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 influence 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 |
The 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.”