorable duty in these days as well as in times of old. But are not names given arbitrarily and even accidentally? many will inquire. No, they are not, for nothing occurs by Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 157 accident, answers the uncompromising occultist, who is sufficiently scientific and logical to declare that for every effect there must be an efficient cause, and who furthermore insists that behind every material or phy- sical event there lies an unseen psychic origin. We are born when and where we are born in consequence of the special mission the incarnating ego is seeking to fulfil through incarnation, and the name given to the child at birth, or soon after, is an indication of the place that soul is to occupy on earth and the nature of the work to be accomplished. Then we may well ask, can we, or have we any right to change our names or to suppress any portion of them? Is a nom de plume permissible? To which the following an- swer may be given. Our names from birth through the comparatively irresponsible years of childhood represent what we have to encounter and the raw ma- terial with which we have to work; this is imposed upon us, at least apparently, without our choice, and may be referred to karma ; but as we advance to years of discretion and must take responsibilities upon our- selves, the right, and indeed the duty, of selection is brought home to us, and we are therefore called upon to embark upon an ocean of self-responsibility which aforetime we could not navigate. The addition of a name at confirmation in the Catholic Church is a sur- vival of a custom immeasurably older than Christian history, and it is one of those impressive ceremonials 158 The Significance of Birthdays which give us to understand that with the approach of intellectual maturity a sense of responsibility must be impressed upon the youth or maiden as a qualifica- tion for the graver duties which must be acknowl- edged as strength increases and years advance. It is often found that when one has been long enduring what is commonly called misfortune, a decided run of what is vulgarly styled "better luck" follows swiftly upon the adoption of a new name, sometimes even from the suppression of one's name which has long been made promi- nent and the bringing forward of another part which has been resting in abeyance. A firm name deliberately chosen has a large influence on the business conducted over it, as the suggestion constantly made by its publication in print, together with the frequent setting up of peculiar currents by its frequent pronunciation, attunes the business to a cer- tain rate of vibration and serves to connect the estab- lishment with certain unsuspected influences who are attracted, and sometimes even summoned unknow- ingly to those who summon them, by the very utter- ance of the name. Of course the effect of merely casual pronunciation of names cannot have the same intense effect which is produced by uttering the name with full awareness of its value coupled with intent to employ it sys- tematically; still, there is very much unconsciously Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 159 accomplished by the constant reiteration of a name by a great many people, even though it be but thought- lessly. As there are a few extremely usual English names by which multitudes of our compatriots are called, it is interesting to see to what special categories some of the most widely employed among them be- long. George, the name of the present British King, is a name whose number is 39, which is reducible to 1 2 and ultimately to 3, if one wishes to push the ulti- mate to uttermost finality. As 1 2 represents the en- tire number of the Zodiac and 3 is the triangle, de- noting the first equilibrium, the equalization of the three planes — physical, mental and moral— -the name is one of great power and dignity, and is the appropriate name of the patron saint of England who has traditionally and mystically "slain the Dragon," i.e., overcome the lower elements and won his spurs through valiant conquest over the most powerful and insidious of foes. Mary, the name of the Queen Consort, is numerically 2 1 , which immediately ulti- mates in 3. The present King and Queen are, there- fore, unitedly 15, according to the higher reckoning, the ultimate of which is 6, and 6 also according to the lower. Now what is the significance of 6? It stands for the interlaced triangle, an emblem ex- tremely prominent in Jewish circles ; the present reign throughout the British Empire should therefore au- gur well for the House of Israel, but as 6 is only 160 The Significance of Birthdays preparatory to 7, which is the Sabbatic numeral, the names of our King and Queen united indicate the activities of a sixth working day, not the repose of a Sabbatic period. Great activity all over the Em- pire is suggested by present omens ; great increase in wealth and honor and much legislation calculated to overthrow old-time limitations and lead the Anglo- Saxon race and all who are guided by it to renewed prosperity and ever-growing liberty. Alfred is a name which numbers 28 and ultimates as 1 0, denoting fullness of expression. Edward num- bers the same. Albert numbers 22 and ultimates as 4. Harry numbers 34 and ultimates as 7. Charles numbers 30. Emma numbers 14 and ultimates as 5. Julia numbers 1 7 and ultimates as 8. Hannah numbers 28 and ultimates as 10. We might easily multiply instances, but what little has been said may suffice to induce some readers to look up the quality of the names they bear and see whether they may not be able to trace a good deal that is obscure in their lives to this peculiar origin, Diminutives such as Jim, which numbers 14 and ultimates as 5; Jack, numbering 7 direct, and Tom, numbering 12 and ultimating in 3, are borne by so many boys and young men that they must have a great effect upon the rising generation. A very ancient system gives the follow- ing special value to numbers: 1, unity, simplicity; 2, duality, versatility; 3, trinity, general adaptability; Our Place in the Universal Zodiac 161 4, quaternity, equity; 5, dexterity, brotherli- ness; 6, comprehensiveness; 5, completeness, spiritual discernment, reposef ulness ; 8, octave, enterprise, sphericity ; 9, aspiration, discovery, achievement ; 1 0, universality, completeness. Whatever there may be in this study, it is certainly a fascinating intel- lectual pursuit, and when one seriously takes it up there seems no end to the interesting and instructive experiments which may be conducted in connection with it. The word MONEY numbers 27 and therefore totalizes as 9, giving birth to the thought that as 9 is the highest of our numerals there is no limit to the good we can do with wealth, even on the most ex- ternal plane, if we do but resolutely determine to consecrate its use and acquisition toward furthering the ends of general human welfare. A very interesting book dealing with this subject under the title Numbers, their Magic and Mystery, by Dr. Isidore Kosminsky, is supplied by the pub- lishers of this book. Paper covers, 30 cents, post free, Another book, applying the principle of numbers and Kabalistic calculations to Astrology, is Your Fortune in your Name, or Kabalistic Astrology, by Sepharial, cloth gilt, $1.00, post free, also from the same publishing house. MASONIC HISTORY and VALUABLE LITERATURE Ancient Mysteries and Modern Masonry. The Mysteries- Egyptian, Hindu, Persian, Druidical, Gothic, Grecian, Jewish and Christian, their Origin and Objects; the Meaning of True Initiation, Origin and History of Freemasonry, Knights Templar, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the Symbols and Legends of Masonry; in 12 Lectures, given in Pullman Memorial Church, Albion, N. Y., Rev, Charles H. Vail, 32°. Over 200 pages. Extra fine binding, silk cloth and gilt stamps. No. 22056 $1.00 Paper 22060 .75 Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry. Its Teachings, Rules, Laws and Present Usages which govern the Order at the present day. Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer. Cloth, No. 22086 1.50 Ancient Constitutions of Freemasons. Verbatim copy of the original edition of 1723, containing the History, Laws, Charges, Orders, Regulations and Usages, together with a collection of old Masonic Songs and Music. Anderson. (An original in good condition is worth $65.00.) No. 22081 1.00 Antiquities of Freemasonry. Comprising Illustrations of the Five Grand Periods of Masonry, from the Creation of the World to the Dedication of King Solomon's Temple; including chapters on Masonic Tradition, Masonry from the Creation to the time of Enoch, Origin of Arts and Sciences, Masonry from Enoch to the Deluge, Idolatrous Mysteries as contrasted with Freemasonry, Masonry from the Deluge to Isaac, Symbolic Instruction, Masonry from Isaac to the Deliverance from Egyptian Captivity, Five Points of Fellowship, Masonry from the Deliverance to the Dedication of King Solomon's Temple. Illustrated. Rev. George Oliver, D. D. Blue cloth, gilt, 5*/ 2 x8!4. 242 pgs, No. 22091 1.50 Cyclopedia of Fraternities, The. Including the Origin, Pur- poses, Growth, History and Statistics of 600 or more societies. By Albert C. Stevens assisted by more than a 1000 members of various Orders. Complete in one Vol., 468 pgs. Illustrated by Charts and Maps. Cloth, No. 22411 4.50 Egypt the Cradle of Ancient Masonry. Comprising a His- tory of Egypt, with a comprehensive and authentic account of the Antiquity of Masonry, the result of many years of personal investi- gation and exhaustive research in India, Persia, Syria and the Valley of the Nile. Norman F. de Clifford. Beautifully illustrated, Art Canvas binding, 2 vol., 9x12. 644 pgs, No. 22421 .... 6.75 Half American Morocco, 2 vol., " " " No. 22423 7.50 Full American Morocco, 2 vol., " " " No. 22424 .... 10.00 Full Persian Morocco, 1 vol., " % " " No. 22425.... 10.00 Egyptian Symbols* A Comparison with those of the Hebrews. Including Principle of Symbology, Application to Egyptian Symbols, to the Symbols of Color and to the Symbols of the Bible. A clear, concise exposition of a most interesting subject, by Frederick Portal. Translated from the French, by John W . Simons. Illustrated. No. 22381 1.00 Encyclopedia. By A. G. Mackey, D. D. Revised and enlarged with new Subjects, Pronouncing Dictionary. Masonic Scripture Names etc. C. T. McClenachan. Library Sheep, No. 22402. . . 6.00 Half Russia, Gilt Top, No. 22405 6.50 Full Morocco, No. 22404 .8.00 Two Vol. Edition, No. 22406 12.00 Freemasonry, "Open Road to Damnation.* 9 Catholic. Paper 50650 10 Genius of Freemasonry, The, and the 20th Century Crusade. For the good of Masonry, and in the interest of Freedom and Fraternity, Light, Liberty and Love; against Ignorance, Superstition and Fear, Despotism and Jesuitism. J. D. Buck. Cloth, bound. 339 pgs. No. 22656 1.00 History and Cyclopedia, Illustrated. An Account of the Rise and Progress of Freemasonry. Definitions of Technical Terms used by the Fraternity; also "A Complete Dictionary of Symbolic Masonry" George Oliver, D. D. and Robert Macoy, 33 , 111 pgs, 222 engravings. Full Art Canvas, No. 22391 2.75 Library Sheep, Marble Edge, No. 22392 3.00 Half American Russia, Gilt Top, No. 22395. 3.25 Half American Morocco, Full Gilt, No. 22393. 3.50 Full American Russia, Full Gilt, No. 22397 4.25 Full American Morocco, Full Gilt, No. 22394 5.75 Full Persian Morocco, Full Gilt, No. 22398 .8.50 History of Initiation. In Twelve Lectures: General Introduc- tion, History of Initiation in Hindustan, Philosophy of the Eastern Mysteries, Initiation in Persia, Initiation in Greece, Ceremonies of Initiation into the Mysteries of Bacchus, the Celtic Mysteries, Cere- monies in Britain, Symbols ancTDoctrines of the Druids, Gothic Mysteries, Doctrines and Morality, History of Initiation in America, comprising the Rites, Ceremonies and Doctrines of all the Secret and Mysterious Institutions of the Ancient World. Rev. George Oliver, D. D. Illustrated, 218 pgs. Blue cloth and gilt stamps, 514x814. gilt. No.22801 1.50 History of Freemasonry, from the Building of the House of the Lord, and its progress throughout the civilized world, down to the present time; to which is added a History of the Craft in the United States, J. W. S. Mitchell M. D., P. G. M., P. G. H. P., and P. E. C. Two magnificent volumes of 1500 pgs., royal octavo, 6V2 X 9-/^ inches, bound in Emblematic Blue Silk Linen. Embossed with jewels in silver, complete, No. 22781 4.00 Sheep, Library style, No. 22782 5.00 Morocco (dark red) Jewels in gold, No. 22784 6.00 Historical Landmarks, Geo. Oliver. The body of this work is of itself one of the greatest contributions to Masonic literature; while the annotations on the original text, by Dr. Oliver, add im- mensely to its value. There is a fine steel likeness of the author expressly engraved for the American edition, besides the many beautiful illustrations with which this great masterpiece of Masonic writing abounds. Two volumes in one. 1000 pages, 6V2 x 9|/2 No. 22723 . 4.00 History of the Knights Templar. C. G. Addison. A condensed narrative or History of the Great Crusades; a thrilling account of the longest and hardest struggle for freedom of Christian principles that the world has ever known. No such zeal and ardor have ever been recorded; no such battles have ever been fought in ancient or modern times; no such persecutions, martyr- dom and suffering for any cause as those endured by the Crusa- ders to whom we owe our beautiful system of Templarism. The work is also a record of events in connection with the Orders, from those strenuous times to the present date, containing the proceedings of Triennial Encampments down to and including the 30th, at Saratoga in 1907. Some of these original proceedings are very scarce, and only to be found in rare collections. Full art canvas No. 22811 " .3.25 Library sheep. No. 22812 3.50 Half American Russia. No. 22818 3.75 Half American Morocco. No. 22813 4.00 Full American Russia. No. 22819 4.75 Full American Morocco. No. 22814 5.00 Full Persian Morocco. No. 22817 8.75 History of Freemasonry, A Concise. Roht. F. Gould, A most reliable comprehensive and valuable book. 559 pgs. 36 Columns of index. Nearly 200 illustrations, many of them beau- tiful half tone engravings. Cloth. No. 22771 2.75 Library Sheep, No. 22772 4.00 Half Morocco, No. 22773 3.75 Full Morocco, No. 22774 4.75 Levant Morocco, No. 22775 .8.50 Irish Prince and Hebrew Prophet, a Masonic Tale of the Captive Jews and the Ark of the Covenant. A most interest- ing book. By the author of "The Jericho Papers." 300 pgs., 6x91/2, No. 23001 .......1.50 Lexicon of Freemasonry, containing a definition of all its Com- municable Terms, notices of its History, Traditions, and Antiqui- ties, and an account of all the Rites and Mysteries of the Ancient World. A. G. Mackey, 526 pgs. No. 23161 3.00 Lights and Shadows of the Mystic Tie. Consisting of absorbing Masonic tales — romantic, tragic and humorous; a few of which are: The Masonic Breastpin, a thrilling Indian story; Death on the Sierra Nevada; Catherine Williams or Husband and Wife; The Church Trial, or "Jynin," the Masons; Stone-Squarer's Lodge No. 91; The Broken Tessera; Three Buds of Sweet Briar; The Echo and the Flute; and more than a hundred other stories, sketches, anecdotes, opinions, songs and poems, illustrating the character and tendency of Freemasonry, including Robert Burns' Farewell to Masons. Rob. Morris and Albert G. Mackey. 624 pgs. illustrated, beautifully bound in blue and gold. No. 23181 .... 2.50 Lodge Goat and Goat Rides, The. More than a thousand anecdotes, incidents and illustrations from the humorous side of Lodge life. Compiled and edited by James Pettibone. 600 pgs. Cloth. No. 23191. 1.50 Low Twelve. Edward S. Ellis, A. M. A book of thrilling and impressive stories of Masonic bravery and loyalty, told with that accuracy and charming style which has given Mr. Ellis such world-wide popularity. Half-tone Illustrations. No. 23221 .... 1.50 Full Leather, a fine gift book. No. 23224 . . . . 2.50 Lost Word Found, The. "The most compelling bit of literature yet presented by Dr. Buck, and unlike anything ever written concerning the mystery of the Lost Word." J. D. Buck. 32° No. 23196 - ,50 Man of Mount Moriah, The. From Symbolism and Prophecy to Sacrifice and Fulfillment — a wonderfully interesting story of the Grand Architect at the Building of King Solomon's Temple. C M. Boutelle. Beautifully illustrated, followed by forty pages of the best Masonic and O. E. S. poetry, including Esther, a sacred drama. 334 pgs. Edition after edition has been sold, which en- ables us to greatly increase the quality and style of the book for serviceable wear and richness of appearance. A choice gift book. Half Morocco and full gilt. No. 23488 4.00 Half Russia and full gilt. No. 23487 3.60 Half Morocco, marble edge. No. 23483 3.20 Half Russia, marble edge. No. 23486 2.80 Full Cloth, marble edge. No. 23481 2.40 Heavy Paper Sides, marble edge. No. 23485 1.60 Masonic Gem, A collection of Masonic Odes, Poems, etc. A sketch of Esoteric and Exoteric Masonry. Rev. A. E. Alford. Illustrated. No. 23541 50 Masonic Sketch Book, or Gleanings from the Harvest Field of Masonic Literature. By E. du Laurans. This book covers a great variety of subjects and includes some of the choicest work of our best Masonic writers, as well as many valuable and inter- esting articles by the author. Full gilt sides and edges. 345 pgs. 6x9 Illustrated. No. 23291 2.00 Masonic Token. William T. Anderson. A gift book for all seasons. Full gilt sides and edges. Embellished with upwards of thirty illustrations, the letter-press being from the pens of a large number of our most gifted authors; especially intended for Masonic home reading. 289 pgs. No. 23311 2.25 Memphis, Ancient and Primitive Rite. Origin, Introduction and Summary of the History; Excerpts from the Landmarks of the Order, Institution in America, Manifestos, Withdrawal from Orient of France, Treaty, Confederation, Present Status, Degrees, Seals, Emblems etc. J.A.Gotlieb MM M.D., L.L.D. No. 22821 1.00 Mission of Masonry, The. Rev. Madison C. Peters. Cloth. No. 23356 50 Paper. No. 23360 35 Morals and Dogma, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite from the 1st, to 33d Degree, by Albert Pike, Grand Commander. This valuable work is the result of years of study, translations from ancient and modern languages, and thousands of dollars expendi- ture by the author. The Masonic and Theosophical student will find in it a mine of knowledge that can be found nowhere else, and heretofore within the reach of but few. The greatest book ever written or printed about Free Masonry. 861 pgs. 61/2x91/2. Cloth binding with gold stamps. No. 23361 . . 5.25 Mystic Masonry. Explains the Symbols of Freemasonry and their connection with the Greater Mysteries of Antiquity, in which, for centuries, have been concealed the grandest achievements in knowledge ever gained by man, that, through the efforts of Free- masons, may be and are being understood and restored to the world. J. D. Buck 32°. Illustrated. 260 pgs. No. 23421 . . . . 1.50 Poetry of Freemasonry* Rob. Morris, L. L. D. t Masonic Poet Laureate, with Portrait and Biography of the Author, by his son. Introduction by the Author, and his favorite poem — "We Meet Up- on the Level, and Part Upon the Square" — in the original words and later changes, followed by over 500 poems, notes and illustra- tions, 400 pgs. Of finest book paper. Beautifully embossed cover, 8 x l0 1 /2 inches. No. 23281 2.75 Gold and silver leaf stamping, gilt edges. No. 23285 3.50 Rose Croix, The. A story of Two Hemispheres. A most interesting novel. David Tod Gilliam. 369 pgs. No. 23946.. 1.60 Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception, The, or Christian Occult Science. An Elementary Treatise upon man's Past Evolution, Present Constitution and Future Development. By Max Heindel, who includes a note of thanks to Dr. Rudolf Steiner and Dr. Alma Von Brandis. "Prove all things." — Paul. 5V2 x 7Vl 536 pages 14 of Index, Color plate, Illustrations, Diagrams, etc. With Red under Gilt Edges, Green Cloth, Gold and Color Stamps. No. 23896 (A Master Work, worth many times its cost.) .... 1.15 Rosicrucian Philosophy, The. In Questions and Answers. A Sequel to Cosmo— -Conception. Life on Earth, Life after Death, Bible Teachings, Sayings of Christ, Phenomena, Initiation, Astrology — -true and false, Prayer, Freewill, etc. Illustrated. Seven Days of Creation and the Four Great Initiations. Max Heindel. No. 24391 115 Rosicrucians, Their Rites and Mysteries. Founded on their manifestoes, and on facts and documents collected from the writings of initiated brethren. Hargrave Jennings Illustrated. 464 pages. 6x9 No. 23881.... ..3.50 Sacred Mysteries. Freemasonry in times anterior to the Temple of Solomon. Relics of Mayas and Quiches, 11,500 years ago, their relation to the Sacred Mysteries of Egypt, Greece, Chaldea and India. Augustus Le Plongeon. No. 23956 2.50 Scarlet Book of Freemasonry. Contains an authentic and thrilling history of the seizure, imprisonment and martyrdom of Free Masons and Knights Templar from A. D. 1275 to the pres- ent time; history of the life of the renowned philosopher, Pytha- goras, his extraordinary career and tragic death; an account of the late remarkable discoveries of Masonic emblems under the pedestal of an ancient obelisk in Egypt, together with a case of recent persecution and death in that country; also an account of the recent discovery of an ancient temple in Mexico with Masonic emblems. Beautifullv illustrated. 548 pages. 6I/2 x 9 In fine satin cloth and gilt. No. 23981 .3.00 Morocco, gilt edges, very rich. No. 23984 ,4.00 Signet of King Solomon, or the Freemason's Daughter. A. C. Arnold. A charming and fascinating story of a "Knight of the Temple" in modern times. Beautifully illustrated. 288 pgs,, 6 x 91/2. No. 23976 1.50 Signs and Symbols. Dr. George Oliver. Illustrated and ex- plained in a series of twelve lectures. No, 23986 1.50 Singular Story of Freemasonry, The. A most attractive concise and interesting little book. W. B' Sibley. 4x6, 100 pgs. No. 23916 75 Solomon's Temple. Its History and Structure. Rev. W. Shaw Caldecott, No. 24026 2.50 Spirit of Freemasonry. Comprising Lectures on the State of Freemasonry in the Eighteenth Century, the Design, Rites, Cere- monies and Institutions of the Ancients, Nature of the Lodge, Furniture, Apparel and Jewels of Masons, Temple at Jerusalem Geometry, Master Mason's Order, Secrecy of Masons, Charity, Brotherly Love, Occupations, and a Corollary; followed by an Appendix containing Charges, Addresses and Orations on various Masonic occasions. William Hutchinson. With copious notes, critical and explanatory, of great value, by the Rev. George Oliver. No, 24021. 1.50 Swedenborg Rite, and the Great Masonic Leaders of the Eighteenth Century. The Masonic career of Swedenborg and his followers, and the relation between the symbolic system of Swedenborgianism and Modern Freemasonry. Samuel Beswick. No. 24051 „ 1.00 Symbolism of Freemasonry. Illustrating and Explaining its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols. Mackey. 360 pgs.. No. 24071 , , , 2.25 Symbol of Glory, showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, in a valedictory and thirteen lectures : Masonic Science, Poetry and Philosophy, Knowledge, Doctrines, Circle and Parallel Mean- ing, Great Lights, and Masonic Ladder, Theological Virtues and Masonry, Clouded Canopy and Ladder Symbols, Application, Blazing Star, Symbol of Glory, etc. Rev. George Oliver. 298 pgs., cloth, black and gold stamps. No. 24061 1.50 Tradition, Origin and Early History of Freemasonry. An elaborate account of the traditions which form the basis of the degrees in Freemasonry and their coincidence with the Ancient Mysteries; also the origin of the Society of Operative Masons and its transformation into a Speculative Fraternity; with a brief history of the Order, and its rituals and customs. By A. T. C. Pierson and Godfrey W. Steinbrenner. 540 pgs. 6^2 x 9|4 Illustrated. No. 24213 . 2.50 Washington and His Masonic Compeers. An interesting and reliable work, abounding in facts and incidents pertaining to Washington's Masonic life. A part of his history, entirely omitted by most of his biographers, brought to light by diligent research among the Masonic records and documents of the past century. Containing fine Masonic portrait of Washington and numerous other illustrations. No. 24301 1.75 A SELECTED ASSORTMENT OF BOOKS Historical, Fraternal, Symbolical, Mystic, Astrologic, Occult, Psychic, Spiritualistic, Optimistic, Philosophic, Masonic, New Thought, Etc. Ahrinziman, The Strange Story of. As told by himself, after a period of over 2000 years; through the super-conscious- ness of Anita Silvani. The philosophy of this great Mystic and Persian Ruler, what Life hath taught him of the soul — on Earth, in the Abyss, and in the Heavens — A New Pilgrims Progress Arabian Nights, Paradise Lost, Wanderings in Spirit, and Para- dise Won. Notes on Obsession and Mediumship. Preface by Frederick W. Thurstan, M. A. of Christ's College, Cambridge. "To each one comes life's lesson in a different form: Let him that would learn the meaning of this story attend to these words that he may the better understand, and let him that is the idle hearer of a tale pass them by." Two volumes, combined in one book of 49 chapters. Illustrated with a portrait of Ahr- inziman and a Vision in the Desert. 284 pages 5^2 x IVl No. 22026 .'.....■.„..„„■, • , 1.00-- Altar in the Wilderness, The, In seven chapters — The Go! Jen Age, The Exile, Life in Death, The Conflict. The Wilderness, Illumination, The Temple, — representing the Seven Spiritual Ages of Man. Ethelbert Johnson. Cloth, No. 24231, 50 Paper, No. 24235 25 Ben Hur, a Tale of the Christ. The Great Christian Drama Gen. Lew Wallace. No. 22076 1.50 Book of the Master, The. A clue to the mysterious religion of Ancient Egypt. W. Marsham Adams. Cloth, No. 22166 . . . 1.25 Brotherhood. Nature's Law. Burcham Harding. No. 22176 .50 Brother of the Third Degree. An interesting and facinating story of the thrilling experiences of an earnest occult student on his way upward to those sublime heights of Universal Love and De- votion to Humanity, attained only by the true Initiates of the Great White Brotherhood — a vivid picture of life in the famous occult schools of Paris and the Far East; explaining much which has so long been veiled in mystery. W. L. Carver. 377 pages, Cloth. No. 22161. 1.00 Constructive Psychology. The Constructive Principle of Character Building. Dr. J. D. Buck. 32° No. 22296 1.00 Culture of Concentration. Occult Powers and their acquire- ment. Wm. Q. Judge. No. 22266 10 Discovery of the Soul, The. Throwing light on the path of progressive man; leading through mysticism to the discovery of those unused powers within the soul, which duly appropriated give expression to the Divine in Man. Floyd B. Wilson. No. 22306 1.00 Harmonics of Evolution. This work marks out a new path in the treatment of the so-called Occult in Nature, attempting to explain rather than to mystify and to illustrate and elucidate the correlation of spiritual and physical forces in Nature. Florence Huntley. 463 pgs. No. 22716 2.00 Hermes and Plato. The mysteries of Egypt and of Eleusis. Edouard Share. No. 22856 1.00 Initiation, The Way of, or How to Attain Knowledge of the Higher Worlds. Rudolf St einer, Ph.D. Americanized from the trans- lation by Max Gsyi. Notes by Edouard Schure. A most valuable and natural guide in a matter between you and yourself. New large type. No. 24276 1.00 Initiation and its Results* Rudolf Steiner, RL D. A sequel to the Way of Initiation. These works in the plainest and clearest way, give more instruction in occult knowledge than any yet published. Mystics, and the Theosophic Press indorse them in the highest terms. New large type. No. 22976 1.00 Initiation and Mysteries. Rudolf Steiner. No. 50910. 1.00 In Tune with the Infinite. Ralph Waldo Trine. Bound in Japanese style or special silk. No. 22996 » .. 1.25 Isis Unveiled. About 1500 pages. Portrait of the Author. H. P. Blavatsky. No. 23016 2 Vols. 6x9.... 4.00 and 7.00 Josephus. The authentic works and life of this great Jewish his- torian and celebrated warrior. Translated by Wm. Winston, M. A. 1055 pgs., attractively bound and illustrated. 7V^x9|/2« No. 23061 1.75 Kingdom of Love, The. Henry Frank Beautifully ex- pressed, wholesome, helpful and inspiring essays. 245 pgs. No. 23086. 1.00 Koran, The. Commonly called the Alkoran of Mohammed (the Mohammedian Bible). 559 pgs. No. 23071 1.50 Krishna and Orpheus, the Great Initiates of the East and West. Edouard Schure. No. 23106 1.25 Last Great Initiate, Jesus the. Edouard Schure. The Essenes, St. John, etc. No. 23056 1.00 Life and Writings of Dr. Rob't. Fludd, the English Rosicrucian. /. B. Craven. Cloth. No. 23286 2.50 Light on the Path. A treatise for the personal use of those who are unfamiliar with the Eastern Wisdom but desire to enter within its influence. CM. Cloth. No 23166 50 Leather. No. 24167 75 Man Limitless. "A study of the possibilities of man when act- ing under infinite guidance with which he is in absolute touch." Floyd B. Wilson. No. 23531 1.25 Mastery of Mind in the Making of a Man, The. A searching analysis and exposition of the power of mind in body- building and the forming of personality. Henry Frank. 250 pgs. No. 23306 1.00 Myrtle Baldwin. A novel of great interest, especially to the Fraternity, as it is full of Masonic principles. Bro. Charles Clark Munn, author of The Hermet, etc. 510 pgs. 5 1 /4x7 1 /2» Illus- trated, green cloth, black and gold stamps. An excellent gift. No. 23586 , 1.50 Mystical Life of Ours, This. Ralph Waldo Trine. No. 24236 1.00 Occult Science in India, and among the Ancients, with an account of their Mystic Initiations and History of Spiritualism. Louis Jacolliot. Cloth. No. 23716 1 .50 Occultist's Travels, An. Willy Reichel. Cloth. No. 23726 1.00 Paths to Power. "The struggling will gain strength — the doubting assurance — and the despairing hope, from this book." Fifteenth edition. Floyd B. Wilson. No. 23796 1.00 Philosophy of Fire, The. "There is nothing new under the sun." Fire Philosophy is the foundation of all True Initiation, and all Mystic and Occult Fraternities, as well as the Secret Doctrine and Ancient Mysteries. Atlantis, its Beauty, and its Fall. The Templars, and Fire Philosophers. The Therapeutae and Essenes and their Initiation. Second and very much enlarged edition, contains the Rosicrucian Fire Philosophy according to Jennings. /?. S. Clymer. About 250 pgs. Silk Cloth. Symbol in gold. No. 23806 1.50 Pythagoras and the Delphic Mysteries. Edouard Schure. No. 23811 LOO Queen Moo and the Egyptian Sphinx. A most interesting and valuable work — the result of extensive research among the ruined palaces, tombs and temples, and careful study of the signs, symbols and ancient manuscripts of the Mayas of prehistoric Yucatan ; showing evidences of a civilization antedating, by cen- turies, that of the Eastern Hemisphere, and giving a reasonable solution of that mystery of the ages— the Origin and Meaning of the Egyptian Sphinx. Augustus Le Plongeon. Beautifully illustrated with full page half-tone prints, from photographs taken by the author while exploring those ancient remains. No. 23851. Reduced from the Authors price 6.00 to 4.75 Queen Moo's Talisman. The Fall of the Maya Empire. A beautiful Poem with Introduction and Explanatory Argu- ment. Alice Le Plongeon. Profusely illustrated. Cloth. No. 23841 1.50 Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, The. With 12 full page illus- trations in colors and tinted border designs, 6x9. Deckel edge, No. 23936 1.25. Watered Silk, No. 23940 2.00 Limp Leather, No, 23937 2.00 Secret Doctrines The. The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy. 6x9 About 1500 pgs with Index. Vols. I and II No. 24066. . . 12.50 Vol. Ill No. 24067. . . 5.00 Secret Doctrine, Abridged. Hillarl No. 24031... 2.00 Sermon on the Mount, and other Extracts from the New Testament. A verbatim translation from the Greek with notes on the Mystical or Arcane Sense. James M. Pryse. Cloth. No. 24076 60 Servant in the House, The. A beautiful and uplifting drama of Brotherly Love Charles Rann Kennedy. No. 22966.. . . 1.25 Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, The. The wonderful arts of the old wise Hebrews, taken from the Mosaic books of the Kabbalah and the Talmud, for the good of mankind. 100 pgs. Paper, No. 24040 75 Story of the Other Wise Man, The. A beautiful nar- rative. Henry Van Dyke. Exquisitely printed and bound. Cloth, No. 23961, .50. and Limp Leather. No. 23962 1.00 Temple, The. Its Ministry and Services at the Time of Jesus Christ. Rev. Dr. Eidersheim. 308 pgs. No. 24201 1.50 The Tabernacle. Its History and Structure. Rev. W. Shaw Caldecott. Cloth, 5*/ 4 x 7^2, 230 pgs. No. 24176 1.75 Theosophy. An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man, The Constitution of the Human Being, Re-Embodiment of the Spirit and Destiny. The Three Worlds, The Path of Knowledge. Translated from the Ger- man. No. 50665 1.00 Thoughts for the Occasion. A Manual of Historical Data and Facts, Helpful in Suggesting Themes and in Outlining Addresses for the. Observance of Timely or Special Occasions of the Ma- sonic, Odd Fellows and various other Orders. Compiled by Franklin Noble, D. D. 576 pgs. cloth. No. 24216. ..... .2.00 Through Silence to Realization. This work embodies a system of instruction for mental growth and attainment of ideals. Floyd B. Wilson. 5V 2 x7V 2 . No. 24241 1.00 Voice of the Silence, and Other Chosen Fragments from the Book of the Golden Precepts for the Daily Use of Lanoos. H. P. Blavatsky. Cloth. No. 24266, .50. Leather. No. 24267 ,75 W. J. COLVILLE'S BOOKS. A Selection of the Most Popular Works by This Great Author and Well Known Lecturer in Europe, America, and Australia. Ancient Mystery and Modern Revelation. A wonderful new work. By W. J. Colville. — The book, which is of con- siderable size, aims to introduce selected gems from Oriental literature together with philosophical interpretations of the most disputed Bible texts, and also presents highly condensed biographical accounts of the Esoteric Schools of Antiquity and the characteristics of their founders. To every liberal-minded Bible student and to all who are investigating the psychic problems of to-day the work as a whole must appeal as one of more than average interest . Cloth. No. 24346 1.00 Six copies to any single address on receipt of $5.00* Auras and Colors. Four Lectures. W. J. Colville. Paper 25c A full outline description of the Significance of Color and a clear explanation of the nature and development of the Human Aura. Birthdays, The Significance of, or Our Place in the Univer- sal Zodiac. W. J. Colville Cloth and Gilt. No. 22192 .75 Leatherette. No. 22191 50 Dashed Against the Rock. A scientific novel, illustrated with many remarkable diagrams. W. J. Colville. Cloth. No. 22316 75 ESSAYS : Concentration of Thought 22276 .10 Human Aura 50900 .10 Law of Attraction 50440 .10 Law of Success 50450 .10 Law of Suggestion 50455 .10 Sleep, Dreams and Visions 50460 .10 What is Genius 50465 .10 Words of Power 50445 .10 These Essays are on live topics very clearly setting forth practical mental methods for conquering obstacles and making the most of life generally any 3 of the above Essays for 25 Cents Fate Mastered-Destiny Fulfilled* Three stirring essays on live issues. A very tasteful presentation volume. W. J. Colville, Cloth: No % 22476 30 Glints of Wisdom, or Helpful Sayings for Busy Moments. Ab- stracts from Lectures by W. J. Colville. An encyclopedia of psychological laws contained in an endless variety of subject. Cloth No. 22671. .75. Paper No. 22375 30 Health from Knowledges or the Law of Correspondences as Applied to Healing. W. J. Cohille. Cloth, No. 22741 75 Paper No. 22744. . . e .30 Life and Power from Within. An excellent book, embracing the most advanced mental-physical teaching and the simplest rules for the guidance of daily life, according to New Thought standards. W. J. Cohille. Cloth. No. 23151 1.00 Living Decalogue, The. 12 Expository Lectures. W. J. Cohille Leatherette. No. 23156 50 Lectures, by W. J. Cohille, on various subjects : Atlantis, The Way of Initiation, Initiation and its Results. Symbolism— Its use and Value, etc. Send for list, each 10/. 3 for 25 Mental Therapeutics, Elementary Text Book of . Twelve Practical Lessons. W. J. Cohille. No. 22420 25 Old and New Psychology. Twenty-four chapters, including explanatory essays on many subjects of vital interest to all teachers and students. W. J. Cohille.Cloth. No. 23766 1.00 Onesimus Templeton. A vivid romance, tracing the evolution of a soul from bondage to liberty. W. J. Cohille. Cloth. No. 23771 50 Throne of Eden* The. Twenty-six chapters presenting im- portant teachings entrusted to the writer's charge ; also a record of extensive travel in the Southern Hemisphere; and a rational system of preventing as well as healing diseases. W. J. Cohille. Cloth. No. 24186 1.00 Universal Spiritualism. Spirit Communion in all ages among all people. The work has two distinctive features: (1st) A resume of the Spiritual faith and practice of Egypt, India, Persia, Greece, Rome, China, Japan and other ancient nations, not ex- cepting Europe, during Christian centuries. (2nd) A summary of recent experiences in America, Great Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Italy and other modern lands, all tending to show the persistent continuity of spiritual revelation. Clairvoyance, Tele- pathy and Psychic Phenomena in general are dealt with in sepa- rate chapters at the close of the volume, which extends to 352 pages, making it a highly useful text-book for all who are interested in the question of human immortality. W. J. Cohille. Cloth. No. 24256 1.00 JAMES ALLEN'S BOOKS. A Foreword. "I looked upon the world, and saw that it was shadowed by sorrow and scorched by the fierce fires of suffer- ing. I looked for the cause, but could not find it until I looked within, and there found both the cause and the self-made nature of the cause. I looked again, deeper, and found the remedy I found one Law, the Law of Love; one Life, the Life of adjust- ment to that Law: one Truth, the Truth of a conquered mind and a quiet and obedient heart. And I dreamed of writing a book which should help men and women, rich or poor, learned or un- learned, worldly or unworldly, to find within themselves the source of all success, all happiness, all accomplishment, all truth: And the dream remained with me, and at last became substantial, and now I send it forth into the world on its mission of healing and blessedness, knowing that it cannot fail to reach the homes a n d hearts of those who are waiting and ready to receive it." As a Man Thinketh. Inspiring and helpful "New Thought." The Path of Prosperity. A way leading out of undesir- able conditions to health, success, power, abounding happiness and the realization of prosperity. Out from the Heart. Most optimistic and uplifting. Entering the Kingdom. That heavenly kingdom within the heart of man, where perfect trust, knowledge, peace and love await all who will enter its Golden Gateways. The Way of Peace. It's realization and attainment. The Heavenly Life. How to attain its supreme happiness in this life, on this earth, here and now. Morning and Evening Thoughts. Allen's rare jewels. Through the Gate of Good. Leading from the complex- ities of ignorance and formalism to the joyful simplicity of Enlight- enment and Faith. Any of the above in either style of binding as follows: Paper Covers, size 4|4x7/4 " " -15 Cloth Binding, " " " - " " " " .50 eather Binding, ,/D Watered Silk, " " " " " " " " .75 Special Gift Editions, with colored borders, 5 1 /2x7%, imbossed .75 Life Triumphant. Man's Divine Destiny. Cloth. 1.00 From Poverty to Power. The Path of Prosperity and Way of Peace. The two books in 1 vol 1.00 Order and read one of the books — say The Path of Prosperity, and you'll ask the price per dozen, wanting all friends to have one. In the Quarries. There lie many gems of eloquence, many sparkling rays of genius, many practical thoughts and expressions, which if brought to the surface would prove of essential service to the Craft. These val- uable treasures should not be left to lie in the rubbish and be covered with the dust of ages and forgotten. These writings of the wisest and best Masonic scholars, words of wisdom expressed by men of age and experience, ought to be garnered into store- houses where all can have access whence to draw "more light" to illuminate the pathway of the worker in the Masonic quarries. A library of rich treasures of Craft literature, would prove of essential benefit to the seeker after knowledge, and would be to him a school of instruction, whence he could derive inspiration as refreshing as that to the weary traveler who slakes his thirst at the fountain of sparkling waters. — Comps. George J. Gardner and Charles T. Mitchell. — Cor. Report Grand Chapter, New York, 1890. Directions for Ordering. Send Express or Post Office Money Order for the amount of your purchase, and the goods will be sent immediately, subject to ap- proval. 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(FREE READING) (HOME READING) For our many readers, who have no room for a collection of books, yet wish to become conversant with Masonry, its Origin, History, Symbolism and Objects, or Theosophic, Mystic, Occult and New Thought literature, we have set aside several well filled cases, containing the latest and best, as well as many rare, old and out-of- print books, on these subjects. We invite you to consult them freely at the library, without charge or to use them at your homes at the rate of ten per cent of their value for the first thirty days, and an additional five per cent for each month thereafter — which will cover the expense of wrapping, book-keeping, etc. — Thus, for a comparatively small item of cost you can add to your store of knowledge, for greater usefulness and per- sonal enjoyment. As time and carfare is an important item, you can order the books to be sent through the mail or express, by enclosing stamps or money order equaling their value, which will be refunded, less the percentage, when the books are returned. Readers in any part of the United States can take advantage of the mail rates- — Books — Ys lb. for one cent, — which we advance by prepaying them to your express or post office, deducting the same when refunding balance. To secure books on the Circulating Library Plan, order the books in the usual way, send Money Order equivalent to the value of the book and state that you wish them on the library plan. Trusting you will find it convenient to make use of the books at the library or try a selection from the list for your evenings at home, We are, yours fraternally, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co. 45 John Street, New York, U. S. A. *w "^ As WMVijU OisVln l '^— -'— ■' t n^O^y^ ^ ' Y^t iLc* £* t s (ft M*4— "to CU^^^^tti'. K#Z L* ft o Lo , L^ > < > n ' r / MTTA y^Un tys'Th* tow* nr-nt^A^^ 1 ^- ur-k^^ ^7 ^Uu^iAi^ur ^L^Hht -w vh~ %^CcUu fh*~4^W Mi&ctf- ft^n/f^ /(r^n^uU /^ut4y/ v ^L^W~>^-C^^^ — - ifa^M*- CUUiX^ ^T/n^riUAM W^, _.