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198 DIVINATION & AUGURY IN A MODERN LIGHT
conclusion : that the discrepancy between the Eastern and Western systems is only in details, not in essentials ; that the general facts of astrology are true, but that the science is full of rash statements made by some invividual observers and based on partial observation, accepted by others without question and handed down as a tradition. Every statement wants to be thoroughly tested by the spirit of modern investigation, and large masses of facts should be systematically collected before inductions are made. Also I have noted that the connection between the planets and the destiny is not so much one that shows an absolute necessity for the event, but rather shows the season when such and such an influence will be rife in the 16 air," i.e., in the anima mundi or in the astral light), and if I know that the human being whom I am considering will be forced by that influence to act by habit, and will not have will or wisdom to resist the influence, I can prophecy his conduct. If one is a close observer, of the sun's positions, he will, doubtless, observe that in certain positions as at midday in summer, sun causes a lazy physical influence, if then he knows his man, and how he will act when a lazy vital influence is in the air, he can make extraordinary prophecies about his course of action, he can say “I foretell that at such and such time you will be lying down dozing." An Astrologer extends this observation to the moon and other planets also, and notice mental and moral as well as physical influences caused by their different positions in the sky and to one another. The influences
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