Friends of Jesus

I

JESUS SON OF NAZARETH

The little village of Nazareth in Galilee stirred with life. In one tiny home, a mother and son conversed with playful animation and mutual love.

Jesus! Slow down! Mary teasingly admonished.

You know I can't, Mother, Jesus answered, I'm due at the synagogue in a little while. I must meet the new senior rabbi. I want to make a positive first impression.

Mary smiled. Her son always left people impressed wherever he went.

You can't be gone for long, she told him, It's your birthday.

Is M.M. coming to my party? Jesus asked jokingly.

What do you think? Mary inquired coyly.

I think she would not miss it.

Mary Magdalene would never miss your party, Jesus' mother assured him, After all, she loves you.

Jesus smiled contentedly. And I love her.

How does it feel to turn 29? his mother asked, Do you feel old?

As she posed the question, Mary looked admiringly at her son. He looked younger than his age. His long straight brown hair fell over fairly broad but slender shoulders. Jesus was neither tall nor short. He stood slightly over five feet eight inches in height. The startlingly azure blue eyes and long dark eyelashes served as his best features. He projected a quiet manliness that radiated integrity and stability. Yet, Jesus also exuded a perceptible soft and gentle demeanor.

Jesus returned Mary's fond gaze. He simply adored his mother. She personified a nurturing, supportive and compassionate parent. However, Mary's gifts to Jesus also included an overwhelming belief in her son's goodness, intelligence, talent and ability. For Mary, her son represented the entire universe encased in one extraordinary person. As a carpenter, none surpassed his workmanship. As a part-time rabbi at the nearby synagogue, no religious leader better demonstrated God.

I have to go, Mother, Jesus announced.

I'm sure the Rabbi Shlomo will understand if you are late, Mary reassured him. Relax, my son. Everyone regards you as the best rabbi in Nazareth even if you do only serve God on a part- time basis. People rush to the synagogue every time you speak.

His mother's exaggerations always elevated him to near High Priest status, Jesus decided gratefully.

Rabbi Shlomo certainly won't think of me highly if I'm late for our first meeting. But, again, please don't worry about me. I'll be back soon. Birthdays only happen once a year. I do not plan on missing my own party.

Unknown to his dear mother, Jesus' hurried departure actually involved another appointment beside the one at the synagogue. It had been hastily arranged at the urging of Mary Magdalene. Jesus was hurrying to a meeting with Astrid the Astrologer.

Please do come back soon, Mary called after her son as he went out the door of their simple home, You know how everyone looks forward to your birthday. April 16 comes just once a year.

II

ASTRID THE ASTROLOGER

Astrid the Astrologer felt apprehensive about meeting with Jesus, the young rabbi. Rarely did a teacher of the Jewish faith seek out her unusual wisdom. But the young man had finally bowed to the wishes of Mary Magdalene and agreed to a reading of his stars.

Now the attractive but intense Jesus sat before the ancient astrologer. His busy feet tapped impatiently in a constant rhythm. Astrid knew, as with most Aries men, he always felt some degree of forward motion. Jesus seemed ready to leap up and start pacing swiftly around the room. The sedate rabbinical garb belied his nervous energy. Astrid perceived Jesus as a fragmented bag of nerves generating mystical vibrations that bounced from floor to ceiling. The carpenter and part time rabbi certainly projected a fiery intensity. He actually made Astrid a bit nervous. She wondered about his basic knowledge and ultimate acceptance of astrological principles. What if she dared give the tightly wound young man some 'wrong' answers?

Another typical headstrong Aries male, she thought. Herself a Libra (October 12), Astrid always included a measure of tact and charm as she dispensed wisdom. Hopefully, an Aries Ram like Jesus would respond positively to her balanced diplomacy. Astrid greatly appreciated her own Libra birthday. The cautious and even-handed Libra approach during readings usually worked well with most regular clients.

Mary Magdalene says that you can tell me about the stars, Jesus noted. I'm not sure what to think about that. Do the heavens really speak to you?

I often hear the messages of the universe, Astrid replied. The cosmos carries a powerful meaning for us all.

In a flash of sudden insight, Astrid perceived a genuine openness from the seemingly interested young rabbi. He at least appeared somewhat receptive to exploring the stars.

So, Jesus, today marks your 29th birthday. That makes you an Aries man.

I am what?

Astrid paused for a slightly conflicted moment. She considered the next step carefully.

Should I move ahead with the reading without further clarification?

Sensing Astrid's reluctance, Jesus leaned forward. His earnest blue eyes enveloped her. The aged astrologer felt captured by the young man's sincere and serious nature. His inner power surprised but strangely reassured her. The astrologer took a deep breath and continued with the reading.

Aries serves as your astrological sign, Astrid said. The zodiac consists of 12 signs, one for about every 30 days. Aries represents the sign for March 21 through April 20. Your April 16 birthday falls near the completion of the Aries cycle. Does that make sense?

Not really, a puzzled Jesus answered honestly. What's a zodiac? he added.

Astrid searched for a simple definition, but none came. Look at the sky again, she explained, you cannot see but the zodiac always remains constant. The zodiac represents a set path followed by the sun, the moon and the stars. The universe moves in a great circle. The earth travels around the sun along the same path every year. The predictable rotation of the earth explains why we experience warm seasons and then cold seasons. Spring always follows winter. Summer precedes fall. In the heavenly zodiac, we find twelve constellations or groups. Aries operates as one of these groups. Your birth occurred during the time Aries came directly under the sun's influence. Therefore, you inherit certain Aries traits and characteristics. People born as the sun became aligned with a particular constellation assume the qualities and attributes of that constellation.

Astrid probed Jesus' face for any kind of a reaction. He simply stared back benignly without expression. His intense blue eyes betrayed nothing. Had she lost him, Astrid wondered. She paused briefly and then decided to proceed with perhaps more interesting details.

Please, Jesus, do not see your birth date as good or bad. Just understand that your astrological sign can affect certain parts of your personality. For example, the Aries individual boasts a sun or fire sign. The heat of passion always burns within you. You are strong and determined about completing any task. The fire within you keeps blazing until your goals are met. You may assume that about eighty percent of your general attitudes and tendencies reflect this fire sign. Every astrological sign exhibits some contradictions. But a four-fifths influence on any personality carries great significance.

Jesus' mind genuinely struggled with Astrid's explanation. He tried framing some relevant question that might help untangle his basic confusion with astrological logic. With some effort, a single query finally formed and materialized. Could you please tell me more about my fire sign?

The sun acts as the flame of the universe, Astrid explained. The sun's energy reigns as all powerful. It empowers and affects everything. That includes influencing what kind of a person you might typify as a result of your birth date. When you took your first breath, Jesus, the sun beamed from a precise location in the heavens. At that exact instant, you and the universe became forever linked. The moon, stars and other planets also played an important role in determining your personality. They all bonded together in unison during the actual moment of your birth. Everything became locked in perfect alignment for your arrival on earth. That exact instant of human creation can never again be duplicated. Your unique soul was stamped forever with a time, date and place of entry unlike any other.

Jesus emitted a low whistle. He was now either duly impressed or totally confused. The rabbi actually seems younger than his years, Astrid thought. He appeared almost in awe of her revelations as though a colorful tapestry was unfolding.

"Could you please tell me more?

Yes, I'm very happy to share more, Astrid smiled. You Aries folk are ruled by a large red planet, she announced. The children born beneath this planet become great leaders and exceptional innovators. Their minds and hearts glow with the thrill of pioneering. Aries people ignite great fires that change and enlighten the world.

Astrid's comments suddenly resonated with Jesus. Sometimes I'd like to make a difference, he observed. But then, how might I ever change anybody or anything? I'm just a common carpenter and part-time rabbi from a tiny village. What could I possibly know? Who would ever stop for one second and listen to me? What wisdom do I have to offer anyone?

Astrid nodded in apparent understanding but not necessarily agreement.

Jesus, do you know the ram? Astrid inquired. Do you recall how the ram acts?

Jesus looked puzzled again.

Our friend the ram serves as the animal most associated with the Aries, Astrid told him. The ram always leads with its head. It bulls through every obstacle. Rams attack life head-on. Is that you, my friend?

Absolutely, he grinned, my mother says I am head strong. She constantly tells me that I am a very good person but lack patience and tact. I sometimes speak first and listen later or not at all.

Mary personifies a wise mother, Astrid mused. Regarding Jesus now, Astrid felt a growing like and respect for his genuineness and obvious warmth. Quite attractive Aries traits, she observed silently.

The ram can be bullheaded, but also courageous, Astrid ventured. The horns of the ram can carry much abundance on them for his or her family. The ram's creativity furnishes a horn of plenty for his followers. Generosity always defines the ram's giving nature. The ram creates and then shares his good fortune willingly with others.

Jesus appeared ever more entranced by Astrid's strange wisdom.

Is there more?

Yes, she said, you, the Aries, serve as the first sign of the zodiac. You are usually the first to begin and end any endeavor. You always seek out difficult challenges. Nothing makes you happier or more fulfilled than the promise of a new day filled with problems and opportunities.

Jesus realized that he needed to return home for his birthday party. He also still had an appointment with the new rabbi at the synagogue. But he also had one more question for the astrologer.

Astrid, what message do the heavens have for me, the Aries ram?

She did not hesitate in providing a direct answer. The stars are urging you to discover and recognize the inner greatness that resides in your unique Aries heart, Astrid said. You must become aware of the incredible power that God has placed within you. All of the guidance and wisdom needed in fulfilling your spiritual destiny exists right now in the very midst of you. God has developed a specific spiritual mission designed for you alone. Your direction from Spirit flows from within your own true self. Once you can quell your human ego and listen to the voice of inner guidance, God acts quickly with the desired answers about your future.

Jesus rose and gratefully extended his hand. He smiled.

Thank you, Astrid, my very wise and interesting friend. Mary Magdalene was right about your knowledge of the stars. I will come back soon. I want to learn more about the heavens and their message for me.

As Astrid touched Jesus' hand, she definitely sensed the presence of God. She and Jesus had somehow forged a connection of the spirit. It assured a blessing for them both.

Thank you for coming, she told Jesus. Today could be the beginning of a wonderful journey for you and each of your friends. I hope that includes me.

Without a doubt, Jesus said politely.

Astrid felt affirmed and blessed. There is something special here, she thought.

III

M. M.

The striking red hair served as the beautiful woman's most distinctively visible feature. In a strange way, the gorgeous flaming tresses misled their viewers. The visual attractiveness eclipsed momentarily her hidden but most powerful asset. Mary Magdalene's brilliant mind outshines the universe itself, Astrid the Astrologer once admiringly informed her.

M.M. initially contacted Astrid for insight about her own July 28 birthday. The old astrologer carefully evaluated the day of your birth from the perspective of the stars. You furnished her with the exact moment you were born. Astrid then matched the path of the heavens at that precise time. From this information, she could chart both your present and future.

Mary relished any form of hidden wisdom. She loved the astrologer's esoteric opinions about life. Astrid shared that the late July birth date made M.M. a 'lioness'. The playful astrologer thereafter dubbed her 'Mary the Lovely Lioness'.

According to Astrid, those born under the sign of Leo were mostly grand, confident and generous people. Leo always ruled its kingdom and subjects with a regal and benevolent nature. The lioness boasted a sunny disposition, liked all forms of luxurious surroundings and basked comfortably as the center of all attention.

The young and brilliant beauty definitely modeled Astrid's view of Leo tendencies. Her queenly attributes shone brightly for anyone lucky enough to reside gratefully in her domain.

At one point, M.M. shared Astrid's astrological feedback with Jesus. He quickly agreed that she possessed many royal and queen-like attributes. Mary Magdalene greatly respected Jesus' own insight and so felt doubly bolstered by his agreement with Astrid's insight.

Although Jesus loved this incredible woman completely, he silently wondered why the old astrologer's otherwise accurate comments omitted any negative traits. Despite M.M.'s singular beauty and extraordinary mind, she occasionally strayed from total perfection. Her Leo stubbornness was often immovable as a boulder. She detested and resisted change of any kind. Jesus once donned an eye-patch to make himself appear pirate like and dangerous. It came off quickly after M.M. saw it for the first time. Her obsessive determination and inability to enjoy any form of relaxation also grated on him. M.M. sometimes became so focused on doing that Jesus sought relief from her unceasing intensity by hiding in a nearby clump of bushes. Of course, he remained so hopelessly smitten with Mary's outstanding brain, sunny heart and magnificent beauty that any separation always proved brief. He simply could never tolerate being out of her powerful and loving presence for any lengthy period of time.

Some in Nazareth saw the two as an unlikely couple. Mary stood more than two inches taller than Jesus. She often swept into a room with him trailing behind almost servant-like. Wherever they went, Mary burst forth like a blinding super nova of the cosmos. Jesus outwardly projected the stability of a quiet and peaceful summer evening.

However, M.M. and Jesus forged an inseparable spiritual bond. Since arriving in Nazareth from her home town of Magdala, she and Jesus saw their deep friendship develop into a serious courtship. They first met at the local synagogue after a chance pairing as prayer partners established an immediate spiritual connection. A shared love of meditative prayer and mystical study soon ignited their attraction. The mutual affection had evolved into a passionate love. In the beginning, he fell in love with her mind. In the end, she fell in love with his heart.

Now they spoke of marriage, children and building a life together. The lioness and the ram make a terrific team, Astrid assured her many times.

M, she heard her mother call, won't you be late for Jesus' birthday party?

I'm on my way shortly, Mary answered. I need to finish my gift for him.

M.M. was writing her true love and best friend a special poem for his birthday. However, the final line still eluded her. Words sometimes lacked the clarity and emotion that true love could create in one's heart.

Her tiny mother entered the room. Now, how old is Jesus? she asked.

Twenty-nine, Mary answered. He believes his life is over. I think it's just begun

IV

RABBI SHLOMO

The slouching rabbi stared glumly at his reflection in the wading pool. Who is that white bearded old fool, he thought. At one time, Shlomo's silver hair pleasantly marked him as more knowledgeable than his rabbinical peers. That charade ended long ago. Shlomo felt certain most people now routinely dismissed him as a woeful has-been worthy of great pity. No one ever sought his opinion on anything. Few treated him with even religious deference.

Without question, Shlomo's recent demotion had succeeded in dropping him even further in the spiritual ranks. His newest assignment involved a transfer to a village called Nazareth in Galilee, an obscure post. To the mortified rabbi, the town's name too closely resembled the word 'nothing'. That about summed up his own wretched prospects. I'm just a nothing, he often muttered dejectedly. Sholmo's daily wine intake jumped as his self-image faltered. His imbibing now began with breakfast. He scheduled all major appointments at the Nazareth synagogue before noon. Afternoon meetings interfered with his ever lighter lunch, increased consumption of the grape, and the delicious naps that usually lasted several hours. Shlomo's self-esteem had soared at one time. As a child, the future rabbi grew up spoiled and pampered by wealthy and indulgent parents. They constantly praised his unique brilliance. That façade ended abruptly when Shlomo graduated dead last in a mediocre rabbinical class. Some of his fellow classmates gossiped that Shlomo's father paid a steep bribe to the university for the diploma. No real career path or solid record of achievement materialized after the questionable graduation. For years, Shlomo's career noticeably waned before finally stuttering to a halt.

Now the forlorn rabbi found himself dumped in Nazareth. To make matters worse, his first woeful assignment included assessing the scruffy bunch of rabbis who staffed this God-neglected little village. Shlomo's initial interviews began this very afternoon. His upcoming session would involve a termination notice for some poor unsuspecting fellow, a part-time rabbi. Shlomo decided that the unpleasant encounter could wait until he supped a bit more wine. He glanced quickly at the name of the rabbi facing a quick end to his meager employment. The man would surely bore him senseless.

Jesus? Rabbi Shlomo frowned, What on earth kind of name is that?

V

HEROD ANTIPAS

Herod Antipas felt more irritated than usual on this early spring morning in Judea. The tetrarch (governor) of Galilee and Peraca felt physically ill and emotionally unsettled. Besides the mysterious malady bedeviling Antipas, his whiny and prickly new wife Herodias was stomping around today in a foul snit. Her nasty mood promised scant sympathy for his precarious health.

Antipas sighed. He should have known better than to marry this obviously troubled woman. First by birth and then by marriage, crazy Herodias had lurked in and around his family for years. Before Antipas, she was the unhappy wife of his half- brother Herod Boethus. When Boethus suddenly died, Herodias transitioned swiftly to Uncle Antipas. The switch occurred much too easily, or so said some of the tetrarch's more outspoken critics. Even Herodias had difficulty in keeping everyone straight. She often called Antipas 'Bo'. The one constant in their marital situation involved her sour disposition and bizarre antics.

Antipas disliked feeling sick more than anything. He fancied himself as the strong, resilient leader of his two provinces. The son of Herod the Great, he firmly believed the ruling class should be immune from pedestrian infirmities. A physical illness of any kind affected his general mood. He usually felt emotionally depressed anyway. Now some strange physical disease added an extra burden of worry. Besides nagging health woes and unstable wife, an unrest of some mysterious nature stirred among the residents of Judea. Will these fools ever settle down, he wondered. Another one of those itinerant preachers, a wild beast known as John the Baptist, regularly inflamed a small portion of the local religious community. The strange minister dressed in animal fur and spent every day submerging converts in the Jordan River. I should detach this idiot's empty head from his hairy body, Antipas thought. His father had successfully dealt with this sort of religious uprising before. Rumors had once reached Herod the Great about a ridiculous Jewish messiah supposedly born in a manger. His uncompromising father dealt ruthlessly with that possible threat. The decisive old king ordered the execution of all male babies under the age of two. The perceived problem quickly disappeared. However, Antipas knew that his father remained forever wary of any religious unrest. Herod the Great's myriad health issues finally disabled and eventually killed him, Antipas remembered. Now I have inherited the sicknesses of my old man, he scowled. The latest problem especially concerned him.

I'm rotting away, Antipas shouted to his bedroom ceiling. The tetrarch coughed several times and sighed forlornly. His accumulated ills included his father's nagging asthma, a terrible shaking of the hands, arms and legs and a breath so bad that Herodias consistently invented questionable excuses to avoid his rare sexual forays.

Now, on top of everything else, Antipas had contracted a nasty sort of genital rot. His new physician even expressed dismay after a private inspection. A tense moment surfaced when the young doctor feigned a cough to cover a sudden laugh when viewing the king's personal distress. Antipas momentarily considered banishment or a few months in the dock for the less than subtle physician. However, the tetrarch kept quiet simply because he didn't want the stress of breaking in a new medical attendant.

Herod Antipas stared again at the ornate ceiling of his bedroom. Perhaps he should cancel all of his regular appointments today. A calendar lay by the bedside. Antipas retrieved it. He glanced at the date in a disinterested manner. April 16, he said aloud, Just one more meaningless day.

VI

JOHN THE BAPTIST

The hairy, rough looking man gazed lovingly at the flowing river. The frustrated Sadducees and Pharisees must tear at their long beards knowing that we stand here cleansing the lost, John the Baptist thought gleefully. He thrust his fist high into the air. A terrible pox on all of the hypocrites, he yelled at the cloudless sky. John adjusted the camel's hair and leather girdle wrapped snugly around his trim waist. Let the worthless vipers grovel in the dust, he laughed aloud.

John glanced toward the hill above the Jordan. Though barely dawn, people were already arriving for the daily baptismal rites in ones, twos, threes and even larger groups. He especially enjoyed baptizing entire families. Every day seemed to bring larger crowds seeking repentance and salvation.

The Baptist breakfasted as usual on locusts and honey. He understood that many detractors dismissed him as strange and unorthodox. Criticism only encouraged him. Gossip just adds to the mystery, the Baptist assured himself. John focused daily on only one goal. He wanted to offer absolution for the sinner. Every convert meant one more soul headed straight for salvation. He knew God would be pleased.

John wanted the baptisms completed early today. His friend and cousin, Jesus the carpenter and part-time rabbi, planned to celebrate his 29th birthday. John had promised Jesus' mother, Mary, that he would definitely attend the special gathering of her son's closest friends. John's own mother Elisabeth and Mary were sisters.

Andrew, one of John's favorite associates, approached. He whispered softly into the preacher's ear. Someone has arrived to see you, Andrew told him. John was accustomed to receiving such requests.

What? the Baptist inquired. Andrew discreetly cupped his hand and quickly spoke a name into John's ear.

The Baptist appeared startled.

What brings her out here? John asked irritably. Andrew shrugged and turned his palms upward as if to say, How should I know? The Baptist's brow creased noticeably. In his heart, John knew immediately that the visitor could bring an unwanted distraction and even trouble.

Tell Herodias I will see her, but it may be a few minutes, John told Andrew. He knew that Herod Antipas's wife would not be one to wait for long.

VII

HERODIAS

Herodias always behaved as an untitled Jewish princess, according to most everyone who knew her. Becoming the official wife of a provincial tetrarch now allowed the rash and unpredictable Herodias to accelerate her often questionable antics. She remained gleeful fodder for rumor mongers throughout Judea and Peraca. Word had even spread to Rome about Antipas' headstrong and erratic wife.

Herodias began life as the daughter of Astrobulus IV, one of the two sons of Herod the Great. Her birth mother was Berenice, a daughter of Herod's sister, the notorious Salome I. Herodias' siblings included three brothers and one sister, Mariamne III, who also had married an uncle. Herodias now languished in her second uncle marriage. Her current husband, Herod Antipas, had recently begun to falter and deteriorate. Antipas possessed a foul breath that could easily repel an invading army.

He also had now developed a revolting rot around his groin. The latest disease precluded any possibility of sex between the couple, a condition that produced significant gratitude from Herodias. However, the gross illness also created much mirth and ridicule among palace insiders, including her husband's cheeky young doctor.

Herodias detested being a part of the Antipas jokes. She set out for the Jordan earlier today, determined to find a new and more desirable man. Preferably the chosen suitor would be young, virile and dangerous. Herodias made some womanly inquiries and finally settled on an unlikely candidate for her affections. The unsuspecting target would be the wild and charismatic new preacher who seemingly captivated everyone who knew him.

One of Herodias' close friends recently managed an intimate encounter with the handsome ruffian. The friend raved about the results of the tryst. What a man! the obviously satisfied woman kept repeating over and over. It never occurred to Herodias that the woman might be lying about her unlikely conquest, which indeed she was.

The personal information about John the Baptist's manly prowess offered enough encouragement for an eager Herodias. Before heading for the river, she prayed directly to her legendary grandmother Salome's rambunctious spirit for the gift of seductiveness. Herodias's self-esteem was faltering lately along with her stagnant marriage. She desperately needed a boost of mystical enhancement from the irresistible Salome. Otherwise, Herodias secretly feared that she could fail in attracting even this low beast of a man. Before today's romantic foray ended, Herodias would at least discover the extent of her few remaining charms.

The Baptist's disciple Andrew approached the tetrarch's wife with word of a slight delay. Andrew's manner came across so charmingly that an easily offended Herodias took no umbrage. Andrew courteously offered his arm as he escorted her gently toward a comfortable resting place under a shade tree.

Herodias impatiently waved away the two young women assistants who had unwillingly traipsed with her to the river. They scurried back happily toward the governor's residence, pleased for the respite from their contentious and demanding mistress.

I'll be fine, she assured them, Go back home and wait for me there. For God's sake, don't say anything to the fool.

While she waited for John the Baptist, Herodias reflected briefly on the previous day's encounter with the old witch astrologer. Herodias's first ever appointment with Astrid had included a special reading regarding her birth date. The birthday fell on November 12th and she possessed some curiosity whether it held any special meaning from the standpoint of the stars. Supposedly, the decrepit astrologer matched your birthday with the hidden messages of the universe. It all sounded exotic and mysterious, just the sort of intrigue the tetrarch's spouse most enjoyed.

Unbeknownst to Herodias, Astrid at first resisted seeing her. Herod Antipas and his late brother Boethus were long time secret clients of the astrologer. As a young seer, Astrid once even received a summons from Herod the Great himself regarding a possible Messiah born in Judea. However, the old king decisively acted on the situation before the session ever took place. Since that time, Astrid had become a semi-regular advisor to Antipas whenever important decisions or events came up. Her total discretion insured a favored status with the tetrarch.

In the end, Astrid decided that seeing the governor's wife seemed more advisable than avoiding her. Herodias often exacted swift retribution against anyone daring disobedience. Once seated in Astrid's parlor, Herodias proceeded directly to the point of her visit.

Is being born on November 12th a good thing or a bad thing? I want to know! she demanded loudly.

Oh, a November birthday stands as a very good thing, Astrid quickly answered without a pause. You were born under the sign of Scorpio. It serves as one of the finest and most passionate signs in the Zodiac.

A smile popped spontaneously on Herodias's face. Astrid's natural political skills were often grossly underestimated. She always anticipated a client's potential response before delivering any sort of information, positive or negative. One thing did puzzle Herodias. Scorpio? she asked. Is that like the scorpion?

Well, technically yes, Astrid cautiously replied, but a Scorpio birth sign denotes much more than that. Scorpio women are born endowed with lovely eyes like your own. These extraordinary lenses cast a beautiful spell on anyone in their range. Other features besides the Scorpio's eyes add great charm. You, the powerful Scorpio woman, also possess an unusually pleasant pattern of speech. Your harmonious voice rings with a golden majesty befitting your honored place in the realm of the world's rulers.

Astrid secretly wondered if she might be laying on the flattery a bit too thick, even though her astrological assessment of Scorpios was accurate. However, the suddenly rapt and enthralled expression on her visitor's face assured otherwise.

Herodias silently agreed with Astrid's favorable comments about her birth sign, yet it seemed almost as if the old hag's compliments came with a certain degree of fawning overstatement. No worry, Herodias promised herself, I will find a way to test the witch's true sincerity.

The tetrarch's wife already suspected that Astrid was no fool. Her first husband Boethus once raved about the astrologer's wisdom. Herodias even suspected that Antipas consulted with Astrid, although he never mentioned it.

Continue with my reading, Herodias instructed. Scorpio women are very fortunate, Astrid revealed, Men find women born under your sign extremely seductive. No man alive can resist your charms. Scorpio always rules in the bedroom.

Keep talking, Herodias nodded with a smile.

Maroon serves as your birth color. It clothes a Scorpio woman in splendid finery and royal fashion. This hue mirrors the magnificent robe you wore here today. Maroon serves as the favored color of queens.

Yes, of course, Herodias agreed.

Your sign also possesses a distinctly magical quality. You weave a spider like web around each person in your orbit. Some may struggle, but none escapes your power. While you hold your subjects in a firm grasp, you apply the crucial life lessons required for their personal growth. A few might resist momentarily. All eventually surrender.

This woman definitely reflects wisdom and perceptiveness, Herodias decided. She waved Astrid onward the astrological discourse.

"Your Scorpio passion embraces whatever or whoever you touch. No one receives or even desires immunity. In making love, the Scorpio knows no equal. However, Herodias, your allure encompasses so much more than just the sexual act itself. You completely capture the body, mind and spirit of your victims. Uh, I mean your subjects. You always model a benevolent victor in any struggle of the heart. You do expect and usually receive unwavering loyalty from those who in your sphere of influence. By the way, did I mention that the Scorpio female surrounds herself with