Chapter II · THE MOST ANCIENT SCIENCE

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the Heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.” Genesis 1:14.

ASTROLOGY: COLOURS OF THE HEAVENS.

The old science of Astrology was known amongst the Hebrews as the Wisdom of Foreknowledge (HOK MAT HA NISSAYON), and with it was included Astronomy or Star Knowledge (HOK MAT HA HOZZAYON). It is spoken of as of heavenly origin having been communicated to man by the angels after he had lost Eden. It was written that:

Kokabel communicated Astrology, Wisdom of the Stars.

Rakiel or Barakel communicated Astronomy, Star Gazing.

Shehakeel communicated The Wisdom of the Clouds.

Arkiel communicated The Symbols of the Earth.

Samsiel communicated The Symbols of the Sun.

Scuriel or Sahriel communicated The Symbols of the Moon.

From the observed influences of the Sun and Moon the old scholars were enabled to classify the 7influence of these orbs in the various parts of the heavens and to formulate special rules, which extended observation rendered more convincing and complete. The simple consideration of the lunar phases brought grains of knowledge, which included the calculation of tidal action, eclipses, etc. The unity of the forces of Nature was then demonstrated in the actions and influences of the planets and stars, and the blending of such influences with their zodiacal positions and aspects. Universal unity was insisted on and the statements of the ancient scholars have not been discredited by the revelations of modern scientific discoveries. The Talmud calls the planets “moving stars” and sets down that Alexander of Macedon was pictured with a ball in his hand to symbolize the spherical shape of the Earth. The planets were indicated as follows:

Mercury the Planet of Mind is The Star

Venus the Planet of Beauty is Splendour

Mars the Planet of Contention is Ruddiness

Jupiter the Planet of Prosperity is Benevolence

Saturn the Planet of Restraint is The Star of Sabbath

Comets are represented as arrows of flame bearing messages to mankind.

The various colours ascribed to the planets are:

Sun Yellow, Golden, Orange

Moon White, Silvery, pale opalescent Green

Mercury Dove Grey

Venus Delicate Colour Tints, Shades of Green, pale Blue, etc.

Mars Red

Jupiter Purple

Saturn Black

Uranus Mixed Colours

Neptune Doubtful

8The colours ascribed to the 12 Signs of the Zodiac and the planets associated with them are:

Aries White and Red Mixed Mars

Taurus White and Lemon Mixed Venus

Gemini White and Red Mixed Mercury

Cancer Green or Russet Moon

Leo Red and Green Sun

Virgo Black and Blue Mercury

Libra Dark Crimson Venus

Scorpio Dark Brown Mars

Sagittarius Sanguine Green Jupiter

Capricorn Black Saturn

Aquarius Sky Blue Uranus

Pisces Glistening White Neptune

The approximate date of the Sun’s entry into the various zodiacal signs enabled astrologers to select the Solar Talismanic Gem.

The Sun enters Aries about March 21

The Sun enters Taurus about April 21

The Sun enters Gemini about May 22

The Sun enters Cancer about June 22

The Sun enters Leo about July 23

The Sun enters Virgo about August 24

The Sun enters Libra about September 24

The Sun enters Scorpio about October 24

The Sun enters Sagittarius about November 23

The Sun enters Capricorn about December 20

The Sun enters Aquarius about January 20

The Sun enters Pisces about February 19

This brief statement of the most ancient science must suffice. It will enable the reader to understand the philosophy on which the wearing of talismanic jewels rests and may induce him to delve a little into the “wisdom of the fathers.”

9