< What is Astrology? (continued from page 1-176) >
acter of which it should be divested in this age of reason research and inquiry. Nor is it opposed to reason that the stellar bodies may exert an influence, physical and psychical, upon the human constitution. I am convinced that such is the case, and, further, I have seen so many instances where the agreement between the individual and the character indicated by his horoscope was so complete that I am compelled to believe that a correspondence exists between the individual and the celestial aspects at birth. I may also add that I have seen absolute failures, which may prove that beside celestial there are terrestrial or other correspondences. Another point has also to be borne in mind: hereditary transmissions can only be modified by external influences of whatever nature— they are never destroyed. But this is almost entirely neglected by astrological writers. Ptolemy gives a description of the character of the influence a sign or a planet is supposed to have upon the constitution and external appearance of an individual, and writers follow blindly in his footsteps Planetary influence cannot eradicate the characteristics of race; it can only modify. Casael, to a certain extent, is aa exception to the prevailing custom of blindly following the blind; but even with Casael there is great room for Improvement.
The greater part of Casael's little stork is devoted to what is called horary astrology. This is a system of divination which is not dependent upon stellar influence, but upon the arbitrary signification given to planetary positions at the time when a question is seriously proposed to the astrological diviner. This involves a question of a different import from those suggested by Astrology proper. It resolves itself simply into a question of spiritual communion, not, as in Spiritualism, with individual spirits, but with the universal spirit, and the question and answer will be true or false in the same ratio as the querent and queried are in harmony with the universal spirit. A pack of cards may answer as well, or any of the many systems of divination practiced in pagan worship; much of what passes current as Spiritualism may be embraced under this head. Whether there be a universal spirit with which the individual spirit can sympathize, is a question involving too much space in its consideration, and it must be left to each one to consider for himself or herself Upon this question depends not only the truth of judicial astrology, but also every form of religion of a spiritual character.
I am highly pleased with the little book, and hope that the author will launch a larger bark on deeper waters, fueling assured of his capability and honesty.
Prof. Perty on The Action of Metals
...
"Art Magic"
...
A Tap at Mrs. Tappan
...
Editor's notes