But this class of observation does not help us much, for there are other factors in the cosmos beside the Moon, which, although nearest the earth and exerting much influence of its own kind upon mundane things, is not a very considerable factor when regarded in its cosmic relations to other great bodies in the system. The idea that the Moon is the only body capable of affecting the weather is hardly to be sustained by reference to the facts. It is thoroughly well established that the phases of any of the planets, that is to say, their conjunctions, oppositions and quadratures with the Sun, as seen from the Earth, are accompanied by marked effects upon the weather. Dr. Clark’s theory seems to suggest that fine weather follows the Moon, or at all events that the weather will be finest in those places whereat the Moon is nearest the meridian at the time of one of its phases. There is a great deal to be said for this theory if we distinguish between the syzygies and quadratures.
But if the Moon has any action on the Earth’s atmosphere, the planets also must exert an appreciable effect, and it may lead to some well-established theory if we include the positions of certain of the planets at the quadratures and syzygies. In such case it is reasonable to presume that those planets which are near the meridian and horizon at the times of the equinoxes and solstices are likely to give us some indication of the probable weather during the following season, and similarly, such as are near these angles at the syzygy may show the modifications likely to occur during the ensuing month. A series of observations such as these would probably lead to the association of certain features of the weather with the various planets. Astrologers have already completed their observations, but that should not prevent an independent series of observations being made by those who wish to come to independent conclusions in the matter, and the subject is one that deserves attention at the hands of scientific men.
But lunar action does not begin and end with its effects on the weather. There are other and even more important effects to be noted, and although they are more recondite in their nature, and not so well grounded in reasons which would appeal to any but Occultists, they nevertheless deserve attention. One of these is the effect of the Moon in human affairs. We can all appreciate the effects that the Moon has on the waters, for we can see the rise and fall of the tides, but that more subtle influence that the luminary has upon the finer states of matter in and about the earth is not so readily appreciated. But it will be found none the less a fact if put to the test.
What we may call the tidal point is that point midway between the Sun and Moon at any time. Suppose it to be a new moon to-day, at the hour of noon. The Sun and Moon will then come to the meridian at the same time that they are conjoined in the same longitude. To-morrow they will be about 12° apart when they come to the meridian, and the next day they will be 24° apart. Now as one degree passes the meridian every four minutes, the daily difference of Tide-time will be (12 × 4)/2, or 24 minutes. Local conditions affect the time at which high tide occurs, and also the effect of the joint action of the Sun and Moon will take time to produce. Consequently we do not see that the tides exactly synchronize with the transit of the Tide-point.
But there is a great difference between ether and water, and between mind and matter. What we know as the Astral Tide occurs exactly at the time of the transit of the Tide-point, and this fact is of the highest importance to those who would avail themselves of celestial influences and take that tide at the flood which “leads to fortune.” There is an old adage which says: Who takes the Tide takes all. If, therefore, we take the difference in longitude between the Sun and Moon at any time, which distance is called the Moon’s elongation, and divide this by two, we shall obtain a point which passes the meridian at a time represented by this quantity multiplied by four minutes, before or after the Sun’s transit of the meridian, according as the Moon is increasing or decreasing in light. Thus, I would find the time of the Astral Tide on the 21st August, 1912.
Moon increasing in light, i. e. going to the Full.
Sun’s longitude at noon, Leo 28° 2´.
Moon’s longitude at noon, Sagittarius, 18° 33´.
Distance between them, 110° 33´.
Half this equals 55° 15½´.