tions and struggles for success. At the fourth chakra level, Mercury will pull out of its
concerns for self and focus on love. At the fifth chakra level, Mercury aligns with the
universal mind and will receive “flashes” of insight. At the sixth chakra level, Mercury
quiets its activity and observes life from the witness point of consciousness. At the
seventh chakra level, Mercury becomes totally intent upon God realization and aware
of eternal, spiritual realities.
—David PondSources:
Grasse, Ray. The Waking Dream.Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 1996.
Leadbeater, C.W. The Chakras.Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 1927.
Pond, David. Chakras for Beginners.St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1999.
CHANEY, W. H.
William Henry Chaney was born January 13, 1821, in Chesterville, Maine. He was
called Professor Chaney (in the nineteenth century, “professor” was often applied to
any prominent teacher), and taught astrology for nearly 40 years. He worked for local
farmers until aged 16, worked on a fishing schooner for several years, and also spent
some time in the navy. He eventually settled in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he
studied and practiced law and also edited a newspaper.
In 1866, Chaney was in New York City, where he met Luke Broughton,
through whom he became acquainted with astrology. He was to become Broughton’s
most famous pupil. Chaney thereafter devoted himself to the study, practice, and
teaching of astrology.
In 1867, the New York Heraldled a crusade against the science of the stars,
resulting in Chaney’s imprisonment for half a year. After his release, he resumed his
practice and lecturing, and moved to California in 1869. He moved from one place to
another in California, Oregon, and Washington. His fourth marriage, to Flora Well-
man, took place in 1876, and this union produced the well-known novelist Jack Lon-
don (who took the name of his stepfather, John London). In 1889, Chaney moved
again, this time to St. Louis, where he wrote and published his major work, Chaney’s
Primer of Astrology and American Urania.Finally, in 1892, he moved to Chicago,
where he married for the last time and remained until his death. His sixth wife’s name
was Daisy, and together they published a magazine called The Daisy Chain.Chaney
died January 6, 1903.
Sources:
Chaney, W. H. The Astrology’s Vade Mecum.Baltimore: Eureka Publishing Co., 1902.
———. Chaney’s Annual: With the magic Circle Astrology Almanac.Saint Louis: Magic Circle
Publishing Co., 1890.
———. Chaney’s Primer of Astrology and American Urania.Saint Louis: Magic Circle Publishing
Co., 1890.
Holden, James H., and Robert A. Hughes. Astrological Pioneers of America.Tempe, AZ: Ameri-
can Federation of Astrologers, 1988.
THEASTROLOGYBOOK [143]
Chaney, W. H.