Part 18
The most convenient and handy method of holding the rod is with the palms of the hands turned upward, and the two ends of the rod coming outward; the palms should be held horizontally as nearly as possible; the part of the rod in the hands ought to be straight, and not bent either backward or forward; the upper part of the arm should be kept pretty close to the sides, and the elbows resting on them, the lower part of the arm making nearly a right angle with the upper, though rather a little more acute; the rod ought to be so held that, in its working, the sides may move clear of the little fingers. The position of the rod, when properly held, is much like the following figure, (_see Fig. 3_,) where the distance between the four downward lines is the part supposed to be held in the hand.
[Illustration: Fig. 3.]
The best manner of carrying the rod is with the end prolaided in an angle of about eighty degrees from the horizon, as by this method of carrying, the repulsion is more plainly perceived than if it was held perpendicularly. But after all the directions that can be given, the adroit use of it can only be attained by practice. It is necessary that the grasp should be steady, for if, when the rod is going, there should be the least succession or counteraction in the hands, though ever so small, it will greatly impair, and generally totally prevent its activity, which is not to be done by the mere strength of the grasp, for provided this be steady, no strength can stop it.
As soon as the person’s foremost foot comes near the attracting body, the end of the rod is repelled toward the face. (_See Fig. 4._) Then open the hands a little, replace the rod, and approach nearer, and the repulsion will be continued until the foot is on or over the attracting body. When this is the case, the rod will first be repelled a little, viz., two or three inches, and then be attracted toward it.
[Illustration: Fig. 4.]
When it hath been drawn down, it must not be thrown back without opening the hands, a fresh grasp being necessary to every attraction, but the least opening of the hand is sufficient. As long as the person stands over the attracting body, the rod continues to be attracted, but as soon as the fore foot is beyond it, then the rod is drawn down backward to the face. Metals have different degrees of attraction: gold is strongest, next copper, then iron, silver, tin, lead, bones, coals, springs of water and lime-stone. To make common experiments, set the foot on a piece or coin of any of these metals, having the rod in your hands as before directed. In using the rod to discover springs and metals, let the person hold the rod as already directed, and then advancing north or south with a slow pace, just one foot before the other, at first the rod may be repelled, but as the person advances slowly, and comes over the spring, or vein of ore, the rod will be strongly attracted. The divining rod is sometimes called _Divina Virgula_, and sometimes _The Luck Rod_.
JUDGMENTS DRAWN FROM THE MOON’S AGE.
1. A child born within twenty-one hours after the new moon will be fortunate and live to a good old age; whatever is dreamt on this day will be fortunate and pleasant to the dreamer; various undertakings will succeed on this day.
2. This is a very lucky day for discovering things lost or hidden; the child born on this day will thrive, but the dreams are not to be depended upon.
3. A child born on this day will be fortunate through persons in power, and all dreams will prove true.
4. This day is bad; persons failing on this day rarely recover; the dreams will have no effect.
5. This day is favorable to begin a good work, and the dreams will be tolerably successful; the child born on this day will be vain and deceitful.
6. The dreams of this day will not immediately come to pass; and the child born will not live long.
7. Do not tell your dreams on this day; if sickness befall you on this day you will soon recover; the child born will live long, but have many troubles.
8. Dreams of this day will come to pass; business begun on this day will prosper, and anything lost will be found.
9. This day differs little from the former, the child born on this day will acquire great riches and honor.
10. This day is likely to be fatal; those who fall sick will rarely recover; the child born on this day will be devoted to religion, and of an engaging form and manner; if a female, she will possess an uncommon share of wisdom and learning; this day is good to begin a journey, to marry, or to engage in business.
11. Dreams on this day are fortunate; and the child born will live long, and be very sensible; but a person who falls sick on this day rarely recovers.
12. Dreams on this day will quickly prove true.
13. If you ask a favor on this day, it will be granted.
14. The sickness that befalls a person on this day is likely to prove mortal; what was lost yesterday may be found to-day.
15. The child born on this day will be of ill manners and unfortunate; it is a good day for dealing in merchandise.
16. The child born on this day will be foolish; it is an unlucky day to marry, or to begin any kind of business on.
17. The child born on this day will be very valiant, but will suffer hardships; if a female, she will be chaste and industrious, and live respected to a great age.
18. This day is dangerous; the child born will be dishonest.
19. Dreams on this day will be vain and untrue; the child born will grow up healthy and strong, but be of a selfish and ungentle turn of mind.
20. The child born will be fortunate, and of a cheerful countenance, religious, and much beloved; any kind of business begun, on this day will be unfortunate.
21. The child born on this day will be of an ungovernable temper, forsake his friends, wander in a foreign land, and be unhappy through life; it is a happy day to marry on; and all business begun on this day will be successful.
22. The child born on this day will be wicked, meet with many dangers, and come to an untimely end; it is a very unfortunate day, and threatens everything with disappointment and crosses: whoever falls sick on this day seldom recovers.
23. Dreams on this day are certain; and the child born or this day will be rich and greatly esteemed.
24. This day is favorable for dreams; and the child born will be of a sweet and amiable disposition.
25. This day is bad for dreams, and those who fall sick on it, are in great danger; the child born on this day will be its parents’ delight, but will not live to any great age.
26. This day is good for dreams, but children born on it will experience many hardships, though in the end, they may turn out happily.
27. This is a very unfortunate day to look for anything that is lost, but a child born on this day will make a great stir in the world, either as a statesman, soldier, physician, or clergyman.
28. A child born upon this day will live to be a rich and truly good man if born before noon, but if born after that hour, it is to be feared that he will be dissipated or worthless.
29. Dreams on this day are not worth a moment’s attention, for rest assured they will never be fulfilled. Never buy a lottery ticket on this day.
TO KNOW THE TEMPER AND DISPOSITION OF EVERY ONE.
THE SIGNS OF A CHOLERIC DISPOSITION ARE,
1. The habit of the body hot in touch, dry, lean, hard, and hairy.
2. The color of the face, yellow.
3. A natural dryness of the mouth and tongue.
4. The thirst great, and frequent.
5. Activity and inquietude of the body.
6. The pulse hard, swift, and often beating.
7. The spittle bitter.
8. The dreams are most of yellow things, of brawls, of fights and quarrels.
THE SIGNS OF A SANGUINE CONSTITUTION ARE,
1. The habit of the body hot in touch, fleshy, soft and hairy.
2. The color of the body fresh, sanguine and lively.
3. A natural and constant blush in the face.
4. The pulse soft, moist, and full.
5. The spittle sweet.
6. Dreams most commonly of red things, of beauty, feasting, dancing, music, and all jovial and pleasing recreations.
7. A continual habit of pleasantness and affability.
8. Often affected with jests, mirth, and laughter.
THE SIGNS OF A PHLEGMATIC CONSTITUTION ARE,
1. The habit of the body, cold and moist; in touch, soft, fat, gross, and not hairy.
2. A constant natural whiteness, or wanness in the face.
3. The pulse soft, slow, and rare.
4. The thirst little, and seldom desiring drink.
5. The dreams usually are of white things, floods, inundations, and accidents belonging to water.
6. Sleep, much and frequent.
7. Slowness and dulness of the body to exercise.
THE SIGNS OF A MELANCHOLY CONSTITUTION ARE,
1. The body in touch, cold, dry, lean, and smooth.
2. The body of a dark, dull, gloomy, leaden color.
3. The spittle in small quantities, and sour.
4. Pulse little, rare and hard.
5. They dream of terrible things, as ghosts, wild beasts, etc.
6. Greatly oppressed with fear.
7. Constancy in the performance of the thing intended.
THE SIGNS OF A GENEROUS PERSON ARE,
1. The forehead large, fleshy, plain and smooth.
2. The eye moist and shining.
3. The countenance expressing joy and content.
4. The voice pleasant.
5. The motion of the body, slow, etc.
THE SIGNS OF AN ILL-NATURED PERSON.
1. The form of the body meagre and lean.
2. The forehead cloudy, sullen and wrinkled.
3. The eye cast down and malicious.
4. A nimble tongue.
5. Walking a short, quick, uneven pace.
6. A secret murmuring to himself as he walks.
SIGNIFICATION OR LANGUAGE OF THE FLOWERS.
No Book on Fortune-telling and Dreams would be complete without the signification of the flowers. If we dream of, or have those smiles of nature given to us, we should at once consult the language of Flora and ascertain what our dream or present signifies.
It is no new thing to attach a sentiment or meaning to each flower. In Eastern lands flowers have a language which all understand. It is that “still small voice” which is powerful on account of its silence. It is one of the chief amusements of the Greek girls to drop these symbols of their esteem or scorn upon the various passengers who pass their latticed windows, and the traveller can read upon Egyptian rocks accounts of the conquests of that ancient people recorded by foreign plants. Accompanying, we give a complete dictionary of the meaning of the flowers.
ACACIA BLOSSOM. Come to my heart!
ACONITE—BLUE. Flatterer! are you to be trusted?
ACONITE—YELLOW. Your caprice is unendurable.
ALPINE ROSE. Love must venture; timidity can never win.
AMARANTH. The earthly only can become the spoil of the grave; love is immortal, and belongs to heaven.
ANEMONE. My thought by day, and my dream by night.
ANEMONE-WOOD. Your cruelty is destroying me.
ANISE. You must mend your manners.
APPLE BLOSSOM. Who plucks the blossoms, destroys his hopes of fruit.
APRICOT BLOSSOM. Are you always so gay, so trifling?
ASTER. Weep no longer—you will find him again above the stars.
ASPEN-LEAF. Your heart beats for every one, therefore no heart beats for you.
AURICULA. Who would not love you?
BALSAM. Splendor dazzles, grace alone enchains.
BALSAM-ROSE. Let my image dwell always in your heart.
BARLEY. Come again to-morrow.
BEAN BLOSSOM. Forgive me, I misunderstood you.
BIRCH BRANCH. How sweetly are sorrow’s tears dried up on the bosom of a sympathizing friend.
BLACKBERRY BRANCH. Contentment and love.
BLUE-BOTTLE. Be simple and humble, and life will always appear to you in heavenly colors.
BOX-WOOD. I hope continually.
BUCKWHEAT BLOSSOM. Not idle show, quiet domestic virtues alone ensure lasting happiness.
BURR. Like seeks like.
BUTTER-CUP. Your presence is consoling to me.
CABBAGE-LEAF. When you come again, come sober.
CAMOMILE. Could you, then, love anybody beside yourself?
CARNATION. How I burn!
CENTAURY. You seek money only—I will not waste my love upon you.
CHERRY BLOSSOM. When will love tinge your cheeks?
CHESTNUT BLOSSOM. Always as to-day.
CLOVER BLOSSOM. I will live for you.
COLUMBINE. Your words sound well, but what says your heart?
CROWN-IMPERIAL. Let me be your slave, and I am happy.
CUCKOO-FLOWER. I like not long complainings.
CURRANT-TWIG. Whoever loves me must share my sorrow, and respect my grief.
CYPRESS. When my heart is broken, and I lie in the cold grave give me at least a tear.
DAFFODIL. Let me not pine!
DILL. Love strengthens—I will protect you.
ELDER BLOSSOM. Your fidelity is destined to a sweet reward.
FIG-LEAF. I am ashamed.
FLAX. Do you love me for myself?
FOX-GLOVE. None but a fool could be as forward as you.
GILLIFLOWER. Where you are, it is always spring.
GRAPE-VINE. Fear not! Love conquers!
GRASS. Love for love, truth for truth.
HAZEL-TWIG. Forgive me!
HEART’S-EASE. Because I feel friendship for you, you imagine that I love you—you are in error.
HEATHER BLOSSOM. I ask only for your friendship.
HELIOTROPE. Give me proofs of your love.
HONEY-SUCKLE. Eternal fidelity! When shall we meet again?
HYACINTH-SINGLE. When I am dead, you will regret your cruelty.
HYACINTH-DOUBLE. Heaven shines in your eyes; the angels listen to your words.
HYDRANGEA. And you could so soon forget me!
IMMORTELLE. True love is unchangeable.
IRIS. Why have you disturbed the peace of my heart?
IVY. I am ever true.
JASMINE. Can calm, domestic happiness content you?
LARK-SPUR. Your love is my aim.
LAUREL. You have my heart.
LEMON BLOSSOM. Give me hope!
LILY-TIGER. My heart burns.
LILY-WHITE. Angel, let me adore you.
LINDEN BLOSSOM. I am favorably inclined to you.
MAPLE-TWIG. What is more painful than to be misunderstood by one you love?
MARIGOLD. I like you not.
MARSH-MALLOW. To fondle is not to love.
MIGNONNETTE. Not beauty, but goodness of heart is my choice.
MULLEN. If you love me, I envy not a king’s crown.
MUSHROOM. Away! go home, and cry about it!
MYRTLE BLOSSOM. Be constant; sweet is the reward of love.
MYRTLE BRANCH. Will you be my wife (husband)?
NETTLE. Beware! coquetry has its penalty.
OAK-LEAF. My fidelity bids defiance to every storm.
OATS. Return.
OLEANDER. True until death.
PARSLEY. You are in love with me.
PEONY. You are too vain—and of what?
PINE. In vain you strive to gain my confidence—stern fate has made me rude and silent.
PINK-CARTHUSIAN. Why so reserved?
PINK-VARIEGATED. Friendship is all that I can feel for you.
POMEGRANATE BLOSSOM. A kiss.
POPPY. I cannot endure you—you are too stupid.
POTATO BLOSSOM. Modest worth surpasses outward show.
PRIMROSE. Give me your love—I will cherish it faithfully and in secret.
RANUNCULUS. Where you are there is my home.
RIBBON GRASS. Give me a kiss.
ROCKET. Sleep visits not my eyelids; I wake and long for you.
ROSE—MONTHLY. Every month you have a new love.
ROSE—RED. You pass like a conqueror through the world.
ROSE—WHITE. Beautiful are you in childlike innocence, more beautiful will you be when warmed by the breath of love.
ROSE-BUD. Your presence fills me with heavenly longing.
ROSE-LEAF—RED. Yes!
ROSE-LEAF—WHITE. No!
ROSEMARY. You were absent—life departed; you returned—I live again.
SNOW-DROP. You have kindled the first sparks of love in my bosom.
STRAWBERRY. Not earthly rank gives happiness, but worth and amiability.
SWEET-PEA. Your name is inconstancy.
SWEET-WILLIAM. Light and hasty impressions are soon effaced.
THISTLE. Your words offend me; you have deeply wounded me.
THYME. I have not understood you.
VERONICA. What would this world be without you?
VIOLET. I love you for your gentle modesty.
WINTERGREEN. Remain constant and true—then we will meet again.
WOOD-SORREL. You brighten my existence as the stars brighten the night.
THIRTY PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICATIONS.
STRENGTH OF BODY is known by a stiff hair, large bones, firm and robust limbs, short muscular neck, firm and erect, the head and breast high, the forehead short, hard, and peaked, with bristly hair, large feet, rather thick than broad, a harsh unequal voice, and choleric complexion.
WEAKNESS OF BODY is distinguished by a small ill-proportioned head, narrow shoulders, soft skin, and melancholy complexion.
THE SIGNS OF LONG LIFE are strong teeth, a sanguine temperament, middle stature, large, deep, and ruddy lines in the hand, large muscles, stooping shoulders, full chest, firm flesh, clear complexion, slow growth, wide ears, and large eyelids.
SHORT LIFE may be inferred from a thick tongue; the appearance of grinders before the age of puberty, thin, straggling and uneven teeth, confused lines in the hand, of a quick but small growth.
A GOOD GENIUS may be expected from a thin skin, middle stature, blue bright eyes, fair complexion, straight, pretty strong hair, an affable aspect, the eyebrows joined, moderation in mirth, an open, cheerful countenance, and the temples a little concave.
A DUNCE may be known by a swollen neck, plump arms, sides, and loins, a round head, concave behind, a large fleshy forehead, pale eyes, a dull heavy look, small joints, snuffing nostrils, and a proneness to laughter, little hands, an ill-proportioned head, either too big or too little, blubber lips, short fingers, and thick legs.
FORTITUDE is promised from a wide mouth, a sonorous voice, grave, slow, and always equal, upright posture, large eyes, pretty open and steadfast, the hair high above the forehead, the head much compressed or flattened, the forehead square and high, the extremities large and robust, the neck firm though not fleshy, a large corpulent chest, and brown complexion.
BOLDNESS is characterized by a prominent mouth, rugged appearance, rough forehead, arched eyebrows, large nostrils and teeth, short neck, great arms, ample chest, square shoulders and a forward countenance.
PRUDENCE is generally distinguished by a head which is flat on the sides, a broad square forehead, a little concave in the middle, a soft voice, a large chest, a thin hair, light eyes, either blue, brown or black, large eyes, and an aquiline nose.
A GOOD MEMORY is commonly attached to those persons who are smaller, yet better formed in the upper than the lower parts, not fat but fleshy, of a fair, delicate skin, with the poll of the head uncovered, crooked nose, teeth thick set, large ears with plenty of cartilage.
A BAD MEMORY is observable in persons who are larger in their superior than inferior parts, fleshy, though dry and bald.—N. B. This is expressly contrary to the opinion of Aristotle, who says that the superior parts being larger than the inferior signify a good memory, and _vice versa_.
A GOOD IMAGINATION AND THOUGHTFUL DISPOSITION is distinguished by a large prominent forehead, a fixed and attentive look, slow respiration, and an inclination of the head.
A GOOD SIGHT is enjoyed by those persons who have generally black, thick, straight eye-lashes, large bushy eyebrows, concave eyes, contracted as it were inwards.
SHORT-SIGHTED PEOPLE have a stern, earnest look, small, short eyebrows, large pupils and prominent eyes.
SENSE OF HEARING: those who possess the same in perfection, have ears well furnished with gristle, well channelled and hairy.
THE SENSE OF SMELLING is most perfect in those who have large noses, descending very near the mouth, neither too moist nor too dry.
A NICE FACULTY OF TASTING is peculiar to such as have a spongy, porous, soft tongue, well moistened with saliva, yet not too moist.
DELICACY IN THE TOUCH belongs to those who have a soft skin, sensible nerves, and nervous sinews, moderately warm and dry.
IRASCIBILITY is accompanied by an erect posture, a clear skin, a solemn voice, open nostrils, moist temples, displaying superficial veins, thick neck, equal use of both hands, quick pace, blood-shot eyes, large, unequal, ill-ranged eyes, and choleric disposition.
TIMOROUSNESS resides where we find a concave neck, pale color, weak-winking eyes, soft hair, smooth plump breast, shrill tremulous voice, small mouth, thin lips, broad thin hands, and small shambling feet.
MELANCHOLY is denoted by a wrinkled countenance, dejected eyes, meeting eyebrows, slow pace, fixed look, and deliberate respiration.
AN AMOROUS DISPOSITION may be known by a fair, slender face, a redundancy of hair, rough temples, broad forehead, moist shining eyes, wide nostrils, narrow shoulders, hairy hands and arms, well-shaped legs.
GAYETY attends a serene open forehead, rosy agreeable countenance, a sweet musical tone of voice, an agile body and soft flesh.
ENVY appears with a wrinkled forehead, frowning, dejected, and squinting look, a pale, melancholy countenance, and a dry, rough skin.
INTREPIDITY often resides in a small body, with red curled hair, ruddy countenance, frowning eyebrows, arched and meeting, eyes blue and yellowish, large mouth, and red lines in the hand.
GENTLENESS AND COMPLACENCY may be distinguished by a soft and moist palm, frequency of shutting the eyes, soft movement, slow speech, soft, straight and lightish-colored hair.
BASHFULNESS may be discovered by moist eyes, never wide open, eyebrows frequently lowered, blushing cheeks, moderate pace, slow and submissive speech, bent body, and glowing ears of a purple hue.
TEMPERANCE OR SOBRIETY is accompanied with an equal respiration, a moderate-sized mouth, smooth temples, eyes of an ordinary size, either fair or azure, and a short, flat body.
STRENGTH OF MIND is signified by light, curled hair, a small body, shining eyes, but a little depressed, a grave intense voice, bushy beard, large broad back and shoulders.
PRIDE stands confessed with arched eyebrows, a large prominent mouth, a broad chest, slow pace, erected head, shrugging shoulders, and staring eyes.
LUXURY dwells with a ruddy or pale complexion, downy temples, bald pate, little eyes, thick neck, corpulent body, large nose, thin eyebrows, and hands covered with a kind of down.
LOQUACITY may be expected from a bushy beard, broad fingers, pointed tongue, eyes of a ruddy hue, a large prominent upper lip, and a sharp pointed nose.
PERVERSENESS may be dreaded, when we perceive a high forehead, firm, short, thick, immovable neck, quick speech, immoderate laughter, fiery eyes, and short fleshy hands and fingers.
DICK & FITZGERALD,
PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK.
⁂ The Publishers, upon receipt of the price, will send any of the following books by mail, POSTAGE FREE, to any part of the United States. In ordering books, the full name, post-office, county and State should be plainly written.
Inquire Within for Anything You Want to Know; or, Over 3,500 Facts for the People. “Inquire Within” is one of the most valuable and extraordinary volumes ever presented to the American public, and embodies nearly 4,000 facts, in most of which any person living will find instruction, aid and entertainment. As a book to be kept in the family for reference it is unequaled, comprising, as it does, all kinds of books of information in a single volume.
_It is a Doctor, a Gardener, a Schoolmaster,_ _A Dancing-Master, an Artist, a Naturalist,_ _A Modeler, a Cook, a Lawyer,_ _A Surgeon, a Chemist, a Perfumer,_ _A Dyer, a Brewer, an Architect,_ _A Bookkeeper, a Confectioner, a Laundress,_ _A “Hoyle,” a “Letter-Writer,”_ _A “Ready Reckoner,” and a Housekeeper._
IT ALSO CONTAINS
_Tables of Weights and Measures,_ _Interest Tables from $1 up to $10,000,_ _Innumerable Tables on Curious and Interesting Subjects,_ _All Kinds of Family Amusements and Recreations._