Chapter XVIII. The Solar-Lunar Combinations

It often happens that the birth time is not accurately known any further than the day of the month and year, this rendering it impossible to cast the horoscope. When this is the case, the Sun in the signs as delineated in Chapter IV. will give us some indication as to the individual character, but it is often found that these individual characteristics have to be considerably modified. It then becomes necessary to know what sign the Moon occupied on the day of birth, and to enable those who do not know the time on the day they were bom, the Moon's position is given in the chapters that follow from the year 1850 to 1900.

It is quite true that the solar position considerably influences the permanent or moral character of the native, also that the Moon exercises a considerable amount of influence, according to the sign she is in, over the personal character or that part of the consciousness that is expressed through the brain, and when the foregoing chapters have been carefully studied so as to know the exact value of these solar and lunar positions, it becomes a simple matter of blending these two influences together to discover the characteristics of those born on certain days. The following blending of the Sun and Moon in the various signs, which may be called solar and lunar combinations, will apply to all persons born on those days irrespective of the other planetary positions, but ni6dified to a considerable extent by the rising sign, which will be dealt with separately in the succeeding chapters.

The principle upon which these solar-lunar combinations are based is to make the Sun the positive, primary, and life-giving element, and the Moon the negative or secondary and formative element, and when the nature of the sign is thoroughly understood, it can easily be seen

how iar the life side, as represented by the Sun, influences the character, or -how far the form side, as represented by the Moon, affects the personality. And to save much confusion, the student should impress the fact on his mind that the Sun represents the life side, governing the individual, and the Moon the form side, governing the whole of the personal and physical characteristics. These two symbols blended together represent spirit- matter, the one being dependent on the other for expression. The following blend of the life and form principles should now be carefully studied.

The Sun's apparent passage through the celestial sign Aries has been thoroughly described in Chapter IV., therefore it is only necessary to now observe that the primary characteristics of the Sun in this sign are force and energy, and the fundamental basis of the character will consist of an ambitious, aspiring, enthusiastic nature ; and during the month that the Sun remains in this sign, the twelve lunar positions will either considerably modify this primary influence or accentuate it, and increase its manifestation. But without the Moon to focus the rays of the Sun and collect the influences that are constantly being distributed, the individual character would always be flying off at a tangent, having no medium through which it could be focussed. But in studying each one of these combinations it will be well to remember that the solar force is the primary influence, the lunar centre always being a negative, secondary, and expressive aspect.

This is equivalent to the Sun and the Moon being in conjunction, or in the first house of the horoscope, and with regard to character, will act in a similar manner. This position of Sun and Moon will accentuate the consciousness in the brain, giving great activity of thought and quickness of perception, with strong inclinations to excitement, endowing those born under this combination with an intense desire to be at the head of all things; to be intellectual leaders and pioneers in all mental affairs. The Sun will in this case be stronger than the Moon, the sign Aries being of a fiery nature, and

not watery like. the Moon. Over-work^ excessive worry, intense excitement, and too much activity would tend to produce diseases of the brain, and if persisted in,, would finally produce mental derangemeiftt. This combination increases the self-esteem and love of approbation> and through too much independence brings changes in life and many troubles following on impulsive action and rash conduct. It will cause those under its influence to gravitate to positions of trust and responsibility, or where responsibility is undertaken.

The Sun is exalted in the sign Aries, and the Moon in the sign Taurus. This combination strengthens the positive and negative elements, and produces a very strong character. The* physical side of the nature is practical; but with the force of the Sun in Aries behind it, the character becomes a very determined one, the ideal and practical being very well blended. The disposition is composed of the Martial Venusian elements, and the sensuous nature is called into activity. The intellect and intuitions are very marked, but there is a great tendency to be self-willed and dogmatic. The magnetic forces are very powerful, and all the senses very keen, the Moon in Taurus supplying what the Sun in Aries usually lacks. It is a splendid combination for mental expression, and the nature tends to become harmonious; but there is a great deal of sensitiveness. Those bom under this combination may become mental and physical healers, especially along the Hues of hygiene. This sign gives an abundance of vitality. It tends to make the hfe fortunate, the personality being able to carry out the ideals of the Aries individuality. This is a good position for financial success in Hfe, also for positions of trust and authority.

I. -III. {Sinister Sextile) This combination gives a considerable amount of mental activity and manual dexterity, and there is apt to be a great deal of restlessness and over-exertion. The nature is a very changeable one, loving variety and expression ; but there is a lack of determination and tenacity of purpose. This combination gives refinement and artistic tendencieF, and makes those under its influence good novelists and

clever writers of fiction. The dualistic tendencies of the Moon caus^ much of the qualities of Aries to be wasted, and there is often more said than is done. It is not a very reliable combination until thought-control has been practised, but it favours mechanical ability. Over-activity and excitement will tend to produce nervous troubles, and rest will often be required to restore harmony to the system. This position is good for travel and all literary undertakings and promises some success in life through mental efforts.

This is an exceedingly sensitive combination, giving a considerable amount of ambition and a love of fame ; but the Moon being receptive in the sign Cancer, it adds to all the splendid ideals of the Aries nature. It increases the intuitive and psychic faculties, expands the imagination, improves the memory and strengthens the brain. The sensitiveness of this combination causes those born under it to feel very keenly the surrounding conditions, but they are easily able to reason and arrive at correct conclusions when not too approbative ; there is generally a great deal of anxiety, especially in regard to domestic affairs or matters connected with home life. Care in diet is necessary for the successful expression of this combination, as the health is often marred by worry and anxiety. It gives success in life through matters connected with horticulture, and gives ability to design and plan, especially in architecture.

This combination gives remarkable intuition, a very affectionate and warm heart, but an innate sensitiveness to the surrounding thought sphere. It is a harmonious blend and acts more upon the feelings, stimulating the heart into greater activity, the brain feeding the heart as it were, this causing the intuitions and spiritual aspirations to be very keen. This very harmonious combination gives a tendency to religious thought, clear thinking, and correct mental impressions. The metaphysical is easily encouraged, and there is a certain amount of originality of thought and action. Extremes in affairs of the heart will act injuriously and the health would '