SCORPIO--THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION
Period--Ruling Planet--Mythology--Symbology--Characteristics
of the Type--Effect of the Malefic Aspects--Health
Defects--Professions--Religion--Marriage--The Gems of
the House--The Beryl and Aquamarine differing only in
Colour--Qualities of the Beryl--Clairvoyant Properties--The
Carbuncle as Transmitter of Light--Noah’s Lamp--Talisman against
Infection--The Lodestone--Magnetic Qualities as an Amulet against
Shipwreck and Gout.
Scorpio forms the eighth sign of the Zodiac and is situated very low
down on the Southern horizon, being seen at its best late at night
during the months of July and August, and it is occupied by the Sun
from the 24th October until November 23rd.
The House of the Scorpion is ruled by the planet Mars, and its largest
star is Antares, so named by the Greeks to signify that it was equal
in brilliancy to Mars, which, however, does not coincide with modern
observation, as Mars when at his nearest to the Earth far exceeds in
splendour and ruddiness the star Antares.
In very ancient records this sign has been called “The Oldest”; but
no reason can be found for this, although it has been suggested that
the title refers to “that old serpent” originally responsible for the
Fall of Mankind, which, according to ancient writers, is visible in the
heavens and may be followed by taking diagrammatic representation of
the constellations, where Hercules is shown trampling on the head of
the Serpent, or Scorpion. As the Serpent, it typifies the temptation
of Eve, who won wisdom and knowledge at the price of bitter sorrow and
suffering. According to Greek Mythology the Scorpion was placed in
the heavens by Juno the Queen of Gods (and wife of Jupiter), because
it carried out her wishes by stinging Orion, who had offended the
goddess by boasting that he could outrun and subdue the wildest and
fiercest of beasts. Orion died from the effects of the sting and,
with the Scorpion, was translated to the heavens, forming different
constellations so placed that as one sets the other rises; and amongst
mariners, when Orion is obscured it is considered to indicate storm and
tempest, or when he is visible, fair weather.
The symbol and stone of the House are shown in No. 8 of the
Frontispiece.
Scorpio has been described as the sign accursed, because during this
period unfavourable weather is usually experienced, bringing gales and
storms, the wind being stinging and bitterly cold, whilst diseases
such as cholera and digestive disorders incidental to the fruit season
are rife, aptly expressed by the symbol of this House.
The leading characteristics of those born under the influence of
Scorpio are intensity of purpose, indomitable will, and unflinching
determination, as shown by the thoroughness and persistency with
which they carry out their plans and desires, whether for good or
evil. Although this type includes many extremes of temperament, from
the highest and best natures down to the lowest and most degraded,
whatever their stage of development may be, weak natures are seldom if
ever found amongst them, all possessing the same positive methodical
mentality with unflagging and powerful energy, in whichever sphere
they are found. Having naturally a strong magnetic personality and
dominant will-power, they exercise a strange psychological influence
over others, and, although most convincing and powerful speakers,
can frequently make themselves felt and understood without a word
being spoken. They are invaluable when in positions of authority,
which enables them to exercise this force, being persistent in seeing
that those working under their direction shall carry out duties with
precision, and although affable to those of an inferior social status
they are always ready to resent familiarity and stand upon their
dignity when necessary, which enables them to insist on the observance
of rules and laws even by the most refractory. These Scorpio subjects
are also endowed with a strong perception of right and wrong, their
sense of justice making them endeavour as far as possible to give
due reward or otherwise for value received, even to the extent of
observing the ancient doctrine of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth. Although apparently matter-of-fact they are more or less psychic
according to the stage of their development, but often fail to realise
this power, attributing their experiences in this direction to keen
perception and quick and accurate deduction, for they always discredit
all they cannot personally feel or understand, looking upon the limits
of their understanding as the limit of nature. One of their strongest
traits of character is their wonderful power of resistance, for even
when the chances of success are _nil_ they are never discouraged,
rising again and again after reverses seemingly unaware of defeat, also
rarely showing emotion or feeling by any change of expression. This
faculty of resistance makes them very popular as champions of the weak
or oppressed, for they will face any personal danger or unpleasantness
to help others, although they are often annoyed at the mental
deficiencies and lack of self-reliance and moral courage of the weaker
types.
When badly aspected the subjects of Scorpio are, however, most
destructive, domineering, malicious, and restless, developing into
scolds and unreasonable characters, with a taste for a wandering and
unsettled life. When unafflicted by malefic planets the nature is
expansive, and their surroundings should be such that they may work
off superfluous energy in some way beneficial both to mind and body.
Outdoor life is most necessary and beneficial, and those of this type
forced by circumstances to sedentary occupations should take walking,
riding, or gymnastic exercises whenever possible.
Their energetic, discerning, and powerful personalities are felt
in every walk of life, whether in State, professional, or business
capacities; as humanitarians or leaders of democratic circles their
phenomenal and retrospective memories and inexhaustible argument
and suggestion act as an energy of destruction or as a motive power
to uplift humanity. Other professions for which they are suited
are Magistrates, Detectives, Analysts, Principals of Schools and
Institutions, Disciplinarians, Organisers, Engineers generally, and
Marine Engineers in particular; they also make splendid surgeons and
medical practitioners, usually in favour of drastic treatment for
refractory patients. As authors they analyse and bring to the surface
all the darkest corners in human life; they are also interested in
handicrafts and intellectual progress, whilst their business capacity
in driving a bargain or in buying and selling is remarkable.
The health defects of this House are generally of an uncommon nature,
such as suppressed gout and rheumatism, painful and inflammatory
ailments of the lower organs (which are governed by Scorpio);
hæmorrhoids, malaria, typhoid, angina pectoris, insomnia, and
severe sick headaches. In temper they are electric and impulsive
and inclined to take offence; but although an angry type have often
great self-control, but when badly aspected their strong passions
predominate, and like the Scorpion they sting with the tongue, and
their expressions are sarcastic, lurid, and cruel.
In religion they believe in Divine justice being meted out to
wrongdoers, and find no difficulty in administering punishment to
transgressors according to their deserts.
In love and friendship they are very exclusive, having strong and
intense affections for those to whom they are attracted, but are
subject to sudden revulsions of feeling and are for this reason
frequently unfortunate in marriage relations, being inclined to be
exacting, mistrustful, and difficult to please, yet they always
command respect, even from those who are unable to understand them.
They will harmonise best with those of the Pisces, Cancer, Capricorn,
and Virgo types, while those least in sympathy will be the Aquarian and
Leo types.
The gems of this House are the Beryl, Aquamarine, Carbuncle, and
Lodestone.
THE BERYL.--The Beryl and Aquamarine are practically the same stone,
differing only in colour, the Beryl varying from a bright blue to
white, and the Aquamarine, as its name implies, coinciding with Pliny’s
description of “the gem green as the sea”; like the sea its colour
varies from a pale cool green to a deep green. In quite recent years it
has become common amongst jewellers and dealers in precious stones to
describe all kinds generally as Aquamarines, and therefore it is not
unusual to find one merchant describing the green stone as the Beryl,
whilst his neighbour gives this name to the blue.
In their compositions these stones are almost exactly the same as
the Emerald, and are found in India, Siberia, and Brazil. It has
always been revered in the East as the stone of purity, and was
considered to be particularly sensitive to personal influence, so
that it is frequently given to brides at weddings that the auras of
the newly-wedded may blend in the Beryl, preserving and increasing
their mutual love. This belief was held by the Romans, and confirmed
by Camillus Leonardus who says, “it renders the bearer cheerful and
increases and preserves married love”; also, “it cures distempers of
the throat and jaws, and is good for indispositions of the liver and
disorders of the stomach.”
It is appropriately regarded as the Stone of the Seer and Mystic,
nearly all of whom will be found to have Scorpio strong in their
horoscopes. It is mentioned by Aubrey as particularly favourable for
clairvoyants because “it hath a weak tincture of red wherein magicians
see visions.” This effect, sometimes seen under the influence of
changing light, is also noted by Rossetti in his ballad “Rose Mary,”
where, writing on the powers of the spirits of the Beryl, he describes
the stone as--
“Rainbow hued through a misty pall,
Like the middle light of a waterfall.”
All varieties of this stone were considered beneficial to married
people in keeping the affections true and constant and protecting
from slander; and it was also regarded as a sovereign remedy against
idleness, a sharpener of the intellect, and as being specially good for
mariners and adventurers, preserving them from danger and sickness on
sea and land, and efficacious in the discovery of all hidden things.
THE CARBUNCLE.--The Carbuncle belongs to the same species of stone as
the Garnet, the latter being cut with facets, while the former is cut
_en cabochon_, or with a rounded surface. It is found in India, Ceylon,
Brazil, and the Cape, and has been described by mediæval writers
(including Chaucer and Mandeville) as giving forth light in darkness,
whilst in old legends a large Carbuncle is said to have served Noah as
a lamp.
Shakespeare also refers to the light that comes from this stone,
and these descriptions may have arisen from the fact that many very
sensitive or psychic people are able to see a certain luminous effect
surrounding the gem. It was a very popular stone with the Ancient
Hebrews, who knew it as Baraketh, or flashing stone, which is derived
from _Barak_, meaning lightning. Camillus Leonardus recommends it as
a safeguard from poison, and in infectious illnesses, for repressing
extravagance, and for mightily increasing the popularity and prosperity
of its wearer.
During the Middle Ages it was believed to protect its owners from
the plague, also to banish sadness, dispel evil thoughts, repress
sensuality, reconcile differences between friends, and attract success
to all undertakings, as well as to cure indigestion and sore throat if
suspended round the neck.
According to Pliny there are male and female stones, the deep red being
masculine and the lighter-coloured feminine, a belief also held with
regard to other gems.
Amongst the tribes of Northern India and Africa it was believed to
protect from wounds in battle, an idea also common amongst the Arabs.
THE LODESTONE.--The Lodestone is composed of proto-oxide and peroxide
of iron, and from its magnetic qualities is known as Magnetite. This
quality induced Dinocrates, a celebrated architect in the employ of
Ptolemy Philadelphus, to plan a temple the roof of which was to be
of Lodestone, so that the statue of Arsinoe, to whom the temple was
dedicated, might remain in suspension, a plan which never materialised
owing to the death of the architect and his patron. Claudius, a Roman
poet who lived some 600 years later, mentions a statue of Venus made
of Lodestone and one of Mars in Iron, placed in the same temple that
they might be attracted together at the marriage ceremonies, the Romans
believing that this stone kept husband and wife faithful and their love
secure.
Orpheus attributes to the Lodestone the power of attracting the love
of gods and men, and it was frequently set in wedding-rings for this
purpose. In India it is believed to give vitality and health to those
who wear it, and it is very popular amongst Mohammedans as a Talisman
against evil spirits. In Elizabethan days mariners had great faith in
this stone as a preservative from shipwreck, and also as an Amulet
against gout if worn next the skin.
The Beryl, Aquamarine, Carbuncle, and Lodestone should not, however, be
worn by those born in the Aquarius or Leo periods.