CHAPTER V.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS
Aries, the Ram

ARIES is mythologically represented as a ram and
the symbol describes most accurately those born
under its influence, a pointed and protruding sheep-
like nose, wide forehead, pointed chin and the re-
sultant triangular face noted in many people, are
unmistakable indications of their rising sign, light
brown or reddish tint of the hair is a pronounced
characteristic of the Arian, the body is slender and
well formed, if the first part of the sign is rising the
body is shorter, and the complexion darker than given
by the latter degrees.

Planets in the rising sign will modify the de-
scription, however, and the student must use his
knowledge of the character of the planets in con-
junction with the description of the Sign. The Sun
and Mars make the complexion more florid, the Moon
and Saturn make it paler and darker, Jupiter and
Venus make the body more portly. Saturn shortens,
Uranus and Mercury lengthen it. This applies to
all the signs, but is especially marked when a planet
rises in the sign it rules. Mars, in Aries rising would
92

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 93

give fiery red hair and a face full of freckles. The
Sun rising in Leo would give a florid complexion with
flaxen hair, but if Saturn were there, instead it would
shorten the body and darken the hair.

Aries people are bold, selfconfident and impuls-
ive; they aim to lead, dislike to follow, are always
ready to take the initiative in any movement that
appeals to them, but often lack persistence to carry
their projects to a conclusion over serious obstacles.

The Sun, and Mars the Ruler, rising in Aries
would intensify the above, but as a thorough explan-
ation has been given under the heading "The in-
trinsic natures of the Planets," the student is re-
ferred thereto. We may mention here however, as a
peculiarity that Aries people live through fevers
when others succumb. "We have known their hair
to fall out, and the temperature to remain four de-
grees above maximum for many hours, without fatal
result.

Taurus, the Bull

Taurus is represented by a Bull in the Zodiac,
and the bodies generated under this sign are usually
short and stocky. They have a strong neck with
the bump of amativeness well developed, large
lobe of the ear, heavy jaws, full face; nose short
and stubby. Dark eyes and wavy hair frequently
give them considerable beauty. The eye of the
Taurian may never dart bolts of fire such as those
wherewith the Arian would annihilate his enemies;

94 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

it is softer, but under provocation it becomes sul-
lenly expressive of the passive resistance where-
with these people win their battles. It then marks
the difference between the impulsive Aries and the
stubborn Taurus. The inner phalange of the thumb
is large and heavy, the calves well developed and
the foot chubby. In walking the Taurian usually
plants his heel first, and heaviest.

Taurus people are pre-eminently "thorough and
steadfast ' ' in everything they do : In love, in hate,
in work or play, they persist in a given direction,
and neither reason nor argument will turn them.
They are verbose and argumentative in defense of
their actions or opinions; they grasp new ideas slow-
ly, with difficulty and conservatively, but once com-
prehended and espoused, they always remember
what they have learned and defend their opinion to
the last ditch.

The Sun rising in Taurus gives an unusually
firm physique, and accentuates the Taurus pride in
strength. The Moon, being the planet of fecundity,
is exalted in this exceedingly fruitful sign; hence
people with the Moon in Taurus have large families,
particularly if the configuration is in the fifth
house, for that designates children.

Venus, the ruler of Taurus, rising in that sign,
makes the form beautiful as well as strong, it also
gives artistic ability and musical inspiration.

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 95

Gemini, the Twins

When Gemini is rising the body generated is
tall and slender ; the arms and limbs are particularly
long, fingers slender, hair dark, eyes hazel. Gemini
people are quick, active and alert in all their move-
ments, habitual restlessness is noticeable in the ex-
pression of the eyes, which differs in that respect
from more fixed tendencies of the eyes of those born
under the two preceding signs, although of course
we do not mean that the Arian always looks angry
and the Taurian stubborn, nevertheless, there is a
settled tendency in those directions noticeable when
these people are not occupied in a certain direction,
but the Gemini person has an expression which Ls
much more vivid, changeable and past finding out.
They have acutely enquiring minds, always want to
know the reason why, but often lack persistence to
follow clews to the end, and thus meet disappoint-
ment. Being tactful they avoid giving offense even
under provocation, and are therefore generally
liked by all; though their own affections are not
deep. Two distinct classes are born under this sign,
one, too fond of reading, should cultivate indepen-
dent thought, instead of repeating other people's
ideas, or aping their manners; the other is scientific,
well balanced and reserved; a model for any person.

The Sun rising in Gemini brings out all the
noblest traits of the sign, it makes the nature more
settled and contented, gives more persistence and a
particularly healthy and active body.

96 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

Mercury, the ruler, rising in Gemini, sharpens
perception, gives ability as a writer, or speaker, but
makes the person born with that configuration ex-
tremely irritable, vacillating, fond of change of
scene and employment. They are best fitted for
traveling salesmen.

Cancer, the Crab

The chief peculiarities of the crab are a clumsy
body, slender limbs and powerful claws; people
born with Cancer rising express them all. They
have a large upper body, augmented in later years
by a prominence of the abdomen acquired by over-
eating. The mandible or lower jaw is powerfully
hinged to the cranium, the face is therefore widest
between the ears, the mouth is also large, and the
whole construction similar to the crab's claw. The
face is full, the hair brown, the eyes blue, com-
plexion pale and sickly, for the Cancer person has
the least vitality of any. The limbs are extremely
slender in proportion to the large upper body, so
the structure appears "top heavy," and they walk
with a "rolling" gait.

Cancer people are very fond of the home and
its comforts, they are quiet, reserved and adapt
themselves to conditions, hence they are easy to get
along with, their anger is shortlived, and they hold
no spite. Though lacking in physical prowess, they
are no hypocrites, but always have the courage of
their convictions; they voice and defend them too.

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 97

The Sun rising in Cancer brings out and accen-
tuates all the good qualities mentioned above, it
gives more ambition and pride; also increases the
vitality, and is a particular boon to people with
Cancer rising in that respect, on account of their
very low life force. Cancer, with its ruler, the
Moon, governs the stomach and hence alimentation ;
Leo and its ruler, the Sun, have charge of the heart
and circulation. If these signs and planets are well
placed in the horoscope, they counteract most other
afflictions and a long lease of life is assured, but if
they are afflicted, much sickness results unless intel-
ligent care is applied to modify the omen.

The Moon, the ruler, rising in Cancer, will give
much instability to the nature, and Jupiter being
exalted will bring fortune and fame.

Leo, the Lion

The lion is the king of beasts and even in cap-
tivity is an embodiment of stateliness and pride.
The typical Leos of the Zodiac also express pride in
every movement and a stateliness, which will not
escape attention of the keen observer, the expansive
chest, the massive shoulders, the strong arm and the
large head contrast considerably with the more
slender but still muscular under body, and as Aries
has the sheep face, so the typical Leo has certain
feline features. The complexion is florid, eyes large
and full, blue or grayish in color, they express
laughter, cheerfulness and content. The whole

98 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

frame is well knit and strong, having great endur-
ance and recuperative power.

It is really wonderful how the symbology of the
signs is brought out in the different kinds of people
born under them. People who are born under Leo
always want to be noted; they are aggressive and
want to attract attention everywhere they go. They
aim to be leaders; never followers.

Leo rules the heart, and it is a marked character-
istic that people with Leo rising unafflicted, have
hearts bigger than their pocketbooks; they give gen-
erously of their time, money, or knowledge without
thought of self. If the Sun rises in Leo, this trait
becomes almost prodigality, but if Saturn is there to
afflict instead, he will counteract it so that they will
either circumscribe their gifts with conditions to such
an extent that they retain practical control, or they
will spend their means on themselves.

Leos are honest and faithful; being child ren- of
the day star, they -love light and truth, are above sub-
terfuge and aim straight at their object. Their will
is firm to attain by honorable means. They make
good orators and hold their audiences by personal
magnetism. They are very attractive to the opposite
sex, and the lower nature should be held firmly in
check, otherwise serious trouble and heartache may
ensue. The French, as a race, are ruled by Leo, and
afford ample illustration of this point.

The Sun rising in Leo, unafflicted, gives a body
of wonderful strength, vitality and recuperative

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 99

power ; superior in its wiryness to the body generated
by the Sun in Taurus ; but if Mars is afflicted, palpi-
tation of the heart will ensue. Saturn will cause re-
gurgitation unless care is taken in early years to
avoid strain.

Virgo, the Virgin

People born when Virgo is rising are above mid-
dle stature. The upper part of the head is much more
developed than the lower, the weak chin, showing
lack of will and the large brain indicating greatness
of intellect, are therefore earmarks of the Virgo. The
face is thin, the complexion sallow, the hair brown
and the eyes hazel or grey. The feet are small, the
toes turn inwards and give these people a peculiar
labored walk.

Virgo people are very quick and active in youth,
they learn with facility, but do not work hard for
knowledge ; they seem to breathe it in without an
effort. They acquire linguistic and elocutionary
powers most readily, are fluent writers but often
cynical, cold and unforgiving when they have been
injured. They are extreme in their food, and make
hygiene a fad ; they often fancy that they have every
imaginable disease, because Virgo is the sixth sign
and has a certain affinity with the sixth house, de-
noting health and disease.

Mercury, the ruler, is also exalted here and gives
pronouncement of all the good which otherwise
might be expected from the Sun.

Virgo people are slender in youth, but when the

100 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

Sun of Life passes the Meridian and begins to throw
its shadows toward the East, we find in them a ten-
dency toward corpulence of body, particularly of
that part ruled, by Virgo, namely, the abdomen.
They neglect to take exercise, and naturally on this
account a sluggish condition of the intestines may
set in which retains the poisons in the body and robs
life of its joys and makes one indifferent. In this
fact lies the greatest danger of the Virgo people.
Once they get into the rut of sickness, they actually
"enjoy" poor health. They love to talk over their
symptoms with other people, and they resent any
thought or suggestion given to them that they are
not sick, or that they can get well. The presence of
Saturn in Virgo, or the sixth house, accentuates
this tendency in the very highest degree, and there-
fore it is an almost infallible sign that the native will
have or be subject to chronic illness, the nature of
this disease being denoted by the aspect, and the af-
flicting planets.

Jn order to deal successfully with Virgo people
-w~hen they have once become subject to disease, and
get them out of it at all, it is necessary to be firm
almost to the verge of cruelty. But though one may
seem cruel in enforcing upon them the regime that is
necessary to bring them away from themselves, this
is really the greatest kindness that can be shown, for
once these people are in the grip of sickness they
stubbornly refuse to let go ; they will resort to the
most cunning, even childlike schemes to excite eym-

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 101

pathy, particularly from strangers, and they will re-
sent any effort to show them that they are not help-
less invalids. At the very slightest suggestion of a
hopeful nature, they sometimes lose their temper in
the most unwarranted manner. But when at last
they are given the deaf ear by everybody, when peo-
ple who are in their immediate environment can be
persuaded to show them no sympathy, then they may
come to themselves. They need a shock to bring
them out and away from their condition. And until
they get that they never can be cured.

The Virgos make splendid nurses, if they can
keep from taking on the conditions of the patient.
The Virgo people never can bear to see blood shed or
touch dead things. They feel bodily injury to others
more than harm done to themselves, and are in
fact splendidly described by the word chicken-
hearted.

Libra, the Scales

Elegance may be said to express in one word the
physical peculiarities of the Libran. The body is
slender and graceful in youth; it becomes more
plump as life advances, but even the portliness of
the Libra body is pleasing. The complexion is
smooth and clear, eyes are soft and blue with a kind
expression; the mouth is unusually well formed and
the teeth particularly fine and even.

Libra people have extremely strong conjugal
affection, so strong, in fact, that it overshadows all

102 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

other considerations. The. Leos love their families,
but their hearts take in all the world besides ; not so
the Librans, they are ready for any sacrifice to give
comforts to those in their own immediate home circle,
but they are also prepared to sacrifice anyone else's
family for their own, if necessary.

In most other traits the Librans express aptly the
symbolism of their sign: a pair of scales, and their
characteristics might be expressed in the word:
"Changeability." They are people of "moods," be-
cause Saturn is exalted here and weighs upon the
mind ; the changes are sudden and extreme ; they may
follow a fad with as much zest as if their life de-
pended upon it, and then, without a moment's warn-
ing, drop it and take up something entirely opposite ;
there are no halfway measures in the swing of the
scales. Being naturally given to change, they are
most adaptable to circumstances, and do not fret
over reverses, but set about to restore their fortunes
with vim and vigor.

Aries aiid Libra may be said to be the battlefields
of the Sun and Saturn : Life and Death, Joy and
Sorrow. The Sun is exalted in Aries, and vanquishes
Saturn; hence the intrepidity of Aries people. In
Libra the scales tip the other way, there Saturn is
exalted, and conquers the Sun; this gives a softer
tone to the Libran, whose kindly politeness contrasts
markedly with the Arian's brusque address. Venus,
the ruler of Libra, is not alone responsible for this
trait, for Taurus people are blunt, though Venus

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 103

rules. Venus rising in Libra gives artistic ability,
Saturn turns the mind in scientific directions.

Librans usually have well shaped hands and
feet, and are very proud of them.

Scorpio, the Eagle

The nose is the most prominent feature of the
Scorpio ; it is large, heavy, and hooked, resembling
the bill of the eagle ; the brows are bushy, the eyes
sharp and piercing; the jaw is very heavy; the glint
of the eye, and the set of the jaw indicate the great
determination which is the most prominent charac-
teristic of the Scorpio. The face is angular, complex-
ion murky, and hair dark, with a peculiar ruddy
tinge noticeable when the sun shines on it. The
teeth are large and subject to early decay. The body
is short and thickset, with a short, thick neck re-
sembling that of the opposite sign : Taurus.

Scorpio people always stand up for their rights,
and never submit to imposition, though prone to ride
roughshod over others. They are full of worries
over things that may happen, but never do, and thus
make life a burden to those around them. Sarcasm
that stings like a scorpion is aye upon the tip of their
tongue, yet their love is strong, and their aspirations
lofty. Thus there are two natures struggling in the
Scorpio and they need much sympathy and forbear-
ance from their friends. In the hour of danger they
never flinch, but perform deeds of heroism with a dis-
regard of self that amounts to foolhardiness. The

104 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

mind is sharp, cool and collected, therefore Scorpio
men make good army officers and excel in surgery.
The Scorpio woman has a large family.

The Sun in Scorpio accentuates the good traits;
and gives a love of mysticism ; but Mars, the ruler,
brings out the worldly side of the sign, it makes scof-
fers and sceptics.

Sagittarius, the Centaur

People born with Sagittarius rising are even
taller than those born under the opposite sign, Gemi-
ni, the men in particular have large hands and feet.
The size and weight of the bony frame is often too
much for the ligaments of the spine to support, .and
so these people develop a decided stoop in later years
The face is long and well formed, the nose well pro-
portioned, dark kindly eyes, with dark chestnut hair.
The body is very active, but requires much rest, as
the recuperative powers are below the requisite.

The symbol of this sign shows that there are two
widely different classes born therein. One, desig-
nated by the animal body of the Centaur, is frankly
in f or " a good time, ' ' they are sporty, soldiers of for-
tune, of roving proclivities, fond of games of chance,
and ready to risk their all on the turn of a card, the
speed of a horse, or a game of ball, while Aries or
Scorpio people may become pugilists, and Taurus
people take up wrestling as a profession. The sports
of Sagittarius have no element of cruetly in them;
sometimes when afflicted they may be criminals, their

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 105

crimes are never violent, however, but rather results
of their indulgence of the animal nature.

The other class is the extreme opposite; symbol-
ized by the human part of the sign. Here is the man
rising above the animal nature, bending the bow of
aspiration and aiming at limitless space, signifying
the loftiest longings of that immortal spark of in-
cipient divinity we call the soul. Law abiding, of the
highest morals, honored pillars in the church, be-
loved rulers of state, famed for integrity, benevo-
lence and justice.

The Sun rising in this sign is sure to bring pre-
ferment even to those born in lowly and obscure cir-
cumstances, and accentuate all good shown in the
sign; so will Jupiter, the ruler.

Sagittarius rules the thighs and therefore,
naturally, configurations from this sign, if accidents
are indicated, may be placed in those regions. And
it is a notable fact that Sagittarians are very liable to
broken bones under circumstances where people with
other signs seldom meet injury.

In the eighth degree of Sagittarius we have the
fixed star Antares, which has a very evil effect upon
the sight. Two other nebulous spots in the Zodiac
have a similar influence. One is Ascelli in Leo 6, the
other Pleiades in Taurus 29. The Sun, or Moon, in
one of those places and adversely configurated with
one of the malefics, Saturn, Mars, Uranus and Nep-
tune gives trouble in the eyes, according to the na-
ture of the evil aspect. Or, vice versa, if Saturn,

106 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

Mars, Uranus and Neptune are in one of the nebu-
lous spots adversely configurated to the Sun or Moon
a similar trouble will be experienced. Should a
planet like one of the last named be in retrograde mo-
tion the aspect is much worse, for when the planet
has ceased to retrograde and goes direct in the
Zodiac again, it will pass over which ever one of
these nebulous spots it is close to a second time and
thereby cause an added damage. There may be, how-
ever, a compensating side to this aspect, for it some-
times happens that while an evil configuration to
one of these nebulous spots, and Antares is the
worst, deprives a person of his or her sight, a benevo-
lent configuration awakens in them a second-sight
which will mitigate the loss in a degree which only
those who have that sight can appreciate.

The Sagittarian must learn to realize his ideals
within instead of seeking them without. We are in
this school of experience for the purpose of overcom-
ing, and it is not by running away from one place to
another that we gain experience. By staying in one
place, by doing our very best to attain our ideals
where we are, we make our ideals come true.

Capricorn, the Goaf

Capricorn rising gives a short, slender, narrow-
chested body with a thin neck, thin silky dark hair,
a pale peaked face with small blinking weak eyes.
The chin pointed and turned upwards, the nose
pointed and turned downwards, an impediment in

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 107

the speech, ill formed lower limbs and an awkward
walk. The vitality is very low, and these children
are reared with great difficulty, but once infancy is
past, they exhibit a tenacity that is truly amazing,
and often become very, very old ; they seem to dry up
into a mass of wrinkled skin and bone that is all but
imperishable, this, on account of the Saturn ray
which rules Capricorn. It is noticeable also, that all
who have that planet prominent in the nativity show
the before mentioned wrinkling of the skin; even
though they may retain corpulence conferred by
other configurations.

Ambition and suspicion are ruling characteris-
tics, an inordinate desire for recognition of their
claims to superiority and advancement, also suspi-
cion that others are trying to subvert or withhold
the coveted prize, are ever with these people. It
causes them much unnecessary worry, and may re-
sult in habitual melancholy, particularly if Saturn
is afflicted. They ought to seek amusement outdoors,
read funny stories and otherwise try to cultivate a
sense of the humorous from childhood, for this is one
of the saddest signs, and needs all possible encour-
agement.

Capricorn people are successful in detective
work, where secret practices are used to trap others ;
and persistence is required to ferret out a mystery,
for they never give up. The afflicted Capricorn is
very revengeful, and if by Mars, may shed blood to
satisfy a grudge. The Sun rising brings out the Jus-

108 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

tice, Purity and Honor of the sign, makes Captains of
Construction such as forward the great enterprises
of the world.

Aquarius, the Water Bearer

The stateliness and pride of those born under
the sign of Leo are not missing in the typical
Aquarian, but while in the Leo these qualities are of
a lower, more beastly nature agreeable to the sign,
they are manly pride and stateliness in the true
Aquarian. Libra generates a beautiful body but
more effeminate as it were, whereas the Aquarian
beauty is truly manly or womanly, the fearless eye is
kindly and drooping eyelashes are peculiar to this
sign. The forehead is square, and the well developed
poise tells of intellect, the large domed head shows
the spiritual side of the nature and the chin is suf-
ficiently developed to give purpose to all actions.
Thus the typical Aquarian is the highest grade of
humanity; but therefore, also exceedingly rare, for
the variants produced in each sign from the typical,
by the interposition of one or more planets are so
different that the type is often unrecognizable in the
majority of its features. Aquarians are most loyal to
friends, therefore they attract manv, keep them
through life, and are much benefitted by them. Like
Capricorn, this sign is ruled by Saturn, and he gives
to the Aquarian the same retiring nature and tend-
ency to melancholy which marks the Capricornian,
but also the persistence in following a given course,

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 109

and whatever financial success comes to these people
is the result of continued and patient effort ; Aquar-
ians are very deliberate and longsuffering ; they
never act in a hurry, and therefore seldom have
cause to regret their actions, save when reason has
been stilled through play upon their sympathies, for
under such circumstances they are readily imposed
upon. The love nature is very strong, but they
are not as demonstrative as the Leo. It is note-
worthy that the qualities of opposite signs are always
reflected : Leo in Aquarians, reflects love ; Taurus
mirrors the passion of Scorpio, the Gemini body is a
reflex of the bony Sagittarius frame, etc.

The Sun and Saturn bring out more prominently
the good traits of Aquarius, for this sign where he
rules and Libra where he is exalted, are therefore
under his most benign influence. The Sun in Aqua-
rius adds much hope and life to the nature, and thus
counteracts the melancholy trait previously men-
tioned.

Pisces, the FisTies

The typical Piscean is short, flabby and fleshy
with a waddling gait not unlike those born under the
sign Cancer, but differs from them by having a
stouter body. The feet are often turned in, but
larger than those born under Virgo. The body is
weak and deficient in recuperative force. The com-
plexion is medium, the eyes blue, watery and expres-
sionless, the ncse is large and flat.

110 THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS

There is a strong tendency to mediumship
among the Pisces people, and therein is a danger
greater than any other on earth. No one should "sit
for development" and degenerate into the tool of
low spirits, but a Pisces person in particular is
"lost" if taken control of. They cannot free them-
selves, neither in this life or the next, because gener-
ally inert and devoid of will power. They are timid,
and even the men are tearful on the slightest provo-
cation; they love leisure more than comfort, and do
no work when not absolutely necessary to keep body
and soul together. They love change of scene, rove
about considerably, generally in an aimless manner.
Being fond of good things to eat and drink, particu-
larly the latter, and lacking will to curb their appe-
tite when afflicted, they frequently indulge their
craving to such an extent that they become habitual
drunkards.

The Sun rising in Pisces gives more energy and
ambition, Jupiter, the ruler, strengthens the morals,
and Venus exalted in this sign, gives great musical
talent, but accentuates the tendency to alcoholic in-
dulgence, which mars the lives of so many splendid
musicians.

When many planets are in Pisces, the person
will have a hard life, because he or she will not want
to take up their life's burden, but love to dream,
they become recluses ; they seek to master the hidden
arts, occultism and mysticism ; are not guided by rea-
son, but rather by their likes and dislikes, and unless

INFLUENCE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS 111

they can find an occupation that is otherwise isolated
from the ordinary business and trend of life they
will feel out of place. They are prone to incur the
enmity of people with whom they come in contact in-
timately; nobody seems to get along with them, and
everybody, whether they show it or not, will take a
dislike.

There is, ho\vever, a higher side to Pisces, the
person who finds himself with Pisces on the ascend-
ant is at the end of one cycle of progress and at
the beginning of a new. He stands, as it were, upon
the threshhold of something higher. Therefore, he is
usually not able to live up to the possibilities of the
sign which requires self-sacrifice and non-resistance
in absolutely Christlike fashion. The tendency is
therefore to drift upon the sea of life and dream
dreams of future greatness. This tendency must be
counteracted by every effort of the will, for other-
wise life will be a failure, and later the stern whip 6f
necessity will be applied to goad him or her into ac-
tion.