The thickness of the bones in our toes after a certain point in human history has led several archaeologists to place the origin of shoes at approximately 40,000 years ago. Because most of the material used in footwear cannot be preserved that long, the oldest pair of shoes -- discovered in Oregon in 1938 -- dates from 8000 to 7000 BCE.

Lyman Reed Blake didn't seek shelter in a cave or fire from sticks rubbed together, but his inventiveness did elevate our favorite shoes into the modern era.

Blake was born on Aug. 24, 1835, in Abington, Massachusetts. His chartwheel depicts Earth as a circle in the center surrounded by a sky divided into 12 Houses. The 1st House starts at the eastern horizon, with the western horizon starting the 7th House. The 10th House cusp is the point directly overhead.

Lacking a birth time, I constructed a sunrise chart, placing the Sun on the 1st House cusp.

The environmental study of astrology acknowledges the potent relationship shared by opposing forces. The phenomena ruled by the complementary zodiac signs of Virgo and Pisces peak during the monthly reigns of both constellations.

Virgo and its planetary associate Mercury govern the intestines, abdominal region and appendix, while Pisces and its sphere Neptune reign over the feet, lymphatic system, immune system and pineal gland. Thus, natives of the sign of Virgo could be drawn into activities and events that involve the feet.

And so it was with Blake, a New Moon baby who had not only the Sun, but also the Moon in Virgo (zero and 3 degrees, 1st House).

Blake became a shoemaker at an early age, working alongside his older brother.

In later years he was employed by Isaac Singer, the inventor who refined the sewing machine. But it was Blake who would develop a machine that securely sewed together the upper and lower parts of the shoe.

Spread the light of your creative mind and know that love is the brightest star!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. Ted PanDeva Zagar, an East Chicago native, is a pioneer in Wellness Astrology, a prevention-over-remedy approach to overall wellness. For an archive of herbal and dietary recommendations for each Sun sign, log onto www.wellnessastrology.com. He can be reached at PanDeva@aol.com to receive a free copy of "Zodiac Signs and Healing Plants."

DISCLAIMER: The author's comments are not intended to serve as medical advice, and he urges his readers to seek qualified wellness professionals to resolve matters of health. Direct your wellness questions with exact time, date and place of birth to Ted PanDeva Zagar at PanDeva@aol.com.