: while there is still oil, a
violent wind blows on the lamp, which extinguishes it. This is a
conditional fate. It is wise to avoid it, to protect oneself from it, to
be cautious and circumspect. But the decreed fate, which is like the
finishing of the oil in the lamp, cannot be altered, changed nor delayed.
It must happen; it is inevitable that the lamp will become extinguished.

69: THE INFLUENCE OF THE STARS

Question.--Have the stars of the heavens any influence upon the human soul,
or have they not?

Answer.--Some of the celestial stars have a clear and apparent material
effect upon the terrestrial globe and the earthly beings, which needs no
explanation. Consider the sun, which through the aid and the providence of
God develops the earth and all earthly beings. Without the light and heat
of the sun, all the earthly creatures would be entirely nonexistent.

With regard to the spiritual influence of stars, though this influence of
stars in the human world may appear strange, still, if you reflect deeply
upon this subject, you will not be so much surprised at it. My meaning is
not, however, that the decrees which the astrologers of former times
inferred from the movements of the stars corresponded to occurrences; for
the decrees of those former astrologers were forms of imagination which
were originated by Egyptian, Assyrian and Chaldean priests; nay, rather,
they were due to the fancies of Hindus, to the myths of the Greeks, Romans
and other star worshipers. But I mean that this limitless universe is like
the human body, all the members of which are connected and linked with one
another with the greatest strength. How much the organs, the members and
the parts of the body of man are intermingled and connected for mutual aid
and help, and how much they influence one another! In the same way, the
parts of this infinite universe have their members and elements connected
with one another, and influence one another spiritually and materially.

For example, the eye sees, and all the body is affected; the ear hears,
and all the members of the body are moved. Of this there is no doubt; and
the universe is like a living person. Moreover, the connection which
exists between the members of beings must necessarily have an effect and
impression, whether it be material or spiritual.

For those who deny spiritual influence upon material things we mention
this brief example: wonderful sounds and tones, melodies and cha