Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/291

Rh There appear on the Peruvian star chart of Salcamayhua two figures that resemble the Gemini, and one of the symbols for the Twins was a Pile of Bricks, referring to the building of the first city.

Astrologically considered, this constellation was most favourably regarded, portending genius, goodness, and liberality. It is of the House of Mercury and its native will be tall and straight, with dark eyes, brown hair, and active ways; in character versatile, contradictory, and unselfish. It governs the arms and shoulders and rules over the south-west parts of England, America, Flanders, and Lombardy. It is the ruling sign for those born between May 20th and June 21st. The flower is the Mayflower or trailing arbutus, and the gem, the beryl.

In the early Chinese solar zodiac this constellation figured as "the Ape," and the Chinese astrologers claimed that if Gemini was invaded by Mars, war and a poor harvest would ensue.

Aristotle has left an interesting record of the occultation at two different times of some of the stars of Gemini, by the planet Jupiter, the earliest observations of this nature of which we have knowledge, and made probably about the middle of the fourth century

No reference to Castor and Pollux would be complete without quoting Mrs. Martin's tribute to them in The Friendly Stars:

"The constellation Gemini is the third spring sign of the zodiac, and it is easy to see how the mere beauty of its chief stars, Castor and Pollux, may have fastened upon it the reputation of responsibility for the beautiful weather that comes early in June. At this season of the year position, atmosphere, and surroundings all combine to enhance the beauty and accentuate the individuality of these two beautiful stars. ... In a comparatively starless environment the twin stars, beloved of sailors, dominate the western sky and shine side by side like two eyes benignly set to keep a protecting watch upon the world. It is not