Sepharial - Astrology and Marriage

ASTROLOGY AND MARRIAGE The Influence of Planetary Action in Courtship and Married Life By SEPHARIAL Republished by Canopus Publications Box 774 Kingston, Tasmania 7051 Australia All rights reserved © Canopus Publications This Publication has been reproduced from the original text in the interest of preserving and disseminating old Astrological texts. This version may not be reproduced or transmitted by any means electronic or mechanical or recorded in any form including photocopying or by any storage or retrieval system except for personal use and may not be used for reselling or any other commercial purposes. To do so is in violation of copyright law. The text is available online in pdf format and can be printed for personal use on A4 paper. Printed versions are also available The publishers and editor have taken all measures to ensure this publication is an accurate reproduction of the original but cannot guarantee it to be free of typographical errors. PREFACE This handbook deals with the subject of marriage from the point of view of the ancient science of the Chaldeans, and shows the secret of happiness or unhappiness in the marital state to be revealed in the reactions caused by planetary influence. The author deals with the broad question of marriage, harmonising factors, signs of happiness, signs of discord, the misogynist, the domestic circle, multiple marriages, existing evils and the remedy, and gives illustrated cases of assorted marriages showing the close agreement of experience with horoscopical indications. Needless to say the subject is one of perennial and universal interest, but is here approached from an angle that is entirely new to all who have not an extensive knowledge of the science of the stars and the influence of planetary action in human life. Astrology and Marriage THE BROAD QUESTION Certainly the question of marriage looms large at some time in life on the horizon of all that are born of women. The desire to complete the circle of existence by the adoption of a suitable mate is inherent in the very alchemy of our being. So fully is this the case that for most natures the urge in this direction assumes almost the force of an obsession, and nothing appears of greater importance to the young while this influence maintains its control. It is possible to push this argument into the realms of the immaterial and abstract world and thus to derive the conclusion that the desire of the soul towards it counterpart in nature, and in its material expression the animal instinct, is after all but the urge of the spirit of life towards realisation. However, that may be, we are assured from all experience of marriage as a social institution, that it is capable of fulfilling the highest aspirations of the soul of man and of calling forth the best of his powers, and that more especially when he takes upon himself the dignity and responsibility of fatherhood. As to woman, there can be no doubt that her legitimate walk in life halts short of end if she fails to attain the crowning glory of motherhood. But even so, the estate of parenthood is not all that marriage intends and is capable of achieving for both man and woman. A tree is truly known by its fruit, and the tending of the tree of life from the sapling upwards is the whole business of a parent. Neglect in any stage of its development will assuredly leave its impress on the fruit of that tree. It has been wisely said that the foundations of all successful careers have been laid in early youth. Doubtless many elements combine to produce what we call character in the adult, but there can be little doubt that these are all represented more or less fully in diet, training, education, environment and custom, so far as the physical basis of manhood or womanhood is concerned. The question naturally arises as to the existence of an element which we may call Soul as supplying the urge towards individual development along definite lines. There is very much to be said for this as the cause of all individuality. If we take the case of a family, we may trace in its several members a reproduction of characteristics which are more or less marked in either the parents or ancestors. But these streaks of nature do not in themselves constitute character, still less do they define individuality. Yet, despite the existence of attributes or characteristics in common, it will be found that two members of the same family, fed at the same board, brought up under the same fostering care, educated in the same school, and very largely confined to the same general environment, are as different from one another as the proverbial chalk from cheese. Here I find a redheaded lad with grey eyes and freckled complexion, a little on the willowy side in development, but forceful and determined, impulsive and enthusiastic. His brother is dark in complexion of hair and eyes, has a full rounded face and figure, is somewhat slow and apathetic, but thoughtful and cautious, never acting except from motive, and generally unresponsive. Two characters, two appearances, deriving from the same parents and developed in the same surroundings. These are the little problems that we are brought up against when we come to consider questions of individuality and that deeper chemistry of life which finds it natural expression in mating and marriage. Now Astrology, the ancient science of the Chaldeans, teaches us that what we call character is the expression of the individual or soul, seen through the coloured glass of personality. The word personality is well derived from persona, a mask, for it tends rather to hide and obscure the manifestation of the individual than to reveal it. The body, in which we are logically bound to include all hereditary characteristics, is regarded as merely the instrument of the soul, and in this sense becomes either a help or a hindrance towards self-expression. It is as if a musician of acknowledged faculty were given an inferior instrument on which to play, or even one that is out of tune. Music as an abstract reality requires the musician to give it a humanised and coherent expression, but also the musician needs an instrument that is capable of responding to the requirements of his faculty. So that faculty, function and instrument are in the relations of spirit, soul, and body, and are mutually interdependent. But it is also stated that the soul in man takes upon itself the characteristics of the body, as light takes upon itself the colour of the medium through which it passes, or as water takes the shape of the vessel into which it is poured; and it is this particular colouration of the soul which Astrology seeks to define. It argues that at the moment of birth the cosmical centres of force, the planets and luminaries, are so placed in the kaleidoscope of the heavens as to afford a definite colouration or set of characteristics in the personality then born, and that these positions of the planets, when properly understood and interpreted, define the conditions under which the individual will be required to manifest and function. As a science of life it certainly affords a better reason for the disparities existing between members of the same family than any other theory which has been advanced by the modern student of eugenics. The theory is at all events worth a close examination, and although it would serve no good purpose to enter into a lengthy argument in this place, it will certainly be shown that there is good ground for accepting this theory as a working hypothesis. Acceptance of the cosmical theory will however entail a much wider conclusion than that which has respect to individual character. It will necessarily follow that, inasmuch as all others with whom the person may come into relations are similarly endowed with a planetary signature, so to speak, the result of this association of individuals will result in highly interesting effects. It is the province of Astrology to determine what those effects will be, and in fact to show aforehand what chances of happiness and success may attend the free admixture of the elements in one and another of them, and whether association of any sort, or the more intimate relationship of Marriage, should be allowed to transpire. If it can be shown that there are definite rules by which suitability for mating and marriage can be determined, then there is every reason to think that those with whom happiness and welfare during a lifelong intimacy count for more than the temporary indulgence of desire, will see that the conditions are satisfied, and will avail themselves of the wisdom of the ancients in the matter of mating and marriage. HARMONISING FACTORS arise from the comparison of horoscopes which are employed as the basis of a marriage union, when the configurations are such as to bring the chief factors into accord. But quite obviously, it is possible to find horoscopes which reveal harmonious configurations when compared, while either of them may distinctly indicate that marriage is a lottery in which there is not much hope for success. In such case it is within the scope of things to engage these people in a truly Platonic relationship without any other bond than that which Nature has ordained. It is the marriage contract and enforced adherence to the terms of that contract which alone could bring into effect the evil tendencies inherent in the marriage prospects of one or the other of these persons. Thus they might be great friends continuously, while marriage or the formulation of a contract whereby they are bound each to each continually would only result in one of two things – severance of otherwise congenial and beneficial relations, or the demise of one of the contracting parties. These are conditions which one would seek to avoid, and for this purpose it is essential first of all to examine the individual prospects of marriage. When however it is seen that the prospects in both cases are good, and the horoscopes of the persons concerned are also seen to be in harmony, nothing but the best results could accrue from a union, for not only would the inherent qualities of both horoscopes be fully expressed in the progeny, but they would come through without hindrance. They would moreover be a continual source of mutual happiness in the maturing lives of the parents. It is to the individual horoscope therefore that we must first turn in order to ascertain whether happiness is in store or not. SIGNS OF HAPPINESS exist in the horoscope of birth when the Sun and Moon are harmoniously configurated, that is to say, when they occupy signs that in sextile or trine aspect to one another, or when they are in the same sign and well aspected. These terms, intelligible enough to those who know the elements of the ancient science of the stars, require some explanation to the lay reader. Consider then that each solar month begins on the 21st day of the calendar month, and that the Sun enters the sign Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, on the 21st of March in any year. This will give a general idea of the solar position. The months allied to the signs are roughly as follows:- 21st March begins the Sign Aries 21st April Taurus 21st May Gemini 21st June Cancer 21st July Leo 21st August Virgo 21st September Libra 21st October Scorpio 21st November Sagittarius 21st December Capricorn 21st January Aquarius 21st February Pisces Thus, if a person is born on the 14th April in any year, the Sun is in the sign Aries; and if on the 9th September, the Sun is in Virgo. But as there are some inequalities due to the difference between the regular motion of the Sun through the signs and the irregular division of our very artificial calendar, the months and the signs do not exactly coincide, and for this reason it is necessary either to consult an Ephemeris or to have a proper horoscope erected for the date of birth. It will then be seen not only where the Sun is but also where the Moon may be at the same time. Now if the signs which are held by the Sun and Moon in a horoscope of birth are in good aspect to one another, that is, 60 or 120 degrees apart, the person then born will be happy in marriage and will enjoy the friendship as well as the companionship of his partner, and the same holds good in regard to a female horoscope. The signs which are in sextile or trine to one another are: Aries is sextile to Gemini and Aquarius, trine to Sagittarius and Leo; Taurus is sextile to Cancer and Pisces, trine to Virgo and Capricorn; Gemini is sextile to Aries and Leo, trine to Libra and Aquarius; Cancer is sextile to Taurus and Virgo, trine to Scorpio and Pisces. This will enable anyone to determine whether this harmonising configuration of the Sun and Moon exists in his horoscope of birth or not. But even in the event of its absence, the prospects of marital happiness are by no means excluded, for very much depends on the condition at the time of birth. THE HOUSE OF MARRIAGE which otherwise is known as the House of Contracts and Treaties. If at birth the planet Jupiter, or the planet Venus, should be therein it is a presumptive argument for a fortunate marriage, and any other planet such as Saturn or Mars, Uranus or Mercury being therein and well aspected by the Moon in a male horoscope, or by the Sun in a female horoscope, there will be good reason for presuming that marriage will be satisfactory and that the contract will hold. The planet occupying the House of Marriage is, however, an index to the eventualities which circumscribe the marital life. Thus if Jupiter is the planet occupying the House of Marriage, the partner will be fortunate, robust, generous, full of vitality and good nature and as the planetary signature indicates, will be “jovial” and fond of good living, and bountiful in all things. If Venus is the planet in occupation, then the partner will be refined, cultivated, gentle and of good tastes, genial and persuasive, but not forceful or assuming, but kindly and sympathetic and at the same time fortunate. They are usually houseproud and very neat and artistic and tend always to beautify and adorn their homes. If Saturn, being well aspected, is the occupying planet, the partner will be careful, saving, industrious, a little on the near and sparing side of things, but methodical and thrifty and much given to regime. Not altogether a comfortable partner, but safe. One who is guided by principle and always ready to conform to his own rules of conduct, rigid but consistent. This position of Saturn in a female horoscope frequently indicates marriage to a widower, and more especially when Mars is in good aspect to Saturn. When Mars is the occupying planet, it denotes a partner who has much ambition, energy, self-assertion, and enterprise, and not infrequently a man in whose horoscope this planet holds the House of Marriage finds that it is the woman who “wears the trousers”. But as we are dealing now only with those horoscopes in which the planet thus situated at birth is well aspected, and therefore favourable to the prospects of marriage, we may conclude that Mars thus placed is a good asset inasmuch as a man may expect his wife to be capable, executive, industrious, vigorous and forceful, and well able to look after their mutual interests; while a woman will find her husband under Mars influence to be enterprising, active, courageous and in all respects manly, though at times excessive in expression of feelings. The Sun or Moon in the House of Marriage, and well aspected, will bring a congenial and happy marriage which will greatly be helped by success and good fortune. In effect, then, we have to look to the House of Contracts if we would know to what issues we are committed by reason of our entering into the bonds of marriage. This being satisfactory, in terms of the above indications, it will be an additional testimony of harmonious relations should the Sun and Moon in any part of the heavens be in good aspect to one another, as previously stated. When both these testimonies are present, marriage can be looked forward to as the continuous fulfilment of the promise of life. SIGNS OF DISCORD are present when the Sun and Moon in a horoscope are badly configurated, that is to say, in square or opposition aspect. These conditions are present when the birth takes place at any phase of the Moon, namely, at the first quarter, Full Moon, or last quarter, for then the luminaries are either in quadrature or in opposition to one another. At the New Moon, when they are in conjunction, it will depend on whether they are well aspected or not as to how they will affect the marriage prospects, for when in conjunction and well aspected there will be happiness and good fortune attending marriage, as already stated, but otherwise should the luminaries be badly aspected by the planets at the time of their conjunction. Incompatibility of temperament is the usual result of the luminaries being in evil aspect to one another at birth, a condition that is due to the lack of adaptability and co- ordination in the mind of the person thus born. It is a frequent source of unhappiness in the marriage state. Apart from this indication, however, there is that which arises from the presence of planets in the house of Contracts, either evil in themselves or marred by the bad aspects of other planets to them. Following the lines already set up, it will be seen that the Sun and Moon are in bad aspect to one another when at the quadratures or the full. When they are conjoined at New Moon, and found at birth in the western angle, i.e., near to and before sunset, the aspects of the planets to them must be carefully considered, for if they are then badly aspected there will be misfortune and sorrow as the result of marriage and the partnership will not endure. Neptune in the House of Marriage shows a mésalliance, deceptions, intrigues, and frequently alienation, and these evils are certain to happen if Neptune is badly aspected at the time of birth. Uranus in the western angle or House of Marriage denotes a fractious and independent spirit, apt to go off at a tangent, self-assertive and contentious, erratic and frequently eccentric, by no means a congenial or reliable person to take for a life-partner. Saturn in the western angle shows a cold, reserved and avaricious nature, a resentful and unforgiving spirit, frequently mean and even cruel. Jupiter indicates an extravagant and boastful nature, much given to all forms of excess, boastful and bombastic. Mars denotes a violent and destructive person, very irascible and always more or less in a ferment, self-assertive, petulant and aggressive. Venus denotes one of easy-going, lax and self-indulgent disposition, frequently slovenly and superficial, often weak and colourless in character and quite a useless person to have about one. These descriptions answer to the characteristics of the partner to which the planets incline when the planet occupying the House of Marriage is afflicted by evil aspects of other planets or the luminaries. Therefore it will be