Chapter XVI. The Nature of the Twelve Signs of the ZopiAc（续 1）

There are two distinct natures in the Gemini, and it would seem as though the mind had not completely severed itself from the lower senses, and we can endorse one astrological writer's comment on this sign, that the Gemini persons reason from their sensations. To understand the nature of the sign Gemini, two clear ideas are necessary : first, that it is a positive, airy sign ; second, that it is also a common or mutable sign, and from these two factors we know, that it is a sign that causes restlessness and a constant desire for change. It gives quickness in movement, and when governing those who are developed, it gives aptitude in abstract things; but when those who are undeveloped come under its influence, it causes irritability, indecision, and a highly impressionable nature. We find many literary persons who cater for the public taste, such as newspapet men, reporters, collectors of news and scrappy details, <:oming under this

sign. The sign Gemini seems to lack concentration, although there is often motive behind all its actions; but the worst trait of character with which it endows its children is diffusion. They may be subject to many extremes and moods, but they never lack versatility, which makes those bom under the influence of this sign the best persons to call upon in an emergency.

*We'now come to the fourth sign of the zodiac, Cancer, the first of the watery triplicity, and the second of the cardinal signs* This sign we have placed with those concerned with the negative emotions. The sign Cancer is the most receptive and sensitive sign of the zodiac. This sign may be likened to a limpid lake, and its ripples may be caused either by movement from within or injection from without. It is first negative and then acute, nearly always requiring action to come from without to stimulate and awaken its latency. From this we may judge that it is the sign which has precedence in all personal matters. The Moon has her greatest affinity with this sign ; it is, therefore, the most plastic, and all the personal feelings and emotions that spring out of sensation, fancy, and the best imagination arise from the condition of this sign. Like the lake, it reflects and gives back an image of all that is reflected into it, and from this simile we can understand why the Cancer person has a most retentive memory. It is only when the lake is clear and free from disturbance that images can be correctly reflected, and by the same analogy, it is only when the feelings are impersonal and unbiased that they reflect the true conditions of the soul. If not taken in too literal a sense, the three watery signs may be considered as representing the three aspects of the soul, animal^ human and spiritual. Cancer in a general sense is the negative half of Leo, and represents the sensitive human soul ; but this is not to be taken as a hard and fast rule, for the sign is one of form, and represents the film or shell only. - There is one feature about this sign that may be learned from the crab, its physical representative, and that is, tenacity. The Cancer persons can hold on, crab-Hke, and they will suffer extremely before they will let go. When undeveloped, they retain feelings connected with the lower emotions, and are then often peevish, morose and sour- tempered persons ; but when advanced, and receptive to the very best influences, they know how to economise and make excellent providers from their nourishing, succouring and

su3tamii3g condition, which is , always at the disposal of those who requixe tjjeir protection. Weakness and strength are combined in this ^sign, as we can seie by the illu;stration that the crab may be as easily crushed as it is difficult to rel<ease one*s-self from the nip of its claw. Cancer gives a love of fame morq than ambition. The negative cardinal signs prefer greatness to descend upon them rather than to achieve it. When pure, the Cancer types of humanify are very psychic, and from their receptive condition they become in- . tuitive and absorb the conditions of others, readily sensing the psychic atmosphere around th^ixi. Their greatest fault when undeveloped is their inactivity, and they need a stimulus from without to move them to action. The first feeling in the savage is hunger, which awakens the dormant feelings that eventually make the growing ego hungry .

for food for the rfiind as well as food for the body ; a centre has to be '

formed, and the first centre is that which is formed in the breast, where all the <ini?st feelings reside, to be eventually expressed by the true Cancer nature, which is the motherhood or maternal principle. If sensitive and easily wounded, they are also loyal and conservative in regard to their ties and duties.

The fifth sign of the zodiac, Leo, is a fiery, positive sign, ruling the heart. This is the central sign of the fiery triplicity, and from its fixed i^ature we may judge that the higher emotions are the chief centre of activity. In all the fixed signs we may expect either indifference and obstinacy, or firmness and fixity of purpose. Power wxd austerity are the marked characteristics of the Leo nature, and the will is usually more internal than external ; it is a sign of strength and magnanimity. The passional nature is keen and ardent, all the feelings coming direct from the heart. From its position as centre of the fiery signs, it is more potent and full of meaning than the other fiery signs (this appHes to the central sign of each triplicity). Love of power and command are the chief Leo characteristics ; they Jive in a world of their own creation, and nothing seems too great for their ideality. Being full of faith they accomplish and achieve by persistent determination ; to them their will is law. When developed, they carry around them the most harmonious vibrations of the twelve . signs, and have the power to soothe and heal. This sign prompts the higher emotions and gives love of honesty and the higher morahty. When undeveloped, the characteristics are pride, arrogance and extreme passion.

In dealing with Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, we first note that it is a ne^tive earthy, mutable sigh, governing the objective mind. It is the central sign of the earthy triplicity, and, in common with the earthy signs, it governs the practical and solid side of formative life. It is a sign conferring upon its subjects industry and the ability to follow many different pursuits, and the powers of adaptability to circum* stance and environment. In this sign are provided all the requirements of the business nature. The mind is full of feeling of the objective type, and the whole nature is very psychic, pliable and instinctive.

This completes the general description of the first six signs of the zodiac. The remaining six may be briefly dealt with, a repetition of the method for judgment being unnecessary.

Libra is the centre of the airy signs, and cardinal in quality. It denotes balance, justice and equilibrium. It is an ambitious and aspiring sign, refined, harmonious, and expansive in nature, Inteh lectually, it gives wonderful powers of perception and comparison, and when developed, those who are under its influence are compassionate and lovers of unity and equality. This sign represents the state of consciousness that is between the higher and the lower emotions ; the dispassionate and equalised state of the intellect, the pure mind^ free from the senses : it represents the point in human evolution in which the mind is weighed in the balance. Libra being tl;^ central aign of the zodiac.

Scorpio is a fixed sign, and the centre of the negative watery signs. It is the sign of reserved force and power. This may be termed a formative sign. Moulded by feelings, the character is of the strongest type, the worst as well as the best characters being formed under the influences of this sign. In the undeveloped we find pride, jealousy, and secretiveness, and the power (or evil works in the direction of hatred and vindictiveness. In the developed we find the powers of the magician concealed, Scorpio being the most mystical of signs.