‘ASTROLOGY Guide to Your SEX LIFE Vivian E. RobsonCONTENTS Chapter CN ot Ot oN) 10 12 3 iq is 16 17 18 19 20 24 22 23 24 Foreword Introduction Part One ASTROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF Your STaR SEX SyMBoL. The Sex of the Astrological Factors The Sex of the Native The Sex Outlook of the Signs The Houses and Marriage The Seventh House The Influence of Planets in the Seventh House Part Two THE Stars’ INFLUENCE ON SEXUAL ABNORMALITIES Sexual Abnormalities Homosexuality Sadism Masochism and other Abnormalities Marriage Irregular and Mlegal Unions Part Three Happy MARRIAGE DETERMINED BY THE PosITION oF YouR STARS Marriage or Celibacy Determining the Date of Marriage The Marriage Partner How to Read Details How to Compare Horoscopes The Effect of Aspects between Horoscopes Mundane Comparison Directional Comparison The Hindu Method of Comparison Choosing the Wedding Date The Consummation of Marriage Classified Rules and Aphorisms Appendix, For the Beginner Page 47 Ese 55 59 62To my friends HARRY and ELLA ELLIOT-BALL under whose roof in a quiet corner of England this book was writtenFOREWORD This book examines the wide field of Astrology and its relation to the sex life of the individual man and woman. The Astrological student and lay-reader, seeking guidance in overcoming sexual problems and searching for a satisfactory partner with whom to enter the bonds of marriage will find this book invaluable, A new light is thrown on the complexities of sexual life and the work is illustrated by seven horoscope charts including those of such historical characters as Oscar Wilde, Tchaikovsky, the Marquis de Sade and so on. Vivian E. RobsonINTRODUCTION It is usual when writing a book upon any special subject to begin by defining that subject and describing its general nature and principles. In the case of sex we face an insuperable difficulty at the outset, for we are concerned with the most fundamental principle in nature. Sex is a manifestation of the principles of duality and of the “pairs of opposites” which form the basis of the created universe as we know it. i do not propose to embark upon a metaphysical study of the subject, but it would be necessary to do so in order to obtain some grasp of the meaning of sex. Briefly, we can imagine a primordial state of affairs in which time and space are non-existent and there exists some mysterious Universal Consciousness, or perhaps Unconsciousness, such as is postulated in the conception’ of Parabrahman. The act of creation or the genesis of evolution, at once necessi- tates duality—the Creator and the Created. With the extreme conservatism of nature, every aspect of life reflects this duality, and the existence of every material object, attribute, or idea implies the existence also of its opposite. So, we have night and day, heat and cold, good and bad, black and white, positive and negative, and male and female, all of which are merely Complementary aspects of an underlying unity. It is quite useless to expect astrology can furnish an explanation of sex differences, That is entirely beyond its province. It can, however, throw a deal of light on the problems of daily life directly due to the existence of such differences. It is with this aspect of the study of Astrology that we will be concerned in this book.Part One CHAPTER I The Sex of the Astrological Factors The principle of duality and sex is shown to a marked extent by factors which go to make up an individual horoscope—the planets, signs, and houses. Each factor possesses an influence of a positive or negative kind, and has a definite relation to one sex or the other, the positive factors being of a masculine nature, and the negative of a feminine. This classification is by no means merely one of convenience. To be told that one particular sign or house is masculine and another one feminine strikes one at first as fanciful, but, in the practical judgment of a horoscope, such considerations become of great importance when one is dealing with the sexual life of the “native”, or subject of the horoscope. The Planets The ancient astrologers were confused in regard to the sex of the planets. Most of their contradictions arose from a failure to dis- tinguish between the natural sex of the planet and the sex of the position it occupies in the horoscope. A further cause of trouble was their habit of trying to fit everything into a neat apple-pie order, which though a satisfying process, is a most prolific source of error in Astrology. According to Ptolemy, those planets with a dry influence are masculine, those with a moist influence, feminine. According to Placidus, the masculine planets are ‘hot and cold’ the feminine ‘dry and moist’. These are attempts, and conflicting ones at that, to bring the sex of the planets into line with their humours or temperaments, an unnecessary and artificial method of distinction. The most natural course is to consider the positive or negative nature of a planet's influence rather than its relation to mediaeval physiological theories. The heads of the respective sexes among the planets are the Sun and Moon, the former being the chief masculine planet and the latter the chief feminine one.10 Astrology Of the remaining bodies, Venus and Neptune are feminine, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are masculine. The recently discovered planet Pluto can, | think, also be included among the latter. ‘The planet Mercury cannot be definitely assigned to efther séx and is usually called an hermaphrodite planet, or one which can take on the attributes of either sex. The nature of Mercury alone is chiefly masculine. As it assumes the nature of the planet with which it is in strongest aspect, or the planet that rules the sign containing it, the sex characteristics it displays will vary in different horoscopes, being masculine in some, feminine in others, and occasionally dual in cases of physical or psychic hermaphroditism. The planets in a horoscope represent not only personal qualities and characteristics but also the people with whom the native comes into contact, and by whom he is influenced. The masculine planets normally represent the male relatives, friends and acquaintances and the feminine ones the women. I use the word normally, because it sometimes happens that a male planet represents a woman of a very masculine type, and a female planet denotes an effeminate man, but these are exceptional cases with which I am not at the moment concerned. Mature Men In a general way, the Sun denotes men of mature years, and those who are in an influentiai or authoritative position, or exercise some control over the native or his affairs. The Sun stands for royalty and the nobility, the father, the employer, and, in a woman’s horoscope, the husband. Younger Men Mars denotes younger men, typically those in the thirties, or late twenties, when the physical powers and energies are at their height. Jupiter represents men of middle age and assured position, pro- fessional men in the forties or fifties, and among relatives, the native's uncles, Elderly Men Saturn rules elderly men in the sixties or over, whose habits are set and whose thoughts dwell in the past rather than the future. Aged People Uranus is usually said to indicate very aged people, grandparents, and others whose age is beyond the limits of Saturn. In practical astrology however, it will be found that while Uranus undoubtedlyand Human Sex Life ar rules grandparents, it does not usually indicate people of advanced age. It more frequently denotes those of a Uranian type such as occultists, inventors, aviators, electricians, eccentrics, and some- times homosexuals. Youth Mercury represents youths and young people of either sex, as well as writers, clerks, messengers, and others who follow Mecurial occupations. Among relatives it typically denotes contemporaries, or in other words, brothers, sisters, and cousins. Women Among the feminine planets the Moon is the chief significator of women in general and the whole female sex. If very strong in the horoscope it greatly increases the feminine qualities such as sensitivity, imagination, and intuition, and is one of the factors making for effeminacy in men, provided, of course, that other influences agree. Ammong relatives the Moon rules the mother and the wife. Venus normally indicates a more refined and artistic type of woman than the Moon, though if Venus is badly placed and afflicted it can denote women of the lowest type. There is, however, usually rather more charm about the woman indicated by Venus than attaches to her lunar sister, no matter to what stratum of society she may belong. Among relatives Venus rules younger women than the Moon. Neptune, the other planet whose nature is a feminine one, does not appear specially to indicate women in the horoscope at all, and quite as often represents men. The sex indications here seem to point much more directly to the mental and psychic nature of the person represented than to the physical sex. Those whose nature is receptive, psychic, or effeminate are among the people indicated by Neptune, and so are passive homosexuals, masochists, drug addicts, and others of a markedly negative type. Signs of the Zodiac The signs of the zodiac are alternatively of a positive and nega- tive nature. The positive or masculine ones are the odd signs, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius. The negative or femininé ones are the even signs Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces, This is simplicity itself, as to a lesser extent was the question of the sex of the planets. But when we come to combine these two factors, a very com- plicated problem can arise, such as the exact sex influence exerted by a masculine planet in a feminine sign or vice-versa.a2 Astrology It is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rules in regard to this matter, but, in the majority of cases, the sign is of greater importance as a sex indicator than the planet it contains. The problem is still further complicated by the fact that each sign may be divided up in a great variety of ways, and that the sub-divisions so formed are themselves alternatively masculine and feminine. I do not propose to describe the sub-divisions of the signs, how- ever, for any benefit to be obtained by their use is more than counter-balanced by the added confusion and complication arising from the attempt to combine so many factors, Houses of the Horoscepe The sex of the houses follows the same rule as that of the signs, the odd houses being masculine and the even ones feminine. The four quadrants also possess a sex influence, the south-east quadrant, comprising houses, 12, 11, and 10 being masculine; the south-west, or houses 9, 8, and 7, feminine; the north-west, or houses 6, 5, and 4, masculine; and the north-east, or houses 3, 2, and r, feminine, Except in the theory of the Pre-Natal Epoch very little use is ever made in practical astrology of the sex influence of the houses, and the subject has never received the attention it probably deserves, It is much more in keeping with the general principles of astrology that sex should depend upon house position rather than sign position, and an investigation into this problem might well produce some very valuable results. Bailey has stated in his Pre-Natal Epoch that the sex of newly- formed organisms reproduced by fission follows the sex arrange- ment of the quadrants. | have noticed cases in which the Sex Laws of the Epoch appear to operate better when referred to house position than to zodiacal degrees. I have no intention of raising highly controversial issues in this place, however, and would merely draw the attention of the astro- logical student to a very promising field of research.CHAPTER If The Sex of the Native One would imagine that a knowledge of the sex influences of the various factors which go to make up a horoscope would enable the astrologer to be able to judge the sex of any native whose horo- scope is placed before him. I have no doubt that a fuller knowledge of the subject than we now possess will eventually enable us to do so, but at present we have no reliable method whatsoever of judging the bodily sex of © any given horoscope, though the mental or psychic sex can very easily be determined. It does not follow that the presence of all the planets in masculine signs and positions means that the native is a man, any more than that an equal number of feminine positions indicates a woman. What does follow from this is that the native ought to be a man or woman as the case may be, and, in fact, is so from the mental or psychic point of view, no matter in what bodily form he or she may be incarnated. It is, in fact, largely to this conflict between the psychic and bodily sex that many of the common sexual perversions owe their existence, According to the theory of the Pre-natal Epoch the bodily sex is determined by the position of the Moon and the ascendant, Unfortunately, it is their position at the Epoch and not at birth that governs the matter, The Pre-natal Epoch is a moment approximately nine months before birth when the place of the Moon or its opposition point at birth is rising or setting, and the place of the birth ascendant or descendant is that which is occupied by the Moon. The principle, which was originally known as the Trutine of Hermes, was stated in its simplest terms by Ptolemy in his sist Aphorism as follows:—"“Make the sign occupied by the Moon at the time of birth the sign ascending at the conception; and consider that in which she may be posited at the conception, or the opposite one, as the sign ascending at the birth’. For many years this principle formed the basis of a simple method of rectifying the birthtime, until about fifty years ago the14 Astrology astrologer Sepharial began to experiment with it and to elaborate it. He introduced certain rules based upon the relative positions of the ascendant and Moon, and Sun and Moon, which determined whether the period of gestation was longer or shorter than the normal value of 273 days. In order to regulate the variations caused by the uncertainty as to whether the interchange involved the actual places of the Moon and ascendant or their opposition points he ascribed sex influences to definite areas of the zodiac. These were originally arranged with reference to the Kabalistic Sephiroth, but were subsequently changed and based upon the twentyeight Lunar Mansions. Various considerations, not the least being that the so-called date of conception often fell prior to marriage, led to the abandonment of the idea that the horoscope obtained by these rules represented that of conception. The term Pre-natal Epoch was introduced as a substitute, Sepharial’s brilliant but restless mind soon turned to other lines of work, and it was left to Mr. E. H. Bailey to carry on his researches into the theory and practice of Pre-natal Astrology, and to produce an excellent work entitled The Pre-natal Epoch. The net result of Sepharial’s and Bailey's investigations into the simple Trutine of Hermes has been to evolve a system of rectifica- tion working under many complicated, but fixed and definite rules in which the Law of Sex, as it is called, is of paramount importance. Probably no aspect of Astrology has ever led to so much acri- monious discussion as has the Pre-natal Epoch, and the Law of Sex in particular has been the subject of fierce criticism. Unfortunately, the vigour and enthusiasm of attackers and defenders alike have not helped either cause, and there still remain challenges that have never been satisfactorily answered. But no matter whether one be entirely satisfied with the Epochal laws in their present form or not, an impartial examination of the Epoch is enough to carry the conviction that there is a great deal of truth in it. In a general survey of the application of Astrology to the sex problems of everyday life, the theory of the Pre-natal Epoch is at present of little value. Its chief promise, however, lies in the possibility that further research will enable us not only to diagnose the sex of any horo- scope presented to us, but also to regulate the sex of children before conception occurs. Certain results obtained by Bailey indicate that the places of the Moon and ascendant at the time of coition afford a further inter- change with those at Epoch and at birth.and Human Sex Life 1s Research along these lines is necessarily slow owing to the very great difficulty of obtaining data. If, however, the underlying laws governing these futher interchanges can be formulated, it will be possible to arrange the moment of intercourse so that a child of the required sex will be born at a predetermined date and time. CHAPTER OT The Sex Outlook of the Signs A thorough understanding of the nature of each of the zodiacal signs is a necessary preliminary to all astrological judgment. In the case of marriage we have to consider not only the influence of the sign upon the personal life and character, but also its effect when representing another person. If one could legitimately and safely pick out one single factor in the horoscope as of primary importance, it would certainly be the sign rising on the ascendant, for it is through this that the native contacts the world. If the horoscope is thought of as a house with twelve separate rooms, the ascendant may be likened to the front door. All kinds of things may go on inside the house, but in order to convey them ta the outside world it is necessary for the inmate to go out through the front door, which in this particular house is the only door available. : All the expressions, actions, and habits are coloured by the ascendant. No matter how strong the inside of the map may be it is impossible for this strength to operate fully through a weak rising sign. Obviously, therefore, the outlook of this sign upon sex will always be one of the most important factors to be taken into account. A full description of the influence of each of the signs would cover many large volumes, even if any single person could possess the knowledge to compile it. Fortunately, a good working acquaint- ance can easily be obtained, and usually amplified fairly easily by personal observation. Every book on Astrology tends to deal with the most favourable side of each of the signs, and ignores most of the faults and short- comings. In marriage, however, it is the latter which are ultimately of16 Astrology chief importance. In everyday life they cannot be so conveniently relegated to the background. The following remarks, intentionally stress the less pleasant characteristics, which show themselves under affliction. t. ARIES Aries is a rash, impetuous, and headstrong sign, impulsive in love affairs and marriage as in everything else. It is passionate. At the same time there is a deal of idealism. Sexual indulgence is a matter more of sudden impulse than of deliberate seeking. It is a positive type which does not harmonise well with a positive partner. It tends to seek someone of a weaker nature whom it can impress with its masculine qualities and can protect. _ A man with Aries rising is attracted by beauty and apparent helplessness. He needs a wife content to remain in the background and duly admire his prowess and ability when it is expected of her. Normally Aries is a better sign for a man than for a woman. The Aries woman is too masterful, too much of a whirlwind in the house, She is capable, generous, easily becomes loud, self-opinion- ated, shrewish, and “bossy” under affliction. The Aries nature is an intense one, capable of sudden violence and great jealousy. With suitable afflictions, especially from Mars or Uranus, a sadistic tendency can easily develop. By itself, it is too direct, simple and primitive a sign to lend itself readily to perver- sion. It strives for leadership, whether in man or woman. Unless the partner is content to be led, constant friction will develop. Partly for this reason Aries marriages are often unhappy though other factors contribute to cause disharmony. One of them is a tendency to physical or psychic sex weakness which is sometimes present in the Aries man, or to sexual indifference in the Aries woman. Another is the propensity of the Aries man, and sometimes of the woman also, to indulge in promiscuous flirtations and love affairs. The reason underlying such affairs is that they flatter the Aries vanity. In the man, at least there is the additional instinctive search for the ideal, so common in the male, so often cause of matrimonial infidelity. 2. TAURUS The Taurus has a very strong sex nature, chiefly physical, but, at the same time, it is not by any means a fickle sign. The Taurus man is often lustful. This may frequently drive him to excesses. Tendencies to sexual self-indulgence are comparable with theand Human Sex Life 7 equally strong tendencies to over-eating, and are due for the most part to purely animal instincts, and not to the search for the ideal, love of variety, or the desire for new experiences shown by many of the other signs. At heart, Taurus is faithful, good-natured, easily satisfied and patient. As a husband he is of the “stick-in-the-mud” type, happy and contented if his slippers are properly warmed, his dinner plentiful and to his liking. One of the most marked characteristics of the sign, however, is obstinacy, Neither the man nor the woman with Taurus rising can be driven, though he or she can very easily be led by affection. Taurus is a silent sign, not very demonstrative. Feelings are deep and strong, inclined to be possessive, though not to the extent shown by certain of the others signs, notably Cancer. Financial affairs usually bulk largely in Taurian marriages, owing to the fact that Taurus is the natural money sign. This sometimes causes marriage for money, but need not necessarily do so. By the law of polarity the exact opposite may occur, the marriage may be one in which lack of money gives rise to critical situations. Another Taurian characteristic of importance in regard to sex matters and marriage is a natural soothing and healing power, which makes the native of that sign a good partner for one with a highly-strung nervous system. Taurus and Gemini harmonise fairly well together. Taurus supplies the steadiness, balance and calm needed by the Gemini native. Mentally there may be friction. The slow mind of Taurus cannot keep pace with the brilliance and rapidity of the Gemini mentality. The marriage of a Gemini man to a Taurus woman can be extremely successful. The woman can put the man’s ideas into practical effect far better than-he can himself. The marriage of a Gemini woman to a Taurus man is not usually so successful, Everything depends, in this case, upon the woman. She may be of immense business. and financial help to her hus- band by allying her keen brain with his steady and practical busi- ness ability. But so often, moderate intellectual ability produces an air of conscious superiority in woman which would irritate even so placid a sign as Taurus. In a case like this such a marriage would be foredoomed to failure. 3. GEMINI The outlook of Gemini is a purely mental one. Sex interests are quite secondary so far as the sign itself is concerned, though other18 Astrology positions in the horoscope may bring them into prominence. Gemini is essentially a cold-blooded sign, without affection and morals. It is a kind of living question-mark. Always seeking to know the reason for everything. Always analysing its own and other people’s thoughts, speech, actions, and reactions. Psycho- logical analysis is a Geminian habit, usually accompanied by extremely, but quite unintentional and unconscious, cruelty. It wants to “see the wheels go round”, is entirely unmindful of the effect of the process upon its victim. The normal attitude of Gemini to sex matters is not only experi- mental, but very largely cool, calculating, and selfish. It is usually considered a fickle and changeable sign, often with considerable justification, but actually the fickleness arises not from wandering affections but from a desire to attain its theoretical ideal. Unfortunately this aim, while always unsatisfactory, is for Gemini entirely impossible of achievement. The ideal varies accord- ing to the mood of the moment, and may swing from one extreme to the other. Gemini is a difficult sign for most people to understand, for it is much more logical than the others. Its analytical nature produces a tendency to read between the lines. Therefore, to imagine that other people mean much more than they say. , The mental quickness also causes rapid changes of thought which leave the natives of slower signs plodding along the road which Gemini has covered in a single leap. Slowness in others is a constant source of annoyance to Gemini, which is, at the best of times, an irritable and highly-strung sign. The wife or husband of a Gemini native must never be mentally dull or obtuse if happiness is to be maintained. Owing to his sensitive nervous system and mental nature, the Gemini person is subject to sexual perversions, perhaps especially to sadism, on account of the natural cruelty of the sign, and its lack of emotion and sympathy. Under affliction, Gemini exhibits criminal tendencies. Its natives readily develop into forgers, thieves and confidence men, where quick. wits and nimble fingers are essential to success. Bigamy is. also in keeping with the Gemini nature, though probably less so than in the case of Sagittarius and Pisces which are more conventional signs, and therefore set more store by the appearance of respectability. The duality of the sign, however, is usually evident in sex matters. Natives of Gemini often carry on two love affairs simul- taneously, and, after marriage, run double establishments.and Human Sex Life 19 4. CANCER Cancer is extremely imaginative and emotional. Its sex outlook is romantic, sentimental, protective, very largely maternal. It is a changeable sign. It is certainly subject to rapidly fluctuating moods but capable of great tenacity and faithfulness where the affections are concerned. There are two characteristics that are of great importance, one being fear of ridicule, the other hatred of criticism, both of which, and especially the latter, deeply affect married life. Cancer in its highest form gives a domesticated nature, love of home and possessions, strong maternal love, and a desire to cherish and protect others. : It is self-sacrificing, seeks little in return for the affection it pours out upon others. Unfortunately, the highest type of Cancer, as of any other sign, is only too rarely encountered, and the undeveloped specimen is much more common in every-day life. Here we find a distortion of all the Cancerian virtues, The domesticated nature becomes sluttishness beyond belief; the love of home and possessions turns into greed, a grasping nature, an inability to let go of anything that comes within the claws, and an equal inability to cease complaining and nagging, The maternal love and protective instincts cause some one person to be singled out for protection at the expense of everyone else. The only way to get on with an undeveloped or afflicted Cancer type is to praise and flatter them an every possible occasion. Never, by any chance, to say a word that could be twisted into the semblance of blame or criticism. Most text-books state that Mercury is chiefly responsible for nagging, and it is true that both Gemini and Virgo can talk, argue, and scold incessantly if afflicted, but that is not quite the same thing. Mercury and the Mercurial signs produce shrews, viragos, and scolds, but Cancer produces the real nagger. The natural tendency of Cancer is to keep on and on, and it seems to have extreme difficulty in stopping. Even when an argument or discussion comes to an end, Cancer can usually be relied upon to revive it and keep hammering at it ad nauseam, . This tendency shows itself in many ways. A chance word of criticism wil] entail hours of work on the part of Cancer to worry or cajole the unfortunate critic into a recantation Dislike of something that Cancer likes will bring an endless spate of reasons—or what passes with Cancer for reasons—for liking that particular thing, and he or she will not rest content until agreement is given for the sake of peace and quietness.20 Astrology ft is often for this reason that the husband of a Cancerian wife will be heard to lavish quite unwarranted praise upon her slightest action, for it is the only way to keep her in a good temper. In cases of an afflicted Cancer, the temper is vicious and spiteful. Never more so than when Mars occupies the sign or the Moon is in Aries or Scorpio. Bad temper is one of Cancer's chief weapons of attack, the others being gush, tears, and nagging. 5. LEO Leo is an intensely loyal, generous, and magnanimous sign, not, as a rule, fortunate in marriage. This may be due to misplaced affection, unwise and impetuous love-making, and too implicit a faith in human nature. There is generally a deeper reason however. Some peculiarity of outlook will often spoil marital happiness, and in probably the majority of cases the question of children will be involved. Leo has a deep love of children and is frequently denied them, or loses them by death, or in some other way experiences great sorrow through a child. Like all the fiery signs, Leo is idealistic and tends to set those it loves upon a-pedestal. This leads to disappointment and disillusionment, broken engage- ments, and unhappy marriages. It has been noticed that the twenty-seventh degree appears to be particularly unfortunate in marriage, and, to a lesser extent, this degree and its immediate neighbours seem to exert much the same effect in the case of the other fixed signs and probably the mutable signs as well. It is certainly an unfavourable point in regard to marriage in the signs Virgo and Gemini. In sex matters Leo tends to adopt a protective role, and likes to be looked up to and admired. The manner is often rather lordly, may be dominating on o¢casion. Leo always likes to have the ordering and management of affairs. Leo women are good managers and excellent hostesses, though upon formal lines. A party organised by a Leo person is generally well-planned but leaves no room for alterations on the spur of the moment. Extravagance is one of their failings, due, in some cases, to lavish generosity. In others, to a love of ostentation and display. . in early life, Leo men are sometimes lady-killers. Leo women seek admiration from whoever will bestow it. The sign is not reallyand Human Sex Life 21 a fickle one but is capable of great faith and loyalty when once the feelings are fully aroused. 6. VIRGO Virgo is the natural sign of virginity, therefore does not really favour marriage at all. The Virgo native is usually sufficient unto himself to a greater or lesser extent, and can usually adapt himself quite comfortably to a celibate life. The sign is a very discriminative and critical one that is not at all easily satisfied. It is fastidious, dislikes being touched, has a deep- rooted fear of infection, all of which characteristics play an import- ant part in the sex outlook of its natives. In women, Virgo sometimes produces a form of homosexuality. This is more unusual in the case of men. Masochism is probably the commonest perversion. . In marriage, Virgo is dutiful, may be much more affectionate than appears on the surface, for the extreme shyness of the sign prevents any exhibition of affection. Virgo make a faithful partner, not usually an exciting one. As a parent, Virgo is not specially successful. The dry, matter-of- fact, critical and faddy or fussy manner is not calculated to win the heart of a child very readily. As a ule, there is no very deep love of children. They are apt to be too much of a nuisance, teo untidy, too noisy to be welcome in the house. As might be expected, Virgo nearly always prefers girls to boys, largely for these reasons. Neatness and tidiness are usually strong Virgo characteristics, and are by no means confined to the women of the sign. This tendency is shown in style of dress, also in care lavished on the home and possessions. Exceptions to this general tidiness, however, are not uncommon. One meets natives of Virgo who appear to be quite careless and untidy. The cause is generally to be found elsewhere in the horoscope, but, even in pronounced cases of apparent carelessness, a love of order or method is somewhere in evidence and affects some particu- jar thing. Virgo rarely praises anything, more often grumbles and criticises. This does not mean very much, however, and is a matter of habit rather than the expression of real disapproval. The general efficiency of the sign leads its native to assume that no one else can do anything so well, so neatly, so methodically as himself, and he is therefore reluctant to deputise work to others. -1f forced to do so, insists on interfering with detailed instructions22 Astrology as to the exact methods to be employed. Under affliction, Virgo makes carping critics and turns its women into shrews and scolds. Normally, it can make a reasonable success of marriage if the partner is of a somewhat similar character. 7. LIBRA Although Libra is the marriage sign by virtue of its relation to the seventh house, the fact that Libra is rising or strongly occupied in a horoscope by no means implies that marriage will take place. Libra has an intense desire for sympathy, love, understanding, companionship. But it is an extremely idealistic sign, hard to satisfy, Fundamentally, Libra has little interest in men. This characteristic is shared by both the men and women of the sign. The women are romantic, tend to be “in love with love” rather than with any particular person other than themselves. In common with the men, they crave admiration and flattery even when they know it is merely flattery. There is no sign quite so capable of wilfully avoiding unpleasant facts or wilfully believing what they know is untrue than Libra. It is not strictly correct to say, as most text-books do, that Libra is an affectionate sign. Actually, Libra has an affectionate manner, not necessarily the same thing. But, below this, there is a great deal of selfishness, and frequently shallowness as well. This is not due entirely to lack of sympathy. Other people’s troubles are never quite real to Libra. It is a sign which prefers to ignore any kind of ugliness and build a world of its own imagining out of the rosy clouds in which it envelops itself. There is no gainsaying the personal charm of Libra, which is never entirely lacking even in its lowest representatives. Sometimes, this charm is an unconscious one, more often, it is deliberately exerted in order to obtain help, favours, and protection. Libra women make ideal hostesses. To be at their best, however, they must have plenty of servants to do the actual work. Libra, though capable enough, dislikes work, especially if it entails soiling the hands, and much prefers to snuggle back into a pile of cushions and to press the bell. The sexual side of marriage makes little, if any, appeal to Libra women. It is doubtful if it really appeals to any great extent to the men either, though it sometimes appears to do so. Young girls and young women of the sign are usually surrounded by many admirers, and obtain a reputation for flirting. In reality, they are seeking admiration, are flattered at the atten- tions they receive. But they are not in any hurry to marry. Thatand Human Sex Life 23 would spoil the good time and would reduce the romantically ideal to the prosaically material. As a result, they play one admirer off against another until, finally, they lose them all and are left with the choice of remaining unmarried or of rushing into marriage with the first available person, This little tragedy is played by the majority of Libra women, and explains why Libra marriages are not as a rule really happy. In most cases, the “first available person” is a man of lower social position who may have been a humble but previously des- pised worshipper. In other cases he may be a wealthy man who seeks someone to grace his home and entertain and impress his important business acquaintances. In either event, the marriage is one of convenience for Libra. Ail affection is on one side only. Libra men are not so disposed to make the best of marriage. They find it extremely difficult to resist feminine wiles and flattery, even if they attempt to do so, and moreover they are always seeking an unattainable ideal. The ultimate result of these characteristics depends upon the rest of the horoscope to a very great extent, but it frequently entails separation and divorce. 8. SCORPIO . Scorpio is by far the strongest and most extreme sign of all. The natives of no other sign can rise to such great heights or sink to such abysmal depths as those of Scorpio. It is a very strongly-sexed sign. The Scorpio native can stand long continued excesses which would quickly break down the constitution of most other signs. As might be expected, the outlook is usually a markedly sexual one, though it is not invariably so. The ability for continence and self-control is quite as great as the desire for self-indulgence. The Scorpio native has an eye to the main chance as a rule, frequently contracts a marriage that offers considerable material advantages. The Scorpio nature is an intensely proud one. Marriage is often entered into in order to obtain money and position. A wife who will, by her social standing or charm of manner, be instrumental in improving the native's worldly standing-and importance, In cases such as this, the Scorpio man tends to seek affection or adventure away from home. He never allows such entanglements to disturb his domestic life, which is kept quite apart from every- thing else. Perhaps the chief faults of Scorpio women are intense jealousy,24 Astrology pride, a dominating disposition, and either sulkiness or sarcasm. There is nothing of the “milk-and-water miss” about Scorpio women, They have strong characters, a keen, if sometimes peculiar, sense of justice and the capacity for very deep and lasting loves and hates. As might be expected from the extreme nature of the sign, marriage can be either very happy or entirely the reverse. A seriously afflicted Scorpio tends to involve tragedy and crime, while liability to brooding, fits of deep gloom and depression, and persecution mania are quite common to a greater or lesser extent according to the degree of affliction. Scorpio itself is not specially subject to sexual perversion, but its sexual nature and its rulership over the sex organs makes it an important factor in cases of perversion, especially those of a homosexual nature. 9. SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius is an open, easy-going sign with a friendly and attractive manner. Natives are usually sportily inclined, fond of out-of-doors games and exercises, intense lovers of freedom. It is not a sign which induces to marriage to any great extent. Both men and women value freedom far too highly to take at all kindly to any sort of restraint or restriction. With a more sexually-minded sign this might lead to free-love and irregular unions, but the Sagittarian is usually too orthodox and conventional. Too concerned with what people will say, to deviate very far from established custom. The desire for admiration makes Sagittarians apt to carry on numerous flirtations. As a rule, however, they do not mean very much, and do not seriously interfere with married life. Natives of this sign are usually bad liars but good detectors, intuitively guess the truth behind any attempt to deceive them. As marriage partners they are friendly rather than affectionate, extremely inquisitive, full of well-meaning but rather wearisome advice. There is a good deal of idealism and enthusiasm in the sign. A strong mentality which sometimes leads to the choice of a marriage partner for apparently excellent reasons which may not prove sound is apparent. Perhaps the worst partner for a Sagittarian is a person of narrow and restricted views. A marriage of this sort degenerates into sarcasm, bickering, and general unhappiness, which sometimes leads to separation. Provided Sagittarius is not too tied and restricted, however,and Human Sex Life 25 marriage is generally reasonably satisfactory. and is not character- ised by extremes of any kind. 10. CAPRICORN Capricorn is not usually considered a strongly sexual sign, but - there is no doubt that it can exhibit a very considerable degree of cold-blooded lustfulness. It is a narrow sign, lending itself easily to perversion, especially in the directions of sadism and homosexuality, less commonly, in that of masochism. . In normal cases the ambitions influence matrimonial affairs to a very great extent, The Capricorn native usually seeks some material advantage in marriage. At the same time, there is considerable sex-consciousness. The relations of a Capricorn native with members of the opposite sex are really quite natural or free from this characteristic. The men have a strong protective instinct. Women, though per- fectly capable of looking after themselves and their affairs, affect an appealing air and seek protection. Capricorm peopie are born managers. Not content with managing their own and their partner's lives they seek to manage the lives of everyone else with whom they come into contact. The women use every effort to advance the career of their hus- bands and relatives, and are frequently strikingly successful: in making something out of quite unpromising material. Many prominent politicians and business men owe their position and success almost entirely to their Capricornian wives. When afflicted, Capricorn is narrow, selfish, grasping and miserly, is usually a misogynist or a misogamist. At the best of times it is not an affectionate sign, and makes a much more dutiful than loving partner or parent. The rigidity of the outlook and the Mosaic sense of justice make Capricorn an apparently vindictive sign. This is not strictly the case, however. Capricorn people set great store by their rights and are unforgiving. An offence must be expiated by just and adequate punishment, or even by retaliation. But this attitude is not a vindictive one. it is rather a rigid insistence upon absolute justice untempered by mercy. In matrimonial life, lapses upon the part of the husband or wife are rarely forgiven and never forgotten. There is no second chance for the partner of a Capricorn native, though he or she may stray on occasion. Capricornian marriages, however, are usually lasting, perhaps because Capricorn rarely marries in haste, and is more likely to err26 Astrology through over-caution in choosing a partner than by careless or impulsive love-making. tr, AQUARIUS ~ Aquarius belongs to the idealistic group of signs. In common with the rest of the group it is not particularly concerned with sexual matters, It is a contemplative, philosophical sort of sign, with great interest in life and humanity, deeply absorbed in humanitarian ideals, advanced political movements, and scientific subjects dealing with life rather than form. The Aquarian outlook is a very friendly one. Friendship very largely replaces possessive love and sexuality. In spite of a progressive outlook Aquarius is rigid in matters of morality, tends to hold old-fashioned and early Victorian ideas in regard to the behaviour and treatment of its women-folk. Under affliction, Aquarians become ineffective, hazy, muddlers and shiftless wastrels. As a rule they are clumsy, blundering, harm- less, well-meaning people with little back-bone and less common- sense, The normal Aquarian partner is friendly, helpful, very susceptible to praise and flattery. The idealism of the sign, does not altogether favour happiness or contentment in marriage, especially in the men. This may lead to wandering affections. Aquarian love affairs after marriage may also cause separation and divorce. Aquarius is not sufficiently conventional to be content with a secret intrigue, and will consider it more honest and in keeping with his principles to legalise the attachment by marriage, if it is at all within his power to do so. : 12. PISCES Pisces has been called “the dustbin of the zodiac’. There is probably no sign quite so capable of producing such a state of sloppily emotional senselessness as Pisces. At its best Pisces is a well of sympathy, charitableness, benevo- lence, and hospitality. As a rule, the natives of Pisces are kind, sympathetic, imaginative, highly emotional, They are improvident, intuitive, receptive, mediumistic, lovers of peace, but are neither very practical nor efficient. The sign is a sensational one that tends to be swayed by every emotion, and puts up very little resistance to temptation. There is often a craving for emotional excitement, which leads to drunkenness, sensuality. Sometimes, the weaker and negative forms of perversion.and Human Sex Life 27 Petulant irritability, incessant chatter and the habit of dissolving into tears on the least provocation are some of the commonest feminine weaknesses of Pisces. Intemperance is by no means res- tricted to the men of the sign. In a weak sign of this kind, marital infidelity is to be expected. From the sexual point of view, Pisces tends to promiscuity. The vices of the sign are based upon weakness and emotionalism rather than upon any real depravity. Much will depend upon the upbringing, environment and choice of friends and associates. CHAPTER IV The Houses and Marriage Just as every planet and every sign may be read from the point of view of its influence over marriage, so may each mundane house be studied in its relation to the same department of life. Primarily, the houses of most direct importance are the fifth, seventh, and eleventh. The fifth rules love affairs and children. The seventh marriage. The eleventh friendship. All need careful study when judging the matrimonial prospects shown in any horoscope. Every house has something to say in regard to marriage, and is of importance when one is considering the exact effect of the house position of a planet in aspect with one of the marriage significators. The following list will be found to cover all the house rulerships concerning marriage. The First House This primarily rules the native of the horoscope, and describes his character, personal habits, and outlook. It has little special significance in regard to marriage apart from ruling marriages or divorces that are in some way dependent upon or consequent upon earlier ones, as for example, the marriage of the principal and the co-respondent following a divorce. It is also concerned in those cases in which a husband and wife already divorced decide to re-marry. The Second House This rules the inheritances and legacies received by the marriage partner, and his or her loss of money and bad debts. It indicates the partmner’s death, the circumstances in which a28 Astrology marriage or divorce case comes to an end. in Hindu Astrology, it is held to have some rule over the family. The Third House The partner's long journeys, voyages, and travels, as well as his or her religious or philosophical views, dreams, and publications, all of which meanings are directly related to the normal rulerships of the house. It also denotes the moral and intellectual factors under- lying marriage. Religious differences causing disharmony, long and complicated processes of a divorce case. Its primary rulership over the native's brothers, sisters, cousins, and neighbours may also be involved in helping or hindering. married life. The Fourth House One of the parents of the native and also of the partner. The honours, public reputation, and outward ambitions of the partner. The celebrations following marriage. The nature and events of the period during which a divorce is being obtained. The Fifth House Conjugal fidelity and love affairs apart from marriage. The native’s pleasures, affections, and normal or abnormal sexual feelings. The sexual side of marriage, and the children of the marriage. The best man or bridesmaids at the native’s wedding. Those people who help to bring about marriage, or assist in obtaining a divorce. The partner's friends, and his or her hopes and wishes, According to Hindu Astrology, this house also rules the enjoy- ment of wealth obtained from women, and sexual intercourse with prostitutes. The Sixth House The partner's secret enemies, imprisonment, sorrows and trials, chronic diseases, wounds, and large animals, all of which follow from the position of this house as the twelfth from the seventh. In addition, it indicates trials and difficulties due to marriage, and the periodical influences threatening divorce. It also rules the nature of the partner’s bad conduct, the cost of a divorce case, the partner’s debts, any sorrow or trouble which may be consequent upon a divorce. In a man’s horoscope it denotes the wife’s confinement and motherhood. This house is a particularly important one in cases where there is a community of occult interests.and Human Sex Life 29 The Seventh House This house is the one most directly connected with marriage. The Eighth House The partner’s money and movable possessions, and his or her bankers. The wife’s “dot” or marriage settlement. Alimony, and any goods gained by divorce. According to Hindu Astrology this house is a general indicator of any unpleasantness which may be due to the marriage partner. The Ninth House The partner's short journeys, cars, correspondence, publications, and other third house matters. It also rales relations by marriage, honeymoons, the partner’s manner of speech, garrulity, etc., and correspondence of documents connected with divorce, and the text of the divorce decree. The Tenth House One of the parents of the native and also of the partner. The partner's inheritance, property, residence, and birth place or birth environment. In addition to these fourth house rulerships, it denotes the instiga- tor, and alse the cause and result, of the marriage, or of a divorce, together with any mysterious or occult features in regard to marriage. The Eleventh House The partner's children, school, pleasures, love affairs, speculation, and other normal fifth house rulerships as applied to the husband or wife. : it also indicates educational effect of martiage, views of the native's friends upon the union, effect of marriage upon existing friendships, pleasurable experiences due to marriage. The Twelfth House The partner's illnesses, food, pets, servants, employees, clothes, psychic tendencies, and other normal sixth house matters. It also rules conditions likely to disturb the harmony of married life, and the points in the association which may lead to trouble or estrangement. According to Hindu Astrology, it rules adultery and the loss of normal married relationships. The application of these rulerships will allow of the determina- tion of a great deal of detail regarding the marriage partner and thego Astrology course of married life, as will be seen when the methods of judg- ment are explained. CHAPTER V The Seventh House The importance of the seventh house in connection with marriage entitles it to more detailed treatment than has been accorded the other houses. It has already been stated that the rulership of the seventh house is primarily over marriage, divorce, and the husband or wife. Actually, this is only one of the rulerships which arise from its position in the horoscope. It is the house that either balances the ascendant across the horizon or opposes it. Therefore, it is either complementary or antagonistic, according to the way one looks at it. From the complementary point of view it rules those people with whom one is intimately associated on an equal footing and with whom one shares good and bad fortune in pursuit of a joint effort. In this sense it rules the husband or the wife, also the business partner. From the antagonistic point of view, it rules those people against whom one is striving. In this sense it covers open enemies, business and personal rivals and opponents, and legal or other action taken by them or against them. The rulership over divorce links the complementary and antagon- istic aspects of the seventh house. It is a result of the polarity which is such a marked feature of astrology. Briefly, the general effect of polarity is to cause the positive and negative sides of any influence to alternate and interchange, so that an influence which normally gives a love of a certain thing can equally inspire hatred of it. The aspect of marriage which comes under the seventh house is that of partnership rather than of sentiment. The seventh house will describe the marriage partner, the fortunes of marriage and the harmony or otherwise of the association, but it will always tend to deal with the more superficial side of the union, and its practical working, as befits an angular house, rather than the inner affection underlying it. Carter has suggested that the seventh house, while ruling married life as a whole, refers particularly to the middle period, and thatand Human Sex Life ar the period of courtship and early married life in its physical aspect comes under the fifth house, while the later period, in which friendship supplants passion, comes under the eleventh. In so far as the seventh house is concerned, this suggestion is practically the same as that which I have outlined, for the middle and chief period of marriage is that in which it forms an active partnership in the affairs of life. It follows from this definition of the scope of the seventh house, that afflicting planets here and afflictions to the ruler do not neces- sarily indicate Jack of affection or incompatibility. They may work out in this way, but it is really only incidental, for afflictions primarily show a disturbance of the partnership. While this may come from outside events it is much more likely to be due to clashes of temperament and personal differences. The real meaning of a badly afflicted seventh house is that marriage will prove a failure, just as any business partnership will prove a failure. But it does not necessarily imply failure from the sexual or emotional point of view. This side of the association may not be affected at all by the afflictions. To say that Mars in the seventh house will upset marriage through matrimonial quarrels is not strictly true. Mars in the seventh indicates that the partnership will be disturbed through martial events, which may be quarrels, or may equally well be accidents, illnesses, wars, and any other troubles of a martial nature, Probably, in nine cases out of ten, the failure of the partnership will be due to incompatibility. But the position of Mars in the seventh merely indicates this as one of the possibilities. The cause must be sought elsewhere, either among the emotional significators ’ or in the blend of the two horoscopes concerned. This should be borne in mind when reading the following notes on the general influence of each of the planets in the seventh house, for it is not practicable to qualify each statement as it is made. CHAPTER VI The Influence of Planets in the Seventh House A planet situated in the seventh house must always be taken as the chief outward significator of marriage and the marriage partner. The word outward because the influence of any planet in any32 Astrology house by no means represents the full experiences of that house, but normally shows the more immediate, obvious, and superficial ones. . The inner and final influence must always be looked for in the ruler of the house, or rather in that planet which disposes of, or rules, the signs occupied by the planct situated in the house. If Jupiter occupies the seventh house in the sign Capricorn, the immediate and uppermost effect will be that of Jupiter in the house. But the universal tendency in astrology is for the experiences and eyents gradually to pass down to the dispositor. A planet in a sign ruled by another is in exactly the same position as a man in another man’s house. He has only a limited freedom of action. While he can normally express his own nature he is fundamentally subject to the rules of his host. Many errors in judgment may be avoided by always taking this rule into consideration. With Jupiter well aspected in the seventh in Capricorn, one would usually predict favourable marriage con- ditions, with a slight reservation, perhaps, on account of Jupiter's weakness in that sign. This would be perfectly true in the early days of marriage, and in the general front presented to the world. But, if Saturn, the dispositor of Jupiter, were afflicted, marriage conditions would gradually deteriorate until eventually they res- ponded more to Saturn than to Jupiter. This might not be readily apparent to others. In fact, in the particular example, it would almost certainly be hidden owing to the love of appearances given by Jupiter in Capricorn, but funda- mentally the marriage would become Saturnian. This makes it extremely difficult to give a really reliable account of the influence of any planet in any house. All that one can do is to state the natural effect of the planet in the house when unmodified, or when modified in a particular way, and leave it at that. This I have done in the following descriptions of the effect of each of the planets in the seventh house, but I should like to emphasise that the descriptions necessarily represent the more obvious effects, that the ruler of the sign in which the planets are placed must always receive consideration, especially when the latter or inner experiences of the house are being determined. The Sun The type of partner indicated by this position is one of an independent, proud, ambitious, generous, honourable and loyal nature unless the Sun happens to be afflicted, in which case he orand Human Sex Life 3B she will be arrogant, domineering, selfish and extravagant. it may indicate marriage to a person of high social status, usually denotes a partner who is of better birth than the native. Business or social advancement may come through marriage. In a general way, worldly progress will be greatly affected for better or worse by the partner. Marriage tends to be delayed towards middle life, is usually happy unless it is frankly a marriage of convenience or ambition into which the personal feelings do not enter. If the partner is one of a cheerful and open nature, this solar position is favourable. If afflicted, it may indicate a social climber or one of a vain, boastful, and ostentatious character, in which case it will make for lavish expenditure. With an afflicted Sun in the seventh it is essential for one partner to give in to the other if the marriage {is to prove a lasting one and domestic quarrels are to be avoided. From the point of view of the outside world, matrimonial differences will usually be well concealed. In public, the couple will treat each other with rather formal or elaborate courtesy. Affliction will also bring early and formidable opposition to the marriage, usually from a parent with ambitions, or financial authority, and may be the cause of wrecking the career, According to Alan Leo the position of the Sun in the seventh house is of less importance in a woman's horoscope than in a man's unless the Sun happens to be “void of course”, or in other words, forms no aspects until it leaves the sign it is in at birth. The Sun is. not very favourably placed in this house. Its fiery nature and extreme individuality do not make for an ideal marriage, any more than they do in the similar but more extreme cases of Mars and Uranus. Therefore, the position is one which is sensitive to weak afflic- tions, and needs good aspects of a softening nature to improve it. A favourable aspect from the Moon, Venus, or Neptune is dis- tinctly beneficial, but, in the case of Mars, Saturn and Uranus, and to a lesser extent Jupiter also, it is better if no aspect at all is present for the former are too positive, even under good aspects, while Jupiter tends to increase the pride and extravagance. This is looking at the matter from the point of view of domestic harmony and happiness, for if considerations of business and material success form the basis of marriage good aspects from the major planets are highly desirable. The Moon The position of the Moon in the seventh house indicates a kind- hearted, gentle and rather moody partner. In a woman's horoscope,34 Astrology it makes for a romantic marriage, denotes a husband of a very susceptible nature, whose affections easily stray. In a man’s horoscope this position is not as a rule the sole significator of the wife and the planet to which the Moon applies, or one in close strong aspect, must also receive attention. If the Moon is well aspected, the wife will be of the emotional and domesticated type, with strong maternal instincts not only in regard to children but in her relations with the husband as well. If it is afflicted she will be self-indulgent, greedy, grasping, bad tempered, morbid, and sluttish. This lunar position is not a generally favourable one, for it imports too strong a tendency to fluctuation and change into married life. In some cases, this may be reflected in the partner's occupation, as, for example, in the case of a woman who marries a sailor, com- mercial traveller, or advertising agent. In such cases some of the changeability of the parmer may be directed into such legitimate paths. : Unless the Moon is badly afflicted, the lapses upon the part of the husband do not usually break up the marriage. In spite of its love of change and variety and its constant search for romance, the Moon's inner tendency is to cling to what it has. The keeping of two separate establishments is much more in line with this position, especially if the Moon happens to be in a mutable sign or in strong aspect with planets in such signs. Asa rule, the Moon in the seventh, even if well aspected, indicates a rather exacting partner. He or she usually sets great store upon sharing of ideas and emotions and tends to insist upon agreement. Under affliction, this may degenerate into. nagging, and constant harping upon the same theme until some kind of agreement is reached for the sake of peace and quietness. The native who has the Moon in the seventh house is inclined to be fastidious or capricious. Very undecided in choice of a marriage partner, although it is a position which favours a fairly early marriage, at least in the case of a man. If operating alone, without strong aspect, it is said to indicate marriage at the age of about twenty-four to twenty-eight, or approximately when the Moon, by direction returns to its birth longitude. In a man’s horoscope this position usually tends to cause many unions, some of them of an indiscriminate nature, unless the Moon is free from affliction, In any sign here it is a frequent in- dication of more than one marriage, though less so when badly afflicted by Saturn or the Sun. Serious afflictions from the malefics to the Moon in this house,and Human Sex Life 3g particularly when no support is given by Jupiter or Venus, cause the death of the partner, or separation and divorce, the particular line of operation being determined by the signs and planets con- cerned, and other pointers in the map. This, however, may not prevent a second marriage. Mercury Mercury, in the seventh hoase, represents a bright, changeable, shrewd, critical and clever, but somewhat unreliable, partner, Coquettish if a woman, inclined to flirt if a man. Under affliction, it indicates bickering, quarrelling, nagging, incessant chattering, mental or physical cruelty, a partner who may be anything from a liar to a forger or thief according to the strength and nature of the afflictions. Sometimes, owing to the principle of polarity an afflicted Mer- cury in the seventh house denotes a partner of extreme stupidity, at other times, the afflictions may principally affect the health and indicate a consumptive or impotent partner, or one which is men- tally or physically afflicted. The mental affliction in such cases may be of a rather subtle kind, especially if Neptune, Uranus, and probably Pluto also, are involved in the adverse aspects, and may manifest as one of the perversions, especially sadism or masochism, according to the positive or negative nature of the indications. i A person who has Mercury in the seventh house is frequently one whose mind is much concerned with marriage. He or she has definite views or theories on marital relationships, may show con- siderable idealism if Mercury is in an airy sign, or vacillation and difficulty in choosing a partner if in a mutable one. The husband or wife is usually younger than the native. May be a cousin, distant relative or school friend, one of twins, or a mem- ber of a large family. . Marriage is often influenced by relatives, and may be the result of travel, correspondence, or advertisement. Affliction will bring worry and anxiety through marriage, may lead to legal complications. But some of the threatened evils may be lessened if the partner is engaged in a mercurial occupation. This is a general rule not only in regard to marriage but through- out every branch of Astrology. Planetary influence always operates along the line of least resistance, so that directions to a planet ruling a person’s occupa- tion will always tend to work along that line rather than in a more general way, : If Mercury, for example, is in the seventh house of a writer or clerical worker, much of the evil force indicated by afflictions will36 Astrology operate through employment, leaving less available for upsetting other aspects of the life. The foregoing remarks on the influence of Mercury in the seventh house refer primarily to cases in which Mercury is more or less freely expressing its own nature, as, for example, when it occupies Gemini or Virgo, or is not strongly aspected. In practice, it must always be remembered that Mercury takes its colouring from any planet with which it may be in close strong aspect and tends to show many of the characteristics of that planet. Venus When well aspected, Venus in the seventh house in a man’s map indicates a refined, artistic, gentle and affectionate wife, neat and usually pretty in appearance, is fond of beautifying the home, - often rather house-proud, When badly aspected, she may be slovenly, weak, wasteful, self- indulgent, lax in conduct, extravagant, thoroughly worthless in every way. In a woman's horoscope, a good Venus in the seventh indicates a kind, gentle, affectionate husband who follows one of the occupa- tions of Venus, such as an artist, banker, stock-broker, insurance agent, or assistant in a dress shop. Under affliction, it denotes a vain, lazy, shiftless, self-indulgent wastrel, frequently possessed of personal charm, who spends much of his time and money on other women. The mere presence of Venus in the seventh house is by no means a guarantee of a successful and happy marriage, but, at the same time, it usually indicates one in which there is a good deal of affection, even in those cases in which the partner is totally un- worthy of it. Much depends upon the planets with which Venus is in aspect. A good aspect to the ruler of the ascendant, the cusp of the ascendant, or the Moon is an excellent sign of affection even in the face of serious afflictions te Venus from the malefics. These will tend to affect outside conditions rather than to disturb the harmony of the union. An unaspected Venus, on the other hand, may considerably restrict the mutual affection, or at least prevent its proper expres- sion. This is particularly the case when Venus occupies one of the airy signs Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius, for, in a man’s map, it some- times indicates an ornamental wife, or a marriage in which the wife is chosen for her beauty, or her ability to grace a social function. Venus is at her best in the seventh house when in Taurus, Cancer, or Pisces, and is not unfavourable in Scorpio provided she is freeand Human Sex Life 37 from serious affliction, though there is danger of the early death of the partner. In many of the other signs, and particularly the “airy” ones, there is too much idealism. In a man’s map this frequently results in a wife who has little interest in marriage, and none at all fn the sexual side of it. A further confirmation of this is the presence of Saturn in the fifth house, or in the fourth, which indicates domestic coldness or isolation. The fiery signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius also tend to be some- what indifferent to marriage, partly owing to idealism and partly to an inherent dislike of ties. Leo is the most favourable of them for Venus. But the interest in marriage is often more apparent than real, especially in the case of a woman, for the underlying desire is for children. The husband is always more or less of a secondary consideration. The position of Venus in the seventh by no means implies an early marriage. In fact, it is often a delaying influence, quite apart from any afflictions that may be present. . Venus in Libra, for example, especially in a woman’s horoscope, gives very little interest in the opposite sex and no particular desire for marriage for its own sake. There may be a desire for companionship and for a life of ease and luxury, but, given a suitable environment, plenty of friends, and sufficient money, the idea of marriage would never be con- templated. In a man’s horoscope afflictions to Venus in the seventh house do not necessarily prevent marriage though they may delay it. Saturn is the chief cause of delay except when he indicates a wife who is older than the native, or one of lower social position. Afflictions from Uranus produce strange and romantic attachments, peculiar matrimonial conditions and sudden estrangements. Mars brings impetuous and extravagant love affairs. In the case of a woman, afflictions to Venus anywhere in the horoscope from Saturn or Uranus are the strongest possible influ- ences preventing marriage. It is, of course, necessary in this, as in everything else, to study the map as a whole. No important quality or event is ever indicated by one aspect or position only. If the majority of the testimonies indicate marriage, Saturn or Uranus will not entirely prevent it. In such cases, they will import unusual conditions or drawbacks, and, according to the nature of the map they may denote seduction, Sexual perversion, irregular unions, and other departures from the normal.38 Astrology Mars The position of Mars in the seventh house is always a dangerous one even when well aspected. It is of too extreme, positive, and individualistic a nature ever to favour any kind of partnership. Normally, it is better in a woman's horoscope than in a man's, It indicates a forceful and energetic partner, but, in the case of a very negative male horoscope, a good Mars in the seventh will bring a wife who will be able to supply the energy and initiative otherwise lacking. At its best, Mars in this house indicates an ambitious, masterful, self-assertive, capable, industrious partner. If afflicted, it denotes one whose character may range from the merely irascible, aggres- sive, quarrelsome and destructive, to the vicious, violent, brutal and murderous according to the nature and severity of the afflic- tions. The worst effects follow afflictions from Saturn or Uranus, especially in cardinal signs. Afflictions from Jupiter or from the ruler of the eighth house tend to bring friction over the partner's extravagance, while bad aspects to Venus may also have the same effect in addition to causing adultery. If Mars happens to be afflicted in one of the watery signs, Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, the partner may become a drunkard. In an earthy sign, especially if afflicted by Saturn, Mars in the Seventh tends to cause lustfulness. At the same time, it delays marriage and gives great difficulty in obtaining a partner, although marriage when it takes place is usually hasty. In ordinary cases where the afflictions are not specially severe, Mars in the seventh may indicate a considerable degree of passion- ate affection. Combined with it is a peculiar strain of antagonism or opposition, together with great susceptibility to criticism and any sort of conduct that can be construed as a slight. This touchiness quickly leads to an aggressive, sarcastic, or irritable manner, which may be of quite short duration, but, with certain types of native its effect are cumulative and may eventually result in a breach. The usual effect of Mars in the seventh house is to cause quarrels in marriage, which may lead to violence, separation and divorce. The partner will be headstrong and independent, even in the case of a well-aspected Mars. Under the most favourable conditions it will still be difficult to avoid a certain amount of friction. _. In a woman's horoscope this position frequently indicates the death of the husband, either through a feverish illness or operation, if in a mutable or fixed sign, or through an accident if in a cardinal sign, the end being sudden in all cases.and Human Sex Life 39 In any horoscope, Mars in the seventh house will tend to change the course of the life after marriage and create difficulties, upset existing conditions, and bring a period of struggle or contest. This effect of changing the life after marriage is not peculiar to Mars for any planet in the seventh house operates more forcefully after marriage than before it. Jupiter it is a great mistake to think the presence of Jupiter in the seventh house necessarily augurs a happy and successful marriage. It may, and frequently does, do so, but a great deal depends upon whether it is in a favourable sign and well aspected or not. Jupiter primarily influences prosperity, only causes happiness by the negative method of preserving the native from adverse condi- tions, or the positive one of providing him with enough of the good things of life to prevent discontent. A wellaspected Jupiter will tend to act in the positive way unless it is in an uncongenial sign such as those ruled by Mercury and Saturn. A badly aspected Jupiter will bring bad luck and even serious misfortunes unless it is in its own sign or exaltation, or in good aspect with the Sun, Moon, or ruler of the ascendant. A good Jupiter in the seventh house will always indicate pros- perity through marriage, but it will not necessarily cause a really happy union. The partner indicated by this position is one of a generous, optimistic, good natured type. Healthy, prosperous if not rich, religiously inclined, somewhat conventional. In a woman's map it may denote marriage to a lawyer, doctor, or clergyman. In lower social strata, to a merchant, sporting man, grocer or a follower of one of the many other Jupiterian occupa- tions. In a man's map Jupiter in the seventh is said to indicate a beauti- ful, rich, and virtuous wife, But if one were to substitute the adjectives “homely”, “prosperous”, and “respectable”, it might perhaps be nearer the truth in most cases, though the more enthusiastic description is not an impossible one. Beauty, in particular, is not a specially Jupiterian attribute. It is said that, if Jupiter happens to be on conjunction with the Moon in the seventh house, the wife will not be at all handsome. In fact, in the majority of cases, the degree of beauty depends more upon sign position and aspects from Venus than upon Jupiter itself. This position of Jupiter, especially when it is not very strong by sign, frequently denotes marriage to a widow or widower, or to a40 Astrology rich middle-aged partner. It may also indicate marriage for money or social advancement. When Jupiter is afflicted in the seventh house the partner is likely to be boastful, bombastic, extravagant, wasteful, self- indulgent. The particular fault will be indicated by the nature of the afflicting planet, as for example, if Jupiter is afflicted by Mercury he or she will be vain, hypocritical, conceited and possibly dis- honest, If by the Sun, vain and overbearing. If by the Moon or Venus, prodigal, extravagant, and of wandering affections. If by Mars, excessively extravagant. A native whose horoscope shows Jupiter afflicted in the seventh house is not likely to choose a marriage partner at all carefully or wisely, and is much more likely to do so in a spirit of over- optimism. If the afflictions are severe enough, marriage may be contracted in a fit of drunkenness or may be a necessary consequence of previous indiscretion, This position usually indicates many love affairs, not all of which are prior to marriage, and whether in consequence of this or not it occasionally causes delay. Sometimes the wedding date is postponed, especially if Jupiter is in a mutable sign or afflicted by Saturn or Mercury, generally because of misgivings as to the wisdom of the marriage. Another frequent result of Jupiter's presence in a mutable sign in the seventh house is to cause more than one marriage, though afflictions may produce irregular unions. Normally, Jupiter is very law-abiding, respectable, conventional. A well aspected Jupiter in the seventh can be depended upon to denote a legal or religious ceremony. This may or may not be the case under affliction and before, judging an irregular union, it will be advisable to look for con- firmation elsewhere in the map. This will be found in afflictions to the Moon, Venus, or the fifth house and its ruler. Saturn The position of Saturn in the seventh house is always a dangerous one, The naturally reserved and self-centred influence of Saturn tends strongly towards separateness and does not seek close association with others. If Saturn is very well aspected and strong by sign it indicates a careful, industrious, thrifty, methodical partner of a reserved, undemonstrative nature. The emotional element plays very little part in the affections. The position is one that is more fortunate in the case of a lateand Human Sex Life 4t marriage than it is in a youthful one, for it brings a parmer to whom marriage and married love are a duty. Sincerity and faithfulness will be marked characteristics, but there will always tend to be a certain barrier or reserve, as well as a rigidity of outlook and insistence upon matters of principle that harmonise better with age than youth. Quite often, this position actually indicates a wide difference in age, and a partner who is considerably older than the native. This is not by any means invariably the case. The difference may be one of social status, or marriage may simply be greatly delayed and happiness may come late in life. Normally, Saturn in the seventh does not indicate a very fortun- ate partner, nor does it usually promise much success after marriage. If brilliantly aspected and strong by sign it may cause material success and a high position of an administrative or political nature, the attainment of which will be due in a large measure to the partner’s ambition and influence. In a woman's map Saturn jn the seventh may indicate marriage to an elderly man, probably a widower, who may be quite well off and in an influential position. This can be the case only if Saturn is favourably aspected, When Saturn is afflicted in the seventh house marriage will be a sorrowful and tragic experience. The partner will be cold, or coldly lustful, avaricious, resentful, unforgiving, mean, selfish, cruel in disposition, may become a chronic and complaining invalid, In such cases the marriage will be terminated by the partner's death. In others, when the afflictions are more violent, it will end either tragically through an accident, or by separation. Divorce may or may not follow if the action rests in the hands of the partner, for the frequent cases of vindictive refusal to agree to a divorce, usually ascribed to religious convictions or to moral principles, are examples of the influence of a bad Saturn. A native who has Saturn in the seventh house is always liable to hindrances and misconceptions, not only in marriage but in all relations with other people. This position is usually credited with the reputation of delaying marriage, but while this is not necessarily the case it may be so if other indications coincide. In a similar manner it may delay the wedding ceremony or help to spoil it in some way. Usuaily the clement of disappointment will enter into, or follow, marriage. Sometimes it precedes it, as for example, when an early dis- itusionment embitters the nature, and the marriage lacks affection. But, as a rule, either the partner proves disappointing, or marriage42 Astrology results in drudgery, hardships, and poverty. Uranus Uranus is far too individualistic a planet to favour marriage. Its position in the seventh house is a very dangerous one. It indicates attachments of a romantic, hasty, and impetuous nature in which there may be a marked element of idealism, or features of a very unusual kind. If extremely well aspected Uranus may indicate a partner of original or advanced mentality, In some cases a scientific or artistic genius. Sometimes, he or she will be a person of strong political, anti- quarian or occult interests, engaged in Uranian work such as aviation, electrical engineering or an occupation under the Government, a municipal body, or a very large firm or corporation. In some ways, this position is better in a woman's map than ina man's, provided it does not deny marriage altogether. The forceful- ness, willpower, egotism, and erratic tendencies of Uranus are less likely to cause trouble when associated with the hushand than they are when possessed by the wife. If Uranus is afflicted in the seventh house it may prevent marriage, though only in cases where other indications coincide. Sometimes it will cause an entire lack of interest in marriage. At other times—strong homosexual tendencies. In- more normal cases, it will bring a romantic and hasty marriage, under, or followed by, unusual conditions, and will indicate a partner who is independent, unreliable, self-assertive, contentious, eccentric, sometimes extremely unlucky. Asa rule, Uranus in the seventh house causes all kinds of unusual and extraordinary experiences, but brings little happiness. If afflicted, its usual effect is to cause incompatibility, leading to separation and divorce. This depends to a great extent upon the rest of the horoscope and the blend of the two maps. Unless there are very strong signs of harmony, the break-up of the marriage can be confidently expected if Uranus is afflicted. If the horoscopes of husband and wife show a marked degree of sympathy, the Uranian afflictions will tend to operate through external events. In such cases they will produce business crashes, financial ruin, the sudden death of the partner, probably owing to an accident, or in circumstances of an extraordinary or tragic nature. The severity of the. result will, of course, depend upon the strength of the afflictions to Uranus and the amount of protection afforded by favourable aspects.and Human Sex Life 43 Neptune As in the case of Uranus, Neptune in the seventh house denotes a marriage with unusual features. It can be taken as a general rule that Neptune causes dissatisfac- tion in the affairs ruled by whatever house he may occupy at birth. ft may be, and usually is, a vague kind of dissatisfaction, but it is present. People with Neptune in the seventh house, therefore, generally experience dissatisfaction in the married state, sometimes for quite valid reasons, but as often as not for intangible and fanciful ones. To the unmarried person with this position there is a glamour attaching to marriage. One of the first results after that event has taken place is disappointment and disillusionment, to a greater or lesser extent according to the aspects received by Neptune. In very few cases, therefore, will Neptune in the seventh house bring real happiness in marriage. On the very rare occasions when it is brilliantly aspected and strong by sign it may produce a state of perfect union. Neptune in the seventh well aspected indicates an artistic, poetical, musical partner, with strong mystical leanings. In some cases a high degree of spirituality. With unfavourable aspects, the partner will tend to be self- indulgent, weak, inclined to excessive smoking and tea-drinking, shiftless, irresponsible, with little regard for honesty or morality. In seriously afflicted cases he or she will be criminally-minded or will indulge in drug-taking, evil magical practices, abnormal sexual excesses, and other vices of an unusual or demoralising nature, Some form of deception or treachery usually accompanies this position, but it is not always to be associated with the partner. Neptune, in the seventh house, frequently indicates matrimonial infidelity, deception, or desertion on the part of the native. As a rule there is some element of restriction about the marriage. In the more spiritual cases this may lead to a platonic union. More commonly, it shows itself as physical or psychic impotence, or results from marriage to a cripple or to a deformed or mentally afflicted person. A native who has Neptune in this position is inclined to indulge in self-sacrifice, may enter into matrimony from quite unwise or misguided motives. Pity is one of the commonest. It is often this which leads to the marrying of invalids or cripples, who can be nursed, wastrels and criminals who can be reformed, and those of the lowest social strata who can be raised and educated. Marriages such as these are foredoomed to failure in almost every instance, In all cases the position of Neptune in the seventh house44 Astrology is a dangerous one, and threatens matrimonial disaster. This may come through infidelity and desertion, annulment of marriage, or some similar cause. Or it may operate along more tragic lines, such as the imprisonment of the partner, or his or her death by illness, suicide, or murder if the afflictions are sufficiently serious and violent. CHAPTER Vit Sexual Abnormalities The normal outlook on sex, as indicated in the horoscope by the Separate and blended influences of the planets and signs, is subject to intensification, suppression and perversion to a very marked degree. If we consider a horoscope in which the marriage significators are badly placed and afflicted, merely denies marriage we shall quite often fall into serious error. In a large number of cases such afflictions primarily denote some abnormality of outlook. Admittedly this may, and frequently does, destroy the desire for normal marriage, but everything depends upon the nature of the abnormality. Afflicting conditions in a horoscope may operate by causing physical obstructions, such as disease or impotency; psychopathic ailments and perversions; absence of the desire for marriage; or matrimonial conditions of disharmony, unhappiness, and disaster. The study of sexual abnormalities from the point of view of Astrology is a practically untouched field of research, partly because sexual psychopathy is a subject of comparatively recent origin, and partly because the collection of data is almost an impossibility to the non-medical astrologer in spite of the frequency of most of the forms of perversion. The following notes result from observation, but, in the majority, they are deductive, and indicate the types of affliction most likely to produce the particular perversion in question. The earliest information about the astrological signs of sexual abnormality is to be found in Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos. The whole passage is as follows:—- “The passions, liable to operate in males, are to be considered by observation of Mars; for should he be separated from Venus and Saturn, but yet, at the same time, be supported by the testimony of Jupiter, he will make menund Human Sex Life 45 pure and decorous in sexual intercourse, and incline them to natural usages only: and if he attach himself to Saturn only, he will render them cold in blood and dull in appetite; if however, when Saturn and Mars may be thus connected together, Venus und Jupiter should also be configurated with them, men will then become easily excited and eager in desire, although they will still be continent, and restrain themselves in order to avoid reproach. But should Saturn be absent, and Mars be with Venus alone, or even although Jupiter also be with her, men will become highly licentious, and attempt to gratify their desires in every mode. And further, if Venus be found more occidental, men will connect themselves with low women, female servants, and aliens or vagabonds; but should Mars be found occidental, with women of rank, and gentile- women; or with women living with their husbands, or under the rotection of men. Thus far with regards to males, “In the case of females, Venus requires attention, for if she be configurated with Jupiter, or with Mercury, she will cause women to be temperate and pure in sexual intercourse; still, however, when she may be thus connected with Mercury, if Saturn be not present also, she will cause them to be easily excited to desire, although they will control their desires, and avoid reproach. But should Venus be conjoined or configurated with Mars alone, she will render women licentious and lustful; and if, to both these planets, when thus conjoined or configurated, Jupiter also present himself, Mars being at the same time under the rays of the Sun, women will then mingle in intercourse with servants, and persons meaner than themselves, or with aliens, or vagabonds; but should it happen that Venus may be under the rays of the Sun, they will then connect themselves with their superiors or masters. And, further, should the planets be in feminine places, or configurated femininely, they will be content with their passive faculties only. Saturn, in being conciliated with such positions as those now described, tends to produce greater obscenity; Jupiter, greater decency; and Mercury, greater publicity, and greater fickleness, or instability.” It will be seen from this that Prolemy ascribed most sexual abnormalities to afflictions between Venus, Mars, and Saturn, which is correct so far as it goes, and was all that could be said in his day. Since the discovery of Uranus and Neptune we are in a far better position to study such abnormalities, and recognise them in a horoscope, for there is no doubt whatever that these two planets are the primary cause of sexual perversion. It is a commonplace in Astrology to look on Uranus and Neptune as the first two planets of a higher octave.46 Astrology The old planets, from Mercury to Saturn operate in a com- paratively simple way, and might be called straightforward and easy to understand in their methods, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, on the other hand, are of an entirely different order, whether we consider them as octaves of Mercury, Venus, and Mars respectively, or not. There is a spiritual element in each of them which makes their influence far more subtle and less easily understood than that of the old planets. They are much more unexpected in their action, and their effects can less easily be predicted. In their loftiest aspect, Uranus and Neptune, and no doubt Pluto as well, confer a very high degree of spiritual and occult develop- ment, but, unfortunately, the mass of humanity is as yet entirely incapable of responding to the intense spiritual forces that use these planets as their channel. The result, in the majority of cases is, that the force has to expend itself on emotional rather than spiritual levels. Its intensity then throws into prominence all the dormant and subconscious emotional desires, giving rise to uncontrollable excesses and magnifying what would normally be only slight emotional irregularities into over-mastering perversions. From these considerations, sexual perversion should be com- monest among people most strongly influenced by Uranus and Neptune. This conclusion is borne out by the facts. The lowest Strata of society affords comparatively few examples. We must look to artistic, religious and social circles for the overwhelming majority of cases. The more vivid the imagination, the more highly-strung the hervous system, the deeper the capacity for spirituality, the more will the individual be liable to exhibit some form of sexual abnormality. In some cases, moral degeneracy and criminality may enter Into the matter. Usually, however, the condition is a purely patho- logical one, any criminal act to which it may give rise is simply an effect and is the symptom of a psychological ailment. The treatment of psychopathic cases must follow the lines of cure ruled by the planets responsible for them. They will consist chiefly of electrical, psycho-analytical, and hypnotic methods. Here is indicated the manner in which sexual abnormalities may be recognised in the horoscope, so their development may be checked in childhood, before they have time to secure a hold. Broadly speaking, we may divide sexual perversions into positive and negative classes according to whether they are Uranian or Neptunian in origin.and Human Sex Life 47 Astrology, Uranus and Neptune are in many respects polar opposites. Uranus is the planet of the Will and the Individuality, and tends to intensify the self. It is entirely positive and self-sufficient, and is strongly masculine and dominating. Neptune, on the other hand, always tends towards the suppres- sion of the self, and the merging of the personal will and individuality into the universal. Hence it is strongly feminine and negative in its influence. CHAPTER VII Homosexuality Homosexuality, or sexual desire for members of the same sex, is unquestionably the chief of the positive and Uranian group of perversions, and includes sodomy, paederasty, etc., in the male, and clitorism, sapphism, etc., in the female. One is tempted to look on homosexuality as the commonest and most wide-spread of the various perversions, but it is probably no more so than some of the others. In common with sadism and masochism, it has a Jong history. it was almost as rampant in ancient Rome as it was in the still more ancient cities of the Plains. Julius Caesar is said to have indulged in homosexual practices, while some of the later Emperors appear to have touched almost unimaginable depths of perversion. It is still as rife as ever today, and the homosexual tendencies of a few modern celebrities are quite well-known. There are probably more horoscopes of this particular abnormality available for study than there are of any other perversion. Perhaps one of the most generally known cases is that of Oscar Wilde, ,whose horoscope is given in Fig. 1. For the purpose of study this map is vitiated to some extent by the fact that some uncertainty exists as to the date of Wilde’s birth. The particulars originally obtained by an astrologer after the trial were vague, and were to the effect that birth took place in London at 3 a.m. on October 1sth in either 1854 or 1856. The astrologer chose the 1854 date as affording a horoscope that better fitted the events. He presumably rectified the time and corrected the information as to birth-place, which was Dublin and not London. Wilde's biographers, notably Arthur Ransome and R. Thurston4g Astrology’ Hopkins, give 16th October 1854 as the date of birth, but, in the Encyclopaedia Britannica and other reference books, it is given as 1gth October 1856, which differs not only in the year but in the date also. The accompanying map is taken from rooz Notable Nativities and is calculated for 15th October 1854, 2.43 a.m. Local Time, Dublin, not 2.38 a.m. as stated in N.N. The small discrepancy in the time is not of any consequence, however, as we are not con- cerned with directional positions. Fig. 1. Oscar Wilde The striking features of the map are Saturn and Neptune squaring each other in mutable signs from angles. Uranus in an elevated position in opposition to Mercury, the mental ruler in a mental house, and in square to the Moon on the cusp of the twelfth. Venus is in aspect with Mars, but is strong and favourable, which is a very familiar feature of many types of perversion. As a general rule, we may say that a perversion which is harmful to women, such as sadism, involves a weak and badly afflicted Venus, whereas one in which women are favoured or not affected, such as masochism and homosexuality, shows a strong and well- aspected Venus. The nature of the aspects to Venus will often serve to discrimin- ate between different types of perversion. . The chief mental twist is indicated by the afflictions fromand Human Sex Life 49 Uranus to Mercury and the Moon, both of which planets strongly affect the mind. Saturn, ruler of the fifth house, in the midheaven, in a masculine and mental sign, is another pointer to the nature of the sex outlook. Neptune in the seventh adds to the mental] and emotional chaos, and also indicates dissatisfaction with marriage. lt might be thought that the rising of Virgo, the sign of chastity, and the position of the Sun and Venus in Libra together with other idealistic positions in the map would operate against a perversion of this nature. This, however, is another feature common to many perversions of different kinds. Certain forms of perversion are often encouraged by a morbid fear of infection and disease, or shyness with the opposite sex, or an aversion to normal sexual intercourse owing to excessive idealism or fastidiousness. Therefore positions giving these qualities may themselves aggravate any tendencies to per- version that may exist in the map. » Another homosexual subject was the Russian composer Tchaikovsky. The horoscope shown in Fig. 2, which is also taken from 1oor Notable Nativities, is also a speculative one, but this, does not, of course, affect the longitudes and aspects. Fig. 2. Tchaikovsky The map is a somewhat less Uranian one than Oscar Wilde's. This may easily be due to variations in the perversion itself, which may be of a more positive or negative type in different individuals.50 Astrology The chief afflictor in this case is Neptune, which is in square to the Sun and Mars, and to Jupiter which opposes these two bodies. As in Wilde's case, the affliction centres round the middle of the fixed signs, and as one would expect, involves Scorpio. Mercury and Venus are in the positive masculine sign Aries, both in conjunction with Pluto, which no doubt frequently plays a part in sexual abnormality. The twelfth house is again involved in this case as in the last, and we have a mutable square between Saturn and Uranus instead of Saturn and Neptune. There is a great deal of similarity in the two examples, making allowance for the probability that Wilde was much more positively inclined than Tchaikovsky. Homosexuality is not so common among women as among men. Certainly one rarely hears of it, but that is due to the greater secretiveness of women in regard to sexual matters. The Uranian intensifications of the self, or at least, of the personal sex, would of course, be a prominent feature, and one would expect marked signs of fastidiousness. ’ The intensificaton of the masculine factors in the horoscope, which occurs in male homosexuality might or might not be present according to the positive or negative nature of the particular case in point, but would usually appear, while Neptune would almost certainly share the prominence of Uranus owing to its great influence over feminine perversions. Fig. 3. Homosexual Femaleand Human Sex Life &E In many cases of female homosexuality the patient adopts a masculine role, and, in that case, one would expect the masculine ‘elements of the horoscope to predominate. . Here the ruler is afflicted by the opposition of Neptune, which dominates the map. Uranus is conjoined with Venus, and both planets are afflicted by Mars, which is weak by sign and house. Seven planets out of ten occupy masculine signs, which is in keeping with the fact that the native played a masculine part. The development of the perversion was due to home life and hatred of the father, clearly shown by the fourth house afflictions. It was increased by fastidiousness fostered by the mother. Mars, ruler of the third and eighth houses, in Virgo, in the twelfth house forms a powerful barrier against normal sexual feelings, especially as a prominent Virgo naturally has a tendency towards virginity in men as well as women, and is very commonly involved in all cases of perversion. It will be noted that Pluto also is closely involved in the afflic- tions in this horoscope, though the exact part it plays can only be a matter of conjecture in the present state of our knowledge of its influence, CHAPTER IX Sadism Next to Homosexuality we hear more of Sadism than of any other perversion. In its proper sense, Sadism is the name for that perver- sion in which sexual excitement is aroused by acts of cruelty, which, while often trivial, may in extreme cases result in mutila- tion and murder. - It is another of the strongly positive and Uranian perversions which cannot be indulged in with the secrecy possible to the negative forms, and is therefore more frequently encountered, The name owes its origin to the infamous Donatien Alphonse Francois, Marquis de Sade, who not only wrote a number of novels, including Les Crimes d’Amour, in which the perversion is dominant, but aiso put his principles into practice. In consequence, he spent a number of years in a criminal lunatic asylum, where he died in 1814 at the age of 74. When one considers the great number of cases in which Sadism is an obvious feature it is remarkable that so few horoscopes are available for study.$2 Astrology Details of such classic examples as Jack the Ripper and Gilles de Raie, the prototype of Bluebeard, are quite unobtainable, while the extremely common and more or less innocuous domestic cases are carefully concealed. A striking classic example is the terrible planetary positions of the Marquis de Sade himself, however, who was born in Paris on 2nd June 1740. Time of birth is unknown and the details obtained are insufficient to justify a speculative horoscope, so the map, (Fig. 4) is merely a zodiacal one showing the positions of the planets in the signs at noon. Fig. 4. Marquis de Sade In all cases of extreme sadism we should expect to find Venus weak and afflicted. Here Venus is conjoined with Saturn in its detriment, and is in square with Mars, in semisquare with the Sun and Moon, and in wide opposition with Uranus. Both Uranus and Mars in the violent signs Capricorn and Aries afflict Saturn, while Mercury suffers from the unknown effect of an opposition from Pluto in Scorpio. A: €ommon factor in cases of perversion is an affliction, in this case'a square, between the luminaries. Here each of them is further afflicted by both Saturn and Mars. It should be noted that Neptune does not appear to be at all prominent, and one would not expect ft to be so, except perhapsand Human Sex Life 53 in relation to the twisted mentality. Expect to find Pluto, though, of considerable importance in cases of Sadism. Sadism among women is very much less frequent, except in a mild way. It is essentially a perversion arising from abnormal intensification of the male attributes, and is, therefore, much more natural to a man than to a woman. I have suggested that in the case of homosexuality the indica- tions in male and female horoscopes would frequently be of an opposite nature, each intensifying his or her own sex. In Sadism, on the other hand, the signs would not be likely to differ much in the case of men and women, for both should show intensification of the positive and violent factors. Homosexuality and Sadism should be readily distinguishable in many female horoscopes by the stressing of the feminine qualities in the former, and of the masculine and violent ones in the latter. With men it would not be so easy, for the masculine elements of the map are stressed in both perversions. Usually the position and aspects of Venus would afford a clue, for, in homosexuality, Venus, while weak, is not specially afflicted, whereas in Sadism, Venus is not only weak but receives violent aspects as well. Every perversion is subject to many variations. More than one may be present in the same individual, so that it is quite impossible to lay down any very definite rules. A mixture of homosexuality and Sadism is quite common, as much among women as men. This is not at all easy to deal with. In the relations between the opposite sexes Sadism is quite recognisable but, where individuals of the same sex are concerned, it is difficult to discriminate between ordinary cruelty in which the sexual element is absent, and Sadism, in which sexuality is the dominant motive. . Women who take a delight in whipping children may be influ- enced by cither motive, but more often the impulse is a sadistic one. Catherine the Great of Russia who amused herself by chastising her ladies-in-waiting across her knee was also actuated by sadistic impulses rather than by cruelty. Classic instances of female sadism are afforded by Messalina and Catherine de Medici, the latter of whom experienced the greatest pleasure in having the ladies of her court whipped before her eyes. Her horoscope (Not. Nat. No. 538) shows Saturn and Mars in opposition from Capricorn and Cancer respectively along the meridian, Sun and Venus rising in conjunction with Uranus, and Pluto in Capricorn 6 squaring the Moon and Mercury. The map unmistakably indicates great perversion and cruelty, and54 Astrology the slightly earlier map given by Gadbury (N.N. £637) does not alter this. It should be noted that the correct longitude of the Moon is Libra rr, and not Libra 17 as given in the Gadbury map. The poet, Lord Byron, who was in the habit of beating his mistresses, may have been sadistic to some extent, Perhaps even more than is suspected, for his horoscope (N.N. 752) shows Venus in Aquarius in conjunction with Saturn and in sesquare with Mars, while the Moon is conjoined with Uranus and squared by Neptune. Another poet, Charles Baudelaire. exhibited certain symptoms of sadism, but this was by no means the only peculiarity from which he suffered, He threw pots against shop windows for the pleasure of hearing them break. Changed his lodgings every month. Dyed his hair green, Wore winter clothes in summer and vice-versa, and exhibited many symptoms of the mental disease which eventually led to his death from general paralysis of the insane. His sexual outlook was a morbid one. He showed a marked preference for ugly and horrible women, negresses, dwarfs, and giantesses. According to Lombroso, he said that “women were animals who should be shut up, beaten, and well fed.” He once expressed a desire to a very beautiful woman that he might see her suspended by the hands to the ceiling that he might kiss her feet. This was a good example of “foot” fetishism. Fig. 5. Baudelaireand Human Sex Life 58 His horoscope (Fig. §) is one from which almost any form of insanity might be expected. Here again we find Venus in conjunc- tion with Saturn in an unfavourable sign, which is so common a feature of sadism and similar perversions, Venus is also seriously afflicted by Uranus and Neptune, them- selves in square to Mars, while the Moon is squared by the Sun and Saturn. The stationary position of Mercury in the seventh house in con- junction with Pluto in Pisces is also of considerable significance especially in view of the foot fetishism already mentioned. CHAPTER X Masochism and Other Abnormalities Masochism is the exact opposite of Sadism. While the latter is characterised by desire to exercise domination and cruelty, the former desires to suffer cruelty and domination at the hands of another, usually a member of the opposite sex. From a strictly pathological point of view, the term “perversion” is a loose one, for it often includes mental states that would be better described as intensification. Sadism in women is a perversion, for it is due to normally masculine, and therefore unnatural, instincts, whereas in men it is a morbid intensification of natural instincts rather than a perversion of them. Masochism is a definite perversion in men, but .a morbid intensification in women, who, in the words of Aristotle, are “natural slaves”, The name Masochism was applied to this perversion owing te the fact that it forms the chief theme of the novels of Leopold von Sacher Masoch, who was himself strongly under its influence. It is perhaps, the chief Neptunian perversion, but its passive and secretive character renders any estimate of its frequency extremely hard to obtain. There is a good deal of evidence to show that it is far more common and widespread than might generally be supposed, especially in England and Germany. The astrological signs of Masochism include a dominant and afflicting Neptune, and a strong and favourable feminine element in the map.56 Astrology The tendency to renunciation and the suppression of the self inherent in Neptune form an essential feature of masochism, while the dominant position accorded to women presupposes a very strong and favourable Venus. Saturn aspecting the Moon or Venus intensifies the desire for subjection, but afflictions from Mars are also to be expected when, as is almost always the case, there is a strong desire for whipping and other punishments. In spite of a love of torture and flagellation, however, Masochism never reaches the violence and intensity of Sadism, for the extreme sadist will mutilate and murder his victim, whereas not even the most fervent masochist would be likely to cdrry matters to the extent of acquiescing in his own murder. - Moreover it has been noted by a French writer on the subject that the masochist is more inclined than the sadist to be satisfied with a mental picture of conditions as he desires them, and may actually shrink from their practical realisation. This would lead us to expect a predominance of the airy and fiery signs over the more practical ones in the horoscope. Apart from Sacher-Masoch himself, whose birth particulars 1 have been unable to discover, the classic instance of Masochism is Jean Jacques Rousseau who was born in Paris on 6th April 1670, which was the day following an eclipse of the Moon. A zodiacal map containing the planetary positions at noon is given in Fig. 6. Fig. 6. Rousseauand Human Sex Life $7 It will be noticed that Venus is particularly strong by sign and well-aspected here, that the feminine signs predominate. Without knowing the true house positions it is impossible to estimate the strength of Neptune, which appears to be in square with the Moon and in wide square with Venus. Saturn afflicts the Sun, while Mars is in square to Mercury from Sagittarius which rules the part of the body that formed a fetish with Rousseau. Many of the early saints exhibited symptoms of Masochism, but there is no record of their dates of birth. In later times there is Sir Eyre Coote, whose birth date is un- known, and two rather doubtful cases. One of these is George Colman the Younger, born on 21st October, 1762, who wrote a poem called The Rodiad, which extols the benefits and pleasures of flagellation. As the subject is treated from both the active and passive points of view it is difficult to judge the relative proportions of sadism and masochism in his mentality. The fact that Venus and the Moon were both quite well aspected in Sagittarius suggests the latter was the prevailing perversion. The other doubtful case is that of Henry Thomas Buckle, author of the well-known History of Civilization, born at Lee in Kent on 24th November, 18217. Buckle published a series of small books containing anecdotes of flagellation written from a distinctly masochistic standpoint. According to his statement the items comprised in the books had been collected by him, but the fact that the style of writing is uniform and distinctive, and also that flowers are used throughout in a fetishist manner, strongly suggest that all the items were written by one person, either Buckle himself or another. His planetary positions show Venus in Capricorn squared by a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Aries. Uranus and Neptune in close conjunction in Capricorn. The Sun in the beginning of Sagittarius squared by Mars. The Moon and Mercury in the end of Scorpio also squared by Mars; all of which point to perversion, but are not markedly masochistic. Probably Buckle, like Colman, did not fall very definitely into one particular category. Before dealing briefly with other sexual abnormalities I may mention a point which is somewhat puzzling to account for, and that is the great prominence of Jupiter in most cases of perversion. Even the infamous Marquis de Sade had Sun conjunction Jupiter; and strong Jupiterian aspects appear with surprising frequency, sometimes as afflictions, but quite as often in a favourable form. I think this is a sign of the hyperaesthesia which is a marked58 Astrology feature of sexual perversion. Whatever may be the exact explana- tion, it is quite certain that a prominent Jupiter will not act as a safeguard against psychopathic manifestations. Fetishism Fetishism is more often a feature of other perversions than a Separate perversion itself. The name is applied to those cases in which some inanimate object, frequently an article of clothing or a particular part of the body acts as a source of sexual excitement. Shoes, feet and feminine clothing and underwear appear to be common objects of fetishism, but flowers, hair, furs, and rings are also not at all uncommon, fur fetishism being a particularly frequent feature of Masochism. In sadistic subjects the slashing of women’s dresses, ink- _ throwing. and the cutting of women’s hair are all examples of fetishism. In the horoscope such features of any perversion must be of secondary importance, and not at all easy to define. Fetishism connected with flagellation is usually indicated by Sagittarian afflictions, while shoe or foot fetishism is a natural consequence of a predominant Pisces. In all cases the sign gives the clue to the direction of fetishist interest. It appears usually to be either the sign containing Mer- cury, or.one from which Mercury is seriously afflicted. Baudelaire, with his foot fetishism, and Rousseau with his desire for flagellation, are illustrations of this. Satyriasis and Nymphomania The pathological states known as Satyriasis and Nymphomania are not perversions, but abnormal intensification of the sexual desire in men and women respectively, and therefore depend upon the amount of sexuality and sensuality shown in the horoscope. The planets Venus and Mars, and the signs Taurus, Scorpio, and Capricorn are of chief importance, but one would expect afflictions from Neptune to account for the promiscuity displayed. Two examples of Nymphomania will be found in roor Notable Nativities, Nos. 289 and 306. Exhibitionism A prominent and probably angular Moon seriously afflicted, an afflicton between the Moon and Mercury; and malefic aspects involving Cancer or the cardinal signs generally, could be, in the main, responsible for this particular sexual aberration.and Human Sex Life 59 Necrophilia This is a rare perversion. Symptoms suggest the influence of a strong but very badly placed and afflicted Saturn, together with a prominent Scorpio and eighth house influence. Masturbation This is not an abnormality, certainly not a perversion, though it frequently accompanies one. It is largely Neptunian, and due to hyperaesthesia indicated by afflictions of Mars, Venus, and the sign Scorpio. : At the same time it is encouraged by twelfth house positions, and also by idealistic and fastidious elements such as are afforded by Libra and Virgo. No. 229 in roor Notable Nativities is a pronounced example of this habit. CHAPTER Xt Marriage While the nature of a sexual outlook, both in normai and abnormal manifestations, is of great importance from the psychological and medical standpoints, the light that Astrology can throw upon marriage, the help it can give in forming a happy union or making the best of an unhappy one is a subject that possesses a wide appeal to the average person. It is not necessary in astrological text-books to define the sense in which the word “marriage” is used. On this account, a certain amount of misconception arises. The dictionary defines marriage as “the legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife’. Most people assume the rules regarding marriage in the text-books refer to the same state. A moment's consideration, however, will show that this is not necessarily correct. Astrology is concerned with fundamental facts and principles, and deals with the laws of nature rather than with the customs and habits of different races. The legality or otherwise of a union is a matter of very secondary importance from the point of view of the horoscope. It is a mistake to assume that indications pointing to marriage necessarily imply any kind of religious or civil ceremony as a prelude to union or cohabitation. it would be incorrect to say that no distinction can be traced in60 Astrology the horoscope between regular and irregular unions, as will be seen later. But it should always be borne in mind that, for astrological purposes, the word “marriage” is to be taken in its widest sense as covering all unions irrespective of their legal standing. In dealing with the question of marriage in a horoscope, two lines of approach are always necessary, The horoscope must first of all be examined in detail to deter- mine individual desire and fitness for marriage and the kind of experiences the married state is likely to bring. The other necessary consideration is the horoscope of ‘the proposed partner, not only from the point of view of his or her own character and matrimonial prospects, but also from that of the amount and nature of the harmony or disharmony linking the two maps. It is not always easy to determine whether certain matrimonial afflictions will cause disharmony between the partners, or whether they will introduce trouble from outside without upsetting the affections. In a general way, afflictions from cardinal signs and angles may be expected to exercise a powerful effect through events, while those in fixed signs and succedent houses will act more directly upon the affections, those in mutable signs and cadent houses upon the mental outlook. But the problem cannot be settled quite so simply as this. The effect will vary in accordance with the way in which the individual horoscopes interact. if there are strongly harmonious links between the maps the afflictions will, as always, tend to take the line of least resistance and cause trouble through money, health, and other matters that do not depend upon the affections. On the other hand, in cases where the horoscopes conflict, much of the evil effect will come out through domestic disharmony and incompatibility as well as through external causes. . If one is fortunate enough to be born at a time when the planetary positions promise a brilliant and happy marriage, the comparison of maps is not of so much importance, for the right partner will be chosen automatically. But in the majority of cases where the influences are mixed it becomes essential to compare the horoscopes very carefully, not so much with a view to obtaining an ideal union, which would be impossible in such circumstances, as to ensure the line along which trouble is threatened is not one of major importance. The first step is to obtain a thorough understanding of the individual horoscope in its relation to marriage.and Human Sex Life 61 For this we need to know the general influence of all the astro- logical factors in this connection. it is not generally recognised that every planct, sign, and house has some effect upon each and every department of life. There is a tendency to overlook this fact because certain positions are of much greater importance than others in regard to any given department. it is possible for the sake of simplicity, to limit the enquiry to these particular factors. In the case of marriage, there is a tendency to look to the luminaries, Venus, Mars, and the seventh house, and ignore every- thing else except such aspecting planets as there may be. In the following pages are the influence of planets in the seventh house in considerable detail, but the other factors cannot be treated in quite the same way. A very great number of positions in a horoscope have a direct or indirect influence upon marriage. They are often of a rather miscellaneous nature though, and do not lend themselves very readily to systematic treatment. A separate chapter contains classified positions so that they may be easily referred to when any particular horoscope is being examined. . It is often quite possible to discriminate between legal and illegal and irregular unions in the horoscope, although astrology is not concerned with man-made laws which differ in different ages and races. in normal cases where the afflicting aspects are not of a serious nature, a legal marriage will always result. This is the natural course of events in our present civilisation. This appears to contradict my statement that Astrology ignores convention, for it may be argued that such cannot be the case when good aspects indicate a legal marriage, and bad ones either deny marriage altogether or produce an irregular union. Actually, however, the good and bad aspects do not indicate planetary approval or disapproval of the legality of the union. A legal marriage is in entire conformity with all our laws and customs, and therefore commands respect and is accorded’ privileges. An irregular union, on the other hand, is a.violation of custom and tradition, and therefore meets with almost universal opposition and encounters innumerable difficulties, The horoscope reflects these conditions of life in each case, so that the bad aspects indicate the obstacles built up by the uncon- ventional union, and also in some cases the unconventional outlook, or the material hindrances which prevent legal marriage.62 Astrology They are really a picture of events. The native’s reaction to them, rather than a commentary upon his morals. Serious afflictions in a horoscope will prevent marriage altogether if they are sufficiently strong, and involve barren signs. But if the signs occupied are fruitful ones, and there appears to be a desire for marriage, the afflictions will tend to influence the conditions of the union. The problem of deciding the legality or otherwise of the native's sexual associations is one which can only be left to the individual judgment. No very definite rules can possibly be formulated to cover such a wide and complicated subject. In practice, one can assume a legal marriage unless the significa- tors are badly afflicted. If that should be the case and it is judged that the afflictions are not sufficiently severe to deny marriage, the likelihood of an irregular union should always be borne in mind. Apart from these general considerations, however, there is a certain amount of information available in regard to unions other than legal ones. CHAPTER XI Irregular and Mlegal Unions Ptolemy tells us that “other varieties in the married state” are to be determined by a consideration of Venus, Mars, and Saturn. If these planets are in good aspect with the luminaries the union will be an harmonious and legal one. The strength or weakness of Jupiter, however, is an important consideration in regard to the legality of cohabitation, for Jupiter is the planet of religion and of forms and ceremonies. Afflictions to Jupiter and to the ninth house tend to encourage irregular unions, and so does Uranus when aspecting the marriage significators. But there is an underlying difference in the reasons for irregularity according to which planet is responsible for it. In the case of Uranus, extreme unconventionality, such as is ~ common in artistic and bohemian circles, is usually the cause of an irregular union, whereas with Jupiter or Saturn, an existing marriage is more often the cause. Afflictions from Neptune may also have the effect of causing irregular unions, but, as a rule, there is a marked element of deceit coupled with duality.and Human Sex Life 6% In the case of Uranus no attempt may be made to conceal the true state of affairs from the world at large. In that of Jupiter and Saturn, both parties will usually be aware of the reason for irregularity, but the whole position- will be carefully concealed from others. With Neptune, however, it is quite probable that only one of the parties, usually the man, will be aware of any irregularity at all, as for example in cases where a man keeps two establishments and two wives, each ignorant of the other's existence. Throughout his remarks on irregular and illegal unions Ptolemy takes Venus as the prime significator for women as well as for men, and appears to treat Mars and Saturn as equivalent to one another in their influence when aspecting Venus. The difference is that Mars indicates events in youth or a young partner, while Saturn denotes events in later life or an older partner. A great many of the illegal unions described by Ptolemy are not such as would be met with nowadays except in extremely rare and degenerate cases. But, as Wilson said, ‘Ptolemy wrote like an Egyptian, among whom such incestuous commerce was common”. For the sake of completeness however, I include the substance of all his observations. Should Venus be in aspect with Mars, each planet being in the other’s house or exaltation, as for example Venus in Scorpio or Capricorn, and Mars in Libra or Pisces, there will be intercourse with a brother or sister, or a blood relation. . If, at the same time, Venus is with the Moon in a man’s horo- scope, he will form a union with two sisters or other near relatives, Venus with Jupiter in a woman’s horoscope will cause union with two brothers. Venus in aspect with Saturn, each planet being in the other's house or exaltation, also indicates union between relatives. When the aspect is formed in the midheaven or ascendant and the Moon is in conjunction with the angular planet, men will have intercourse with their mothers, maternal aunts, or mothers-in-law. In a woman's horoscope it denotes intercourse with sons, - nephews, and sons-in-law. . lf, however, the Sun instead of the Moon is conjoined with the angular planet, and especially if Venus and Mars precede the Sun in the zodiac, men will have intercourse with their datighters’ or daughters-in-law. Women with their fathers, paternal uncles, or sons-in-law. . When these positions are found in feminine houses or signs, the latter not necessarily related by house or exaltation to the planets concerned, the obscenity and shamelessness of the association will64 Astrology be increased, especially if fixed stars of the nature of Saturn or Mars are involved. Should Venus and Saturn be in the ascendant or midheaven the nature of the association will become public. Should they be in the fourth or seventh house the native may be impotent or a eunuch. The value of all these rules is extremely questionable. It would need a very bad horoscope indeed to justify their consideration, though one occasionally hears of degenerate cases in which such incestuous unions have taken place. The rules regarding the indications accompanying incestuous unions given by certain ancient Hindu authors are as scanty and unconvincing. I know of only two Hindu rules and the subject is not touched upon in most Indian works. Both these rules deal with incest with the mother, and are similar in nature. In one case we are told that if the fourth house is afflicted, presumably by bad aspects to the cusp, and the Moon or Venus is in an angle afflicted by a malefic, there will be intercourse with the mother. In the other case it is said that the same result follows when the fourth cusp is aspected by a malefic and the Sun is in an angle, or the Moon is conjoined with one malefic and afflicted by another. Summarising the conclusions which emerge from these rules, we can safely assume that illegal and incestuous unions follow severe angular afflictions from Mars, Saturn, Uranus or Neptune to the appropriate luminary. That Venus will also be badly placed by sign and house and heavily afflicted. That the house or its ruler signify- ing the relative concerned will be closely involved in the afflictions. CHAPTER XIIt Marriage or Celibacy The question as to whether marriage will take place or not In any given case depends for its answer upon several factors, the balancing of which is not always an easy task. It is made slightly easier than it might otherwise be by the fact that, in normal cases, there is a bias in favour of marriage, so that stronger influences are needed to prevent it than to bring it about. The problem is not quite the same in the case of women as it is in that of men, although astrological authors have never differen- tiated between them except in regard to the significators to be used.and Human Sex Life : , 65 Men’s Marriages : The chief significators to be studied in the case of men are the Moon, Venus, and the seventh house. The problem consists in determining whether these factors are sufficiently weak or afflicted either to prevent marriage taking place, or to remove the desire for it. Before examining these significators it is always advisable to get a general idea of the nature of the person with whom one is dealing, In other words, to study the character as indicated in the horoscope. For the study of marriage and fertility, the division of the signs of the zodiac into barren and fruitful groups is of importance. According to ancient astrologers, the Barren Signs are Gemini, Leo, and Virgo. Fruitful ones, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. On the whole these signs may be considered as without marked influence upon fertility, but, for the sake of those who would appreciate some guidance, even of a tentative nature, the following classification is suggested. Barren Semi-Barren ° Semi-fruitful — Fruitful Gemini Aries Taurus Cancer Leo Sagittarius Libra Scorpio Virgo Capricorn Aquarius Pisces In order to judge whether marriage will take place, it is neces- sary to study the sign and house positions of the marriage significators and the nature of the seventh and certain other houses. The whole matter turns upon the strength and amount of affliction received by these. It is best to start by examining the Moon and Venus, and noting the signs and houses they occupy. They are most favourably disposed to marriage when in the fruitful signs, least favourably in the barren ones. In regard to house position, the angular houses are the strongest, the succedent ones come next, but, from the point of view of marriage, the more elevated the position occupied by Venus and the Moon the better. Perhaps the best houses for them are the tenth, eleventh, and first. The fourth, fifth, and seventh are also good positions, but, in the case of the last two, much depends upon the fruitfulness of the sign and the nature of the aspects received. These houses being primarily concerned with love and marriage are particularly sensitive. Barren signs and afflictions are worse here than elsewhere, . The most unfavourable houses for the Moon and Venus are the twelfth, sixth, and eighth, all of which tend to hinder marriage. The aspects to the Moon and Venus are the next factors to be66 Astrology considered. The worst possible afflictions are bad aspects from Saturn and Uranus, particularly if barren signs are involved. Afflictions from Mars are not by any means so serious. They may stir up the passionate side of the nature far too much, and create matrimonial quarrels, but they alone will not prevent marriage. In a general way, any influence that tends to increase isolation affords the greatest threat to marriage, while influences of a gregarious nature tend to bring it about most easily. The twelfth, sixth, and eighth houses are all of an isolating nature. The twelfth acts as a prison to the planets occupying it, the sixth holds them in servitude, and the eighth kills them. On the other hand houses such as the tenth, eleventh, fifth, and seventh are intimately concerned with the affairs of other people, and encourage contact with others instead of preventing it. Again, from the point of view of the aspecting planets, Saturn is limiting and isolating in its effect while Uranus is even more so, though in a rather different way. Mars, on the other hand, does not isolate. If afflicted it will at least go out and quarrel with someone and not shut itself up in the manner of Saturn. For an early marriage it is rather an advantage than otherwise to have no aspects between the significators and Saturn and Uranus, though good aspects may be very useful in married life. An aspect from Mars to Venus, however, is always desirable, and tends to hasten marriage. Having decided whether the significators tend to favour marriage or not, look over the rest of the map, and pay special attention to the ascendant and seventh house. Barren signs here act against marriage, fruitful signs favour it, as do good aspects between the rulers of the first and seventh, and good aspects from Jupiter and Mars to these planets and the significators. There is no decisive factor in the matter. The final conclusion as to whether marriage will take place or not must be arrived at by balancing up the pros and cons, not merely numerically, but with an eye to the importance and strength of each indication. Women’s Marriages : The problem varies slightly according to the sex of the native. In the case of a woman, the aspects can more easily prevent, not only marriage, but all sexual experiences, can more easily suppress the normal desire for marriage than in the case of a man. In a man’s horoscope, particular attention should be paid to any positions denoting a>solitary life,.such as strong twelfth house afflictions, an unaspected ruler,ior seventh house ruler; dominantand Human Sex Life 7 Saturn or Uranus and a marked absence of fruitful signs. If such tendencies are not paramount, the afflictions in the map will not deny sexual experiences and irregular unions, though they may prevent legal marriage. This is especially the case if Jupiter joins in the afflictions. In a woman’s horoscope, the normal desire for marriage may be destroyed by strong influences tending to cause idealism, such as are given by Libra; intense love of freedom, as is given by Sagit- tarius or Aries; or an innate virginity, due usually to Virgo. In cases of this kind, afflictions to the marriage significators will entirely prevent both marriage and sex experiences, If the character is a more normal one, afflictions will prevent marriage if barrenness predominates, but should the afflictions involve fruitful signs they may, while preventing legal marriage, lead to an irregular union, or even to prostitution if sufficiently strong. Apart from considerations of this kind, the methods to be adopted in examining the marriage prospects in a woman’s horo- scope are the same as in the case of a man’s. The planetary significators differ for the Sun and Mars must be consulted for a woman instead of the Moon and Venus. It is necessary to study the Sun and Mars in exactly the same way and by the same rules as the Moon and Venus are studied in a man’s horoscope. If the Sun and Moon are strong and elevated in fruitful signs in aspect with, and not afflicted by, Saturn and Uranus marriage will take place. Marriage will be hindered or entirely prevented if the Sun and Mars are in no aspect to each other, and are situated in barren signs or weak houses, and afflicted by Saturn or Uranus from barren signs. The value of the houses is the same as in a man's horoscope. These indications are respectively the best and worst that may be found. Most horoscopes will show a mixture of good and bad, so that an attempt must be made to balance the conflicting indica- tions, and find out which set preponderates. CHAPTER XIV Determining the Date of Marriage Having decided that the horoscopé indicates martidgé, ‘of At ‘least Moes not deny it, the siguificators should be again exaiminéd with a68 Astrology view to determining the approximate period of life at which marriage is to be expected. This depends upon the general fruitfulness or barrenness of the signs containing the significators, and the amount of affliction they receive. Men's Marriages The first consideration is the position of the Moon in relation to the Sun. If the Moon is passing from new to first quarter, or from full to last quarter, it indicates that the native will marry at an early age. There is an alternative to this, and that is that he will marry a young woman after he has reached or passed his prime. As a rule other positions in the horoscope will furnish a clue as to which alternative is to be expected. Indications of delay afforded by the other significators, for example, will point to the second alternative as the more likely one, just as indications of a wife who is older than the native will point to an early marriage in accordance with the first and more usual alternative. If the Moon should be passing from last quarter to new, or from first quarter to full the native will tend to marry late in life, or a woman older than himself. Here again the more probable alterna- tive must be selected by a consideration of the other significators. If the Moon is actually in conjunction with the Sun marriage will usually be greatly delayed, and may even be denied altogether if Saturn afflicts, and barren signs are involved. Women’s Marriages The position of the Sun in the quadrants of the map is here to be taken as the guide. If the Sun is in houses four, five, six, ten, eleven, or twelve the native will tend to marry at an early age. Alterna- tively, at a later age, she will marry a man some years her junior. Should the Sun be in houses one, two, three, seven, eight, or nine, however, she will marry comparatively late in life, or will marry a middle-aged or elderly man while she is still quite young. Just as in the case of men’s marriages, it is necessary to examine the strength or weakness of the other significators in order to determine the alternative to be adopted in the particular horoscope under consideration. It is not possible to obtain any idea of the exact age at which marriage will take place merely from a general study of the birth positions alone. The terms early and late in these rules are generally considered to mean either less or more than 30 years of age.and Human Sex Life 69 In addition to the above indications based upon the position of the luminaries, it is necessary to examine the strength and weakness of the other marriage significators common to both sexes. The methods to be adopted are the same as were used in estimat- ing the likelihood of marriage, for in practice the process is a single rather than a double one. A late marriage may be judged when the barrenness or affliction of the significators does not seem severe enough to deny marriage altogether. Conversely, an early marriage is indicated when the significators are well aspected in fruitful signs. The general principle is that the greater the affliction and barrenness of the horoscope, the later will be the age at which marriage takes place, if it does so at all. in order to discover the exact age at which marriage will occur it is necessary to work out the directional influences for the approximate period of life indicated by the general rules already outlined. According to the ancient astrologers marriage was to be expected when the cusp of the seventh house or its ruler came to the conjunction or aspect of the Moon, Venus, or the ruler of the ascendant. While these directions conduce to marriage, however, they are not the most common indicators of that event. In the case of men, marriage is most frequently shown by directions of the midheaven, ascendant or Sun to the conjunction or favourable aspect of Venus or the Moon, and, though less commonly, by aspects from the midheaven, ascendant, Sun or Moon to a planet in the seventh house or the ruler of that house. The lunar aspects meriting serious consideration are those formed by the Primary or Radix Systems, and not the monthly lunar aspects of the Secondary System. The latter may coincide with more important influences, and stimulate them into activity in a certain month, but by themselves they are far too weak to be considered as marriage indicators. In the case of women the most important directions for marriage are those of the ascendant or midheaven to the Sun or Mars, and solar directions to Mars and sometimes Jupiter. It should be remembered that marriage is not always indicated by favourable directions, - A strong afflicting aspect between say, the Moon and Mars in a man’s horoscope, or the Sun and Uranus in a woman's will not infrequently produce marriage, but needless to say a union entered into under such aspects cannot fail to be disastrous in some way. Nevertheless when the horoscope indicates an unhappy marriage,zo Astrology the likelihood of its taking place under bad directions must not be overlooked. It does not follow from this, however, that an unhappy marriage must necessarily take place under bad directions. If these planets are seriously afflicted at birth a good direction will indicate no more than temporary pleasure and happiness which will disappear as soon as the direction passes out of orbs, allowing the radical afflictions to come into play once more. The interpretation of directions is a process that bristles with difficulties. It is usual to consider that bad directions hinder the matters they threaten, but this is sometimes quite a false assump- tion. If a certain action is shown by the birth horoscope to be an unwise one, a bad direction will most probably bring it about, while on the other hand a good direction may also have the same effect by presenting a picture of rosy prospects. The safest line of conduct is to avoid doing anything threatened by a bad direction, at least until the direction has passed off, and to scrutinise the birth indications very thoroughly before rushing into something favoured by a good direction. A wider appreciation of this rule would save a great deal of trouble and sorrow, not only in marriage but in every other department of life as well. The timing of events is another aspect of the directional problem that is apt to lead one into error. . To the best of my knowledge no astrologer has ever drawn attention to the important fact that a direction measures to the birth of an event and not necessarily to the actual happening itself. In many cases, and perhaps in the majority, there is not sufficient difference in time between the two moments to affect the timing of a prediction, but there are occasions in which the difference is sufficiently considerable to make the timing appear quite incorrect. My attention was first drawn to this matter many years ago by a particularly striking case. It was that of a native in whose horo- scope a strongly adverse aspect between the Sun and Uranus, clearly threatening loss of employment, was due to operate in March of that particular year. March came and went without any apparent trouble, and by the late summer the native concluded that the danger was past and that the direction had unaccountably failed to work. In September, however, six months after the indicated danger period, he was told by his firm that his services would no longer be required. As the result of a number of discreet inquiries it trans- pired that the decision to dismiss the native in September had been taken at.a directors’ meeting in March.and Human Sex Life zr This immediately suggested the idea that the timing of the direc- tion was perfectly correct after all, but that it indicated what 1 have called the birth of the event, and not the date at which it actually took place or at which the native was aware of it. I have tested this conclusion many times since then and have never had occasion to modify it. The fact that a direction indicates the time of the beginning and not the end of an event is sometimes of considerable importance in the prediction of the date of marriage, though it is less so now than it was in the days when a long engagement was fashionable. A study of the horoscopes of a number of cases in which a long engagement took place will show that the most important marriage directions measured to the date of engagement. Sometimes marriage is also indicated fairly strongly, but it is not at all uncommon to find horoscopes in which marriage takes. place without any particularly appropriate directions at all. This is not surprising, however, when one realises that directions indicate the beginning of events, which in the case of marriage is the date of engagement. It is to this moment that the directions normally measure, and not to marriage itself, so that strong marriage indications should be looked upon as denoting either marriage or events resulting in marriage. The actual date of marriage itself is probably best determined from a horoscope for the moment of engagement, or the acceptance by the woman of the man’s preposal. CHAPTER XV The Marriage Partner The Selection of the planet representing the marriage partner in a horoscope gives rise to a great deal of uncertainty and confusion in the mind of the student, owing to the extremely unsatisfactory text-book rules. We are told that in a man’s horoscope the wife is denoted by the planet to which the Moon applies, and in a woman's horoscope the husband is represented by the planet to which the Sun applies. This is quite a straightforward rule so far as the Moon is con- cerned, but when we come to the Sun we encounter the first difficulty, If we are to consider only the planets to which ‘thé Sun applies we are forced to exclude the Moon, Mercuty' and Venus72 Astrology which can never indicate the husband unless, in the case of the latter planets, they happen to be retrograde. The only way round this obvious absurdity is to treat all the planets in the horoscope as fixed, and move the Sun round to them, as is done in directional processes. No writer, though, has ever suggested that this method should be adopted, and the use of ephemeral rather than directional motion has always been implicitly understood. Even here our difficulties are not at an end! We are also told that the marriage partner is denoted by the seventh house and any planets in it, together with the ruler of that house. If all these rules are to be followed it is clearly quite possible for every planet to be involved, so that it behoves us to try to reduce this chaos into some kind of order. If we turn to Ptolemy, who is the fountain head from which most of our rules spring, we find he ignores the seventh house altogether and considers only the solar and lunar aspects. In the chapter on marriage, he states “With regard to men, it is to be observed in what manner the Moon may be disposed . . . Should she be in a sign of single form, and in application to only one of the planets, she will cause man to marry only once; but if she be in a bicorporeal or multiform sign, or in application to several planets, she will then cause them to be married several times; and, provided also that the planets which thus, either by conjunction or aspect receive her application, be benefic, men will then obtain good wives; but if, on the contrary, the said planets be malefic, bad.” He then proceeds to describe the effect of each planet as signifi- cator of the wife, and continues:— “But, in the case of women, the Sun must be observed instead of the Moon .. . And should the Sun be in a sign of single form, or configurated with only one oriental planet, he will cause them to enter into matrimony only once; but if on a bicorporeal or muitiform sign, or configurated with several oriental planets, he will then cause them to be often married.” When adopting the rules laid down by an authority it is always advisable te apply them not only correctly but intelligently as well. Unfortunately, a great many of Ptolemy's rules have been mutilated and misinterpreted by his followers. Those quoted above have fared no better than many of the others. First of all it will be seen that while Ptolemy speaks everywhere of the Moon's applications, he nowhere specifies application in the case of the Sun. | According to him, we are to consider those planets to which theand Human Sex Life 73 Moon applies, or with which the Sun is in aspect. This immediately disposes of the first difficulty | mentioned. There is, however, an implication to be drawn from this, and that is that the planets to which the Moon applies should already be in aspect with her. Selection is made among the planets aspecting the Moon by application, just as it is made among those aspecting the Sun by orientality. Again, by his suggestion that she may be approaching one planet only, Ptolemy implies that the Moon is to be considered solely in regard to the sign she occupies at the moment of birth, and that her applications must not carry her into the next sign, which of course, would go without saying if the planet receiving the application were already in aspect, unless the Moon were in a last degree of a sign. Some authors, notably Pearce and Simmonite, state that in cases where the appropriate _ luminary aspects several planets, the latter should all be situated in one sign. This addition to Ptolemy's rule was originally made by Cardan, and does not appear to be of very much value. No doubt the presence of such a group of planets, especially in a mutable sign, in aspect with the Sun or Moon complicates the marriage indica- tions and tends to increase the likelihood of more than one marriage, but such grouping is not an essential condition for multiple marriages. In the case of the solar aspects, Ptolemy, while entirely dis- regarding application, introduces the question of crientality which most authors have ignored. Our present use of the term oriental is quite loose and only partially correct. In the sense in which Ptolemy used it, the major planets Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are oriental when the Sun is passing from its conjunction with them to its opposition to them, or in other words when it is receding from them. Similarly, the minor planets Mercury and Venus are oriental when they are behind the Sun in the zodiac. The significator of the husband in a woman’s horoscope is therefore a planet in aspect with the Sun and in an oriental position, the planet with the closest aspect presumably being the first significator. We can summarise Ptolemy’s complete rules as follows :-— 1. In a man’s horoscope the wife is indicated by that planet with which the Moon is in aspect provided the aspect be an applying one. Should the Moon be in Gemini, Sagittarius, or Pisces, or in aspect with, and applying to, more than one planet, several marriages are indicated, the wives being denoted by the74 ' Astrology respective planets in the order in which the Moon’s aspects to them are formed. 2. ‘fa a woman’s horoscope the husband is indicated by that planet with which the Sun is in aspect, provided it is situated behind the Sun in the zodiac and is not more than 180° distant. Should the Sun be in Gemini, Sagittarius or Pisces, or in aspect with more than one planet situated in the manner described, several marriages are indicated, the husbands being denoted by the respective planets in the order in which the Sun’s aspects to them, or their aspects to the Sun, are formed. A very interesting point in Ptolemy's rules is that the nature of the aspect made by the Sun or Moon to the significant planet is not taken into consideration at all, any aspect to a benefic planet indicating a good husband or wife, and any aspect to a malefic, a bad one. According to him the chief point to be observed is the nature of the aspects the planet receives from other planets, and whether it is afflicted or not apart from its aspect to the Sun or Moon, as the case may be. This is of course an important consideration, but at the same time we are not justified in entirely ignoring the nature of the aspect to the luminary. An adverse aspect will result in difficulties in courtship and in all the circumstances leading up to marriage, while it will also render the harmony between the partners more easily disturbed. On the other hand, a good aspect will correspondingly improve conditions, and conduce to a happier and more successful marriage. The following descriptions summarise the details given by Ptolemy and later authors on the effect of the lunar applications and solar aspects. THE LUNAR APPLICATIONS To Saturn. A grave, morose, austere, laborious, and troublesome. wife. If Saturn is in the seventh house, little comfort. If Saturn is well aspected the wife will be industrious and careful, but poor and of weak health. Saturn in detriment indicates a wife of low social status. If he afflicts the ruler of the seventh house she will be immodestly inclined, especially if the ruler of the seventh is situated in the twelfth. To Jupiter. A decorous, well-conducted, madest, economical, and domesticated wife, with whom there will be close harmony if ‘Jupiter is in the seventh house and unafflicted, * If afflicted she may be virtuous but “her virtues will be cloudedand Human Sex Life 7§ and she will make no show of them by reason of some blemish or other cast upon her”. If Jupiter is well aspected in the eighth house, the wife will be rich, but if afflicted, extravagant. To Mars. A bold, quick-tempered, and refractory wife, desirous of mastery, but a true friend. If afflicted she will be vicious, quarrelsome, and arrogant. If in bad aspect with Venus she will be licentious and lustful. It is said that if Mars and Venus are both in aspect to Jupiter, and Mars is in conjunction with the Sun, she will commit misconduct with social inferiors, while if Venus instead of Mars is with the Sun it will be with people of higher rank. To Venus. A cheerful, handsome, and agreeable wife, but if afflicted one who is arrogant, wasteful, prodigal, extravagant, talka- tive, and inclined to be dishonest. If Venus is in aspect with Jupiter, Saturn, or Mercury she will be provident and attached to her husband and children. lf Venus aspects Mars she will be irascible, unsteady, and indiscreet. If Venus is in good aspect with Jupiter or Mercury the wife will be temperate and control her desires. Venus in the seventh denotes a good housewife, and in the eighth, especially if ruling that house, a rich wife, but this can only be the case if Venus is well aspected. To Mercury. A sensible, prudent, and clever wife provided Mer- cury is strong and free from affliction. If Mercury is afflicted however, she will be malicious, a thief, gossip, liar, chatterer, and stirrer up of discord and strife. THE SOLAR ASPECTS To Saturn. A steady, industrious, grave, but cold and phlegmatic husband If the Sun, Saturn and Mercury are all in favourable aspect he will be well off, and the marriage will be a profitable one. To Jupiter. An honourable, kind, noble-minded, honest, and generous husband. If Jupiter is afflicted there is danger of separation after marriage, and of adultery on the part of the husband. This is said to be a certainty if Jupiter is in Pisces close to, or just below, the cusp of the seventh house, but I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this statement. To Mars, A severe, passionate, arbitrary, intractable, and quick- tempered husband. Ptolemy says he will be void of affection, but this is not correct,76 Astrology though the affection may manifest itself in very peculiar and often unpleasant ways. If Mars is weak, and the Sun is afflicted by Uranus or Saturn the result may be an irregular union. To Venus, An amiable and handsome husband, According to Ptolemy the aspects to Venus are of importance in indicating the type of husband, whether she be his significator or not. If Venus is in aspect with Saturn the husband will be dull and timid. If with Jupiter, he will be good, just, and modest. If with Mars, hasty, lustful, and adulterous. If with Mercury, immodest, and extravagantly desirous of young persons, or homosexual. To Mercury. A provident, and clever husband with good business abilities, It will be noticed that Ptolemy omits all consideration of aspects between the Sun and Moon themselves, and evidently assumes that the Sun in a man's horoscope and the Moon in a woman's are never to be taken as significators of the wife or husband respectively. This is based upon the idea that the luminaries are collectors and distributors of influence, and that it is the planets that denote persons and happenings. Theoretically, this may be quite sound, but, in actual practice, one constantly finds that the luminaries indicate events when aspecting each other. It would, therefore, be safer to include the Sun and Moon as sigrificators of the wife and husband should the rules of application or aspect indicate them. To be eligible for selection the Moon should presumably be situated orientally in regard to the Sun, or behind the Sun in the zodiac, rather than one of her own positions of orientality. The above examination of Ptolemy's rules settles most, if not all, of the uncertainty that has attached to their exact use. It does not, unfortunately, cover all the variations met with in practice. Most astrologers must have encountered horoscopes in which the wife has been indicated by the planet from which the Moon last separated. This is one of the apparent anomalies which occur from time to time and can only be disregarded except by the research worker. It is probably due to the strength of the planet concerned, or to some special factor, such as a close aspect to Venus, which increases its importance. I have also known it occur when the planet was the only one in conjunction with the Moon, although there were several in applyingand Human Sex Life . 77 aspect. As a rule it is possible to discover the reason for any given variation in a special case, but any attempt to cover such anomalies by a set of rules is quite impossible in our present state of know- ledge, and it is much better in practice to adhere to the general rules and be content to err in exceptional cases. The Seventh House Having settled the exact method of dealing with the solar and lunar aspects, we come to the second and much more difficult problem-—whether the marriage partner is indicated by the rules we have just examined, or whether the true significator is given by the seventh house, the planets therein, the ruler of the seventh, or the planets aspecting the cusp. This problem has puzzied many generations of astrologers, if one may judge by the various ways in which successive authors have attempted to harmonise the two methods. Most of the seventeenth century astrologers adopted the idea that the planet selected by the Sun or Moon denotes the character of the marriage partner while the seventh house and its occupant or ruler describe his or her appearance and general conditions. This strikes one as a very artificial rule based upon quite arbitrary and unsound distinctions, but, at a period when Horary Astrology was paramount, psychological and purely rational considerations could not be expected to outweigh the desire for rigid rules. Another, and rather more reasonable, attempt to solve the problem, resulted in a rule that the seventh house with all its accessories indicates the marriage partner if there is no planet fulfilling the Ptolemaic rules of application and aspect. The practical effect of this however, is to cut out the seventh house altogether in most cases, for a significator can usually be found by the former rules. A third line of attack again aimed at blending the two methods, but avoided the crudity of the earlier attempt. We were told that the successive solar aspects or lunar applica- tions represent successive love affairs and attachments, and that marriage is indicated by the application to a planet in the seventh house, or the ruler of that house. This is ingenious, but it merely avoids the issue, for it is equivalent to saying that the marriage partner is indicated by the seventh house, and that the Ptolemaic rules denote nothing more than love affairs. In regard to the latter implication, there is no doubt that a great deal of truth attaches to the idea that all the lunar applications, for example, do not represent marriages, for the application to a planet78 Astrology that is weak or badly afflicted frequently denates a broken engage- ment. The most recent, and perhaps the best, approach to the problem has been put forward by Carter, who suggests that the lunar applications indicate the circumstances leading up to marriage, while the seventh house indicates the partner. This appears to be quite sound so far as it goes, but it is not, and was, of course, never intended to be, a complete answer to the problem. It does not scem to be at all logical to consider the seventh house to any extent before marriage. Moreover, that house is concerned primarily with matrimonial conditions and the fortunes of partner- ship, the description of the partner being only of secondary importance. Net until the partner has been chosen and the partnership inaugurated does the seventh house become of chief importance. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the lunar and solar aspects must refer rather to the choice of partner and the general circumstances leading up to the point where the seventh house continues the story, namely the moment of marriage. If so, the applications and aspects must be considered the primary factors in denoting not only the wife or husband, but also any earlier engagements that may have taken place, as well as second -and subsequent marriages. This gives us a clear-cut significator for each partner and avoids the confusion attendant upon any attempt to define successive marriages by a consideration of the seventh house.* Assuming that this is correct we have next to decide upon the exact value attaching to the seventh house, its ruler, occupants, and aspecting planets. To take the latter first, we can safely disregard the planets aspecting the cusp of the seventh so far as the description of the partner is concerned. They cannot be of primary importance, and the most they can do is te introduce complications leading to con- fusion of judgment. Quite apart from the argument already advanced, it is clear that the seventh house cannot be relied upon to furnish an accurate description of the marriage partner. If there were no such thing as a second marriage it might do so, but the description of a second partner, to say nothing of the * As a development of this idea I suggest that a reversal of the factors, namely the use of the Sun’s as in a man’s horoscope and the Moon’s application in a woman's, should indicate business partners and associates of the same sex, thus affording a useful means of discriminating between busi- ness and.marriage partners.and Human Sex Life 79 succession of partners common in the film world, cannot possibly be indicated by the planet ruling an empty seventh house. It may be argued that several planets in the seventh would meet the case, but unfortunately the planets are not usually so obligingly arranged for the convenience of the astrologer. Against this it must .be admitted that the seventh house does describe the marriage partner in a large number of cases. The answer to this difficulty lies in the exact nature and functions of the seventh house itself. Disregarding for the moment the various rulerships of that house over matters unconnected with marriage, we may say that the seventh house refers primarily to marriage itself and the partner- ship period of married life, as | have already indicated in a previous chapter. If this is the case planets here or the aspects to the ruler will indicate the factors that make or mar the partnership. In the majority of cases the husband or wife is the chief factor to be considered in this respect, and therefore will be fairly clearly indicated, but always in terms relative to the fortunes of marriage. It follows from this that the seventh house will describe the partner as he or she will affect married life. Alternatively, it will indicate external forces acting upon marriage and ignore the partner . to a greater or lesser extent. This conclusion is, f think, borne out in practice. A little thought will show that it opens up many possibilities, Much will depend, for example, upon the harmony and aspects existing between the primary significator of the husband or wife and the planets in, or ruler of, the seventh house—a relationship which may alter entirely with a second marriage. The whole problem is so complicated that it cannot possibly be reduced to a set of rules, and each harascope must always be judged on its own merits. I should suggest that judgment might proceed on the following lines :— 1. Examine the Moon's applications or the Sun’s aspects in accordance with the rules already laid down in order to discover the significator of the wife or husband, and the general condi- tions leading up to marriage. Weak aspects, or aspects to a weak planet unless it happens to be in or ruling the seventh house, may be taken as denoting attachments rather than marriage. The first strong application or aspect will indicate the first partner and subsequent ones will indicate later partners should the horoscope denote more than one marriage. 2. Examine the seventh house to discover the: harmony and80 Astrology fortunes of marriage, noting the relationship, if any, which exists between the significator and the planets in, or the ruler of the seventh. If the testimonies of both agree, consider the latter as joint significators, but if they disagree, take the seventh house planets as indicating qualities in the partner affecting the marriage or the external influences which will affect it. It is, of couse, impossible to avoid difficulties and complexities, for marriage itself bristles with them. One source of difficulty has never been mentioned so far as I know, and that is the gradually increasing importance of the seventh house. Assuming that the primary significator of the partner is the planet selected by the Sun or Moon, the ruler of the seventh and any planets that may occupy that house will be of little importance before marriage takes place. That event, however, brings a re-orientation of the horoscope which stresses all the seventh house influences, In consequence these will gradually grow stronger, and the partner will imper- ceptibly develop in character along the lines indicated by the seventh, no matter what his or her original character may have been. After years of marriage the association and the interplay of the seventh house and other influences will have made such changes in the original character and outlook of each partner that the first significator will have lost much of its importance, and the seventh house will have taken its place. This means that the judgment of marriage must always depend to some extent upon the number of years that have elapsed since the native married. In the case of an unmarried person, or one quite recently married, the significator selected by the Sun or Moon will be the éne upon which chief stress must be laid. But, in the case of a person whoa has been married many years the seventh house will usually afford a better picture of existing conditions. If, however, the partner dies and the native marries again the whole process is repeated, beginning with the primary significator of the second partner, and gradually passing once more to the seventh house. By examining the horoscope in this way we can not only determine the general marriage prospects, but also follow the course along which matrimonial affairs will travel.CHAPTER XVI How to Read Details One of the most surprising things about Astrology is the way in which all kinds of detail can be obtained about people and things which one would expect to be quite beyond the province of the horoscope. A horoscope is the life chart of a particular individual and cannot logically be expected to indicate matters which appear to be entirely unconnected with that individual. In actual fact—it unquestionably does so. It is not only possible but easy to determine from a birth map intimate details about the lives and affairs of the marriage partner's family, friends, and dependents with astonishing accuracy. Before indicating the way in which this can be done there are one or two details regarding the husband or wife which I should add to the information already given. It is said that the house containing the partner's significator indicates the circumstances under which he or she will be met. If the significator is in the tenth, the meeting will take place through business or at the office. If in the eleventh, through friends. If in the third, on a journey, and so on. This is generally correct if the house rulerships are taken in a wide sense. The position of the marriage significator in the second house does not necessarily mean that the future husband or wife will be met during the course of some financial transaction. The second house is the fourth from the eleventh, -or the home of a friend, and it is much more probable that it would operate along this line. Again, it is the fifth from the tenth, denoting sports or recrea- tions organised by one’s employers, which is another probable source of introduction. Each house may thus be viewed from many angles, and while it is often difficult to state precisely the circumstances of meeting, it will usually be found to be in keeping with one of the primary or derivative rulerships of the house in which the significator is situated. The statement that the significator in the ninth house indicates marriage to a foreigner should be received with a great deal of caution.82 Astrology This particular position may denote marriage to a foreigner. It could just as easily indicate a meeting in church or at a University, or through friendship with. one of the future partner’s relatives, or even through an advertisement in a matrimonial journal. The only way to narrow down the possibilities is by a consideration of the signs involved and the aspects from the other planets. The beginner is apt to think that if the wife happens to be signified by, say, Venus in Sagittarius, she must necessarily have the sign Sagittarius upon her ascendant. This is entirely erroneous. The chances are that this position will be represented in her map, but in a much more complicated way. She might have Sagittarius rising, but usually the matter is not quite so simple and obvious. Venus might be represented by a Taurus or Libra ascendant, or those.signs might be strongly occupied, or the planet Venus might itself be in some important position. The Sagittarian influence could come in a similar sort of way, or through a strong aspect from Jupiter. Actually, Venus in Sagittarius is a kind of synthesis of the wife's character as it strikes the native, and may or may not truly repre sent her as.she really is. The sign containing the partner's significator is not necessarily, or even usually, directly related to the month of his or her birth, or the sign containing the Sun. There is, or there appears to be, a relation between the degree of the zodiac in which the significator is placed and the date of the month in which the partner was born. : _ The significator in, say, the 22nd degree of any sign, indicates that the partner's birthday will probably be within a day or so of the 22nd of a month. The fact that the sign gives no clue whatever to the month suggests that any correspondence in date may be ascribed to coincidence, but | have observed too many cases in which this correspondence has been correct to feel justified in ignoring it. The significator and the sign on the seventh cusp often allow of a suggestion as to the Christian name or initial of the partner. This. involves the use of the Kabalistic alphabet, the 108 Hindu Sounds, and other factors of a like nature. The rules are not sufficiently formulated to justify an explana- tion which would necessarily be lengthy. I have already stated that the problem of reading small details from the horoscope is not a difficult one, especially after a little practice. The key to success lies in a thorough knowledge of the rulershipsand Human Sex Life - 8z of the signs, and a facile use of derivative house rulership. The latter is a horary method. Its employment in nativities has been deprecated by various writers in the past. Nevertheless the work of certain modern students, notably the late M, Eudes Picard of Paris, has abundantly demonstrated its yalue when applied to the determination of details from the horoscope. The process simply consists in renumbering the houses starting from that which rules the particular person or matter under con- sideration. Suppose we require the derivative rulership of the houses in relation to marriage. This is primarily ruled by the seventh house, and it is therefore necessary to renumber the houses from the seventh, which will become No. 1, the eighth being No. 2, the ninth No. 3 and so on. This process may be continued indefinitely and will be found to cover the smallest trivialities with extraordinary accuracy. To take a ridiculously extreme case, the fifth house would furnish any details that might be required about a cat owned by the daughter of a charwoman employed by the wife’s sister-in-law! This is arrived at as follows:— The seventh house is the wife; the ninth (third from seventh) is her brother; the third (seventh from third from seventh) is his wife or her sister-in-law; the eighth (six from seventh from third from seventh) is the sister-in-law's charwoman; the twelfth (fifth from sixth from seventh from third from seventh) is the charwoman’s daughter; and finally the fifth (sixth from fifth from sixth from seventh from third from seventh) is the required cat. If we refer this to the accompanying map (Fig. 7) we find Satum in Aquarius on the cusp of the fifth house and we should therefore be justified in assuming that the cat in question was a black one which had probably a weak leg due to a fall from a height, all of which is a free rendering of Saturn in Aquarius! This may be considered far-fetched, ludicrous, and suggestive of the House that Jack Built! Perhaps the actual example is so, but anyone who takes the trouble to use this method and check the results will find that it is thoroughly reliable and unbelievably accurate. Here is the horoscope of a lady born in London at two minutes before noon on a date when the planets were as shown in Fig, 7. At the age of 38 she remains unmarried, and as she has little, if any, interest in marriage there is not much likelihood of that event occurring, at least for several years. The delaying influence is chiefly due te the conjunction of the Sun and Neptune both in affliction with the Moon and Mars, the latter being in its detriment in the marriage sign Libra, which is84 Astrology Fig. 7. Example Nativity rendered worse by the fact that it is the ruler of the seventh house. Neither Saturn or Uranus afflicts the significators, but this may be accounted for by the fact that the delay in marriage is due to the personal feelings and not to any external circumstances. We will assume that marriage takes place, however, as it quite well may at the age of about 47 when the midheaven and Sun come to the conjunction of Venus and the ascendant to the trine of the Sun, The significator of the partner is Neptune, which is in oriental conjunction with the Sun, Mars is an important significator by reason of its close aspect and its rule over the seventh house. Obviously marriage would be a failure and would be far better avoided in view of the afflictions to the significators, the cause being partly the lady’s own very positive and uncompromising personality, and partly ‘the bad choice of partner. The position of Neptune on the tenth cusp indicates that the partner would be met at business. His personal appearance and character would be such as are given by an afflicted Neptune in Cancer, The zodiacal degree occupied by Neptune suggests a birthdate on or about the 4th of a month. The Neptunian influence would bring some glamour and emotional chaos in the early stages, but, after marriage Mars in Libra would become the primary factor and wouldand Human Sex Life : 85 produce a struggle for mastery (Mars in 1st) violent quarrels, and all the other misfortunes clearly indicated by the positions. It would be far too lengthy a matter to indicate all the minor details than can be suggested in regard to the partner's life and affairs, but one or two examples will serve as a further indication of the methods to be employed. The husband’s financial affairs come under the eighth house (second from seventh). Venus, the ruler, is in the husband's fifth in Leo, denoting artistic sources, while the semisquare from Mars denotes expenditure upon other women, and also loss through speculation. Mars being in Libra in his seventh points to quarrels with the native over financial matters. Mercury in Gemini in the ninth (third from seventh) denotes the husband’s brothers and sisters, There may be twin brothers (Gemini), and one brother or sister will probably lose an arm through an accident (Mercury opposition Uranus) in a foreign country, or alternatively suffer a severe accident while on horse-back or playing games (Sagittarius). The husband's father is indicated by the tenth house, and par- ticularly the Sun. He will be a self-made man (Sun influential and Cancer plebeian) or not too scrupulous or pleasant a type. One of his children will still live with him (Mars ruling his fifth in his fourth) and will probably be associated with him in business (Mars rules his tenth). The father’s house will be a double-fronted one (Libra on his fourth) with steps up to the door, which will be in bad repair and in need of redecoration. One could continue along these lines indefinitely, but the fore- going will serve as an example, I should like again to emphasise the fact that details such as these are correct in an overwhelming percentage of cases. The difficulty lies chiefly in selecting the correct variation or alternative, but a little practice soon enables one to demonstrate the reliability of the method without much trouble. CHAPTER XVII How to Compare Horoscopes Before marriage can be recommended with any particular person it is essential that a careful comparison should be made of the86 Astrology respective horoscopes with the object of discovering how they harmonise and in what particulars they show disagreement or antagonism. The practical application of this branch of Astrology is in some ways quite simple and in others extremely difficult, for it is not merely a question of finding two horoscopes with all the planets in one in good aspect to all the planets in the other. A great deal must always depend upon the nature of the afflic- tions in operation, and the type of horoscope with which one is dealing. The first step is to consider whether the individual horoscopes are of a positive or a negative kind. A positive horoscope is one in which the Sun, Mars, Saturn or Uranus are in strong positions and strongly, but not necessarily weli, aspected, and the majority of the planets are in masculine signs. A negative horoscope on the other hand is one in which the feminine planets Venus, Neptune, and the Moon are much more in evidence than the masculine ones, and the majority of the planets are in negative or feminine signs. There are four possible classes into one of which any pair of horoscopes must fall. These are :— {a) Both positive; (b) Both negative; (c) positive man and negative woman; (d) negative man and positive woman. (a) Both Positive This is obviously not a favourable blend for marriage, for with both partners of a positive type there would be very little give and take. In the majority of cases, a marriage between two positive people would lead to a series of clashes. Both would want to take the lead. Each would want his or her own way. Afflictions from one set of planets to the other would gain added force, especially if they happened to involve the masculine planets. The result of such a marriage would always be friction followed by violence or separation. The only chance of success for a marriage in this class would be for the aspects from one map to the other to be uniformly favour- able. In a case such as this the two positive forces would blend har- moniously, the combination would be an extremely powerful one for dealing with the affairs of life. ; It would be a combination much more suitable for a business