THE SYSTEM I am about to explain in the following pages is not one that is Based on what may be called the rules of ordinary Astrology. To make a map and erect a Horoscope from the exact hour and if possible, minute of birth, is a mathematical operation requiring considerable training and application.

After this is accomplished, there remains the science or art of interpretation, without which the most accurately calculated Horoscope must remain to many students, still “a closed book,” or one full of so many contradictions that no proverbial “Chinese puzzle” is more difficult to solve.

I will not dispute for one moment the value or the accuracy of deduction that can be arrived at by a really good Astrologer, who, provided he or she be given the moment of birth, can give not only a truthful description of character, but also make reliable predictions as to the future events of a life as seen from the positions of the planets in a Natal or Birth Horoscope, together with what is called the “Progressed Chart.”

I have seen, both in my own work and of others, too many examples of the accuracy of predictions to disparage for one moment what can be done by those students of Astrology who rely implicitly on mathematical calculations to find the exact moment of “transits,” the eclipses of the Sun and Moon, trines, squares, oppositions, conjunctions, sextiles, etc., of the various planets in their bearing on human destiny.

In writing this book, the object or goal I have kept before my mind is to interest and educate the “masses,” more than the smaller circle of individuals who have already devoted their time to the Study of Astrology.

To the latter class I hope I may be privileged in perhaps presenting some old truths in a new light and so increasing and stimulating their interest in what must ever remain the most absorbing study of all studies. To the wider public, however, those who know little or nothing of what Astrology teaches; it will be the crowning object of my life, if I can succeed in placing the facts and truths of the following more simple form of this study in such a way before them that they will continue where I have left off.

It will be my effort all through these pages, to write as clearly and simplyas possible, keeping before my mind that the teacher has at one time been the pupil, and that the pupil of today may be the teacher of tomorrow.

From the innumerable letters I have received, I have learned that the greater mass of people desire to have put before them as much information as possible on the influence of the Zodiac on human life, its effect on character, its causation of difficulties between men and women, with the other hundred and one tendencies it calls into being.

This is part marvellous of Astrology , that it contains is well fitted in itself to stand so much out alone of what among is true the—mysteries so much of creation—proclaiming the incalculable wonders of Divine Design. It may be, it is true, only one page in the volume of Astrological Wisdom, but it is one of such importance, that it is the foundation stone of Astrology, in whatever form it may be regarded.

As many of my readers may know little or nothing of the history of the Study that it is my privilege to write about in these pages. I think it will be only fair to them if I give in as brief a form as possible, some idea of its antiquity and some facts concerning those whose names have been associated with its history.

Astrology, or the study of the Sun, Moon and Planets, is without doubt the oldest science known to mankind. The most ancient known works on the subject are the tablets of Sargon I of Agadi, who lived 3,800 years before Christ.

Tradition teaches us that Seth, the third son of Adam, was so well versed in Astrology that, foreseeing the Flood by its means, he caused two pillars to be erected in Palestine, on which he carved the Signs of the Zodiac and other Astrological information, so that this knowledge might not be destroyed when the Deluge swept over the then known earth. This tradition is confirmed by Josephus, who, writing about 70 A. D. relates that in his own time “he saw one of the pillars of Seth still standing in the land of Syria.”

In the third chapter of the first book of Josephus, the famous Hebrew historian writes: “Man lived so long before the Flood that he learned the arts and sciences, especially Astrology.” And he states that Abraham, when he sojourned in Egypt “taught the Egyptians the Knowledge of Astrology.”

 The great English Astronomer, Sir Isaac Newton, writing about the origin of Astrology, says: “The Egyptians determined the length of the solar year and fixed the solstices in the reigns of Ammon and Memnon, and the King of Sais, by the assistance of a priest of Egypt, created the science of Astrology, grounding it on the aspects of the Planets.”

According to Oriental records, the birth of Astrology is co-existent with the creation of mankind. They state that Nacrawonsch, the son of Misraim, excelled in Astrology; be commenced the first dynasty of his race who were all skilled in the mystic arts. The most celebrated of the Misraimian Princes was Naerasch, who represented in figures and images, the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Pharaoh, the last Prince of this dynasty, endeavoured to destroy Noah, believing that by so doing, he would prevent the Deluge, but he was, himself with his whole family, swept away by the Flood.

History tells us that Efilimoun alone, the chief Astrologer of the day, foreseeing the desolation that was coming, acknowledged the truth of the warning preached by Noah, and was admitted into the Ark with all his family.

Forming an alliance with Noah and his descendants, he became the ancestor of twenty-six kings of the second dynasty of Egypt and built the City of Memphis. Misraim, his son, was the depository of all the magical and astrological secrets of the first ages of the world. It is believed by many that he was the architect and builder of the Great Pyramid—the astronomical wonder of all time.

History further tells us, that when Alexander the First overcame Darius III, that Callisthenes presented to the conqueror a record of the astronomical works of the Babylonians which extended over a period of about 1,900 years, dating from the year 2230 B. C. These records gave information as to the rising and setting of the planets in relation to the position of the Sun, new Moons, full Moons and eclipses, these clearly recorded, together with other information, all indicate that those ancient students of the heavens had a thorough knowledge of the motions and positions of the planets.

The mystery of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, whose builder was probably Misraim as mentioned previously, is conceded in recent years to have been erected for some astrological purpose. Isaiah states in Chapter XIX, Verse 19: “In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the Lord.”

This prophecy has been fulfilled in the last hundred years by the discovery that the Great Pyramid was purposely erected on the 30ᵗʰ degree of latitude, which exactly divides upper and lower Egypt. This division is now considered the official one, although it was not divulged in the age when the Great Pyramid was being built, but was perhaps known and purposely chosen by its architect.

The four sides of the base if added together, make exactly 36,524 inches, which is the number of days in every hundred tropical years. Or, if written as the figure 365.24, it indicates as closely as possible the number of days in a solar year namely 365.24. The Great Pyramid is an example of the most perfect orientation of any known building in the world

Abraham, although called “The father of the Jewish race” was a Chaldean by birth. The Bible tells us be came from the City of Ur of the Chaldees, where he doubtless learned the arts of Astrology for which the City of Ur was more famous in its day, than Babylon, Ninevah or the other great places of antiquity.

In Genesis, Chapter I, Verse 16, one may read “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; he made the stars (planets) also.”

Returning to the pages of history, we find in old annals of Persia that Astrology was practised and encouraged by some of the greatest rulers in that kingdom. Zoroaster took up the study himself and became renowned in its practice. The Persian philosopher, Al Hakim, or the Wise, the supposed brother of King Gushtasp, as chief Minister of State, directed its affairs by the aid of Astrology.

“Ancient Universal History” mentions that: “some treatises under his name are still current in the East.” He was the author of a book called “Judicia Gjamaspis,” in which is contained his judgment on the conjunctions of the planets. In this work he foretold that a great Teacher, a Christ, would be born in Palestine, that Mahommed would appear after him and that the Magian religion would be abolished.

In China, astral science was firmly established in the most far off ages. In some instances even Kings were chosen on account of their astrological knowledge, as in the case of the Emperor Chueni in 2513 B. C.

In ancient Greece at the highest period of her culture and power, many of her greatest philosophers were astrologers. Anaxagoras devoted his whole life to this study. Also such men of learning as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle and Proclus.

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, declared that: “The man who is ignorant of the science of Astrology deserves to be called a fool, rather than a physician.”

Among the celebrated men of ancient Rome who were avowed believers in the study, one can cite Virgil, Cicero, Horace and the great friend of Cicero, Figulus.

Suetonius, states that he foretold at the birth of Octavius: “That he would be lord of the world having taken the how of his birth. Strabo, the Historian, mentions that “in his day astrologers were also called Chaldea or Babylonia because they came originally from Chaldea or Babylonia.”

In the year 815 A. D. the works of Ptolemy on Astrology were ordered to be translated into Arabic by the sixth Calif, Mamoon-orrasheed, a “man profoundly versed in literature and science.”          

In Europe in the 13ᵗʰ century, Ptolemy’s works were first translated from Arabic into Latin by order of the Emperor Frederick II. Alphonso, King of Castile, ordered a version to be made in Spanish. In 1538 the full text of Ptolemy’s works was published at Basle.         

After the decline of the Roman Empire, an Italian monk named Placidus de Titus published his “Celestial Philosophy,” which contained the Horoscopes of thirty eminent men in Europe to prove the truth of Ptolemy’s work on Astrology.                

Coming down to more recent years, many well-known personages were devout believers in Astrology, Queen Elizabeth supported “my good and wise Doctor John Dee” out of her own private purse. The great Bacon and Kepler were professed Astrologers, so also was Sir Isaac Newton and Flamsteed. This distinguished man, the first Astronomer Royal of England, did not consider it derogatory to his dignity to erect a Horoscope in order to be sure of a propitious time for laying the foundation stone of Greenwich Observatory.   

Charles the First learned the principles of Astrology from Sir Elias Ashmole, the founder of the famous Ashmolean Library at Oxford.               

Queen Anne brought over from Holland and kept at her Court, Van Galgebrok, who accurately predicted her death to the month and the year.     

Dr. John Butler, the Rector of Litchborough first set himself out to preach against Astrology, but in investigating it for this purpose he was not only converted but became one of its strongest champions.             

In 1644 William Lilly published a paper setting forth predictions made by his study of the heavens. In 1647 he was consulted by King Charles 1 “as to a safe place to conceal his royal person.” The King consulted him again in 1648, but on each occasion neglected to take Lilly’s advice, but as Lilly wrote: “In this year the Council of State gave me in money, fifty pounds and a pension of one hundred pounds per annum, which for two years I received, but no more.” *

(* Ully’s History)              

In 1651 he predicted the Plague and Fire of London for the year 1666. A few weeks after this terrible occurrence he was summoned to attend before a Committee of the House of Commons, "to appear on the 25ᵗʰ of October, 1666 at two of the clock in the afternoon, in the Speaker’s chamber, to answer such questions as shall be then and there asked him.          

The questions were, if he could throw light on the cause of the late fire, if his science denoted if it had happened by evil design or by accident? Lilly replied that he could not give the Committee the least satisfaction. He concluded that it was done “by the finger of God only; but what instruments He used thereunto I am ignorant.”

He adds: “The Committee seemed well pleased with what I spoke and dismissed me with great civility.”

It was, however, conceded by everyone that it had been a most remarkable prediction which increased enormously the respect for Astrology.

Lilly died on the 9ᵗʰ of June, 1681. He was buried in the chancel of Walton Church by his friend and co-Astrologer, Sir Elias Ashmole.

It was well known that Napoleon, when an unknown “petit corporal," climbed up to the attic of the monk, Pierre le Clerc, and had his astounding future mapped out before him. It is also on record that a few days before the famous “coup d’ etat” that made him First Consul, he again visited the monk and learned from him what would be the most favourable day for the attempt on which so much depended.

It is to the great Napoleon’s credit that he never forgot what he owed to the advice he had received. A few short weeks after he ascended the throne as Emperor, he had the old monk sought out and rewarded him with a substantial pension for life and a comfortable home within the Palace grounds at Versailles.

The tragedy of it all was, that five days before Waterloo, the old monk, now an aged and tottering man, set out to find Napoleon and place in his hands a Horoscope showing the fateful days lying ahead. He actually reached Napoleon’s Headquarters the night before the decisive battle of Waterloo.

One can only speculate what might have been . . .. and yet what could not be. Repulsed and buffeted by rough sentinels on every side, the old man had no chance to deliver his message. Days after “the retreat” his dead body was found in a ditch, his hands even in death still grasping the fateful Horoscope. Some torn pages of which are preserved among the archives of Paris.

In my own case I have been fortunate enough in having many of my forecasts or predictions placed on record long in advance of their fulfilment. Many hundreds of letters are on file with statements that such and such events foretold by me had taken place, some to the exact year, some to the exact month. I only relate these facts as most humbly bearing evidence of what can be achieved by conscientious study of what may be called the predictive arts.

And now, we come to that great question that sooner or later must be uppermost in all men’s thoughts .. . . is there such a thing as Fate? A Destiny that “shapes our ends, rough hew them how we may.”

This question has occupied the minds of philosophers and thinkers for ages and will continue to do so for aeons of ages to come.

From my experience I can only give the following suggestion: As order and design are exhibited from the greatest Sun or planet to the smallest atom, so nations and mankind collectively as such, obey order and design, fulfil their destiny and pass away.

But Man, individually was “created in the image and likeness of God."Man, therefore, being a “likeness of the God of Knowledge”….. for only such a God could create . .. . has within himself, the power to become a god in whatever sphere or world he is born into.

The desire for Knowledge is the evidence of Soul or Spirit,—it is the dividing line, separating Mankind from the animal. By Knowledge Man alone becomes free—free from the Fate that ignorance would condemn him to bear.

I will give an illustration. Suppose one knew that a heavy stone was at that moment falling from the roof, towards one’s head. As a sensible person, one would jump aside, and be saved—but the stone would continue to fall. In other words, the law or cause that might have killed the man is here represented—he escaped only because he was protected by Knowledge.

Now suppose by means of a study of Astrology that one found it was indicated that one's health would be seriously affected at a certain age, as an equally sensible person one would take the warning and escape the threatened break, or at least minimise the consequences.

To those who find it difficult to believe that there are certain studies that can and do throw light on the future, I can only advise that they should be sufficiently broadminded to spend some little time in the investigation of such studies believing as I do that Knowledge gained in this way is not only useful in a material sense, but may be the means of creating “a faith in things unseen” and a realisation of the divine design that has so far evolved Man, that his greatest desire, is, for Knowledge.

In the following pages I have set out, not only the basic meaning of each month as handed down to mankind by the observations of Astrologers from far distant ages to the present day, but also the meaning ascribed to each day of the year from the influence of the planets according to Chaldean Numerology. These indications I have verified by my own long experience, together with the climacteric years in each person’s life as set out in these pages.

As far as I know, this is the first time that these combinations have ever been given to the world in any attempt to make what may be called Zodiacal Astrology of assistance to the vast mass of humanity who have not the time or the inclination to go into mathematical calculations that would be necessary in working out any other Astrological system.

                                                                                                                                                                _”CHEIRO”

‘Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” PSALM 90, v. 12.