SAGITTARIUS--THE HOUSE OF THE ARCHER
Period--The Constellation--The Bow in the
Cloud--Mythology--Characteristics of the Type--Appropriateness of
the Symbol--Fresh Air a Necessity--Professions--Ailments--Marriage
Relations--Gem of the House--The Topaz--Nan-Ratan--Pliny and
the Topaz--Discovery of the Stone--The Emperor Hadrian and
his Ring--Appropriateness of the Stone to the Type--The Stone
of Strength--As a Talisman against Asthma--Marbodus and the
Topaz--Chrysolite also Favourable.
The Sun enters the Zodiacal House of Sagittarius the Archer on November
23rd and remains until December 21st approximately.
This House is symbolised by a Centaur armed with a bow ready to
discharge an arrow (as shown in Illustration No. 9 of the coloured
Frontispiece), and is ruled by the planet Jupiter.
Sagittarius the Archer forms one of the constellations of the Southern
Hemisphere, situated between Scorpio the Scorpion and Capricornus
the Goat. The bow of the Archer in the constellation contains three
of the largest stars in this group, so that its form can be followed
without much difficulty, affording a further illustration of Biblical
history depicted in the heavens, as mentioned by Mr. R. A. Proctor the
Astronomer. It will be remembered that in the previous chapter we noted
that Libra was at one time symbolised by an altar, and Mr. Proctor
says, describing this constellation:
“Next after the Altar (built by Noah after leaving the Ark), and in
fact in the smoke from the Altar, is the bow of Sagittarius, and
corresponding with this we read that God, after the savour of the
Altar had reached him, said: ‘I do set my bow in the cloud, and it
shall come to pass when I bring a cloud over the earth that bow shall
be seen in the cloud.’ Close by the ship Argo (the Ark) again, is the
raven, perched on Hydra (the great sea serpent), represented in the
old sculptures immersed in the waves of ocean on which the Ark was
floating.”
The Greeks also adopted the Centaur as the symbol of this
constellation, but according to their mythology the Centaur was
Chiron the son of Saturn, who whilst living in the woods studied the
medicinal virtues of herbs to such good effect that he became supreme
as a physician. He was also famous for his skill in astronomy and
proficiency in scientific knowledge, because of which he became in turn
the instructor of Achilles, Hercules, and Æsculapius. In handling the
arrows of Hercules, which had been poisoned by being dipped in the
Hydra’s blood, he accidentally let one fall upon his foot, inflicting
a wound which in spite of his great skill in medicine he was unable
to cure. Being born of immortal parents he could not die, so that to
release him from his excruciating pains the gods translated him to the
heavens to form this constellation.
“Midst golden stars he stands refulgent now
And thrusts the Scorpion with his bended bow.”
One of the most noticeable characteristics of those born under the
influence of Sagittarius is their acuteness of perception and accuracy
in sensing the weak spots in the characters of those about them,
resembling the Archer, who stands ready to shoot the arrow which
seldom fails in hitting the mark. Sagittarians have a decisive way of
expressing their opinion, which can never be mistaken as it exactly
fits the case; behind their words is the intuition which gives them
the power of inspiration. They are progressive, enterprising, and
prophetic. With a clear knowledge and perception of what they wish to
achieve, and their thoughts concentrated upon the goal which they are
destined to reach, circumstances do not overcome them. They solve the
many problems of life and get through the worst troubles with the least
difficulty of any type.
Being lovers of freedom they will generally be found their own masters,
or if in employment, in such position as gives them a maximum of
liberty and independence, and they are seldom without money or the
means of getting it. Their sense of justice and the fitness of things
is very keen, and possessing great pride of family, any ill-treatment
or harshness to those they are fond of amounts with them to almost
personal affront, and in spite of the fact that as a rule they mind
their own business, as regards outsiders, their sympathetic and loyal
nature makes them quick to notice and resent any slight or interference
on behalf of their families or the few they are attached to. The brain
is clear and quick at assimilating new ideas and new modes of life, and
the disposition naturally frank and honest, yet curiously enough there
is at the same time a certain watchfulness and distrust of strangers
which leads to deception, whilst disliking and trying to avoid it, for
they are haters of secrecy and dissimulation. Their aspirations are
lofty, exalted, and refined, and being hopeful, joyous, and youthful
even in advanced years, they are generally popular and successful,
although they seldom excel as students or in literary professions.
The manners of this type are usually affable and courteous, and the
temper generally even, although apt to fly off unexpectedly at the
smallest provocation when acting on the spur of the moment. Having an
advantage over the slower-minded types, they aim in their anger at some
vulnerable point, getting home every time, for when personal they are
very personal, although never willingly malicious, often in this way
saying more than they really mean or intended, and although quickly
recovering from their petulant moods, the effects of their temper when
roused are long-lasting.
When their environment and occupation is such as to enable them to
lead healthy lives they make splendid characters, open air being
most necessary to enable them to draw into themselves the vitality
and energy they need. Otherwise they are apt to become restless,
fault-finding, rebellious, exacting, domineering, and difficult to
get on with, and should always be allowed to make changes in their
professions without hindrance or objections, restraint of any kind
being disastrous to their development, causing them to degenerate into
uninteresting, weak, and undecided characters. Generally speaking,
they have a clear conception of what they wish to achieve, and being
naturally fond of sport and out-of-door exercise of all kinds, they
are the less liable to weakness. Having ability and foresight above
the average, forewarned is forearmed, and as children this type is
frequently clairaudient as well as clairvoyant. They are lovers of
hygiene, and having the greatest antipathy to cramped surroundings they
naturally choose professions in which they can enjoy freedom of speech
and action, with plenty of space, light, and air. They excel as Judges,
Presidents, Generals, Commanders, Directors, Inspectors of Schools,
Factories, and Workshops, also as Sanitary Inspectors, Managers, and
Superintendents, etc., hating all subordinate positions.
These subjects are also fond of animals, so that it is not surprising
that horses and dogs are their constant companions, and seem to respond
readily to their wishes and desires with very little training; many
keen sportsmen are found under this sign, who delight in tramping over
long stretches of country, or find their most congenial recreations
on breezy downs and hilltops. They are also frequently found as
dog-fanciers, veterinary surgeons, horse-dealers, pigeon-fanciers, and
other callings bringing them into touch with animals and an out-of-door
life, and in consequence of this seem more liable than the other types
to accidents in connection with horses.
The chief ailments to which these subjects are liable are bronchial
and lung trouble, rheumatism, accidents to the thighs and hips (which
are ruled by this sign), bruises, sprains, fractures, and diseases
affecting the arterial system, apoplexy, and complaints which originate
through a plethoric habit and corrupt the blood.
In married life they are not always fortunate, their demand for
individuality and freedom of thought and action with an intense family
pride frequently causing misunderstandings, and even jealousy. Being
morbidly sensitive to coldness or indifference, slights fancied or real
are keenly felt. Giving of their best they demand the best in return,
and if once deceived seldom entirely forgive, although when unhappily
mated they make the best of it as a rule to the outside world,
shrinking from any publicity of their domestic differences, faults, or
failings. They will be found to harmonise best with those of the Aries,
Leo, Aquarius, and Libran types, and will find the Pisces and Virgo
subjects the least sympathetic.
The gem best suited and universally accepted as most favourable for
this type is the Topaz; and the Chrysolite is also fortunate for them.
THE TOPAZ.--The Topaz is found in various colours--white, yellow, pink,
green, and black; but it is in the first three colours that they are
familiar in general use as gems.
The best stones come from Brazil and Mexico, but they are also found
in Siberia, India, and many parts of Europe and Great Britain. The
most valuable is the pink variety, which is found naturally in South
America; but it has been discovered that some of the yellow species can
be artificially changed to this colour under a special treatment of
heat.
The white topaz of Brazil is found in pebble form, free from flaws, and
is a very hard bright stone capable of receiving a very high polish. It
is sometimes taken for a diamond, and is known in its native country
as the Slave’s Diamond, although it is not equal to the diamond in
brilliancy and iridescence.
A saffron-yellow variety found in Ceylon, known as the Indian Topaz,
has always been popular throughout India as a Talisman, being worn for
health, caution, sagacity, and the prevention of sudden death. Because
of these same qualities its favour is equally strong throughout Burmah,
and it is always included in the NAN-RATAN, the sacred nine-stone
jewel, which forms the most important ornament in the Burmese regalia,
as may be seen in the jewels which are now on exhibition at the Indian
Museum, South Kensington.
According to Pliny, the Topaz derives its name from the Island
of Topazos in the Red Sea, where it was first found, and he says
Topazein, in the Troglodyte tongue, means “to seek after,” the island
being so often lost amidst fogs. Some pirates who were weatherbound
on this island and hard-pressed by famine, in tearing up roots for
food accidentally discovered the stone. From the descriptions which
have been handed down to us it is believed that the Chrysolite was
frequently used in mistake for the Topaz, and as the Zodiacal Houses
the two stones represent are in harmony with each other, the Chrysolite
will also be a favourable stone for the subjects of Sagittarius.
Gabelschoverus mentions that the Emperor Hadrian, whose reign was
one of the most prosperous and peaceful in Roman history, and who
was most ardent in spreading Christianity, even writing an address
to his soul on his death-bed (which inspired Pope’s poem, “The
Dying Christian to his Soul”), used as a Talisman an antique ring
set with a Topaz which was engraved in Roman letters with the
words NATURA--DEFICIT,--FORTUNA--MUTATUR,--DEUS--OMNIA--CERNIT, an
expression of faith in the Almighty to overrule Nature and Fortune most
appropriate to the owner of the ring.
Fresh air was as much a necessity to the ancient as to the modern
subjects of Sagittarius, as is shown from the fact that the Romans
wore this gem as a preservative from pestilential atmosphere, also to
protect its wearer against perils and dangers in travelling, injuries
from burns and scalds, and to avert all complaints of the chest and
bowels.
The Topaz was called by Pliny “The Stone of Strength,” and he describes
as the most valuable, stones that have a predominating tint of orange
in their colouring. Albertus Magnus recommends it as a cure for gout,
and Camillus Leonardus as a charm against hæmorrhoids, lunacy, and
sudden death; also to bring riches to its wearers, and the favours of
princes.
During the Middle Ages it was believed to dispel enchantments if set
in gold and bound on the left arm or hung round the neck. It preserved
from sensuality, calmed anger and frenzy, strengthened the intellect,
brightened the wit, gave joyousness and contentment, and drove away
broodings and apprehensions. It was also worn as a cure for asthma, and
as a specific against insomnia, being sometimes powdered and taken in
wine.
Marbodus renders its virtues in verse, translated by the Rev. C. W.
King, as follows:
“The Topaz is a jewel rare
And therefore must be bought full dear.
Made up of hues of golden light,
And with Celestial lustre bright,
Here see the man on study bent,
A life in contemplation spent.”
The Topaz will not, however, be fortunate for the subjects born during
the Pisces and Virgo periods.