| Astrology is the ancient art and science of foretelling details of the
future, the past, the present, the nature of people and events by
understanding the influence of planetary bodies. ~ Llewellyn George |
| To stop short in any research that bids fair to widen the gates of
knowledge, to recoil from fear of difficulty or adverse criticism, is to
bring reproach upon science. ~ Sir William Crooks No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life, in a great cause. ~ Theodore Roosevelt Ever consider this Universe as One Living Being, with one material substance and one spirit. Contemplate the fundamental causes, stripped of all disguises. Consider well the nature of things, distinguishing between matter, cause, and purpose. ~Marcus Aurelius The highest of all learning is the knowledge of the stars. To trace their course is to untangle the threads of the mystery of life from the beginning to the end. If we could follow them prefectly nothing would be hidden from us. ~ Henry Van Dyke, The Story of the Other Wise Man |
| Genethialogy, or Natal Astrology, is directly concerned with the birth of a being into physical expression. From a chart of the planetary system cast for the moment, date and place of birth, can be read the character, temperment, mental tendencies, physical peculiarities and ailments, together with much other information relating to the person and events which will affect the life to any important extent. |
| Now that the New Era is at hand – the dawning of the
Aquarian Age – thousands under the general title of Advance Thought are
beginning to respond actively to the influence of "the water-bearer," and
because this advance guard of the Army of Truth and Peace requires insight
to the mysteries of Nature in order to best promote their cause of
enlightenment, we take this opportunity to present for consideration and
study the highest of all sciences, Astrology. Highest, because when
rightly understood, it opens the way clearly to an understanding of the
manifestations of Nature through human and mundane
affairs. The science of Astrology is not confined to those of technical training, for much of it can be learned by persons of ordinary education. But Astrology is best acquired by those who have an inborn love of mystical subjects, and who at the same time possess an active sixth sense faculty, that of intuition. A peculiar temperment like that of the metaphysically inclined, rather than extraordinary schooling, is the particular requisite of those who would become adepts in this branch of useful investigation. Astrology is taken from the records of astral phenomena and reduced to a science by observing the effects of planetary influence, commencing with the history of man; these observations being compiled and recorded by some of the brightest intellects known, both ancient and modern. To test its reliability, its truths, and the advantages it offers, requires only earnest, unprejudiced investigation. By it the inequalities of humanity are explained and much light is shed upon the path leading to improvement of conditions for all living beings. Astrology was the first science known to man and the present age is beginning to realize that it is the greatest, the parent of them all. With a knowledge of astrology much of the unknown becomes known, the mysterious becomes plain and new light is shed in all directions. Anyone with ordinary ability can learn much of astrology. It is no longer a difficult study. Nothing out of the ordinary is required to become acquainted with it. With proper instruction and a reasonable amount of effort one can learn to cast a horoscope and read it so that it becomes a guide regarding changes, health, marriage, business and all important affairs of life. There is not only pleasure but also satisfaction and profit in the knowledge which astrology gives. Even a slight investigation of the science tends to make people broader in their views and more charitable toward their fellow human beings. Astrology is a subject which becomes more and more scientific with age. As the number of earnest investigators increases so does more and more conclusive evidence of its usefulness accrue. New facts are constantly being presented for unbiased, truth-seeking minds to review, and if occasion offers, to use with advantage. Nobody can rightly claim to possess a proper understanding of astrology until they can cast and delineate the horoscope of birth, and erect and read a progressed chart. The term "horoscope" is derived from the words, "hora," an hour, and "scope," to view: a view of the heavens for a certain hour, especially an hour measured by the Sun. Formerly the word referred only to the Ascendant, or rising degree in a chart, but now its meaning is more general and has reference to a whole figure or map of the heavens at birth time and is frequently referred to as a nativity. A horoscope is correctly drawn only when erected in accordance with the laws of Astronomy geocentrically applied, and such a chart drawn by an astrologer is practically identical, from a mathematical standpoint, with one erected from the same data in any astronomical observatory in the world, but its significance is concealed from all except those who are familiar with the precepts of astrology. The purpose of Astrology is not to shoulder off responsibilities to a planet but, on the contrary, to learn by planetary indications as they were affecting the Earth and its atmosphere at the time of birth (i.e., the nature of vibrations inbreathed by a newly-born babe which endow the tendencies of character it will manifest) whether undesirable traits and circumstances will result from these influences, and to endeavor to develop in this nature qualities which will insure an exalted expression of life. Thus we bring about conditions and consequent events in harmony with the best testimonies contained in the native’s horoscope, and through knowledge and effort consciously applied, improve the manifestation of Nature. In this forward movement for enlightenment astrology, as of old, maintains a place in the front ranks of progress as an agent for development. Through improved methods for making observations and more accurate systems of calculating planetary configurations, astrologers are able to give better delineations and more useful advice and information than ever before. More is known of planetary influence and human response because of the greater number of qualified investigators and finer facilities for compiling and disseminating the facts. |
| The word, astrology, is derived from two Greek
words, “astra,” a star, and “logos,” logic or reason. It literally implies
the doctrine and law as shown by the stars or planets. Astrology is the
science which defines the action of celestial bodies upon animate and
inanimate objects, and their reaction to such influences. It is the parent
of astronomy. Originally, all who studied the stars were astrologers. The
antiquity of astrology is such as to place it among the very earliest
record of human learning. Later, astrology and astronomy were one science,
but the latter now treats only of distances, magnitudes, masses,
compositions, motions, speed, etc., and is founded upon observations made
with various instruments; therefore astronomy may be termed a purely
objective science, concerned as it is with the outer expressions of other
worlds, (with their form or body,) while astrology may be considered as
subjective, dealing with the influence of the life within the form and its
effect upon surrounding bodies, the Earth and its inhabitants in
particular and so may properly be termed, The Study of Life’s Reactions to
Planetary Vibrations. The making of a horoscopal figure is an astronomical
process; the reading of the chart is
astrological. Astrological science is generally broadly divided into five great branches, namely: Medical Astrology, or Astro-Pathology, is devoted to diagnosis, healing and prevention of physical and mental ailments by knowledge gained from a horoscope. Hippocrates, who has been justly named the Father of Medicine, declared, “A physician cannot safely administer medicine if he be unacquainted with astrology,” which simply means that in the absence of knowledge of first principles for guidance, the application of remedies, however good they may be, is apt to be guesswork. Fortunately for the public at large, there are many of the new school of physicians and surgeons who do understand astrology and who are using this knowledge with gratifying results. Astro-Meteorology is the art of predicting weather from planetary aspects. This branch is again becoming a popular study and has been reduced to a marvelous degree of accuracy by a number of researchers. It is not at all associated with the methods used in common almanacs and by the Government Weather Bureau. It is only a matter of time, however, when nations generally will recognize this information and include it in their present calculations, thus making their system more practical, serviceable and efficient. Judicial Astrology relates to the forecasting of the principal events which will come to pass in a country and conditions which will prevail in the land. For instance, the financial panic in the Fall of 1907 was predicted by the progressed Moon in the U.S. Government’s horoscope coming by progressed motion to an opposition to the radical and progressed Uranus, the Moon being in the house of money in the national chart. Students of State Astrology, as this branch is sometimes called, not only foresaw but expected a financial panic. Here is another instance concerning the use of Judicial Astrology. The Japanese were very proficient in this branch when they had official court astrologers, and in connection with the war against Russia (1904-5) while generals and statesmen everywhere were predicting success for the Russian arms, astrologers unanimously declared that Japan would be successful. The Japanese, themselves, through their knowledge of astrology, never sought a battle except on a day that would be good for them with the result that they were astoundingly victorious in spite of superior forces. The Japanese government then used astrology as a necessary feature in the successful administration of its affairs, but soon afterward abolished court astrology. It is only a question of time when the United States and other nations will find astrology indispensible for an orderly arrangement and conduct affairs in harmony with natural laws. Horary Astrology predicts events and conditions as they are foreshadowed by a map of the heavens at the time a question of serious import is submitted to an astrologer; or the time when a clearly defined event, thought, idea or inspiration occurs to a person; or the time when a proposition is advanced to them and they are earnestly desirous of knowing what the outcome will be. Genethialogy, or Natal Astrology, is directly concerned with the birth of a being into physical expression. From a chart of the planetary system cast for the moment, date and place of birth, can be read the character, temperment, mental tendencies, physical peculiarities and ailments, together with much other information relating to the person and events which will affect the life to any important extent. It is to this last named branch of astrology, through the Geocentric system now generally used, that we direct the attention of students through the pages of this book. This is a most important part of astrology and should be mastered before the other branches are attempted. To become thoroughly familiar with the effect of planetary influences upon human beings one must test the rules given by applying them to his own experiences or to the events which transpire in the lives of others who are well known. In this way only can we decide for ourselves whether or not the claims of astrology agree with conditions and occurrences which are known to be undeniable facts to us. Eventually astrology will render valuable service in the important matter of human procreation. The few opponents of this science are invariably persons who know practically nothing of it and cannot prove any of their arguments by the science itself, while on the other hand, those who advocate its study have made investigation and are prepared to demonstrate the proofs of their claims not alone by word of mouth, but in black and white, mathematically. As editor of The Astrological Bulletina magazine for more than thirty years, I am in a position to state from daily experience that astrology is making rapid strides forward. More and more it is being added to the curriculum of progressive business and professional people. The time has arrived for the masses as a whole to take an interest in the subject seriously and practically. Astrology has a grander, greater, nobler mission now than ever before in history. It serves, not as a means for escaping or evading undesirable conditions, but to shed light and inspiration on life, its beauty and its possibilities. It is an aid in facing conditions correctly and making proper adjustments, not according to material appearances, but with a higher concept based upon knowledge of spiritual values. As to the method to pursue in this study, I would suggest that you become thoroughly familiar with the symbology before attempting the process of erecting a chart, otherwise you will be in the dilemma of knowing how to make a chart but unable to read it. After one has learned the symbols of the signs, planets and aspects, and one understands their tendencies and characteristics, it is then proper to cast your own horoscope, studying it as a whole, long and carefully. By doing so you will be able to judge whether or not you have made any error in the work, judging by the knowledge of your own experiences. Mathematically, astrology is a science, and therefore if you have made no mistake in your horoscopal calculations the results obtained will agree in a very astonishing manner with the facts as you know them. Procure the birth date of those whose lives present some special feature; note birth dates from biographical sketches of persons celebrated for various gifts or achievements; take the nativities of your relatives and friends, as they are valuable examples for comparison and study. You will be surprised (at first) to find how the life story of every being corresponds to the positions and relations of heavenly bodies at time of birth. The real secret of successful horoscope reading depends not less on the correct casting of a chart than upon the ability to judge the testimonies therein by having first become familiar with the nature of all the elements. The characteristics of a planet must be blended with the nature of the house and tendencies of the sign it occupies, in relation to the quality of the aspect it beholds so that the combination will reveal the truth. It is the purpose of this book to assist the investigator to read a horoscope correctly, as well as to cast it properly. We are “free” according to our wisdom, and we are “fated” in proportion to our lack of understanding. Astrology teaches when to expect changing circumstances in life and their nature; by it, one may prepare to manipulate, transform and improve so-called “adverse” conditions before they appear and manifest better responses than otherwise. Our object is to present the subject of astrology in such a manner that many of the valuable truths contained within its vast domain may take a useful, active and prominent part in assisting those who are participating in the present forward movement, thus making for still greater advancement toward individual excellence, development and expansion – materially, mentally and physically – through conscious co-operation with Natural Law indicated by the solar system. That law creates conditions which provide opportunities for us to rise above the common illusions of life by spiritual interpretation and finer reactions. If from these pages the reader gains but a small part of the pleasure and practical benefit the author has derived from the study of astrology, I will feel well repaid for thus presenting the results of investigations and practice which have extended over many years. Gardeners have heard of the great farming successes of the people who lived in the valleys of the Euphrates and the Nile River. These farmers credited their wonderful harvests to planting by the astrological signs. Eventually they created a calendar. As Europe settled, the calendar was incorporated into an almanac, with advice as well as pointing out the correct times to plant, water, mulch, compost, and fertilize. Then the almanac traveled to America, where it came to the attention of Ben Franklin. It evolved into the Old Farmers Almanac, first published in 1792. Another long-lived almanac is Bair's Agricultural Almanac, almost 175 years old. This form of gardening is called "planting by the Moon." Louise Riotte and Llewellyn George pooled their knowledge of moon planting. Mr. George created a rule called "Thoroughbred Seed." Seed must be saved for three consecutive years. Plant in the First Quarter phase in the sign of Cancer for fruitfulness. The second year, plant seeds from the first crop in the First Quarter in Libra for beauty. The third year to produce hardiness, plant the seeds from the second year plants in Taurus. This idea can be used all through the signs for different characteristics. ~ Lois H. Lockhart Llewellyn Publications began as the Portland School of Astrology in 1901 under the leadership of Llewellyn George. An astrologer himself, Llewellyn George self-published a number of small astrological pamphlets before he published his first bestseller, The Llewellyn Moon Sign Book and Gardening Guide, in 1906. Published continuously since that time, The Moon Sign Book, as it is affectionately known, formed the backbone of Llewellyn for some time. In 1910 Llewellyn George published his astrology text, The A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator, which became a classic and is constantly revised and updated, firmly establishing Llewellyn Publications in the astrology community. In 1954 Llewellyn George died, and the company was purchased by a printer who ran it as a mail-order business. For sale again in the late 1950s, Llewellyn was purchased by current owner Carl Llewellyn Weschcke. He moved the small company to his home state of Minnesota and began the hard work of building a major publishing house. For the first eight years, the books which sustained Llewellyn were The Moon Sign Book and The A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. The times did not support metaphysics, and experts predicted that astrology and occult interest would be dead issues before the decade passed. The experts were mistaken. The surge of interest in metaphysics spawned in the late 1960s provided renewed interest in Llewellyn books. This interest, and subsequent capital, allowed Llewellyn to venture into broader subject areas. Although astrology will always remain a strong suit for Llewellyn, consumer demand dictated the addition of several new lines. ~ Website of Llewellyn Publications, January 2001 One of astrology's pioneers in the twentieth century, Llewellyn George, noted that even a slight familiarity with astrology "tends to make people broader in their views and more charitable toward their fellow beings." In this comment, he not only offered a reason for astrology's resurgence in the twentieth century, but he also stood against reductionism. In other words, just as he opposed materialist scientists reducing people to a few chemical reactions, he also opposed astrologers reducing people to a few categories—"Oh, you're an Aries! Well, we all know about that temper!" If people wanted this kind of abuse, he thought, they could get it without going to astrologers. As an alternative, Llewellyn George proposed what present-day transformative astrologers seek: to investigate the deepest meaning of the birthchart and to invite each person to reach for that meaning as his or her destiny. Dane Rudhyar, humanistic astrology's founder, said that the birth chart represents what the universe needs at this moment in time, space, and consciousness. The universe calls us into being because it needs the qualities that we will exhibit in this lifetime. Astrology helps us discover this unique joining of qualities and hence why we're here. ~ Christopher Largent, 1999 |
These are some quotes that were favorites of Llewellyn George,
for they appear prominently in the Introduction and Preface of his most popular
bestseller, A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator. My version is the 24th
edition, published in 1969, when I was three years
old.