Chapter M (3)

A great number of historical instances are recorded in Greek and Latin classics of dreams that came true. The night before the assassination of Julius Cæsar, his wife Calpurnia dreamed that her husband fell bleeding across her knees. She tried to warn him, but he laughed at her fears. On the night that Attila died, the Emperor Marcian at Constantinople dreamed that he saw the bow of the conqueror broken asunder. Cicero relates a dream thru which a murderer was brought to justice.

Dreams were even allowed to influence legislation. During the Marsic War (90 B.C.) the Roman senate ordered the temple of Juno to be rebuilt, in consequence of a dream. There are many other examples in ancient history.

The old fathers of the Christian Church attached considerable importance to dreams. Tertullian thought they came from God as one of a series of prophecy, though he attributed many dreams to the influence of evil spirits. St. Augustine relates a dream thru which he was convinced of the immortality of the soul.

How Dreams Should be Interpreted

There are two kinds of dreams: those that are reproductions of one’s waking thoughts or actions, or the result of digestive disturbances; and those that proceed from some psychological condition which we cannot probe or understand. Many dreams are of so trivial a nature that it would be foolish to attribute any importance to them. Others seems to come from some outside inspiration and are prophetic. The ancient sages who were celebrated as interpreters of dreams had a maxim that the “Result of dreams often follows their interpretation.” They meant that if you believe that a dream means a certain thing, you will fashion your actions so that that thing will come true.

When the meaning of a dream is indefinite, many interpretations can be put on it and all of them be capable of coming true. If you are told that a dream means illness, you may take it so to heart that you will actually fall ill, or if you are philosophical, you will shape your diet or your deeds so that good health may result from the warning. If a man dreams that he will have financial disaster, he may become so unfitted thru fear that he will neglect his business and thus invite the ruin which he imagines the dream foretold. Or he may, if he is wise, take the opposite course and so shape his business methods that success will follow instead of ruin.

In the following tables we give the interpretations of common dreams as they are and have been given from time immemorial in most of the best known sources, with quite a number of original meanings as experience has shown them to us. Remember that the interpretation of dreams may vary with the peculiar conditions and circumstances surrounding the dreamer, and what would be true in the case of a sickly person might have the opposite meaning in the case of a robust man. “Man is master of his fate,” says a poet. The troubles that cause one person to take a pessimistic attitude and contemplate suicide serve to spur another on to new endeavors and new successes.

This book is not intended to foster superstition, but to offer a means of solving many of the mysterious occurrences in our lives and help you rise above your surroundings to a higher plane of usefulness.

A Dictionary of Dreams

As a rule dreams are very complex and it is difficult to single out any particular feature that stands forth and dominates the dream. But it frequently happens that one idea is so vivid that it is remembered to the exclusion of all the rest. When you have a dream of this kind refer at once to the following list, look up the dominant thought of your dream and the interpretation will be given. These meanings are not random guesses, but are compiled from a number of very old books which have come down to us from such seers, astrologers and psychologists as Cagliostro, Lenormand, Albertus Magnus and others. Of course the meaning of the dream may be considerably modified by what subconscious thoughts accompany the dream. Thus while pearls may represent tears, yet if they are accompanied by the idea of love the indication is favorable, and means a gift of affection.

_Abandoned_—Dreaming that you are deserted by your
friends denotes their affection and love, but to
dream that you have abandoned someone you love is
a sign of disappointment.

_Abbey_—The ruins of an abbey mean good fortune; if
seen by moonlight, wealth.

_Abroad_—Dreaming that you are in a strange land
signifies success in your undertakings.

_Absence_—To be absent from home means a joyful
reunion. To see people who are absent foretells
speedy return.

_Abundance_—To dream of abundance shows a false
security.

_Account_—A bank account signifies bankruptcy.

_Acorns_—Are a sign of loss of money or of love.

_Almonds_—If you dream of eating them it denotes an
evil from which you will escape.

_Alms_—Giving alms denotes good fortune, receiving
alms means loss of money.

_Altar_—Denotes a speedy marriage to the one you
love. If already married, renewed prosperity.

_Anchor_—Denotes a successful enterprise.

_Angel_—To see an angel means a long voyage and success.

_Angry_—If you are angry, it portends an enemy.

_Antelope_—A speedy recovery from illness.

_Ants_—A colony of ants signifies industry leading to
wealth. One ant means a disappointment.

_Anvil_—Seeing or hearing an anvil means happiness.

_Ape_—Means an enemy. If running from you, safety.

_Apples_—Signify gain. If you are eating them,
disappointment; if on a tree, good news.

_Apricots_—If you dream of eating them, it means good
news; if you see them on the tree or otherwise, a
pleasant surprise.

_Arbor_—To be in an arbor means disappointment in love.

_Argument_—To hold an argument with anyone means that
justice will be done.

_Arm_—To dream of breaking or injuring an arm
signifies sudden fortune to a friend.

_Army_—To be marching with an army means “Beware of a
false friend.” If encamped, it means speedy success.

_Artichokes_—Signify embarrassment or pain.

_Artist_—Means that your love suit will be successful.

_Ashes_—Signify embarrassment and loss.

_Asparagus_—To eat it, means success and health.

_Ass_—Signifies a quarrel or scandal.

_Aunt_—Portends wealth from an unexpected source.

_Authority_—Signifies better times.

_Baby_—To hold one means true love; to rock one, embarrassment.

_Bagpipe_—To hear or play a bagpipe signifies trouble.

_Baker_—To see or speak to a baker means plenty.

_Baking_—If you dream of baking pies or cakes, a
visitor; if bread, a loss.

_Ball_—Dancing at a ball means harmony and pleasure.
Playing ball signifies loss of money.

_Balloon_—To go up in a balloon means unexpected
fortune. To see one means a message from home.

_Bank_—Depositing in a bank, beware of loss; drawing
money out a bank, trouble at home.

_Barber_—Being shaved by a barber, a long journey.

_Barley_—To dream of barley in the field means health
and fortune.

_Barn_—If full, a happy marriage; if empty, poverty.

_Barracks_—To see soldiers in a barracks means peace
and prosperity.

_Basin_—An empty basin foretells a loss; a full
basin, unexpected wealth.

_Basket_—A full basket means ease and prosperity. An empty
one means new endeavor in order to achieve success.

_Bathing_—Signifies happiness; in a pond, it means misfortune;
in a running brook, it means disappointment.

_Bat_—If flying, means a quarrel with a friend; if at
rest, pleasure.

_Battlefield_—Signifies great honor.

_Beans_—If cooked, they signify a quarrel; if raw, danger.

_Bear_—Seeing a bear foretells misfortune.

_Bed_—To see a strange bed means trouble; to sleep in
a bed, good luck.

_Beer_—Signifies unfruitful endeavor.

_Bees_—To catch or watch them means success; to be
stung by them, failure.

_Beggar_—To give alms means an unforeseen present; to
be a beggar, unexpected health.

_Bell_—Hearing the marriage bell means happiness; a
church bell, alarm or misfortune. A dinner bell
means a feast or wedding.

_Bench_—To sit on a bench, “Beware of a rival.”

_Bereavement_—Losing a relative or friend signifies a visit.

_Betrothal_—Foretells pleasures that may be brief.

_Bible_—To see a Bible is a reproach for evil deeds.
To read a Bible, luck.

_Billiards_—Means loss thru dissipation.

_Birds_—Seeing birds of any kind foretells trouble
and annoyance. If singing, however, they bring
tidings of new pleasure.

_Biscuit_—Eating a biscuit denotes rejoicing.

_Bite_—To bite anyone signifies trouble. To be bitten
signifies treachery of a supposed friend.

_Blackbird_—Foretells scandal and deceit.

_Blindness_—To lead a blind person means success
in love. To dream of being blind means you will
receive valuable information.

_Blood_—To see blood signifies a faithful lover.

_Blows_—To give or receive blows means forgiveness
for wrongs done.

_Boat_—To row in a canoe or boat signifies an
inheritance of money.

_Boil_—To suffer from a boil means unforeseen difficulty.

_Bonnet_—To wear a new bonnet means rivalry.

_Book_—Reading a book signifies failure; to give a
book means victory over an enemy.

_Boots_—To dream of new boots means success in
business; of old boots, a quarrel.

_Bottles_—A full bottle signifies sickness; an empty one,
melancholy.

_Brandy_—Signifies “Beware of trouble!”

_Bread_—To dream of eating bread denotes profit in business.

_Briars_—Signify disputes.

_Bricks_—Signify a happy marriage and prosperity.

_Bridge_—To pass one means success. To fall from
one, loss of business. To walk over a bridge, good
fortune. To walk under one, disappointment.

_Brook_—Domestic happiness and friendship.

_Bugs_—Signify an enemy who wishes to harm you.

_Bull_—Denotes unexpected gain.

_Butcher_—Foretells sorrow thru the loss of a friend.

_Cabbage_—Indicates long life and happiness.

_Cage_—To dream of a cage with bird means liberty;
empty it means servitude.

_Cakes_—Denote prosperity.

_Calf_—Is a sign of assured success.

_Camel_—Seeing one means riches; riding on one, disappointment.

_Candle_—A lighted candle signifies unexpected favor.
An unlighted one means “Beware of trouble!”

_Candy_—To make or eat candy signifies good luck.

_Cane_—Signifies dissipation and waste.

_Captive_—To dream that you are in prison is a sign of luck.

_Cards_—To play cards means a successful marriage.

_Carpenter_—Denotes a new turn among business affairs.

_Cart_—Indicates sickness; with a horse before it, disgrace.

_Carving_—To dream of carving meat means business prosperity.

_Cat_—A white cat means a gift; a black cat means
deceit or quarrel.

_Cave_—To be in a cave denotes loss.

_Cellar_—To be in a dark cellar means sickness or
absence from home.

_Cemetery_—To be in a cemetery foretells the death of
a friend.

_Chain_—Foretells a union of people hitherto separated.

_Cheese_—Foretells success and a journey.

_Cherries_—To eat cherries denotes love. To gather
them, faithfulness.

_Chess_—To play a game of chess foretells business troubles.

_Chestnuts_—Denote troubles at home.

_Chicken_—To cook a chicken means good news; to eat
one, arrival of a friend.

_Child_—To dream of children in health denotes pleasure
and fortune; if ill, the dream is a warning.

_Church_—Signifies good fortune and many friends.

_Cider_—To drink cider denotes a dispute.

_City_—To be in a strange city means a speedy marriage.

_Clams_—Denote closeness and parsimony.

_Clock_—Seeing or hearing a clock denotes marriage.

_Coal_—Seeing or burning coal signifies persecution.

_Cobbler_—To dream of one mending shoes means trouble
in money matters.

_Cock_—A crowing cock denotes sudden trouble.

_Coffee_—Drinking coffee is a sign of heavy trouble.

_Coffin_—Denotes a speedy marriage.

_Cooking_—To dream that you are cooking indicates a wedding.

_Corkscrew_—Means vexation; if in a bottle, trouble.

_Corn_—Is significant of riches and abundance.

_Corpse_—To dream of a dead body denotes long life,
also news from friends.

_Cow_—Is significant of prosperity and abundance.

_Crab_—To see a crab walking means that your
endeavors will come to naught.

_Cradle_—Indicates an increase in the family.

_Cricket_—Is a sign of hospitality and a visit.

_Crocodile_—Indicates a catastrophe.

_Cross_—To see a cross is a sign of tranquillity.

_Crow_—Means humiliation and disgrace.

_Crowd_—You will receive good news.

_Crutches_—Indicate losses if you gamble.

_Cucumber_—Is a sign of serious illness.

_Cypress_—Foretells the death of a loved one.

_Dancing_—Indicates a handsome present of someone you love.

_Debts_—To dream of owing money means business safety.

_Devil_—To dream of the devil is a warning to turn
over a new leaf.

_Dice_—To dream of dice indicates scandal and dishonor.

_Dirt_—Denotes sickness.

_Dishes_—Breaking dishes denotes a family quarrel.

_Dispute_—Among friends, indicates renewed friendship.

_Ditch_—To dream of seeing or falling into a ditch
foretells bankruptcy.

_Dog_—To see a dog indicates faithfulness of a
friend. To be bitten means treachery.

_Door_—An open door means opportunity; a closed door, adventure.

_Dove_—Means happiness at home.

_Drawing_—Indicates a rejection of marriage.

_Drowning_—To dream of drowning means good news from abroad;
to rescue a drowning person is a sign of happiness.

_Drum_—To see or hear a drum indicates a trifling loss.

_Drunk_—To see a drunken person means bad news; to be
drunk means disgrace.

_Duck_—Is a sign of profit and pleasure.

_Duel_—To fight a duel means dissension.

_Dwarf_—Signifies “Beware of foes!”

_Eagle_—Is a sign of worthy ambition.

_Eating_—To dream of eating means a happy marriage or
a rich inheritance.

_Eclipse_—To see an eclipse means a loss in business.

_Eels_—Are sign of vexation.

_Eggs_—Eating eggs indicates a journey.

_Elephant_—To ride an elephant means that you will be
called upon to do a service.

_Elopement_—Signifies a speedy marriage after trouble.

_Embroidery_—Signifies love and ambition.

_Engaged_—To dream of being engaged is a sign of a
quarrel with someone you love.

_Euchre_—To play euchre signifies failure in business.

_Eyes_—To dream of eyes is a portent of bad luck.

_Face_—To dream of a smiling face indicates joy.

_Failure_—To dream of failure in business or in love
means that you will soon be successful.

_Falling_—To dream of falling means a sudden
improvement in your condition.

_Fan_—Is a sign of rivalry between women.

_Farewell_—To dream of parting is a sure sign of a lawsuit.

_Farmer_—To dream of a farmer denotes an increase in earnings.

_Feast_—To be seated at a feast means that there is
trouble ahead.

_Feathers_—White feathers mean friendship; dark feathers, loss.

_Field_—To walk in a field means visitors.

_Figs_—To eat figs is a sign of interrupted pleasures.

_Fingers_—To dream of injured fingers denotes grief.

_Fire_—To see a house on fire is a sign of caution.
Beware of false friends. To kindle a fire denotes anger.

_Fish_—To catch fish means success in business; to
eat fish means beware of deceitful friends.

_Flag_—To see a flag means coming trouble in
business; to carry one, means unexpected honor.

_Flame_—To see a flame is a sign of good news.

_Flea_—Is a sign of triumph over one’s enemies.

_Flood_—To dream of a flood is a sign of misfortune.

_Flowers_—To dream of flowers is a sure sign of
success in business or love.

_Flute_—To play or hear a flute means news of a birth.

_Fly_—To dream of flies is a warning that someone is
jealous of us.

_Fog_—To be lost in a fog is a warning of coming trouble.

_Fountain_—To see a running fountain denotes health
and abundance.

_Fox_—Signifies triumph over enemies.

_Frog_—Is a sign of vexation and annoyance.

_Funeral_—To see or attend a funeral is a sign of a
birth or marriage.

_Fur_—To wear fur signifies long life and happiness.

_Gallows_—To see a gallows is a sign of dignity,
honor and wealth.

_Gambling_—Is a warning against deception.

_Garden_—To walk in a garden denotes a bright future.

_Garlic_—Signifies deception by a woman.

_Garter_—To find a garter foretells a letter or a
happy marriage.

_Ghost_—To dream of seeing a ghost means beware of sickness.

_Gift_—To receive a present denotes danger.

_Gloves_—To buy or wear gloves means a new-found friend.

_Goat_—To dream of a white goat means prosperity; of
a black goat, sickness.

_Gold_—Dreaming of gold denotes profit and success. A
bag of gold indicates a gain.

_Grain_—A field of ripe grain is a sign of prosperity.

_Grapes_—To see or eat grapes denotes enjoyment and plenty.

_Grass_—Indicates long life.

_Grasshopper_—Means loss of savings.

_Grave_—To look into an open grave means the loss of
a friend. To sit near a grave is a sign of good luck.

_Guitar_—Means deception and treachery.

_Hail_—To dream that you are in a hailstorm denotes
trouble and sadness.

_Hair_—To comb your hair is a sign of perplexity and anxiety.

_Ham_—To eat ham is a sign of happiness.

_Hammock_—To lie in a hammock indicates a speedy marriage.

_Harp_—To dream of a harp means the death of a dear one.

_Harvest_—Denotes wealth and abundance.

_Heart_—To dream of heart trouble indicates danger.
The picture of a heart means true love.

_Heaven_—To dream that you or someone else is in
heaven is a sign of peace and prosperity.

_Hell_—To dream of the infernal regions is a warning to reform.

_Hen_—A sign of profit.

_Hermit_—Denotes a treacherous friend.

_Hill_—Going up a hill means success; going down one, failure.

_Hog_—To dream of a hog is a lucky dream for
speculators, but unlucky for lovers.

_Hole_—Falling into a hole is a sign of many obstacles.

_Honey_—Signifies success in business.

_Horse_—Seeing a white horse means unexpected
fortune. A black horse means deceit. Riding a horse
means reciprocated love.

_Hotel_—To stop at a hotel means success.

_House_—To be in a new or strange house is a sign of
consolation.

_Hunger_—Is a sign of profitable employment.

_Husband_—For a wife to dream of her husband betokens
a quarrel. If the dream is pleasant it may mean an
agreeable surprise.

_Ice_—Denotes gratitude.

_Imp_—Is an occasion on which to exercise caution.

_Infant_—Happiness in the married state.

_Ink_—To upset an ink bottle is a sign of someone
attempting to injure you.

_Insanity_—To dream of being insane is a sign that
you are overworked.

_Iron_—To dream of a flatiron denotes that you will
go thru a cruel experience.

_Island_—To be on an island in the ocean means luck;
in a lake or river, loneliness.

_Ivory_—Is a sign of profitable enterprise.

_Ivy_—Denotes a happy termination of courtship and a
fortunate marriage.

_Jail_—To be in jail or prison is a sign that you
will have unexpected honor bestowed.

_Jewels_—To wear much jewelry indicates coming
poverty; to see it on another foretells a lawsuit.

_Joy_—To experience great joy is a sign that you will
have bad news.

_Judge_—Is a sign of coming punishment.

_Jug_—Indicates the acquaintance of a great man.

_Key_—A bunch of keys denotes treachery on the part
of a supposed friend. A single key means loss.

_Kill_—To kill a person denotes a coming quarrel.

_King_—To see a king denotes satisfaction in business.

_Kiss_—To receive a kiss denotes that you will be betrayed.
To kiss another means good news from a friend.

_Kitchen_—To be in a kitchen denotes the coming of visitors.

_Kite_—To see or fly a kite denotes failure in your plans.

_Knife_—Denotes inconstancy and dissension in your family.

_Knitting_—Is a sign of mischievous talk on the part
of friends.

_Knocks_—Denote embarrassment and difficulties.

_Ladder_—To go up a ladder means success; to go down,
humiliation.

_Lake_—A warning to be careful.

_Lamb_—This is a favorable sign to single people and
indicates courtship.

_Lame Person_—To dream of seeing a cripple or lame
person means business misfortune.

_Lamp_—To carry a lamp means trouble; to upset one, loss.

_Lantern_—To carry a lantern means a safe adventure.

_Laughter_—To laugh heartily in your sleep, “Beware
of trouble!”

_Lawyer_—Dreaming of a lawyer denotes the marriage of
a dear friend.

_Leaves_—Dry leaves are a sign of indisposition which
will not last long.

_Letter_—To receive a letter usually means good news
and prosperity.

_Lettuce_—Denotes poverty.

_Lightning_—Indicates a quarrel among lovers.

_Lily_—A sign of innocence and happiness.

_Lion_—To dream of a lion means unexpected honor.

_Lizard_—Seeing a lizard indicates coming trouble.

_Lottery_—To dream of winning money in a lottery means loss.

_Lovers_—To see two lovers spoon is an indication of
domestic trouble.

_Macaroni_—Eating macaroni is a sign of abundance.

_Manure_—Indicates depravity.

_Map_—To see or consult a map indicates a journey.

_Market_—Going to market is a sign of a joyous event.

_Mask_—To wear a mask or see someone else wear one
indicates hypocrisy.

_Meat_—To eat or cook meat is a sign of a big reception.

_Melon_—Signifies hope and success.

_Milestone_—Seeing a milestone indicates a successful venture.

_Milk_—Dreaming of milk means success in love affairs.

_Mirror_—To see yourself in the glass denotes wounded
pride or sickness. To break one, misadventure.

_Money_—To find money means bad luck; to give it away
or spend it indicates success.

_Monkey_—Means “Beware of getting into mischief!”

_Moon_—To see the full moon denotes fidelity and joy;
to see a crescent means awakening affection. An
eclipse of the moon means loss.

_Mourning_—To dream of wearing mourning indicates an
invitation to a wedding.

_Mud_—To find yourself in mud means the coming of wealth.

_Mule_—Seeing or riding a mule is a sure sign of difficulty.

_Murder_—To witness a murder means that you will soon see an
old friend; to dream of being murdered means caution.

_Music_—Hearing music in your sleep is a sign of luck.

_Mustard_—Eating mustard denotes pain and trouble.

_Nails_—Metal nails mean success; finger nails denote
misadventures.

_Nakedness_—Threatened danger and poverty.

_Necklace_—Receiving one denotes jealousy and annoyance.
If a girl wears a necklace she will soon wed.

_Needles_—Are a sign of disappointment in love.

_Nest_—Seeing a nest with eggs denotes a quarrel. A
nest with birds in it, good luck.

_Newspaper_—Reading a paper means beware of gossip.

_Nose_—Dreaming of your own or someone’s nose denotes
a new acquaintance.

_Nurse_—Dreaming of a nurse is a sign of long life.

_Nuts_—Eating nuts denotes a voyage.

_Oars_—Indicate a safe enterprise.

_Oaths_—A man using blasphemous words signifies trouble.

_Offer of Marriage_—Denotes happiness for at least a year.

_Oil_—To dream of oil is a sign of good harvest and prosperity.

_Olives_—Indicate honors and dignity.

_Onions_—To dream of eating them means aggravation and disgrace.

_Opera_—To dream of being at the opera denotes temporary pleasure.

_Orange_—To eat an orange is a sign of coming amusement.

_Orange Blossoms_—To see or wear orange blossoms foretells
a wedding.

_Orchard_—To see or be in an orchard signifies a successful
business deal.

_Ostrich_—To dream of an ostrich means failure thru vanity.

_Owl_—To dream of an owl means that important secrets
will be revealed.

_Oyster_—To dream of opening an oyster denotes honor;
eating one foretells a feast.

_Pail_—To carry a pail signifies a new acquaintance.
If full it means gain.

_Pain_—To dream of suffering pain foretells a
sickness and a speedy recovery.

_Painter_—Denotes that your business affairs will improve.

_Palm Tree_—Denotes honor and victory.

_Paper_—To dream of reading a newspaper means that
happiness will be brief.

_Parasol_—To carry one denotes a voyage.

_Parent_—To dream of either father or mother means good news.

_Parrot_—To dream of a parrot foretells a robbery.

_Pastry_—To dream of eating pastry denotes annoyance;
to bake pastry means improvement in your condition.

_Pawnbroker_—To go to a pawnbroker signifies a serious loss.

_Peaches_—To dream of eating peaches denotes pleasure
and contentment.

_Peacock_—Foretells victory.

_Peanuts_—To eat peanuts signifies a lawsuit.

_Pearls_—To dream of receiving or wearing pearls
signifies tears and distress.

_Pears_—Eating pears means long life and happiness.

_Peas_—To dream of peas means good fortune.

_Pen_—To dream of holding or writing with a pen means
good tidings.

_Pepper_—To dream of pepper denotes affliction.

_Pheasant_—To kill a pheasant is a sign of good luck.

_Piano_—Playing on a piano denotes a speedy wedding.
Buying one signifies money from an unexpected debt.

_Pig_—To dream of a pig is a sign of good luck.

_Pigsty_—Indicates financial gain.

_Pigeon_—Seeing a pigeon in flight means
reconciliation; at rest denotes success.

_Pillow_—To dream of lying on a pillow indicates sickness.

_Pills_—Taking pills is a sure sign of trouble and famine.

_Pine Tree_—Dreaming of a lonely pine tree foretells danger.

_Pins_—To dream of pins is considered fortunate and means wealth.

_Pirate_—Foretells a fortunate adventure.

_Pistol_—To carry a pistol or revolver denotes a
change in your prospects for the better.

_Pitch_—Signifies “Beware of evil companions!”

_Pitchfork_—Means you will be punished.

_Policeman_—Is a sure sign of impending trouble.

_Postman_—Indicates good news, from abroad.

_Poverty_—To dream that you are poor denotes an
unexpected addition to your wealth.

_Present_—Dreaming of receiving gifts denotes a loss.
To make a present means success.

_Preserves_—To make or eat preserves indicates loss
of time and money.

_Priest_—To dream of a priest denotes reconciliation
with an enemy.

_Procession_—To watch a parade or procession means
success in love.

_Pump_—To pump water is a sign of a speedy marriage.

_Purse_—An empty purse denotes that you will soon receive a
present; a full purse signifies a serious loss.

_Quail_—To see a quail denotes responsibilities in the family.

_Quarrel_—Means constancy and friendship.

_Queen_—To dream of a queen or princess is a sure sign of
prosperity.

_Quince_—To dream of fresh or preserved quinces denotes a scandal.

_Quoits_—A warning not to gamble.

_Rabbit_—A running rabbit is a sign of disappointment.

_Race_—To witness a race denotes success in life.

_Radish_—To pick or eat a radish denotes a secret
which you will shortly learn.

_Railroad_—A token that you will change your residence soon.

_Rain_—Is a sign of reconciliation with an enemy.

_Rainbow_—To see a rainbow denotes that better days
are coming. It is a very good omen.

_Rat_—Beware of secret enemies.

_Raven_—To hear a raven croak portends misfortune.

_Reading_—To dream of reading a book is a sign that
you are too lazy to succeed.

_Revenge_—Denotes a speedy repentance.

_Ribbons_—To dream of wearing ribbons is a sign of a
visit from one you love.

_Rice_—To dream of eating or throwing rice denotes,
the marriage of an intimate friend.

_Ride_—To ride with either men or women denotes coming trouble.

_Ring_—To receive one means a gain; to place one on
the finger of another denotes marital trouble.

_Rival_—To dream of a rival is a sign that you will
quarrel with the one you love best.

_River_—To see a river denotes a change in your condition;
to fall into one means “Beware of your enemies!”

_Robber_—To be attacked by robbers is a sign of
victory over a rival.

_Rock_—Sure sign of annoyance and loss.

_Rose_—This is always a sign of good luck. White
roses signify constancy; red, an offer of marriage.

_Rosebush_—Denotes a constant lover.

_Ruins_—To explore a ruin denotes a pleasant surprise.

_Sailor_—To dream of a sailor means good tidings from
other lands.

_Salad_—Means “Beware of embarrassment!”

_Salt_—To dream of using salt means a rapid recovery of
a sick friend; to spill salt denotes disappointment.

_Sausage_—Is a sign of affliction or sickness.

_Saw_—Portends a satisfactory end in your affairs.

_Scissors_—Denotes that a friend will become an enemy.

_Sea_—To dream of the sea is a sign of a long journey.

_Sermon_—To hear a long sermon denotes mental trouble.

_Servant_—Dreaming of a servant means “Beware of being
over-confident!”

_Sewing_—Means someone is plotting against you.

_Sheep_—Denotes gain in business.

_Shell_—A sea shell is a sign of success; a cannon shell,
a sign of bad luck.

_Ship_—If at anchor a ship denotes happiness; if sailing,
wishes fulfilled.

_Shoes_—Denote a speedy journey.

_Shroud_—To dream of a shroud is a very bad omen and
often signifies death.

_Sickness_—To dream of being ill is always a bad sign.

_Singing_—To sing in your sleep denotes vexation when awake.

_Skating_—To dream of skating is a sign of success.

_Skeleton_—The vision of a skeleton usually signifies
a change for the better.

_Sleep_—To dream that you are asleep indicates false
security, and is a sign to be cautious.

_Slip or Fall_—Indicates a rise in position.

_Slipper_—Is significant of comfort and satisfaction.

_Smoke_—To smoke a cigar denotes extravagant expectations;
to see smoke come out of a chimney denotes gain thru
new efforts.

_Snail_—A crawling snail is a sign of coming dishonor.

_Snake_—Denotes treason, and is a caution to be
careful whom you trust.

_Sneezing_—Is a sign of long life.

_Snow_—To see a falling snow signifies a visit from a
lovely person.

_Soap_—Denotes pleasant revelations.

_Soldier_—To meet a soldier is a sign of a coming quarrel.

_Spider_—To see a spider spinning its web denotes
success in business.

_Spirit_—To see a spirit in a dream is a caution to
be more considerate of those around you.

_Sponge_—Is a sign of greed and avarice.

_Spy_—To dream of a spy means “Beware of idle rumors!”

_Stable_—To dream of a stable denotes a welcome.

_Stars_—To dream of a star means happiness; a shooting-star,
gain of money.

_Stocking_—To put on or take off a stocking denotes a
change in your fortune.

_Stones_—To dream of throwing stones denotes suffering.

_Stork_—Seeing a stork means loss thru robbery.

_Storm_—Being caught in a storm denotes coming vexation.

_Stove_—Sitting near a stove is an indication of comfort
and wealth.

_Strange Room_—Coming into a strange room denotes the
solving of a mystery.

_Straw_—Is an indication of coming poverty.

_Strawberries_—Are a sign of unexpected good fortune.

_Sugar_—Denotes want and suffering.

_Sun_—To dream of the sun is always lucky and portends
a happy future.

_Supper_—To sit at supper means the news of a birth
in the family.

_Swan_—Means that it will be long before you reach
your desires.

_Swastika_—Is a sign of good luck.

_Swimming_—Is a sign of sure enjoyment.

_Sword_—To dream of wearing one is a sign of honor;
to be wounded with one is a sign of misfortune.

_Table_—To sit at a table denotes abundance.

_Tailor_—Is a portent of unfaithfulness.

_Tea_—To drink tea means beware of confusion and trouble.

_Tears_—To shed tears foretells joy and sympathy.

_Teeth_—To dream of losing your teeth foretells the
death of a friend or the loss of money.

_Tent_—To dream of being under a tent denotes a quarrel.

_Theater_—Being at a theater is a sign of coming
sadness or loss.

_Thimble_—Denotes hard work to achieve success.

_Thirst_—To dream of being thirsty is a sign of affliction.

_Thistle_—To pluck a thistle foretells a dispute.

_Thorn_—Is a sign of loss of money.

_Thunder_—To dream of a thunderstorm denotes danger
or death to a friend.

_Tiger_—To meet a tiger is a warning against an enemy.

_Toads_—Dreaming of a toad means you will be disgusted
with something that will happen to you.

_Torch_—Denotes an invitation to a wedding.

_Treasure_—Finding a treasure or a heap of money
indicates a disappointment.

_Trees_—Dreaming of trees denotes “Keep up your courage.”

_Turkey_—To dream of a turkey is a sign of plenty.

_Turnips_—Denote disappointment and annoyance.

_Turtle_—To see a turtle is a sign of luck.

_Twins_—The coming of twins denotes honors and wealth.

_Umbrella_—To borrow one denotes prosperity; to carry
one in a storm, you will be beloved.

_Uncle_—To dream of an uncle denotes an advantageous marriage.

_Unfaithful_—Dreaming that your sweetheart is unfaithful
is a sure sign of true love.

_Uniform_—To wear a uniform is a sign of coming honors.

_Urn_—If it contains flowers it means a speedy marriage of
someone in your family. Empty, it means a loss.

_Veil_—To wear a white veil means a proposal of marriage;
a black veil indicates death or separation.

_Vermin_—Denotes plenty and prosperity.

_Village_—Walking thru a village denotes a trip abroad.

_Vine_—A sign of prosperity and fruitfulness.

_Vinegar_—To dream of drinking vinegar signifies sickness.

_Violet_—Denotes fidelity on the part of your
sweetheart and success in your undertaking.

_Violin_—Denotes sympathy and consolation.

_Vise_—To use a vise indicates wealth through industry.

_Visitor_—To dream of a visit foreshadows trouble; if
others visit you, loneliness.

_Voice_—To dream of hearing a voice means that absent
ones are thinking of you.

_Voyage_—Is a sign of a coming event that will alter
your conditions.

_Wagon_—Denotes ease and pleasure.

_Wall_—Seeing a wall over which you cannot climb
means prosperity after much effort.

_War_—To dream of war denotes peace and prosperity.

_Washing_—Washing your clothes denotes that a
misunderstanding will soon pass away.

_Wasps_—Are a sign of annoyance and disappointment.

_Watch_—To dream of a watch means disappointment, and
is a caution to use your time to better advantage.

_Watchman_—To see a watchman denotes a trifling loss.

_Water_—To dream of water in any shape is a sign of
improvement in your condition.

_Waves_—To see waves at sea denotes that someone is
trying to take advantage of you.

_Wedding_—To dream that you are at a wedding is often
a sign of a funeral; if at your own wedding, it
means a change of residence.

_Well_—To draw water from a well means success in
your undertakings.

_Wheat_—Indicates a gain of much money.

_Wheelbarrow_—Is a sign of disability or infirmity.
If broken it signifies loss.

_Wife_—If a man dreams that his wife is married to another
it is a sign of a quarrel that may be serious.

_Window_—Looking out of a window is a sign of bad luck.

_Wine_—To dream of drinking wine means a disappointment;
to become intoxicated means disgrace.

_Wolf_—To see a wolf is a sign of coming poverty. To
be attacked by a wolf the defeat of your enemies.

_Woman_—To dream of a fair woman, beware of deceit;
an ugly woman, beware of scandal.

_Woods_—To walk thru the woods is a sure sign of success.

_Work_—Dreaming of hard work denotes prosperity.

_Worms_—Seeing worms is a sign of coming ill health.

_Writing_—To dream of writing a letter indicates that someone is
anxious to hear from you; writing a book, foretells fame.

_Xmas_—To dream of Christmas is a happy omen, and
means success in love.

_Yacht_—To dream of being on a yacht denotes an
important letter soon to be received.

_Yeast_—Is a sign of abundance.

_Youth_—An old person dreaming of being young means a reunion
with an absent friend. A young girl dreaming of a youth can
prepare for a speedy marriage.

_Zebra_—To see one means you will travel abroad; to
ride on one, means “Beware of loss!”

_Zephyr_—To embroider or crochet with zephyr or wool
denotes a meeting with a person who will love you.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

_Oh, flowers, you darlings of Nature,
How lovely and sweet are you;
But the first to give you a meaning
Was a lover faithful and true.
May you convey what I would impart
To the maiden who’s captured my heart._
—GOLDSMITH.

There is a sentiment about flowers which appeals to the heart of everyone. The lover conveys his message of love, the friend, his token of friendship thru a bouquet or box of blooming flowers. Every incident of our busy and eventful lives can be celebrated by the gift of flowers. Births, christenings, birthdays, graduations, confirmations, weddings, anniversaries and funerals:—all are appropriately observed by the sending of plants or blossoms. It is not strange, therefore, that among most nations a sentimental language has been created in which the flower speaks its part and repeats the message of the heart. While there is no fixed vocabulary, the following table gives the sentiments most frequently associated with flowers.

By combining flowers, various shades of sentiment can be expressed and whole messages conveyed.

For instance—

A camellia, rose and carnation would mean, “Your loveliness attracts me. Smile upon me, and cheer my poor heart.”

Moss rose and myrtle mean, “Your superior merit makes me love you.”

Lily-of-the-Valley and ferns mean, “You fascinate me and my happiness returns.”

Yellow rose and ivy mean, “My love increases, can I hope for matrimony?”

A rosebud divested of its thorns, but retaining its leaves, conveys the sentiment, “I fear no longer; I hope.” Stripped of leaves and thorns, it signifies, “There is nothing to hope or fear.”

A full-blown rose placed over two buds signifies “Secrecy.” “Yes,” is implied by touching the flower given to the lips. “No,” by pinching off a petal and casting it away. “I am,” is expressed by a laurel leaf, twined around the bouquet. “I have,” by an ivy leaf folded together. “I offer you,” by a leaf of Virginia creeper.

FLOWER SENTIMENT

_Acacia_ Just love is what I feel.
_Acacia Rose_ Friendship without end.
_Acanthus_ Modesty is your nature.
_Adonis_ Sorrowful remembrances.
_Agrimony_ Thankfulness and love.
_Almond_ Hope for better days.
_Aloe_ Quarrel.
_Althaea_ Consumed by love.
_Alyssum_ Worth beyond beauty is yours.
_Amaranth_ Immortality; devotion.
_Amaryllis_ Splendid beauty is yours.
_Ambrosia_ Love returned brings joy.
_Anemone_ Expectation of desolation.
_Anemone, Garden_ Forsaken by one I love.
_Angelica_ Inspiration; ecstasy.
_Apple_ Temptation to tell all.
_Apple Blossom_ Preference for you.
_Arbor Vitae_ Unchanging friendship.
_Arbutus_ Clinging passion.
_Arum_ Ardor; aspiration.
_Ash_ Grandeur of affection.
_Ash, Mountain_ Prudence and care.
_Aspen Tree_ Lamentation for lost hope.
_Aster_ Thoughts of love of you.
_Attricula_ Avarice is bad.
_Azalea_ Happiness is mine.
_Bachelor’s Button_ Hope in love for you.
_Balm_ Sympathy; strength of soul.
_Balm of Gilead_ Healing my heart.
_Balsam_ Impatience at delay.
_Basil_ Hatred and disdain.
_Bay Leaf_ Change of heart.
_Beech_ Prosperity with you.
_Bee Orchis_ Error and pain.
_Bell Flower_ Gratitude to you.
_Belladonna_ Coquetry becomes you.
_Birch Tree_ Meekness is a virtue.
_Bluebell_ Fidelity to my love.
_Box_ Constancy; pity.
_Bramble_ Envy of those about you.
_Broken Straw_ Dissension is cruel.
_Broom_ Neatness a virtue.
_Buckbean_ Calm repose to my heart.
_Bugloss_ Falsehood.
_Buttercup_ Riches in your smile.
_Calla Lily_ Feminine beauty is yours.
_Camellia_ Loveliness of soul.
_Candytuft_ Indifference to all but you.
_Canterbury Bell_ Gratitude to you.
_Cape Jessamine_ Ecstasy in your presence.
_Cardinal Flower_ Distinction.
_Carnation, yellow or white_ Disdain and sorrow.
_Carnation, red_ My poor heart grieves.
_Catchfly, white_ A victim of your spells.
_Cedar_ I live for thee.
_Cedar of Lebanon_ Incorruptible memories.
_Celandine_ Future joys be yours.
_Cherry Tree_ Education of my heart.
_China Aster_ Variety desired.
_China Pink_ Aversion to love.
_Chrysanthemum, rose_ True love.
_Chrysanthemum, white_ Truth will out.
_Chrysanthemum, yellow_ Forever love and happiness.
_Cinquefoil_ Beloved girl.
_Clematis_ Artifice, coquetry.
_Clover, 4-leaf_ Good luck to all.
_Clover, red_ Industry helps.
_Clover, white_ Think of me always.
_Coboea_ Gossip is cruel.
_Cockscomb_ Affectation mars.
_Coltsfoot_ Justice follows.
_Columbine_ Folly to be loved.
_Columbine, purple_ Resolved to win.
_Columbine, red_ Anxious waiting.
_Convolvulus Major_ Dead hope.
_Convolvulus Minor_ Uncertainty and pain.
_Corchorus_ Impatience to see you.
_Coreopsis_ Love at first sight.
_Corn_ Wealth and joy.
_Cornelian, Cherry Tree_ Durability of love.
_Cornilla_ Success in wooing.
_Cowslip_ Pensiveness.
_Cowslip, American_ My divinity is here.
_Crape Myrtle_ Eloquence in pleading.
_Cress, Indian_ Resignation.
_Crocus_ Cheerfulness with you.
_Crown, Imperial_ Majesty of your glance.
_Currants_ You please me.
_Cypress_ Mourning for you.
_Cypress and Marigold_ Despair in my heart.
_Daffodil_ Chivalry tells.
_Dahlia_ Forever thine.
_Daisy, Garden_ I agree with you.
_Daisy, Michaelmas_ Farewell, my dear.
_Daisy, white_ Innocence and faith.
_Daisy, wild_ I think of you.
_Dandelion_ Coquetry is not like you.
_Daphne Odorata_ I would have you always.
_Dead Leaves_ Sadness in my soul.
_Diosma_ Uselessness of pleading.
_Dock_ Patience will tell.
_Dodder_ Meanness is despicable.
_Ebony_ Hypocrisy hurts.
_Eglantine_ Healing my heart.
_Elder_ Compassion from you.
_Elm_ Dignity in your attention.
_Elm, American_ Patriotism.
_Endive_ Frugality wins.
_Eupatorium_ Delay no more.
_Evening Primrose_ Inconstancy is pain.
_Evergreen_ Poverty disguised.
_Ferns_ Fascination.
_Filbert_ Reconciliation with you.
_Fir Tree_ Elevation to your heart.
_Flax_ Kindness wins.
_Flowering Reed_ Confidence in you.
_Forget-me-not_ True love.
_Foxglove_ Insincerity disgusts me.
_Fraxinella_ Fire purifies.
_Fuchsia, scarlet_ Taste differs.
_Gardenia_ Ecstasy is mine.
_Geranium, Apple_ Preference for you.
_Geranium, Ivy_ Happiness will come.
_Geranium, Nutmeg_ A meeting soon.
_Geranium, Oak_ Deign to smile on me.
_Geranium, Rose_ Preference for me.
_Geranium, Silver Leaf_ Recall that word.
_Gillyflower_ Beauty wins.
_Goldenrod_ Be cautious, dear.
_Gooseberry_ Anticipation of evil.
_Goosefoot_ Goodness conquers.
_Gorse_ Affection for you.
_Grape_ Charity at home.
_Grass_ Utility.
_Guelder Rose_ (_Snowball_) Winter is near.
_Harebell_ Grief sears the soul.
_Hawthorn_ Hope for spring.
_Hazel_ Reconciliation.
_Heartsease_ Think of me.
_Heartsease, purple_ You cheer my thoughts.
_Health_ Solitude is harmful.
_Helenium_ Tears conquer.
_Heliotrope, Peruvian_ Devotion to an ideal.
_Hellebore_ Scandal is ripe.
_Hepatica_ Confidence wins.
_Holly_ Foresight is best.
_Hollyhock_ Fruitfulness.
_Hollyhock, white_ Ambition will conquer.
_Honesty (Lunaria)_ Sincerity for you.
_Honeysuckle_ Sweet love.
_Honeyflower_ Secret love in my heart.
_Hop_ Injustice hurts.
_Hornbeam_ Ornament.
_Horse-Chestnut_ Luxury will be yours.
_House-Leek_ Economy is best.
_Houstonia_ Content be mine.
_Hoya_ (_Wax Plant_) Sculpture.
_Hyacinth, white_ Unobtrusiveness wins.
_Hyacinth, blue_ Constancy a blessing.
_Hyacinth, purple_ Sorrow.
_Hydrangea_ Heartlessness grieves.
_Indian Cress_ Resignation.
_Iris_ Message of love.
_Iris, German_ Warmth of heart.
_Ivy_ Fidelity to me.
_Jessamine, Cape_ Joy and rapture.
_Jessamine, white_ Amiability.
_Jessamine, yellow_ Elegance of dress.
_Jonquil_ Return of affection.
_Juniper_ Protection and love.
_Justicia_ Perfection of duty.
_Kennedya_ Beauty becomes you.
_Laburnum_ Pensiveness.
_Lady’s Slipper_ Win me! I am for you.
_Lantana_ Rigor of conscience.
_Larch_ Boldness of action.
_Larkspur_ Fickleness will lose.
_Laurel_ Glory and fame.
_Laurestinus_ Don’t neglect me.
_Lavender_ Distrust me.
_Lemon Blossom_ Discretion is best.
_Lettuce_ Cruel girl.
_Lilac_ Emotion of love.
_Lilac, white_ Youth and hope.
_Lily_ Modesty becomes you.
_Lily-of-the-Valley_ Happiness is here.
_Lily, Day_ Coquetry harms.
_Lily, Water_ Eloquence tells.
_Lily, yellow_ Gaiety.
_Linden Tree_ Conjugal love.
_Live Oak_ Liberty of action.
_Locust_ Affection for me.
_London Pride_ Frivolity is bad.
_Love-Lies-Bleeding_ Hopeless passion.
_Lungwort_ Life art thou to me.
_Lupina_ Imagination fails.
_Lychnis_ Feeling for me.
_Madder_ Calumny harms.
_Magnolia, Chinese_ Love of nature.
_Magnolia_ Peerless girl.
_Magnolia, Swamp_ Perseverance wins.
_Mallow_ Mildness is best.
_Mandrake_ Horror of evil.
_Maple_ Reserve of force.
_Marigold_ Cruelty weakens.
_Marigold, African_ Vulgar-minded.
_Marigold, French_ Jealousy pains.
_Marjoram_ Blushes for shame.
_Meadow-Saffron_ Age comes rapidly.
_Meadow-Sweet_ Uselessness of refusing.
_Mignonette_ Charm of love.
_Minosa_ Sensitiveness.
_Mint_ Virtue.
_Mistletoe_ Kisses that delight.
_Mock Orange_ (_Syringa_) Counterfeit love.
_Moonwort_ Forgetfulness of pain.
_Moss_ Maternal affection.
_Motherwort_ Secret love.
_Mountain Laurel_ Treachery to none.
_Mulberry, black_ I will not survive trouble.
_Mulberry, white_ Wisdom of the heart.
_Mullein_ Good nature.
_Mushroom_ Suspicion of infidelity.
_Mustard-seed_ Indifference to me.
_Myosotis_ Forget-me-not.
_Myrtle_ Love me always.
_Narcissus_ Egotism harms.
_Peach Blossom_ Marriage with one’s love.
_Pride of China_ (_Melia_) Worry and pain.
_Primrose_ Youth is jovial.
_Primrose, Evening_ Inconstancy.
_Privet_ Mildness of temper.
_Quince_ Temptation.
_Ragged Robin_ Wit and gaiety.
_Reeds_ Music has charms.
_Rose_ Love will win.
_Rose, American_ You are lovely.
_Rose, Bridal_ Happy love.
_Rose, Burgundy_ Unconscious beauty.
_Rose, China_ Grace is yours.
_Rose, pink_ Smile upon me.
_Rose, damask_ Freshness of youth.
_Rose, hundred leaved_ Pride of innocence.
_Rose, Moss_ Compassion of love.
_Rose, red_ Hastefulness.
_Rose, Sweetbrier_ Sympathy with you.
_Rose, Tea_ Always lovely.
_Rose, white_ I am worthy of you.
_Roses, withered_ A transient joy.
_Rose, Wild_ Worthy of you.
_Rose, yellow_ Jealousy in my heart.
_Roses, Garland of_ Reward of virtue.
_Rosebud_ You are a girl of taste.
_Rosebud, white_ Innocence.
_Rue_ Disdain me not.
_Rush_ Docility to me.
_Saffron_ Danger threatens.
_Sage_ Esteem me.
_Satin Flower_ (_Lunaria_) Sincerity.
_Sensitive Plant_ Timidity becomes you.
_Service Tree_ Prudence is best.
_Shamrock_ Light-heartedness.
_Snapdragon_ Presumption of love.
_Snowball_ Thoughts of bliss.
_Snowdrop_ Consolation be mine.
_Sorrel_ Jest not.
_Southernwood_ Jesting is cruel.
_Spearmint_ Warmth of passion.
_Speedwell_ Fidelity.
_Starwort_ Welcome home.
_Stock, Ten-week_ Promptitude of action.
_Stramonium_ Disguise your feelings.
_Straw_ Agreement with me.
_Strawberry_ Excellence of taste.
_Strawberry Tree_ I esteem you.
_Sumac_ Splendor of thought.
_Sunflower_ An adorer is here.
_Sweet Pea_ Depart not from me.
_Sweet William_ Finesse is necessary.
_Sycamore_ Curiosity to know.
_Syringa_ Memory of the past.
_Tansy_ Forgetfulness.
_Teasel_ Misanthropy.
_Thistle_ Sadness at home.
_Thorns_ Severity of deed.
_Thyme_ Activity will win.
_Tuberose_ Danger is near.
_Tulips_ Declaration of passion.
_Verbena_ Pray for me.
_Violet, blue_ Loving-kindness helps.
_Violet, white_ Modesty and passion.
_Weeping Willow_ Forsaken by all.
_Witch-Hazel_ You cast a spell over me.
_Yew_ Sorrow is mine.

POPULAR BELIEFS AMONG THE ANCIENTS AS TO THE INFLUENCE OF PRECIOUS STONES

It would require a volume to give a summary of all the quaint and mysterious beliefs that cluster about precious stones. From very ancient times they have been more or less associated with the idea that they influence human life and happiness. Below we give a few of the many traits and influences of the stones in general use. We do not desire to appeal to the credulity of our readers, but merely to enlighten them as to the folklore of this subject.

These indications are taken literally from “many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.”

_Agate._—An old popular notion regards it as a guarantee against drunkenness. The water in which it is steeped is said to cure sterility. It is said also to counteract magical charms.

_Batrachite._—This substance, which is really silicate of magnesia, used to be regarded as a stone found in the body of a frog, and it was supposed to have great powers against poison and sorcery.

_Beryl._—The water in which this stone has been dipped causes sympathy between those who drink it.

_Chrysolite._—Albertus Magnus regarded it as a preservative against frenzy, but it is also a penitential stone, causing sorrow for wrongdoing in the heart of the sinner who wears it. Finally it is a cure for the gout.

_Chrysoprase._—Has the property of strengthening the eyes, raising the spirits and rendering a man liberal and joyous.

_Coral._—Was said to protect any house against epidemic disease, to stop the flow of blood, to drive away evil spirits, to avert lightning and hail.

_Diamond._—It would be curious if many traditions of occult power had not centralized about this precious stone, and a bare enumeration only of its virtues is possible in the present place. It prevails against poison, plague, panic, insomnia, charms and enchantments. It soothes anger, reconciles husbands and wives. When it has been consecrated under the planet Mars and engraved with an image of that deity, it renders the wearer invincible, whence it naturally inspires courage. Worn round the neck, it insures safe childbirth. In some other ways, it seems to have been regarded as unpropitious.

_Emerald._—If ground into powder, this stone was supposed to cure dysentery and the bites of venomous animals. There is a chance that those who wear it will not be subject to epilepsy. It also strengthens memory and maintains chastity.

_Heliotrope._—The stone bearing the name, in common with a beautiful and well-known flower, should be sought by the curious, as it renders the wearer invisible. But it is unknown in these days.

_Hematite or Bloodstone._—Valuable for its power in incantations, against the sorcery of the evil eye, and to cement the bonds of friendship among male persons.

_Hyacinth._—This also is a preservative against the plague, which was a common scourge in the old days, and was therefore an especial concern of occult medicine and its substitutes. The hyacinth was also a cure for dropsy.

_Jade._—This is another stone which protects against venomous beasts.

_Jasper._—This stone is noticeable chiefly as a favorite gem on which magical signs were engraved, so that they might be worn as amulets. But it also preserved the wearer from poisonous bites.

_Linurgas or Lapis Lineus._—A stone of ancient repute which would turn white if enveloped in a linen cloth, and the use of it would then prove beneficial in projects of magic. But it has been decided that the gem itself is fabulous, not to speak of the properties attributed thereto.

_Onyx._—When engraved with the head of a camel, this stone procured evil dreams. It may have been used against enemies.

_Opal._—The malefic influence which is sometimes attributed to this jewel, by which it has almost come to be regarded as unfortunate in the world of gems, has little authority in past traditions. It acted rather like a cordial to the heart of the wearer, was a safeguard against poison and contagion transmitted in the atmosphere; it served to raise the spirits and was valuable in affections of the eye.

_Pearl._—If worn on the neck, it preserved chastity; if ground to powder and taken in milk, it sweetened irritable tempers; if ground with sugar, it cured pestilential fevers.

_Perithe._—Whether precious or not, this stone seems unfamiliar to lapidaries, and as regards its appearance we can only report that it was of yellow color. Its virtue was to cure gout, and it had the power to burn the hand when it was held firmly. There are other fabulous stones, as, for example, Lapis Aguila or Eagle Stone, said to be found in the nest of that bird. It assisted childbirth, and according to Dioscorides, served to discover thieves.

_Ruby._—The range of auspicious influences possessed by precious stones is exceedingly restricted, and the same virtues recur continually. The ruby resists poison, preserves from the plague, banishes melancholy and diverts evil thoughts. If it should change its color, this is a sign of approaching misfortunes, but it reverts to the original hue when the evil has passed away.

_Sapphire._—This stone was good for inflammation of the eyes, and it also attracted good fortune.

_Topaz._—This has the faculty of cooling boiling water, and it has been said that those who desire to regain lost positions should not fail to carry it about their person. It procures the sympathy of the whole world.

_Turquoise._—We find only that this gem is liable to change its color when worn by certain people, not otherwise described.

The Language of Precious Stones

The ancients attributed marvelous properties to many of the precious stones. We give in tabular form the different months and the stones sacred to them, with their respective meanings. It has been customary among lovers and friends to notice the significance attached to the various stones in making birthday, engagement and wedding presents.

_January, Garnet_—Constancy and fidelity in every engagement.
_February, Amethyst_—Preventive against violent passions.
_March, Bloodstone_—Courage, wisdom and firmness in affection.
_April, Sapphire_—Free from enchantment; denotes repentance.
_May, Emerald_—Discovers false friends, and insures true love.
_June, Agate_—Insures long life, health and prosperity.
_July, Ruby_—Corrects evils resulting from mistaken friendship.
_August, Sardonyx_—Insures original felicity.
_September, Chrysolite_—Free from all evil passions and sadness
of mind.
_October, Opal_—Denotes hope, and sharpens the sight and faith of
the possessor.
_November, Topaz_—Fidelity and friendship. Prevents bad dreams.
_December, Turquoise_—Denotes prosperity in love.

THE LANGUAGE OF POSTAGE STAMPS

The government desires the postage stamp to be placed on a letter in the extreme upper right-hand corner. This is requested in order to facilitate the canceling of a stamp by a special machine made for that purpose.

Lovers, however, often oppose this regulation and use the stamp as a means of conveying a message to their beloved. The following are the usual meanings attached to the position of the stamp:

Placing the stamp in the upper right-hand corner at a slight angle means: “I expect an immediate reply.”

At an angle of 45 degrees: “I am provoked at your long silence.”

Placing the stamp upside down: “You are very cruel.”

Placing the stamp half an inch from the upper and right-hand edges means: “Expect me tonight.” Placing the stamp at the upper left-hand corner: “Be careful how you reply to this.”

Placing the stamp at the lower right-hand corner: “Beware! Father has caught on.”

Tearing a stamp in half and placing each half with a slight space between; in the upper right-hand corner: “Our friendship is at an end.”

Tearing the stamp and placing the halves in the upper left-hand corner: “You have broken my heart.”

Using two one-cent stamps; in place of a two-cent stamp, if placed alongside of each other in the upper right-hand corner, means: “My love for you has doubled.”

Two penny stamps in the upper left-hand corner means: “You have a rival.”

Two penny stamps one above the other means: “I will call to see you tonight.”

Two two-cent stamps where only one is necessary means: “My love for you stops at nothing.”

Two penny stamps reversed means: “I am thinking of you with joy.”

Lovers frequently place a message of love under the stamp, which must be taken off in order that the message can be read.

THE MEANING OF MOLES

Moles, which appear on the bodies of most persons in various locations, have always been mysteriously connected with the fate of the individual concerned. Just how this belief originated it is hard to tell, but the fundamental idea is that moles are placed upon the body to foretell an event or decide the characteristics of a person.

In some countries moles are regarded with reverence, and the hair which grows in tufts from the moles is never pulled out or shaved. In Latin countries it is a common sight to see men with clean-shaven faces but with a mole on cheek or chin from which the hair is allowed to grow quite long.

Authorities differ as to the significance of moles and give different interpretations to them. The following may be taken as the most accepted view:

A mole on the right cheek indicates beauty, modesty, charity.

A mole on the left cheek indicates vanity and frivolity.

A mole on the chin denotes long life to the bearer.

A mole over either eye indicates sagacity and farsightedness.

A mole on the forehead signifies mental activity and ambition.

A mole on the neck near the front indicates artistic temperament.

A mole on the right shoulder indicates beauty and capriciousness.

A mole on the left shoulder indicates domestic accomplishments and tastes.

A mole on the right bosom indicates tendency to weakness and ill health.

A mole on the left bosom indicates a tendency to hereditary illness.

A mole on the back indicates characteristics inherited from the father.

A mole on the abdomen indicates robust health and vigor.

A mole on the right thigh indicates virile strength.

A mole on the left thigh indicates ambition and success.

Many small moles on arms or legs indicate robust health and long life.

WEATHER PROPHECIES FROM AN OLD ALMANAC

1. _Chances of the Coming Year._—If the night of January 1 should be fine and calm, without rain or wind, it signifies a good year and abundance of everything. If the wind is in the east, there will be mortality of cattle; if in the west, there will be grave trouble, wars and dissensions among nations; if in the south, there will be some mortality among human beings; if in the north, there is the likelihood of barrenness in all harvests.

2. _The Year’s Chances._—When Christmas Day falls during the moon’s increase, the year will be very good, and the nearer that it is to the new moon the better it will be. But if it falls during the waning moon, there will be a hard year, and the nearer that it is to the decrescence the worse it will be.

3. _Signs of the Sun._—If it be red in the morning, there will be rain in the evening; if it be red in the evening, a fine morning will follow. Fine weather must not be expected when the sun rises with long beams of light shooting over devolving clouds. Should the luminary look small and round like a ball this denotes rain or tempest. Rain and thunder are signified when the sun grows dark and obscure in the daytime. A bad day will follow when it sets enveloped in black cloud.