Happy Birthday, Robert E. Howard

by Gary Romeo

Officially (meaning: according to official records) Robert E. Howard’s birth-date is January 24th. Bob and his family (who should know best) always said it was January 22nd. The year 1906 is not in dispute. 118 years ago.

The birth wasn’t registered until February 1, and also contains a spelling error for REH’s middle name. At the time, the Howard family lived in Dark Valley (in Palo Pinto County). It is assumed Doctor Howard took his wife to Peaster (in Parker County) to procure better medical care or perhaps was just planning to move there. Therefore Bob’s birth was registered in Parker County.

For whatever odd reason, I chose to consult an astrology website to commemorate Bob’s birthday. Any discrepancies between astrological convictions, and real life, could be blamed on the floating birth date, I suppose!

Looking at Robert E. Howard through a metaphysical lens certainly isn’t a new idea. The first issue of REH: Two Gun Raconteur featured an article by “Elaine” a professional astrologer. Elaine was obviously aware of Robert E. Howard’s talent and fame. 

Elaine goes on to discuss Bob and determines his birth-time: “Since the planetary pattern is so unusual and the strange events that followed so devastating, I have made a calculated guess of 1:48 A. M.” Elaine created a chart based on her calculations.

Author E. Hoffmann Price wrote at least two articles about “Robert E. Howard and the Stars” for Crypt of Cthulhu. Price was very knowledgeable about Astrology and deemed the lack of an actual birth-time to be a problem in producing a horoscope.    

Price continues on in a very technical fashion. Frankly, I did not completely follow his discussion. His article was continued in a following issue. Like, Elaine’s, his article mentions Bob’s suicide.

Today, I’m here to celebrate Bob’s birthday and simply want to see a simple astrological look at my favorite author. This is an average reading for someone born on January 22. I’m no big believer in these things. 

I just think it’s a good positive metaphysical way to remember Bob. Hoist a drink, read a story, say a prayer. Whatever way you wish to celebrate Robert E. Howard is a good thing.

Bob looking doubtful!

Typical Aquarius personality traits

Assertive (read: obstinate)

Not one for “going with the flow”, Aquarians make their own mind up and then stick to it. You can not cajole or persuade them from their viewpoint, unless you’ve got *evidence* i.e. data, facts, peer-reviewed analysis.

Analytical (read: detached)

Aquarians live (quite happily thank you) largely in their own head. Dissecting knowledge, deconstructing conventions, dreaming up dreams, thinking about outer space (seriously). You could be telling them something really personal, and they are looking at you but their face is blank. Sorry.

Original (read: eccentric)

This sign is the like the “eccentric professor” of the zodiac. Thinking outside of the box? What box? They are innovative and unique, they can dream up schemes and ideas the rest of us simply cannot. They also often wear really out there clothes or have bizarre hair dos. In our society, this typically marks them out as the eccentric of the group.

Humanitarian

The world is their oyster. They care what happens on our planet (and beyond). There is a deep sense of justice, liberalness and fairness in all Aquarians. They just don’t “do” petty shit. This leads them, more often than not, into alternative lifestyles, campaigning, charity and green politics.

Independent (read: loner)

Though their natural intelligence, fair mindedness and (great) wit often wins them a wide circle of eclectic friends, ultimately Aquarius stands alone. They will not compromise their ideals, morals or need for freedom and independence for anyone.

Easy going

Maybe because of all this “big picture” brain activity and lofty idealism, Aquarius simply doesn’t sweat the small shit. This is cool, except when you need them present and correct in the now. This can be a challenge. Good luck.