When Were You Born?

Preface

The purpose of this book is to endeavour to show in a clear and simple manner the useful and practical truth that underlies the so-called occult study of reading character and disposition by the “period of birth,” and the meaning of the number of each day and the influence of such things on human life. It will, I hope, be seen in reading these pages how perfect is the mechanism of the Universe, by which certain characteristics, and even details as to health, may be traced by a study of such things.

Many books have been published that pretend to deal with these questions, and although some of these books may be most excellent in their way, I have found that, as a rule, they have been too complicated in their method or too involved in their theories to be of practical use to the everyday man or woman who has not had the occult training necessary to understand complicated expositions on such subjects.

I have been encouraged to send this work on its way by the great success which has attended the publication of other works from my pen on the Study of the Hand, and the commendation I have received for the “faculty of expressing myself clearly, and in simple language,” making the studies of practical use and help to a wider range of people than books of this class usually reach.

In the present book I have drawn largely from my own experiences in this study of character, and I may safely state that there is not a rule I have given concerning character, tendencies, or health, which has not been thoroughly verified by me in my own work, which has extended in a professional way over a period of more than forty years.

Considering that during this period I was consulted on an average by from fifteen to twenty persons a day, I think I may safely claim to have had a wider field in which to gather the knowledge necessary for this book than, perhaps, any other writer on this subject.

I have seen so many wrecked and broken lives, where, had the people possessed even a slight knowledge of their own dispositions, they might have been saved, that I have felt it a duty to publish in a cheap and simple form the indications of character and tendencies which may be easily learned by a study of these “periods of birth,” as set forth in the following pages.

I believe that any aid that may help towards the observation of character is not only useful but even essential if one wishes to keep abreast and succeed in this age of ever-increasing competition.

Those people who have some means at their command to learn their own characters and the dispositions of others must certainly be thrice armed in the battle of life, and consequently more successful than the people who know nothing of such things. Therefore I have no hesitation in saying that with this book in one’s possession, one has a means towards winning success and also happiness.

With even a slight knowledge of what I designate in these pages as Life’s Natural Affinities, the road to the divorce courts would not be so crowded as it is at present, parents would more easily understand their children and children their parents, and a great deal of suffering and friction might be avoided.

In conclusion, I trust I am not presuming too much when I venture to hope that this unpretentious volume may be the means of helping a large proportion of my fellow-beings to realise that in the study of the mysteries of life we are giving praise and glory to the Creator of Life, who in His infinite wisdom created all things to be used by man for the highest development of his kind.

“Cheiro.”

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Chapter IBasic Traits of Character of People Born in January

The Zodiacal Sign of Capricorn commences on December 21st,^* but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until on or about December 28th. From this out it is in full strength until January 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Aquarius.

* I here speak in a symbolic and cabbalistic sense, making use of Astrological terms in order to make my meaning clear to the reader. This remark applies to all other months which are included in my psychological survey of the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Persons born between January 20th and the 27th partake of the characteristics of both Capricorn and Aquarius, and the same rule applies to all persons born within the “cusp” of any sign.

People born in this period have strong mental force, but they are, as a rule, generally misunderstood by others.

They are thinkers, reasoners, and make natural heads of business organisations or any form of government work.

They are independent and high-minded in all their actions, and detest being under the restraint of others.

They must be leaders in whatever they are engaged, or else they are inclined to lose their interest in their work.

They have strange ideas of love, duty, and social position, and for this reason they are often considered “odd,” and do not fit in easily with their neighbours.

Even when not religious they have a deep devotional nature, and make great efforts to do good to others, but generally to masses of people rather than to individuals.

They often make excellent speakers, but not so much through oratory as by “plain speaking”; they “hit straight from the shoulder,” and go direct to the point of the subject in plain language, often too much so for their own good.

They generally make their greatest mistake by espousing the unpopular cause, the “under dog” in the fight, and so often make the bitterest enemies by their actions being misunderstood.

Such people generally feel their responsibilities too keenly, and often worry themselves into bad health.

They are quick in their intuitions of people and things, but they are, as a rule, too easily discouraged, and lack self-confidence.

Although they appear cold, they have warm hearts towards suffering, and as a rule they give largely to charities, but subscribe more generously when giving to institutions than when giving to individuals.

If inclined to be religious they usually go to extremes, and become fanatical in their zeal.

They worship intellectual, clever people, and are deep thinkers; they rarely interfere with the affairs of others, but they will never stand interference from others.

They should aim for some form of public life, and in such careers they generally do best, such as in the government and in responsible positions of control and management of others.

They are inclined to excite bitter opposition but bear up against it with a philosophic spirit. Their home and family life is very often a troubled one. They usually have distressed or invalid relatives to look after and as a rule they sacrifice themselves to home interests. They feel “lonely-hearted” and misunderstood.

Friends

They usually make the most solid and best friendships with people who are born in their own period, viz. between December 21st to end of January, from April 20 to the end of May, and with their “central affinities,” June 21 to July 20–27, and August 21 to September 20–27 (see Fig. V).

Health

As a rule these people are more inclined to suffer from indigestion, rheumatism and gout, pains in the feet, and hurts and accidents to the legs and ankles, troubles with the spleen and liver, ruptures, decay of the teeth, pains in the teeth and ears. All kinds of skin diseases, and as this part of the Zodiac has a kind of sub-rule over the stomach, they often suffer from vomiting and nausea, and stoppages in the intestines.

Colours

The colours which give the most suitable vibrations to persons born in this period, and which are the most beneficial to them, are all tones of grey, all ranges of violet and purple, and also black. For the exact colours for people born on each individual day see Chapter XV (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are moon-stones, pearls, and amethysts.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter IIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in February

The Zodiacal Sign of Aquarius commences on January 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into full power until on or about January 28th. From this date onward it is in full strength until February 19th. It is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Pisces.

Those born in the “cusp” take from the qualities of both signs.

These natures generally feel very lonely in life; they are over-sensitive, and easily wounded in their feelings.

They read character instinctively, and for this reason they “see through” people too easily to be really happy.

They are not demonstrative in affection, but feel very deeply. If they “like” they fight to the bitter end for their friend; but if they dislike they are just as intense, and if they belong to the lower plane of humanity they will stick at nothing to avenge an injury or what they feel to be an injustice.

They are usually high-strung, and their nerves are generally overwrought; they often lose control of themselves, and then they say or do things that they bitterly regret later.

They are generally very active for the public good, and will often give all they have to relieve the distress of others.

They are good reasoners, and are very successful in debate and argument, and difficult to convince. They generally have a scientific turn of mind especially in relation to inventions dealing with electricity or such like things.

They are excellent in business and finance when they apply their minds to such things, but as a general rule they are more successful for others, and make more money for others than for themselves.

They require some call of duty or circumstance to show the qualities that are in them. If “the call” does come, they often rise to great things, but if it does not come, they wait often until it is too late to develop their great qualities.

If people born in this sign overcame their sensitiveness and developed their will-power, there is no position in life they could not attain. They generally succeed best in some large sphere of action, where they can feel their responsibilities for others. Those who are “awakened” in this sign usually leave a great name behind. They have “visions,” imagination and invention.

They take a great interest in public meetings, gatherings of people, and public ceremonies. They love theatres and concerts, and like to be where crowds of people congregate, and yet they always have the feeling that they are alone in life.

They are very contradictory in the qualities they show under the call of circumstances; although themselves very high-strung and easily overwrought, they have the very greatest power over excitable people and over the insane, and are in the run of their lives often brought much in contact with such classes.

They have a quiet, controlling power with their eyes, and so subdue others.

Their greatest fault is that it generally takes some sudden call of circumstances to make them “make the most of themselves.”

If born with money, these people rarely show what is in them. They are inclined in ordinary conditions to let their opportunities slip, or realise them only when it is too late. If, however, people born in this period belong to the lower order of humanity they lose all sense of honour and principle, and are extremely unreliable, tricky in money matters, dishonest, and unscrupulous in gaining what they desire.

Friends

In real friendship or love they get on best with those born from May 21 to June 20, and by adding the seven days of “the cusp” to about the end of the month. September 21 to October 20 or 27, and, as a rule, to November 20–27, or with those born in the centre of their triangle, as will be shown in Chapter XIV, dealing with “Life’s Triangles.”

Health

These people are inclined to suffer most from the stomach, often through the nerves of the stomach in some peculiar manner that is difficult to relieve with ordinary medicine. If care is not taken they are inclined to suffer from the bladder, kidneys and swellings or dropsy in the legs.

Bad circulation of the blood and cold hands and feet also generally trouble them, and attacks of jaundice, but this latter tendency also is inclined to affect people born in the next period as well.

They are also prone to suffer from accidents to their teeth, pains in the knees and middle of the spine, and breaks or sprains of the feet and ankles, and often some delicacy of the eyes.

Colours

The most favourable colours for them are all shades of what are known as “electric shades,” as electric blues and electric greys. These are the foundation colours for this period; for the exact colours for people born on each individual day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are sapphires, pink topazes, and moonstones.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter IIIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in March

The Zodiacal Sign of Pisces commences on February 20th, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until about February 27th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until March 20th, and it is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Aries.

These people possess a curiously “natural understanding,” which they do not obtain from books or study. They easily acquire, or rather absorb, knowledge, especially of the history of countries, travel, research, and like subject.

Although by nature generous, yet they are usually over-anxious about money matters, and inclined to worry about what their future position in life may be. This state of mind is, I think, largely due to their dislike and dread of being dependent on others more than from any love of money.

This quality makes them, however, much misunderstood, and they are often considered close in money matters when in reality they are not.

People born in this period often go back on their promises, especially on questions of money. They promise to give, on the impulse of the moment, but if they have time for reflection then the fear of future poverty forces them, as a rule, to break their promise or give, perhaps, only one half of what they had stipulated.

These people are also more mentally ambitious than otherwise. They may know their subject well in their mind, but they will hesitate and undervalue their own individuality if they find they have to put it to a test in any public manner.

They are inclined to brood and become melancholy, or to imagine all the world is against them and that they are being made martyrs of.

They have great fidelity and loyalty if thrust is imposed on them, and great persistence in carrying out whatever work they have in their hands to perform, and they are generally found in positions of trust and responsibility for others.

Many artists, musicians and literary people are born in this period, but they must receive great encouragement ever to make the best of themselves.

They have great loyalty to friends or to any cause they take up, provided they feel they are trusted or looked up to. They are generally successful in all positions of responsibility, but at the same time they are not inclined to push themselves forward, and usually “wait to be asked” before giving their opinions.

They are great respecters of “law and order,” and uphold the conventions of whatever the social order in which they may be found.

The strongest and weakest characters are found in this sign. Some are inclined to gratify their innate sense of luxury and self-indulgence and, if this side of the nature is the one that controls, they are likely to be too easy-going, to be too receptive to their surroundings, to become influenced by false friends, to give way to fraudulent schemes and in some cases are inclined to become addicted to drugs or drink.

If, however, persons born in this part of the year find some purpose worth living for, they rise to the emergency as no others can. These are the people that one meets sometimes in life who surprise their friends by their sudden change of character.

They can, in a moment, throw off any form of weakness or self-indulgence, and rise to any height of self-denial. All persons born in this part of the year have a dual element as the mainspring of their nature. It simply depends on which of the two roads they have decided to follow.

Persons born in this sign are highly emotional. If they belong to the weak side of it, they are easily influenced by the people with whom they are thrown into contact, but if they belong to the stronger side, their emotional nature can lift them up to any height.

They are generally fond of the sea and large expanses of water. If circumstances do not permit them to travel, they will, if they possibly can, make their homes where they can see the ocean, or on the side of some lake, or river.

In business they are good in dealing with shipping, trade with foreign countries, or sea-borne commerce of any description.

Sea captains, sailors of all kinds, also travellers, are often found under this sign.

Almost all have a curiously mystical side to their nature as well as the practical. They are often classed as superstitious, the occult in all its forms appealing to them in one way or another.

They love to search out or investigate the unknown, the philosophical, or the mysterious. Although by nature generous, they have at heart a curious dread of poverty, and for that reason do not allow their generous instincts to get the better of them, unless they are under the influence of someone they love. In such a case they become easily influenced and are as likely as not to give away all they possess.

Money has no value in their eyes. It is simply something to be used and nothing more.

They require some call of duty or circumstance to show the qualities that are in them. If “the call” does come, they often rise to great things, but if it does not come, they wait often until it is too late to develop their great qualities.

If people born in this sign overcame their sensitiveness and developed their will-power, there is no position in life they could not attain. They generally succeed best in some large sphere of action, where they can feel their responsibilities for others. Those who are “awakened” in this sign usually leave a great name behind. They have “visions,” imagination and invention.

Friends

They find their most lasting friendships with people born in their own period or between June 21 and July 20, and on account of “the cusp” to about the end of the month (see Fig. III), and with their “central affinities,” August 21 to September 20–27, also October 21 to November 20–27 (see Fig. III).

Health

As regards health, people born in this period are mostly inclined to suffer from nerves, insomnia, despondency, and disorders of the blood, poor circulation, anæmia. They often have intestinal trouble, pains in the feet and head, and are disposed to rheumatism and, like those of the preceding period, they are often subject to attacks of jaundice. They should, if possible, live in bright, sunny, dry climates, and take a great amount of fresh air and exercise. They are fond of travel, are restless, and love to be continually on the move.

Colours

The colours most suitable to them are all shades of mauve, violet, and purple. These are the foundation colours of this period; for the exact colours for people born on each individual day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are agates, sapphires, amethysts, and emeralds.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter IVBasic Traits of Character of People Born in April

The Zodiacal Sign of Aries commences on March 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until about March 27th. From this date onwards, it is in full strength until April 19th. It is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Taurus.

People born in this section of the year have unusually strong will power and great obstinacy of purpose.

They are born fighters in every sense of the word; they have also the greatest ability as organisers on a large scale, such as in the organisation of big schemes or as the heads of big businesses, and also in the organisation of armies or development of countries.

They seem naturally to resent all criticism, and the only way to offset this in them is by quiet logic, reason, and proof.

These people are intensely independent in work. They must do everything in their own way, and if they are interfered with by others they generally make a muddle of their plans or step back and let the other person take their place.

As a rule they are unhappy in their domestic life, for they rarely meet members of the opposite sex who understand them, and if opposition does not upset them from this point it usually does through their children.

Yet these people, be they men or women, crave for affection and sympathy more than anything else, and this is generally the rock on which they are finally wrecked if they have not the good fortune to meet their right affinities.

As far as material success or power is concerned, there are no heights to which persons born in this sign cannot climb—provided they “keep their heads.” Success, however, is often their undoing; praise and flattery are inclined to make them have “swelled heads.” In such conditions they do not “see straight,” and by obstinate, arrogant actions, in many cases, they bring about their own ruin.

They are endowed with great mental energy, full of new schemes and original plans for anything they are interested in. They are self-willed, and nothing but hard facts and reason will make them see things in any light but their own.

They are inclined to lack caution, being by nature impulsive and quick in thought and action.

They go to extremes in all things, are frank and outspoken, and inclined to make enemies by want of tact. They are enormously ambitious; as a rule they succeed in life and amass money and position.

The lower type of this sign will stick at nothing to accomplish their purpose. As masters they are brutal and tyrannical, and often meet a violent death. The higher type are good masters, but at the same time severe in discipline and more or less exacting in the service they expect from others.

Both classes have a distinct desire to peer into the future, perhaps because they are impatient for things to develop. They are inclined to prophesy what will take place, and are often very gifted in this direction.

They desire to be looked up to and regarded as the “head” in their homes, in their businesses, and in their careers.

As a general rule, the men born in this part of the year suffer a great deal through their affections; they seldom understand women, and make great mistakes in their relations with them.

For both sexes, their greatest happiness comes from work and the overcoming of obstacles.

Persons born in this sign seldom get through life without receiving cuts, wounds, or blows to the head, either from accidents or violence.

Friends

They will find their more lasting friendships and affections with those born in their own period or between July 21 and August 20–27, and from November 21 to December 20–27, and also from the centre of their triangle, September 21 to October 20–27, as I have explained in my chapter on “Life’s Affinities” (Fig. II).

Health

People born in this period should try to obtain more sleep than almost any other class. They overwork their brains, and are inclined to suffer from all things that concern the head,—from headache, trouble with the eyes, inflammation of the brain; and there is often a tendency to apoplexy and rushes of blood to the head. They are also likely to have eruptions on the face and head, and trouble with the passages of the nose, such as polypi. And they are liable to get cuts and wounds in the head, and they usually run great danger from fire and explosions from engines, firearms, and machines generally. They seldom get through life without operations and a good deal of experience with the surgeon’s knife.

Colours

The most harmonious colour for them is all shades of red,—crimson, rose, and pink,—but when ill all shades of blue and violet are the most soothing and beneficial to them. For the exact colours for people born on each individual day, see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are rubies, garnets, and bloodstones.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter VBasic Traits of Character of People Born in May

[Pages 43–46 of the printed book (the opening of Chapter V, on persons born in May) are missing from the scanned copy used for this edition.]

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter VIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in June

The Zodiacal Sign of Gemini (The Twins) commences on May 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until on or about May 28th.

From this date onwards it is in full strength until June 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign [Cancer].

People born in this part of the year, namely, from May 21st to June 20th, and in the “cusp” to June 27th, have the characteristics of Gemini (The Twins) and are dual in character and in mentality.

The twin sides of their nature are perpetually pulling in opposite directions.

Their brains are subtle and brilliant, but they usually lack continuity of purpose.

Of all people they are the most difficult to understand; in temperament they [can be] hot and cold almost at the same moment. They love with one side of their nature, and they are often critical or dislike with the other.

They are mentally very quick and keen, and in all matters where a subtle mentality is needed they can outdistance all rivals.

They are excellent in diplomacy, and dazzle their listeners by their wit and brilliancy, but they usually leave them no wiser than they were at the start.

They seldom, themselves, know what they want to achieve. At heart they are ambitious for social position; but when obtained they have already tired of it, and are ready to go in for something else or for something totally opposite.

If taken as they are, in their own moods, they are the most delightful people imaginable, but one must not attempt to hold them or to expect them to be constant to their ideas, or plans.

If you were to tell them that they said a totally different thing the day before, they would be offended and tell you, with the greatest candour, that you could not have heard aright, or were completely mistaken!

They believe they are truthful, constant, faithful, and so they may be at the moment, but every moment to them has a separate existence.

They are always employed doing something, but they are restless, and as a rule want the thing they have not got.

They see quickly the weak points in those they meet, and can reduce all to nothing by wit, sarcasm, or mimicry.

They make clever actors, lawyers, lecturers, and a certain class of public speakers, all those who play a changing rôle in life’s drama; but if endowed with unusually strong will power, and if they can force themselves to stick to one thing, then they generally make brilliant successes of whatever they undertake in any sphere of life.

They often succeed the best, as far as money is concerned, on the Stock Exchange or as Company Promoters or in the invention of new ways to get wealth in business, but their more suitable career is generally that which requires diplomacy, tact, and finesse.

In all matters of affection they are human puzzles. They can love passionately and yet be inconstant at the same moment, and it is only their shield of diplomacy and exquisite tact that keeps them from often making a mess of their lives.

It is scarcely probable that they will admit this judgment of their character, unless they are in a self-analytical mood when they read this.

They are more generous to individuals than to institutions, for they act on impulse in giving as in everything else they do.

In appearance these people generally have a rather long, narrow head and face; good, keen, sharp-looking eyes that seem to glitter when aroused by emotion or desire; there is often something bird-like in their expression; the hands, as a rule, are long, thin or bony, rather like claws, restless or always doing something. In nature they are inclined to have too many “irons in the fire” at the same moment. When they are given much time to think over a project, they are often indecisive or change their minds. On account of this they are seldom reliable in their promises, or put off the execution of them until forced by circumstances to carry them out.

The higher types are clever, capable, witty, subtle, with an odd sense of humour quite their own. As a rule they are very intellectual with a keen mentality that shows itself in anything they seriously take up. Worry, annoyance or undue mental strain breaks them down very rapidly, producing nervous prostration, brain exhaustion, and in some cases insanity.

The lower types are unscrupulous in finance and untruthful. They often make successful gamblers and company promoters of “get-rich-quick” schemes.

Either type make hosts of friends, and are kind-hearted and generous to the person who fills their thoughts at the moment, but “out of sight, out of mind” explains their fits of “forgetfulness” as nothing else can.

They are highly strung and restless. If they are rich and can travel, they are always on the move. They love speed and rapid movement. They are good patrons for express trains, aeroplanes, and any inventions that can eliminate distance.

They have often great “ups and downs” in life, but nothing makes much impression on them.

Friends

Both types make their most lasting friendships with people born either in their own period of the year or from September 21 to October 20–27, January 21 to February 18–27, or with people born in the centre of their own triangle, from November 21 to December 20–27 (Fig. IV).

Health

They are more inclined to suffer from what concerns the nervous system than anything else; both men and women are likely to have delicacy with the digestive organs and upper stomach. In their youth they are also inclined to catalepsy and affections of the tongue, but they generally outgrow this after they reach maturity. They are rather inclined to have trouble with the bronchial tubes and upper part of the lungs, and are subject to pneumonia, pleurisy, or illnesses brought on by an over-wrought nervous system.

Colours

Their colours are silver, glistening white, and all shimmering things. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are white and red cornelians, sapphires, diamonds and all glittering jewels.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter VIIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in July

The Zodiacal Sign of Cancer commences on June 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the previous sign, it does not come into full power until on or about June 28th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until July 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Leo.

The Sign of Cancer, or the Crab, was so called by the ancients because the sun at this time of the year appears to advance and retreat in the heavens like the actions of a crab.

People born in this section of the year are full of contradictions, they have deep home interests, but are at the same time restless, and have a decided longing for travel and change, they are always making homes, rarely keeping them, and usually have more than the usual trouble in the homes they do succeed in making and in their domestic life.

They are generally over-anxious in financial matters, and make great efforts to gather in money, as a rule, they have unusual ups and downs in their early life, and it takes all their hard work to keep ahead, but once they get on their feet they generally keep there.

They are inclined to speculate, so as to make money quickly, but in all gambles they generally lose, whereas in business they are as a rule most successful.

They are industrious and hardworking in all they undertake, but from the standpoint of chance or luck they are seldom fortunate, but the most extraordinary and unexpected changes, for good or evil, seem always ready to come into their lives.

They are generally gifted with strong imaginations, and often make excellent artists, writers, composers, or musicians. At heart they are romantic and of a very loving and affectionate disposition.

They have a great dislike of being dictated to, but are most devoted and faithful when treated with confidence.

With their employer they never shirk work or the putting forward of his interests.

They have, however, most sensitive natures—perhaps more so than any other class of people—and if not understood they quickly give up or get depressed and melancholy. Above all, they require encouragement and appreciation.

They often make excellent psychics, and usually have a yearning after the mysterious.

They should never marry young, for their nature seems to change at different stages of life.

Like the symbol of “the Crab,” which this part of the Zodiac represents, they advance and retreat both in work and ideas, they may reach a certain point in some definite plan or career, and then surprise everyone by stopping, or turning back at the most critical point.

As a rule they have great “ups and downs” in money matters, unless they have conquered the speculative tendency in their nature early in life, and accumulated wealth. If wealth does come to them it usually multiplies beyond the dreams of Midas.

People born in this part of the year often reach very high exalted positions or gain some pinnacle of fame where they cannot escape the dazzling light of publicity. In their home lives, however, they usually go through a great deal of trouble, and are seldom surrounded by great happiness, no matter how successful they may appear in the eye of the world.

As a rule they are “dreamers” of large plans. They evolve big ideals for the welfare of others, but if they meet opposition and criticism they suffer keenly, but silently, in themselves, and are inclined to become cynical.

Although of a deeply affectionate disposition they are seldom demonstrative, and are wrongly considered cold and unemotional.

Generally, they have splendid memories and store up knowledge of all kinds in their minds. They sometimes make excellent psychics or become deeply interested in occult studies or in religion, or in some unusual philosophy of life.

They have deep love for what they call “their own people,” for family customs and for tradition.

Health

They are chiefly inclined towards gastric troubles, ptomaine poisoning, and diarrhœa, and they should be extremely careful in regard to shellfish and such things. Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatism, are also likely to attack them, also internal tumours, dropsy, varicose veins, and trouble with the legs and feet.

Friends

Their affections or friendships last longest with those who are born in their own period, June 21 to July 20–27, or from October 21 to November 20–27, or from February 19 to March 20–27, and also those who are in the centre of their triangle, December 21 to January 20–27, which I have explained in a subsequent chapter on “Life’s Triangles.” (Chapter XIV.)

Colours

The colours most in harmony for them are all shades of green, and cream and white. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones most favourable for this period are pearls, diamonds, opals, crystals, cat’s-eyes, and moonstones.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter VIIIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in August

The Zodiacal Sign of Leo commences on July 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until on or about July 28th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until August 20th and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Virgo.

People born in this period always aim to get above the common herd of humanity, and they themselves in turn are naturally attracted to strong personalities—in fact, they will forgive any fault in the people they like so long as they have individuality and purpose.

These people represent what might be termed the heart-force of humanity. They are overflowing with sympathy, and are generally generous to a fault.

They will defend a friend in the face of a million foes, and disloyalty and deceit are the only things that can break their great hearts.

They are themselves exceptionally truthful and honest, but they often get terribly deceived, and have a tendency in the end to become bitter, severe, and over-critical.

They are usually lucky in money matters, often having money given to them from unthought-of sources, but they crave the “gold of love” above all, and this is the one thing they seldom get.

They have the power to inspire others, and as leaders—like Napoleon, born in this Sign— they can lead their men through fire or death. They are intensely proud, and often are easily wounded at this point in their nature.

People born in this period are large-hearted and generous. They have an extremely independent spirit, they detest control or being dictated to. They have great tenacity of purpose and will power and, if once they put their mind on some plan, purpose or position, they usually reach their goal in spite of every difficulty or obstacle.

Such persons must, however, be always actively employed. If forced by circumstances out of the heat and stress of the battle of life, they often become morbid and despondent.

As a rule they are extremely patient and long-suffering, but, if once roused, like the lion, they know no fear and do not even know when they meet defeat, or acknowledge it when they do.

They make enemies by their frankness of speech and their hatred of anything underhand or that savours of subterfuge.

They have great tenacity of purpose, determination, and will power if they once put their mind on some purpose, but they usually attempt the most daring and difficult things.

Impetuous and quick-tempered, they make enemies through their frankness and straight-forwardness.

Great soldiers, leaders in finance, and public men are often born in this period.

As a rule, people born in this period feel isolated and lonely in life, and if not actively employed in some work or purpose they become melancholy and despondent.

Friends

They would find their most lasting friendships with people born in their own period or from March 21 to April 19–27, with their “central affinities,” January 21 to February 18–28 (Fig. II), and November 21 to December 20–27, and, strange to say, all those people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th of any month, for the reason that these numbers accord and have a sympathetic attraction to the Number of the Sun, which is the number of this period. These numbers and dates are fully explained in my work “Cheiro’s Book of Numbers.”

Health

These people are inclined to suffer from the heart, swoons, palpitations, pains in the head and ears, inflammation of the eyes and kidneys, trouble with the bladder, and injuries to the feet, and peculiar stiffness of the legs.

Colours

Their most suitable colours are all shades of yellow, orange, pale green, and white. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are topazes, amber, and rubies.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter IXBasic Traits of Character of People Born in September

The Zodiacal Sign of Virgo commences on August 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until on or about August 29th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until September 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Libra.

People born in this period are as a rule generally successful in life. They have keen, good intellects, are very discriminating about those with whom they associate, and in all business matters they have good judgment, and are not easily imposed upon or deceived.

They are usually materialistic in their views of life, and analyse and reason everything from their own way of thinking outwards.

They make good literary critics, being quick to see the weak points, and at the same time they are rapid readers and endowed with wonderful memories.

They are extremely fond of harmony in their surroundings, have excellent taste about their house and dress, and always want things in good taste, and elegant.

They are not so apt to be originators as they are to carry out some plan or work that appeals to them and which others have failed to finish, and in the execution of almost all things to which they put their minds they achieve success.

They are fastidious about their personal appearance, have a great respect for rank and position, and are great supporters of the law and the law’s decisions.

They make excellent lawyers and debaters, but they tend towards supporting precedents more than originating any new law.

They succeed well in business, but more from their steady, industrious persistency than from evolving new ideas,

They are inclined to become wrapped up in themselves and their own ideas, and often become selfish in the close pursuit of their aims.

They have always “their wits about them,” and are generally self-possessed and self-reliant.

They are more capable of going to extremes in good and evil than any other type. If they develop a love for money they will stick at nothing to acquire it, and this type is often considered cunning and crafty at the expense of others.

They can adapt themselves to almost any pursuit in life.

In their inner love nature they are the most difficult to understand, the very best and the very worst of men and women being born in this part of the year.

In their early years nearly all are intensely virtuous and pure-minded, as might be expected, being born in the Sign of Virgo—the Virgin.

If they change they do so with a vengeance and become the exact reverse, but, on account of their inborn respect of the law and their natural cleverness, they succeed in covering up their lapses better than any other class. They have often a tendency to indulge in drugs or drink.

Health

In health, as a rule, they are less liable to diseases than persons born in any other part of the year, yet the strange thing about them is that they are always imagining themselves to have every illness that they may happen to read about in the public Press.

They are very refined in their tastes as far as food is concerned, and must have things nicely put before them or they will lose their appetites.

They are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, the least inharmony or annoyance affects their nervous system and upsets their digestive organs.

They are very liable to sudden internal derangement in the intestines, and have extremes of constipation, varied by dysentery or colic.

They have a tendency to have trouble with the lungs, and to suffer from neuritis in the shoulders and arms.

As this sign of the Zodiac appears to be intimately associated with the Solar Plexus, people born in this part of the year need sunlight and fresh air more than any other class of individual.

Peace and harmony in their surroundings are most essential to the good health of people born in this period, for they seem to stand worry less than those of any other class.

They should live as much as possible in the open air, and when run down or ill a few weeks in the country will work marvels with them.

As a rule, they retain their youth through life in the most wonderful manner.

They are true children of Nature, and the plainest food is best for their health, but they are so peculiarly refined in their tastes that even the look of slovenly or badly served dishes will destroy their appetite.

If badly mated, or living under inharmonious marriage conditions, they easily fall into ill health or get extremely despondent.

They should never drink alcohol, as it seems to be more a poison to them than to any other class.

Friends

They will find their most lasting friendships with those born in their own Sign, also from April 20 to May 20–27, and with their “central affinities,” February 19 to March 20–27 and December 21 to January 20–27 (Fig. V).

Colours

Their most suitable colours are all very pale shades and silvery, shimmering materials. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are emeralds, diamonds, and pearls.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter XBasic Traits of Character of People Born in October

The Zodiacal Sign of Libra commences on September 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into full power until on or about September 28th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until October 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing power on account of becoming overlapped by the incoming sign—Scorpio.

This sign of Libra is represented in symbolism as The Balance.

People born in this Sign are positive and decisive in their thoughts and actions. They have great foresight and intuition, and are generally seen at their best when acting on first impressions.

They are often very psychic, have curious presentiments, and would make very devout spiritualists, theosophists, and occultists, and yet so strongly endowed are they with the desire to reason out everything that their love of exact proof usually overwhelms their psychic powers.

They are often very successful as speculators, but they have little regard for the value of money, and have as a rule great ups and downs in their careers.

In symbolism they represent a “balance.” They seem always trying mentally to balance things and get an even judgment.

Large numbers of them seem to drift naturally into the study of law, and in it they generally make a name as lawyers, barristers, or judges.

They are also often found in public life, but again it is with their innate desire to adjust the balance of things by making laws for the betterment of their fellows.

They have great reverence for knowledge, and often spend their lifetime in study and research in some particular subject, again weighing and balancing every side of the question in the most conscientious manner. For this reason they make excellent doctors, but generally make their name as masters of some particular line of study more than as general practitioners.

In all careers that require depth of study, thoughtfulness, and balance they succeed best, but all professional walks of life are as a rule well suited to them.

In marriage they are seldom happy. In affection they appear to weigh and balance matters too much; they perhaps forget that the wings of love are not made for the lens of the microscope, and so they seem to court disillusion and disappointment in advance.

They crave for the peace and happiness of home life, but in doing so they generally become too exacting, and the result is, more often than not, disaster. They have the compensation, however, of making large circles of friends and acquaintances, and are largely sought after as companions.

Friends

They would find their most lasting friendships and unions with persons born between January 21 and February 18–27, May 21 and June 20–27, and with those born in their own Sign or with their “central affinities,” March 21 to April 19–26, as shown by Fig. IV.

Health

People born in this period are inclined to suffer most from nerves and depression of spirits, also from pains in the back and kidneys and severe headaches. They are liable to have “Bright’s disease,” and peculiar maladies of the skin.

The women of this Sign are also inclined to suffer from affections of the internal organs, and often have to submit to the severest operations.

Colours

The most suitable colours for them are all shades of blue, violet, purple and mauve. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are the opal and the pearl.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter XIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in November

The Zodiacal Sign of Scorpio commences on October 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until on or about October 28th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until November 20th and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the “cusp” of the incoming sign—Sagittarius.

The Sign of Scorpio is represented by two symbols, that of the Scorpion and the Eagle.

People born in this section of the year seem to be a mass of contradictions. The best and the worst seem to make this period their chosen battlefield.

Up to nearly twenty years of age they are usually extremely pure-minded, virtuous, and religious, but once their nature is roused they are often found to swing in the opposite direction. At the same time the greatest human saints have been found in this period.

All remain, however, intensely emotional, which is the very keynote of their character in all its phases.

They have great magnetic power, and as speakers appeal to the emotions and sentiments of their public more than to logic, but they sway their audiences as they choose.

They have excellent power in writing, are intensely dramatic in their gift of description, and are unusually versatile in their talents.

In dangers and in sudden crises they are cool and very determined, and many of the very best surgeons have been found in this period.

Their worst fault is that they are too adaptable to the people with whom they come in contact. If they are thrown with evil-minded people, for the time being they adapt themselves too much to their companions; but as a rule they right themselves when nearly capsized, and generally get out of the most difficult situations at the last moment.

They are often great humanitarians, with great plans for making the world right, and praise will often force them on to do great things in the world for their fellow-men.

They nearly always, however, lead double lives—one for the eyes of the world and another for themselves.

When married they lean often to the idea of keeping up two homes, one with the greater responsibility and conventionality, the other a Bohemian retreat, where, even if they live alone, they are at least free from all restraint. They have clever ideas in business and politics, but they are best as advisers of others. They should be warned against “putting off things until to-morrow,” for procrastination is one of their besetting sins, and is the greatest enemy of people born in this period.

They are mental fighters, and are most subtle in arguments. They make good organisers and generals on paper, but detest bloodshed and strife in actual life.

For this reason they gain a reputation as peacemakers, and, in fact, they usually excel in settling other people’s quarrels and bringing enemies together to shake hands. King Edward VII, born November 9, was a good illustration of this quality.

With their words, letters, or writings they can wound like the sting of a serpent, but on the slightest show of emotion or feeling all is forgotten, and they are kindness itself.

No class of people make more friends or have more enemies than those born in this period, but their strong personality carries them through like a resistless wave.

The sex quality is an enormous factor in their lives. The women attract the men and the men attract the women; but in cases where the will and ambition are dominant these people can keep the curb on their strong sex-natures, and reap success accordingly.

People in this Sign should, above all, be encouraged to have ambition, for it is the one thing that will save them, for it they will make any sacrifice or deny themselves any pleasure, and so accomplish more work than any other class.

They usually place too great a value on the opinion of the world, and for this fault they become the easy prey of blackmailers.

They are inclined to be selfish and to sacrifice everything to the need of the moment; but, in contradiction to this, if they succeed there are no people more generous in paying back tenfold for any help they may have received.

In their home life the men are inclined to be dogmatic, and expect to rule; but their influence over women is so great that they are almost always forgiven, and the most injured wife of such a man would fight for him to the last.

With their strong magnetic influence they possess generally a strange psychological power over others; they make natural healers, for they give of their great vitality to others, and when their emotions or sympathies are roused they love to give and to help, and will face any danger to be of assistance.

The sex-nature of these people must, however, be kept well under control; otherwise there are no excesses to which in the end they may not give way.

Sooner or later, they generally become interested in occult matters, they readily develop unusual clairvoyant powers, and quite often gain fame and distinction as writers, painters or poets. They are natural philosophers, deep students of Nature, and observe and analyse other persons’ characters better than any other class.

They are generally loved and adored by those who know them, but there are very few born under this sign who at some stage in their career escape being attacked by some insidious form of calumny or scandal.

Persons born in this sign generally have, or make, two sources of income. As a rule they go through a great deal of trouble, difficulty and often privation in their early years; such trials seem to increase their will-power and ambition, and sooner or later success and fame nearly always crown their efforts.

Friends

They will find their most lasting friendships and unions with people born in their own period and between June 21 and July 20–27, from February 19 to March 20–27, and with the centre of their “Life’s Triangle” (Fig. III), namely, those born from April 20 to May 20–27.

Health

These people as a rule are very slight and thin in their early years, but put on weight and are inclined to corpulency after reaching middle life.

Both men and women have danger of suffering from the sex organs and with the kidneys. Later the heart is inclined to be their weakest organ, and they should be careful not to overstrain it in exercise, or in work.

Colours

The colours most suitable for persons of this period are all shades of crimson and blue. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

The birth stones for this period are the turquoise, the ruby, and all red stones.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter XIIBasic Traits of Character of People Born in December

The Zodiacal Sign of Sagittarius commences on November 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the “cusp” of the previous sign, it does not come into its full power until on or about November 28th. From this date onwards it is in full power until December 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of being overlapped by the incoming Sign—Capricorn.

This Sign of Sagittarius is symbolically represented either by the figure of an archer, or by a half-horse, half-man, the man part shooting an arrow from a bow.

Those born in this section of the year are executive, fearless, and determined in all they undertake.

They are apt to be too decisive and too outspoken in their speech, and so are often misjudged in their criticism, and make bitter enemies.

They concentrate all their attention on whatever they are doing at the moment, and seem to see no other way but theirs until their effort is made.

Their minds are so intensely quick that they will often be found breaking in on the conversation of others with what they think is the end of the story or the solution of the question.

They are, however, the great workers of the earth; they never seem to tire until they wear themselves out, or drop with fatigue.

They are generally very honourable, but chiefly when they feel others are placing implicit confidence in them. Brutally truthful, they resent deception, and unmask any attempt to deceive others even when such action is against their own interests. There are two distinct classes that exist in this period. The people of one section have their ideals of life extremely high, and any appeal to do good is met with an immediate response; but they are more inclined to be generous toward private charities than to do good privately, for they are mostly suspicious of individuals, and so dread being deceived by a plausible story that they prefer to send the beggar with their card to the secretary of some institution to which they subscribe, than to take responsibility on their own shoulders.

Those of this first class are, however, the salt of the earth in their care for their employees and people under them.

They have great enterprise in business, but never feel themselves confined to any one line; because they have been successful in some one thing is no reason whatever that they must follow it through life. For this reason one often finds the men of this period change from clergymen to stockbrokers, or from professors to followers of trade; while the women successful in one line of work will just as quickly throw themselves heart and soul into some entirely new study.

As a rule, perhaps from their intense concentration and will power, they are successful in whatever they do, and they should always be allowed a free hand in choosing their vocation.

The people of the second class born in this period are easily recognised; first, by their sharp criticism of every one else’s efforts for good and by their petty meanness in all matters that concern money. If you ask them for a five-pound note for a charity for which their name will be mentioned in public, or a shilling for a beggar, the second class will always give the five-pound note even if they should see the beggar starving before their eyes.

People of this second class are eaten up with selfish ambition. In any country in which they live they force their way into government positions. They toady to titles, and are snobs beyond description. They are also hypocrites and religious bigots of the worst class, but the simplest student of humanity, after a little observation, will never confound them with those of the other class in the same Sign.

Alas! people study the books of nature so little that this second class are often found more materially successful than the former.

But to resume the general characteristics. Nearly all classes in this Sign are devoted to music, even if it is only in appreciation. They often make extremely brilliant musicians, and even when this art has not been developed they will still be largely found as makers of musical instruments or as the greatest patrons of music. They will pay for church organs, boxes at the opera, and charity concerts with as much zest as children buy bonbons.

They are, however, inclined to go to extremes in all things, and make sudden decisions, or change their minds rapidly, for which they may have regrets, but they are too proud to acknowledge their error.

The men of this Sign nearly always marry on impulse and regret it ever afterwards, but they are too proud to show their regrets and too conventional to appeal to the courts for assistance, so they often pass for models of married happiness even when they are the most wretched.

The women born in this Sign are, as a rule, the nobler of the two; they love to make their husbands successful, and will sacrifice everything to that end. They are generally chaste and pure in their marriage vows, have an intense love of home, and even when unhappily married they wear bright faces and make the best of a bad bargain.

They are great church-goers, even from the standpoint that their example may be beneficial to the world around them.

They venerate law and order, make the best of mothers, and train their children on the strictest lines of obedience, punctuality, and upright living.

People born in this period, even when successful, should never cease to be actively employed—inactivity for them would mean despondency and an early decay.

Friends

Their most lasting unions and friendships would be made with people born from March 21 to April 19–26, and July 21 to August 20–27, or in their own period, and they will also find excellent companions in those born in the centre of their triangle—namely, from May 21 to June 20–27 (Fig. II).

Health

They will be more inclined to suffer from rheumatism than from any other disease, also from a delicacy of the throat and lungs, and from boils, carbuncles, and skin troubles. They also, especially in their latter years, suffer from the nervous system, sciatica and paralysis.

Colours

Their most suitable colours are all shades of violet and mauve and violet-purple. For the exact colours for persons born on each day see chapter on colours (page 121).

Stones

Their most favourable stones are amethysts and sapphires.

Some Famous Persons Born in this Part of the Year

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Chapter XIIIOccult Significance of Numbers with Birth Dates

At first sight it may seem extravagant to say that people may easily and quickly learn whether or not they will be in sympathetic harmony with those they meet by applying the following few simple rules which I have found, by long experience, cover one of the mysterious sides of occultism in regard to Numbers.

Even a few tests will prove to those who care to try that there is a great deal in the curious theory which I am about to lay before the readers of this book.

When dealing with such subjects I endeavour to write in such a clear and simple way that even those who have had no experience whatever in occult studies may be able to understand and act on my remarks, and make experiments for themselves.

Only Nine Numbers

In the first place, it is necessary to grasp the idea that there are really only nine Numbers, that is to say, that the foundation numbers of all science and all calculation lie between the Number 1 and the Number 9, and that all others are only a repetition of these numbers, and nothing more. For example, a 10 is a 1 with the 0 added, and 11 is, when added together, a 2, a 12 is a 3, a 13 is a 4, and so on up to any number that one may examine.

The occult side of this may be found in the fact that man has been called into being by the Seven Creative Planets. Beyond these seven planets there are two others, namely Uranus and Neptune, whose domain is considered to rule the mental or spirit plane of things, and the numbers representing them have been from time immemorial incorporated with the numbers of the Sun and Moon (the only two planets that have been given double numbers). Example, Sun, 1–4, Moon, 2–7, or Sun, 1, Moon, 2, Uranus, 4, Neptune, 7. All the other planets have been given numbers as follows: Mars, 9, Mercury, 5, Jupiter, 3, Venus, 6, Saturn, 8.

In this way the entire nine numbers on which life has built all its calculations are accounted for, and so are also all the planets of our solar system, from the earth itself up to the “fixed stars,” behind which, the ancients said, “the Creator of all creates.”

Birth Dates

Taking the above explanation as a starting basis, the reader may now be able to follow my theory—a theory, by the way, that has taken me years to work out and prove, which is that independent of what part of the year one may be born in, a curious sympathy and attraction will be found to exist between all those who have the same number for their birth date. For example, a person born, say, on the 1st of any month will find others that are born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th of any month more sympathetic than people not born on these dates.

An exception must, however, be made for all people born under the Sun’s and Moon’s numbers, which are, Sun, 1–4, and Moon, 2–7, as such people are always attracted and “natural friends” to one another, but all other numbers attract, as it were, their own class.

Affinities in Human Beings

Such attraction is, however, more mental than physical. It is, as it were, that the planets of the same numbers rule the mind and make those born on the same dates have a similarity and sympathy of thought to one another.

Physical attraction takes place if the birth date of two people should be in certain months of the year (see chapter on “Life’s Affinities”), and if in such a case the numbers should also be found to be in sympathy then we would have both mental and physical attraction, which would make a union of friendship unbreakable. This is an illustration of that often misused expression that “marriages are made in heaven.”

Such marriages are, in fact, made in the heavens by the planets and places of the year creating affinities in human beings, which has been so eloquently expressed in the following well-known verse:

“Two shall be born the whole wide world apart
And speak in different tongues, and take no thought

Each of the other’s being, and no heed
And these o’er unknown seas to unknown lands
Shall cross, escaping wreck, defying death,
And all unconsciously shape every act,
And bend each wandering step unto this end
That one day out of darkness they shall meet
And read life’s meaning in each other’s eyes.”

In the following chapter I shall deal with this curiously interesting subject, and also show the affinities of those born in certain months with others.

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Chapter XIVLife’s Triangles and Affinities

As I stated in the previous chapter, independent of what part of the year one may be born in, a sympathy and attraction will be found to exist between all those persons who have the same number for their birth date. For example, a person born, say, on the 1st of any month will find others born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th of any part of the year sympathetic and attractive to him, because, as explained in the preceding chapter, all these numbers, by natural addition, have the number 1 for their root. A 10 is simply a 1 with a 0, a 19 is also a 1, for 1 added to 9 would make 10, which, as before explained, is a 1. And so on with any number whose parts must be added together to get what is called the “spirit of the number.”

The next rule is that the double numbers of the Sun and Moon, which are Sun, 1–4, and Moon, 2–7, are sympathetic to one another, as they are also to their own series when taken as single numbers, such as a person born on the 2nd is sympathetic to those born on the 7th, 11th, 16th, 20th, 25th, and 29th, which make, as explained earlier, all twos and sevens.

These persons would be sympathetic also to people born under what is called the Sun’s numbers, 1–4, namely, 1st, and 4th, 10th, 13th, 19th, 22nd, 28th, and 31st, which, as explained, make ones and fours.

As I have also stated, these sympathies are increased according to the month in which people happen to be born, and which I will now endeavour to explain clearly.

Life’s Triangles

The twelve months of the year are divided by four triangles, which fit in together and represent in the most perfect symbolism the four elements necessary to human life, and from which life draws its very existence,—namely, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.

In order to fix these four triangles clearly in one’s mind, I would advise my readers to first draw a triangle, and place at

Explanation

First House March 21 to April 19 and “cusp” to April 26.

Second House July 21 to August 20 and “cusp” to August 27.

Third House November 21 to December 20 and “cusp” to December 27.

Central Affinities

Of First House September 21 to October 20 and “cusp” to October 27.

Of Second House January 21 to February 19 and “cusp” to February 26.

Of Third House May 21 to June 20 and “cusp” to June 27. its three points the sections of the year as I will indicate them, which is also shown in the accompanying plates.

Triangle of Fire

Taking the triangle of Fire, place March 21 to April 19 at the top, July 21 to August 20 at the second point, on the left-hand side, and November 21 to December 20 on the third point, on the right base of the triangle. You will then have what are called the “Fire affinities” in their proper places.

If the lines of your triangle are of equal length, and if you draw a line from each apex to cut the centre of the line at its base, the months thus indicated, which would necessarily be a period equally distant in that part of the year from the two sections at each point, you would then get what I call “the central affinity,” which as a rule is equally strong although totally opposite in character (Fig. II.).

Now if you were to find that a person born in any of these four sections is also born on a sympathetic number, as earlier explained, you would then have a mental and physical affinity attracted in every sense to one another.

The Water Triangle

The symbolic triangle representing the element of Water is formed in the following manner: Place the section June 21 to July 20 at the top, the section October 21 to November 20 at the left lower angle, and the section February 19 to March 20 at the lower right angle, and the Water triangle becomes complete. You again draw the apex lines from each point, as indicated in the illustration, and work out the sympathetic attraction of the numbers to one another (Fig. III.).

The Air Triangle

The symbolic triangle of the element of Air is formed in the following manner: Draw a triangle as before. Place at the top the section May 21 to June 20, at the left-hand point place September 21 to October 20, at the right, January 21 to February 18. Draw lines from each apex as before described, and work out the sympathetic attraction of the numbers to one another.

Explanation

First House June 21 to July 20 and “cusp” to July 27.

Second House October 21 to November 20 and “cusp” to November 27.

Third House February 19 to March 20 and “cusp” to March 27.

Central Affinities

Of First House December 21 to January 20 and “cusp” to January 27.

Of Second House April 20 to May 20 and “cusp” to May 27.

Of Third House August 21 to September 20 and “cusp” to September 27.

Explanation

First House May 21 to June 20 and “cusp” to June 27.

Second House September 21 to October 20 and “cusp” to October 27.

Third House January 21 to February 19 and “cusp” to February 26.

Central Affinities

Of First House November 21 to December 20 and “cusp” to December 27.

Of Second House March 21 to April 19 and “cusp” to April 26.

Of Third House July 21 to August 20 and “cusp” to August 27.

Explanation

First House April 20 to May 20 and “cusp” to May 27.

Second House August 21 to September 20 and “cusp” to September 27.

Third House December 21 to January 20 and “cusp” to January 27.

Central Affinities

Of First House October 21 to November 20 and “cusp” to November 27.

Of Second House February 19 to March 20 and “cusp” to March 27.

Of Third House June 21 to July 20 and “cusp” to July 7.

The Earth Triangle

The symbolic triangle of the element of Earth is formed in the following manner: Draw a triangle as before. Place at the top the section April 20 to May 20, at the left-hand point place August 21 to September 20, at the right, December 21 to January 20. Draw lines from each apex as before described, and work out the sympathetic attraction of the numbers to one another.

When these four triangles are constructed the entire year is represented and people born in the sections symbolised by the different triangles will be attracted as affinities to one another, especially if their numbers should also be found to harmonise.

People born, however, in such triangles as are symbolised by Air and Water are favourable to one another, although one could not call them affinities. It is the same with the Air and Earth triangles, and with the Air and Fire, but in all such cases the Air people will dominate the others more by their mental than by their physical attraction.

The Earth and Water people can also blend, and make, as it were, solid material things together, but the mixture will be more that of the material than of the spiritual.

Fire and Earth people can also get on together, for in this symbolism the Fire will warm the Earth and make it fruitful.

Not True Affinities

All these cases cited may, as I say, get on together, and even be helpful to one another, but still these are not what one can call true affinities, and, such being the case, they are always liable to separate, whereas those born in the same triangles, and especially when having the sympathetic numbers, when once they come together can never part, or if they do (under some unusual stress of circumstances) they generally come together again in spite of every influence that may try to keep them asunder.

People under the symbolism of Fire and Water will, however, never blend, and if forced to live together by necessity or marriage they will just as certainly separate, and are likely in the end to become enemies.

In the following chapter I will deal with the exact colours for people born on every day of the year, and tell how their colours and numbers are harmonious to one another.

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Chapter XVLucky Colours and How to Know Them

I will now proceed to explain how the vibrations of colours and numbers go together, an explanation which, I think my readers will find of the utmost use in many ways.

As the main number of our Birth Sign gives the principal note or characteristic of our lives, we can further aid our knowledge by employing with it the main note of colour with which each number is identified.

I want it clearly to be understood that in these chapters I am dealing more with the material side of existence than with the spiritual, and consequently I am not treating such sides of the question as the astral number or the astral colour. I consider such points too complicated for any but advanced students of occult subjects. Further, the lessons contained in this book are intended for the larger proportion of the people, who are more concerned with their material welfare and their success on the earth’s plane. I believe that, by demonstrating that there is a side to occultism which is helpful in a material way, a wider and larger circle of people may be induced to see that there is something of immense practical purpose in such studies, and once this point is grasped they will proceed to examine further all such questions for themselves.

True Vibrations

No matter how beautiful a piano, harp, or other musical instrument may be to look at, if the vibration of its strings is not in accordance with its proper scale, the instrument will be considered out of tune and useless for all practical purposes.

It is the same with human beings; if their vibrations are not true in the harp of life, their thoughts and actions will cause discords and the unseen force of Nature prefers to leave them silent, or inactive, rather than have inharmony in the great scheme of harmony, which it has always been and ever will be Nature’s purpose to attain.

As time is of so little importance to Nature, it follows that she does not worry about such infinitesimal things as human lives, with their odd threescore years and ten of sorrow or happiness. But to the human being his span of life is of the greatest importance; it is thus compulsory for us to learn Nature’s secrets as quickly and as early as possible, so that we may fit in with her plan instead of demanding that Nature take that trouble for us, which I find so many people expect.

Without going further into this question, I will now proceed to show what are the principal colours associated with each birth number and month of birth.

How to Use Colours

Although the earth would look far brighter if we were to dress in our true colours in ordinary life, as do the flowers of the earth, yet, as I cannot expect to effect this drastic change all at once in our conventional appearance, I must content myself with hoping that my readers may commence to make the changes I suggest in some slight form, or at least in those working rooms or studios where they evolve their plans, write their letters, or see their friends. If they do even this I honestly believe they will see quickly the advantage they will gain in their material success and also in their own personal happiness.

Colours of the Number 1

Persons born under the sign of the number 1, such as on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th of any month, have for their main number, as I stated in previous chapters, the 1–4, and they can blend or use their colours with those given to the number 2–7, and vice versa. The 1–4 and 2–7 are the only double numbers that have to be considered in this way. The number 1–4 and its colours are more important to all those born in the “House of the 1–4,” namely, from July 21–28 to August 20–28.^*

* In making these calculations I have added the seven days previously mentioned to the beginning and ending of the Zodiacal periods shown on Fig. I.

Their main colours are all shades from the palest yellow to deep orange or golden hues, and they can also use the colours of the 2–7, which are all shades from the palest green to the darkest, also creams and whites. All purples, blues, crimsons, and rose colours are favourable to them, but they are not what are called the main colours, and should only be used as accessories.

The number 1 people should have as much as possible of the main colours around them, at least in their rooms or studios and in their dress, and they should also wear topaz or amber as much as possible in their jewellery.

Colours of the Number 2

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th of any month, but this number and colour are of still more importance if they are born in what is called the “House of the 2–7,” namely from June 21 to July 20–27.

Their main colours are all shades from the palest green to the darkest creams and whites, but they also can use the colours of the 1–4 sign as described above. Rose and pink tints and pale blues are also favourable to them, but only as accessory colours, and the number 2 people should endeavour to wear and use all the lighter shades and avoid deep tones of colour as much as possible. The stones favourable for them to wear are pearls, cat’s-eyes, and moonstones.

Colours of the Number 3

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th of any month, but this number and colour are of still more significance if they are born in what is called the “House of the 3,” namely from February 19 to March 20–27 or from November 21 to December 20–27.

Their main colours are all shades of mauve, violet, and purple, which they should have around them in their rooms or with them as much as possible, and they should also wear some jewel containing an amethyst, on account of its colour vibrations.

All shades of blue, crimson, or rose and yellow are favourable for them, but only as accessories.

Colours of the Number 4

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st of any month, but this number and colour are of still more significance if they are born either from July 21 to August 20–27, or from January 21 to February 19–26.

Their main colours are all shades of grey and fawn, and electric shades and the minor tints of yellow and green. They would also find the sapphire the most favourable stone to wear, on account of its colour vibrations.

Colours of the Number 5

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd of any month, but this number and colour are of still greater significance if people are born in what is called the “House of the 5,” namely, from May 21 to June 20–27, or from August 21 to September 20–27.

Their main or principal colours are all shades of silver grey, glistening white, or silvered, glittering materials, and as accessory colours the pale or light shades of all colours.

These people are far more magnetic if they do not wear or surround themselves with major colours or dark shades. They should also wear some jewel or ornament made of platinum or silver and diamonds, if possible.

Colours of the Number 6

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th of any month, but this number and its colours have greater significance for all those born in what is called the “House of the 6,” namely from April 20 to May 20–27, or from September 21 to October 20–27.

Their main colours are all shades of blue, from the lightest to the darkest. They have more accessory colours than any other class, and their range runs through all colours, except black and dark purple.

The turquoise and emerald are the most favourable stones for these persons to wear, on account of their colour vibrations.

Colours of the Number 7

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th of any month, but especially if they happen also to be born in what is called the “House of the 7–2”—namely, from June 21 to July 20–27. Their main colours are exactly similar to those given to people born under the number 2, which I described a little earlier, with this difference—that, as they are more positive in character than the number 2 people, so can they also wear stronger or more positive colours, but all shades of green and yellow remain their foundation or principal colours.

The jewels most personal and most favourable to them are moonstones, all white stones, and cat’s-eyes, but these people should remember to avoid deep or dark colours, both in stones and materials.

Colours of the Number 8

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th of any month, but especially if they happen also to be born in what is called the “House of the 8,” namely, from December 21 to January 20–27, or from January 27 to February 19–26.

The first mentioned period is the Positive of their number, while the second is the Negative.

These people, with their invariably strong personality, should be exceptionally careful of their surroundings and of their colours.

They seem “out of place” and irritable when surrounded by light, bright, or garish tones, and they easily become silent, moody, and despondent under such circumstances.

As they are at heart grave, serious, and solid people, they should remember that all grave and serious colours are theirs by right of birth.

Even children born under the influence of this number (which has always been considered the number of mystery), especially if they are also born in the “House of the 8,” seem strangely “out of the picture” if dressed in light, garish colours—and as they grow up this becomes more and more accentuated. On the contrary, all dark shades suit them and seem in harmony with their personality and with their “atmosphere.”

They would be especially fortunate in all tones of dark greys, blues, browns, russet shades, and so forth.

For example, take some man belonging to this number, dress him in light clothes and he will immediately look like a baker out on a holiday, whereas, put the same man in the colours that belong to him, and every one will speak of his personality and his charm.

In their houses or business offices the same rule will again apply. Such people look “at ease” and “at home” when surrounded by oak panels and dark woodwork, and equally “out of place” when some unthinking architect gives them a Louis XV background.

For the same reason the jewels most fortunate and favourable for such types are all dark stones, such as dull rubies, carbuncles, and, best of all, the deep-toned sapphire, which is most markedly the jewel of the number 8.

Colours of the Number 9

The persons who have this number for their Birth Number are all those who are born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th of any month, but this number and its colour are of still more significance if people are born in what is called the “House of the 9,” namely, from March 21 to April 19–26, or from October 21 to November 20–27. Their main colours are all shades of crimson or red, and their accessory colours are rose and pink, but they are more fortunate when they avoid the darker shades of these colours. All shades of blue are, however, very favourable for them.

They should wear red stones, such as rubies, garnets, and bloodstones.^*

* Examples of Numbers influencing individuals is clearly explained in Cheiro’s Book of Numbers.

If people will follow even in some degree the rules I have given about numbers and colours, and heed the information in the previous chapters, they will very quickly be astonished by the good results they will notice in their daily lives.

There is no guesswork or mere theory about the rules I have laid down. They have been, in the first place, taken from ancient writings of the highest authority, all the dross or super-fluities weeded out of them, and experimented on by myself in thousands upon thousands of cases before I have allowed them to pass.

The law of the “vibrations of things” is as great as the law of gravitation. It has, however, a wider and a higher scope, for it concerns our thoughts as well as our actions. Professor Proctor, in his great work on astronomy, has laid down the rule that not the slightest vibration in the smallest atom in the farthest planet of our solar system but is intimately felt and associated with our human life on this planet, and, although many of these vibrations may be beyond our limited observation, as colours beyond the ultra-red and the ultra-violet are beyond our range of vision, yet that is no proof that they are not equally as powerful as those we can more readily examine.

It is a well-known fact that there are tones and vibrations in music that are beyond our range of hearing, yet there are other animals that as readily perceive these sounds as we do those that come within our scope.

We receive light and heat only by a certain tension of vibration, and scientists have declared that even life is only a question of vibration—that when it falls below a certain point it ceases to exist.

By following out the simple rules set forth in this book one comes into harmony with Nature, there is less friction, as it were, in the vibrations of the human machine, and so one will be able to accomplish more and so become more successful.

Success and happiness are, after all, the principal pivots on which so much depends, both for ourselves and for those with whom we are brought into contact in our short journey from the cradle to the grave.

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