THE CHOICE OF OCCUPATION
The enormous waste of force and time entailed by the experimental trip
upon which most young men embark at the outset of their career in life,
might be greatly reduced by a proper knowledge of individual aptitude
in relation to circumstances. The average boy cannot readily make up
his mind as to what occupation he will follow, because he does not know
either enough of his own powers or of the world in which he is called
upon to use them. Parents are in the same difficulty. They must needs
wait to see how a boy will shape out. They study his inclinations to
the best of their ability, but without coming to a definite conclusion
any sooner than the boy himself. Given a fair education, such as may
fit him for almost anything, but which specialises him for nothing in
particular, he is put to some desk or bench and there left to his own
resources. By a fortunate chance, he may find himself suited to his
post. More frequently he is several years in finding out that he has
missed his vocation, that his inclinations and his work are not in
accord, that he has misapplied his energies for some time, and that he
has made a false start. Fortunately circumstanced at birth he may have
been equipped by higher education for some distinctive profession, to
which he gains access after the payment of large fees or premiums. The
man has a strong dramatic faculty and the stage claims him after all.
Here is both waste of time and money. Astrology, as a reliable key to
character and inclination, deserves some recognition on the grounds of
social economy.
The inclinations of the Subject are judged from the position of the
majority of the planets, for if they should be found in the aerial
signs, Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius, the inclination will be towards
mental occupations, especially science and literature. In fiery signs
there is a predisposition to a more robust and active life, such as
is afforded by military service, travelling, prospecting, exploring,
&c. In earthy signs the aptitude lies in the direction of agriculture,
experimental science, surveying, dealing in real estate, broking, &c. In
watery signs there is special inclination to pursuits connected with the
water, such as sailors, watermen, and others; but frequently to other
occupation in which fluids are predominant, such as publicans, wine and
spirit merchants, chemists, and oil merchants.
Each sign has its special tendency, and the exact occupation can
often be decided thereby, when regard is had to the planet in closest
aspect to the Sun or Moon and the sign it occupies. Thus Aries denotes
soldiers and pioneers of movements; Taurus shows dealers in real estate,
house agents and brokers; Gemini, literary men and writers of all
sorts; Cancer, sailors and publicans; Leo, actors and artists; Virgo,
clothes dealers and sellers of confectionery and bread; Libra, valuers,
assayers, money-changers, and pawnbrokers; Scorpio, naval sailors,
chemists, dealers in oils and spirits; Sagittarius, explorers, divines,
lawyers; Capricornus, political agents and ministers of the State;
Aquarius, electricians, company promoters, syndics, and scientific
researchers; Pisces, dealers in fish and sea produce, warders, and those
connected with places of confinement, such as prisons and hospitals.
Taking, therefore, the dominant planet and the signs that hold the
majority of the planets, the line along which the Subject will make the
most progress in the world and acquit himself most successfully, may be
readily determined.
No person will make a good soldier who has not Mars as a dominant
planet, nor will he succeed with the public if the Moon be not elevated
and well aspected, nor become a successful artist, musician, or poet if
Venus be not conspicuous in the horoscope.
Generally the inclination is derived from a consideration of the
dominant planet, and the degree of success attendant upon the occupation
is judged from the aspect which that planet throws to the Sun or Moon,
and there can be no great advantage from following an inclination
which does not promise some measure of success, as is the case when
the dominant planet is in evil aspect to the luminaries. Thus it
happens that some men follow unprofitable callings, their judgment
being dominated by an inclination adverse to their natural welfare. Yet
never was good work done in the world without a strong inclination and
considerable enthusiasm, and Heaven makes its own slaves, its martyrs,
and its scapegoats. And always, the following of an inclination means
the sacrifice of some of the benefits of life. “Take what thou wilt,
but pay the price!” is the Divine mandate, according to Emerson.
But unquestionably, the science which enables a man to choose the line
of least resistance, which prevents a youth of intellectual tendencies
from wasting the best years of his life in drudgery at the desk or
bench, is worth a little study. “Hitch your waggon to a star,” is good
advice if only we hitch it to the right one.