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Solar Biology, by Hiram E. Butler, [1887], at sacred-texts.com
Before proceeding with the polarities of the moon, It may be well to observe that some of the positions of nativity and polarities of the life forces are apparently not as favorable as others for the promotion of a peaceful, happy, and prosperous career. These, however, may be greatly modified and improved by planetary conditions, and to judge correctly of a nature all of these facts and conditions must be taken into consideration.
It is obvious that some are born with physical conditions involving them in greater trial, temptation, and struggle than others; but the merit and virtue of life is expressed in one's disposition and ability to surmount obstacles and to resist temptations; and consequently that which seems their serious misfortune may become the occasion of their greatest triumph. Therefore let all take courage when they find themselves possessed of inharmonies of character which predispose them to trials, mistakes, and temptations, for it should not be assumed that any of the polarities and planetary conditions are bad in themselves, though relatively and seemingly so from the standpoint of present earthly conditions; for the worst is capable of becoming the best, through the cultivation of the higher and the subjugation of the lower propensities of the nature.
Let us keep in mind that man has in his nature that which adapts him for a life higher and grander than his present conditions and environments, and that in such degree as he evolves or incorporates the elements of a higher rationality and wisdom, does he cast down or subjugate the imperfections of present being, indrawing the solar and celestial forces that give self-control, and law, and order to life. Thus, foundation qualities and polarities that seemed a tissue of evil, become basic energies of usefulness and power, when regulated and dignified by the inner and higher degrees of nature.
This science illustrates and enforces the biblical declaration that man's nature is threefold; but at the present time we are living almost wholly in the physical and material degree of being, and feeding (intellectually and affectionally) mainly on the husks of creation; hence the delineation of one's nature and character, as set forth by Solar Biology, has reference to solar and planetary influence on mankind in their present stage of general enfoldment, without regard to the effects which discipline and culture may have had on individuals, in opening or unfolding the inner and higher departments or degrees of their being; yet even with a moderate degree of observation one may readily trace the basic qualities and tendencies of his own or an-other's nature, as defined by this science, and especially may this be recognized in the spontaneous and involuntary impulses of the person; but it does not necessarily follow that they will act them out, or be governed by them in all particulars, but the root, so to speak, will be found there all the same.
Most, if not all, are familiar with the fact that superior
fruit may be produced by inserting the right kind of graft into a wild and unprofitable stalk. Thus we may have apples and pears from the quince-stalk, and wild fruit-trees of all kinds can be made to send their energies through grafts, which yield luscious fruit. The same principle is not without its application to the human nature; new thoughts and purposes become the grafts, by virtue of which the natural basic forces of the system are brought into new and superior fruitfulness. So whatever may be your foundation quality or polarity, remember that you are, in more senses than one, an heir to the excellent things of the universe.
In the mechanism of Solar Biology we have given the signs of the zodiac after the order of the birth of the twelve sons of Jacob, commencing with ♎ (Libra). It is evident that the biblical historians had a reason for beginning with this sign, as Libra is the head of the reproductive trinity, and the generation of new life commences with this function, and moves in a circle through the entire twelve signs, back to the starting-point. The fœtus in the womb is nurtured and developed upon this principle, lying in a circle, the head and feet together, strictly in accordance with the order and arrangement of the signs of the zodiac, and we may regard the entire solar system as a womb, in which natural life is being evolved in accordance with this law; therefore, even the most highly unfolded beings upon this, or any other earth of the system, are relatively but as children in the womb of creation. With the introduction of the atmosphere to the lungs of the new-born child comes the first effort at conscious,
individualized existence; and conscious existence, in its larger and more perfect sense, is only attained as man comes, with his interior lungs, or spiritual and mental powers, to inspire the higher and purer atmospheres of the universe, and this he is privileged to do, even in the present earth life, in a degree far beyond general comprehension.
Breath is the most important thing we have; it is the symbol of life itself. In Genesis ii. 7 we find, "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul." We have but slight, if any, direct control over the action of the heart and other internal functions; our voluntary hold on life seems to be seated in the lungs and in our power of breath. Breath is ours, with power to inspire deeply, and by this means we are enabled to strengthen and vitalize every portion of the system. There is a spiritual as well as a mental and physical breath. Man, so to speak, is a tree whose roots are in the atmosphere, and therefrom may he inspire life in a threefold sense. Who that has visited a mountain-top but what has felt that he was inspiring the breath of the gods?
We might with profit dwell upon the power and importance of the breath, not only in its relation to physical health, but in its bearing upon mental and spiritual unfoldment and exaltation as well; but we judge that this brief allusion will be sufficient for our present purpose, and that in consideration of its importance will not be deemed out of place.
Reference having been made to the signs of the zodiac after the order given in Genesis, and still further elaborated in the chapter on the Mechanism of Solar Biology, we now proceed with the 144 polarities of the moon, commencing with ♈ (Aries) as a matter of convenience for reference, as we are in the habit of thinking and counting from the head downward, and for that reason the more elaborate explanation of the nature and functions of the twelve signs has already been given in that order.