SOLAR BIOLOGY: A SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF DELINEATING CHARACTER; DIAGNOSING DISEASE; DETER- MINING MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND BUSINESS QUALIFICATIONS, CONJUGAL ADAPTA- BILITY, Etc., Etc., FROM DATE OF BIRTH. BT HIRAM E. BUTLER. SIXTH EDITION. SEttl) Illustrations* ESOTERIC PUBLISHING COMPANY APPLEGATE, CAL. 1895. Spntered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 188T, b7 HIRAM E. BUTLER, in the Office ot the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. All Rights Reserved. Printed and Bound by The Blade Printing and Paper Co., Toledo, Ohio. EDITOR’S PREFACE. In preparing the manuscript of Solar Biology for the press we have in many instances embodied the author’s idea in our own phraseology ; and should diversity of style be observed, it may be .accounted for on that ground : we have also frequently carried out his lines of thought to greater length, but strictly in conform- ity with the basic principles of the science, which admits of an almost unlimited expansion of details: we have also at times introduced collateral matter, to the end of more fully illustrating the subject by what seemed to us useful suggestions. The most extended additions of this kind will be found on page 30, com- mencing with the third paragraph and extending to the first para- graph of page 33. Again, on page 83 will be found a chapter entitled “Courage and Consolation to All,” which, though not strictly essential to the work, we trust may be found to contain interesting and profitable suggestions relative thereto. We have also supplied an Appendix (see page 279) wherein we follow out a line of deductive thought suggested by the subject- matter of page 41, and therein endeavor to throw light, from the focus of this science, on some of the most momentous themes that have occupied and perplexed the ablest minds for centuries, and we trust the suggestions in this department will prove of service to all earnest thinkers. In addition to the above explanation we wish to submit a few thoughts regarding the work itself. It is an admitted scientific axiom that man is a world in miniature; yea, more, an epitome and IV editor’s PREFACE. image of the universe itself ! This being so, man necessarily holds a definite relation to all its parts, both near and remote. His immediate dependence on the elements of this globe — earth, air, fire, and water—is too obvious and familiar to require more than mention ; but this planet, earth, is but a single function of the solar system, which, in turn, stands intimately related and depend- ent on other systems : thus the material universe is bound together, and its various parts are interdependent as virtually as the vital functions of the human system, no one of which can be affected without reacting and influencing the whole body. Man, therefore,, is not a citizen of this world merely, but of the solar system and the universe in all its parts, both visible and invisible; conse- quently there is not a star that shines or a sun that burns but what has expression in his being, either active or latent. The philosophical truthfulness of this proposition we think must be admitted by every reasoning mind; but the question arises, Can we trace this relation, can we demonstrate this influ- ence? To this, so far as the immediate planets are concerned, Solar Biology answers, Yes ! The relations that the various elements of earth sustain to each other have been ascertained only bv careful and persistent ob- servation and experiment. The elaborate and exact results of science, chemistry, etc., have been reached by processes of investi- gation, until a vast amount of experimental and useful knowledge has been acquired; nor is this line of research, observation, and experiment limited to visible substance. We cannot see electri- city, but we know of its existence through its manifestations, and have found means to utilize its force, not only for the transmission of intelligence, but for the production of light, heat, and power, and also as a remedial and chemical agent. But human observation extends beyond the confines of the earth, and defines the positions and movements of the heavenly bodies, even analyzing their chemical and other constituents ; also demonstrat- editor’s PREFACE. V ing that they exert a decided influence over each other, the knowl- edge of which has led to the discovery of additional planets. In 184G it was observed that Uranus (then recently discovered) when in certain positions deviated from its course, which implied the existence of a then unknown planet. Several astronomers brought their telescopes to bear upon the indicated portion of the heavens, and Neptune was discovered, and thus the cause of the eccentricity explained. The attractive influence of the sun and moon in heaping up the waters and causing the phenomena of the ocean tides is also well understood. We can trace how the alchemy of the Middle Ages has been transformed into the exact, elaborate, and useful science of chem- istry, and a corresponding progress has also been made in astron- omy and other branches; but have all lines of research been exhausted? is there nothing more to learn? Far from it; our present knowledge is relatively but as a drop in a bucket, and Solar Biology introduces a field of research which, through obser- vation and experiment, will come in time to be recognized and appreciated as being as demonstrable as chemistry or astronomy. If the sun, moon, and planets exert an influence on the earth as a whole, they must necessarily affect each thing in particular, and their relation to man, and the nature he derives by virtue of their positions is what Solar Biology undertakes to demonstrate. Conceding that they exert an influence in a general way, is it not presumptuous to attempt to draw the line, and say their relation to the nature and character of man cannot be traced? We might as fittingly say that it is enough to know that the sun gives light and heat; but it is found that the ray of light can be analyzed, can be separated into its different colors, its various vibrations ascertained, chemical action determined, and many other wonder- ful and useful things demonstrated. Solar Biology, so to speak, turns the spectrum of planetary influence upon the phenomena of human life, and analyzes its significance. VI editor’s preface. We are constantly discovering in life and nature volumes of interior meaning. The external senses merely perceive the sur- face facts : we place an insect, a leaf, a drop of water beneath the microscope, and endless wonders are revealed of organization within organization, cell within cell, life within life. We bring the lens of the telescope to bear upon the heavens : nebula is resolved into stars, and millions of shining orbs stand out in the depths beyond the sphere of natural vision. In whatever direc- tion the human mind is turned, revelations await it deeper than the surface sense perception ; and this is true from centre to cir- cumference, from atoms to worlds. For instance, we are in the habit of regarding the revolutions of the earth around the sun as a mere arrangement for giving the changing seasons of the year ; but Solar Biology reveals another and highly important use ; viz., that the varying positions not only produce different seasons and stages of fruitfulness, but different human types and qualities, and that we are as dependent on its revolutions for one as for the other, and that corresponding effects on character also result from the changing positions of the planets. The sun is in reciprocal relations with the shining orbs of space, and is constantly receiving and imparting different magnetic and electric qualities from and to the different quarters of the heavens, and the earth and planets are correspondency affected while passing through each of these four grand or twelve minor divis- ions or currents of the zodiac, and are therefore for the time being immersed in a specific vital or heavenly quality. The fact of the heavens being possessed of twelve distinct natures or functions was well understood by the ancients, who accordingly divided the zodiac into twelve corresponding divisions or signs. Intuitive perception almost invariably precedes scientific dem- onstration or experimental proof, and there has evidently been editor’s preface. VII a period in the past when intuition was highly unfolded. Thus there comes down to us as an heirloom from the early ages, the idea that the zodiac of our solar system embraced in orderly arrangement the functions of a Grand Man, and modern almanacs still preserve the figure of a man with the twelve departments of the body each related to a distinct sign of the zodiac ; and thus we are led to realize that the symbol of the universe from the least to the greatest is that of a MAN, and that individual exist- ence is evolved from the heavens by an orderly, exact, and even mathematical process. Plato tells us that the Creator of the earth and heavens “ geometrizes ” even to the minutest particle of matter. He works by method and law ; and man, being in his image and likeness, is capable of perceiving and understanding his works and ways. It is claimed that character is expressed in the countenance, embodied in the cranium, even written in the hand ; but Solar Biology introduces the student into the grand workshop of the solar system, not only defining character and function, but sup- plying the key to self-knowledge and harmonious human related- ness ; and, further, it opens up a knowledge and understanding of the principles and laws by which human evolution is being carried forward, and the infinite variety of forms and natures brought into being on the planet earth. We see that twelve embodies the fulness of the signs of the zodiac, and consequently of the universal heavens. Is it not then significant that in laying the biblical foundations for the regener- ation of humanity, the work should proceed with the twelve sons of Jacob, and twelve tribes of Israel? Again, Christ surrounds himself with tivelve apostles. Revelation states that twelve thou- sand of each of the twelve tribes or natures are to be sealed, thus signifying that the order and fulness of the heavens is to be restored to earth and humanity. JOHN LATHAM. AUTHOR’S PREFACE. The author, who has devoted many years of his life to scientific research and unfoldment of the higher or intuitive faculties (a large portion of which time has relatively been passed as a recluse), has had but one general object in view; viz., to be of the greatest possible service to the world in which he lives. From external and intuitive research he is satisfied that this sci- ence was well known in the golden age of the world, when religion and science walked hand in hand in a most divine harmony, as counterparts in one grand whole. He finds in it the foundation principles, not only of the Hebraic and Christian Bible, but of all the sacred books of the great religions of antiquity. Traces of it are found in the great pyramid Cheops of Egypt, and also in the sacred temples of India, and wherever temple relics of the great religions of antiquity are found. The importance of this system can scarcely be appreciated without years of careful critical study and experiment. It demonstrates the fact that all are members of one great bod}', and that each are members in particular; and, as use is the supreme law of God which determines all qualities whether good or evil, therefore every member of the body of humanity is useful to a greater or less degree to the rest of the body, and the great confusion that now exists in the world arises wholly from the ignorance of persons as to their true nature and real sphere of use. There are two general causes for failure and inharmony. First, parents often educate their children in a calling for which they X AUTHOR’S PREFACE. have no adaptability, and many times leave them a fortune with which to carry on that calling, and, as they have no adaptation to it, they soon lose their money, and, after frequent efforts to rise again, they get discouraged and become vagabonds on the earth. The second cause of inharmony is misunderstanding of each other’s motives. This system, when applied according to the rules given in this book, will obviate these two great evils, also many others; for bv it parents will not only be enabled to under- stand each other’s nature, but can know what care their children should have whilst young, and what their strong and weak points- are, both vitally and mentally, thereby saving the lives of thou- sands of little ones who would otherwise go prematurely into eternity. It will enable parents to know just what business their children are best adapted for, and how to educate them, and is also a guide to all persons in the preservation of health and strength, and an important aid to success, and to the attainment of the great object in life, viz., usefulness and happiness; for the one cannot obtain without the other. It also aids in prolonging the life of old and young. It is of especial importance to physicians. Several prominent practitioners who have taken lessons in this system have, we think, wisely prophesied that the time would come when a physician would not be considered qualified to re- ceive a diploma without a thorough knowledge of this science. It. is well known to physicians that what will cure one will kill another, even when the symptoms appear the same, and medical students do not now have any scientific method of accounting for this difference, or determining wherein it consists. This system supplies the deficiency, showing the different innate functions and centre of the life forces, as determined by the signs in which the persons are born and polarized, thus revealing different degrees of sensitiveness, and indicating the portion of the system through which remedial agents will take most direct effect. author’s preface. XI The physicians who have made the greatest attainments have been those whose intuitive judgment in matters of character, con- stitution, and vital conditions has been most accurate ; and the author has frequently been surprised on giving delineations and advice to persons who have been under the care of physicians of great prominence, to hear them say, That is the same advice that such and such a physician gave me,” thus confirming the fact that this science is in harmony with the best judgment of the most skilled and intuitive natures. By means of this system physicians of even ordinary ability can attain great success through having in their possession a certain key to knowledge concerning the nature and peculiarities of their patients, such as heretofore has been available only to those few that were possessed of rare intuitive discernment. Heads of families and individuals may also gain important in- sight into the peculiar characteristics of themselves and others, and thus understand the causes of the varied sensations, emotions, appetites, and passions of those with whom they have to do. In short, it lifts the veil from the mysterious realm of causation, and reveals to man much concerning the interior or cause world in its orderly and systematic methods of operation and influence over the evolution and control of human life. Yet it is necessarily far from complete, as the combinations and consequent effects upon different organisms are so multifarious, arising as they do from so many different polarities and planetary conditions, that we are obliged to generalize to a very great extent, as it would take many volumes to spread out all the minutiae ; but having given the gen- eral principles of the science and the rules governing their appli- cation, the deduction and details can be carried out ad infinitum by any intelligent possessor of the work. This book is but one of a series of seven sevens, or forty-nine stages, of earthly development which may each be embodied in a distinct work. This is brought out first, being the one most suited XII author’s preface. to the present mental and business needs of the people, but stands as number three in the above series, and the author is most happy to submit it to the intelligent, thoughtful, and educated public, for their consideration and use, believing that it will prove of greater value than any system of science the world now possesses. HIRAM ERASTUS BUTLER. EDITOR’S NOTE. As students of Solar Biology are naturally stimulated to locate, measure, and classify their friends and acquaintances in accordance with the principles of the science, and as readers become in a degree acquainted with an author through his work, some of them may consequently desire to locate and classify Prof. Butler by the rules he has laid down for measuring others. For the' benefit of such, we would state that he was born July 29, 1841 ; and should any of them desire to look up his nativity after the system of ancient astrology, we give the hour of birth, 4 a.m. J. L. Special Notice to Astronomers and Astrologers. We address this explanation to the above classes because their education in the present disorder of astronomy blinds and confuses their com- prehension of the true order. Those who are not students of either system have no difficulty in fully comprehending the orderly arrangement of the solar system as given in this work. Those who study the science of Solar Biology thinking it will amal- gamate with astrology, or aid in astrological prognostication, will find that it can not be so used, as it is a distinct science, using different data and arriving at entirely different conclusions. It reads character in human life completely, but in no case predicts coming events. We receive numerous letters from astrologers and astronomers asking why our ephemeris locates the planets 180 degrees from their position as given in the Nautical Almanac. One reason is this: astronomers accept but one zodiac. We know of three distinctly separate zodiacs and four movements used by Solor Biology and astrology. The difference between the two sciences in relation to the two zodiacs used by them is this: Astrologers use the moon’s zodiac and the moment- ary motion of the earth as it moves through the twelve signs of that zodiac by means of its revolution upon its axis, carrying any given locality of the earth through all the twelve signs every twenty-four hours, com- prising in their system the houses and signs of the zodiac; and they work from that most ancient word formula, expressing the idea that the sun, moon, and all the planets revolve around the earth. In Solar Biology we work from the facts as known in the Copernican system, namely, that the sun is the center, and all the planets, the earth included, revolve around it; while the moon is the only planet that re- volves around the earth. Therefore, the position of the moon in the signs of the zodiac as given in the astrological ephemeris is the only part which accords with and is used in Solar Biology. We are frequently asked why we have reversed the naming of the signs of the zodiac and changed the given position of the planets. It is for the following reason : The common statement of both astronomers and as- trologers that on or about March 21 the sun enters the sign rp (Aries) con- fuses every student of astronomy, because it leaves the impression upon XIIb SPECIAL NOTICE. the mind that the sun changes position relative to the constellations, which every astronomer knows to be untrue. In Solar Biology we aim to impress the mind with the truth that it is the earth instead of the sun that enters the sign rp (Aries) on March 21; and this is borne out by the fact that every person born between March 21 and April 19 is thoroughly characterized by the sign rp (Aries)—the head. Now, if it is the earth and not the sun that enters (T) (Aries) March 21, then it is an indisputable fact that