“Already this influence is beginning to be felt by Poseidon. He is encouraging our people to perform imposing magical incantations publicly. The first and second warnings were given when Ruta and Daitya sank beneath the ocean ages ago, one after another, with a long dispensation between. He should have known better than to trust the temporary defeat of our Brotherhood. It was an unfortunate day for Poseidon and Atlantis when the last remnant, led by the prophet, left there.” “The mid-heavens show Uranus and Mercury in conjunction—or they will be so at the time midway between the new and the full moon,” said Yermah, as he hastily calculated the positions in the tenth house. “This is a further token of the strained mental attitude of the rulers, who will make a frantic effort to retain their power. The exact conjunction marks the complete overthrow of the magicians, and frees the elemental slaves. The activity displayed by the physical world draws each one back to its own particular element, and a righteous judgment ensues.” Akaza clasped his hands in front of him on the table, as Yermah shifted his position, and said: “Thou art in truth fortunate, because the last decade has developed extreme luxury and selfishness in Atlantis.” “The conjunction of Venus and Mars, afflicted by the comet, would indicate that,” responded Yermah, referring to the map. “Mercury in sextile aspect to Venus, in the ninth house, implies a mental religion colored by the nature of Venus. The aspect of Mars adds to this a warlike element, and that which appeals to the passions.” He paused for a moment in intense thought, then continued: “As the conjunction of Mercury with Uranus is made, all religion is lost. The moon signifies the people—the sun, their rulers. Thou seest that both are opposed to justice and right (Jupiter) and true wisdom (Neptune). The power to remedy this situation is refused, and retribution advances unopposed.” Seeing that Akaza had finished, Yermah ventured to ask: “Does my future stand revealed in this calculation?” “Jupiter speaks for thee in the fourth house. Thy physical body is linked with the land of thy birth, and thy return thereto denoted.” “Thou hast my gratitude, Akaza. Grant that I may cross over the dark way; that I may enter and go out of the Hall of Truth with thee for a guide.” “The Ineffable One, Maker of all things, be thy protection,” responded Akaza, as both men arose. “Thou wilt smoke and so will I, while I make ready for our repose,” said Yermah, moving about. “I have husks and tobacco in my discarded mantle,” he continued, trying to find its pockets.