[PAGE 192]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
                                  CHAPTER X
                        MERCURY, THE PLANET OF REASON
   Mythologically  Mercury is represented as a "Messenger of the  Gods"  and
this  is the line with the occult facts,  for when infant humanity had  been
led astray by the marital Lucifer spirits and had fallen into GENERATION  it
became necessary for the other divine hierarchies to take steps looking to a
future  REGENERATION  and  to further that object the Lords  of  Venus  were
brought to the earth to educate humanity in such a manner that love might be
substituted  for lust and men might thus be induced to aspire  to  something
higher.   While  the Lords of Venus dealt with mankind in general  the  most
precocious  among  them were taken in hand by the Lords  of  Mercury;  whose
wisdom-teaching  is  symbolically represented by the caduceus or  "STAFF  OF
MERCURY," consisting of two serpents twining around a rod and indication the
solution of the riddle of life,  or "Whence have we come,  why are we  here,
and whither are we bound?"  showing the pupil the spiral path of  INVOLUTION
by which the divine spark has buried itself in matter,  also the spiral path
of EVOLUTION by which humanity will eventually again reach the Father's  bo-
som,  and the short road of INITIATION represented by the central rod around
[PAGE 193]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
which the serpents twine.   But to understand these Mysteries requires  mind
and  reason.   Mercury then is the mental educator of men and its place  and
position in the horoscope shows the status of the person's mind for whom  it
is cast.
   Being the Messenger of the Gods to the other planets Mercury has no voice
of  its  own and is even more dependent for expression upon the  aspects  of
other planets than the Moon which rules the instinctual mind.  So Mercury is
really  a focus through which the faculty of reason finds expression in  the
human being to act as a brake upon the lower nature and assist in lifting us
from the human to the divine.   Many may and do feel deeply,  they may  also
have valuable knowledge,  but they will be unable to express their  feelings
or shore their knowledge with others if Mercury is lacking in aspects.  Even
a so-called evil aspect of Mercury helps to bring out what is within and  is
therefore better than none.
   When Mercury is so placed in relation to the Sun it goes BEFORE the lumi-
nary it has the effect of materially brightening the mind,  for the Sun rep-
resents  the Ego and it may therefore be said that then its path is  illumi-
nated by the lamp of reason.  On the other hand if Mercury is so placed that
it  rises  later than the Sun and thus follows AFTER the  luminary  The  Ego
learns  more  by afterthought than by forethought for it walks comparatively
[PAGE 194]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
speaking  in the dark and must learn a great many of its lessons by  experi-
ence.
   As we have found that it is difficult for a number of young  students  to
determine  when Mercury goes before or after the Sun we may say  in  farther
elucidation of that subject:
   When  Mercury is in a lower degree of the same sign as the Sun or in  any
degree  of the previous sign then as a matter of course he rises BEFORE  the
Sun.   To illustrate:  If the Sun is in twenty degrees of Cancer and Mercury
is in five, ten or fifteen degrees of that sign or if he is in any degree of
Gemini, then he rises BEFORE the Sun.
   But if he is in twenty-five degrees of Cancer which is a higher degree of
the same sign, or if he is in any degree in Leo which is the sign succeeding
Cancer, then he rises AFTER the Sun and loses part of his good influence.
   A  retrograde Mercury is also a detriment to the faculty of reason.   But
in the year of life when Mercury by progression again turns direct, the rea-
soning  faculties  will improve correspondingly.  Mercury is strong  in  the
airy signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, but he is exalted and therefore most
powerful  in Virgo.   Mercury has special rule over agents  and  messengers,
salesmen,  postmen and other common carriers,  people engaged in advertising
or printing, literary men, writers, reporters, secretaries,  clerks,  steno-
graphers  and typewriters,  commission men and other middle men, demagogues,
confidence-men and thieves.
[PAGE 195]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
                        MERCURY IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE
    MERCURY IN THE ASCENDANT,  OR FIRST HOUSE makes the person  quick-witted
and sharp according to the nature of the sign rising and the aspects of  the
planets  which  he receives.   The fiery signs and the airy signs  have  the
strongest influence in that respect.   In Aries or Leo he is more  impulsive
than when rising in Sagittarius,  but Gemini,  Libra and Aquarius are  best.
When Mercury is rising in the watery signs Cancer or Pisces the intellect is
dull,  but  rising in Scorpio where it is fired by the  martial  energy  and
armed with the venomous sting of the scorpion it has a somewhat similar  in-
fluence to that of Mars in Scorpio through not quite so pronounced.
    MERCURY  IN THE SECOND HOUSE is good for gain through mercurial  occupa-
tions especially where the person is employed by someone else so that he ap-
pears in a true mercurial capacity as agent,  messenger,  clerk,  writer  or
whatever else.
    MERCURY IN THE THIRD HOUSE and well-aspected has wonderful influence  on
the mental qualities of the native.   It makes the mind serene and  optimis-
tic, inclined to study and research work.  It gives fluency as a speaker and
success  by short journeys or travel and makes the relations of  the  person
harmonious with his brothers.   When Mercury is afflicted in the Third House
[PAGE 196]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
it  inclines to worry and pessimism, trouble and annoyance with sisters  and
brothers and when on short journeys.
    MERCURY  IN THE FOURTH HOUSE gives instability to home  conditions.   It
signifies the homeless wanderer who is always moving from place to place un-
less a good aspect to Saturn comes in to steady him down.  This is, however,
a  good aspect for people engaged in mercurial occupations which  require  a
stationary residence,  such as librarian, or literary men engaged in newspa-
per work, employees in printing establishments, commission houses,  agencies
and kindred organizations.   If Mercury is afflicted by Saturn the home con-
ditions of the person will cause him a great deal of worry.
    MERCURY IN THE FIFTH HOUSE centers the mind upon education,  amusements,
courtships and children.   If Mercury is well-aspected by Saturn or  Jupiter
it  gives depth to the mind and makes the person successful  in  enterprises
connected  with education,  publishing or public amusements.   Good  aspects
from Mars or Venus give success in courtship but the adverse aspects of  the
planets make the person cruel; he is inconstant in affection toward those he
professes to love,  inclined to worry over affairs of his children,  and su-
perficial as a teacher.  A good  aspect from the Sun is an excellent indica-
[PAGE 197]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
tion of success in a government position, in an educational capacity.
    MERCURY  IN  THE  SIXTH HOUSE makes the mentality  too  active  for  the
person's  own good,  for he is extremely ambitious and therefore  liable  to
over-tax himself to the detriment of his health,  and the disability of  the
nervous  system is most likely to express itself by a digestive disorder  in
the region governed by Virgo, the sixth sign,  viz.,  the intestines.   Such
people  are supersensitive to the conditions of others which  affects  their
health bringing much trouble and worry in dealing with servants and subordi-
nates.  They are fond of the study of hygiene and diet and meet with consid-
erable  success in the practice of the chemistry of foods,  particularly  if
Mercury is well-aspected.   Adverse aspects of Saturn to a Sixth House  Mer-
cury make a chronic invalid of a most melancholy mind.   The adverse aspects
of  Mars  and Uranus are fruitful sources of suicide through  brooding  over
disease.
    MERCURY IN THE SEVENTH HOUSE and well-aspected makes the person  popular
in literary and scientific circles.  It is a good position for public speak-
ers and all who are engaged in mercurial activities of a public nature.  But
if  Mercury is afflicted the Seventh House position brings a great  deal  of
hostile criticism of a public nature  and is liable to involve the person in
[PAGE 198]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
litigation either to defend himself against libel from others or on  account
of libel committed by himself.  A well-aspected Mercury in the Seventh House
indicates a successful marriage to a relative or an employee,  but when Mer-
cury is afflicted either the person or the marriage partner is of a  nagging
nature so that the married life is spoiled by constant quarrels and disputes
on account of fickleness and faithfulness.
    MERCURY IN THE EIGHTH HOUSE when well-aspected gives gain through liter-
ary or scientific agencies, occupations or other mercurial pursuits provided
they  are carried on in partnership with someone else.   This position  also
indicates  that the person may receive a legacy and it is a good  indication
of  the financial success of the marriage,  but if Mercury is afflicted  its
position  in the Eighth House indicates financial troubles for the  marriage
partner and litigation probably in connection with a legacy left to the  na-
tive.
    MERCURY  IN  THE NINTH HOUSE and well-aspected gives love  of  religion,
science,  letters and law,  a studious mind capable of delving  deeply  into
profound problems of life and being,  philosophic and philanthropic  tenden-
cies, and desire to travel far if need be in the pursuit of knowledge.  This
position gives facility in speech and writing and success in religion,  phi-
losophy, law or science.  The mind is broad,  flexible and adaptable, there-
[PAGE 199]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
fore  the person is liable to change his views several times in his life  on
the  various subjects which he has studied, but there will always be a  good
reason for adopting another viewpoint.
   If  Mercury is afflicted in the Ninth House he makes the  person  exceed-
ingly unstable of mind, changeable as a weather vane in all his pursuits and
activities.  Such a person will never stay by anything long enough to try it
out and therefore he will meet with a series of disasters all through  life.
Probably  he may journey from one place to another in search of success  but
he  will never find it until he learns to concentrate his energies upon  one
thing.   This position is also a fruitful source of trouble with the law  or
legal affairs.
    MERCURY  IN THE TENTH HOUSE, well-aspected,  shows adaptability and  re-
sourcefulness  such as enable the person to cope with all the  contingencies
of life.   It makes a successful lecturer,  publisher or writer and is  also
favorable to success in one of the occult occupations.  If Mercury is placed
in  one  of the airy signs the power of expression is much  enhanced.   Fre-
quently  people with Mercury in this position have several occupations,  but
usually they succeed best in a subordinate capacity.
    MERCURY  IN THE ELEVENTH HOUSE brings a great many  acquaintances  among
literary,  scientific  or  other  mercurial  people  but  none  of  them are
[PAGE 200]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
sufficiently   steadfast   to  be  relied  upon  unless  Mercury   is   very
well-aspected.   This position has a tendency to make a person critical  and
cynical.   It sharpens his intellect,  however, and gives him a good flow of
language.
    MERCURY IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE,  if well aspected gives a mind  peculiarly
fitted to delve into the mysterious, occult or secret things.  This is espe-
cially the case if Mercury is between the Sun and Midheaven,  that is to say
if Mercury goes BEFORE the Sun or rises earlier than that luminary, for then
all the light that is in the spirit seems to shine forth and make the person
intellectually keen and bright.   Therefore this is a good position for  de-
tective  work  as well as scientific or occult research work.   Chemists  of
great ability have been produced under this aspect for such people have  the
faculty  of going into the most minute details in things which  seem  micro-
scopic and unimportant to others.   When Mercury is in the Twelfth House and
afflicted, especially by Saturn or Mars, also when COMBUST or BEHIND THE SUN
there is a danger that the mind may become clouded and insanity may  result.
It may also be noted that the affliction will vary according to the way Mer-
cury  is  aspected;  if by Mars or Uranus the  subject  may  be  exceedingly
violent, if by Saturn he will become melancholy, but whatever the cause,  if
[PAGE 201]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
Mercury  is afflicted in the Twelfth House some form of limitation will  re-
strain the spirit, for the Twelfth House is the house of limitation and con-
finement.
   Deafness is also the result of this position of Mercury when severely af-
flicted by Saturn.
                         MERCURY IN THE TWELVE SIGNS
    MERCURY IN ARIES makes the person very argumentative,  fond of disputes,
quick at repartee,  with a tendency to exaggerate though not necessarily  by
design.  If well-aspected he is broad minded and tolerant of the opinions of
others,  of a studious nature, quick to grasp situations and ideas, neat and
orderly.   When  afflicted Mercury in Aries makes people  leap  before  they
look,  the mind is vacillating and there is a general recklessness about the
person  who is thus very unreliable and devoid of all sense of  responsibil-
ity.
    MERCURY IN TAURUS gives a mind that is not very soon made up but when it
has  once arrive at a conclusion it is almost as difficult to change as  the
laws of the Medes and Persians.  However,  being based upon thought and rea-
son the judgment of these people is also extremely reliable.   They  believe
thoroughly in the ancient adage that "Silence is golden"  and are  therefore
[PAGE 202]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
close-mouthed.  They are good counselors and can be depended  upon  to  keep
secret. At the same time they are not recluses, but have a  pleasant, socia-
ble disposition.   They are fond of fun and recreation, they love music, art
and literature,  so they are thoroughly likable people if  Mercury  is well-
aspected. But if Mercury is  afflicted  they  become  what  the  Scotch call
"DOUR," also obstinate, stubborn, secretive and avaricious.
    MERCURY IN GEMINI makes a person fond of change and travel.   He is  al-
ways  ready to investigate some new thing,  or go to some other place for  a
change;  in short, almost anything that is new appeals to him.   At the same
time  if Mercury is well-fortified such people gain greatly by this  fluidic
state  of the mind for they are shrewd and penetrating in their judgment  so
that they know good value when they see it and are not prejudiced by precon-
ceived,  set opinions.  Therefore they are good business men and their abil-
ity to see a point makes them particularly good lawyers.   They also succeed
well as traveling salesmen.
    MERCURY IN CANCER gives a clear intellect, a good memory and superlative
adaptability.   People with this position fit into any place  or  occupation
they  may  find and adapt themselves to the opinions and  ideas  of  others.
They love praise and flattery, therefore they are careful not to do anything
[PAGE 203]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
whereby they may forfeit the good opinion of others.
    MERCURY IN LEO gives high ideals and aspirations, a positive, strong and
persevering  intellect which scorns to stoop to low and mean acts,  and  de-
spises   equivocation;   is  blunt  and  out-spoken,   quick-tempered,   but
kind-hearted  and sympathetic.   People with Mercury in  Leo  well-fortified
have good organizing ability and make capable leaders.   They love  children
and  are also fond of pleasure.   When Mercury is afflicted in Leo it  makes
the person fickle and inconstant in his affections,  an unsuccessful gambler
and speculator, a low and sensual nature.
    MERCURY IN VIRGO is at the zenith of his power for there he is  exalted,
consequently when well-aspected it gives a clear, logical,  scientific mind,
eloquence  and the ability to express oneself fluently in a number  of  lan-
guages.   It gives the person a comprehensive,  discriminating outlook  upon
life,  his  conclusions are usually practical and to the  point  because  he
also,  like the Taurian Mercury, looks before he leaps.  In short this char-
acteristic is in a degree true of all the earthy signs.  When Mercury is af-
flicted  in Virgo it makes the man irritable,  petulant and selfish,  always
looking  for  flaws  in  everything he comes across.  People with Mercury in
[PAGE 204]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
Virgo  make excellent dietitians and chemists.   They also have  an  unusual
dexterity.
    MERCURY IN LIBRA,  when well-aspected gives a broad,  well-balanced mind
with  a  love of art and music and an uncommon ability  of  expression.   It
brings success as a public speaker and sometimes as a singer.   When Mercury
is afflicted in Libra it indicates trouble by lawsuits through  partnerships
and an unfaithful marriage partner.
    MERCURY IN SCORPIO gives a shrewd mind,  a keen aspiration,  a quick wit
and  a  sharp tongue with biting sarcasm that can sting like  the  scorpion.
The disposition is bold and stubborn, headstrong and difficult to get  along
wit.   But these people are extremely resourceful,  dauntless,  and able  to
overcome difficulties which would crush others.   They are attracted to  the
occult, a a needle is drawn to a magnet.  When Mercury is afflicted they are
subject to disappointment in everything they undertake, quarrelsome, skepti-
cal and cynical, always holding opposite views to others.
    MERCURY IN SAGITTARIUS.   Though in detriment it is still a strong posi-
tion  of  Mercury and if he is well-aspected it gives an  exceedingly  noble
mind of a religious and philosophical turn, a mind which scorns the shackles
of conventions where they  interfere  with freedom of thought and speech yet
[PAGE 205]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
does not fly into paths that are contrary to the commonly accepted standards
of moral usage and conduct.  It always confines itself within the boundaries
of  law  and order and people with Mercury in this  position  are  therefore
greatly respected in the community.  Mercury in Sagittarius makes the person
fond  of travel to see the sights and scenery of nature and  to  investigate
the customs of strange people.   He is also fond of animals and pets.   When
afflicted  it  inclines to lawlessness, dishonesty,  sophism and  a  twisted
character.
    MERCURY IN CAPRICORN gives a critical and penetrating but somewhat  sus-
picious  mind  with a thoughtful and diplomatic disposition,   These  people
make splendid spies and detectives, having the ability to ferret out secrets
in  the most uncanny manner.   They also have the persistence of  Saturnians
derived  from the sign Capricorn so that they never give up until their  ob-
ject   has  been  attained.   This position gives a love  of  science,  par-
ticularly chemistry.  These people are much attracted to the occult, yet are
practical and very thrifty.   They hold on to what they get and always  have
something  for a rainy day.   When afflicted Mercury in Capricorn makes  the
person miserly, cruel, hard, malicious, vindictive and spiteful.
[PAGE 206]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
    MERCURY IN AQUARIUS gives the Uranian qualities of originality and inde-
pendence  and  an unconquerable love of liberty to the mind so  that  people
with  Mercury in this position are apt to repudiate all the  social  conven-
tions and live according to their highly idealistic conceptions.  They often
take no heed of fashion, and dress in a style entirely their own.   They ad-
vocate  ideas  on social subjects which are a thousand years  ahead  of  the
world's  development,  among them the theory of  soul-mates  and  affinities
which  is  causing so much trouble in the world today because  it  advocates
have not yet grown to the spiritual stature where they can separate it  from
sex and live the true Uranian love-life which is altogether spiritual.   The
foregoing  delineations  apply  particularly where Mercury  is  aspected  by
Uranus  and the people described by them are the extreme product of  Mercury
in Aquarius.   All who have this position,  however,  are very intellectual,
they have high ideals and aspirations,  a love of popular science and  math-
ematics and are usually attracted to the occult sciences also, especially to
astrology, for they have a fine faculty for reading the horoscope.  They are
kind, sociable and fond of friends with the result that they usually attract
large numbers of intellectual people to their circle of acquaintances.  When
[PAGE 207]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
afflicted this position makes the person disloyal and ready to prey upon his
friends, or criticize and slander them.
    MERCURY IN PISCES the occult water sign, seems to endow the mind with  a
certain psychic faculty which is not so much intuition as imagination.  They
think or imagine that something must be so and so and it is a startling fact
that they are usually correct, but this ability brings them dangerously near
to mediumship if Mercury is afflicted or when Neptune,  the higher octave of
Mercury,  is in the Twelfth House.  Therefore this is rather a dangerous po-
sition.  If Mercury is afflicted by Saturn this position in Pisces makes the
person liable to gloom and the mind will be subject to constant worry with a
turn  toward melancholy.   Usually,  people with Mercury in Pisces are of  a
kindly and benevolent disposition.  This also is a good indication that suc-
cess  may be attained in chemistry and as a dietitian in the preparation  of
health foods.
                  MERCURY IN ASPECT WITH THE OTHER PLANETS
   THE SUN IN PARALLEL OR CONJUNCTION WITH MERCURY.   These are the only as-
pects ever formed and are good for the memory and mentality provided Mercury
is  not closer to the Sun than three degrees,  for then he is "COMBUST"  and
his good qualities are burned up in the Sun's rays.  It is most fortunate to
have Mercury rise BEFORE the Sun at Birth for he is then the Lightbearer who
[PAGE 208]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
holds  the torch of reason BEFORE the Spirit which in the horoscope is  sym-
bolized by the Sun.  When he rises after the Sun the mentality is not nearly
so keen (unless other good aspects favor).
   VENUS PARALLEL, CONJUNCTION OR SEXTILE TO MERCURY.  Venus and Mercury are
never more than 76 degrees apart,  therefore they can only form the conjunc-
tions, parallels and sextiles, but not the trine, square nor opposition.
   These  aspects  make  the  person  cheerful  and  companionable  with   a
good-natured disposition and a desire for society.  They also give the abil-
ity for music and poetry, especially if in the Ascendant,  and are a general
indication  of SUCCESS in salesmanship for such people are very  suave,  af-
fable and persuasive.
   THE MOON IN PARALLEL,  CONJUNCTION,  SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives  a
receptive mind and a retentive memory, two very rare qualities and therefore
these aspects,  particularly the sextile and trine,  are good indications of
success in life,  especially in one of the mercurial occupations,  literary,
clerical  or traveling.   People with these configurations are usually  very
verbose,  particularly if the conjunction or trine occurs in airy signs or a
sign of voice, for then the power of expression reaches a superlative degree
[PAGE 209]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
and such people become able linguists and elocutionists; but unless there is
some steadying  influence people with configurations of Mercury and the Moon
are not  reliable because of their tendency to change their minds repeatedly
in the most unexpected manner.   They are inclined to look  upon  the bright
side of life and are fond of pleasure, particularly travel.
   THE MOON SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY gives a poor memory and lack  of
mental stability with a tendency to indecision and worry, liability to brain
storms and hysterics.   These characteristics make the person unpopular  and
as the saying is, "unlucky."
   SATURN SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY acts as a brake upon the flighty  mind
and gives it a seriousness,  depth and concentration which is of inestimable
value in life.   The forethought and profound reasoning ability indicated by
these  aspects  insure success in whatever vocation the person  may  pursue.
The  patient persistence which permits no temporary failure to stand in  the
way of ultimate success; their caution and diplomacy make such people invin-
cible in the long run.  Therefore they generally become prominent in connec-
tion with some serious enterprise such as secrete societies,  the church  or
even  politics or governmental affairs.   They are in demand for high  posi-
tions in great undertakings  where  a  steady  hand is required on the helm.
[PAGE 210]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
But they do not usually shine in public for they are very quiet, subdued and
serious in their manner and demeanor; besides they are absolutely honest and
fairminded, hence they make the very finest judges obtainable.
   SATURN  CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL TO MERCURY gives depth to the  mind,  and
forespiritual,  together with all the other good qualities enumerated as re-
sulting   from   the  sextile  and  the  trine  if  Mercury   is   otherwise
well-aspected,  but not in so full a measure, or at any rate the person does
not seem to be able to externalize them as readily,  hence does not meet the
same assured success as given by the good aspects.  He also suffers from the
tendency  to melancholy denoted by the square or opposition,  especially  if
the  aspect  occurs in one of the common signs or in Capricorn,  and  if  in
Gemini it interferes sadly with the dexterity.  Such people tend to drop ev-
erything they take into their hands.  These aspects also give an  embarrass-
ing  timidity and if Mercury is afflicted the undesirable qualities  enumer-
ated as resulting from the square or opposition may be looked for.
   SATURN  SQUARE  OR  OPPOSITION TO MERCURY makes  the  person  subject  to
trouble and delays all through life.   He is thwarted on every hand by slan-
der  and  secret  enemies  and  this  condition in time makes him bitter and
[PAGE 211]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
sarcastic with the additional result that he is shunned by all who can  pos-
sibly  get away from him.   This in time leads him to become a  recluse  who
shuts himself away to brood over his troubles.   Such a person sometimes be-
comes  subject  to melancholia of a most piteous character.   These  aspects
also make the person cunning and untruthful.   They give the same desire  to
study the occult conferred by the good aspects,  but there is the great dif-
ference that while the good aspects of Saturn and Mercury incline one to the
study of occultism from unselfish motives, the bad aspects impel him to fer-
ret out nature's secret for personal power or gain.
   JUPITER CONJUNCTION,  PARALLEL, SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY is one of the
finest assets in life, for it gives a cheerful,  optimistic disposition with
the  ability to look upon the bright side of things and keep up the  spirits
in hours of adversity.   The mind is broad,  versatile,  and able to  reason
correctly  and to form a reliable judgment by careful  deliberation.   These
people never give a hasty decision; they require time to think over whatever
is  presented to them,  but once they have reached a conclusion it  will  be
found incontrovertible.   They are successful in law or literature and  much
respected  for  their honesty and sincerity.  These aspects are particularly
[PAGE 212]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
fortunate for people who travel for business or pleasure, for they will reap
both benefit and enjoyment from a migratory mode of life; these aspects make
them "healthy,  wealthy and wise" beyond the average, and loved by everybody
for the vital vibrations they radiate upon whomever they meet.
   JUPITER SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY gives a vacillating and  wavering
disposition  so that the person cannot make up his mind when more  than  one
course of action is open,  hence people with these aspects often lose  their
opportunities through procrastination and lack of judgment,  and must there-
fore often be classed as failures in life.   They are liable to scandal  and
slander because of treacherous associates.   They should not travel,  for it
will bring them loss and trouble.   They should also be extremely careful in
making  contracts  or  agreements  to do or  deliver  certain  things  at  a
specified time, for they will probably be unable to fulfill the requirements
and thus trouble and loss will result.
   MARS SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives a keen,  sharp,  ingenious and re-
sourceful mentality.   It makes the person enthusiastic over any proposition
which  appeals to him and he has also ability to enthuse others and  impress
them with his views;  an indefatigable worker in any cause which arouses his
[PAGE 213]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
sympathies, but he is not visionary, and is interested only in concrete mat-
ters.   These people love argument or debate, and they have an inexhaustible
fund of wit and good humor,  sometimes blended with a vein of sarcasm  which
always  strikes its mark,  yet never viciously nor maliciously.   They  also
have remarkable dexterity and are able to turn their hands to whatever  task
is allotted and do it with a speed,  facility and expedition that is  aston-
ishing,  to say the least.   They cannot do anything slowly or  by  halves,;
whatever they undertake must be done with a rush,  and they put their  whole
energy  into it so that they may accomplish the task and do it  well,  hence
these  aspects give success in life,  in almost any line of  endeavor  these
people may select, but most often in literature or the mechanical arts.
   MARS CONJUNCTION OR PARALLEL TO MERCURY gives the same mental energy, en-
thusiasm  and dexterity as the definately good aspects,  but  whether  these
qualities are used for constructive and good purposes or for destructive and
evil ends depends upon the sign,  house position and other aspects.   If the
configuration  occurs in a sign where either or both planets are strong  and
well-placed,  as Mars in Aries or Capricorn,  or Mercury in Gemini or Virgo,
or  if they are fortified by good aspects from the Sun,  Venus  or  Jupiter,
Mars conjunction or parallel  Mercury  will operate similarly to the sextile
[PAGE 214]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
or trine,  as stated in the foregoing paragraph, which see.  But if Mars and
Mercury are in one of the watery signs (Cancer,  Scorpio or Pisces),  or  if
either or both are afflicted by Saturn,  Uranus or Neptune,  the conjunction
or  parallel of Mars and Mercury will give the same evil tendencies  as  the
square or opposition which are defined in the next paragraph.
   MARS SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY makes people quickwitted,  sharp and
alert,  quick tempered,  impulsive and excitable,  liable to jump at conclu-
sions and act before they think with the inevitable result that they are al-
ways getting themselves or other people into trouble, hence they are danger-
ous associates.  They are born prevaricators and utterly incapable of making
a straight statement.  It is just as natural for them to color or exaggerate
their statements as it is to breathe.  They are vitriolic in their wrath and
their tongues are more poisonous than the bite of a rattlesnake,  hence they
are  either feared or hated by those who are unfortunate enough to be  bound
to them by environment;  all who can, shun them.   They are bullies who  are
bound either to rule or ruin wherever they are,  and they allow no  obstacle
to stand in their way which can be removed either by force or slander.  They
are the acme of selfishness, swagger and  consummate egotism.  The foregoing
[PAGE 215]                                      MERCURY THE PLANET OF REASON
tendencies may of course be modified by other aspects,  but if they are not,
such people are a menace to society.  If either Mars or Mercury is placed in
the  Sixth or Twelfth House or in any other position so that the bad  aspect
acts upon the health, there is a liability to nervous prostration, brain fe-
ver or insanity.
   URANUS SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives an original, independent and ec-
centric mind impatient of the fetters of fashion,  tradition and convention.
Such a person is strenuous in his efforts to hew a path for himself in  com-
plete liberty.   Therefore this is the hall-mark of the pioneers in  thought
and invention,  the sign of genius.  Their ideas and ideals are  exceedingly
lofty,  progressive and inspiring, in fact too much so in the opinion of the
average man or woman who looks upon their actions as vagaries,  the  outcome
of a diseased mind.   Nevertheless they have plenty of friends on account of
their kindly and sympathetic nature.   These aspects are good for a literary
or scientific pursuit,  also for invention,  particularly along lines  which
have to do with air or electricity.
   URANUS  CONJUNCTION  OR PARALLEL MERCURY.  If Mercury  is  otherwise  af-
flicted  the  conjunction and parallel are to be judged as bad  aspects  and
read accordingly, but if Mercury is otherwise  well  placed and aspected the
[PAGE 216]                                          THE MESSAGE OF THE STARS
delineation given for the sextile and trine will apply.
   URANUS SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY is the hall-mark of the true crank
or  anarchist  who has extreme ideas in regard to tearing  down  the  social
structure and making reforms.  People with these configurations are given to
ranting  and raving in public and their language is usually as cruel as  the
measures they advocate.   Whatever ability they possess is usually turned to
erratic  purposes and they are often forced to make sudden changes  on  that
account.
   NEPTUNE CONJUNCTION,  PARALLEL,  SEXTILE OR TRINE TO MERCURY gives a mind
peculiarly adapted to the occult art, particularly if the conjunction occurs
in  the Third or Ninth House or the trines are from the watery signs  Cancer
and Pisces.  Such people usually succeed in occult science and often develop
a supernormal faculty.  They are particularly good as magnetic healers.
   NEPTUNE  SQUARE OR OPPOSITION TO MERCURY gives a chaotic mind,  liability
to  lack  of memory,  indolence and a disposition to dream  the  time  away.
There  is  a restless desire for fame and an inability to fit  in  anywhere.
Such people are liable to fraud, deception and slander,  also to commit sui-
cide.