Cosmic symbolism

by Sepharial

The Titanic set out for Southampton to take up its first commission on the 2nd of April, 1912, at 9.20 a.m.

At this time Cancer was rising, and the Moon was therefore ruler of the horoscope. It is found in opposition to the Sun and in square aspect to Neptune in Cancer just below the horizon. Here again we have the ruler of the horoscope just separating from eclipse and applying to an evil aspect with Neptune, the traditional ruler of the ocean.

The leviathan left Southampton on its maiden voyage at noon of the 10th of April, 1912. At this time we find the sign Leo rising, and the Sun, ruler of the horoscope, in quadrature to Neptune in the 12th House, an indication of hidden dangers.

Thus in every case we find the ruler of the horoscope to be significantly and severely afflicted. But that which was specifically indicated as regards the Titanic was generally indicated by the position of Neptune in the 8th House (death) of the Vernal Ingress preceding the event, whereat the Sun was in quadrature to Neptune, and this indication was repeated in the horoscope for the sailing from Southampton on the 10th of April.

Figure 6.

Among many notable passengers on board the fated vessel, none was better known or more generally respected than Mr. W. T. Stead. He was born, according to his own statement, on the 5th of July, 1849, “before breakfast.” The horoscope which fits the events of his life is one set for that date at 7 a.m., and the above is the figure of the heavens at that time.

Here again we find the Sun, ruler of the horoscope, in the significant sign Cancer afflicted by the opposition of the Moon and the quadrature of Saturn, the latter malefic being in the 9th House, which has already been defined as that of “voyages.” The fateful planet Neptune holds the 8th House in the watery sign Pisces.

The indications of a violent and unnatural death are clearly defined by Ptolemy, who informs us that when both the luminaries are afflicted by the same malefic, or when each luminary is separately afflicted, there being no assistance from the benefic planets (Venus and Jupiter) the native will die an unnatural death. Here we find both the Sun and Moon in quadrature to Saturn in the 9th House, showing as clearly as anything can be, that there would be danger of death in a foreign land or while on a voyage, and that by violence. I have no doubt at all that Mr. Stead met his death through a blow upon the head, as there are evident signs of collision, but none of suffocation.

The horoscope is in other ways significant of the main facts of the life of the great journalist. Five planets in cardinal signs with Mars in the Mid-heaven testify to the tireless energy, executive ability, courage and daring for which he was remarkable. This elevated position of the planet Mars always denotes impulse and impetuosity, and it is similarly placed in the horoscope of Kaiser Wilhelm, in whom Mr. Stead would doubtless have found a congenial spirit. It gives that “scorn of consequence” which attaches to the enthusiast in every phase of life, and tends greatly to produce the pioneer spirit. With Gladstone, Mr. Stead shared the view that “psychical research is by far the most important work that is being done in the world,” but no astrologer would have recommended him to undertake it, for with Saturn in the 9th division of the heavens afflicting the luminaries he could hardly hope for success in that direction, and there is little doubt that he was very grossly deceived by some in whom he placed great reliance in this matter. The trine of Neptune to Mercury would, however, impel him to such subjects. Borderland was not a financial success, nor was it much more than a ragbag of fragmentary and ill-assorted evidence. Julia’s Bureau was not a success either from a financial or evidential point of view. No message of warning came through from “Julia” to save him from his death voyage. Let us accept the suggestion that has been offered, namely, that he was wanted elsewhere. It was still open to those who were aware of the fact to say so, and thus contribute one of the most striking pieces of evidence for the operation in mundane life of extraneous intelligences, which would have gone further to uphold the claims of those who believe in spirit-guidance than all the literature Mr. Stead lavished on the subject.