VIRGO--THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN
Period--Constellation--Mythology--Symbols--Paris
under Virgo--Reflecting Qualities of the
Sign--Characteristics--Marriage--Professions--Ailments--Harmonious
Types--Gems of the House--Cornelian--Virtues of the
Cornelian--Napoleon’s Seal Talisman--Clairvoyant Properties of
the Stone--Jade--New Zealanders’ Faith--The Tiki--Jade as Racing
Talisman.
The Sun enters the Zodiacal House of Virgo, which is ruled by the
planet Mercury, on the 24th August, remaining there until the 22nd
of September approximately. The Constellation of stars marking the
position of Virgo was known to the Babylonians as the Ear of Corn, and
has been symbolised by three ears of corn and also by the figure of
a Virgin holding some wheat in her hand, representing a gleaner, the
principal star of this group, Spica, being very near the place of the
Sun at gleaning time in the warmer parts of the Temperate Zone.
In Ancient Mythology Virgo is represented by Ceres or Isis, typified as
a tall majestic lady with golden hair crowned with corn, holding wheat
and poppies in her right hand, and in her left a sickle, a torch, or a
caduceus. In modern representations, Virgo being also the symbol of the
Virgin Mary, the Lily takes the place of the corn and poppies.
Ceres was the goddess of the harvest and fruits, deriving her name from
the care she exercised in producing and preserving them. She is said to
have invented the arts of husbandry (previous to which humanity existed
on a diet of acorns,) and for her services was crowned with wheat. The
poppies were given her by Jupiter to cause sleep and forgetfulness,
when through the loss of her daughter, Proserpine, she was unable to
rest, the torch being kindled from the flames of Ætna, by the aid of
which she sought the lost one throughout the world.
In very Ancient Zodiacs, ten Houses only are shown, the House of the
Scorpion including the positions now occupied by Virgo and Libra;
it was first divided into two, Scorpio and Virgo, and finally, more
adequately to express its influence, it was again divided, Libra being
inserted between, making the Zodiac of twelve Houses as we now know it.
It is believed by some authorities that the symbol of Virgo (see
Plate No. 6 of the coloured Frontispiece) was adapted from the symbol
of Scorpio (shown in No. 8 of same Plate) and their resemblance is
noticeable by comparison of the two. It is believed that when the
Hebrew language was formed, the Virgo symbol was taken to form the name
Jehovah, יהוה Yod-he-vau-he, reading from right to left.
Virgo is also typified by the Virgin Mary as already referred to, and
it is worthy of note that the founder of the ancient city of Paris
believed in the power and influence of the heavenly bodies, it being
named by an old astrologer, Para-Isis, meaning in Phœnician, the Star
of Being, or Existence. Corroboration of this can be seen at the
present day in Notre Dame Cathedral, where, amongst the twelve signs
of the Zodiac engraved on the outside when entering from the North,
the sixth sign has been represented by a figure of the Virgin elevated
above all the rest. The birth of the Virgin Mary is said to have
taken place when the Sun was in the sixth sign, and characteristics
attributed to her correspond in many instances to those of the Virgo
type.
This House has been found to be well suited to be the significator of
virgins, because as a rule those born under the influence of this sign
are cool, patient, and self-respecting, and do not usually fall into
error through unrestrained affections; whilst Mercury is the ruling
planet of this House as well as that of Gemini, both signs being
typical of youth and purity as represented by the Twin Children and
the Maiden.
One of the most interesting features of the Virgo sign is that it gives
to those born under its influence the qualities of any planet which is
in the strongest position of the horoscope at birth, without in any way
detracting from its own: for instance, if the Sun is strongest in its
aspects than its natural ruler Mercury, it will brighten the financial
and social standing, as well as energise and give added power to the
Virgo qualities. In the same way, if there is a detrimental aspect from
a malefic planet, it will accentuate the misfortune and disappointments
indicated. The effect of these complex blends of influence is very
far-reaching, so that it is impossible to judge accurately of this type
without seeing the individual horoscope, although many of their general
characteristics can be recognised in the following brief outline of the
Sun’s influence on those born during the time of his passing through
Virgo.
When the planet Mercury is strong in the horoscope it will give great
versatility and natural aptitude for figures and business generally,
increasing the critical and observant faculties and qualifying them
for serious study, making them capable and efficient in professional
as well as financial transactions. They will also be very curious
and interested in new ideas and inventions, also in hobbies of all
kinds, and many collectors of coins, etc., are under the influence of
Virgo. Mars present in this House gives a restless activity to these
impressionable subjects, and there will be many changes of friends
and occupations; it will also bring resource in emergencies, ready
repartee, and an inclination to biting wit, sarcasm, and promptness and
ingenuity in plans and methods.
The influence of Saturn will render the mind more tenacious and less
impressionable; there will be less inclination for social life, but the
seclusion of monastic life or a studious career will be preferred, many
priests being born under the Saturnian influence.
Those born during the Virgo period will have a marked individuality,
being ingenious, orderly, and methodical; also capable of great
proficiency in whatever they undertake. Having the power of combining
the practical with the ideal, possessing a keen perception, they have
the faculty of at once grasping the salient points of an object or
action, making them admirable mimics; but they are at the same time
very sensitive to the opinions of others, and very disappointed if
their efforts to please or entertain are unrecognised. In contrast
to the Gemini type who begin much and finish little, they hate to
leave their work uncompleted, or for others to finish what they
have commenced; and one of their most noticeable characteristics is
their disapproval and condemnation of the methods or suggestions of
others, finding many reasons for doing things their own way, which
is always different to that of other people. Because of this trait
in their character they often lose their friends, for, although
critical themselves, they are super-sensitive to a remarkable degree,
interpreting any remark or comment to its extremest significance.
In whatever direction the activities of this type may be carried on
they will ever seek mental freedom, so that although they may pursue
one idea or habit for some time, they are always liable to make sudden
changes and completely alter their former views, often with undesirable
results, but always with apparent reason to themselves.
There is also a lack of responsiveness to enthusiasm or plans formed by
their family and friends which is very damping in its effect on those
born under fiery signs.
In temper they are difficult to understand, being annoyed and irritated
at trifles, yet slow to anger and slow to forgive, remaining apart
chilly and repellent until an advance is made from the other side.
In marriage, as a rule, they are constant and true, and although
undemonstrative, their affection is deep, for they will do, endure,
and spend much for the sake of those they love, but will be least in
harmony with the Sagittarian and Gemini types.
The subjects of Virgo like to be on good terms with those who
are prosperous and in good position, and they are suited both
by temperament and ability to succeed as Government Officials,
Secretaries, Lawyers, Cashiers, Doctors, Authors, Philosophers,
Proof-readers, Actors, Chemists, Agents, Schoolmasters, also as
Hospital Nurses, Watch- and Clock-makers, etc., and often do their best
work when alone.
As may be expected from the mental activity of this House, the ailments
are chiefly those of the nervous system, worry or anxiety developing
indigestion, general debility, and neuralgia; they are also liable to
stomachic complaints and weakness of the bladder, feeling atmospheric
changes very acutely. Their recuperative powers, however, are very
marked and they soon recover, without recourse to doctors, drugs, or
patent medicines, although the latter possess a great attraction for
them. Fortunately they are usually most fastidious as to the purity
and wholesomeness of their diet, many vegetarians coming under this
sign. Children of this type should be encouraged and never repressed,
particular care being given to their feet which are naturally tender
and easily deformed by ill-fitting boots and shoes, often causing
lameness. Virgo being in opposition to Pisces which rules the feet,
these subjects are peculiarly sensitive in this respect.
This type has a great sympathy with and a liking for Nature, and is
fond of watching the habits of birds and insects, particularly bees,
(which seem to be closely associated with this sign). They are also
intensely interested in anything that travels or moves quickly.
In partnerships, business or marriage, they will harmonise best with
Capricorn, Cancer, and Scorpio subjects, and their fortunate gems will
be the Cornelian and Jade.
THE CORNELIAN.--Cornelians are a variety of Chalcedony, and are
found of a bright red, yellow, and white colour, in varying tones,
and frequently with two or all the colours combined in one stone. On
exposure to the Sun the colour becomes brighter and deeper, although
artificial light and heat fail to produce the same effect. This stone
is capable of taking a very high polish, and for this reason and for
its hardness Pliny extols it above all other stones when used as a
seal. The best specimens come from India; but Cornelians are also
found in New Zealand, and in various parts of Europe. The range of
its popularity extended throughout the Old and the New Worlds, and it
was extensively used by the Egyptians who devote a chapter of their
_Book of the Dead_ to the Cornelian Buckle of Isis, which is described
in the chapters on Egyptian Talismans; and is also frequently found in
necklaces and hair ornaments.
In Arabia and throughout Turkey Cornelians are considered to be the
best of all stones for talismanic purposes, and it is a curious fact
that in certain districts of Europe under Turkish rule, it was common
for Moslems to take their stones to the Christian priest whose blessing
was considered to add greatly to their efficacy. The deep red stones
were the ones most prized, and they were frequently to be seen engraved
with verses from the Koran; of these, there are several examples in the
British Museum in the galleries devoted to comparative religions.
The Rev. C. W. King, in his work on Antique Gems, describes a Cornelian
picked up by Napoleon Buonaparte during the campaign in Egypt, and
which he wore on his watch-chain as a seal, always carrying it about
with him. It is octagonal in shape, and has an inscription in Arabic,
as follows:
“The slave Abraham relying upon the merciful (God).”
engraved upon it. Amongst Oriental nations the Cornelian was believed
to protect from witchcraft, and, by warding off the glance of the
envious, to avert the Evil Eye; it also preserved its wearers from
ill-health, and particularly from the plague, a belief also shared by
the Hebrews.
Marbodus, writing in the eleventh century, declares that if worn on
the neck or finger it has a soothing effect, cooling the blood and
“stilling angry passions,” preserving concord and driving away evil
thoughts; whilst Camillus Leonardus adds to its virtues the powers of
preservation from lightning and tempest, from vice and enchantment,
blood-posioning and fever, and that it was good for the staunching of
bleeding. Marcellus Empiricus calls it the “Scythian Jaspis” in his
prescription for the making of an Amulet against Pleurisy.
In Spain it was specially worn to give courage and fluency of speech,
and to strengthen the voice; and in China it was highly prized as being
beneficial to the stomach, which is frequently weak in the Virgo type.
White Cornelians were very popular with the ladies of Ancient Greece,
who wore them as hair ornaments, frequently elaborately carved, and as
Talismans against Rheumatism and Neuralgia.
In Volume II of _Isis Unveiled_, Madame Blavatsky mentions a Cornelian
possessed by a Shaman, a native of Tartary, who was acting as her
guide whilst travelling. By the aid of this stone the Shaman’s astral
body was not only able to travel wherever Madame Blavatsky’s thought
directed, but was able to bring the astral form of a Roumanian lady to
her presence; also to bring to their rescue in the desert a party from
the Khutchi of Lhassa.
JADE.--Jade, or Nephrite, is a very hard stone which varies from
white to a rich green, some specimens being translucent and some
(particularly the New Zealand variety) being opaque. It is very highly
esteemed by the Chinese, who wear it carved in the form of the Bat,
Pear, Stork, etc., as Talismans for longevity. (Its qualities and
attributes being fully described in Chapter V, Part I.)
The finest Jade comes from China, and Jade is also found in New
Zealand, Mexico, and Turkestan.
It has always been popular among Asiatics, who wear it for protection
from accidents and injuries and against witchcraft.
Among the Greeks and Romans it was worn to avert Ophthalmia and
Epilepsy, besides being universally regarded as peculiarly efficacious
against stomach and kidney trouble, its name Nephrite being derived
from a Greek word meaning kidney. Galen records that a necklace which
he wore relieved him of stomach trouble, and its efficacy in this
direction extended to South America, for when Pizzaro conquered Mexico
he found the natives believed Jade beneficial for diseases of the
kidneys; and Sir Walter Raleigh, in his discovery of Guiana, describes
the inhabitants as using it both for stomach trouble and stone in the
bladder. Humboldt also mentions it as being used for the same purpose
by natives on both sides of the Orinoco.
It was also known to the Egyptians, and a Talisman of Jade in the form
of an axe-head may be seen in the Egyptian Galleries at the British
Museum, both sides being engraved with Gnostic symbols.
Jade is essentially the stone of New Zealand, the Maoris regarding it
as sacred, their famous Talisman, the Tiki, being invariably carved in
Jade. The Tiki is worn round the neck as a protection from witchcraft,
and consists of a grotesque representation of the human figure with
the head bent either to the left or right, in a listening attitude,
resting on the shoulder; it was regarded as a precious heirloom to be
religiously handed down from father to son, elaborate precautions being
taken to prevent the Tiki from falling into the hands of strangers,
as it was believed to embody all the qualities and virtues of their
ancestors, its burial with the last male member of a family being
always insisted upon.
Several very fine specimens may be seen in the Ethnographical Gallery
at the British Museum.
Jade is also very popular amongst modern sportsmen as a Talisman for
success in racing; but neither Jade nor Cornelian stones should be worn
by those born during the Sagittarius or Gemini periods.