An Astrologicall Addition, or supplement to be annexed to the late Discourse vpon the great Coniunction of Saturne, and Iupiter.
Wherin are particularly declared certaine especiall points before omitted, as well touching the eleuation of one Plannet aboue another, with theyr seuerall significations: as touching Oeconomical and houshold prouision: with some other Iudicials, no lesse profitable.
Made and written this last March, by Iohn Haruey▪ Student in Phisicke.
Whereunto is adioyned his translation of the learned worke, of Hermes Trismegistus, intituled, I [...]tromathematica: A boke of especiall great vse for all Studentes in Astrologie, and Phisike.
LONDON Imprinted by Richard Watkins. 1583.
Angliae diurnum, nocturnumue Votum▪ Ioannis Harueij Hexasticho breuiter expressum.
Apostrophe ad operis Patronum: altero Auctoris Hexasticho succinct [...] comprehensa.
Ad diem XXI. Martij▪ sola è Musis Vranie cum Erato, benignius aspirante.
To the Right worshipful Master Iustice Meade, returning from his Honorable circuite, IOHN HARVEY wisheth long health, and continuall increase of all prosperitie.
MAy it please you Right worshipfull Sir, after some respite from so great businesse, as your Honorable circuit carrieth with it, to accept fauourablie of the affectionate minde of a yong scholler, I will presume in stead of the best well-come-home, that my poore study can presently afoord, to present your good woorship with a briefe Astrologicall exercise, which I lately vndertoke vppon this occasion. Hauing sundry times perused the Astrologicall discourse touching the great Coniunction of Saturne & Iupiter, published the laste Ianuary by my brother Richard, and therein noting by the way some wante of certaine necessarie [...] profitable Iudicials, which seemed con [...]nient to be added for the more expres and particular discussing of some pointes▪ [Page] generally, and that diligently too, by him considered, but not so narrowly, and precisely examined, as they might haue been, (which was not my opinion only, but the iudgement of some his learned welwillers, and great commenders otherwise) I resolued in the end to ease him of that labour, knowing himselfe to bee otherwise busied vpon more special and necessary occasion. Which I was the more willing to enterprize, for these foure causes. First, to satisfie the demaunds and desires of those his lerned friendes: then, to stoppe the mouthes of his enuious & carping enemies: thirdly, to benefit such of our Coūtrey generally, as by prouidence are desirous to worke their owne commoditie and safetie: and last of all, to practise my selfe particularlie in such an exercise, as was so profitable for an Vniuersitie man, so conuenient for a Student in Philosophy, & the Mathematicks, and finally, so agreeable to that studie and profession, whereunto partly by my naturall disposition I was inclyned, and partly vpon farther aduise of my friendes, and some priuate consultation of mine owne, I had wholy betaken, and as it were betroathed my selfe. Besides which causes, the verie worthines and dignitie of the Arte it selfe, not only in respect of the high and [Page] heauenly matter, or obiect thereof, according to the diuine verses of Doctor Antony Myzaldus.
But also, euen for the other three Logike causes, the efficient, the forme, and the end or finall cause; might as wel commend this exercise vnto me, as it hath done many the like, nay many for all excellencie both of qualitie and quantitie, farre vnlike vnto other manner of men, then I either presently am, or am euer like to be. For the first author and principall efficient, what enemie to Astrologie can deny, but God him selfe, posuit duo magna luminaria, & stellas in firmamento caeli, as Moyses writeth in the beginning of Genesis: Why? vt diuiderent diem, ac noctem, & essent in signa, & tempora, & dies, & annos. In quae signa? nimirum in signa naturalium euentuum, vt futurae pestilentiae, belli, & pacis, penuriae, & abundantiae, caeterorúmque similium physicorum effectuum, as a learned wryter very well in my simple iudgement expoundeth that place of Moyses. Besides, who knoweth not that all good giftes, and all good artes descend from aboue, and had their originall from the father of light? Whereupon Melancthon [Page] in his preface to Purbachius, his Astrologicae Theoricae, not only concludeth generally of all liberall Artes, Cum Artes Dei munus sint, non defuturus est Deus his, qui ipsius dona tuentur, & conseruare student: with this comfortable addition: Erunt & fatae ipsa aliquando Artibus aequiora: but also particularlie inueigheth against all such Epicures, and contemners, as set them selues against the most heauenly and diuine knowledge of Astrologie. In which Inuectiue, he is so earnestly bent against them, that he breaketh foorth into these vehement speeches. Epicureos illos, qui neque pulcherrimos motus caelestium corporum admirantur, neque cognitionem eorum vtilem esse contendunt, ne hominum quidem appellatione dignos esse iudico. His reason is. Etenim non solum bellum gerunt cum humana natura, quae praecipue ad has diuinas res aspiciendas condita est, sed etiam [...] sunt. Voluit enim Deus horum mirabilium Cursuum, ac caelestium virium notitiam, ducem nobis esse ad diuinitatis cognitionem. And againe shortlie after he addeth: Haec si quis arroganter conteninit, naturae suae immanitatem prodit, non aliter atque Cyclops apud Homerum, qui negat se vllos vereri Deos. So that Melancthon, is not afraide to condemne them euen for Epicures, and Atheistes, that condemne this most goodly and godly Science. And [Page] as for our secundarie Authors and founders, what two more famous Princes amongst the auncient Aegyptians, and Romanes, then Hermes Trismegistus, and Numa Pompilius? Or what two more excellent kinges amongst the later Aegyptians and Aragonians, then Ptolomey, and Alphonsus? The rest for breuitie I ouerpasse, sauing that I must not omitte the poets honorable testimonie, as well of them, as of the forenamed:
And so forward, till at last, he geueth them this marueylous commendation, taken from their marueylous effectes:
Now if we consider either the internall forme of the Arte it selfe, or the externall forme of our cheefest Artificers: can it be gainesaide, but the one is heauenlie, like the matter: the other, especiallie, in the Greeke and Latin toungs, as distinct and Methodicall, as was to be found in any Philosopher, or Mathematician [Page] of the same ages? And nowe of late Adolphus Scribonius of Marpurgh in Germanie, in his small Tractate, intituled Isagoge Sphaerica, hath somewhat reformed the Artificiall maner and order of our more auncient Astrologers, according to the exact and exquisite rules of Ramus methode, howbeit he doeth not so farre go beyond them in maner, but he commeth as farre behind them in matter: as euery learned Astrologer must needes confesse. Last of all, touching the end, or finall cause of Astrologie, he can do very little, God wot, that is not able to mainteine the ende thereof to be partly diuine, and common with other Artes, partly humane, and proper vnto it selfe. The diuine or common ende, is the glorie of God; the humane, or proper ende, to do good in the world, by such predictions, and diuinations, as the principles and rules of this Art truly deliuered, and rightly vnderstoode, doo afford: first, in forewarning what euils and mischiefes are like to ensue: and then in foretelling, what goods and commodities may be reaped by timely prouision: for the better auoiding of the one by preuention, and the more certeine enioying of the other by forecast: according to those notable verses of the learned Poet: [Page]
Which finall end, togither with the other three reasonable, and logike causes, beeing reasonablie and logikelie considered, I can not see howe the worthines or dignitie of this Arte, can any way be impeached, without great indignitie offered therevnto. Vpon indifferent examination of which causes, whereby he principally measureth the worthines or vnworthines of euery good or bad thing, my brother Gabriel, was much the better content, as he hath him selfe confessed, that both my brother Richard and I should take these paines in Iudiciarie Astrologie, which otherwise he had rather we should haue bestowed vpon the more popular and ordinarie studies of the right morall and naturall Philosophie, Arithmetike, Geometrie, and Cosmographie, with the first principles, and most necessarie precepts of Astronomie, so farre as fetting their grounds from infallible experience, they extende but to the obseruation of the place, magnitude, and motion of euery starre, with their whole number, as partly by Geometricall mensuration, and partly by Arithmeticall supputation, [Page] both seuerally & iointly they haue beene descried, to the altitude or depression of ech of them, whose farnesse & neerenes either vnto vs, or amongst them selues, is so exactly determinable by the vse of the Astrolabe, either Quadrant, as Ptolomeis was, or orbicular, as ours now vseth to be: to the description, & determination of times, which auaileth so much, aswell to the exercise of Husbandrie, as to diuers other expedient and necessary vses: to the situation of places, in declaring the longitude, latitude, and distance of euery place, which is so great an helpe in Cosmographie, and so specially needefull for direction in Hydographie or Nauigation, being otherwise destitute of all certentie in the middest of so many and huge ieopardies: or finally to the intimation of any such meere Astronomicall experiments, without mixture of any Iudicials, either Arabian, or other, pretending any prediction of things to come, or discouerie of hidden & secret matters. So that considering the premisses, and therevnto referring that most notable iudgement of Melancton, vpon Ptolomeis Magna Syntaxis, where he saith: Explodenda est illa Epicurea Philosophia, quae tollit finales stellarum caussas, & affirmat earum omnes naturas [...]: & si sint finales caussae caeterarum [Page] rerum, cur non dicemus etiam esse pulcherrimorum corporum, & perpetuarum Motuum? Certitudo in motu, artem opisicis indicat; Ars consilium, ac causam finalem necessariò complectitur: vnde & stellae haud dubiè suos habent tum effectus, tum significationes in elementis, & in ijs, quae inde gignuntur: vt manifesta experientia, & omnibus saeculis consentiens, testatur congressus siccorum syderum magnas siccitates, humidorum, humidas tempestates efficere: and so foorth, till he proceedeth thus farre: At caelestes hae significationes non modo magnas mutationes tempestatum, sed etiam ciuilium rerum denunciant; vt ostendunt euentus, qui comitantur Eclypses, & magnas Planetarum coniunctiones: nec illa signa vllo modo pugnant cum religione, cum Deus ea & proposuerit, & gubernet. For these (I say) and the like effectuall considerations, my brother Gabriel, beeing of him selfe otherwise affected, hath not disliked either of my brother Richards, or of my exercise in this kinde. Wherevppon as he at the length was the boulder to dedicate his Astrologicall Discourse vnto my Lorde the Bishop of London, who accepted most fauourablie and curteouslie thereof; so am I also the rather encouraged to direct this my small Treatise folowing, beeing a supplement of the saide Discourse, [Page] vnto your good worship, who I hope will likewise vouchsafe it either the same, or the like fauourable acceptation. Neither durst he then, or I now, haue presumed vpon any such dedication vnto such personages, but after good aduice and deliberation, as well touching the premisses specially, as generally touching the more ample auouchment of the whole Arte, being skilfully handled, discreetly ordered, and lawfully practised, as it ought to be: which being more fully and perswasiblie prosequuted by my brother Richard in his second Discourse, entreating of Februarie Newes, and by the way defending both the right Iudicials of Astrologie, in genere, and his owne particular Iudicials concerning the effects of this great April cōiunction, in specie: I hope there shall not here neede anie farther Apologie either of his fact, or mine: Considering withal, what good and effectuall causes moued vs, as well to the vndertaking of the priuate exercise, as to the aduenturing of the publique Dedication vnder the names of so graue, and so well reputed personages, for their calling and wisdome. For my selfe, I am to adde, that not only the right worshipful estimation and account of your name, and honorable Commonwelth vertues (which [Page] notwithstanding are of so great reputation here in Essex, where my most abode since Michaesmas last, vpon some occasion hath been) hath caused me to present this Astrological Treatise, together with my Translation of Hermes most famous Iatromathematica vnto your good worship, but also certaine other respectes, no lesse effectuall. If I had been ignorant before, yet since my late continuaunce here, I coulde not but learne how singular account you make of all good learning, what especiall great fauour you extend towards the studious and learned; and lastly, how ready and desirous you are to defend and maintaine both the one and the other, eyther by priuate, or publicke patronage. Which very affection of yours, so euidently declared by so many actuall significations therof, might of it selfe, without farther reason, sufficiently encourage me vnto this dedication. But I cannot forgette my Brother Gabriels report of the bountifull and courteous entertainment which it pleased you aboue three yeeres since to geue vnto him, and the Oxforde Preacher, his Companion at that time, being both but strangers vnto you. Which entertainment I heard him both then, and since, much cō mende, as well for your worshipfull and [Page] rare courtesie, extended towardes them, partly by familiar discourse vpon some chiefe pointes of learning, and partly by manifest declaration of your good liking, & welwishing otherwise, as for the greatnes of the cheare, choise of the companie, manner of welcome, and such like. Which he saide could not choose but proceede of a liberall, and worshipfull minde, of the wiser, and learneder sort: as no doubt it did. Beside this, I haue lately heard it credibly reported here in Walden, that your good worshippe should like very wel, and commend of my brother Richards Astrologicall Discourse, with farther mention, not only of my brother Gabriel, to his especiall commendation and credit, but euen of my poore selfe too. All which causes, and reasons concurring, as they doo, how much were I to be blamed, if I should make any other choise for this my first Dedication, then of your good worshippe? To whom my onely suite, and humble request is, that it may please you to accept fauourablie of so smal a testimonie of my duetifull good will, and heartie affection, vntill God shall enhable me to make some reasonable amends with some other of greater shewe, and more importance. Which I trust wil not be long, if my [Page] studie in the Mathematikes and Physike, may haue that successe, which I hope in God it shall. In the meane time, presuming in some part, of your wonted goodnesse, and fauour, and crauing pardon in the rest, I most humblie commend your worshippe to almightie God. This first of Aprill. 1583.
AN ASTROLOGICAL ADdition, or supplement, to be annexed to the late Discourse, vpon the great Coniunction, of Saturne and Iupiter: Newlie sent by Iohn Haruey, to his worshipfull, and beloued Brother, M. Gabriell Haruey.
GOod Brother, vnderstanding here in Walden, how desirous some haue been both in London and Cambridge, to espie a hole in my brother Richards cote, and knowing his own businesse otherwise at this present, I haue aduentured to adde vnto his Astrological Disconrse, what I (vpō some cōference) thought, might reasonablie be demaunded, as therein requisite. My meaning is not to perfect Apelles picture, or to teach him, of whom I may learne: but to doe as much for him in his wante of leysure (so farre as my reading will extend) as I would wish him to doe for me vpon like occasion. Whereunto I was the readier, in respect of that vse and fruite that I might priuately reape of so schollarlie and philosophicall an exercise. Which agreeing, as it doth with that finall profession, which I haue already after some deliberation, made choise of, cannot (I conceiue) but be a very profitable [Page] and auailable exercise for me. It is no great matter that my yeares can yet affoorde: I easily graunt, (notwithstanding more reading in the Mathematicks, and especially in Astrologie, then euery one knoweth of, that as the Poet saith, Adhuc mea messis in herba est. But as my spring beginneth now with the Spring, so I hope by Gods grace, to see the haruest, that shall yeald and bring forth my haruest. If I procead not, the fault is only mine own: if I succead, I must be thankfull first vnto God, & then vnto those, whom it hath pleased him to make my founders, and chieflie your selfe. But that I may the better proceede, and succeed, as well in this briefe Treatise now, as hereafter in my other larger exercises, I am taught of our great Arabian Astrologers, to begin, go forwarde, and end, with God: assuring my self of the vndouted certaintie of the auncient Greeke verse: [...].
Which being my principal & final ground, I doubt not but I may as safely, and lawfully exercise my selfe in the practise of this studie, as of any other liberall Arte. Howsoeuer some through ignoraunce, and some through other sinister causes conceiue amisse thereof: contrarie to Saynt Ambrose, Theodoretus, the famous auncient bishop Thomas Aquinas, Ioannes Hispalensis, sometime [Page] a reuerend bishopp in Spaine, Lucas Gauricus, a learned Italian bishop, Ioannes Ganiuetus, Michael a Petra sancta, & Franciscus Iunctinus, Doctors of diuinitie, with diuers other of like grauitie and reputation, who haue been great fauourers, and practisers of the same, wel and orderly vsed. I would to God I were but worthie to carrye the bookes of some, that haue trauailed this way: and namely of those, whome my brother Richard namely commendeth for their singular skil, and paines taking in this facultie. Vnto whom I may trulie adde, Septimius Seuerus, Vespasianus, Hadrianus, Athelstane, a noble king of England, whose Astrological worke, as you do best remember, is mentioned by Ramus in his Scholae Mathematicae; Leopoldus Austriacus, Laurentius de Medicis, & certaine other most worthy Emperors, Kings, and Princes; to let passe Hermes Trismegistus, Numa Pompilius, Bladud, one of our first British Kinges, and such other of greatest auncientie. Neither can I muse and maruell inough, that any learned Diuines should bande against the right vse of Astrologie: considering what my brother hath alleadged, specially out of Melancthon. Whereunto may be adioyned that notable iudgement and autoritie of Dauid Chitraeus, deliuered by him in a Treatise of his, intituled, [Page] De studio Theologiae rectè inchoando: where Chitraeus wordes are verbatim these: Arithmaticae, & Astronomiae cognitio, in Ecclesia, ad doctrinae de Anno, & Calendarii conseruationem, necessaria est. Non enim initio mundi, non Exordia, & propagatio Ecclesiae, non series diuinarum patefactionum, non or do Imperiorū, non tempora aduentus Christi in carnem, & ad iudicium, non tempora quibus praecipui doctores Ecclesiae vixerunt, & maximae res in Ecclesia gestae sunt, non ratio celebrandi Paschatis Iudaici, non magnitudo miraculi, quo Sol patiente Christo obscuratus est, non talia multa cogitari & intelligi, sine numeratione Annorum, & initijs doctrinae Astronomicae possunt. A sufficient reason, a man would thinke: which neuerthelesse he also confirmeth, and ratifyeth, first diuino, and then, humano testimonio, after this maner: Ideo Deus ipse in prima statim sacrae Scripturae pagina, iubet nos spacia motuum Solis, & Lunae, qui dierum, mensium, & annorum metas constituunt, & maximè omnium illustria Dei, & prouidentiae diuinae signa sunt, obseruare. Vere enim, vt Plato ait, gratissima, & omnium dulcissima de Deo fama, in astris, & doctrina astrorum sparsa est. In consideration of which respects, the forenamed Iohannes Hispalensis [Page] in his prologe to Albumazar the Arabian, interpreteth him selfe and other Astrologers thus. Cum dicimus Planetam aliquem, malum futurum praesignare, nihil aliud sentimus, nisi quod sui Creatoris mandato vt creaturae inseruientes, eius praescientiam imitando hominem ipsum malum nobis ostendunt. To which effect also, the foresaid Ioannes Ganiuetus, in the seuenth chapter of his fourth Difference, determineth in these wordes: Culpando planetarum significata, etiam pro certo diuinam statim culpamus prouidentiam. Nihil enim aliud planetae, quàm quod Deus praeuiderit, aut praedestinauerit, significant. Which is likewise confirmed by Ioannes Picus Mirandula, in the first booke and second chapter of his Heptaplus, in following these two autenticall▪ Maximes: Nihil agunt causae naturales, quod non diuinae Artis ordo praeceperit. And, Omne opus Naturae, est opus intelligentiae. Whereof the first he alleadgeth as a sound principle of the diuine Platonistes; the second, as a common Rule of the Perepatecians, both theron grounding a distinction of causes, the one exemplaris in God him selfe, the other organica, in his Instrumentes and creatures. Which considerations being presupposed as they ought, and laid down for our very first and principall foundations, let me [Page] see, I say not what Diume, but what diuinitie maketh against vs? especially if withall the autoritie of Gemma Frisius may be takē, who in his Preface to Stadius Ephemerides, auoucheth this Arte to be so certainlie true, and infallible, that he is not afeard to attribute euen, verā & necessariam [...] thereunto. To which purpose I could likewise apply diuers other as credible testimonies, & namely of the forenamed Michael a Petra sancta, Iouianus Pontanus, Iacobus Gohōhemes Ostofrancus, and Lucius Bellantius Senensis. But the legitimation of liberall sciences, and as wel of this, as of any other, is to be auowed rather by the generall practise of all ages, then by any such particular proofe: and therfore hauing as wel herein, as in the whole course of the Tractate following, added something to my brothers discourse, I will forthwith proceede to the like Supplement of the entire matter it selfe: requesting therein the same fauourable patience, which you extended to his larger Discourse. I must craue pardon for the forme and stile, wherwith I am not yet sufficiently acquainted. If the matter only be answerable to your expectation, I shall thinke my labor well bestowed. But howsoeuer it falleth out, I hope, In rebus magnis sit voluisse satis, will reasonablie serue for my purgation. [Page] Better a common excuse then none at all. Thus presuming the best, I am bould to offer you the Astrologicall Treatise following: not pleasing my selfe therin, but desirous to please you, and pleasure other therewith.
An Astrologicall Supplement.
Anno. 1583. Mense. April. Die. 28. Hora. 16.
Maestlinus. Pol. 51.
Suum cui (que) integrum esto iudicium.
[Page] [...]iall scheme or Figure setting forth in most ample manner the true [...] state of the heauens, at the time of the great Coniunction of the two [...]r and most waightye Planets, Saturne and Iupiter, in the ende of the Trigonisme, namely in the third and last face of Pisces, and the 21. de [...] the same signe. Anno 1583. the 28. day of Aprill, a little before high [...].
43.31.
☌ ♄ ♃
Dominus diei ☉ Dominus horae ♃ vel ♂
Stadius.
Masculina 10 Quarta caeli
Faeminina 7 Quarta caeli
Masculina 4 Quarta caeli
* Crus Equi alati, siue Pegasi. Barbaris, Scheat. 23. o. ♓. Mag. 2. Naturae. ♃ ♂
A note of such Astrologicall partes, touching dearth & plenty, as are to be annexed to the present figure. A peece of Thales Milesius his Oeconomicall Astrologie: and of verie great vse for suche, as by their trades, are to deale in any of the particulars folowing.
- Pars oliuarum. 11. 2. ♈
- Pars hordei 13. 26. ♐
- Pars tritici 14. 42. ♏
- Pars fabarum 10. 10. ♑
- Pars saccari 8. 7. ♎
- Pars mellis 9. 4. ♒
- Pars ciborum dulcium 12. 39. ♍
- Pars ciborum acrium 10. 30. ♑
- Pars ciborum saporis. apij, vel herbarum huiusmodi saporem habentium. 14. 18. ♈
- Pars medicaminum salsorum 28. 16. ♐
- Pars medicaminum acrium. 27. 24. ♌
- Pars medicaminum venenatorum 10. 56. ♊
- Pars vuarum. 8. 27. ♏
- Pars dactylorum 12. 39. ♍
- Pars caeparum 10. 30. ♑
- Pars nucum. 10. 10. ♐
- Pars melonum 27. 4. ♋
- Pars ciceris 12. 9. ♍
- Pars croci 24. 42. ♏
- Pars lentis 14. 18. ♈
- Pars sisami 27. 4. ♋
- Pars milij 10. 30. ♑
- Pars Bombicis. 8. 7. ♎
- Pars ris. 27. 24. ♌
A Note or Table of the seuerall Fortitudes and Debilities of the Planets, according to their situation and placing in the former Figure.
| Saturns ♄ | Fortitudes by reason of his | Freedome from Combustion. | 5 | 18 |
| Direct motion. | 4 | |||
| Orientalitie. | 2 | |||
| ☌ With Iupiter. | 5 | |||
| Swift motion. | 2 | |||
| Debilities by reason of his | Peregrinitie. | 5 | 9 | |
| Situation in the 8. house. | 4 | |||
| Iupiters ♃ | Fortitudes by reason of his | Owne Mansion place | 5 | 18 |
| Swift motion. | 2 | |||
| Freedome from Combustion. | 5 | |||
| Direct motion, | 4 | |||
| Orientalitie. | 2 | |||
| Debilities by reason of his | Situation in the 8. house. | 5 | 9 | |
| ☌ with Saturne. | 4 | |||
| Mars his ♂ | Fortitudes by reason of his | Freedome from Combustion. | 5 | 9 |
| Direct motion. | 4 | |||
| Debilities by reason of his | Peregrinitie. | 5 | 14 | |
| Occidentalitie. | 2 | |||
| Situation in the 12. house. | 5 | |||
| Slowe motion. | 2 | |||
| Sol his ☉ | Fortitudes by reason of his | Scituation in the 10. house. | 5 | |
| Debilities by reason of his | Peregrinitie. | 5 | 11 | |
| Slow motion. | 2 | |||
| ☌ with Caput Algol. | 4 | |||
| Venus her ♀ | Fortitudes by reason of her. | Fredome from Combustion. | 5 | 18 |
| Direct motion. | 4 | |||
| Occidentalitie. | 2 | |||
| placing in the 10. house. | 5 | |||
| swift motion. | 2 | |||
| Debilities by reason of her | Peregrinitie. | 5 | ||
| ☌ with Oculus Tauri | ||||
| Mercury his ☿ | Fortitudes by reason of his | Fredome from Combustion | 5 | 11 |
| direct motion | 4 | |||
| placing in the 9. house | 2 | |||
| Debilities by reason of his | Peregrinitie. | 5 | 9 | |
| Orientalitie. | 2 | |||
| Slow motion. | 2 | |||
| Iuna her ☽ | Fortitudes by reason of her | Placing in the 4. house. | 4 | 9 |
| Freedome from Combustion | 5 | |||
| Debilities by reason of her | Slow motion | 2 | 9 | |
| Peregrinitie | 5 | |||
| Duninution in light | 2 | |||
| ☌ with Cor Scorpij. | ||||
| Pars Fortunae hath | Fortitudes by reason it is | Placed in Pisces | 5 | 10 |
| Free from Combustion | 5 | |||
| in the 7. house. | 4 | |||
| in the Tearmes of ♃ | 2 | |||
| Debilities— | 0 | |||
The order of the Planets, as they are either strong, or weake; more familiarly expressed for the common capacitie of the vnskilfuller sorte.
BY this distribution, or Table may easily be gathered what Planets are strongly situated in the prefixed figure of the Heauens: as also what Planets are féeble and weak in the same. Now it followeth that wée lykewise conferre them amongst themselues, accordinge to the true and exact number of their Fortitudes & Debilities, that it may yet more manifestly and sensibly appear which of them are most stronge and fortunate, and which againe most weake and infortunate, and how one as it were lineally succéedeth another in strength and power.
First the amiable Planet Venus amongst all the other Planets is simply most stronge and fortunate in the former celestiall scheme: For if the number of her debilities be subtrated from the summe of her fortitudes, there till remayne 13. testimonies of strength, which no other Planet obtayneth in this Figure. Notwithstandinge shée is somewhat weakened by certaine other accidentall Debilities, [Page] then are yet named: for she is associated with the Dragons tayle, which as Guido Bonatus well testifieth, Cum bonis mala est, & boni bonitatem minuit. Also not passing two houres before she was opposite to the Moone, ex Diametro, béeing situated in quarta coeli masculina, super terram in die. Beside that, in signo masculino, contrarie to her owne proper nature. And lastly, Septentrionalis Ascendens, which do all somewhat assuage and abate her courage: wherefore her significations can not be altogither so fortunate and effectual, as otherwise they might, and would haue béen.
2 Then the two superior Planets conioyned Saturne and Iupiter succéeds, which are both very strong and valerous in comparison of their debilities, because their fortitudes are not only equiualent: but euen as many mo in nūber as their debilities. For Saturns testimonies of strength are 18. his debilities but 9. So likewise are the fortitudes of Iupiter 18. his debilities but 9. Wherefore Saturne and Iupiter séeme equally matched in power and strength: but in respect of Circumstances, I take Iupiter to be the stronger of both, which being generallie taken, is a good and laudable token, but particularlie discussed, not so good; as shall more plainly be declared hereafter.
[Page] 3 Mercurie is next in strength, although in verie déed his strength be rather weaknes, then strength, and little or nothing at all to speake of. For albeit his vertues are more in number by two, then his debilities, yet he is not so much exalted by those two testimonies, as he is depressed by his Ascension in Meridiem, by béeing, in signo mali planetae, & in cadenti loco caeli, which on the contrarie side, doo much increase his euill influence, and make him more infortunate. Nam sicut signum turbat Domum, ita Domus turbat signum, & signum Planetam. An approued rule.
4 Now as concerning Mars, Sol, and Luna, they are very weake and infortunate in the prefixed scheme, but especially Sol: For whereas the debilities of Luna are but a sewe moe, and the debilities of Mars scarse halfe so many mo as his fortitudes: the detrimentes of the Sun are in number full as many mo as his incremēts, which proportion must nedes greatly increase and augment the straunge euents threatned by this corporall coniunction of Saturne and Iupiter in the eighte house.
5 Finally, Pars Fortunae, that is, the place of Heauen, wherein the rayes of the Sunne and Moone doo concurre or méete, is fortunately appoynted in this Figure, [Page] being fortified with no lesse then 16. vertues Neuerthelesse, Iupiter Dominus Domus Partis Fortunae, being placed in domo magn [...] infortunij, & etiam mortis, and there accompanied with Infortunium Maius, dot [...] somewhat decrease the good Fortune of Pars Fortunae; And so much the rather, because Pars Fortunae it self is situated in the 8. signe although notwithstandinge it bee residente it the 7. house, yea & it is very nigh the cuspis of the 8. house too, for it wanteth but onely too Degrées of the same.
Now to descend more particularly vnto the present matter; The Dignities & Debilities of Saturne & Iupiter, according to their situation in the celestiall figure at the time of their Coniunction, being already set downe; that the true effectes and operations of their méeting may the more manifestly appeare, it followeth that wée consider which of them is eleuated and exalted aboue the other, at that instant. For Ptolomey in his 63. verbo Centiloquij, deliuereth this Maxime. Oportet aspicere in Coniunctione Saturni & Iouis in eodem Minuto ad eleuationem vnius eorum super alterum, & iudica cum fortitudine [Page] eius, scilicet eleuati in hoc mundo, & similiter fac in 20. residuis Cōiūctionibus. Vpon which notable place of Ptolomey, his Interpreter Albohazen Haly commenteth thus: Eleuatio planetae super planetam est, vt sit remotio ab Auge Circuli sui breuis, minor remotione alterius ab Auge Circuli sui breuis, & ille dicitur eleuatus super alterum. Where I gather that per remotionē ab Auge, he vnderstādeth their distance from that poynt of their excētrick, which is fardest distant from the Center of the earth. And when he saith, parui circuli, he meaneth, as I suppose, their seueral Epicicle, affirming ye he which is nearest the summitie of his Epicicle, is eleuated aboue the other, which is farder remoued from ye summity of his Epicicle. Marry this must be found out & knowē, per vtrius (que) Argumentū aequatū, which Argument wil soon euidently declare, & certainly demonstrate the same. Wherfore to omitte now for breuities sake, Minuta differentiarū cū partibus proportionalibus, and so foorth, forsomuch as they make no sensible difference, I will directly & compendiously, by Arithmetical, & Astronomical supputation, set down the true Argument of ech of them, as I haue purposely calculated the same for that very time: and briefly collected them in the two short Notes, or tables following.
| Argumentū aequatū Saturni. ♄ | S. | G. | M. | ii. | iii. | iiii | |
| Medius motus ♄. ex quo subtraho | 11 | 6 | 42 | 8 | 58 | 28 | |
| Augem, & prosiliet | 8 | 1 | 8 | 39 | 50 | 36 | |
| Centrum aequatum. | 3 | 5 | 33 | 29 | 7 | 52 | |
| Medius motus ☉, ex quo subtraho | 9 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 8 | |
| Medium motum ♄. & prosiliet | 11 | 6 | 42 | 8 | 58 | 28 | |
| Argumentū mediū ♄ | 10 | 29 | 21 | 10 | 18 | 40 | |
| Cui addo Centrum, | 3 | 5 | 33 | 29 | 7 | 52 | |
| Quae inuicem addita e [...]ficiunt Argumentum aequatum ♄. | 2 | 4 | 54 | 39 | 26 | 32 |
| Argumentū aequatū Iouis. ♃ | S. | G. | M. | ii. | iii. | iiii | |
| Medius motus ♃. ex quo subtraho | 11 | 16 | 10 | 46 | 20 | 52 | |
| Augem, & profiliet | 5 | 8 | 41 | 43 | 8 | 43 | |
| Centrum aequatum. | 6 | 7 | 29 | 3 | 19 | 9 | |
| Medius motus ☉, ex quo subtraho | 9 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 8 | |
| Medium motum ♃. & profiliet | 11 | 16 | 10 | 46 | 20 | 52 | |
| Argumentū mediū ♃. | 10 | 21 | 13 | 45 | 37 | 0 | |
| Cui addo Centrum, | 6 | 7 | 29 | 3 | 12 | 9 | |
| Quae inuicem addito efficiunt Argumentum aequatū ♃. | 4 | 28 | 42 | 48 | 49 | 9 |
[Page] By which calculation I gather first, that Saturne is descending in his Eccentrike, or Deferent; because his Centrum aequatum [...]s, ab vno gradu in sex signa; and that Iupiter on the other side is Ascending in his Eccentrike or Deferent, because his Centrum [...]equatum, is aboue sixe signes. But forsomuch as Argumentum aequatum Saturni is nigher 0. grade, 0. minut, then Argumentū equatū Iouis, (for when the Argumentum equatū of a planet is 0. G. 0. M. he is, in summitate Epicicli) I take Saturne to be nigher he summity of his Circle, & consequently to the eleuated aboue Iupiter, secundum Augē, by reason of his proximitie to his Aux. Which eleuation, according to the ancient principles of Iudiciary Astrology, premonstrateth the violēt depression, & gréeuous oppresson of the Ecclesiastical Iouials by the force of temporal [...]otentats: yea & that some of them shall not only be afflicted & tormented, but also cruellie [...]recuted, and vtterly extinguished by their [...]ight. For Saturne eleuated aboue Iupiter, [...]n domo mortis, called [...] threateth vnto thē not only much feare and dread, with the losse of such goods as their predeces [...]rs enioyed before them, but also extreme [...]ersecution & execution by death. Marry in re [...]ect of circumstances, and certaine credible [...]idicials, I suppose that ye Iouials shal in the [Page] end haue the better day, and triumph ouer the Saturnmes, worthily by the iudgement of the learned. But I define nothing morallie, béeing only to suruey the naturall causes and signes of naturall effects. Now forsomuch as some Astrologians obseruing and regarding only the latitudes of the Planets at the time of their Coniunction, make him to be eleuated aboue the other, whose latitude is eyther more Ascentent in Septentrionem, or lesse Descendent versus Meridiem, (as namelie Ioannes Ganiuerus, who in his booke intituled, Amicus Medicorum, the first chapter, and third Difference, making mention of the great Coniunction of Saturne and Iupiter in the 13. grade of Scorpius, which hapned, Anno, 1425. affirmeth that Saturne was then eleuated aboue Iupiter) Why? because, as he there alledgeth, Maior fuit illius latitudo versus Septentrionē, therby gathering and concluding, that much vnwonted trouble and sorrowe should follow to the cleargie, and so soorth. Now I say, for the discussing of that interpretation, I will heere in like maner set downe she latitudes of the Planets from the Eclyptike line towards the Poles of the Zodiaque at the time of this Coniunction, that it may therby likewise appeare, whether Saturne be then also eleuated aboue Iupiter according to his latitude.
| Grad. Minut. | |||
| Saturne | 1. | 20. | Merid. Descend. |
| Iupiter | 0. | 54. | Merid. Descend. |
| Mars | 1. | 23. | Septent. Descen. |
| Venus | 0. | 22. | Septent. Ascend. |
| Mercurie | 2. | 29. | Merid. Ascend. |
| Luna | 0. | 46. | Merid. Descend. |
Saturne therfore is descending from the Eclyptike line towards the Antartike pole of the Zodiake 1. grade, 20. Min. wheras Iupiter is descending from the Eclyptike line towards the Antartike pole of the Zodiake, o. grade, 54. Min. Wherefore Iupiter on the other side is eleuated aboue Saturne, secundum latitudinem, bicause his latitude is lesser than Saturns is. For as when they are both Septentrional Ascendent, he is exalted aboue the other, whose latitude is greatest towards the North, (as Ioannes Saxonius testifieth in the end of his Commentary vpon the fourth difference of Alcabitius his Isagoge, ad Magisterium Iudiciorum Astrorum) so on the contrary part, when they are both Meridional Descendent (as now they are) he must néeds be eleuated aboue the other, whose latitude is lesser towards ye south. So that according to this kind of eleuation, secundum Latitudinem, the ecclesiasticall or spirituall power should flourish and increase more and more, and their estate become more [Page] prosperous and fortunate, which is cleane contrarie vnto the Astrologicall iudgement before gathered, and drawen from the eleuation of Saturne aboue Iupiter, secundum Augem. More therfore now lieth the point of the doubt, whether the eleuation of one Planet aboue another, according to his Aux, or according to his latitude, be most effectuall. For the true conclusion, and determination of the premisses, must be drawen from hence. A matter of no small difficultie to decide. For mine owne part, touching the credit of Ioannes Ganiuetus, although I should liberally graunt that he was, in sacra Theologia, & in ipsa Astrologia suo aeuo facilè princeps, & ob eandem Astrologiam ab omnibus ferè Christianitatis, & Regibus, & Principibus, nec non ab ipso Pontifice Maximo, haud paruis annuis stipendijs donatus; (as Gondisaluus Toledo, serenissimae Francorum Reginae Medicus, Lugdunensis (que) pro Rege electus, commendeth him to his sonne Antonius Toledo) yet am I rather to subscribe vnto the soueraigne iudgement and authoritie of Ptolomey in these Astrologicall poynts, especiallie nowe in this, for two or thrée notable considerations, and amongst the rest, because some other probable Arguments, which may Astrologically be gathered from the Figure erected for the time of [Page] this Coniunction, séeme also to verifie the same. For Mars, Lorde of the ninth house, called ab adiuncto, [...], placed in Domo cadenti ab Angulo Medij Caeli, to wit, in the 12. house, tearmed, Cacodaemon, â significatione tristium euentuum (est enim Domus, seu locus tristitiae, aerumnarum, maeroris, laborum, paupertatis, carceris, occultorum inimicorum, impostorum, meretricum, & such like) signifieth the imprisonment of some great Ecclesiasticall personage, of the nature of Mars, or Mercurie, but because the royall Planet Sol, resident in Corde Caeli, siue Regali Cuspide, called [...] is separated from Mars by a quartil radiation, it séemeth that there shoulde some mercy be fauourablie pretended, but not effectuallie performed. For Mercurie, Lorde of the Horoscope the house of life, and also of the second house the house of substaunce, beeing withall infortunatelie seated, in Domo cadenti ab Angulo, to witte, in the ninth house (for he is there peregrine, and deuoyde of all his essentiall dignities) doth argue not onely the vtter losse of his goods and substance, but the depriuation of his life too, which is also more manifestly signified by the Quartil of Mercury with the Dragons head, in [Page] violent signes, namely in Capricorne, and Aries, nam hoc etiam capitis paenam minatur. Wherefore great debate and much dissention is like to arise touching matters of Ecclesiasticall gouernement, and religious controuersies: whereby many shall be forciblie dispossessed: some vtterly vndone; not a fewe vnmercifully slayne and murdered: specially in those Regions and Cities, which are vnder the regimēt of the third Quadrangle. Wherwithall I am to obserue, that Mars is in Leone, and that the citie Mora is subiect to the gouernment of this signe, considering that it was Ascendent in the East angle at the laying of the first stone towards the foundation thereof, as is generallie auouched, and sufficiently confirmed by the best Astrologers. Ergo, Nunc caueat sibi Mora, vel saltem alij ab ea caueant, nè haec mora illis tandem trahat periculum.
Moreouer, Sol is in Tauro, the night house of Venus, Venus is Lady of the tenth Cuspis, & soiourning in the 10. house, but placed in the 11. signe, namely in Geminis, the house of Mercury, there accompanied with the Dragons tayle: Mercury him selfe is infortunately appointed in the ninth house in Ariete, and Mars Lord of Mercuries Mansiō place is afflicted in the 12. house in Leone, as is aforesaid. All which circumstances béeing [Page] equally wayed, and diligently considered, this conclusion I suppose may probably be inferred: that the effects of Saturns eleuation aboue Iupiter, secundū augem, are like to be more effectuall at this instant, then the effects of Iupiters eleuation aboue Saturne, secundum latitudinem. Vincunt enim semper plura testimonia, siue boni venturi, siue mali illa fuerint, in praedictionibus Astrologicis. The Iugemēt needeth no mans countenance to geue it autority.
Wherfore if I may freely vtter, that which I Astrologically conceiue, I imagine that some prophane helhound, some fierce and cruell Antichrist, some outragious and irreligious Mahomet, some Turkish Martiall Tyrant shall arise, who wil play the second Athi [...]a, or Totilas, by scourging the zealous people of God, who wil furiously assault the holy citie of Ierusalem, who wil violently oppresse and horribly torment the Inhabitaunts of that blessed Cittie. And shal not then Iniquitie haue the vpper hande? Shall not then the abhomination of desolation stande in the sacred place? Shall not then sorrowes by sensible Addition and Multiplication, amount to huge summes. But he that keepeth Israel, shal neither slumber nor sleepe: Neither dout I, but the almightie and almerciful Adonay, through his infinite power, and exceading [Page] goodnes, wil cōfound this mischieuous Helhound, in his diuelish Imaginations, and vtterly destroy him in his spritish attempts, and hellish practises, to his owne small ouerthrow and confusion: and to the singular comfort, and vnspeakable consolation of true Christians, the only elect children and heires of God. Marry first pers [...]quution is like greeuously to assault and inuade many Nations, and kingdomes, before this generall peace and quyetnesse may be hoped, or looked for. Wherfore if haply such troubles and tribulations happen in our dayes, (as no doubt by all Astrologicall and prophetical prodictions they wil) let vs patiently possesse our soules and bodies, and euen in the midst of them, lifte vp our eyes, and handes, and hearts to heauen, the only sanctuary and Castle of our succour, for euen then is our redemption nigh at hand; euen then is the time that the Lord shal deliuer Israel out of all her afflictions; euen then shal we enioy perfect felicitie: and who so endureth to the end, the same shalbe blessed without end. Finally, a great new Monarchie is like to be established, and shal not the true Gospel of the kingdome be vniuersally preached thorowout al the world, for a witnes vnto al nations? shall not al people vnder heauen be gouerned according to the right meaning of that auncient prophecie, Vnus pastor, vnum ou [...] le? [Page] About the necessarie, or contingent veritie whereof, much here might be added, but I hasten to go forward with the rest, beginning where my brother Richard left, & for supplye of his wants, adding those iudgemēts, which I haue collected since the 2. edition of his Astrological discourse, which could not be so exactly & perfectly finished by himselfe, as otherwise it might haue been, by reason of certaine other impediments, which euen in the midst of that treatise, forcibly called him from those Mathematical and Philosophical studies. It remayneth therfore, to note, that Saturne Lord of ye 6. house, in Greek, [...] so called, quod tristia & aduersa portendat, (est enim domus aegritudinum, & vitiorum corporis) premōstrateth the dangerous, and greeuous assaults of many Saturnine & Melancholike diseases; who because in mans body he ruleth and gouerneth the right eare, the stomack, the splene, the bladder, the bones, and teeth: he presignifieth many cold diseases proceeding of ye defluxiō of humors to those parts: as namely the flux, ye dropsy, ye ptisick, the collick, ye stone in the raines & bladder, ye vehemēt gnawing, or pain of the belly, ingēdred in the smal guts, called Ilia, ye palsy, ye gout in ye féet, ye tāker, ye black iaūdes, stiches in ye sides like plurisies, black morphew, quartane agues; as also cōtinual ache in ye ioints, pernitious catars, roughs, rewmes, pooses, hoarcenesse, wheles, & [Page] blisters, ringwormes, running with drie scabbes, and ytchings, byles, & vlcerations, passions of the splene, the leaprie proceeding of melancholy exceedingly, adust, called comonly Elephantiasis, beside some shrewde, and fore paines in the legs & feete: together with some other mortal & peremptorie diseases, proceading partly of corrupt blud, ryot, drunkennes, and surset, partly of superfluous, rotten, and putrified humors, so long continuing aud induring, that they ingender Hecticke feuers, and consumptions. For Saturne, Dominus domus Infirmitatum, resident in domo mortis, doth plainly and manifestly foreshew the violence of some vncurable and deadly sicknesses, which shall greeuously afflict, and vehemently oppresse many euen vnto death. Wherefore I would wish those, that feele themselues diseased, if so be they desire to be restored againe to their wonted health, to seeke in due tyme for helps and remedie at the hands of the learned and expert Phisition, before the infirmitie be fully growen, and throughly rooted. It is too late they say, to spare when all is spent and consumed, too late to shut the cage, when the byrde is flowen out, too late to bar the stable doore, whē the Steede is stollen away: And is it not to too late to require remedie for a disease already confirmed? what learned Chirurgian [Page] an will take in hand to cure a mortal and vncurable vlcer? or what wise Phisician will vndertake to restore that Patient to health, which is depryued of his senses, speach, respiration, and mouing, through the violence and importunitie of the strong and vehement Apoplexy? which cannot possiblie be resisted, as Hippocrates witnesseth in the 42. Aphorisme of his second booke. Also the Leapry, called Elephantiasis, if it be established and confirmed, is by nature, an immedicable, and deadly disease, which notwithstanding, if it be looked to in time, may be cured by Phlebotomy, annuary purgations, or the like meanes, as Galen himselfe affirmeth in his sixt Commentary vpon the 47. Aphorisme of Hipocrates, where he reporteth, that he had cured, inchoatam Elephantiasin, by those remedies. Now therfore let euery discreete Patient remember the common saying out of the witty Lattin Poet: Principijs obsta. Stoppe the beginninges: together with that also which followeth.
Serò medicina paratur.
Cum mala per longas inualuere moras.
To which effect the vulgar Hexameter, prouerbially vsed, might likewise be fitly applyed: ‘Maximus ê minima scintilla nascitur ignis.’
[Page] And yet I graunt the Phisitian may euen in this extremity geue the patient good councell, he may wish him wel, and so foorth, and peraduenture ease the importunity of his malady some litle deale: Sed hoc aliquid, paene nihil est, & the verses are famously knowen.
Wherfore if possibly it may be, the first houre of the disease approaching, is diligently to be obserued, and truly signified vnto the Phisitian, as Hermes Trismegistus aduiseth in his Iathromathematica: that a figure for that time being erected, and the Position or constitution of the heauens not sleightly, but throughly considered, the cunning Phisitian may therby iudicially gather, whether the disease be curable aud suppliable by medicine, or whether yt patient be destitute of hope, & past recouery. But they yt desire to know more cō cerning this point, may haue recourse to the said Iatromathematica, translated not long since into our english tongue, by my self, at the request of M. Charles P. a very speciall frend of mine. Which translation, I haue here also purposely annexed at the end of this small Treatise, for the generall benefit, and commoditie of those, which are desirous thereof, that they may with so much the more ease, and les labour, attaine to some reasonable knowledge [Page] of those most necessarie secretes, which Hernes Aegyptius, the first and most auncient Astrologer, that hath committed any thinge to writing, (who liued before the incarnation of our Sauiour, 1488. yeares,) lefte behinds him for the perpetuall good, and vse of al such, as were to succeade him in the heauenly practise of Astrologie, and phisicall Philosophy. But reseruing mine opinion of this famous Mercury, and his profound works, to some other time, I am to returne againe to that Astrologicall iudgement before drawn from the Lordly dominion of cruell Saturne ouer the 6. house, and his situacion in the 8. place from the Horoscope. Where I furthermore obserue, that this infortunate Constellation, doth not onely presignifie and prognosticate many contagious, and peremptory infirmities amongst men, (as is alreadye according to the rules of Arte probably declared) but also a great distruction, and mortality amongst all kind of small beastes, and cattell: as Dorotheus one of the 9. Iudges, doth in the verie like case conclude. But forasmuch as the two great Lumynaries, are amongst the rest of the planets, the principal and most effectuall workers in al naturall & terrestriall bodies, tam animatis, (quam) inanimatis, as Ptolomy proueth more at large in the 1. booke, and 2. chap. of his Quadripartite construction. [Page] by whose influence specially; fit incrementū & destructio omnis Indiuidui Animalis, as Haly also very well commenteth vpon this 86. Aphorisme of Ptolomyes Centiloquia: Sol est origo virtutis vitalis, quae est Cordis: Luna est origo virtutis naturalis, quae est Epatis: particularly in priuate natiuities considered, but generally in all publike, and not onely Astrologicall predictions, but also Phisicall and Philosophicall discourses, maintained and obserued: we are necessarily constrayned at all times to haue especiall respect vnto their motions, but cheefly to the course and motion of the Moone, who as the auncient Astrologers affirme, is: Delatrix omnium impressionum & influentiarum aliorum planetarum, quae per globum ipsius ad nos vltimó decendunt. Wherefore I will here also discipher their seuerall inclinations, and effectes: with the proper and naturall significations of each of them, according to their scituation, and constitution in the celestiall figure, at the time of this great Coniunction: but so that I will auoyd to repeate any iudgement already set downe by my brother in his Astrologicall discourse. The vertues and debilities of the princely Plannets, Sol, and Luna, are at the beginning of this Treatise, set downe by way of partition: Wherefore (to cut off al such Tantologies) I [Page] not be so tedious, or forgetfull of all good Methode, as to rehearse the same againe in this place. But forsomuch as their debilities are mo in number thē their dignities, I am by the way to conclude (as I did before) that they are very vnfortunately appointed in the present scheme: and consequently, that many mischiefes, with much vnwonted sorrow, are presaged therby. Marry this amongst the rest, is specially worthy the noting, that the Sun is then within 3. degrees, 50. minutes of the most violent and most mortal fixed star in the whole firmament, amongst 1022. called cō monly, Gorgonium, siue caput Medusae, barbarously of the Arabians, Caput Algol, whose Longitude is in the 20. grade, 38. mi. of Taurus: Latitude from the Ecliptike line. 23. grades, 0. min. A starre of the second magnitude, that is, 90. times so big as the earth: of the nature of Saturne and Iupiter, but of Complexion somewhat temperate being Septentrional. Which Starre, considering it is so nigh the Cuspis of Caeli Culmen, the Sunne being then also therein situated, but peregriue, and almost conioyned therewith; it should by all Astrologicall Iudicials seem, that some suddayn mischiefe, and violent oppression, is prognesticated and portended to some great personage, or mighty magistrate, placed in high seate, and supreame autority: [Page] as by the sequele is most like to appeare, where it shall happen.
Luna is likewise in the prefixed figure extraordinarily afflicted, and oppressed by the presence and company of another most cruell and mischieuous fixed star, called of the Graecians [...], barbarously, Cor Scorpij, whose Longitude is in the 3. grade, 40. minute of Sagittary, Latitude 4. degrées, 0, minute. A starre of the second Magnitude also, but of the nature of Mars, with a litle spice of Iupiter; Complexionis magis humectantis, quam Comburentis, quia Meridionalis. Which Coniunction, signifieth as I cō iecture, the furious audacity, and outragious impudency of those which shall seditiously arise, and priutly conspire against their Magistrates, presaged by the late opposition of Luna with Venus, Ladie of the tenth house, who is also conioyned with a violent Martial fixed star, of ye first honor or Magnitude, yt is, 107. times so big as ye earth, called of the Grecians, [...]: of the Romaines, Pallilicium: of the Arabians, Aldebaram, and most commonly of our late Astrologers, Oculus Tauri Australis, siue sinister: But because my brother Richard in his discourse hath more at large described the same opposition of Venus, and Luna, according to their celestiall situation at that time, purposing not, as I sayd, to [Page] reiterate anything heare, that is there sufficiently expressed, I wil go forward with ye rest, remitting the studious reader to ye page in his booke: but not omitting to cōsider this by the way, yt the effects & operatiōs of the great Cō iunction, are like to be the more fearful & terrible, by reason of this infortunate constitution of the Sun and Moone at that instant.
Item, Iupiter, Lord of the West Angle, placed in the 8. house from the Ascendent, & there infortunately afflicted by the present Coniunction of frowning Saturne, who is gouernor of ye 5. house [...] signifieth extreame sorrow, with much perrill & danger vnto women labouring with child: or els, that many women shal take great care, and be sore greeued for their children, because they ar not. The same constellation threatneth likewise, much shrewde dissention and hatred betwixt man and wife. Moreouer, Mars, Lord of Imū Caeli, placed in domo 12. wil help to increase the trouble and anguish of parentes for their childrens causes, afore mentioned.
Item, Venus, Domina domus dominij, being there also residēt, but situated in the 11. signe, accompanied wt Catabibazon, in casu suo, id est, in oppositione exaltationis suae: signifieth exceeding much quarrelling, strife and contention, touching matters of the 10. house, in some countrey subiect to the gouernment of [Page] the signe Gemini: A signe of the partition of the thyrd Quadrangle.
Also, Venus, Domina domus Fratrum, Sororum, Consanguineorum &c. being appointed as is before rehearsed, doth furthermore prognosticate very much false dilsimulation, and tretcherie euen amongst brethren and kinsfolke, who shall hinder, indammage, & hurt one another by some cusoning menes, and by diuers vnfaithfull, wily, and deceitfull dealings. One notable token amongst many other of the worlds small continuance, as by the holy Scripture might easily be proued.
Item, Mercury peregrine in the nienth house, there placed in Ariete, foretelleth, as I suppose, the comming of certaine strange Ambassadors, into this Realme of England, about some matters touching Religion, for this Iland is subiect to the dominion, and regiment of that signe. Whereunto I adde, that Mercury, Lord of the second house, vnluckely seated in the ninth house, portendeth much los of goods to trauailers, messengers, merchants, and generally to all Mercuristes, as well on the land by theeues, and robbers, as on the seas, by shipwracks and Pyrates. Which is also more plainly presignified by the opposition of Pars Fortunae to the seconde house, in the Cuspis of the eight house, which opposition seemeth to threaten, not onely [Page] losse of substance, but of life too. And therfore the foresaide persons are to prouide for themselues accordingly.
Hetherto I haue orderly by Astrologicall Analysis, proceaded in disciphering the state of the heauens, at the time of the foresaid notable Coniunction, by interlacing those [...]udgements, which being by him pretermit [...]ed, I haue since the second Impression of my brothers booke, gathered out of as good, and autenticall Doctors, as any we haue. Now, that nothing may seeme to be wanting in this present Tractate, being ioyned to his former Discourse, which might Astrologically be obserued touching the same great Coniunction: I thinke it not only not inconuenient, but also requisite to note briefly some Iudicials, concerning the dearth and plentie of those Astrologicall partes mentioned at the beginning of this Treatise: which partes although commonly they are onely considered of the best Astrologers, ether generally at ye Sunsen [...]ance into the point Equinoctial Vernal, for [...]he whole yeere immediatly following, if a [...]ed signe, (as either Taurus, Leo, Scorpius, [...] Aquarius) be then Ascendent in the East [...]ngle, or els particularly at the beginning or [...]ery Astronomicall Reuolution, for the [...]uarter next ensuing, yet notwithstanding, [...]somuch as the virtuall influence of any [Page] great Coniunction of the superior Planets, is more notable, yea and more forcible too. then the influence of the Sunnes circular returne, to that indiuisible point of the Zodiack from which he first digressed, as some of the most approoued Astrologers affyrme. I suppose, that as great and as certaine a testimony, either of dearth, or of plentifulnesse ensuing, may Astrologically be drawen from the situation and constitution of the Planets in the celestiall scheme, at the time of this rare and strange Coniunction, as otherwise from the position of the superior bodies in the heauenly figure at the Sunnes annuary recourse, A puncto ad punctum signiferi. For as this famous and memorable meeting of the two supreme and most mighty Planets in the last face of Pisces, hapneth very seldome, to wit, but once in the space and continuance of 800. yeares, so when it chaunceth, it commonly causeth some sudden changes, and violent alterations, either by meanes of sedition and warres, or consequently by famine and penurie, proceeding of the barrennesse and sterility of the earth, therby presaged & prognosticated which my brother Richard hath already in my opinion sufficiently confirmed in his Discourse. Wherfore, I will here now compendiously, but distinctly, set downe the significations of those parts, drawen partly from the [Page] signes wherein they are placed, but especially from the Lords of the signes, those I meane, that haue most essential dignities in ye same, concluding according to their situation & constitution in the prefixed Figure, siue in Angulo, siue succedenti illi fuerint, seu cadenti Domo. Withall, regarding their seuerall aspectes, and mutuall radiatious, as also whether Dominus domus be come ad locum Descentionis suae, and so forth. But I imagine it shal suffyce for the present, to declare the bare iudgements only, that is, the effectes signified, by noting in a word, which partes shalbe Cari precii, which medii, or indifferentis precii, and finally, which humilis, or vilis precii. The causes and reasons of euery Iudiciall, euery one that is but meanly trauailed in the Principles of Astrologie, may of him selfe soone gather, and easily discerne: neither do I loue to be verbally tedious, whē fewe wordes may as well, or rather better serue the turne. Frustra enim longius fit per plura, quod breuius fieri potuit per pauciora. Wherefore to proceede roundly to the expected Distinction, the foresayd partes,
- [Page]Concerning the dearth or cheapnesse thereof, are by my Astrologicall iudgementes like to be either
- Of a high, or deare price, as namely these.
- Pars oliuarum: whereof Thales Milesius toke so notable aduauntage, for the enrichment of himselfe.
- Pars hordei:
- Pars ciborum amarorum.
- Pars ciborum saporis apij, & herbarum eiusmodi saporem habentium
- Pars salis.
- Pars Medicaminum salsorum.
- Pars medicaminum acrium.
- Pars sisami.
- Pars nucum.
- Pars lentis.
- Pars Ris.
- Pars Nucum.
- Pars Melonum.
- Of an indifferent and more reasonable price. as
- Pars tritici.
- Pars Ciceris.
- Pars sacchari.
- Pars Mellis.
- Pars ciborum dulcium.
- Pars croci.
- Pars medicaminum venenatorum.
- Pars Bombicis.
- Pars Milij.
- Of a lowe price, or good cheape, as
- Pars fabarum.
- Pars Vuarum.
- Pars dactylorum.
- Pars Caeparum.
- Pars ciborum acrium.
- Of a high, or deare price, as namely these.
Euery one that vnderstandeth any Latine may sufficiently play the Interpreter.
[Page] Which short partition may generally suffice for a competent knowledge of the forenamed parts, vntill they shall be more diligentlie considered, and more particularly discussed by me, in euery seuerall yéere, as vpon semblable occasion, I shall then more speciallie obserue the same at the Sunnes annuary recourse into the first Second of Aries. I haue here summarily inserted this little, as a briefe testimonie eyther of dearth or plentifulnesse ensuing, drawen onely, as I said, from the situation of the Planets, at the time whereof I now speake, but in my yéerely Almanacke I purpose, by Gods good leaue, more exactlie, and so farre as I may possibly attaine therevnto, more perfectly to examine the same according to the infallible Rules of this Arte, at the seueral reuolutions of euery seueral yéere, so continuing till the effects and operations of this Coniunction shall fully be accomplished and ended.
Nowe touching the Constitution of the ayre, whereof I haue as yet added nothing, forsomuche as this famous Coniunction happeneth in Pisces, a signe of the partition of the watery Trigonisme, I conceiue thereby, that great store and abundance of rayne shall ensue, which will cause many huge inundations, and ouerflowings in sundry places, and that many fierce and boysterous [Page] winds shall estfoones breake foorth, the rather also, because both Saturne and Iupiter are then likewise oriental from the Sunne. Nam Phaenon orientalis est frigidae complexionis, & humidae item Phaēton: wherefore much troublous and tempesteous weather is like to be looked for, which is like so long to continue, how long the one shall be within the Semidiameter of the other, that is, within nine degrées of the other, for the seuerall Semidiameter of eche of them is 4. degrées, 30. minutes, so that concerning the disposition of the Ayre, the watery effects of their méeting began the 5. day of February last past, this present yeere 1583. and shall endure vntill the 14. day of February next ensuing, Anno 1584.
Immediatly after the terme or end of these effects, Mercury shall receiue both Saturne and Iupiter: and be corporally conioyned with them, first with Saturne, then with Iupiter: which portēdeth smal good to some of the clergie: for Mercury beeing at the time of this Coniunction infortunately seated in the 9. house, and nowe in Coniunction with Saturne and Iupiter, signifieth the losse of their accustomed tiths, yea and the displeasure of some noble personages, or great magistrates, through whose procurement they are like to be shrewdly hindered and endamaged. [Page] It should seeme also that they shall be xppressed by meanes of some Martiall garboyles, and warres, because their meeting is in Aries, the diurnall Mansion place of Mars.
But as touching the whole continuance of all these, or such other terrible Accidents, and feareful euents, threatned by this grand Copulation of Saturne and Iupiter, first prognostically intreated of by my brother Richard in his Discourse, and nowe enlarged by my selfe in thie Tractate, I am perswaded that they shall forcibly begin to take place [...] in this present yeere 1583. For no doubt much secret villany shall be committed, much false packing vsed, much priuy sedition fostered, and great Martiall furniture, and preparance for warres shall be heard of, to some mens cost, euen within the compasse of this very yeere. Which accordeth with that Maxime of the noble Prince Leopoldus Austriacus, in these very words: Annus ipse erit peior in quo Saturnus & Iupiter coniunguntur. But shall still violently continue, and cruelly inuade the inhabitaunts of the earth, vntill such time as the one shall oppose himselfe against the other by a diametrall irradiatiō, which according to the true and daily sphericall motiōs of these Planets exactly calculated by the excellent Mathematitian Ioannes [Page] Stadius, in his Ephemerides; shall fall out iust, Anno Domini 1593. the 21. day of March, about 30. Minuts after thrée of the clocke in the after noone. Saturne béeing then placed in Cancer, and Iupiter in Capricorne, the one in the 11. house, the other in the 5. house, as appeareth by the Figure, which I haue here calculated for the very time of their Opposition, at which time the distance from the one to the other shall be 180. Degrées.
The Caelestiall scheme, calculated for the future opposition of Saturne and Iupiter.
Latitude 51. 34. Longitude 19. 52.
1593. Die 21. Martij. Hora 3. Mi. 31. post Meridiem.
Dominus. diei ☿. Dominus. horae ☽.
[Page] So that the perillous effects of this grand Coniunction shall continue and still increase on, vntill the accomplishment almost of ten whole yeeres hereafter ensuing, which then surceasing, the operations of their opposition shall begin to worke, beeing in like maner forcibly to take place & perdure till their next Coniunction, which shall not happen vntill the yeere 1603. the 21 day of December about high noon: at which time they shal be conioyned agayne in the 10. grade, 26. minute of Sagittary, a signe of the partition of the fiery Triangularity, and then the Mathematicall circuit beeing fully finished, the effects of this Coniunction, and opposition, shall togither end, and not before. Etenim effectus durant vsque ad reditum, quia nihil datur inane in natura, as is well noted by Cardane. But I am of opinion, that the effects of their opposition, shall be more violent and speedie, than of this very Coniunction. Nam diametrae radiationes, quemadmodum & Tetragonismi, mortes repentinas, & violentas mutationes faciunt, Cō gressus verò generalia Accidentia, as one very learnedly iudgeth. And Haly the Arabian in the 8. part, & 6. chapter of his Astrologicall Iudicials, seemeth to affirme, that, Diametralis cōfiguratio, est fortior & maioris vigoris, quàm vllus alius aspectus; in [Page] writing thus: Scito quod oppositio Saturni & Martis est deterior eorum Coniunctione, & deteriores, ac maligniores significationes demonstrat. Beside these, Guido Bonatus in the 13. chapter of his seconde Treatise, confirmeth the very same, where he determineth flatly, that Oppositio est aspectus vltimatae inimicitiae, vltimatae maliciae, & vltimatae discordiae; his reason is, Quia trahitur â Saturno, & â Luminaribus; nam domus Saturni aspiciunt domos Luminarium ab oppositione: ideoue dicitur iste aspectus perfectae inimicitiae, quo niam Saturnus est infortunium maius, & fortior caeteris alijs infortunijs. But as concerning this present opposition, it seemeth extraordinarily malicious, and extremly pernicious, in that they are most vnhappily affected, & afflicted, in casibus, & detrimentis suis: Quae quidem constellatio Religioni maximum periculum minatur. A iudgement ouer true. But because I purpose hereafter, if God spare me life, to discourse more at large of these particulars, I wil here only add this one resolute & peremptory iudgement of the great Astrologer, Cyprian de Bohemia; Coniunctiones, oppositiones, vel eclypses, in Virg. & Capr. quod in his signis Iupiter religionis Iudex magnopere debilitetur, mutationes in religione, sacroue ordine [Page] denunciant. Wherfore I will nowe returne againe to the present Coniunction, from which I haue a little digressed. The continuance of whese effects beeing expreslie declared, it followeth, that we likewise expresly determine, de subiectis locis, in what Countries and Cities they shall especially worke, and most effectually shewe them selues. For Ptolomey saith, Vnusquisque locus habet suum signum & Planetam proprium. And that in respect of some other Astrologicall circumstances is the reason, as Ganiuetus affirmeth, that the plague, or any other noysome and notorious calamitie happeneth in some one particuler towne or citie, rather then in another, they beeing both situated in one and the selfe same Region. Wherefore concerning the present Coniunction, I suppose that those Realmes and Cities shall chiefly be vexed and afflicted with the euill influence thereof, which are vnder the partition of the third Quadrangle, that is, vnder these foure signes, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittary, Pisces. Vnto which signes such Regions and Cities are subiect, as are particularly allotted to eche of them, and here seuerally described as followeth.
- [Page]Vnder the 3. Quadrā gle are cōteined the foresaid signes.
- ♊ ☿ Gemini, whose gouernment extendeth, to
- Regions,
- Hircania, Armenia, Martiana, Cyrene, Marmarica, the lower Egypt, Sardinia, a part of Lombardy, Flaunders, Brabant, Wittemberge, England.
- Cities,
- Corduba, Cesena, Viterbium, Versels, Louaine, Bryges, Magūtia; Hafford, Kitzingium, Rhegiū, Turinum, Bamberga, Norimberge, Villacum, London.
- Regions,
- ♍ ☿ Virgo, which hath in subiection
- Regions.
- Mesopotamia, Babylon, Assyria, Achaia, Grece, Crete, Croacia, Carinthia, Athesina, the dukedome of Athens, a part of Gallia Comata, a part of Rhene, the lower Sylesia.
- Cities.
- Ierusalē, Corinth, Rhodes Papia, Signia, Brundusiū, Aretium, Nouaria, Tolose, Lyons, Paris, Basill, Heilderberge, Epphord, Wratislauia.
- Regions.
- ♐ ♃ Sagittary, which hath,
- Regions.
- Spayne, Arabla the happy▪ Tyrrhenia, Celtica, Dalmatia, Slauonia, Vngary, Morauia, Sylesia, Misnia.
- Cities.
- Tolet, Volaterrae, Mutina, Narbona, Aucnionis, Cullein, Agrippina, Stutgardia, Rotenburge, Buda, Tuberinum, Caschouia.
- Regions.
- [Page] ♓ ♃ Pices, which hath
- Regions.
- Lidia, Pamphilia, Scicilie, Calabria, Portugal, Normandy, Phazania, Nazomontilis, Garamantes.
- Cities.
- Alexandria, Hispalis, Cō postel, Ratisbone, Parentium, Wormes, Rothomagus.
- Regions.
- ♊ ☿ Gemini, whose gouernment extendeth, to
Whervnto also the fine Citie of Florence, séemeth to be lately added by Franciscus Iunctinus, a Doctor of Diuinitie in the same Citie, notwithstanding that Lucas Gauricus, Ioannes Schonerus, Cyprianus Leouitius, and some other approued Astrologers, do place it vnder another signe: and namely most vnder Aries. For in his introduction, ad Astrorum Iudicia, Iunctinus letteth downe the natiuitie therof, with the 2. degree. 28. minut of Pisces in the Horoscope, as vnderneath followeth. Which Figure I haue here purposely inserted, for that I thinke that citie to be very subiect to the foresaid great Coniunction, not onely bicause the signe Ascending in the Horoscope, is the signe wherin this Coniunction hapneth, but also because certaine other iudgements, which the learned in this facultie may therby easily gather, touching the state of the saide City, do import as much. In which respects I tooke it not amisse to impart the Figure it selfe to the more particular consideration of such, as can, and will take the paines to examine the same Astrologically.
Inclitae vrbis Florentiae natalis, Horoscopicè delineatus.
254.31.
Anno 1298. Mense Nouembri, Die 29. Hora Meridiana.
Altitudo Poli. 42.45.
[Page] Hither I suppose may those Regions and Cities be also added which are subiect to the dominion of Saturne, that is, those which are vnder the regiment of Capricorne, a signe of the partition of the first Quadrangle, and Aquary, a signe of the partition of the second Quadrangle. For these two signes are Saturns own proper & essential mansion places. Wherefore I will here in like maner write downe, such Realmes and Townes, as are comprehended within their seuerall Gouernements: forsomuch as they are very like also to féele the gréeuous and miserable effects threatned by this Coniunction.
- ♑ ♄ Capricorne hath
- Regions.
- India, Arriana, Macedonia, Thracia, Gedrosia, Bossina, Albania, Bulgaria, Grece, Lituania Saxony, Hessia, Orcheney. Ilands, Masouia, Turingia, Marchia Styriae.
- Cities.
- Machlinia, Iuliacum, Cleuonia, Berga, Gandamon, Vitua. Brā denburge, Augusta Vindelicorum, Constantia, Derthona, Fauentia, Oxford.
- Regions.
- ♒ ♄ Aquary hath
- Regions.
- Araby desert, Oxiana, Sogdiana▪ great Tartary, Denmarke, Sarmatia, the South part of Suetia, a part of Bauaria, Paedemontium, Westphalia.
- Cities.
- Hamburge, Breame, Inglostadium, Tridentum, Salisburge Mons Ferratus.
- Regions.
[Page] But euen amongst these very nations, countries, Ilands, territories, cities, & townes named and distinguished here by me, according to the instructions of the best Astrologers, and Cosmographers, there is also a great difference. For those persons shall especially be vexed, and oppressed by this infortunate position of the celestiall bodies, in whose Radix, or otherwise in the annuary profection of the natiuitie, the 21. grade, eyther of Pisces, Sagittary, Virgo, Gemini, Capricorne, or Aquary, is by progression Ascendent in the Horoscope, or in whose natiuitie, the Sunne, the Moone, or [...] Geniturae, is resident in the same grade of any of those signes, or within fiue degrées of that grade: for they are most like to be sore tormented, and vehemenly disquieted with the troublous affections, and perturbations of the mind, yea and gréeuouslie afflicted with diuerse noysome and wofull infirmities of the body, which shall become mortall and peremptory vnto those, which haue Saturne thus ill affected vpon the 8. Cuspis, or whose Hylech or Alchocoden, is ill affected in any of the said places of the Zodiake.
But they, which in their Radix haue Culmen Medij Coeli, or Pars Fortunae appointed in the same parts of the Signifier, shall [Page] suffer in honor, worshippe, substance, and riches, and be vyolently wronged by some cruell and extraordinary mischaunces to befall them.
And they moreouer, which haue any of the other siue erraticall starres, as either Mars, Venus, or Mercury, situated in the same degree of those Signes, shall by some mischieuous meanes or other, be in like manner hindred and indammaged according to the naturall signification, qualitie, and inclination of each of them so disposed.
All and singular which foresaid euents shal be multiplyed and increased, if any hurtfull direction of the natiuine shall then happen, which doth consent, or any waies accord with this Coniunction. But if any fauourable, and friendly direction shall come in place, the lesse harme is to be feared, nay in this case, directions are alwayes to be preferred before the great Coniunctions, or Oppositions of the superior planets, as also before the Eclypses of the Sunne, and Moone, for that their effectes are more forcible and effectuall then the operations of any such Copulations, or obscurations, which worke only as generall causes, and do therfore hurte those men chiefly, whose natiuities accorde with the first beginninges or foundations of any such Regions, or Cities, as are most like to feele and [Page] suffer the cruell influence and terrible operations of any such heauenly Accidents.
Here therfore I am to leaue euery man to the consideration of his owne priuate natiuitie, howbeit I could my selfe rehearse some of good calling, whose Horoscopes are thus appointed, but that I intend not to become odious, or tedious by this kinde of commemoration, to any particular person, eyther nowe in this Treatise, or hereafter in any other more learned and painefull Discourse touching these or the like poyntes, where notwithstanding they mighte happily serue to a greater purpose, and farther vse, then nowe presently they may, for proofe and triall of the foresaide euentes, as they shall afterwardes fall out more effectually. But I am growen somewhat longer, then I purposed in the beginning, and therefore will heere drawe towardes an ende, moste heartily committing euery man, to the serious care and regarde of his owne safetie, and consequently to the tuition of the omnipotent Adonay, who of his infinite and singular mercies and goodnes, graunt, that we which nowe liue for a time, may in time so liue to the true and sincere worshippe of him that liueth for euer and euer, that by so liuing wee maye learne to dye, and by so [Page] dying liue with him for euermore. Sub Lunae secundo Gabriele, variae hominibus impositae sunt leges, veri Dei cultus negligitur, falsorum Deorum religio nimis propagatur, as Ioannes Tritemius wryteth of that age in his booke de septem Secundeis, And doeth it not behoue vs to take carefull heede, and beware in time, lest a newe Ioannes Tritemius, or some other of greater credite hereafter arise, to discredite this our lost age, sub lunae tertio Gabricle, with the like report, for neglecting the sacred and ioysul tidings of the gospel, which being neuer so plentifully taught, was neuer more scantly learned, and being neuer so truely preached, was neuer more falsly followed, or more lightly regarded, then now generally it is. The more present shame, the more future punishment. What maruell therfore though such plagues hang ouer our heades? What maruell though Gods vengeance be at hand, nay even now ready to fal downe vpon vs, to oppresse, and consume vs? What maruell though the ordinarie course, as wel of all naturall, as of morall things be quite turned topsie turuie?
In which Prognostical Epigrame, Hieronimus Wolfius, whom our Master Aschame in his discourse of Germaine affaires, calleth his very friend, and whose excellent learning partly by his Translations, and explications of Demosthenes, and Ipocrates, partly by his other as well Astrologicall, as Philosophicall, and humanity writings, is famously knowen ouer all Europe. In which Propheticall Epigrame, I say, this learned man hath truely described, and as it were liuely painted out the wicked peruersity & peruerse wickednes of this age: with a necessary inuectiue [Page] against the abuses, and enormities now raigning: by conferring and comparing the same with the manifold tokens and miracles Astrologically prognosticated, touching the future most miserable estate, and condition of the world, which shall shortly no doubt more sensibly appeare, to the terror and astonishment of all reasonable Creatures then liuing. I meane not here to recapitulate the horrors of the marueilous yeere, 1588. or to vnfolde other auncient predictions, & prophecies, in which, Conclusio, as we say in Logick, Semper sequitur deteriorem partem, I would to God, the shadowe of the earth, and earthly things, did not take away the cleare light of the Sunne from vs, and cause an horrible Eclypse in vs. Lord, that euery man would priuately contend to amend one, and both priuately and publikely pray for the amendement of all. How soone would God be moued to deale with vs, as he did by the Niniuites, whose punishment, vpon their vnfained repentance was differred long beyonde the compasse of the 40. dayes, prophetically forethreatened by Ionas? And did it not please God to prolong the life of king Ezechias for the space of 15. yeeres, notwithstanding that the Prophet Isaias had prognosticated his death, as at hand within one day? Other examples might be alledged, to shew that punishments [Page] decreed from aboue, are in some part alterable, vpon humble signification of a contrite and reformed heart: Which God graunt to all his elect, and namely to vs in England, whome he hath so graciously indued with so many, and so long enduring felicities. For the prosperous continuance, and perfection whereof, my final wish, and prayer is, as I haue comprysed the same, in these foure rude, but hartie verses:
The Conclusion.
NOwe good Brother, as in the beginning of this treatise, I addressed my preface vnto you, so hauing thus supplied such Additions, as I thought requisite to bee annexed to my brother Richards Astrologicall Discourse, I am here in the end to committe, or rather submitte the same, as wel to your iudgement for reformation, as to the Censure of our learnedst Astrologers, for allowance or disalowance. The only fauour I require at their handes, is this, that they would iudge as they finde, without any spice of parciality, which oftentimes corrupteth, euē the soundest iudgements otherwise. I would be loath to attribute, or arrogate too much vnto myselfe: let other determine for me, or against me, as with indifferency, grounded vpon reasonable skill, they shall see occasion.
I was here purposed to haue taken my leaue; But seeing it hath bene my good hap, (for so I interprete it) since my supplement of the former additions, to light vpon two new bookes, specially concerning these matters, the one a French Almanacke, or rather discourse of certaine Astrologicall Accidents, either lately hapned, or shortly to happen: the [Page] other a prognosticall iudgement of one Robert Tanner, touching the foresaid Coniunction, I am bold to trouble you a ittle longer, with a note or two, concerning them. As for the French discourse, I can say the lesse for my small skil in French, yet thus farre dare I presume vpon the very Title, or Inscription, thereof, that Docteur Francois Liberati de Rome, is none of the perfectest Astrologers, either in Italy, or in France. For in naming le 2, Iour de May, for the time of the Grand Coniunction, he sheweth him self ouermuch addicted to his master Cyprian de Boëmme, who contenteth him selfe with Alphonsus Calculation, whereas according to Stadius, a more exacte and absolute Mathematitian, following the most perfect Rules of Prolomy, and Copernicus, it is certainly to happen vpon the 28. of April, which my brother Richard & I haue therfore resolutely set down, notwithstāding our knowledge of Leouitius & Mestlinus difference. Marry he promiseth to make an amends, in his Ephemerides, and discourse of the reformation of the yeere, and of the Pasque: which I may hap expect a good while yet, if he hold the right veyne of some Italians. In the meane while, see how his last iudgement iumpeth with ours, for the course and state of the yeere present, Et finablement [...] An. 1583. sera pluuieux, & dangereux pour lee [Page] biens de la terre, et anssi repentini tumultus et apparatus belli. And therefore we are hartily to wish, & pray with him, Dieu par sa misericorde nous delieure du mal et du danger que par les Astres, nous sommes menazes, & nous enuoye la paix, & lasainct grace. Which is al that I am presently to note touching the contents of that French discourse. Now as for old Tanners Prognostical iudgemēt, who intituleth himselfe a student in Astrology, and Cosmography, he were the rather to be borne withall, if his ignorance and simplicitie, sauoured not so much of selfe lyking. I cannot but maruaile, that hauing seene the other Discourse, he was not ashamed to put foorth his: wherin his only labor in a manner is, to set downe his schemes in letters, being before descrybed in Figures. For what is all the rest, but a mingle mangle of stealths, and patcheries out of Leouitius, Rogers second comming of Christ, the French Almanack, and my Brothers Discourse, out of which, hee hath more then once, or twise culled out whole sides verbatim, without any mention of him, together with certaine iudgementes of Stadius, applyed without all iudgement, in referring the same to no other Meridian, then that, which the said Stadius respected in his calculation for the latitude of Anwerpe. And alas, what other iudgements [Page] are in that sily Pamphlet, whereof it should beare the name of A Prognosticall iudgement? Truly were it not, that his pretended desire and zeale to doo good, may seeme some way to excuse him, the simple old student in Astrology, and Cosmography, were otherwise to be handled for his simple young labour, then I will here speake of. Which neuerthelesse I write not so much to disgrace him, or to credite my selfe, as to aduise the discret Reader not to suffer him selfe to be abused by any suche gloses of good intention, but to suspend his iudgement vpon triall, before he resolue vpon trust. The olde fellowe may perhaps beare him selfe vpon his experience, as it is said he chéefly doth: but as reading can do little without reasonable good experience, so experience cannot do very muche without reasonable good reading: which to say troth, seemeth to be farre from this wofull Prognosticall Iudge. And that which is moste of all, he concealeth their names, to whom he is most beholding: and publisheth that for his owne, which God wot he hath litle right or title vnto. You know who affirmeth, Ingenui Animi est, profiteri per quos profeceris: and may not my brother say to this olde Cosmographer, as Tully doth in one place? Tu, qui a Naeuio vel sumpsisti multa, si fateris: vel, si negas, surripuisti. [Page] But God, and the world forgiue him, as we do: and let both him and all other account of vs no otherwise, then they find vs in very déed: which I am sure is your chiefe desire. I might easily enlarge this Epiloge with interlacing of other matters: and namely touching Hermes most learned Iatromathematica, and my Translation thereof, annexed to the present Treatise, for certaine good considerations: but to auoyde tediousnes, as well vnto you, as vnto euery other curteous Reader, I will here cease from interrupting your weightier studies, and most hartily commit them, and your selfe vnto God: with like commendations from all our friends in Walden, Stansted, and Mayners.
From my fathers, this 29. of March. 1583.
Soli sapienti Deo sola gloria.