AQUARIUS--THE HOUSE OF THE WATER-BEARER
Constellation--Period--Symbol--Early Religious Teachings--The
Glyph--Rulers of the House--Saturn and Uranus--Characteristics
of the Type--Temper--Professions--Health Defects--Marriage and
Friendships--Gems of the House--Garnets and Zircons--The Garnet and
Ruby--Qualities of the Stone--Virtue, as a Keepsake--The Zircon--The
Hyacinth--The Jargoon--The Jacinth as a Talisman for Sleep--Set in
Gold for Restlessness--The Lyncurion of the Ancients: its Virtues.
Aquarius, the Water-bearer, is the eleventh sign of the Zodiac,
and is situated in the Southern Celestial Hemisphere between the
constellations of Capricornus the Goat and Pisces the Fishes. This
constellation has only a few bright stars and is not easy to find, but
with the aid of a good glass its shape as a pitcher or vase may be
traced showing two star streams which flow from its mouth, one towards
the Goat and the other falling downwards. It can be seen best during
the months of September and October, between the hours of 9 and 11
p.m., and is occupied by the Sun from January 20th until February 19th
approximately each year.
The Pitcher or Vase, as the symbol of the House, was universally used
by ancient nations, the Chinese describing it as the Vase full, the
Chaldeans as the Watering-pot, the Arabians as the Pitcher or Urn, and
the Greeks and Romans as the Water-pourer; it is illustrated in No. 11
of the Frontispiece.
In many old star maps the figure of a man is shown carrying the
Pitcher; but at the present time, at any rate, the figure cannot be
traced in the stars of the constellation and was doubtless entirely
imaginary, being probably added to illustrate the early religious
teachings of the Zodiac, the Arabic name for “a aquari,” the principal
star of this group, being “sadal melik,” meaning “fortunate star of the
King,” the figure typifying the King, or Priest, who by his outpourings
made his country fortunate or blessed. An interpretation which, at
least, is in harmony with its qualities, is that Aquarius, being one of
the airy triplicities and the period of its occupation by the Sun being
a moist one (familiarly known to us as February Fill-dyke), the vapours
and clouds borne on its air are appropriately symbolised by the figure
of a water-bearer, and the two waved lines ♒ the most ancient pictorial
illustration of water which form the Glyph of this House equally well
expressed its qualities.
Ancient writers assign Saturn to be the ruler of this House as well
as of Capricorn, and he is doubtless very strong when in occupation,
but the consensus of opinion amongst modern astrologers is to replace
Saturn by the planet Uranus as the ruler of this sign, appearing as he
does to affect this House more than any other during his periodic stay
of seven years. Being akin to Saturn in its nature, but unknown to the
ancient authorities, they not unnaturally thought its qualities were of
a Saturnian character.
Those born under the influence of Aquarius possess extremely complex
minds and dispositions often unconsciously as well as consciously
absorbing impressions and information on all kinds of topics and
out-of-the-way subjects, their interests being widely spread and
far-reaching; and, as their symbol the Water-bearer suggests, their
diffusive natures give them an extraordinary facility in the passing
on of knowledge to others in a manner easy to understand, their
well-stocked minds full of reminiscence and anecdote making them most
interesting companions when they choose.
Unlike those born under the influence of Capricorn, they do not run
in any well-worn groove of thought nor use any established reason or
method, preferring ways and ideas of their own to those of others.
Despite their ability to succeed in almost any direction, their
fluctuating moods incline them often to scatter their talents and
energies, thus losing them many opportunities of advancement in a
definite profession or occupation. Although acting from what seems to
themselves well-defined motives, they frequently annoy their friends
and relations by what appears to be a capricious restlessness. The
perceptive faculty being stronger in the Aquarian type than in others,
they are remarkably good judges of human nature and character, and,
their analytical and reasoning powers being very pronounced, they see
through the motives and actions of others very quickly and easily,
often having a reply ready before the other has finished speaking.
Although careful to examine the facts or truths of any matter before
finally accepting it, they speak their minds freely or express their
opinions forcibly when necessary. They are intelligent, independent,
and progressive in their ideas, with a strong sense of justice and
forethought in all they undertake. Contrary to the expectations of
those about them, they often succeed where nothing but failure seems
possible; their will-power, being firm even to obstinacy, continues to
exert itself to the end of any achievement in spite of obstacles and
difficulties which others consider insurmountable. They usually have
more than one source of income, but do not show to the best advantage
when born rich, for in their endeavour to get the best value for outlay
and the best interest on investments, and being subject to sudden gains
and losses, their dread of poverty makes money always more or less an
anxiety, whether inherited or earned, which makes them very careful
in financial affairs, giving outsiders the impression of meanness,
although when wealthy they frequently leave large sums for the benefit
of the community.
Extremes frequently meet in this type, which includes some of the
strongest as well as some of the most erratic and indecisive characters
who, when adversely aspected, become cantankerous, abrupt in manners,
selfish, and obstinate, and through their eccentricity and peculiarity
of temperament are often the creators of their own enemies and
misfortunes.
The temper is quick and irritable, and they do not recover easily from
its effect, surrounding themselves as it were with a barrier of reserve
impossible to break through or approach.
The professions and occupations in which they are most successful are
frequently of an uncommon nature, or of an advanced kind, noteworthy
examples of subjects born during this period being Darwin, Dickens,
Edison, Ruskin, and Sir Henry Irving. Many investors, metaphysicians,
scientists, artists, authors, hypnotists, electricians, elocutionists,
actors, art and literary critics, analysts, telegraphists are
Aquarians, and having much resourceful and inventive genius are often
successful where others fail.
The health defects of those born under this sign are usually
complicated and sometimes incurable, including accidents from lightning
and electricity, giddiness, neuritis, rheumatism, derangements of the
digestive system, bad circulation, catarrh, eczema, bad chills, and
sprains and injuries to the ankles which are ruled by this sign and are
often weak in childhood.
In matters relating to marriage and friendship they are difficult
to please, being apt to demand a reason even for their ideals which
makes them scrutinise the faults and failings of those with whom they
come in contact, thoughtlessness and its resultant mistakes being to
them incomprehensible. Although fond of living in towns and cities
and mixing with others are often the most lonely of all the types;
but if once deeply attracted are staunch and true, and will be most
in sympathy with the Gemini, Libra, Aries, and Sagittarian types, and
least in harmony with those of the Taurus and Scorpio signs.
The gems of this House are the Garnet and all the Zircons, which
include the Jargoon, Hyacinth, and Jacinth.
THE GARNET.--Garnets are found in many varieties, each being described
by a special name; the Bohemian Garnet is a deep red, whilst the
Cinnamon stone usually has its colour varied by a tinge of orange;
Almandines have a violet hue and take their name from Alabanda, a
town in Asia Minor, where, according to Pliny, this stone (which he
describes as the Alabandicus) was in his time cut and polished. They
are found in Brazil, Mexico, Bohemia, Australia, and North America, an
uncommon bright green variety being also found in the Ural Mountains.
The colour of the best stones approximates to that of the Ruby, for
which it was sometimes mistaken by the Ancients, and amongst modern
jewellers it is frequently described as the Cape Ruby, although the
Ruby is a much harder stone, richer in colour, and possesses much more
fire.
Garnets have always been extensively used throughout the East and
amongst the Greeks and Romans, the latter frequently using them for
engraving, several fine specimens of Imperial portraits having come
down to us in this way.
In India and throughout Persia it was known as an Amulet against poison
and the plague, worn to attract health and cheerfulness, and as a
protection against lightning. During the Middle Ages it was used as a
remedy for inflammatory diseases, and to confer constancy, fidelity,
and cheerfulness to its rightful wearers, but was said to cause discord
amongst those having no right to it by birth. Like the Ruby, it warned
its owner of approaching danger and trouble by changing its colour, and
was much in vogue at one time as a keepsake between friends at parting.
THE ZIRCON.--The Zircon includes Jacinth, or Hyacinth, and Jargoons,
which, though differing in colour, are actually the same material
species. As a rule amongst modern dealers in Precious Stones the White
Zircon is known as the Jargoon, which is often found flawless and so
bright as to closely resemble the diamond, being in fact often offered
for sale as the diamond in Indian Bazaars.
Jacinths, or Hyacinths, are Zircons of deep orange or rich bright red
colour, the Jacinth name being of Arabic origin, and the Hyacinth
Greek, because it resembled the Hyacinth flowers which Apollo caused to
spring from the blood of his favourite Hyacinthus whom he accidentally
killed with a quoit. The remaining varieties of this stone, which are
found in varying shades of yellow, grey, brown, and green, ranging from
bright lively colours to dull cloudy shades, are described generally
as Zircons, although very bright, clear, slightly coloured stones
are described as pink or yellow Jargoons, according to the tint their
colour may take. The best specimens come from India, Ceylon, Bohemia,
France, and from Australia. Bœtius de Boot recommends the Oriental
Jacinth, “that comes from Calicut and Cambray,” as a specific for
promoting sleep; Marbodus says it makes its wearer attractive and
agreeable, which Barrett in his “Natural Magic” confirms, adding that
if set in gold and worn on the finger it is a desirable jewel as a
solace for a restless brain. Camillus Leonardus, writing in 1750, says
the Jacinth will strengthen weak hearts, dispel imaginary suspicions,
allay jealousy, secure travellers from injuries and thieves, and
protect them from pestilence, plague, and contagious epidemics.
It was well known to the Ancients, and is considered to be the
LYNCURION of Theophrastus. The popularity of this stone in India is
as great as ever, and at the present time it is worn as an antidote
against poison, to attract riches, honour, and wisdom, and to drive
away evil spirits.
The virtues attributed to it during the Middle Ages were that it
attracted success, brought welcome to its wearer wherever he went,
stimulated the appetite, and aided digestion, protected from fever,
dropsy, jaundice, and noxious fancies, and restrained from excesses,
its efficacy being greatly increased if set in gold. But neither the
Garnet nor Zircon should be worn by those whose birthdays fall in the
Taurus or Scorpio periods.