The Elements of the Universe and the Signs of the Zodiac

[XXPANTHAXX]

The solar system, with its Sun, planets, moons and asteroids, is a well-ordered and well-regulated system which has existed for millions of years, never having once suffered the slightest disorder or deviation in the movement of these celestial bodies. The ancient priest-astrologers of Egypt and Chaldea knew and taught that these bodies exercise a very wholesome influence on the terrestrial globe and its inhabitants. Just as a roof is a means of protection from rain, cold and heat for the residents of a house, similarly, the Heavens serve as protection for planet Earth, and the orbiting celestial bodies exert their beneficial influences upon its inhabitants...

The elements of the Universe are: earth, water, air and fire. Earth and water are compatible elements; air and fire are compatible elements. Thus the earth and water signs of the zodiac are compatible. The earth signs are: Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo; the water signs are: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

The same holds true for the air and fire signs. The air signs are: Libra, Aquarius and Gemini; the fire signs are: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

There also exists in the Universe a cosmic law of opposites, i.e., each sign of the zodiac has a polar opposite, or complementary sign, and each sign in a pair seeks and is attracted to the qualities of its opposite or complementary sign. For example, Aries wants to obtain the balanced judgment of Libra; Libra desires to have more of the self-assertion of Aries. Taurus needs the rejuvenative powers of Scorpio, while Scorpio seeks the inner stability of Taurus. Gemini wishes to develop the breadth of vision embodied in Sagittarius, while Sagittarius searches for the alacrity and methodology of Gemini. Cancer seeks the power, endurance and discipline of Capricorn; Capricorn seeks the softness and understanding of Cancer. Leo needs the social communicativeness of Aquarius, while Aquarius searches for the sense of individuality and strength of purpose embodied in Leo. Virgo is trying to find the complete selflessness of Pisces, while Pisces desires to be able to discriminate in its self-assertions, as does Virgo.

The ancient priest-astrologers also taught that the planets had their own moods. For example, when the planets seemed to move forward more slowly in their orbits (what astrologers and astronomers call “retrograde” motion), it was thought that they must be annoyed, and therefore their influences would be malefic and negative. They had friendships and enmities amongst themselves, just as humans do. The Moon, for instance, got along badly with Mars, for dreams and warfare do not go well together.

In their course through the signs of the zodiac, the planets passed through constellations whose accord with them varied. Just as a traveler who passes through several countries likes some and dislikes others, so the planets rejoiced in certain signs (the expression is astrological in origin) and felt “in exile” in others. For example, the Sun “rejoiced” when he passed through Leo, because this sign “resembled” him, and it is a summer sign. He was exalted when he entered Aries, because it was the start of spring. He was “in exile” in Libra, because the autumn season came at that point, and he was in his “detriment” in Aquarius, because it was the middle of winter – the coldest time of the year...