[PAGE 112] THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
CHAPTER VI
THE INTRINSIC NATURE OF THE PLANETS
The nature of gun powder which causes it to explode under certain circum-
stances is neither good nor bad, the quality of its action being determined
by the way its power is used. When it furthers the welfare of the community
it is called good, and evil when used in a manner derogatory to our well be-
ing; so also with the planets, they are neither good nor evil, each having
its intrinsic nature and acting in a manner consonant therewith save as
modified by the circumstances under which its powers are exerted. When we
know the nature of a sign and the nature of a planet, we may combine the
two, and thus obtain the correct reading of the stellar script by our own
reasoning instead of depending upon authorities. For instance, the Sun is
hot, full of vital force, and exercises an influence that buoys us up in the
body and spirit. When its rays fall upon us with moderate strength it makes
us stronger and more cheerful, for there is an atmosphere of generosity,
out-going love and kindliness in the Sun. Thus if the Sun at birth is in
the weak sign, Cancer, naturally the effect would be to modify the weak con-
stitution described in the foregoing signature of the signs; the heat of the
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Sun would give a more florid complexion to the Cancer person, the general
health and recuperative powers would be materially augmented, not to speak
of the changes that would be manifested in the disposition, giving more am-
bition, hopefulness and buoyancy to the temperament. Suppose, on the other
hand, that the Sun is in Aries when that sign is rising at the birth of a
person, then the fire of the Sun, added to the fire of the sign Aries, will
increase the boldness and the intrepidity of the person to such a degree
that they may become foolhardiness, particularly, if Mars, the ruler of Ar-
ies, is also there increasing the warlike tendencies. Those are traits of
character, but the physical body will also suffer from this excessive hear,
the blood will race through the veins of such a person like a Niagara of
liquid fire, and fevers will be a frequent experience, as the superabundance
of vitality burns out the physical easement. Were the cold, slow and slug-
gish Saturn there instead of the Sun and Mars, he might squelch almost all
of the Aries characteristics both mental and physical. If we consider Aries
symbolized by a stove in which a fire is burning, it would make the same
difference whether the hot Mars, or the cold Saturn, were placed there, as
it makes a difference whether we pour oil or water into the stove.
Similarly, all the other planets produce various results, according to their
intrinsic natures and their various combinations. For the sake of lucidity,
and ready reference, let us first set down the word which describes the most
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salient characteristics of each planet.
The Sun...................................Life
Venus................................Coalition
Mercury.................................Reason
The Moon...........................Fecundation
Saturn.............................Obstruction
Jupiter...............................Idealism
Mars............................Dynamic Energy
Uranus................................Altruism
Neptune...............................Divinity
In the foregoing, the essential natures of the planets have been given;
where they are well aspected by another planet these natural characteristics
are enhanced so far as the benefic planets are concerned, but when evilly
aspected, the nature of Venus, which is love and rhythm, becomes folly, li-
centiousness and sloth; the philosophy, law-abiding tendencies, mercy and
lofty aspirations of Jupiter turn into lawlessness, disregard of others, and
low pursuits; the lofty spirituality of the Sun will express itself as just
animals spirits and physical health. In regard to the planets of the lower
nature, good aspects of Mars turn the desires toward constructive objects,
as well regulated activities, while evil aspects are responsible for the de-
structive expression of the desire nature. Saturn, when well aspected,
gives mechanical and executive ability capable of directing the desire
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nature. It shows the brainy, persevering man able to cope with, and con-
quer, material obstacles; the organizer and the promoter; the scientific in-
vestigator, who follows material lines. As Jupiter, well aspected, denotes
the high-minded philosopher, the worth law-giver, the sincere and ardent
priest, in fact, all who have high and lofty aspirations, so Saturn, when
evilly aspected, denotes the evil-minded, creed-bound sectarian, the materi-
alist, and enemy of society, whether church or state. As Jupiter gives the
lofty, expansive and benevolent mind, so Saturn, evilly aspected, gives a
sarcastic, concrete and narrow tendency.
It is wonderful to contemplate how the planetary forces balance each
other so perfectly that universal equilibrium is maintained despite the dis-
turbances of the 1700 millions who inhabit the earth alone, not to speak of
other spheres. Every moment of time our actions, individually and collec-
tively, interfere with terrestrial equipoise, and were not this instantly
restored, the earth must leave its orbit, fly off at a tangent and be de-
stroyed. Nor are physical disturbances most potent in disturbing or restor-
ing balance, it being a fallacy to confound solidity and rigidity with
strength, as most thoroughly explained in our lecture No. 19, "The Coming
Force." A train has no strength itself, but must be solid because it is op-
erated upon by an invisible gas called steam. There is no force in a rigid
hammer; but when driven by a column of flexible liquid, like water, backed
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by an elastic cushion of compressed air, the force stored in the air, the
force stored in the air drives the powerful hydraulic ram irresistibly
through whatever comes before it. Likewise subtle, invisible, stellar rays
are the factors which maintain our ponderous planet in its path, and
spiritual disturbances generated by mankind are naturally the most subtle
force which interferes with the earth's equipoise.
Each planet has its opposite, and therefore every time we radiate the
quality of one planet, we call forth a counter current of corresponding
force, and by the action and reaction of those forces in and upon us and our
environment we learn the lessons of life. Do we vibrate to the love ray of
Venus, instantly Mars comes to tempt, and tries to turn love to lust, but it
depends upon US whether we remain steadfast in virtue or yield to vice. Do
we court the ideal of Jupiter; do we aim to elevate the standard of church
or state, instantly the Saturnine forces invite to self-aggrandizement and
appeal to the passion for power. With US it lies to remain true to the
ideal and reap laurels that last through eternity, or yield to the promise
of present gain or worthless gold which we repay in sorrow when Saturn turns
and becomes the chastiser. Each horoscope shows the tendencies in even the
humblest life, and opportunity continually knocks. May we all be prepared
to meet it as spiritual astrologers.
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HOW TO TEST THE HOROSCOPE
It sometimes happens that a momentary mental aberration causes even the
best of mathematicians to make a mistake in his figures and if an error oc-
curs when casting a horoscope an immense amount of labor may be wasted be-
fore it is discovered. There is an easy method of verifying the figure in
the main points by a glance at the position of the Sun. The cautious as-
trologer never neglects to make use of this method, and we would specially
recommend it to beginners who are naturally more prone to miscalculate that
those who have long experience.
When you have calculated the place of the Sun and entered it in its
proper house and sign, note at once if its position coincides with its ac-
tual place in the sky at the time of day when the child was born. If the
birth occurred about sunrise, the Sun must be near the ascendant; if in the
middle of the forenoon the Sun should be somewhere in the eleventh house, if
near noon the Sun will be found near the Midheaven in a correctly cast horo-
scope, and in the middle of the afternoon it is in the eighth house. A
child born near sunset has its sun close to the cusp between the sixth and
seventh houses, and if the birth occurs about 9 p.m., the Sun will be in or
near the fifth house. When birth is at midnight the Sun is near the nadir,
and a child born about 3 o'clock in the morning has the Sun in or near the
second house.
If you find that the Sun is in its proper position relative to the
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houses, you may confidently proceed with your calculations and place the
other planets. If not, you have made a mistake which must be corrected
before you go further.
When someone hands you a horoscope calculated by another astrologer and
asks you to read it, look first at the time of birth and then see if the Sun
is in its proper position relative to the houses, and the right sign as de-
termined by the month, for if you start to read from an improperly cast
horoscope you lay yourself liable to ridicule. Suppose Saturn were on the
ascendant and you accuse that person of being melancholy; when he denies the
indications and you discover that Mars and Mercury should be there in Scor-
pio, it is not probably that he will accept your explanations; he will more
likely sneer at astrology and astrologers; nor can we deny that from his
point of view such condemnation is justified. Therefore be careful to look
at the Sun. Other mistakes may occur, but that is the most serious and the
most easily detected.
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