Astrology is one of the oldest sciences in the world. It is said to have originated with the Egyptians, almost at the very beginning of time. Indeed, it is almost impossible to trace a period when this science was not practiced.

There is nothing new under the sun, and its close followers will scarcely allow any errors in its deductions. They go so far as to declare it to be an exact science, a term which means that everything can be reasoned out and proved; nothing is left to guesswork.

Such sciences are Mathematics, Algebra, and Geometry. We need not believe that Astrology is all this, but certainly some very startling and accurate predictions have been made by astrologers.

However, as in all other methods of fortunetelling attempted by us mortals, it is far from infallible. So long as we do not take it to be exact and sure, we shall get plenty of amusement and interest from its study, with the exciting feeling all the time at the back of our minds that "it might come true."

Here is a list giving you the names and meanings given to planets by astrologers.

The main idea at the back of astrology is that the planets (or starry bodies which revolve round the sun) each have a strong and varying influence upon the minds of human beings.

THE ZODIAC.—Of course when the planets revolve round the sun they travel through a course or path. The Zodiac is the name given by astronomers to the boundary which encloses this course or path in the sky.

The signs of the Zodiac are the spaces into which the Zodiac is divided.

Here are the signs of the Zodiac arranged in order to show which signs are opposite to each other.

Now each sign has a planet which is said to rule it; this is called the ruling planet. It is from the nature of this planet that the probable character and fate of the individual are told. It is not necessary to know the whys and wherefores of this, if you have not studied astronomy it will only serve to muddle you, and if, on the other hand, you do understand astronomy you will not need any explanation. We will just say what does happen, and that will tell you all you need in these first steps.

Well, we all know that the earth revolves upon its axis once in every 24 hours. Now, according to astronomers, this causes one of the Zodiac signs to appear in the eastern sky, where it remains for two hours. We have said that each sign has a planet ruling it, so the sign that appears on the sky at the time of birth decides what planet that person is born under or is influenced by.

Let us suppose for a moment that you were born when the sign Libra was rising, as the saying is. The planet which rules Libra is Venus, so the person born at that time would be a Venus type, i.e., a person having the influence of Venus upon him.

In addition to the main ruling planet, astrologers will tell you that there are other "neighboring" planets—we will call them neighboring because it is a simple term—which also have their effect upon us. Astrologers call this one planet being "in aspect" with another. For instance, you might have the planet Mars in aspect with (or influenced by) the planet Saturn; you would then be dealing with a very strong character.

The qualities of Mars which give the fighter and the pushing type, or in excess the bully, will be well steadied by the qualities of Saturn, which by themselves give coldness and, in excess, lack of feeling. The two together result in a character remarkable for its steadiness combined with its never-wearying energy and good balance.

So you see, we seldom find pure types (i.e., qualities of Mars, or other planets by themselves), and it is very fortunate that this is so; we should get a very one-sided world if we did.

Now we come to that part of Astrology which really interests most people; here will be shown the birth-dates for each month in the year and the probable characters of persons born at that special time. You may ask why the characters are given and why not the fate or future of the person concerned. The reason is this: you can be pretty sure that what you read of an individual's character will give you a sound idea of what in all probability his future will be.

After all, the carving out of our lives is in our own hands. We are the masters of our fate, or as the song has it, "Captain of our Soul."

However, if we believe astrologers, there is a way to tell the times of our lives when matters should go smoothly or the reverse. The most favorable times for speculating with money, starting in business, in fact, the most and least favorable periods of our lives can, according to astrology, be worked out by what is known as the Horoscope.

Now this Horoscope is in reality a chart of your life. The rocky waters are shown, and the barrier reefs which each of us must avoid through our life, so you will see a use in the study of astrology. It would seem to be Nature's warning to us all of the necessity for effort, effort and again effort.

Here are the birth dates and characteristics of persons born between the dates mentioned. Since astrology is not infallible, do not take all these characteristics too seriously.

You will notice that each date is taken from about the 20th of one month to the 20th of the next month.

WHEN WERE YOU BORN?

Dec. 22nd to Jan. 20th.

People born during this period have considerable mental ability and a keen business instinct. They are fond of the imaginative arts. They are proud; they like their own way and they see that they get it. Generally speaking, they are better fitted to lead than to follow others.

However, they do not take kindly to changes of any kind, and are annoyed by newfangled ideas. They do not want the advice of other people and often resent it. They do not strike out in new directions and they avoid taking risks. They lack "push."

To these people, we say:

Don't wait for opportunities—make them.

Don't let your pride persuade you to keep on the wrong road rather than turn back.

Don't be afraid of admitting and correcting a mistake.

Don't run away from trouble; meet it with a bold front.

Jan. 21st to Feb. 19th.

People born during this period have a strong sense of duty. They have a kindly disposition and are inclined to be affectionate. They refuse to think ill of anyone until the bad qualities are proved. Being straightforward themselves, they imagine everyone else is the same and, on this account, they are likely to suffer some bitter experiences.

However, they lack a proper regard for their own welfare. They are a little too confiding and they are not adaptable. Once they make up their minds on a matter, it is almost impossible to persuade them to change it.

To these people we say:

Don't brood over troubles. Face the facts, fight them out, and then, forget all about them.

Don't be guided by impulses.

Don't neglect the financial side of things, if you want to succeed.

Feb. 20th to March 20th.

People born during this period are just in their dealings, and would not injure another willingly. Their code of honor is a strict one. They are industrious and persistent. They endeavor to perform their share in making the world a better and a happier place.

However, they are too cautious and do not take sufficient risks to make life a complete success. Too often, they ask themselves whether they should go ahead with a project and, while they are hesitating, the opportune moment flies away.

To these people, we say:

Don't listen to the voice of despair.

Don't be downhearted, if you don't see, at first, the way to do a thing.

Don't think in small things. Think large.

March 21st to April 19th.

People born during this period are thoughtful. They are artistic, are fond of the fine arts, and like all that is beautiful. They are self-willed and rebel when others try to drive them. They do not take much notice of convention, and the way of the world means nothing to them.

However, they are apt to shrink from disagreeable work, and everything sordid disgusts them. They are too sensitive and take offense too readily.

To these people, we say:

Don't set yourself against the world: you will lose if you do.

Don't tire of your task before it is done.

Don't be too thin-skinned.

Don't forget that it takes all sorts of people to make up the world.

April 20th to May 20th.

People born during this period possess a warm and generous heart. They are good workers and display a genuine interest in everything they undertake. They possess the kind of mind that seems to act instinctively and which does not depend so much on real reason. They are lavish in gifts and kindness.

However, they are liable to rush to extremes, and they lack balance. Consequently, they are easily misled.

To these people, we say:

Don't get excited unnecessarily.

Don't be too easily persuaded.

Don't allow your emotions to master you.

May 21st to June 21st.

People born during this period are ambitious and they aspire to very high things. They are sensitive and sympathetic. They have lively imaginations and they are given to building castles in the air. They are naturally eloquent and are never at a loss for something to say.

However, they are rarely content with things as they find them. Consequently, they grumble a great deal. They do not weigh up the "pros and cons" before deciding on a matter; and they jump to conclusions.

To these people, we say:

Don't be discouraged too quickly.

Dream if you like, but don't neglect to translate your dreams into realities.

Don't be too enthusiastic.

Don't forget that work rather than plans win a home.

June 22nd to July 22nd.

People born during this period are highly generous and they make sacrifices in order to help others. They do nothing in a half-hearted way, whether it is work or play. They are persevering and the home is put before anything else.

However, they dislike changes which mean an alteration in domestic life and they are a trifle old-fashioned in some of their beliefs. A little flattery or persuasion is apt to lead them astray, and their better judgment is rapidly overborne by a strong personality.

To these people, we say:

Don't dash headlong into anything.

Don't be irritable under contradiction.

Don't let your emotions run away with you.

Don't spoil your chances for a little show of love.

July 23rd to August 21st.

People born during this period easily adapt themselves to circumstances, and they are considered "jolly good company." They have "push" and enterprise in a marked degree. They are affectionate, generous and highly capable.

However, they lack a certain amount of self-control and they are not always dependable. They frequently forget promises, and they are often late in keeping appointments. In money affairs, they are likely to overlook their obligations.

To these people, we say:

Don't let your emotions sweep you off your feet.

Don't become downcast too easily.

Don't be obstinate.

Don't make up your mind in a hurry.

August 22nd to Sept. 22nd

People born during this month are well equipped for the battle of life, and they have several qualities which should bring them success. They are not easily flurried, and they know how to stand firm in an emergency. They are quick in perceiving the correct thing to do, no matter what it is. They are capable, dependable and thorough.

However, they are prone to be too independent, and they are apt to disregard good advice, preferring their own judgment. They are not quick in making friends because they are too wrapped up in themselves.

To these people, we say:

Don't take a plunge before reckoning up everything first.

Don't forget that there are two sides to every question. There is yours and the other man's.

Don't fall into the habit of doing tomorrow what should be done today.

Sept. 23rd to Oct. 23rd.

People born during this month are far-seeing and have excellent judgment. They have a passion for "finding out" things, and they want to know about everything that happens. Consequently, they are intelligent. They make delightful companions.

However, they are bad losers, and they often let themselves get out of hand. This seriously hurts their vanity, as they are exceedingly desirous of creating a good impression.

To these people, we say:

Don't speak until you have thought twice.

Don't be obstinate. Admit you are wrong when you know you are.

Don't abuse your opponent.

Oct. 24th to Nov. 22nd.

People born during this month possess great ambition, and are persevering. They are full of energy and passionate spirit. One rebuff does not stop them; they return to the fray again and again, until they have conquered. They are precise in their actions, neat, methodical and tidy.

However, they are domineering, and endeavor to impose their will on others. They lack discrimination and, once they conceive a hatred, there is nothing which can dispel it.

To these people, we say:

Don't domineer.

Don't do things when you feel resentful.

Don't forget that prim and proper things sometimes defeat their own ends.

Nov. 23rd to Dec. 21st.

People born during this month are, usually, virile and full of go and enterprise. They have more will power than the average and know how to surmount obstacles. Nothing comes amiss to them, and they are self-reliant.

However, they are inclined to quarrel with those who offer advice. They carry independence too far, and they often speak without realizing the significance of their words. They seldom confide in others.

To these people, we say:

Don't act or speak and then think. Think first.

Don't be obstinate and think you are being determined.

Don't be headstrong and disregard advice that is disinterested.

Don't be carried away by fickle fancies.