LIBRA--THE HOUSE OF THE BALANCE
Period--Constellation--Origin of the Sign--The Yoke--The
Altar--Characteristics of the Type--Influence of Saturn--Inclination
for Companionship--Marriage--Moods--Partnership--Professions--Health
Defects of the Type--Gems of the House--The Opal--Coral--Lapis
Lazuli--The Modern Ill-luck of the Opal--Its Ancient
Virtues--Sensitiveness of the Opal--Its Virtues as a Libra
Gem--Coral--Virtues--As Infant’s Talisman--Lapis Lazuli--Egyptian
Talisman--Qualities of the Stone.
The Sun enters Libra, the Seventh House of the Zodiac, about September
23rd, marking the commencement of the autumnal equinox, and completes
its stay on October 24th approximately.
This House is ruled by the planet Venus and is symbolised by a pair
of Scales, as illustrated in No. 7 of the coloured Frontispiece. As
a Constellation it is very difficult to distinguish, appearing on
the meridian about midnight in June, and is situated between the
constellation of Virgo on the West and Scorpio on the East.
It is the first of the Autumnal signs, and, as with the Sun’s entry
into Libra the balance is reached, the days and nights then being
of equal length, this would afford a practical reason for its name,
although there exists no authority for this assumption.
As mentioned in the previous chapter, Libra the Balance was not
included in the earliest Zodiacs, and how its predecessor was named and
when it was lost does not seem ascertainable, although in some Archaic
records a seventh month is indicated as occupying that part of the
heavens marked by the claws of the Scorpion.
It is believed to have been known to the Egyptians as Zugon, or the
Yoke, the beam only of the scales being represented, typifying the
Nileometer, the instrument by which the inundations of the Nile were
measured. According to some Akkadian writings the name of the seventh
month was Tul-ku, meaning Holy Altar, and it is interesting to note
that both the Altars of the first and second temples were dedicated in
the seventh month, which has afforded ground for the assumption that
the symbol for this period originally took the form of an Altar. It
is also remarkable that this is the only Zodiacal House the symbol of
which is not based on some living prototype.
Those born under the influence of Libra are remarkable for their powers
of comparison, being able to mentally weigh and balance all things in
a way that none of the other types seem capable of doing; and owing to
extraordinary intuitive and perceptive qualities, Libra subjects are
very susceptible to the thoughts of others, often unconsciously sensing
their feelings and intentions before a word is spoken.
In matters appertaining to religion they claim an individual liberty of
thought and are the least exclusive and most tolerant of all classes
and creeds, seeming to act as connecting links between the various
sects and faiths which without their mediation would be constantly at
variance, drawing men together in the bond of brotherhood, although
never forcing their convictions or opinions upon others unasked.
Although apt in all intellectual pursuits and having many interests,
subjects of this type seldom make a success of their lives until after
middle age, seeming constantly retarded by indecision, a failing to
which they are inclined, living on from day to day, contemplating
changes but submitting to the yoke of circumstances and environment for
years, until some event occurs to break up the groove and force them
into new conditions.
The planet Saturn, which has its exaltation in this House, and
curiously enough is often afflicted in the horoscope of this type,
diminishes the influence of its natural ruler Venus, giving a tinge
of moodiness and dissatisfaction detrimental to advancement. When
unhampered by adverse Saturnian influences, and armed with an education
adapted to the development of the profession or calling they are best
suited for, they attain to the front rank and, having once made up
their minds, do not change easily.
They are impartial and painstaking, but, although they can and do
labour strenuously for others, they rarely distinguish themselves when
their efforts are merely on their own behalf or to their own personal
advantage; and there is an inclination to accept fate as it comes.
Having a strong inclination for companionship and congenial sympathy,
the Librans above all the Zodiacal Houses are best suited to run in
double harness, the selflessness of these subjects taking the form of
being happiest when confirmed in their habits and tastes by those of
whom they are fond. They are the least suited of any to live alone,
although they enjoy themselves best in quiet surroundings far from
the noise and conflict of towns, being partial to hillsides and sunny
heaths, with ample leisure at command for study and reading when
inclined. They are also interested in Botany and the growing of
old-world flowers and plants. Even in old age they never lose their
interests although disliking social conventionalities and emotional
excitement at all times.
In love and marriage relations they are attached and devoted, those
born during this period being able to live amicably with any other
sign, although most in harmony with those born in Gemini, Leo, and
Sagittarius periods, Cancer and Capricorn being the least harmonious.
As a rule this type is courteous and affable in disposition, always
granting a favour gracefully although keenly resenting any attempt to
impose upon their good nature, and in connection with this trait we may
mention that China and Japan, the two countries so typical of courtesy,
come under the sign of Libra.
The temper of this type is as a rule even, and they are usually lenient
to the faults of others, but when aggravated they are cutting and
sharp in speech, leaving nothing they feel unexpressed, although never
malicious.
Inclined to be fastidious over small things, yet they have a tendency
to lose and mislay their belongings; but having much adaptability and
resource in emergency, they seldom feel any inconvenience from this
failing.
To be successful they should be in partnership, or engaged in a
profession or business that is neither monotonous nor arduous, as
they work best in accordance with their moods; and when in harmony
with their associates and surroundings, make good Musicians, Artists,
Singers, Poets, Lawyers, Composers, Designers, Botanists, Librarians,
Landscape Gardeners and Florists; they are also adapted for mechanical
and commercial business, and to deal in goods that can be purchased and
sold again quickly; and it is interesting to note that as a general
rule this type is unfortunate in gambling and affairs of chance,
although lucky in speculation, and as long as they follow their natural
foresight will rarely be cheated.
The health defects of these subjects are kidney trouble, pains in
the back, afflictions of the reproductive organs, varicose veins,
indigestion, headaches, and depression of spirits; also loin trouble.
Quiet and plenty of fresh air are their best medicines.
The gems of this House are the Opal, Coral, and Lapis Lazuli.
THE OPAL.--The Opal is the most beautiful and mysterious of all gems,
containing as it does all the colours of the rainbow, which flash and
glow in sparks and minute flames as the light plays over the surface,
causing it to be aptly described as combining in itself the beauties of
all the other stones. It is a species of soft quartz, and the wonderful
play of colour is believed to be caused by extremely minute particles
of air enclosed in its fissures.
The finest variety is known as Harlequin Opal, in which the colourings
are distributed in numerous very small flakes throughout the stone.
Mexican Opals are more transparent, with the colouring less definite,
and arranged in much larger patches; from Mexico we also get fire Opals
which are of one colour, the deep red “fire-like” stones being the
best, though they vary in colour to a warm yellow.
Opals are very soft when first taken from the mine, but harden by
exposure. Great care is necessary in cutting and also in setting them,
as they are very brittle and liable to chip.
In the fourteenth century the Opal was known as the Ophthalmius, or Eye
Stone, because it was believed to sharpen and strengthen the eyesight;
also that its flashes of coloured fire were especially efficacious in
arresting the glance of envy. In India, the passing of an Opal across
the brow is believed to clear the brain and strengthen the memory.
The idea of its being an unlucky stone had its origin in the
misfortunes that befell Anne of Geierstein in Sir Walter Scott’s novel,
her principal jewel consisting of a large Opal; they are not, in
reality, more unlucky than other stones, though being a Libra gem and
essentially a pledge of friendship, they are not fortunate for any one
having Venus afflicted in their horoscope. In the East it is regarded
as a sacred stone which contains the Spirit of Truth, and in Ancient
Greece the Opal was supposed to possess the power of giving foresight
and the light of prophecy to its owner, provided it was not used for
selfish ends; its misuse bringing ill-luck in love (which probably
accounts for its being unlucky when used in an engagement ring) and
disappointment and misfortune in all enterprises.
Pliny tells, as an illustration of its high value, that Nonnius, a
Roman Senator, endured outlawry and exile at the hands of Marcus
Antonius rather than part with an Opal he possessed.
All Opals are very sensitive to atmospheric conditions, varying in
brilliancy according to the temperature, their colouring being at its
best when worn and kept warm and dry. This sensitiveness was believed
by the ancients to make them susceptible to influences of an occult
nature, so that when the colour of an Opal was bright and lively
it indicated success and good fortune to enterprises or travel, and
when dull and lifeless it warned of failure and disappointments. It
also indicated to its wearer whether it was favourable or otherwise,
being full of colour and brilliancy when in sympathy with its owner’s
interests and lacking in colour and lustre when adverse in its
influence.
CORAL.--Coral has been classed amongst gems from time immemorial by
all nations, although, as is well known, it is the product of a marine
insect.
It is found in various colours, the pink, red, and white, however,
being the only kinds generally used as gems. It is produced in enormous
quantities in the Southern Seas, where it forms huge reefs and even
islands; but practically the whole of the Coral used for ornamental
purposes is obtained in the Mediterranean off the African coasts, the
Greeks maintaining an extensive fleet solely engaged in this trade.
It is exported in very large quantities to China, Japan, India, and
Persia, where it is used not only for its talismanic virtues, but also
for its medicinal qualities. Amongst the Ancient Greeks and Romans
it was highly valued, being used in many ways for various ailments.
Orpheus recommended that it should be powdered and scattered amongst
growing crops to safeguard them from locusts, blight, caterpillars,
and thunderstorms. Dioscorides considered it efficacious against the
delusions of the devil; and the Romans believed it specially favourable
for the prevention of childish ailments, Coral in various forms being
worn as charms against Whooping-cough, Colic, and Teething troubles;
also for the prevention of fits. The Coral rattle of bells used in
modern nurseries is a survival from this period when Coral was worn
for health purposes, and the bells to drive away evil spirits. They
also used powdered Coral, taking it internally in water for pains in
the stomach; and, after burning the powder, used it as an important
ingredient in ointments for ulcers and sore eyes because of its
soothing and healing qualities. The Roman ladies wore small branches of
Coral suspended from the neck as charms against sterility.
In India, China, and Japan, it is extensively used in Rosaries, and is
very popular, being regarded as a sovereign remedy against cholera and
all epidemics, and invaluable in indicating to its wearer the presence
of poison, or the danger of illness, by changing colour. In Southern
Europe necklaces of Coral beads are worn to avert the Evil Eye.
Camillus Leonardus recommends it to keep evil spirits from the house,
prevent mental delusions and nightmare, give relief in intestinal
trouble, and to avert diseases of the spleen. It is still extensively
used in Italy for the numerous carved charms worn to avert the Evil Eye.
LAPIS LAZULI.--Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue stone well known to all
ancient nations, and is most probably the stone mentioned in early
writings as the Sapphire, the Tables of the Law stated in the Bible as
being of the latter, although there is not much doubt that Lapis Lazuli
is the stone meant.
It is an opaque stone, and is frequently flecked with gold owing to the
presence of iron pyrites in its composition.
The best qualities come from China, Persia, and Siberia; whilst the
lighter-coloured and less valuable is found in Germany and South
America. Its name is derived from _Lapis_, meaning “a stone,” and the
Arabic word _Azul_, meaning “blue.”
It was very popular with the Egyptians, several of their Talismans
being made of this gem, particularly the Eye and Heart, specimens of
which may be seen in the fourth Egyptian Room at the British Museum. On
account of its beautiful deep blue colour it has always been dedicated
to Venus, and in Christian religions is regarded as the stone of the
Virgin Mary. It was freely used by the Greeks and Romans both for
ornamental purposes and for the cure of Apoplexy, Epilepsy, diseases of
the Spleen, and all skin ailments and blood disorders. Also a necklace
of Lapis Lazuli beads was considered beneficial to inspire courage in
timid children, cure depression of spirits and melancholia, whilst it
strengthened the affections, ensured fidelity in friends, and brought
success in love.
The Opal, Coral, and Lapis Lazuli should not, however, be worn by those
whose birthdays fall in the Cancer or Capricorn periods.