Astrologia Restaurata; OR, Astrologie Restored: BEING AN INTRODVCTION TO THE General and Chief part of the Language of the STARS.

In Four BOOKS.

THE FIRST,

Proving the Legality of ASTROLOGIE, both by Scripture, Reason, and the testimony of the Ancients and learned in former Ages, wherein is cleared to every Rational and Impar­tial man the Authors Lux Veritatis in Answer to Doctor Homes, to remain unshaken not­withstanding the Doctors unowned Reply.

THE SECOND,

By a plain Method teaching the Names and Characters of the Planets and Signs, as also the Reasons thereof: and of their Dignities, Terms, Faces, Houses, Exaltations and Tripli­cities; with the Reasons why the Signs are reckoned from Aries; and in number just twelve; and [...]ither more nor less; with the number of the Sphears; their Order and Motions: being a most necessary Introduction to the whole ART, and very usefull to all wel willers thereunto for inabling them to give Reasons for any part thereof, &c.

THE THIRD,

Fully comprehending Instructions and Rules for electing any manner of Work; never before made publique in our Mother Tongue; the which both for the Administration of Physick, Letting of Blood, Husbandry and other necessary Works is both usefull and profitable.

THE FOURTH,

By a most easie Introduction teacheth, by Revolutions of the Years of the World, Eclipses, great Conjunctions, Comets and Blazing-stars, how to Judge by the ordinary course and order of Nature, of the general Accidents of Countreys, Kingdoms, Provinces and Cities, Al­terations of Kingdoms and Empires, Laws and Customs, Cause of Plenty, Dearth, Wars, Peace, Health, Sickness, Alteration of the Ayr and (to be short) of all things appertain­ing to the life of man in a Natural Way; wherein is the infinite Wisdom of GOD seen manifestly in the Government of the World by the Influence and constant Harmony of the Celestial Planets and Stars; the Innocency, Legality and Purity of the Art demonstrated, and proved by demonstration of the inevitable events of the Heavens, so long as GOD upholdeth the Order and Course of Nature unperverted; and the Students thereof conse­quently proved rather Divines then Conjurers, or Practisers of what is unlawfull.

By VVILLIAM RAMESEY, Gent. Student in Astrologie, Physick, and the most Heavenly and Sublime Sciences.

Astra regunt homines, sed regit astra Deus.

Published by Authority.

LONDON, Printed for Robert White, 1653.

SERENISSIMO ILLVSTRISSIMOQVE PRINCIPI AC DOMINO, DOMINO HONORATISSIMO IACOBO STVARTO DVCI DE RICHMOND ET LENOX: COMITI DE MARCH: DOMINO IN AVBVGNY, DARNLY, TAR­BOLTON, ET METHVEN: BARONI DE LEIGHTON, BROMSWOLD ET S. ANDREWS, &c. ET PERISCELIDIS INSIGNIS MILITI;

DOMINO SUO CLEMENTISSIMO Salutem & Felicitatem Perpetuam. HANC SUAM ASTROLOGIAM RESTAVRATAM

SUBMISSE CONSECRAT

Wilhelmus Rameseus.

TO THE Illustrious and High-born PRINCE, IAMES STVART, Duke of Richmond and Lenox; Earl of March; Lord Aubugny, Darnly, Tarbolton and Methven; Baron of Leighton, Bromswold and St. An­drews, and Knight of the most Noble Order of the GARTER.

May it please your Highness,

IF Nobility of Birth, Antiquity of House, Magnanimity of Spirit, Multiplicity of Ver­tues, and the most excellent Endowments that a Mortal Man can attain unto may justly (as their due) challenge the patronage of these my Labours, there will be none found to anti­cipate your Highness; and though my misfortune is such, that I never had the Honour in the least to kiss your Highness hand, or to appear in your presence, but remain as yet a Stranger to your Highness; yet by reason the Work is of that sublime Worth and Excellency (I mean the Science of Astro­logy, as appeareth by the first Book of this Volumn, it being the chief of the Liberal Sciences, together with Astronomy, Physicks and Natural Philosophy (which are all but part of one intire Science) and that wherewith none is able to compare) have I humbly presumed to cast it at the feet of your illustri­ous Self; whose incomparable worth and indowments are unparalleld: so that if your Highnesse's Munificence doth [Page]favourably accept of this small Token of my wel-wishes to true Nobility, [...]d in a particular manner to your Highness, I must necessarily be constrained to acknowledge my self arri­ved to the highest pitch of Honour that (for the present) I am capable to expect. The subject of this my unworthy Work (for so I may call it in reference to your Highnesses unparalleld excellency to whom it is presented) is that part of Natural Philosophy (vulgarly termed ASTROLOGY) which teacheth by the Natural Motions, Configurations, Aspects and Inclinations of the Coelestial Stars and Planets to Iudge of the Natural Accidents, Muta­tions and Alterations of Laws, Customs, Kingdoms, States and Em­pires, and the general casualties of the whole World in the Natural way of its Government, by the Coelestial and Superiour Bodies: which next under GOD are the efficient Causes of all corruption, generation, production and nutrition in this Elementary World, the knowledge whereof is to know NATURE the great Hand-maid of the Almighty, and the temper and quality of all things; and although through the mercenary practises of some by setting of Nativities, and answering of Horary Que­stions (thus abusing the Art) the validity of this Science hath been brought into question, reproach and contempt, yet I question not but your Highnesses innate magnanimity is such, that it will not condescend to give any censure on what hath not first been summoned to the Bar or Tribunal of your Highnesses piercing Judgement; for because a thing is calum­niated and questioned, is no proof of its illegality, neither doth the abuse take away the use thereof; for were this ad­mitted, even the best of Sciences and chief of Studies, Divi­nity it self could not be exempt from prohibition and con­demnation; wherefore since the first BOOK of this Volumn tendeth wholly to the Vindication thereof from the aspersions of the Antagonists, and the abuses of the seeming Friends thereunto, I shall not further inlarge on this point; since it is well known unto the Learned, that among the Ancients and graver sort of people in all Ages, this Science (being unpol­luted and unsophisticated) hath been still had in most high esteem; nay, it is of that profundity and excellency, that it was first taught to our first Father ADAM by GOD him­self [Page](as testifyeth Iosephus, Lib. 1. Cap. 2. of h [...] Antiquities of the Iews) who taught it to his Posterity; for he further re­cordeth that Seth was so excellent therein, that foreseeing the Flood, and the destruction of the World thereby, ingraved this Art for the benefit of after-Ages in two Pillars, the one of stone, and the other of brick, and that he saw himself that of stone to remain in Syria in his own time; and in the 3. chap. of his aforesaid book, he further witnesseth and affirmeth, that man lived so long before the Flood to learn Arts and Sciences, especially naming Astrology and Geometry; and in his 8. chap. of that same 1. Book of the Antiquities, he doth yet further testifie, that Abraham having learned Astrology in Chaldea [being the place of his Birth] when he came into Egypt taught the Egyptians the knowledge of Astrology and Arithmetick. Where­fore I humbly conceive, whatever some weak disputants [not worthy the noting] have affirmed in the disparagement of this Authors Credit, thinking to make for their own en­vious and idle conceits; I say (my Lord) I humbly conceive since he beareth so great an applause and credit among the Learned and Fathers of the Church, of whom I shall only mention the testimony of Eusebius, who abundantly through­out all his ten Books of his Ecclesiastical History maketh use of this Authors words, for further confirmation of his scope; and in lib. 1. cap. 6. de Hist. Eccles. (with divers other places which for brevitie sake I omit) he particularly useth these words (in the English version it is in the 7. chap.) Hereof thou hast Josephus a witness worthy of credit: Wherefore since by so worthy a man as Eusebius was, Iosephus is thus deemed: how worthy of credit are they that now adays traduce him rather then want of their wills, or confess themselves weak in con­futing what they are ignorant of? Wherefore (my Lord) since this Science is of such Antiquity, worth and excellency, it imboldneth me humbly to make choice of your Highness for my Patron in this froward and confused generation, such sublime Sciences being too good, too worthy to be owned by any but who are truly Noble both in Vertues and Descent; for let men be of what opinion they will, yet I am meerly perswaded, and I have also some Natural Reasons inducing [Page]me to this bel [...], that meanness of Birth and Descent, though exalted to the most eminent places and worldly dignities that may be, cannot but still retain some smack of a mean spirit, and can never be throughly acquainted with magnanimity, or be truly heroick, though some glimmerings they may have of both: Even as a Dunghill-Cock, although he be never so well fed, trim'd and ordered for the tryal of his prowess and courage, and although to the outward appearance he seem strong, able, brisk and couragious, and begin with an un­daunted courage and boldness, yet when he is forc't to feel ei­ther the sharpness of the Conflict, or the want of breath, hath not that Heroickness of Spirit to die rather then yield, but (which is worse) doth then divulge his own detestable pu­sillanimity and dunghilly cowardise by running away; which a true Game-Cock that is lineally descended of Noble blood, although taken from the field, and overladen with his Fea­thers, Comb and Gills, before he will be guilty thereof, will choose rather to die, not preferring life before Honour, but Nobleness of Spirit before life, choosing rather that death should be acted on him with extremity of rigour, then that he should with ease act the least unworthiness though to his greatest advantage. Wherefore my (Lord) though my offence hath been inexpressibly hainous by this my boldness, being altogether a Stranger to your Highness; And although I want both words and audacity to plead for my self in so foul a Fact, yet my comfort is, your own Munificence and Nobleness of Spirit will seal my Pardon; then which he is nothing more ambitious of,

Die ☽, 17 Januarii 1652.
My LORD,
That is really Your Highnesses Wel-wisher And most humble Servant. Whilst I am William Ramesey.

TO THE Iudicious Reader.

WHen I Considered the wickedness of this present Age, how envious, how malicious, how slanderous and how evil some men therein are through ignorance, it was no small discouragement to my intentions, have­ing experimentaly tasted of the bitterness of both their Tongues, and viperous, inhumane, malitious, slanderous and approbrious reproaches, for vindicating this Liberal Science of NATVRAL PHILOSOPHY vulgarly known by the Name of ASTROLOGIE by reason it declares the motions and words or language of the stars; from the greek word [...] & [...] id est The Language or Preaching of the stars, because their vari­ous and constant influencies dictate unto us dayly new things or mu­tations in the Elements or Elementary bodies.

This is the fourth time I have undertaken to undeceive my Coun­try men of such Calumnies as are cast upon this Heavenly and chief­est study meerly through tradition and envy: yet have I been still reviled and ill requited not only by the Antagonists thereof, but also by such as are seeming friends therunto and who have advanced so much of the drossy and more ridiculous part (or rather abuse) which (though it hath advanced them and their purses) hath brought the Art and its purity by their practices into contempt, and the Artists that stu­dy and practise none of their Chimera's but Natural Philosophy only, to suffer the harsh censures, abuses and abominable slanders and af­fronts from the most inferiour and rural of men Coblers, Hay-ma­kers and such trash, to whom though in the first Book of this subse­quent discourse I am forc't to say somwhat for my own vindication, yet I have not so far forgot my self as to name the Animal, least posterity should think him more then he is▪ wherefore I say I being hitherto envied by both the Antagonists of the Art for vindicating and maintaining the Inocency and Legality therof; and by the See­ming friends therunto traduced for shewing myselfe so forward therin and endevouring to demonstrate the use from the abuse, and for deli­vering [Page 2]some rules and secrets of the Art to the world which they would have kept to themselves: for some are so ambitious and self-ended as well as conceited, that they would not have any other hand in the labour but their own, and pretend great forwardness and wil­ingness to lay plain the whole body of the Art, but act nothing less; satisfying themselves that the particular and vain part or rather the abuse of this Art is a sufficient instruction to the whole; wherefore out of this consideration and no other, he I now as it were challenged all their invectiveness and malice by these my Labours (which I must assuredly look for) the which for the good of my Countrey, the Pro­pagation of the Art, and for the undeceiving of the World touching the false aspersions cast on it, I have endeavoured to Compile in this manner.

The Tenure of the first Book. In the first Book I have as brief as may be proved that Science, which we commonly term Astrology, to be one of the Liberal Sciences, together with Astronomie and Natural Philosophie, and that by the An­cients there was made no distinction between the one and the other as several Sciences, but divers parts only of one Liberal Science, as the Head, Trunck and Limbs, though distinct parts and members, conduce all to the making up but of one intire body; to be Warranted by Divine Scripture, and the Writings and testimony of the Fathers; the Objections against it removed, and the Art cleared from all the abuses thereof; as also my Lux Veritatis in Answer to Doctor Homes vindicated from all the cavils and sophistications of both himself and his pretended second.

The subject and scope of the se­cond Treatise. The Second, comprehending the Names, Number and Characters of the Signs and Planets Celestial, together with the Reasons why they were so named and charactered, and why there are but just twelve Signs, and nei­ther more nor less, and why the Planets are assigned Rule both by House, Exaltation, Triplicity, Term and Face therein, and the Reasons why the Signs are reckoned from Aries; with the number of the Sphears, their Order and Motions, whereby is plainly delivered a most easie and short Introduction to the whole Art of Astrology, and the great and Universal Book of the Creatures made manifestly legible to the meanest and ordinariest capacity; as also sufficient grounds whereby to answer all Gainsayers and Carpers thereat, and to vindicate it in every respect.

Of the third. The Third Treateth of the Rules of the Ancients, touching the Election of a time proper for the accomplishment of any manner of Work necessary in this life, but more especially for the Administration of Physick, letting of Blood, Husbandry and the like; to the which it is both effectual and lawfull, though in every particular in other mat­ters not altogether so certain, except depending on the general Acci­dents of the World, as Revolutions, Eclipses, Comets, Great Conjuncti­ons, Blazing-Stars, and the particular Nativities of men. Yet I have thought fit to deliver the Instructions of the Learned in former Ages in those matters also; for that they may in sundry things (by the weighing and considering the Natures and Temperatures of the Celestial Signs and Planets) be of much use to the Wel-willers and Students [Page 3]in this most Heavenly and Lawfull Science of ASTROLOGY.

Of the fourth. The Fourth, is a compendious Tract of the whole general part of the Art, wherein is at large manifested the Order and Course of the Government of the World, by the Natural Operations and Harmoni­cal Motions and Aspects of the Heavens, Celestial Signs, Stars and Pla­nets, in Revolutions of the Years of the World, Eclipses, Great Con­junctions, Comets and Blazing Stars, whereby is portended the gene­ral Accidents of Countreys, Kingdoms, Provinces and Cities; the Alterations of Kingdoms and Empires, Laws and Customs; cause of Scarcity, Plenty, Wars, Peace, Health, Sickness, Alteration of the Ayr, and to be short, of all things appertaining in a Natural way to the life of Man, whereby is manifest the infinite Wisdom of the Great Creator, and the Innocency, Legality, and Purity of the Art, demon­strated and proved by demonstration of the inevitable Events, so long as God by his Providential Care upholdeth the Order and Course of Nature inviolate and unchanged: Also the Students thereof conse­quently proved rather Divines then Conjurers or Practitioners of what is unlawfull; for thereby may a man easily judge of any Revolution, Eclipse, &c. or any part of them to the end of the World, by being thereby instructed of the Nature and Signification of every Planet in every House and Sign of the Heavens, and Aspects one amongst ano­ther, and of their effects when Lords of the year and well or ill loca­ted, &c.

In which Book if thou beest well instructed and perfected, thou hast the whole body of Astrology; The Body of Astrology in its Purity. for neither is the Judgement of Horary Questions, Ordinary Elections, Charactery-Astrology, Nativities, or any other to be esteemed in comparison thereof, but as trifles, uncer­tainties, fallacies, illegalities, and abuses of the purity of the Art.

The Reason why so many Books are Printed against Astro­logy. For truly, may I say the truth, such like Practises of men, unacquaint­ed with the depth of this most heavenly Science by their frequent fail­ings have been the main and only cause of so many Books against Astro­logy, which is in it self so pure and undefiled, that the most scrutinous Wit alive cannot have one Word for the Condemnation thereof; for amongst the Learned, the abuse never takes away the use of a thing, for then there would be nothing under the Heavens Lawfull; for we see even the Purest and most Lawfull Arts, Sciences and things most abused, and most apt to be counterfeited.

As for instance, is there any thing in the World more Lawfull then Divinity in its purity? and is there any thing more hard to finde, or more commonly abused by false Tenets, Schisms, Sects and Heresies? And yet if upon these grounds, or out of these considerations, a man should positively conclude no verity in Religion, or truth in Divinity, you would say that man were in a most gross Errour, and very Impious: Then I say, let no man that is not willing to forfeit both his Reason, Discretion and Understanding, be so weak as without an assurance of the Na­ture and Quality of this most Lawfull Art which I here undertake to Vindicate and deliver to the World conclude ought against it either by Tradition or the common Voice of the World; both [Page 4]which being known to the Judicious to be very false, and to hold no­thing of Credit in them.

The Authors first inducement to vindicate A­strologie. For as it was meerly a Natural inclination within me to the Truth, and the propagation thereof, so far as in me lies, that first drew my Pen to Paper; so is it the same which maketh me now this once more appear and content my self to incur all the Currish Snarls, Barkings and Bawl­ings of the envious and ingratefull, and the same it is also that imbol­beneth me not to fear nor be danted at them; it is no new thing with me to know that Dogs will bark at Strangers, and such as are not of their kinde; Gentlemen will shew themselves what they are, and love each other; but what shall I expect of Gallantry from Coblers, Hay-makers, Taylors and Serving-men?

The first occasi­on of his write­ing. The first occasion of my Writing in the Vindication of this Science, was the appearance of a railing Pamphlet against it, without any fear or wit, to whom I returned a Reply in the year 1650. it is a short Tract of two Sheets; what, and who the Author thereof was you may see in the latter part of my Lux Veritatis, Printed 1651. for I hold him not worthy the inserting in these my Labours.

The second occa­sion. The second time of my Writing was occasioned through the weak Arguments, flashes and suppositions of Doctor Homes, who (being a Scholler) should (me thinks) have had more understanding then to con­demn this worthy Art under the notion of Witchcraft, Sorcery, and such like illegalities; or discretion, then to rail down one of the chief of the Liberal Sciences, meerly for the abuses thereof.

The third occa­sion. The third was, that I might manifest the innocency of this Science, and the legality, verity, excellency and validity thereof, if not abused; and therefore who so shall warily peruse that Discourse of mine, intituled Vox Stellarum, or The Voice of the STARS, Printed in the year 1652. shall be satisfied, that God doth work by Causes, and that he hath or­dained the Stars and Celestial Planets to be immediate Causes next unto Him of all our Natural injoyments and casualties, viz. Fertility, Sterility, Wars, Peace, Health, Sickness, Alterations of the Ayr, Inundations, Earthquakes, Thunders, Lightnings, Storms, Tempests, Commoti­ons, Troubles, Alteration of States, Kingdoms, Laws, Customs, and of all things in a Natural way incident to, and in this Elementary World; for there is nothing more certain then that the Portencies of the Stars (so far as conduceth to the government of the Natural and Elementary World, and the things therein composed of the same matter and stuff) shall prove true and effectual, unless God do work a Miracle, and pervert the Order and Government of the World, &c.

I do not deny the omnipotent power of God, that he is able to alter the course of Nature; he that made them with and by the word of his mouth, can (questionless) by the same word not only alter their mo­tions and pervert their effects, but also annihilate them again; but as this is not by me denyed, so cannot the Objectors against this Science but confess that God is the God of Order, and worketh in order, and not pre­posterously; for because he can alter the course and influence of the Stars, argueth not at all that therefore he will for why should this be any Ar­gument [Page 5]to us, since we read but of three times he hath wrought in this manner since the Creation of the World? viz. first in Joshuahs time when he made the Sun stand still; the second in Hezekiahs time when he made the Sun go back; and the third and last time at the passion of our Saviour Jesus Christ, when he miraculously Eclipsed the Sun at the time of the Full Moon, which caused Dionysius the Areopagite thus to burst forth, Aut Deus Naturae patitur, aut Mundi machina dissolvitur, Either the World is at an end, or the God of Nature suffereth.

Wherefore it is clear God worketh not, or createth new things; he finished his Work in the first six days, he therefore now upholdeth all things by his Providence, and bringeth them to pass by secondary causes, according unto his inevitable Decrees and Divine Will; for it were great impiety in us, and detraction from the Al-sufficient Wisdom and Power of the Almighty, to affirm he hath not preordained all things to come to pass from the first Creation even to the Subversion; and that they are signified unto us in the Heavens, have recourse to Gerson his Trilogium Astrologiae Theologizatae; for we read that before the destruction of Je­rusalem there appeared a Comet in the Heavens in form of a Sword for many days, Horsmen also fighting in the Ayr, Josephus Bel. Jud. Lib. 7. Cap. 12. Eusebius Eccles. Hist. Lib. 3. Cap. 8. presaging the overthrow thereof, which was after accomplished by Titus Vespasian; also before the death of Claudius Caesar there appeared a Comet for a long time, and before the Civil broils in Rome, Octavius being Consul; and again, be­fore the War between Great Pompey and Julius Caesar, as Plinie testifieth, Lib. 2. Cap. 25. De Nat. And if we come neerer home we shall finde the Comet in 1618. to be the forerunner of all our late Civil Un-civil Wars in England Scotland and Ireland, as well as of the Commotions and Desolations in Germany, &c. But this will be very clear unto us even from The word of GOD, That Theologie and Astrologie agree together. if we but with diligence and observation read the Hi­stories of the Old Testament, of the Subversion of Kingdoms and Na­tions; but especially that of the Jews by the Babylonians, the which People, upon condition they would follow the Law of the Lord, were promised to be established for ever; shall any one from this Promise aver, that their Kingdom was not preordained to destruction in its due time, and the limitation thereof long before set down? but that immediatly because they disobeyed, they were destroyed and carried away captive; or rather that that Age wherein they were so captivated, should in the ful­ness of that time be so inclined to wickedness, as to bring that affliction so long before threatned upon them? So then these two, THEOLOGY and ASTROLOGY must agree together, or we shall never be able to agree in Truth, but run our selves into many Errours and Absur­dities.

In that Book also you may see how far we may safely attribute to the power of the Stars, and that their effects may be altered, yet but by one means, viz. Prayer; for if GOD give an heart to pray as it ought, no question he also therewith grants the Petition requested in those Prayers.

Lastly, my main scope, and chief drift in this my fourth fourfold [Page 6]Work is (since I have so often stood up for the maintenance of this Science) to endeavour to manifest unto the World the purity thereof,The Authors chief drift in these his Labors. having cleansed it from its pollutions and abuses, that so it may appear what TRUE ASTROLOGY is, and what I maintain to be so, and the abuse be not only discovered but taken away, that once more it might shine gloriously, and be able to stand against all Gain-sayers whatsoever: For notwithstanding I had delivered my self so plainly in my former Works, especially in my Vox Stellarum, yet did the purity of this Science remain under the censure, being by many deemed no other then jugling; by others, to extend no further then to the resolution of Horary Questions and the Judging of Nativities and the Fates and Fortunes of men thereby, or at least that this was the main and chief subject thereof, when the truth is, the practise of some men in these ridiculous vanities, toge­ther with some other abuses of this MOST NOBLE SCIENCE OF ASTROLOGIE, have brought the purity thereof into question by the unworthy, and the Science it self generally into reproach with the illiterate.

The Authors opinion touch­ing Nativities and Horary Questions. For I dare positively affirm (and shall be ready to prove it to any Ra­tional man) That the Resolution of Horary Questions is wholly vain and uncertain; as also Nativities, on which they depend (or at least should) excepting how to Judge of the particular Constitution and Temperature of the Body, and the Natural inclination of Man; as I shall specifie in the 20. Chapter of the first Book of this Quadripartite, fol. 38.

But it may be some may here demand the Reason then I do in my Lux Veritatis undertake the Resolution of some Questions? But I shall answer in that vulgar and rustical Proverb, It is a good Horse that never stumbles; and truly this is Language fit enough for such Horse stuff as are they. I am but flesh and blood, Ergo, (as all in my condition) have failings; I desire not so much as to hide my fault when I finde it either of my self, or by the loving advise of others, much less then do I de­sire to continue in an obstinate way of simplicity: I must confess there are many Faults in that Tract (yet not so many neither, as some would perswade the World there is, as shall be in part cleared in the first Book of this Volumn) the which I am not ashamed to confess, but confess my self ashamed [rather] I published it so rashly. And although I dare not maintain those Rules I there set down as infallible, yet I must let the World know, I can (and many others of good quality) justifie the ve­rity thereof at that time, and therefore very fitly brought in answer to Doctor Homes, to shew him, that if he be disposed to cavil, there was matter enough for him, it being his part to prove, but mine to de­fend.

And here now I must needs confess I have spent much time and pains in theseNativities and Questions. toys and trifles: And truly I am so far from being sorry there­fore, that I much rejoyce thereat; for GOD hath in mercy thereby shew­ed me the Foolery, Vanity and Insufficiency thereof [which some cove­tous Wretches and mean Spirited People, contrary to their own know­ledge, rashly attempt and practise] and so I am the better able to distin­guish [Page 7]Truth from Falshood; for I must confess that in as much as in me lies, I have set my heart to know Wisdom, madness and folly, and am able (with the Wise man) to pronounce the sentence of Folly upon most things that I know, and truly the best of things, and all things [in com­parison of that One and Only thing, The care of our Souls] are but vanity and vexation of Spirit at the best: What doth a man toyl and labour for all his days, vex and fret himself, rise early, go to bed late, weary him­self all day, spend his spirits, when alas! could he attain to the highest dignities, possess the greatest Riches the World can afford, have the most absolute command that ever Prince had, nay the whole Universe under his subjection, he cannot enjoy it above an hundred years, should he be­gin to possess them the first hour he is produced or born into the World; this is with the most that I speak; the life of man is threescore years and ten, Psal. 90.10. but a span, a shadow, Job 8.9. Sure this is worse then mad­ness, and vanity in the abstract. I have a large field here to walk in, might I with civility intrude on the patience of my Reader; wherefore I shall desist, since Verbum sapienti sat est. I speak not this verbally, from the sayings of that Holy and Incomparable Man GREAT SOLOMON, but he that knoweth the heart, knows that this proceeds from an experimental knowledge of my own.

But why should I thus fear to rehearse unto thee these so necessary con­siderations? Art not thou at leisure to read them? thou wilt be imploy­ed worse; if thou hast heard them already, and so perhaps judge me vain in this my needless prolixity, I must needs tell thee thou hast never heard them from me▪ and desire thee to learn this Lesson, That a good Lesson can never be too well learned, nor a good Tale too often told: Wherefore let me intreat thy patience a little, before I come to declare what I have yet to say touching these my Labours; for though perhaps thou mayst finde some of them, nay perhaps all in the Writings of other Authors, yet since I can deliver them as my own, [having tasted of the vanity of them all experimentally,] I know no reason why I may not assume the same li­berty as others.

Of the vanity of our childhood. I will begin with our beginning; The Prophet DAVID the most great and glorious King of Israel, and the most renowned in his days, Psal. 51.5. saith, Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Our very conception, initiation, before we have either sense or mo­tion you see is vilde, it is vildness and wretchedness; Surely this is vanity and a great evil, even whilest we were still in our Mothers wombs. And when we were produced, to how many dangers, and troubles are we prostrate? the which as being sensible thereof before we feel them or as a testimony thereof, We cry at our first coming into the world, presaging thereby, we shall have no other cause even in the heighth of our prospe­rity, but with Heraclitus to continue the same tune, if we but consider our Cucko-folly: are not many by their inhumane mothers even strang­led in the birth to hide their whorish condition, their throats cut, thrown into houses of offices alive to be stifled there, buried alive, strangled, drowned, burnt, their heads cut off, massacred, an hundred manner of ways according as the Devil worketh upon the inclination and humour of [Page 8]the Diabolical Mother, so are these poor innocent (save for the Original sin they have from these Vipers) Children murthered, murthered, mur­thered; and all but to hide their Lust and Shame from the World as they think, and yet thereby they bring themselves, and run themselves into not only what they shunned, the open divulging of the Fact and the shame of the World, by an untimely death extirpated from the society of men, but also indanger themselves utterly to be banished the unspeak­able glorious company of GOD and Angels. This is worse then madness.

But we shall suppose the best, that we are saved alive, and then again on the other side, we shall be forc't (such are our innumerable Calamities, In­firmities and Diseases, Mischances, Disasters, Troubles, Vexations, Persecutions, Imprisonments, Fears, Anguishes, Discontents, Jea­lousies, Dissentions, Quarrels, Anger, Strife & Debate) with Job (Job 3.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,. 12.) to curse the day of our birth, and to wish the womb had been our grave, Job 10.18, 19. or that we had died when we first were born Job 3.11. For do we first but consider the uncertainty of this life, we shall conclude it Much more then vanity; When we are the most carefully looked too, are we not often overlaid, and smothered, surpri­zed with Apoplexies, Convulsions, the Rickets and Defluctions of Rheums? do not Chincoughs, Lasks, Vomiting, most frequently anti­cipate us of our Lives?

But to pass this, and to speak the best of it, being a two years multi­tude of dangers and casualties, spent in sleeping and eating, when we are set upon our own bottoms and stand on our own legs, how many knocks, how many falls? and which is worse, how often are we pittifully whipt and beaten by our senseless and foolish inconsiderate Parents, and Giddy-headed shallow-brained Nurses, and punished for punishing our selves by these unavoidable casualties? how oft fall we into the fire, water, from on high, loose our lives by all, break our limbs, legs, arms, heads, faces, disfigure our selves for ever, lose an eye, both, criple and maim our selves? How are we subject to Measels, Small Pox, Scabs, Botches, Boils? How are we tormented with such like infirmities and vexations? How gnawn and pulled with Worms both in the Maw and Belly? Can we help our selves? Are not we forc't to submit to the order­ing of those set over us, our Parents, whether rational, irrational, wise, foolish, sober, rash, understanding, ignorant, discreet, simple, &c. and so consequently exposed even in this our greatest extremity, which is worse then our present sad condition, to all the perils and dangers of ruine both of health and life that can be exprest? and do we not many times hereby lose our lives, or which is worse, live in misery all our life after? Do they not teach us as soon as we are capable of learning, all the evils and mischiefs in the World? Malice, Give me a blow and I will beat him? Lyes, no, say, and I, say? when we ought rather to say clear contra­ry or nothing at all; with an hundred such, which being so soon put in­to us, are easily retained, and prove sometimes our destruction, having once taken root in our hearts; This is also vanity.

But pass we these five troublesom, uncomfortable years also; we no [Page 9]sooner come to the least capacity or understanding, but we are then se­verely corrected by such as are set over us, if we are not so wise present­ly as themselves, and understand what they either say or teach us; O ri­diculous creatures, to think beating their buttocks, backs and sides, will put brains or more capacity then GOD hath given them into their heads! what mischiefs are we now at this Age prone unto? I need name none since I cannot name one which we do not with eagerness run into; and how grievous doth it prove unto us in the end? Learn we not vice? despise we not virtue? Are we not still under the lash and cor­rection of one or other? Do we not follow trifles? Play with toys? and neglect our Book, or Trade, that which might make us men herafter? Have we any forecast? And yet will we be advised? Know we what is good for our selves? and yet can we condescend to be taught? run we not into all evil and extravagant courses? and yet will we be taught the way of goodness? What shall I say? when I have said all, and have made the best of all, I must necessarily be constrained to say, All is vanity and vexation of spirit.

The Vanity of our Youth. Let us come now to the fourteenth year of our age, and see if we grow wiser as we grow older. Now we fall in love, fond fools! with what, can we tell? know we why? have we reason sufficient to guid us? have we sufficient Judgement for these our fond and childish actions? Is she beautifull? how simple are we so to besot our selves with that which at the best is but uncertain, and with one puff of the stormy wind of sick­ness, the Small-Pox, Feaver, or such like, &c. withereth and fadeth? How weak are we to shipwrack our Judgements on such quicksands, to build our house on so tottering a foundation which is impossible to stand? How childish are we so to bewitch our selves to bare outsides! Catch at shadows and neglect substances! when Vertue, Religion, Chastity, Hu­mility, Patience, Prudence, Modesty ought rather to be the rowling eyes, the love dimples, curled artificial locks, naked brests, cherry cheeks, coral lips, black eye-brows, lilly white hands, soft, gentle & slender which we should look too, and covet, and esteem as the greatest and chiefest beauty, though vaild under a Canvess Curtain; this is the Jewel rather to be prized of the two, though locked up in an homely Cabinet; this is that vertuous Woman which shall he a Crown to her Husband, Prov. 12.4. The glory of the man, 1 Cor. 11.7. and the wife that buildeth up her house, Prov. 14.1. But the other which hath onely beauty and a bare outside, is the foolish that plucketh it down, as is exprest in the following words; For as a jewel of gold in a swines snout, so is a fair woman without discre­tion, Prov. 11.22. But alas! now we are rash, indiscreet, think our own wits best; like wilde Bucks; over hedge and ditch we go without fear or wit; restrain our selves of nothing for these seven years till we have sown all our wilde Oats, and come home with weeping cross; think we have time enough to repent; delay the time; we are young enough, and therefore go on in our ways: O but let us consider the words of that bles­sed man, But know O man that for all this thou shalt come to Judgment, Eccles. 11.9. We shall answer for every idle word, Matth. 12.32. Much more assuredly then for every vain and foolish idle action, especially [Page 10]when we voluntarily run thereinto, and wilfully and willingly give our selves over to loosness which profiteth not, but is a great evil and vanity it self.

How do we Game, Sport, Drink, Rore it, and make Revel-rout, Rant, Cut it, and tear the ground, Vapor, Swagger, Domineer, Stare and Sware, follow a company to do evil, do as our Companions advise us, or as we see them do, never questioning whether there be Reason, Wit, Discretion or Honesty in it; Whore, Drab, and take Tobacco, all for company, and so destroy both body and soul, being now for any design▪ drink healths to our Mistresses till we leave our selves no health, and make beasts of our selves in not denying to do that which beasts cannot be constrained to: And truly, this bestial vice of Drunkenness may also be reprehended in those of more mature years, nay, to the shame of this our Land be it spoken, even the most grave age of men is too much addicted hereunto; so that it is observable that hardly any Houses thrive of late since our manifold distractions, but tipling and gusling Ale­houses, the which as is very well known, are more in number by many then all the inhabitants of other Trades (in London) put together; This also is vanity, and a great evil.

Again, let us see the end of such doings; what advantageth it? doth it produce any good? are not the effects hereof, Quarrels, Dissentions, Fightings for Mistresses; for not drinking of an Health; for not saying this Woman is handsom; for affirming that is not comely; for dispara­ging of a Lady, a Person of Honour, Quality, Renown, because he hath been admitted her presence for an affront, nay for a pin, point, or pins-head, must they into the field, off with their doublets, and too it, mur­ther one another, and then flie, or else be catcht and hanged; This is mad­ness, vanity and folly. It mattereth not with these, whether they are Friends, Familiars, or Enemies, if once they are set-ont, they must kill or be killed, die in a Ditch, and that they call Honourable, then they die in the bed of honour (they say) and this for the smallest trifles, as I could te­stifie, might I relate their names, and so again revive mens rashness which was but lately acted: However the story of one is thus, Two Gentle­men in this City of London, happening to meet together and being very loving Friends and intimate acquaintance, went into one of these devi­lish Tipling-houses, called for a Pot of Ale, the which the one tasting of it commended to be very good; the other was of a clean contrary opi­nion, and did altogether as much discommend it, thinking no hurt, but that he might freely give also his Judgement thereof; but to be short, the other again reitered its excellent goodness, and was also replyed to the contrary, and so they fell to words and at last [to end this Whimsical controversie] they resolved to kill one another; the day being appoint­ed, and meeting, the one was slain; and it was upon a good ground, was it not? yet could nothing satisfie these hot spirits, nor stand with their Honours, as they supposed, but this madness, madness, madness.

Many such like vanities and rash actions (I say) might I here relate; but I fear I should in recording of them render my self most vain, and shew my own vanity, whilst I am reprehending it in others: Doth not [Page 11]this Drinking and Revelling, which they call good Company-keeping, not only declare it self to be clean contrary thereunto, but also spoil their society they pretend to enjoy? they meet together, but oftentimes know not how they depart; are not the effects thereof over and above what hath been said, poverty, disgrace, running in debt, cheating, lying, dissembling, vain-glory, pride, lust, prodigality? and when all fails, and Creditors call for their money, will be put off no longer, set Sergeants to dog them, and Taylors will furnish them no more to flant and carry it out for their further running in debt with others unknown unto them; is not their Refuge at last to the High-way, turn Cutters, and from thence return to Tyburn, where too late they Repent, and wish any would cut the Rope, but cannot advantage themselves then, and there's an end of them?

Poor Wretches! were not they better be old whilst they are young, ra­ther then be hanged, killed, and murthered upon every occasion before they be old? be grave, sober, serious, then whymsical, fickle and fan­tastical? apply their minds to the study of vertue and the liberal Sci­ences, then thus to learn nothing but vice, foolery, foppery, and vexa­tion of spirit? Knowing that their time is short enough to learn good­ness, and therefore not prodigally thus to squander it away upon trifles and childish conceits: Had they not better be contented with a compe­tency, and live within compass, and addict themselves to their Book; then flant it, roar and swagger it about the streets with the Drapers cloth on their back, the Taylors Workmanship, Points and Fancies, and all unpaid for? the Haberdashers hat, the smirking Semsters half and whole Shirts, Bands, Cuffs and Boot-hose-tops, with the Shoe-makers Boots? Like Esops Bird that had borrowed and trict himself up with others Feathers, was thought some body, so that he presumed to be King, till his Plot was discovered, and every Bird took his own again, and left him despicable; even so do these Chrysalides carry themselves high, advance themselves above their Betters, think every one their inferiour that hath not such gaudy fine quelkeshoses about them; and so forget­ing themselvs, they run headlong into many absurdities and Premuniries, being applauded of the World for this their outside, though vitious, (which had every one his own, he would be speedily stript of, and left as naked as any Nayl) not inside, although vertuous, if outwardly mean; This is also vanity.

The vanity of man in general, from the 21. year of his age, to the end thereof. Well, we are now come to Age, and we may lawfully inherit what is our own, which we may quickly do GOD knows; but what is this our Heritage? surely not worthy the naming or particularizing; a bundle of Cares, Troubles and all kinde of miseries, fears, horrors and tribulati­ons, maladies and infirmities, exposed to all dangers, and that upon every occasion, so that I may say as one once very well said, Man hath but one way into the World, but (I may affirm) an hundred thousand ways out. This is vanity and vexation of spirits; no sooner a man hath sowed his wilde Oats, but the black Ox treads immediatly on his Foot: No sooner a man comes to be a man, that he leaves his childish toys, extra­vagant courses, and his wilde untamed accustomary life, but he is over­whelmed [Page 12]with all these; If he have money, he is troubled and perplexed with care to lay it out to the best advantage; and although he hath im­ployed it as well as heart could desire, yet is he still in the same conditi­on, thinking he might have improved it so and so, much better; or sup­pose he be sufficiently satisfied it is no better to be husbanded, yet is he on the other side eaten up with fear, sadness, melancholy, and discon­tent, as much as if it were utterly lost, when indeed he had more mat­ter of joy; This is also vanity.

If he want money, what misery is he overcharged with! a continual fear possesseth his Spirits, that he shall starve, lie in Gaol, have no friend, abound with disgraces, slights, frowns and affronts, even from the most rural, although never so well deserving; is he not then ready to take any desperate course and design in hand? and is not this troublesom, loathsom, abominable life enough to make him do that which in his own natural humour he ever detested? Is not this vanity and folly then? sure it is a great evil.

Hath he a competency [which is the golden mean to be desired of all men] yet he is not content, he must have more, he lives not so high as his Neighbours, his Wife and Children flant it not like them, he hath not his Coach, Saddle-horses for himself, and a couple of men, nor the at­tendance, cap in hand that he sees others have; O miserable man! how vain art thou, that thou knowest not thine own happiness? Contenta­tion is the chiefest gain: and as one most elegantly said, It is not the abundance of Riches or Possessions a man hath, that maketh him Rich, but the contentedness of this minde. For how many old, grubbing Usurers (who as Anacharsis said, carry Gold like Asses, yet eat but Hay) pine them­selves? feed upon porridge a whole half year together, make a penny serve them a day, will not bestow a farthing to the making themselves well when sick, for fear of parting with their Mammon-money, although but a trifle; but choose rather to put it to the venture, and let it wear away (as they use to say) when oftentimes it wears them away, or at least bears them away; and so are justly dissipated of all, for fearing to part with some. Are not these men wretched, poor, even whilst they possess the greatest Riches? Is there any of them can afford themselves neces­saries? do they not live more like Beggars, or Peasants [at the best] then rich and wealthy men?

And now I might here shew the odiousness and vitiousness of cove­teousness, which of all things is most detestable; but I fear I have al­ready transgressed the ordinary bounds of an Epistle; wherefore least the Porch of this my Fabrick arise to a greater bulk then the whole build­ing, I shall pass it by.

And truly to go on in this I am upon (without branching it in the least) were an Herculean Labour, and to insist on every particular vanity in this vain, vain, vain World; Besides should I be so peremptory as to attempt it, my present condition, want of memory, and insufficient capacity, would render me defective in as many things as I have already or can hereafter express, and my vanity therein the greatest of vanities; where­fore as hitherto I have but hinted at things, being (as I have said) not [Page 13]able to do any other, nor indeed willing (if I could) to weary my Rea­der with so long a preamble; I shal proceed directly forward through the rest of mans life, and give you also an hint thereof (having began) and that as brief as may be.

Is he single? he desires marriage; Is he married? he desires again to be single; as the story goes of a fellow which whilst he was a batchelor, was a boon-companion, and would spend his mony freely, and therfore with his Hosts he was termed A good fellow; but so it happened, that at length he was married, and coming not so frequent­ly to his Hosts as formerly, nor spending his cash so freely when he came, was by one of them demanded the reason of this his unwonted strangeness and great change; who replying, said, I am now married; why then quoth she, Thou art now an honest man; but he sighingly made answer in these words, Ha, but if I were once a good fellow again, I would never be an honest man whilst I live.

Thus you see we are never content with our condition, neither full nor fasting. How are we grieved and perplexed at the loss of hus­band, Wife, Children, Goods? And how again do we fret, pine and consume our Spirits, Bodies and Souls, that we cannot be rid of our Husbands, Wives and Children? How careless are we of them when we have them? Spend all our selves, Grudge them pennies, when we squander away pounds upon Whores, Projects, Drink, Cards, Tables, Dice, and an hundred such Vanities, Vanities, and study to render our selves hereby worse then Infidels, and Deniers of the faith, according to the Apostle 1. Tim. 5.8. But if any provide not for his owne, and especially for those of his owne house, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse then an Infidel. Is not this Vanity? What is this but Vanity? Surely it is the Vanity of Vanities.

Was not Marriage first instituted for procreation? Gen. 2. yet how many are there that would fain marry, were they but assured they might never have Child? O wicked wretches thus to set themselves opposite to Gods own Ordinance! They would practice their lasci­vious lusts, but deny the fruit of the womb; and truly I must con­fess it mattereth not how little we are troubled with the breed of such beasts; for let me tell you, and take it for a rule, you shall never find any of this humour, but such as are most vilde Whores, though they may cover it and hide it from the World; I have observed it in very ma­ny, and have still found them no otherwise reputed. Are not these Vain fools? And is not this a great folly so to desire what the LORD hath threatened for a curse? Hos. 9.14. Give them O LORD: what wilt thow give them? a miscarrying womb and dry brests; and refuse what he hath promised for a blessing? Gen. 49.25. I will bless thee with the blessings of the Womb, and so earnestly to covet what virtuous Wo­men in old time counted a Reproach? Gen. 30.23. saith RACHEL there, GOD hath taken away my reproach, when he had given her a son. This is worse then Vanity or Madness.

Doth not the riches and preferment of many men, although naturally mean, base and unworthy, so elevate and transport them above themselves, [Page 14]so as that they despise, neglect and contemn their betters, both for birth and endowments? meerly because they have not those preferments, that power, that esteem with the Vulgar, nor those fine knacks about them which he hath; when, should we but give to every creature its own, how naked should we be left? we should be more mean and poor then the brutest creature, who hath hair [at least] to cover his skin; This is a great evil, and vanity it self.

And how vain are we to boast, and take pride in what is our shame? we were Created naked, and had we not sinned we should have so con­tinued; we cloathed our selves first for shame, and now we are so void of shame, we are proud of our cloathing, glory in our shame; but I say, let us consider the things we are proud of, they are but excrements, at the best but vile, and naturally, I say, belong to other Creatures, and therefore we have little or no cause to esteem so of them, much less to be proud of that which we are beholding to our inferiours for: For to the Beaver we are indebted for our Hat or covering to the head, the chief member; to the earth for our shirt, which is nearer to us then our Petti­coat▪ to the Sheep or Silk-worm, for our cloaths and stockins▪ to the Oysters for our Neck-lace and Pendence; for our Shoes, Boots, and drawling Galoshes to the Goat, Ox, Cow, Bull, &c. and to the Cordi­vant, Buck, Stag, Kid, Lamb, Sheep for our Gloves: and to the earth, rocks and mountains for our Gold, Diamonds, Rubies, Saphires, Jaspers, Chrysalites, Heliotropians, &c. And lastly, for our Fans and Feathers, which we so swagger with in Hide-Park down to our backs, to the O­stridge; and for our Perfumes, to the Civet Cat, &c. what comes from their Tails, we glory to have at our Noses. How can we be more vain, then to set our minds on such Trifles? be proud of such trash and trum­pery, vile abjects? This is vanity, madness, madness, madness; we dote, are stupid, besotted, stark mad fools.

A short descrip­tion of the world, and the vanity thereof.To be short (for from this 21. year of our age, I intend to shew, or give at least an hint to the folly of most men from this year to their very last: for although I might a little insist on the craziness, peevishness and waspish wilfulness of pettish old Age, and the calamities whereunto they are most prone and incident, yet, I say, I shall rather pass that by) Let us first examine what the World it self is, and the several degrees of men therein, and then he that shall conclude it to be other then vanity, foole­ry and simplicity, and the men therein other then fools and mad, Erit mihimagnus Apollo; but then I must tell him, he must not only conclude so, but prove it to be so; or he shall (on the other side) be Mihi hominum stultissimus, or Sapientum Octavus.

Is the world [first] any other then a School of Knavery, Jugling and hypocrifie, and (as it were) a Nursery of Vice, Villany and Profane­ness, where every one is for himself, and his own self-ends, valuing nothing to the accomplishment thereof, no not the fear of GOD, nor his Commandments, which is according to the Royal Law of Liberty, To love our neighbour as our self? Is Christianity, Love, Consanguinity, Alliance, Charity, Friendship or mutual Acquaintance sufficient to re­claim us? Is not this Proverb, No longer Pipe, no longer Dance, verified [Page 15]in most of the People of the World? Is not every man a Friend and a professed Lover to him that hath no need of their Friendship? O what greazing of fat Sows in the — is there frequently to be found through­out the whole face of the Earth! but which is worse, is not this vanity committed by such as profess and make a great outward shew of Religi­on and Christianity? And yet to an Acquaintance, Associate, a decayed Kinsman, better and more worthy both for Birth, Parts and Breeding then themselves, do they extend any thing save a bundle of flattering words, and dissembling Protestations of Love, affection and good will? and then assoon as their backs are turned, give it out, he is wicked, a swearer, a beggar, he lives by this and by that; here lies all his hope, and here his greatest refuge; never remembring, It is an ill bird that defiles his own nest, rejoycing at the decay and poverty of them, that themselves might be had in greatest esteem? Is not this a great evil? How many Ambodexters, Janusses, Hypocrites, doth the world abound with, that are outwardly Lambs, yet inwardly Wolfs, that play Legerdemain, and practise nought else, Hocus Pocusses, seeming Saints, yet really Devils, that have excuses for the greatest sins, nay for pride it self which hurled Lucifer the great Angel of light, the great Carrier of light (as his name imports, being interpreted) headlong to Hell and eternal destruction? We know the Apostle to Timpothy, Tim. 1.2, 9, 10. exhorteth, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly aray; but (which becometh women professing godlness) with good works. Whereby we clearly see good works (according to the intent of the HOLY GHOST) ought ra­ther to be the attire of women (especially such as profess the Gospel and Godliness) then such vanities as are there exprest, and many now adays assume above their rank and quality; least (as the scope of these words intimates unto us) they become a shame and reproach to the Gospel and purity thereof; and Christianity be lightly esteemed for their sakes, and these their vain practises. I say, notwithstanding all this, some who pre­tend much to the world of Holiness and Religion, are so hypocritical (nay I may well say devilish) as to maintain openly the gorgious apparel of women, and their vanities in such practises, To be a grace, and an ho­nour to the Gospel; choosing rather thus highly to sin against GOD, and displease him both in the maintenance of the act, and [which is worse] the vindication thereof, then in the least to reprehend it in their children, it displease their fantastical, whimsical, hypocrital wives; but heap sin upon sin, that sin might be hid from the eyes of the world, fearing more he censures of frail, despicable unworthy man, then the eternal Judge­ment of the great, terrible omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent GOD that will call one day all to account; that will not measure men by the outward appearance, but the inward testimonies of the Spirit; that will reckon for every idle word; much more for every vain action, and premeditated and studied lyes and fallacies to cloak and cover our wickedness and detestable actions; What profit will these vain, foolish, mad things be unto us, whereof we shall one day be ashamed? our lay­ing the fault on our Husbands, and saying he will have it so; or upon [Page 16]our Wives, that she will have it so; will not then excuse us, will not then plead for us, will not then advantage us a rush, will not expiate our sin, nor will not protect us from the punishment; This is also vanity.

How do we suit with every occasion, with every company? Do we not when we visite the Religious, the Ministers, attire our selves modest­ly, put on our plain black gowns, hide our necks, breasts, gorgets, with our scarfs, our curled locks and broidered hair with our hoods; sit de­murely, talk of profession, and of this body, and the other body, rather then want discourse and occasion to cry up our selves? and yet do we study ever the more sanctity? Our SAVIOUR CHRIST teacheth us to know such as are indeed his Servants by an infallible token, Matth. 7.16. Yea shall know them by their fruits; do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? their outward pretences are not grounds sufficient to convince us of their innocency; they may be thus in sheeps cloathing, yet inward­ly may be also ravening wolves, as you see in the preceding verse. Where­fore I must needs reprehend such as positively conclude men either good or bad, according to the report of the world of them, or their seem­ing pretences; deviating from this Rule, this infallible Rule; for as it is rashness in any to believe windy reports; so is it folly, and worse then madness to be carried away or deluded with pretences, and seeming out­sides, without first seriously examining the truth of both; the want of this lesson in wisdom is the cause we run our selves into millions of Premunires, which but for brevitie sake I might prove by a parti­cular recital of many; wherefore learn this, and thou shalt be an abso­lute Politician; for so shalt thou easily pluck off the mask of pre­tences, disperse the mists of envy and reproaches, and free thy self of many inconveniencies.

What coveting is there of this Daily applause of the world? Do we not run here, and run there, visit this, relieve publickly, and that to be seen of men, make gatherings to our own advantage; speak to the god­ly for money, cloaths, and other necessaries, to relieve the necessitated, and do it in our own Names; be known to none we have it from any, but that it is our own goodness and liberality, and yet hide our faces from our own flesh? Is this Charity? Is this Christianity? Is this according to what we professe? Will we part with six pence to one that is in the most extremity of necessity when we see they cannot shew it to the world, or think it will not be known? Do we not abound with these formalities, nay do we not rather swarm with them?

How many men follow tradition and common custom, rather then their own Judgements, Sense or Reason?

What greater madness, folly and vanity can there be, then to see So­liciters, Clerks, Scriveners, be better rewarded for running of errands, writing of a Bill, or a Bond in a neat hand and flourishing Letters, and it may be neither true English nor Sense in it, then a Scholar and inge­nious person for teaching them wit: To see Huntsmen entertained, receive stipends, discoursed with, when Learning goes a Begging? A lying flattering Favourite, that is a meer outside, get more in a year then a [Page 17]Philosopher all his life? A quondam Beggar, that was glad to do any thing for a mess of Porridge or a scrap of Bread, flant it, and ride in his Coach, have the worst of his Attendants better then the best of his kin­dred, or any of his Predecessors? That was formerly a servant to every one, now Lord it over all? Gentlemen goon foot, Beggars ride on hor­ses, prancing Steeds? Philosophers, Schollars and ingenuous souls crouch to Clowns, illiterate Curmudgins for a meals meat, or a nights lodging? Cloaths esteemed before Wit, Learning, and understanding? meer out­sides honoured, insides slighted, not esteemed or valued? Men to have their guts in their brains, and brains in their guts? To strain at Gnats and swallow Camels? To skip over blocks, and stumble at straws? To be an­gry for trifles, not moved for things of consequence? Those in Autho­rity, Place, injoying possessions, though Idiots; be honoured, reverenced, applauded, esteemed of, crouched to: when vertue, and the chiefest of endowments a mortal can possess, wanting preferment, and trash riches, shall be disrespected and undervalued? Then to see riches make a man wise, solid, discreet, judicious and vertuous, though a natural Fool; and poverty to render all these, and the man that possesseth them, a Fool, a Coxcomb, an Ass? Wise men degraded; Fools preferred to office? Orators and Judicious men to be silent; Fools and Idiots prate, and have all the talk, and reprehend others, of what they themselves are justly to be reprehended? Men that have enough, make Vassals of themselves to their Inferiours to get more? Diligently to scrape with the one hand money together, and to squander it away without care with the other? To be penny wise▪ and pound foolish? To buy shadows and neglect sub­stances? Then to see so much difference between words and deeds? Men rob Peter to pay Paul? Act all kinde of villany, and pretend to be Saints? The Fox preach? Vice correct sin? The Pig play on the Organs? Blind men judge of Colours? A world in the Moon and other Planets? Hell and damnation in Saturn and Mars? the Earth turn round and the Sun stand still? A man to smile in your face, and cut your throat? Pretend one thing, do clean contrary? Neither speak what they think, nor think what they speak? To hear every one say he is your humble servant, yet ayms to be your insulting Master? Cuckolds to be content­ed, wink at their wives abuses, and make much of those that Cornuted them? Women to wear the breeches, men made a Nose of Wax? Hor­ses ride in Coaches, men draw them? The Cart before the Horse? Men build Castles in the Ayr? Towers build Masons? Men conquer King­doms, and be subdued by their own Passions and Affections? Rule Em­pires and millions of men, and be ruled themselves by one Woman? Do­mineer abroad, be a sneaks at home? Men possessed with the Devil-flat­tery, turn themselves into all shapes and forms? be Religious with the Religious: profane with the profane: a spend-thrift with the Prodigal; a Miser with the Usurer; fawn and wag their tongues, hats and hands, as a Dog doth his tayl; be furious like a Lyon: milde like a Lamb; com­mend, dispraise; domineer, crouch; vapour here, be baffled there; and what not, may it but advantage them six pence? Then to see men and women force their children to marry for Riches, Honour, this end and [Page 18]that, and compell them to reject and refuse their loves to their utter ruine and destruction? Love is the bond of perfectness, and as it co­vereth all sins, Prov. 10.12. so doth it also hide all faults; I dare not transgress on thy Patience to shew thee the excellency of Love, and the folly of Parents in this their extream vanity, since I have been al­ready, I fear, too tedious, but desire thee, since verbum sapienti, to be content with this, and for that I desire to hasten to a con­clusion.

Then to see women think themselves better, or at least equal, or as good as men? Men not equal nor so good, much less better then wo­men. A man to be Jack Jackson in the Country, and Mr. Johnson in the City? To live in a Christian Commonwealth [or at least so in pretence] and dare not believe a word a man speaks? Every whiffling Mechanick, a Politician; Gentlemen, wise, and learned, Simpletons? Lyes, Plots and inventions to cozen be believed and credited; plain dealing, truth and honesty suspected, derided, and accounted weakness? The most rational, solid, sober and most discreet of all Gods Creatures Man, become the most fickle, whimsical, simple and ridiculous? Men to be­come absolute Apes? one while in a narrow brim'd hat, a long waste, his breeches to his knees; Boots and Boot-hose-tops, and great gingling Spurs, their feet as long as their legs, or at least full as long again as their foot naturally, as in the year 1645. and 1646. In 1648. and 1649. a broad brim'd hat, and no other must serve; our breeches must be long, even down to our ancles; Boots with the tops trailing on the ground, little Spurs that must not gingle in the least. In 1650. and 1651. we tumble into short breeches again: In 1652. and this present year 1653. we think it ridiculous to wear boots, but altogether shoos and stockins, turning down with a top as the French Lackies have used to go for these many years; one while we have too long curling locks on both sides of our head! anon all the whole side must be of a length and short behinde! Thus verifying the old Proverb that we English know not when a thing is well.

I have hinted but at these last seven or eight years for that these va­nities might be the better remembred by us, and to our shame called to minde; as also for that I account not the subject worthy of further reci­tal of other foregoing years; besides, I blush to think men should be such Weather-cocks, or rather Cox-combs, thus never to resolve on a set habit: might I give my Judgement what habit is most becoming, I should commend this we now use, saving that our shoes and fantastical stockins speak us rather Skip-jacks, Whifflers or Anticks, then sober and solid men: I would have Boots, if I might give my verdict, used in their stead: for the length of our Breeches they cannot in my opinion be mended, being most rationally made according to the length of our thigh, not hiding our legs as formerly, and our doublets are made of the exact length of our wasts: I am not so traditionally spirited as to com­mend Trunk-breeches, making our Buttocks as big as a Barrel, nor the other extream, made close to our thighs like a pair of stockins, neither their doublets with the waste just under our Arm-pits (contrary to our [Page 19]natural shape) and flanting skirts reaching down to the seat, whence it was said of old, I will sit on your skirts, when an injury was threatened; for truly in my opinion thus to besot our selves, and overshoot our Judge­ments in following such a monstrous and Clownish habit, were to render our selves more ridiculous by far then we are already: great Bands and Cuffs, and a little narrow brim'd hat also, unless I could see any reason, comeliness or profit in them, I can no wise commend.

It were a vain thing in me thus to recite the several alterations and mu­tations in the garbs of Women, since every day produceth a new Toy; wherefore I shall only name some of their darling-trifles, which are as dear unto them as their lives, and which they constantly observe and resolve to keep, viz. Their embroidered, curled, powdered hair; their washings, paintings, waters and Pomatoes to their faces; and when they have done all, their several sorts of patches, half-moons, stars, coach and horses, round, triangled, quadrangled, pointed, little, great, long and short: Vainly and foolishly hereby imagining to make themselves hand­somer then GOD hath created them, or is willing they should be, and choosing rather to please themselves then him; nay, though it be to the displeasing of him they must and will do it, what care they; their face is their God; they look no further; they believe no other; they care for no more. And as touching their Attire, it would tire Hercules, nay Sampson, which were far stronger then an hundred such as am I to relate it; and truly were I able, yet have I not patience, there are so many un­worthy stinkards and flirts, sneaking Mechanicks wives to be mention­ed, which should I attempt, would turn my stomack to think of them, and then instead of Writing, I should present thee with a foul Paper; yet these must be lapt in silk, they are no body if they have not a Silk-Mo-hair, Taffaty, Tabby Gown (nay but for shame they would have cloth of gold or silver, forgetting it is a shame for them to attempt the worst of these) a scarlet, watchet, tabby petticoat, and that must be laced too, gentle-woman-like; thus multiplying garment upon gar­ment, till the apparel exceeds the worth of the bearer by an hundred degrees. They must have these out-sides, though their in-sides be as bad as may be; though they are as dirty that they are not to be tonched with a pair of tongs; though their smocks cost not ten groats apeece, nay, though they pinch their bellies, and have hardly bread to eat, yet they must have clothes, and that a thousand times beyond their qua­lity. Can any thing be more vain then this? Do not our Governours deserve severely and sharply to be reprehended they look not into these abuses and vanities, when we know not a Gentlewoman from a Mecha­nical flirt? Joan is as good as my Lady; there is no more difference be­tween them in their cloaths, then is in the dark; all's one; except she write Lady on her back, she shall never be known in this Age: Where­fore for distinction sake [if for no other] it is most requisite (as I humbly conceive) it be looked into, and an order taken, so as that every Jack and Gillet may be known to be Tradesmen, Serving-men, &c. and not equal in habit with their Superiours, by many degrees, & Gentlemen of quality; for now with them (because they are not reprehended in this their vanity) [Page 20] all are counted fellows at foot-ball, to the shame and blemish of the glory of this Nation; It would be much better certainly if the Cobler would not go beyond his Last, and everyone go according to his rank.

Again, what greater madness then to see Lords no Gentlemen, no Gentlemen Lords, no Lords Gentlemen? Serving-men able to buy out their Matters? Wise, sober, solid and judicious Gentlemen be led away, gull'd, perswaded to any thing by their Vassals, even against their own knowledge? Men to believe any reports whether good or bad, with or against their friends or foes, without the least search into the truth there­of? Illiterates that can hardly speak sense, write or read, preach and teach others; learned, reverend, orthodox Divines silenced, or at least not re­garded? Such as deserve not only reprehension but severe chastisement, to reprehend and teach others? Such as are guilty of folly, to laugh at folly? Of which number I must now needs rank my self, and be so am­bitious as account my self the chief, or greatest Fool, more deserving to be laughed at then any other; wherefore I my self may justly thus question with my self,

Art thou not more sullen, melancholy and mad then Saturn? More jovial, merry and temperate at another time then Jupiter himself? More fierce, cholerick, peevish, waspish and angry then Mars? And again, more gentle, wanton, and fuller of sport then Venus? More lofty, proud, ambitious then the Sun? More fickle, wavering, and unconstant then the Moon? Good with the good, bad with the bad like Mercury? Ever in extreams, too merry or too sad? How silly art thou to tell others of their being led away by fair words, and none so soon wrought on as thy self? Condemn others for following Antick Fashions, and none so soon run into them? Plead for wisdom, act nought but folly? Cry down Duels and single Combats, yet account it better not to live then live with an affront? Condemn Drinking, and stay a whole week in a Ta­vern? To be so mad, as to tell mad-men of their faults? To expose thy self to the censure of every fool by writing publickly, thereby losing the happiness of enjoying thy self to thy self? And to think the smiles and applauses of some, can countervail the frowns and reproaches of o­thers? Art not thou silly? The greatest Fool of all? Worse then mad?

I must confess, should I answer for my self, I could not in the way of excuse plead one word in my own behalf; I must acknowledge my self guilty, and can say nothing but this, that it is a mad world, and there­fore should be worse then mad, should I think my self other then mad. Yet less some conceited youngster imagine himself more then he is, I must turn him to Prov. 26.12. and then let him be so mad, as to cast the first stone at me, whence I may conclude all are mad, or at least fools, we being so generally guilty hereof; but I shall name the words of the Text, that you may the better judge of it, Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit, there is more hope of a fool then of him. Now I would fain know, if one should strictly examine who is not guilty hereof, whether he should finde any that is free: In former time there were but seven Wisemen; now adays there is hardly so many Fools. Ergo, all fools, all [Page 21]vain, all mad, mad, mad for company; This is the world, other's the Coun­try.

Thus have I given you a general character of the world or an hint thereof, being altogether unable to paint it out to the life, yet what hath been said [being so obvious to the sense of every capacity] is suf­ficient to prove it altogether vanity. And now I might also here fitly give you the description of the Courts and Palaces of Kings, Inns of Courts, or the practises of Lawyers, and of Markets; but I fear then I should be inexcusably guilty of prolixity. Wherefore of each of these I shall only give thee a touch, and hasten to conclude.

A short descrip­tion of Mar­kets.I shall begin with the last, because it is a thing so frequent amongst us, viz. Markets. Anacharsis doth well define it thus, Est forum locus in quo alius alium circumvenit. The Market-place, is a place where one cozen­eth and defraudeth another. I may well term it (all things being consider­ed) a convention of Cheaters and circumventing Lyers; a place where must much evil needs be committed according to that of the Wiseman, Between the buyer and the seller must needs be sin.

Of the Inns of Court, or the Practises of Lawyers.And what are our Inns of Court but meer conventions of Politicians, fo­menters of strife & debate? For fight Dog, fight Bear, they will never part you; Incendiaries? Lovers of mischief? Takers of bribes? Resisters and perverters of justice, provided they are well fed? Do they not Justi­fie the wicked for a reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him? Isa. 5.23. For doth not money do all? Is it not it that maketh the Mare to go? right or wrong doth it not carry the cause with these Catiffs? How hard is it for a man to be a Lawyer and an honest man both toge­ther? How many such think you, you might find in a century of years? Wherefore the time is coming, and is now even at hand, wherein the Prophets very next words will be verified upon them, viz. Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust, because they have cast away the LAW of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel, Isa. 5.24.

Of the Palaces of Kings.And now should we but examine the state of the Chief Courts, viz. he Palaces of Kings, we shall yet finde therein naught but vanity and madness; from the lowest to the higest, from the King to the Beggar, all are mad: what greater vanity, then to see men that are to Rule thou­sands, be carried away with every breath of flattery of any one Para­site? Then to see Kings and the Grandees of the World so easily perswa­ded contrary to what they in their own judgements know. If there be any blemish in a King, how soon is it applauded, admired rather for a grace, a vertue rather then a vice? Alexander stooped in the shoulders, wherefore all his Souldiers and Courtiers did so too. Yet here I cannot but set down the wisdom and gallantry of our late King James of hap­py memory, in this particulars, as I have been by several informed who were conversant with him. Considering one day the vanity of his Cour­tiers in applauding still all his actions, very seriously about noon look­ing up to the Heaven out of a Window, demanded of those that were about him, whether they saw not a Star neer such a cloud; for (he said) [Page 22]he was confident he did; whereupon every one looking up, began to de­liver their opinions thus, one said he saw it, and that it was a little bright star; another that it twinckled very much, &c. every one with a several addition, concluded positively as he said: whereupon he burst forth in these words, or to this sense, How unfortunate a man am I to have so many Fools to be my Councellors! No wiser men then right or wrong to say as I say! Again, what Revelling, Masking, Playing, Feasting, Toying, Fool­ing, Whoring, Pride, Gluttony, Drunkenness, Wastry, and what not that is evil, or to be reprehended, but is to be found in these places most abundantly? There is no place free, nor thing free, but all, and in all is vanity.

The Authors exhortation to this mad world.Wherefore since it is so, I can commend nothing in this transitory, momentory, vilde World, but the knowledge of GOD and his Son JESUS CHRIST whom he hath sent in the flesh into the World to save sinners and the world, and that we might through him obtain everlasting life. We have here no abiding place, wherefore what profit will it be unto us should we gain the whole World, and lose our own souls? We came naked in to the World, & we shall carry nothing out with us; all must be left behind, our pleasure, riches, honours, preferments, parts, endow­ments, wives, husbands and children; he that the whole earth could not contain, and that sighing said, Is there no more worlds to Conquer? was at last contained in the narrow confines of a Coffin, and could possess no more of what he had gained, then his just length and breadth, which was not denied to the meanest he subdued; you have heard what the Great Conquerour of the East, Saladin, carried to his Grave of all he had gain'd, bat a poor black Shirt; wherefore let the WORD OF GOD be thy whole study, thy delight both day and night, that when thou ceasest to be here, thou maist be eternally glorified hereafter, this is the summum bo­num, the chiefest good; yet next unto it, let me recommend the study of Nature before any other thing whatsoever, for that it is the great hand­maid of the Almighty, by which thou mayst daily and hourly see the secret operations of his hands, and be drawn neerer and neerer to him; for ac­cording to the Apostle, by knowing Natural things, we come to know Spiritual the better.

And now here it remaineth I should again return to shew thee the me­thod and manner of the subsequent Work where I left off, and so hasten to a conclusion; but since I have recommended unto you that which is the chief means of our future felicity, I think good first (since our hap­piness here, and the hope thereof hereafter consisteth much on the goodness or badness of our friends and associates) here to deliver thee some Rules how to choose a true Friend, to know a true Friend, and to keep a true Friend; for commonly according to the company, so we conform our selves, the which if it be other then good, proves our utter destruction, according to the old Proverb, Evil communication corrupts good manners.

Instructions how to choose a friend.In choosing then of Friends; first negatively, and then affirmatively I shall desire thee to observe these Rules: Negatively, that by no means [Page 23]you familiarly associate your self with a lyar, dissembler or a flatterer, nei­ther with a proud man, nor covetous person; for they will prove deceit­full, treacherous and self-ended; beware also of Bragadotia's; I mean such as boast and glory of their charity or courtesie to others, that they have done this good turn, and the other good turn for them; for though it be true they have been beneficial to such, and that they have done all that they brag of, yet will such [take it for an approved maxime] be never true-hearted unto thee: And such as are so base as to desire or beg that which they see is precious and deer in the sight of any one, are also to be shunned, with those that are not able to keep secret what is committed to them in Trust, and Promise-breakers, and such as meer­ly esteem of thee for thy Riches; for these although they carry a great ap­pearance or outward gloss of Friendship unto thee, yet are they never cordial and real Friends, but fained outsides. But on the other side let such be deer unto thee, and chosen for thy friends and familiars that are honest and prudent, and as Cicero saith, whose integrity, constancy, fidelity and liberality is known to all their acquaintance: Let him that is zealously affected with and to vertuous and religious acts, be thy associ­ate and choice companion; for as Plato saith, friendship was given by nature to Mankind to help us and further us to vertuous inclinati­ons, not to vitious, lewd and sordid practices: wherefore Pythagoras ve­ry excellently said, if we would shun vice we must be familiar but with few; and Dicearchus would intimate the same unto us, when he adviseth us to make the vertuous only our Friends, if we desire to keep the name of vertuous and honest men, and the rest of the world, if possible, wel­willers unto us; wherefore wise Bias very wisely said, He was not wise that would make every one his Familiar; whence I may also conclude, that in the multitude of friendship is friendship violated. Do not exceed then in abundance of friends and acquaintance; for if thou hast but a few honest men and real friends to be thy friends, thou mayst be assured thou dost exceedingly abound in friends.

Caveats in choosing of friends.And now that thou mayst not be an enemy to thy self in this thy choice, let me here give thee one or two Memorandums. First, that you let not common applause or reproach be a rule or ground to your affecti­on or dis-esteem of any one; but first seriously examine the truth, and then accordingly mayst thou use thy discretion and reason: Secondly, let not the Nation of a man deter thee from real affection, if there be suf­ficient cause and ground to the contrary; for it were absurd in us to think all Nations evil, and our selves only good: As there are both good and bad amongst us, so is there also in the very ruralest of Nati­ons; what reason have we to think all the Irish blood-thirsty, all the Scots deceitfull, all the French fantastical, &c. because many of them are so? For my part, if I meet with any man of these that is true-hearted and honest, or of any other Nation, they shall be more deer unto me then a thousand English Knaves; and as I will not conclude any man of another Nation a Knave or Honest, till I have experience thereof, so will I not be so indulgent as to make no question of those of my own Nation, [Page 24]but carry a like suspition of both the one and the other, till I am rightly and truly informed: The Scots are vulgarly amongst us traduced and en­vyed, and yet they cannot be so odious here, but amongst them we are as contemptible; Tradition carries a great sway with fools and the vul­gar, but with wise men it is never regarded. Thirdly, let not the appa­rel or cloaths of any one stave thee off from the familiar society of friend­ship; it is not the Peacocks fine feathers, that can make him sing like a Nightingal: a Philosopher may be in rags, when an Idiot is gorgeously arrayed; look not to the outside, but the inside rather of a man, and thou shalt not be deceived.

How to know a true friend.Now to know the reality of thy friend, or whether thou hast a true friend or no; see that in your tryal of him, you let him not know your condition, let it be in what degree or thing soever you prove him in; it would be too tedious a thing for me to speak of every thing and way whereby thou mayst try him, wherefore I shall here only instance one, by which according to the same method thou mayst judge of the rest. Ad­mit you would borrow money, then be sure first you want not money, lest if your friend fail you, you are exposed to want and sorrow; yet be not known upon any condition to him you are or can be supplied, lest then on the other side, he knowing your ability, readily performs your request, and you thereby kept still ignorant of his affection; for take this for a sure Rule, that that, and that only is real love, that without regard to re­quital or consideration at all thereunto, sets it self on work, let it be in this or any other kinde whatsoever; wherefore if thou hast found such a Friend as this, thou hast assuredly a faithfull and real Friend indeed: never believe the fair pretences and promises of men, neither their allu­ring tongues and smooth speeches, which commonly are the properties of dissemblers and false-hearted, or hollow-hearted people▪ for you shall seldom see a fair tongue and a dissembling heart go asunder; wherefore if any such thou findest, thou hast more matter of suspition then credit gi­ven thee. But remember that in proving of thy Friend thou render not thy self so unfriendly to him, as to require any unlawfull thing at his hand; for then assuredly thou must not only expect a denial of thy pre­sent request from thy friend, but the future friendship of thy Friend hereafter.

How to keep a true friend. That thou mayst now keep a true Friend when thou hast found him, it is requisite (as I have promised) to give thee some Rules. Wherefore then let your patience be reciprocal, your opinions mutual, your love in all matters (especially things of indifferency) free, let your love be for love, not recompence or gain. And for that, Nemo sine crimine vivit, there is none without a fault; you are to hide them, and to wink at them in one another, provided they proceed from frailty and imbecility of Nature; and when you admonish or reprehend a friend, let it be in a place and at a time convenient; not openly in company, but privately between you and him, otherways you will harden him in his way, and work no good on him; not when he or thy self is in passion, for this will cause thy words to be lightly esteemed, and work no impression on him: And let thy speech be gentle and mild, yet be plain with him, and speak [Page 25]to the purpose, overcome him rather with mildness and clemency then anger and rigour, by which he will be constrained rather to adhere unto thee and acknowledge himself obliged for this favour, then remain ob­stinate and wilfull.

But let me now returne to shew thee the method of these my sub­sequent Labours. In the penning of them I have bin very plain for that I desire to be understod; Animis scribo non auribus, I write to edi­fie my readers understanding, not to please his eare with fine words, rather respecting the matter then syllables; and I have endeavoured to compare one Author with another, and those with a third, and again a fourth with all, almost on every subject; and where one hath been short, I have inlarged with another, and where all have failed to my expectation, I have supplied of my self, according to Didacus Stella in Luc. 10. Tom. 2. Pigmei gigantum humeris impositi plusquam ipsi gigantes vident. Dwarfs or Pigmies standing upon the shoulders of Giants, may see farther then those Giants: I would have none therefore wonder to see me frequent­ly dissent from the Ancients and relate my own conceptions in di­vers places; yet in most I follow my Authors, at least in sense, though not verbatim. And in some places I have trod the very ignorant and ir­rational paths of the Ancients, that so the ingenious and wel-willer to this Science may have matter wherewith to exercise himself, and not wholly to give himself over to traditional precepts; for my own part I abhor implicite Faith, or erroneous tradition, without sound and suffici­ent reason given for it; and therefore you will find I have often in these my labours dissented from my Predecessors. By some perhaps I shall be discommended, and again by others applauded for it; it is an hard mat­ter to please all parties, and therefore I have (I say) let slip some places, on purpose to convince thee that former Ages had not all the knowledge in the World, that so thou mayst be weaned from thy confidence in the writings of the Ancients when neither reason nor experience are on their side; I shall not need to turn you to any of those places in this Book; I hope your ingenuity will be a sufficient index thereunto: yet least some Momus should convert this my silence to ignorance, and indea­vour to wound me with my own weapon, by imputing that as a fault in me, which I did wilfully neglect, I shall here mention one place, being so remarkable and so palpable an absurdity,See Bonatus de Revolutionibus, cap. 95. Lib. 4. Sect. 2. Chap. 18. of this volumn you will finde the significations of the Sun when he is Lord of the year in any of the twelve signs Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo being expressed, and the rest by varying the former Rules implyed, which of all absurdities is the greatest, it being impossible for the Sun to be in Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittary, Aquaries or Pisces, in any yearly, half-yearly, or quarterly ingress, which is ever made at his entrance into the first point of the Equinoctials Aries and Libra, or Tropicks Cancer and Capricorn; and therefore I must needs conclude the Antients have herein been very weak and as worthy reprehension as applause in other matters. Yet I would not have thee expect any new thing; for I must conclude with Wecker in his Praef. ad Syntax. med. Nihil dictum quod non dictum prius; there is nothing said or to be said that hath [Page 26]not been said before; or if you will not believe him, take the testimony of the most wise Solomon, Eccles. 1.9. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be, and that which is done, is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the Sun: and if this were so in his days, so long since, how can we in the least expect novelties in this Age, or in these latter days, wherein though the world aboundeth in Books, so that D. King sometime B. of London very well noted, they are in number without number, yet we shall finde the most of them one and the same, expressed in several and divers terms and phrases, ac­cording to the strain and fansie of the Penner, and for the most part we see him that comes last, to exceed his Predecessors.

It had been too intricate a thing for me to have noted where I have in any place inlarged of my own, since it is so general throughout all the four Books; yet my phrase and stile will lead thee I believe unto most of it; it is wholly my own method and no translation, but rather a col­lection, so that I may well say with Macrobius, Omne meum nihil meum; mine is none of mine: yet this I can assure thee, that I do not remember any point or place where I have willingly been dark, or desired to detain any thing from thy understanding: It is, as I may say, even hewed out of the Rocks, and therefore I expect some places may be rougher and more unpolished then I could wish; it is the first draught, and there­fore I hope that may a little plead for me; wherefore be pleased (Cour­teous Reader) to accept of my wel-wishes, and out of thine own good­ness and gratefull disposition pardon my defects, which I cannot but fear are many, having not had time to correct it, or alter the stile or phrase, which at the best is but homely, and sometimes very harsh, according to the present condition and fancy of my genius at times, not at all study­ing to frame or place my words, but quicquid in buccam venit served turn; and to tell you the truth, it being once brought forth, I could not en­dure to think of correcting it, it being a work both so painfull and troublesom, so that I had rather write another Book as big again, and could as soon accomplish it, as correct what I have here written; besides, should I have gone about it, as oft as I should have read it, so often should I have altered it in one kind or other, according to that of Ter. Adelph.

Nunquam ita quicquam bene subduct a ratione ad vitam fuit,
Quinres, aetas, usus, semper aliquid apportant Novi.

The which you may English thus,

Naught ever was at first contrived so fit,
But Use, or Age, or something altered it.

Wherefore in this regard I was the more negligent thereof, but left it unto thee and thy courtesie, knowing that when I had done my utmost therein, I should never be able to please all parties; if by some I were accepted, by others I should be rejected; I must look for as well frowns, slights and derisions from some, as applause or countenance from others, Quot homines tot sententiae, so many men so many minds; wherefore (gentle [Page 27]Reader) let this consideration plead for me, and be thou so favourable as to pass by my failings, and remember that the best of the Antients had their faults and defects, the which I could here recite, might I justly vin­dicate my self by the condemnation of others. Besides, I would have thee also know I have not dwelt wholly on this subject, neither do I wholly devote my self to any one study or Science whatsoever, or limit my Spirit to so strait a prison, or narrow confines; I was ever of a roving humour for matter of knowledge, and could never perswade my self I should ever know enough of any thing: and although I am not of ca­pacity to attain ought but the froth or superficies of any study, yet have I endeavoured to be aliquis in omnibus, though (being brought to the proof) I should be found Nemo in singulis; wherefore let this with the preceding prevail with thee, so as that my most absurd faults may seem little or nothing in thy eye, since indeed these my Labours were penned at spare hours, and on purpose to please my own fancy and humour, al­though Providence hath now made them publique.

But here it may be some will carp at my writing in English; but at such I shall only laugh: for I aym to benefit the ingenious of my own Coun­try, and write to their edification, not to shew my self a Scholar or a wel­willer to Forrainers: but I would fain ask such Creatures, whether Homer that wrote in Greek, or Cicero in Latine, were not as worthy repre­hension, as I that write in English? since those were also their vulgar tongues; or what advantage or benefit should the people of my Nati­on receive by having an unknown language delivered them? I write not to a few, but to them all in general: But if I may be plain, the thing that most troubles them is, their Trade will be spoild▪ by reason their Juglings and Cheatings are beaten down, and the substantial part of the Art so plainly divulged.

But to these men I say, let them sorrow and repent themselves of their hypocrisie, self-endedness, pride and coveteousness the root of all evil, and learn love, humility, charity, and to purchase unto them­selves general spirits; I know the consciences of some of them will testifie unto themselves they are herein spoken to, and presently ima­gine I speak in ill will to them, being conscious to themselves they have given me sufficient cause by their frequent disparagements of me to some of my acquaintance.

But I appeal to an higher power to be Judge of this my action, I do not envy or bear ill will to any of their persons, but I cannot endure to have men pretend to promote an Art or any thing else, and yet in the mean time act nothing less, nor nothing more then the ingrossing of it wholly to themselves: it is this, and this only that causeth me in any place to hint at them; wherefore since I know my own innocency herein, I shall be content to let them rail and revile me at their pleasure.

The Authors l [...]fe. It resteth now I refer you to the subsequent Discourses; but first I shall deliver unto the World a testimony of my Birth, Breeding and Life hi­therto, being by some calumniated of late, and now likely to incur more of their bitterness by these my labours, and let not the Reader wonder I witness of my self; for it is no more then many of the Ancients and [Page 28]Fathers of the Church have done before me; besides I am not so ancient, but what I write may by one or other also be justified.

The time and place of his birth, and his parentage and family. I was born the thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord 1625. stilo Angliae, in the City of Westminster, in the County of Middlesex Angliae.

My Mother was by birth of England, as were all her Predecessors, my Father of Scotland and that of an antient family viz. of Eighther-house, which hath flourished in great glory for 1500 years till these latter days, as the Records there testifie.

The original of my Name and stock. The Original of our Name was from the residence of his and my Pro­genitors in the Land of Egypt, from the pleasantness of the soyl where they inhabited, or of herbs growing thereon, which therefore had the same name, RAMESEY, in English being as much as to say Joy and De­light, and this was in that County which is called Goshen; from thence they came into Germany under the conduct of the Roman Emperour, in which Wars for their service they obtained of him in a field Argent, the Eagle sable displayed, with one head for their coat of Arms; whence (the War be­ing ended) being desirous to travel, they took ship, intending for England, and being often kept back by stress of weather and Divine Providence, they at length resolved to take that place for their residence to Posterity where they should be first forced to Land; and not many days after, it so happened they were driven into an harbour in Scotland on that coast which is called Fife, where they being but eight in number left alive, built the aforesaid house, and called it by that name in their Language, which hath since been thus called, according to the speech of the Countrey, viz. [Eighther-house] It is further recorded of them, that as they increa­sed in number they dispersed themselves into several Families, of the which Dalhousie is now reported the chief, William Lord Ramesey being Earl thereof.

Of But to come neerer home, when our late Soveraign Lord King James of happy memory came to the Crown of England, he sent into France for my Father, who was then there, and made him Page of the Bed­chamber and Groom of the Privy-chamber, and Keeper of all his Majesties Clocks and watches; this I mention for that byViz. So [...]e of that Trade to countenance and credit themselvs in the Kings time, affirming him to be their Master; and now since by others, through envy, think [...]ng thereby to up­braid and re­proach both him and me. some he hath bin term­ed no better then a watch-maker; I contemn no trade or lawful voca­tion whatsoever, but I would have men speake the truth; it's confest his ingenuity led him to understand any peece of work in that nature; we read the same of Henry the 4th. of France and Lewis the 13th. and many Princes and Emperors of Germany and others, which I could (but for bre­vities sake) record, and therefore the king conferred that place upon him: Now how this should prove him a Watch-maker and no other, more then the late Earles of Pembrook ordinary Chamberlains because they bore this office in the Kings house, do thou judge; but this by the way.

Where the Au­thor had his e­ducation, and how he hath since spent his days. As soon as I was of any capacity, I was put to School in St. Al­bones in Hartfordshire, Bushy, Westminster, Milend-green, and other places; and when I should have gone to Oxford, by reason of our late differences I was prevented, and therefore being desirous to further my Learning, I [Page 29]importuned my Father to send me to St. Andrews in Scotland, but there also I was disappointed by the frequent approaches of the Marquess of Montrosse and his Army; I therefore (rather then fail) setled in Edinburgh Colledge, where I continued till it pleased God to visit that Town with Pestilence, the which at length growing very hot, I returned in April 1645. into England, and have remained in London ever since, wholly ap­plying my self, as ever, to the study of Nature, and the more secret and sublime Sciences, but practised nothing save Physick; for our home­bred differences and distractions, rending me (with many others) mean in the sight of the more inferiour Spirits of the world (for wealth and honour I perceive brings not nobleness of mind) I would not associate my self with many men and much acquaintance, but still lived an ob­scure, retired and reserved life, dedicating myselfe wholly (I say) to my book, so that I dare boldly averr (notwithstanding I was born and bred-up all my days in and about this City of London, save only the time I was in Scotland) I am not familiarly acquainted with three people in all England; for such is my disposition, that I had rather be a stranger in the Land of my Nativity (in this perverse and rebellious Age) and to the generality of men living therein, then to my self and my own con­science; the which so long as I may freely enjoy, I shall never repine but be ever content with what condition, loss or change soever, God hath far­ther in his Wisdom and Providence decreed for me; to whom for eternal protection I shall here commend thee and remain

Die ☿ 19. Januarii, 1652.
Thy Loving Friend, William Ramesey.

On his Ever Honoured, and most Ingenious Friend the unparalleld AUTHOR.

WHy wert not thou produced in those Days
In which Philosophers did wear the Bays?
Learning and Art in this Age are beat down!
Learning of old was had in great renown.
In Syria, Greece and Babylonia,
A rabia, Persia, Lacedemonia,
'Mongst the Caldeans also and Assyrians,
REnown'd Egyptians and Sydonians,
And Indians with our Neighbours of France
Much honoured it, and still did it advance;
Each then in vertue striving to exceed,
So vertuous were they; Now in our need
Even when it was almost forgotten quite,
You were brought forth to bring it unto light.
W. D. Iatromathematicus.

On this incomparable Work, and my worthy Friend the Ingenious AUTHOR.

VVHat shall I of these learned Labours write,
Or of the Author what shall I indite?
Come all ye Gods, assist this pen of mine,
Come all ye Sisters, come ye Muses Nine
Lend here your help, and let now all men know,
If they in Mysteries desire to grow,
Here they the Treasure of the East may finde,
And Natural hidden causes to their minde,
How by the vertue of the glorious Stars,
Health, Sickness, Plenty, Scarcity, Peace, Wars
Are brought to pass in their due time, and all
Things that are done in this World, great and small;
And that God worketh not prepostrously,
As some men strangely have maintaind; but by
Order and Nature he brings all to pass,
Which we may clearly see as in a glass,
Could we but read the volumes of the Skie,
As here the Author clears it to the eye
Of every notion; whose elaborate pains,
Be recompensed with immortal gains:
And when he shall be taken from this place,
Let him be fixt amongst the Stars, to grace
Those Heavenly bodies and those Lamps of Light,
For he hath made them glorious in our sight.
I. W.

Vpon the Authors Elaborate Pains in these his Labours.

VVHO in his Writings seeks all men to please,
Is not unlike the Merchant on the Seas,
Meeting with rocks, winds, pyrates, shelves and sands,
Yet boldly ventures, ere at home he lands
His Ship full fraught, returned safe and sound,
Discharg'd of Wealth, wherewith she did abound,
He sits him still, and lives at quiet ease,
Thinks the Land better then the boystrous Seas;
Even so our Friend in these ungratefull times
Hath brought home learning bred in Forraign Clymes,
Is sure to meet with Find-Faults for his pains,
When he seeks nought but profit to their brains
And pleasure all men; Dolts do ever pine,
When they see Learning live, and Vertue shine:
All Ages, Sorts of men, and Learned Schools
Have honour'd this rare Science, save some Fools,
Who neither know, nay, will not understand
Unto what purpose God hath given command
To the great Lights of Heaven, Planets and Stars,
To shew their power on these Inferiours:
I envy none, yet hee's no Friend of mine,
Who having Pearl's will cast them unto Swine.
The Commonwealth of Learning cannot flourish,
If she instead of True-born, Bastards nourish.
Some say those things are best which are in common,
But in these speculations, there is no man
Will so adjudge; For, an illiterate head,
But only taught to spell, perhaps to read
His mother Tongue, high Secrets to expound,
Mis-leading others, runs himself on ground.
But as our Merchant in some Forraign soyl
Hath got a precious Jewel by his toyl
And industry, hoping thereby to raise
His Fortunes, brings it home, which he doth praise
Unto his Friends; It they much magnifie,
And some choice person doth his Jewel Buy,
And much esteem it: So this Far-fetcht piece
Of Heavenly Science will the Golden Fleece
Even much resemble. Th' Author honoured be,
As Jason was to all Posterity.
I. B.
The Contents of the …

The Contents of the First BOOK.

  • CHAP. I. PRoving Astrology to be one of the Liberal Sciences. Fol. 1.
  • CHAP. II. That Astrology and Astronomie are one and the same Science, and that they were ever so received by the Ancients. Fol. 3.
  • CHAP. III. Shewing the excellency and nobility of the Science of Astrology, as also its antiquity, and the admirable power and vertues of the Heavens. Fol. 4.
  • CHAP. IV. That the Stars and Heavens have influence on inferiour and elementary bodies, proved by Scripture or the Word of God, and acknowledged by the Philosophers and the learned in former Ages. Fol. 5.
  • CHAP. V. Shewing that observation may be made of the motions of the Stars, in answer to those that hold it impossible for any man in his days to observe the particular configurations of every Planet with the fixed stars, and with one another, as also that thereby we may dis­cern their Influences, if we have any capacity. Fol. 7.
  • CHAP. VI. That the variation of the Heavens from their places wherein they were in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation, causeth no Errour in Astrological judgements. Fol. 8.
  • CHAP. VII. Shewing the powerfull influence of the Stars and Planets, and how far we are to have regard to the fixed stars. Fol. 10.
  • CHAP. VIII. Shewing further the influence of the Heavens on inferiour and elementary bodies. Fol. 14.
  • CHAP. IX. Shewing that the influences of the Heavens and predominancy of the stars in every cli­mate, is the cause of the several Laws and Customs of the people therein. Fol. 16.
  • CHAP. X. Containing the resolution of the main objections against this Divine Science. Fol. 18.
  • CHAP. XI. Containing an Introduction to the vindication of my Lux Veritatis from the aspersions of Dr. Homes and his second, with the first reason why I accounted him not worthy of my notice. Fol. 23.
  • CHAP. XII. Comprehending three reasons more why that rabble of theirs was not worthy answer­ing as to every quirk. Fol. 24.
  • CHAP. XIII. Containing the Authors fourth reason, and a vindication of both him and his Lux Ve­ritatis from some of their abuses and untruths, and their juglings and evasions mani­fested. Fol. 26.
  • CHAP. XIV. Containing the Authors fifth Reason, and the Scripture proofs, alledged for Astrology in his Lux Veritatis, proved to remain unshaken. Fol. 30.
  • CHAP. XV. Shewing that the Text in the 19. Psal. ver. 3. alledged by the Author to prove the Stars have influence, is no wise refelled. Fol. 32.
  • CHAP. XVI. Proving their Reply to Job 38.31. shewing the Stars to have influence, to be frivilous and of no effect. Fol. 33.
  • CHAP. XVII. Proving their Reply to Judg. 5. and the 20. weak, and no wise available to their intent or purpose. Fol. 34.
  • CHAP. XVIII. That the Stars are proved both signs and causes by the word of God, and the Art law­full, notwithstanding all their malice. Fol. 35.
  • CHAP. XIX. Proving Astrology to be warranted by Councils in spight of their rabble. Fol. 37.
  • CHAP. XX. Containing the power and subject of Astrology, and how far the Author vindi­cateth it. Fol. ibid.

ASTROLOGY FULLY Vindicated and Defended FROM ALL The Aspersions and Calumnies of the Antagonists thereof: As also its Legality and Verity proved, both by the Testimony of the Scriptures, Fathers, Antients, and the con­session of Councels: With a clear Vindication of the Authors Lux Veritatis, from the vilifying Reproaches of Dr. Homes and his Second; and that the purity of the Science remaineth still untainted, notwithstanding all their Reply.

CHAP. I. Proving Astrology to be one of the Liberal Sciences.

WHen I first entred upon these my Labours, I thought by reason of the bulk, and for that it had been of late traduced by the ignorant, it would be very convenient to prefix some Discourse which might tend both to the vindication thereof, and the manifestation of its sublime excellency and verity; whereupon at my spare times, I en­tred upon this subsequent Discourse: upon my first conception thereof, I thought it would not have exceeded a short Preface; but being brought forth, I perceived both for the largeness of its bulk, and variety of discourse, it deserved rather the denomination of a Book, which I call A Vindication of Astrology. I shall not need to say any more thereof, only refer thee to its perusal, and here begin our matter, with the Answer of an Objection, the better to usher in our following intentions; which is,Object. That Astrology is none of the Liberal [Page 2]Sciences,Answ. but Astronomy is. The vanity of which Objection shall be cleared here beneath, it being indeed one and the same Art, though two distinct parts or properties. But first, least some may question whether it be an Art, for that, as they suppose, Aristotle in some parts of his Works seems to deny it; yet upon better consideration, there is no rational man but will soon finde that he is so far from denying any such thing, that he speaketh as much thereof as any Astrologer can.Aristotle ma­keth no differ­ence between Astrology and Astronomy, but together wi [...]h Physicks ac­knowledgeth them all one and the same Art, though distinct parts. Look further, Aristotle Methaphys. 6. and 12. and 1. Polit. cap. 7. and several other places, too tedious to relate here. Also his 2. De Coelo text 17. and lib. de proprieta. element. and lib. de mundo cap. 9. and in the 4. de genera­tione animalium, cap. 10. for there is none that is well acquainted with his manner of Wri­ting, but knows that he indifferently useth the Name of Astrologer and Astronomer for one and the same; and also in other places, Astrologer and Philosopher, as making no dif­ference between them, which here to particularize were both tedious and superfluous in so clear a case; and in his Phys. lib. 2. cap. 2. he makes no more difference between Astro­logy, Astronomy and Physicks, then the particular names of the head, hand and foot, &c. do make that they are different things from the body, though distinct members, when all rational men know that notwithstanding they are several parts, yet they all conduce to the composition of one intire body.

Wherefore in my Lux veritatis or defence of Astrology, chap. 1. sect. 3. I bring Aristotle to affirm Astrology to be Scientia media, a Science between the Mathematicks and Natu­ral Philosophy; wherefore those that finde not these very words, Scientia media, in the above said 2. of Phys. cap. 2. if they finde so much inferred, it is sufficient to evince such carpers at Truth, to be either void of matter of discourse, or envious, or both; when it is clear he makes no more distinction between the one and the other, then what you have but now heard.

I forbear here, to set down the testimony of Averroes in his Com. on the 12. of the Metaph. Text 44. and on the second Book of Phys. cap. 2. but refer you to the perusal of that 3. Sect. aforesaid, where you shall also finde that in his Comment 7. of the third of his Metaph. he affirmeth Astrology to be a Mathematical Art; and this is acknowledged by all the Judicious and learned; neither do any but Fools and Novices make it a distinct Art or Science of it self, but a part of Astronomy, Physicks and Natural Philosophy, which make up one intire Liberal Science;Astrology one of the Liberal Sci­ences. this is well known to the Learned; yet for the satisfaction of some weak headed Momuses have I thus plainly delivered my self, who carp and rail at what they are ignorant of.

Further Averroes, Text 44. of the 12. of the Metaph. (amongst many more, which to insert here would make my labours of too great a bulk) acknowledgeth Astrology to be an Art; but in this place, I say he hath these words, Ita autem ars propria est huic in­tentioni inter alias Mathematicas, quia considerat de substantiis aeternis sensibilibus; aliae au­tem Scientiae Mathematicae considerant de accidentibus, ut ars Arithmetica, & Geometria. And in his Comments on the 2. de Coelo, Text 58. he attributeth so much to the power of the Heavens over these inferior Bodies, that he confesseth one Star to have a greater power then another: and also in the 68. Text of the same Book, he acknowledgeth every star to have his own particular operation, &c.

Of the legality, great esteem and antiquity of Astrology standing firm and unshaken for ought all the envious carpers and Ig­noramuses can say. How Astrology and Astronomy came separated. Astrology and Astronomy one and the same Science.As touching the legality and great esteem Astrology was in in former Ages, I shall here (for brevitie sake) refer thee to the perusal of the 4. Section of the 1. Chapter of my Lux veritatis, and for its Antiquity to the 5. Section of the same Chapter; for there is nothing more certain, then it hath been ever in most high esteem by all the more grave sort of Councels, States, Kingdoms and Empires; as also by the chiefest and wisest sort of men studied and maintained, it being the chiefest of all studies under the Sun, and among the Learned the most coveted after.

For though it hath been (by the malicious adversaries thereof) distinguished from A­stronomy, yet (I say) by the Learned and Judicious never; for though they are distinct parts, yet are they one intire Science, and that, one of the seven Liberal Sciences, as you have heard; wherefore the simplicity and ignorance of some weak-braind men who make this distinction, ought not to be countenanced, staining and traducing thereby the chiefest of Sciences that was ever studied by men; for that they, and they only were the first that made them any wise reputed several, shall beneath appear; for since it comes here so opportunely in my way, I will give you (for the farther clearing of this point) [Page 3]the testimony of some former and authentick Writers, though were I not confined to somewhat a narrow bounds, I might insert most or all Writers that were any ways Judi­cious; but since, Verbum Sapienti sat est, and the case so clear and unquestioned amongst rational men, I shall (as brief as may be) give thee some, and then proceed, that I may hasten (as hath been said) to say somewhat of one that hath put forth a patcht pretended Reply to my Lux Veritatis in answer to Doctor Nathaniel Homes.

CHAP. II. That Astrology and Astronomy are one and the same Science, and that they were ever so received by the Ancients.

I Have already declared the testimony of Aristotle on this point, and if we peruse the works of Ptolomie, we shall finde also,Ptolomy maketh no difference between Astro­logie and Astro­nomie. that he maketh no difference between the one and the other; and more particularly (not to insist long hereon) Lib. 1. cap. de Quadr. & cap. 3. de Quadr. he calleth there the Art of Astrology Astronomy, and the Predicti­ons Astronomical; so confounding the distinction of the parts with the essential name of the Science. Wherefore though Ptolomie hath, by some brain-sick men, been brought to condemn Astrologie, The apparent folly of these men that pro­duce Ptolomy against Astro­logy. we see thereby the folly of such envious and ignorant gain-sayers of what they are altogether unknown in: for it is very strange that he should be produ­ced to condemn what he hath taught to the world in four Books in Folio; but such is the stupidity and perversness of the Antagonists thereof, that when Astrologers declare and shew manifestly the power and efficacy of the influence of the Stars, there they accuse them with impiety and illegal practices: and when they sincerely teach not to ascribe so much to the Stars, as to neglect these inferiour causes, but to joyn the consideration of the one with the other; here (not considering, nor indeed understanding the scope and intentions of their Writings) they pick out certain particular places of their works which they think makes for their idle conceits and cavils to the condemnation of Astrology, What the An­tients deserve at our hands for their care & pains of us; for ingratitude is abominable. and the labours of those that herein have spent their whole lives for the benefit of these af­ter Ages; who have by us small requital of their care and pains thus to traduce them, when they ought rather by us to be eternized with Statues of Gold, and whole volumes of praises in perpetuum.

Hermes Trismegistus also in his Centiloquium, calleth the Art no other then Astrology, Hermes. and the Students Astrologers.

And Tully also in all his Works calleth the Art no other then Astrologie, Tully. never so much as once mentioning Astronomy; for in Lib. 2. de Divinitat. he maketh predictions a part of Astrology, and not an Art of it self, when he testifieth of Cassander and Archelaus that they were excellent in other parts of Astrology, yet never used Predictions.

And Plinie lib. 7. cap. 37. witnesseth that Berosus, And Plinie. for his Divine Predictions in Astro­logy, had his Statue erected him with a golden tongue.

The Septuagints in the 47. of Isa. also make no difference of Astrology and Astronomy, nor Astrologers and Astronomers, The Septuagints also. comprehending them both under the name Astrolo­gers, and the Art under the word Astrology.

Galen also, lib 3. cap. 6. & 12.Likewise Galen De diebus decret. contrariwise calleth the Egyptian Astrologers Astronomers.

And the same doth Cassiodo­rus, Plato, and Philo.And again Cassiodorus comprehendeth the works and effects of the Stars under the word Astronomy where he defines Astrology: so also Plato, Philo, and indeed all learned Writers; which, since to the Judicious this is so well known, I shall not need here longer to insist; only shall also add this, that Bonatus in his 11. ch. De confirm. Astrol. Scientiae, maketh Astrology as did Aristotle (as you have already heard) a part of Astronomy in these words, Astronomia est Sciencia per quam non solum praesentium, Bonatus con­senteth to the same. verum etiam prae­teritorum [Page 4]ac futurorum habetur cognitio. See also his 14 chap. where un­der the word Astronomy, as you may see in the Contents of the chapter he proveth A­strology to be one of the Liberal Sciences. Astronomie is a Science by which not onely pre­sent things but what is past and to come may be known. Here you see by these words he comprehendeth Astrology under the name and word Astronomie. And then as I have said in the following words, shews it is a part of the same Art; definitur etiam alio modo, viz. In duas partes sive species ipsius breviter, contemplativam scilicet & activam; quae sunt Astrologia & Astronomia. It is defined also another way, viz divided into two parts or kinds, to wit, contemplative and active, which are Astrologie and Astro­nomie.

Thus you see here what difference the Antients have made betwixt the one part and the other; and he in that same chapter further sheweth how they differ, where he saith, In quo differunt istae duae partes dicam tibi, in what these two parts differ I shall shew thee; and so forward; wherefore then this being apparently manifest, I shall not here spend more time or trouble thee, referring thee for further satisfaction to his twelfe chapter, where he sheweth cleerly both the parts and species of Astronomie; and I believe an artificer is best able to deliver a definition of his own Art, and rather to be believed then one altogether ignorant therein, which that man must needs be, that will be so perempto­rily base and impudent, or rather imprudent, as to deny what is thus confessed by all An­tient and Authentick writers of this heavenly and most delectable and admired Science; neither upon due consideration will any man finde the knowledge of the motions,Astronomy of no great use or validity with­out Astrology. which is one part of the Science, to be of much use or validity without the true understand­ing of their effects, &c.

And here also I may add one word to that fourth Section of my first chapter, I have referred thee to, that he also in his next chapter, viz, the thirteenth, witnesseth that Abraham taught the Egyptians his Art, and that Atlas who was afterwards so excellent therein that it was thought of him, he was a God, and therefore was supposed (through his excellency in his knowledge therein) to support thr Heavens on his shoulders.

CHAP. III. Containing the Excellency and Nobility of the Science of Astrology, as also its Antiquity, and the admirable power and vertue of the Heavens.

Astrology first revealed to the first man Adam by God himself; Not Diaboli­cal or illegal, but most law­ful and most to be desired of all other natu­ral Sciences. A great means to draw us to God and acquaint us with his Di­vine incompre­hensible self. Nota.LOok also into the Preface of Gerson his Trilogium Astrologiae Theolo­gizatae (who reduces in that piece Astrology to Divinity) and you shall finde that he acknowledgeth it an admirable and Noble Science, revealed to Adam the first Patriark by God, and so to his posterity; Ergo, most lawful, and to be desired above all Sciences in the World, not being either Diabolicall, Illegal, opposite to trust or confidence of God, but indeed rather a great means to acquaint us with his Heaven­ly and incomprehensible divine selfe, when by the motions and constant influences of the Coelestial bodies, we know the corruption, generation and procreation of all things in this Elementary world, and so contemplate and talk or converse daily and hourly with him who is not to be beheld by fraile mortal eys, or flesh, nor to stand in the immediate presence of that dreadful omnipotent God, whose voice alone is a consuming fire, &c. Gersons words (I say) are Propterea non est hoc negandum de Astrologia, quam esse Sci­entiam Nobilem, & admirabilem, primo Patriarchae Adam, & sequacibus revelatam, The­ologia non abnegat. Wherefore it is not to be denyed of Astrology, but to be a Noble and admirable Science, revealed first to Adam and his posterity, Divinity refuseth or denyeth not; for there is nothing more certain then that God hath in his secret wisdom so disposed of the constitution of the Coelestial bodies, that his Will by their operati­ons and several influences is acted and performed thereby; so that to the end of the world it is fore-ordained and decreed by him to be so performed and accomplished by them, according to the opinion and excellent judgement of P. de Ariaco, who in his Concor­dance [Page 5]of Astrology with Divinity, proveth the Flood, Sects, Noahs flood, Sects, Schisms, and other acci­dents fore­known and sig­nified by the Heavens. The Heavens is Gods instru­ment, by which he go­verneth and ru­leth this Ele­mentary world. The Heavens have many and divers vertues and obey the Com­mandment of God. Schisms and other most notable ac­cidents to be signified in Heaven long before; and this is confirmed also by Gerson, who in his second Proposition, acknowledged Heaven to be (as indeed it is) the Instrument of God, whereby he governeth this corruptible and inferiour Elementary world. And further saith he, Erraverunt hic aliqui, dicentes coelum nihil agere, sed tantummodo signum esse, al­legantes illud, & erunt in signa & tempora. They erre who think the Heavens do no­thing, but are onely for signes, alleadging that, and they shall be for signes and seasons, &c. For he further in the third Proposition, saith and approveth it to be a probable and subtile opinion, that God foreknowing the chances of men, had described certain agree­able tokens in Heaven, concurring with the course of the world even to the day of judgement. By this I say is my words, and the opinion of P. de Ariaco confirmed; and in the fourth Proposition, he declareth that Heaven hath received many and divers vertues of God, according to the variety of the parts of the Stars, of the Planets and of the motions of them, though not comprehended by all men; and so forward he testifieth, that they obey the com­mandment of God. But this by the way; let us now proceed.

CHAP. IV. That the Heavens and Stars have influence on inferiour and Elemen­tary things, Proved by Scripture or the word of God; And acknow­ledged by Philosophers, and the learned in former ages.

LEt us now then, (having cleered this Objection, viz. That Astronomie is an Art or one of the Liberal Sciences, but not Astrology, and proved that they are one and the same Science, though distinct parts, and that they were distinguished but of late times by ignorant cavillers against it,) prove that the Heavens have influence toge­ther with the Stars, on Elementary and sublunary things; being also by many un­known in the works of God, (not to use a harsher terme) denyed to have any.

The Heavens or influence of the stars cause of Fertility and Sterility. Of Sterility.That the Heavens have a great and strong influence on sublunary Elementary things, as touching sterility and fertility, which we shall here begin first with, there is none but who are most impious, will dare to deny, since the Word of God himselfe sheweth us the truth thereof: for first if you look into the 26 of Leviticus, ver. 19. you shall finde there, the Lord threatning his children with sterility for disobedience, saith, I will make your Heaven as Iron, and your Earth as Brass; viz. The Heavens shall not duly by their influence distill those comfortable showers of fertility, they shall be hard as Iron, and your earth as brass, that it shall not receive any impression there from, &c. And so like­wise on the contrary, when of his infinite Goodness and Mercy he promiseth plenty, he sayeth, I will hear the Heavens, and the Heavens shall hear the earth, and the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oile, and they shall heare Jezreel, Hos. 2.21, 22.Of Fertility. So that hereby you see cleerly a dependency of the earth on the Heavens, and their influence; Jezreel the people of the Lord, when their ways shall please him, shall be heard by the corn, wine, and oile, viz. all sufficient necessaries, they being comprehended under these words; and these having their dependency as it were from the earth, as growing out of it, shall be heard or assisted by it, or furthered to its utmost ability; but all this will not do, without the Heavens hear or assist the earth with its sweet influence; nor, then, except God the disposer and orderer of all things, hear and give his blessing to the Heavens; so that here­by we see God most cleer in the order and disposal of nature,God is to be seen in the or­der of nature, and in his works. Nota. who is the first moving and efficient cause, to whom all causes are but subordinate; yet you see that next unto himself the Stars are secondary causes, and from him immediate causes of all our earthly enjoy­ments or afflictions; for what causeth that amongst corn, the ground being diligently tilled and painfully mannured by the Husband-man, and the Corn sowed herein being clean [Page 6]and pure, from other mixture of seeds; what causeth, I say, that yet notwithstanding, there will several flowers both blew, red, and purple, grow amongst it, also out of the same seed, Darnel, solders, and smutty geare? if this be not occasioned through and by the influence of the Heavens, it is occasioned by nothing in the whole fabrick of the world. But yet for further confirmation hereof, the 33 of Deut. v. 14. you see, doth manifestly make it apparent, where the whole influence of the Heavens, and the increase of all Vegeta­tives are attributed to the Sun and Moon, viz. For the precious fruits brought forth by the Sun, Nota. and for the precious things put or thrust forth by the Moon.

Again we see cleerly in many places of Scripture, the stars are called the Hoasts of Heaven, Further that the stars have in­fluence. which certainly would never have been thus named, were they of no force and efficacy, the word hosts intimating their power and strength; see 2 King. chap. 17. ver. 16. and chap. 21. ver. 3.5. and chap. 23. ver. 4, 5, &c. So likewise God himselfe expressing his omnipotent and irresistible power and force, he is called the Lord of Hosts, Isa. 24. v. 23. Is. 23.9. and chap. 22. v. 5.12.14, 15, 25, and many several other places which are worth the while to peruse.

But further to put this matter quite out of doubt, viz. That the stars have their in­fluence on Elementary bodies, see Deut 4.19. where you see cleerly they are for the use of man divided or imparted unto all Nations under the Sun, by which if any man shall conclude and affirm is meant their light,Object. or that distinction which they cause between day and night,Answ. and of seasons; I must needs tell him his conclusion is very weak, since we have so small use of their light either in the day or night, that it may very well be counted none at all; and as touching that distinction of days and seasons, the Sun and Moon would be sufficient for that matter without those innumerable Hoasts of Heaven the starres: Nota. therefore the use of the stars must in this place have a further constru­tion.

The influence of the stars ex­tends to the temperature of men, as we see in Lunatick. To the success of mens affairs also, though denyed by some. The influence of the stars ac­knowledged by Philosophers.Moreover that their influences have power and extend to the temperature of men, appeareth Matth. 17.14. where the lunatick is offered unto Christ to be healed, whose distemper, as experience and common example sheweth, followeth the course of the Moon, and to the success of mens affairs, doth yet further appeare by Judg. 5.20. where it is recorded that the stars in their courses fought against Sisera, of the which more anon, as also that passage in the 38 of Job, and the 19 Psal. as touching the Pleiades and Orion, and that the Heavens declare the glory of God, their voice or language of the stars being gone through the whole earth, &c.

Thus have we cleerly seen the influence of the stars proved by the Word of God; how they were esteemed in former ages by all Philosophers, Emperours, Kings, and the nobler spirited people you may see if you will have regard to the 4 Sec. chap. 1. of my Lux Veritatis, where you may see not onely the great esteem the Art was in amongst all wise and learned men in former ages, but also the names of the chiefest Patriarchs, Fa­thers, Philosophers, Emperours, and Kings that were students herein; which notwith­standing the pretended arguments of the envious against it, stands unshaken, as will ap­peare to any that shall peruse it, comparing it with the pretended Replyers discourse; therefore here I shall refer thee thereunto, being desirous to be as short as possibly I can.

CHAP. V. Shewing that observation may be made of the Stars motions, in answer to those that hold it impossible for any man in his days to observe the par­ticular configurations of every Planet, with the fixed Stars, and with one another; as also that thereby we may discern their influence if we have any capacity.

Observation teacheth us the stars influence.I Shall here therefore now shew, that observation will clearly evince us that the Stars have admirable influence on these inferiour and elementary things; for though it be most certain that the Heavens make not their Revolution under 36000. years, yet is its variation so slow, as that it dependeth upon the motion of the fixed Stars; so that before there can be any great difference worth speaking of, the same constellations may be often observed in particular, though not in the whole; for the fixed Stars according to the neerest account of our late Writers, or the sphear in which they are, move not above one degree, which is 60. minutes in 72. years, in which time there is none, but who are altogether ignorant, that cannot make sufficient obser­vation of every constellation worth noting for the confirmation of their influence; for though they move from East to West once in 24. hours, so making this Diurne Revolu­tion 366. times in a year, yet since in respect of the motion of this Sphear from West to East these 366. Revolutions causeth not a minutes difference; it must needs follow that the very same fixed stars do rise, culminate, set,That the true nature of the Stars may be known and how. and lie in the same Circle of position, and also may be in configuration of the Sun, and any of the other Planets, and that so exactly in one and the same place or part of Heaven, that it is impossible with any instru­ment to discern any variation either in the longitude, latitude, declination, right or ob­lique ascention thereof; so that hereby it is clear the nature of any star may be found out, and be exactly known.

The power of the Planets.But now as touching the Planets; first, we attribute, as is clear to every vulgar no­tion most power and efficacy to the Sun, next to the Moon, then to Venus, and so to Mercury, and next to Jupiter and Saturn, and lastly to Mars; this (I mean) in relation to their motion with the Sun; for by how much the light of the Planets to us is greater and their motion swifter, by so much are their operations necessarily the more apparent and manifest to us or our sense: we prefer Venus before Mercury, for that though he be swifter, yet is she the greater, and so consequently of more efficacy: and the reason why Mars is of least note, or most obscure unto us is, for that he is lesse then Saturn and Jupiter, who are preferred before him, and moveth in so large and great an Epicycle, that he seldomest rancounters with the Sun.

The significati­ons of the in­fluence of the Stars are soon found out in relation to their configu­rations with the Moon, with the Sun, Venus and Mercury. In relation to the configura­tions of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars with them.And we know that the Moon (as I have said in chap 4. of my Lux Veritatis, sect. 2.) finisheth her course through the Zodiack every 28. days and some odd hours, viz. twelve times in a year; by which we may, and do plainly perceive her configurations, viz. Con­junction, Sextile, Trine, Square and Opposition with every Star in the whole Heavens, both fixed and errant, and thereby their nature and mixture often to be known and discerned, and that very certainly.

The Sun, Venus and Mercury also, do every year once finish their course, so that also hereby every year we may, and do plainly see and finde out their own specifical nature, and the properties of the other Stars, viz. fixed, as also their mixtures, and that before any sensible errour can be made by the motion of the Starry Sphear.

Again, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, although they are (by reason of their superiority) of flower motion, yet doth it neither any ways hinder, but that their effects may easily and soon (as also their mixtures among themselves and the fixed stars) be known; for though Saturn be 29. years, some odd moneths and days, making his revolution, or run­ning [Page 8]his course through the twelve Signs of the Zodiack, Jupiter twelve years, Mars three years; yet by reason of their long continuance in every sign, as also by their re­trogradations, stations and directions coming often to the conjunction of the Stars in the Sign wherein they are, and to the Aspects of others in other Signs, we cannot but often and plainly be taught to perceive the several influence of every star in the whole Zodiack without the least sense of errour, especially since the Luminaries also, the Sun and Moon in the mean time come to them, and so make commixture of their influence, yearly and monethly.

The Influence of the Stars taught at large by former A­strologers.Of all which the Student in Astrologie cannot be ignorant, if he but warily observe his Authors, who have sufficiently and largely declared them all unto him, as they by obser­vation, and frequent practice have both been found out and approved by them to be most effectually true from Age to Age; yet if thou beest so curious (as I could wish thou wert, and all other ingenious souls) as that thou wilt make particular observation there­of thy self,Nota. thou mayest see that before the Starry Heaven moveth a degree, Saturn, who is the very slowest of the Planets, finisheth his course, and cometh to Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine or Opposition of every particular Star, of every particular mag­nitude, in every particular of the twelve Signs of the Zodiack twice; and Jupiter six times, Mars 24. times; the Sun, Venus, and Mercury 72. times, and the Moon 864. times or thereabouts; but oftner and more frequently they meet with one another (I mean the Planets) as the great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter happeneth once in twenty years; of Saturn and Mars once in two years, &c. So that particular observation of their effects may easily, and that in a mans life be both observed and known distinctly, I say, if any be thus curious.

Thus far chiefly, to clear the point I intend here next to insist upon, viz. That the Stars and their influence have power over all sublunary things; least some should (as of late they have) render themselves ridiculous to posterity, in denying both their effects and power, or at least, in affirming man (if they have any) is not able to comprehend the depth thereof, &c.

CHAP. VI. That the variation of the Heavens from their places wherein they were in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation, causeth no erring in A­strological Iudgements.

Object. ANd first, since it is objected by some, That the true effects of the stars cannot be known by us, for that Ptolomie, whom we account as a chief Doctor amongst us in the delivering the mysteries and instructions of this Art, writ so long since, that the Heavens are gone some whole degrees from their places, they were in at his time, and therefore the same Rules will not now hold which he delivered.

Answ. For the answering of this Objection, I should do well to say no more then this, that it is altogether weak, and occasioned through ignorance, &c. and not trouble my self further to answer what needs no answer;The motion of the Heavens since Ptolomies time, nor in­deed since the first Creatlon, is any cause of errour in Astro­logers judge­ments in this our Age. but least those for whom I have undertaken these my labours, should then, for that they are not well grounded in the Art, think this Goliah to be more then it is; I shall say thus much, that Ptolomie tyed us not by his Writings to be confined to use his Rules for those places the Signs were in at that time; but thus, Saturn in Aries signifieth so and so, where ever Aries be removed; for it is the nature of the Sign the Planet is in, that causeth him to have such and such a signification, not the place where the Sign is, in respect of the Revolution of the Starry Sphear; for then we (making no such observation for the direction of our Judgements) should never be able to predict any thing of certainty; besides if this had been necessary, Ptolomy [Page 9]would have taught us accordingly, and also have directed the precepts of the Art to have dependency on the place of the Heavens at the Creation, which were as far removed be­fore his time as they have been since ; so that since the first Creation of all things, Aries the first sign (and so consequently uniformly all the rest in that Starry Sphear) is re­moved and revolved in the course of its motion neer upon three whole signs, according to Ticho his Account, which if this were of any, or the least moment (as I have said) we should never possibly be able (having no regard thereunto) to foretell any thing with certainty; But our Rules run on another strain (as hath been said) viz. a Planet in such a Sign, signifieth so and so, let it be by its revolution where it will, &c. But this we finde daily certain, and the other consequently then of no efficacy; as for example.

We see clearly, and that to be testified by every vulgar notion, that when the Sun comes into the Equinoctial point of Aries, the Spring forthwith begins to shew it self;The aforesaid objection cleared by ex­ample. every thing by its humidity and temperate heat, being thereby made to flourish, and as it were to rise again from the dead, which have by the tedious blasts of the Hyemnal Ayr been kept in obscurity; and this without respect to the place where Aries was in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation; which neither then at that time had any other but the same efficacy now they have, though they may be intended or remitted by the conjunctions and configurations of the Planets, or by the variation of their declination, as they dart their beams more or less down perpendicularly upon us, and so work more or less powerfully at one time then another in the same place.

So likewise when he enters into the first Solstice, or the Tropick of Cancer (he being then neerest our Zenith) causeth Summer; in the second Equinoctial, Libra, Autumn; in the last Trophick, Capricorn, Winter, &c.

But to put this matter quite out of doubt, let us but observe when the Sun comes in­to the Sign Taurus, and stirreth up the vertue of the Pleiades and Hyades in that sign,Manifested by common expe­rience. and the Hoedi to the North thereof, and Orion to the South, as also Arcturus then set­ting; and we shall see these Constellations (being naturally violent and tempestuous) do raise Southern and moist winds for certain days together, watring the earth, and causing those seeds and vegetables (not before to be discerned) to spring forth and appear; and this hath not only been delivered unto us from Antiquity, but we every year (towards the latter end of that moneth, we vulgarly call April) finde it by experience most true: Hence that old English Proverb, even amongst the illiterate that know nothing of the cause, April showers, bring May flowers.

Farther yet manifest.Again when the Sun riseth with the Dog-star, we see it causeth many infirmities, and vehemency of heat, so that Hipoc. Aphor. 4, 5. saith, Medicines are hard, or obnoxious that are administred under the Dog-star; likewise we see Dogs at this time apt to run mad, the Sea to be troubled, and all Creatures whatsoever in one sort or other perplexed; and this is known commonly to all the vulgar, as well as the learned, and therefore needs not farther to be amplified: yet in some Summers,Why the Dog-Days are not all years alike contagious. this time is not so contagious as again in other years, which happens according to the places and configurations of the Lumina­ries with the other Planets and fixed Stars, according to their intentions and remissions, neither cold nor heat proceeding from the absence or presence of the Sun, as some weakly conceive; for then all Summers would be alike hot, as also all Winters alike cold, since the Sun keeps his constant motion, and is never more elongated nor appropriated, one year then another: And this we see also every year when the Sun comes near the 18. Degree of Cancer, wherein the little or lesser Dog is, notwithstanding the Revolution of the Starry sphear; for otherwise it would be about the time he is in the 27. Degree of Gemini, which is about the latter end of that moneth we commonly term May.

A third mani­festation there­of.Lastly, and with this I shall conclude as touching this point, and then proceed: There is no man that hath any knowledge in Astrologie, but can affirm, that the Weather will be tempestuous, stormy and turbulent, Saturn going out of one Sign into another, according to Hermes, Centil. 33. and other sayings of the Ancients, which if to be observed as they were just at the time Ptolomie writ, or at the first Creation, it will now be when he is in the middle, or towards the latter end of a sign, as the signs are now; for that Aries is now in our times very far in Taurus, or where Taurus was in Ptolomies time; but this hindreth or varieth no more the Influence of the Heavens from their [Page 10]natural properties and inclinations, then to affirm a Faggot or any other combustible thing will not burn, although it be put into the fire, because it is not in a Chimney, or any such whimsical assertion, &c. wherefore let us now shew the power of their Influence, and so discharge our former promise, since it here so fitly offereth it self.

The Stars cau­ses next under God the first moving cause. By the study of the Stars we see God in his works.What hath been already said is sufficient to satisfie any man who is not disposed, or given over to obstinacy, of the verity and certainty of Astrology: but for farther satis­faction, I think good yet to proceed to some particular effects of the Stars, that God may be glorified in his Works, being himself the first moving cause of all their wonder­full operations, that we may (according to the Apostle) see him in his Works, though not worthy to behold him as he is in himself, nor indeed able, so long as we carry this earthy Tabernacle about us unchanged and unglorified.

First then, because we are to hasten to say somewhat to a pretended reply to my Lux Veritatis, least this first Book swell to a bigger bulk then I would willingly have it: I shall briefly speak of the Planets first, and then of the fixed Stars, or as they are both joyned together, and so hasten to a conclusion.

CHAP. VII. Shewing the powerful influence of the Stars and Planets, and how far we are to have regard to the fixed Stars.

MOreover, having then seriously considered what hath been said, it is clear to every capacity, that by consequence, according to the account of Ticho, the annual motion of the stars, not being above 58. seconds, and 58. thirds; it is most palpably clear, that all that while, they rise with the same degree of the Zodiack unto which the Sun yearly coming, at times prefixed and known, further by their presence the work and effects of the Sun, after one and the same manner, and so do not of them­selves at all betoken plenty or scarcity more in one year then another;The fixed stars no cause of plenty, or scarcity of themselves: but the Planets by reason of their various motions are. Dearth, plen­ty, drought, plagues, altera­tions of the ayr; the course of Navigation and Husban­dry, also the rule and sole government of the earth, as all accidents therein, ascri­bed to the in­fluence of the Planets. but this variety and change (as also the generation and corruption of all things) is to be referred to those stars that have divers motions, viz. the Planets, and this there is none that is Compos mentis will shew themselves so ridiculous as to deny; for by means of their various mo­tions, they being particular Agents, apply their vertue and influence diversly on these in­feriour bodies; causing thereby the difference of the plenty of one year over another, &c. So that hereby the weakest Judgement may soon discern that the diversity of plenty and scarcity between one year and another, dependeth not on the rising or setting of the fixed Stars, but on the commixture of the Influence of the Planets with them; wherefore we see Clem. Alex. in his Eglogues doth not only make the Stars signs, foretelling the changes of the ayr, and plenty, dearth, plagues, drought, &c. and in his Strom. lib. 6. necessaries to direct the course of Husbandry and Navigation, but also in the same sixth Book a little further, in his discourse of the seven Planets, he ascribeth the Rule and Government of the Globe of the earth thereunto, testifying farther that the Chaldeans by them▪ did judge of the future events of all things appertaining to this frail life; and also of Accidents to come. Look more Ptol. lib. 1. cap. 2. de Quadrip. where may be seen the several operations of the Planets and fixed stars in and over all Nations, Countreys and People, and the reason of their several Customs, Laws, Manners, and Incli­nations.

Thus much for the general, since you have already heard that their force and power may be and is known by observation; wherefore to descend to particulars.

That the Sun hath influ­ence.If we have regard first to the Sun, we shall finde that the power of the Sun, and the quality of the Heavens cause the inhabitants of the Torrid Zone, to be black; such are they which we call vulgarly Blackmoors, or Negroes, and causeth them also to be of con­stitution Cholerick, their hair curled, of mean stature by reason of the temperature of their bodies, which is hot and dry; Look Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 2. de quadripar. We further know [Page 11]the Sun doth also tan even us in this our climate; and is the cause also of Spring, Sum­mer, Autumn, and Winter, day and night; and the chief cause of the generation of all li­ving creatures, but more especially those which proceed from putrefaction, &c. (every one knows) bringeth also to maturity all the fruits of the earth, and extimulateth all creatures to the act of generation for the procreation of their several kinds. But to be short, that 33. of Deut. ver. 14. before mentioned, and the testimony of Moses, Gen. 1.14. (of which anon) that the Sun and the Moon were constituted for signs and seasons, as well as other stars, is cleer. We know also he is of a drying and attractive Nature. That Chronick diseases follow his course, as acute and sharp the course of the Moon, cum multis aliis; but here I shall pass them by, since there is no Peasant but can acquaint us with some one effect or other of this clearly, by experience known unto him.

And who is so ignorant but knoweth that the Moon hath a great influence on the ebbing and flowing of the Sea? which every waterman on the Thames can justifie;The Moon. Object. Answ. Why there is no Tides, or such as can hardly be di­scerned in the Atlantick seas. Why there is no Tides in fresh waters, and why in some places there are no Tides. but if some urge, that in the Atlantick sea there is no Tides, and so think by this their igno­rance, to make ought against this most heavenly Art, they are mistaken; for as touching this their idle and vain conceit, I shall not need for the answering thereof, use many words, but let them know, that by reason of the profundity and vast wideness of those seas, I must confess, little or no Tide can be discerned; yet is it most probable, there is an increase and decrease of that current, as I shall appeal to all the learned in Navigation; for by reason of the indisposition of the subject, the influence (I must confess) of the Moon is not so much discerned as in other things, as all moist and watery bodies; that she wholly, rules as in fresh waters, by reason of the rarity and subtilty thereof, she not having that fit subject to work on, which is requisite, causeth no Tide there; also expert Naviga­tors can testifie, that in some places of the Ocean, Tides are letted by the strength of a con­trary Current, &c. But there is no female of twenty one yeers of age, though some at six­teen, nay sooner, but can testifie its effects on their bodies, by causing their menstrues once a moneth; this they finde by experience, though perhaps all know not the cause or reason thereof; you have already heard her influence on lunaticks, causing their fits sometimes to be more grievous then again at other times; wherefore then if we further look to shell-fish, we shall see cleerly that they are made by her divers illuminations of or with the Sun▪ both to increase and decrease (this there is no Oyster-wench but knows) the same effect she hath in the humours of all bodies sublunary. And there is none so ignorant but knoweth also, that those who sleep in the open fields in Moon-light-nights, she filleth them with dulness and heavy drowsiness, and their heads with moisture; more­over flesh newly slain, being hung forth in moon-light-nights, doth soon putrifie; and Pease sown in the increase of the Moon, never leave blooming and blossoming; and that she is the cause of critical days, and also judicial, you have had shewn you in my Lux Ve­ritatis; wherefore here I shall not insist thereon, but refer you thereunto; and to Galen de diebus decretoriis; and you shall there finde what admirable vertue and power he assigns her over all alterations of ayr and other inferiour Elementary things, as well as over diseases, especially acute, &c. And not only shell-fish and the humours in men and women do increase and decrease according to her increase and wane, but also the Brain of man and other living creatures.

Again, there is no Sow-gelder but can justifie he observes the age and configurations of the Moon with the Sun, for gelding of Cattle; and every husband-man or Peasant knoweth that it is very useful for him to observe a time of the Moon to put his cattle to ingender; and as it is reported by Gesner in his 300 page of beasts, Democritus affirmeth that if a Horse cover a Mare the third day before the full Moon, the Mare shall con­ceive a male foal; if the third day after the Full, a female;If a Horse co­ver a Mare the third day be­fore the Full Moon, a male Foal will be conceived. and also in his 207 page te­stifieth that Pliny (knowing the strange secret operation of the Moon in Elephants) doth as it were ascribe a kinde of Religion in this creature; for from the Change of the Moon till the prime and appearance thereof, they take boughs from off the Trees, and first look or lift them up to Heaven, and then look upon, or towards the Moon, which they many times together do as it were in a supplication or adoration thereof. He further re­lateth of the Baboon, who by the influence of the Sun and Moon on him in the equi­noctial times of the yeer, barks every hour once; viz. twelve times a day,The third day after the Full Moon a female. and as often pisseth; and at the Change of the Moon, the male Baboon will neither look up, or [Page 12]eat, but in a forlorn condition (through the sence of that conjunction of the Luminaries) goes up and down; and the female purging her self of abundance of blood: But this is further handled in the fourth chapter of the second Book of this Volumn, viz. That which we call the Introduction; wherefore here I shall hasten to proceed.

Those born at the time of an Eclipse, or Change of the Moon, live not long, and why.Again, we see that those that are born at the time of an Eclipse of either of the Luminaries, or at the Change of the Moon, cannot live long; for the Sun or Moon being eclipsed, he being fons vitae, and she the mother (as it were) of moisture, the native then by this defect must be deprived (in the eclipse of the Sun) of natural heat and nou­rishment, he being deprived of his light; and in the defect of the Moon, of convenient moisture to mitigate and to temper the heat, and so also in her Change, &c.

Moreover, there is no Hearb nor fruit, that is either set or sown in the wane of the Moon, but the taste thereof is neither so good as naturally the fruit is, nor so kindely, ex­cept Pease only, (which you have already heard) being set or sown in the increase of the Moon, will still bloom and blossome.

So also that Vines may not spread and grow too fast, and be too forward, they are pruned and cut in the Wane; and such Timber or Wood which we desire to keep long un-worm-eaten, we cut in the wane, for that then the Moons light being abated, so is the sap and humidity of the Tree, which causeth corruption being once lopt; thus much concerning what we would not have grow; but as touching such Vegetables as we would have increase, it is but observing the Moon contrariwise, and we shall soon accomplish our desires therein; as if we be desired any thing should grow up in heighth, we take care she be at the time of setting or sowing thereof increasing in light and motion, and in an aiëry sign; but contrariwise, if to take deep root and to grow downwards, we place her in an earthy sign,A remarkable thing of the Pomegranate. &c. And it is reported of the Pomegranate (which is a thing wor­thy the noting) that it will not grow longer then so many years as the Moon was days old when it was first set; and this is most credibly reported by Lucius Bellantius in that Treatise of his in answer to Picus Mirandula. But Pliny and others will at large testifie of the admirable power and influence of the Planets and stars over Vegetables; where­fore what hath been already said is sufficient to evince any man (who hath not wholly given himself over to obstinacy) of the verity and certainty thereof; for since you have already heard how evident and clear it is, that the Heavens have Dominion of, and shew their effects on sensitive things, I suppose there it none will render themselves so weak and ignorant (after a serious consideration thereof) as to deny (contrary to the opi­nions and testimonies of all learned Philosophers) the Heavens and Planets to have in­fluence over Herbs, Corn, Plants, and all Vegetables; for if the vegetative faculty be comprehended and included in the sensitive; (as there is none so stupid as to deny) then as a Triangle is contained in a quadrangle, so is this most certain and consequently an as­sured truth.

And thus much shall suffice at this time for the manifestation and clearing, that the Moon hath influence over as well men, bruit-beasts, sensitives, and vegetables, plants, herbs, &c. as over things without life; viz. of the sea, causing (as hath been said) its ebbing and flowing, humours in men and women, diseases, critical-days, &c. I might here, but for tediousness, deliver unto you the fivefold government of the moneth by the Moon, viz. of the latitude of the Moon, apparition, synodical, periodical and medicinal; but of these (God willing) I may hereafter say somewhat, and that at large, God spa­ring me life and opportunity, &c. In the interim, I say, let what hath been said suffice as to the proving the influence of the Sun and Moon, and now let us hear what we are taught by Saturn.

The influence of Saturn pro­ved.Not to insist long then on the Planets, since their influence is not (by the rational) in the least denyed, and we are anon to handle their effects at large, we shall therefore be as brief as with convenience may be; in my Lux Veritatis, chap. 1. Sect. 6. P. 35. I have declared how that Climacterical yeers happen,The cause of Climacterical yeers. and are caused by the profection of the Planets, and first house to the Square and Opposition of their places in Nativities, being more especially occasioned by the motion of Saturn, he having as much power in the decree several of yeers,The power of Saturn in dis­eases. as the Sun hath in moneths, or the Moon in days; he com­ing every seven yeers, to the Square or Opposition of his place in the Radix of any mans Nativity. Again, there is no skilfull Physitian that is acquainted and verst throughly in [Page 13]his Art (as Galen and Hippocrates say none are, but who are skilled and acquainted with and in Astrology) but knows that he after the Revolution of the Sun be cometh chief ruler and orderer of the Disease and critical days; and many times by his configurati­ons with the Moon hinders the Crisis in acute and sharp Diseases; and, observation as hath been said, and the manner taught, will cleerly evince all the ignorant, that Saturn is cold and Melancholy, as the Sun is hot and inclining to mirth; for as he is opposite to the Sun in nature, so is he opposite in relation to the signs and mansions of the Heaven he rules, and therefore inclines always to cold, as the ☉ doth to heat; whence the ☉ in ♒ being the house of ♄ and opposite to ♌ his own house; the weather inclines more to cold. And by reason the light, and so consequently the influence of the Sun and the Moon is most manifest and apparent unto our sense: yet I say, though the other stars by reason of their obscurity and remote distance from us cannot so easily be discerned, a short time spent in the observation thereof will soon cleer the truth of their several in­fluences and inclinations. But to speak more plainly, and home to the matter,Nota. do we not at every Conjunction, Square and Opposition of the Luminaries with him, finde all incli­nation of the ayr to moisture and cold? and that it never fails, but at the Square, Op­position or Conjunction of the Sun and him (except the body of Jupiter or Mars in­terpose or some of their Aspects;) cold ayr and wet weather is thereby produced, ac­cording to the season of the yeer, notwithstanding the natural inclination of the Sun to heat and dryness: and this since so manifest, and that even in the heat of Summer, we may well conclude he is of a cold nature, especially since by often experience we so finde its effects.

The inclinati­on of any one who hath in their Nativity Saturn Signifi­tor.Moreover there is none born that hath either the Sun, Moon, Mercury, or the Lord of the Ascendant disposed of by Saturn, and he located in the ascendant, or in square or op­position thereunto, or to Sol, Luna, or Mercury; or the Lord of the Ascendant (as hath been said) but the native will be much addicted to melancholy, and surly chumpish dispositions; and in configuration of Mercury (as I can justifie by many testimonies for truth) the native shall be of slow and ill utterance, of a dull and hard wit and capacity.

And thus much of Saturn; and we are next in order to descend to Jupiter, and so ha­sten to proceed, since this point is so cleer; viz. That the Planets have influence on sub­lunary and elementary bodies and things: The Authors appeal to what he himself hath delivered in his Vox Stellarum, for the justifi­cation of the validity and certainty of Astrology, and for the proving the Stars and Planets to have influence over sublunary bo­dies. and that by our monthly and yeerly prognostica­tion made apparent to every vulgar notion and capacity; so that for the further justifica­tion and confirmation thereof, I shall not need to desire any better testimony then my Vox Stellarum and the writings of some of those seen in this heavenly Art, published for the last yeer, and the two ensuing yeers, viz. till the latter end of 1654, provided they are guided by the rules of Art.

For instance, since as touching my Vox Stellarum, now I have so fit an opportunity, First, from page 19, to 21, and from page 105 to 107, you may see I posi­tively concluded we should have war the yeer 1652, and yet by all judicious men it seem­ed very improbable both at the time of my penning and publishing that book, it being wrote in August 1651, and Printed in October following, at which time we were in a very seeming setled condition; yet we can all now experimentally testifie, that by the time the Summer quarter was well began, we were at slashing and pelting with the Hollanders, and they with us, and at swords drawing in the Spring quarter.

Secondly, in the thirty third page (though I durst not speak plain English then, yet I hope it will be no offence now it is past to mention it) I declared in Latin that those sig­nified by the sign wherein Saturn was, should have the better; Saturn was then in Cancer, under which sign is Holland and Scotland; and I need not ask either our Army in the one, and Fleet against the other, of the verity thereof; and it is further to be noted, that both these were acted about one and the same time.

Thirdly, in the 134 page, I shewed the inclination of those in Authority to Taxations; and what man is there that looks into his purse, but can aver that in that very Winter-quarter, the Tax was raised 30000. l per mensem, above what it was before?

Fourthly, in the 103 page you may see I mentioned mischief to men by Thunder and Lightning; and how fatal this proved, even to the astonishment of us all, is well known to all England, especially to those in Leiton in Cheshire, in which Town on the 20 of June 1652 being Sunday, there was in the Sermon time eleven slain in the Church by Thunder and Lightning, and many hurt.

To be short, let the Merchants, and such as make long Voyages (hinted at in the 16. and 17. pages, and other places of my Book) testifie, whether they have not received many crosses, losses and miseries, and the people in general; and whether many have not sustained losses by thieves, and hurts or wounds the year 1652. Also whether there was not an unusual dryness in the Summer, a scarcity of Fruits, insolency in the Com­mons, fraud and deceit amongst most men, treachery and such like evils, abundantly mentioned in many places of that Treatise; and many more, which at this time I forbear to particularize.

Only for a farther testimony of the verity and admirable excellency of this Science, let me intreat thee to make particular observation of what I have predicted by the Eclipse of the 29. of March, 1652. treated of also in that same Vox Stellarum, and Lux Veritatis, whose effects will operate till towards the latter end of the year 1654. and tell me then what you think thereof, when you shall see what is here mentioned come so punctually true; as also, excess of heat in Summer, and divers maladies and infirmities, afflicting men in general.

Wherefore let the weakest capacity judge then, what reason or sense there is in such men as shall traduce so worthy and incomparable an Art as this, which they never broke sleep to understand, but content themselves (being altogether ignorant) with a bold facing down the unspeakable validity, worth and excellency thereof, which of all Arts and Sciences is both the most noble (and so deserving the study of the more refined and heavenly Spirits) and also the chief and most delectable of all the liberal Sciences.

Wherefore what hath been said, shall suffice at this time, for the confirmation of the influence of Jupiter and the rest, since I desire not to be more tedious then I needs must; and since this will be cleared more fully anon when we come to treat of E­clipses, Comets, Great Conjunctions and Blazing-stars, where we shall shew and teach their nature and influence over all earthly things whatsoever; I shall for this considera­tion, as also for that we are here in this place still to treat of the influence of the Heavens, and then to speak a word or two of that Discourse late published in pretence of a Reply to my Lux Veritatis, least this Treatise grow too big, crave your pardon till anon.

CHAP. VIII. Shewing the Influence of the Heavens on Inferiour and Elementary Bodies.

All general ac­cidents what­soever, are and may be known by revolutions of the World, Eclipses, Co­mets, great Conjunctions, and Blazing-Stars, in a na­tural way. IN this place then we are to treat of the Influence of the Heavens; you have already heard how for matter of plenty or scarcity they are the im­mediate causes next under God, and that proved and warranted both by Scripture and the Learned in former Ages; for, then that Eclipses, Revo­lutions of the World, Comets, Blazing-stars, and great Conjunctions treate of the Accidents general of all Nations, Kingdoms and Languages, there is nothing more true; viz. plenty, scarcity, health, plague, wars, peace, alte­ration of ayr, and mutations in the Laws, Customs, Rights and Priviledges of Nations, and to be short, of things appertaining to the life of man in a Natural way, &c.

And if we have regard to Ptolomy, lib. 2. cap. 2. & 3. de Quadr. we shall finde that he doth not only refer the Nature and Custom of Nations unto the general Inclination and Nature of the Triplicity they are under, but the inclinations of their minde particular­ly, as well as the shape and form of their bodies; as also their manners and kinde of life; as those who are inhabitants of the Torrid Zone (as hath been said) are black,Of those that live in the Tor­rid Zone. having also black and crisped hair, of a mean stature, and of a hot constitution, and of a fierce and cruel spirit, propter longam & assiduam solis moram in eorum regionibus, by reason of [Page 15]the long and constant stay of the Sun in that Region or Climate: & nigra sunt corpora eorum quia Sol per Zenith suorum capitum currit eosque comburit; they are black over all their body, by reason the Sun constantly transites their Zenith, and so scorcheth them, that they are of that hue.

Of the inhabi­tants of the South.And these Inhabitants of the South to be of a better and quicker wit, and more ingenious and apter to learning, especially the study of the Stars, Propter circuli signorum & stellarum erraticarum loco Zenith eorum capitum propinquitatem, because their vertigal point is neer the Zodiack in which the signs are, and under which the Planets move. He also farther teacheth,Of the Inhabi­tants of the North. that those that live further North are of stronger bo­dy, but of ruder manners and conditions, because their vertigal point being far removed from the Suns course, they more abound in cold and moisture, which for that it yieldeth plenty of nourishment, is not by the heat of those places at all exhausted, or but very little: from whence it followeth, that they are of complexion fair, long and smooth hair, their stature tall, and manners fierce and rude.

Object. Answ. But it may be some cavillers and envious carpers at the truth, will object and say, That custom and good discipline, we see, doth alter this general inclination. But I answer, That though oftentimes, through the force of good discipline and custom (which is accord­ing to the opinion of Philosophers, secunda Natura, a second Nature) I must confess this is, or may be much altered; yet we see it hardly so removed, but that some, and those most evident marks thereof, will still remain in force; and this is evident in most or all Nations under the Sun, which might, but for brevities sake, be at large proved and cleared; but we shall here content our selves with the testimony of Bodin, who in his 5. Book of his Method of Histories, chap. 5. (though I might shew you what Galen, Hip­pocrates, Tacitus, Arist [...]tle and others hereon say) saith, and reporteth of the Germans, An example in the Germa [...]s. that in Religion they might equal or compare with the Hebrews; in Astrologie, to match the Chaldeans; in Philosophy, to strive with the Grecians; in Geometry, to equal the Egyptians; and in Arithmetick, to exceed the very Phoenitians themselves: and yet there is no Historiographer worth a pins-head, but knows they formerly were a most savage and rude people, without either civility or humanity (as a man may say) so that they did far, in savage and rude behaviour, pass our wilde Irish: and if we farther look to their inge­nuity and sharpness of wit, what Nation is there under the Sun, to be found able to match them in Handicraft and Mechanick Arts?

Yet, I say, notwithstanding all this, we shall finde, that neither time, custom, nor education hath been able to extinguish their old and ancient fashions, which is by the ge­nius and nature of their Country hereditary unto them; if we but look into their form and stature of body, their immoderate inclination to tipling and homely diet, their con­tinency, simplicity, severity, exercises and aptness to War; for notwithstanding all their other excellent indowments, we shall still finde in them a smack of these, which is unto them Natural.

There is no man that ever dived into the cause of mens inclinations and dispositions, especially of the several customs and manners of Nations (which is the main scope of Philosophers labours; who are never contented to know this thing is of such and such an inclination, temper and nature, but the reason thereof) but knows the truth of this point: wherefore I shall render my self most weak longer hereon to insist, since not only the Learned, but also every ordinary Reader of Histories (if with diligence he hath ob­served what he hath read) can testifie the same.

I might also here shew you what the same Ptolomie saith of the Inhabitants of the East and West, but then I fear I should too much transgress my bounds; as also how the whole earth is divided into parts, and how governed by the fiëry, earthy, aiëry, and watry tri­plicities; and the reasons of the several inclinations, customs, laws, manners, and tem­pers of all Nations, Kingdoms, Countreys and Provinces; but I shall here, for brevities sake, refer thee to the aforesaid second and third chapter of his second Book of his Quadripartite.

Of the Inhabi­tants of Eu­rope, or those under the fiery Trigon.For there he doth not only shew thee under what sign of the Zodiack every Nation and Countrey is: but also, that those who are under the fiery triplicity, viz. Europe, are (by reason of the triplicity they are under, being in the North-west part of the earth, and by reason of the Planets ruling the triplicity) of magnanimous spirits, given to exploits [Page 16]and feats of War (and truly no disparagement to other Nations, this our Iland of Bri­tany may compare with the greatest Conquerors, if not far transcend them) Anglia A­riete & Marte assimulantur, ideoque bellicosi: England is under Aries and Mars, and there­fore are the Inhabitants and Natives thereof addicted to be expert in War or feats of Arms. I omit here to insist on every particular Region in this part of the world, as he there declareth it, particularly naming every Region under each sign of the Zodiack, but refer you thereunto; only in this place we desire but to satisfie our Reader with some par­ticulars, that he may be assured of the verity of the strong influences and manifest opera­tions of the Celestial Signs, Stars and Planets over all Kingdoms, Nations, &c.

Of the inhabi­tants of Asia the greater, and the reason of their several in­clinations.Again, in the second part of the World, viz. Southern, which he nominates to be Asia the greater, being under the earthy triplicity, he sheweth that (among the rest of the Regions and places subject to that triplicity) those who are governed by Taurus (be­ing the house of Venus) are generally effeminate and delicate; given to their pleasure, especially to the games and sports of Venus; wherefore they go still open breasted: like­wise those under the sign Virgo (being the house, exaltation and joy of Mercury) are exquisite in all kinds of good learning, and observers of the motions of the Stars: and those ruled by Capricorn (being the proper house of Saturn) are of form and shape commonly deformed, of condition sordid, and of inclination fierce; but this I con­ceive, by reason it is the exaltation of Mars.

And if we have regard to the third part of the World, viz. Northern, or betwixt the North and East, assigned to the Aiery Triplicity; as also to that part under the watry; we shall abundantly be satisfied of the undeniable truth of the influence of the Coelestial Planets and Constellations in the signs; wherefore in this place, because (as I have often said) I desire not to be too tedious, I shall refer thee to that learned Ptolomie himself, and now proceed.

CHAP. IX. Shewing that the Influences of the Heavens and predominancy of the stars in every Climate, is the cause of the several Laws and Customs of the People therein.

Object. VAin and weak then are they who object and imagine (since it is clear that the stars have influence, and that as well general as particular) that Countreys and Kingdoms and Nations are ruled by Laws and Customs only, and not by the power of the influence of the triangle or triplicity they are under, which Ptolomy, in the aforesaid place,Answ. abundantly sheweth to the contrary, and also confirmeth by reason; look Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 3. whither I shall (at this time) refer thee; since natural reason will shew us, that through diversity of Manners, which is caused through the diversity of situations of the places or parts of the World, divers Laws and Customs according to the Natural inclination of the Constellations they are under, are apparent in each Nation, being far different from others; otherways I would fain know, why all Nations do not, or cannot subject themselves to one Law or manner of Custom. I could out of Livie, Plinie and others, shew thee the Authority of some Nations in these matters; but for that I desire to draw to an end, I shall here content my self with this one testimony of Bodin (before mentioned) who in his fifth Book de Repub. affirmeth, that the Low-Coun­treys shook off the Government of the King of Spain, by reason their manners are so far different from theirs, insomuch that hardly can there be any thing more; for Laws, all Rational men know, ought to be agreeable, and be applyed to the manners of a Na­tion, and not the inclinations and manners to the Laws; for what is repugnant to [Page 17]the Natural inclination of the People, cannot be of any long continuance.

The English have shaken off the Monarchi­cal government by reason of the natural antipa­thy between their inclinati­ons and the Scots, and the reason of their contrariety in Nature.And here I may also affirm, that by reason of the Antipathy between the signe ruling England, and that under which Scotland is, the English out of this consideration, toge­ther with some others, as &c. have shaken off the Government of Monarchy, being be­fore under Scottish Kings for above forty yeers; the reason is, because Aries (the proper Ascendant of England) is hot and dry, and Cancer (the Ascendant of Scotland) is cold and moist; again Aries is a fiery sign, and of the fiery trigon; Cancer is a sign watry, and of the watry trigon: so that since there is as much difference between the natural in­clinations of those two, as there is between fire and water; so is it as much impossible to unite them and make them of one inclination and minde, as to make the water and fire so agree, as that the one being thrown into the other, they shall so unite, as not to make a noise or thundring bustle; for they are Nations that do naturally abhor and detest each other; and this I can aver, by what I have by observation found in their inclinations &c.

But if any say, this is not the reason, and affirm that the English do absolutely detest the Monarchical Government, and therefore have setled another kinde of rule; I an­swer, that for the removing this Objection, I shall not say any thing but this,Object. that the stars Agunt sed non cogunt, they incline, but compel not, as to inforce the will of man, (this is more cleared anon;) besides, all rational and knowing men can tell,Answ. that a despe­rate disease must have a desperate cure; verbum sapienti sat est, or erit, since I am not permitted to speak all I either could or would; but thus much I shall affirm, that the na­tural inclination of the people of England, (according to the influences of the Heavens and constellations they are under,) are inclined to be subject to Monarchy; from whence I do positively affirm, that before many yeers be expired, there will be a Catastrophe mun­di; we must be content, and not repine at the hand and will of God; who (according to his divine pleasure,) hath ordered all things, so as to work according to his will, even from the first creation, till the subversion of all Kingdoms and Nations, and the earth it self, nay and those coelestial constellations who then shall fall from heaven, as being longer of no use.

Wherefore, I say that not onely vain and silly are they who object and talk of the cu­stome of Countries, and yet refer all things to mans own Consultation and opinion.Nota. but also most weak and childish; as if any Discipline, Law or Custom were sufficient, without respect to the natural disposition of the people depending on the constella­tion of the Heaven under which they live, or that (since they would have it to depend on their own inclination) any people will constitute Laws contrary to their own nature; for we have Laws here against Adultery and Incest; and Diodorus and others testifie that the Persians and the rulers of Africa do not onely maintain Incest, but also whole Le­gions of Concubines:That laws are ordered and constituted ac­cording to the inclinations of the people that makes them, is hereby furtherd proved. it had been most preposterous therefore for these people to have created laws against what they are so naturally inclined to. The rea­son why they are so addicted to Venery, Ptolomie in the aforesaid 2. de Quadri. cap. 3. will shew thee who saith, in coeundo superabundant, ita quòd eorum con­jugia fiunt vi at (que) rapina; multoties etiam eorum rex cum alienis sponsis, priusquam earum sponsi, venereos actus exercet; & quorundam eorum sunt uxores communes inter ipsos; ipsi quoque picturas & ornatus concupiscunt, & se more foeminino adornant propter Venerem. They exceed and abound in venery, so that their marriages are by force, and their Kings use oftener to accompany, or covet more other mens wives then their own; many have their wives common for one another, and for the most part they delight in pictures, and go drest much after the fashion of women; and all this by reason they are ruled and go­verned by Venus.

This point might be further amplified by many more examples; but since to the judicious and rational it is so cleer, it were vain longer to insist thereon. Thus then have you heard how the Heavens are rulers and disposers of Kingdoms, Nations, and Countries; and that by their influence, they do differ from each other, both in nature and temper; Nota. and so conse­quently the inhabitants, as much vary in their natural inclinations and conditions, Laws, Cu­stoms and manners, as each Climate doth in its hearbs, beasts, and Birds; wherefore now it resteth, that we shew you the influence of the Heavens on the earth, causing health, sicknesses, plagues, plenty, scarcity, mutations of the ayre, innundations, wars, peace and all general and particular accidents in the whole world; but since we shall [Page 18]have occasion to treate of this more anon, when we come to handle the rules of the An­tients touching the judgements of Eclipses, Comets, Blazing-Stars, Revolutions, and great Conjunctions in the fourth book, I shall here desist; since by all the learned it is an approved truth,The stars have influence over all things in the world. The Heavens compared to a Book. that by the divers motions, aspects, and conjunctions of the stars and Planets, all particular and general events are signified and known; which caused Origen and all other good and learned writers, who have anywise had occasion in their works to speak of them, to compare the Heavens to a book in which God hath as it were writ all that should according to his pleasure come to pass in this world, even to the subversion there­of as also the actions of men, though some have exempted that; wherefore Origen for the confirmation thereof alleadgeth the Narration of Joseph, which was in his time ex­tant and in great esteem; affirming therein, that Jacob told his sons, the twelve Patri­arks, that he had read in the Tables of Heaven whatsoever should for the future befall them and their children: Nota. and there is none I am certain so stupid as to deny that the Sun is the cause of generation, life, motion, nutrition, growing and perfection of all visible and sensible bodies. Nihil enim visibile est, quod ille non penetret excellenti lucis suae magnitu­dine: sed ad ipsam quo (que) generationem sensibilem corporum confert, ipse (que) ad vitam movet, & nutrit, & agit, & perficit, purgat (que) & renovat.

And now this doth give me here a fit opporrunity to prove unto thee by the sacred word of God that the stars are both signs and causes: but (as hath been already said) since we are anon to cleer that, when we come to answer what the pretended Replyer to my Lux veritatis, hath or can say against it, we shall not in this place touch thereon; but refer thee thereunto.

Wherefore now all this being considered which hath been said, let the most malicious against Astrology stand up and say if the study of the stars be unlawful,Astrology lawful and the best of studies. or anywise in the least derogating from the Word of God or Religion; nay whether it be not a great means of drawing men to acknowledge a God, who if they saw him not in his creatures, perhaps would deny him; for what hindreth but a man may as safely study the natural influences and motions of the stars without offence to God as the use of Herbs, Drugs, and Minerals for Physick, or the cure of such and such diseases, which at the first was by the influence of the Coelestial bodies (by which they are ruled) found out; for if it be a sin to study and know nature, there is no study lawful; and if not, Astrology must then not onely be accounted lawful and good, but the most beneficiall and best of all studies.

Yet doth the rashness and ignorance of some men so abound, that they are not only (contrary to any sense or reason) averse thereunto, but also together with Sextus Emperi­cus, Heminga, and others, not knowing what to say against it, or what it is indeed they so desire to cry down, they raise idle and foolish questions, making Objections more worthy the laughing at then the answering, or rehearsing; yet by reason of late, some of the same have been by the Ignorant objected to me, I shall in this place touch or hint at one or two of them for the satisfaction of the well-willers to Astrology, that they may not by the idle and shallow brains of these men be discouraged from their study in this most di­vine and heavenly Science.

CHAP. X. Containing the resolution of the main Objections against this divine Science.

DO we but seriously consider the vanity of these Objections, it will be sufficient to testifie unto us they have no reason for their high words.

Object. First then they object, that a man and beast being born at the same time, must according to the judgement of Astrologers, have one and the same fortune. But [Page 19]who knoweth not that of all Objections, this is the most weak? since as the influence of the stars comes to us by many means, so they reject not other causes and circumstances;Answ. for there is none acquainted with learning, but knows that a man and a beast are more then membra dividentia, in that they differ the whole kinde: and since we are taught by God himself in his holy Word, that he created every thing in his own kinde, and indued man with a rational soul, thereby to bear rule and dominion over all creatures who are not reasonable creatures: wherefore these objectors and cavillers do render themselves most ignorant and impious, endeavouring thus by their envy to Astrology, to take away Gods Ordinance in the generation and conservation of all creatures here beneath, by the subtile vertue of his second causes; viz. those heavenly lights the stars. I would have no man be so ridiculous as to mistake me in this matter, in catching be­fore they read to a full stop, as of late the ignorant hath done, and so rendred himself a dolt to posterity. Quest. Answ. The Objection touching the various ends of Chickings, Dogs, and the like; unfitly brought to gain say the validity of Astrology. Yet if one were disposed to be as ridiculous in answering, as some men are in questioning, it might be averred for ought they can say to the contrary, that the good constellations at the entrance of some horses into the world, maketh them to be tended, rubbed, kept well and delicately with little or no toil, and labour, or stripes; and again, the malevolent constellations do cause some again to be kept in perpetual slavery hard usage and stripes; but thus to compare horses with men, is but to render our selves worse then Asses, or the brutest of creatures; since you see they were from the first creation; destined to the use of man, and to be subordinate to his dominion, and will which is indeterminate, and so consequently out of the verge of Astrology, as you may see at the latter end of this Treatise.

Again, some demand whether or no Dogs, Chickens, and such like, must needs have one and the same end and life, or whether otherways Astrology be of any validity or certainty, &c. Truly I fear I do toy in recording these vain Objections, and answering thereunto digress more from the ordinary bounds of Reason, then the Authors thereof; when still what hath been said in the former objection, may and is sufficient to refell this also; besides it remains, that these Objectors prove all the Chickens they speak of, to be hatcht at one and the same moment of time, and the Dogs to be all whelped together (which is impossible) or else they render themselves very currish and snappish against A­strology. But whoso desires to be further satisfied, because I hold it not either credit or discretion to insist long hereon, let him peruse Peucerus his Tract of Astrological Pre­dictions, and he shall amongst others there find the vanity and childeshness of these foolish cavils silenced, by the example of three whelps (not being worthy to be refuted by learned reasons) which being whelped in an Eclipse of the lesser Luminary, being grown to some bigness, fullfilled the effects and significations of the eclipse by their seve­ral deaths; one of them being torn in pieces with Hounds; the second, first by a fall from an high place broke his Thighes, and then the second time his Neck; and the third was burnt.

A third kinde of cavillers we are now to speak of, who not observing and warily searching into the order of causes in Nature, nor the government thereof, are dazled and puzled with the contemplation of the marvellous and admirable works of God, and so by reason of the diversity and dissimilitude of events and effects in divers matters and subjects, rashly and most inconsiderately deny the powers and vertues of the cau­ses themselves.

Object. Their cavil is, that we see many born at one and the same time, and in one and the same latitude, and the one perhaps is a King, and the other a beggar, the third a Gentleman and the like. But this, (were I disposed to vindicate Nativities,) I might say, is the gross mistake and ignorance of these Carpers at what they know not,Answ. that causeth them thus to render themselves ridiculous; for there is no Astrologer but doth especially regard in any mans Nativity, the time, place. Parents, and the seed, for the better inabling him in his judgement therein: for he is most shallow and weak, that thinketh it not material to consider whether the Native be born the child of a King,The quality of the Native, con­stitution of the Climate, Laws, Customs, and other causes necessary to be observed in e­very mans Na­tivity. or of a poor and mean pa­rentage: or that it importeth not whether all the causes (the presence of whose help is necessary to the constitution of an effect) do concur: or that some onely be present, or that knoweth not that the force of the general doth prevail over the particular: and of those that are universal, that the first cause doth excel the rest, which it sustaineth. I say he that thinketh not these things to be most material, and worthy the consideration, is not onely shallow and weak, but most ignorant in the Art, or at least willfully obstinate. For there is nothing more certain then that Astrologers which are true Artists indeed, do [Page 20]warily consider these inferiour causes, according as their Rules in Art do prescribe, and admonish to have respect (as I have but now said) to the situation of the Climate or Place, Parents, Laws and Customs, &c.

Nota. The instance of a Kings son and a Beggars both born at one very mi­nute (if such were known) of no validity against Astro­logie.For it were a vain thing for any man to pronounce that such a constellation as giveth beauty here in England, should have the same effect in Ethiopia; or that he that is the son of a beggar, should (because born at the same time the son of the King was) be a a King, or the like; but he the beggars son shall as far transcend the degree of his Pa­rents at that time the Kings Son doth come to the Crown of his Fathers, or inlarge his Territories (which is the only way a King can be honoured or raised to dignity) as the Kings son doth his (they being both born under one and the same fortunate constella­tion;) and thus is the beggars son extolled and raised, in comparison of his degree, as much as the Kings son in relation to his; he being perhaps made some Tradesman, or one in good repute, and well to live among his Neighbours, which his Predecessors were not able to do; For you must know that the general fate doth over-rule the particular; for it is neither agreeable to reason or policy that two Kings or more should be in one Countrey, &c. This, I say, were I disposed to vindicate the practise of some men in judg­ing of Nativities, I might speak in their behalf, and to the silence of the Objectors, who know not how in the least to reply.

Moreover, others I have heard also question, nay affirm positively, (and those too which seemed to be of some judgement in other matters; but truly in this rendred them­selves the most void thereof that can be imagined) that a figure of Heaven, which A­strologers do use to set for the goundwork of their business, is Conjuration, and illegal, nay Diabolical;What a figure of heaven is. When at the worst it is but thus, The form and shape of the Heavens, or rather the picture thereof, by which the Astrologer is made acquainted with the positions and several situations of the Pianets and Stars in every sign in the Heavens, as we see in a Map the several situations of Countreys, Provinces and Cities: and if it be illegal, dia­bolical and a Magical trick to set or make such a figure of the Heavens in a piece of Pa­per, I know not what is lawfull; but this may suffice for the silencing of such simpletons; for let them be demanded what a figure is they thus condemn, and you shall soon finde they have not a word to answer, nor cannot tell how to give any definition thereof, which is sufficient then to satisfie any rational man of their stupidity, who thus rashly and igno­rantly go about to condemn that as illegal and Diabolical,That there is no harm in setting of a Fi­gure of heaven, is manifest. which they are ignorant of, and is no more hurt, then to draw a mans figure or picture; for knew they what it were, they would never thus falsely conclude, having no ground for their words but ridiculous tradi­tion: for indeed, it was a most rare and fine invention, and of great use; for I can shew any man thereby, the whole use of the Globe, and the rising, setting and culmina­ting of every Star and Planet in the whole Heavens. So then you clearly see the harm­lesness of setting a Figure of Heaven, and the envy of the Antagonists; as also their ex­tream ignorance, thus to traduce so noble, so worthy, so excellent, so delectable, so sa­tisfying, so lawfull, so true, so transcendent, and so incomparable and innocent an Art.

I, but say they again (or others) though the Art in it self be lawfull, being a contem­plation only and study of Nature and its causes; and though the setting of a Figure of Heaven be so far from any illegal or diabolical practise, as that nothing can be more in­nocent, yet is the study unlawfull,Object. by reason the Devil oft times brings things to pass in a secret way, according to the prognostications of the Astrologer, on purpose to cause the heart to be assured of the inevitable truth thereof; and so bringeth, by degrees, the Student into the labyrinth of believing a fatality, and so consequently, to deny or di­strust the Providence of God.

Answer in part. It is confessed by all but A­theists, that God the first and chief cause of all causes can alter and fru­strate the power of the stars.But as touching this confidence, there is none that knoweth that God is the first cause of all causes, (to whom all other must, and do give obedience, and art subordinate) but knoweth there is no fatality on any inevitable decree in the Heavens; but that He the God of all the whole Universe that created them all, can, and may according to his good pleasure alter their several decrees; this there is no Christian, or any who is not in­deed an absolute Atheist, but will acknowledge: but this is sufficiently cleared by what hath been already, and what is anon to be said.

Now say some again, If it be so, there is no verity or validity in Astrologie, worthy any [Page 21]mans trust or belief; Object. and therefore not fitting for any man to spend his pretions time on such trifles, which when they are attained, are but a bundle of uncertainties.

Answ. To answer this vain Objection, I shall not need long to insist in this place, since all ra­tional men know,Though God can alter and annihilate the effects of the Stars, it follow­eth not that he doth, or that therefore the Art is uncer­tain. that though God the omnipotent Creator of those glorious Creatures the stars, can at his good pleasure alter, divert, prevent and annihilate whatsoever is effected by them: yet hereupon it followeth not that he doth so; for God worketh or­dinately, and not preposterously; for as he hath made the Heavens for the ordinary ad­ministration of Nature, so he can whensoever it is his good pleasure, as in the days of Joshuah, Hezekiah, and at the death of our Saviour Jesus Christ, alter their course; but since these were miracles, and thus to do were miraculous, and that we read but of these three times he thus did work since the Creation; it is not therefore to be ordinarily or fre­quently seen, neither ought it then to be objected, since as long as God doth continue the order of Nature, it must needs follow that the effects of the Stars, by which nature is up­held, have very much of certainty and truth, and so consequently the study thereof, and that more then any other study whatsoever, and that for the most part they never fail; but if at any time the Artists fail, it is their ignorance; and likewise theirs that conclude there­upon that the Art is faulty.

Answ. to the full.Thus far then to clear the latter part of this grand Objection, and the dangers suppo­sed to be brought or caused thereby; but as touching the Objection it self, viz. That the Devil bringeth the predictions of Astrologers to pass, &c. The vanity of this objection. Now it is evident that the Devil knoweth not things to come, and therefore is not able to bring these things about accord­ing to his pleasure, ergo; to be confessed he cannot thus delude the Astrologer, and cause his heart so to erre, as to run himself over head and ears into the belief of a fatality, and so consequently, not caused thereby to deny the providence of God, which is the main thing these punie Adversaries drive at in this their cavil.

That the Devil knoweth not future events, is clear. For if the Devil knew things to come, he had never tempted and egged on the Jews to crucifie our Saviour, when his death was the utter confusion of his Diabolical King­dom and Government; neither had he attempted to tempt our Saviour in the wilderness, had he known he should have had such a repulse: or would he be so busie about the elect in their temptations, did he assuredly know that they would not be subordinate to his will. Wherefore then since this Devil, they talk of, is such a simple fool,The Devil a fool in compa­rison of what some would make him. who indeed for know­ledge of future events they may well shake hands with, it is evident their cavill is alike weak, if not most ridiculous. For if we will admit that the Devil do know assuredly things to come, what difference is there between the Angels that are not fallen and them? besides, there is no man will be so vain as to imagine the Devil knows any mans thoughts or heart, and therefore cannot tell whether his bringing a purpose to pass will a whit advan­tage his desire, by making the Astrologer believe a fatality. But this is so clear, that I will not dwell longer hereon, but now proceed, &c.

Again, others have this fling at this most heavenly study of the stars, Object. and the Students thereof; that the Art is illegal, and the practice thereof altogether to be shunned, be­cause Astrologers therein do busie themselves, and pry into the secrets of God, &c.

Answ. To which there needs no more answer then this, that they are most falsly and scanda­lously abused, I mean Astrologers, when thus impeached, since the very word of God doth testifie, that the secrets of the Almighty are past finding out: thus much for the clear­ing of the Students thereof, whose practise and study is altogether legal, being only na­tural: for how is it possible that that study should be so illegal and diabolical (as they call it) that extends it self to nature only, and the causes thereof?

That the study of the stars or Astrologie, med­leth not with the secrets of God.And as touching the Art it self, you have it defined here beneath, whither at this time I shall refer thee; for the study thereof is meerly natural; and if to know that, be to search into Gods hidden secrets, let the weakest capacity judge; when that is only to be accounted a secret, which immediatly dependeth on the secret will of the Almighty; wherefore what is manifest and clear to us in nature then, must consequently be no such thing; for there is none, I am confident, that hath any reason or understanding, and is compos mentis, that will say it is a diving and searching into the secrets of God, and so con­sequently illegal, to foretell any mutation of the ayr, or other accident by the causes thereof, which is manifest by the stars to our sense; when the word of God telleth us, that our Saviour himself confesseth, the Pharisees were able to discern the weather by [Page 22]the face of the Skie: and since you have already heard that the Heavens are the secon­dary causes of all generation and corruption, and cause of all mutations on and in Ele­mentarie bodies, causing health, sickness, plenty, scarcity, wars, peace, &c. If any A­strological Philosopher (which of all Philosophers is the chiefest) do foretell any or all of these a thousand years to come, as plain as if they were to happen to morrow, or were present, which they may do, if God so long continue the ordinary course of Na­ture, shall any one render himself so ridiculous, as to imagine this man to pry and dive into the secrets of God, when he seeth plainly the events by the causes? truly if there be any such, they should be by my consent begged for—.

The influences of the heavens take not away Gods govern­ment.So that then hereby thou dost clearly see that the influences of the stars do not accord­ing to the vain opinions of some weak heads, take away Gods Government; for if we will believe that God worketh daily new things according as we see them procreated, and brought forth by Nature, we shall run our selves into a gross errour; when we are taught that he finished his work in six days, Gen. 1. Exod 20.11. Ergo, he worketh now no more, but (according to his inevitable decree by his Providence) upholdeth all things by the same power of his word by which they were first made, and leaveth the effecting of all things to the influence of the Heavens and Stars, which you have already heard, by the word of God hath been proved to be next under him the sole cause of all mutations and blessings here on earth, and in elementary bodies.

What shall I say then, for the farther clearing of this point? I shall not say much more, since who so desires to be further satisfied how far casual events may be referred to the influences of the stars, and yet the government of God and Angels no wise dimi­nished or denyed, let him peruse Lucius Bellatius his answer to Picus Mirandula, lib. 4. cap. 2. & 3. Yet one thing as touching Nativities I must here needs clear, which often­times the Artist may be deceived in, if he have not special respect to the general fate of the place, occasioned by the general influence of Eclipses, Comets, Blazing-stars, great Conjunctions, and Revolutions of the World, &c. For ofttimes though the Nativity of any man promise health or long life, yet by reason of the affinity he hath with the place of his birth his health may be much impaired, and life shortened, by wars, general dis­eases and the like; but more especially if the Topical stars of that place be in the Horo­scope or medium Coeli, viz. the ascendant or first house or tenth or mid-heaven in the Nativity; and if so, this doth rather give him a fate still subject to general accidents. There are many other ways which may alter the Nativity of any person, but they would be here too tedious to relate, since I have an earnest desire to be no tediouser then I needs must, and for that I fear before I have delivered what I am yet to say, I shall far exceed my bounds; yet are not these so intricate, but by a skilfull and ingenious Artist they may be found out &c.

Object. But here, it may be, some will say, that I do attribute too much to the influence of the stars and Celestial bodies; Answ. wherefore I think good for the clearing of all what hath been already said (least some may be stumbled thereat) to deliver my minde as touching their influence thus.

How far the Author hold­eth of casual events.That who so thinks by what in any point or part of what hath been already said or to be said, I do detract from the Government of God or Angels, in my tenets and scope, is altogether mistaken; for I do not so attribute all the actions of men to the Heavens as they consist of Bodies elementary, and so subject them to the heavenly in­fluences; but I acknowledge them also subject to Angels rule and government, as being indued with understanding; and to the Government of God, as using will; Astra igitur nisi agunt, the Heavens but incline; and we (being induced by passion) incline either to anger, love, pleasure or the like: but in these the Angels may so illuminate the under­standing of our minds, that by some intelligible consideration we are therefrom deliver­ed; and God directs the will far beyond that wherewith we are inclined to by the Heavens or disposed to by the Angels; for by how much God and Angels exceed the Heavens, being of a Corporal essence, and they of a Spiritual, by so much the more doth that where­unto we are carried by the illumination of Angels, and the direction of God, exceed those inclinations, to which we are by the influence of the Heavens and Stars disposed. Let men therefore apply their study to the knowledge of the chief part of the Art; viz. that which teacheth general accidents; for all this being considered, the judging of the fate of [Page 23]any man by the time of his birth must needs be uncertain, and therefore not maintain­ed by me, being not of very much moment.

Ignorance the only cause of mens ill con­ceit of this most lawful & heavenly Art. Wherefore then, let not ignorance and stupidity carry thee beyond the bounds of rea­son and discretion, to condemn or censure what thou understandest not; for it is naught but ignorance which is the cause of all those open mouths which have of late so furiously barked at this most heavenly, dilectable, and most lawfull study; for did they understand it, they would be more hot against the gainsayers thereof, then Astrologers are with them, or they with the Art; for you shall finde their discourses fraught with naught but ignorant mistakes, as to think the Art Witchcraft, Diabolical, Illegal, and the like, barely because thereby we declare things to come, not considering that we do it by no other means then the influence of the Heavens, which is altogether natural: when they might even as well say, it is Witchcraft for any man to say or affirm; that such an herb,Astrology as law­full, as the use of herbs, or any other thing. drug, or composition is good and available to the expelling of such or such an infirmity, before he applyeth the medicine, when all knowing men know such imaginers to be most ridiculous, since they are infallibly known to be of such and such a nature and temper, and so consequently available for such and such infirmities or diseases; for no more then this,More to be de­sired by Physi­tians then any other study. is Astrologie unlawfull; nay, it is more then this to be esteemed, and to be allowed of and desired, since without it, the other is of no use or certainty; for Hippocrates, Galen, A­vicen and Paracelsus, the main pillars on which the fabrick of Physick Medicinal is built, found out the uses of herbs, drugs, minerals, stones, and other medicines, by the influ­ences of the Heavens, as they were known and found by them to be under such and such a constellation, and so concluded by them to be of such and such a nature, and then con­sequently a remedy for such and such a disease. Hence it was that Hippocrates said, that that Physitian which is ignorant in Astrology, cannot perfectly be knowing in his Art, be­ing never able without Astrologie to give Physick safely, viz. when to purge by evacuation, or vomit, or phlebotomie, or for what humours, or in what quantity,Look my Iux Veritatis, ch. 1. Sect. 6. p. 32. neither can he know or come to the true understanding of the chief pillar of his Art, viz. the true cause of the malady, without it; neither with it (if well learned therein) can he erre. And Galen accounteth that man rather a fool then a Physitian, that is not an Astrologer; and he farther saith, that Physick given at unseasonable times, doth not only little avail or help, but oftentimes prove very hurtfull, even to the indangering of the life of the Patient; and that these times are only to be known and judged by the stars.

CHAP. XI. Containing an Introduction to the Vindication of my Lux Veritatis, from the aspersions of Doctor Homes and his second, with the first Reason why I account neither of them worthy of my notice.

EVen amongst us, notwithstanding all this, there are some that labour all they can to eclipse the radiant splendor of this most heavenly Sci­ence, being blinded with ignorance and malice, as hath been said; for Ars non habet inimicum praeter ignorantem, Art hath no enemy but an ignorant man; Ignorance converteth all the desires and inclinations of a man to wretched­ness,The wretched estate of an ig­norant man. and taketh away the sight of the minde and intellect, that he is herein as blinde as a man is externally that hath lost his eyes, of which the former is a great deal the greater curse: for knowledge doth distinguish us from bruit beasts; and by how much we ex­cell in knowledge and understanding, by so much we transcend the inferiour Creatures;What distin­guisheth us from bruit beasts. for it is (in my opinion) better not to live, then to live in ignorance; for an igno­rant man is not indeed worthy to live, or the earth to bear him; the con­sideration [Page 24]of which, caused the Antients to say, That every ignorant man was evil, &c.

Wherefore then since it is so, of necessity there must much inconveniency and mis­chief come thereby, both to the ignorant themselves and others; I forbear here (for brevitie sake) to shew you the prodigious and wofull effects of ignorance in some of former ages as well as in this wherein we live; this is already clear to all judicious and in­genious souls: wherefore to our purpose, I say there are in this perverse age, many sticklers (or so in pretence) against this Liberal and most divine Science, one whereof (for the undeceiving of my Reader, having published a pretended Reply to my Answer to Doctor Homes) I shall (craving pardon for my tediousness) here take notice of, al­though he be not worthy of the same, as you your self shall judge, when you have per­used what follows; for, both his quality, andFor I am in­formed he is an Hay-maker, Plaster maker, Chyrurgion, Quack-salver, and Tub Prea­cher, or at least after he hath been all these, he ayms at the Preaching of the Gospel; but I will advise him first to get a good and true tongue in in his head. variety of professions, as also rural beha­viour and disposition, in whose name it is published, speaketh him not worthy the naming or answering, as I would have done had it been otherwise and better fathered, that the errours and absurdities of that railing Pamphlet might have been divulged to the world. This may be the first reason why the Author holds not the pretended Reply to his defence of Astrology worthy the answering.

CHAP. XII. Comprehending three Reasons more why that Rabble of theirs was not wor­thy the answering.

THus have you one reason whereby I am induced to slight it, yet have I these five more for my further inducement thereunto; first for that there is nothing in it but what hath been long since answered by Bellantius, Goclenius, Marasealertes, Piro­vanus, and Sir Christopher Heyden, though in the Title page there be sophistically promised an answer thereunto; which the penner thereof is as much able to do, as to remove St. Pauls Church.

The second reason. The third rea­son. Secondly, for that by the Author himself it was not thought worthy of his name in the Frontispiece thereof, or else his name was not worth the inserting.

Thirdly, for that it was not worthy of the Authors owning, or else he was ashamed of it, or he had never sent it abroad in another mans name; for let whose name will be at the end of the Epistle to the Reader, it is well known by Mr Daniel the Printer in Pater­noster-row, and the then Composers and Presse-men, that Doctor Homes was the Author of it, and not onely payed for the printing, but also Corrected every day at the Press; and let him deny if he can his peevishness with the Presse-men, when they were angry he came not to Correct, and made them all that afternoon stand idle. For it is not like­ly that a Hay-maker (as it is very well known the owner thereof, or he under whose name it was published, was but two or three yeers since) should be able to hold an Argument against one of the Liberal Sciences, although his ignorance might con­demn it.

But truly I cannot but commend the policy of the Doctor herein, who knowing the insufficiency of his brat to refell the Arguments in my Answer to his first discourse, be­ing loth to be seen bafled the second time in Print, for a piece of mony knew how to make another father it; and truly therein he also did a very charitable deed; for of all sneaks that ever I saw in my life (that pretended to any thing) was this poor fellow he got to be the father of this Rable; for hearing he lay at the Bell in Carter-lane, I went purposely to confer with him touching some passages of that book which went under his name, but could not meet with him, whereupon I left a note, desiring him to do me the favour if it were he that owned such a book (for I was unacquainted with him) to let me know, (or whether it might be some other of his name) and he should oblige me therein, and for an answer thereunto, I would be there again the next day at eleven of the clock, &c.

To this purpose (I say) I writ a note and left it with the Chamberlain of the aforesaid Inn, and desired that he would importune him for an answer; he promised me he would, and so for that time I departed, came the next day according to promise, inquired for the Chamberlain, demanded an answer, who had no more for me then this, that he had delivered my note, and importuned an answer, but could receive none; then I acquaint­ed the Chamberlain with the business, that there was a Book published in the name of such a one, and being informed it was him that lay there, that owned it, and therefore I desired him in my note to let me receive that favour from him to know whether he was the man, or some other of his name, and so wished him to acquaint him again with my being there at the time appointed, and wondred he would refuse to do so small a favour as to resolve me in such a question, I or no; which he again promised me he would.

But what courtesie could I expect from so mean a spirit, which was never either ac­quainted with courtersie, civility, or manners, who would refuse to answer me, who wrote unto him in so indifferent a ma [...]r? for had I known it had been him, which at last I found it was, I should have saved that pains I put my self to, and had never expected other then I found at his hand. For what can one have of a beggar but a louse? but thinking it might be some other of his name, was the cause of this my oversight; but to return again to our business, I told the Chamberlain (after he had promised me (I say) to acquaint him with my further desire) I would call again the next day at two of the clock in the afternoon, and if he were the man, I should be very glad to converse with him, if his oc­casions could permit; but when I came at the aforesaid hour, his answer was, he ac­quainted him to the full with all my desire, but could not perswade him to stay within to speak with me, but bid him tell me, he scorned to deny any thing he owned; whereupon I answered, I did no wise question that, if he were a man that had any spark of honour dwelling in his brest, and this was all I could understand.

The which rugged, preposterous and uncivil answer, caused me presently to believe him to be whom I found him at the last; for I knew one of that name and no other, but could never imagine it was he that should shew himself to be Author of such a Discourse, though for the simplicity thereof he might very fitly have served: so then I inquired of the Chamberlain what manner of a man he was, and upon his ill-favoured description, I immediately resolved my selfe of my former question; and then I was very urgent to know when I might meet with him; he told me about noon any day, but he knew he was resolved not to speak with me, and so indeed I perceived by a friend of mine, as soon as I was parted from thence, whom I met, and in some discourse, I acquainting him with what I had been about, he told me that the other day he was chid by this [...]ral Rufus Rolandus, or Orlando Furioso; Perswading him that he and none other had acquainted me with his lodging; and then also I was assured and confirmed, that it was him of that name which I knew, that was the Author (or at least so in pretence) of that Pamphlet.

After this, being very desirous to meet with him, that I might shew him some of his ab­surdities and abuses towards me, whom for matter of acquaintance he was a stranger to, I went twice or thrice about noon, thinking I might meet with him, but could not; till the 22 day of January 1651. I accidentally rancountred him; it were here both superflu­ous, and too tedious to relate what discourse we had, he not being able to speak one word without anger and choler, as if his heart were also on fire as well as his head, but amongst other passages, I fell into a very great laughter, the which he not seeming to take notice of, I asked him if he wondred not at this my suddain passion, who answered, yes; I told him then; I could not possibly forbear laughing to see so young a man as he was, pre­tend to be the Author of that Book wherein I am termed but a boy, and he not above three or four yeers (at the most) older then my self, and therefore I told him I rather expected to see some grave fellow, whose Beard was at least as long as his waste, and not one whose Beard was hardly so long as his teeth.

But both he and the Antient Doctor his Master, and Author of that wise word (who confessed (to a friend of mine) nothing vexed him, but that he was answered by so young a man) must know that neither wisdom, learning, knowledge, nor grace is to be measured by the Beard or age, and therefore but a most weak evasion in his Arguments, of the validity and verity of Astrology; neither is it any extraordinary witty quibble, [Page 26]since he cannot as yet confute with all his manhood, what a boy hath affirmed; and if he thought I would take acceptions at this, with the rest of his silly jeers and affronts, rai­lings and abuses, wherewith his Pamphlet is fraught, and therefore thought it fit to make it proceed from one so neer my own age, he must needs think it worthy of much more notice, to procure laughter onely, but no otherwise; perhaps out of a tender re­spect to my health he did it, knowing me to be a melancholy man: for I know he is also a Doctor of Physick; testis Bredstreet; nihil amplius dico; for the which good receit, be­fore the closure of this Book, (if I forget not) I shall requite him with a double Fee, for I abhor to be in his debt; but therein he did very ill to send me this medicine by so unworthy an Apothecaries boy, or man (I crave your pardon) if he intended I should ever have taken notice of it; otherwise he had been repayed long ere now; I must confess I am not able to compare Beards with the Doctor; for mine is not by at least two inches so long as a Goats, yet it was full as long as his (though not so hoary) the Sunday after the Eclipse of the Sun in March last, when he beat down Astrology which Phreneticus, and such like Phrensies; and therefore in this he shall ha [...]e the prehemiency for senex bis puer, and so being now in his dotage, I will give him [...]eave to reckon up as many Boys of 26 yeers of age as he pleases, and make himself more ridiculous then already if possi­ble, it being no unusual thing with him to speak repugnancies to both Reason and Sense, as will appeare to any that shall peruse his Book, and therefore I shall not need here further to inlarge.

CHAP. XIII. Containing the fourth Reason, and a Vindication from some of their a­buses, and untruths.

HAving thus entred, let us proceed to a fourth Reason.

Fourthly, for that it is a discourse patcht up with nothing but evasions, as not disputing ad idem, and scurrillous railing language and abuses towards me; amongst hundreds of which, I shall here-onely trouble thee with these three.

1 First, that a godly scholler reported unto him, I was assisted in the penning of my defence of Astrology, Page 33 of his discourse; the which he heathenishly, simply, and ignorant­ly (I will not say foolishly) termeth unchristianlike; I would he had not been thus hypo­critical, but had named his godly schollars name (if any such there were) and not have left his Reader and indifferent men thus in doubt; nor so diabolically wicked as thus to invent untruths, rather then he will not disgrace and disparage me, which I shall prove; and also that he is as I here term him, and so consequently not worthy the taking notice of, crediting, and that first affirmatively and then negatively.

That he is most diabolically wicked, and in­venter of un­truths.First affirmatively, that since it is granted that no godly man will lye, he could not by any one be informed of any such thing, since I never in the least was assisted, or inlight­ned in any part of the Art, by any man or party living or dead, much less in penning of that Book, which none ever saw till it was finished and brought to be Licenced; besides, I do here declare to all the world, I am not familiarly acquainted with any man living up­on the face of the earth, that is a student in this most Noble Science, and therefore defie that man whosoever he be, that shall herein so grosly abuse me; for I desire any one (be it whom it will) that can herein disprove me, to publish it to the world, and I shall be content to subscribe my selfe no other (and then I am sure I shall be bad enough) then this most malicious and unworthy Orlando would perswade the world of me.

But he had done well for the prevention of this my Answer, to have acquainted his Reader (as I have said) both with the name of his godly schollar, and the names of those that I borrowed aid of; wherefore to any rational man, what hath been already said, is sufficient to conclude him not worthy my Answer to every particular of his Rabble, and that he is as I have affirmed him. And therefore I refer him to Rev. 21.8. to receive his portion with such as are there exprest.

That he is not godly or religi­ous.Secondly negatively, that he is neither Godly nor Religious; for since there is nothing more certain, then that a godly man will not lye: so (by the rule of contraries) is there any thing more affirmative, then that that man that doth lye, is nowise godly or religious; & that he erred in this particular is cleer; Ergo, Not Religious nor godly himself,Upon the cleer­ing of his words, the Au­thor promiseth him that honor, as to answer him, which o­therwise he holds him not wo [...]thy of. although such a pretender. And for the assurance therof, let him but make it yet appear to the world that he was by any (whether godly or no) informed of any such matter, and the names of those should give me any assistance, that there be any in the world that will justifie it, and I do here promise (though if I overcome, I shall gain thereby no credit) I will honour him so far, as to let posterity know he was worthy of RAMESEYS Answer.

And such is his malice, he cannot be content with this, but upon my expression of the Blessed stone of the Philosophers which was but brought in by the way, he quibbles on it, (leaving the matter still in question, and his Reader unsatisfied) and that with invective, malicious, slanderous speeches against my father, inferring by his rabble in the 39 page thereof, that my father was not onely ruined by his study in that matter, but also lay in pri­son thereby, which is most notoriously false, as all that are of his acquaintance can justifie, for that he neither is in prison or ever was upon any such score; there is nothing more certain. It is true, much he hath expended in trying conclusions that way, but I defie any man living to say he put him to a peny charges therein; but so intolerable is his further abuse herein, that I cannot but deliver it to the world, both for the clearing of my father and manifesting this Furioso's maliciousness; in the same place he hath these words, per­sisting thus in his wicked standers; and truly for this had he his due, his ears should be cropt to teach him to keep his tongue within compass; after he had mentioned most falsly and unworthily, he was in prison thereby, he saith, though the late King bore with his de­feating him of his expectations, and of scores of pounds, yet other men will not, cannot bear such wrongs; intimating as will soon appear to the judicious Reader, that he had mony from the King for his charges in those works, but to his great dammage brought naught to pass, which of all mischiefs and envies, is the greatest; for there is none who had any acquaintance with the King, but can acquaint the world, he was ever averse to such a be­lief, and had many times disswaded him from such expensive courses (this truly is a pretty world when such fellows as he shall speak of kings actions and expectations) and so far was he from lending him mony, that he owed him in arrear when he died, 5500. l. as is testified under the hands of Sir Robert Pye, Sir William Vuidale, Sir David Cunningham, Cap. Falkonbridge, Auditor Collins and others; but certainly he that will presume in print thus to affirm untruths, and those so scandalous, will not stick to say any thing, right or wrong, so he may but advantage himself sixpence.

Wherefore what he saith in derision of that most sublime Revelation and heavenly se­cret, which men vulgarly call the Philosophers Stone, but in effect the soul of the world, and that whereby all things both Coelestial and Terrestial that are creatures, subsist, in­crease, and next under God himselfe, have their being; I say whatever he or any such Animal to whom God hath not bestowed so much mercy, as to believe such a thing to be in rerum natura, or in posse, saith against it, is not much material; for my part, if I should see such kind of creatures believe and discourse thereon, I should (had I never be­fore heard thereof) have concluded it to be meer foolery, and madness, as these mad kind of people do;A good jest, were it not too tedious to re­late. but if I should ask him what he thinks of Coining, I believe he would conclude that a great deal the better Trade; but I shall pass by that, for he knows well e­nough what I mean, Ile warrant you, he thinks his a more blessed thing a great deal.

Again secondly, in his 43 page he saith, I was set on by my Brethren the Astrologers (being one of the silly weak ones) to confute Doctor Homes; and in divers places he in­forms and assures his Reader, I study and practice the Art in a mercenary way, and gain mony by resolving questions; whereby you may plainly see how his envy runs him into an absurdi­ty, and instead of speaking sense, he committeth nonsense, and rendreth himself ridiculous [Page 28]by this his Bull, that I being one of the silliest & weakest Students in Astrologie was chosen out of all the other to confute the Doctor and vindicate the Art; Ha, ha, he! by this, the Doctor and he are both very much credited that their strong Arguments should be refelled by the weakest Astrologer, and that all that they can do cannot silence him, nor vindicate themselves in the least point, save with railing, quibling, and evading with quillets nothing appertaining to the business in hand; for if high words and abuses are of sufficient force to maintain an Argument, I will get an Oyster-Belins-gate-wench shall confute them both in any Argument they dare mention; and as touching my practising Astrologie in a mercenary way, I shall appeal to all my acquaintance; for I practise no such thing; my practise publikely is Physick, and with it I privately consult with Astro­logie, and all such Sciences as conduce to the knowledge of Nature, of which I prefer Astrology; for without it (as you have sufficiently heard before) there is no Physitian able to be perfect in this Art, let them say what they will, and colour their ignorance over as they please; I have both Hippocrates, Galen, Avicen and Paracelsus for it, which I am sure were better and more expert Physitians then any now adays which are against it.

Thirdly, whereas he saith, and that most impiously and falsly, that I hold and maintain a necessity and fatality in the stars,3 both that very Lux Veritatis, which these ma­licious wretches so indeavor to rail down, and my Vox stellarum will witness for me; and as for my Vox stellarum, there is hardly three leaves can be read together, wherein a clear manifestation of my denying fatality may not be had; therefore I shall not need to par­ticularize any part thereof, only refer thee to the perusal at thy best leisure; but as con­cerning my Lux Veritatis, which they so pleno ore endeavour to cry down, it being thus under the censure, I shall here give you its language.

First, In the Epistle to the Reader it hath these words, Astrologie, or the influence of the stars hath no fatality, except some contingency be mixt therewith; for this were to deny the Providence of God: and again, in the 97. page of the Book (being the first Sect. of the 4. chap.) it saith thus (and so forward) Sapiens dominabitur astris, a wise man may rule the stars (but this isThe Religi­ous, and such as are through­ly regenerate and born again by water and fire: on such must confess, none but the Son of righte­teousness, and the lesser stars of his graces and blessings have influence or power; but so long as they continue to be born only ac­cording to the flesh, and the natural course and order of the world, A­stra regunt ho­mines, &c. Solomons wise man that is here understood) and Astra regunt ho­mines, sed regit astra Deus, the stars rule men, but God rules the stars; not meaning when we say, Astra regunt homines, any fatal necessity to be attributed to the influence of those heavenly bodies, nor to have power over men farther then such men are guided only by sense as bruit beasts, and not by reason, and farther that they Agunt, non cogunt, they act or in­cline, but no wise compel; but where grace or reason supports a man, there, or on such a man the stars have no power: And in the 52. page thereof, thus, The stars of their own wills (as if they were living souls) decree not future events, nor necessarily usurp power over our minds, but only to signifie the inclinations of the elements, and of all things compound­ed of them.

All this thou mayest clearly see in my Lux Veritatis; and but for tediousness, I might rehearse yet some other passages in Page 65. line 15. pag 70. l. 17. p. 75. l. 11. p. 85. l. 17. p. 97. l. 28. p. 94. p. 90. l. 29. &c. But by what hath been already said, thou mayst see their palpable malice and envy, as also their intolerable abuses and untruths; for you see they care not what they say or affirm, so it may be but to their advantage, or what they rail out so to the disparagement of those that please them not.

Both the Dr. and his man by their own words convin­ced of the bad­ness of their cause, and therefore other testimonies are needless, &c.Wherefore now Reader do thou judge, and tell me (all this being considered) whe­ther by their own words (It is to prudent men the sign of a bad cause, that needs to be de­fended by bad words) their cause be to be judged or accounted good, who have so often been guilty thereof, and that most maliciously, in both inventing and affirming detract­ing and most abusive speeches and stories: and whether their cause then be not only bad, but the baddest and worst of causes, who in all that rabble of their pretended Reply have hardly one page wherein there is not some abuse, foul language or an untruth.

Now as touching their evasions, I shall briefly run over two or three of them that so they may be known for Sophisters, and then proceed; for it would be folly in me to take notice of more. In the first page of my discourse I shew the Reader, the Doctor in all his Book declares not what Astrologie is he so strives to beat down; and therefore for their better understanding of what we so pro and con maintain, I there delivered a defini­tion thereof, which I gathered from the 1. chap. and 1. book of Ptolomies Quadripartite, the which, say they, is not in that place, nor any other set down by him, after they had as [Page 29]you have heard, gone on in their invective railings and abuses to make me odious, and then by this their weak evasion they indeavour to give an inlet to all their absurdities, which in­deed must needs consequently follow, if this be admitted.

But admit that definition was never recorded by him or any other Astrologer, yet are they never the neerer to their purpose; for, if I may (that am to vindicate the Art) have liberty to tell them what it is that I stand for and maintain, since they have not, nor can­not shew what it is they condemn; why then, I say, I define Astrologie to be that Art, which by the constant motions, configurations, and Influences of the Stars and Planets, The definition of Astrologie. teach­eth how to judge of the Natural effects and mutations to come in elements, and in and on ele­mentary bodies; the which I say again, although not in ipsissimis verbis, is to be found in the aforesaid place; yet would rational men have found the same in effect, which might and doth very well serve turn, which they know well enough, though they endeavour by this their weak assertion to evade, giving any answer thereunto, which indeed they are not able to do otherwise; wherefore what in all this their Galimaufry they condemn and argue against, deviating from this my definition, they neither speak nor argue to what I have said; Ergo, against what they know not, nor are capable, in saying they write against Astrology; for what is more then I have here expressed, I deny to be Astrology in its pu­rity; but if they will not admit me to tell them what it is I hold to be lawfull or maintain, I must confess they may easily convince me; but to this definition I stand, upon which as I in the 100. page of that Book in answer to the Doctor say, so here again I dare under­take the vindication of the validity and legality of the Art, against not only what he hath said, but all the Divines and men in the World put together in one can or will say against it: for I am certain he that can finde fault herewith, is not Compos mentis; and therefore I shall appeal to the learned and indifferent Judges that are judicious, whether my Argu­ments, that are grounded hereon, are not in full force, and remain as yet by them unsha­ken, notwithstanding all their simple querks, whimsical tricks and quillets, and ridicu­lous quibles like themselves, which soon vanish, not being worthy of any wise mans no­tice, they no wise disputing ad idem.

But this is not all; Who so shall but take the pains to compare my discourse with their pretended Reply (although they pretend to the Reader they set down my chapters and sections verbatim) will soon finde their Sophistical juggles, and the Reader deceived; for they not only omit here and there somewhat, which maketh absolutely against them, but also in most sections and chapters there is some very considerable points escaped their notice, for that they had disparaged themselves to have expressed them, knowing they could not give any solid or sober Reply thereunto, I shall here only mention one whole section they have omitted, referring the rest to your own search at your leisure; for it were an intricate and too tedious a thing in this Book to particularize every one, and the reasons why they omitted them; since, I say they have been herein so generally guilty, and not only so, but also in many places of what they have set down thou wilt finde they have clearly wrested the sense and meaning of my words, and made them conformable to their own intentions, the better to have liberty for their bald jeers, abuses and sophisti­cations: wherefore should I take notice of such shufflers so as to trouble my self to re­turn them an answer, according to that of the wise man, Prov. 26.4. I should render my self more ridiculous (if possible) then they are already.

But (as I said) if you have regard to the 104. page of their ridiculous pamphlet, you will soon finde (not knowing how to give any satisfactory Reply) they have omitted my whole 6. Section of my 3. Chapter, being an answer to the 2. of Da [...]. the 1, 2, 3, 4. and 5. verses, alledged by Doctor Homes to condemn Astrologie; pretending to their Reader there is nothing therein contained, but what was left to me by Sir Christopher Hey­don, and therefore not worthy the setting down; and this the impudent Penner indea­vours to prove by these words, As I dare be judged by the learned in his own judgement; and if so, I am sure he will be condemned both for his false assertion and his impudence thus to appeal to the Learned, in my judgement, in so untrue a thing, which his own con­science accuseth him of, and must needs flie in his face for this, as for many other his abu­ses and untruths; for Sir Christopher in no part of his Discourse so much as mentioneth that passage; for indeed, it came not at all in his way, not being alledged by Mr. Chambers whom he wrote against; and therefore, before a friend of the pretended Replyers in the [Page 30]aforesaid Inn where he lodged, the 22. day of Jan. 1651. I offered him 10. l. to shew me any one passage in all that Section in Sir Christopher Heydon, or so much as that passage of Scripture mentioned by Mr. Chambers: wherefore what reason the Reader hath to cre­dit him in his other assertions and allegations through out all that Book, that dare thus peremptorily say and affirm any thing, though never so false, let him judge; but the truth is, he could not (though he stood upon Doctor Homes his shoulder, who had formerly wrested that text, thinking no body understood the Scripture but himself, because he is a time-serving Divine) answer, or give any sufficient reply to my Arguments in that sixth Section, and therefore omits it, that his Reader might not know what was therein, and so comes sneakingly off, with telling him it was not worth the setting down, being left to me from Sir Christopher Heydon; the which if it had been true, being a passage of Scrip­ture, and brought by the Doctor to condemn Astrologie, and again his affirmation re­felled, it had not only been worth the setting down, but also answering (if he had been able) had he had any desire to give his Reader any satisfaction in the thing in question.

But alas poor fellow, he never looks to that, knowing he cannot well lose his credit more then he hath already; so he might have money for the fathering of it, what cared he what was in it, good or bad, sense or nonsense, tis all alike to him. And thus much shall suffice for my fourth Reason, why I hold not that pretended Reply worthy my Answer.

CHAP. XIV. Containing the Authors fourth Reason, and the Scripture proofs al­ledged for Astrologie in his Lux Veritatis, proved to remain unshaken.

Reason 5 REason 5. Fifthly, For that it is not an answer to my Discourse, which the learned and judicious will soon find; I mean the Penners there­of have no ways answered to those passages of mine they have ex­prest and pretend to refell. I might here set down many passages of that rabbling Discourse for the manifestation thereof; but least I should make this Book too large, and trouble thee with the re­hearsal of such unworthy stuff, I shall here only clear some places of mine, wherein I shew Astrology not impugned by Scripture, but rather upheld thereby and allowed by that Divine Writ, and that thereby also the Stars are proved both signs and causes, notwithstanding what these Punies have or can say against it; now these being the considerablest points, and all others depending there­on, we shall in this place touch on no other: but for your farther satisfaction, refer you to the discourse it self.

In my 2. Section and 1. Chapter, being about to undeceive my Reader, that the Di­vine Writ allowed not of Astrologie, and that it was not everywhere therein condemned, as was wisely affirmed by Doctor Homes, who when all came to all could produce but six places against it, and those but imaginary neither, as may appear by the third chapter of my Lux Veritatis; I use these words, being penned by that glorious King Da­vid, who was a great Prophet,That the stars have influence, is here proved by the Divine Scripture. and had a large measure of the Spirit of God, being a man after Gods own heart: The heavens declare the glory of God, Psal. 19.1. The language of the stars is heard over all the earth, or the uttermost parts thereof, Psal. 19.3. As if he had said (say I there) there is no part free from the power of their influences; for their power hath a general extent over all Nations, Kingdoms, Countries, Provinces and Lan­guages; I pray who can restrain the sweet Influences of the Pleiades? Job 38.31. And did [Page 31]not the stars in their courses fight against Sisera? Judg. 5.20. One of these places had been enough to have convinced him of great wickedness, in denying the Scripture doth anywhere allow of Astrologie, &c.

To all which they reply thus. To that of Psal. 19.1. they say those words shew only that the Heavens were framed by the Word and power of God the Creator, which if no other meaning were in these words to be understood, the Prophet might as well have said, a Dog, Cat, or any other Creature declares the wonderfull works and glory of the Al­mighty; but the meaning thereof is, that he effecteth thereby and worketh, and herein are his wonderfull works the more manifest, and to be admired. I thought the Doctor and the other now of late pretending to be aBut some of his other old Trades do bet­ter become him: for nei­ther his hu­mour, nor na­tural inclinati­on do anywise suit with it. Minister of the word, had been better versed in the sense and meaning of that Scripture; but this by the way.

And as touching Psal. 19.3. in their 22. page, where they should have proved it no ways available to my Argument or purpose, disputants like, alas, they tell their Reader, my interpretation must give place to the Apostles, Rom. 10.18. viz. preaching of the Gospel, not of Astrologie; and for the Pleiades in Job, say they, they are answered after; and for the fighting of the stars against Sisera, compare Josh. 10.11. Exod 9.23. but name the words of none of these places; for that would discover their wickedness in wresting the Scrip­ture by affirming what is not; as also their ignorance and weakness in not knowing how otherwise to answer the business, but by quoting the like number of Texts, and pretend­ing to their Reader, therein he shall receive clear satisfaction, never regarding whether they were any thing or not to the purpose.

But since ye are so cunning, I will be as cunning as you; and since the point is so con­siderable, as that the legality of the Art, and the warrant thereof from Divine Scri­pture dependeth thereon, I shall shew you (because you have thus played the Sophisters with your Reader in this as in all other) what those passages you quote speak, and then let any that hath but half an eye to discern between light and darkness, good and bad, truth and falshood, judge of the business.

But first, let me shew you what they have unawares confessed touching that of Judges, thinking it will confirm that ridiculous assertion of theirs, That the meaning of that Text is, the storms, Tempests, winde and rain fought against Sisera: Ha, ha, he! I never knew in my life (nor (I am confident) the antientest and wisest Philosopher that ever was) any star that had the name of storm, tempest, wind, rain or hail; the Divine Writ expresly telleth us, that the stars in their courses fought, &c. and yet these —, what shall I call them, render it storms, tempests, wind, &c. and therein themselves both envious and ridiculous, having no better a come off; if all their learning cannot distinguish betwixt stars and storms, they are not so fit to hold or maintain an Argument, as to go to school to learn to spell better; for although they are so antient, nunquam sera est, &c. for (no disparagement to them) I have known wiser, nay and far more solid and discreet at 18. yeers of age; but perhaps this their errour proceeded not from any defect of Judgement, but of old Age and wanting their spectacles mistook & read storms for stars, as their quon­dam brother read green-bay-horse for bay-tree; wherefore since they are in their dotage, or at least since these and such like mistakes are usual with them, I shall not farther take notice of such animals; but return to shew you what a rod they have given me to whip themselves, which they had very well deserved, had they been thus tardy at School.

That the stars have influence, is clear from their own Ar­guments and words.In the same 22. page of their Pamphlet, they confess (but certainly unawares, as I said before) that those storms, tempests, winds, &c. were accounted by Junius to be caused by the Influence of the stars and heavenly bodies; whereby you may clearly see how much they know what they write against, when the influence of the stars is confessed by them to be the cause of those storms, tempests, &c. that discomfited Siseras Army (this is as much as I desire) and yet in their very next words they deny that that passage of Scripture maketh any thing for Astrologie; wherefore since you have at large already heard, and now here again by their own Arguments and words I have fully proved and warranted that the stars have influence on elementary things, I need not here spend time to shew you far­ther what might be understood, and is indeed to be collected affirmatively out of that text for this our purpose; but hasten to shew that (notwithstanding what they have said) the stars are by the same testimony, viz. the word of God, proved to be both signs and causes; yet first let me shew you their impudence, wresting of Scriptures, and concealedness, touching whom the wisest of men, (Solomon) Prov. 26 12. testifyeth.

CHAP. XV. Shewing that the Text in Psal. 19. v. 3. alledged by the Author to prove the stars have influence, is no wise refelled.

Their reply to Psal. 19.3. pro­ved insufficient and weak for their pur­pose.AS touching the first, viz. Rom. 10.18. which they say is rather to be taken then my interpretation, meerly hereby to deceive their Reader, not being indeed able otherwise to give any solid answer thereunto (as hath been said.) The words are (the Apostle having before spoken of the difference of that righteousness which cometh of the Law, and that of Faith in the foregoing verse, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, and then he saith) but have they not heard? (meaning the People or Nations) yes verily; their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the end of the world; being about to shew that both Iews and Gentiles shall hear the word preached unto them; but hereby they prove not (to any rational man) that because these Texts agree and come neer to one another in words, therefore they are one and the same in sense; for that were to render themselves both void of sense and reason; for we see clearly the Apostle here promiseth in a Prophetick way the Universal preaching of the word, or at least that it should shine in the dark corners of the Gen­tiles, who were then unbelievers; but not one word or mention either in this Text, or to be gathered out of all the Chapter, of the stars or their influence: but in that 19. Psalm and the third verse we see clearly, there is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard; meaning the voice of the stars, viz. their influence; having (as you have heard) in the preceding words said, The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work, and in the subsequent words, viz. vers. 4, 5, 6. their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world: in them hath he set a Tabernacle for the Sun, which as a Bridegroom cometh out of his chamber, and rejoy­ceth as a strong man to run a race; his going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it, and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof; By which you may plainly see that David there speaketh of all the Heavens in general; the heavens declare, &c. and stars therein, when he mentions their voice, and particularly the Zodiack, which he calls a Tabernacle for the Sun; moreover, you are quite put out of doubt, that he be­fore spake of all these, and the influence of the stars by his mentioning this more parti­cularly, the Sun, Qui est Rex astrorum, and his heat, and so comprehending all under him being the chief of them; intimating also that his influence is universal throughout the whole earth from the East unto the West, the which course he rejoyceth to run as a strong man to run a race; so that from hence here can nothing in the least be gathered for the uniting those two Texts in sense being as different as the North is from the South, or as Heaven is from Earth, and altogether as impossible to be united, as it is to joyn the East with the West, or the Pole Artick with the Antartick; for it was meerly the margi­nal notes in some of our Bibles, which led these two learned Teachers of the Word of God out of the way, and into this weak business, serving no whit at all to their purpose; which they knew well enough; and therefore it was they delivered not the words of the Text they quoted, perswading themselves that their telling the Reader it was St. Pauls in­terpretation of the Psalm agreeing somewhat in words, would be sufficient; and truly so it is for the making them ridiculous, but for nothing else; for sure I am St. Paul, never made either an interpretation or exposition of the Psalms, or the marginal Notes in our Bibles; but me thinks they should have taken the 4, 5, and 6. verses before mentio­ned with them, and have made all concur, they depending so unanimously one upon the other: but this is clear, let us now to their answer to that in Iob by me alledged, and so proceed.

CHAP. XVI. Proving their Reply to Job 38.31. shewing the stars to have in­fluence to be frivolous and of no effect.

MArk how as touching this point, they tell their Reader it is answered after, Their Reply to Iob. 38.31. but they tell him not in what manner; for if they had, they had been unwise; for all the answer that I could find in all their Galimaufry was only this, that what I said was false, according to the old saying, in a word thou lyest; a pure way to confute an Argument, and very easie! But whoso shall peruse St. Augustine upon Iob, which here would be too tedious to discuss, and in a manner (being so clear, and that by the testi­mony of so good an Author) superfluous; I say no more on this matter, only desiring thee also to peruse but the preceding and subsequent words of that passage of St. Au­gustine which they bring, seeming to make for them, and thou shalt finde therein also their jugling tricks to deceive their Reader: just as they brought Ptolomie to condemn Astrologie, which I hinted at in the beginning of this Book; for it is very strange that Ptolomie should speak against that which he taught to the World in four Books in Folio; but if the sense and meaning of the Author be not regarded, it is an easie matter even in the best of Writings to finde out some seeming contradictions.

But I dare positively affirm and maintain that St. Augustine doth in no place of all his works condemn, and positively dis-allow of Christian Iudicial Astrologie in its purity, and not abused; and this may sufficiently be manifested by those five opinions I have set down in my Lux Veritatis, chap. 2. sect. 3. which he recordeth in libro de Civitate Dei, lib. 5. cap. 1. for though the superstitious abuses thereof be by him condemned, it argueth not there­fore the natural uses are to be abolished; and therefore though before his conversion he followed the Heresies of the Manichees, Lib. 5. cap. 4. and lib. 20. cap. 6. contra Faustum Mani­cheum. who maintained the stars to be adored and pray­ed unto, and afterwards wrote against them, yet can it not be made apparent, that he utterly condemned this liberal Science, as will appear by these words of his in libro 5. cap. 6. de Civitate Dei; Non usque quaque absurde dici possit ad solas corporum differentias, afflatus quosdam valere sidereos, sient in solaribus accessibus, & recessibus; videmus etiam ipsius anni tempera variari, & lunaribus incrementis & decrementis angeri & minni quaedam genera rerum, sicut echinos & conchas, & mirabiles aestus oceani, non autem & animi vo­luntates positionibus syderum subdi: whereby we see nothing exempted from subjection to the stars that is bodily, but only our spiritual part; neither doth he ascribe this power to the stars in general, as that their specifical vertues are not possible to be known by man; for in his Book De gen. lib. 2. cap 5. he agreeth with Astrologers that Saturn is cold.

Again shall we admit that St. Augustine, and with him all the Fathers unanimously are against Astrologie; yet may we not hence make our selves so ridiculous as to conclude Astrologie of no validity or efficacy, they being but men, and therefore subject to error; and since it is nowise condemned by the word of God (which should be the touchstone of all mens writings) further then that men should not give the power of the Creator to the creature, nor impose a fatal necessity and trust therein; and therefore St. Augustine in the aforesaid fifth Book, and first chap. of his City of God, delivering five opinions (as I said) concerning destiny, in his first sheweth, that by destiny is understood The provi­dence, will, and power of God; and therefore he warneth Astrologers, that they continue their opinions, but correct their tongues; for that through custom of speech the vulgar commonly understood nothing by the word fate, or destiny, but the inevitable power of the stars; and so becomes a means to draw them from a true trust and confidence in God and his word.

And truly were it not for fear of making this Treatise too great, I could shew you that every part of Astrologie, nay even monethly Prognostications (which some men think are condemned by the word of God) being grounded upon observation deduced from [Page 34]causes in nature, have ever been permitted and suffered in all well ordered and Christian Common-wealths; and that not only the Fathers and latter Divines, but even Mr. Cal­vin himself in his admonition, with others (that attribute as little to this Art as they may) do allow thereof, so far forth as it extends to the state of the weather, of health, sickness, plenty, dearth, and to the direction of the Physitian when to purge by Pill, when by Potion, when by letting of blood; this being as far as I maintain the Art, and make my study there­in proceed, as shall be cleared before the closure of this Treatise; but let us here proceed.

CHAP. XVII. Proving their Reply to Judges 5.20. weak, and nowise available to their intent or purpose.

ENter we now on the last Text, viz. That in Iudges, with which they bid us com­pare Josh. 10.11. Exod 9 23. the which you shall see maketh altogether as little for their turn as all the rest have in the other, and therefore it was they durst not deliver the words, which are these, Iosh. 10.11. And it came to pass as they fled from before Israel (meaning the hosts of the 5. Kings) and were in the going down to Bethoren, that the Lord cast down great stones from Heaven upon them unto Azekah; they were more which died with hale-stones, then they which the children of Israel slew with the sword: in all which, we see only the vengeance of God executed on those people that Ioshuah was or­dained to drive out from before the children of Israel: how doth this prove that the stars in their courses fought not against Sisera, in the fifth of Iudges? or that they did not indeee fight also against these 5. Kings? for by their own confession, the storms, hale, wind, and tempests that discomfited Siseras Army, were occasioned by the influence of the stars; and therefore I know no reason to the contrary, but that they were also occasioners of these hale-stones, so that they have gained little by this their first place to be there­with compared.

As touching the second, it is this, Exod. 9.23. The words are, And Moses stretched forth his Rod towards Heaven, and the Lord sent thunder and hale, and the fire run along upon the ground, and the Lord rained hale upon the Land of Egypt; a strong argument truly, that the stars in their courses fought not against Sisera! what would they have it to be, or their Reader to understand by these their weak come-offs? would they have it the hand of God? I say the same; would they have it hale-storms? I say so to; what would they have it to be? Can they shew me in either, or both these their texts, that the stars in their courses fought not against Sisera? or can they shew that thereby we are taught and shewn to read that place otherwise? but they must know this, that though in neither of them there is a word to be found or mention made of any stars, yet in that of Judges there is both mention of them, and express testimony they fought against Sisera, The stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

So that you see clearly my Arguments, proving Astrologie to be warranted by the word of God, do remain yet unshaken, and that notwithstanding all that they have or can say; no solid Reply can be by them produced to the contrary; wherefore it mattereth not (should we make no more words) what either of them both or all the men in the World that are either ignorantly or obstinatly or traditionally against it, do say against it; for as I end that 2. sect of my 2. chap. where I prove the stars to be both signs and causes, I may here, you see, again triumphantly sing, Et si Scriptura, & ipse Deus nobiscum quis contra nos? If the Scripture and God himself be with us, who can be against us?

Wherefore you see now what great cause the Penner of that rabble had to say after these evasions and juggles, Thus with a touch it appears that Mr. Ramesey is deceived in his conclusion to the said proofs, that one of them were enough to convince any man the stars have influence; for, nor one, nor all, nor an hundred such, are in any shew sufficient to con­vince a prudent man of this, &c.

Thus you see he denies the very testimonny of the word of God, nay although it were affirmed by an hundred places, and yet with all his wit he cannot refell the least of these, save with his facing down with a bold forehead, which to the judicious will be but a laughing stock; for now it is most manifest, that whereas he said, I was then in a dream, he is in such a dream that he knoweth not where he is, nor how to beturn or betake himself for refuge, but by railing and spitting his venome Viper-like against me and that where­with I have wounded him to the quick; for it is most apparent, that (although he saith thus with a touch, &c.) he hath so slightly touched my Arguments that they yet stand un­shaken; and had he not said thus with a touch, we had not known whether he had touched them or no. Wherefore now lets see how my Arguments also by the word of God that the stars are both signs and causes, are still left also unrefelled, and so hasten to a con­clusion.

CHAP. XVIII. That the stars are proved both signs and causes by the word of God; and the Art lawful, notwithstanding all their malice.

That the stars are both signs and causes, proved and cleared.SO in my Lux Veritatis, chap. 2. Sect. 2. From these Texts you will finde I prove that the stars are both signs and causes, Gen. 1.14. Hos. 2.21. and Deut. 33.14. the which because it would here be too tedious to rehearse, I refer unto thee to peruse at thy own leisure; to all which thou shalt finde no other reply returned then this at the latter end of the 73. page. The Doctor denies not that the stars are causes, and this I believe is granted me, because they knew no other reply, without rendring themselves ridiculous to the World; but if so▪ and (as it is farther granted) that he alloweth of Natural A­strology, and so consequently that the stars are also signs; let me ask any rational man what they argue against then, if the stars be confessed signs and causes of wind, hale, storms, tempests and alteration of weather? or how is it then unlawfull, Diabolical, or a doctrine of Devils, to practise or prognosticate thereby of these accidents? as Doctor Homes most wisely and discreetly termeth it: And thus hast thou briefly been shewn the utmost of that discourse for the refelling of mine, by which you see, notwithstanding, Astrologie to remain in full force; that the stars have influence, and are both signs and causes warranted by the Divine Word of God. It resteth therefore now, I only add this one place more in the 4. sect. of the 1. chap. of my Discourse, wherein I prove that the Art of Astrologie is not prohibited by the word of God, nor the study thereof by God himself, but rather by him allowed, and then shall conclude with a Relation of the power and subject of Astrologie, and how far it is by me defended or maintained, and pass over all the residue of that rabbling, railing reply as not worthy my notice.

[...]n th t fourth Sect. (I say) proving the legality of Astrologie, and that God doth not proh [...]ite the study thereof, as is clear by that testimony of the Holy Ghost by St. Stephen in the 7. of the Acts ver. 22. speaking in the commendation of Moses, he giveth him over and above the commendation aforesaid in that same 7. chap. this praise, That he was learn­ed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds, which (I say in that place) is clear to any rational man, ‘That if it had been anywise sinfull, Diaboli­cal or odious in the sight of God, Moses would not have applyed his study thereunto, or at least it would never have been recorded in his praise: I might instance here Daniel, Solomon and others; but this is so clear that to insist longer hereon, were but vain; thus far I insisted in that place above quoted.’

Now as touching a Reply thereunto, they have none in the world, but a bold Assertion of an untruth in these words, pag. 38. of that Pamphlet, The Doctor hath fully answered that these Saints were not judicial Astrologers. But in what place, the Reader is left to [Page 36]to seek, which right Disputants are never guilty of; but catch either the Doctor or this Rufus, without an evasion or juggle, and — you may do what you will with them.

So also when I prove further, that Astrology is a lawful Art, being not prohibited by the Word of God, their Reply is, it is onely my passing my word for it; but I would fain see them pass any sound word or Argument against it, and not content themselves with these silly and weak come-offs.

Again, in that 4. Sect. I come further to shew that, ‘We see by experience, that God doth (so far is he from disallowing and prohibiting the practice of Astrology) abso­lutely allow of both the Art and Artists, in his shewing of blazing-stars to them onely that study Astrology (not to the vulgar and proficient in other Arts) to forewarn his people of the danger and punishment to come; and if it were not so, he might as well shew signes of his future pleasure to the Illiterate by common vulgar things, as in heaven, to the learned Astrologer who can onely judge of their effects.’

Now but warily observe their Reply, and thou wilt have fit matter of laughter; for in the 38 page, they say that my alleadging that God shews blazing-stars onely to Astrologers, is a grot [...] untruth, Confessed by thousands of the vulgar yet alive in England, who saw the blazing-star many nights that appeared afore the Swedish wars in Germany; for what hinders but shepherds, saylers, watch-men, and Illiterates should perceive that which is obvious to the common eys of man-kind, and distinguish a Comet from a star by his neerness, moti n, and his feather or long taile?

And truly herein they have told us a long tale to no purpose; for should I deny that such things can be discerned that are obvious to the common sense of seeing, I should in­deed render my selfe as ridiculous as they have in not apprehending my words, who deny not in the least, but that they may plainly be seen of Sailers, Watchmen, Shepheards, illiterate Hay-makers, also dolts and Asses if they be not blind or asleep, which is no­thing at all to my Argument; for I was to let my Reader know that God more especially (allowing of the study and contemplation of his heavenly creatures in his servants) sheweth such things as are Comets and Blazing-stars to Astrologers onely; I say because they onely of all other men, are the ablest to judge of their effects and portences, that the people might be forewarned of their misery and the like; for otherwise he might shew his wonders in common vulgar things.

Neither the Doctor nor Ru­sus understand English or Sense.But if we observe, it is wonderful to see how learnedly these zealous blades by this their Reply prove that God (contrary to what I have alleadged) doth not in the least allow of Astrology, or the Students thereof, by this his shewing of Comets or Blazing-stars; and that this my Argument conduced not to the validity of the Art or Artists, and not to come off so blewly to argue on what was never affirmed; but poor men they are to be excused come once to talk to them of Comets and Blazing-stars, and you put them quite out of their sphear: therefore I shall onely propound this question to them, and look for an Answer when they are able to understand English; they say I am shame­fully out in my Latin, because I interpret not the words of the Bachharen Councell verba­tim, but deliver the sense of them. I thought I had writ to men, which would have been content with the sense, and not to children that must have it word by word expounded; but however, this must needs be a Bull to affirm that therefore I was out in my Latin, but they cannot deny they are in this place out in their English, which is a far greater fault, and deserves both the ferula and flagellum, and therefore I say I shall onely ask them this question▪ because they understand neither English, sense nor honesty, for per­haps thereby they may come to understand what I said; viz. whether it was the Astro­loger I spake of, or the Shepheard, Sailer, Watchmen, and Illiterates they speak of, that told them the Comet in 1618. foreshewed the Swedish wars in Germany, that they talk of?

CHAP. XIX. Proving Astrology to be warranted by Councels, in spight of their Rabble.

EVen in that same 4. Sect. having thus (as you have heard) shewed the legality of Astrology, and validity of the study thereof, not being prohibited by God, &c. I conclude then, that whatever Doctor Homes alledgeth was the Law of the Romans against it, was of no validity; since of necessi­ty (if warranted by the Word of God) it must be allowed by the Coun­cels, especially the godlier sort of Conncels, whose Acts and determinations will be groun­ded on piety and the Word of God; and if otherwise, I value not what their censure is; for they are but men and (guided by their own reasons and opinions) fraile, subject to infirmities and errours; [...]umanum est errare.

To which in their 39 pag. they Reply, that as I prove Astrology not to be condemned by the Word of God, just so (and no wiselier) do I prove it not impugned by Councels, namely by bare facing it down with a bold forehead.

Now I desire no better proof that it is not condemned by Councels then this; for if their wisdomes will admit this to be proved as wisely, and just as I have the other, which all their wit you see, could not in the least and weakest point silence, my Argument will be good and firm enough, and evident to the Reader, that they remain as yet by them unshaken, and that they have no other refuge but barely to face it down with a bold and impudent forehead, especially being in the former so shamefully bafled.

Wherefore now it resteth I snew you the full power and subject of Astrology, and how far I maintain or allow of the Art, and here desist, referring you for further satis­faction to that discourse of mine, which is able to justifie these my words, since for all that the Replyers thereunto can say, the Art remains still unshaken, and it unanswered; where­fore they had but small reason to title that weak piece, Judicial Astrology Judicially condemned, when alas there is hardly a judicious sentence to be found between the begin­ning and end thereof, unless borrowed of some other Author, neither are they or it able to shew their faces before the judicious and impartial Judges of the matter, without suffering condign condemnation themselves.

CHAP. XX. Containing the power and subject of Astrology, and how far the Au­thor vindicateth it.

YOu are now to receive ‘The power and subject of Astrology, which by all what you have heard,How the Au­thor sets down the power and subject of Astro­logy. dealeth with such things as are performed by Art and Nature, with the will of man indirectly and accidentally, and his inclinations temperature, and dispositions; as also with his affecti­ons and body, and with natural and secondary causes, and general acci­dents and contingencies: But not with rare contingencies or such as have an indiffe­rent respect to the opposites, as depending upon unknown and indeterminate causes, which may happen one way or other: neither with mans will doth Astrology meddle, but accidentally, so far as the Soul with the faculties thereof follows the temperature of the body; neither with the Providence of God or shew a cause of miracles; or with the secrets of God; for they are (saith the Scripture) past finding out. Ergo, Astrolo­gers, that are men that contemplate but natural causes, are falsly and most scandalously [Page 38]abused when thus impeached, neither hath the influence of the stars any fatality as in­evitable, except some contigency be mixed therewith; for this were to deny the Pro­vidence of God.’

How far the Author maintaineth or justi­fieth Astrology.Now as touching the parts of Astrology, I shall here according to Ptolomy, in the begin­ning of his second Book of his Quadripartite, chap. 1. divide into two, the first and chief part being general, as having relation to Countries, Kingdoms, Provinces, and Cities, alterati­ons of Kingdoms, Laws, Customs, death, plenty, wars, peace, health, sickness, and mutations in the Air, &c. The second particular, viz. To mens Nativities, as to know the particular constitution, temperature and natural inclination of any man or woman, but not other acci­dents, as whether a man shall live long, the time when he shall die, and what manner of death, whether he shall be rich, and how attain it, &c. which are, as also Horary questions depend­ing thereon, not certain.

The first is judged by the position of the Heavens and the Planets, and their Natures and significations at the time of any Revolution of the yeers of the world, the appearance of Eclipses, Comets, Blazing-stars, or great Conjunctions; The latter, at the time of the parties birth: and so far and no farther do I any wise allow of the Art; for, what is called Astrology more then this, is not ASTROLOGY, but the meer abuse of the Art; I meand Charactery-Astrology, and other superstitions of the Arabians, and Chaldeans, also horary questions, and elections, if not depending or grounded on the Radix of the parties Nativitie, or rather on that part which teacheth of the general accidents of the world, are neither countenanced or vidicated by me in the least; for I have studied and know sufficiently the experience thereof, neither do I wholly relie on the setting of any mans Nativity, though it hath been approved of by some of the learned;The Authors opinion touch­iug Nativities. fer, since the stars have no power on such as are ruled either by Reason or Grace, (as you have heard where I say, Astra agunt, not cogunt, are sapiens dominabitur astris) to what end then is it for a man to busie his head about such uncertainties, when except the native be a man meerly natural, no Prediction shall fall out true, as to accidents and disposition? sure is worse then mad­ness then, to spend time on this part of the Art.

Touching Ho­rary questions, and Elections.Wherefore it must needs follow then, that the resolutions of questions and elections thereon de­pending, are more uncertain; yet I must confess the Astrologer may undertake in some sense to answer the demands of the Querent by his Art, without regard to the Radix or ought else, since he may be confidently assured that such inquirers are nowise either rational or religious, and so consequently are easily carried on to the temptations and delusions of the devil, or ac­cording to the natural inclination and influence of the Heavens.

Yet know, that Elections touching the administration of Physicke, Phlebotomy, using of Husbandry and Navigation, I do allow of, as also all other elections if they depend on this mat­ter; but what is more then this, doth (in my opinion) subject mans will to the power of the stars, and all his voluntary actions; which to affirm, were most ridiculous.

Needs must he be most impi­ous and igno­rant that tradu­ceth Astrology.And thus far is the glory of God made cleerly manifest in his creatures; and to deny this which is indeed the pure Art of Astrology, is to deny the most heavenly and chiefest study (next to Divinity) under the Sun, and also that which of all studies else most conduceth to the praise and glory of the omnipotent and omniscient creator, for which they and all things else were first created; and then consequently must the treducers thereof be most impious and ig­norant.

Reader, I shall here for conclusion say no more then this, that thou first seek thy Crea­tor and serve him, before thou apply thy minde unto this subsequent or any other study, for that so thou shalt be made the more excellent and perfect therein; yet particularly as for this heavenly contemplation, let me tell thee, wert thou an Heathen before thou wert seen therein, yet wilt thou cleerly be made thereby (when thou art acquainted therewith) to see thy Creator and his unspeakable wisdom thereinErgo, far from making men Athiests (as some have affir­med) except they believe a fatality, which in this study is to be wholly denyed, and by me ever was.; wherefore in all thy study give him the whole praise and glory, who hath disposed and ordered all things according to his divine will, and inevitable decree; and that thou mayest be the better inabled there­unto, thou shalt never want my prayers nor service.

Die ♄ 31. Januarii 1651.
FINIS.
AN INTRODVCTION TO T …

AN INTRODVCTION TO THE Iudgement of the Stars. WHEREIN The whole ART of ASTROLOGY Is plainly Taught, and the Ground-work or Reasons thereof for the benefit of the Students therein delivered, the better to confirm them in every point thereof; as also to satisfie such who shall either enviously or ignorantly traduce or cavil against it.

By VVILLIAM RAMESEY, Gent. Student in Astrology Physick, and the most Heavenly and Sublime Sciences.

Job 38.31, 32, 33.

An constringes delicias Pleiadum? aut lora Orionis dissolves? in­duces ne remotiora signa, quodque tempore suo? aut Arcturum cum filiis suis duces? An cognoscis de statutis Coeli? an disponere potes dominium ejus in terra? &c.

LONDON, Printed for R. VV. 1653.

HONORATISSIMO DOMINO NON MINVS VIR­TVTE SVA QVAM GENERIS SPLENDORE INSIGNI, ILLUSTRISSIMO WILHELMO SEYMOVR, MARCHIONI ET COMITI DE HARTFORD: DOMINO IN SEYMOVR, BEAVCHAM, &c.

Salutem & Felicitatem Perpetuam. DOMINO SUO MVLTIS NOMINIBVS OBSERVANDO HANC SUAM AD ASTROLOGIAM INTRODVCTIONEM SUBMISSE DEDICAT

Wilhelmus Rameseus.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE AND Truly Noble both for Learning and Parts, VVilliam Seymour, Marquess and Earl of HARTFORD, Lord SEYMOVR and BEAVCHAM, &c.

Right Honourable,

SHould I have least hope of merit from your Honour by this my Dedica­tion, Having never had the happiness to appear in your Honours presence, I should render my self both weak and presumptuous; but my comfort is, I write to a Person of Honour, Learning and Parts, who [Page]is of that Magnanimity, that he will not despise the smallest gift or the meaness of the Giver, or the first for the unworthiness of the last; Artaxerxes King of Persia disdained not the water a poor man, as he saw him pass by, brought from a River in his hand and gave him, but received it with a smiling countenance, not measuring the grace of the Gift according to the value of the Pre­sent, but according to the good Will and intent of the Giver, accounting it no less an act of Magnanimity and Kingly bounty to take small Presents in good part, then to give greater. And truly, though this my mite may seem small, proceeding from so mean a hand as my own: Yet let me say thus much of this Sci­ence, which is the chief of these we call Liberal, together with ASTRONOMY, PHYSICKS, and NATVRAL PHILOSOPHY which make up all but one intire Science, and of themselves are but parts thereof,And not only Aristotle, but also all other Ancient and Authentick Writers, as doth more appear in the first Book of this Volume. as witnesseth Aristotle Lib. 2. Cap. 2. Phis. as also further in his Metaphis. 6. and 12. and 1. Pol. Cap. 7. and in his 2. De Coelo, Text 17. and Lib. De Pro­prietat. element. & lib. de Mundo, cap. 9. and in his 4. De Generatione Animimalium Cap. 10. using in all his Writings indifferently the Name of ASTROLOGER and ASTRONOMER, and ASTROLOGER and PHILOSOPHER for one and the same; for the Contemplaters of Nature in and by this Sci­ence, are of all Philosophers the chiefest; and this Antiquity maketh plain unto us, as testifieth the most Ancientest Historiographers, who Record that the Priests and Kings amongst the EGYPTIANS, the CHALDEANS among the BABYLONIANS, the GYMNOSOPHYSTS among the INDIANS, the MAGICIANS among the PERSIANS, the chief PHILOSOPHERS of GREECE and ITALY, and the DRUIDES of FRANCE were all ASTROLOGERS; and esteemed by these Nations as the wisest men. And there­fore [Page]fore I say, as it is a part of the chiefest of the Liberal Sciences, so hath it been still in high esteem amongst the Nobler and Graver sort of People, and the more refined Souls in all Ages, especially amongst the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Lacedemonians, Sydonians, Indians, Persians, Greeks and Arabians; for amongst the Egyptians, it was not Lawfull for any man to take the Function of Priest-hood on him, except he were an ASTROLOGER; neither could any be chosen King, except he were of the Colledge of the Priests: And Rodiginus reporteth, that for the prevention of Treason, the Nativities of all Infants born therein was brought to the King to be judged on; and Dion recordeth the same to be practised by the Emperour Tyberius; and in the Pro­phesie of Daniel, we may see that the Monarchs of Ba­bylon attempted nothing of importance without first as­king Councel of the Caldeans; And the Kings of Lace­demonia suffered none to sit in their Councels, but who were Astrologers; And amongst the Persians none was admitted to the Crown, but who were excellently skil­led in ASTROLOGY.

Wherefore (my LORD) since this is an ART that hath ever been esteemed amongst the Nobler, Wiser, Greater, Ingeniouser and the most refined Spi­rits of the World from Age to Age, and chiefly Stu­died, Maintained, and Upheld by them, I humbly presumed to Dedicate this Introductory Part unto your Honour, since all these Properties are Natu­rally Inherent in your Noble Self; for t [...]ue Nobi­lity is the fittest Patron for such Noble SCIENCES, neither are they fit to be offered to any but who are really such, it surpassing the reach of the or­dinary capacity of the World; so that (my LORD) my hope is, that if not for the Wel-wishes and Honour the Presenter thereof beareth to your Lord­ship, nor the Antiquity and Excellency of the [Page]Thing presented; yet your Honour will accept thereof out of the Munificence of your own In­nate Magnanimity, it being sufficient honour for me to acknowledge my self

MY LORD,
Your HONOURS Most Humble Servant, William Ramesey.

To the Reader.

HAving before in the First Book sufficiently proved, and shewn the validity, excellency, certainty and legality of this Noble Science, and vindicated it from all its aspersions; it resteth now I shew thee the grounds and reasons of the Art, viz. the Num­ber of the Signs, their Names and Natures, the Dignities, Number and Names of the Planets, and the Reasons of all these, and what is else most expedient and necessary to be known, that thou mayst not be to seek, but be sufficiently enabled to answer all opposers and gainsayers thereof; in which thou hast also a plain and easie Introduction to the whole Art; wherefore thou oughtest to be very well skilled and perfect in every point and part contained in this Book, before thou venturest to proceed to the two other subsequent Treatises; for otherwise thou shalt never be able to apprehend them; the which (contrariwise, if thou art perfect in this) will prove very easie unto thee; wherefore that it might be so, I have in this place prefixed it: Let the benefit be thine or no, I am sure the Pains and Labour hath been mine; yet now I rest

Thy Loving Friend, William Ramesey.

The Contents of every Chapter contained in the Second BOOK, being an Introduction to the Iudgement of the STARS.

  • CHAP. 1. OF the names and number of the Planets, with their several Cha­racters, and signification and Nature of Saturn. Fol. 49.
  • Chap. 2. Of the signification and Nature of Jupiter. Fol. 52
  • Chap. 3. Of the signification and Nature of Mars. Fol. 54
  • Chap. 4. Of the signification and Nature of the Sun. Fol. 56
  • Chap. 5. Of the signification and Nature of Venus. Fol. 59
  • Chap. 6. Of the signification and Nature of Mercury. Fol. 61
  • Chap. 7. Of the signification and Nature of the Moon. Fol. 63
  • Chap. 8. Of the Essential and accidental Dignities of the Planets according to Ptolomie. Fol. 65
  • Chap. 9. Demonstrating the use of the Dignities of the Planets. Fol. 67
  • Chap. 10. Of the houses of the Planets, and wherefore they were so distri­buted. Fol. 68
  • Chap. 11. Of the Exaltations and Falls of the Planets, and wherefore they were so constituted. Fol. 69
  • Chap. 12. Of the Triplicities of the Planets, and wherefore they were so appointed. Fol. 70
  • Chap. 13. Of the terms of the Planets, and wherefore so called and appoint­ed to the five Planets. Fol. 71
  • Chap. 14. Shewing the use which is to be made of the terms. Fol. 72
  • Chap. 15. Demonstrating the use, nature and reasons of the faces of the Planets. Fol. 73
  • Chap. 16. Of the joys of the Planets. Fol. 75
  • Chap. 17. Of the head and tail of the Dragon. Fol. 76
  • Chap. 18. Of the Antiscions and Contrantiscions of the Planets. Ibid.
  • Chap. 19. Shewing the Reasons of the names and characters of the Planets. Fol. 77
  • Chap. 20. Of the number of the Heavens and Sphears, their places, order and motions. Fol. 78
  • Chap. 21. Of the Circles of Heaven, the Zodiack and the divisions thereof. Fol. 79
  • Chap. 22. Of the twelve Celestial signs, and their manifold divisions. Fol. 80
  • Chap. 23. Shewing theuse which is to be made of the former Chapter. Fol. 82
  • Chap. 24. Demonstrating the Reasons of the names of the 12. Signs, and why there are just twelve, and neither more nor less. Fol. 83
  • Chap. 25. Shewing the Reasons why the Signs are reckoned from Aries, and not from any other sign, as also why they are not placed according to the Order of the four Elements. Fol. 84
  • Chap. 26. Of the Nature, Signification and quality of the signs, and first of Aries. Fol. 86
  • [Page]Chap. 27. Of the Aspects of the Planets and Signs, their Names, Characters and Natures, and wherefore they were so named and charactered. Fol. 92
  • Chap. 28. Of the Fixed stars in the Zodiack, wherefore they are called fixed, their number, particular names, natures, magnitudes, latitudes and longitudes, and first of those in Aries, as they are delivered by the most learned in this Art. Fol. 93
  • Chap. 29. Of the fixed stars in Taurus, their number, names, nature mag­nitude, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 95
  • Chap. 30. Of the fixed stars in Gemini, their number, names, nature, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 96
  • Chap. 31. Of the fixed stars in Cancer, their number, names, nature, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 97
  • Chap. 32. Of the fixed stars in Leo, their number, names, nature, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 98
  • Chap. 33. Of the fixed stars in Virgo, their number, names, natures, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 99
  • Chap. 34. Of the fixed stars in Libra, their number, names, natures, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 100
  • Chap. 35. Of the fixed stars in Scorpio, their number, names, natures, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 101
  • Chap. 36. Of the fixed stars in Sagittarius, their number, names, natures, magnitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 102
  • Chap. 37. Of the fixed stars in Capricornus; their number, names, na­tures, magnitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 103
  • Chap. 38. Of tho fixed stars in Aquarius, their number, names, natures, magnitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 104
  • Chap. 39. Of the fixed stars in Pisces, their number, names, nature, mag­nitudes, latitudes and longitudes. Fol. 105
  • Chap. 40. Shewing the use of the former Tables. Fol. 106
  • Chap. 41. Of the significations of the 12. houses of heaven, and wherefore they have such signification. ibid.
  • Chap. 42. Of the division of the houses into twelve equal parts. Fol. 109
  • Chap. 43. Containing some termes of Art very necessary to be known, as also Instructions how to erect a Figure of Heaven. Fol. 110

AN INTRODVCTION TO THE Iudgement of the Stars.

CHAP. 1. Of the Names, and Number of the Planets, with their several Cha­racters, and of the significations and nature of SATVRN.

The Number of the Planets. Their names and Characters WE are to know first, There are Planets in number seven, viz. Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Venus, Mercury and the Moon; and according to the usual custom of the most learned, they are thus Charactered; Saturn ♄, Jupiter ♃, Mars ♂, Sol ⊙, Venus ♀, Mercury ☿, Luna or the Moon ☽, there are also other Characters which thou wilt meet with in this Treatise, and others of this nature, and those are ☊, Dragons head, ☋ Dragons tail, ⊗ part of fortune. Every of which Planets have their several significations and influences on Sublunary and Elementary bodies; viz.

The nature of Saturn. Saturn is the highest of all the Planets, which is the reason the Antients begin with him, both when they relate their names, and declare their natures and quali­ties; he is masculine and cold, he is not of a bright splendent colour, as are Ju­piter and Venus, neither is he so big to our vulgar sight, but as a star of the third magnitude; yet according to Tycho, his Orb exceeds the Orbe or Globe of the earth 22 times. Albotegnins saith 79 times, and Alfraganus 91 times,The Globe of Saturn. (their reasons for these their opinions, were too tedious here to relate, I refer therefore the curious therein, to their works) he is easily known, he never twinkleth, (nei­ther indeed do any of the Planets) he is of a pale wan leaden colour;Colour. Revolution. Diurnal moti­on. Distance from the earth. slow in motion, not finishing his course through the twelve signes of the Zodiack in less then 29 yeers 156 days; for he seldom goes above three or four minutes in a day, but six minutes is his swiftest motion; this is in relation to us by reason of his di­stance; [Page 50]which according to the former Tycho, is, 10550. semidiameters of the earth, Albotegnius and Alfraganus say 15800 semidiameters;A semidiame­ter of the earth. ♃ when well fortified. the semidiamenter, or half thick­ness of the earth, is, 860 miles.

Saturn well fortified, and Lord of the year in any annual revolution, signifies that the people shall that year, or during that revolution, build and erect houses; shall make many alterations in Fabricks, and shall abound in all things: the earth shall be fruitfull, and the people shall be in esteem and honour with all their neighbours; the husband-man shall exceedingly increase his store and wealth, and be successfull in all his labours.

When weak.But if Saturn be Lord of the year and weak, there shall be much cold during that Revolution, great and grievous infirmities, and men shall sustain much sorrow, losses and crosses, and great damage by storms, winde and rain (but this must warily be con­sidered, if other significators of weather concur, and then mayst thou be the more assured thereof) antient and old men and women shall die; and these things shall chiefly happen to those Places, Cities and Regions under Saturn his Dominion, and the Dominion of the sign which he doth then possess.

Humours. Of Humours, he is author of Melancholy. And such men if they take to love any one, let them be man or woman (which happeneth but very seldom) they love most constantly and intirely; and if they hate (as most commonly they do) they hate to the death, and with a perpetual hatred, hardly to be removed.

Profession or mastery when well fortified. If he be fortunate, of professions and Mastery, he denotes such as are profound and occult, antiquities, things and callings belonging to labour, care and rarities, and such as belong or have any relation unto water, or neer water; Saylers, Tankerd-bearers, Plummers, Ship-Carpenters, and the like; and such as belong to the earth, as Curriers, Broom-men, Bearers of dead corps, Hostlers, Brick-makers, Plow-men, Scavengers, Colliers, Ditchers, Carters, Chandlers, Gardners, Herds-men, Dyers of black cloth, Shepherds, Coach-men and Cow-herds, Brick-layers, &c.

Profession when weak. Nature.When unfortunate, he denotes generally labourers, emptyers of Jakes, Diggers of Cole-pits, and the like fordid and base occupations.

He is cold, dry, Melancholick, author of solitariness.

Corporature or shape of body.Corporature or shape of the body, he gives a middle stature, pale, swarthy, or muddy, small black eyes, looking downward, a broad forehead, black or very dark hair, and it rugged or harsh, great ears, lowring eye-brows, thick lips, and Nose, thin beard, a lumpish heavy countenance, large shoulders, stooping, and many times crooked, a short lank belly, thin thighs, indecent feet, shuffling against one another.

Oriental. Oriental, the stature is more short, but decent and well composed. As touching this and other terms of Art, have recourse to the 43. chapter.

Occidental. Without latit. Meridional. North latitude.Occidental, more black, and lean, less hair.

If he want latitude, he is more fat; if it be Merdional, but quick in motion, fat and fleshly, and so of the rest of the Planets.

If the latitude be North, hairy and much flesh; his greatest North latitude is two degrees, 48 minutes.

South latitude.His South latitude is two degrees, 49 minutes, and more he hath not.

1. Station.In his first station, a little fat.

2. Station.In his second station, fat il-favoured bodies and weak; observe this in all the other Coelestial bodies.

Qual. of men. Quality of men in general, he signifyeth fathers, grand-fathers, old men, day-labourers, Beggers, Clowns, Husbandmen, Monks, Jesuits, &c.

Savours. Savours, bitter, sowre, sharp.

In man.In man he ruleth the spleen.

Herbs, plants and trees.Herbs, Hemlock, Starwort, Bears-foot, Wolf-bane, Fern, white and black He­lebor, Henbane, Burdock, Dragon, Parsnip, Poppy, Pulse, Mandrake, Vervine, Night­shade, Moss, Angelica, Box, Tutsan, Orage, Sage, Bithwind, Spinach, Cummin, Fu­mitory, Shepherds-purse, Horse-tail, Tamarisk, Capers, Polipody, Sene, Hemp, Sa­vin, Rue, Willow-tree, Pine-tree, Yew-tree, Cyprus-tree.

Birds. Crow, Owl, Crane, Thrush, Ostritch, Lapwing, Peacock, Bat, Black-bird, Cucko.

Stones subject to him are the Saphir, Lapis Lazuli, Stones. or that stone of which Azure is made, unpolished black and blewish stones.

Minerals. Minerals, he governeth Lead, the Load-stone the dross of all Mettals.

Fishes. Fishes, the Tortois, Eel, and shel-fish.

Beasts. Beasts, the Ass, Cat, Hare, Mouse, Mole, Dog, Wolf, Bear, Elephant, Basilisk, Crocodile, Scorpion, Serpent, Adder, Toad, Hog, all manner of creeping creatures breeding of putrefaction.

Places. Places, he delighteth in deserts, woods, obscure vallies, dens, caves, holes, se­pulchers; Church-yards, ruinous buildings, cole-pits, sinks, muddy dirty stinking places, wells, and houses of offices.

Weather. Weather, cloudy, dark, obscure ayr, cold and hurtfull, thick, black and condense clouds, this is but generally; his particular and immediate alteration of weather is to be known from his several positions and aspects with other Planets, Fortitudes and Debi­lities, &c. of the which more hereafter, according as I have leisure.

Winds. He delighteth in the East quarter of Heaven, and causeth Eastern winds.

Gathering of Herbs.In gathering of his herbs, turn thy face towards the East, in his hour when he is in an Angle, and well fortified essentially, and no wise accidentally impedited, and let Luna apply by a Sextile or Trine to him.

Observe this method in the rest of the Planets, mutatis mutandis.

Signs Tripli­city.Of the signs, he ruleth Capricorn by night, and Aquarius by day, and the aiëry triplicity by day.

Age. Old Age.

His Angel is Cassiel. Angel.

His Friends are Jupiter, Sol, and Mercury. Friends.

His Enemies are Mars, Venus, and Luna. Enemies.

Day of the week.He ruleth Saturday, beginning the first hour after Sun rising, and that night we commonly call Tuesday night.

Regions, he ruleth Bavaria, Saxony, Stiria, Romandiola, Ravenna, Constantia, Regions. Ingolstad.

Orbe. His orbe is 9. degrees before and after any Aspect; which is to say, his influence be­gins to operate, when either he applies to any Aspect of any Planet, or they to him, and is within nine degrees of the perfect aspect, and continueth in force untill he is fully separate nine degrees from the aspect Partill. What a Partill aspect is, you shall have anon in the 28. chapter; but note this in all the rest of the Planets.

  • Conception. Years.
    In generation, he ruleth the first and eighth moneths after conception.
  • His greatest yeers he signifies are 465.
  • His greater 57.
  • His mean 43. and a half.
  • His least 30.

The meaning hereof, is no more but this; If a Kingdom, City, Town, Family, or the like, have its beginning when Saturn is essentially and accidentally well fortified, its probable the Monarchy, City, Building, &c. may continue firm, and in good condi­tion, as at the first, 465. years; and so of the rest, &c.

Journeys. In long journeys, when he is Significator, he portends long and laborious travel, perilous dangers and imprisonments.

Diseases caused by Saturn, are, the Falling-sickness, Flegmatick humours, De­fluctions,Diseases. Melancholy, Leprousie, Fistulas, Morphew, Aches and Colds in the joynts, Deafness, Tooth-ache, pains in the bones, in the bladder, all cold diseases, the Gout, Scab, Palsie, Consumptions, Black-jaundies, Quartan Agues, the Iliack-passion, Drop­sie, Chin-cough, Catarrs, &c.

Stationary. He is Stationary before Retrogradation five days, and five days before direction.

Retrograde. He is Retrograde 140. days.

CHAP. II. Of the Significations and Nature of IVPITER.

The nature and complexi­on of ♃. The globe of ♃.IN the next place we are to proceed to Jupiter, who is in height next unto him; he is masculine and temperate, the greater fortune, bright, shining and clear; the biggest star in magnitude (as to our sight) except Venus; yet according to Tycho he exceeds the globe of the earth in bigness 14 times. Albotegnius saith 81 times, Alfraganus 95 times, yet many of late hold him to be equal in bigness with Saturn.

Mean and diur­nal motion.He is swifter in motion then Saturn, (as to us) his middle motion is 4, m. 59, s. his diur­nal motion is 8, 10, 12, or 14. m.

He finisheth his course through the twelve signs of the Zodiack in 12. years.

Revolution. Distant from the earth.His distance from the earth is according to Tycho 3990 semidiameters; yet Albo­tegnius and Alfraganus say 10423 semidiameters of the earth.

♃ when well fortified, and Lord of the year. Iupiter when he is Lord of the year and well dignified, the King shall do Justice, and it shall be happy for those that are Noblemen, Judges, Councellors of the Law; and men of all sorts of Religious Orders shall be in a successfull, happy, pleasant and good condition, and shall live pleasantly and contentedly, in honour, and also great esteem; and the people also shall be in a good and prosperous condition, and shall re­ceive good from their King and Superiors, and they from the people, and the year shall be healthy, plentifull and good, a temperate ayr, rain, fair weather, and frost in due season, &c.

When weak.But if Iupiter be weak, judge the contrary, according to the strength of the af­fliction wherewith he is afflicted and impedited.

Humours. Of Humours, he is author of the Sanguine or best complexion, moist, temperate, sound, healthful &c.

Quality of men when well placedQuality of men; in general this is to be understood, as indeed most of the quali­ties and attributions aforesaid: he signifies Judges; Councellors, all Ecclesiastical men both Priests and Levites, Chancellors, Lawyers, or those that follow the Law from the highest to the lowest, all Scholars and Students in general, Clothyers, Woollen-Drapers.

Quality of men when weak.When he is weak, he signifies Mountebanks, Quack-salvers, Empericks, Cheaters, Takers of Bribes, &c.

Nature.He is author of sobriety and temperance.

Corporature or shape of body.He gives an upright strait tall stature, brown ruddy and lovely complexion, an oval visage, plump, high forehead, soft hair, large gray eyes, brown hair, and it thick, and a strong well set body, a short neck, and usually a kinde of a black spot between his two fore-teeth, and indeed throughout a hansom compleat body, sober and grave in discourse, and of a most noble disposition.

Oriental. If he be Oriental, the skin is usually more clear, sanguine, great eyes, a more fleshy body, &c.

Occidental. If Occidental, a pure complexion, yet a more short stature, a browner hair, smooth, not curling, &c.

North latitude.His greatest North latitude, is 1. d. 38. m.

South latitude.His greatest South latitude, is 1. d. 38. m.

Qual. of men. He signifies Religious men, Church men &c.

Savours. Sweet, delicious pleasant favours.

Colours. He ruleth the ash-colour, green, blew, purple, green and a mixt yellow.

In man.In man he ruleth the Liver.

Spice, herbs, and drugs.Gilly-flowers, Nutmegs, Sugar, Mace, Cloves, Straberries, Flax and Bitony, Balm, Fumitory, Lungwort, Walwort, Wild Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram or Organy, Pim­pernel, Rubarb, Alheal, Wheat, Bazil, Bugloss, Borage, St. Iohns-wort, Laskwort, [Page 53]Pyony, Liquorish, Violets, Pomgranates, Mint, Mastix, Saffron, Dazy and Fever­few, and all such herbs as are helpfull to obstructions of the Liver, &c.

Trees. The Almond-tree, Hazel, Fig-tree, Olive-tree, Oak, Cherry-tree, Ash, Goos­berry tree, Pine-tree, Coral-tree, Pear-tree, Birch-tree, Ivy, Vine, Mulberry-tree, &c.

Birds. Of Birds, he ruleth the Eagle, Peacock, Phesant, Partridge, Stock-dove, Snipe, Stork, Lark, Bees &c.

Stones. The Topaz, Amithest, Marble, Emrald, Chrystal, Saphir, Hyacinth, Bezoar, Free­stone &c.

Minerals. Tin, Pewter &c.

Fisnes. The Whale, Serpent, Dolphin &c.

Beasts. The Sheep, Unicorn, Doe, Hart, Stag, Ox, Elephant, and all such beasts as are be­neficial and usefull to mankinde.

Places. Churches, neat and curious places, Gardens Synods, Courts of Justice, Wardrobs, Palaces, sweet places, Oratories.

Weather. He commonly causeth pleasant healthfull weather, serenity, temperate ayr &c.

Winds. He ruleth the North and North-east winds.

He ruleth of the Coelestial signs, Sagittary and Pisces, Sagittary by day,Signs. and Pisces by night; the meaning thereof is, that if Iupiter be significators in the Revolution of any year, being by day, and in Sagittary, he is so much the more fortified; in Pisces in a Nocturnal Revolution &c.

He ruleth the fiery triplicity by night; so that if Iupiter be in the 20. d of Aries, Triplicity. or the 10. deg. of Leo in any Diurnal Revolution, he shall be accounted pere­grine, as not having any dignity there, not being in his house, exaltation, term, tripli­city or face; in a Nocturnal Revolution he had not been peregrine; for then he hath triplicity in these signs.

Exaltation. Detriment.He is exalted in the 15. d. of Cancer.

He suffers detriment in Gemini and Virgo; for that they are signs that are opposite to his Houses. This you must observe in all the other Planets.

He is in his fall in the 15. d. of Capricorn, [...]all. for that it is opposite to the sign of his exaltation; so also note that all the Planets are in their fall in that sign which is oppo­site to their exaltations.

Age. Middle age or years of most perfect judgement and discretion.

His Angel is Zadkiel. Angel.

His Friends are Saturn, Sol, Venus, Friends. Mercury and Luna.

His Enemy Mars only.Enemies.

Day of the week.Of the days of the week, he ruleth Thursday, and of the nights, that which we call Sunday night.

Spain, Hungaria, Babylon, Regions. Cullen and Persia.

Orbe. His Orbe is 9. d. before and after any of his Aspects.

Generation. Years.In generation, he ruleth the second and ninth moneths.

  • His greatest years he gives are 428.
  • His greater years are 79.
  • His mean years are 45.
  • His least years are 12.

Iourneys. In journeys, when he is significator, he denotes pleasant travel, good success, safety, health and mirth.

Diseases. Infirmities of the Liver, Obstructions, Plurisies, Apoplexies, inflamation of the lungs, infirmities in the left ear, palpitation of the heart, cramps, pains in the back, all infirmities of the reins, or proceeding from corruption of blood and putrefactions therein, Squinzies, windiness, Feavers proceeding from abundance of blood; all griefs in the head, pulse, seed, arteries; convulsions, prickings and shootings in the body, &c.

Stationary. He is Stationary five days before retrogradation, and four days before direction.

Retrograde. He is Retrograde 120. days.

CHAP. III. Of the Nature and Signification of MARS.

The nature and complecti­on of ♂. Globe of ♂.LIkewise after Iupiter, or next under him, is located Mars, of whom we are now to treat; he is of a fiery shining bloody colour, or as you see the fire burning in its strength to our ordinary sight he is somewhat bigger then Sa­turn, yet not so big as Iupiter, but as a star of the first magnitude (he is masculine and nocturnal) or somewhat less, and according unto Tycho, he is 13. times less then the earth; Albotegnius saith he is (in comparison of the earth) as seven is to six; and Al­fraganus saith,Distant from the earth. he is bigger then the earth by one half, and distant 4584 semidiameters of the earth; yet Tycho saith but 1745.

Mean and Diurnal mo­tion. Revolution.His mean motion is 31. d. 27. m.

His Diurnal motion is sometimes 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44. m. a day.

He finisheth his course through the 12. signs of the Zodiack in one year 321 days, or thereabouts.

♂ when well fortified.When he is Lord of the year, strong and well placed, all such as belong to arms, as souldiers, and the like, shall be fortunate and in good condition, and shall overcome their enemies; there shall be also, during that Revolution, sufficient and plenty of rain, and at such times (and no other) as is convenient and requisite; and the people shall be prosperous and happy; but if he be weak, judge the contrary, and that the good or evil by him portended,When ill placed shall be chiefly incident to those Places and Regions subject to the sign wherein he is.

Humours. He is author of anger, haste, choler, and ruleth these dispositions in man; hot, fiery and dry.

Qualities of men when well placed.Conquerours, Usurpers, Tyrants, Generals of Armies, and all Souldiers in gene­ral, Physitians, Apothecaries, Chirurgions, Alchymists, Marshalls, Butchers, Gun­ners, Watch-makers, Barbers, Armourers, and all such as use Iron tools, Curriers, Tannes, Gamesters, Dyers, Carpenters, Cooks, Cutlers, Taylors, Smiths, Ba­kers, &c.

When ill placed. Nature. Corporature or shape of body.When he is ill placed and not strong, he denotes hangmen, thieves, bayliffs, ser­geants, cutters by the high-way, murtherers, jaylors, and all cut-throat people.

He is author of passion, extravagancy, heat and choler.

Red-haired, a red face and round, a fiery sparkling eye, yet tending to a saffronish colour; of stature, neither high nor low, but between both; I have still observed that a right Martialist doth seldom exceed in height; or to be at the most above a yard and a half high: a bold confident countenance, and it most commonly very harsh, strong and big-boned, seldom fat.

When oriental.When Oriental, he is somewhat above the middle size, and hairy-bodied, and a purer complexion then hath been already rehearsed.

When occi­dental.When Occidental, he is ruddy, and not so tall, a little head, and not so hairy-bo­died, yellowish hair, and of a drier constitution.

North latitude.His greatest North latitude is 4. d. 31. m.

South latitude.His South latitude is 6. deg. and 47. m.

Savours. Sharp, bitter, and unpleasant.

Colours. Red, yellow, or saffron colour.

In man.He rules the back, veins, gall.

Herbs and spice.All such herbs as are hot and dry, and such as have sharp-pointed leaves, and are red, they usually grow on dry places and such as are barren and hard stony pla­ces; the thistle, Devils-milk, brambles, briers, nettles, cammock, onions, lingwort, ra­dish, arsmart, mustard-seed, ginger, pepper, garlick, hemlock, red sanders, tamerin­des castoreum, Carduus benedictus or the blessed Thistle, horehound, leeks.

Trees. All Trees that are thorny or prickly.

Birds. The Hawk, Kite, Raven, Vulture, Owl, Cormorant, Crow, Mag-pie, and all ra­venous birds or birds of prey, &c.

Stones. Blood-stone, Load-stone, Jasper, Touch-stone, Adamant, the Amethist of divers colours.

Minerals. Iron, Steel, Arsenick, Antimony, Brimstone and red Vermillion.

Fishes. The Shark, Pike, Barbel, Fork-fish, all stinging Water-Serpents, and hurtfull Fish.

Beasts. The Mastiff, Wolf, Tyger, Cockatrice, Panther, and all such beasts as are rave­nous and bold.

Weather. Thunder, lightning, fiery-meteors, pestilential ayr, and in it strange appariti­ons, &c.

Places. All places that are appertaining to fire and blood, as slaughter-houses, Furnaces, Smiths shops, &c.

Winds. He ruleth, and causeth Western winds.

Signs. Of the Coelestial signs, he ruleth Aries and Scorpio.

He hath Triplicity or Rule over the watry Triplicity or Trygon, viz. these signs,Triplicity. which are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces; he hath absolute dominion therein both night and day; yet some of the Antients do joyn with him the Moon, &c.

He hath exaltation in Capricorn in the 28. deg.Exaltation.

He suffereth detriment in Libra and Taurus. Detriment.

He is in his Fall in the 28. deg. of Cancer. Fall.

Age. From 22. till 45.

Samael. Angel.

His Enemie is the Moon only.Enemies.

His Friends are Saturn, Jupiter, Sol, Venus and Mercury. Friends.

Day of the week.Of the days of the week, he ruleth Tuesday; and of the nights, that night we vul­garly call Friday night.

Jerusalem, the Roman Empire, even to the West,Regions. &c.

Orbe. His Orbe is seven degrees before and after any Aspect.

Years. His greatest years are 214.

His greater years are 66.

His mean years are 40.

His least years are 15.

In journeys, he portends thieving, sacking, robbing, slaying, much danger or hurts, viz. to the Traveller, if Mars be significator, and weak, and ill-placed,Journeys. &c. of the which more hereafter, in our Treatise of Elections.

Diseases. Feavers, and those burning, contagious and pestilential; Megrims, overflowing of the Gall, Phrenzies, the Plague, distempers through the whole body, Shingles, Fistulaes, Stone in the reins, yellow Jaundies, and all such diseases as proceed from excess of Choler, Passion and Anger; all diseases proceeding from the Gall, Putrefaction of blood, &c.

Stationary. He is Stationary two or three days before Retrogradation, and two days before direction.

Retrograde. He is Retrograde 80. days.

CHAP. IV. Of the Nature and Significations of the SVN.

LEt us descend now unto the Sun. We are by Gods blessing come now to the Sun, which is successively next to be treated on; he is under Mars, placed in the midst of all the Planets, being the chief light and president of them all, sit­ting as a Judge or King amongst his Nobles;The order of the Planets. for as Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars is pla­ced above his sphear, so are Venus, Mercury and Luna beneath him; wherefore some of the Antients have ascribed to him chief rule, and made him, as it were, an Emperor amongst the Stars.

Saturn is his Vice-roy, for that all Planets give unto him their light, or do homage and reverence unto him, by reason of his slowness.

Jupiter hath assigned him chief rule and dominion in the Realm, for that he is of a temperate, sober, good, honest and religious inclination.

Mars is his chief Captain, or General of all his Forces.

Venus is Receiver, or Master-Comptroller of his house, by reason she is nearer Sol then any other.

Mercury hath assigned him chief Secretary of State, by reason when the King go­eth any Progress or Journey, he goeth; and when the King stayeth, so doth also Mer­cury, for he is never far from his beck.

Luna is his Standard-bearer, being furthest from him; she is also, as I may say, Em­bassador, Messenger, &c. to do his business.

The fixed Stars of several magnitudes, are Officers and Commanders under these; I mean those especially of the first, second and third magnitude; the other are only subjects, as it were, to the above-named, or equivalent to common people.

Wherefore then upon the meetings of these Superiors, are concluded the rise, sub­version, confirmation, alteration, prosperity, scarcity, plenty, poverty, beginning and subversion of States, Kingdoms, Empires, Common-wealths, and what not? nay and the whole government of the Elements and this Elementary World, and all things and causes external and internal in them, as in a Councel or Senate, &c.

The nature and complexi­on of ☉.The Sun is so vulgarly known, that here to insist on his colour, complexion or light, were but vain; he is masculine, Diurnal, the fountain of life, &c.

Globe of ☉.He exceeds the earth in bigness according to Tycho 140 times, Ptolomie saith 166. times, and Copernicus 162.

Distant from the earth.He is by the estimation of Tycho distant from the earth, 1150. Semidiameters of the earth. Ptolomie saith, 1165. semidiameters; and Copernicus saith, 1142. semi­diameters of the earth.

Mean motion.His mean motion is 59. m. 8. sec.

Diurnal. His Diurnal motion is sometimes 57. m. 16. s. never exceeding 59. m. 8 sec.

He finisheth his course through the 12. signs of the Zodiack in 365. days,Revolution. and six hours or neer upon &c.

When well placed and strong.When he is well dignified, the King and Nobles shall exceed and increase in glory and renown; Corn, Beasts and Birds shall be plentifull; the people generally prospe­rous and successfull, and all things in a good condition, whereof the Sun hath any signification: All this is meant, if he be Lord of the year in any annual Revolution; but if he be weak, judge the contrary.

Quality of men when well pla­ced.Emperours, Kings, Monarchs, Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, and indeed all Noble and High-born people, and in general all Gentlemen, and those that are in office or command of superiority in City, Town or Countrey; Coyners, Masters of the Mint, Goldsmiths, Spinners of Gold and Silver, and all such neat Trades, Silver and Gold-wyer-drawers, and the like.

When ill placed or weak.Tyrants, Usurpers, Constables, Head-boroughs, and all such as bear any petty or usurped authority.

Nature.He is Author of magnanimity, state and majesty, heat, &c.

Corporature or shape of body.One of no tall stature, but about the middle size, strong and portly, having a state­ly majestical gate, of a saffron-coloured complexion, or Sun-burnt, flaxonish, or light fair hair, somewhat crisping or curling; a large full hazle eye, a broad forehead, a very decent, hansom body throughout.

Oriental, and Occidental.The Sun is not, nor cannot be said to be Oriental, or Occidental, other­wise then as he is in any Figure located near the East angle, or verging towards the West; for all other Planets are said to be Oriental, or Occidental, as in relation to the Sun, in that they rise before him, or set after him.

The Sun hath never any Latitude;Latitude. for he ever moves forward in the Ec­cliptick.

Savours. Sowre and sharp savours.

Colours. Yellow.

In man.In man, he ruleth the heart, brain and right eye; in women, the left eye.

Herbs and spice.Saffron, Pyony, Mary-gold, Balm, Ginger, Dittany, Sallendine, Vervine, which being gathered under its proper constellation, driveth away evil Spirits; and it is also used in prophesying; Pomcitron, Ambre, Rosemary, St. Johns-wort, Musk, Herb-grace, Rosa-Solis, Cinamon, Eye-bright, Cinquefoil, lignum Aloes, Barley, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Pepper, Frankinsense, Honey, Aromaticus, &c.

Trees. The Bay-tree, the Ash, Cedar, Ivie, the Vine, the Orange and Lem­mon-tree.

Birds. The Phoenix, Swan, Cock, Hawk, Nightingal, Lark, the Buzzard, &c.

Aetites, the stone called the eye of the Sun, Stones. because it is like the apple of the eye in form, the Carbuncle, the Chrysolite, the stone called Iris, the stone Heliotropion, the Hyacinth, the stone Pyroyphylus, the stone Pantauras, Pan­therus or Pantochras, in the Scripture it is called Evanthum; the Topaz, Rubie, Diamond.

The learned and most famous Cornelius Agrippa, Lib. 1. Chap. 23. of his Occulta Phi­losophia saith, that Albertus Magnus and William of Paris gave to these stones these vertues as followeth.

The vertue of Aetites. Aetites, or the stone that is found in the Eagles Nest, cureth the Falling-sick­ness, and poysons.

Of the Eye of the Sun. The eye of the Sun, is singular good for comforting the brain, and strengthening the eye-sight.

Of the Car­buncle.The Carbuncle, is of great vertue against Aëry and vapourous poyson.

The Chrysolite, is of marvellous operation, in preserving the Lungs, and helpeth much those that are Asthmatical;Of the Chryso­lite. and if it be bored through and fil­led with the Mane of an Asse, and bound to the left arm, it driveth away idle imaginations, melancholy fears and foolishness.

Of the Iris.The Iris, it is like the Chrystal in colour, it commonly having six Corners; it being part held in the shadow and part in the rays or beams of the Sun, it gather­eth the rays of the Sun into it self, and reflecteth them again in the form of a Rain­bow.

Of the Helio­tropion.The Heliotropion, is in colour green like a Jasper, speckled with red; this causeth the bearer to be constant, renowned, famous, and conduceth to long life; it is said to turn the beams of the Sun into the colour of blood, viz. when it is joyn­ed to the juice of the herb of the same name and put into water, it dazleth the sight so much that the bearer can hardly see it by the help of the aforesaid herb.

Of the Hya­cinth.The Hyacinth, is good against poyson and pestiferous vapours; it keepeth the bearer safe and acceptable; it conduceth also to riches and wit; it strengthens the heart, being held in the mouth, and wonderfully cheereth the minde.

Of the Pyro­philus.The Pyrophilus as Aesculapius maketh mention, There is a certain poison so very cold, which preserves the heart of man (being taken out) from burning, so that if for any [Page 58]time it be put into the fire, it is turned into a stone; whence it is called Pyrophilus from the fire.

It is marvellously efficacious against poyson, and it makes the bearer renowed and dreadfull to his enemies.

Of the Pan­t [...]a.The Pantaura is of that sympathetical vertue that it draweth other stones to it as a load-stone doth iron; admirable against Poysons.

I know there are many good wits in this Nation that have not the least faith in these matters concerning the vertues of stones, and indeed of the whole scope of these my writings; yet they must pardon me if I will not conclude as the vulgar and illiterate in such mysteries do; for I have learned this modest lesson (which I could wish were also imprinted in their brests) Not to condemn what I am ignorant of; for of all things (in my opinion) there can be none so ridiculous as for a man to dislike, contradict, gain­say or condemn what he is ignorant of: if thou hast no belief in these matters; yet mayst thou benefit thy self thereby; it is but thy pains in trying the conclusi­ons; if they fail, then mayst thou on good ground condemn them; if they hit, thou reapest hereby a double benefit, knowledge and experience; wherefore by the way I thought good to hint at this, that thou mayest not persist in thy ill conceit of this Heavenly Art of the Judgment of the stars, Look my Lux Verita [...]s. or Astrology, since thou mayst let it alone till thou beest urged by any Artist to have any esteem thereof, though ne­ver so slight: but to our business in hand.

Minerals. Of Mettals or Minerals, the Sun ruled gold.

Fishes. The Sea-Calf, whose Nature is to resist lightning, Shel-fish, the Star-fish for her parching heat, and the fishes called Strombi that follow their King, and Margari which have a King also; these Margari being dryed, are fixed into a stone of a golden colour, as witnesseth Cornelius Agrippa.

Beasts. All such Beasts as are stately, bold, strong and invicible, as the Lion, Crocodile, Wolf, Ram, Boar, Bull, Horse, and Baboon, of the which it is Recorded, that he barketh every hour in the day, viz. twelve times in a day, and that in the Equinoctial times of the year he pisseth twelve times, viz, every hour, also as often in the night Gesner on Beasts, pag. 10. Whence the Egypti­ans (as Cornelius Agrippa and others, Lib. 1. cap. 23. de Occult. Philos. relate) did use to engrave them on their Fountains.

Moreover the Aegyptians did use to preserve them amongst their hollowed things; for that by them they knew the time of the Conjunction of Sol and Luna, (see Gesner of Beasts pag. 10.) for after the aforesaid Conjunction, the Male Baboon will neither look up nor eat, but goes still dejected, as it were lamenting the ravishment of the Moon, with this disdainfull passion; in like manner the Female at that time sendeth forth blood out of her womb of Conception; for which cause the Egyptians signifie by a Baboon the Moon, and her rising by his standing upright, holding his hands up toward heaven.

Weather. He causeth Weather according to the Season, &c. of the which more here­after.

Places. Princes Palaces, Courts, Houses, all magnificent Buildings, Halls, Dining-rooms, Parlers, &c.

Winds. He loveth and delighteth in the East part of the World, and Eastern Winds.

Signs. Of the Coelestial signs, he ruleth for his house only Leo.

Triplicity. He ruleth by day the fiery Triplicity, viz. Aries, Leo, and Sagittary.

He is exalted in Aries the 19. degree.Exaltation.

He suffreth Detriment in Aquaries. Detriment.

And Fall in Libra. Fall.

Age. The strength of years.

His Angel is Michael. Angel.

Friends. His Friends are, Iupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Luna.

His Enemy Saturn only.Enemies.

Day of the week.He ruleth Sunday of the days of the week, and of the nights that which we call Wednesday night.

He ruleth the fourth Climate, Italy, Bohemia, Sicilia, Caldea, Regions. the Roman Empire.

Orbe. Is 15. degrees before and after any Aspect.

Conception. In conception he ruleth the fourth moneth.

  • His greatest years are 1640.
    Years.
  • Yet Bonatus, and some others say, but 461.
  • His greater years are 120.
  • His mean years are 69.
  • His least years are 19.

Iourneys. In journeys he giveth good success.

Diseases. He signifieth hot and dry Diseases, palpitation of the heart, infirmities of the eyes, cramps, soundings, giddiness in the head, diseases and infirmities of the mouth and brain, Catharrs, rotten Feavers, &c.

The Sun is never Stationary.Stationary.

Retrograde. He moveth always direct in the Ecliptick, and is never Retrograde.

CHAP. V. Of the Nature and Significations of VENVS.

The nature and complexi­on of ♀.I Come now to Venus, who is next under Sol; she is the lesser Fortune, transparent, bright and shining; she is very well known by the Country people by the name of the Evening Star, when she sets after the Sun; and she is sometimes by them called the morning Star when she riseth before the Sun, Feminine and Nocturnal.

And again, by some she is called the Shepherds Star.

The globe of ♀.She is to our sight the biggest of all the Stars and Planets, except Sol, and Luna; yet according to Tycho, she is less then the earth six times: Ptolomy, Albotegnius and Alfraganus say 36. times, &c.

Distant from the earth.She is distant from the earth, according to the same Ptolomie, Albotegnins and Al­fraganus, 618. semidiameters of the earth, but Tycho and Copernicus say 1150.

Her mean motion is 59. m. 8. sec.

Mean and diur­nal motion.Her diurnal motion is sometimes 62. m. 64. m. 65. m. 66. m. 70. m. 74. m. or 76. m. but she never exceedeth 82. m.

She finisheth her course through the twelve signs of the Zodiack in the same time the Sun doth,Revolution. or thereabouts.

When well for­tified.When she is Lady of the year in any Revolution, and essentially dignified, the year will be advantagious unto women, who shall generally be free from infirmities and mischiefs; they shall love and delight in the society of their Husbands, shall be fruit­full, easily conceive and bring forth; the people shall also generally thrive and be pro­sperous, shall delight themselves in recreations, sports, feastings, mirth and jollities, and all pleasure whatsoever; also in fine apparel; but if she be weak,When ill pla­ced. judge the contrary.

Qualitie of men when well placed.Musitians in general, Gamesters, and what Game soever it be, Embroyderers, Jewellers, Linnen-Drapers, Perfumers, Picture-Drawers, Ingravers, Mercers, Silk-men, and all such Occupations as serve to the adorning of women, &c. Women, Wives, Mothers, Virgins, &c.

When ill placed or weak.Fidlers, Pipers, ordinary Painters, Seamsters, Glovers, Womens-Taylors, Up­holsterers, &c.

She is author of voluptuousness and pleasure.

Corporature or shape of body.A light brown hair, smooth, and much of it, a mean stature, a fair complexion, tending to blackness; lovely black eyes, a round face, having a Love-dimple in the chin, a lovely mouth, cherry lips, extraordinary lovely and delightfull, a pleasant ta­king countenance, an exceeding well-shaped body throughout, loving neatness, spruce­ness, trimming and the like; lovely in all his gestures, speaking softly and sweetly, stu­dious and solid in his deportment; in all exercises of the body light and nimble.

When oriental. When she is Oriental, she gives a taller stature, upright and straight, not corpu­lent, but decently composed.

Occidental. When Occidental, not so tall, yet very comely and well-favoured.

North latitude. Her greatest North latitude is 9. deg. 2. min.

South latitude. Her South latitude, at the most, is no more.

Savours. Delightfull, pleasant, toothsom, sweet favours.

Colours. Blew, tending to white, or white, &c.

In man. The Reins, Back-bone, Seed, and the Vessels of Seed, the Privy-parts both of man and woman.

Herbs and spice. All such herbs and plants as are odoriferous, pleasant, sweet and delectable, and such as ïnvite to Venery, viz. the Satyrian, Daffidel, Cucko-Pintle, Maiden-hair, the Violet, Valerian, Vervin, Time, the Rose, Lilly, &c. All such Spices as are fra­grant and sweet, &c.

Trees and perfumes. The Fig-tree. Pomegranate, the Cypres, sweet Apple-tree, Pear-tree, the Mirtle-tree, Walnut, Almond-tree, Peach, Apricoks, the Raison-tree or Vine, Turpentine-tree, the wild Ash-tree, &c. And of Perfumes, Amber-greese, Musk, Civet, the Gum Ladanum, and all such sweet Perfumes, Frankinsense, &c.

Birds. The Swan, Water-wag-tail, Swallow, Pelican, Nightingal, Pigeon, Sparrow, Turtle-Dove, Stock-Dove, Crow, the Burgander, the Eagle; because as the Egyp­tians report, it will come to the Male (if called) after she hath been trod thirteen times in a day, the Partridge, Thrush, Black-bird, Pye, Wren, &c.

Stones. The Beril, Chrysolite, Emrauld, Saphyr, Green Jasper, Corneola, Aetites, the Lazul, Coral, Alabaster, Marble.

Minerals. Copper, Brass, and sometimes Silver, &c.

Fishes. The Pylchard, Gilthead, the Whiting, Crab, Tithymallus, Dolphin.

Beasts. All such Animals as are of a strong love, delicious or luxurious; the Dog, Cony, Sheep, Goat, Bull, Calf, Panther and Hart.

Weather. Weather, she denotes gentle showres in Winter, and temperate heat in Summer.

Wind. The South wind.

Places Beds and Bed-chambers, Dining-rooms, Dancing-schools, Gardens, Fountains, Wardrobes, Banqueting-houses, Play-houses, and Bawdy-houses.

Signs. Of the Coelestial signs, she ruleth, and hath for her houses Taurus and Libra.

Triplicity. She ruleth the Earthy Triplicity by day, viz. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

She hath Exaltation in the 27. deg. of Pisces. Exaltation.

She suffereth Detriment in Aries and Scorpio. Detriment.

She is in her Fall in the 27. deg. of Virgo. Fall.

Age. From 14. to 22.

Anael. Angel.

Saturn only.Enemie.

Friends are Jupiter, Friends. Mars, Sol, Mercury and Luna.

Day of the week.She hath Friday assigned to her Dominion, and that night we call Monday night.

Arabia, Regions. Austria, Campania, Polonia, Cyprus, Vienna, Parthia, Turin, and the sixth Climate.

Orbe. Her Orbe is 7. deg. before and after any Aspect.

  • Her greatest years are 151.
    Years.
  • Her greater years are 82.
  • Her mean years are 45.
  • Her least years are 15.

Journeys. In Journeys, she causes good success, mirth, and sport by the way.

Diseases. Cold and moyst Diseases, such as happen in the members of generation, veins, [Page 61]bladder, back, belly, navel, matrix, the Running of the reins, Gonorrea, Pox, both French and Neapolitan, Priapism, Surfets, the Pissing Disease; weakness in the reins and members of generation, all strains by over much excess of Lust.

Stationary. She is two days Stationary before Retrogradation, and two days before Di­rection.

Retrograde. She is 42. days Retrograde.

CHAP. VI. Of the Nature and Significations of MERCVRY.

Complexion of ☿, his place. Bigness to the eye.AFter Venus, or next under her, and above Luna, is located Mercury, of whom by Gods blessing we are come now to Treat; he is of a silver-colour, but duskish; seldom seen by us, by reason of his proximity to the Sun, he being never distant from him above 27. degrees to our sight: he is the least of all the Pla­nets to our sight, except Saturn; but according to Tycho, Globe of ☿. he is less then the earth 19. times; Albategnius saith 19000. time, and Alfraganus 22000. times.

And by the opinion of Tycho, he is distant from the earth 1150.Distant from the earth. semidiameters of the earth; Albotegnius and Alfraganus say but 115. semidiameter; of the earth.

Nature of ☿.He is like an Hermophridite, participating of both sex; he is Masculine when joyn­ed by Conjunction or Aspect to a Masculine Planet, Feminine when with a Femi­nine; good and fortunate when joyned with the Fortunes; bad and mischievous when joyned to or with the Malevolents.

Motion mean.His mean motion is 59. m. 8. sec. and sometimes 40. m. never more.

Diurnal.His Diurnal motion is never above 100. m. in a day, sometimes 86. m. 80. m. 70. m. 68. m. and 66. m.

Annual mo­tion. He finisheth his course through the 12. signs of the Zodiack, much about the time that Venus doth, yet he is the swifter of the two by somewhat.

☿ when well fortified.When Mercury is strong and Lord of the year, he signifies, Merchants, Tradesmen, and all such as give their minds to learning Arts and Sciences, shall have a successfull year; but if he be weak, judge the contrary.

Quality of men when well dignified.Astrologers, Philosophers, Mathematicians, Secretaries, Diviners, Merchants, Sculptors, Poets, Advocates, School-masters, Orators, Embassadors, Commissioners, Atturneys, Ingenious Artificers, &c. and all learned men in general.

When ill placed and wear.Scriveners, Accomptants, Clerks, Sollicitors, Thieves, Carriers, Messengers, Foot­men, Usurers, Petty-foggers, &c.

Nature. He is Author of Wit, Fancy, Ingenuity, and Invention.

Corporature. Not much colour in his face, nor much abounding in white nor duskish, but a kind of a Sun-burnt-colour, long visage, a high forehead, long nose, thin lips; his eyes of a saddish gray, not altogether black; a dark brown hair, long hands and fingers, and of a tall, upright, straight, spare body.

Oriental. When he is Oriental, he is not very high, but big-boned, of a honey-coloured complexion, small eyes, and in disposition one altogether self-ended, but well shaped.

Occidental. When Occidental, of a thin spare body, swarthy visage, hollow-eyed, of a dry con­stitution, &c.

North latitude. His greatest North latitude is 3. d. 33. m.

South latitude. His greatest South latitude is 3. d. 35. m.

Savours. Sowrish, and sharp savours.

Colours. A mixt Galimaufry of colours, purple, &c.

In man. The brain, tongue, and left ear.

Herbs, and Drugs.The herb Mercury, Five-leaved grass, Fumitory, Marjorum, Parsly, Pimpernel, and such as are of divers colours, and mixed natures; they have chiefly relation to the brain and tongue, to dispel wind, to comfort the spirits, and open obstructions; Adders­tongue, Lungwort, Dragonwort, Cubabs, and all such herbs as are beneficiall to the Muses and Divination, as Vervin, Hiera, Treacle, Diambra.

Trees. The Walnut-tree, Filbert-tree, Hazel, &c.

Birds. Those Birds that are Naturally witty, melodious and inconstant, as the Linet, Nigh­tingal, Black-bird, Thrush, the Bird Ibis, the Bird Porphyrio, Parret, Swallow, Po­pinjay, Cockatoo, Crane the Jack-Daw, Lark, the Bird Calandra.

Serpents. Serpents and Adders.

Stones. The Emrald, Agates, Red marble, Topaz, and such as are of divers colours, Mil­stone, Marchasite.

Minerals. Quicksilver, Tin and Silver Marchasite.

Fishes. The Trochius, the Fox-fish, the Mullet, the Pourcontrell, the Fork-fish.

Beasts. Of Beasts, the Dog, and such as are of quick sense, ingenious, inconstant, swift, and such as are easily acquainted with man, Apes, Foxes, Weesles, the Hart and Mule, the Hare, Civet-cat, Squirrel, Spider, Pismire, the Hyaena, &c.

Weather. He must principally be observed, the sign he is in, and season of the year; but usual­ly he causes rain, hail-storms, sometimes thunder and lightning, according to the na­ture of the Planets in configuration with him, of the which more hereafter.

Winds. He delighteth in the Northern Quarter of Heaven, yet commonly he causeth such winds as are signified by the Planet to which he applies.

Places. Schools, Common-hals, Tennis-Courts, Fairs, Ordinaries, Markets, Bowling-Allies, Tradesmens-shops; in a gentlemans-house, his Hall, &c. Studies, Libraries.

Signs. Of the Coelestial signs, he hath for his houses which he ruleth, Gemini and Virgo.

Triplicity. He ruleth the Aëry Triplicity by night, viz. Gemini, Libra, and Aquaries.

He is exalted in Virgo the 15. degree.Exaltation.

He suffreth Detriment in Sagittary and Pisces. Detriment.

His Fall is in the 15. deg. of Pisces. Fall.

Age. From 7. to 14.

Raphael. Angel.

His Enemies are Mars, Sol, and Luna. Enemies.

His Friends are Jupiter, Friends. Venus, and Saturn.

He ruleth Wednesday, Day of the week and that night we call Saturday night.

Flanders, Graecia, Aegypt, Regions. and Indies both East and West.

Orbe. His Orbe is seven degrees before and after any Aspect.

In conception. He ruleth the sixth moneth.

  • His greatest years are 450.
    Years.
  • His greater years are 76.
  • His mean years are 48.
  • His least years are 20.

Journeys. In Journeys, he is according as he placed and in Aspect with the other Planets.

Diseases. Vertigo's, Lethargies, Madness, Frensies, Diseases of the brain, Ptisick, Stam­merings, Defects in the memory, Hoarsness, Dry-cough, the Hand and Feet-gout, all imperfections in the Fancy.

Stationary. He is Stationary one day before Retrogradation, and one day before direction.

Retrograde. He is Retrograde 24. days.

CHAP. VII. Of the Nature and Significations of the MOON.

MY Intentions are now to treat of the lowermost of all the Planets, and next unto the earth, which is the Moon; she is Feminine and Nocturnal;The nature and complexi­on of ☽. her colour is so vulgarly known, that it were superfluous or needless here to relate, since our intentions and scope of our writings are to inform the ignorant and illiterate of what they as yet are ignorant of; she is the biggest of Planets to our outward sight, except the Sun; nay and it is hardly discernable externally, which of the two is the greater; but this is by reason of their nearness unto our sight, whence in Genesis she is called one of the two great lights (which is to be understood as in relation to our sight.) But according to Tycho, Globe of ☽ is 42. times less then the earth. Pto­lomie saith 39. times, and Copernicus 43. times.

And according to Tycho, she is less then Sol 5848. times;Comparison of ☉. Ptolomie saith 6348. times, and Copernicus 7000. times.

Distant from the earth.And distant from the earth, according to Tycho, 60. semidiameters at her greatest elongation; in her least elongation but 52. semidiameters; Ptolomie saith 64. semi­diameters; her least 34. and her mean 49. Copernicus saith, her greatest 68. her least 52. and her mean 60.

Nature of ☽ She is neither fortunate nor unfortunate, but as she is placed and in configura­tion with either the Fortunes or Malevolents; she is most powerfull in operation of all the other Planets, on Elementary bodies, by reason of their proximity to us, and her swiftness, by which she transfers the light and influence of all the Superiors to us, by her configuration with them.

Mean motion. Her mean motion is 13. deg. 10. min. 36. sec.

Diurnal. She never exceedeth 15. deg. 2. minutes in one day.

Revolution. She finisheth her course through the 12. signs of the Zodiack in 27. days, hours and 45. minutes or thereabouts.

Moon Lady of the year, and strong in any Revolution,☽ When well placed. denotes there shall be no want of rain in its due season, both former and latter; men shall be generall healthy, fortunate, safe and punctual in all their actions and promises, especially if she be in reception with her dispositor or good Aspect therewith, &c. but if she be then weak and unfortunate, you are to judge the contrary.When ill pla­ced.

One of a palish, whitish colour, round face, gray-eyes, yet having a kind of a lowring or cloudish eye-brow, very hairy, fleshie and plump, of a large stature, cor­pulent, and well set.

Oriental. When Oriental, she inclineth more to fatness.

Occidental. When Occidental, not so well set.

  • Her greatest North latitude is, 5. deg. 17. sec. or neer upon.
    North latitude.
  • Her greatest South latitude, is, 5. deg. 12. sec. or neer upon.

Quality of men She signifieth common people.

Savours. Fresh watrish tastes, or such as one can hardly say what taste it is of.

Colours. Silver-colour, white, a pale-green, and a pale yellow.

In man. She ruleth the Flegmatick humour, the brain, all watrish and excrementitious hu­mours; the left eye, and the right eye of a woman, her menstrues, &c.

Sea tangle, Lunaria or the Moon-herb, Hysope, Rosemary Agnus-castus,Herbs. the herb Chinosta, Pompion, Melon, Muskmelon, Gourd, Cucumber, Colwort, Cabbidge, En­dive, Mushrooms, Poppy, Lintseed, Rapeseed, and all such herbs as turn towards the Moon, and increased and decrease as she doth.

Trees and Plants.The Plam-tree, for that it sends forth a twig every time the Moon riseth, and all such trees and plants as participate or sympathize with her, and are juicy and full of sap.

Birds. Goose, Swan, Duck, Divedapper, Moor-hen, and all Fowl using the water, Night-owl, Night-raven, Bat, &c.

Stones. All stones that are white and green, the Marchasite, the Chrystal, the Senenite, and soft stones.

Minerals. Silver.

Aelurus, Fishes. whose eyes increase aand decrease according to the course of the Moon, all fish of the like nature; the Tortoise, the Echeneis, Crab, Oister, Lobster, Cockle, Muscle, and all shel-fish, also the Eele, &c.

Beasts. Such Beasts as use and delight in water, as the Otter, &c. and such as sympathize any wise with the Moon, as the Camelion, Dog, Hog, Frog, Hind, Goat, Baboon, Pan­ther, Cat, the Civet Cat, all monstrous Beasts, Mice, Rats, &c. Of the Baboons passions I forbear here to speak, since you have had it related in the 4. chapter, be­ing caused by the secret influence of Sol and Luna.

Places. Fountains, Fields, Sea-Ports, High-ways, Rivers. Deserts, Pools, Fish-Ponds, Bogs, Brooks, Docks, Springs, Common-shores, Wharffs, &c.

Weather. According to her configuration with the other Planets, viz with Saturn, cold, moyst and clowdy weather, with Jupiter heart and temperate ayr; with Mars wind and clouds; with the Sun according to the time of the year; with Venus showres; with Mercury wind and rain.

Wind. She usually causeth that wind signified by the Planet she applies unto.

Signs. Of the Coelestial signs she hath but one for her house, viz. Cancer.

Triplicity. Her Triplicity is the earthy Triplicity, which she ruleth by night, viz. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Her Exaltation is in Taurus the 3. degree.Exaltation.

She suffers detriment in Capricorn. Detriment.

Fall in Scorpio 3. degree.Fall.

Age. Infancy till seven years of Age.

Gabriel. Angel.

Her Enemies are Saturn and Mars. Enemies.

Her Friends are Jupiter, Friends. Sol, Venus and Mercury.

Day of the weekOf the days of the week, she ruleth Monday and that night we commonly call Thursday night.

Denmark, Regions. Holland, Zealand, Flanders, Norinberge.

Orb. Her Orbe is twelve degrees before and after any Aspect.

Years. Her greatest years are 320.

Her greater years are 108.

Her mean years are 66.

Her least years are 25.

In conception.In conception she ruleth the seventh moneth.

Journeys. According as she is strong or weak, strengthened or debilitated.

Diseases. Megrims, Frenzies, Apoplexies, Vertigoes, Wind-Cholick, Diseases in the blad­der, Testicles and left-side, and in the liver of women, and members of Generation, Menstrues, Fluxes, cold Rhumes, Belchings, cold stomack, hurts in the left eyes of men, and right of women, Sciatica, Surfets, Coughs, Convulsions, Falling-sickness, Aposthumes, small Pox, Measles, and the Kings-evil.

Stationary. She is never stationary.

Retrograde. Nor Retrograde, but when she goeth less then 13. deg. in 24. hours, she is accompt­ed equivalent to a Planet retrograde; but in her own proper motion she ever moveth direct forward.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Essential Dignities of the Planets.

I Have already shewed the Natures and Significations of the Planets; I am come now to shew their essential Dignities, without the which there can no part of this Art be understood, or indeed by any wise be­neficial; wherefore it is necessary that all the Students herein, warily observe their Fortitudes and Debilities in any part of their works; to which end they must be exceeding well skilled herein; which, that they may diligently study to do, I will (God inabling me) cordially and sincerely to the full here relate.

When a Planet is essentially dignified or fortified.A Planet then is said to be essentially strong, or in essential Dignities, when he is in his own House, Exaltation, Triplicity, Term, or Face. How these are assigned to every Planet, you may see by this Table following, though there hath been much dis­sention therein amongst the Ancients; with the which if thou agree not, I hope thou art not hurt hereby, since thou hast liberty to follow what Authors thou pleasest.

A Table of the essential Dignities of the Planets accord­ing to Ptolomie.
Signs.Houses of the PlanetsExal­ations.Tripli­cities. D. N.The terms of the Planets.The Faces of the Planets.Detri­ment.Fall.
♈♂ D☉ 19☉ ♃♃ 6♀ 14☿ 21♂ 26♄ 30♂ 10☉ 20♀ 30♀♄
♉♀ N☉ 3♀ [...]♀ 8☿ 15♃ 22♄ 26♂ 30♀ 10☽ 20♄ 30♂ 
♊☿ D☊ 3♄ ☿☿ 7♃ 14♀ 21♂ 25♄ 30♃ 10♂ 20☉ 30♃☋
♋♄ N D♃ 15♂ ♂♂ 6♃ 13☿ 20♀ 27♄ 30♀ 10☿ 20☽ 30♄♂
♌☉ N D   ☉ ♃♄ 6♀ 13♂ 19♀ 25♂ 30♄ 10♃ 20♂ 30♄ 
♍☿ N♀ 15♀ ☽☿ 7♀ 13♃ 18♄ 24♂ 30☉ 10♀ 20☿ 30♃♀
♎♀ D♄ 21♄ ☿♄ 6♀ 11☿ 19♃ 24♂ 30☽ 10♄ 20♃ 30♂☉
♏♂ N ♂ ♂♂ 6♀ 14♃ 21☿ 27♄ 30♂ 10☉ 20♀ 30♀☽
♐♃ D☋ 3☉ ♃♃ 8♀ 14☿ 19♄ 25♂ 30☿ 10☽ 20♄ 30☿☊
♑♄ N♂ 28♀ ☽♀ 6☿ 12♃ 19♄ 25♂ 30♃ 10♂ 20☉ 30☽♃
♒♄ D   ♄ ☿♄ 6☿ 12♀ 20♃ 25♂ 30♀ 10☿ 20☽ 30☉ 
♓♃ N♀ 27♂ ♂♀ 8♃ 14☿ 20♂ 25♄ 30♄ 10♃ 20♂ 30☿☿

The Vse of the Table.

IN the first Column you have ♈, ♉, ♊, &c. under each other to the end of the signs; over them is written, signs, intimating all these beneath are the Characters of the signs.

In the next Column to signs, you have written the Houses of the Planets, under which you see ♀. D. over against it on the left hand is ♈; and under ♂. D. you have ♀. N. and over against her on the left hand, ♉. intimating no more but this, that ♈ is ♂ his day house, signified by D. and ♉ is ♀ her night house, signified by N. and so all along underneath you have declared what sign properly belongeth to every Planet.

In the next column you see written Exaltations; under it and over against ♈, you finde ☉ 19. and under him, over against ♉, you see ☽ 3. which is, ☉ in the 19. de­gree of ♈ is in the very point of his exaltation, and ☽ in the 3. degree of ♉; and so of the rest.

In the next column you see Triplicities, and under is D. N. & under D. N. you have ☉ ♃. ☉ under D. and ♃ under N. and over against ♈; so also over against ☊ in the same co­lumn you see ☉ ♃, and again over against ♐; which shews no more but that the ☉ hath triplicity in the Day, signified by D. in these three fiery signs or Triplicity; and ♃ in the night signified by N. so you may see ♀ and ☽ rule the earthy Tripli­city, ♀ by day, ☽ by night; ♄ and ☿ the aëry; ♂ the watry only; wherefore you finde ♂ both under D. and N. shewing that both night and day he ruleth the watry Trygon.

In the next column and over against ♈, you see ♃ 6. and in the next column ♀ 14. and next unto her over against ♈ still you finde ☿ 21. &c. and over their heads you have written The terms of the Planets; the meaning whereof is, that ♃ in the first 6. degrees of ♈ hath terms, ♀ from 6. to 14. hath terms, ☿ from 14. to 21. hath terms, &c. and so in order of the rest.

In the tenth column over against ♈, you finde ♂ 10. ☉ 20. and ♀ 30. over their heads, The faces of the Planets, which is, ♂ in the first 10. degrees of ♈ hath a face, ☉ from 10. to 20. degrees, and ♀ from 20. to 30. degrees: mark this all along in the rest.

In the thirteenth column, you finde ♀ over against ♈, and under her ♂ over against ♉, next ♃ over against ♊, and over all, written Detriment, in­timating ♀ in ♈, ♂ in ♉, ♃ in ♊, are in detriment, viz. in houses that are oppo­site to their own, whereby they are debilitated or suffer detriment or damage, and so you may see of all the rest of the Planets.

In the last column you finde over against ♈, ♄; over against ♋, ♂; over against ♍, ♀, and over all, written Fall, shewing that ♄ in ♈, ♂ in ♋, ♀ in ♍, &c. are in their Falls, viz. in the signs opposite to their exaltations.

To know the strengths and debilities of the Planets in any figure.But, that you may fully examine the strengths and debilities of the Planets, in the judging of any part of this Science, and to know how many dignities essential a Pla­net hath; when in Exaltation, what in house, how many in Triplicity, term or face; nay and accidental dignities, as being in Aspect or Conjunction with the Fortunes, and located in good houses, &c. or debilities essential or accidental, have special regard to this following Table.

A Table, shewing the Fortitudes and Debilities of the Planets.
Essential Dignities.Debilities.
A Planet in his own house, or mutual re­ception by house shall have dignities.5In Detriment.5
In exaltation, or reception by exalta­tion.4In Fall.4
In Triplicity.3Peregrine.5
In Term.2  
In decanet or face.1  
Accidental Fortitudes.Accidental Debilities.
In Medium Coeli, or ascendant.5In the 12. house.5
In the 7.4. or 11. houses.4In the 8. or 6.2
In the 2. or 5.3Retrograde.5
In the 9.2Slow in motion.2
In the 3.1♄, ♃ and ♂ occidental.2
Direct.4♀ and ☿ oriental.2
Swift in motion.2☽ decreasing in light.2
♄, ♃, or ♂ oriental.2Combust of ☉.5
♀ and ☿ occidental.2Under ☉ beams.4
☽ occidental, or increasing.2Partil ☌ with ♄ or ♂.5
Free from combustion and ☉ beams.5Partil ☌ with ☋.4
In Cazemi.5Besieged of ♄ or ♂.5
In Partil ☌ with ♃ and ♀.5Partil ☍ of ♄ or ♂.4
In Partil ☌ with ☊.4Partil □ of ♄ or ♂.3
In Partil △ with ♃ or ♀.4In Conjunction with Caput Algol in 20 degrees of Taurus.5
In Partil ✴ with ♃ or ♀.3  
In ☌ with Cor ♌ in 24. deg. of ♌.6  
In ☌ with Spica ♍ in 18. deg. ♎.5  

CHAP. IX. Shewing the Vse of these former dignities, &c.

What a Planet in his own house signifi­eth.USE: The use that is to be made of all this, is no more but this; if you finde a Planet in his own house, and he significator, he shews a good state of the person or thing he signifieth in any scheam whatsoever. As if in the Revolu­tion of the year of the World, he be significator of the King, People, &c. he sig­nifies thus much, That their condition is, and shall be during the time of his being essentially strong, in great esteem, prosperity, health, plenty, &c.

What a Planet signifieth in his Exaltation.If a Planet be in his Exaltation, he shews a man of a high and majestical carriage and disposition, very high-minded, lofty and proud, taking more upon him then befitteth.

In Triplicity.If a Planet be in his Triplicity, it shews a man meanly endued with the goods of this life, not meanly, nor very well descended; yet his present condition to be good.

In Term.If a Planet be in his Terms, it shews a man rather participating of the temper and shape of the Planet, then of the wealth, power or dignity signified by the na­ture of that Planet.

In Face.In face, a Planet no otherwise fortified, then but being in face, and significator of any one, shews him signified to be, as it were, at the last shift, or as we say, at the last gasp, not knowing how to bestow himself, nor what course to take; and so judge of any thing signified, to be either in a good or bad condition, according to the strength of the significator.

Chap. X. Of the Houses of the Planets, and wherefore they were so di­stributed.

DIligently note this Chapter. The Reasons why the signs are (as abovesaid) in that manner attributed and assigned to the dominion of the Planets, I thought good here to relate, that the Students in this Noble Art may not want grounds and reasons for their Rules; as also that they may be able to give an an­swer to the proudest Antagonist. We will then, according to our method begin with the Luminaries,Of the Lumi­naries and their houses. viz. Sol and Luna, who have Cancer and Leo assigned them by reason of their heat, which is caused through their nearness to our Zenith or Cardinal point; the Sun hath allotted him Leo, for that it is most agreeable unto his nature: besides, we see that the Sun being naturally hot and dry, doth shew its effects more forcibly in this sign then in any other; for though Aries Sagittary be also fiery signs, yet is he not so hot, powerfull nor efficacious therein, as in Leo.

The Moon hath Cancer for the same reason allotted to her government, it being most agreeable to her temper: for Cancer is the first sign of all the rest that are move­able and watry, and so more agreeable with her temper and quality then any of the rest.

Oh ♄ and his houses. Saturn because he is naturally cold, and an enemy to heat, and the highest and most remote from the Luminaries of all the Planets, hath therefore assigned him Capri­corn and Aquaries, which are the opposite signs to Cancer and Leo, wherefore they are cold and moyst; and by reason of this their Opposition, Saturn is reputed hurt­full, and the most obnoxious and malevolent of all the Planets, by reason he thus opposeth the Luminaries that are the Lamps of light, life and nutrition.

And because Jupiter is placed under Saturn, Of ♃. he hath allotted him those two signs that go before and after Capricorn and Aquaries, viz. Sagittary and Pisces, which are in a Trine to the houses of the Luminaries; Pisces his night-house to Cancer the house of the Nocturnal Luminary; and Sagittary his day house to Leo the house of the Diurnal Luminary: wherefore they are temperate, and by reason of this their Amical Aspect he is concluded assistant, temperate and good; fortunate and bene­volent to mankinde, and the greatest Fortune of all the Planets.

Mars in order followeth Jupiter, Of ♂. whom you have heard is immediatly placed after him; and therefore those signs which go before and after the houses of Jupiter are given to him, viz. Scorpio and Aries, which are in a Square to the house of the Lu­minaries, viz. Aries his day-house to Cancer, and Scorpio his night-house to Leo: wherefore by reason a Square is an Aspect of enmity, he is accounted hurtfull and unfortunate, (yet not so bad as Saturr, who beholds them (as hath been said) with an Opposition) and is the lesser infortune.

Venus by reason of her temperate constitution,Of. ♀. challengeth those houses which go before and after the houses of Mars, viz. Libra and Taurus, which are in a Sextile to the houses of the Luminaries, which is an Aspect of love and amity, causing gene­ration and multiplication; and by reason Sextile is not so perfect an Aspect as a Trine, she is truly accounted the lesser Fortune.

And because Mercury is carried below the rest of the Stars,Of ☿. the two remaining signs are given him, viz. Gemini and Virgo, preceding and following the houses of the Luminaries; and because he is on neither side, and never distant from the Sun above one sign, he inclineth naturally neither to good nor bad, but is adjudged to be partici­pating of the nature of the Planet to which he is joyned.

CHAP. XI. Of the Exaltations and Fall of the Planets, and wherefore they were so constituted.

ENter we shall here (as in the preceding Chapter) with the Luminaries, and first with the Sur, as being the chief light, and Fons vitae, the Fountain of life; the Sun then is said to be in the point of his Exaltation when he is in the 19. degree of Aries, he being then in the highest Northern point of the Ecliptick, Of the exalta­tion of ♀. by which all things are made to spring and flourish, the heat of weather and the length of days being increased; therefore for the same reason contrary is he said to be in his Fall in Libra, it being the opposite sign in the heavens to Aries, in the which he declineth Southward, by the which the shortness of the days and cold is increased, to the hinderance of the fertility of the earth.

The Sun in Aries then being the cause and original of all things;Of the ☽ and because the Moon hath her light from him, she being in conjunction with him in Aries, shews her self first unto us in Taurus, the first sign in which she hath Triplicity; and there­fore for these causes she is said to be in exaltation in Taurus, in which she is also in­creased in light; and in Scorpio she is in Fall (for that it is the sign opposite to Tau­rus) sign to the Suns exaltation when she is in her Fall, being in her Fall, being in Conjunction in Aries, or receiving there her first light.

And because as you have heard before, Saturn is most remote from the Sun, Of ♄. con­trary in houses, and author of cold, as the Sun is of heat; therefore is he exalted in that sign in which heat is diminished, and cold increased, viz. Libra; and in his fall where cold is diminished and heat increased, viz. Aries, quite contrary to the Sun.

Iupiter is exalted in Cancer, and in fall in Capricorn, Of ♃. for that Iupiter delighteth in the Northern part of Heaven, stirring up Northern winds, which causeth fertility, and maketh things to grow, and his greatest declination Northward is in Cancer, wherefore he is therein exalted, and by reason of the contrary, is he in Fall in Ca­pricorn.

Mars is naturally hot and dry,Of ♂. and because he sheweth his effects more powerfully in Capricorn (it being a Southern sign, where the Sun is most hot, viz. about noon) is he said to be exalted therein, and in fall in Cancer, quite contrary to Iupiter, Mars being violent, Iupiter temperate.

And because Venus is naturally moyst, and chiefly in Pisces, Of ♀. by which the Spring is moistned and increased in strength, is she said to be exalted in Pisces, she being the cause of generation and procreation: wherefore Autumn when all things wither, and fade, viz. in Virgo, is she in fall.

Mercury, for that he is dry and contrary unto Venus, is exalted in Virgo, Of ☿. and in fall in Pisces, Virgo being both his house and joy.

CHAP. XII. Of the Triplicities of the Planets, and the Reasons why they were so appointed.

What a Tripli­city is. How many. How nomina­ted. Of what signs they consist.THus then first you must know, that a Triplicity is no more then three signs of the Zodiack, all of one nature, making a perfect triangle; and of these Tri­plicities, amongst the signs there are four, viz. the Fiery-Triplicity, the Aëry-Triplicity, the Watry-Triplicity, and the Earth-Triplicity. The Fiery-Triplicity, consisteth of Aries, Leo and Sagittary: the Aëry, of Gemini, Libra and Aquaries: the Watry, of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces: the Earthy, of Taurus, Virgo and Capri­corn; and these signs behold one another with a Trine; as a Planet in a fiery sign be­holds another Planet in another fiery sign (being in equal number of degrees) with a Trine; as also a Planet in an Aëry sign, another Planet in An Aëry sign; one in a Watry sign, another in a Watry sign: in an Earthy sign, a Planet in an Earthy sign. And this Trine Aspect, consists of an hundred and twenty degrees, &c.

☉ and ♃ Rule the Fiery-Tri­plicity.The Sun and Iupiter have dominion in in the Fiery-Triplicity, the Sun by day, and Iupiter by night: the Sun, for that he is not and fiery, of the nature of these signs; and Iupiter, for that he is temperate; and to moderate the extremity there­of, therefore he ruleth this Triplicity in the night: yet some of the Ancients have added in government with the Saturn, that by his cold nature, he may temperate the excess of heat. This is the Eastern Triplicity.

♄ and ☿ the Aery. Saturn and Mercury have dominion in the Aëry-Triplicity, which is Western, Mercury by night, and Saturn by day; Libra is his Exaltation (and you have heard for what reasons) Aquaries is his house and sign wherein he most doth joy; Gemini is Mercurys house; wherefore Saturn hath chief Dominion in this Triplicity; yet some have joyned Iupiter in signification with them, by reason of his tempe­rancy.

♂ only the watry. Mars both night and day, hath assigned him chief Dominion of the Watry Triplicity; this Triplicity is Northern: certainly the reason why Mars was assigned chief Rule of the Water, was to cool his courage and abate his heat; for we see he is more powerfull to work his mischievous pranks in Leo then in Cancer; for he ha­ving dominion and rule in Cancer, he worketh not altogether so much mischief (yet is he in Fall in Cancer, but Peregrine in Leo) wherefore a Planet Peregrine is worse then a Planet in Fall, if he be but in a term: yet some of the Ancients have joyned Venus and the Moon with Mars, by reason Cancer is the Moons house, and Pisces the Exaltation of Venus.

♀ and ☽ the Earthy. Venus and Luna are appointed chief Governesses of the Earthy-Triplicity, which is Feminine and Southern, cold and moyst, causing South-east winds, cold and moyst Ayr; and therefore assigned to these Feminine Planets.

CHAP. XIII. Of the Terms of the Planets, wherefore so called, and so assigned to every of the five Planets.

What a term isHEre now you must know the Sun and Moon have no terms; A Term is a cer­tain number of degrees, which in each sign (whether it be exaltation or house) every of these five Planets, viz. Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury, have a priority; which by long study and experience was at the last (by Gods assistance) found out by the Antients.

Wherefore so called.The are called Terms, Ends or Bounds, for that the Planets have their proportion so allotted them, at the end of so many degrees, begin the bounds, term or ends of another Planet: As for example, from the first degree of Aries to the sixt, is the term, end, or bounds of Jupiter; from the 6. to the 14. is the term of Venus, &c.

To know the greater years of the Planets by the Terms. Ptolomie, Albumazer and Bonatus shew that the greater years of the Planets are found out by their several terms, through the Zodiack, which is no more but this; look what number of degrees every Planet hath assigned him in every sign, and add them together, and the make the just number of the great years, as you have the before; as for example more plainly.

 ♄♃♂♀☿
SignsTerms 
♈46587
♉27687
♊46677
♋37677
♌66567
♍65667
♎68655
♏38676
♐68565
♑67566
♒65586
♓56586
Greater years5779668276

These being added together; make just 360. degrees.

But the reason why the Planets are after this manner divided into terms, is briefly this. The Sages and Philosophers in former Ages followed this rule;The reason why the terms are so attribu­ted to the Pla­nets. first, to observe what Planet had most dignities in a sign; whether by Exaltation and House, Triplicity and House; or House, Exaltation or Triplicity only; and to that Planet that had two or more Dignities, they assigned the first term, whether he were a Fortune or Infortune; and if an Infortune have not two dignities in a sign, they placed them last, and gave them the last term of the sign, and the first term to the Lord of the Exaltation, to the Lord of the Triplicity, or the Lord of the House; ever preferring him who hath two dignities, before those or him that had but one, except only in Cancer and Leo; for because Cancer is the opposite sign to the exaltation of Mars, viz. Capricorn; therefore is the first term of Cancer assigned to Mars; and because Leo is the opposite sign to the house and joy of Saturn, is the first term of Leo given [Page 72]to him; to the Infortunes are given still the last of all the signs, except of Leo; the last term is given to Jupiter; the quantity of the terms are thus divided; when Iupiter and Venus have not two of the aforesaid dignities in the same sign, nor in the second, third, nor fourth, they have seven degrees alotted them for their term: Saturn and Mars, because they are infortunes (except in their own houses) but five; some­times four, three, and two; Mercury, for that he is of a mixt nature, and naturally neither good nor bad, hath six degrees alotted him. In like manner, when a Planet hath the aforesaid dignities, he hath assigned him one more, as Venus in the first term of Taurus hath assigned her eight degrees; and Saturn in the first term of Aquaries hath six degrees alotted him; and where Venus hath eight, you see Saturn hath but two in Taurus, being so much diminished, he being very weak in Taurus: so also in Sagittary, you see Jupiter is increased one, being he is there strong; and Mercury being weak, is diminished one; Jupiter hath eight, Mercury but five; but why they are so divided throughout the signs, I finde no Author give sufficient reasons; I mean for this Table, according to Ptolomie, which, he saith, he found in an old rotten worm-eaten book, which was half consumed with worms and age, in which, he saith, there was a long story of the utility and reasons of the terms: but by reason of the so much decay of the Book it could not be legible, so that he could not transcribe it; and so leaveth the Reader still in doubt concerning this point, the clearing whereof re­quireth much time and study, which shall not be wanting hereafter in me to bestow (God granting me life and health) for the benefit both of the Art and Students therein. In the interim be content with what I have now delivered.

CHAP. XIV. Shewing the use which is to be made of the Terms.

REmember that a Planet in his own Term is strong, and that the more dignities he hath there, the stronger he is; for Iupiter in the first term of Sagittary, is stronger and more powerfull then in the first term of Aries; yet they are both his terms; the reason is, because Sagittary is both his House and Triplicity; Aries is but his Tripli­city only; wherefore you see in Sagittary he hath the first eight degrees for his term, in Aries but six; and so observe the neerer a Planet is in nature to the place of his term, the stronger is the Planet therein; for Iupiter being hot and moist, hath but five degrees for his term in Virgo, which is cold and dry; yet in Gemini, which is hot and moist, he hath six, it agreeing with his tem­per; yet in Cancer, which is cold and moyst (you will perhaps say) he hath seven, which agreeth not so near to his nature; but the reason thereof is, Cancer is his house of Exaltation, and so hath alotted him one for that, as you have heard before; for you must know the more dignities a Planet hath in a sign, the stronger he is, and hath the greater term alotted him.

In like manner, if a Planet that is cold and dry, be in a term so likewise qualified, viz. cold and dry also, his cold and dryness is the more increased, and will work the more forcibly on the Inferiours he is significator of: observe the same rule in all the rest of the qualities and humors, still remembring that a Planet is so much the more increased in strength, by how much the more he is located in the places of his own temper and nature.

Moreover a Planet that is hot and dry, is lessened of his vigour in a term that is cold and moyst; so likewise is he augmented in heat if he be naturally cold and moyst, and in a term that is hot and dry.

In like manner note, that if a fortunate Planet be in a fortunate term (I say note [Page 73]in general) his goodness is the more increased and augmented, having more power and strength to operate in any thing whatsoever he is significator of; as if he have sig­nification of good, he is then so much the better; and on the contrary an evil or male­volent Planet in a malevolent sign and term is the more mischievous.

The Lord of a Termwhen he is in that Term, let it be what sign it will, hath more power therein then the Lord of that sign or the Planet that hath that sign for his Exaltation, if he be Peregrine anywhere, which is as much to say, Possession is eleven points of the Law, when there is but twelve. And if the Lord of any term be in his term, and the Lord of the sign in another sign in any Aspect with him, the Lord of the term shall have more power in the sign where he is, then the Lord of the sign, and shall be principal significator; and if the Lord of the term be in his own term and sign, his strength and power is so much the more increased.

What ever Planet be weak in a sign, that Planets debility is lessened, when or by his being in that part of the sign he be where he hath any term; and if he be in term and sign both of his own nature, he is very strong and fortu­nate, as aforesaid.

CHAP. XV. Demonstrating the Vse, Nature and Reasons of the Faces of the Planets.

AGain, the Reasons of the Vertues of each Planet through the 12. signs of the Zodiack in their proper Faces is very rare, and a great mysterie, which every capacity cannot reach unto; neither is it to be attained by any but who are great and profound searchers of the hidden mysteries of nature, and of great experience; for as water quencheth fire, and as fire dryeth up water; so one Planet over-ruleth another, and again is contradicted by the same; a term divides a face; a face divides a sign; a sign a triplicity; a triplicity the Zodiack, &c.

Wherefore the Faces are cal­led Faces.Know therefore that in every sign there are three Faces, consisting of 10. de­grees a piece: they are called faces for that they are equivalent to signs, forms or shapes, by reason they shew the nature and inclination of the Planets in them, as in their own houses, as it were, as anon shall appear, being borrowed from the practise of those that did use to foretell the Accidents, Nature, Disposition and inclination by the face of the Planet.

To know the proper Faces then of the Planets, you must begin with Mars, and give him the first face of Aries, viz. the first 10. degrees, because Aries is his house: the second face to the Sun because he followeth Mars in course, and is located un­der him in the Heavens: the third to Venus, who successively followeth the Sun: to Mercury you must after the same Rule give the first face of Taurus, who successive­ly followeth Venus; the second to the Moon, being under Mercury; the third to Sa­turn, being the first of the Planets; and therefore in order to be reckoned after Luna, which is the last. The first face of Gemini to Jupiter; the second to Mars, and so round about the Zodiack; for following this method, you will soon come to the ex­act knowledge of every Face, and the true Lord thereof.

The significa­tions of the first face of ♈. Of the second. Mars then hath the first face of Aries assigned unto him; and this is the face of bold­ness, strength magnanimity, unshamefastness, resoluteness and confidence.

The Sun hath the second face of Aries, which is the face of nobleness, might, majesty, power, renown and authority; and in this face he is in his exaltation.

Of the third. Venus hath the third face of Aries, which is effeminate, milde, joyfull, merry, full of sport and play.

Mercury hath the first face of Taurus, Of the 1. face of ♉. which is the face of Ploughing and Tilling, Sowing, Building, giving of Laws, Precepts and Learning.

The Moon hath the second face of Taurus, which is a face of power, dignity and authority,Of the second. depopulating Towns and Castles, and constraining the People.

Saturn hath the third face of Taurus, which is a face of misery, servitude, poverty, necessity and cruelty.Of the third.

Jupiter hath the first face of Gemini, Of the 1. face of ♊. compleat in all things, and it is a face of wri­ting, casting of accounts, of giving and receiving of Petitions and Writings of no profit or utility.

Mars hath the second face of Gemini, Of the second. which is a face of labour, trouble and study in what is painfull, and indishonest actions.

Sol hath the third face of Gemini, Of the third. which is a face of forgetfulness, disdain, jear­ing, scoffing and boldness.

Venus hath the first face of Cancer, which is a face of strength, understanding, wit and power,Of the 1. face of ♋. desiring favour of all men.

Mercury hath the second face of Cancer, which is a face of sport, mirth, wo­men,Of the second. riches, fertility and abundance.

The Moon hath the third face of Cancer, Of the third. which is a face of hunting, pursuing of Runaways, gaining by strength and arms, and opposing of men.

Saturn hath the first face of Leo, Of the 1. face of ♌. handsom in shape; it is a face of cruelty, mis­chief, and violence; of induring labour and toyl; of boldness and lust.

Jupiter hath the second face of Leo, Of the second. which is a face of quarrels and of mischief, causing Wars and strife.

Mars hath the third face of Leo, Of the third. which is a face of love and friendship, and easily leaving his goods and abode for the fear of War or Commotions.

Sol hath the first face of Virgo, Of the 1. face of ♍. which is a face of Ploughing and Sowing, Tilling; of gathering wealth and riches.

Venus hath the second face of Virgo, Of the second. which is a face of gaining, and growing rich, of coveteousness, intreating and desiring the help of others.

Mercury hath the third face of Virgo, Of the third. which is a face of age, weakness, and de­crepedness; of destroying people, and pulling up trees by the root.

The Moon hath the first face of Libra, Of the 1. face of ♎. which is a face of Justice, Right and Truth, helping the weak and needy, compleat and handsom in shape.

Saturn hath the second face of Libra, Of the second. which is a face of quiet, profit and happy life.

Jupiter hath the third face of Libra, Of the third. which is a face of gluttony, lechery, revelling and following ill courses.

Mars hath the first face of Scorpio, Of the 1. face of ♏. which is a face of quarrelling, fighting, mis­chief, slaughter, robbing and sacking.

Sol hath the second face of Scorpio, Of the second. which is a face of contentions, strife, theft, of sowing mischief and debate amongst men, and of deceit.

Venus hath the third face of Scorpio, Of the third. which is a face of Wars, violence, drunken­ness, of rapes and fornications.

Mercury hath the first face of Sagittary, Of the 1. face of ♐. which is a face of boldness, freeness and strength.

The Moon hath the second face of Sagittary, Of the second. which is a face of trouble in mind, fear, mistrust, &c.

Saturn hath the third face of Sagittary, Of the third. which is a face of obstinacy and wilful­ness, sticking to his own whimsical conceits, neither will he by any means be beat out of them; mischievous, quarrelsom, and apt in, and delighting in odious, abhorred and vilde actions.

Jupiter hath the first face of Capricorn, Of the 1. face of ♑. which is a face of handsom form and shape, loving to ramble, to be merry and sport.

Mars hath the second face of Capricorn, Of the second. which is a face of seeking things that can­not be attained, nor brought to perfection.

Sol hath the third face of Capricorn, Of the third. which is a face of a coveteous desire to rule and govern or have riches at his disposal, suspecting and mistrusting himself.

Venus hath the first face of Aquaries, Of the 1. face of ♒. which is a face of continual trouble for mo­ney and profit, never at rest, ever in labour and toyl, yet poor and indigent.

Mercury hath the second face of Aquaries, Of the second. which is a face of comeliness and beauty, of understanding, modesty, mildness, clemency, of good behaviour, and of a handsom composed shape.

Luna hath the third face of Aquaries, Of the third. which is a face of contentions, repinings and strife.

Saturn hath the first face of Pisces, Of the first face of ♓. which is a face that is not sad, pensive nor dejected in his undertakings, of a good nature and handsom, of many thoughts and cogitative, flitting from one place to another for the procuring himself a name and riches.

Jupiter hath the second face of Pisces, which is a face of haughtiness,Of the second. and a high disposition, seeking after great and high things.

Mars hath the third face of Pisces, which is a face of concupiscence and lust,Of the third. and delight with women, yet loving rest and quietness.

The Use of all this is no more, but if you finde the cuspe of the Ascendent in the Nativity of any one, in any of these faces, you may judge the Native to be quali­fied as you here find; your judgment will be the more certain, if you finde the Lord of the Ascendent, the Moon, Planet beholding the ascendent, or Planet beholding the Lord of the ascendent or the Moon, or both, in the same face or faces of the same nature; to dwell longer here were but vain, since this is so clear and plain.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Joys of the Planets.

MOreover, the Planets are said to be in their joys when they are in those houses where they are most strong and powerfull, as,

  • ♄ Joyeth in ♒
  • ♃ Joyeth in ♐
  • ♂ Joyeth in ♏
  • ☉ Joyeth in ♌
  • ♀ Joyeth in ♉
  • ☿ Joyeth in ♍
  • ☽ Joyeth in ♋

The reason why these are their joys, is this. Saturn joyeth in Aquaries, and not in Capricorn, although both are his houses, because in Aquaries he hath both house and triplicity by day; in Capricorn he hath only house; so likewise Jupiter joyeth in Sa­gittary, and not in Pisces, because he hath in Sagittary both house and triplicity, in Pisces but only house: and so of all the rest except Luna, who although she hath not triplicity in Cancer, yet is it a sign of her own nature and complexion: The use that is to be made hereof, is only this; Saturn is more powerfull in Aquaries then Capricorn, and Jupiter in Sagittary then Pisces; Mars in Scorpio then Aries; Venus in Taurus then Libra; Mercury in Virgo then Gemini, &c. Of which may many good Uses be made in the practice of this Art; as beneath in their due places will appear.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Head and Tail of the Dragon.

EVer remember, that the head and tail of the Dragon are not signs nor Planets, neither any Constellations; only Nodes and Places of the Ecliptick which the Moon cutteth, they have no Aspect to any Planet; but they may be, and are aspected by them; as touching their motion, it is according to the motion of the Moon.

Their Nature is various according as they may be placed and aspected; some of the Ancients have maintained that the head is good and fortunate; the tail bad and in­fortunate naturally, without any exception; others are of a contrary opinion, and say the Head is good when well placed and fortunately aspected by the benevolents and fortunate Planets; but when afflicted and aspected by the malevolents it is bad: Also that the Tail is good with the good Planets, viz. being joyned with them, or in aspect therewith, and bad with the bad; and some again will have the Head when joyned with the Malevolents to be good, and with the Benevolents bad: also the Tayl when joyned, or in configuration with the Fortunes, they say is bad, and with the Infortunes good; for my part, I have still (by that little observation I have made) found the Head to be good, and the Tail bad and unfortunate, as is the nature of Saturn and Mars naturally, but accidentally they may also sometimes be both good and bad, I mean contrary to what they are generally reputed; thou mayst follow which thou pleasest; experience will be thy best rule when thou hast done all; there­fore let that together with reason be thy guide, till thou canst inform thy self in what is not fully comprehended by thee.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Antiscions and Contrantiscions of the Planets.

The force of an Antiscion.SOme of the learned in this Art do hold that the Antiscions of the Planets be equivalent unto a Sextile or a Trine-aspect, especially if they were beneficial Planets; and their Contrantiscions to be of the nature of Quadrate or Op­position. How to know the Antiscions is no more but thus; first, know the Antiscions of the signs,How to know the Antiscions of the Planets. which is no more but a sign being equally distant with another from Can­cer and Capricorn the two Tropicks; as Gemini hath its Antiscion in Cancer, Taurus in Leo, Aries in Virgo, Pisces in Libra, Aquaries in Scorpio, and Capricorn in Sagittary; for when the Sun is in the 1. degree of Gemini, he is as far from the Tropick point of Cancer, as when he is in 29. degrees of Cancer; and in the 5 degree of Taurus, as when in the 55. degree of Leo, &c. Having the true knowledge of the Antiscions of the signs, the Antiscions of the Planets then is easily known; viz. look in what sign and degrees your Planet is whose Antiscion you would know, and substract the de­grees and minutes he is in from 30. degrees or a whole sign, and in what degree and minute remains is his Antiscion and then knowing in what sign he is, and his Antiscion must be in what answers thereunto as abovesaid; as if he be in Virgo, his Antiscion is in Aries &c. The Contrantiscion is known thus; look in what sign, degree and mi­nute [Page 77]your Antiscion falls,To know the Contrantisci­on of the Pla­nets. and your contrantiscion will be in the same degree and mi­nute of the opposite sign to your Antiscion: as for example, I admit your Antiscion of Saturn, Iupiter or Mars, or any Planet be in the 16. degree, 24. minutes of Leo, then your Contrantiscion falls in the 16. degree, 24. minutes of Aquaries, &c. But these are things now (by Gods blessing) vulgarly known; it is not our business there­fore here to dwell, only since in such a work as this, it is necessary to say somewhat of the Planets, their dignities, signs, aspects and natures, the whole Art consisting there­on, as the chief rock on which this most incomparable glorious Fabrick, viz. Astro­logie is founded and built; and having by the blessed assistance of my glorious Ma­ker waded through the beginning, that the work might be full, I thought to give some small hint of the Antiscions, and so proceed; for our intentions in these our undertakings are not to insist on what is already made manifest (further then to make the work the easier to the weaker sort and students therein) but what remains in the Art (as yet unrevealed and not made to speak our language) which we con­ceive the present times capable of receiving; it being my hearty desire to have knowledge increase upon the face of the earth, and ignorance abolished, since the more knowledge a man hath, the nearer he is to the Divine Essence, and further from the sottish stupidity of the World.

CHAP. XIX. Shewing the Reasons of the names of the seven Planets and their Characters.

ENter we shall in order, according to their stations and places in the Heaven, with the highest first, viz. Saturn.

Why ♄ is cal­led Saturn.And the reason why he was called Saturn is this (though I must confess for several reasons (which would be too tedious and superfluous here to relate) he was otherwise called) he is called I say Saturn (for because this is his vulgar name amongst us; I give you the reason and cause thereof) à saturo to fill or give in abun­dance, quasi saturavit omnia, it being thought amongst the learned that where he gi­veth, it is in full plenty and in abundance.

Jupiter, is so called à Juvando, quasi est Iuvans pater, from helping,Why ♃. or being beneficial to mankinde, he being naturally temperate, inclining by his sweet in­fluence the dispositions of men to sobriety, moderation and goodness.

Mars, quasi Mavors, quia magna verteret, turning great things,Why ♂. and acting high exploits.

Sol, quasi solus Lucens, as only shining, being the Eye, Candle,Why ☉. and soul of the World.

Venus, à veneror, so called, to honour, and as it were giving due reverene to beauty,Why ♀. she being the cause thereof.

Mercury, quasi Merces, a merendo, signifying wages and mercature,Why ☿. being the cause and Author thereof.

Luna, quia aliena luce lucet, shining with a borrowed light.Why ☽.

Saturn is thus Charactered ♄, representing a Sithe or a Cross, for that he is au­thor of mischief and old Age. Iupiter hath this Character ♃,Why the Pla­nets are so charactered. representing one with a Mace or Scepter on his shoulder or in his hand, as deserving a Kingdom for his tem­perate good nature, and inclination. Mars is made thus ♂, pointed like a Dart or Engine of War, for that he excites to such mischief. The Sun is so charactered ☉, as being a full light of himself, not borrowing in the least from others, or I may [Page 78]say he is made round, having a prick in the middle, as being the Center of the whole Universe, as some have maintained he is. Venus is thus charactered ♀, resembling a beautifull Lady, with a lovely round visage. Mercury is made in this manner ☿, for that he is the Embassador and Messenger of the gods, with a pair of wings as it were on his head. The Moon you know either in her wane or prime is horned: wherefore she is still charactered thus ☽, as best resembling her form.

CHAP. XX. Of the number of the Heavens and Sphears, their places, order and motions.

The number of the Hea­vens. YOU are to know we are now about to speak of the signs of the Zodiack, as also of the Zodiack it self; it is necessary here therefore (having done with the Planets) that so this Art may be throughly understood by the lo­vers thereof, first to speak a word of the sphears, and number of the Heavens, which by most Philosophers, especially Hermes Trismegistus and Ptolomy are held to be in number nine, which indeed are plainly to be demonstrated and proved by rea­son; and this is the opinion not only of the Ancient Philosophers, but of all Astro­nomers and Mathematicians, who will better and more at large instruct you; where­fore I refer you for satisfaction in what you farther doubt of then what I shall here deliver, to their volumes; only for the satisfaction of my Reader, since it comes in my way, I thought good to say somewhat. Wherefore these are briefly thus distin­guished.

The order of the heavens. First, know then, that about this Elementary World (as being the center) they all move one above another in their several sphears, as the Moon first above the earth in her sphear; Mercury above the Moon; Venus above Mercury; the Sun above Ve­nus; Mars above the Sun; Iupiter above Mars; Saturn above Iupiter; the star­ry heaven or eighth heaven, above Saturn; and in this heaven are located all the fixed stars which never move but as their sphear moves and carryeth them, they being never the one farther or nearer to another, but are firm and fixt in their places; for which cause was this eighth heaven called the firmament;Being firm and fixed. and lastly is this firmament or star­ry heaven inclosed by the first mover or Chrystaline heaven, which is the guide (as I may say) of the heavens (not being at all under the rule of any of the other heavens, but governed only by that intelligence that ruleth it,Wherefore it is called the first mover. or the express commandment of God) but carryeth them all violently about with it self (of whose motions you shall here more anon) yet there is another higher then the ninth heaven, which doth in­close and comprehend them all; and this by some is held to be the habitation of God, the Elect and Angels; others hold that Iupiter is the place of the Elect; and like­wise that Mars is the local place of Hell for the damned, others hold Saturn to be Hell, &c. But we leave these opinions, it being no part of our Discourse; and re­turn to shew you the motions of the sphears and heavens.

The motions of the Hea­vens.You have heard already of the quickness of the motion of the sphear of Saturn in the first chapter of this Treatise, where we speak of the significations, nature and shape of Saturn; as also of the sphear of Iupiter in the second chapter, where we treat of Iupiter, and so of all the rest of the Planets; viz. Saturn finisheth his mo­tion, or he in his sphear in 29. years, some moneths and days; Iupiter in 12. years, &c. Their motion, notwithstanding they are carryed violently and accidentally once a day about the earth by the force and power of the first mover, is quite contrary there­unto, viz. from West to East, and so likewise is the motion of the starry heaven from [Page 79]West to East also, whose Revolution is not finished in less then 36000. years,The Revoluti­on of the eighth Heaven or starry firma­ment. whence it is held conclusively by some, that the World must last millions of years before the subversion and dissolution thereof, or at least, till it hath made its Revolution once: from whence Plato was of opinion that after the Revolution of these years, all things should be as at the first Creation; and as the years came about again, so should things happen again as at first, viz. that after so many years there should be another deluge, and Noah and his company only saved; and that when the same years came about again in which he himself lived, he should again flourish as at that time, and be teach­ing his Scholars at Athens; and so in like manner that all things should be renewed again as at first. But as these are points that would spend much time and labour to handle, and since the holy Writ testifyeth unto us that the Angels in Heaven, nay and Christ himself (as he was man) knew not when should be the last day;Matth. 24 36. we hold it convenient to pass by such curious matters in silence, and hasten to say something of the Circles of Heaven, The Zodiack and the divisions thereof.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Circles of Heaven, the Zodiack, and the divisions thereof.

WE come now unto the Circles of Heaven. You are to know there are some greater then other, some less, some movable, and al­so some immoveable; as concerning the greater circles, they are those that have the same Center with the Heavens; the lesser Circles have their Centers out of that of the sphear; but these are so plainly treated of by ancient Astronomers, that to insist hereon were but vain: wherefore let us to our business, and say somewhat of the Zodiack and its divisions.

Of the Equa­tor, and where­fore so called.Know then, that in the sphear of the World there are two chief Circles, the one called the Equator or Equinoctial, the other the Zodiack or Ecliptick; it is called the Equator from the nature thereof, being a line of equality; for the Sun being under the same, causeth the equality of the day and night through the whole World; it is called the Equinoctial for the same reason, it causing equall nights, &c.Of the Eclip­tick or Oblique Circle; and wherefore so called. The Zodiack is called the Ecliptick, because the Sun and the Moon are never Eclipsed but in it; it is also called the oblique Circle, for that it is situated oblique in respect of the Equator, &c. This Equator divideth the whole sphear into two parts, being placed directly betwixt the Poles of the World, viz. Artick and Ant-artick, which is also divided by the Zo­diack into two equal parts; and those points where the Zodiack cutteth the Equator are called Equinoctial points; and the points of the Zodiack which are the means be­tween these Equinoctials are called Tropicks or Solsteads, viz. the stays or stations of the Sun, &c. From these divisions, are the four quarters of the year, viz. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter; Spring beginning at the Equinoctial point, the Sun en­clining towards the Vertical point: Summer beginning at the Solstead after;The heavens divided into twelve parts. The division of the Zodiack. Autumn at the other Equinoctial, and Winter at the second Solstead. Now you must know al­so that these several quarters are divided into three equal parts, as answering to begin­ning, middle and end, and so consequently the whole Zodiack into 12. equall parts, which are called signs and houses (the reasons why they are so called you shall have anon) and everyEvery sign consisteth of 20 miles, and 40. fur­longs, or 642. furlongs. sign is divided into 30. degrees; every degree into 60. minutes, and every minute into 60. seconds, and every second into 60. thirds, and so ad infinitum. But now as touching the Reasons, why these divisions (as I said before) are called signs, and because they seem to define and signifie unto us the most no­table [Page 80]alterations and mutations of the Ayr, and these inferiour Elements.

Now as you have heard of the two principal Circles moveable, so it is requisite also you hear somewhat of the two immoveable Circles, the Horizon and Meridian; we leave the Colures, Tropicks, Zones, Vertical, Parallel, and Polary Circles, &c. to be taught by those that have writ whole volumes thereof; for our intentions are but cursorily to speak somewhat, that our scope may the better be understood; our intenti­ons being to lay open that part of the Art which is not manifest in our tongue.

Of the Hori­zon.The Horizon then is that Circle dividing the Hemisphere of any place under it, from that which is above it, to which one of the Poles is always the Vertical point, and the other Pole the opposite; according therefore to the heighth of the point of each place, doth the Horizon of each place differ; for look how many places there are, so many Horizons are there; wherefore the Horizon of those places which have the vertical or perpendicular point under the Equinoctial, is called the right Horizon; for that it passeth by the Poles of the World, and equally divideth the Equinoctial at right Angles; so likewise it is called a right sphear; for that it seemeth to be right­ly placed in respect of that Horizon, and the stars to make their motion directly by the universal motion of the sphear.

Now the Horizon of those places whose Zenith is out of the Equinoctial to­wards either of the Poles, is called oblique; for that that Pole which the Vertical point is next to, is elevated above the said Horizon, and the other is so much depres­sed; which therefore doth divide the Equinoctial at oblique angles, unequal one to another; for which cause also, the sphear is said to be oblique; being in compari­son of the Horizon placed obliquely; and the stars turn obliquely in their universal motion. Wherefore it is clear, that all direct Horizons are of one disposition; but among the oblique there are as many differences as are distances between the Verti­cal point and the Equinoctial, or as the elevation of the Pole is divers above them.

Of the Meri­dian.As touching the Meridian, it is a great immoveable Circle, passing by the Poles of the World, and that point of the Heavens which is perpendicular in what place soever it be; and divideth both the Equinoctial and Horizon of right angles, parting the East part of the Heavens from the West; whose Poles are the intersections of the Horizon and Equator:Wherefore so called. and for that it divideth the Natural day and the Artifi­cial into two even parts, it is called the Meridian or mid-day-circle; for when the Sun cometh to this Circle above the Horizon, it is high noon, and the opposite point under the Horizon or earth is mid-night: all places then according as they are more Oriental or Occidental, have their proper Meridian; and they which lie alike East or West. Know then, that every Meridian is a right Horizon to some places, and every right Horizon a Meridian.

CHAP. XXII. Of the twelve Coelestial Signs, and their manifold divisions.

I Have shewed you the Heavens are divided into twelve equall parts, called Signs, and the Reasons why they are so called: it resteth therefore now, I shew what they are called, with their several Characters▪ and why just the number of twelve, and called by those names, and why they begin at Aries, and not at Taurus, Gemini or Cancer, or any other sign, and so placed; as also of their Natures and significations. But first, let us speak of their divisions, and the several manners there­of, and then proceed.

Know then that the 12. signs are thus named and charactered, Aries ♈, Taurus ♉,The names and characters of the signs. Gemini ♊, Cancer ♋, Leo ♌, Virgo ♍, Libra ♎, Scorpio ♏, Sagittary ♐, Ca­pricorn ♑, Aquaries ♒, and Pisces ♓. Of these signs, there are some of a fiery nature, some of an earthy, others of an aëry, and some of a watry.

What fiery, earthy, aery, and watry.Fiery signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittary; Earthy signs are Taurus, Virgo and Ca­pricorn; Aëry signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquaries; Watry signs are Cancer, Scor­pio and Pisces.

What mascu­line, what fe­minineThere are also some Masculine, and some Feminine; the Masculine are Aries, Ge­mini, Leo, Libra, Sagittary, Aquaries; Feminine are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scor­pio, Capricorn and Pisces. Ever remember the fiery and aëry signs are masculine; ear­thy and watry, feminine. There are also some moveable, others fixed, and some common; moveable signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, Equinoctial & Tropick signs. of which two are Equinoctial, two Tropical; Equinoctial signs are Aries and Libra; Tropick signs Cancer and Capricorn; and these signs as the masculine signs, are so called for that they are hot and dry, and diurnal; the feminine for that they are cold, moist, and nocturnal.

What are moveable, and why called moveable. What fixed, and why term­ed fixed.So are these called moveable, because when the Sun enters into any of these signs, the weather and season of the year is moved or changed.

Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquaries; and they are so called, for that the Weather, he being therein, is more permanent (either to heat or cold ac­cording to the season of the year) and fixed. Common signs being between move­able and fixed both in place and nature, are therefore so called; and they are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittary and Pisces. Note that there is among the moveable signs one fiery, one earthy, one aëry and one watry; and so likewise have the fixed and common, for which cause also they are divided into four parts, as answering to the four seasons and quar­ters of the year; viz. Aries, Taurus, and Gemini are the Spring quarter,Signs answer­ing to the sea­sons of the year. for that when the Sun is in these three, it is the Spring Season; when he is in Cancer, Leo and Virgo, it is the Summer Quarter; in Libra, Scorpio and Sagittary Autumn; in Capri­corn, Aquaries and Pisces Winter; which is the reason why the year begins in March when the Sun enters Aries, which is the first sign (so likewise are all the moneths in order attributed to the government of the Coelestial signs) It is the opinion there­fore amongst the learned that the Sun was in the first point or minute of Aries when the World began, whence they judge the general accidents of the World, as the fates and affairs of any Kingdom or place, &c. by the Sun his Revolution to the first point of Aries.

What signs are northern, and southern, and why so called.There are also some signs Austral or Southern, others Boreal or Northern: Sou­thern signs are Libra, Scorpio, Sagittary, Capricorn, Aquaries and Pisces; these are called Southern, for that they decline Southward from the Equinoctial: Northern signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo: and these are so called for that they decline from the Equinoctial Northward.

Bicorporeal signs.Bicorporeal signs are Gemini, Pisces and the first part of Sagittary being double-bodied as twins, &c.

What signs are fruitful, barren, humane, feral and mute.There are also fruitfull, barren, humane, feral and mute signs; fruitful signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces; barren signs are Gemini, Leo, and Virgo; humane or courteous signs are Gemini, Virgo, Libra and Aquaries: feral signs are Leo, and the last part of Sagittary; and mute signs or flow of speech are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, especially if Mercury be in any of them in Conjunction, Quadrat or Opposi­tion of Saturn; he causeth also an ill utterance in any sign in the aforesaid aspects of Saturn.

What are com­manding, obey­ing, of long and short ascention.There are also in the divisions of the signs, signs commanding and obeying; signs of long ascention, and signs of short ascention: signs commanding are Aries, Tau­rus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo; signs obeying are Libra, Scorpio, Sagittary, Capri­corn, Aquaries and Sagittary: Signs of short or oblique ascentions are Cancer, Leo, Vir­go, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittary: Signs of short or oblique ascentions are Capricorn, Aquaries, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini.

There are also some signs that are whole and intire, others broken; some fortu­nate, [Page 82]others unfortunate; some sweet; others bitter; whole, are Libra, Aquaries, Gemini, Virgo: broken, are Leo, Pisces: fortunate, are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sa­gittary, Aquaries: unfortunate, are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces: sweet signs are, Gemini, Libra, Aquaries: bitter, Aries, Leo, Sagittary.

There are also weak signs and strong; weak signs are, Aries, Sagittary and Capri­corn: strong are, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquaries.

Note also that by the several places of the Heavens some signs have contrary ope­rations, in divers places; as Taurus in the East quarter of Heaven, is inclining to heat, or luke-warm; in the West cold. Gemini in the East is hot and dry, in the West cold and moist. Cancer in the East is hot and dry, in the West cold and moist. Leo in the East is hot and dry, in the West cold and moist. Virgo in the East is hot and warm, in the West cold and moist. Sagittary in the East cold and moist, in the West hot and dry. Capricorn in the East is cold and dry, in the West cold and moist. A­quaries in both East and West is cold and moist. Pisces also cold and moist both in East and West. This will be necessary for the judging of weather.

CHAP. XXIII. Shewing the use which is to be made of the former Chapter.

LEarn now the use which is to be made of all this; if in any scheam or figure of Heaven you find a masculine sign ascending, and the Lord of the ascendant in a masculine sign, or beheld of a masculine Planet in a masculine sign, then is the nature and actions of the thing in question, or signified, masculine; if in femi­nine signs, the contrary, being more effeminate.

So likewise if the Ascendant, his Lord and the Planets beholding them be in mo­vable signs, the thing denoted by the Ascendant is fickle, unconstant, and wavering in all particulars: if the abovesaid testimonies be through fixed signs, the contrary; if in common signs, neither perfectly constant nor fickle, yet both, sometimes the one way, and sometimes the other.

Also, if the aforesaid testimonies be in feral signs, the thing signified is of the na­ture and temper of that beast represented by the sign, as if Leo be the sign ascending, it is then bold, strong, couragious, stately, hot and dry, &c. If Taurus, it is solid, staid and resolved, yet of a slow muddy condition, cold and earthy.

Likewise if in any figure of the Heavens the sign ascending be a fruitfull sign, and the sign of the fifth house a fruitfull sign also, and the Lords of the ascendant and fifth and the Moon be in fruitfull signs, it denotes fruitfulness.

So, if the sign ascending be a humane sign, and the Lord of the Ascendant and the Moon in humane signs, accordingly doth it signifie, as hereafter will more large­ly be shown; so likewise of all the rest, &c.

CHAP. XXIV. Demonstrating the Reasons of the names of the twelve signs; and why there are just twelve, and neither more nor less.

LEt us now descend to the several divisions of the signs: it resteth now you know why they are so called, and wherefore there are no more nor less then twelve, which according to Albumazer and Bonatus, is for these Reasons: First, as all things are made of the four Elements, which are subject to the signs, every sign through the whole Circle of Heaven ruling one element or other: now there are four elements, every sign-being over them; and they divided into three parts, as having relation to beginning, middle and end, as there is in all works, make just the number of 12. Besides the number 12. is so compleat a number, as none is to com­pare with it; it having more particular divisions then any other number, there being therein three fours, and four threes; two sixes and six twoes: besides they are so constituted from the division of the Heaven (as you have heard already) divided in­to twelve parts, every part being a sign; the first called Aries, the second Taurus, the third Gemini, &c.

The reason why Aries is called by that name.The reason why they are called by these names, are briefly thus; the first sign is called Aries (signifying a Ram,) because when the Sun is therein, he approacheth to his highest point; heat thereby being increased, yet being mixed with the humidity of the preceding Winter, makes the temperature of the ayr hot and moyst, which is ac­cording to the complexion of the Ram: but there are some of the Ancients say that the stars in the signs being particularly observed, and as it were measured with a line the one from the other, they resemble each the thing they are nominated.

The second sign is called Taurus (signifying a Bull) because the Sun being there­in,Why ♉. the heat is more fixt and fortified, and the moisture consumed or expelled; the temperature of the ayr tending rather to dryness, which resembleth the nature of a Bull.

The third sign is named Gemini (signifying Twins) because the Sun therein cau­seth a reduplication of heat; and all Creatures couple and ingender,Why ♊. every thing de­lighting in its mate.

The fourth sign is called Cancer (signifying a Crab) because the Sun being there­in,Why ♋. goeth, as it were, backward, (after the nature of the Crab) retiring towards the Equinoctial from whence he came, declining contrary to that of the Twins.

The fifth sign is called Leo (signifying a Lion) because the Sun being therein,Why ♌. the heat is increased in great strength and dryness, after the nature of the Lion, which is of a strong, hot and dry nature.

The fifth sign is called Virgo (signifying a maid) because the Sun therein hath his heat diminished, and dryness ruleth, so that things cease to increase,Why ♍. and the earth becometh barren; being of the nature of a Virgin, who is naturally tending to cold rather then heat, and is of her self barren.

The seventh sign is called Libra (signifying Balance) for that the Sun being therein, both the length of the days and nights, as also the temper of the ayr,Why ♎. are in balance, as it were neither inclining one way nor other; the days and nights being of an equal length through the whole World; and the temperature of the ayr be­tween the decayed heat of Summer, and the approaching cold of winter, is neither tending one way or other, but as it were in a balance.

The eighth is called Scorpio (signifying a Scorpion) because when the Sun is there­in, cold and dryness is predominate, which are obnoxious to nature,Why ♏. and by reason [Page 84]the natural temper of the ayr is hot and moyst; the ayr is thereby corrupted, so that dangerous diseases are ingendred thereby, as pestilential Feavers, Plagues and the like.

The ninth sign is called Sagittarius (signifying an Archer or one using to cast darts) because the Sun being therein,Why ♐. the heat is overcome by cold, whereupon ensue Fogs and Frosts, and such like, being (for the nature of the mischief and hurt they do) as obnoxious, or equivalent to venemous Arrows or Darts.

The tenth sign is named Capricornus (signifying a Goat) because the Sun being therein is farthest from the vertical point:Why ♑. so that by reason of the cold mixed with dryness, and the want of heat, which at that time is, the nature and disposition of the ayr is melancholy, after the nature of the Goat.

The eleventh sign is called Aquaries (signifying a Waterman, Why ♒. or one pouring wa­ter) because when the Sun is in this sign, dryness is overcome by moisture beginning, yet the cold remaining, which causeth the temper of the ayr to be cold and moist, af­ter the nature of water.

The twelfth sign is named Pisces (signifying [...]shes) for that when the Sun is there­in,Why ♓. the ayr is inclined to cold and moisture, yet [...]ng some small heat, after the na­ture of Fishes who are cold and moyst by reason [...] [...]eir Element the water, yet they retain some little natural h [...] so the ayr is then fo [...] what participating of some small quantity of heat, by re [...] [...] Suns approach to [...] equinoctial point.

And thus much concerning [...] of the names of the [...]welve Coelestial signs; we come now to shew the Reason [...] reckoned from Aries, and so in or­der to Pisces, and not from Taurus [...] sign; as also the Reasons why they are not placed according to the order o [...] [...] [...]ents, viz. F [...]e Ayr, Water and Earth, but first a fiery sign, next an [...] [...]hen an aëry, and lastly a wa­try, &c.

CHAP. XXV. Shewing the Reasons why the signs are reckoned from Aries, and not from any other sign; as also why they are not placed according to the order of the four Elements.

I Have said before, my intention in all these my Writings, is not to treat of any thing that hath been already delivered to the Students of this noble Art by the wel-willers thereof, in a plain manner, and our vulgar tongue, farther then to give me occasion for what is my drift, viz. to render to my loving Countrey­men and wel-willers of this Science, the reasons and grounds of the Art, according to the most rational of the Antients, that they may be both confirmed in their way, as also the better able to answer the weak Arguments, or rather cavils of their puny Antagonists, I mean the vain-glorious ignorant praters and scriblers against this Heavenly Science. I come therefore now, God enabling me, to shew you the Reasons of the Ancients why the signs are still reckoned from Aries, and so forward, since the Zodiack as well as the Heavens is round; and what is round hath no begin­ning, and what hath no beginning must needs have no ending; and what wanteth beginning and ending, must needs have no middle: yet the twelve Coelestial signs are said to begin at Aries, which is called the first, and so forward to Taurus, which is the second, to Pisces which is the twelfth and last, for these reasons.

Why we reckon from ♈, and not from any other sign.First, because the Equator cutteth and divideth the Circle of the Zodiack in the beginning of Aries, and also the opposite sign Libra; so that six signs are Northern, [Page 85]and six Southern; but the reason why the beginning is from Aries, and not from Li­bra, is for that that part which is Northern is stronger and of more force, efficacy and power, and is more noble then that which is Southern; and Aries is the first Nor­thern sign, and so are all to the latter end of Virgo; the rest are Southern, or decli­ning Southward; wherefore since by all in general, the Northern signs are account­ed stronger, and more noble then the Southern, did the Ancients appoint Aries the first of the signs, it being the first of them.

Other reasons.Secondly, the Ancients began to number the signs from Aries, for that when the Sun enters into Aries, all things increase and multiply; the days increase in length, the Trees flourish, the earth brings forth fruit, and all things are as it were revived or raised from [...]th, being to outward appearance (as it were) by the preceding Win­ter barren an [...] [...]ead; also when Sol enters Aries, it is the beginning or chief prin­cipium of the [...], causing every thing to receive vigour and strength, resembling youth, which is [...]me and most pleasant time, and beginning of life, &c. which are the reasons wh [...] Ancient have named Aries the first of the signs. Aries is a fiery sign, and [...] [...]nto him they have placed Taurus which is an earthy sign; after him Gemini a [...] aëry, [...]d then Cancer which is a watry sign; and then again beginning with a [...] sign, t [...]en an earthy one, after an aëry, and lastly a wa­try, and so following t [...] [...] orde [...] [...]hroughout the twelve signs, and not accord­ing to the order of the fo [...] [...]en [...]s, [...]iz. Fire, Ayr, Water and Earth; but the rea­sons hereof are briefly th [...] [...] we [...]ill hasten to conclude this our first Trea­tise, being meerly an In [...]y [...]course before we come to peruse the fol­lowing Tracts.

Yet if you finde any be [...] [...] by, I shall be very glad, and esteem my pains well bestowed; for my [...] to benefit young Students, that they may give reasons and grounds for [...] [...]rt, as I said before; I write not to the learn­ed, but to such as these, for [...] I [...]ook these pains, knowing they may happily (by some ignorant Antagon [...] and enemy to the Art) be questioned where­fore such and such things are held by them, &c.

Why the signs are not placed according to the order of the four Ele­ments.But let us proceed; the Ancients then (as abovesaid) have placed first a fiery sign, then an earthy sign, after an aëry, and lastly a watry sign for di­vers good Reasons; first then, for that the four Elements receive an alteration and corruption one with the other by the incessant motion of the Coelestial signs, of which corruption and alteration there are generated four special qualities incident to elementary bodies, viz. Generation, Conservation, Corruption and Destruction. Now for that Generation is the chief and more noble quality, they began with that sign which is the author of Generation; viz. a fiery; Next unto which quality is conservation, fixation, durability or continuance, which is caused by those signs by which nature is moved to constancy or duration, as corruptible things re­ceive permanency and fixation, and they are earthy; After which is corruption the more inferiour quality; wherefore they placed in the third place that sign which is author thereof (according to that of Aristotle, Aer vita est vivorum, destructio mortuorum: Ayr is the life of every living thing, but the death or corruption of eve­ry dead thing) viz. an Aëry sign. Lastly, the most ignoble and rejected is destruction, which is caused by the watry signs, wherefore they placed in the fourth place a watry sign.

Secondly, they have placed the signs in this manner, for that heat and cold are active: Drought and moisture passive; and heat being strong and more noble then cold, signifying or causing generation, as most deserving, is placed first, viz. a fiery sign; so likewise for that dryness is the stronger of the Patients▪ it is put first of them, and next after heat, being an earthy sign, cause of durability, and therefore placed next to generation; and because corruption goeth before, de­struction is an aëry sign placed before the watry; and because generation is the first beginning of any living thing, and therefore first placed, so is destruction being the last, placed last; continuation and corruption in the middle, &c.

They have also thus appointed the order of the signs, and placed a fiery sign first, for that heat ruleth in fire, by which all things are quickned and vivifyed, and there­fore being the more noble quality (as abovesaid) they place it first; and next unto it an earthy sign, by reason of the nearness of its quality with heat, it being a dry substance: after it they place an aëry sign, and preceding the watry, as participating with the humidity thereof; and lastly, is the watry sign placed last, as the fiery is first, being contrary thereunto in nature and quality; the passives being placed in the middle between the actives, which are placed in the extreams. There are several other rea­sons may be produced for this order of the signs, but one or two may suffice to put to silence any caviller against this most noble Art: let us therefore now look into the natures and significations of the signs.

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Nature, Signification and Equality of the Signs; and first of Aries.

The quality and property of ♈. Description signified by ♈. ARies then is an Equinoctial, Cardinal, Diurnal, Moveable, Fiery, Cholerick, Hot and Dry, Bestial, Luxurious, Violent Sign; Eastern, and of the fiery Triplicity.

Diseases.A dry body, of middle stature, lean and spare, big bones, strong, thick shoul­ders, a long neck, long visage, and a swarthish complexion.

Pimples and heat in the face, hare-lips, ring-worms, small-pox, and all infirmities and diseases incident to the face; Head-ach, Tooth-ach, Apoplexy, Megrims, Bald­ness and Falling-sickness, and all diseases of the head.

Malchidael. Angel. Colours. Places.

White mixed with red.

Sandy, dry, hilly grounds, and all places where small cattell use to feed; the seil­ing in houses, new ploughed lands, brick and lime kills, and unfrequented places.

England, Regions. France, Bastarnea, Syria, Palestina, the upper Burgandy, Germany, Swetheland, the upper Silesia, the lesser Poland, Denmark, Judea.

Naples, Cities. Capua, Ancova, Imola, Ferraria, Florenea, Verona, Lindavia, Bruns­wick, Cracovia, Massilia, Seragosse, Berganum, Caesaria, Padua, Augusta, Ʋtrecht.

In man. The head and face.

To divide here every Region of the World, according to the division of the Hea­vens into four parts answering to the four Triplicities, would but spend time and Pa­per, and hinder me from hasting to what I rather drive at: Wherefore since to every sign you have declared the Regions and Cities subject to the same; I pass by the other in this place, and refer my Reader to the perusal of the second and third Chapters of the second Book of Ptolomies Quadripartite, to be therein instructed.

Of Taurus.

The quality and property of ♉. Description signified by ♉. Taurus, is an earthy, cold, dry, melancholy, domestick, feminine, fixed, noctur­nal, bestial sign; Southern, and of the earthy Triplicity.

A strong, short, well-set body, a full face, broad forehead, big eyes, a large mouth, thick lips, a short big hand, black hair, and it curling or crisping.

Diseases. All infirmities in the neck and throat, Kings-evil, Wens, sore throats, Quinsies, Imposthumes and Rhumes in the throat or neck, &c.

Asmodel.

Angel. Colours. Places. White mixed with Citrin.

Stables, Cow or Ox-houses, and such places where their Furniture or Harnesses are laid or kept; Pastures, plain grounds, and such places as are made level and plain, ei­ther on purpose, or by digging up Trees and Shrubs; Corn-fields, and such fields as 07 are far from houses, and in houses cellars and low ground rooms.

Persia, Media, Parthia, Cyprus, the Ilands of Archipelages, the lesser Asia, Regions. white Russia, the greater Poland, Ireland, Lorain, Helvetia, Rhetia, Franoamia, Switzerland.

Mantua, Bononia, Parma, Senas, Tarentum, Burgus a Castle in Spain,Cities.Pano­ruma, the head of Histria, Brixia, Tigurum, Lucerna, Vanceium, Metis, Her­bipolis, Carolastadium, Liepsia, Nants, Posua, Guesma, Novogardi.

In man. The neck and throat.

Of Gemini.

The quality and property of ♊. Description signified by ♊. Gemini is an aëry, hot, moyst, sanguine, common, double-bodied, masculine, diurnal, Western sign, and of the aëry triplicity.

It denotes a tall strait body, a sanguine complexion, but somewhat swarthy, a dark brown hair or almost black, one of a wanton hazel eye, active in body, and of a judicious understanding spirit, but somewhat worldly-minded.

Diseases. All infirmities in the arms or shoulders, also those of the hands, frenzies, distem­pers, corruption of blood, wind in the veins, &c.

Ambriel.

Angel. Colour. Places. White mixed with red.

Halls, Wainscot-rooms, Plaistring and Walls of Houses, Barns or Store-houses for Corn, Coffers and Chests, Hills and Mountains, upper rooms or high places; also such places where play is used.

The West and Southwest of England, Brabant, Flanders, Armenia, Regions. Lom­bardy, &c.

London, Mentz, Corduba, Bruges, Hasford, Cesena, Norrinberg, Lovain, Cities. Bam­berg, &c.

In man.The arms, hands and shoulders.

Of Cancer.

The quality and property of ♋. Description signified by ♋. Cancer is a watry, moyst, cold, foeminine, flegmatick, Northern, moveable, mute fruitfull, Nocturnal and Solstice sign, of the watry triplicity.

It generally denotes one of a low and short stature, the upper parts more big then the lower, sad brown hair, little eyes and those gray, of a sickly, pale, whitely com­plexion, a round visage.

Diseases. It signifieth imperfections all over the body, or in the breast and stomack and paps, weak digestion, Tysicks, rotten coughs, Cancers in the breasts, salt flegme, Imposthu­mations in the stomack, and Dropical Humours.

Muriel. Angel. Colours. Places.

Green or russet.

The Sea, great and large Rivers, places near Rivers, marshy grounds, Ponds, Lakes, Wells, Springs, Brooks, Ditches and Sea-banks, all watry places, Trenches, Cisterns, Wash houses and Cellars.

Regions and Cities. Scotland, Holland, Zealand, Constantinople, York, St. Andrews, Venice, Algier, Genoa, Amsterdam, Tunis, Magdenberg, Prousia, Millan, Wittenberg, St. Cadiz, and St. Lucas.

In man. Cancer Rules in man the breast and stomack.

Of Leo.

The quality and property of ♌. Description signified by ♌. Leo is a fiery, hot, dry, masculine, diurnal, Eastern, cholerick, barren, command­ing, bestial sign, of the fiery triplicity.

Leo denoteth one of a full and large body in the beginning of the sign; the latter part giveth a more spare and lean body, and a black or dark hair; the first part giveth a flaxen or yellowish hair, big eyes, a fierce countenance or sprightly look, quick­sighted, valiant and active in body, of an oval visage, ruddy or sanguine complexion, yet somewhat mixt with obscurity.

Diseases. All infirmities of the back, ribs and sides, as pains in the back, Convulsions, Plu­risies, &c. also passions and tremblings of the heart, violent and burning Feavers, Yellow-Jaundies, the Plague or Pestilence, and sore eyes.

Verchiel. Angel. Colours. Places.

Red or Green.

All Place where wilde beasts frequent, as Woods, Deserts, Fens, Forrests, Rocky places, and hard stony or gravelly ways, Castles, Forts, Parks, Kings Palaces; all such places where fire is, or hath been kept, as Chimneys, Stoves, Furnaces, Ovens, and the like.

Italy, Regions. the Alps, Sicilia, Bohemia, Phoenicia, Chaldea, Aemilia, part of Turky, Sa­bina, Togata, Orichemia.

Damascus, Cities. Rome, Revenna, Cremona, Confluentia, Prague, Linzinus, Cremisium, Croton and Bristol.

In man.The heart, back, sides and ribs.

Of Virgo.

The quality and property of ♍. Description signifie by ♍. Virgo is an earthy, cold, dry, barren, foeminine, Southern, nocturnal, melancholy sign, of the earthy triplicity.

A slender body, somewhat above the middle stature, decently and handsomly com­posed, a ruddy brown complexion, black or dark brown hair, an handsom & lovely per­son, but of no great beauty; witty, discreet, ingenious and judicious in worldly af­fairs; and if it be free from the malevolent aspects of Saturn, and its body, as also Mercury, the Native will be a good Orator; but the body or aspect of Saturn to Mer­cury, or the Ascendant, hindreth good utterance; it denotes also one studious, of an excellent understanding, yet somewhat unstable, a long or oval visage, and the hair long, and not curling, but smooth, &c.

Diseases. All infirmities of the belly, wind-cholick, worms, obstructions in the mese­raick veins, and in the bowels, infirmness in the stones, croking of the guts.

Hamaliel. Angel. Colours. Places.

Black speckled with blew.

A study where Books are, Closets, Dayrie-houses, Corn-fields, Malt-houses, Store-houses for Corn, Hay, Barley, Pease or Wheat Ricks.

Babylon, Regions. Mesopotamia, Assyria, Achaia, Greece, Croatia, Corinthia, Athesina, Creet, the Dutchy of Athens, part of Gallia Comata, part of Rhenus, and the lower Silesia.

Jerusalem, Cities. Corinth, Novaria, Rhodes, Arethium, Cumas, Brundusium, Padua, To­losa, Lugdunum, Paris, Basil, Cratislavia, Heidelburg, Sigina, Erphordia.

In man.The Belly and Intrals.

Of Libra.

The quality and property of ♎. Description signified by ♎. Libra is an aëry, sanguine, hot and moist, equinoctial, cardinal, moveable, mascu­line, western, diurnal and humane sign; and of the aëry triplicity.

One of a tall, straight, well framed body, usually more slender then gross, especi­ally in youth; of a round, lovely and beautifull visage, a fine sanguine complexion in youth, but in age commonly pimples or a very high colour in the face, the hair yellowish, or somewhat tending to flaxen, but it long and smooth, and gray eyes.

All infirmities in the reins, as the gravel, stone in the reins, back, kidneys, heats and diseases in the loyns, impostumes or ulcers in the reins, bladder, or kidneys, corrupti­on of blood, and weakness in the back.

Zuriel. Angel. Colours. Places.

Black, dark crimson, or tawny colour.

Ground neer Wind-mils, Barns, and Out-houses, Saw-pits, such places as there is any Wood cut in, tops of Mountains and Hills, grounds where hawking or hunting is used, sandy and gravelly places, the upper rooms in houses, one chamber within another, Garrets, Lofts, &c.

Bastriana, Caspia, Seres, Oasis, Aethiopia, Sabandia, Alsatia, Sundgavia, Regions. Li­vonia, Austria, Pannonia, Portugal, the Dukedom of Savoy.

Olysiponis, Arefatum, Caieta, Lauda, Suessa, Placentia, Friburgia, Argentina, Cities. Veldkirchium, Spira, Francofordia, Halafrisinga, Heilprima, Mosbachium, Landshuta, Vienna of Austria.

In man.The reins, kidneys and bladder.

Of Scorpio.

The quality and property of ♏. Description signified by ♏. Scorpio is a watry, cold, flegmatick, feminine, nocturnal, fixed, northern sign, of the watry Trigon.

A strong able corpulent body, not exceeding in height, a good broad visage, but the complexion somewhat obscure, a sad brown hair, and it crisping or curling, an hairy body, short necked, and a strong set body every way, but commonly bowe­legged.

Diseases. All infirmities in the Privities and Bladder, as the gravel, stone, priapism, ruptures, Fistulaes, the Pyles, Defects in the Matrix, and running of the reins or Go­norrhea.

Baraluel. Angel. Colours. Places.

Brown.

All such places as creeping and venemous beasts use, Gardens, Orchards, Vine­yards, muddy moorish grounds, stinking Lakes, and Quagmires and sinks in houses, ruinous houses, and such places where rubbish uses to lie, the wash-houses, Kitchin or Larder.

Matragonitida, Commagena, Cappadocia, Iudaea, Idumaea, Mauritania, Regions. Getulia, Catalonia, Norwegia, the Western Swecia, and the upper Bavaria, the king­dom of Fez.

Algera, Valentia of Spain, Trapizuntius, Vrbinum, Aquileia, Pistoria, Cities. Came­rinum, Petavium, Messana, Viena of the Allobroges, Gedamun, Crema, Ariminum, Forum Julii.

The privy parts or members of generation.

Of Sagittarius.

The quality and property of ♐ Description signified by ♐. Sagittarius is a fiery, hot, dry, masculine, cholerick, diurnal, Eastern, common, Bicorporial sign; of the fiery Trigon.

It represents one of a well composed strong body, somewhat above the middle size, a handsom comely countenance, somewhat longish visage, a ruddy sanguine com­plexion, a chesnut coloured hair.

Diseases. All infirmities in the thighs and buttocks, as Ruptures and Fistulaes in those parts: also over-heating of the blood, Pestilential Feavers, intemperateness in recreations, falls from horses, &c.

Advachiel. Angel. Colour. Places.

Yellow or green tending somewhat to red.

A Stable of War-horses, Ox-houses, the highest places in Land, Hills, Stony places, and places where fire is or hath been frequently kept, the upper rooms in houses.

Arabia Felix, Tyrrhenia, Celtica, Hyspania, Dalmatia, Slavonia, Hungaria, Mo­ravia,Regions.Misnia, Provincia, Lyguria where Genua is, Lunesana.

Toletum, Cities. Volaterrae, Mutina, Narbona, Avininion, Colonia, Agrippina, Stut­gardia, Rotemburgus, Tuberinum, Indemburgus, Buda, Astum, Firmum.

In man.The thighs and buttocks.

Of Capricornus.

The quality and property of ♏ Description signified by ♏. Capricorn is an earthy, cold, dry, melancholy, feminine, nocturnal, movable, cardinal, solsticial, domestick, southern, fourfooted sign; of the earthy triplicity.

One of a mean stature, of a dry constitution, and usually one of a long thin and lean visage; a thin beard, black hair, a narrow brest, long small neck, narrow chin.

Diseases. All diseases incident to the knees, either by strains, fractures or otherways, the le­prosie, itch and scab.

Hanael. Angel.

Colour. Black or russet or a dark obscure brown.

Places. Ox or Cow-houses, and such places, as the Implements of Cattel are put in; also where sails for ships, or old wood is laid, sheep-pens, grounds where sheep and other Cattel feed, Fallow ground, barren and thorny grounds, dung-hills, low rooms in houses, dark places neer the ground, &c.

India, Regions. Ariana, Macedonia, Illyria, Thracia, Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria, Grecia, Massovia, Lithvania, Saxony, Morea, the Orcades, Stiria, Romandiola, the south west part of Saxony, Marchia, Hassia, Turingia.

Juliacum, Cities. Chevonia, Berga, Meclinia, Gaudanum, Vilna, Oxford in England, Bran­denburg, Angusta, Constantia, Derrhona, Faventia, Tortona, Pratum.

In man. The knees.

Of Aquaries.

The quality and property of ♒ Aquaries is an aëry, hot, moist, rational, fixed, humane, diurnal, sanguine, mas­culine, Western sign; of the aëry triplicity.

Description signified by ♒. It shews one of a tall well-set thick corporature, of a strong body, of a long vi­sage, sanguine complexion; if Saturn be therein, he gives black hair; otherwise commonly the party signified thereby, is of a fair flaxen hair, and of a paler whi­ter countenance.

Diseases. All infirmities in the legs or ancles, as Gouts, Cramps, and all melancholy wind in the veins or blood.

Cambiel. Angel. Colour. Places.

A skie-colour or blew.

Hilly and uneven places, places newly dig'd, Stone-quarries, Mines broken up, roofs of houses, or the upper parts thereof, vineyards, &c.

Oxiana, Sogdiana, the Desert of Arabia Paetrea, Azania, Sarmatia, Regions. Great Tar­tary, Walachia, red Russia, Dania, the South part of Swecia, Westphalia, Mosselani, Pedemontium, part of Bavaria, Croacia, Germany, Muscovia.

Hamburgum, Breva, Monsferatus, Pisaurum in Italy, Salisburgus, Ingolstadius, Cities. In man. Forum Sempronium, Trent.

The legs and ancles.

Of Pisces.

The quality and property of ♓. Description signified by ♓. Pisces is a watry, cold, moist, feminine, flegmatick, nocturnal, common, Bicorpo­real, Northern, effeminate, idle, sickly, fruitfull sign, and of the watry Trigon.

One of a short stature, not very decent; yet I have known those that have had Pisces ascending in their Nativities of a tall stature, and somewhat handsomly sha­ped; but it hath been when there was a Planet in the ascendent of that power and signification: Pisces commonly gives a good large face, and a palish complexion, the body fleshy, &c.

Diseases. All diseases in the feet, as Aches, Lameness, Gout, Salt-flegm, Scabs. Itch, Botches and Boils, Breakings out and Ulcers, proceeding from blood putrified, also cold and moist diseases.

Barchiel. Angel. Colour. Places.

A white glittering colour.

It signifies grounds full of water, Springs, Fish-ponds, Rivers, places where Hermitages have been, Water-mils, Moats about houses, Wells, Pomps, Conduits, Cisterns, and those places in houses where water is most frequent.

Phazonia, Nazomonitidis, Garamatis, Lydid, Pamphilia, Cilicia, Calabria, Portu­gal, Regions. Normandia, Galitia, Lusitania, Egupta.

Alexandria, Sibilia or Hyspalis, Compostella, Parantium, Rhotomagum, Normatia, Cities. Ratisporia, Worms.

In man. The feet.

Thus much of the nature, qualities and significations of the signs; we come now to the Aspects of the Planets, and to say somewhat of them, and so proceed.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Aspects of the Planets and Signs, their Names, Characters and Natures, and wherefore they were so named and charactered.

MAny new Aspects there are which we shall here omit, and here treat only of those Aspects of the Planets and signs which are most usual and necessary. And they are thus called and charactered, Sextile ⚹, Quartile □, Trine △, and Opposition ☍: We omit here to speak of Keplers new Aspects, since these are the most necessary in the practise of this study. There is also a Conjunction thus Charactered ☌,Of a ☌. which is not properly termed an Aspect, since a Planet is then said to be in Conjunction with another when he is in the self same degree and minute of one and the same sign the other is in, and therefore cannot properly be said to be­hold or Aspect him,Its nature. but is in ☌ with him: this ☌ is of nature neither good nor bad, but according to the significators and their dispositions and places is both, viz. some­times good, and some times bad.

A Sextile is so called,Of a ⚹. for that it is the sixth part of the Zodiack, and is there­fore charactered in this manner ⚹ with six strokes; it consisteth of 60. deg. in length; as a Planet in the first degree of Aries, beholdeth another in the first degree of Gemini with a ⚹ Aspect. Also if a Planet be in the first degree of Aries, he beholdeth ano­ther in the fifth degree of Gemini, Of a Platick aspect. with a ⚹; and this is called a Platick Aspect, ad­mitting of the Orbs of the Planets in Aspect; as Saturn in the 15. degree of Aries, and Jupiter in the 23: deg. of Gemini; Jupiter is in a ⚹ of Saturn by reason he is not fully elongated 9 deg. which the half orb of Saturn and Iupiter maketh, as Saturns half orb being 4. deg. and a half, and Iupiters 4. d. and a half, added together make just nine deg. and here you see them but 8. deg. separated from a Partile aspect,Of a Partil aspect. which is when they are both in one and the same number of degrees and minutes as above­said. The use thereof is only thus; if in any scheme or judgement whatso­ever you finde the Significators in a Sextile Platick, you may be con­fident (if your light or Planet be applying) your business signified by those Signifi­cators shall be accomplished when they come to the Partil aspect, especially if the more weighty Planet be retrograde or in reception by house or exaltation with the more light; if they are separating and without reception, the contrary; for by how much they are separated from the Partil aspect, by so much the more unlikely is the busi­ness signified by the significators so separating to come to a conclusion; but look when they are fully separated by the mediety of their Orbs, and about that time shall the business be fully broken of, except one of the Significators be just then Stationary, and then immediatly apply again, for then it hangeth in some suspence, and after a while beginneth afresh,The reason why ⚹ and △ are good, □ and ☍ bad. &c. But you must note that application by ⚹ or △ is good, for they are Aspects of love, amity and Friendship; yet the △ is more forcible and bet­ter, for that a Planet in △ with another is out of houses of the one and the same na­ture, as fire with fire, earth with earth, water with water, and ayr with ayr. A ⚹ is by a fiery with an aëry, or earthy with watry, and therefore is not altogether so good as a △, for that these agree not in every point; for fire is hot and dry, ayr hot and moist, agreeing partly, viz. in heat: so likewise earth and water; the earth is cold and dry, the water cold and moist, agreeing in coldness; for which reason a ⚹ is accounted indifferent good, and so likewise note that a □ and ☍ are naught, and of enmity and discord, quite contrary to the other, yet the ☍ is the worse, &c.

A Quartile is so called,Of a □. for that it is the fourth part of the Zodiack, and is charactered four square □; it consisteth of 90 deg. in length, and four times 90 deg. is 360. deg. you must know a Partil and Platick □ by the same rule you know a ⚹, [Page 93]and so of all the rest, viz. △, and ☍ But note that a business brought to pass by the □ or ☍ of the significators, causeth much discontent and sadness, so that the business had better never been done, &c.

A Trine is the third part of the Zodiack;Of a △. and is therefore charactered three square and triangled △; consisting of 120. deg. and three times 120. deg. maketh just 360. deg.

An Opposition ☍, is that aspect which divideth the Zodiack in two equal parts,Of an ☍. and is therefore charactered with a line between two round o's ☍ intimating the direct op­position of the Orbs of two Planets; and it consisteth of 180. deg. &c.

Of Dexter and sinister aspects. There is also an aspect which the Ancients called Dexter and Sinister; a Dexter aspect is contrary to the succession of the signs; a Sinister is according to the succes­sion of the signs; as a Planet in Aries beholding another in Leo, is a △ aspect Sini­ster; a Planet in Aries beholding another in Sagittary is a 🜄 Dexter; the Dexter is not so good as the Sinister. Here I may also give you some other reasons why one aspect is better then another (which I had almost forgot) which is in respect of the Luminaries; for as the Sun is Fons vitae, the fountain of life;Other reasons for the good­ness and bad­ness of the aspects. so is the Moon of main power and efficacy by her forcible influence on inferiour bodies, bring­ing the light and influence of all the other Planets to us. I say in respect of them are the aspects termed good or evil: for Saturns houses behold the houses of the Luminaries with an ☍, which is the worst of Aspects by reason he is the worst of Planets: In like manner a △ aspect is the most fortunate and best, for that the houses of the best and most temperate Planet Jupiter, beholdeth the houses of the Luminaries with a Trine aspect, even as Capricorn is opposite to Cancer, and Aquaries to Leo; so is Pisces in Trine to Cancer, and Sagittary to Leo: and so is a Quartile the lesser malevolent aspect, for that the houses of the lesser fortune, viz. Mars, behold the houses of the Luminaries with a Quartile, viz. Aries is in Quar­tile to Cancer, and Scorpio to Leo; neither is this aspect so bad as is an Opposition, for that Scorpio one of his houses is in Trine to Cancer the house of Luna: Likewise a Sextile being from the houses of the lesser Fortune Venus, is of less force then a Trine, &c. and so much for the aspects of the Planets and Signs.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of the fixed Stars in the Zodiack; wherefore they are called fixed, their number, particular names, natures, magnitudes, la­titudes and longitudes; and first of those in Aries, as they are delivered by the most learned in this Art.

I Come here to say somewhat of the fixed stars, since without the true knowledge thereof our works will be imperfect, I mean our Judge­ments; as also these our labours without them would be but lame and imperfect. I shall but speak of some of the stars chiefly, viz. the most notable, and those of the first, second, third and fourth magnitude, except here and there of some more obscure. I shall refer my Reader, if he be curious herein, to the perusal of Copernicus, Tycho, Lucas Gauricus, Stadius and Sconerus, and what others treat of in this Nature; yet what I here set down may suffice for any judgement whatsoever in the Art of Astrologie, of what part thereof soever it be. The method I follow, is briefly first to declare unto you the number, names, nature, magnitude, latitude and longitude of the most notable fixed stars in the Zodiack, of the first, second, third and fourth magnitude: as also those (of the same magni­tude) both on the North and South part, and these will serve for ever, and in all Regions [Page 94]and places through the whole Globe of the Earth, except their longitudes, which will vary somewhat in respect of the Equinoctial; wherefore I shall only give you the de­grees of their longitudes.

We will begin with Aries being the first sign (as you have already heard) and so forward; but before we begin, I think meet first to let you know, wherefore these stars are called fixed stars, that there may be nothing in the Art which the Student (if occasion serve) may not give a reason for; for it is my desire to have knowledge increase, and ignorance and envy perpetually put to silence: The reason then why they are called fixed stars, is, for that they are indeed fixed and immovable, never stirring, but they are violently carried about with the Heavens by the first mover (as abovesaid) not having any peculiar motion of their own as the Planets have, &c.

But let us now come to the fixed stars, their number, natures, names, magnitudes and latitudes; and first of Aries: in Aries there are twenty five notable fixed stars.

Their num­ber.The names of the Stars.Their Nature.magnitudeTheir latitudeLongitude
 In ♈.  D MD
1Algenib, the end of the right wing of Pegasus.♂ ♃ or ☿212B303 ♈
2Alderaimim, the right shoulder of Cephus.♄ ♃329 008
3The formost of the 3. bright stars in the band of the fishes.♄ P ☿42 158
4Alpheraoz, the Navel of Pegasus, the head of Andromeda.☿226 009
5The hindermost in the tail of the VVhale.♄315M2011
6The middlmost of the 3. bright stars in the band of the fishes.♄ P ☿41B1012
7The middlemost of the 3. in the body of the Whale.♄325M2013
8The last of the 3. bright stars in the band of the fishes.♄ P ☿41 2014
9Baten Kaiton, the belly of the VVhale.♄220 016
10Of Andro­meda the left shoulder blade Sheder.♀324B3316
11Of Andro­meda the small of the left arm.315 3017
12The first middl­most. of the stars after the bowing of the B. of fishes.♄ P ☿42M2018
13The first middl­most. of the stars after the bowing of the B. of fishes.♄ P ☿42 4020
* 14Acarnar, the bright star of the River Eridanus.♃ ♀153 3021
15The latter of the 3. after the bowing of the ban. of the fishes.♄ P ☿47 4522
16The middlemost star of the girdle of Andromeda.♀330B0023
17The northermost of the girdle of Andromeda.332 0023
18The knot of the band of the fishes, or pole of the VVhale.♃ ☿38M3024
19Mirach, the furthermost star of the girdle of Andromeda.♀326B2025
20Angetenar, the turning of the River Eridanus.♄434M5027
21The foremost star in the right horn of the Ram.♄ ♂37B2028
22The southermost of the 2. hindermost stars in the brest of the Whale.♄327M3028
23The foremost in the neck of the Whale.♄44 1029
24The latter star in the right horn of the Ram.♄ ☿38B2029
25The middle of the chair of Cassiopea.♄ ♀351 4029

CHAP. XXIX. Of the Fixed-stars in Taurus, their number, names, nature, magni­tude, latitude, and longitude.

VNto the fixed stars in Taurus we now descend, as they succeed one another in longitude, which are in number thirty five, as followeth.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed StarsTheir Nature.magnit.Their latitude.Longit.
 In ♉.  D M♉
1The foremost in the Jowl of the Whale.♄314M002 0
2Schedar the breast of Cassiopea.♄ ♀346B452
3The point of the Triangle.☿319 002
4The Peruck of the Whale.♄46M203
5The first bright star after the space of the River.♄323 103
6The middle of the mouth of the Whale.311 304
7The left hinder foot of the Ram.♂45 156
8The foremost star in the bottom of the Triangle.☿320B407
9The star on the seat or buttock of Cassiopea.♄ ♀349 008
10The hindermost star in the bottom of the Triangle.☿319B008
11Alamac, the left foot of Andromeda.♀323 008
12The second great star after the space of the River Nilus.♄325M308
13Menkar, the end of the Jaw of the VVhale.♄311 209
14The left knee of Cassiopea.♄ ♀345B3011
15The third great star after the space of the River Nilus.♄328M0013
16The first star of the tail of the Ram.♀41B4015
17The fourth great star after the space of the River Nilus.♄328M5015
18The foremost (without form) from the head of Medusa.♂obs20B4016
19The middlemost star of the tail of the Ram.♀42 3016
20The second northermost star of the four in the partition.♀ P ♄47M1517
21The second northermost of the Bull.46 0017
22The last star of the tail of the Ram.♀41B5018
23The last great star after the space of the River Nilus.♄332M5018
24The right hand of Perseus.♄ ♃clow40B3019
25The head of Argol, Gorgon or Medusa.223 0020
26Of the Pleiades Vir­giliae, Athoray, or Atarage Northermost.♂ & ☽ vel ♃ & ☽54 3023
27Of the Pleiades Vir­giliae, Athoray, or Atarage Southermost.54 4024
28Of the Pleiades Vir­giliae, Athoray, or Atarage Little star.53 0024
29Of the Pleiades Vir­giliae, Athoray, or Atarage Narrow end.55 2025
30The brest of the Bull.♂ ☽38M0025
31The left heel or wing of Perseus.♄ ♃3l12B0025
32Alchenib, a star in the right side of Perseus.230 0026
33The ancle of the left foot of Perseus.3g11 0027
34The third star of the right side of Perseus.327 3029
35The shank of the left leg of Perseus.314 4529

CHAP. XXX. Of the Fixed-Stars in Gemini, their Number, Names, Nature, Mag­nitude, Latitude and Longitude.

DEscend we next unto the most notable fixed stars in Gemini, which are in num­ber thirty six: we will here still follow the same method, to set them down as they follow or succeed each other in longitude.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed StarsTheir Nature.magnit.Their latitude.Longit.
 In II.  D MII
1The left knee of Perseus.♄ ♃319 500 18
2Of Hyades, Lam­pades, or Suculae The Nostrils of the Bull.♂3 l5M450 18
3Of Hyades, Lam­pades, or Suculae Under the North eye of the Bull.3 l4 151
4Of Hyades, Lam­pades, or Suculae Under the South eye of the Bull.3 l5 502
5Of Hyades, Lam­pades, or Suculae In the North eye of the Bull.33 003
*6The eye In the South eye15 104
7The Sixth of the shield of Orion,♄ ♃311 506
8The Seventh of the shield of Orion,317 106
9The Eighth of the shield of Orion,320 206
10The Last and Southermost of the shield of Orion,321 307
11The Star between the South horn and the ear of the Bull.♂ P ☿44 008
* 12Algenze, Algebar, Rigel, or the left foot of Orion.♃131 3010
13Elgeuze, Bellatrix, or the left shoulder of Orion.♂ ☿2g17 3011
14The most Southerly star in the South horn of the Bull.♂ P ☿45 0011
15The formost of the elbow of Auriga.3g18B0013
16The hindermost of the elbow of Auriga,☿ ♀4g18 0013
17The star in the belly of the Hare.☿344M2016
18The first star of the girdle of Orion.♃ ♄224 1016
19The star in the middle of the body of the Hare.☿341 3017
*20Hircus the goat or the left shoulder of Auriga.♂ ☿122B3017
21The right foot of Auriga, the end of the nor. horn of the Bull.♂ P ☿3g5 0017
22The beginning or root of the south horn of the Bull.44M0017
23The foremost of the bright stars by the form of the Dog.♀257 4017
24The middlemost of the sword of Orion.♃ ♄329 3018
25The Southermost of the sword of Orion.329 5018
26The end of the South horn of the Bull.♂ P ☿32 3018
27The middlemost star of the girdle of Orion.♄ ♃224 5018
28The second bright star by the form of the Dog.♀259 4020
29The last of the girdle of Orion.♄ ♃225 3020
30The Pole-star Alrucaba, the tail of Cynosura.♄ P ♀366B0021
31The Right knee of Orion.♄ ♃333M3021
* 32The Right shoulder Orion.117 0023
33The right shoulder of Auriga.♂ ☿220B0024
34The foremost over the foot of Castor without form.☿ ♀400M4025
35Bright one before the knee of Castor without form.4g5B5028
36The foremost of the left foot of Castor. without form.41M3028

CHAP. XXXI. Of the fixed Stars in Cancer, their Number, Names, Nature, Mag­nitude, Latitude and Longitude.

ENter we now on the fourth sign of the Zodiack to treat of the fixed Stars therein, which are in number just Thirty, as followeth.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed Stars.Their nature.Magni.Their Latitud.Longit.
 In ♋.  D. M.♋
1The hindermost of the left foot of Castor.☿ P ♀41 150 18
2The ancle of the right foot of Castor.43 301
3The star at the end of the left forefoot of the Dog.♀341 202
4The right instep of Pollux or Hercules.☿ P ♀37 303
5The left knee of Castor.♄31B304
*6Argos.♄ ♃175M008
*7Canis major, or the mouth of the great Dog.♃ P ♂139 109
8The left knee of Pollux.♄32M309
9The left arm of Castor.47B2010
10The right ham of Pollux.300M4012
11The left buttock of Pollux.300 3013
12The right shoulder blade of Castor.♄45B3013
13The left side of Pollux.33 0014
14The head of Castor or Ras Algeuse.☿29 4014
15The right thigh of the great Dog.♀351M3015
16The right shoulder of Castor.♄44B5015
17The star between the thighs of the great Dog.♀348M4518
18The left shoulder of Pollux.♄41B4018
19The head of Hercules or Pollux.♂26 1518
*20Procyon, Canis minor, Algomeisa the little Dog.☿ P ♂116M1020
21The bright star besides the form of the Twin.♄42M4022
22The end of the tail of the great Dog.♀350 3023
23The hindermost north leg of the Crab.☿ P ♂31B0024
24The most southerly star of the right foot before of Helice.♂328 3026
25The star in the left knee before of Helice.335 0027
26The buckler of the ship, or Markeb.♄ ♃447M1527
27The most northerly star in the right forefoot of Helice.♂329B2028
28The hindermost south leg of the Crab.☿ P ♂4g7M3028
29The northermost of the forepart of the □ of the Crab.♂ ☽4l.1B1529
30The southermost of the forepart of the □ of the Crab.4l1M1029

CHAP. XXXII. Of the fixed Stars in Leo, their Number, Names, Nature, Mag­nitude, Latitude and Longitude.

THe fixed Stars in Leo, are in order next to be treated on, and they are in num­ber Thirty one as followeth.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed Stars.Their nature.Magni.Their Latitud.Longit.
 In ♌.  D. M.♌d
1The cratch or breast of the Crab.♂ ☽cl.0B402
2The Northermost of the two Asses.♂ ☉42 402
3The first of the obscure stars by the form of Helice.♀ ☽obs.23 152
4The southermost of the two Asses.♂ ☉4g00M103
5The second of the obscure stars by Helice.♀ ☽obs.22B453
6A star without form neer the head of Hydra.♄ ♀323M154
7The hindermost of the two in the end of the poop of the ship.♄ ♃343 206
8The third of the obscure stars by the form of Helice.♀ ☽bs.20B007
9The south arm of the Crab.♄ ☿45M308
10The fourth obscure star neer Helice or Ʋrsa Major.☽ ♀obs.22B158
11The southermost star in the left shoulder called Cynosura.♄ ♀237 509
12The star without form neer the Crab.♄ ♂42M4011
13The fourth wheel of the wagon, called Doubly. The shoulder of Helice.♂249B0012
14The mouth of the Lion.♄ ♂47 3012
15The greatest star in the Mast of the ship of Jason.♄ ♃258M2012
16A star neer the Claws of the Crab.♄ ♂4.l5 4013
17The flank of Helice being the third wheel of the wain.♂244B3013
18The Southermost star in the head of the Lion.♄ ♂39 3015
19The Northermost star in the head of the Lion.312 0016
20The northermost in the left shoulder, called Cynosura.♄ ♀274 5017
21The right foreknee of the Lion.♀ P ☿500 0018
22The bright star neer the Hull of the ship.♄ ♃263M5021
23Alphard the bright star of Hydra.♄ ♀28 3021
24The Northermost of the 3. stars of the neck of the Lion.♄ ♀311B0021
25The Southermost of the 3. stars of the neck of the Lion.♀ ☿34 3022
26The Middlemost of the 3. stars of the neck of the Lion.♄ P ☿28 3023
*27The Heart of the Lion, Kalbeleced, Regulus, Basiliscus.♃ ♂100 1024
28The Left fore-paw of the Lion.♄♀ P ☿44M1524
29The rump of Helice, or second wheel of the Wagon.♂351B0024
30The southermost in the breast of the Lion.♄♀ P ☿41M5025
31The left thigh of the great Bear, or the 1 wheel of the Wagon♂346B3025

CHAP. XXXIII. Of the fixed Stars in Virgo, their Number, Names, Nature, Mag­nitude, Latitude and Longitude.

HEard you have already the Nature of the Stars in Leo, it resteth therefore we in order now speak also of the stars in Virgo succeeding, and they are in number Twenty six, as followeth.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed Stars.Their nature.Magni.Their Latitud.Longit.
 In ♍.  D. M.♍
1The southermost bright star in the Keel of the ship Argos.♄ ♃269M400 8
2The left arm pit of the Lion.♄♀ P ☿400M100 48
3The left foreknee of the Lion.44 100 48
4The Northermost of the right hinder foot of Helice.♂325B501
5The Southermost of the right hinder foot of Helice.325 002
6A star without form by the neck of Hydra.♄ ♀326M002
7Alioth the 3. horse of the wain, or the 5. star of the tail of Helice.♂253B303
8The last star on the back of the Lion.♄♀ P ☿213 405
9A star in the Deck or Shrowds of the Ship.♄ P ♃2. l54M305
10A star in the Hull or Bottom of the Ship.265 406
11The southermost star in the hanch of the Lion.♀ ☿39B407
12The foremost of the three under the belly of the Lion.♄ ♀4.l1 108
13A star covering the ship Argos, or on the section of the deck.♄ P ♃251M159
14The middlemost star in the tail of Helice, or the 2d. horse.♂.255B409
15The left side of the Hanch of the Lion.♀ P ☿35 5011
16The hallow of the left thigh of the Lion.41 1513
17The joynt next under the left thigh of the Lion.400M5013
*18Deneb Eleced, the tail of the Lion.♄♀ P ☿111B5016
19Trica the hair of Berenice.♀ ☽obs.30 0016
20The last of the great stars in the bottom of the Ship.♄ P ♃267M2017
21Crater the bottom of the Pitcher.♀ P ☿423 0018
22A star toward the south, from the great Bear.☿239B4519
23The latter of the two southermost stars of the hair of Berenice.♀ ☽obs.25 3020
24The pinion of the left south wing of Virgo.☿ P ♂300 1020
25The 1. horse in the wa [...]n, the last in the tail of Helice, called Benan Elkered, Benenaz.♂254 0021
26The foremost of the four in the left wing of Virgo.☿ P ♀31 1029

CHAP. XXXIV. Of the fixed Stars in Libra, their Names, Number, Nature, Mag­nitude, Longitude and Latitude.

REmember Libra follows Virgo; we have done with the Stars in Virgo; wherefore we are to come now to the Constellations in Libra, and to speak in order of them as of the rest aforegoing, and they are in number Twenty five; as followeth.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed Stars.Their nature.Magni.Their Latitud.Longit.
 In ♎.  D. M.♎
1Praevindimiatrix the grape gatherer in the rig. or nor. w. of ♍♄☿ or ♀315 103
2The second in the left or south wing of the Virgin.32 504
3That in the right side under the girdle of the Virgin.☿ P ♀38 305
4The Bill, and that star is common to Hydra of the Crow.♄♂ or ☿321M306
5The foremost of the left wing of the Crow.312 308
6Algareb, the star in the right wing of the Crow.314 509
7The left shoulder of Bootes.♄ ♂349B0011
8The left foot of the Crow or Raven common to Hydra.♄♂ or ☿318M1011
9The last of the 4. stars in the left wing of the Virgin.☿ P ♀41B4012
10The northermost star in the left thigh of Bootes.♄ ♂328 0012
11The star in the right hip or apron of the Virgin.☿ P ♀38 4016
12The northermo [...]t in the foreside of the □ of the Virgin.52 2017
*13Spica virginis, Arista, Azimech, the ear of corn in the left hand of ♍.♀ P ♂12M0018
*14Arcturus, Alramech, in the constellation of Bootes.♃ ♂131B3018
15The southermost of the foreside of the □ in the thigh of the Virgin.☿ P ♀ or ♂.600 2018
16The southermost of the latter side of the □ in the thigh of the Virgin.500 2019
17The latter of the two northērmost of the □ in the thigh of the Virgin.41 3021
18The left knee of the Virgin61 3023
19The foremost of the two joyned stars in the right thigh of Centaurus.♃ ♀246M1024
20The calf of the right leg of Bootes.♄ ☿328B0026
21The Spear-staff Incalurus of Bootes.♃ ♄453 3527
22The latter of the three in the loyns of Centaurus.♃ ♀340M0027
23The star in the left shoulder of the humane shape of Centaurus.♀ ☿325 4027
24The middlemost star in the hem of the vesture Of the Virgin.☿ or ♀ & P ♂47B3428
25The southermost star in the hem of the vesture Of the Virgin.42 4028

CHAP. XXXV. Of the fixed Stars in Scorpio, their Number, Names, Natures, Magni­tude, Latitude and Longitude.

ANd thus we are come to the fixed Stars in Scorpio, which are in Number Thirty five as followeth since we are now in order to speak of them, and then let us proceed to the rest.

Numb.The Names of the Fixed Stars.Their natureMag.Their LatitudeLong.
 In ♏.  D. M.♏
1The Star under the heel of the left foot of the Virgin.☿ or ♀ & P. ♂400 301
2The ham of the right hinder leg of the Centaur.♃   ♀251M101
3The Postern of the left leg behind of the Centaur.255 202
4Apheta, Gnosa, the bright Star of the Crown.♀ ☿2g.44B306
5Postern of the right leg of the Centaur.♃ ♀251M406
6Right shoulder of the humane shape of the Centaur.♀ ☿322 307
7The foremost of the two in the belly of the Centaur.♃ ♀243 008
8The bright Star in the humane body of the Centaur.♀ ☿ or ♂333 309
9The brightest star of the South ballance.♄ p. ♂2g00B409
10The middlemost star of the South ballance.41 1512
11The first Star of the folding of the neck of the Serpent O­phiucus.♄ ♂329 1513
12The first Star at the beginning of the neck of the Serpent O­phiucus.334 1513
13The bright Star of the North ballance.♃ ☿28 3013
14The small of the right arm of the Centaur.♀ ☿ or ♂325B1514
15The foremost of the 3 southern stars under The South balla♄ p ♂37 3014
16The later of the 2. in the middle of The South balla41B4015
17The left knee of the horse shape of Centaurus.♃ ♀245M2015
18The temples of the head of the serpent Ophiuchus.♄ ♂335B0015
19The middlemost of the folding of the neck of the Serpent Ophiucus.325 2015
20The Southernm. of the folding of the neck of the Serpent Ophiucus.324 0017
21The middlemost star in the north ballance.♄ p. ♂43 4519
22The northernm. of the 2. hindermost before the north ballance.42 0021
23The right Arm of Hercules or Engonasin.☿340 1023
24The last of the 2 bright stars in the North ballance.♃ ☿44 3024
25The southermost of the two latter aars without from on the North part of the North ballance.♄ P. ♂46 4025
26The right shoulder of Engonasin or Hercules.☿343 0025
27The foremost star in the palm of the left hand of Ophiucus.♄ ♀317 0026
28Of the 3 bright stars in the forehead of the middlemost.♂ P. ♄31M4027
29the Scorpion. the southernmost.35 0027
30The hindermost star in the palm of the left hand of Opiucus.♄ P. ♀312B3027
31A star in the south arm or fore legge of the Scorp.♄37M5027
32The northernmost of the 3 bright ones in the forehead of the Scorp.♂ P. ♄31B2027
33The northernmost of the 2 conjoined stars of the body. of the Scorp.♃ ☿41 4028
34The southernmost of the 2 conjoined stars of the body. of the Scorp.400 3028
* 35The hoof of the right forefoot of Centaurus.♃ ♀141M1029

CHAP. XXXVI. Of the fixed Stars in Sagittary, their Number, Names, Nature, Magni­tude, Latitude and Longitude.

MY intentions now are to treat of the Stars in the sign Sagittarius, that we may say somewhat of the Stars therein, as we have already of the preceeding signs; and know they are in number Thirty, as followeth.

Numb.The Names of the Fixed Stars.Their natureMag.Their LatitudeLong.
 In ♐.  D. M.♐
1.A Star in the hollow of the left foot of Ophiuchus.♄ P. ♀400B452
2The forem. of the 3 bright stars in the middle of the Scorpion.♂ P. ♃33M452
3The left Knee of Ophinchus.♄ P. ♀311B503
4Cor Scorpii, Alatrab, Col, Antares, the heart of the Scorpion.♂ P. ♃2g.4M004
5The Eye of Iunonius, or the Dragon.♄ ♃375B404
6The hind. of the 3 bright stars in the middle of the Scorpion.♂ P. ♃35M306
7The left shoulder of Hercules or Engonasin.☿348B008
8Ras Alget; the head of Hercules or Engonasin.☿ ♂337 309
9The first joint next the body of the Scorpion.311M0010
10The Southernmost of the 2 in the 3d joint of the Scorpion.♄ P. ♀318 0011
11The flame of the Altar.♀ ♄334 0012
12The right knee. of Ophiuchus.♄ P. ♀37B2012
13the foremost above the ancle of the right foot of Ophiuchus.4g2 1514
14The fourth joint nere the tail of the Scorpion.319 3014
15The right leg♄ P. ♀3g2B1515
16The 2 of the 4 in the right foot of Ophiuchus, Serpentari­us, or Aesculap [...]us.4g1 3015
17Ras Alangue the head of Ophiuchus, Serpentari­us, or Aesculap [...]us.336 0016
18The 3d of the 4 in the right foot of Ophiuchus, Serpentari­us, or Aesculap [...]us.4g00 2016
19Of the 2 stars of the north part of the sting of the Scorpion without form Northernmost.♂ ☽51M1017
20Of the 2 stars of the north part of the sting of the Scorpion without form Southernmost.56 1017
21The star in the tail or sting of the Scorpion.☿ ♂313 2019
22The star in the fifth joint of the Scorpion.♄ P. ♀318 5019
23The star in the 7 joint next the sting of the Scorpion.315 1020
24Ras Aben, the head of Junenius or the Dragon.♄♂ P. ♃375B3021
25The sixth joint of the tail of the Scorpion.♄ P. ♀316M4022
26The dim star without form following the sting of the Scorpion.♂ ☽obs.13 1522
27The head or sharp point of the arrow of the Archer or Sa­gittarius.♂ ☽36 3026
28North end of the Bow of the Archer or Sa­gittarius.♃ ♂42B5028
29The left hand that holdeth the Bow of the Archer or Sa­gittarius.36M3029
30South part of the Bow of the Archer or Sa­gittarius.310 5029

CHAP. XXXVII. Of the fixed Stars in Capricornus, their Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude.

ENter we in the next place on the fixed Stars in Capricorn, which are but twenty four, as followeth.

Their num­ber.The Names of the Fixed StarsTheir natureMagni.Their LatitudeLong.
 In ♑.  D. M.♑
1The Southernm. in the north part of the bow of the Archer, or Sagittarius.♃ ♂31 300;9
2The Arrow or shaft of the Archer, or Sagittarius.43 504
3Duble clowdy star of the Eye of the Archer, or Sagittarius.☉ ♂obs.00B456
4The left shoulder of the Archer, or Sagittarius.♃ ♂33M106
5The foremost of the three in the Head of Sagittarius.☉ ♂42B107
6The star under the Armpit of Sagittarius.♃ ♄36M457
7The left Knee of the Fore-leg of Sagittarius.♀ ☿218 008
* 8Wega. Fidicula. The shining Harp, the falling Vulture162B108
9The left Hoof before of Sagittarius.♄ ♃223M009
10The middlem. star of the third in the head of Sagittarius.☉ ♂4g1B309
11The latter in the head of Sagittarius.42 0010
12The first star of Antinous, by the Eagle.♂ ♃318 1012
13Of Sagit­tarius the middlemost In the northernmost trail behind the head.♃ ☿4g4 3013
14Of Sagit­tarius the northernm. In the northernmost trail behind the head.♄ ♃46 3014
15Of Sagit­tarius the Right hoof behind320M1018
16Of Sagit­tarius the Left thigh of the hinder leg.313 3018
17The foremost of the two in the back of the Eagle.♂ ♃331B3024
* 18Alkair. The Eagle or flying Vulture, the latter of them.2g29 1025
19Albirto the mouth of the Swan, or bill of the Hen.♀ ☿349 2026
20The next to the bright star in the back of the shoulder of the Eagle.♂ ♃3 l30 0026
21The foremost in the Neck of the Eagle.327 1026
22Of the Goat, the Northernmost star in the left horn.♀ P. ♂37 3028
23Of the Goat, the Southernmost star in the left horn.35 0028
24The 1 of the bright stars without form before the South fish.♄322M2029

CHAP. XXXVIII. Of the fixed Stars in Aquaries, their Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude.

SO much of the Stars in Capricorn, come we now to those in Aquaries, which are briefly as followeth, and in number Thirty nine.

Their Num­ [...]erThe Names of the Fixed StarsTheir natureMag.Their LatitudeLong.
 In ♒.  D. M.♒
1The head of Antinous, the foremost southward from the head of the Edgle♂ ♃321B.400 18
2The foremost of the 3 stars in the Jaw of the Goat.♄ P. ♀61 450 18
3The middlemost of the 3 stars in the Jaw of the Goat.61 300 28
4The last & southernmost of the 3 stars in the Jaw of the Goat.600 450 38
5The star betw. the head & shaft of the arrow of Hercules.♂ ♀439 201
6The right knee of the Goat.♂ ☿46M.302
7The middlemost of the bright stars, without form, before the south or great fish called Notius.♄322 102
8The next after of the bright stars, without form, before the south or great fish called Notius.321 205
9The foremost of the 3 in the garment on the left hand of Aquarius.♄ ☿38B.306
10Of the said three stars, on the back Side of the same hand.35 308
11The southern. of the 3 in the mid. of the body of the goat♂ ☿54M.008
12The northern. of the 3 in the mid. of the body of the goat52 508
13The foremost star on the back of the goat.400 008
14In the tail of the Dolphin.♄ ♂3 l.29B.109
15 [...] the southernmost star of the fore side of the Rhomboydes or of the Dolphin.332 0010
16The brightest of the 3. in the middle of the body of the goat.♂ ☿54M.1510
17The pinion of the right wing of the swan or Hen.♀ ☿364B4010
18The northernm. of the foreside of Rhomboydes of the Dolph.♄ ♂3 l33 5011
19The foremost of the conjoined stars under the belly of the Goat.♂ ☿46M.5011
20The hindermost of the conjoined stars under the belly of the Goat.56 0011
21The hindermost of the two on the back of the goat.400 5012
22The southernm. of the latter side of the long diamond square or Rhomboydes of the Dolphin.♄ ♂332B.0012
23The northernm. of the latter side of the long diamond square or Rhomboydes of the Dolphin.3 l33 1014
24The foremost Denek Alchedi in the flank or doubling of the tail of the Goat.♄ ♃44M.4514
25The foremost Denek Alchedi on the bowing of the back or doubling of the tail of the Goat.32 1016
26The hinderm. in the flank or doubling of the tail of the Goat.44 3016
27The hinderm. on the bowing of the back or doubling of the tail of the Goat.32 0017
28Of the lesser horse foremost in the head♂ ♃obs.20B.3017
29Of the lesser horse foremost in the mouth25 3017
30The left shoulder of Aquarius.♄ ☿38 5018
31The foremost star after the doubling of the tail of the goat.♄ ♃42M.2018
32Of the lesser horse, the hindermost in the Mouth♂ ♃obs.25 0019
33Of the lesser horse, the hindermost in the Head20 4019
34The breast of the Swan or Hen.♀ ☿356 2020
35The southernmost star in the left buttock of Aquarius.☿ P. ♄61M.4023
36Enif Alpheracz, the yawning of Pegasus♂ ♄ v ☿3g21B.3026
37The forem. of the 2 in the right side of the pitcher of Aqua­rius.☿ P. ♄43B.0027
38The brighter star in the right shoulder of Aqua­rius.♄ ☿311 0027
*39The mouth of the south fish, and end of the water of Aqua­rius.♀ ☿123M.0028

CHAP. XXXIX. Of the Fixed stars in Pisces, their nature, number, names, magnitude, latitude and longitude.

EVen as we have proceeded in the other signs, let us here conclude with Pisces which is the last: the number then of the stars therein are twenty nine, as fol­loweth.

Their num­ber.The names of the Stars.Their Nature.magnitudeTheir latitudeLongit.
 In ♓.  D M♓
1The star in the right buttock of Aquarius.♀ P ♄400 500 18
2Arided, Deneb Adigege, the tail of the Swan or Hen.♀ ☿260B000 48
3The Northermost of the two in the head of Pegasus.♂ ♃ v ☿316 500 58
4The right arm of Aquarius.♄ ☿38 481
5The Northermost star in the right hand of Aquarius.♄ ☿310 451
6The first star of the stream next the Pitcher of Aquarius.♄ P ♃42 001
7The Northermost in the right leg. of Aquarius.☿ P ♄45M002
8The Southermost in the right leg. of Aquarius.37 303
9The Formost of the southermost of Aquarius.♄ ☿39M003
10The Hindermost stars in the right hand of Aquarius.38 304
11Of A­qua­rius the The next Southermost of the Pitcher of the stream.♄ P ♃400 106
12Of A­qua­rius the Star in the forepart of the bowing of the stream.41M109
13Of A­qua­rius the Northermost in the bowing of the stream.43 2010
14Of A­qua­rius the Southermost in the bowing of the stream.44 1011
15Of A­qua­rius the Next after the foremost in the bow­ing of the stream.400 3011
16Of A­qua­rius the Southermost next after the bow­ing of the stream.41 4012
17The Sothermost in the neck of the foremost of the 2. Fishes☿ P ♄4g7 3015
18The Foremost of the belly of the foremost of the 2. Fishes♃ ☿44B3017
19Markab. Alpharacz. The pinion of Pegasus his wing.♂ ♃ v ☿2 l1 4018
20The latter in the belly of the foremost of the 2. Fishes.♃ ☿42 3021
21The latter on the back of the foremost of the 2. Fishes.47 3022
22Foremost on the South side of the square without form.♃ P ♀45 5022
23Foremost on the North side of the square without form.42 4022
24Scheat. Alparaiz. The right shoulder of Pegasus.♂ ♃ v ☿2 l31 0023
25The hindermost on South side of the Square besides or under the form of the Fishes.♃ P ♀45M2023
26The hindermost on North side of the Square besides or under the form of the Fishes.42 3024
27Of the VVhale, the star at the North end of the tail.♄39 3025
28Of the VVhale, the star at the South end of the tail.320 2027
29The tail of the foremost of the two Fishes.♄ P ☿46B2027

CHAP. XL. Shewing the use of all the former Tables.

YOU see in the foregoing page, in the 1. column 1, 2, 3. and so forward, inti­mating the number of the stars in the sign Pisces, as you have specified by the word number, on the head of the column.

In the second column you have their several names, signified by this inscription on the head thereof, The names of the fixed stars in Pisces.

Upon the head of the third column you have their Natures, intimating that under­neath it, and over against every star is set the Character of the Planet of whose na­ture it participates; as for example, over against the right shoulder of Pegasus, we finde ♂, ♃, v. ☿, intimating that the star on the right shoulder of Pegasus is of the nature of ♂, ♃, or ☿, v. signifying vel, in English or: again we see over against the two subsequent stars ♃ P ♀, signifying they are of the nature of Iupiter, and partly of Venus P. standing for partly, &c.

On the head of the fourth column you finde magnitude, intimating that by the Fi­gures underneath, and over against each star is shewn the magnitude of each star; as over against the right shoulder of Pegasus, you finde 2 l. intimating it to be of the second magnitude signified by 2. and somewhat less, signified by l. and note that in the same column where you finde g. it signifieth greater in any of the Tables.

In the fifth column you see their latitude, shewing that by the figures underneath, over against each star is declared their latitude, and that either North or South, signi­fied by M and B. M shewing South latitude, B North, &c.

In the sixth and last column you finde the inscription Longitude, and this is in like manner demonstrated by the figures underneath, as, the shoulder of Pegasus (as above­said) hath 31. d. 00. m. or 31. degrees, 00. minutes Latitude, and 23. d. or 23. degrees longtitude; or in 23. degrees of Pisces: and so observe and understand of all the fore­going and subsequent star, &c. D. standing for degrees, and M. for minutes.

The total sum of these stars here expressed is 366. being the most material.

CHAP. XLI. Of the significations of the 12 Houses of Heaven, and wherefore they have such signification.

ENdeavor to be perfect in this chapter, which is to demonstrate the reasons of some things which have not as yet been divulged in our vulgar tongue to the Students of this noble Art, and thou wilt much advantage thy self, it being my desire not to let ought slip for which thou mayst not (if need require) give sufficient ground and reasons, &c.

You are sufficiently instructed by other Authors of the Nature and signification of the houses; their several divisions you heard already in the 25. chapter of this second Book; it resteth therefore we now proceed to shew the reasons why the houses are so ordained, as the angle of the East to be the first house, and succedent to it the second, &c. and so of the rest; as also why the Ancients assigned them those several signifi­cations which we commonly attribute unto them; for such hath been their curiosity therein, that there is no one thing appertaining to the life of man or affairs or acci­dents therein, which hath not signification from one house or other, &c.

Of the first house, why it is so, and where­fore of such and such significa­tions.The first house then is that house which is the East Angle or corner of the Hea­vens, or the Ascendent; It is called an Angle for that it represents one of the Car­dinal points, as the seventh may the other: and the tenth and fourth the Tropicks, &c. It is called the Ascendent because the Sun doth there ascend in our Horizon; Also in what ever Climate it be that house where the Sun ascendeth or riseth is the Ascendent of that place; and it is called the first house for that it is the first that doth represent itself unto us upon the birth of any Infant, Revolution, or any work; so that what Sign at that time is ascending or on the point or cusp of this house, is Sig­nificator (together with the Planet that is Lord thereof, the Planet locally therein present, or in aspect thereof,And so of any thing or Enter­prize, &c. or the Lord thereof) of the Native (as say the An­tients) For the Sign shall shew the complexion, form and shape of the body of the Native having relation to the Planets in aspect therewith or neer in presence; And the Lord thereof shall declare his disposition, quality and inclination, having also respect to those Planets in conjunction or configuration with him, &c. It hath signification of the life of the Native, for that it is the first house, as life is the first and chief beginning of any one, and first esteemed or preferred before any other enjoyment under the Sun; for what pleasure can there be in any thing when in the enjoying thereof the life is taken away? Certainly, though it be never so much to be desired upon this consideration, it will be altogether left un­attempted.

Why the A­scendant hath signification of the Life and disposition of the Native, or any thing or work began.It hath signification of the life of the Native also, and the beginning of any work, for that the Infant is unrevealed or known till it is borne: so is this first house or Ascendent unseen, and is in obscurity (as unto us) till it doth a­rise in our Horizon, &c. In Revolutions, Eclipses, and great Conjunctions and the like it hath signification of the common People of any place where these happen.

Of the second house. The Second house which is the succedent to the Ascendent, is so called for that it succeedeth the Ascendent, and ascends after it, and is therefore also called the second house; it hath signification of the Riches and Substance of the Native or Querent, as also their assistance; for that next unto a mans life, is his wealth or livelihood to be regarded, and as wealth is an assistance and aid in all matters or businesses of or in the affairs ordinary of mans life, hath it also signification of assistance, &c.

The Third house is so called for that it in order followeth the succedent of the A­scendent; it hath signification of Brethren, Kindred, Neighbors and Alliance, for that it is in * of the Ascendent, subterranean: it hath also signification of short jor­nyes,Of the third house. being the house opposite to the Ninth, signifying long journeys, the reason of which you shall have hereafter in its place.

Of the fourth house.The Fourth house or Angle of the Earth, or Northern, is so called for that it in order followeth the third; it hath signification of immoveable goods for that it is an Angle, and that of the Earth which is fixed; also heritages, lands and houses, for that it is a terranean and earthy Angle; also it hath signification of hidden treasures and the like, for that it is subterranean and not visible in our Horizon; it signifieth also the father of the Native or Querent, for that he is the first cause of generation, as the earthy Chaos was the first original of Adam, &c.

Of the fifth house.The Fifth house is the succedent of the Angle of the Earth, and therefore is so called. It hath signification of mirth and jollity, it being in △ to the Ascendent; al­so private pleasure and delight, it being subterranean and in △ with the Ascendent, and for the same reason hath signification of all manner of pastime and recreation, as drinking, revelling, sporting, gaming and all kind of recreation pleasing the fancies and tempers of men.

Of the ninth house.The Sixth house is the Cadent from the North Angle, and is in order the sixth house from the Ascendent: it beholdeth not the Ascendent; it hath therefore signi­fication of sicknesses, of what kind soever it be; it hath also signification of Servants, Bond-men and women and Slaves; and of Cattle of the smaller sort for the same rea­son, as having no loving familiarity or correspondency with the Ascendent in friend­ship, &c.

Of the seventh house.The seventh house is the angle of the West, and by reason it in order followeth the sixth, is the seventh from the Ascendent; it hath signification of open enemies, for that it is the opposite house to the Ascendent; and for the same reason hath sig­nification of theft, or the thing lost; adversaries in Law-suits, and the like; it hath in like manner signification of women in general, of marriages. I could never finde the reason why the ancients have ordained the seventh or opposite house to the A­scendent, to signifie the wife of the Native, and women in general, except for that they are so contrary to the disposition of men, the one being for the most part solid and resolved, the other sickle and unstable as their mother the Moon; as also that they of­ten prove the destruction of men rather then assistants and comforters, (for which they are made) as Eve was the destruction of Adam, Dalilah of Samson; and many the like examples I could here relate both out of the Holy Writ, and other writings; but since the subject is so vile and mean it is not worthy the pains, wherefore that very example of Solomon, the wisest of Mortals, may suffice, who notwithstanding he had so large a portion of the spirit of God, was by this Sex, drawn to Idolatry and many other sins against the living God; insomuch that it hath staggered the learnedst Wri­ters in Divinity, and put them to a non plus to imagine (by any conclusion) whether he was saved or no: but lets return to our business, since I may thus conclude of them that they prove either the greatest comforts or the worst of afflictions to men.

Of the eighth house.The eighth house, being the succedent of the angle of the West, is so called; it is a house which beholdeth not the Ascendent, and is above the earth, and is the ayd and assistance of the open enemy, as the second is of the Native, it being in opposi­tion thereunto; wherefore it hath signification of mortality, death, poyson, de­struction and mischief which is to happen the Native in his life.

Of the ninth house.The ninth house is so called for that it followeth next after the succedent of the angle of the West, and is called Cadent; it is in a Trine of the Ascendent, and above the earth; wherefore it hath signification of all goodness, as Religion, learning, re­velation by Dreams; as also of all religious men and orders, as Divines, Hermites, Monks, Fryers, &c. Also all manner of Students, as Astrologers, Physitians, Lawyers, and all Students of other good learning whatsoever.

Of the tenth house.The tenth house or the south angle in order followeth next after, and therefore is the tenth house; this hath signification of the mother of the Native, for that it is the opposite house to the fourth signifying the father; it signifyeth also dignity, prefer­ment and honour of the Native, for that it is the vertical point of the Heavens, or the highest pitch thereof, and also for the same reason, signifieth Emperours, Kings, Princes, Noblemen and great men, or the Grandees of the earth, and such as are in authority must be understood if there be no King, &c.

Of the eleventh h [...]use.The eleventh House being the succedent of the angle of the south is so called; and for that it is in Sextitle of the Ascendent, and above the earth it hath signification of friendship and amity, hope, faith, &c.

Of the twelfth house.The twelfth house, being the Cadent of the angle of the South following in order the succedent thereof, is therefore the 12. house; it is above the earth not beholding the Ascendent, and therefore hath signification of private and occult enemies, im­prisonment, poverty, misery, and disgrace, Witchcraft and Sorceries; it hath also signification of great cattel, as the 6. the opposite house had of small. And so much concerning the reasons of the significations of the twelve houses or mansions of Heaven.

Note this well.Yet note here, as the second house from the Ascendent, signifieth the ayd, assist­ance and wealth or substance of the Native: the third, his kindred, brethren, neigh­bours, &c. the fourth, his father, lands, houses, and the like: the fifth, his children, &c. so you must know that the substance of the brother, neighbour, kinsman, and the like, is signified by the fourth, being the second from the third, the fifth doth sig­nifie his brethren, the sixth his father, the seventh his children, and so round the whole Heaven, according to the signification aforesaid: still remembring that the house signifying any party of whom the question is, is his Ascendent; The second from it is substance; the third his kindred; as the fifth house in the Natives figure hath [Page 109]signification of the wealth or substance of the father: the sixth, his kindred and bre­thren, also the Uncle or Ant of the Querent by the fathers side: the seventh his Fa­ther and the Querents Grandfather or Natives; and so you must understand of the rest of the Houses, still varying your rules according to discretion; for much doth the thorow-knowledge of the signification of every house conduce to the perfection of the Student in this Art. I think good here (notwithstanding in the 21. chapter of this first Treatise you have heard already somewhat as touching the divisions of the Heavens) to give you the division thereof more plainly in this following chapter.

CHAP. XLII. Of the division of the Houses into twelve equal parts.

NOw then you are first to know that the Horizon cutteth or divideth the Hea­vens into two Hemispheres, the upper and the lower, parting six of the hou­ses into one Hemisphere, and six into the other, viz. the upper hath 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, and 7th. houses, the lower the 6, 4, 5, 3. the 2d. and first house.

And as the Heavens are divided into two Hemispheres by the Horizon, so are they also cut by the Meridian into two equal parts, so that by these two Circles the Hea­vens are divided into four equal parts, and every of the parts by sections and points of other Circles are divided into three parts, so that the whole Heavens are cut into 12. equal parts; which the most learned in this Art have called Mansions or houses.

The division which the Meridian makes, is to divide the Heavens into the Orien­tal and Occidental parts, six houses being Oriental, six Occidental, or so inclining: Oriental are the third, second, first, twelfth, eleventh and tenth; Occidental ninth, eighth, seventh, sixth, fifth and fourth.

Now you must know that the four equal parts abovesaid are called (by the learn­ed in this Science) quadrants, because each part is the quarter or fourth part of the Heaven.

The first Quadrant is that part of the Heaven which lieth between the middle of the Heaven and the Ascendent or Horoscope; and this is the Oriental, Ascending, Infant, Masculine, Sanguine and vernal Quarter, and it hath the twelfth, eleventh, and tenth houses.

The second Quadrant is those three houses, or that part lying between the points of the tenth and seventh, and this is the Youthfull, Feminine, Meridional, Cholerick, Summer Quarter, containing the ninth, eighth and seventh houses.

The third Quadrant is from the point of the seventh house to the Imum Coeli or point of the fourth, and is called the Occidental, Manly, Masculine, Melancholy and Autumnal Quarter, including the sixth, fifth and fourth houses.

The fourth Quadrant is from the Imum Coeli to the point of the Horoscope or A­scendent, and is the Septentrional, Feminine, Phlegmatick, old Age, and Winter Quarter.

The Angles are the most powerfull houses; for a Planet therein hath more power and efficacy then another (in any other house) that is but equally dignified: but know that the houses are in strength as followeth, yet Ptolomie preferreth the mid-heaven, &c.

1, 10, 7, 4, 11, 9, 5, 2, 3, 8, 6, 12.

So that the meaning thereof is no more but thus; A Planet in the 1. and another in the 10. equally dignified, that hath more power which is in the Ascendent; and like­wise that in the 10. precedeth that in the 7. and so know of the rest. And so much of the divisions of the twelve houses.

Chap. XLIII. Containing some Terms of Art very necessary to be known: as also Instructions how to erect a Figure of Heaven.

AMongst the Planets here are several things to be known of all that study this Science, and they are in number which are most material 23. therefore I would have thee diligently observe this Chapter.

Direction, Retrogradation, Stationary, Application, Separation, Prohibition, Refrena­tion, Translation, Reception, Frustration, Peregrination, Combustion, Cazimi, under the Sun beams, void of Course, besieging, Oriental, Occidental, Superior, Inferior, A­thazer, Almuten and Haiz.

Direction. A Planet is said to be direct when he moveth in his Natural motion, directly for­ward as Saturn in the first degree of Aries, goeth into the 2, 3, and so forward; this is direction.

Retrogradation, Retrogradation. or a Planet is said to be Retrograde when he goeth backward or contrary to the succession of the signs, as Saturn in the first degree of Aries, going into the 30, 29, and 28 degrees of Pisces, &c. is Retrograde, or goeth backward.

Stationary is,Stationary when a Planet stands still, or moveth neither backward nor forward, as the Superiors do sometimes four days together, &c. as you have heard before, and this happeneth both before direction and retrogradation.

Application is,Application. when two Planets (it mattereth not which) draw neer the rays or bodies of each other by Conjunction or Aspect; and this may be done three ways; yet you are to know that a more weighty Planet, or that which is superiour cannot apply unto the lighter or inferiour, except when he is retrograde.

The first manner of Application is when two Planets are direct, the weightier in more degrees, and the lighter in fewer; as if Saturn be in five degrees of Aries, and Jupiter in three, here Jupiter applies unto Saturn by Conjunction, and this is a direct Application.

The second when both are Retrograde, as Jupiter in three degrees of Aries, and ♄ in the first, here Jupiter applies unto the Conjunction of Saturn by a Retrograde motion.

The third is when the one is Retrograde and in more degrees of a sign, and the other direct and in less, as if Jupiter were in four degrees of Aries direct, and Saturn in seven Retrograde, here Saturn applyeth to the Conjunction of Iupiter, and Jupiter to him, and this is a mutual Conjunction; understand the same when they apply by Aspect.

Separation is,Separation. where two Planets have been either in Partile Conjunction or aspect, and are going from it; as if Saturn be in 8. degrees of Aries, and Jupiter in 9. here Jupiter is separated one degree from the Partile Conjunction, yet he shall not be said to be ro­tally separated till he be the full half orb of Jupiter, and his own half orb distant from him; for every Planet both in Conjunction and Aspect is admitted his half orb and the half orb of the other Planet joyned unto him; as the half orb of Saturn you have heard is 4. degrees 30. minutes, and so likewise Jupiters, the which being added to­gether make 9. whole degrees; and therefore till Jupiter be thus many degrees elon­gated or separated from Saturn, he shall not be said to be fully separated, neither shall their signification be inffectual for that time; understand the same of an aspect still admitting or allowing the half orbs of both Planets, &c.

Prohibition is,Prohibition. when two Planets are applying to Conjunction or Aspect, and before they come to joyn themselves another comes to Conjunction or aspect of the Planet applyed to; as if Saturn were in 10. degrees of Aries, and Jupiter in five applying to the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in four degrees of Aries; here Mars being [Page 111]swifter then Jupiter, comes first to the Conjunction of Saturn, and prohibites Iupiter, &c. the same observe in an Aspect.

Refrenation is, when a Planet is applying to another,Refrenation. either by Conjunction or A­spect, and before he cometh to be joyned he becomes Retrograde: as if Saturn be in seven degrees of Aries, and Jupiter in three, here Iupiter applies (they being both di­rect) to a Partile Conjunction of Saturn; but before he can attain thereunto Iupiter becometh Retrograde, and so refrains by going backwards to come to the Conjunction of Saturn, who goeth direct forward.

Translation of light and nature is,Translation. when a light Planet separateth from a more weighty one and presently applyeth to another more heavy; as Saturn in 16 degrees of Aries and Iupiter in 9. and Mars in 10. here Mars separateth from the Con­junction of Iupiter, and translateth the light and nature of Iupiter to Saturn, to whom he next applies; and this is in the like manner done by Aspect.

Reception is, when two Planets are in each others dignities; for then they are said to receive one the other;Reception. and this may be accomplished as many ways as there are dignities of a Planet; as Saturn in Aries, and Mars in Capricorn; here is reception be­tween Saturn & Mars by house, Aries being the house of Mars, & Capricorn the house of Saturn; so also Iupiter in Capricorn, and Mars in Cancer is reception by exaltati­on, Capricorn being the exaltation of Mars, and Cancer of Iupiter; In like manner Saturn in Aries, and Sol in Gemini, is reception by triplicitie; the fiery triplicity be­ing the Suns by day, and the aëry Saturns, &c. in like manner of term and face.

Frustration is,Frustration. when a lighter Planet would come to Conjunction with another more heavy, and before it doth accomplish it, the more weighty Planet is joyned unto ano­ther; as Saturn in 20 degrees of Aries, and Iupiter in 19, and Mars in 15, here Mars applies to the Conjunction of Iupiter; but before he can attain thereunto, he is frustra­ted or disappointed by Iupiter, who comes first to the Conjunction of Saturn.

Peregrination is, when a Planet is in a sign wherein he is a stranger, as it were,Peregrination. by being neither in his own house, exaltation, triplicity, term or face, and therefore then he is very weak, as Saturn in the first 26 degrees of Aries.

Combustion is,Conbustion. when any Planet is not distant from the Sun eight degrees and thir­ty minutes either before or after his body; as Saturn in the first degree of Aries, and the Sun in 8. and Iupiter in 16. here both Saturn and Iupiter are combust of the Sun; but you shall say Iupiter is most afflicted; for that Planet to whom the Sun approaches is more daminified then that from which he separateth;Ʋnder the Sun beams. and you must know that a Pla­net still remains under the Sun beams till he is fully elongated 17 degrees.

Cazimi or a Planet in the heart of the Sun, Cazimi. is when he is not distant from the Sun 17. minutes; as if Saturn be in 3. degrees 15. minutes of Aries, and the Sun in three degrees and 30. minutes of Aries.

Void of Course is, when a Planet is separated from another,Void of course. and doth not during the time of its continuance in that sign, apply again to any other.

Besieging is,Besieging. when any Planet is placed between the bodies of the two Malevolents Saturn and Mars, as if Saturn be in 5. degrees of Aries, and Mars in 15. and Iupiter in 10. here Iupiter is besieged.

Oriental is, when a Planet riseth before the Sun. Oriental.

Occidental is nothing else but when a Planet setteth after the Sun, Occidental. and is seen above the Horizon after him.

Those Planets that are placed above the Globe of the Sun, are called Superiour,Superiour. and they are Saturn, Iupiter, and Mars.

Those are inferiour that are placed under him, viz. Venus, Mercury and the Moon. Inferiour.] Athazer is, when the Moon is in one degree and minute with the Sun, Athazer. and when she is 12. degrees distant from him, or 45. or 90. or 155. or 168. or 180. or 192, or 215. or 270. or 348. any of these are Athazer, &c.

Almuten is that Planet that bears chief Rule of any sign, or in any figures;Almuten. as Saturn in Libra is Almuten, or is Almuter of Libra, because he hath both exaltation and tri­plicity therein, and Venus hath onely house, so that Saturn bearing chief rule, is of this sign Almuten.

Haiz is, when a masculine and diurnal Planet in the day time is above the earth,Haiz. or a feminine nocturnal Planet in the night time under the earth.

How to erect a Figure of Heaven.Now to erect a figure of Heaven, or Scheme at any time, hour or minute of any year for the judging of future events (I mean by Revolutions of the years of the World, Eclipses, Comers, or great Conjunctions) you are to do no more then this.

Have regard to the place of the Sun at noon (according as you will finde in any Ephemeris) for that day wherein your figure is to be made, and see in what degrees and minutes you finde him; for if he be in any degree or minute under 30. you must then look for the same degree he is in, in your Table of houses (viz. in that page wherein you finde Sol in Aries, Sol in Taurus, &c. If the Sun be then in any of these signs or any other, you must still look for your number (viz. the degree or place of the Sun) in that page where you finde the Sun in the same sign in the Table of houses that you finde him in you Ephemeris) &c. But if he be in more then 30 minutes, you must look for the next greater degree; as if he be in 1. degree of Aries and 29. minutes, you are to look in your Table of houses in the page where you f [...]nde Sol in Aries for 1. degree; but if he were in one degree 30 minutes or 31. minutes, and so to the end, you are to look for 2 degrees in the aforesaid page, in that Column where you finde over the head thereof Dom. X. signifying the tenth house.

Having thus found out your number or place of the Sun at Noon; see what num­ber you finde over against it in the left hand column, which is tituled time from noon in the same line, and add that number, viz. the degrees and minutes you finde there to the hour and minute of the day, for the which you would erect your Scheme.

And if they make not above 24 hours, look in your table of houses for the number they make in the aforesaid column of time from noon; but if they make more then 24 hours, cast away 24 hours, and enter with the remainder, and where your number fal­leth there is your figure.

For first, you are to look in the same line what is over against your number in the column of the tenth house, where you finde Dom. X. and what number you finde there you are to place upon the cusp of the tenth house in your Scheme; and then in the next colum where you finde Dom. XI. in the same line what degrees and minutes you finde, you are to place on the eleventh house in your figure, and so observe in the rest, viz. the twelfth, first, second, and third houses, placing as hath been said the de­grees and minutes in every one which you finde in the same line over against your number on the cusps of every of these houses in your draught of the Heavens, and then fill up the other points of the Heavens thus.

First, know what houses are opposite.

Secondly, what signs of the Zodiack.

Then place the signs, degrees and minutes opposite to these places you have filled upon the other vacant points.

The houses opposite are the first and seventh, the second and eighth, the third and ninth, the fourth and tenth, the fifth and eleventh, the sixth and twelfth, and therefore for our more ready apprehension we place them thus.

1,2,3,4,5,6,
7,8,9,10,11,12,

Which shews the first is opposite to the seventh, and the seventh to the first, the second to the eighth, and the eighth to the second, the third to the ninth, and the ninth to the third, &c.

Signs opposite are ♈ to ♎, ♉ to ♏, ♊ to ♐, ♋ to ♑, ♌ to ♒, and ♍, to ♓, which may also be thus ranked.

♈,♉,♊,♋,♌,♍,
♎,♏,♐,♑,♒,♓,

So that it is clear, ♈ is opposite to ♎ to ♈; ♉ to ♏ to ♉, &c.

Wherefore we shall suppose in our Scheme we have the 1. deg. of ♈, and the second min. upon the ascendent or first house: why then because the 7th. is opposite unto the first, and ♎ to ♈, we are to place the 1. deg. 2. min. of ♎ upon the seventh.

Also it upon the 2d. there were the 3d. deg. of Taurus, and the 4th min. we are to place the 3. deg. and 4th. min. of ♏ upon the 8th. house, because the 8th. is opposite to the second, and ♏ to ♉, and so of the rest; remember still to place the opposite sign, and the same degrees and minutes on the opposite house, and you cannot erre; and thus much shall suffice at this time.

FINIS.
AN INTRODVCTION TO E …

AN INTRODVCTION TO ELECTIONS, Fully comprehending The RULES of the ANCIENTS IN Electing a Time for any manner of Work: Never before made publique in our Mother Tongue.

But now (by the Blessing of GOD) for the benefit of all true Lovers of know­ledge sent abroad,

By VVILLIAM RAMESEY, Gent. Student in Astrology, Physick, and the most Heavenly and Sublime Sciences.

Eccles. 3.1.

To every thing there is a season; and a time to every purpose un­der the Heaven.

Sapiens Dominabitur astris.

LONDON, Printed for R. VV. 1653.

HONORATISSIMO AT QUE ILLVSTRISSIMO DOMINO, DOMINO HENRICO PERREPOINT, MARCHIONI DE DORCHESTER, COMITI DE KINGSTON APVD HVLL, PROCOMITI NEVVARK, ET DOMINO PERREPOINT DE HOLMES PERREPOINT, Salutem, Pacem & Felicitatem Perpetuam.

DOMINO SUO CLEMENTISSIMO HANC SUAM IN ELECTIONIBVS INTRODVCTIONEM SUBMISSE DEDICAT

Wilhelmus Rameseus.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE Henry Perrepoint, Marquess of DORCHESTER, Earl of KINGSTONE upon HVLL, Vicount NEW ARK and Lord PER­REPOINT of HOLMES PERREPOINT, Health and life here, and Eternal happiness hereafter.

MY LORD,

WHen Your Honour shall consider the reason of this my bold Dedication, I know (were not Your Honour of a more Noble Spirit then to judge of things by the first sight or glimpse thereof) I should have little or no cause to hope of acceptance at Your Honours hands, but should rather justly be induced to expect (since it is my unhappiness to be a stranger to Your Honour) Your frown rather then favour, and reprehension for this my bold­ness: But as it was nothing but really Your Honours Ver­tues, (which (according to the Philosopher) are the onely Badges of Honour) and love to Learning that was the oc­casion of this my transgression, I humbly presume (through them) my fault will be venial, since the blame is Your Ho­nours [Page]and that my self, and this my small Present shall finde access into Your Honours favour and Protection. The sub­ject of this piece is that part of Astrology or NATURAL PHILO­SOPHY which treateth of Elections, teaching by the powerful Influence of the Superior and Coelestial bodies, how to frame a fit and proper time for any manner of work belonging to the life of Man in a Natural way, there being (according to that most elegant expression of the chief of Philosophers, and sagest of Mortals SOLOMON, Eccles. 3.1.) A season for every thing, and a time for every purpose under the Sun. And truly it is a peice of that sublime Learning, that I fear it will pass the bounds of not only the common and ordinaryest, but the in­different capacities of most men, and in some measure put even the most Judicious to seek, unless they are true sons [or Contemplators] of Nature, and its mysteries and secrets; this for the generality: Yet what conduceth to the administration of Physick and Phlebotomy (which according to Hippocrates and Galen (as I have sufficiently shewn in the 10 Chap. of the first Book of this Volume and the 1. Chapter of the 7. Sect. of this very third Treatise) can never be rightly administred without the help of this Art) is more easily to be comprehen­ded, as also what tendeth to the use of Navigation and hus­bandry. Wherefore since this my fabrick of THE RESTAU­RATION OF ASTROLOGY or the true Natural Philosophy which is four square is finished now after my great pains and care, and brought to light, it imploreth Your Patronage, and espe­cially this Corner, least the unworthyness of the Author may be a means of its fall to the ground without the least notice taken thereof, or hope of recovery, unless Your Honours No­bility, Virtues and Learning be a gracious support thereunto, the which if Your Honour be Munificently pleased to grant, it will be a perpetual rock unto it, and an inexpressible fame unto him whose highth of ambition is to be

My LORD,
Your HONOURS Servant, Whilest he is William Ramesey.

To the Reader.

READER,

THou art here presented with the whole Art of Electi­ons, which may be very beneficial unto [...]ee in many things, especially in the administration of Physick, u­sing of Husbandry and Navigation, for which conside­rations I have undertaken to divulge the whole Body thereof; for herein are the rules infallible, yet in o­thers (by reason they are to depend on several other considerations which we place as ground-works,Note. viz. the Revolutions of the Years of the World, Eclipses, great Conjunctions, and in some mea­sure Nativities) they are very intricate and doubful; and truly I may say they seldom or never prove true, by reason few that undertake the practice thereof understand the fundamentals and ground-works, and how to order and dispose of them, or will take the pains to consider every particular which is requisite to be seriously pondered and weighed be­fore Election can be made on any particular thing.

The Authors admonition to the Students in Elections.Wherefore let him that presents this Book unto thee advise thee as thou tendrest the propagation of the Art and thy own Reputation, not to dare to put any part thereof in practise, unless it be (I say) so much as thou findest tend to the administration of Physick, Phlebotomy, or using of Husbandry and Navigation, till thou art very well acquainted with Nature, and canst prove thou knowst the fundamentals and reasons of every particular point of this Science, lest thou become ridiculous and odious to the Ignorant and the rural of the World, by thy frequent failings which thou canst never avoid if thou knowest no more then what is here verbally delivered, or if thou trustest barely to the writings of any man whatsoever; for the illiterate by this thy weakness (being no wise capable of the mysteries of these knowledges) will sooner con­demn the Art as imperfect or faulty, then thee or thy judgement, which art rather worthy reprehension; for by the right knowledge of the di­vine practice thereof thou mayst attain to admirable speculations and rare things.

For it was far from my intentions in the penning thereof to have it thus abused, which thou mayst soon do, by basely putting it openly in practise, as some have the resolution of Questions, and so not only be­come an occasion of derision to thy self with them, but also an ill requi­ter of my pains and care towards thee, and bring this part of the Art, (if not all under the notion thereof) into the contempt of the World, the which in it self is good and pure though sublime; for there is no­thing more certain, then that there is a proper time and season for every thing under the Sun; A time to be born, and a time to dye; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to embrace and a time to refrain; nay even to the thrownig away of stones and gathering them again there is a time; and to be short to every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose un­der the Sun, Eccles. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. and that all inferiour things are ru­led and ordered by the superiour, I have here no more to say then only refer thee to the first Epistle and first Treatise; for what man is there that will deny that the subtile soul and life of the World quickneth and disposeth of all things therein, or that all terrestrial things have their de­pendency on the motion and influence of the Stars and Planets, and their Configurations; occasioning the like sympathy as is between the Load­stone and Iron, there being nothing exempted from their power that is composed of the four Elements which they order, dispose, and govern; nay even the hardest stones we see have a sympathetical quality therewith, and are wrought upon by their penetrative power and vertue, which still before rain (especially if it be of continuance, even when the Heavens but incline to moisture) sweat drops of water, and become as wet as if they had been rained on, or washt over by some hand; many such like arguments I could produce for the proof hereof; but since the subject of almost the whole first Book tendeth hereunto, I shall say no more, but again advise thee not to put any part of this Book in practise till the grounds thereof be well apprehended by thee, that so thou mayest not violate his intentions that hath left it thee, and desires to have no occa­sion to write himself other then

Thy Loving Friend William Ramesey.

The Contents of every Section and Chapter contained in the Third Book of this Treatise, being an INTRODUCTION TO ELECTIONS.

  • SECT. I. COmprehending an Introduction to Elections or necessary Instructions for the electing of any manner of Work by the secret Operations of the Heavens, by the nature of the Signs, Planets and Aspects of the Moon, &c. Fol. 121
    • CHAP. I. Containing some necessary instructions to the judgement of Elections. Fol. 122
    • Chap. 2. Of the signs, and their significations in Elections, and of the hinderances of the Moon being a farther instruction to the judging of Elections. Fol. 126
    • Chap. 3. Shewing Elections by the Aspects of the Moon to the other six Planets, and by her Mansions. Fol. 128
  • SECT. II. Containing Rules for Electing such matters as appertain to the signification of the first house of Heaven. Fol. 132
    • CHAP. I. Containing necessary rules for putting children to nurse, to school and to a trade. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of the rules of Elections for the cutting of hair. Fol. 133
    • Chap. 3. Of cutting of nails of the hands or feet, also corns. Fol. 134
  • SECT. III. Of Rules for electing matters appertaining to the second House. Idem
    • CHAP. I. Of receiving and borrowing of money. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Containing other rules concerning borrowing and lending. Fol. 135
    • Chap. 3. Of buying to profit again by the sale thereof. Fol. 136
    • Chap. 4. Of selling to advantage. Fol. 137
    • Chap. 5. Being a farther instruction touching buying and selling in an ordinary way of the world. Idem.
    • Chap. 6. Of buying of cloathing, or putting on of apparel. Idem.
    • Chap. 7. Of flitting or removing from one place to another. Fol. 138
    • Chap. 8. Containing rules for electing any work in the Art of Distillation or Al­chimy. Fol. 139
  • SECT. IV. Comprehending rules in Electing such matters as appertain to the significati­on of the third House. Fol. 140 [Page]
    • CHAP. I. Of short journeys and their Elections. Fol. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of making friendship between brethren, or any two at variance. Idem
    • Chap. 3. Of applying the minde or study to Divine matters or contemplations. Fol. 141
  • SECT. V. Containing rules of Elections appertaining to the signification of the Fourth House. Fol. 142
    • CHAP. I. Of building of Houses. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of building of Castles and Cities. Fol. 143
    • Chap. 3 Of building of Churches. Fol. 145
    • Chap. 4. Of building or erecting of Mils. Idem
    • Chap. 5. Of pulling down or destroying of Houses or any Fabrick whatsoever. Idem
    • Chap. 6. Containing rules of elections in buying of land, houses or heritages. Fol. 146
    • Chap. 7. Of buying of land for husbandry, and not to build upon. Fol. 147
    • Chap. 8. Of bringing of water to a house either by Conduit, Pipe, Pump; and of diging of Wels. 148
    • Chap. 9. Of tillage or manuring of the ground. Idem
    • Chap. 10. Of renting, hireing, and letting of houses, land or fruit, or any other thing to be let or hired. Fol. 149
    • Chap. 11. Of planting of trees or graffing. Fol. 150
    • Chap. 12. Of sowing of seeds in the ground. Fol. 151
    • Chap. 13. Of ridding houses or places from evil spirits. Idem
  • SECT. VI. Containing rules for electing a time for any work or thing appertaining to the fifth House. Fol. 152
    • CHAP. I. Shewing a fit time for the procreation of boys or girls. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of delivering a dead child. Fol. 153
    • Chap. 3. Of christening or circumcising of children. Fol. 154
    • Chap. 4. Of giving and receiving of gifts or presents. Fol. 155
    • Chap. 5. Containing rules for electing a time for putting on of apparel. Idem
    • Chap. 6. Of feasting or eating of meat. Fol. 156
    • Chap. 7. Of drinking of wine and other drinks. Fol. 157
    • Chap. 8. Of writing of letters or any thing else of ingenuity. Fol. 158
    • Chap. 9. Of making odoriferous smels and unguents. Idem
    • Chap. 10. Of sending Embassadours or messengers. Fol. 159
  • SECT. VII. Of Elections appertaining to the sixth House. Fol. 160
    • CHAP. I. Of the true knowledge of the Crisis, or critical and judicial days, very useful for those that study Physick. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of applying medicines generally to all the parts of the body of man. Fol. 162
    • Chap. 3. Of administring medicines to the diseases of the head. Fol. 163
    • Chap. 4. Of applying remedies to the eyes, and preparatives in general. Idem
    • Chap. 5. Of applying remedies to the nose. Fol. 164
    • Chap. 6. Of injecting clysters, and stopping of rheumes or fluxes. Idem
    • [Page]Chap. 7. Of the administraction of gargarisms, or sneezings, and such like. Fol. 165
    • Chap. 8. Of giving of vomits. Idem
    • Chap. 9. Of administring purges and physick laxative. Fol. 166
    • Chap. 10. Of bathing and electing a time therefore. Fol. 169
    • Chap. 11. Of electing a time for using Chirurgery. Idem
    • Chap. 12. Of electing a time for phlebotomy or blood-letting also for applying ven­tosies. Fol. 170
    • Chap. 13. Of the Physitians going to the Patient. Fol. 171
    • Chap. 14. Of hireing of servants. Fol. 172
    • Chap. 15. Of buying of birds and letting them fly to return again. Idem
    • Chap. 16. Of buying four-footed beasts. Fol. 173
    • Chap. 17. Of bringing up dogs or tameing of small cattel. Fol. 174
  • SECT. VIII. Containing Elections appertaining to the Seventh House. Fol. 175
    • CHAP. I. Of the elections apertaining to the signification of the seventh House, and touching marriage. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of Venereal sports. Fol. 178
    • Chap. 3. Of partnership or agreements, or things between two. Idem
    • Chap. 4. Of going to war, or begining of differencies and duels, quarrels, law­suits, controversies and the like. Fol. 179
    • Chap. 5. Of making of peace, suppressing or encountring of rebels, and storming of castles and towns. Fol. 182
    • Chap. 6. Of buying of arms and preparing of instruments of war, and ships or gallies. Fol. 184
    • Chap. 7. Of seeking of fugitives and examining of theeves and malefactors. Idem
    • Chap. 8. To know the subject and score of the whisperings or clandestine practises of any two, and at playing at Chess (or any other sitting game) to win. Fol. 185
    • Chap. 9. Of hunting, fowling and fishing. Fol. 187
  • SECT. IX. Containing Elections appertaining to the signification of the eight House. Fol. 189
    • CHAP. I. Of making of wils. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of the heritages of the dead. Fol. 190
  • SECT. X. Containing the Elections of the ninth House of Heaven. Fol. Idem
    • CHAP. I. Of the returning of such as are absent, and of going of journeys and entring into any place. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of building of ships and gallies, and of Lantching them, and of voyaging by Sea. Fol. 194
    • Chap. 3. Of learning of sciences, and of singing, and musick. Fol. 195
  • SECT. XI. Containing Elections appertaining to the signification of the tenth House, Fol. 196 [Page]
    • CHAP. I. Of electing Kings and Governours, and of their enstanling and begining their rule or government. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of obtaining favour of Kings and Great men, justice on enemies and par­dons, also of going of progresses with the King or any other Grande. Fol. 197
    • Chap. 3. Of learning any Art or Occupation. Fol. 198
  • SECT. XII. Containing such Elections as are under the signification of the Eleventh House of Heaven. Fol. 199
    • CHAP. I. Of accomplishing any thing hoped for, and of gaining a good repute, and the love of friends. Idem
    • Chap. 2 Of obtaining of promises and requests. Fol. 200
  • SECTION. XIII. Comprehending the Elections of the Twelfth House. Fol. 201
    • CHAP. I. Of freeing of prisoners and Captives. Idem
    • Chap. 2. Of buying and riding of horses, &c. Idem
FINIS.

LIBER III. DE IVDICIIS ASTRORVM IN ELECTIONIBVS, OR AN Introduction to Elections, Fully comprehending the RULES of the Ancients in Electing a time for any manner of VVORK.

SECTION. I. Comprehending an Introduction to Elections, or necessary Instructions for electing any manner of work, by the secret operations of the Heavens, by the nature of the Signs, Planets, and Aspects of the Moon, &c.

WE have found most of the Ancients to be very curious in this manner of Judicature, but some more excellent then others; wherefore since the knowledge thereof is not only delectable and rare, but also very usefull and profitable, both for eschew­ing evil, and choosing the good; as also for that the verity thereof is wonderfull, if the Rules of Art be diligently obser­ved, and with care and discretion practised; as also for that I earnestly desire the Students in this noble Art may daily more and more increase in knowledge (as I have said) I have thought good here to give [Page 122]you without either fraud or deceit, the most Judicious and Rational Rules of the An­cients, concerning the electing or choosing a time for any Work incident to the af­fairs of mankinde, whether particularly appertaining to a mans own particular per­son, or his estate, friends, or enemies, &c.

CHAP. I. Containing some necessary Instructions to the judging of Elections.

The ground­work of E­lections accor­ding to some of the Ancients. IN all Authors that ever I yet met with, I finde there can be no time elected (in this our Astrological way of electing) advantagious to any one whose nativity or time of birth is not exactly known; for according unto it must you frame your election, together with respect to the revolution of the year; and Zahel, Bonatus, Messahalla and Dariot say that in case the nativity of a man cannot be attain­ed, respect must be had to the time of the question; the reason is (as I conceive) for that (if the question be radical) the Querent shall have the same significator or one of the same nature in the question as he hath in his Nativity;The Reasons. and this I have ever found true in all that ever I met with that could produce their Nativities; wherefore it is that the Antients conclude (as well indeed they may) that GOD the omnipotent and omiscient Creator of the Heavens and the Earth,A harmony and concor­dancy between the superior and inferiour bo­dies. and all things therein, hath made the earth of the four Elements, but the Heavens being the quintessence of them, he hath made to surround and inclose it, that by the secret working of the Anima Mundi, or soul of the World, which Zahel calleth Rem subtilem, the which (saith he) sciunt sapientes a subtile or spiritual quality which is known to the wise, which oc­casioneth such a sympathy as between the Iron and Load-stone, as that all Inferiour things and actions have their dependency and government from the superiour.

But although this be the Judgement of the Antients who say, Look to the ascend­ent of the Nativity or Question and make your Election accordingly:Note. Yet I say (as most agreeable to truth and reason) Let the Figure of the Revolution of the years of the world for that year be regarded, and therefore or according thereunto Elect your busines, as being the True Radix, root or ground thereof. But Note that if the ascen­dent and its Lord be unfortunate in your radix, or the Revolution of the world, there is no Election can be made any wise to advantage the body or the party for whom you would elect an advantagious time; and so consider and understand of any Election whatsoever, viz. If the chief significator of any businesse be unfortunate in the ra­dix, ther can be no time Elected to prevent the mischief threatned; for whom the Lord hath ordained to destruction or punishment, he causeth one thing or other to be incident unto that party so ordained to punishment, either by inclination or casualty (according to his Divine wil and preordination and the harmonious concordancy of Astrology with Divinity &c.) that it might come to pass; (and so on the contrary for a mans happiness, but this comes to pass through repentance) for I have ever found men in this condition either to go on still in their ways without reproof, or being reproved, will take so small notice thereof, as that they will hardly believe it, or have an inclination to study amendment or prevention of the evil; wherefore these particular things in Elections ought to have their dependency on the generall fates.

But as I have but now said, the figure of the Revolution of the world for that year ought to be regarded and concluded the radix or ground-work of all your E­lections; for according to the nature of the significator therein must your Election be framed,Divers events happen to men on the election of one and the same hour and minute. or your shall never be perfect in this Art. Hence it is that often we shall finde some kind of men and occupations thrive and prosper some years more then in others; and again on the contrary, do all what they can, their business still and endeavours go backward; The reason is, their significator is more fortified or debilitated in the Ra­dix; [Page 123]and we see that such shall in an Election by Saturn and Mars have a good and pro­sperous day,The reason thereof. and upon the square or opposition of the Moon to Saturn or Mars, al­though on a mischievous day; because these malevolents were chiefe rulers or signi­ficators of the business in hand, things or persons, &c. in the Radix. Consider also the places of any Eclipse or Great conjunction in every year. So that when your true sig­nificator is known, and his essential and accidental fortitudes and debilities, you can­not erre, the following Rules being diligently and warily observed, there being an harmony and such a concordancy betwixt the Coelestial Creatures, and our Terrestri­al affairs, according to that excellent saying of Hermes, there is nothing here beneath that is not governed and ruled by what is above.

Coelestial in­fluences are not effectual but to such as are of their own nature.Know then that in judging of the stars in Elections, special care must be had unto the business in hand; for according unto the nature thereof must your business be or­dered, and your time chosen; as for earthy businesses, as planting and sowing and the like, an earthy sign is to be chosen or placed in the ascendent; if appertaining to fire, a fiery sign; if to the water, a watry one, &c. As for example, if you would elect a time to plant, you must prefer Virgo before any other of the signs, because she is an earthy sign, and such an one too as is participating more of the nature of the fruits of the earth then any other, viz. Taurus or Capricorn; and so understand of any business; be sure you still elect a sign proper for your business, and agreeable to the nature thereof.

For the conti­nuance or dis­patch of busi­ness.And for the speedy dispatch of any business, let a moveable sign be chosen; if for permanency you would elect any time, take a fixed sign; if you be indifferent, or desire your business shall neither be of long or short continuance, preferr a com­mon sign, &c.

Chief Signifi­cators to be fortifyed. The Moon, The Sun.But still look to the fundamental grounds of Elections, viz. to fortify your chief significators, and cheifly the Moon, because she hath a general signification in all things, in journeys, times places and all businesses whatsoever; also the Sun, he be­ing as it were cheif Ruler or King amongst the other Planets; but more particularly the Planet signifying the business in hand: as if your Election be concerning war or fireworks, you must fortify Mars; if to speak to the King, the Sun; to gain money, Iupiter; if concerning marriage or love-matters, Venus; because these significations these Planets are generally of; and so understand of any business whatsoever; still have a care to fortify the Planet signifying your business, in general as well as par­ticular, if you can.

The Sign a­greeing gene­rally with the business to be fortifyed.In like manner you must choose and fortify the Sign signifying your business in ge­neral (for as I have sayd, as is the nature of your business, such must the Sign be you choose and fortify) as if you would goe by water as to Sea, &c. you must fortify a watry Sign, and more especially Cancer, for that she is the house of the Moon; if by land, as a journey, &c. an earthy Sign, &c. viz. free from misfor­tune or affliction of the malevolent aspects of the Infortunes, and place it in the A­scendent of your Election, or the Lord of the Ascendent therein, or the Moon, Note. or both, if possible; and this is necessary in all Elections▪ and the Antients moreover have for men elected a masculine sign, for women a feminine; but this is need­less, &c.

The sign and house signify­ing your busi­nes [...] in your radix, is also to be observed in Elections. A general rule worth the no­ting.The sign also and house signifying your business in your Radix ought to be regar­ded and well dignifyed; also fortify the house and sign signifying the business in your Election; as if you would elect a time for profit, you must fortify (in the fi­gure of your Election) the second house in the Radix, its sign and the Lord there­of, as well as the second in your Election, &c. In all Elections, remember to for­tify the Ascendent, its Lord and Disposer of him, and the fourth, and the Lord of the fourth and also his Dispositor; for by fortifying the Ascendent, the Lord there­of and his Dispositor, the health and safety of the Parties body electing is promised: by fortifying the fourth, its Lord and his Dispositor, a good and safe conclusion and end of the business. But note (as aforesayd) that if a malevolent Planet be significa­tor in any thing in the Radix, you must fortify it, and not think the making a for­tune: viz. Iupiter or Venus (which are but generally so) significators, will be be­neficial: [Page 124]for it will often prove contrary:Jupiter and Venus may sometimes be malevolent Planets and not fortunes. Saturn and Mars may al­so sometimes be fortunes & not infortunes. for all men are not ruled by Jupiter and Venus; neither (as I say) are they always fortunes: for accidentally they may be infortunes: and when they are Lords of the eighth, twelfth and sixth, they are occasi­ons of sickness, poverty, imprisonment, mischief and death as effectually as Saturn or Mars: for every Planet must doe the office whereunto it is ordained: and so by the same rule may Saturn and Mars be fortunes, and so they are to those they cheifly rule, and to such things as are properly under their dominion either naturally or ac­cidentally; wherefore the true knowledge of your significator (in Elections) of the business intended is of great value, and worthy serious consideration.

Also in electing any work, have especial care to fortifie the part of fortune, the Lord thereof and its Dispositor, so that they be either in body or aspect helped by the fortunes, and free from the configurations of the Malevolents. Let not the Lord of your Ascendent by any means be retrograde,Note. for it will occasion tardity and hin­drance in any thing, although all the other significators were essentially strong and promising the effecting of the business; it causeth also much trouble and pains in the business, although naturally never so easy to be accomplished.

Rules general for the electing the beginning of any work.In the beginning of any work also see that the Dragons tayl be not with either of the Luminaries when they are in conjunction or opposition, or in the Ascendent, or house signifying the business in hand; but place in those places some fortunate Planet, or in the house of the business in Election, or in the Angles of the Figure at the time of Election. But have a special care in all Elections you put not the Moon in the Ascendent; Note. for she is an enemy thereunto; so also is the Sun; for he therein dissolves and undoes what is accomplished and done. And let not an Infortune be placed in the Ascendent, nor in any of the Angles, especially if he have dominion in the sixth, eighth or twelfth; also look that in a diurnal Election you have a diurnal sign ascending; in a nocturnal, a nocturnal sign: and if you can, that the Luminaries be in the same signs (I mean of the same nature) especially that of the time.

Avoid Elections at such time as the Moon separates from the Conjunction or Oppo­sition of the Sun, Note. and immediately goes to the configuration of an infortune▪ for it shews that if the place of the Conjunction or Opposition be unfortunate, the business then began shall come to no good end or conclusion; but if the place of the Conjun­ction or Opposition be fortunate, it shews that the beginning of the business then in agi­tation shall be good, but it shall ill succeed in the end.

But if the Moon separate from Conjunction or Opposition, and apply to a fortune, and the place of the Conjunction or Opposition be unfortunate, it signifieth that the beginning of the business shall be bad, and the end thereof good; and when the place of the Conjunction or Opposition is fortunate, and the Moon applieth immediatly to a fortune, it denotes that both the beginning and the end of the work then began shall come to good or be fortunate. And so on the contrary, if she apply to an infor­tune when the places of the Conjunction or Opposition are unfortunate: when the place of the Conjunction or Opposition, or their Lord or Disposer of them, be in a succedent house, it signifieth that the profit and good to be expected by the business shall be in the end accomplished, though with some trouble and pains; but if they be in a Cadent house, viz. Cadent from the ascendent of the beginning of the thing or business, or from the ascendent of the Election, or Radix, it shall be broken off, and come to naught.

Albumazer a most learned Arabian in this Art,Note. saith, that when the Lord of the Election (which is the Planet signifying your business) is Lord of the sign of the Lu­minaries (especially that of the time) in the Revolution of the year of the World, or Lord of the year, or Lord of the Ascendent at the time of the Revolution and be for­tunate therein, and also in the Election; it signifyeth and denoteth extraordinary success and fortune in the business then began, and in all the affairs thereof.

When the place of the Conjunction or Opposition, and their Dispositors be well dignified and placed, the business then began or done shall be firm and of continu­ance and fortunate. Also accomplishment and good success of the business is signi­fied when the Dispositor or Lord of the house of the Conjunction or Opposition before [Page 125]the beginning of the work or business, is oriental in the hour of the beginning of the thing, and be in his own house beholding those places with a Sextile or Trine; but if he do not behold the aforesaid places of the Conjunction or Opposition, he profi­teth not.

Other Rules for electing the beginning of any work.You may also make your Elections for the beginning of any work from the Lord of the Triplicity of the Moon at the time of the Conjunction or Opposition; for they have power in the beginning of businesses; for when they are received and fortunate at the time of the beginning of any work, it signifieth good; but that which doth the more confirm it, is, that the ascendent of the Election be a sign in which he or they be well dignified, or have dominion in the revolution of the year, and that the for­tunes be in Angles, and chiefly in the ascendent and mid-heaven, also in succedent, and in the place of the thing, or business intended, or in agitation.

Per quick dis­patch or long continuance of your business.In the beginning of any work (also) when the Luminaries behold each other with a good aspect, it signifieth success in any business then began; the business [also know] in hand is foreshewed by the Moon, her being in the day-time under the earth, and in the night above: and in an Election wherein a speedy dispatch of any busi­ness is required, fortifie not the Moon, but put Iupiter or Venus in the ascendent or in the mid heaven; but have regard unto the Moon in things of long continuance, as Marriage, Building and the like; and when she is impedited, put her in an Angle or succedent, but let her not behold the ascendent nor its Lord, nor the Lord of the house of the thing, or his Dispositor, nor the Planet which hath signification of the thing either generally or particularly; but if you cannot observe exactly all these, look that you observe as many of them as you can.

A short rule in electing the be­ginning of any work.Some Authors hold it more necessary to fortifie the Lord of the Ascendent then the Moon, others to fortifie the Lord of the house signifying the business, and others the general significators, &c. For my part, I hold it most necessary to fortifie the sig­nificators of the business, the house and also if possible the Moon, rather then the Ascendent or its Lord, except they be proper significators.

Caveats gene­ral in Electi­ons.When the Moon is slow in motion, viz. not exceeding 12. degrees in 24. hours she signifieth slowness and tediousness in the business in hand; but if your business require haste, and the Moon apply to an infortune, make your infortune Lord of your Ascendent, and if then he be free from misfortune it will be the better, but if infor­nate and afflicted and receive the Moon out of the ascendent it is much better. But still look that your chief significators be free from misfortune and the Quartile and Op­position of the malevolents, as also of the Sun, and of combustion, and that they be not under the Sun beams; a Planet is under the Sun beams when he is not fully elon­gated from the body of the Sun 17. degrees; he is in combustion when he is within 8. degrees 30. min. of his body, &c. as you have already heard in the 43. chapter of the second Book of this Volumn.

Have regard also unto your ascendent, that there be no infortune therein, & that it be not infortunate in the Revolution of the years of the World for that year, which you have bin taught is the Radix of your Work: have also a special care that you bring not your Radix backward, viz. from the ascendent to the second, but rather forward, viz. to the twelfth: and see that the Lord of your ascendent be not Occidental, especially if the Moon be joyned with him.

Of the signifi­cations of Sa­turn with the Sun or Moon in the ascendent in Elections.Know also, that the Sun in the ascendent is not good (as hath been said) except he be in Leo or Aries; the Sun in the ascendent with Saturn hindreth the business in Election, and causeth an end with much labour and difficulty: Saturn with the Moon in the ascendent signifieth much sadness, long and tedious diseases, mischief and death, evil from Kings and great men, loss of substance and kindred, friends and companions.

Jupiter with the Sun in the ascendent, signifieth sadness, grief and little good, and change out of one place into another; with the Moon he signifieth many waters,Of Jupiter, and young children, concubines, marriage and honours.

Mars with the Sun in the ascendent signifieth also much grief and dammage by enemies, small friendship from friends, destruction and sudden death by iron or fire;Of M [...]. with the Moon, he denotes power and strength for mischief and deceit.

Venus with the Sun in the ascendent signifieth much pain and travel,Of Venus. discords and accusations by friends and alliance; also the appurtinances of women; with the Moon she denotes health and safety of the body, gain also and profit by wo­men, &c.

Mercury in the Ascendent with the Sun also signifieth grief and sadness;Of Mercury. with the Moon he signifieth many imployments and occasions, and that often with friends and alliance.

The Moon in the ascendent with the Sun signifieth destruction,Of the Moon. mischief, grief and trouble, instability also, and griefs in the eyes, &c. but the knowledge of these is more for curiosity then practice or use in my opinion.

Also have a care in businesses of continuance, of movable signs; in such as require haste, of fixed; and in such as are indifferent, prefer common signs, as hath been said, still remembring that according to the business in hand and agitation a sign must ac­cordingly (viz. of its nature) be chosen; and thus much shall suffice for the first chapter being introductory; therefore let us now proceed.

CHAP. II. Of the signs, and their significations in Elections, and of the hinde­rances of the Moon, being a farther instruction to the judging of Elections.

LIke as I have promised, I shall for the better instruction of the Students here­in, be in this Chapter somewhat more large in delivering the significations of the signs▪ and how they are to be chosen in electing any manner of work.

Of the signifi­cation of the moveable signs in elections.Know then, that movable signs, as are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, sig­nifie and denote mutation and alteration of things, and that they shall be of short continuance; wherefore in Planting, Sowing, Graffing, and in buying and selling, they are to be chosen; and if any one fall sick in these signs, viz. when they are in the ascendent, or bearing rule otherways, the sick party shall either soon die or soon recover; and whoso flieth or taketh a journey at such a time, shall be soon taken or return; and the promise made or any other thing then began, shall soon come to an end, and be speedily performed; news or reports are at this time uncertain, and most commonly false.

Of the signifi­cation of the fixed signs in Elections.Then look that you begin not any work you would have continue at such a time, but in such affairs elect the fixed signs which are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquaries; for in all things these make a continuance and prolong time; wherefore in building it is good to elect these signs, also marriages, or any such thing as you would have con­tinue; if voyages or journies be taken in them, they cannot be good, except there be many testimonies of the Fortunes; and if any one be at such time taken prisoner, his inlargement shall be protracted; and this I can testifie upon my own knowledge; and who so shall incur the anger and displeasure of any one, shall never be more in that parties favour.

Of the signifi­cation of the common signs in Elections.The common signs such as are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittary, and Pisces, are to be pre­ferred in such businesses as you would have of no long continuance, nor yet soon at an end; for they are neither movable nor fixed, but common between both; where­fore that house founded, or what ever it be that is then began, shall not long conti­nue; wherefore in such it is good to purifie gold and silver, or to put children to School or any other learning, and it advantageth in all such businesses as do admit of a medium or indifferency, &c.

But note the Moon doth ne­ver good in the ascendent un­less when well fortified, and in good aspec [...] or upheld by the fortunes.But to elect any business beforementioned, or any other in the like nature, put the Moon in the ascendent in a convenient sign, viz. both agreeing to your business in nature and continuance, and make her apply to a fortune with reception in a sign also of the same nature if possible; if it be in the day, see that your signs be diurnal or the day-houses of the Planets; and so on the contrary, if it be in the night time; for so much the better will your business succeed.

To insist longer hereon were but vain, wherefore let us proceed, &c.

In this manner of work, viz. Electing a good and fitting time for the acting or do­ing of any business you must have a special regard to the Moon, Note. and that she be no­wise impedited or afflicted; for as all the ancient Rabies in this Art do testifie, there are ten ways whereby the Moon may be impedited; wherefore since it is a thing so necessary, I shall here plainly insert them.

The ten imp [...] ­ditions of the Moon.First then, the Moon may be impedited by being in combustion of the Sun, and even when she is twelve degrees distant from his body, either before or after; or more plainly applying to or separating from him; but you must note she is not so much af­flicted when she is separated, as when she is applying.

In the next place the Moon may be impedited when she is in the degree of her fall, viz. in the third degree of Scorpio.

Note still that your infortunes are the impedi­ting [...]an [...]rs as in relation to your business, not Saturn and Mars, as you have heard in the first chap­ter.Thirdly, she may and is impedited when she is in Opposition of the Sun.

Fourthly, when joyned with infortunes or in Quartile, or Opposition of them.

Fifthly, the Moon is impedited when she is within twelve degrees of the head or tail of the Dragon, which is the term or place of an Eclipse.

Sixthly, when she is in the latter degrees of a sign wherein there is an infortune.

Seventhly, when she is cadent from angles or in via combusta the burnt way, which is in the last 15. degrees of Libra, and the first 15. degrees of Scorpio; and this is the worst Impedition the Moon can have, especially in Marriages, and in all matters belong­ing to women, also in selling, buying, and in travelling or going a journey.

Eightly, the Moon is impedited when she is in detriment, viz. in Capricorn or in Quartile, with her own house, or not beholding her house with Sextile or Trine.

Ninethly, when he is slow in motion, viz. when she moves in four and twenty hours less then is her mean motion (understand the same in all the Planets) The mean motion of the Moon (according to the most learned in this art) is 13. deg. 10. min. 36. Sec.

Tenthly, and lastly, the Moon is impedited when she is void of course, which is when she is in any sign, and beholds not any Planet till she enter another sign, &c.

Understand not the fortunes to be only Ju­piter and Venus, and infortunes Saturn and Mars, as in the sust chapter.Let therefore (in all manner of Elections for good) the Moon be strong and well dignified, and in good aspect of the fortunes, and free from the Configurations of the Malevolents, and that she be not in the Ascendent; yet if she be beheld by the Fortunes, and be in the Ascendent, it is good to buy and sell; and make the Moon and the Lord of the Ascendent (in your affairs of electing) behold the Ascendent; for when a Planet beholds not his own house, it is like a man that is not able to benefit his house nor remove the evil Impending; but when a Planet beholdeth his own house, it is like a man that is strong in his habitation, that is able to protect and de­fend those that are under his power and tuition, and to repell and keep off those ene­mies that are without; and note further, that when the Lord of the Ascendent is unfortunate,This is in case of necessity, and when you cannot de­fer time for a better election. you must place him so as that he behold the Ascendent with a Trine or Sextile; and if the Moon he impedited, let her by no means be in an Angle, but place the Fortunes therin, or the Moon, when she is beheld of the Fortunes out of an Angle: Let not Part of Fortune be cadent in the beginning of any work or question from the Aspect of the Moon, or her Conjunction; it mattereth not for the Dis­positor of the Part of Fortune, neither mattereth it whether Part of Fortune be ca­dent from the ascendent; but put the Lord of the ascendent with Part of Fortune, be­cause it is most profitable for gain; but let not the Moon be placed in the second, sixth, eighth or twelfth from Part of Fortune because it causeth ill success.

Rules more for the beginning of works.And in all beginnings of works whatsoever, let the ascendent and the Moon be in signs of right ascensions as are Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittary, be­cause [Page 128]it denoteth good success and speedy dispatch in the business; but the signs of oblique ascention, as are Capricorn, Aquaries, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini, cause a hindrance therein, and much tediousness; wherefore let not the ascendent or the Moon be in signs of oblique ascentions: And if the Moon be impedited, and your business is in such haste as that you must elect your business at such a time, let not her have any relation to the ascendent either by body or aspect, but let her be cadent from the ascendent, and place a fortune in the ascendent, or in good aspect therewith, and fortifie the cusp of the ascendent, and its Lord and the Lord of the hour.

The method of the subse quent discourse.Thus have you as brief as can be the general way of judging of Elections: let us therefore now descend to particulars; wherefore the Method we shall take or follow herein, shall be to proceed according to the several demands belonging to every house of Heaven, since there is no one thing or business incident in the affairs and life of man but it is signified by one or other of them: wherefore we will begin with the businesses appertaining to the first house; and then in order we shall proceed to the second and third, and so to the rest, &c. But first let me give you these two fol­lowing Tables; the one of Elections according to the aspects of the Moon to the other six Planets; and the other of the Mansions of the Moon and elections thereby; since they have been thought worthy of note by the most learned of the Ancients in this most noble and heavenly Science.

CHAP. III. Shewing Elections by the Aspects of the Moon to the other six Pla­nets, and by her Mansions.

LIkely some people have not the capacity to understand or judge of the Rules of Art, so as to elect a fitting time for their work or business in hand, or can­not perhaps admit of so much time as to make an Election; wherefore for bre­vitie sake, since I have met with these following Tables in the books of the learned, not to leave these my labours lame, I thought good to insert them, that I might not leave my Reader to seek in any thing of this nature that hath come to my hand; yet know that there is not much credit to be given unto them, since they are general Rules, and therefore cannot hold at all times, nor in every bodies affairs; for as hath been abovesaid, Jupiter and Venus may accidentally be malevolents and infortunes to some men; and Saturn and Mars may prove Fortunes and Assistors; wherefore then in those mens affairs that have Saturn or Mars their chief significator, and strong in their Nativities, the Quartile or Opposition of the Moon. I mean such days as she is thus aspected, may prove rather advantagious then prejudicial; and to whom Jupiter or Venus are Rulers of the sixth, eighth, or twelfth in their Nativities, a Sextile or a Trine or the Moon to them may not a whit advantage; however I thought good to give you them as they are here beneath represented to you by my Author.

A TABLE of Elections according to the Aspects of the Moon to the other six Planets.
 ☌⚹□△☍
♄An unfortunate say, take no jour­ney, speak not to Princes nor old men, avoid the company of hus­bandmen.Converse with old men and husband men, build, and plant trees, graft, but seek not the love of Women.Confer not with old men, nor sue to Princes, take no Physick, or journey, defer thy desire.Converse with old men and husband­men, repair what is ruinous and manure ground.Hire no servants▪ seek not after thy gain, take nothing in hand being not began before.
♃A fortunate day, go to noble men, Iudges, and Pre­lates, and sue for thy right, and take councel.Converse with Lawyers, and Ec­clesiastical per­sons, read the Laws.Apply thy study to Philosophie, and take Counsel.Begin any good work, make your journey to Kings and great men, Prelates and Iudges.Go thy journey, and go to Pre­lates and Iudges.
♂An unfortunate day, take no jour­ney, avoid the company of Soul­diers, &c.Buy weapons of War, or horses, hire Champions, and kindle the fire for Alchymle.A day full of fear, avoid contentions, make no league or new friendship.Dispose of all things for War, buy cattel, or beasts.Take no journey, flie company, friendships, and love of women.
☉Begin nothing but that thou wouldest have hidden and secret.Take in hand the affairs of Kings and Princes, and sue for prefer­ments under them.A day to be eschewed in all things, deal not with company of great men.Offer presents to Princes, and your suit will be heard of them.Sue for judge­ment from great men, but avoid rich men.
♀A day for plea­sures and delights, put on new gar­ments, seek the love of women.A day fit for amo­rous sports, con­tract Marriage, seek for all kinde of ornaments; it is a prosperous day.Hire servants or workmen, make sports, sing or play, and marry.Seek the love of women, and put on new clothes if the Moon be not in Leo.It is good to hire men or maid ser­vants, to take re­creation and con­tract marriage.
☿Begin writings and accompts, chaffer, send mes­sengers or carriers.Apply to thy study, make accounts, chaffer, take char­ges, send youths to school, and accom­pany with Sages.It is good to send Embassadors, Orators, and Carriers, take your journey, buy and sell.Compose verses which require a good invention, use exercise, and send children to School.Repair to Scribes and Chancellors, send messengers, take thy journey, use Merchandise, follow thy study.
The Ʋse of the TABLE.

You see here in the first column ♄ ♃ ♂ ☉ ♀ ☿; and in the five other columns several matters; over the first also yow see ☌, over the next ⚹, over the third □: and upon the fourth △, and over the head of the last ☍, which intimates no more then this, viz. That they are the Moons aspects to the aforenamed Planets; As in the first column you have these words, An unfortunate day, take no Journey &c. in the same line and on the left hand yow have ♄ placed, and over the head of these words ☌, shewing that the ☽ in ☌ with ♄, is an unfortunate day to begin any business, or to go a journey, &c. In the next column, and over against ♄ you see these words, Converse with old men and husbandmen, &c. and over the head thereof ⚹, intima­ting that the ☽ in ⚹ with ♄ is good for such business; and so understand of the rest of the columns and aspects over against ♄; and know also that those aspects on the head serve for all the other Planets; and what you finde written over against any Pla­net, appertains to the signification of that Planet; as for example, in the third column and over against ♃, you see this written, Apply thy study to Philosophy, and over the head thereor [...]; so that when the ☽ is in a □ of ♃, it is good to apply ones study that way; and so you may (following this rule) understand all the rest.

A Table of the Mansions of the Moon.
MansionsSigD. M.Qualities.Elections.
1♈20 6Temperate.Take thy Journey and Physick Laxative.
2♉2 57Dry.Take thy Journey by water, buy Cattel, plant.
3♉15 49Moist.Chaffer, or buy and sell, but goe not by Sea.
4♉28 40Moist and cold, More cold.Plant and sowe, marry not, nor journey by water.
5♊11 32Dry.Ʋse Merchandise, Voyage; joyn Wedlock, and take Physick.
6♊24 23Temper.War, sowe not, nor take in hand any good.
7♋7 5Moist.Plough, Sowe, Travell not either by Sea or Land.
8♋20 6Cloudy and tem­ [...] [...]u [...]s.Journey, and take Physick.
9♌5 57Dry.Navigate.
10♌15 49Moist.Plant, Build, Marry, but make no voyage.
11♌28 40Temperate and cold.Sowe, Plant, Deliver prisoners, but take no purgation.
12♍11 31Moist.Plant, Marry, but Navigate not.
13♍24 23Temper.Journey, Navigate, Sowe, Plough, Marry, and send messengers.
14♎7 15Temper.Sowe, Plant, take Physick, neither travel nor marry.
15♎20 6Moist.Delve and Dig, but neither marry nor travel.
16♏2 57Cold and moist.Ʋnfortunate for any thing.
17♏15 49Moist.Buy cattel, but Navigate not.
18♏28 40Dry.Build, Sowe, Plant, Navigate, but Wed not.
19♐11 32Moist.War, Plant, Sowe, and Voyage.
20♐24 23Temper.Buy cattel, use hunting, but Wed not.
21♑7 25Temper.Build, Repair to a Magistrate for favour, but marry not.
22♑20 6Moist.Take Physick, Navigate and put on new apparel.
23♒2 56Temper.Take Physick, Voyage, but neither Marry nor lend.
24♒25 49Temper.Lead an Army, Marry, Sowe, take Physick.
25♒28 40Dry.Build, Marry, seek friendship, take thy journey.
26♓11 32Dry.It is in all things unfortunate, save in taking of Physick.
27♓24 23Moist.Plant, Sowe, Chaffer, Marry, but Navigate not.
28♈24 15Temper.Ʋse Merchandise, Marry, take Physick, but lend not, nei­ther enterprise any voyage.
The Ʋse of the Table.

In the first Column, you have the number of the Mansions of the Moon, and on the head thereof this word Mansions: In the second Column you have the Signs Characters, and over the head thereof Sig. intimating signs: you see first ♈, and ♉, ♉, ♉, over against ♈, on the left-hand Column you see the Figure 1. over against the first ♉, the figure 2. and the figure 3. against the second ♉, 4. against the third ♉, all which speaks no more then thus, that the first Mansion of the Moon is in Aries; the second, third, and fourth in Taurus, &c. In the third Column over against the figure 1. and ♈, you finde 20.6. and over the head D. M. signifying degrees and minutes, which shews that the first Mansion of the Moon begins at the 20th. degree and 6th. minute of Aries, and ends at the second degree, and 57th. minute of Taurus, at which beginneth the second Mansion, and so understand of all the rest; As for the Qualities of every Mansion in the next Column in the same line, with each Mansion, you have its quality or nature, over the head of which Column you have this word Qualities: As for example, over against ♈, you see Temperate, intimating the first Mansion to be so qualified; and over against the figure 2. being the second Mansion, you have dry, and so observe of all the rest; this being understood, you may also (over against each Mansion in the fifth and last Column) finde the several elections which are then to be en­terprised; as over against the first Mansion, you have these words in the same Line, Take thy journey and Physick laxative: and over against the second Man­sion, Take thy journey by water, buy Cattel, plant, &c. And thus by the same way you finde the several Elections for every particular Mansion, as you see over the head of them written Elections. And thus much shall suffice for the Explanation of this Table, and the scope of this Chapter: let us therefore now proceed; yet if thou dost but well understand and apprehend what hath been already said, thou hast sufficient to lead thee through the whole Art of Electi­ons without any more words.

SECTION. II. Containing Rules for Electing such matters as appertain to the signification of the first House of Heaven.

CHAP. I. Containing necessary Rules for putting Children to Nurse, to School, or to a Trade, and of Weaning of Children.

IT hath been the curiosity of the Antients to deliver instructions for electing a time for putting out children to Nurse; wherefore least I should detract from the Art, especially writing for the edification of all such ingenious spirits as shall ap­ply their Study to Astrologie, I thought good to be so carefull, as not to let slip the least matter (so neer as I can) that hath been delivered unto us by those learned Rabbies, I mean, as are found in such Authors as are with us extant.

An election for sending chil­dren to nurse.Wherefore then in setting children to Nurse, let the Moon when the Nurse first begins to give the childe suck, be in Conjunction of Venus, but if that be not, let her be in a Sextile or Trine of her, with reception out of Taurus or Libra, and if Venus be descending in her excentrix or epecicle, it is the better; also fortifie the Moon and Venus in the radix and the ascendent and other significators; but if you cannot for­tifie all these, strengthen as many as you can, but be sure you put them in Conjunction, or at least in Sextile or Trine, as is said before.

To School.And to send Youths to School, let the Moon be in Conjunction of Mercury, or in Sextile or Trine, with reception out of Virgo or Gemini, fortifie also the ascendent and its Lord, and the ninth house and its Lord, and the ascendent and ninth in the radix and their Lords, or as many as you can; but be sure you fortifie Mercury, the Moon and the Lord of the ninth in the radix, and your time wherein you make your Election.

To a Trade.And if you send any childe or youth to Apprentice, fortifie the Moon, and the Lord of the tenth, and sign of the tenth, also the sign of the tenth and Lord of the tenth in the radix of the Youths Nativity; and see what Planet the Trade he is to be bound to doth properly belong, and fortifie him both in your Radix and time; as if the trade, profession or occupation be a Currier, Potter, Plummer, Brick-maker, Maltster, Chandler, Gardner, or a Worker in Mines, &c. fortifie Saturn.

If thou makest the childe a Clothier, or Wollen-draper, or a Lawyer, Divine, or of any Ecclesiastical calling, fortifie Jupiter.

If a Physitian, Souldier, Apothecary, Alchimist, Chirurgion, Watch-maker, Cutler, Butcher, Smith, Baker, Barber, Dyer, Cook, Tanner or Carpenter, fortifie Mars.

If a Goldsmith, Minter of money, Coppersmith, Brasier or Pewterer, fortifie the Sun.

If a Silk-man, Musitian, Mercer, Linnin-draper, Limner, Painter, Lapidar, Jeweller, Player, Embroiderer, Perfumer, Graver, Seamster, Glover or Ʋpholsterer, &c. fortifie Venus.

If an Astrologer, Mathematician, Philosopher, Merchant, Scrivener, Sculptor, Poet, Schoolmaster, Printer, Stationer, Attorney, Clerk, Solicitor or Taylor, &c. fortifie Mercury.

If a Saylor, Fisherman, Fishmonger, Vintner, Brewer, Huntsman, Miller, Maltster, &c. fortifie the Moon, as you have been taught in the second Book.

Of weaning or taking chil­dren from Nurse. Bonatus, Haly, and others have been so curious in their Elections of all works, that they have given directions for weaning of children, which though of no great con­cernment, I thought fit notwithstanding to deliver here their opinions; wherefore then in weaning of children, let the Moon be remote from the Sun, and in none of the houses of Venus, thus Bonatus: and others say, if the Moon be in her 12th. Man­sion, or in Libra, when you wean the childe, it will never more care for the brest: Again, some of the Antients hold, that if the Moon be in any of the earthy signs, as are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, the childe will affect the eating of herbs or roots; if in Leo, to eat flesh; if in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces, fish; and if in any of the other signs, it will eat whatever you give it. These are the opinions of some learned; but there is no doubt if the childe be separated from the brest of the Nurse when the Moon is in Scorpio or Aries, remote from the Sun, and in Square or Opposition of Venus, it will do the feat; a little experience and tryal of these Rules will put the mat­ter out of doubt; these are not things of much value or regard; but since it hath been the curiosity of the Ancients to write thereof, I have mentioned them (as I have said) wherefore if thy curiosity be desirous to make tryal of these Rules, thou mayst follow which thou thinkest most agreeable to reason and truth, &c.

CHAP. II. Containing the Rules of Elections in the cutting of Hair.

ALways place the Moon in common signs, well dignifyed, but especially in earthy signs; this is the opinion of some: and others again do contradict this, and say Virgo is not to be chosen; I conceive the reason was, because it is a barren sign: and therefore in cutting of hair,That hair may not soon grow. that you would not have to grow suddenly, place the Moon in either Virgo, Gemini or Leo, decreasing in light and motion, and afflicted by Saturn. But if you desire your hair to grow speedily, let the ascendent be one of the fruitful signs, as also Moon, That hair ma grow speedily. viz. in Can­cer, Scorpio, or Pisces; but let the Moon be increasing in light and motion, and let her be in Sextile or Trine of the Lord of the ascendent of the parties Nativity, but have special regard the Moon be free from the malevolent impedition of Saturn or Mars, for they will cause much scurff and dandriff at the roots of the hair. But if you desire it should be thick, let the Moon be in Opposition of the Sun, That it grow thick. and the ascendent and the Moon free from the aspects of the malevolents.

CHAP. III. Of cutting the Nails of the hands or feet, as also Corns.

Rules in cut­ting of the nails of the hands.MAke then the Moon in cutting of the Nails of the hands be in no cadent house, but in a succedent, and if not in a succedent, in an Angle increa­sing in light and motion; The angles of a figure are, the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth; The succedents are the second, fifth, eighth and eleventh; the Ca­dents, are the third, sixth, ninth, and the twelfth, as you have already in the pre­ceding Treatise heard; and have a special care also that the Moon be not in Gemini, especially if she be beheld of Saturn or Mars, by a Square or Opposition; for if beheld of Saturn, it is to be feared they grow not again; and if they grow, they grow ilfavoured and thin; and if Mars behold her by any of these malevolent Aspects and placed as aforesaid, they will grow into the flesh, which will cause much pain, and perhaps endanger the loss of the joynt, if not the whole hand.

Haly saith, in cutting the nails, let not the Moon be in Gemini or Sagittary, nor be­held of their Lords, viz. Jupiter and Mercury; but put her in Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Leo, or Libra, free from infortune or any impedition; and let her not be in Via combusta (which is in the first 15. degrees of Scorpio, and the last 15. degrees of Li­bra, as you have already heard) but the first 15 degrees of Libra you may adventure on.

Of the feet.In cutting the nails of the feet put not the Moon in Gemini, or Pisces, or in Via com­busta, or in any other impediment or affliction.

In cutting of Corns that they may not grow speedily.And in cutting of corns observe the same rules; and that they might not soon grow again, let the Moon be in Gemini, Leo, or Virgo, decreasing in light and motion, but not afflicted by the malevolents, for that may prove obnoxious and hurtfull; and if you can, let the Moon be in a cadent house of Heaven.

SECTION III. Of Rules for Electing matters appertaining to the second House.

CHAP. I. Of receiving and borrowing of Money.

To borrow or receive money. IN things of this Nature, you must be very carefull to fortifie the Lord of the second, the Lord of the sign in which he is, the cusp of the se­cond in your time of borrowing or receiving, and the cusp of the se­cond in your Radix, the Lord of the second, and the Lord also of the house in which he is, if you can; Jupiter also ought to be fortified, for that he is a general significator of wealth, &c.

Let the Moon be also decreasing in light, and in Leo, Scorpio, Sagittary, Aquaries or Pisces; and let Jupiter or Venus behold the ascendent, or the Moon, and if you can both; yet look that the Moon be not impedited of any of the Infortunes, nor Mer­cury, especially by Conjunction or Square; neither let the Fortunes be cadent; for the Moon by Mars afflicted causeth much sollicitation, pains and labour, also much dif­ficulty in the procuring, and perhaps anger; If by Saturn, it causeth much protracti­on and delays, and oftentimes after much pains and travel, causeth the business to come to no good, or frustrateth the borrowers expectation.

Neither bor­row nor lend.Take this for an approved Rule, that when the Moon is in the first degree of Gemini, Leo, or Sagittary, or they on the cusp of the ascendent, it is not safe either to bor­row or lend, for that much inconveniency will come thereof.

That none may know of thy borrowing of money▪And if you would borrow money privately that it might not be known or divul­ged, let the Moon (when you borrow it or receive it) be under the Sun beams, and going to Conjunction of the Fortunes when she is separate from the Sun, or some other good aspect of the Fortunes no ways impedited; this causeth the business to be kept private and close: But if the Moon be joyned, or apply by any aspect to Mars when she separates from the Sun his beams, the business will be divulged abroad, and known by many, and those too that you desire should be ignorant thereof; look also that the Moon be free from Via Combusta, or the conjunction of Dragons Head, and and Dragons Tail.

CHAP. II. Containing other Rules concerning borrowing and lending of money.

UNless you know the true significators, you can herein do nothing.

The Ascendent and its Lord, are the significators of the Borrower or Pe­titioner: the seventh and his Lord, are significators of the Lender; Mer­cury and the Moon signifie the Thing to be lent. When therefore you finde the Lord of the Ascendent and the Lord of the seventh in any good Aspect of each other, or in reception, or the Lord of the seventh in any good Aspect of each other, or in reception, or the Lord of the seventh in the ascendent, or Mercury, or Mercury joyned to the Lord of the Ascendent by body or aspect, or in reception of each other, the business shall be accomplished:The money to be borrowed shall be had. But if the Moon be under the Sun beams, the Sun shall signifie the thing demanded in stead of the Moon.

And Haly saith, If the Moon be in Via Combusta, or in the ascendent at noon, or in the first degrees of Gemini, Leo, or Sagittary, or if they be in the degree or cusp of the ascendent, it signifieth no good to the Lender; but to the Borrower; this is Halies opinion; you have but just now heard it is neither good for the Borrower or Lender at such a time; you may follow which you please, and in your curiosity try them both, and follow which you finde most true; a little experience will soon clear the doubt: however it is no ways good to lend any thing in the hour of Saturn.

That the bor­rowed money may long last.But if you desire that the received money remain long with you, not desiring any ways to imploy it; let the ascendent at the time of the receit thereof be a fixed sign, and the Lord of the ascendent, the Moon and the Lord of the second in fixed signs, free from misfortune or impediment, as also the angles of your figure.

But if (for some occasions you have) you would speedily disburse, turn, and winde your money (which perhaps may be advantagious) let the ascendent be a movable sign, or a common: but a movable in such a case is much better;Of laying out money to ad­vantage. let also the Lord of the ascendent, the Moon, and the Lord of the second in your Radix, and at the time (if you can) of the receit of the money be a movable sign free from [Page 136]impediment, as also the Angles of your Figures; and remember that in all Elections you fortifie (if possible) your chief significators; as also in your Radix, as well as at the time of the Election.

Furthermore if you desire to keep what you get or receive, that it may be im­ployed by you to your best advantage, fortifie the ascendent and its Lord at the time of the receit of the money; fortifie also Jupiter, and let not Mars behold the Moon, Ascendent, Part of substance, or part of Fortune, or their houses, or any of their Lords, especially of the Moon or Ascendent; how to take part of substance, or any other part you shall have hereafter, as I have leisure.

CHAP. III. Of buying to profit again by the sale thereof.

DOst not thou know there are many men make a Trade of buying Commo­dities, and selling them again to their best advantage? yet there are many again confess they have often sold their Wares at disadvantage; the reason was, they bought them at hap-hazard, without respect to any peculiar or particular time (as our ignorant Physitians prescribe Vomits, Purges and Phlebotomie, at any time,A great error in the genera­lity of our Physitians. procuring thereby much mischief to their Patients (as I have by several known) so that they had need again (the remedy being or proving (by the ignorance of the prescriber) worse then the disease) to take Physick to expel that Physick they have already taken; and this sometimes cannot but indanger the Patients life; for that nature being far spent before, must needs by this rash act of the unskilfull Physitian (who is rather (as Galen and Hippocrates say) to be termed a Fool, then to be ho­noured with that noble term of Physitian) in prescribing their remedies at such im­proper times that they work contrary effects (as Purges vomet,Ignorance the author of mis­chief. and Vomets purge) be more weakened and prejudiced; nay and it doth often fall out so, that nature to­gether with the life is wholly extinguished; wherefore anon in its due place more shall be said hereon, and the true & real times for administring of physick be cordially deli­vered unto you; but to the busines in hand) wherefore let them observe what followeth.

Of buying to profit again by the sale thereof.In buying therefore any thing to make advantage or gain of the sail thereof, for­tifie the Moon especially, for that she hath most power of any of the Planets in the ordinary course of the life of man; Fortifie also Mercury who hath also much in­fluence in such matters; also the Lord of the second, and (if possible) the Lord of the Ascendent: let the Moon also be joyned to Mercury by body or a benevolent aspect, free from impediment, either accidental or essential, as also from the affliction of Mars as much as you can.

But if you cannot fortifie Mercury, fortifie the Moon, the eleventh house and the Lord thereof; but yet let Mercury be free from the body or Aspect of Mars; and if you can by any means, let him be in Conjunction or good aspect of Venus, or the Lord of the eleventh or both. Now be sure you observe these rules well; for by how much the more you fortifie Mercury (next to the Moon being to be regarded) by so much the more may you be confident and assured of benefit and profit; for Mer­cury, the Moon, the second and the eleventh are chief significators herein, and they still cause gain, if well dignified or disposed; but then be sure they be free from the body or aspect good or bad of Mars.

CHAP. IV. Of selling to advantage.

Of selling to advantage.EVen thus must you do if you would Elect a time to sell thy commodity at any high rate. Let the Moon be in Taurus, Cancer, Virgo or Pisces, free from mis­fortune and separating from the Conjunction or aspect of the fortunes and ap­plying to the aspect, not Conjunction, of the infortunes; for this is good for the Sel­ler, but the clean contrary for the Buyer.

CHAP. V. Father concerning Buying and Selling in the ordinary course of the World.

Advantage to the buyer.THus in the daily and ordinary way of trade must you do, fortifie ⊗ and place it in one of the houses of Iupiter, and let Iupiter or some other of the fortunes behold it with a good aspect; for this will be advantagious to the Buyer, but not to the Seller; Also if the Moon be in signs of short or oblique ascentions, decrea­sing in light, it is good for the Buyer.

But if she be in signs of right or long ascentions, increasing in light, number or motion, and joyned with the fortunes, it shall be more advantagious for the Seller and it shall seldom be, but at such a time the Buyer shall lose by the bargain.

But note, that in all this, the Moon and Mercury be free from the body or aspect of Mars, for that he ever hinders buying and selling, and causes discord and wrang­ling; also see they be free from the presence of ☋, for he is little worse then it.

To know the significators of buyer and sel­ler the thing to be bought and the price. Some of the Ancients have delivered these Rules for buying and selling; but others have taught that the Ascendent and its Lord are for the Seller, the seventh and the Lord thereof for the Buyer, and the Moon for the thing to be bought and sold; Althabarus [from whom I cannot descent herein] saith, that when the Buyer is the first propounder or mover of the business, or doth first speak to the Seller concerning the thing he would buy, the Ascendent and its Lord is for the Seller; the seventh and the Lord thereof for the Buyer: And if the Seller be the first mover of the business to the Buyer, the contrary is to be understood: The mid-heaven and its Lord is to signifie the price of the thing; the fourth and its Lord the thing to be sold; and also the Planet from whom the Moon last separated is given to signifie the Seller; the Pla­net to whom she next applies, the Buyer; and the ג the thing to be bought and sold.

Some hold that the Moon in the Ascendent, either in buying or selling is good, yet in aNote. journey is very bad. But note that in selling it will not be amiss for thee to place the Moon in her exaltation or triplicity separated from the Fortunes, and beholding the Infortunes, but not joyned to them by body.

CHAP. VI. Of buying clothing, or putting on of Apparel.

HEar now what is observable in putting on or buying of Apparel; fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord, and the Moon and let the Ascendent and the sign wherein the Lord of the ascendent is, be movable; and if possible, let the Moon be in Aries, except the seventh degree; or in Cancer, excepting the first six degrees; or in Libra, or the first eighteen degrees of Virgo, or in the first nineteen [Page 138]degrees of Sagittary, or the twenty first degrees of Pisces; and by all means avoid fixed signs, except the first twenty degrees of Taurus; for that there (it being the house of Venus and exaltation of the Moon) it signifyeth great joy and delight; but by all means let her not be in Leo or Scorpio, Leo especially, &c. And if possible, let the Moon be in Sextile or Trine of the Sun, for it will be then so much the better; but if in thy Election thou canst not observe all this, place the Moon out of Leo, Scorpio and Capricorn, and Via Combusta, and look that she be no wise impedited or beheld of the Malevolents.

Fortifie also the cusp of the second house and its Lord, especially in buying of Ha­bit, and let the Moon be increasing in light; however if thou canst not in every par­ticular remember, or be able to follow every particular of this that hath been said, in putting on of new garments, fortifie the Moon, and place the Sun in the tenth house, or place the Moon in the mid-heaven free from all misfortune; but of putting on of apparel, more anon in the Elections appertaining to the fifth house.

CHAP. VII. Of flitting, or removing from one place to another.

REmember this election (I mean its scope and nature) doth more properly belong to the third house, it being the house of journeys or short removes; but the antient Arabians most skilfull and lear­ned in this Art, have placed this election in this house, as most agreeing or belonging to it; but the reason thereof I suppose was, because seldom any remove their habitation but for their own gain or profit in one kind or other; and for that the second house hath signification thereof (as you may see in the second Treatise) they have placed this election in this house; wherefore since it is and hath been so or­dered by them, I shall (as becomes a good disciple) follow as neer as I can (especial­ly in such things as are indifferent) my Masters directions and documents.

Wherefore then in electing a fit time for such a matter, know that if the house be your own, the Ascendent at that time must be a fixed sign, and the Moon in a fixed sign; but if it be a hired house, let the Ascendent be a common sign, and the Moon in a com­mon sign.

Fortifie the Ascendent, the Moon, the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Lord of the place of the Moon, the second house and its Lord, the fourth and its Lord, and Part of Fortune and its Lord, the Ascendent and its Lord, and the Moon and its Dispositor to receive or have good and civill entertainment; but to increase in substance and to augment what is gotten in a thriving way, fortifie the cusp of the second, its Lord, and Part of Fortune and its Lord; and also it will be the better if you can then also place Jupiter in the second house, free from impediment or affliction; but however it advantageth much if Jupiter be so placed.

And for a good success and end (as in all other undertakings) fortifie the sign and cusp of the fourth and its Lord; and if possible let Taurus or Leo be on the cusp of the fourth; for that denoteth the goodness of the place, and that the house or place shall be clean and sweet, free from venemous and obnoxious beasts and vermin: but Scor­pio on the cusp of the fourth, causeth multiplicity and increase of such animals, and so much the more if it be any wise beheld of Saturn; also be carefull that the aforenamed places and significators be free from the Aspects of the Malevolents, and, if possible not only so, but in configuration of the Fortunes.

However see that you fortifie your chiefest significators, and your business order according to the intentions of the party removing or flitting his habitation, and thou shalt not erre.

CHAP. VIII. Containing Rules for Electing any Work in the Art of Distillation, or Alchymie.

A Man shall, if he have regard to the writings of the Antients, find, that there hath ever been in former Ages some, and indeed most of the more learned sort of men, who have applied their study to this heavenly mysterie: and truly it cannot be by me believed, that ever there was an Age since the World had its first original that was so stupid and void of understanding, as not to have some sons of the Hermetick Art produced therein; and as by the more learned and refined spirits of all Ages it hath been ever in great esteem and practise; so is it still in this we live, and by very many both studied and cherished, it being notwithstanding by the muck­worms and sottish Asinego's of the World slighted and contemned, and no more va­lued then a Diamond is with Hogs, both slighting that unspeakable and never to be enough valued and esteemed knowledge, and the Students or Searchers thereof, in­somuch that they account nothing more ridiculous, then that which they vulgarly call THE PHILOSOPHERS STONE, thus giving way to folly to condemn and not esteem that great blessing they are in no wise thought worthy of; nay not so much as worthy the honour to be accounted in the number of those that believe there is such a thing in Nature: but it mattereth not what such stupid Dolts conceive out of their shallow and conceited brains, that can admit of nothing but ignorance; wherefore let it be still unto them a STONE and rock of offence; both it, and all those hea­venly souls, the Lovers thereof, shall by me be ever in great esteem, and be more dear unto me then any worldly felicity: but I fear I transgress, let us therefore to our matter in hand.

Since then, I say, there are many in this our Age who apply themselves to the study of this most heavenly revelation, and they subject to miss of their intentions,Why so many miss of their hopes in this study of the Blessed Elixer. and be (as many have) frustrated of their expectation, let them observe what followeth; and though some have erred through ignorance and want of a through understand­ing of what they have sought, and others for want of proportionating the matter; and again others for want of governing it in working according to Art; some through one defect, and some through another, yet most must needs fail of their desires, for want of a through intellect and right use of Elect­ing a position of the Heavens fit for the same; for as the Elements and all thereof composed are [without dispute] regulated and disposed by the influence and vertue of the Coelestial Planets and Stars; it must necessarily follow then, that all Metals and Minerals whatsoever, have their dependency and efficacy from the superiour configu­rations of those bodies: wherefore it cannot but be very efficacious in all such works as tend to Alchymie (as well as the temporal affairs otherways of men) and the great Hermetick Work.

Wherefore when thou beginnest any work of this nature, place the Moon in a com­mon sign, free from all manner of impediment and misfortune; also the Lord of the Ascendent; and let the sign ascending be a common sign; fortifie also that Planet which ruleth the matter you work upon; as, if it be Lead, fortifie Saturn; if Tin, Jupiter; if Iron, Mars; if Gold, the Sun; if Brass or Copper, Venus; if Quick­silver, Mercury; if Silver, the Moon, &c. still remember to dispose of them (viz. your significators) according to this rule, and that in the beginning of your Work, &c.

SECTION IV. Comprehending Rules, in Electing such matters as ap­pertain to the signification of the third House.

CHAP. I. Of short Iourneys, and their Elections.

MAny men are not acquainted with this Language; wherefore I shall more plainly declare, that by short journeys we are to understand such as can be finished within a day or two, or less; wherefore then in such an Electi­on, fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord, the Moon and its dispositor, Part of Fortune also, and its dispositor, and the Planet to whom the Moon is joyned or in configura­tion with; the sign of the third house and its Lord, the Lord of the hour, and the Lord of the thing, or the Planet signifying the thing or business for which the Party takes his journey (if it be related unto you) as also its dispositor.

But if all these thou canst not possibly observe, neither (your occasions being such) can you defer them till such a time; then I say fortifie the Moon and the Lord of the hour; and if you cannot fortifie the Moon, yet be sure your Lord of the hour be no ways impedited or weak, and make the Moon fall from the Ascendent, and if pos­sible from the Lord thereof; But more of this in the ninth house when wee come to treat of Elections concerning long journeys.

CHAP. II. Of making of Friendship between Brethren, or any two at variance.

If thy brother or Kinsman be thy better. Thy equal. Thy Inferior.EVer have an especial care in this manner of judgement in Electing a fit time to make frendship between brethren at variance whether the brother or kins­man be your better, equal or inferiour; for if he be your major or better, you must observe this general Rule to have regard unto Saturn; if he be your equal, to Mars; if thy inferiour, to Mercury: but first fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord, the Moon and its dispositor, the Lord of the third, and the sign and cusp of the third it self, by fitting it to your business, and let the Lord of the third be in Conjunction, Sextile, or Trine of the Lord of the Ascendent with reception out of houses, if pos­sible, or out of exaltation or triplicity and term; for look how strong and better your reception is, so much the sooner will the parties at variance agree, and continue the longer in friendship: and if possible, let the Lord of the Ascendent behold the sign or [Page 141]cusp of the third with a Sextile or Trine, and the Lord of the third, the Ascendents cusp, &c. Or let the Lord of the first be in the tenth or eleventh, and the Moon beholding lovingly both significators or either or them.

But note, if the reconciliation be with women, as before you had respect unto Sa­turn, you must regard Venus, Note. &c. And as these Rules serve for reconciling of brethren and kindred, or such persons as are signified by the third house; so will they very well serve for the agreement of any person with the father, by ordering and placing the Lord of the fourth, as you heard of the Lord of the third, Mutatis mutandis; so likewise a servant, by fitly disposing the Lord of the sixth; and a childe, by so order­ing the Lord of the fifth: a wife, by the Lord of the seventh; or an open or known enemy; and so understand of any person whatsoever, still remembring to know ex­actly and truly your significators, and then you cannot fail following your Rules.

CHAP. III. Of applying the minde or study to Divine matters or contemplations.

The significati­on of the ninth house. SUch hath been the industry of former Writers, that they have plainly deliver­ed unto us the signification of every house as you have heard in the first Book, where you know the Ancients have assigned the ninth house to signifie the Religion and Divine inclination of any one whatsoever, and some have been so curious, that they have assigned it to signifie and denote the highest pitch of such inclinations, and the men studying thereof; as Popes, Cardinals, Arch-bishops, Abbots, Deans, Prebends, Religious Hermites,Of the third. &c. but the third to have significa­tion of ordinary Priests, or those that have not attained to that heighth of dignity, &c. also any man of what calling soever that is religiously inclined.

Wherefore if thou wouldest know a fit time whereby thy inclination may be fur­thered in thy devotion, and thou the better able to continue therein; fortifie the a­scendent and its Lord, the Moon and its dispositor, the Lord of the third, and third it self, and Jupiter who is a general significator of Religion and good inclinations, also the Sun, and if possible, let the Luminaries be in the houses of Jupiter, and ei­ther Sagittary or Pisces ascending, &c.

And if thou wouldst be an exquisite and cunning searcher in Divine matters; for­tifie Mercury, Note. and make the aforesaid significators behold each other with a good Aspect, and each others houses or the Planets in whose houses they are located and this will also serve in any other business whatsoever mutatis mutandis; but if thou canst not observe all this, follow as much thereof as you can possibly, the more the better.

SECTION V. Containing Rules of Elections, appertaining to the fourth House.

CHAP. I. Of building Houses.

ENdeavour therefore at the beginning of thy work to fortifie the Lord of the Ascendent and cusp of the Ascendent it self, the Moon and its dispositor, and the Planet to which she is joyned by body or Aspect; also the fourth house and its Lord, the second and its Lord, and the tenth and its Lord, and so much the rather if you intend the house to be high; and in such a case be sure your significa­tors be not under the earth, for that causeth slow progress in the fabrick, and that it shall never be brought to that heighth and shape it was first intended to be of; yet if the Moon be in the fifth or third, benevolently aspecting any significator, or a fortune above the earth, it hindreth not much: place also Part of Fortune in an angle, and for­tifie it and its Dispositor, and place Dragons Tail in the twelfth; fortifie also Mer­cury and its Lord, and let not Mars behold these significators which have been named, neither let him have any power when thou beginnest thy work; but if it fall out so that thou canst not help it, but that he will have some power in thy figure, place Venus fortunate in the place of Mars, or more plainly, let Venus have great power and dignity in the degree and sign wherein Mars is located, and let her be in a Sex­tile or Trine of him: Let Saturn also be in no configuration of Venus, as near as you can, and make the Moon increasing in light and motion and joyned to Jupiter; for this causeth the fabrick to be beautifull and fair, and have a special care the Moon be not with Saturn or Dragons tail, Note. or Saturn in the Ascendent or fourth, for this will impedite the work and cause delays therein, and perhaps hinder the finishing thereof; and if it be finished, yet perhaps it will stand long empty; and if inhabited, yet will the inhabitants finde no good therein, but much vexation, troubles, fears, infirmi­ties and many tribulations, and the fabrick shall soon be subject to decay and fall down; and if the Affliction be by Mars, and the Ascendent be a sign of short ascentions, it causeth fires therein; wherefore let (in such a positure) the Moon be increasing in light and motion,The Landlord shall not inha­bit the house built. and the Lord of the house of the Moon in aspect therewith, and the Lord of the Ascendent beholding the Ascendent, and these free from all im­peditions; for if they behold not their own house, the Landlord of the Fabrick shall not live therein.

Let Dragons tail be by no means in the Ascendent, second or fourth, but especially in the second; for it causeth profuseness, but you may safely place Dragons head in any of those places, &c.

But if all these thou canst not possibly at thy time place, according as thou hast heard; yet fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord, the Moon also, the second and fourth, and their Lords, or at least the second, and let the Moon be in good configuration, or [Page 143] Conjunction with Jupiter, and if possible let Jupiter be in the second; fortifie also the Planet that hath exaltation in that sign wherein the Moon is, if you can; however fortifie and many as may be, if not all, and especially your chiefest significators.

CHAP. II. Of Building of Castles and Cities.

YOu have heard already the time of electing the building of houses; it resteth now we know at what time it will be most advantagious to build Castles and Cities; know then that in such a work you must fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord; also the Moon and the Lord of the sign she is in, and Part of Fortune and its Lord, and place in the Ascendent at time of your first beginning to build some fixed Stars of the nature of Jupiter, Sol, Venus, Mercury, or Saturn if he be well placed; for that signifies the durability and continuance of the Castle or City; or such stars as are of the nature of the Moon or Lord of the Ascendent. And note here, that although in building of houses we refuse the assistance of Saturn, Note. yet in Castles and Cities he is not to be rejected; for Haly saith, In aedificatione Civitatum, fac Saturnum habere firmam portionem in medio Coeli, & in ascendente in principio fun­damenti Civitatis. In building of Cities, let Saturn have firm power or authority in the mid-heaven, and in the Ascendent at the time of the foundation of the City, or when the foundation is laid; let the Ascendent also, if you can, be one of the houses of Jupiter; but if you cannot, however let it be free from the Configurations of Mars; let Mars also be in no aspect or bodily presence of, or with the Moon, or the Ascendent or the Lord of the term of the Ascendent, or Lord of the hour at the laying of the foundation or the first stone towards it; let also the Lord of the de­gree of the Ascendent be fortunate, direct and swift in motion, and the Lord of the Ascendent in his exaltation or joy no ways afflicted or retrograde; and the Sun in a sign of right Ascentions, also Part of Fortune and its Lord in fortunate houses and lovingly beheld by the Moon; for by the strength of Part of Fortune, The significa­tors of the for­tune and good in any City. and its Dis­positor and the aspect of the Moon thereunto, is the fertility, the goods and riches of the Inhabitants, the profit and what ever else there is of good in the City known and judged.

Let not Mars by any means behold Part of Fortune, for it causeth scarcity and poverty; and fortifie Saturn as much as you can; for when he hath power in the mid-heaven or Ascendent as hath been said, and in good aspect of Jupiter, it denoteth the City shall continue for a long time, and that there shall be an innumerable mul­titude of Inhabitants therein, who shall live in peace and concord with each other, and that it shall not be depopulated.

But the fertility of the City is chiefly known from the position of Iupiter, and the Sun and the Moon, &c. but remember,Note. that you debilitate Mars in all foundations of Cities; let him not by any means have any configuration with the Lord of the place of the foundation, or indeed with any significator; for if he have ought to do in the figure at the time you begin your work, it signifieth much mischief and im­pediment to the Inhabitants, and that they shall be invironed and surrounded with mischiefs. Place therefore Mars in a cadent house, very weak and impedited; other­wise he will be cause of much mischief, discord and extortion amongst the Citizens; but they shall on the contrary assuredly be free from these evils, if Iupiter be for­tunately placed and elevated above Mars; also the Luminaries and Part of Fortune, but especially the Moon, above all your significators, ought to be well placed; Note. for by how much the stronger she is and freer from impediment, will the fortune and good success of the City and Inhabitants thereof be, &c.

Further know that in laying the foundation of Cities, it will be most advantagi­ous if the Moon be free from misfortunes, and neither in Conjunction, Opposition, or combustion of the Sun, or in via Combusta, void of course, or in meridional Lati­tude descending; in the latter degrees of a sign, or in the beginning of a sign, in her fall, or the Lord of the house in which she is not beholding it, or in the sixth or twelfth houses, or with Dragons head or Dragons tail: but let her be increasing in light and motion, and have Septentrional latitude ascending, in her exaltation, or exaltation of Iupiter, and Iupiter or Venus direct and in an angle with her, but chiefly in the ascen­dent, or mid-heaven.

It advantageth greatly also, if the Ascendent and the Moon be in earthy signs, and chiefly Taurus and Virgo; also in Capricorn when she is placed with Iupiter in the A­scendent, and the light of the time in the mid-heaven; for this signifies the City shall continue a long time, and the Inhabitants thereof shall profit therein and have a good end; also if the Ascendent be a common sign, it signifieth there shall be ma­ny Inhabitants and multiplicity of strangers and several sorts of people, especially if many Planets behold the Ascendent and the Moon.

Know also that in building or laying the foundation of Cities, if Saturn be joyn­ed with Dragons tail, there shall be much mischief and trouble to old men and ser­vants in that City. If Iupiter be joyned with Dragons tail, much mischief will be inci­dent to the Nobles of the City or the Aldermen, &c. If Mars, there will be evil by fire, discord and debate, and perhaps the Magazine will be blown up often, or be in danger thereof, or the Militia will be damnified. If the Sun, evil is threatned to the chief Ruler of the City or Mayor. If Venus, it will fall on the Women of the City. If Mercury be joyned with Dragons tail, there shall be much deceit and many lyes, and cozening deceitfull tricks used. If the Moon, the common sort of people shall be afflicted. So on the contrary judge the good success, of those signified by those Planets free from impediment, and in a fortified condition, at the time you laid the first stone of your foundation; if the Planets are all strong, judge fortune and good success in general, &c.

To know the signification of any thing or casualty, inci­dent to, or in any City and how to judge thereof.Moreover know, that the Ascendent of a City hath signification of the life of the Inhabitants: the second house of its riches, strength and power: the third, of the Laws thereof; the fourth, of the end of the Inhabitants causes, as also the end of the City, and the secret places therein, as hidden treasures and the like; the fifth, of the children of the Inhabitants: the sixth, of the servants and infirmities and mala­dies incident to the inhabitants; the seventh, of the Marriages of the Citizens; the eighth, of their great houses; the ninth, of their manners, customs and Voyages: the tenth, their habitations, Masterie and occupations, also their honour, power and dig­nity; the eleventh, their friends and assistants; the twelfth, their great Cattel, Plots, and secret Enemies, also imprisonments and poverty.

So that from hence you may judge methodically, and particularly of every parti­cular quality of any City; for in what houses you finde the Malevolents, and such houses as you see are afflicted and impedited, you may judge the ill success and mis­fortune (according to the strength of your afflicting Planets) to those things signi­fied by the house afflicted and impedited, &c. So likewise of the good state and con­dition of those things signified by those houses you finde assisted by the Benevolents and well fortified.

When Saturn is in any of the angels alone, and not assisted by the Fortunes, it sig­nifies delays and slowness in those things signified by the angle he is in, and in the actions and undertakings of the Citizens in general; if Mars be there he denotes many mischiefs, dammages, robberies, and corrupt or over hot ayr.

But if at the beginning of the building, or laying of a Cities foundation, ♄ and ♃ behold each other with a good aspect, and be in angles and other good places of Heaven, strong and well dignified, it denoteth the City shall be of long continuance, and increase in glory and plenty a long time.

Observe warily what I have already said, and it will be needless for me longer to in­sist on this point. Let us therefore proceed.

CHAP. III. Of Building of Churches.

WE shall find this Election (since in this our age we build more Serralias then Churches) to be in a manner needless, yet since by the most Learned and well-minded Antients it hath been men­tioned, I shall for the benefit of Posterity, which I hope will exceed us in Religion and goodness, deliver the Rules of Astro­logie in such an operation, &c.

At the time then the first stone of the Foundation is laid let the Ascendent be fortunate, as also its Lord, the Moon and its Lord, the Part of Fortune and its Lord, the ninth house and its Lord, the Planets in any of these Places, also the Planet in configuration with the Moon, and let Jupi­ter be in the Ascendent, and if possible in Sagittary or Pisces, or if you cannot do so, let him be in Sextile or Trine of the Ascendent, especially in Trine, and out of his own houses, and good places of Heaven: but let the Lord of the Exaltation of the Ascendent be well placed, the tenth and its Lord, the ninth and its Lord, the Moon and its Dispositor; and Jupiter, if you cannot observe all the rest, &c.

CHAP. IV. Of Building or Erecting of Mills.

IN building of Mills be sure you place the Moon in Aries in the Ascendent or Libra, or the latter part of Virgo, and by no means let her be in Cancer or Ca­pricorn, but in the aforesaid signs, as also the Lord of the Ascendent, or in Sex­tile and Trine thereunto; free from the Malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes: Ob­serve also this time in beginning any work belonging to Mills, &c.

CHAP. V. Of pulling down or destroying of Houses, or any Fabrick whatsoever.

LIke as the wisest of Mortals very well once said, There is a time to build, and a time to pull down what hath been built (there being a time for all things under the Sun) having given you the time of building, it resteth you know also the time of pulling down what hath been built; for there is nothing sublunary permanent, or that is not subject both to change and destruction, &c.

Haly saith, when you would pull down or spoil any building, place the significators contrary to what you have in building.

Put the Moon in a fiery sign, and its Lord; let the Ascendent also be a fiery sign, [Page 146]and the Lord thereof in a fiery sign or an aëry: but Athabarus a learned Author saith, let the Ascendent be a sign of right Ascentions, and the Lord thereof Occi­dental, slow in motion, going also to a sign in which he is afflicted in Fall or Detri­ment, let him also be Retrograde, and falling from an angle; and let also the Moon be decreasing in light and motion, cadent from angles, and joyned to Planets very weak and unfortunate, and if possible, let her be in Scorpio, or Capricorn, and under the earth, or in configuration with a Planet under the Earth, Meridional descending, and joyned to retrograde Planets, and let her be in the last Square with the Sun: Let the Lord of the fourth, and sign thereof be weak and afflicted; as also all the other significators, and the Planets to whom they are joyned or in Aspect with; but chiefly in this work debilitate Mars, if you cannot all what you have heard; for as he is against building, so is he also against pulling down what is built.

But if it be so that you care not much whether the destroyed place or house be re­built or no, let the Moon be separated from the Malevolents, and joyned to the For­tunes or in reception of them, and this will cause the Fabrick so destroyed to be the easier rebuilt, if ever taken in hand.

CHAP. VI. Containing rules of Elections in buying of Land, Houses or He­ritages.

The significa­tors of the Buyer.LOok in every Election or Work, you have a special care you exactly know which are your true significators; wherefore in this matter the Ascendent, its Lord, and Planet from whom the Moon last separated, are the true signifi­cators of the Buyer.

Of the Seller.The Lord of the seventh house, and the seventh house it self, and the Planet the Moon applies to, of the Seller; Also the Seeds and Plants sown or growing on the ground.

The fourth house, its Lord, and Planets therein placed, and the Moon are signifi­cators of the house land or heritage to be bought and sold.

The price of the land or house.The tenth, the Lord thereof, and Planets therein located, signifie the price, viz. whether it will be cheap or dear; it signifyeth also the wood or timber on the ground.

Having thus rightly understood the ground of your Work, you will be the better able to go through with the same; wherefore then in buying or purchasing houses, land and heritages, fortifie chiefly the fourth House and Lord thereof; also the Moon and its Dispositor and Part of Fortune, and its Lord and those Planets therein placed, let them be no wise impedited, or Retrograde in Fall or Detriment, or in any Aspect of the Malevolents, especially of Mars, for these cause the house or land so purchased to be soon lost, and of no continuance with your Posterity.

That the Land may be purcha­sed by the Buyer, and that at a good rate, or to his ad­vantage.But in making your Bargain, or that your Bargain may be good and to your ad­vantage, also that you may assuredly have the Land or thing to be purchased, if you please; fortifie the Ascendent, its Lord, the Planet from whom the Moon last sepa­rated, also the Moon her self, and her Dispositor; the fourth, its Lord and Pla­nets therein, and Part of Fortune and its Dispositor, also place the Moon in Can­cer or Taurus, if possible, and let her behold the Lord of the Ascendent or sign a­scending with a Sextile or Trine, and be in good houses of Heaven, and the Lord of the seventh applying to the Lord of the Ascendent, or disposed of by the Lord of the Ascendent or in reception therewith; let the fourth house also be in Taurus, Leo, or Aquaries, and the Lord of the Angles Oriental and free from combustion.

Let also the Fortunes (in purchasing Lands or Heritages) have chief power in the Angles, if not in all the Angles, yet in the first and fourth; and in the other two, place the Luminaries beholding the Ascendent and fourth or one of them, especially the Ascendent, with a Sextile or Trine; and see that the Lords of the Angles be not Retrograde, nor a Retrograde Planet placed in any of them; nor in the eleventh, or ninth, nor the Lord of the fourth of a fiery nature, nor any of that nature therein placed, especially if they are not beheld by the Benevolent Aspects of the Fortunes.

And note that if the Lord of the fourth be of a watry nature, or of a cold and moist temper; let not Saturn behold him or it, and let not the Lord of the tenth be unfortunate.

The Land is good and plea­sant.Fortunes or Planets essentially dignified in the fourth, or the Lord of the fourth, and the sign of the fourth fortunate, denote the goodness and pleasantness of the Land, House or Heritage; also that it is a fertile and good soil, and the seeds alrea­dy sown or to be sown therein shall be fruitfull, &c.

The Plants are good and fruit­full.Such in the seventh, and the sign and the Lord thereof so disposed; shew the Herbs, Sets and Plants, and the culture thereon are pleasant, good and fruitfull.

The Timber is good and high or tall.In the tenth, the Trees are tall, sound, fruitfull, and good, that there is much timber, or what is there, is excellent good and commodious.

Know also that the Infortunes or weak Planets in these places cause mischief and impediment, according to the nature of the Planets and the places in which they are; therefore look that these Angles be free from them, and especially the seventh house; for the Malevolents there, cause mischief, malice and deceit of the Hus­band-men or Tenents of the ground or houses; Saturn therein placed, shews their cozening and lying; Mars denotes them lyars, unconstant and thieves.

CHAP. VII. Of Buying of Land, or ground for Husbandry, and not to build on.

IN buying of Land then not to build on, but for to manure and husband for thy profit and advantage, fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord, the Moon and its dis­positor, Part of Fortune also and its Lord, also Saturn, and if it be possible, put him in Libra, or if the Land be to be bought in the day time, place him in Capri­corn or Aquaries; but if in the night, put him in Aries, Leo or Sagittary, or Libra; let him also be in a Trine of Jupiter, or in a Sextile with him, or the fourth house; but by all means see that Mars behold them not by any Aspect, and let the Moon be in the increase of her light, viz. in the first Square or Quarter, beholding Saturn with a Sextile or Trine, or that Planet that beholds him.

Many labou­rers in the land; it shall be fruit­full, &c.And if the Moon behold Jupiter, it signifieth that the land shall have labourers enough, that there shall be many fruitfull Trees and Plants, and that the land shall be very fertile; the same understand if he be in configuration with Saturn, &c.

But if Saturn cannot be made to be beheld of Jupiter, yet let Venus behold him, and fortifie the watry signs, for the Fortunes shall be stronger in them then in the aëry; let the Moon be in the tenth in Taurus, beholding the lord of the Ascendent with a benevolent Aspect, and let the Moon and the sign ascending be free from all manner of misfortune.

CHAP. VIII. Of bringing of Water to a house, either by Conduit, Pipe or Pump; and of digging of Wells.

AS in the foregoing Elections, so in this it is necessary you fortifie the Ascen­dent, and let it be one of the watry signs as also its Lord, and let him be oriental and free from all manner of Impediment, and in an Angle in his own dignities essential; Let Saturn also be oriental and free from misfortune, and in the eleventh house, but look that the Moon be not in Conjunction with them.

Fortify also Iupiter, and let there be no Infortune or malevolent planet in the tenth house, for that it will cause rather discension then ascension of the water.

Let the Moon also and its dispositor be well dignified, and in the third or fifth houses of Heaven in an Earthy sign; but if she will needs be above the earth, place her in the ninth, tenth, or eleventh; Alkindus adviseth to place the Moon, Ascen­dent, or any other Angle free from all manner of misfortune or impedition; and let her be in her first Quarter, or from her Conjunction to the first Square of the Sun in­creasing in light and motion: But know, that if the Moon be in any house under the earth, you must fortifie her well, and place her in configuration of a benovolent Pla­net in the tenth, if possible; or however of one above the earth: and if she be above the earth, let her by no means behold any Planet below the earth, except with recep­tion by house or exaltation and in essential dignities.

It is necessary also you have regard to Part of Fortune and the Lord of the Con­junction of the Luminaries praeventional or before your Election, and fortifie them both, essentially.

But if you cannot observe all this, yet as much as you can; but chiefly fortifie the Moon, the Lord of the Ascendent and Mid-heaven, and the cusps thereof, espe­cially the cusp of the tenth.

CHAP. IX. Of Tillage, or Manuring of the Ground.

MArk the first hour thou beginnest to Till, or Manure the ground; and for­tifie the Ascendent, the Lord thereof, and the Moon, and the Planet who is the Dispositor of the Moon, so that they be received of the Fortunes, or such Planets as are free from misfortune and well dignified, and that out of Angles, or succedent houses at least.

But if all this cannot exactly be followed, yet let the Moon be fortunately recei­ved, and that out of an angle by a Fortune; and if possible, place those Planets you can most fortifie, in the second house; also fortifie Part of Fortune, and the Lord of the praeventional Conjunction of the Luminaries, and place him an angle, &c.

CHAP. X. Of Renting or Hiring, and Letting of Houses, Land or Fruit, or any other thing to be Let or Hired.

IN this, the Ascendent and its Lord are Significators of the Hirer or Farmer; the seventh and its Lord of the Letter or owner of the House, Land, or thing to be hired or Let; the mid-heaven, of the price; the fourth house, of the end of the business.

Fortifie therefore the ascendent, its Lord, the Moon and her dispositor, for the ascendent or its Lord being so constituted, denotes the hirer or farmer to be just, good and honest, and willingly and readily performing what he hath promised to the letter or owner; If he be weak and afflicted, as also the cusp of the ascendent, Judge the contrary; after the same manner understand of the significators of the Owner or Letter.

Wherefore let both significators be well fortified, and the Lord of the seventh ap­plying to the Lord of the ascendent if you would have the Owner or Letter be reasonable or desirous to deal with the Farmer or Hirer at a reasonable rate, and to cause him to have a good penyworth (as we call it) but if you would that it succed or fall out to the advantage of the Letter ot Owner, let the Lord of the ascendent apply to the Lord of the seventh.

Some Authors (and that with good reason) have assigned the ascendent, its Lord and planet from whom the Moon is separating, to signify or be significators of the Farmer or Hirer; if he be the first mover or desirer to traffique or deal in the Farm­ing the Land or house; The seventh, the planet Lord thereof, and the planet the Moon next applys unto, of the Letter or Owner: But if the Owner be the first mover of the business, Judge the contrary.

And as the fourth house hath signification of the end of the thing, so also hath the Moon and the sign wherein she is.

Know then that in Electing a time for this business, it will not be amiss to for­tifie Jupiter and Saturn, beholding each other with a benevolent aspect, for this causeth both the Renter and Letter to be faithful in keeping their promises and bargain with each other.

However observe in this matter chiefly to fortifie the Moon and its dispositor; the ascendent, seventh and their Lords, the Lord of the tenth and fourth, as also their houses and let the significators apply to each other as you have heard according to the intent and purpose of your Election; and remember that the application of the planets the Moon separates from and applyes to, have the same significations as you have heard the Lords of the seventh and ascendent have.

CHAP. XI. of Planting of Trees or Graffing.

Fixed signs are to be chosen, and chiefly Taurus.USually in this work these Rules are to be observed. Let the Moon be in Taurus, Aquaries, Leo, Pisces or Virgo, but especially in Taurus, and in Sextile or Trine of Venus; but if it be so you can not place her in Tau­rus, let her be in Aquaries for that it is next of these abovenamed signs to be chosen; And if you can not place her in Aquaries, let her be in Leo beheld of a benevolent planet out of a watry sign; let her also be well dignified, I mean free from the ill aspects of the Malevolents; Let Saturn be also direct and in the ascendent, eleventh, fifth, or second, in his own essential dignities.

And if you cannot place Saturn in the Ascendent, let Jupiter be there, and in Sextile or Trine of Saturn; however let Saturn be in what place of the figure you please, he ought to be well aspected by Jupiter, and let him be in a place where he hath essential dignities.

But if neither of these be placed in the Ascendent, let the Moon be there, or in the tenth, eleventh, fifth, or third, free from all impediment; for you must have a speci­al care that in all Plantings and Sowings, the Moon be chiefly free from misfortune, and not only so, but well dignified essentially, and upheld by the other Planets, viz. the Fortunes and their benevolent rays.

In all Plantings and Sowings (as you have heard already in buildings) see that you debilitate Mars, Note. and hinder him from any power in your work; let the Moon also be in no configuration of him, neither let him be in the Ascendent, tenth, eleventh, fifth, second or third, or in any aspect to either of them, or their Lords, if possible; for he is destructive; let also Part of Fortune, its Dispositor and the Dispositor of the Moon be free from his mischievous beams or aspect, good or bad; and fortifie also the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Lord of its exaltation.

Let the Dispositor of the Moon (saith Alchaiat an ancient Author) behold her out of a watry sign; and if the Ascendent be not a fixed sign, let the Moon and Lord of the Ascendent be Oriental of the Sun and ascending, or at least one of them; for this causeth such Trees or Graffs, as shall be then set or graffed to grow quickly and be fruitfull; but if they be ascending and not oriental, the Trees shall soon grow, but not so soon fructifie; but this in such Trees as are not fruitfull, or bearing no fruit, as Willows, Ash, Elms, &c. hurteth not much; but if you place them occidental and decreasing in light and number, and descending, judge the contrary to what you have heard.

Know moreover, if you cannot make your Ascendent a fixed sign, let it be a common one, and the significators in common signs, and fortifie them, as you have already heard, &c.

But if thou canst not dispose and fit all thy significators in so full a manner as you have already heard, order as many thereof as you can; and chiefly the Moon, who ought to be in Taurus, or in the last part of Sagittary, free from all misfor­tune or impediment; let her also be in Conjunction, if possible, of Jupiter, or in Sex­tile, or Trine of him, and let Jupiter be no wise impedited, and be in the ascendent, tenth, eleventh, fifth or fourth, and if possible, also let Part of Fortune be free from the Malevolent coufigurations of the afflicting Planets, and in one of the afore­said houses.

CHAP. XII. Of Sowing of Seeds in the ground.

DO thou be sure in Sowing of seeds (because it is a thing in which speedy gain is expected) thy ascendent be a movable sign, and the Lord thereof in a movable sign, as also the Moon, and the Lords or Dispositors of the Lord of the ascendent and the Moon beholding them out of movable signs, or if this cannot be, common may be chosen; but fixed by no means.

Place the Moon in an earthy or watry sign of the movable signs, viz. Cancer or Capricorn; but if she be in Aries, let some Planet behold her out of some watry sign, especially out of Cancer, least the herbs or seed dry and wither.

That Seeds sown may pro­sper and come to good.Let the Lord of the Ascendent be free from misfortune, and in good aspect to the Ascendent, and let the Ascendent be also free from the configurations of the male­volents: Let the Moon also be free from the Sun beams, and in essential or acciden­tal dignities, increasing in light and motion; for if the Moon be decreasing in light and number or motion and under the Sun beams, the Seeds sown will not come to good: But know, that in Sowing of Pease,Note. the Moon must be decreasing in light and motion, especially in light, for otherwise they will never leave blooming, &c.

And if the Seeds be seeds of Trees, or such as ingender or produce Trees, let the Moon be in Taurus, as you have already heard, &c.

CHAP. XIII. Of ridding Houses or places from evil Spirits.

EVil spirits and the way of commanding them or ridding houses of them, is best known to such as practise and make use thereof, it being no part of the study of an Astrologian; however since often times mischief is done in such actions for want of understanding, I thought good here to set down a fit time for such businesses, it being otherwise very dangerous.

There have been several instructions for this matter given to us by the Antients; but most, and those most authentick too, say as followeth.

See that the Moon be not in the Ascendent, and that neither the Ascendent or the Moon be in Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquaries, but in some other signs, and let the Moon separate from the Malevolents, and apply to the Fortunes, &c.

And thus much concerning Elections appertaining to the fourth house; it resteth now we proceed according to our promise next to the fifth house, &c.

SECTION VI. Containing Rules for Electing a time for any Work, or thing appertaining to the fifth House.

THere are many curious Spirits I know which will not be a little taken with the Elections appertaining to this House, they being indeed all so necessary in the ordinary course of a mans life; I shall not in the delivering thereof in the least be covetous or desirous to keep to my self the least thing that may advantage posterity herein; for since the cause of these my undertakings was for the benefit and instruction of the illiterate in these matters, I shall be free and liberal therein ac­cording to that small Talent of knowledge God hath given me; wherefore since the getting of children is the chiefest thing appertaining to this house, I will begin with it.

CHAP. I. Shewing a fit time for getting of Boys or Girls.

To ingender a Boy or man­childe.HAve regard first to the sign ascending, the sign of the fifth, the Lords there­of, and the Moon and its Dispositor that they be in Masculine signs, and let the Moon be free from impediment, as also the Lords of the Ascendent and the fifth, and the Dispositor of the Moon; this for boys.

But in getting of Girls, let the aforesaid significators and places be in feminine signs.

A Boy is con­ceived. A Girl.And if you cannot observe all this, let your significators be (the major part of them) masculine for a Boy, and so the contrary for a Girl; but if the significators be equal, you must have regard to the Lord of the hour and the Planet to whom the Moon applies, and judge by the major part, viz. if most Masculine Planets, a Male may be expected; if feminine, a female; but if it so happen that yet notwithstanding the significators are equal, viz. that there is the same equal number of masculine Planets and signs that there is feminine, the conceived Infant will be an Hermophrodite;An Hermo­phrodite. Twins. or if the Moon, the fifth and Ascendent, be in signs of double bodies, perhaps there will be Twins conceived.

To get boys.But moreover know, that in Electing a time for getting of Men-children it is ne­cessary you place a fixed sign in the Ascendent and the rest of the Angles, also the Fortunes free from all impediment or affliction, let the Ascendent also be a masculine sign, and a sign of right Ascensions free from the malevolent Aspects of the Infor­tunes; but see that there be in no ways an Infortune in an angle or a Feminine Planet, and let the Lord of the Ascendent be fortunate, both in the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth moneths after the Conception, for that sometimes the Birth falls out in these moneths as well as in the ninth; Let the Luminaries also be fortunate or free from im­pediment, and let the Moon be in Sextile or Trine of the Sun.

Conception is hindred.Chiefly have respect to ♀ and the ☽ that they be essentially dignified, or at least free from misfortune; for if ♀ be afflicted and weak, the place of Conception or [Page 153]the receptacle for the seed will be deficient and weak to perform its office; and if the Moon be impedited and weak, it debilitates the seed: Some of the Ancients al­so have advised that this should be done in odde or uneven hours, as are the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth and eleventh, for the getting of Boys, they being ac­counted masculine hours; but for a Girl in even, as the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth, they being feminine.

To cause con­ception.Let your Ascendent be Libra, and place the Moon therein, and Cancer on the tenth, being a fruitful sign; but place the rest of the Significators in masculine signs, and this causeth conception, and that of a Male childe; but it is to be understood then, that the woman be sound in health and nature, and of capacity for such mat­ters: Your Significators in feminine signs cause a Girl.

All these Rules it may be are too tedious, or difficult to observe, yet at least at the time of copulation, let the Ascendent and the Moon be strong, and Jupiter upon the cusp of the mid-heaven fortunate; for this signifieth the woman shall conceive at the first bout, except she be a maid before, and then the first goes to another use but at the second it will not fail, provided the party be capable and sufficient in such an exercise: If your Ascendent be a Masculine sign, and the Moon and Jupiter in masculine signs, or the major part, it is a Boy that is conceived; if feminine, a Girl.

But if thou canst not place Jupiter on the cusp of the tenth, let him be on the cusp of the eleventh, or fifth, or in such a degree as that he may behold the Ascen­dent its Lord, or the Moon with a Sextil, or Trine, or place the Moon or Lord of the Ascendent in the fifth, within five degrees of the cusp thereof in good Aspect to the Ascendent, for this signifieth the woman then made much of shall con­ceive.

CHAP. II. Of Delivering a dead Childe.

RArely, yet sometimes doth it happen, that the childe dyes in the mothers womb, which without speedy help will also in­danger the life of the mother: it is necessary therefore before we go any further, to elect you a fit time for applying reme­dies for this accident: I might here set some remedies down, but I conceive it belonging no wise to our work in hand, it will be in a manner needless; and I am confident of small benefit to the Students in such matters, for that they will never be ac­quainted with any such thing, little expecting to finde such matters in a discourse of this nature,Astrology use­ful for all the parts of Phy­sick. though I must confess to all parts of Physick this Art is a great help, and ought especially therefore to be studied by the Students of Physick;Look Chap. 1. Sect. 6. of my Lux Veri­tatis. other­wise it is impossible for them to be throughly masters of their Art: Therefore, I say, since in the Volumns of the learned in Physick, such remedies are frequently to be rancountred, I shall here pass it by, and shew you only a fit and conveni­ent time according to the influence of the superiours to apply your reme­dy, &c.

To expel the dead childe.Wherefore then see that you apply your medicine when the Ascendent is a feminine sign of right ascentions, and let the Moon be decreasing in light and de­scending in your schem; viz. at the least six or eight degrees past the mid-heaven, and declining towards the seventh, and let her be in Sextil or Trine, if possible of the for­tunes, whether she be received or no: or if she be beheld of Mars by these Aspects, [Page 154]so it be with reception it advantageth; neither is it amiss, if it be not with recepti­on, provided the Moon be in a feminine sign, and the Ascendant in a feminine sign of right ascentions, as hath been said: Moreover, have a special care that the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon, and its Dispositor be not in signs of oblique ascen­tions; place also, if possible, the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Dispositor of the Moon declining towards the seventh, as you have heard of the Moon; or be­holding some Planets in that part of heaven with reception.

CHAP. III. Of Christening or Circumcising of Children.

ARabians and others have delivered rules for electing such a time, especially for that oftentimes through negligence or ignorance the childe hath been almost spoil'd, in that the place sometimes did gangreen or fester, &c. but since we have that Ceremony in no use, it being abolished by the death of our Lord JESUS, it may seem here to be needless; but since the rules may (if ob­served) tend to some other benefit; and for that I would not willingly omit any thing that might be beneficial to posterity in these my weak endeavors, I thought I would however spare one side of Paper for them.

Of Circum­cision.See then that Venus be exalted above Mars, and applying to the benevolent Aspect of Jupiter; also let the Ascendent, its Lord and Venus, and the Moon be free from the Aspect of Saturn, for that he causeth putrefication and corruption to the generating of a Gangreen, and perhaps the indangering of the life of the childe.

Let the Lord of the Ascendent also be ascending in latitude, and the Moon and its Dispositor in septentrional signs and in succedent houses of heaven, and look that the Moon be not in Scorpio, nor Mars in the Ascendent or any other Angle.

The Arabians and Ancient Authors, not using christen­ings, were de­ficient in those elections.These rules might serve also for Christening; but since the Ancients were not so well acquainted with the use of Christening as we in this latter age, they have been herein somewhat deficient, and have not delivered the rules of Astrology there­on as is requisite; many, nay most of them, wholly omitting it; wherefore (though Astrology medleth not with Divine matters, nor causeth or procureth grace (this Ceremony being a sign and seal of our admittance into the Church of Christ, and number of the Elect, if we live accordingly) yet they act and incline, though not compel or force) I will give you here some directions concerning this matter.

Of Christen­ings.Know then that your Ascendent, and its Lord, the Moon also and its Dispo­sitor, ought to be fortunate, and if possible, let the Ascendent be a fixed sign, and Jupiter herein well dignified, or in the ninth, or in good configuration with the Planets therein, or with the cusps of those houses: and let the Planets either in the Ascendent or ninth be fortunes, or at the least well dignified; but let Saturn and Mars be in no wise either therein placed, or in configuration with them, or their Lords, or the Planets therein placed; and let the sign of the ninth be fortunate, as also its Lord, and place Venus and the Moon in a good Aspect of Jupiter; and if possible, with reception, or let them be all in conjunction in the ninth or ascendent.

But if you cannot fully follow all these directions yet let the ascendent, the ninth house, the Planets therein posited, the Moon, its Dispositor, and the Lords of the Ascendent and ninth, be well dignified, and in Sextil or Trine of Jupiter or Mercury.

And thus much of Christenings and Circumcisions; let us now proceed to elect­ing a fit time for giving of Gifts or Presents.

CHAP. IV. Of giving and receiving of Gifts or Presents.

MY intentions are now to treat of the rules of the Ancients for electing a fit time for giving and receiving of Gifts or Presents: We have here al­ready treated of some Elections which might seem needless; but truly this of all we have hitherto mentioned, I may say is most properly to be termed super­fluous or needless, Hospitality and Charity being things so different to the tempers and natures of most men of this age we live in: But since we write not barely to this age, but also to Posterity, I shall soon resolve upon the business; for since I have better hopes of their goodness, I shall by no means omit this Election, but deliver plainly the words of the most approved Authors hereon.

That the gift may prove ad­vantageous.Know then first, in receiving of Gifts you are to fortifie the Ascendent, the second House and their Lords, also the Moon and its dispositor, for this causeth gain to come unto thee by this Gift or Present; I mean it shall be advantageous to the re­ceiver, and he shall thereby much benefit himself.

For confirma­tion hereof.But to make this the more certain, you must fortifie Part of Fortune and its Lord, viz. the Planet who is disposer thereof, which is more plainly that Planet that is Lord of the sign wherein Part of Fortune is, fortifie also Iupiter, for that he is a general significator of wealth and riches: this confirmeth the former rule, and maketh it the more certain.

Of sending of presents.But know that in sending of Presents or Gifts you are to fortifie the fifth House and its Lord, as also Iupiter; and let Mars both in receiving and giving be in no configuration with the Ascendent, the second, their Lords, the Moon, its dispositor, Part of Fortune, its Lord, Part of Substance, Iupiter, the fifth House or their Lords: and if possible let the Ascendent and fifth House be in common signs; and know that Sagittary and Pisces are to be preferred before Gemini or Virgo, yet Virgo is before Gemini; You must understand this is meant of the first fifteen degrees of Sagittary.

You are not onely to beware of Mars, but also of Saturn, that he be not either bodily present or in configuration with the Moon, the Ascendent or its Lord, Part of Fortune, Part of Substance, or any of the aforesaid significators or places without re­ception; and let the Lord of the Ascendent be elevated above the Lord of the seventh.

Nota benè.But if thou canst not observe all this, fortifie the Moon, Iupiter and Lord of the second House and the cuspe thereof in receiving Presents.

In giving, the Moon, the fifth, its Lord, Iupiter and Part of Fortune and its dis­positor. And thus much for this.

CHAP. V. Containing Rules for electing a time for putting on of Apparel.

EVen in this Chapter are we now to shew you the rules of the Learned in for­mer ages in electing a time proper thereunto, I shall (as in all the other) give you the marrow or quintessence of their Writings; a Volume five times as large as is this, is not able to contain them all verbatim; but in what one is deficient. [Page 156]I shall help you with another, and so with a third, that however thou shalt not be to seek in any Election as well as this, so thou beest able to understand the reasons of the rules, otherwise thou shalt be still ignorant hadst thou all the Volumes that were ever penn'd since the Creation;Look Chap. 6. Sect. 3. of this Treatise. somewhat you have heard already of putting on of Ap­parel, but not so fully as here in this place I intend; we will begin therefore with it, and then in order of what remaineth, and so proceed.

Putting on of Apparel.Herein you must have regard to the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon, the Lord of the sign wherein she is, the fifth House and Lord thereof, and let them be in moveable signs, and let the Moon if possible be in Aries, excepting the seven degrees after the eighth, viz. from the eighth to the end of the fifteenth, and the 22 and 23 degrees of the same sign; or let her be in Cancer, excepting the first six and last three de­grees thereof, or in the first fifteen degrees of Libra, or the first eighteen degrees of Virgo, or the first nineteen degrees of Sagittary, or the first twenty degrees of Pisces.

Fixed signs are to be shunned in putting on of Apparel, wherefore see that none of the aforesaid significators be in them,Note. except the first twenty degrees of Taurus which may be made use of in this business, it being the House of the lesser fortune and exaltation of the Moon; but Leo of all the fixed signs is to be refused, for it causeth danger; therefore in no wise let the Moon be in Leo, except she be in Sextile or Trine of the Sun with reception, and then it is not to be feared so much: however Ptolomy, Centilo. 22. saith, Vestem nec primum induas, ubi Luna fuerit in Leone collocata; est autem pejus, si eadem male affecta fuerit. Idem ait Hermes, Centilo. 82. Put not on new Apparel when the Moon is in Leo; and it is so much the worse if she be there afflicted.

Of putting on new Apparel.Yet if all this thou canst not observe, be sure thou place not the Moon in the Ascendent or fifth House, neither their Lords in Leo, Scorpio or Capricorn, especially Leo, or in via combusta, and see also they be free from all manner of misfortune: or place the Moon or the Sun in the mid-heaven free from misfortune, and if possible in Sextile or Trine of Iupiter or Venus with reception, and fortifie the second House and its Lord, &c. If thou warily observest what hath been said, thou needest no further instructions herein; wherefore let us descend to what remains unresolved, &c.

CHAP. VI. Of Feasting or eating of meat.

Of feasting or eating of su­perfluities.SInce this Election is needless in the ordinary course of diet, such as eating at due times moderately, and the like, you are to understand we mean or signifie such eating as is in excess, as at Feasts and such superfluous vanities, &c. Let us observe what follows.

In this manner of exercise you must chiefly have respect to the place and motion of the Moon; for if she be in Taurus applying to Venus especially by a good Aspect, you may safely eat Beef, either boyled, roasted, stewed, or any otherwise dressed.

Also if she be in Pisces in good configuration of Iupiter, you may eat of Fish, either fresh or salt.

And if in Libra or Aquaries received, Milk or any thing made therewith, as Custards, Fools, and such like Quelk-choses.

If in Virgo in any malevolent aspect of Mars, it is not safe to eat of Hearbs, as Salads, or roots and stalks, as Colly-flowers, Coleworts, Artichokes, Cabbage, Pars­nips, Turnips, Carrats, &c. neither of Fruit, as Apricocks, Peaches, or any other Plumb or Fruit, as Cherries, &c.

But if she apply to the Sun or Mars by a Trine, you may safely eat of varieties and divers sorts of Meats, &c. Understand the same if she apply to Venus.

If she apply to Saturn, have a care of stale meats, or such as have been kept long in salt.

If she be in Aries or Capricorn, applying to Iupiter, you may eat of variety of gelded Cattel, &c.

But it is no wise safe to eat of what dyed of it self, if she be in a Square of Saturn▪ or in Conjunction or Opposition of him; neither is it good to eat Venison when she is in Leo, nor when she applieth to Mars out of Virgo.

But if she be in Gemini or the aëry triplicity applying to Mercury, it is not safe to eat any Bird of a hot nature or constitution; and if to Mars, all meats that are ca­lifactive or of a hot quality are also to be shunned.

If in Leo applying to Saturn, it is not safe to eat any thing of a cold operation, &c. Thus much for eating.

CHAP. VII. Of Drinking of Wine and other Drinks.

EVen now thou hast been at a Feast, and since so, it is requisite I give thee also some drink after it, otherwise it will be but a dry one: but since perhaps thou art a good-fellow, or one that loves thy liquor better then thy meat, I intend to give thee of the best, and that such as comes out of Bacchus his own Rampant Bu­cephalus; it is Nectar and Ambrosia, such as will make the wilkin roar, that will pay all debts when money is short, that will make a Beggar an Emperour, and an Emperour a Fool; to be short, it will make thee merry when all thy spirits are at the lowest; it is a remedy against all diseases, and is good against the simples; and will make a fat fellow lean the soonest of any thing that is. But I need not say any more, I believe thou art convinced long since of the vertues thereof, if thou art a lover of the Beast Bacchus; I think thou desirest now rather to tast it then hear of it; I will not promise to make thee drunk therewith, however I will give thee as much as will countervail what thou hast eaten at my Feast; but if thou at length goest away with an appetite, be not angry; it is to be noted it is a Scholars Feast, not an Epicures. Wherefore

Take this Cup, and know that if the wine be not good, it is the fault of those that pressed the grapes; for had they observed this rule I will here give thee, it had been much better; but to be short, the receipt is thus.

A receipt to make good wine.Recipe Pisces or Taurus, and put the Moon therein in configuration of Venus; this is all, but this I'le warrant thee will make the wine passing good, and drink pleasingly and delightfully; but mingle not the beams of the Moon with Saturn, for that will spoyl all the rest of thy Ingrediencies, and will make thy wine crabbish and harsh to the palate, and no wise delectable or pleasing to the drinker; and not onely so, but very hurtful to the body; avoyd also the beams of Mars, for he will make it heady, and cause the drinkers to quarrel and fall out with each other, and the vessel you put it in to break or come to some mischance or other; the beams of Iupiter or Mer­cury would do very well to mingle with the Moon, as also the beams of the Sun, pro­vided they be infused by a Sextile or Trine.

In making of other drinks it is necessary you also follow the same receipt with the same Ingrediencies, for it will make them both pleasant and good; and this is worth your learning, when with one receipt you are taught how to make all manner of drinks.

That one be not offensive or quarrelsom in drink.Know also that when you would take off your cups merrily without offence to either your friends or others, let the Ascendent at the time you begin be fortunate, as also the Lord thereof, the Moon and its dispositor, also the Lord of the fifth and sign of the fifth, and let them be free from the configurations of Mars, and in re­ception with the Lord of the seventh and eleventh, or with the Lords of those Houses signifying the parties you should be merry and civil with, &c.

So now since thou hast had thy fill of good chear and drink, let me desire your pardon that I may go also into my element of writing, and then perhaps anon I may send my boy to you with some comfortable odours or unguents. Or if thou hast sur­fetted, and mayst thereby prove sick, I have a remedy for thee a little further, which I may send all under one.

CHAP. VIII. Of writing of Letters, or any thing else of Ingenuity.

Of writing of letters, or any other thing.YOu must in this matter let the Ascendent and its Lord be fortified and free from the malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes; and if possible let Mercury behold them or either of them with a Sextile or Trine, and let him be well dignified, no wise Infortunate or Retrograde, and let him be beheld of the Moon by a Sextile or Trine, and if possible with reception.

CHAP. IX. Of making Odoriferous smels and unguents.

Of making o­doriferous smels or un­guents. WE know since the fifth House is the House of pleasure and de­light; and since many men are much taken and delighted in such things, this Election doth most properly belong to this House.

Look then that in making of unguents or odoriferous smels, that you place the Ascendent and the Moon either in Aries, Leo or Sagittary, and Venus in the Ascendent; and if so, let the Moon be in the mid-heaven, applying by a benevolent Aspect to Venus; for this signifieth the confection is good, and of a good smell, and that he that makes it will much delight in it.

But if you would make suffumigations apart, see if the Moon be received of Mars or the Sun; for if so, whatever is then done by the fire shall be good.

Also when you make any sweet smels or odours, and the Moon in Gemini applying to Mercury, it signifieth that it shall be well and neatly performed.

CHAP. X. Of sending Embassadors or Messengers.

Rules for sen­ding Messen­gers or Em­bassadors.IN matters of this nature you must know that the Moon is chiefly to be regarded; joyn her therefore by body or Aspect to your significator, or Planet signifying the party to whom you send; as if to a Father, let her be in Sextile or Trine of the Lord of the fourth; if to a Wife, to the Lord of the seventh; to a Child, to the Lord of the fifth; to a Brother, to the Lord of the third; to a Servant, or Fa­thers brother, to the Lord of the sixth; for that it is the third from the fourth; to the Mothers brother, to the Lord of the twelfth; to the Mother or any great man, King or Prince, to the Lord of the tenth, &c. So understand of any person signified by any House; and if possible, make the Planet to whom the Moon applies receive the Moon, or at least the Lord of the Ascendent, &c.

For sending to Kings or great men.But further know, that in sending to a King or great man, the Moon must be in configuration (with reception) of the Sun or Lord of the tenth; and let the Sun and the Lord of the tenth, or that of them that is placed in aspect of the Moon, be in the Ascendent, tenth or eleventh; but if with conveniency thou canst not so place him, let him be in the third, fifth or ninth House; but these are not so powerful or so good as the aforesaid places.

In going or sending to Kings or great men,Nota. let not the Moon be in Gemini or Pisces.

To Church­men. Also if you send or go to Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Deans, Prebends, or any belonging to the Church, let the Moon be in Sextile or Trine of Iupiter, out of the aforesaid places; and if possible with reception or in reception with the Lord of the Ascendent.

To Souldiers.If your business be with Warriers, as Generals, or any Souldiers whatsoever, un­derstand the same by Mars, and let him be accordingly placed, but let not the aspect of the Moon be from Angles, but succedent Houses.

To ancient men and hus­bandmen. To Women. To Scholars, Secretaries, Scriveners or young men.If to Husband-men or ancient men, understand the same of Saturn.

To Women, let her apply to Venus.

To Mercury let the Moon be joyned or have aspect, if you send to young men of no alliance or relation to you; or to Scriveners, Secretaries or Scholars, &c. but let Mercury be free from misfortune and impediment; and understand the same of the foregoing Planets, if your business be with such as are signified by them. And thus much for the Elections appertaining to the fifth House.

SECTION VII. Of Elections appertaining to the sixth House.

CHAP. I. Of the true Knowledge of the Crisis or Critical and Judicial Days, very useful for those that study Physick.

The errour of most Physici­ans.LIke as we read in the holy Writ, The Physician is honorable, so indeed he is; but being ignorant in his Art, he rendereth himself despicable and ridicu­lous: and the way to make him perfect is to know NATURE, and her secret operations, and that by the influence of the Superiors and Rulers of all Inferiors; viz. The Stars: It is not his looking in an Urinal of water, or feeling the pulse of the party, or questioning with him how he feeleth himself, and in what places of his body he is most afflicted, that can give a through understanding of his malady; the water is Meretrix, the pulse is Fallax, the patient himself is Ignorans: These, I say are not sufficient grounds for him to work on; and without a good foundation, the fabrick is not likely to be well built, or at least to stand long; they are indigent and insufficient, and the patient perhaps so overcome with torment, or desire of relief, that he cannot well define his own misery.

The cause of a disease is to be first known before a cure be undertakenAnd since it is so, a Physician (or rather a Pretender thereunto (I may justly call him) for as Galen and Hippocrates say, They are rather to be termed fools then Physicians) must be better versed in his Art before he can do any thing; for as he is, he can do nothing with certainty: A blinde man may catch a hare, but it is very unlikely: The cause of a disease must first be known before it be endeavored to be removed; and the cause being taken away, the effect will soon cease: but they are ignorant of the cause; ergo, not able to perform what they undertake.

And again, the nature and temper of the Patient is to be regarded; and this can never be certainly and throughly discerned by looking in his Urine, nor by feeling of his pulse: That which causeth his Constitution to be either Sanguine,The nature and temper of the patient is to be regard­ed, or known also. Flegmatick, Cholerick or Melancholy, is to be regarded; it is not any inferiour thing that causeth it, it is the influence of the superiours; ergo, Phy­sicians ignorant therein, are not able to perform with certainty, any Cure whatsoever: For what will cure a Flegmatick man of a Feaver, will not a Cholerick; and then the pretended Physician seeing his Medicine doth not work the like operation as formerly, supposes the malady to be somewhat else, and himself mistaken, and falls another way to work, and so kills the pa­tient with a great many Thanks and Gratuities both of Money and Gifts, for (as the ignorant about him suppose) doing his endeavour to save the sick,The simplici­ty of the vul­gar. especially if he can but talk of this rare cure, and that excellent remedy he hath formerly given, and preach himself up, and others (a thou­sand times more knowing then himself) down, and now and then use some Latin in his Discourse, and flourish it over with hard words to the ignorant: [Page 161]I say, he carries it then, whether he save or kill, and that with a great deal of credit: but of all murtherers, these we see seldomest hang'd, yet none more de­serving it.

The nature of the Medicine ought to be known, before physick is to be admini­stred. The nature of medicinal things found out & known by the stars.Again, the nature and quality of every medicinal thing ought especially to be known, as Herbs, Drugs or Minerals; otherwise the pretending Physician doth what he doth not understand; and if we will believe GALEN, he telleth us, They are onely to be known and judged by the stars: So also Fernelius and Ficinus, two learned Physicians confess, also HIPPOCRATES, PARA­CELSUS, and CORNELIUS AGRIPPA, who was Physician to the Emperor Charles the fifth; and not onely these, but all the more rational of the Ancient Physicians and Studiers of Nature (which were onely Physicians indeed) have acknowledged the same, whose names if I should here record, it would be be too tedious both for my self and thee, and in a manner superfluous or needless in so clear a case, since it is most certain, that Hippocrates and Galen, the two pillars of the Art of Physick, found out the use of Vegetables and their natures, as also of all their Physical things by the Stars, who are the Governors and Dispo­sers of them all, and causes of their several vertues, according to the several Con­stellations they are under.

A Physician ignorant in- Astrologic can not safely ad­minister phy­sick. Hippocrates and Galen further say, that a Physician cannot safely give physick that is ignorant in the knowledge of the Stars and Superior bodies, not knowing indeed when to give purges, or vomits, or let blood, without much mischief do­ing, nor in what quantity; which ignorance often times indangers the life of the Patient, when as these that know not the influence of the heavenly bodies, give vomits at such times as cause a purge; and purges when they become vomits, which in laxative diseases or fluxes prove very dangerous, if not deadly or totally destructive; and at other times when the physick never worketh at all;The cunning of the igno­rant physici­ans to colour their ignorance yet you shall never finde the ignorant without an excuse for their rashness; as when they administer a purge, if it cause vomiting, then say they, the party is of a weak constitution, and cannot retain the Physick, when physick is not given to be re­tained, it is either to work downwards or upwards immediately, and then the next day perhaps (as it hath been often known) gives the patient a stronger potion,The danger a patient is in by being in the hands of unskilful Phy­sicians. and then then the heavens otherwise disposed (which they understand not) work so violently, that nature is both weakned and overcome, which should have been only helped; and also the disease increases, which should have been diminished: and so on the contrary, when a vomit is given at an unfit time, causeth purging, then they conclude the patient strong, when perhaps he requires strength, and is very weak; for it is not nature that then worketh, it is an influence of the Superiors that orders the matter, which without a skilful Artist, you see is most obnoxious, which caused Galen to admonish men not to trust themselves with that Physician (or rather Pretender) which is not skilled in Astrology. Galens admo­nition to the vulgar. The ignorance of Chyrurgi­ons in letting of blood.

So likewise blood letting if the heavens be not duly observed, is of no efficacy; and sometimes hinders phlebetomie, which the ignorant Chyrurgion colours with saying, The party is faint-hearted, or hath much wind in his veins, or with some such like ridiculous whimsie.

Astrologie, and it onely sheweth the cause of Cri­tical days, and the danger coming by the not knowing thereof.This is not all; critical days also are known by Astrologie, and no otherways, without the due knowledge whereof, the Patient suffereth much by the Physicians applying contrary remedies very dangerous. I might here give you the dis­course of Duret hereon, but that it belongeth not to the work in hand, be­ing elections; yet I shall here give you some instructions how to know the true Crisis, or Critical day, and Judicial days, though it be at this time out of my way, and then proceed to the clearing of what hath been said; viz. to shew you the rules of the more learned in electing a time for administring Physick and Phlebotomie.

Let us then (since it will not be amiss) step a little out of our way, and say some­what of the Critical days; when we come into our road again, we will make the more haste to our journeys end.

Learning and all good Arts whatsoever, I ever greatly desired should be nourished and refined from their dross, and that knowledge may still increase upon the earth; wherefore since the understanding of this matter conduceth much to the skil of the Physician, and welfare of the patient, as doth the want of it often­times through the ignoronce of the Physician, prove very dangerous to the patient, I shall desire thee to observe what followeth.

It is generally taken for granted (amongst the unskilful) that the seventh and fourteenth days are Critical, and that these are the first and second Crisis; but tis no wise true as to build on, but the true Crisis is thus known.

How to know the true Crisis.Look at the time of the parties first falling sick, what sign, degree and mi­nute of the Zodiack the Moon is, and when she comes to the Square thereof, that is the first Crisis; when she comes to the Opposition or opposite place thereof, it is the second Crisis: The next Square is the third Crisis, and the same place where she was at the first falling sick, is the fourth Crises; and so go round again. The judicial days are the middle between the two Crisis, To know the judicial days. and as the Crisis is the suddain motion of the disease, either towards health or death, whereby the Phy­sician may clearly discern which way the disease will tend: so are the judicial days sician may clearly discern which way the disease will tend: so are the judicial days such times as the Crisis may be judged of, or known whether it will be good or bad; for as the Moon is disposed at the time of the Crisis, whether fortunate or in good aspect of the Fortunes and Assisting Planets, or the Malevolents and In­tersilient Planets, which commonly are the Lords of the fourth and eighth, espe­cially the eighth, or in configuration with the Lord of the sixth, so may you judge of the Crisis good or bad.

Note, that the operation of the Moon, in causing of a Crisis, is enough to con­vince any that deny the influ­ence of the stars to have power over our bodies. None can per­fectly know the true Crisis that is igno­rant in Astro­logie.Good, if fortunate and upheld by the Fortunes; bad, if the contrary; as if af­flicted by the Malevolents or Lord of the sixth, the disease increases; if by the Lord of the eighth, death is to be feared.

Also, when the Moon transits the cusp of the twelfth, eighth or sixth, according to its strength, it proves good or dangerous, &c.

In like manner understand in a judicial day, if the Moon be well dignified and assisted, a good Crisis may be expected; if weak or afflicted, judge the contrary.

Now by reason the Moon is sometimes swift, and at other times slower of motion, never retaining a constant course, it must needs follow, such as are ignorant there­in, must needs be ignorant in knowing or finding out the true Crisis, and whether it will be good or bad, that is not acquainted with the stars.

But note, that you may the better understand, the reason thereof, it is this; some­times by her flowness of motion, she comes to the Crisis as the sixth day after the beginning of the disease, and again sometime (by her swiftness) at the eighth or ninth day; wherefore they must needs fail, that conclude it to be always at the seventh day; and so accordingly in the other Crisis, As our vulgar Physicians do. she cometh sooner or later very often.

So then you see the error and ignorance of most of our pretending Physicians, and the reason of the Crisis and uses thereof; it resteth therefore now we proceed and hasten into our road again, &c.

CHAP. II. Of Applying Medicines generally to all the parts of the body of Man.

LIke as I have already given you the error of the vulgar Physicians, and the excellent uses of Astrologie in the administation of physick, it resteth there­fore now I begin to shew you the rules of Astrologie herein, that thou mayst be throughly convinced and satisfied of the verity of what hath been said: And first of administring of Medicines generally to all the parts of the body, and then proceed.

Of admini­string Physick to any part of the body sin­gly.Know then that in giving of Physick, you ought to look in what part of the bo­dy the disease is, and let the Ascendent be that sign which signifieth the diseased part free from misfortune: fortifie also the Moon, and let her by no means be in Opposition of the Lord of the sixth, eighth or twelf, at the time of the parties first falling sick, or at the time of your election, or in the radix of the patients nati­vity; and if so be you cannot avoid it, but the Moon must needs be in aspect of them, let it be by Sextile or Trine, and if possible, with reception; but let not the Moon be in Conjunction of any of them, nor descending.

Note, that the Moon must by no means be in the sign signifying the member di­seased,Nota. if any incission be made therein, for that is very dangerous; yet if the me­dicine be by emplaisters orunguents, or any such businesses that do not draw blood, she may safely be therein, if you cannot otherwise dispose of her.

Of giving physick, when the infirmity is over all the body. When the me­dicine or re­medy is to be administred.If the infirmity be over all the body, let the Ascendent be a humane sign, of the which Libra is the best for this use; and let the Lord of the Ascendent and the Moon be also in humane signs, free from impediment, especially of the aforesaid Significators.

But if thou disirest to give the medicine to cure or remove any infirmity, let the Ascendent be Libra or Scorpio, and the Moon therein joyned, or in confirgura­tion with the fortunes, and free from the Malevolents aspects of the Infortunes; but if you cannot make her avoid the Aspects of the Malevolents, let the Aspects be by Sextile or Trine, and let her not be aspected by two Malevolents, or going to com­bustion; but however, chiefly see that thou dost fortifie the Moon, for other­wise the Physick will torment and afflict the patient, according as she is afflicted, &c.

CHAP. III. Of the Administration of Remedies to the Diseases of the Head.

When reme­dies for di­seases of the head are to be prescribed.IN electing a fit time for applying or taking of remedies or medicines for the head, either universally or particularly, as Rheums, distilling humors, and the like, whether by Vomit, Gargarisms, or such like, let the Ascendent be Aries well fortified, if possible by the Benevolents, and freed from the Aspects of the Infortunes; place also Moon therein, or in Taurus, decreasing in light, and joyn­ed to the Fortunes, or configuration with them, and free from any affliction or impediment. If thy medicine be to take away the hair, or the like,To take away hair. let the Ascen­dent and the Moon be in feminine signs, and the Lord of the Ascendent, and let him also, and also the Moon, be descending from the mid heaven towards the fourth house, &c.

And have a special care that the Sun behold not the Moon, or the Ascendent by any Aspect, when they are in Aries, especially by Square or Opposition, because of the great heat of the Sun.

CHAP. IV. Of Applying remedies to the eyes, and preparatives in general.

When medi­cines for the eyes are to be applyed.ALl mists, pearls, films, or dimness of the eyes, or any other infirmities belong­ing to them, if thou wouldst remove or know a fit time to apply thy re­medy thereunto, &c. let the Moon be increasing in light and motion, fortunate and in configuration with the Benevolents.

Let the Moon be free from all the Configurations or Aspects of Mars, when she is thus increasing in light and motion, and let Jupiter be in the Ascendent, or some other house above the earth; however let him be in Sextile or Trine of the Ascen­dent, or with a Square, if no other can be, provided he be not impedited or afflicted.

See also that the Ascendent nor the Moon be in earthy signs, and if so be you cannot avoid the aspect of Mars to the Moon, be in earthy signs, and if so be you till she is past the aspect and separating.

Remember that in all elections where there is any inscissions or scarifications to be made,Nota. let not the Moon be in the sign signifying the member to be inscissioned, nor in a moveable or common sign, or in Square or Opposition of Saturn or Mars, for that then she causeth the wound to fester or ganger. Look whether Ptolomy in his twenty Centilo. doth not say the same, Membrum ferro ne percutito, cum Luna signum tenuerit, quod membro illi dominatur.

Let this be diligently observed which hath been said, especially when the Moon is near her Conjunction with the Sun, or till she be fully separated twelve degrees at least.

When to give Preparatives.And in administring Preparatives, let the Moon be in Gemini, Libra or Aquaries.

CHAP. V. Of Applying remedies to the Noses.

Of applying remedies for infirmities of the nose.MArk now; if thou wouldst apply any remedy for the infirmities of the Nose, as unguents, suffumigations or sneesing-powders, or such like, &c. let the ascendent be Cancer, Leo, or Virgo, and the Moon in the ascendent in configuration with a fortune, and free from all manner of affliction, or the configu­rations of the Malevolents, and let her not be in combustion, nor joyned to a Planet that is weak or retrograde, &c.

CHAP. VI. Of injecting of Clisters, &c. and Stopping of Rheums or Fluxes.

Of injecting Clysters. IN giving of Clysters, remember to make thy ascendent Aries, Libra, Scorpio or Aquaries; however, let the Moon be in one of them, and the Lord of the ascendent free from the configurations of the Lord of the sixth, and the Moon applying to Venus; for this will be helpful in such cases or businesses.

Of stopping Rheums or Fluxes.In Stopping of Rheums, or Fluxes, let the Moon be in Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn.

CHAP. VII. Of the administration of gargarisms, or sneezings, and such like.

Of admini­string garga­risms and sneezing powders.USE to make the Ascendent in this manner of work, either Cancer, Leo or Virgo, and the Moon decreasing in light and motion, and in Taurus descend­ing in latitude, or in Aries; but be she in what sign she will, let her be ap­plying to the fortunes; Let also the Ascendent, its Lord, and the Moon, be in signs that chew the cud, as are Aries, Taurus and Capricorn; yet Alsayat commendeth Cancer, Leo and Virgo, as you have heard; see also that you let not the Moon be in a Square of Iupiter, especially out of Aries.

CHAP. VIII. Of giving of Vomits.

Of giving of vomits.DO thou be sure in giving of such medicines as provoke Vomits, that thy Ascendent, its Lord, and the Moon be in signs that chew the cud, as are Aries, Taurus and Capricorn, of the which Taurus is the best, for that the Moon is exalted therein; wherefore it will be the better if she be in the first three de­grees thereof, the third degree being the point of her exaltation.

Let the Lord of the Ascendent also be in his exaltation, or in Sextile or Trine of the degree thereof.

And look that the Moon be by no means in any configuration with any Planet be­neath the earth; for that causeth the Physick to work downward, especially if the Planet so in aspect with her be strong; wherefore let her be joyned or in aspect with a Planet above the earth, which is well dignified, if you can possibly however let her be strong. For according to Ptolomy, Centilo. 21. Cum Luna copulata fuerit stellis supra terram constitutis, evomere fecit potionem.

If the Vomit be for the help of an Infirmity in any member or part of the body, (say some Authors) let the Moon be in the sign signifying the member or part of the body, well dignified and strong; and let the sign also if possible be fortunate; In my practice I have followed the former rules with much success; however thou mayst take thy choyce and please thy self; but let me give you one Caution more, Let not the Moon or the Lord of the Ascendent be in watry signs,Nota. especially Scorpio and Cancer, nor the Ascendent; for they are apt to make the Physick laxative, and work downwards. And so much for administring of Vomits; it resteth now we descend to Purges, &c.

CHAP. IX. Of administring Purges and Physick laxative.

EVer in administring Purges observe three things, viz.

  • 1. The Time.
  • 2. The Age.
  • 3. And manner thereof.

As concerning the Time, thou art to take heed the weather be not extream hot or cold; for so saith Hippocrates, part. 4. Aphorism 5. Avoyd the dog-days and frosty weather; therefore rainy and open weather is good; and in his 46 Aphorism of his 6 part,Winter rather fit for Purges then Summer. he proveth that the Spring and Autumn are more convenient for this purpose then Summer or Winter; yet he commendeth Winter more then Summer; for in Summer the humours boyl through extremity of heat, and so fainteth the spirits and annoyeth Nature much: He teacheth also, that in Summer we are to purge by the upper parts or by vomit;Vomits fitter for Summer then Purges. in Winter by the lower, or by purge, if necessity require that Physick must be given at these times.

Secondly, As touching the Age, Physick by a prudent and wise Physician ought not to be administred to Infants nor decrepid old age, nor much to youth; for to the Child it is needless since it cannot duly work its effect, where there is neither strength nor matter to work on; and in age it worketh in a manner the same; but without doubt it must needs debilitate Nature in both; in youth a little at the Spring and Fall may be advantageous; but to take it often, it hindreth the natural heat and concoction, and so consequently the radical heat and moysture being hereby abated, the days of the party must needs be shortned.

Lastly, Of the manner of administring Purges and other Medicines, some thou hast had already; but of administring of Purges thou shalt have beneath; wherefore here I shall onely give you this note or caution, and so proceed.

A Caution diligently to be noted.That administer what you will when the Moon is in the first fifteen degrees of Li­bra or Aquaries in the Conjunction, Square or the Opposition of Saturn, Iupiter or Mars, or they in these configurations of one another, it hindreth the operation of the Physick.

Ptolomy in his 56 Centiloquium saith, Cum Luna est in primo quadrangulo, hoc est, ex quo à Solis conjunctione recessit, corporum humiditates ad secundum usque effluunt, in reliquis autem decrescunt. Neta benè. When the Moon is in her first quarter, viz. from her Conjunction with the Sun till the first Quartile, the humours of mans body increase or flow from the inward parts of the body to the outward, in the rest retire or move from the External parts to the Internal; wherefore in the first quarter it is requisite that you know it is most fitting to apply then External evacuations, and afterwards Internal; yet I have ever held it safest to defer Internal potions till after its Opposi­tion with the Sun, or as we vulgarly say, the Full Moon.

Of admini­string Purges.Some of the Ancients have approved of Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces to be placed on the Ascendent at the time of giving of Purges; others of Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces; and again, some of the latter degrees, or more plainly the last fifteen degrees of Libra, and the first fifteen degrees of Scorpio; also that the Moon should be in one of these places; so that the Learned in this most heavenly study have been of several opinions in this matter; there is none of them but had reasons for their rules, and any of them may be followed according as the case may stand with the Patient, and the humour to be purged; wherefore as Ptolomy in his first Apho­rism of his Centiloquium saith, A te & à scientia, so must thou warily consider the state of thy Patient, and the reasons of the Ancients in their practice, which thou wilt soon know when thou art well versed in the nature of the Planets and Signs; [Page 167]wherefore I shall here desire thee to be throughly perfect in the second Treatise of this Volume before thou adventurest too far, and then thou needest not fear to go forwards.

The Authors practice in his administring of Purges.In my practice I have still followed these rules; To place the Ascendent in one of the watry signs, viz. Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces fortunate, as also the Lord thereof, and the Moon in one of the aforesaid signs also, and its dispositor; but especially I have desired if possible to place the Moon in the first 15 degrees of Scorpio, or the last 15 degrees of Libra beholding a Planet under the earth, and free from the aspects of Saturn, Iupiter and Mars; for that Saturn by his coldness doth thicken and make gross the humours, and closing up the pores doth hinder the effect of the Physick; Iupiter his aspects I have (so near as I could) still also avoyded, for that he being hot and moyst, and so consequently a helper or assister of Nature, the Physick working contrary, must needs be either hurtful or of no great efficacy; Mars, for that through his heat and dryness of nature he oftentimes sharpneth the humours to the extraction of blood if the Physick be strong, or when but moderately strong, if the Pa­tient be weak.

I have also ever shunned those times wherein the Moon doth any-wise behold a Planet above the earth, or a Planet that is retrograde, and those times I find her in Aries, Taurus, Capricorn or the last 15 degrees of Sagittary, for that they rather provoke the Patient to vomiting, although the nature of the Physick be a purge so ordained to work downwards; and this doth often for want of understanding ra­ther increase the disease then diminish it, when Nature is thus weakned by this Com­bustion of the Physick and Nature, which is assisted by the influence of the superi­ours, the one working downwards, the other upwards, &c.

The ground of the Authors method in ad­ministring Purges. Hermes of ad­ministring Purges.And this my method I collected from the sayings of Hermes and Ptolomy; where­fore for thy better satisfaction I will here give thee their words, and first I will begin with Hermes, for that he is the more ancient, and was Ptolomies predecessor.

Hermes then in his 74 Aphorism of his Centiloquium saith, Luna existente in signis ruminantibus, vel conjuncta Planetae retrogrado, non est bonum purgationibus uti: haec enim vomitum inferunt, vel alias laesiones. The Moon in such signs as chew the Cud, (which you have heard already are Aries, Taurus, Capricorn, and the last part or 15 degrees of Sagittary) or in Conjunction or Aspect with a retrograde Planet, it is not safe to administer purges, for they cause vomiting or some other mischief.

Ptolomy of giving of Purges.And Ptolomy in his 21 of his Centiloquium saith, Cum Luna fuerit in Scorpione aut Piscibus, Dominús (que) Ascendentis stellae sub terram pofitae copulabitur, bonum est purgationibus uti. Si verò copulatur stellae supra terram constitutae, potionem qui sum­pserit evomet. When the Moon is in Scorpio or Pisces, also the Lord of the Ascen­dent in configuration or Conjunction with a Planet under the earth, it is good to give or use purges. But if either of them be in configuration with a Planet above the earth, the Physick which is given shall be vomited up again.

Again as touching Iupiter, as I have said, for that I know some will not condescend with me, Ptolomy in his 19 Centiloquium, saith, Vis purgationis hebetatur, cum Luna Jovi fuerit conjuncta. The strength and efficacy of a purge is taken away when the Moon is in Conjunction or configuration of Iupiter.

Other rules in administring Purges. Haly and Alkindus give directions that the Moon be in the last 15 degrees of Li­bra, or the first 15 degrees of Scorpio, and that its dispositor or the Lord of that House she is in be strong or well dignified, oriental and in an angle, and the Planet in configuration with him (if any there be) be also fortunate, oriental and in an angle, and that the Lord of the Ascendent be also so pofited; and the Moon and they free from the aspects of the Malevolents, especially the Moon, Lord of the Ascendent and the sign scending, and the Moon applying to Venus rather then Iupiter, for that she will further the Physicks operation, and comfort the spirits of the Patient; but Iupiter will so fortifie Nature, that he will hinder the operation and effect of the potion; and let the Moon be received by the fortunes; and if its dispositor be weak, let him be received of the fortunes also by a Sextile or Trine.

And if you would purge any particular member, or if the potion be prepared for [Page 168]such an use, observe still what hath been already said, and place the Fortunes in that sign signifying the member of the body,For purging any particular member of the body. For ordering your Potion for all manner of tempers. To purge Me­lancholy. and fortifie the sign as much as you can, and the Lord of the fourth House.

But if your potion be prepared to cool, heat, moysten or dry, place the Moon and the Lord of the Ascendent in one of the signs signifying the temper you desire or aim at, viz. which is of the nature of the business you intend, and fortifie it; but signs chewing the cud are to be avoyded, as you have heard, &c.

If your purgation be to expel or remove Melancholy, let the Moon be strong and in a Sextile or Trine of Iupiter; but remember to stick fast to what you have already heard in this Election and these subsequent rules; onely let these applications of the Moon be particularly and chiefly followed and observed, &c.

As if to purge choler, Choler. let her apply by a benevolent aspect to Venus.

To purge flegm, Flegm. let her apply to the Sun. Note that these must be by Electua­ries.

Of admini­string Po­tions.Know thou that if the medicine be by potion for any of these, Scorpio is preferred before any of the signs, and to be placed on the Ascendent, or the Moon to be therein when she so applys.

Of Electua­ties. Of Pils. Cautions.If it be an Electuary, Cancer is to be chosen.

If Pils, Pisces.

Know further, if the Moon be in the Ascendent at the time you take the Physick, it causeth unusual swellings in the body.

Let not the Moon and the Lord of the Ascendent be in the fourth House, nor in the eighth, for it causeth destruction: Observe the same in Phlebotomy.

Still remember to fortifie your significators, and make them free from the con­figurations of the Malevolents.

Let not the Lord of the eighth, or interficient or killing Planet be in an angle, nor in configuration with any of the significators. These things if thou diligently observest, thou shalt be an artificial workman, and shalt far exceed the chiefest Phy­sician of thy time that is ignorant herein.

To purge the Spleen.If you would purge the spleen, let not Saturn be strong in the Heaven; and give your medicine in the hour of Iupiter, and let him be well dignified and placed or disposed.

To purge the Liver. The Heart, and of admi­nistring Cor­dial. The Lungs. The Gall. The members of generation. The Brain. Of preparing Medicines.If the liver, let it not be in the hour of Iupiter, or when he is strong, but fortifie Saturn, and let it be in his hour.

If the heart, let not the Sun be strong, neither apply your medicine in his hour; but if he be in the Ascendent, tenth or seventh House, you may safely administer Cordials; but purge not.

When Mercury is strong, purge not the lungs.

When Mars, purge not the gall.

When Venus, purge not the members, or vessels of generation.

When the Moon, purge not the brain.

In preparing your medicines you may take any hour except the hours of Saturn and Mars.

Note also that if any of the Infortunes were Lord of the Ascendent of the Pa­tients Nativity, you may make use thereof; for though it may be hurtful to another, it will not be to him, as you have sufficiently heard at the beginning of this third Book.

And thus much concerning the administration of Purges; let us therefore now hear the Elections touching Bathing, and so of using Chirugery and Phlebotomy, and then conclude this Section.

CHAP. X. Of Bathing, and Electing a time therefore.

Of Bathing for health.THou wilt here beneath finde the most fitting time for Phlebotomie; use the same also for bathing; yet if thou Bathest for health, and the infirmity be cold or moist, and requireth evacuation, let the Moon be in fiery signs, and in good aspect of the Sun; but if hot, let the Moon be in watry signs, in good con­figuration of Jupiter or Venus.

For cleanli­ness.If thou doest Bathe for cleanliness, let the Moon be in Libra or Pisces, and in Sextile or Trine of Venus.

Of Bathing or anointing to remove super­fluous hair.If thou doest Bathe or anoint thy self to remove superfluous hair growing on thy body, let the Moon be in Pisces or Scorpio, in Sextile or Trine of Jupiter, the Sun or Venus, or Quartile, but not bodily joyned in Conjunction with any of them, nor in configuration of Saturn; and if thou canst not put her in those signs, place her in Cancer or Pisces; but by no means in Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn or A­quaries: But if the Patient do not anoint himself, let the Moon be in what sign she will; but if he be anointed, be sure thou place not the Moon in any sign increasing hair, as Aries, Taurus, Leo, and the last part of Sagittary and Capricorn.

CHAP. XI. Of Electing a time for using Chirurgery.

Of using Chi­rurgery.HAve regard in electing a time for using Chirurgery, that the Moon be in­creasing in light and motion, and in Sextile or Trine of Iupiter, or Venus, and let not Mars be in any aspect with her; and some Authors among the Caldeans hold, that the Moon is more afflicted by Mars when she is increasing in light then diminishing, and by Saturn more when she is diminishing or decreasing then in­creasing.

Let the Moon be in a fixed sign, but not in the sign (or in configuration there­with) that hath signification of the member, if incission be to be made: neither let the Lord of the Ascendent be therein, nor the cusp of the Ascendent, nor the Moon nor Lord of the Ascendent Cadent.

Fortifie the sign signifying the member and its Lord, and place the Lord of the Ascendent in the ascendent or mid-heaven, free from the configurations of Mars, Note. and let the Moon be free from all manner of impediment; observe these, if thou canst not all the foregoing Rules.

CHAP. XII. Of Electing a time for Phlebotomy or Blood-letting, of applying also Ventosies.

Four things to be considered in Phlebotomy. REmember that in Phlebotomie there are four things consider­able, viz.

  • 1. The time of the year.
  • 2. The Age of the Patient.
  • 3. The custom of the Patient.
  • 4. The strength of the Patients body.

Time of the yeer for Phle­botomie.First the time of the year is to be regarded, and there­fore in very hot or cold weather Phlebotomy is not to be used, for three Reasons.

First, because that in extream heat or cold, the body is very loose and open, and the diminution of blood dissolveth it more.

Secondly, through inflammation of the Spirits and humours, Phlebotomy inflaming them more.

Thirdly, because the Ayr as a Bath draweth the Humours from the Center to the circumference, and the effect of Phlebotomy is to draw the humours from the cir­cumference to the Center, though it for the present extracteth the blood.

The age of those that are to use Phlebo­tomie.Secondly, the age is to be regarded; for before the age of fourteen, and after sixty three, Phlebotomie should not be administred, for that it diminisheth that which is the greatest nourisher both of the decrepid age, and the tender youth, viz. blood; wherefore in these avoid Phlebotomie, unless the case be desperate, as in some Hectick Feaver or the like, and then draw not much blood neither, but only open a vein for the cooling of the body.

Thirdly, the custom of the Patient is to be regarded; for as Ʋsus est secunda natura, Use is a second nature, as we say, Phlebotomy is not any wise dangerous to those that are accustomed therewith, but it may prove dangerous to the unaccustomed; for some­times it may breed an infirmity; wherefore let such refrain Phlebotomie, unless ne­cessity very much require.

Fourthly, the strength of the Patients body is to be observed or considered; for upon every slight occasion, weak constitutions are not to draw blood, but in a strong constitution, there is not altogether so much danger, &c.

If necessity inforceth, thou needest not stand to elect a time (as in Apoplexies and Squinancies) but for such infirmities as may admit of so much time, thou mayst follow these Rules, and if thou art wise thou wilt not neglect them, no not if thou wert hired thereunto, when thou hast made experiment thereof.

Phlebotomy is hindred.Let the Lord of the Ascendent, sign of the Ascendent, and the Moon, as also its De­positor be strong and free from the configurations of Saturn, Mars, or the Sun; for these hinder Phlebotomie, for the Moon in Conjunction with either of them hindreth Phlebotomy a day before, and a day after the bodily or Partile Conjunction; in Opposi­tion of them, hindreth 12. hours before and after; in a □, 6. hours. The Moon also in Conjunction with Venus or Mercury, hindreth blood-letting (especially if they be combust) 12. hours before and after the Conjunction.

Remember that the Moon be not in that sign of the Zodiack or the Lord of the Ascendent,Note. signifying the member to be struck; neither place the Moon in Leo, nor (if you apply Ventosies) let her be in Taurus, &c.

Good blood, letting.The ☽ in ☌, * or Δ or ♃ or ♀ if not combust, causeth good blood-letting, as also in □ of them, so the ☽ be in a good sign, &c.

The Moon also in a good sign and free from impediment in * or Δ of Saturn, Mars, or the Sun, causeth good extraction of blood.

To extract me­lancholy blood. Cholerick.Extract blood Melancholy when the Moon is in Libra or Aquaries, the reins, but­tocks and legs being excepted.

Cholerick, In any member when she is in Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, the brest, se­crets and feet excepted.

Flegmatick, the Moon in Aries or Sagittary, Flegmatick. the head and thighs excepted.

At what time of the ☽ Phle­botomy is to be used for any humou [...].Let blood

  • Sanguine, from the Conjunction of the Moon with the Sun to the first Square.
  • Cholerick, from the first Square to the Opposition.
  • Flegmatick, from the Opposition to the last Square.
  • Melancholy, from the last Square to the next Conjunction.

For any age.Note also, that young men and women ought to Phlebotomize from the Con­junction of the Moon with the Sun to the first Square; from the first Square or quar­ter to the Opposition or Full, Middle age; from the Opposition or Full to the last Square or Quarter, elder years; from the last Square or Quarter to the Conjunction or Change, old age, if necessity so require that they must be let blood.

What hath been said of Phlebotomy,Note. is also to be understood in applying Ventosies.

CHAP. XIII. Of the Physitians going to the Patient.

ALways make the Ascendent, the tenth, seventh and fourth, and their Lords as strong as you can; also place the Fortunes therein; for the Ascendent be­ing well dignified, and its Lord, and the Fortunes therein, signifie that the Patient shall be bettered by the Physitian; the tenth, that the Patient shall be obedient and ruled by the Physitian; the seventh, that the Physitian shall be able to go through with his cure; the fourth, that the Physick shall work its effect.

If the Infortunes be in any of these places,Note. or they or their Lords indigent and weak, judge the contrary, &c.

That the Phy­sitian may gain credit by the Patient.Fortifie also the ninth house and its Lord, also the Moon and its Dispositor; for if the ninth house, and its Lord be unfortunate, afflicted or weak, though the Physi­tian be never so deserving, he shall be ill though off, mistrusted, undervalued, and shall gain no credit by his Patient or endeavours.

And if to obtain a great reward for his pains and labour, let the Moon be strong and well dignified, and also Jupiter, and let him be in the second house, or in Sextile or Trine thereof, or with the Lord thereof, the which you must also fortifie, and Part of Fortune, and its Dispositor; and if thou canst not make him aspect all these, let him behold Part of Fortune, and as many as thou canst contrive, &c.

Let it be the hour of Jupiter that thou first feest thy Patient in (if possible) or take thy journey towards him therein; for so shalt thou gain credit and good repute,Note. whether thou advantage him or no.

And thus much shall suffice at this time for administring of Physick and Phlebo­tomy; let us therefore now proceed to what farther we are to consider in this house, &c.

CHAP. XIV. Of Hiring of Servants.

MAny things are signified by the 12. houses you have heard in our second Treatise, wherein you finde Servants are signified by the sixth house; wherefore in this place it resteth we speak somewhat of them; the Arabi­ans and ancient Astrologers in their Volumes have delivered Rules for Electing a time to buy Servants; for that in their days they were used to be bought and sold (being slaves) as horses (or any other thing for the use of man) in Markets: But since in our Age wherein we live we use no such thing being (by the blessing and mercy of GOD) instructed otherways by his word, and by the bond of charity tyed to be more civil; we shall in this place (it belonging not to us to practise any such matter) omit their Rules of Buying, and deliver you some Rules for hiring of Servants, &c. which if thou findest not in their Volumes, ought not therefore to be absolutely slighted; for it followeth not that because they found out many rare things in their study of this most heavenly and admirable Science, that no body else is able, and so to stand at the same stay they left us, &c.

Fortifie then the ascendent, its Lord, the Moon, its Dispositor, the Part of For­tune, and its Dispositor, also the sign and Lord of the sixth, and its Dispositor, and let the Fortunes be above the earth; make also the Lord of the sixth apply to the Lord of the Ascendent, or make the Lord of the Ascendent dispose of the Lord of the sixth; this makes thy servant diligent and respectfull to thee, and loving: But if there be an Infortune in the fourth, or sixth, the servant will be un­faithfull, a fugitive, and no wise constant.

If thou canst not observe all this, place the Lord of the sixth in the Ascendent, or tenth, or in Sextile or Trine therewith; and if thou wouldest have him advanta­gious to thee in thy estate; place the Lord of the sixth in the second, but let him not be essentially dignified yet free from impediment or affliction of the Male­volents; or if thou canst not place him therein, let him be in Sextile or Trine there­unto, or in reception of the Lord of the second, or disposed of by him, &c.

CHAP. XV. Of buying of Birds, and letting them flie to return again.

Of buying Hawks or Birds of Prey.EVer remember, if the Birds you intend to buy are Faulcons or Hawks and the like, that the Moon be in Gemini, Libra, or Aquaries, or in the first 15. degrees of Capricorn, and fortifie the Ascendent, the sign of the sixth and its Lord.

Of houshold or domestick Birds.If the Birds are Pea-cocks, Turkeys, ordinary Cocks and Hens, &c. or any houshold Poultry, let the Ascendent, the sign of the sixth and their Lords be for­tunate, and the Moon in an earthy or fixed sign well dignified; this causeth them to be profitable, good, and to remain with you: but if the Cocks you buy are for fighting or of the Game,Of Cocks of the Game. let the Moon, Sun, and Mars be strong, and if possible, in reception of each other, or of the Lord of the sixth, &c.

Of Pigeons.If thou intendest to buy Pigeons, or any such Bird for thy pleasure, let the Ascen­dent, the sixth, their Lords and the Moon, as hath been said, be strong or under no impediment, and let the Moon be in Sextile or Trine of Venus with reception, and if possible out of the fifth house; and if you can, let the sign of the sixth be Taurus or Libra, but Taurus, especially, for that it is the house of Venus, and exaltation of the Moon, and also fixed, which will conduce much to their staying with you.

Of letting them abroad to return again.But if thou wouldst know when thou hadst best venture to let them first flie, that they may not wander away or forsake the place, let not the Moon apply to Conjunction or Aspect with any Planet going to combustion, or to Mars, espe­cially out of aëry signs, or to Saturn; for all these denote no return, or that they shall be killed or come to some mischance or other.

Wherefore let the sign ascending, the sign of the sixth, and their Lords, and also the Moon, be free from all impediment and in good asrect of Iupiter or Venus, provided they be not combust or going thereunto, and let as many of these as you can be in fixed signs or beholding them, especialy the Moon, the Ascendent and the sixth house.

Of Water fowl.And lastly if thow wouldst buy Water-fowle, as are Swans, Geese and Ducks, let the aforesaid significators and places be in watry signs, viz Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces; if to remain or keep from straying, let Scorpio be preferred; Pisces also in this matter hath preheminency before Cancer.

CHAP. XVI. Of buying fourfooted beasts.

Of buying fourfooted beasts.SEE that in this work thou fortifiest that sign which doth represent the beast to be bought, or that which is neerest to its nature, and fortifie it, and the Moon, the Lord of Ascendent, sign of the sixth and their Lords, and let the Moon if possible be in reception with the Lord of the sign signifying the beast, or the Lord of the sixth, and free from impediment, or if not in reception, yet in Sextile or Trine.

Great cattel.If the beast to be bought be Bull, Ox, Cow or Horse, or any other great Cat­tel, let the Moon be in Taurus, or the last fifteen degrees of Sagittary.

Small Cattel.If Sheep, in Aries; if Goats, in Capricorn, or in Taurus, if it cannot be other­wise helped; and if the Beast be a male, place your significators in masculine signs, if a female, the contrary:

Dogs or hounds.If Dogs or Hounds for hunting, fortifie the Ascendent, the sixth and their Lords, also the Moon, and let the Ascendent be in the last 15. degrees of Leo or Sagittary, for this maketh them strong and bold; and for swiftness, let the Moon and your sig­nificators be in aëry signs;Race horses. understand the same in buying Race Horses.

Let the Moon in buying any beast be fortunate, in Sextile or Trine of the For­tunes, and free from the malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes.

Note well As for matter of the price, as buying to advantage and cheap, I refer thee to the 3. chap. of the 3. Sect. of this 3. Book, where is sufficiently of this matter, which will serve in any thing of this nature Mutatis mutandis, varying your Rules according to Art, and so thou art to take notice in any other house where any thing is left out; you must have respect to the foregoing Chapters for businesses of the same nature, and so frame your business according to discretion and understanding; for it is not for me to insist on every particular in every house, for that would swell this Volumn to a bulk as large again as it is, naturally I abhorring tedious Discourses, especially [Page 174]if it may be helped; so also in Sect. 4. and 2. Chap. I have given thee sufficient Rules for electing a time to make any agreement of love between brethren; the like I might have handled in the fourth house between the Son and the Father: in the fifth be­tween the Native and his Son; and in this house between him and his Servants, &c. But since those Rules are sufficient, the significators being varyed (as I have said) what need is there for me to inlarge my Volumn when it may be sufficient o­therways? for it is but placing the fourth house and its Lord (as you have heard of the third) for the Father: the fifth, for the Sun; the sixth, for the servant; the seventh for the wife, Leaman, or open enemy, &c. and then you are right; and thus much for this, or any other business.

CHAP. XVII. Of bringing up Dogs, or Taming of small Cattel.

Of taming of Cattel.EVer you are herein to fortifie the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon and her dis­positor, the sign of the sixth and its Lord, and let the Moon be in­creasing in light and motion, and in reception with the Lord of the sixth or his Dispositor, or in good Aspect with them, or either of them, or the Lord of the Ascendent or its Dispositor in reception or good Aspect with them or either of them; and if possible, let the Moon, the Lord of the Ascendent, or the Lord of the sixth be in Sextile or Trine (with reception) with Jupiter or Venus, or in good Aspect, if not reception; yet if thou canst not observe all this, be sure to observe as much thereof as thou canst; but especially fortifie the Moon, the Lord of the Ascendent and the Lord of the sixth, and if possible, let them be in some benevolent configuration of Jupiter or Venus, and so order your time according to discretion and your Rules, &c.

SECTION VIII. Containing Elections appertaining to the seventh House.

CHAP. I. Of Elections appertaining to the signification of the seventh house, and touching Marriage.

YOU see we are now to Treat (according to a regular course) of such things as come under the signification of the seventh house, having done with the sixth, and give you the most authentick Rules appertaining to the Elections of any work having relation thereunto: we shall therefore according to our former method proceed, and speak first of Marriages, being the chiefest or principallest matter under its significations; but first I shall here shew you what other Elections are here in this house to be handled, &c.

Elections under the signification of the seventh house, are such as appertain to Marriage, Wars, Duels, to the making of Instruments for War, Partnership, or such things as are done between two, to seek Fugitives, to make Thieves, confess the truth, to hunt, fish or fowl, to buy Arms, to storm Castles and make Batteries, and to play at any Game, and the like; thus much then of the Elections in general; let us now descend to particulars, and first (as hath been said) of Marriages.

Know that in this manner of Judgment, it is most requisite to know exactly your significators; otherways it is impossible ever to frame any sure or solid judgement.

Wherefore then observe, that the Ascendent, its Lord, the Sun and the Planet from whom the Moon last separated, are significators of the Man; the seventh house, its Lord, Venus and the Planet to whom the Moon next applies, of the woman.

The tenth house, the Lord thereof, and the Planet or Planets therein or in con­figuration therewith, or with the Lord thereof, hath signification of those things that shall happen between them, viz. whether good or ill.

The fourth house, its Lord, and the Planet or Planets therein, or in configura­tion thereof, or with its Lord, hath signification of the event and end of the Marriage.

Wherefore in this matter when you make any Election, have special regard to the Moon; for according to her fortitude or debility, thou mayest judge the good or bad event of any of these.

Mercury is not to be rejected, for he hath signification of the children which they are to have, so that if at the time of Marriage or contract, he be well digni­fied, and in Conjunction or Aspect with the Fortunes, thou mayst assuredly say the married couple shall soon have a child. The Antients have said the same, he being but in configuration with the Fortunes; but I hold it most true if he be in his own digni­ties [Page 176]also at that time, and beholding them out of the fifth house, and the more assu­red will this be, if they be in prolifical Signs.

Signs of strife and discord between them.Let the Moon be increasing in light and motion, at the time of the Marriage, and see that she be not joyned to any Infortune in the Ascendent; for that signifieth that the parties then Married shall be continually in strife and contention, brawling and dis­cord; so likewise if in either of their Nativities this position be found, then that par­ty that hath this in the Radix shall have most power and bear greatestThis is to be understood of such as live ac­cording to the course of Na­ture, not of grace. Venus a princi­pal Planet to be fortified. way; yet note if the Moon upon such a constellation in any ones Nativity be above the earth, that party that hath her so posited shall be inclined (notwithstanding the strife and con­tention the party is naturally prone to) to make peace again, and compose all diffe­rences.

But what ever you do, be sure you fortifie Venus, and see that she be not Cadent, Retrograde, Combust, nor in her Fall or Detriment, nor in any malevolent configu­ration with the Infortunes; for it is impossible the Marriage should be good where Venus is impotent or afflicted; neither can it be very bad if she be strong and well aspected of the Fortunes; for in Marriages she is the chief significatrix; where­fore, if possible, make Jupiter to be in Sextile or Trine with Venus, or she in reception with him, and the Moon in the house of either Jupiter or Venus, or in one of their terms; and, if possible, also in good aspect with them, or place the Lord of the se­venth in Sextile or Trine of Venus, the Moon, or Lord of the Ascendent; but make the Lord of the seventh apply or else be disposed of by them either by house, exal­tation, triplicity, term, or face; but by house or exaltation is best, &c.

Let the Moon, Note. Jupiter, and Venus, if possible, be in Sextitle or Trine of each o­ther, but the Trine is best, and out of the watry triplicity; but be sure then you let them not be in such signs or parts of signs as are to be avoided: For the Ancients have taught that the Moon, or indeed (as I hold) any of the significators, Jupiter, or Venus, is not to be placed in the Ascendent at the time of Marriage in any of these signs following which are to be avoided or shunned.

What signs or parts thereof are to be avoid­ed or chosen. Aries, Cancer, Libra and Aquaries, are to be avoided in Marriage; yet I conceive (with some of the Ancients) Libra may be chosen for betrothing or contracting, though not for marrying.

Taurus from the first degree to the twentieth is good, from the twentieth to the end bad.

The first fifteen degrees of Gemini are good, the last bad.

The whole sign of Leo is good, only it causeth the one to deceive the other of their substance.

Virgo signifieth the woman shall soon lose her husband; wherefore it may be bene­ficial to her, though pernicious to him, women seldom loving so affectionately as men.

The first fifteen degrees of Scorpio are good to Marry a Maid or Virgin in, for that it denotes she will be obedient, good and chaste, also loving to her hus­band: but the latter fifteen degrees are altogether to be rejected in that it causeth the Woman to be of disposition quite contrary; viz. lewd, a Brawler, Perfidious, unconstant, envious, malitious and disobedient, &c.

Sagittary is indifferent, as some of the Ancients hold; I for my part cannot agree to reject it.

The first ten degrees of Capricorn are to be neglected, yet the other two last faces are good, and signifie the woman shall be loving and tractable to the will and desire of the man, and they are better in a Widow then a Maid, excepting they cause but few children.

Note that the Moon in Aquaries at the time of Marriage, causeth the woman to be of a manly spirit and disobedient to her husband.

Pisces is good, in that it denotes the woman to be loving and just; yet it will also cause her to be addicted to twatling and prating, which will now and then lessen the mans love towards her.

Understand this, when the Moon is in any of these signs,Note. or the Cusp of the Ascendent, or if Venus be therein, yet their significations will be most manifest, the Moon being therein.

Yet hadst thou Venus, the Moon, Ascendent, the Sun, and Lord of the Ascendent fortunate in the Radix, thou needest not much to observe these, or if they be but indifferently well dignified and located: it is but making the significa­tors in the WomansThis will not hold true on such as live in the feat of God, and are guided by rea­son, &c. Radix (if it could be procured) apply by a benevolent aspect to the significators in thy own, or let thine dispose of hers, or let hers translate the light of the benevolents to thine, or be in reception with thine by House or Exaltation, and out of good Houses, or but indifferent Houses, so they be in reception; and thou shalt assuredly find the match in all respects fortunate and agreeable to thy desire, if thou desirest to live contentedly and lovingly with her.

If at the time of marriage Iupiter be in a feminine sign, and Venus in a masculine,Note. the marriage shall conduce more to the good of the man then the woman: but if the sign wherein Iupiter is be a masculine, and the sign wherein Venus is be a fe­minine, judge the contrary.

See that in Marriages you let the Moon be increasing in light and motion,Note. but be sure she increase in light, and if possible let it be before she be past the first Square of the Sun.

The Radix of the parties na­tivities are to be con­sidered. To know the love between two married, or any other couple.Have regard also to the Radix of both parties if they can be procured; for if there be fortunes in the mid-heaven at the time of their Nativities, or such Planets as are in configuration with the fortunes, the new-married Couple shall have Issue the first year of their marriage.

If in their Nativities you find in one and the same place fortunate Planets, they shall assuredly be loving the one to the other: And this is a rule which will serve in the Nativity of any two.

If in the Radix thou findest the Lord of the tenth in the ninth, there shall be no Conception the first month, as say some of the Learned; Note. a little observation will soon verifie it; wherefore till then I shall leave it in doubt, being a thing not much material.

Who shall be Master of the two.But if thou wouldst know which of the two shall be most Master, or bear greatest sway, look into both their Nativities, and see (as say some of the Ancients) if the ☽ of eithers Radix be in the twelfth House of the others Nativity, and that party which hath the ☽ of the others in his Radix thus located, shall be predominant.

That party is most subordinate to the others disposition, that hath the Lord of the Ascendent, ☽ or the ☉ (in the Nativity of the man, and Ascendents Lord, the Moon and Venus, in the Radix of the Woman) disposed of by the significators in the others Nativity, or applying to any aspect with them, except there be strong reception, and that causeth a mutual amity. I have observed also, that that party which had their significators in their Nativity strongest and most essentially fortified, to have the most respect and bear chiefest rule over the others inclinations and humours, &c.

A fit time for marriage.To conclude, Know that it is a fit time (having considered what hath been already said) to marry when the Ascendent is assisted by the benevolent aspects of the For­tunes, or they therein located; but if it be afflicted by the Malevolents either by body or aspect, judge the contrary.

The joy not of long con­tinuance.Note also, that when the ☽ and ♀ are in moveable signs, the joy and mirth be­tween those then married will not be of long continuance. And thus much for the electing a time for marriage; let us therefore now proceed.

CHAP. II. Of Venereall sports.

Quando vo­luer is cum mu­liere delecta­tione sacere. WOuldst thou be versed in things of this nature, thou must warily then follow thy rules thus: As, Si pro dilectione muliere jacere vis, let the Moon be in Aries, Leo, Libra or Capricorn, for that they are of strength and power; and let her be in bene­volent configuration with Mars or Venus, or both; for apply­ing to ♂ she causeth multum sperma; to ♀, gaudium quod in­vicem habebunt, & rationes delectabiles significat. But see that she apply not to ♄, quia taedium, frigiditatem & fastidium illius facti significat. But to apply to the ☉ is good, for that it signifieth magnam dilectionem amborum in illo negotio. See that the ☽ be not in ♓, for that often­times Infirmities come thereby; but ♊, ♎ or ♒ are not to be rejected, quia signi­ficant delectationem & gaudium.

If the ☽ be the configuration of ♃, the Woman will refrain, &c.

Ʋt non con­cipiat. Nota quod si volueris muliere jacere ut non concipiat, let the ☽ be in ♊, ♌ or ♍ applying to ♀, and in no configuration to ♃, and be sure thou place her not in ♋ ♏ or ♓: Some of the Ancients say, that si aspexerit Luna Martem, prohibebi­tur generatio. But know that ♀ in the Ascendent in ♎ or ♓, delectationem & gaudium dat. But ♄ in the seventh, in coitu, discordiam inter eos denotat.

Ʋt concipiat. Know that ☽ in prolifical signs, as also the Ascendentor fifth House denotes the contrary: Still remember to vary your rules and order them according to dis­cretion, and you cannot err.

CHAP. III. Of Partnership, or Agreements, or things between two.

The significa­tors are chiefly to be regard­ed. To know the true significa­tors.IF in all things you have chief respect to the significators, and that to the right and true significators of what you undertake (as hath been sufficiently said) you shall always be able to perform any thing in this nature with certainty.

Wherefore in this manner of Judgement, know that between partners, the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon and Planet from whom the Moon last separated, are significators of that party which begins the business; the seventh, its Lord and the Planet the Moon next applys unto, of the other: the tenth and its Lord shall signifie what is or shall happen between them; and the fourth, and its Lord, the end of the business.

How to judge thereof.Look then whether the Ascendent or seventh House (I mean the cuspe thereof) be most or more benevolently beheld by the Lord of the tenth, or in which he is most dignified or hath most fortitudes (which thou mayst know by the Table of Fortitudes in our second Book of this Volume) and judge that party signified by the House he is most in favour with, to prosper or be most stable or firm in the thing.

Rules for dis­posing the face of Heaven, &c.Be sure that you place the Moon, the Ascendent and its Lord at the time of the making the agreement or partnership between tw [...] [...] common signs, such as are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittary and Pisces, as you have heard already in our second Book; [Page 179]but some of the learned in former ages have not approved of Sagittary or Pisces, ex­cept the Moon be received of Jupiter, yet Leo is to be chosen, for that it being the house of Sol, and he being advantageous in matters of society, it hath been by the Ancients approved of for a good sign, but other of the fixed signs in this matter they have disallowed of; as also of all moveable signs, except Capricorn only: where­fore let neither the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon, its Dispositor, Part of Fortune, or its Lord, be in them, but place them in common signs, and fortifie them to thy utmost power, free from both impediment, and the Malevolent Configurations of the Infortunes, but if possible place them in aspect of the Fortunes.

Moreover, let the Moon be increasing in light and motion; but if thou canst not observe all this, yet see that thou fortifie as many as thou canst, and those chiefly such as are especially to be regarded, as are the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon, its Dispositor, the Lord of the seventh, and cusp thereof, as also ⊗, its Dispositor, and the Medium and Imum Coeli, and their Lords; and if possible, make them behold one another, or at least as many thereof as thou canst, especially the Lord of the Ascendent and seventh, or in reception of each other, or with the Lords of the tenth and fourth, &c. let discretion and judgement be your directors, and you can­not fail of your desire, but to obtain it, you must dive into the reasons and grounds of the Art, as have the Sages in former times; otherwise neither what they, my self, nor an hundred after me (should so many endeavor to instruct thee) can well direct thee: but contrariwise, when thou hast searched the depth thereof, thou wilt soon be able to write as authentickly and truly as any that hath gone before thee, &c.

CHAP. IV. Of going to War, or beginning of Differences and Duels, Quarrels, Law-Suits, Controversies, and the like.

To know the true Signifi­tators.LEarn thou this, that the Ascendent, and its Lord, and the Planet or Planets therein, or in Conjunction or Configuration with the Lord thereof, or in aspect with it, are to signifie him or them that begin the quarrel or con­troversie, the seventh, Lord thereof, and Planet or Planets therein, and in aspect therewith, or with the Lord thereof, or Conjunction with him, the other, or con­trary party.

Rules in dis­posing the Ascendent and its Lord, being signifi­cators, or all the significa­tors, either for duels, open wars, or law­suits, or any other contro­versie.Having thus a true knowledge of your Significators, you may easily frame your business to the best; as if you would have the party or parties signified by the Ascen­dent to overcome, or to have the better, it is good to place the Ascendent in one of the houses of the Superior Planets. viz. Saturn, Jupiter, or Mars; but note, that in this matter, Mars is to be preferred before the rest, and of this house, some of the Sages have said Scorpio, because it is a fixed sign: I conceive it being a sign of deceit, it may help by policy or slight to overmatch the contrary party, and therefore to be preferred before Aries, who though it be a sign fiëry, yet is it moveable and unstable; however, be sure, if possible, at the time of the first on­set or beginning of the quarrel, you make the Ascendents Lord dispose of the Lord of the seventh, or otherwise be more essentially fortified and dignified, and also elevated above him in the figure of heaven at that time; for by how much the more your Significator be strong and well dignified, by so much the more shall he be able to deal with or overcome his enemy: understand the same by the Lord of the seventh, if you would have the party or parties thereby signified, to have the bet­ter: And note, that either in single duels, open wars between Armies, domestick [Page 180]or forraign, or Law-suits, or any other Controversie, the same rules will serve, having a special regard to the true Significators.

These rules might sufficiently serve for any business of this nature; but since the Ancients have hereon been somewhat large, I hold it not fit for me to bury their sayings in silence; they may very well serve both to confirm thy judgement, and en­able thee to order it according to the most rational rules, which thou mayst accord­ing to discretion pick out thereof.

Other rule in disposing the Lord of the Ascendent, or chief Signifi­cator.Let then the Lord of the Ascendent (if that party you would have victorious, if it be your Significator, and so contrariwise the Lord of the seventh, if he be your Significator) behold the Ascendent being his own house, with a Sextile or Trine, and also Mars, if he be not Lord thereof, or be in Benevolent Configuration with the Lord thereof, or place the Lord of the Ascendent, in the Ascendent, eleventh or tenth (but know the tenth is better then the eleventh) well dignified, both essentially and accidentally.

But have a special care he be not in the abject part of heaven, viz. the fourth, or in the seventh, because then he is disposed of by his enemy, or as it were in­trapped or invironed by h m; neither let him be in the eighth, or in combustion, or retrograde, nor cadent, or any otherwise debilitated; neither in reception or aspect of any Planet thus afflicted, &c.

Of the Lord of the seventh.And contrariwise, place the Lord of the seventh (if you would have those signi­fied by it be worsted) in the ascendent or second, and applying to the Lord of the Ascendent by Sextile or Trine, or if not so, by any other aspect, for that betoken­eth a desire or inclination to agreement.

Whatever you do, see that you fortifie Mars, and let him, if possible, be Lord of the party you would have victorious (as hath been said) and essentially well dig­nified and well placed in the heaven,Of placing Mars. and also free from all manner of Impediment, applying by Sextile or Trine to the Significator or his house, the Ascendent and its Lord, if they be chief Significators: the contrary if the seventh, and the Lord thereof be Significators, &c.

Of the signifi­cation of the second house. You must further know, that the second house hath signification in Duels of the parties second which is signified by the Ascendent; in open wars, of the Militia, Moneys, or all other assistants and friends; in Law-suits, the Coadjutors or Help­ers, or the help it self: The eighth house also contrariwise of the assistants or aid of the enemies or prosecutors, being the second from the seventh, as you have had abundantly taught you in the second Treatise of these our labours.

Rules touch­ing the second house and its Lord. Fortifie therefore the second house, and its Lord, as you have heard of the Lord of the Ascendent, as you have also heard by him; for this shall make strong your aid and assistance in all respects for the better managing your busi­ness: still remember to fortifie the Lord of the second, and the second it self by essential dignities and aspects of the Benevolents, as you have heard of the Lord of the Ascendent and Ascendent it self, and you cannot erre; wherefore ponder well the reasons hereof, and you shall be soon able to perform your work with great facility; otherwise it is impossible ever to instruct thee in this matter, as I have often said

It is also requisite, you have respect to the Moon, and its Dispositor, that you fortifie them also as much as possibly may be,Of Mercury, the Moon, and its Dispositor. as also Mercury, and let them apply to that parties Significators you desire to be Victorious.

In single Duels or Law-suits and Controversies between man and man, you would do well to have regard to the time of theirThis may I very well put in for few godly men wil use strife or debate. birth, being the most sure ground of thy work, if they can be procured; for look who hath Mars most essentially fortified in the Radix, and he shall assuredly be Victor in the Quarrel, Contro­versie or Law-suit, and commonly he that is born in the night (as say some of the Learned) doth overcome.

But I hold that Mars in Law-suits, is not so much to be regarded, as the Lords of their Ascendents; for to that which is most dignined, I give Victory, [Page 181]without any regard to Mars at all; onely in Duels or Wars Mars ought to be considered.

The Authors judgement of war between two Kings or Nations.Yet note, if the war be betwixt two Kings, their Nativities are to be procured and regarded (as say some of the Ancients) but I hold more proper to have the time of the beginning of their Monarchies, for the judging thereon, or the beginning of their stock to be procured; and so consequently if the war be between any King and State, to have the beginning of his Monarchy, and the time of the beginning of their being a State or Commonwealth, &c. and from these times collect your judgement. But more of this anon when we come to treat of Revolutions of the World; wherefore here we shall pass it by and proceed.

Of part of War, and part of Victory.Part of war (as some of the ancient Sages have instructed us) ought to be set, and then you must have a special regard to the placing thereof for advantage of that party you desire should be victorious; wherefore herein as thou hast been warned of the seventh, fourth and eighth Houses in placing the Lord of your Ascendent, so understand of placing part of war. How you must take part of war and other parts taught by the Ancients, we may treat of hereafter, if it be requisite. Also part of Victory is to be after the same manner regarded and disposed, &c.

Of the Moon in Taurus.Know that the Moon in Taurus in any aspect or configuration of Saturn or Mars, is not good, but very obnoxious to the beginner of the quarrel, war, law-suit or con­troversy.

Of Gemini or Cancer.If the Moon be in Gemini or Cancer, let her be in Trine of Mars, otherwise she is but indifferently well placed for the beginners advantage. But if she be beheld of the Fortunes, there needs no fear.

Of beginning of quarrels, law-suits, wars or con­troversies.Begin no quarrel, war or controversy, neither invade thy enemy, the Moon being in Virgo or Capricorn; but when the Moon is assisted and aspected by the Fortunes, and free from the impediments and afflictions of the Malevolents, thou mayst invade or begin any quarrel or controversy with assurance of victory and success; for ac­cording to the opinion of the Sages, this Configuration causeth assistance and strength to the beginner, and debility and mischief to the other.

Many Authors have observed to elect the time of beginning to war, or invade any place, Nation or Kingdom, in the day and hour of Iupiter, Venus or the Sun, and to make their Ascendent free from all impediment and affliction, and in one of the signs of right ascentions; oblique they wholly reject in this matter; what are oblique signs and signs of right ascentions thou hast had already taught thee in the 22 Chapter of our second Treatise in this work, or, Introduction to the Iudgement of the STARS: but if thou hast seriously weighed the foregoing rules, thou wilt find this of small or no use or importance.

Of Part of Fortune in wars or quar­rels, law­suits or con­troversies.Know that Part of Fortune (if thou desirest success to the beginner (as hath been said) or other) ought to be placed in their Confines or Houses appertaining to them; as if for the beginner, let it be in the Ascendent, tenth, second or eleventh; if for the other, in the seventh, fourth, eighth or fifth: Understand the same in Law-suits, the Ascendent is still for the Plaintiff, and the seventh for the Defendant; but re­member that in any of these businesses Part of Fortune be free from impediment, especially of the Lords of the seventh, eighth, fourth or fifth; but if possible, assisted by the Fortunes.

Of the dis­poser of Part of Fortune.Observe the same rules in disposing of the Lord of Part of Fortune; for the Sages have said, that party in whose Confines they are well dignified and located, shall assuredly be victorious and have the day.

Of moveable signs.Moveable signs to be in the Ascendent at the time of beginning any controversy, are to be shunned, especially Aries, Libra and Cancer, and of these Cancer is the worst, for that she is a watry sign, and the House of the Moon which is the lowest Planet; and the seventh then must be Capricorn, which is the House of Saturn, the highest and most superiour of the Planets; wherefore Capricorn is the rather to be chosen of the moveable signs, yet by reason of their instability and wavering inclina­tion, they are in my opinion to be laid aside in works of this nature.

CHAP. V. Of making of Peace, suppressing or encountring of Rebels, and storm­ing of Castles and Towns.

Of making of peace oragree­ment.LOok in the fourth Section, and second Chapter of this Treatise, where as touching agreements and making of friendship between party and party, we have treated already, and you will find we have sufficiently treated hereof; wherefore here again to insist, were both superfluous and ridiculous; for those rules, mutatis mutandis, will serve also for this matter; onely remember you still are right­ly informed of your true significators, for then you may be sure you are right for this matter, &c.

Of suppressing or invading Rebels.In suppressing also of Rebels, or invading them, you are especially to regard your significators, remembring always that the Ascendent is for the Rebel or Rebels. As touching the ordering the matter to your content and desire, follow the same rules you have heard delivered you in the foregoing Chapter of this eighth Section.

The Sages have taught that in this manner of Judgement you have special regard to the place of the Lord of the Ascendent; for if he be in the East-part of Heaven, place the Moon in the West; and if he be in the Southern part, place her in the Northern; and so on the contrary if he be in the West, or North part.

Remember to fortifie Mars, Mercury and the Moon, as you have already heard, and you cannot do amiss.

A good time to set out a­gainst an Enemy.Also when thou settest out to war, have regard to the three superiour Planets, and see whether they are direct or retrograde; for if they are retrograde, set out at that very instant they become direct; but if they be direct, let your time be when they become retrograde; also if they be oriental, when they become occidental; if oc­cidental, when they become oriental; if combust, when they become free; if free, when they become combust; or when they are gone out of the signs they were in when the occasion of the war was given; for when a Planet changeth his sign, he also changeth his former property and signification; but if Mars be re­ceived in the hour of the revolution of the year of the World by house or exaltati­on of any of the Fortunes, the war ceaseth for that year, or at least for the time of that revolution, and peace and tranquillity followeth.

To storm or demolish Ca­stles and strong holds.And if thou wouldst elect a fit time to destroy Castles and strong holds, it is re­quisite you know the proper Ascendent of the place at the first building thereof, and then see to the places of the Planets at that time, and to the place and strength of the Lord of the Ascendent, and place him in the opposite sign and part of Heaven, and debilitate him as much as thou canst, and if possible, place him disposed of by the Lord of your Ascendent, or afflicted by him, and let your Ascendent be a fiëry or aëry sign, and the Moon and Lord of the Ascendent also in signs of the same nature.

Or let the sign ascending be a sign of right ascention, and the Lord of the Ascen­dent occidental, and the Planet that ariseth next after the Ascendent slow in motion, and applying to a Planet of the same infirmity, and entring his Fall, and cadent from an Angle; but let him not be retrograde.

Or else let the Moon be oriental and decreasing in light and motion, cadent and applying also to a Planet that is also slow in motion, cadent and entring his fall, or the fall of the Moon, viz. Scorpio. Also if the Moon be above the earth, let her apply to a Planet under the earth, and let not the Lord of the Ascendent be retro­grade.

This is good if it be done in the last quarter of the Moon, and she in no aspect of [Page 183]the Sun, or her own House, or the Lord of the House wherein she is; and by this thou mayst order thy matter at pleasure, considering what hath been said before, the which by varying thy rules thou mayst accomplish.

Other rules for suppres­sing of Ene­mies, or for setting out a­gainst them.Yet as touching invading of Enemies, and suppressing of them, I think good yet further to inlarge, thus.

In setting out against, or invading of an Enemy, it is not safe whilst the ☽ is strong, for the Ascendent and the ☽ are significators of the Rebels: Neither is it safe for those Rebels to stirr when she is weak. Understand the same of the Lord of the Ascendent.

But it is very necessary to begin against Rebels or an Enemy, when Mars is in the East part of Heaven, and between the tenth degree of Taurus and the tenth of Leo, and from the tenth degree of Scorpio to the tenth of Aquaries: This thou must ob­serve if the Enemy or Rebels are Eastward.

But if they are Westward, begin to invade them when Mars is in the West part of Heaven, from the tenth degree of Leo to the tenth degree of Scorpio, and from the tenth degree of Aquaries to the tenth degree of Taurus.

And truly it will be advantageous for both parties; if they are careful of not begin­ning their business in evil hours, viz. when the ☽ is combust, or joyned to the Sun in one degree and minute, and for the space of twelye hours after, viz. Combust hours, for these times are to be shunned in the beginning of any good work, and so likewise at the time of any Athazer: You have heard what Athazer is, in the second Book, and last Chapter.

What hours are fortunate, and what in­fortunate and combust.It resteth therefore for the better understanding and instruction of my Reader, I declare unto them which are Combust hours and unfortunate, and which are again to be chosen.

The first twelve hours then after the Conjunction of the Sun and the Moon, or (more plainly) after the change of the Moon, are Combust and unfortunate hours to begin any thing, the subsequent seventy two hours are good and fortunate, and the twelve hours following them are again unfortunate and Combust hours; but the se­venty two following again after, fortunate; and so throughout all the month thou mayst judge exactly hereof, by duly observing the number of these hours night and day: This is so plain, I shall not need to give you any example.

Onely know thus much, that you are to reckon your Combust hours from the very hour and minute of the Conjunction of the Luminaries either day or night; and so the fortunate hours from the time the Combust hours leave off, allowing still se­venty two hours for their number, and you cannot fail of the exact performance hereof.

If any war or quarrel be begun in these Combust hours, the beginner shall be de­stroyed, or there shall much evil and damage befall his person and his souldiers and assistants, viz. if it be begun in the first four hours of any of the twelve Combust hours, the beginner shall be destroyed; in the second four hours he shall be wounded or damnified in his body or own person; And if it be begun in the four last hours, his souldiers and assistants shall chiefly suffer.

CHAP. VI. Of buying of Arms, and preparing of Instruments of War, and Ships or Gallies.

Of buying of Arms defen­sive or offen­sive.IN buying of Arms, War-horses or Instruments of War, either offensive or de­fensive, see that the Moon be either in her own House, exaltation or triplicity joyned to Mars in the latter end of the month, and in the beginning to Saturn; for all the Ancients conclude her infortunated in the beginning of the month when she is joyned to Mars, and in the latter end when to Saturn.

Of preparing Arms.In preparing of Arms, Armies, or Bands or Instruments of War, let your Ascen­dent be fixed, and if possible all the four Angles, and let them be signs of right ascen­tions, and place the Moon and the Lord of the Ascendent in an Angle, especially in the tenth, oriental and essentially strong, and let the Moon be increasing in light and motion.

Fortifie also Mars as much as you can, as also the Lord of the Conjunction or prevention of the Luminaries before the beginning of your work, and see that the first application of the Moon after her Conjunction with the Sun, or prevention, be to a fortunate Planet, and let the Lord of the Ascendent be entring an angle if you cannot place him therein, and in aspect of the fourth House, and this is also good for setting out of Ships: but more of this in the ninth House, where we shall treat of such Elections as conduce to the building of Ships and Gallies; wherefore I shall in this place referr you thereunto.

CHAP. VII. Of seeking of Fugitives, and examining of Thieves and Male­factors.

To apprehend a Fugitive.A Fugitive, Run-away, or a man broke out of Prison, or by any other manner escaped, is thus to be apprehended or found again; place the Moon when you make inquisition in the same degree as is the Sun, but not within seventeen minutes of his body; and let the Sun also be weak and afflicted, and in the last fifteen degrees of Libra, or in the first fifteen degrees of Scorpio, or else with the head or tail of the Dragon, viz. within 12 degrees before it, or 7 degrees after.

But if you cannot thus place them, let them be in the Ascendent, or else let the Sun and the Moon be in Quartile or Opposition or in Sextile or Trine without re­ception, and weak in those Houses wherein they are; or else let the time wherein you make inquisition be three days before an Eclipse, or one day after; but if possible let it be the Eclipse of the Moon; for by how much you weaken and debi­litate the Moon, it is the better in this manner of judgement, for it confoundeth the capacity and weakneth the ability of the Fugitive.

But if you would afflict and torment the Fugitive when he is taken, you must place the Moon in her fall or detriment; but if thou wouldst onely impri­son him, let the Moon be in Aspect or Conjunction with one of the Malevolents; [Page 185]but place her not in the fourth, neither the Malevolent to whom she is joyned, and let the Lord of the Ascendent be in Conjunction or aspect with the Lord of the se­venth, or place the Lord of the Ascendent in the seventh, and the Lord of the seventh in the Ascendent, and let the Moon by no means be in Conjunction or aspect with any Planet in the twelfth; for it being the house of secret plots and deceits, it denotes either that he shall not be taken, or if he be, that he will get away again.

To cause a Thief or any other Male­factor confess the truth.Now to cause any Malefactor or Thief to speak and confess truth, Haly saith, as also Albumazar, it is good to place the Moon, and the Planet to whom she applies in humane signs; but herein Bonatus is rather to be followed, who saith the Moon must be in Libra; and if possible, let the Ascendent be Libra, and the Planet that is Lord of the seventh also therein, in Conjunction with the Moon; for Libra being the balance or sign of equality (as you have heard in the second Book) inclineth the Malefactor to speak what is equity, truth and right: Haly also saith, it is good to let the Ascendent be one of the signs of right ascentions; and truly it will do very well, if Libra cannot be therein placed; however, be sure you place the Moon, and the Lord of the seventh in Libra.

CHAP. VIII. To know the Subject and scope of the Whisperings or Clandestine Practices of any two, and of playing at Chesse (or any other sit­ting Game) to win.

MAny times it so happeneth that a man may have occasion of suspition of some that he sees secretly laying their heads together or whispering; where­fore to satisfie thy self of what they Treat, have regard unto the first and seventh houses and their Lords; for the Ascendent, its Lord and the Planet from whom the Moon last separated, are significators of him that began the Discourse, and that set his face towards the South; and the seventh, its Lord and the Planet to whom the Moon next applies, shall signifie the other or him that hath his face to­wards the North or East; the thing on which they discourse shall be signified by the tenth house and its Lord; the fourth house, its Lord and the Dispositor of the Moon, shall shew the end of their Discourse or Result, but you must know the Pla­net ruling the sign wherein the Moon is, shall have more power then the Lord of the fourth.

Wherefore if you finde that the Lord of the tenth apply, or is rather inclining to the Ascendent, or be in reception with its Lord, say that the party signified by the Ascendent shall obtain or prevail with the other in what they discourse; but if you finde the Lord of the tenth, and seventh in the like manner, then judge the contrary.

See also if the Lord of the Ascendent be a fortunate and good Planet, or evil and unfortunate; for if it be either Jupiter, Venus, or the Sun, and they free from the Malevolent aspects of the Infortunes, say the party signified by the Ascendent shall speak truth and be honest in his dealings and words; but if he be Saturn, Mars, or Mercury, he shall dissemble, lye and deal treacherously; in like manner judge of the party signified by the seventh, according to his significator &c.

Look to what Planet or part of Heaven the significator of lies and treacheries cast­eth his Square or Opposition and aspect, and say to such men or things signified by the Planet beheld or the place of Heaven, he intends mischief; In like manner, judge he in­tends good if his significator be fortunate, especially to those men and things signifi­ed by the Planet and place of Heaven beheld, &c.

So likewise if you finde the Lord of the tenth fortunate, you may judge they treat of honest, good and lawfull things; but if he be unfortunate, of un­lawfull and base businesses; Examine the nature of the sign, and the Planet that is Lord thereof, and you shall soon be acquainted with the nature and quality thereof.

And if the Lord of the fourth, or the Planet signifying the accomplishment or end of the business be malevolent and unfortunate, the business in agitation shall end with mischief, treachery and deceit; but if he be a fortune and well dignified, judge the contrary.

Of Gaming.And now as touching gaming, you are to understand that the Ascendent and its Lord are significators of the party that challengeth or beginneth first; the seventh house and its Lord, of the other: Fortifie therefore the Ascendent and its Lord (if that side thou favourest) and debilitate the seventh and his Lord; for then shall the party signified by the Ascendent win; and if thou placest the Lord of the eighth in the second, or applying thereunto or to its Lord, or the Lord of the Ascendent, it will be the better; and if thou canst not place him thus, put him in the Ascendent, but let him be in reception with the Lord of the second or first; but let him not receive the Lord of the second, especially when they are in play.

Let also the Moon, when they begin, separate from a Fortune and apply unto another, and let it be above the Earth; place also the face or brest of him you in­tend shall win against the Moon, and let her be fortunate and strong, least she prove more advantagious to the other.

He that challengeth or desireth another to play, if thou wouldest have him win, place his face opposite to the Moon, and let her be in the East part of Heaven; but if thou wouldest have the challenged to be gainer, place the Moon in the West part of the Heavens, and let him sit in the East part of the room with his face against her.

If the Ascendent be a movable sign, and the Lord thereof in a movable sign, as also the Moon when the Game is begun, they will not continue long in play; if it be fixed, and the Lord thereof and the Moon in fixed signs, judge the contrary; if common, indifferent, and as soon as they have left off, others will begin.

If the Moon apply unto a Fortune, he that begins shall win, but if to an In­fortune, he shall lose; if the Moon apply to a Fortune, and then immediatly after to an Infortune, he shall win at first, and lose at last: But if she apply to an Infor­tune, and then immediatly after to a Fortune, he shall lose at first and win at last; In like manner if she apply unto a malevolent, the challenger or he that beginneth shall lose; and so in the same manner judge of the other.

In playing at Chess let the Moon apply to Mercury, and afterwards to Mars, for that in this Game there is variety of Play; and if the Moon be in reception also with them both, it will be the better; and if the sign be common, nei­ther of the Gamesters will advantage themselves much.

Moreover in playing at Tables, let the Moon apply to Venus, or Mercury, and if a Fortune be in the Ascendent, the beginner shall win, especially if an Infortune be in the seventh; in like manner judge on the other side if the Fortune be in the seventh, and the Malevolent in the Ascendent; also if the Lord of the Ascendent be in the Mid-heaven, the beginner shall win; and if the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Lord of the seventh be in Opposition, they shall fall out in their play.

When the Lord of the Ascendent is Retrograde, it signifieth the begin­ner shall cozen; but if both the Lord of the Ascendent and Lord of the seventh be equally well dignified, in the tenth there shall not be much winning on either side; also when Mercury and the Moon are in the Ascen­dent, they shall have many words and wrangle in their Play, and if Mars be in the Ascendent, they shall tell many lyes, especially the beginner.

But if Saturn be in the Ascendent, there shall be no winning on either side, but after a tedious dispute they shall leave off and draw stakes; and if Jupiter be in the [Page 187]Ascendent, they shall part in choler; and if Venus be therein they shall break off merrily; and if the Moon be there, he that ought to have it go on his side shall quick­ly win; you have heard before of Mars and Mercury, &c.

Note, that when the sign ascending is a common sign at the beginning of any two playing, it signifies that as soon as they have left off, others shall begin; and thus much for this; remember what hath been said, and you are well enough; al­so let the Moon when you go out of your house intending to play be in your face, and the Lord of the Ascendent applying to the Fortunes, and in the mid-heaven or in the eleventh house, and how ever, let him be above the earth, free from combustion, and the affliction of the Malevolents.

CHAP. IX. Of Hunting, Fowling and Fishing.

Of hunting of Beasts, either wilde or tame. IN this manner of Judgement you are to know the sign most proper for the business (as in all other) is especially to be chosen; for here are three several elements to rove in: If on the earth you hunt either Hare, Deer, Fox, or wilde Beast, in every of these you are to place your Ascendent accordingly; as if ordinary Beasts, place a Beastial or fourfooted sign upon your Ascendent, and place the Moon therein, as Aries, Taurus, or Capricorn; but if you Hunt feral Beasts, such as are Wolfs, Lions, Bears, Leopards or the wilde Boar, let your Ascendent be Leo, or Sagittary the last 15. degrees; and let your Ascendent be strong, as also its Lord, the Moon, and the sign of the sixth and its Lord, and weaken and debilitate the se­venth house and its Lord as much as you can; for the Ascendent, its Lord and the Moon hath signification of the Hunters, and therefore it strengtheneth them; The sixth and its Lord denote the Dogs, Nets, or other Instruments of Hunting, and the seventh hath signification of the thing chased; wherefore I rather advise thee to place the sign of the seventh of the Nature of the thing you would take or Hunt rather then the Ascendent, and debilitate it, and if possible, place Mars therein, for that denotes bloodshed, and that you shall take what you seek; but be sure you for­tifie the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon, the sign of the sixth, and the Lord there­of, and it will be the more certain; but by no means let Saturn be in the seventh, least you toil and labour to no purpose; for he signifyeth you shall not obtain your desire, though you see the beast you aym at; or if you take it, yet shall it escape again; and these Rules you are Mutatis mutandis to use in Fowling and Fish­ing, &c.

Of Fowling or taking of Birds on the land.As if you are to hunt Birds, or (more properly) to Fowl, and the Birds are such as are taken by Nets, Setting-dogs, Pinfals or any other device, let your Ascendent be aëry, and the Lord thereof in an earthy sign well dignified, but debilitate the seventh house and its Lord, and fortifie also the sixth and its Lord (as you have heard) for it addeth vigour to the Springes, Nets, Dogs, &c. and other instruments appro­priate to your work.

In the Ayr. But if you aym at such Birds as are usually taken in the ayr, by Hawk, or Faul­con, let the Ascendent be an aëry sign, and the Lord thereof also in an aëry sign, yet let them both be strong, and also the sixth and its Lord, and debilitate the se­venth and its Lord, as you have heard.

In the Water. And if you hunt Water-fowl, as Duck, Mallard, or the like, let your Ascendent be an aëry sign, and the Lord thereof strong in a watry; or place the Lord thereof in an aëry, and the ascendent in a watry or earthy; in like manner do with the sixth and its Lord, and dispose of the seventh as you have heard.

Of fishing in Sea, Rivers or Pools.Again, if your sport be fishing, place the Ascendent and its Lord in watry signs and well dignified; fortifie also the sixth and its Lord, and place the Ascendent if you would catch shel-fish, and are roving in the Sea, in Cancer, and let Iupiter be in Pisces well dignified, and debilitate the seventh house and its Lord. For smaller fish, if you angle or fish by any other Instrument in Rivers or Pools, prefer Pisces, and so according to discretion frame your business; for since you have had the fundamen­tal Rules of Elections delivered you at the beginning of this third Book, you must not expect I shall do any more then hint at any thing we are hereafter to handle in this Book, for if your own ingenuity will not lead you and enable you to go through with any election pertaining to the life of man, by what thou hast already heard, thou wouldest never apprehend the mystery thereof, should I inlarge as much as is possible upon every particular.

Of teaching of Dogs to hunt.In teaching of Dogs to Hunt, such as are Hounds, Grew-hounds and such like, place the Moon in Aries in Conjunction of Mars; for this will make them soon learn, and put vigour and courage in them to slay and bite; but let Jupiter be also in aspect unto them, for the better preservation of them from danger in hunting.

In teaching of Setting-dogs, place the Moon in an earthy sign, and the Lord of the Ascendent in an Aëry in Conjunction with the Moon, and in good aspect of Mer­cury, and Venus, that he may be the more docible and gentle.

In teaching of Hawks, Faulcons and such like, let the Moon be in Aquaries ap­plying to Mars, To teach Hawks and Faulcons. and let Mars be in Scorpio.

Note, that if the Moon be applying to a Retrograde Planet when any one begins either to Hunt, Fowl, or Fish, it signifieth they shall get nothing but weari­ness, pain and trouble; but if it be in the Ascendent, it denotes great agi­lity in Hunting or in the Sport; and if Mars be in the mid-heaven, it de­notes the same to the Birds or Beasts pursued: And if the Moon be in the Mid-heaven afflicted by Mars, it signifies the Faulconer, shall lose his Hawk.

But let those that delight much in hawking place the Moon in Aries apply­ing to Mars in Capricorn, for this denotes good sport both in the ayr and on the earth.

To be short, in hunting it is most necessary you place the Moon in the mid-heaven and a moveable sign in the ascendent, and Jupiter therein in good aspect of the Moon, and Mars in the seventh, and Saturn Cadent, and in no aspect of the Ascendent, and Venus in the Ascendent or mid-heaven, and the Moon applying un­to her; for thereby shall both man, horse and hounds be elevated and strengthened to undergo the business chearfully, and they shall obtain their desire without much pains, toil, or trouble, neither shall they be much wearied.

SECTION. IX. Containing Elections appertaining to the significa­tion of the eighth House.

CHAP. 1. Of making of Wills.

UNder the signification of this House, cometh the Wills of the dead, and the heritages left thereby; as touching Wills we are in this place to treat, viz. what time is best for to make them.

When thou makest thy Will, let not the Moon be in a movable sign nor the Ascendent, nor its Lord if thou intendest it shall stand; for this denotes its muta­bility, and that after a short time thou shalt alter it again; wherefore let the Ascen­dent be fixed, and the Moon and the Lord thereof placed in fixed signs; for this de­notes permanency; this is for such as will be disposed to such actions before they are visited with sickness; but when once it hath seized on them, it is not to stand upon electing of times, but then you are to judge of the event by the time, in this manner.

If the Moon be slow in motion, and increasing in light, and in no aspect of any Planet, in combustion, under the Sun beams or Retrograde, it is good, and de­notes the death of the party quickly, and that his Will shall not be altered, especi­ally if she be joyned to Mars by body, but not by aspect, provided Mars be not in the Ascendent, nor in aspect therewith, nor its Lord; yet it shall not be kept, but in a short time it shall be either lost or stollen.

But if Saturn be placed with the Moon or Lord of the Ascendent, as you have heard of Mars, and in no aspect of the Ascendent, it signifieth the sick party shall yet live, and the Will then made shall continue in force all his life, and also after his death, for it shall not be altered nor revoked; bur if he afflict the Ascendent, it shall be altered.

Also if Iupiter and Venus be so posited, the party sick, that hath made his Will, shall again recover; And that some time after he shall revoke the former Will and make an other, &c.

CHAP. II. Of the Heritages of the Dead.

DO thou be sure herein to place one of the houses of either Jupiter or Venus in the eighth house; or else fortifie the cusp of the eighth and the Lord there­of, and place them in Sextile or Trine of either Jupiter or Venus; or make the degrees of the cusp of the eighth, and the Lord thereof the terms of Iupiter or Venus; and make the second and its Lord strong and free from all manner of impedi­ment, and if possible, in good aspect of the Fortunes: Fortifie also the Moon, and let her lovingly behold the eighth house, or its Lord, and if possible, fortifie also the Ascendent and its Lord, and place the Lord of the eighth in reception with the Lord of the second or Ascendent; and if you can, let him be in the second, and the Lord of the second in the eighth, &c.

SECTION X. Containing the Elections of the ninth House of Heaven.

CHAP. 1. Of the returning of such as are absent, and of going of journeys, and entring into any place.

EVery man hath some Fancy or particular way to himself that is not common to all; some of the Ancients have placed returnings in the tenth House, by rea­son it is the next after the ninth that hath signification of long journeys and voyages, which returnings follow; others have placed this matter in the eighth, ma­king the ninth house to follow it, because a man must journey to return; but be­cause one cannot return without voyaging or travelling, contrary to both these, I have placed it in the ninth house it self.

And as I dissent from the Ancients in placing this Election, so do I also much de­viate from them in the matter thereof; yet if thou wilt follow them thou mayest, please but thy self and I am content.

Of returning from any jour­ney.Fortifie therefore in this manner of judgement the ninth house at the time of your setting forth, the Lord thereof and the Moon, as also the ninth and its Lord, and the place of the Moon in the Revolution of the year of the World or Quarter (if it be a year wherein such are admitted) and if possible, let Jupiter, or Venus or both be in the ninth, or applying thereunto, or to the Lord thereof, or the Moon in both [Page 191]these Schemes, and let these places however you do, be free from the malevolent configurations of the Infortunes, and see that there be no Infortune in the second house in a return, nor in the eighth when thou settest first out; for the second is then in lieu of the eighth, being the eighth from the seventh which hath ever signification of the place intended or travelled to; and therefore it seemeth requisite unto me, that you also fortifie the seventh house at the time of the first journey, as also its Lord, and the place of the Moon at that time. But thou wilt the better understand how to make an Election for returning, by knowing how to set out at first.

Of going of j [...]urneys or Voyages.Wherefore you must know the Ascendent is the significator of the City, Town or place from whence any one Travels; the seventh of the place intended or journeyed to; the tenth house, hath signification of the ways or passages in the journey, and the fourth of the ways or passages in the return.

Look then how these places are affected, and accordingly judge; for if they are assisted by the presence or aspects of the Fortunes, good is promised; if by the Ma­levolents, evil, according to the Nature of the thing signified by the house afflicted or assisted; as if the seventh be fortunated, you may judge success and happiness to the Traveller in the Country or place to which he goes; if the tenth, he shall have good success in his journey, shall be safe and merry and in good health; if the fourth, judge the same at his return, &c.

In beginning of any Journey, let the Moon be increasing in light and motion, free from impediment and affliction of the Infortunes; for an Infortune afflicting the Moon doth more hurt then when it afflicteth the Ascendent; and let her not be in the second, eighth, fourth sixth, nor twelfth, but in the fifth, and if possible, be­held of the Fortunes; however it causeth good success, and gain in the journey, health of body, and that he shall quickly return to his own content; and let Mercury be free from combustion and the malevolent aspects of the Infortunes, as also the Lord of the Ascendent, and let him be placed in a good place of Heaven; place also a Fortune in the Ascendent or some Angle, for such an Election denotes safety, agility, joy and gladness in the journey; and let not the Moon be in the Ascendent neither going nor returning, for it signifies sickness, and much grief in the journey.

But if thou canst not observe all this, let the ☽ apply unto the Ascendent, as also the Lord of the Ascendent, and let them be free from the malevolent aspects of the Infortunes; also prosperity and good followeth if the Moon be joyn­ed to Jupiter or Venus, or be beheld of them by a Sextile or Trine.

But you must know there can no Election be framed without respect to the Revo­lution of the World, and the true significator of every man therein, according to his quality; the which when thou hast found, fortifie it and its Lord, the Moon and the sign, and Lord of the Ascendent at the setting out, and the sign signifying the thing or business occasioning the journey, and the Lord thereof, and have a special care, the Ascendent be not Cadent; and if the journey be to the King, let the tenth in the Revolution of the year of the World be the sign of the Ascendent in the set­ting forth; and if it be to obtain a reward at his hands, let the eleventh in the Re­volution be your Ascendent, and so of the rest, according to the signification of the thing desired.

It is good also to place the Moon at the beginning of any journey in the tenth or fifth beholding her dispositor, free from impediment and the afflictions of the In­fortunes▪ and in good aspect of the Benevolents, and they also essentially dignified, and the Moon increasing in light, and Mercury free from combustion, and free from impediment; and let not the Moon be in the sixth, nor twelfth, for that signifieth impediment and delay in the journey.

But if she be increasing in light and motion, it will be soon accomplished, and that with safety and quiet; but if the ☽, or Saturn, or both be in the Ascendent or seventh, or Saturn in the Ascendent, and the Moon in the seventh, there shall hap­pen in the journey or place to which the Traveller tendeth, many grievous infirmi­ties, losses, quarrels or slaughter unto him.

If she be in the 10th. or 11th, it is good; but if she be in the third, fifth, or ninth, it will not be so well, in the seventh or fourth, worse; but she denotes mischief most in the Ascendent, second, sixth, eighth or twelfth.

And some of the Ancients have said, that if any set forth in the day time Aries ascending, they shall meet with Thieves; yet if they set upon the Thieves they shall overcome them; also if at such a time any go against a Castle or strong hold, they shall take it; and if the Ascendent be Taurus when the Traveller setteth out, he shall gain and profit by Cattel, as Cows, Oxen and Bulls and such like; if it be Gemini that doth then ascend, he shall profit by arms or expert servants.

Also if it be Cancer, he shall be safe in health or fortunate in all things he under­takes; if Leo, he shall overcome, and win, and there shall evil happen to others for him; if Virgo, he shall be merry, and profit by servants.

Again, if it be Libra, he shall have a mean both of good and evil; in Scorpio, he shall toyl and labour, but shall not obtain his desire, and there shall happen much sadness unto him, but afterwards he shall gain a little; If Sagittary, he shall obtain his desire, and shall profit by horses and arms, and shall act something, for which he shall receive a great reward.

Moreover if it be Capricorn, he shall be tyred, and the journey shall be tedious, and his desires shall not be obtained; if it be Aquaries, his hopes shall be frustrate, and his enemies shall deceive him; but if it be Pisces, he shall advantage himself by precious stones, shall obtain his desire and shall have his health.

Note that some of the Ancients have taken that punctum of time wherein the Traveller steps out of his house onward of his journey, and the degree ascen­ding then to be his significator, and that degree which ascendeth when he is just out of sight of his house to be the significator, together with its Lord, of the journey.

Some of the Ancients have in this place given us Instructions, if any journey be to Kings, Great men, Generals of Armies, Judges, Lawyers, Women, Learned men, Poets, and such like, of what kinde soever they be, by making the Moon ap­ply to the significator of the quality of the person a man intends to go to, and by pla­cing the significator in a good place of Heaven, viz. in the Ascendent, tenth, or ele­venth, or in the house whereby he is signified, but by no means in the seventh nor fifth, for that signifies labour and trouble; as also if he be in the fourth or Occidental; but since I have already given you the exact significations of the Moon to the other six Planets in a Table in the third Chapter of the first Section of this same third Book, as also hinted at the same in the sixth Section and tenth Chapter, I shall not in this place make any repetition, but proceed.

Of making quick returns.If thou wouldest soon return from thy journey, place Jupiter in a Quartile of the Sun, and Venus in his Sextile betwixt both the Fortunes, separating from one, and applying to the other; or place the Moon in the room of the Sun increasing in light and motion.

Of going se­cretly to any place.And if thou wouldest go secretly to any place, let the Moon be under the Sun beams, separating from the Sun, and applying to a Fortune, and free from all other impediment; some of the Ancients have said, if you would do any thing that you would not have revealed or come to light, begin it when the Moon is in Scorpio, and under the earth; others have concluded with the for­mer Rule; yet some have advised to place the Moon and Lord of the Ascen­dent both under the Sun beams, but not in combustion, and free from im­pediment, and that the Ascendent be not beheld of the Sun, nor Lord thereof; and to make it the more sure, let the Moon be in the fourth house, or the signifi­cator of the thing.

Of walking.And as touching walking abroad, some of the Ancients have been large; but I shall omit their Rules as superfluous in such a matter which depends on the Will of Man; only I shall add thus much, that if the Moon be increasing in light and motion, and free from impedition, applying to a Fortune, it will be the better, [Page 193]and the walk will seem more pleasant and delectable then tiresome; for commonly when she is weak, and in Square or Opposition of Saturn, the time seems tedious, and the walker will be very sad and pensive; and perhaps be subject to fals and other casualties, when she is so aspected of Mars.

And take this for an approved rule, that if the walker go to visit any one, or to look for any thing, if the Lord of the seventh House at the time of his setting out be in the Ascendent, and the Moon in aspect of any Retrograde-Planet with reception at the same time, he shall meet the party or thing he seeks or intends to visit.

Of entring into any place.Now as touching any Travellers entring into any Place, Town or City, you are to fortifie the sign of the second House, and the Lord thereof, and place him in a good house above the earth, and the Moon in the third or fifth, or else in the eleventh, applying to a Planet receiving her, whether it be a fortune or no; and let your signi­ficator never be under the earth, unless your business so require, or is to be kept secret.

Be sure the Moon be not in the fourth, eighth, sixth or twelfth, but place her in the second, if possible, strong and free from impediment, and applying to the Lord of the second, or in reception of him.

And if he that entreth into any place would fain stay long there, let the Moon and the Lord of the second be placed in angles;To stay therein. and it will not be amiss in this business if he place the Moon in reception with Saturn by a good aspect, and let the sign of the Ascendent and its Lord at the first entrance be fixed.

But if he would soon return from thence, let him place the Moon in the third, in a moveable sign received;To return quickly. as also let the sign of the Ascendent at the first entrance be moveable, and the Lord thereof also in a moveable sign, and place the Lord of the second in the Ascendent, and the Lord of the Ascendent in the second.

To make his Election suta­ble to his bu­siness.Moreover, if his coming to the place be to require ought of the King or Grandees, let him have recourse to the mid-heaven and its Lord, and make him receive his signi­ficator by a good reception; and place if possible the Lord of the tenth in the Ascen­dent or second, and in the tenth the Lord of the Ascendent or second; and so under­stand of any thing else he requires, or for which his entrance into the place is, still remembring to order his significators aright.

Wherefore generally in all entrings into any place, be sure the second House and its Lord be free from impediment and affliction of the Infortunes, as also Com­bustion and Fall, neither let him be Cadent; for if the Lord of the second be com­bust, it denotes the party so entring shall there dye suddenly; neither is it good for the Lord of the second to be in the seventh, especially if he be therein afflicted, be­cause it signifies damage both to his person and goods, and that he shall be troubled with many dissentions and quarrels, and have much trouble by and through his ac­quaintance; also if the Moon be in the fourth House, he shall dye there before he goes away, especially if the Moon be weak and afflicted of the Malevolents, or the Lord of the eighth.

But the best Election in this matter is to let Iupiter be Lord of the second, located in the eleventh House, strong and free from the malevolent aspects of the Infortunes, or let him be in the second in configuration of the Moon, and let Part of Fortune be in an angle or in the eleventh or fifth, for it signifieth safety and health of body being so placed, as also increase of wealth; and it will not be amiss if you make the disposi­tor of the Moon apply thereunto, for it will bring things to a good end and con­clusion.

CHAP. II. Of building of Ships and Gallies, and of lanching them, and of voyaging by Sea.

THE first thing we are to provide for any voyage at Sea is a Bark, Gallie, Ship or such like Vessel; wherefore it seemeth requisite unto me I here shew a fit time for making of such Commodities, and then we shall come to the time of Voyaging. Some of the Ancients have placed this Election in the fourth House; but because Voyages are under the signification of the ninth House, and they cannot be accomplished without Ships, I thought it more convenient to place it in this House.

In the composition or building of Ships there are three sorts considerable; the first are such as serve for War, the second for Traffique or Merchandise, the third we term Gallies and ordinary Vessels.

Of building of Fleet-ships, or Men of War.Wherefore in building of Ships for War or swift sailing, fortifie the Ascendent and its Lord, the Moon also and its dispositor, and place them in the Ascendent, tenth or eleventh, and let the sign ascending be fixed; fortifie also the fourth House and its Lord, which hath signification of Ships naturally, and if possible let all the angles be fixed, but be sure you make the Moon and the rest of your significators swift in motion.

Let also the Planet from whom the Moon last separated be strong and well disposed, also swift in motion, or place her dispositor in a watry sign free from all impediment and affliction; and if you cannot place the Moon nor the Lord of the Ascendent in the Ascendent, tenth or eleventh, place one of the Fortunes there, and let him be free from the malevolent aspects of the Infortunes; and let him be if possible oriental, and make the Lord of the seventh weak and slow in motion.

Of building of Merchants Ships.In building of Ships for Traffique observe all that you have already heard in the other, onely adde this thereunto, that Mercury must chiefly be fortified and as­sisted of the Fortunes, and placed if possible in the tenth, eleventh or Ascendent; fortifie also the Lord of the second, and Part of Fortune and its dispositor, and let not the Moon be slow in motion, yet it mattereth not much whether she be very swift, as in the former.

Of building of ordinary Ships and Gallies.In building of Gallies and other Ships you need not stand so much on the swiftness of the Moon and your other significators, onely let her not be very slow; yet if thou canst conveniently make her and all the other swift it will be the better; in other things observe what hath been said already.

Other rules in buying or making of Ships.In buying or making of Ships you may also observe these rules; begin your work when Jupiter or Venus are located in the fourth House in a watry sign, strong and free from all manner of impediment, or in a sign of their nature, and let the Moon be in Taurus, Gemini or the beginning of Cancer. or Virgo or Sagittary, or the last degrees of Capricorn; for the latter degrees of Capricorn are reputed watry, and the first degrees earthy; but it is best to place the Moon or the Ascendent in Pisces.

Let the Sun also be in Trine of the Fortunes, and the Moon increasing in light and motion, as also in latitude, and beheld also of the Fortunes; but let not Mars be in any aspect of the Ascendent, nor of the Moon, for it denotes casualties there­unto by fire, and that the Ship shall at the last be burnt; also if the Moon be in Aqua­ries, and the Sun and Mars in aspect to her, viz. by Square or Opposition, or else bodily joyned thereunto, it signifieth the Ship shall endure many storms and much damage and fear of shipwrack: Also if the ☽ be not in ♒, but in a watry sign in either ☌, [...] or ☍ of the ☉ and ♂, it denotes the Ship shall be drowned and suffer shipwrack, and shall be sunk with all that is in her to the bottom of the [Page 195]sea: Moreover, if the ☽ be in any such configuration of them, and be in a fiery sign, the Ship shall be split upon a rock, and shall lose most of her Goods, or stick upon the Sands, and so perish. Lastly, if the Moon be in humane signs, and af­flicted by the Sun and Mars, as you have heard, it shall met with Pirates and Cut­ters at Sea, which shall slay all that are in her, ransack her, and last of all sink her.

Of lanching of Ships, and setting out to Sea.Now as touching lanching of Ships, and setting forth to Sea, to avoyd the tedious reiterations and tautologies of the Ancients, you need do no more then this: See that the Moon be strong essentially and accidentally, well placed in the Heavens, and in good aspect of the Fortunes, viz. Jupiter or Venus, and free from the malevo­lent aspects of the Infortunes, as also the Ascendent, and its Lord, and Part of Fortune, and its dispositor at either of the times; for look by how much your significator is impedited by the Malevolent, and by so much shall the Ship or the persons therein be damnified; according to the signification of the significator, and the Planet af­flicting.

Of Naviga­ting or Voy­aging by Sea.In Navigating and Voyaging by Sea you are to follow the same rules as hath been delivered unto you for travelling by Land; onely you are to elect watry signs in this, as in the other earthy: but as touching the main end of your Voyage, whe­ther it be for gain or any other thing, you are to order your significators accordingly; but be sure you ever remember to observe these five times to fortifie them to your best advantage.

The first is the time wherein the Ship is first begun; the second is the time wherein it is bought or purchased; the third when it is lanched; the fourth is the time of the entring thereinto; and the fifth and last is the time wherein it sets out to Sea: The which you having observed, and according to art ordered, especially your entring thereinto, and setting forward (if you cannot obtain the other times) is sufficient to be said hereon, &c.

CHAP. III. Of learning of Sciences, and of Singing and Musick.

HEre I may seem to rob the tenth House of this Election; but since the tenth properly hath signification of Majestie, and one may exercise Singing and any other Science without making it their profession; and because the rules depend rather on this House then the tenth or any other, it is requisite it should be here placed.

Wherefore if you would learn any Science see that the Ascendent be an humane sign, as also that the Moon be located in an humane sign, and the Lord of the A­scendent in the tenth House or entring thereinto, and the Lord of the tenth in con­figuration of the Ascendent, as also the Lord of the ninth; and let the Moon be joyned to Mercury, or applying to him by a good aspect, and Mercury strong and well dignified.

Make also Mercury behold the Lord of the Ascendent in a good aspect, and let not the Moon be decreasing in light, nor descending in latitude; and make the Lord of the ninth to be in reception with the Lord of the Ascendent.

In learning of Musick thou art to have regard to the chief significators thereof, viz. Venus, Mercury and the Moon: Of Musick. Wherefore that there might herein be found a true harmony, place Venus in some of her own dignities (if thou pla­cest her as strong as possible it will he the better) and Mercury applying unto her, being also in some of her dignities; as also the Moon especially in Pisces, or [Page 196]separating from Mercury, and applying to Venus; and let the Ascendent be a sign agreeable to the nature of this business, and let Venus have power therein; and it will be the better if Mercury also have dignity therein.

Look that neither Venus, Mercury nor the Moon be remote from an angle, unless it be the Moon, and then place her in the ninth House, strong and well disposed, and let the other significators be also strong.

Of Singing.Also if the Lord of the Ascendent were in the ninth strong and free from affli­ction, it were very good; and place the Moon in Capricorn to learn singing, and this causeth a shrill voyce; but in playing on any Pipe or Instrument touched with the mouth, place the Moon in the last face of Leo, Scorpio or Pisces, because these are Mute signs; but in learning Prick-song or any other Song wherein words are to be uttered, place her in Gemini or Virgo, and fortifie the ninth House and its Lord, and let them be free from all the Impediments of the Malevolents, as also the tenth and its Lord, if you intend to make it your profession. Also if thou wouldst exceed all others in singing (as saith Bonatus) place Mercury direct and joyned to Venus retrograde, either in the Houses, Exaltations or other Dignities of any of them.

SECTION XI. Containing Elections appertaining to the signification of the tenth House.

CHAP. I. Of electing of Kings and Nobles, and of their enstalling and begin­ning their Rule or Government.

Of electing Kings and Governors. REmember in choosing and electing Kings, Dukes, Marquesses, or other Nobles, or such as are to bear office in government, that thou fortifiest the Ascendent, and make it free from the malevo­lent aspects of the Infortunes, as also the Lord thereof, and the tenth House and its Lord, the Sun also and the Moon, and let nei­ther of them be in any aspect nor bodily conjunction of the Ma­levolents, Saturn and Mars: but if thou canst not avoyd their aspects, let it be by Sextile or Trine with reception, and place them in angles or succedent houses, and if possible place the Sun in Leo free from impediment; and if he cannot be in Leo, place him in Sextile or Trine of that Planet that beareth dominion in the house wherein he is by house or exaltation; but if thou canst not order it otherwise but that he must be beheld thereby by a Square, let it be with reception; but shun the Opposition, whether it be with reception or no, and if possible let the Square aspect be out of Masculine signs, and let them also be such wherein they have some dignity.

See also if there is any Eclipse of either Luminary that year to be celebrated, or any great Conjunction; and let not the sign wherein the Eclipse or Conjunction is, [Page 197]be on the Ascendent or tenth, neither let the Lords of the Ascendent or tenth be therein, nor the Lords of either of these places in the tenth or the Ascendent, and place both the Luminaries in the terms of the Fortunes beholding each other with a Sextile or Trine; and if possible, let the Lords of those terms be in Sextile or Trine also of the Luminaries, or at least one of them.

See also that the Conjunction or prevention of the Luminaries before this election be not unfortunated; but if it be so, let your Election be deferred till fifteen days after the Conjunction or prevention, if possible.

Of Coronati­ons and En­stallings.At Enstallings or Coronations place Leo the sign of the Ascendent, and the Sun in Taurus in the tenth, and the Moon in the Ascendent joyned to Venus, Iupiter or Mercury, and they strong essentially and receiving the Moon.

Of beginning of Govern­ment.And when you begin first to rule or govern according to the election and choyce of the people, let the angles be all fixed, especially the Ascendent and fourth, and let the Lord of the tenth be free from all manner of impediment, and place the Lord of the Ascendent either in the Ascendent, tenth or eleventh, or at least in the fifth, received of the Lord of the tenth: and let the Lord of the tenth be received of its dispositor by Sextile or Trine, and the Lord of the fourth free from impediment, and in a good aspect of the Fortunes: And if thou canst not do all this, let the Moon be received of the Lord of the tenth, and the Lord of the fourth, free from impedi­ment; but let him not behold the Ascendent nor its Lord, and let some of the For­tunes behold the fourth House or tenth, or at least one of them, if possible.

And thus may you judge of electing of other inferiour Magistrates whatsoever, by distinguishing their several significators, and disposing of them according unto these rules, Mutatis mutandis: wherefore it were needless here further to en­large.

CHAP. II. Of obtaining favour of Kings and great men, Iustice on Ene­mies, and Pardons; also of going of Progress with the King, or any other Grandee.

Of obtaining favour of Kings and Grandees.ABout obtaining of favour at the hand of any King or great man, whatever sign you place in the Ascendent, let Iupiter be therein in a good aspect of the Lord of the tenth with reception, or place the Lord of the tenth in the Ascendent, or in Sextile or Trine thereunto, or to the Lord thereof, or the Moon; and if possible place the Moon in the tenth, free from all impediment, and let the Lord of the Ascendent also be strong and no wise afflicted by the Malevolents; and let not Saturn nor Mars be in any of the angles, especially the Ascendent, unless he be a significator, and you have ordered him according to discretion.

And if thou canst not perform all these, let the Lord of the thing desired be in the tenth, or the Lord of the tenth in the House signifying the thing, or in good aspect thereunto, or to the Lord thereof; and if possible let the aspect be with re­ception, &c.

Of obtaining Justice or As­sistance from the King.Also when thou wouldst obtain aid or leave of the King to prosecute thy adver­sary, or when thou requirest Justice against him, place the Moon free from all im­pediment, and let her be increasing in light; let the Ascendent also be free from af­fliction, and place the Lord thereof in a good place, strong, and free from the male­volent aspects of the Infortunes, and if possible let him be in his own dignities and direct; and debilitate the Lord of the seventh (which hath signification of your adversary) and let him not be assisted by any of the Fortunes, nor behold the [Page 198]Ascendent, nor the Moon, nor the Sun, and let the Lord of the tenth be in reception with the Lord of the Ascendent; and so if your condition be the others, and thou wouldst obtain pardon, debilitate the Moon and Lord of the Ascendent, and fortifie the seventh,Of obtaining of pardon. &c. quite contrary: And thus by varying thy rule thou mayst apply thy business which way thou pleasest, and be furnished upon any occasion, provided thou art well acquainted with thy true significator.

Of going of progress with the King or any other Grandee.In progressing with Kings or Grandees, place Iupiter in the Ascendent or in the seventh, for this signifieth good in the journey to those that undertake it, and that they shall be merry; but look thou place him not in the fourth, neither let the Moon nor Venus behold him out of any angle; nor let Saturn or Mars be in the Ascen­dent nor any other angle, nor joyned by body or aspect to Venus; neither let the Moon be under the Sun-beams, nor with ☋ or the Infortunes; for this denotes the party going to progress shall never return (the Ancients also affirm,Note. that whoever fals sick at such a time, shall never recover, and whoever goeth into any combate shall be slain) but dye therein.

CHAP. III. Of learning any Art or Occupation.

MOst of the Ancients have placed this matter in this House; I conceive their reason was, because a Trade or Occupation is the highest dignity such can look for that are bound thereunto.

Of learning of Trades or other Occu­pations.Wherefore in this matter you are exactly to distinguish of the Planet signifying the Trade or Mysterie you would learn, the which you have been taught in the se­cond Book of this Volume; then let your Ascendent or tenth House be a sign wherein that Planet beareth dominion by House; as if you would learn Morality or any study, or if thou desirest to be a Merchant, place Gemini or Virgo in the A­scendent, or else Libra, the last fifteen degrees of Sagittary or Aquaries, and fortifie the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Cusp of the tenth, and its Lord, ☿ also and the ☽ yet have a more special care to fortifie ☿ then any other, because he is the Planet signifying the Trade or Occupation.

Still remember to fortifie the Lord of the Trade, or that Planet which naturally hath signification thereof above any other; for I shall say no more on this matter in this place, since I have been large in the second Section and first Chapter of this third Book,Note well. whether I shall here referr thee, and now proceed, being even weary of reiterations: For whoso can understand the reason and ground of any one Electi­on, hath sufficient to lead him through all other whatsoever, without these needless repetitions, or else he shall never be able to apprehend them when we have said all we can; yet because I have an earnest desire to make every thing plain even to the weakest capacity, I have been thus tedious; yet whoso shall compare me with the Ancients, will find I do not equal them in tautologies.

SECTION XII. Containing such Elections as are under the signification of the eleventh House of Heaven.

CHAP. I. Of accomplishing any thing hoped for, and of gaining a good re­pute, and the love of friends.

EVery man wisheth and hopeth for some one thing or other, and few but strive to have a good Name, or at least to be thought worthy thereof; and because this may be obtained, and yet the person no wise honoured in the world, this Election is rather placed in this House then in the tenth by me.To gain cre­dit and the thing hoped for.

Wherefore when either thou wouldst accomplish thy hope, or gain credit by any thing thou undertakes, place Sagittary, Pisces or Cancer in the Ascendent, and for­tifie Iupiter, and the Moon, as also the eleventh, and its Lord; and if possible place Iupiter in the eleventh, or else in the Ascendent, or at least in Sextile or Trine of these places, or one of them; and let him be in reception with the Lord of the eleventh, and place the Lord of the eleventh if possible in the Ascendent, and in the eleventh the Lord of the Ascendent; and if you can, let the Sun be in the tenth, or the Ascendent free from impediment, and the Moon in a Trine or Sextile of him, or in Square with reception, provided she be strong and free from affliction; and if you can possibly, let her separate from Iupiter, the Lord of the Ascendent, or the Lord of the eleventh when she applyes to the Sun and it will be much the better; for this de­notes the credit or applause desired will be the more blazed and spread abroad, for the nature of the Sun is to discover things.

Order thy significator to thy best advantage; the more thou dignifiest him the better it will be; however be sure thou let the Luminaries be in Sextile or Trine of each other, as also the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Lord of the eleventh; but if it must be by a Square, let it be by reception,Of gaining the love and friendship of any. &c.

In obtaining the love and good will of friends, fortifie the Moon, and the eleventh House, and its Lord, and make them both be received of Venus by a Trine, and let Venus be also well dignified; or else let her receive the Lord of the Ascendent and the Lord of the eleventh by the same aspect, and let the reception be by House or Exaltation; and if this cannot be done, let them be received by a Trine of Iupi­ter in the same manner, and let the Lord of the Ascendent be well dignified.

Moreover, if thou desirest the love and friendship of any to gain or profit thy self thereby, let Part of Fortune be in the Ascendent; and if it be for the accomplish­ment of thy heritage, or for any assistance therein, place Part of Fortune in the fourth; and so in any other House according to the nature of the thing wherein thou desirest the aid, friendship or assistance of thy friend.

CHAP. II. Of obtaining of Promises and Requests.

SEE that herein thou fortifiest the eleventh and its Lord, the Ascendent and its Lord, as also Part of Fortune, and its dispositor; and make the Lord of the Ascendent be beheld of both the Lord of the eleventh, and the dispositor of Part of Fortune; or make one of them amically behold the Lord of the Ascendent, and the other the Ascendent it self; and let the Moon be allo well dignified and re­ceived of the Lord of the eleventh, and the Planet signifying the thing promised; and let the Lord of the seventh be also applying to the Lord of the Ascendent, or Ascendent it self; for the seventh House hath signification of the party sought to, and the Ascendent is the significator of him requiring promise or requesting; and the Moon is significatrix of the promise or thing quesited; wherefore it will not be amiss if in this Election you make the Moon separating from the Lord of the seventh, and applying to the Lord of the Ascendent.

Thou art also to remember to place the Cuspe of the eleventh House in the dignities of the Planet signifying the party sought to for promise; as if he be ancient and under the signification of Saturn, let his dignities be thereon placed; if a Judge or some reverend man, let the dignities of Jupiter be pre­ferred, and so or the rest; let also the Planet it self apply to the Lord of the Ascendent by a loving aspect; as also the Lord of the House in the Election whereby he is signified; as if he be a Father, then let the Lord of the fourth aspect him; if a Mother, or some Nobleman, the Lord of the tenth; and so in order ac­cording to their significations.

Also if thy business be touching wealth or substance, order the matter so as that the second House or its Lord may receive some amicable aspect from the significa­tors of those from whom thou expectest promise or any other request; for thou must remember still to prepare in this manner the House and Lord thereof signifying thy business.

SECTION XIII. Comprehending the Elections of the Twelfth House.

CHAP. I. Of Freeing of Prisoners and Captives.

ENdevour alwayes to know your true Significator in every Election, and you have accomplished half your business; you must know then that the Ascendent and its Lord hath signification of his or their condition that are freed, the Tenth of the person freeing, or that hath power to set at li­berty, &c.

Wherefore if there be any Infortune in the Ascendent at the time of deliverance, it denotes inslavery and imprisonment again; place therefore a fortune in the Ascen­dent, and let the Lord thereof be well dignified and free from the Malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes, and if possible let him be in Conjunction or loving Aspect of the Lord of the Tenth, and received by him as also the Lord of the Twelfth, and if you can let the Lord of the Tenth be in the Twelfth, or applying thereunto, or to its Lord, and let him be also received of the Lord of the Tenth.

Make also the Moon increasing in Light and Motion, and joined to Fortunes, and let the Fortune to which she is joined either by Body or Aspect be Oriental, and swift of motion also; but let not the Moon be in the Twelfth, nor beholding a Planet slow in motion; Neither let the Lord of the Twelfth be slow nor joined to any Planet but such as are swift and well dignified; fortifie also the Tenth House and its Lord, and let him not be impedited by any means; for then it signifieth im­becillity in the party that is to free the other out of Prison, fewds or slavery; wherefore it is requisite also you dignifie the Sun who is the general Significator of power and authority, &c.

CHAP. II. Of Buying and Riding of Horses.

YOu have him taught in the 16. Chapter and 7. Section of this Treatise, how to buy smaller Cattel, as also in some measure great; however you need but vary your Significators to the Twelfth, as you are there taught of the Sixth, and I need say no more on this matter, for I love not tedious discourses Naturally.

Wherefore note,Note. that in what Section I have omitted such things as might have [Page 202]been inserted, you are to supply it out of another by varying in this manner your rules; as in the Eleventh House also you see there is omitted Elections touching making of agreements between friends at variance, &c. but you have that delivered in the second Chapter of the fourth Section, which may serve in the Eleventh or any other House by exactly changing your Significators; and so likewise any other thing you must supply in this nature, for it were both tedious and superfluous thus to make repetition.

As touching riding of Horses for any Race, or to win at such a time, fit the Ascen­dent, its Lord, the Moon and its Dispositor, as also the Planet to whom they are joined, also Part of Fortune, and its Dispositor, and make the Lord of the Ascen­dent and the Moon apply thereunto, and then place the Lord of the Hour in the Ascendent at that time he steps out of the stable.

But if all these cannot be observed, place the Lord of the hour (to be sure) in the Ascendent and fortifie the Moon, and place her if you can in Sagittary, or in the first half of Libra, and look that neither the Lord of the hour, the Moon, nor the Lord of the Ascendent be in their fall, for that denotes the horse shall fall in the race before he come to

The End.
…

ASTROLOGIA MVNDA OR ASTROLOGY In it's PVRITY: BEING A Short but Compendious INTRODVCTION To the Iudging of the ANNVAL or YEARLY REVOLVTIONS O F The WORLD; by which, AS ALSO ECLIPSES, Great CONIVNCTIONS, COMETS, AND BLAZING-STARS Are Iudged (by the ordinary Course and Order of NATURE) the general accidents of Countries, Kingdoms, Pro­vinces and Cities, alterations of Kingdoms and Empires, Laws and Cu­stoms, cause of Plenty, Dearth, Wars, Peace, Health, Sickness, alteration of the Ayr, and (to be short) of all things appertaining to the life of Man in a natural way; wherein the Infinite Wisdom of GOD is seen manifestly in the Government of the World by the Influence and constant Harmony of the Celestial Planets and Stars; the Innocency, Legality and Purity of the Art demonstrated, and proved by Demonstra­tion of the Inevitable Events of the Heavens, so long as GOD upholdeth the order and course of Nature unperverted; And the Students thereof consequently proved rather Divines then Conjurers or Practisers of what is unlawful.

By WILLIAM RAMESEY, Gent. Student in Astrology, Physick, and the most Heavenly and Sublime Sciences.

Tempora Mutantur nos & Mutamur in illis.

LONDON, Printed by R. W. 1653.

HONORATISSIMO ATQUE ILLVSTRISSIMO DOMINO NON MINVS VIRTVTE SVA QVAM GE­NERIS SPLENDORE, DOMINO MOVNTAGVE BERTY COMITI DE LINDSEY; DOMINO DE WILLOVGHBY DE ERESBY, ET TO TIVS ANGLIAE SVPREMO CAMERARIO, Salutem in Perpetuum.

DOMINO SUO MVLTIS NOMINIBVS OBSERVANDO HANC SUAM ASTROLOGIAM MVNDAM SUBMISSE DEDICAT

Wilhelmus Rameseus.

TO THE Right Honorable and truly Noble Montague Berty, EARL of LINDSEY, LORD WILLOVGHBY of ERESBY AND LORD HIGH CHAMBERLAIN OF ENGLAND.

My LORD,

DId not your Honours Merits claim this fourth and chief Part of my Labours as Your due, I durst not have assumed that audacity as to implore Your Ho­nours Patronage; for as I have humbly made choice of the three preceding most Noble Heroes, So (my Lord) lest yet notwith­standing my Fabrick should at length fall to the ground, (which it must inevitably do, unless Your Honour pass by the presumption and unworthiness of the Pen­ner) I humbly presumed to crave Your Honours Patronage and support thereof (craving pardon for this my Simile) being the main pillar on which I desire [Page]it should be built and upheld) not questioning then, but Your Honours Vertues and most Excellent Endow­ments will adde such a lusture to the whole, that the beholders will not question the insufficiency or un­worthyness of Me the Author, nor further call the thing it self in question, but with all assured confi­dence accept thereof as most worthy and immacu­late, which in it self I presume to conclude it is, how ever my weakness and insufficiency hath expres­sed it to the World; the which as I question not but Your Honours piercing Judgement will discover, so I hope Your Honours Munificent goodness will pass over and pardon.

I must confess (my Lord) the ridiculous and base Mercenary practises of some that have pretended to the knowledge of this sublime Science hath brought the whole Art into contempt, and in question with the ignorant therein, and such as are not able to distinguish between the use and the abuse of a thing, or the purity of the thing studyed, and the corruption of the Student; whereby the very word ASTROLOGY, under which this most heavenly Science and peece of NATVRAL PHILOSOPHY is exprest, is be­come both odious and ridiculous to most of the rural now living; but such is Yout Honors Magnanimity, that the Traduced shall not without diligent examination and evident witness be condemned, nor abolished Your Honours Presence, not making Tradition, but Truth and Experience the guide and ground of Your Judgement.

I shall not need here to speak ought in the be­half of the whole Science, which I have endevoured in these my labours to purifie from its dross and fe­culency, since in the preceding Epistles, and the first Book, I have hinted both at its Verity, Excellency and Validity; but only of this subsequent Discourse, which now after my great care and indefatigable pains being produced, I am by an happy gust drawn [Page]to this Anchorage, and crave Your Honours acceptance and Patronage.

It is an Instruction to the whole General Part of that Liberal Science which is called ASTRONO­MY or ASTROLOGY, the which together with PHYSICKS make according to Aristotle, 2. Phys. 2. Cap. but one intire Science; for he throughout all his works indifferently useth the Name of ASTRO­LOGER and ASTRONOMER, and ASTRO­LOGER and PHILOSOPHER for one and the same; and amongst all Ancient and Learned Writers Astrology and Astronomy have been received for one and the same Science, though distinct parts or properties, as hath been hinted at in the first Book of this Volume, and the 2. Chapter.

It containeth four Sections, the three first treating of the Revolutions of the Years of the World, and the fourth and last of Eclipses, Comets and Blazing-Stars, and the great Conjunctions of the Planets, by which we are taught how to judge of the order and course of Nature, and the Government of the World; as the general accidents of the World, and the alterations therein, the change of Laws, Customs, Empires and Governments, the alterations of the Ayr, the cause of Plenty, Scar­city, Health, Sickness, Peace, Wars, &c. We may also hereby most manifestly see the infinite Wisdom, Providence and Government of GOD in the whole Vniverse by the constant Harmony and Celestial in­fluences of the PLANETS and the STARS, whose Portencies, so long as GOD upholdeth the order and course of NATVRE unperverted, must inevitably prove true and effectual, they being never frustrated but by Miracle. My Lord, this is the ASTROLO­GIA MVNDA, the Pure Astrology, which the Pa­triarchs and the Antient Fathers studyed and contem­plated: by which the Babylonians, Arabians, Syrians, Egyp­tians, Grecians, Persians and Lacedemonians ruled and be­came famous and glorious to the whole World, and [Page]therefore (My Lord) as being the chief and most exqui­site part of these my undertakings, I have placed it last, that so it might not be attempted by any that are unac­quainted with the preceding Discourses, which serve but as it were Introductions hereunto, for which cause (My Lord) it is that I humbly presume to lay it at Your Honours Feet above any others, being so nerely bound to Eternise for ever Your late Honorable and Vertuous Consort of happy memory, doubting not but by the unparalleld splendour of Your Ho­nours surpassing Endowments, it might be exalted to that hight of Honour as to be but accepted into Your Honours Presence, which will be a perpetual Fame unto it and him, who in all humility Presents it to Your Honour, and from thence assumes that Ho­nour as to subscribe himself

My LORD,
Your HONOURS most Humble Servant William Ramesey.

To the Studious Reader.

READER,

IN this following Discourse is presented unto thee the chiefest knowledge of the whole World, and the Mysteries of Na­ture; so I call them, because they seem no other then Myste­ries, and strange unto us whilst we are Ignorant in the causes thereof; In this peice thou mayest read the time past, present and future, the whole Government of the World from its Cre­ation to its Subversion in a Natural way, by the Revolutions of the Years of the World, Eclipses, Comets, and great Conjunctions of the Cele­stial Planets, and all accidents that shall happen in any Year, whether good or evil, whether Wars or Peace, and who shall overcome, whe­ther Sickness or Health, Plenty or Scarcity, what shall be the condition of Kings or Grandees, and those that are placed in Authority in any Re­gion or Kingdom, as also of the Beggar, and such as are of low and poor degree, the state of the Commons in any place, the wealth and prosperity or want of any City, Town or Village, and of all things be­longing to Man, also of Rain, Hail, Snow, Frost, Dew, fair Weather, Tempests, Storms, Thunder, Lightnings, Earthquakes, Apparitions in the Ayr, and alterations therein, and the causes of all these; and to be short, thou hast here Jasons Golden Fleece, and the greatest riches of Divine Knowledge and Learning that any Man [that is Philosophically given] can wish or desire; hereby thou shalt not only with SOLOMON know all things under the Sun, but be able to Govern the World with Solomons wise man, and not with Phaeton. Wherefore lest it should be attempted by any such giddy rash Yongsters, I prefixed these preceding Books; that so this may be made the more plain, and thy destruction thereby avoided, I mean the gross absurdities thou wilt be ready to run into, as also that thou mightest not be lulled asleep with self-conceited ignorance; read it therefore warily, and with attention, but first be throughly informed of the Nature and Quality of every Sign, Planet and Configurations thereof, which thou hast delivered thee in the second and third Books, and then there is no question but thou wilt soon attain to this most heavenly and delectable Science; the which that thou mayst be the better enabled, let me advise thee to seek first the true Knowledge of thy Creator, and then afterwards study to see him in his Nature and his Works; for perhaps [Page]otherwise thou wilt be apt to attribute all to His great Hand-maid NA­TƲRE, and so rob him of the glory most due unto him: Yet upon bet­ter consideration, I cannot see but even the most rural in Divine mat­ters must needs acknowledge (if they throughly understand the My­steries of this Science) some Superiour and Divine Power, although they cannot be led to the perfect knowledge of him; and this we have found in most Philosophers in former ages, especially in Plato, who for his rare knowledge in Divine matters which he attained to by his study in Philo­sophy, was termed DIVINE PLATO, the which Title he very well deserved, as will appear to any that shall peruse his labours: And this may serve very well to reprehend such Carpers at Humane Sciences, and the Students thereof that think it is impossible for them to be seen in such matters without being Heathens; for if I may deliver my judge­ment, I think it will be a means rather to induce them to acknowledge a Divinity, and to draw them neerer to the knowledge of the Creator, the which I can experimentally aver to be true, if they be any thing first grounded in Christianity: Reader, I shall here say no more, but wish thou mayst make no worse a use of these my labours then I intended in my publishing thereof, and remain

Thy Loving Friend, William Ramesey.

ASTROLOGIA MVNDA OR, Pure Astrologie: BEING An Introduction to the Judgement of the Stars. Touching all general Accidents and Events in this Elementary VVorld, portended by the Revo­lutions of the Sun, Eclipses, Comets, and Great Conjunctions in a Natural way and course of the Govern­ment of the Universe.

SECTION I. Containing the Ground-work of Revolutions, considera­tions before Judgement, and the true Significators of such things as are necessary to be judged of in this manner of Work.

WE shall desire the Studier and Well-willer to this most Heaven­ly and delectable Art seriously to consider and weigh the subse­quent Rules since this general part, and it only (as you have sufficiently heard) is to be accounted ASTROLOGIE in its pu­rity without fallacy or abuse.

Wherefore for the better illustration thereof, as also in­struction of the well-willers thereunto, I shall in the handling of this our Introduction to the Judgement of Annual Revolu­tions of the World follow this Method.

The method the Author fol­low in this Book. First to demonstrate (since you have heard already in the Epistle the extent of Re­volutions, and what general Accidents may be foreknown thereby in the Elements and Elementary World) the ground on which Astrological Judgements are to be laid, or from whence to be deduced, for the predicting or knowing any accident or mutation in the World, and how many Schemes or Figures of the Heavens ought to be erected for the performance thereof.

Secondly, what is to be considered before Judgement be given thereon, necessary for the accomplishment of the work.

Thirdly and lastly, most rational and authentick Rules deduced from natural causes, how to judge of all accidents whatsoever portended by Revolutions of the years of the World, which (notwithstanding you have already heard them expressed) by reason some of the Antients have reduced them excellently to four heads, I shall thus fur­ther illustrate.

What accidents are portended by Revolutions of the years of the World.The first, denoteth such accidents as are visible in this World, and to every mans sight obvious, and common to every one, as any Epidemical or general thing, ferti­lity and sterility, rain, hail, storms and the alteration of the ayr and weather and such like.

The second, such as are invisible in the Elementary World, either general or par­ticular, as are Earthquakes, Thunders, Floods, &c.

The third, things peculiar to one single Nation or People, as Wars, Peace, &c.

The fourth, relateth to such things as happen in the ayr, such as are fiery appari­tions, Lightnings, Comets or Blazing stars, and such like, &c.

CHAP. I. Showing the Ground-work on which Astrological Iudgements for the judging of Revolutions are to be built, and how many Schemes or Figures of Heaven ought to be erected for this Work.

IN this matter the Ancients (in those days wherein the Art remained obscure in some points) have had divers opinions, some grounding their judgments in these businesses on the Ascendent of the Law, Nation, Commonwealth or King­dom, concerning which they have undertaken to write, and others on Eclipses, and great Conjunctions, the which although considerable in some matters, and to be taken also into consideration in every annual Judgement; yet the true time from whence Judgement is to be raised for the exact knowledge and predicting of future natural events in the Elements for any year,The Ground­works from whence Astro­logers raise or derive their judgements of future acci­dents, and e­vents in the elementary world. is when the Sun enters the first point or minute of Aries, which as you have heard is the first sign of the Zodiack, and (in the 24. Chapter of our Second Book Of the Judgement of the Stars) that the Sun was in this very sign, and in this very punctum at the first Creation, and therefore (I say) it is all the reason in the World his return thereunto every year ought to be the chiefest ground on which Astrologers are to build their judgements, touching the Natural events of all sublunaries; especially since he is (as you have been shewn in the first Book) Fons Vitae the Fountain of life, and Anima mundi the soul of the World, by which all things, as well Vegetatives as Sensitives have their subsistence and vivifying nourishment.

Besides we see that when the Sun enters this Equinoctial all things increse and flourish, the Trees and Earth grow green and blossom, and also fructifie by de­grees afterwards, which may also prove unto us the manifest certainty of [Page 215]that opinion, or rather affirmation of the Antients that the Sun was in this first sign at the Creation of them; and truly, if we will be regulated by reason, it will be sufficiently proved by the very Word of God, which although not expresly in ter­minis testifying so much unto us in plain words, yet will the Text delivered in the first of Genesis verse 11. be sufficient together with the sequel, verse 12. shewing the effect, be enough in all reason to evince the Carpers at both this Art and Artists tenets, which for the most part are guided by passion, errour and tradition in all their discourses they publish against them.

See more of this in the first Book.So likewise on the contrary, we see when he enters Libra which is the sign oppo­site to Aries and the other Equinoctial, all things decay and diminish in their vege­tative vigour; the earth becomes as it were barren, the leaves fall from the Trees, &c.

How to erect the Scheme.Thus have you heard the time of erecting your Scheme for your Work; now you are further to note thus much, that your Figure of Heaven be exactly set for the Re­gion or place on which you would give Judgement, having first punctually taken the Elevation of the Pole.

How to place the Planets therein.And then having also reduced the Planets and Dragons-head to the instant of time the Sun enters the aforsaied point, and erected your figure according to Art and placed them therin, you may proceed to Judgement.

Yet first take this for a Rule; Note. if your ascendent at this time be a moveable sign, then must you not content your self with that Scheme alone; but for every quarter of the year must you erect another, this induring no longer then till the Sun enter the first point of Cancer, and from thence (as of the former you do judge of the Spring Quarter, comprehending March, April, and May, under the signs Aries, Taurus, and Gemini) may you know the events of the Summer Quarter, be­ing June, July and August, under Cancer, Leo and Virgo; the third figure, for the third Quarter, and that which is termed Autumnal, being September, October and November, under Libra, Scorpio and Sagittary, is to be erected for the Sun his en­trance into Libra; and then the last for the Winter Quarter when he enters Capri­corn, which together with Aquaries and Pisces doth rule December, January and February.

If it be a com­mon sign, two are necessary to be framed.If your Ascendent at the Suns ingress into the first point of Aries be a common sign (you have already in the Second Book Chap. 24. been shewn which signs are common, also which are movable, and which fixed, wherefore we shall not here make any repetition) then must you erect two Figures, that of the ingress into Aries continuing in force but the first half year, viz. but till the Sun enters the first Pun­ctum of Libra, for which time you must erect a Scheme for the other half year, and for the knowing of the effects portended thereby.

If it be fixed, that alone is sufficient.But if your sign ascending be fixed, then will that figure serve for all that Revo­lution, or to the end of the year, viz. you may thereby undertake to predict or ac­quaint your self with all matters signified thereby, even till the next ingress, without erecting any figure of the Suns ingress into the other points.

Thus much for your foundation and Platform, viz. the Schemes; but first now before thou layest one stone, let me advise thee to acquaint thy self well with these following necessary considerations, and then mayst thou safely and with more judgement go through with thy work.

CHAP. II. Containing some necessary considerations before Iudgement.

LOok that you can readily and exactly distinguish of your true signi­ficators, as which House and Planet denotes the King, which the People, which their Assistants, and which their Enemies, &c. and from whence you are to inquire of the fertility and sterility of the Earth, Wars or Peace, or any other Accident; otherwayes you shall never be able to come to any perfection in this most Divine Science.

Ever be sure you weigh well the Fortitudes and Debilities of your Sig­nificators, as how they are essentially and accidentally dignified (which you are sufficiently taught in the eight Chapter of the Second Treatise) how located in the Figure of the Heavens, and how Aspected benevolently or ma­levolently by the Fortunes or Infortunes, and so judge according to the Na­ture of the Planet afflicting or assisting your Significator, good or bad, as the signification and nature of the Aspect, Planet, Sign and House wherein he is denotes, and the signification of the Planet to which he transfers his light.

saturn; and ♂ not always evil, neither ♃ and ♀ ever good.Do not conclude Saturn and Mars alwayes Malevolents and Infor­tunes, and Jupiter and Venus ever Fortunes and Denoters of good; for as it may happen, they may be (contrary to this general and simple opini­on) Fortunes and Infortunes as they may be posited in Houses, and be Sig­nificators, as you have been already shewn in the first Chapter of the first Section of our Introduction to Elections.

The vanity of the opinion that ♄ and ♂ are always bad, and ♃ and ♀ good.As for example, in the Suns ingress into Aries, I have Libra ascend­ing, or Aquaries or Capricorn, and Saturn located therein; I must not hereby, because Saturn is Naturally evil, judge the condition and state of the People signified by the Ascendent to be evil and unfortunate this year, but contrary­wise (other testimonies concurring) they will be in a most prosperous and gal­lant condition.

For you must know a Planet in his own, house is strong and advantagi­ous, according to the old Proverb, The Devil is good to his own Children; and so contrarywise Jupiter in my Figure at the ingress is in detriment and afflicted, and Significator or Planet from whence I am to inquire of ferti­lity, and in Square or Opposition of other Significators, which also concur to the same signification; must I from hence because Jupiter, who for the most part is good, and in his own natural inclination free from mischief, af­firm or conclude the year to be fruitfull and free from any want or pe­nury? No, but because he is the Significator this year of this matter, and in detriment, retrograde, in his fall, afflicted, impotent and weak, I judge the clean contrary.

For I am to judge according to his signification and ability at that time not according to his natural signification; for otherwise we should make most ma­nifest contradictions, and confound our selves both in judgement and reason, to make Saturn and Mars the only Workers of iniquity; for we see clearly all the evils in the World are not of the Nature of these two, which would of ne­cessity follow, were this admitted; but some are Jovial, some Venereal, and a third fort Mercurial, others participating of the Nature of the Sun and again of the Moon.

But to clear this point yet more fully, (for I would not have the ingeni­ous thus misled in so gross an errour) admit Jupiter or Venus bear chief Rule of the eighth house, which you know hath signification of death and morta­lity; and I finde by several consequences and reasons in nature the Heavens do incline to such mischief: shall I barely because one of these rules that House conclude contrary to all found reason and manifest testimonies, the year will be rather healthfull? Believe it, I shall refuse thus to do, for every Planet must perform that whereunto it is ordained; Venus is now to denote death, as being Lady of the eighth, and therefore in such years I ought thus to judge.

Yet thus much I shall follow her nature, as to say there shall be much mortality or death amongst the People by reason of voluptousness, or Venery and such like, because she hath naturally such signification: In like manner if Jupiter be Lord of the eighth, and mortality that year denoted, I shall (notwithstanding he bears rule in that part of the Heavens) thus judge as hath been said, viz. death and mortality, but the nature thereof I shall take from his natural significati­on, as by corruption of Blood, Feavers and the like, I shall say is this mortality to be occasioned, &c.

In the next place you are to have a special care to be well instructed in the na­ture of every Planet and House; wherefore be thou sure to have the exact knowledge of the second Treatise it being Introductory, before thou adven­turest thus far, least thou be discouraged from ever attaining to the perfecti­on of this study, which I am certain thou wilt never do, if thou beest not there­in very perfect; wherefore let the first eight Chapters thereof be perused over and over, and then proceed.

Judge not upon every light testimony, but according to Reason and Art do thou order thy matter; for the more assurances and testimonies you have on any mat­ter and concurrences in causes, the more affirmatively may you deliver your' con­clusions.

Fear God, study Nature, follow the Rules of Art, be knowing therein, and be ignorant in the vanities of the course of the World, and thou shalt come nearest unto Truth, and infinitely augment thy knowledge.

In your judgement of the Suns ingress, joyn also in consideration with it, the sig­nifications of Eclipses, great Conjunctions, Comets and Blazing-stars, if there be any either preceding or coming after it; for be assured these things never happen but before some notable change and alteration in the World.

Remember that according to the Debility and strength of your Significator you are to judge of the condition of any person, the people, or thing whatso­ever thereby signified, and you have attained to a great help: but now least you should be still to seek in the true understanding of the Significators ne­cessary in this manner of Judgement, I shall (notwithstanding what hath been delivered in the Introduction or Second Book of these our labours) here beneath clearly demonstrate them unto thee.

CHAP. III. Shewing which are the Significators of the King, People, their Enemies and Assistants, in any Revolution of the years of the World.

LArgely have the Antients treated of these matters, yet some therein have come very short, and to little or no purpose troubled their heads, leaving still the Student both in doubts and errors; wherefore according to the sincerity of my first undertakings, I shall here indeavour to undeceive my Readers touching these particulars, and impart unto them the truth and surest rules for the judging thereof.

I shall first give you some of their Instructions, and then my own, or such as I in my judgement hold to be most rational, that so thou mayst be the better able to distinguish truth from falshood.

Note that those in Authority are understood by the tenth house, when there is no King.We shall begin with the Significator of Kings (but you are to note that in any Nation where no such are, the Grandees or chief Rulers of the times are to be un­derstood) the which say they is thus to be known or found.

Look to the Lord of the tenth house in your Figure at time of the Revolution of the Sun into the first point of Aries, who if he be free from Combustion, Retrogra­dation, Impedition, and such like, and within five degrees of the cusp of the tenth, either before or after, viz. within or without the house, he shall without doubt be the Kings Significator, or chief Rulers, without any farther inquiry; but if he be any ways impedited, as in Detriment, Fall, Combust, Peregrine, Retro­grade, or besieged, &c. he shall not be significator of the King or Chief Rulers.

Have recourse then to that Planet who hath Exaltation in the Sign of the tenth, and if he be within five degrees of the cusp (as you have heard) and in no sort impedited or afflicted, thou shalt conclude him to be Significator of the King; but if he be impedited or afflicted (as abovesaid) he shall not be Sig­nificator.

But now, you must regard the Sun, the Planet that is Almuten of the tenth, the Planet placed within five degrees of the cusp thereof (if any such be) or the Lord of Part of Government, the which if you finde (first beginning with the Sun and then considering the rest as they are set down in order) placed and dignifyed es­sentially, or free from affliction (as you have heard) he shall be Significator of the King, otherwise not.

The Rules of the Ancients in this particu­lar are not to be grounded on.So that then by these their Rules (omitting many such like Instructions for brevities sake) there shall no Revolution whatsoever, though never so bad or mischievous, in the least have any relation, or extend unto the King or Chief Rulers of any place, as if they were excusable from misfortunes, or the Hea­vens afraid to molest or afflict them, which must needs be if these Docu­ments of the Ancients must be admitted authentick, who will have no Signi­ficator for them, but such as is free from all impediment, from which, con­sequently, we must conclude they shall never be molested or disturbed by Wars, Commotions, Insurrections, Losses or Crosses whatsoever, which I could wish were true, but we can wofully testifie to the contrary: besides to affirm it, were both ridiculous and preposterous.

The greatest Potentate in the World is not free from the influence of the Heavens and stars.For the Grandees of the Earth, although never so great and proud, yet they must know (with us) they are but men, and such too, as are not excused from the harmonious configurations of the Celestial Planets and Heavens.

But the Ancients, although they have deserved by their writings infinite ap­plause from all ingenious and judicious souls; as also high esteem, for both their care and learning; yet in this particular they have come short (for the genera­lity of them I mean) and therefore if in this I dissent from them, as also in some other of their Rules, I desire to be excused, since I know no Reason why in every Age and in every study there may not some one or other, not only finde out some failings of ancient Authors, but also correct them, nay far exceed them, though per­haps in every particular they may again come short: for we see even the best Divines, the best Philosophers, and Physitians have been corrected, and in some things amend­ed, and so also the Astrological Philosopher may come short of another that stands upon his shoulders.

The true signi­ficators of Kings and Ru­lers, after the opinion of the Author.Wherefore then know, that the true significator of the King or chief Rulers, is the tenth house of Heaven at the time of the Suns ingress into Aries, the Lord there­of, and the Planets therein posited; but more especially, the cusp of the tenth and its Lord, whether well or ill disposed [...] mattereth not: These in any Revolution to the end of the World shall still be Significators of the King or Rulers particularly, and the Sun and Saturn in general, but more especially the Sun.

The true signi­ficators of the People of any Nation, in any Revolution of the years of the World.In like manner, look what ever sign ascends at the time aforesaid, viz. the Suns in­gress into Aries in any year, and that sign, together with its Lord, shall particular­ly denote the common People of that Kingdom or Nation for which your Scheam is erected, and shall be their significators, and the Moon generally, as the Sun is the general Significator of the Rulers.

In declaring unto you the sign ficators of the Enemies of both King and People in any Revolution, I might also shew you the defects of some of the Ancients, but I should rather choose (though I had not a desire to be as brief as may be) to pass them over in silence, they meriting so much at our hands otherways; wherefore let us to our business.

Of the enemies of King and people in any Revolution.See that in every Revolution of the World you have regard to the op­posite house signifying your Significators, as the seventh house denotes the open Enemies of the Common People and King in a hostile way; the twelfth house their private, and the ninth house the secret Enemies of the King or Rulers, because (as you have heard in the 42. Chapter of the Second Book) it is the twelfth from the tenth.

Of their assist­ance, &c.Even so, as the second house signifies the wealth and assistance of the people, so doth also the eleventh the Kings ayd, wealth and assistance; the eighth the assistance, ayd and wealth of their open enemies, &c. as you have been fully in­structed before in the same 42. chapter.

CHAP. IV. Of the Significators of Rich and Noblemen, the Kings Standard or Armour-Bearer; also Clergy-men, and of Students, Merchants, Lawyers, and Women in general: also Fryers and Monks; and these according to the significations of the Planets.

I Shall here only give you the general Significators of these according to the An­tients, as brief as may be, that I may proceed to the second Section, having at large spoken of them already in the second Book.

Wherefore know, that Rich and Noblemen are signified by Jupiter and the Lord of the sign in which he is located in the Sun his ingress into Aries.

Souldiers, Armour or Standard-Bearers, Generals of Armies and the like, are understood by Mars.

The ninth house and the Lord thereof, denotes Clergy-men particularly, and ge­nerally they are signified by Jupiter: Also Judges, and the graver sort of men.

Students, Merchants, and Lawyers, and Scribes, Clerks, and all Pen-men, Picture-drawers, and ingenious wits; also youth and young men in general, are signified by Mercury.

Venus generally denotes women and all females (see chap. 5. Book the 2.) and the Moon the vulgar and rural sort of People: as the Sun, you have heard, doth Empe­rours and Kings.

And lastly, all such as live obscurely and devoutly to the service of God, as Monks, Abbots, Fryers, and the like, amongst the Papists (as in the 1. chap. of the second Book) and amongst us such as slight all things in the World, in comparison of Gods Service and Divine Mediation, are signified by Saturn. As touching Cities and Countries subject both to the signs and Planets, you have also fully heard them de­clared in the Second Book, where we treat of them.

Now to know the state and condition of any of these in a general way in any Annual Revolution, you have no more to do but this; look to your significator, from which judgement is to be required, and see if he be essentially or accidentally strong or assisted, and judge according to his strength or debility good or bad to the parties signified; for if well dignified and located, good may be expected: if afflicted, and impedited, the contrary, &c.

SECTION II. Shewing the state and condition of the King or Rulers, and their continuation and durability in any Revolu­tion; as also the condition of the People from the position and fortitudes of their significators. Also how to know the Lord of the year in any Revolution of the years of the World, and the significations thereof in the twelve Houses, Signs and Aspects of the Planets; also of the significations of the Head and Tail of the Dragon in any of the twelve Houses.

CHAP. I. Of the state or condition of the King or chief Rulers and People in any Annual Revolution.

AFter thou art well informed of the true significator of the King and People, or any ones person or thing, concerning which thou wouldst judge of any future event, thou wilt be the better able to accomplish thy desires.

How to judge of the conditi­on of the King in annual Re­volutions.Wherefore now to know the true state and condition of the King, People or any other, have regard to their true significators, as unto the sign of the tenth (if thou enquirest concerning the King, &c.) its Lord and the Planet or Planets therein po­sited; and some of the Ancients have said the Sun, Part of Fortune, and its disposi­tor are also to be joyned in consideration with them (thou mayst choose which thou wilt follow) and see how they are dignified, how aspected, and by what Planets, their nature, place in the Heavens, and nature of the sign from whence they aspect your significator.

If he be in Sextile or Trine of the Fortunes, and out of good Houses, thou mayst expect and judge from thence good; but if beheld by the Square or Opposition of the Infortunes, mischief is to be feared; if the aspects be good and from many benevolent Planets, judge much success; if otherwise, less; and so contrariwise much evil if your significator be several ways afflicted, &c.

To know the nature of the good or evil threatned.If you would know the nature of the evil or good which is threatned by the as­sistance or debilities of your significator, look to the nature of the Planet afflicting, and the nature of the sign wherein he is located, and the part of Heaven in which he is placed, and according to their significations judge.

As for example, in your figure you have (suppose) the Lord of the tenth in the ninth, by which you shall judge some secret treason or plot against his person during that Revolution, because it is the twelfth from the tenth, and signifieth secret enemies and plots; But if beheld by the Lord thereof by a malitious Square or Opposition, you shall say he shall undertake some Journey by which he shall endanger his life, or in the which some such Perils shall happen; and if also at the same instant he be afflicted by the malevolent Aspect of the Lord of the Eighth, which is the Fifth in the figure, no wise assisted by the adjuvant beams of the Fortunes, thou mayst then assuredly con­clude him to be in great jeopardy of his life: and if other Testimonies concur, thou mayst absolutely pronounce death; for you must still remember that according to the signification of the Sign the afflicting Planet is Lord of, and the Sign and place of hea­ven wherein he is, to pronounce the nature of the evil threatned; for we shall sup­pose the Lord of the Eighth before mentioned to be in the Seventh, which is the Fourth in the Figure, though Seventh from the Tenth, by which you may assuredly say that the evil, viz. the danger of death threatned, shall be occasioned by the mali­tious and furious actions of his enemy, the Seventh house having signification there­of; and so judge of any other position; and contrariwise if the Aspects and Planets aspecting be Fortunes, and in good places of Heaven, judge the con­trary.

The Conditi­on and state of the Com­mon People in any Revo­lution of the years of the World, or any other.So likewise judge of the state and condition of the People having regard to the Ascendent, its Lord, the Moon and Lord of the year, and if they be well pla­ced and dignified, also well aspected by the Benevolents, judge the condition of the common People or Subjects to be prosperous; but if you find the contrary, judge also the contrary. In like manner you may judge of any of the aforesaid significa­tors, mutatis mutandis.

As if the Sign of the Eleventh, the Lord thereof, and the Planet or Planets there­in posited be essentially strong and free from all manner of impediment, judge the condition of the Souldiers and assistance of the Rulers to be fortunate and suc­cessfull during that Revolution; If otherwise, judge the contrary, and so of the rest, &c.

Rules touch­ing the Signi­ficator of the King.If the Significator of the King be under the Sun beams, there is much danger (as say the Arabians) of his decease in that Revolution; but I should rather judge his Kingly power to be then neer Death or an End, or likely to be much eclipsed, for that there are many Significators to be considered for the judging of Death, which ought never to be pronounced upon one bare testimony; besides, were this admit­ted, we should consequently conclude by the same rule, the Death of a whole Senate upon such a position in such an Ingress, they being signified by the same significator, where there is no King, which were ridiculous in any one so to do; but I say that their power and glory shall be eclipsed and shaken, and perhaps overthrown at that time when any such Position is found.

If the Significator be not as yet under the Sun beams, but within twelve or thirteen degrees entring, then judge this Catastrophe to be when he comes under his beames, or in conjunction with the Sun bodily.

The same also is to be feared when the Sign of the Tenth is Leo, and Mars in Square or Opposition of the Sun, or in corporal Conjunction with him, but more espe­cially if he be Lord of the Eighth, or therein located, or in reception or translation of light with the Lord of the Eighth, or with Saturn, or any Aspect, especially if he be infortunately placed in the time of his Nativity or Coronation.

So likewise when the Lord of the year is in Combustion in the Tenth, this danger is threatned him in his own Dominions; but if he be thus afflicted in the Fourth or Se­venth, the danger is to be feared and expected from some coming out of those Regi­ons signified by the Sign wherein the Lord of the Year is afflicted.

Know also that when in any Revolution the Sun is Significator of the Rulers of any place, and in Square or Opposition of Jupiter, they shall be envyed and molested by their own Houshold Servants and Subjects; if there be any such Aspect betwixt the Lord of the Ascendent and Lord of the Tenth, the Common People will also rise up against their Superiors to reject them.

But if there be any friendly aspect betwixt them, or reception, or translation of light, judge the contrary.

How to know the several ac­cidents to happen to any.You may know the several accidents and the nature of them by your significators coming to the place wherein the Infortunes were at the time of the ingress, or meet­ing with them in their ordinary motions, &c. and this of either King, People or any other; still remembring to have regard to the Planet afflicted, and who are thereby understood.

If the significator of the King or any other applyes to a malevolent Planet, or receive the light of one slow in motion, it threatens very much mischief or death to the party or parties signified by your significator.

To know the cause of any evil threatned.Also if thou wouldst know the cause of any evil or cross to happen to the King or chief Rulers by the significations of the Houses, thou must be sure thou beest well versed in them, which thou mayst learn in the 42 Chapter of our second Tract in this Volume; as if the significator be afflicted in the second House, or from Planets therein, judge the cause to proceed from the signification thereof, as Money, Wealth, Assistants, &c. if in the third, it is caused from or by Children, Kindred, Neighbors, short Journeys, and the like; and so according to the signification of the other Houses judge if it happen in any of them, and so likewise of any other significator as well as the Kings, Mutatis mutandis; also of any other thing or accident let this be your rule, &c.

When it shall come to pass.Look when the afflicting Planet comes to the perfect Conjunction, Square or Op­position of your significator, and at that time say the evil threatned will come to pass, or when the afflicting Planet comes to the Cusp of the House signifying any person or persons of whom thou wouldst judge, or to the place, viz. degree and minute of the sign wherein the Planet which is your significator is located, and say then the evil shall happen, unless the fortunate aspects of the benevolents thereunto at the same time prevent it; and if so, then also see what House that fortunate Planet is Lord of, and where located, and of what, significator, and judge the deliverance or prevention to proceed from the person, persons or things signified by the nature and signification of the Planet, sign and House he is Lord of, posited in, and is significa­tor of, &c. but if the aforesaid Conjunction, Square or Opposition be in an angle, then judge the evil portended to happen when your significator becomes combust of the Sun.

How to judge by the nature of the aspects of the nature of the persons signified by the Planet af­flicting your significator.Further note, that if your significator be afflicted by Sextile, judge the evil pro­ceeds from such as are pretendedly friends to the King, People or any which your significator denotes, or from such as are not thought or suspected to be Enemies: if it be by a Square aspect, judge the mischief signified thereby to arise from such as are clandestine and secretly Enemies; if by a Trine, from real Friends and Con­federates; and lastly, if by Opposition, by open and professed Enemies.

Consider also the Planet afflicting, and how dignified; as if a Planet in his own House afflict the significator of the King or chief Rulers, judge the evil to arise from their own domestick friends and alliance; if he be in his exaltation, say it will pro­ceed from some of the Nobles, Princes, Dukes or such as are in high power and au­thority, or near unto the Crown; if but in his triplicity, from such as have their de­pendency on the aforesaid Nobility, or are allied unto them; if in term, from such as are inferiour unto these, as are Marquesses, Earls, Lords and the like; if in face onely, then say they are but Knights or Gentlemen: but if the Planet afflicting be peregrin and in no essential dignity, it shall proceed from such as are altogether vile and base, or of no reputation or quality, having no honourable rise or dignity; after the same manner may you judge (as you have heard) of the significator of any other as well as the chief Rulers, by varying your rules according to art and dis­cretion; but I believe you will never have much need of these curious rules of the Ancients.

What is signi­fied by the re­trogadation of any Planet in Revolution.If your significator be retrograde in any annual Revolution, judge much trouble, impediment and anxiety to the persons or things signified thereby.

As if it be significator of the King or chief Rulers, it denotes much trouble and [Page 224]detriment unto their persons, and great fear of unthroning of them; likewise if it be significator of the People (and so of any other) or if the Lord of the year be thus af­flicted, say the condition of the People shall be very sad and grievous, and much trouble and mischief shall be to their Cities and Towns; and this shall more assuredly be, if your significator be then in the terms of the Infortunes, and the unfortunate Planet afflicted also and indisposed, for then shall the mischief and trouble be the more grievous and troublesome: So also if your significator be in the terms of a fortune, if he be ill-affected, weak and in the Houses of the Malevolents; but if he be free, the evil will be the less; especially if he be in his own House or Exaltation, or triplicity, essentially well dignified.

What Kings and Rulers may expect when their significator or Lord of the tenth House of Heaven in any Revolu­tion is im­pedited.Now as touching the significations of the impedition of the Lord of the tenth in any annual Revolution; and then let us proceed to the rules of the Ancients in judging the true state and condition of the Common-People in any Region, by any Revolution of the year, over and above what hath been already said, for the better illustration thereof, that so the Student may be the better able to retain and understand the rules of Art, as also to judge of these matters the more ac­curately.

You have heard that the sign of the tenth House in any annual Revolution, to­gether with the Lord thereof, hath signification of Kings and chief Rulers; the which if it be combust in any of the Angles, it signifieth destruction to the King or chief Rulers during that Revolutions effects.

As if it be in the Ascendent, and the Sun be Lord thereof, you may from hence conclude (if other testimonies concurr) that the Common People or Subjects will rise up against their Superior or Governers, and kill him or them or depose them, or at least grievously molest and afflict them, according to the power and strength of the significators; for if Mars do then afflict him by Conjunction or aspect, and be either Lord of the eighth or fifth, or therein located, death is the more to be feared; but if Saturn be then in aspect or Conjunction with the Lord of the tenth, it is likely some Saturnian disease or evil will afflict his person if he be not Lord of the afore­said Houses, and bear dominion either by essential dignity or bodily presence in the sixth, or else some other misfortune will befal him according to the nature of Sa­turn and the place and sign of Heaven wherein he is located.

If the Combustion fall out so as to be in the seventh or fourth Houses of Heaven, Judge the mischief to be according to the signification of these Houses, as you have heard of the Ascendent: for if it be in the seventh you shall say (because it hath signification of the Enemies of the People) that the disaster shall be occa­sioned by them; in the fourth (being the seventh from the tenth) from his own proper Antagonists, &c. if in the tenth it self this combustion be, it shall proceed from his own unruliness or wilfulness, &c. this is clear. Wherefore now also have regard to the condition and state of the People, but first let us consider the durability of Kings and Rulers.

CHAP. II. Teaching how to judge of the permanency or durability of Kings, or such as are in Authority by any Revolution.

MUch time and paper might I here consume in delivering unto you all the ways the Learned in former ages have set down for the judging of this matter; but lest I then deviate from both my intentions at this time, and natural inclination to short discourses, and trouble both thee and my self to no purpose, since it may as well be delivered in fewer words, I shall satisfie my self with these following rules.

From whence Judgement is to be required for the pre­dicting the durability of any Kingdom or Govern­ment.First, Erect your figure of the Heavens, which for the judging of these matters must be according to that punctum of time the King was first Elected or Crowned; if you are to judge of a Senate, take the time of their first sitting or assembling to­gether, or wherein they were first created or made a Free State, or assumed power to act according to what their own counsels shall produce.

Then having exactly placed the Planets therein according to their then several places, and reduced them to the just hour and minute of the day, especially the Moon, you are to see what Planet is Hylech or Alchochoden or Giver of Life in your Figure, and Almuten or Chief Ruler of the Ascendent, to know the state of his body or person; what of the mid-heaven, to judge of the state and condition of his Kingdom or Regal power; and having thus done thou mayst easily judge of either of these in this manner.

Observe what sign, degree and minute ascends and culminates, what sign, degree and minute the Sua and [...]oon possesses, and where to a very minute also is your Al­muten and Hylech of each House; then see in every Revolution, Eclipse or great Conjunction, how these places and significators are disposed, and how aspected by the Malevolents, and judge the continuation or subversion of their Government ac­cording as you see occasion.

If your Hylech or Giver of Life be afflicted, judge the evil (according to the strength of the afflicting Planet) to fall on the person or persons of the Rulers, or touching their lives: if the Almuten of the mid-heaven, upon their Regal power; and so contrariwise if they be assisted and fortunately beheld, or come to the pla­ces of the Fortunes, or the Fortunes fall in any of their places in any Revolution, Eclipse or great Conjunction, judge the contrary; still remember the good or evil doth depend on the power of the Benevolent or Malevolent Planets; for if much afflicted, much evil is to be expected, and so on the contrary as you have already been taught.

If any of the aforesaid places or significators fall in the place of any Eclipse or great Conjunction, judge the mischief threatned to happen according to the signifi­cation of the Eclipse or Planets so in Conjunction; warily judging according to the nature of the Houses wherein they are in the Scheme of the Eclipse or Conjunction, and the signification of their own nature, and the nature of the Houses which they rule and are located in at the time of the Kings Coronation or Election; This you shall more fully understand in the delivering the rules of this Art touching the Judgement of Eclipses and great Conjunctions at the latter end of this Treatise.

I utterly for my own part Refuse to follow the rules of the Ancients touching their giving a year to every sign betwixt the Planet afflicting and afflicted, for the judging the time of the alteration of any Government and the like; for that they stand not with much reason, or are they built on any strong foundation, so as to stand unquestionable; a little experience and observation will soon manifest unto thee the truth hereof; for touching the just time when any such accident shall [Page 226]happen, I conceive ought rather (and that with a great deal of more reason) to be left to the good pleasure and will of the Most High, who is the great orderer and disposer of all the Causes in Nature, and will according to his own good time effect what is most agreeable unto his Divine will.

Wherefore let it suffice to know by the iuclinations of those Glorious Bodies the alterations and durabilities of sublunary things, without enquiring how or when it will be performed; if thou findest at the beginning of any Government or State the Angles of Heaven fixed, the Lords thereof well disposed, especially of the Ascen­dent and mid-heaven, and free from the malevolent presence and Configurations of the Infortunes, and essentially dignified and aspected by the adjuvant Planets, thou mayst from hence conclude the firmness and permanency of the Rule or Government then set up; but if thou findest these places and significators contrariwise afflicted, moveable and weak, judge the contrary thereunto.

If Saturn be then Lord of the Ascendent, and essentially well dignified and al­together free from the affliction of the Malevolents and Angular, say that the King­dom, State, Rule or Government then began shall flourish and continue unchange­able 465 years, being the greatest years of Saturn; and if he be not altogether so well placed, but free from all impediment and in a succedent House, the Govern­ment or Rule then setled shall continue firm and unaltered 57 years, being his greater years; if he be significator and essentially dignified, and free from all im­pediment aforesaid, and in a Cadent House, say it shall continue in the condition it first was in, 43 years and a half, being his mean years; but if he be but thus meanly placed and but moderately dignified, judge the continuance thereof to be but 30 years, which are his least years; and so accordingly judge of all the other Planets when they are significators, and well placed and dignified, as you have heard of Saturn, their greatest, greater, mean and least years being all recorded in our Introduction to the Judgement of the STARS, where the nature and significations of the Planets are delivered, &c.

CHAP. III. Shewing the state and condition of the Common People in any Region, by any Revolution.

IN the first Chapter of this second Section I have sufficiently shewn the way and manner of judging the condition and state of the People; yet for the better illustration thereof (as I have said) I shall in this manner further enlarge my self thereon.

The Ascendent, Lord thereof, and the Planet therein posited, but more especially the Lord of the Ascendent and the Moon are significators of the Common People of any Nation, Country or Kingdom concerning which thou doest intend to judge by the Sun his ingress into the first point of Aries, the which if at that time thou findest well disposed, fortunate, in their own dignities essential and in an angle, or succedent, free from the aspects of the Infortunes, it denotes the People shall that year be in a good condition, shall thrive, shall be successful and pro­sperous, and shall have one gain and success upon the neck of another; especially if the Planet or Planets in Configuration with them be Fortunes or well disposed, or that to which the Moon doth then apply.

If the Planet to which the Lord of the Ascendent or the Moon doth apply or is in aspect with be Jupiter, they shall be safe and secure that year, shall enjoy their Li­berties, shall be free from all manner of molestation, shall have Justice and good Laws executed, and shall be in credit and honour.

If it be Venus, they shall abound and have plenty of all things, shall be merry, de­light in and enjoy pleasure and sufficient recreation, shall be neat, curious, and pro­pagate Marriages: Thus you see we still judge according to the nature of the Planet in configuration of our significator, and the strength of both Planets; see this yet further cleared and demonstrated.

If the Moon at this time when she is thus in aspect with these Planets that natu­rally (you know) are Fortunes, be cadent, weak and no wise essentially dignified, yet shall the condition of the People be fortunate and good, but shall not so abound in their felicities, nor have them multiplied so one upon the neck of the other, as you have but now heard; and if the Moon were so very well fortified and dignified (as you even now heard) and apply to these Fortunes, being also as aforesaid essen­tially fortified, but cadent, it shall signifie the gallant condition and state of the Commons, and that they shall have good success upon the neck of another, but yet not in so ample a manner as was before declared when they were also placed in Angles.

The Moon ap­plying to the Fortunes weak and out of their effential dignities.Also if these Fortunes be out of all essential dignities and weak, yet shall they re­ceive so much benefit therefrom as to be safe in their persons and in health, though not much abounding in other matters, &c. Yet further observe but the subsequent rules, and the reasons being well pondered in thy mind, thou shalt be fully enabled to judge of other matters and significators, your rules being varied according to art and discretion.

If in any annual Revolution the Moon being weak and peregrine applyes to the Infortunes, being essentially strong and well disposed, it denotes mischief, trouble and anxiety to the people, poverty, want and disgrace, according to the nature and signification of the Planet so in configuration with her; and if the unfortunate Pla­net be Lord of the eighth, and be therein located, or have any dominion therein, judge the death and mortality of the People; nay even though the Infortunes were not so placed, and the Lord of the eighth beholding the Moon or the Lord of the Ascendent, it still portends the mortality of the People; but more particularly ac­cording to the nature of the Planet afflicting.

If it be Saturn, thou shalt judge the People to be afflicted and perplexed with cold Saturnian diseases, such as are Consumptions, Palsies, Agues, and the like, which shall be the occasion of death: if to Mars, they shall be hot and dry, Feavers, over-heating of the blood, &c. and if then Mars shall happen to be in an humane sign, there shall be much blood-shed and man-slaughters; and so much the more assured shall this judgement be, if the Ascendent come then to the place where Mars was in at the time of the beginning of that Law, or Government, or Commonwealth, &c. or to the Square or Opposition thereof, or to his place in any great Conjunction of his, going before this revolution; for in any year where thou findest such like Con­figurations, thou mayst assuredly judge Wars, Commotions and effusion of blood to follow, especially in those parts subject to the sign and quarter of Heaven wherein Mars was.

War may also be predicted when he is in an angle and strong, also when he in any Revolution is Combust, or enters his Fall, or when Jupiter is in combustion; see in what part Mars is, and whether Occidental, Oriental, Meridional, or Septentrio­nal, and judge those in the quarter wherein he is to overcome.

If Saturn and Mars in any Revolvtion be joyned in signification, and in an earthy sign, it denoteth Earthquakes in those parts wherein they are; if Mars be joyned with Mercury, there shall be much Merchandizing.

Also if the Moon and the Infortunes be so disposed and mixed together, so that one part is strong and well dignified, and the other weak and peregrine, if signifieth the People shall change their condition during that Revolution from worse to better, and from better to worse, according to their strength and significations.

So likewise if Part of Fortune be strong or well disposed, as also its dispositor, and free from all manner of affliction, good success shall be to the People; if afflicted, mischief and loss; judge the nature of the good or bad according to what you have been already shewn.

Of the signi­fication of thē Planets in Re­volutions, when either strong or weak.Moreover, if Saturn be strong in any Revolution, and well placed, he signifieth Content, quiet and rest unto the People, also prosperity, health and increase of both food and money; but if he be weak and afflicted, he denotes the contrary, as mis­fortunes, destructions, depopulations, &c.

If in any Revolution Iupiter be significator of the People, or Almuten of the Ascendent, and strong, the People shall be good, vertuous, honest, chast, just, and loving Justice, Law, and all points of equity and honesty; but if he contrariwise be unfortunate, the People shall exercise Cruelty, Oppression, Injustice, shall be dis­obedient and break the Laws, and prove quite contrary to what you have heard: Also when in any Revolution Iupiter is placed in the seventh, or opposite to the Ascendent, it signifieth that the People shall have no success or good that Revo­lution.

If Mars be as aforesaid Almuten and strong, &c. the People shall be safe, se­cure and free from the molestation of all their Enemies; they shall overcome them and beat them all under their feet, and shall be in a successful and most prosperous condition; but if contrariwise he be then weak and impedited, retrograde, combust, &c. he denotes wars, quarrels, slaughters, trouble, effusion of blood, epidemical di­seases, feavers, hot and dry diseases, many mischiefs, and the clean contrary to what he before promised.

So likewise if the Sun be as aforesaid significator and strong, the People shall as­suredly be in an honourable and noble condition, and many that are thereunto fit shall be raised to dignity, power and authority, according to the capacity and quality of their persons, and be in great esteem and favour with their King or Rulers: but if he be weak and impedited, it diminisheth the honour of the King, and abaseth their condition, and the People shall suffer much damage and disgrace from their Superi­ors, and be tormented by them.

If Venus be placed and dignified as above said, the People shall have all the plea­sures and good promised by her signification, as delights, banquets, riches, pleasure, &c. and shall delight themselves with Women, and the like; if she be impedited, you may judge the clean contrary, as sadness, poverty and little or no mirth, &c.

If you find Mercury in your Figure placed as you have heard, the People shall gain by Merchandizing, and increase their riches by Traffique, shall love and delight in knowledge, good instructions and ingenious Arts and Sciences; shall also cherish and propagate all good Learning, and the Studious therein, and shall love one an­other: but if he be afflicted and unfortunate, they shall suffer much loss and vexati­on by contrary winds, decay of Trade and Merchandizing, and have no disposition at all to any good Learning or Education; and to be short, he signifies the clean con­trary to what you have but now heard.

In like manner if the Moon be well placed, and be Almuten, and essentially strong, as hath been said, the year shall be seasonable, fortunate and fertile, and the People during that Revolution happy, successful and in a prosperous and fortunate con­dition, and shall be preserved from death, slaughters and sickness: Also if she be ill-affected and impedited, much damage and mischief shall happen unto the People, the year shall be unseasonable, destructive, sickly and unfruitful or scarce, by distil­ling unseasonably rain and dew when no need is thereof, and withholding of it when it is requisite and thirsted after by the earth.

So likewise as thou hast judged of the Moon and the Planets (in a general way, as being Almuten) mayst thou judge of the Lord of the Ascendent, who if he be for­tunate, and well dignified and aspected, thou mayst judge the fortunate condition and state of the Common People during that Revolution; also their mis-fortune, if afflicted, impedited, &c. Judge the nature thereof from the nature of the House, Planet afflicting, and sign wherein it is, whether it be good or bad, as you have been already sufficiently taught; wherefore it were needless and superfluous here to run over the nature of the Planets fortunate and unfortunate, afflicting or assisting your significator, and the nature of the Signs and Houses they are in for an ex­ample.

Yet least thou shouldest not be so apt and ingenious herein as I could wish thou wert, I shall a little hint at the manner thereof, that so thou mayest be the better enlightened to the through understanding of this kinde of Judge­ment.

If the Lord of the Ascendent or Moon be in the seventh afflicted and weak, especially if malevolently aspected by the Lord of the seventh, and he essentially strong, say the People shall during that Revolution be grievously afflicted and mo­lested by their enemies, if in the eighth by death, in the ninth by or in long journeys, in the tenth by their Rulers, Superiours and Kings, in the eleventh by their friends, or so in pretence, or by the frustration of their hope and trust, in the twelfth, by im­prisonment, secret enemies and the like; in the Ascendent they shall suffer bodily in their own proper persons, according to the nature of the sign then possessing the cusp thereof (and so accordingly vary your Judgement after the nature and signifi­cation of the other houses, if therein he be in the like manner afflicted) the more assured will this Judgement, be if it be a humane sign; if bestial, then will it happen to the beasts of that place, for which your Revolution is observed.

And according to the Nature of the sign will the evil fall on such beasts, as are appropriated thereunto, as if the sign ascending at that time be Aries or Capricorn, it will happen on Sheep, Hogs, Hares, Goats, &c. and all lesser Cattel for the use of man; if Iaurus, or the last fifteen degrees of Sagittary, on Cowes, Oxen, Horses, and the greater sort of Cattel; if in Leo, or any of the feral signs, on the wilde sort of Beasts; if in Scorpio, Cancer or Pisces, on Fishes and such Creatures as live on the Water; if in any of the aëry signs, the mischief shall be in the ayr, viz. it shall be Intemperate, Pestilential and Infecti­ous.

Some of the Ancients also say, that if Gemini do then ascend, the evil will fall on young men chiefly; if Virgo, on Virgins and young women; if Libra, on men of more mature years; if in the first fifteen degrees of Sagittary or Aquaries, on the Antienter People; this shall chiefly happen to those Regions, Cities and Pla­ces subject to the sign and the part of Heaven thereby signified (of which you are fully informed in the 28th. Chapter of our Introduction to the Judgement of the Stars) also to these places assigned to the dominion of the Planet, concern­ing which thou mayst also fully be informed in the same aforesaid Trea­tise.

As, if the Ascendent be Aries, and Mars be then impedited, the Regions, Cities, Villages, and places subject to Aries shall be damnified, and shall suffer much detri­ment by the heat of the ayr and defluctions of Rheume, head-ach and the like; ex­cept the benevolent Aspects of Venus be prevalent and gainsay it; if the Ascendent be Scorpio, those places subject thereunto shall be afflicted with water, and venemous Creatures, the Pox, pain in the head and arms, &c.

If the Ascendent be Taurus, and Venus then impedited and afflicted, the Regions and Countreys subject thereunto shall suffer much detriment and loss through extre­mity of Cold, Frost and Snow, and also dryness, whereby the fruits of the earth shall be destroyed, &c. If the Ascendent be Libra, such as are thereunto allotted shall suf­fer affliction by winds, pestilential ayr, sicknesses and pains in the head and reins, ex­cept Mars work or signifie to the contrary.

In like manner, if the Ascendent be Gemini and Mercury then afflicted and weak, the Places under the power or Gemini shall be afflicted with corrupt ayr, and receive much hurt and loss by winds, and the people shall be troubled with Head-aches and obstructions of the Lungs and Breathing-pipes; if it be Virgo, the evil threatned will be in the Regions and Cities under it; as they shall suffer through extremity of cold and dryness, and in some sort barrenness and scarcity, and the people shall have palpitations of the heart, and grief in their chests and bellies, unless it be pre­vented by Jupiter.

Also if Cancer ascend, and the Moon be afflicted and weak, the People under its jurisdiction shall be molested with pains and Rheumes both in their head and brest, [Page 230]and there shall be also much hurt and dammage by unusual and excessive rain and moisture if Saturn prevent it not.

If Leo, and the Sun be also weak, such places, Cities, Nation, or Kingdoms as are subject thereunto shall suffer dammage through extremity of heat and drought, warm pestilential ayr, &c. the people through intemperancy and diseases incident unto the heart and brain, unless Saturn by his coldness restrain and alter the fury thereof.

If it be Sagittary that ascends, and Jupiter impedited, then the Regions and places under Sagittary shall be afflicted with infirmities in the head and legs, and these shall in the first half of the year be incident to the persons of men, and in the other part to beasts of the greater sort, as are Horses, Oxen, Cows, Bulls, &c. If the sign be Pisces which then ascends, the places where it Rules shall suffer inundations, and grievous infirmities both in the head and feet, as the Gout, Dropsie, and the like, if Mercury mediate or prevent it not.

Lastly, if Capricorn ascend, and Saturn be impedited, the places subject to Capri­corn shall be perplexed with extream cold and dry weather, and sterility, and the people with griefs and aches in the joynts and knees: and if Aquaries ascend, the places subject thereunto shall suffer by over-moist ayr and high winds, and the people shall have many infirmities in their legs and heads, if the Sun and Moon contradict it not. In the like manner mayst thou judge the good condition of the People of any Country, and the happiness of any place if thou findest the Lord of the A­scendent fortunate and free from impediment; observe these Rules, and ponder the reasons thereof, and thou shalt not need any farther example or illustration for any other in the like Case.

For after the same manner mayst thou also judge of the significations of the second, third, fourth and fifth houses, and so of them all round the whole Heavens, by having (I say) regard unto the Fortitudes or Debili­ties of the signs on every Cusp, and their Lords, &c. Take notice also that proportionably, according to the affliction and strength of every Sign and Planet, and the Signs wherein the Planets are afflicted and assisted, shall the good or evil threatned fall on the Persons of those signified or their Estates, &c. and on the Places, Regions, Cities, Towns, Countreys and Provinces subject to the Signs wherein the afflicted or assisted Planet Falls.

And thus much shall suffice for the judging of the true state and con­dition of the Common People in any Nation or Kingdom, in any Revo­lution; yet by other testimonies and Significators, viz. the Lord of the year, and the Planet or Planets in the Ascendent accidentally at the time of the in­gress, thou wilt have their condition farther declared and inlarged in this sub­sequent Discourse.

CHAP. IV. How to know that Planet which is Lord of the Year in any Annual Re­volution of the Years of the World.

USually the Ancients have found out the Lord of the year by these Rules fol­lowing, which I shall cordially deliver unto thee, and that with as much plainness as I can, and my Judgment which of them stands with most reason to be followed.

What events are known by the Lord of the year.You must know that by the Lord of the year is known the condition of the whole Nation, People, and indeed every thing therein a general way to happen during the time of that Revolution, wherefore it ought warily to be considered and known, that so thou mayst do thy work compleatly.

The Rules of the Antients for finding the Lord of the year.After thou hast exactly calculated the true time (to a minute) of the Sun his en­trance into the first point of Aries, and hast erected thy figure as the Heavens were then on the cusp of every house, and the punctual places of the Planets therein (be­ing reduced to the exact time of the day) then see what Planet you finde in an angle; for if there be any at that time so located, he or she shall be Lord or Lady of the year, or such as shall denote the condition thereof during that Revolution; but if you shall finde many Planets in Angles, or one Angle, and wouldst know which of them is to be assigned Lord of the year; look which of them is Lord of the hour or day, and he shall be chosen Lord of the year (having compared one with another, and judged by the major testimonies) especially if he behold the Lord of the term wherein he is, or the Sun, if the Revolution be by day; or the Moon, if by night; and judge accord­ing to his strength and debility good or bad as you have already been sufficiently taught.

If you finde none of those Planets in Angles Lord of the hour or day, or both, then see which of them is most Fortunate or strong, and make him Lord of the year; see also which of the other Planets are joyned in signification with him, and accord­ing to their strengths and debilities and nature do thou make a right commixture, and judge thereof.

But if at the time of your Revolution there be no Planet found in any of the Angles, see what Planet is in the eleventh or fifth houses, and that Planet which is found in either of them shall be Lord of the year; if there be more then one, see that you canvess the business, as you have heard of the Planets in Angles in every par­ticular.

And yet if thou findest none in the eleventh or fifth, see what are in the ninth or third, and say the Planet in either of them is Lord of the year, and so accord­ingly judge as you have heard: but if there be no Planets neither in these Houses, see which of all the Planets (the Moon excepted) goes first out of the sign wherein it is, for he shall be Lord of the year, especially if he behold the Lord of the term wherein he is, or the Sun, if the Revolution be by day; or the Moon, if it be by night.

But if it happen that the Sun in a Diurnal Revolution be in any of the Angles, or the Moon in a Nocturnal, he or she shall be then Lord or Lady (as I may say) of the Year. Haly also saith, that when in any Revolution it shall hap­pen that the Lord of the Ascendent be also Lord of the house wherein either of the Luminaries are, especially that of the Time, he shall without doubt or con­troversie be Lord of the Year, and also significator of the People.

These are the Rule of some of the Ancients for finding the Lord of the Year in any Annual Revolution, others have taught us to have regard to the Lord [Page 232]of the Ascendent, who if he be direct, free from Combustion, and in the ascen­dent, viz within three degrees within the house or four without, or without side of the cusp, he shall (without any more ado) be concluded Lord of the year, and you need not trouble your self further to seek any other; but if he be either Combust or Retrograde he cannot be admitted Lord of the year.

Wherefore then you are to consider the condition of the Planet that hath Exalta­tion in the Ascendent; if it be a sign wherein any of the Planets have Exaltation, and see whether he be free from Combustion and Direct, and placed in the Ascendent, as you have heard: for if so, he shall be Lord of the year; but if he be Retrograde or Combust, he shall not have that honour.

So that then you are to inquire whither the Sun or Moon be not worthy of this Rule; for if the Revolution be by day, and the Sun have any dominion in the A­scendent he shall have it; if by night, and the Moon so dignified, it shall be hers; but if neither of these be thus, have regard to the Lord of the term of the cusp of the Ascendent, and see whether he be free and placed as you have heard of the Lord of the Ascendent and Planet therein exalted, and if so, he shall be Lord of the year, otherways not; and then lastly, consider the Lord of the Triplicity, of the sign a­scending in the like manner, and if neither of these yet can be admitted Lord of the year, then you are to look whether the Lord of the tenth house be free from Combustion and Direct, and placed within three degrees within, and four without the cusp of the tenth house, and if so, he shall be assuredly Lord of the year; but if Retrograde or Combust, not; and so you must consider the Lord of the Exal­tation of the tenth house, if there be any, and the Sun and Moon, the Lord of the Term of the tenth, and the Lord of the Triplicity as you have heard of the Ascen­dent, &c.

And if still thou art to seek for the Lord of the year, have regard unto the se­venth house, after the same manner thou hast to these; and then to the fourth, af­ter that to the eleventh, fifth, ninth and third; first considering the Lord of the sign upon the cusp of the house, then the Planet therein exalted, afterwards the Lu­minaries, the Lord of the term then, and lastly the Lord of the Triplicity, &c. and some of the Ancients also have had regard to the Lord of the face; but both that, as also all the rest, I do not much esteem, yet mayest thou, if thou pleasest follow them, also all the rest,The Rules of the Ancients for finding out the Lord of the year, very Inconsistent with reason. I do not much esteem, yet mayest thou, ir thou pleasest follow them, wherefore I would not totally omit them; for by these Rules you see there is no Pla­net to be admitted Lord of the year, but such as are direct and free from Impe­diment and Combustion, and so consequently the year in every Revolution must always be fruitfull, and the People always successfull, never crossed or trou­bled, &c. which we see repugnant both to reason and experiene; and therefore the Ancients in this matter are no wise, I say, consented to by me.

What is por­tended by the Lord of the year when well or ill disposed.For this is most certain, that if the Lord of the year be free from Impediment, well dignified and aspected, the year during that Revolution shall be plentifull, temperate and healthfull, and the People in good condition, fortunate, successfull, and in esteem; but if the Lord of the year be impedited, afflicted and unfortunate, judge the contrary; especially if the Moon concur in signification: for she is still to be considered, being a general significatrix of as well all things sublunary, as men and women.

Where the ef­fects of the Lord of the year shall be manifested. What the Lord of the year signifies in any Revolution, whether good or bad, shalbe manifested chiefly in those Regions and Cities subject to the sign wherein he is, the Quarter of Heaven he is located in, and to the signification of the Planet who is Lord of the year; if the Lord of the year be unfortunated or afflicted in the Ascendent, or assisted by the Fortunes and essentially dignified therein, the People shall be successfull or afflicted in their persons according to the forti­tude or debility of the Significator, and the nature of the house: if in the second, in their Substance; in the third, in their short Journeys, Friendship and neighbourly Conversation; in the fourth, in their Lands, Grounds and Heri­tages; in the fisth, in their Children, Mirth and Jollity; and so judge of all [Page 233]things appertaining to the life of man, whether good or evil, by running over the signification of every house, and considering the nature of the Planet afflicted or assisted therein, &c.

I might here still run on with the Rules of the Ancients for the finding out of the Lord of the year, and inlarge this Chapter to the consistence of two or three sheets, for (omitting the sayings of other Authors) Bonaturs alone hath no less then 54. several Rules or Considerations for the finding out thereof, but to rehearse them all were but to tire thee and my self both, to little or no purpose; for were they of any moment, should there be as many millions as units in them, I should be very willing and ready to acquaint thee therewith.

The true way of fiding the Lord of the year, according to the judge­ment of the Author.Wherefore take this short, but sure Rule, for the finding out of the Lord of the year in any Annual Revolution whatsoever; see what sing ascends, and who is Lord thereof, at the time of the Sun his ingress into the first Punctum of Aries, and Al­muten, and let that Planet who is Almuten be Lord of the year, whether he be Combust or Retrograde, or both, it mattereth not; yet joyn in Judgement with him the Planet therein exalted or dignified by house (in the eighth Chapter of the second Treatise you are sufficiently taught the essential dignities of the Planets, and how to judge of them) as for example.

We shall imagine at the time of the Sun his ingress (being Diurnal) Aries to ascend upon the cusp of the first house in any horizon, and the first degree thereof; the Lord of Aries I finde to be Mars, who by reason he is therein essentially digni­fied by house, hath five essential dignities therefore allowed him; the term of the cusp being one of the first six degrees of the sign is Jupiters, the exaltation is the Suns, who hath therefore four dignities allowed him, the Triplicity (if by day) is also the Suns, for which he hath also three dignities, which makes with the other four seven; then if we examine yet farther what face the cusp is in, it being in the first ten degrees of the sign, we shall finde it to be Mars his, for the which he hath one dignity as­signed him, which together with the aforesaid five, makes six and no more; hence then. I am to conclude the Sun to be Lord of the year being Almuten of the ascen­den, or the Planet bearing most dominion therein, whose dignities you see were seven; yet Mars shall be joyned in judgement with him, but still the Sun shall be chief Dominator or Significator whether of good or evil, according to their strength or debility, as you have already sufficiently been informed; yet because I de­sire that the Students in this Science should be well verst in their Rules, I shall yet further deliver some Instructions touching the condition of such things sig­nified by the Lord of the year in any Revolution, by the signification of his Na­ture, place in the Heavens, and his configurations with the other planets, and I hope to give you any more examples in this matter, being so plain in this one; where­fore then we shall to our business in hand.

CHAP. V. Of the Significations of the seven Celestial Planets, when any of them is Lord of the Year, whether Fortunated or Impedited, and of the Aspects of the other Planets with them.

DElivering unto you the Rules of the Ancients, for knowing of the Lord of the year in the preceding Chapter, I have fully declared unto you the general denotation of the Lord of the year, when well or ill dignified or disposed in any Revolution, to which I shall only add these two or three words, and proceed to the signification of every particular Planet when Lord of the year and Fortunate, or afflicted.

If the Lord of the year be beheld by his Dispositor (viz. the Planet in whose house or sign he is in any Revolution) and free from Impediment; for if so, the People under that Revolution shall be in a good condition, quiet, secure, at peace and tranquility; also joyfull and pleasant.

If the Lord of the year be not impedited, and not beheld by his Dispositor, or if he be impedited and aspected by him, judge their condition to be between both, viz what you have heard, and what follows.

For if he be impedited, and behold him not, they shall be sad, solitary, fearfull, shall be molested with War, Trouble, and Anxiety; for thou shalt judge the clean contrary to what thou hast heard.

Judge this also according to the Nature of the house wherein the Lord of the year is; for if he be in the Ascendent, judge as you have but now heard; if in the second, the good or evil signified shall happen to the signification of the second house, as to the Peoples substance, assistants and friends, &c. according as you have been taught in the former Chapter, and other places in this Treatise.

Of ♄ when Lord of the year and forti­fied.Now then to our business, if Saturn be Lord of the year, and well dignified, the People shall that year, or during that Revolution build and erect houses, shall make many alterations in Fabricks, shall abound in all things, the earth shall be fruitfull, and the People shall be in esteem and honoured by all their neighbours, and the hus­bandmen shall exceedingly increase their Store and Wealth, and be successfull in all their labours.

♄ Lord of the year and weakBut if Saturn be Lord of the year and weak or afflicted, there shall be much cold, great and grievous infirmities, and men shall sustain much sorrow, losses and crosses, and great dammage by storms, wind and rain (but this must warily be considered, if other Significators of Weather concur, and then mayst thou assuredly conclude it to be so) Ancient and old men and women shall die; and these things shall chiefly hap­pen to those Places, Cities and Regions under Saturn his Dominion, and the Domi­nion of the sign which he doth then possess.

♃ when Lord of the year o­ther strong or weak.When Jupiter is Lord of the year and strong and well dignified, the King shall do Justice, and it shall be happy for those that are Noble men, Judges, Councellors of the Law, and men of all sorts of Religious Orders shall be in a successfull, happy, pleasant and good condition, and shall live plenteously and contentedly, in honour, and also great esteem; and the People also shall be in a good and prosperous condi­tion, and shall receive good from their King and Superiors, and they from the Peo­ple also, if the Lord of the Ascendent of the Moon be in reception with the Signifi­cator of the King or Lord of the year, or be located in the mid-heaven; but if Ju­piter be weak or afflicted, judge the contrary to all what you have heard in every par­ticular, which I omit to rehearse for brevities sake.

♂ When Lord of the year ei­ther strong or weak. Mars when he is Lord of the year, strong and well placed, all such as belong to Arms as Souldiers and the like, shall be fortunate and in good condition, and shall overcome their enemies; there shall be also during that Revolution sufficient and plenty of rain, as such times (and no other) it is convenient and requisite, and the People shall be prosperous and happy; but if he be Lord of the year and weak, &c. judge the contrary, and you must remember still in the judging the good or evil por­tended by him, and also all the rest of the Planets, it shall chiefly happen in those places and Regions subject to his or their Dominion, which you have been at large shewn in the second or Introductory Treatise.

The Sun when Lord of the year either strong or weak.If in any Revolution you finde the Sun Lord of the year and well dignified, the King and Nobles shall exceed and increase in glory and renown; Corn, Beasts, and Birds shall be plentifull, the people generally prosperous and successfull, and all things in a good condition whereof the Sun hath any signification; if weak, judge the contrary.

Venus when Lady of the year, either strong or weakWhen you find Venus Lady of the yeare and wel and fortunatly disposed, the year will be successful and advantagious unto women, who shall be free generally from Infirmities and mischances, they shall love and delight themselves in the society and company of their Husbands, shall be fruitfull, easily conceive and bring forth their Children; the People shall also generally thrive, and be prosperous, shall delight themselves in Recreations, sports, feastings, mirth and jollities, and all plea­sure whatsoever they desire, shall feast, make Marriages and delight to go neat and fine in apparel; if she be weak and impedited, she denotes the contrary.

Mercury when Lord of the year either strong or weak, Mercury signifies, when he is Lord of the year and strong, that Merchants, Trades-men, and all such as give their minds to Learning, Arts and Sciences, shall have a successfull year, &c. and if weak, judge the contrary.

The Moon La­dy of the year, either strong or weak.Lastly, if thou seest the Moon Lady of the year in any Revolution, and that she be strong and well placed, say, there shall be no want of rain in its due season, both former and latter, men shall be generally healthy, fortunate, just and punctual in all their actions and promises, especially if she be in reception, or good Aspect of the Planet who is her Dispositor, &c. but if she be the weak, judge the contrary.

And thus much briefly, touching the general significations of the Planets, when they are Lords of the year, and either strong or weak, which you have been shewn somewhat more briefly, yet altogether as plainly before in the preceding Chapters of this same fourth Treatise; yet by reason the Ancients set them down thus large, nay far larger, and least the significations of the Planets should not be well apprehended by thee, I thought good (notwithstanding what had been said) to spend one quar­ter of a sheet more for thy better understanding; and that the rather because there­by the subsequent Discourse, I hope, will be the better understood.

Of the aspects of any Planet to the Lord of the year in any Revolution.Now we are to speak of the Planets to the Lord of the year, that we may know how to judge of future events thereby; the Ancients as in some other things, so in this have not been so plain and full as I could wish they had been for the instructing of such as are but young Students therein; wherefore I shall endeavour to be as plain therein as shall be requisite for the instructing even the weakest capa­city if he observe what is beneath expressed, which is not much, yet ad rem, it is more then hath been delivered by any Author that ever I met with for all their tedi­ousness: At the beginning of the first Chapter of this second Section, I have in few words fully delivered sufficient Rules for the judging of any Aspect of any Planet to any Significator, speaking of the Significator of the King, and how to judge there­of, by which Rules, I say (having regard still to your Significator) thou mayst judge of the condition of any person or thing to be considered in any Annual Re­volution, and the natural inclination, and accidental signification of the Planet in Aspect therewith, whether it be by Sextile, Trine, Square, Opposition, or corporal ♂, together with the signification of the signs and places of Heaven they are loca­ted in at the time of the revolution.

As for example (because I desire thou shouldest be well and perfectly seen in this particular; for then hast thou attained to the accomplishment of the whole Art, [Page 236]if thou canst exactly vary thy Rules) I shall give you one or two by which thou mayst easily judge of all the rest.

If Saturn be Lord of the year, and in configuration of the Sun, suppose by a Sea­tile, upon which the Ancients say the King shall be poor, and be inforced to require ayd of the people, this because the Sun is a general Significator of the King; but I see no reason at all it should therefore follow we should thus conclude, unless the Sun were at the time of the Revolution Lord of the tenth; but rather thus, if Saturn be also Lord of the Ascendent, the Sun then (if the cusp be Aquaries) being Lord of the seventh, is particularly and chiefly Significator of the enemies of the people, as you have heard, and therefore being thus in Sextile with Saturn, unless by reception, I should say the enemies of the people shall desire peace, and a conformity with the People, and shall intreat and sue for it, and if there be any reception betwixt him and Saturn, either by House, Triplicity, Exaltation, Term or Face, say it will be agreed to by the Common People, who are signified by Saturn, who is Lord of the year and Ascendent. If the Aspect be by Opposition, judge dissentions, quarrels and discords among them or between them, also open War, if you finde other testimo­nies concurring in signification: for you are not to derive your judgement from the general signification of the Planet in configuration with your significator altogether, though somewhat may be hereon affirmed, or from hence concluded: but from the signification of the Planet as located in your Scheme, and therein significator ha­ving regard to the places of Heaven and signs they are placed in; for we see even the most pernitious Planets Fortunes sometimes, as they may be Significators and placed; and the most beneficial and Fortunate Planets, Infortunes, as you have already heard; for every Planet must perform the Natural Office whereunto in any Revolution or other Scheme of the Heaven it is constituted, as we shall further instance; Admit the Sun be in the 12th. you shall then say the Peoples enemies (the Aspect being by Op­position as aforesaid) shall Clandestinely and Treacherously by some underhand Plot or Device, study the overthrow or prejudice of the People, the twelfth house signi­fying secret Plots and mischief; and so judge according to the signification of the other Houses when therein located, be sure you ever remember the true significati­on of the Planet in his own proper nature, and accidental signification, by his Posi­tion in the Heavens, afflicting your significator, or assisting him, and the nature of the sign and house wherein he is, and your shall never fail (if accordingly you pro­nounce Judgement) of giving not only a rational but solid conclusion on any confi­guration from any sign or house of Heaven made by any Planet whatsoever to the Lord of the year: or indeed to any Planet whatsoever Mutatis mutandis.

And this (I say) if thou canst attain unto, thou hast accomplished not only the way and manner of judging the signification of the Aspects of any Planet to the Lord of the year, but also to any other Significator in the whole Scheme, and art Master of the whole Art; and this thou shalt never be capable of by any instruction, but only by a diligent search, and contemplation of the natures of every sign, house and Planet, and the Reasons why they were so constituted; wherefore I should de­sire thee for thy better instruction and assistance, to read over and over, and seriously consider every title of our second Treatise of this Book, being an Introduction to the Judgement of the Stars; and now let us proceed to shew you what may be expected in any Revolution from the Position of the Planets in any of the twelve Houses of Hea­ven, whether they be Lords of the year or no, for the further illustration of what hath been said.

CHAP. VI. Containing the true Significations of the Planet Saturn as he is in any Annual Revolution accidentally placed in any of the Twelve Houses of Heaven, whether he be Lord of the Year or no.

EVen as it was an earnest desire that all the ingenious spirits of our Nation should increase in Knowledge (especially this, which of all other comes near­est to Divinity) that hath egged me on to this undertaking, I shall (according to my desire and first intentions) be herein as plain as possibly I can, and shall cor­dially and sincerely deal with thee as I would be dealt by, for wilfully I shall not in the least detain or keep back the smallest matter according to that little knowledge God in his wisdom and infinite mercy and goodness hath bestowed on me, that might advantage thee in this most heavenly study, or be a means to propagate the Art.

Of Saturn in the Ascendent in any Annu­al Revolution, and what he signifies, whe­ther he be Lord of the Year or no.If in any Revolution of the years of the world Saturn be in the Ascendent, and diurnal, and beheld by his dispositor by a good aspect, as also by the Lord of the mid-heaven, or in reception therewith, it signifieth the People under that Revolution shall be quiet during that Revolution, not making many Journies, shall be in a good condition, fortunate, successful, and shall be much honoured by their King and Su­periours, of whom they shall obtain much good; but if he be therein afflicted, un­fortunate or anywise weak, he denotes mischief and trouble to the People in their proper persons, also infirmities and all vexations signified by Saturn; and this shall the more assuredly happen if he be in humane signs and no wise beheld of the Fortunes or adjuvant Planets.

Saturn in the second.In the second, and beheld by the fortunate aspects of the Lord of the second, he denotes the successful and prosperous condition of the Common People in their Trades and Merchandizings, and that they shall thrive and grow rich, especially in such things as are signified by the sign wherein the Cuspe of the second is; if he be therein weak, impedited and unfortunate, he shall signifie the contrary, and that the People shall be poor, have losses and crosses, especially in such things as are signified by Saturn and the sign wherein he is; And this understand touching the quality of the good or evil understood or signified by any of the other Planets; for according to the nature of the Sign and Planet therein must you give Judgement.

Saturn in the third. Saturn in the third if he be well dignified shall generally denote mirth and jollity to the People, that they shall delight and associate themselves one with an­other, and all heart-burnings and differences between them shall be forgotten and laid aside: but if he be in the third and unfortunate, men shall suffer by short Jour­nies, shall envy, hate and disturb one another, shall be liars, perfidious and treacherous, and oftentimes shall have terrible and troublesom dreams, &c.

Saturn in the fourth.Also if he be in the fourth and strong (as abovesaid) men shall be very laborious therein, and shall thrive thereby, as also by heritages and houses; but if he be weak, there shall be no profit in such things, houses shall come to ruine, the earth shall not give its due increase (especially if other testimonies concurr, for how to judge of plenty and scarcity you shall have anon; yet Saturn his presence in this house and unfortunate (you must know) will somewhat lessen the fertility promised in any Revolution) as will be expected by the husbandman whose hopes therein will be frustrated, and much of his time spent in vain.

Saturn in the fifth.Again, If he be in the fifth and strong, the People shall be jocund, pleasant and merry, shall delight in their Children, Feastings, and the like; if he be therein weak, judge the contrary; sadness for joy, crosses by Children for delight in them, and penury and want instead of Feasts.

Saturn in the sixth.If he be fortified in the sixth, judge health to the People if it be a humane sign which possesseth the Cusp thereof, and good to servants; if it be bestial, it will be more especially manifest in such Creatures as are thereby represented; as if Aries or Capricorn, Sheep, Goats and small Cattel; if Taurus, Buls, Cows, Oxen, and the greater sort of Cattel, Horses, &c. if in watry signs, success and good to Rivers, Foun­tains and Fish; if the sign of the sixth be Virgo, to the Earth and its Fruits, as Corn, &c. if he be impedited or weak, judge the contrary, sickness and detriment unto them, according as you see the several significations of the sign on the Cusp of the sixth House.

Saturn in the seventh.Moreover if Saturn be in the seventh and strong, and the sign be humane, men shall delight themselves in women, especially old men, and shall Contract and make Marriages; if it be any other sign, see of what nature and signification it is, and judge they shall delight themselves in such things as are according to the nature thereof, and profit thereby; but if he be weak, judge the contrary.

Saturn in the eighth.And if he be in the eighth, although he be strong, yet shall he signifie danger of death, and ruine to those things signified by the sign of the eighth; as if a humane sign, to men, &c. but if he be weak, it is the more to be feared, and if other testi­monies agree, it is to be concluded, but especially to men of elder years.

Saturn in the ninth.Also if he be in the ninth, well dignified, and in a fixed sign, men shall be chaste, lovers of Religion, the Law and all good Learning; but if the sign be movable, they shall make many Voyages by Sea, or long Journies, in which they shall con­tinue long; but if he be then weak, judge the contrary, and that many Ships shall suffer shipwrack, and men shall receive much damage and detriment through long Journies.

Saturn in the tenth.Again. If Saturn be in the tenth and strong, the People shall receive much honour and benefit from their King and Superiours; but if he be weak and elevated above all the other Planets, it signifieth that his cold unfortunate and malicious inclination shall go generally through all the Region, Country or Kingdom; and then the King shall remove out of one place into another, and shall do much mischief and evil acts, and too tyrannically impose unusual Taxations on the People.

Saturn in the eleventh. Saturn in the eleventh and strong, shews that men shall obtain their desires and hopes, shall be successful in their Journies and Removes, and shall be merry; but if he be weak, judge the contrary.

Saturn in the twelfth.Lastly, If he be in the twelfth and strong, men shall be quiet, shall love one an­other, and retain no malice or ill will; but if he be weak, men shall be envious, ma­licious and wicked one against the other, and there shall be many quarrels and dis­cords in that Region for which your Revolution is.

CHAP. VII. Of the Signification of Jupiter as he is accidentally placed in any of the Twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no.

THus have you heard plainly and fully the true significations of Saturn as he is located in any of the twelve Houses in any Revolution whatsoever, whe­ther he be Lord of the year or no; it resteth therefore now we descend to Jupiter, who as you have heard in our Introduction is the next under Saturn, and therefore we shall in this place speak first of him, and then of all the rest in order as they are accordingly located in the Heavens.

Jupiter in the Ascendent or first House of Heaven in any Annual Revo­lution of the years of the world, and what he there­by signifies.If Jupiter then in any Annual Revolution of the years of the world be in the Ascendent and strong, and in good aspect of his dispositor (as you have heard of Saturn in the former Chapter) he signifies the People of that Climate or Region shall be successful and fortunate on every side, healthy in their bodies, shall have much joy, honour and peace, men shall be desirers and searchers of and in Divine Mysteries, and the Law and the Students thereof shall be in great and high esteem, and they shall build and repair Churches and Courts of Judicature, &c. and if he be weak, men shall be negligent and careless of Divine Duties and the Law; and though thou mayst not judge altogether the contrary to what hath been said, yet mayst thou say the People shall be little the better for his presence in their Ascendent, or receive little or no good from him; for the good he would and is naturally wil­ling to do you see he is altogether unable to perform, being weak or having no power or ability; in like manner judge of his consistence in any other House when he is in the like case indigent.

Jupiter in the second.If he be in the second and strong, he signifies abudance of prosperity and riches to the People, especially in such things and commodities as are signified by the sign wherein Iupiter is; also if the Lord of the second apply unto him, their riches will come tumbling on them they know not how; but if he apply to the Lord of the second, it will be by their own labour and industry that they shall augment their riches: By this rule mayst thou (if thou hast well considered what hath been said in the preceding Discourse) judge of every thing appertaining to the signification of any House: If Iupiter be weak and in the second, he neither promiseth riches nor poverty in himself except by accident; wherefore you are warily to consider (as hath been said) the signification of each Planet as he is in your Scheme significator of any thing, and not (wholly) as he is naturally; and so judge of the good or evil portended by his signification and aspect, sign and quarter of Heaven he possesses.

Jupiter in the third.Also if he be in the third and strong, the People shall be pleasant and delight to associate themselves with their neighbours, acquaintance and kindred, shall delight also in charitable and alms deeds, and be prosperous and successful in all short Jour­nies, and give themselves to the study of Arts and Sciences; but if he be weak, they shall not have the like strong inclinations unto these things.

Jupiter in the fourth.Again, If Iupiter be in the fourth and well dignified, men shall infinitely abound in wealth, and prosper by their labours on the ground, especially husbanders and ma­nurers thereof; but if he be unfortunate, there shall happen much sadness and trouble unto them towards the end of the year, &c.

Jupiter in the fifth.Moreover if he be in the fifth, men shall delight in feasting, sporting and all manner of recreation and pastime, shall be pleasant, merry and receive much joy and content from and by their Children, women shall be apt to conceive [Page 240]with Child, and they shall bring them safely forth, perfect and without danger; but if he be weak it will not be so well, if any thing at all good.

Jupiter in the sixth.In the sixth and well dignified, the good condition and state of Servants is pro­mised, also health both unto them and the People in general if the sign wherein he is be humane; if bestial, to beasts of that nature the sign is of, &c. as you have heard in the preceding Chapter where we spake of Saturn his being in the same House; if he be afflicted, judge not so much good, but (if you see other testimonies concur­ing) say rather there will be the clean contrary, and diseases, such as are Impostumes, unnatural windy, swellings, obstructions of the Liver, and the like; be sure you derive your judgement according to discretion, and the nature of the Planet and Sign he is in, &c.

Jupiter in the seventh. Jupiter in the seventh fortunate, denotes many Marriages and Contracts shall be made, and Men shall delight themselves with Women; but if he be unfortunate, they shall not agree, shall jarr, clash and fall out one with another during that Re­volution.

Jupiter in the eighth.If he be in the eighth, there shall not be any great mortality (if he be then strong) but if he be weak, judge the contrary, or there shall be some affliction according to the nature of the sign in which he then is.

Jupiter in the ninth.Also if he be fortunately placed in the ninth, men shall make safe and prosperous Journies and Voyages by Sea, and also thrive by removing from one place or house to another, and men shall love and delight in the Law both of God and Man, Moral and Divine; but if he be weak it will not be so good: By what hath been already said and rightly apprehended, thou mayst easily judge when it will be contrary or bad in any degree.

Jupiter in the tenth.Again, If he be in the tenth and dignified, the King and Superiours shall be good, shall honour his or their People, and do Justice generally and impartially, and they shall thrive under their Government and be successful; but if he be weak in digni­ties, he cannot be so strong as to perform this good so effectually, and there shall be both Law and discord amongst the People, &c.

Jupiter in the eleventh.If he be in the eleventh, the People shall be most successful or fortunate, also faithful, just and honest, shall not be deprived of their hopes nor confidence, and shall be merry; but if he be weak it will not be so good.

Jupiter in the twelfth.Lastly, If Jupiter be in the twelfth, the People shall profit and gain by their Ene­mies, shall be quiet, love and cherish one another, and shall be free from malice and envy; but if he be weak, judge the contrary, as you shall have occasion and reason.

CHAP. VIII. Containing the Significations of Mars in the Twelve Houses of Hea­ven in any annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no.

Mars in the first.HAving done with the significations of Iupiter, it follows now we come to Mars and his significations, who if he be in the first House in any Re­volution and strong, whether he be Lord of the year or no, shews that the People of that Country shall gain and be advantaged by wars or slaughters, and shall overcome their Enemies during that Revolution; but if he be weak, they shall disagree and fall out one among another, and shall beat, draw blood and wound one another, for which cause much evil and damage shall happen unto them.

Mars in the second.If Mars be in the second House at the time of any Revolution, or Ingress of the [Page 241] Sun into Aries, and strong, he denotes many thefts, rapines and robberies, and cozening and cheating of one another; those also that are intrusted with money or goods of any one, shall be false and deceitful, and the People generally shall be driven to want, and be perplexed with taxations and tributes.

Mars in the third.But if he be in the third, men shall not associate themselves with their neighbours and kindred, but instead of being friends hate and envy one another.

Mars in the fourth.Also if he be in the fourth, he sends his vigorous heat and malice to all the other Planets, so that if he be in a fiëry sign, he dryes up and scorches the earth, and cau­seth great mischief by fire, also mortalities; if the sign be humane, he causeth many slaughters and effusion of blood, quarrels and war, and that chiefly in or towards the latter end of the year, and in those places generally subject to the sin wherein she is.

Mars in the fifth.And if he happen in the fifth, hard and tedious labour is threatned to those with Child, little or no merry meetings and feastings; but if any, he causeth dissentions and discords amongst them.

Mars in the sixth.Again, If he be in the sixth, in a hot and dry sign, he causeth hot and dry diseases; if the sign be moyst, the diseases will be hot and moyst; if aiëry, they will be feavers, corruption of blood, impostumes, ventosies, &c. if it be an earthy sign, they will be consumptions and melancholy diseases, with some mixtures of choler; and if the sign be bestial, the beasts subject thereunto shall suffer, &c.

Mars in the seventh.Moreover, if he be in the seventh, afflicted and weak, he denotes then great dis­sentions and enmities, and that men shall be perplexed with theft, much blood-shed, contentions and wars; and these shall chiefly be incident to the People of that Cli­mate for which the Radix of your Figure is made, viz. evil accidents, wars and dis­cords, also fraud and deceit in Merchandizing, trouble and sadness.

Mars in the eighth.And if he be in the eighth, there shall be fearful and terrible sudden deaths, ac­cording to the nature of the sign in which he is.

Mars in the ninth.If he be in the ninth, travelling shall be dangerous, also much robbing and plundering therein, if the Journey be by Land; if by Sea, Shipwrack is much to be feared.

Mars in the tenth.Again, If he be in the tenth, the King and Rulers shall be froward and cross with their People, exercising cruelty and tyrannie without any piety or fear of God, and punishing and taxing them without any mercy or pitty.

Mars in the eleventh.If in the eleventh, men shall not love one another, nor delight in each others society, neither will they be moved with any compassion or pitty.

Mars in the twelfth.And if in the twelfth, the People shall be much terrified and troubled by their Enemies, from whence shall proceed slaughter and effusion of blood.

CHAP. IX. Shewing the Significations of the Sun in the Twelve Houses of Hea­ven in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no.

REhearsing the Planets according to their order and places in the Heavens, after Mars follows the Sun, The Sun in the first. who if he be in the Ascen­dent fortunate, essentially dignified, and in reception with the Lord of the Ascendent, and beheld amically by him, the year shall generally be happy and successful for every one, as well the King as the Beggar; but if he be therein infortunate, it shall be clean contrary; and especially noble and great men shall suffer in their persons dishonour, disgrace, and be per­haps cast out of their dignities and places.

The Sun in the second.The Sun in the second, the People shall waste and expend their wealth, also their Rulers shall covet after the fingring and disposing thereof, insomuch that they shall live sneakingly and poor.

The Sun in the third.The Sun in the third, shews the People shall delight in goodness, and in the Law, shall love and associate themselves with their neighbours, friends, kindred and asso­ciates, for the which they shall be praised.

The Sun in the fourth.If he be in the fourth, Gardens and Vegetables shall be spoyled and suffer de­triment, especially if he be in signs of that nature; great men and high shall be made low and degraded; and if it be a watry sign, the earth shall be dry, and the water dried up: [I believe the Ancients meant fiëry.]

The Sun in the fifth.Again, If the Sun be in the fifth, he denotes detriment and grief to such Crea­tures as are with young, so that hardly do any escape without some manifest hurt or other.

The Sun in the sixth.Also if he be in the sixth, many griefs and infirmities shall happen, and chiefly in the eyes, and such living Creatures shall dye as are signified by the sign wherein he is located; the King also or chief Rulers shall be sad that year, much loss also and damage shall be by servants, and such things as are signified by the sixth House; also the ignoble and baser sort of People shall envy and raise themselves up against their Superiours.

The Sun in the seventh.Moreover, if he be in the seventh, he denoteth discords between the People and their Rulers, and betwixt the King and the Nobles, and that the King shall keep at a distance with the People, or keep himself retire from them.

The Sun in the eighth.In the eighth, he denotes the death of Kings and great men, also the deposing of Kings, and unthroning of Nobles and Grandees, and a lessening or diminishing of their power, especially if he be beheld by the Lord of the eighth.

The Sun in the ninth.But if he be in the ninth, he shews the inclinations of the People are generally to good, and that they shall be fortunate and successful in long Journies and Voyages, and shall love and delight in both the Law of God and Man.

The Sun in the tenth.Also if the Sun be in the tenth, it denotes the glory, renown and honour of the King or chief Rulers, also the good condition of the People, and that there shall be kindness and love betwixt them; for the People shall willingly obey, and the Superiors shall conferr honour and priviledges on the People.

The Sun in the eleventh.And if he chance to be in the eleventh, the People generally shall have joy and gladness, and shall be merry and solace themselves with their friends, acquaintance and familiars, and their hopes shall not be frustrated; the chief Rulers shall love the People also, and be advantageous unto them.

The Sun in the twelfth.Lastly, if he be in the twelfth, Rich and Noblemen, and the Grandees shall be eclipsed in their honour, and ignoble persons shall affront and prejudice them; and the People generally shall hate and despise their Superiours, and their Superiours shall oppress and torment them.

CHAP. X. Shewing the Signification of Venus in the Twelve Houses of Hea­ven in any Annual Revolution, whether she be Lady of the Year or no.

Venus in the first.AFter the Sun follows Venus, who if she be in the Ascendent, strong and well dignified, the people shall be strong and healthy, and have much joy and gladness, shall endeavour to live neatly and in a comely spruce manner, both [Page 243]for matter of meat and raiment, and all other things necessary for the perfecting of a mans pleasure in this life.

Venus in the second. Venus in the second, causeth profit and gain by Women, happiness and fertility of the Fruits of the Earth.

Venus in the third.If she be in the third, men shall hate one another, and no wise desire the society of their friends and neighbours, also be careless of Religion, Law and all goodness.

Venus in the fourth.Also if she be in the fourth, men shall be jealous of their Wives, and shall there­fore shut them up, also sadness and anxiety caused by Mothers; but yet the latter end of the year shall be better then the beginning.

Venus in the fifth.If she be in the fifth, damage is portended through the occasion of Children; but the latter end of the year will be better then the beginning, and the grief and sadness converted into joy; such Creatures as are with young shall go safely and be de­livered, but the most part will be Females; Men shall be Captivated with the love of Women, and shall be merry with them, shall delight in singing, dancing, feasting, and seeming spruce and neat.

Venus in the sixth.Also if she be in the sixth, and the sign humane, men shall profit by servants; in like manner if the sign be bestial, they shall also gain thereby, viz. by such beasts as are thereby signified, and they shall be free from sickness and other accidents, and women shall be sick through surfets and weakness of the stomack.

Venus in the seventh.Again, If she be in the seventh, Women shall make and conclude Marriages, and delight themselves with their Husbands if she be strong; but if she be weak, they shall fall out and scold with their Husbands, and shall be disobedient unto them, and shall run scolding and prating out of their houses, and separate and divorce themselves many of them from their husbands.

Venus in the eighth.Moreover if in the eighth, she denotes the death of Matrons and great Women, also generally mortality to all Women, if she be then weak.

Venus in the ninth.If she be in the ninth, she shews Men of Religious Orders shall flit and remove from one place and house to another, and that Men shall dream true Dreams, and perform long Journeys and Voyages with safety, and profit and gain thereby; Men shall be Lovers of the Law both of God and Man, and esteem of all good Learning, and strive to be vertuous.

Venus in the tenth.But if she be in the tenth, joy and gladness will be occasioned by and from the King and Superiours, the Grandees also shall love and delight themselves with Women, whom they shall adorn and deck sumptuously; they shall also take much pleasure in Jesters, all merry conceits and tricks, also in Musick, Songs and the like; the People shall be in a good condition, and shall be beloved and honoured by their Superiours.

Venus in the eleventh.Also if she be in the eleventh, the People shall be fortunate, successful and happy, by reason their faith, trust and hope shall not fail them; they shall also accompany themselves with Women, and shall be taken in love one with another, and commit Fornications, and transgress the Law, yet shall they spend the year with great jollity and mirth.

Venus in the twelfth.If in the twelfth, Tribulation is threatned, and enmity with Women; for Men shall hate them, and no wise be assistant unto them, so that they shall be during the time of that Revolution most unfortunate.

CHAP. XI. Of the Significations of Mercury in the Twelve Houses of Hea­ven in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no.

Mercury in the first. MErcury in the twelve Houses of Heaven comes now to be considered, who if he be in the first, he shews the year shall be good and successful; Men shall be ingenious and also Children and Youth, so that they shall during that Revolution be apt to attain to any thing that shall be taught them, or that they shall incline their minds to understand.

Mercury in the second.If he be in the second and strong, Merchants and Trades-men shall profit and gain by their Merchandizings, shall be faithful and justly perform the trust reposed in them, shall be honoured, famous and in great esteem of their Superiours; but if he be un­fortunate, it denotes loss and decay of trading, infidelity and breach of trust, and that men shall give themselves over to gain by unlawful and indirect means, and the like.

Mercury in the third.Also if he be in the third, men shall love and delight in the Law, and in all kind of Knowledge and Religion; and shall love and associate themselves one with an­other, and shall delight in short Journies.

Mercury in the fourth.Again, In the fourth he causeth discords and jarrings in words betwixt man and man, also vexation and sadness; also many Scribes shall be captivated, or such as keep Books of Accounts, or Secretaries of State; and if the sign wherein he is be fixed, they shall continue long in Prison; if moveable, judge the contrary; and if Mars do then maliciously aspect him, they shall be grievously beaten and tormented, and perhaps slain.

Mercury in the fifth.Also if he be in the fifth, he denotes success and joy by and in Children, messages, sports, pastimes and ingenious recreations, by which sadness shall be totally abolished; also such as are with Young shall go their time safely, and be at length well delivered, and these for the most part shall be ingenious Creatures; but if he be unfortunate, no Conception shall be brought to perfection, and judge the contrary to what you have heard.

Mercury in the sixth.Moreover if he be in the sixth, contentions, trouble and vexation shall happen through the default and actions of servants and vile ignoble persons, or such as be­long to a mans own family, or by small Cattel, viz. such as are signified by the sign wherein he is, or by sickness, &c. Children also and Young men shall many of them dye and be diseased according to his affliction in this House.

Mercury in the seventh.If he be in the seventh, he denotes men will be addicted to lasciviousness, and the company of women carnally; and if he be weak, they shall fly out and commit many fornications and filthy acts.

Mercury in the eighth.In the eighth, he shall cause the death of many Young men, Women and Children, also discords and contentions between men concerning Wils, Legacies and the mind of the deceased.

Mercury in the ninth.Also if in the ninth, long Journies will be performed with safety and pleasure, also men shall mutually desire each others society, and delight in all honest and good Learning, and apply their minds to the finding out of hidden secrets and mysteries; but if he be weak, their study will be impious and wicked; and so of all the rest, judge the contrary.

Mercury in the tenth.Again, If Mercury be in the tenth, Merchants and Scribes, also Scholars and Ingenious men shall be honoured by their King and Superiours; also all such men as are signified by Mercury; but if he be afflicted, judge the contrary, according [Page 245]to the nature of the Planet afflicting and the Sign and Quarter of Heaven he is in.

☿ in the 11th. Moreover if he be in the Eleventh, men shall love and associate themselves one with another, they shall mutually give gifts, and profit one by another.

☿ in the 12th. In the Twelfth, the People shall be plotted against by their Enemies: also Servants and Children shall disagree and clash with men and women: also losses by great Cat­tell, if the Sign be Bestial, &c.

CHAP. XII. Of the significations of the Moon in the Twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether She be Lady of the Year or no.

EVen as we have already treated of the Six fore-going Planets, let us yet con­tinue to shew also the significations of the Moon in the Twelve Houses of Heaven.☽ in the first. Wherefore if the Moon in any Annual Revolution be in the first House whether she be Lady of the Year or no, she denotes the People shall be fickle, ever wavering and going out of one Opinion into another, and one house and place to another: and men shall have joy and profit by women: especially such as have Mothers shall gain much by them. The Year shall be prosperous, men shall be successfull, and in health of Body and strong: this if she be fortunate, but if she be impedited and weak judge the contrary.

☽ in the 2d. Also if she be in the Second and Fortunate, men shall gain and profit and abound in Riches, having plenty of all things: but if she be infortunate, they shall be indi­gent, poor and vile, &c. shall have many losses and crosses.

☽ in the 3d. If she be in the Third, men shall delight and joy in the society and company of their Friends, Acquaintance and Kindred, and all enmity and former heart-burn­ings shall be forgotten and laid aside: they shall delight in all goodness and cha­ritable Alms-deeds; also short journies shall be performed with all the security and profit that may be.

☽ in the 4th. In the Fourth, and the Revolution be diurnal, she denotes misfortune at the be­ginning of the Year; but towards the latter end amendment: but if it be noctur­nal the People whether at the beginning or ending of the Year shall not have any success, but contrariwise many tribulations, crosses, losses, vexations and imprisonments: but if she be strong and well dignifyed, the evill will not be altogether so bad.

☽ in the 5th. In the Fifth, men shall be fortunate in and through their Children in whom they shall rejoyce and take pleasure: there shall be plenty of every thing: men shall juncket, banquet, feast and be merry, and the like, delight to get Children, and many shall be conceived, and all things with young shall be safely and well delivered: in a word, every thing appertaining to the signification of this House shall be success­full if she be fortunate: but if afflicted, judge the contrary

☽ in the 6th. Also if she be in the Sixth, men shall leave off their accustomed wickednesses, and apply themselves more to goodness then usually they were wont: gain by Ser­vants and small Cattell: but if unfortunate, loss and dammage thereby, and the clean contrary is to be expected.

☽ in the 7th. Again, if in the Seventh, men shall be fortunate and happy in women, and gain and profit much by them.

☽ in the 8th. And if in the Eighth, Mortalities shall happen amongst men: and if she be then un­fortunated, it shall be so much the worse: and if she be in any of the houses of Mars, there shall be many and grievous slaughters, also tribulations and anxieties amongst men, and that about Legacies, and the like: and men shall endeavor to prosecute one another, and to cast one another out of their Possessions, &c.

☽ in the 9th. Moreover if she be in the Ninth, men shall make many journeys, and Remove out of one place into another; if the Sign be watry, they shall make Voyages by Sea; if an earthy, long and tedious journies by land; Men shall be lovers of Arts and Sciences; for if the Sign on the Ninth be one of the Houses of Saturn, they shall delight in Alchimy and Chimical preparations; if it be one of the Houses of Jupiter, in Divinity, Law and Justice; if of Mars, in wars, feats of Arms, &c. if belonging to Sol, in all noble Sciences; if to Venus, in Musick, singing and dancing; if to Mer­cury, in Astrology and all curious Sciences and ingenious Arts; to herself, in all water­works or things pertaining thereunto; and if she be therein afflicted, then mayst thou judge inconveniency will come thereby, expences and trouble according to the nature of the Planet afflicting, &c.

☽ in the 10th. If she be in the Tenth, the People shall be in a good and prosperous condition, shall be honored and beloved by their King and Superiors, and this shall the more assured­ly happen if she behold the Lord of the Tenth, or be in reception therewith, and the revolution Nocturnal.

☽ in the 11th. If in the Eleventh, the year shall be fortunate and successfull in every thing apper­taining to that houses signification if she be strong; but if weak, judge the contrary.

Lastly if the Moon be in the Twelfth,☽ in the 12th. she denotes the instability and uncertainty of every thing, and the People subject to the Sign wherein she is shall have many quar­rels, dissentions and discords, if not wars, &c,

Remember still that if your Significator or Lord of the year,Note. &c. be afflicted, then mischief is to be expected; if assisted and well dignified, the contrary; and whether good or bad is portended, it shall still happen to the quarter of the Region answering to the quarter of heaven he is in; as if in the Ascendent, it shall happen in the Eastern parts; in the Seventh, in the Western; in the Tenth, in the Southern; in the Fourth, in the Northern; in the Second, in the North-east and by East; in the Third, in the North-east just (if upon the Cusp thereof;) but if within the house, North-east and by North; and so judge of all the rest of the houses round the whole heavens; But the good or evill shall chiefly be incident to those Regious and Countries subject to your Significator and the Sign in which he is located.

Also you are to remember to judge the nature of the good or bad according to the nature of the Planet afflicting or assisting, and the nature of the Sign in which he is, whether Aiëry, Earthy, Fiery or Watry; for it is not for me upon every Rule to make repetition; wherefore you are warily to understand and consider what hath been al­ready delivered, &c.

CHAP. XIII. Containing the signfications of the Head and Tail of the Dragon in the Twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution of the Years of the World.

SInce we have now waded through the significations of the Seven Cele­stial Planets in the Twelve Houses of Heaven in any Revolution of the Years of the World, it resteth we now also shew the significations of the Head and Tayl of the Dragon, and then proceed to the significations of them in the Twelve Ce­lestial Signs;☊ in the first. wherefore then if you find ☊ in the first, the People will be successfull, fortunate, in honor and health, especially if free from the malevolent aspects of the Infortunes,☋ in the first. and fortunately beheld by the Benevolents; But if ☋ be in the first, it de­notes dangers, misfortunes, crosses, losses, and that all manner of mischief shall be in­cident to the persons of the People, also infirmities according to the Nature and signi­fication of the Sign wherein it is.

☊ in the 2d. If ☊ he in the Second, it portends fortune and good success to the People in their Trades, that they shall grow rich and thrive in the world: but if ☋ be therein, little or no Trading, crosses and losses in their substance and wealth is to be feared,☋ in the 2d. and that casually and unexpectedly.

☊ in the 3d.If ☊ be in the Third, short Journies shall be profitable, safe and advantagious to the People who shall also be good and well disposed, and dream true Dreams, and shall delight in all manner of good things: Brethren and Associates shall love and a­gree, also be helpfull and advantagious one to another: but if be therein,☋ in the 3d. judge the contrary, discords, dissentions and feuds among them; chiefly amongst the men if the Sign wherein it is be masculine, amongst the women if feminine; also dammage and loss by long journies, &c.

☊ in the 4th.If ☊ be in the Fourth, and the Sign wherein he is be ♈, ♌ or ♐, or ♊, ♎, or ♒, if signifies good success and increase of things of the Earth, as fruits and the like, and all immoveable things signified by the Fourth house; but if it be ♉, ♍, ♑, ♋ ♏ or ♓, judge the contrary: and if ☋ be therein, Poverty and Indigency,☋ in the 4th. also a scarce­ness of fruits, and the ill state of things signified by that house is to be expected.

☊ in the 5th.Also if the Dragons Head be in the Fifth, it signifies encrease of Joy by children, al­so abundance of pleasure, &c. but if the Dragons Tayl be therein, sadness, trouble,☋ in the 5th vex­ation and anxiety is to be expected, also grief and trouble by and through children: and if any recreation or pastime be used, it is an hundred to one if there follow not much inconveniency thereby.

☊ in the 6th.Again if the Dragons Head be in the Sixth, it denotes encrease of small Cattell, and much gain and profit thereby: also faithfull Servants and such as shall advan­tage their Masters, and the Ayr shall be healthfull and pleasant: but if you find the Dragons Tayl therein, judge the contrary, also loss by Cattell and Servants,☋ in the 6th. and that they shall be perfidious and false.

☊ in the 7th.Moreover if the Dragons Head be in the Seventh, men shall delight in the company and society of women, and love shall be encreased between them; the enemies of the People shall be strong and in good condition; but if the Dragons Tayl be there,☋ in the 7th. say there shall be no love nor delight between men and women, nor society in any love, but 02 rather quarrels, scoldings & brawlings, chiefly among the common sort of people, &c.

☊ in the 8th.If ☊ be in the Eighth, the People shall gain and profit by the decease of men and women, also by Legacies and such like, &c. but it ☋ be there,☋ in the 8th. it signifies loss by the death of men and women, quite contrary.

☊ in the 9th.Also ☊ in the Ninth, long journies shall be successfull, men shall also be Lovers of the Law and all good Learning; but if ☋ be therein,☋ in the 9th. long journies and voyages by Sea shall be tedious, dangerous and unprofitable; also men shall be negligent and careless of the Law and Learning.

☊ in the 10th.Again, if ☊ be in the Tenth, the condition of the King and Rulers shall be good, and the People shall study such Trades as are very curious and ingenious, also dive into the Secrets of all Sciences and Studies; but if ☋ be there,☋ in the 10th. they shall be also as in­quisitive, but the Arts shall be Diabolical and unlawfull, and the Trades-men shall devise ways in their Trade to cozen and cheat their Neighbors; and the King or Ru­lers shall have crosses and troubles, and perhaps their Honor ecclipsed.

☊ in the 11th.Also if ☊ be in the Eleventh, the Ancients have sayd he signifieth neither good nor bad; the same also they affirm of ☋.☋ in the 11th. I must confess I have not had much regard to the verity thereof by any sufficient observation, nor can I as yet conceive the true Reason thereof: I hope a little time and Search thereinto will better inform both me and thee: in the Interim because they have so concluded, I shall not in the least con­tradict them in this Point, nor derogate from them, because something may I know be sayd for this their Tenet, although not so much as is fully satisfactory to my Ob­jections, &c.

☊ in the 12thLastly, if ☊ be in the Twelfth, he denotes encrease of mischief and not good; and ☋ loss to and by great Cattell, that few men shall during that Revolution be imprisoned: and if they be, they shall not so continue:Note. but I shall desire thee to remember that according to their affliction or assistance [Page 248]thou art to judge good or bad, and not always according to these general Rules, as you have been sufficiently taught of the Planets, so also touching the places where their effects shall be manifested, observe the same Rules you have been already taught, viz. those subject to the signs in which they are, &c.

CHAP. XIV. Shewing the Significations of the Planets in any of the Triplicities, when any of them is Lord of the Year in any Annual Revolution of the years of the World.

EVen as we have before promised to give you some Rules more at large for the better and further illustration of what hath been already delivered, so (though what hath been said is sufficient) we shall yet further persist, and endeavour to make every thing so clear, that there shall not be the least complaint thereof; now therefore as touching the signification of every Planet when they are either Lords or Ladies of the year in any of the four Triplicities (what a Triplicity is, and how and wherefore so divided you have been already shewn in the 12. Chapter of our Intro­duction to the Judgement of the Stars) and then what may be expected by their being in any of the twelve signs, as also the Head and Tail of the Dragon, and so we shall proceed to the third Section, that we may the sooner hasten to a conclusion.

I might hereon inlarge, as have the Ancients, but it shall be needless to say more then thus much, That look what Planet is Lord of the year, and the sign he is then pla­ced in, and ponder exactly his Debilities and Fortitudes, and according to his strength you know and have been sufficiently already taught, you are to judge, good or bad, according to his nature, the nature of the sign he is in, and the nature of the place of Heaven he is placed in; as if Saturn be in Aquaries or its Triplicity, this being both his house and Triplicity by day, and so consequently (if the Revolution be Diurnal) strong and well dignified, as also having exaltation in Libra the same Triplicity, you shall judge what he signifies and denotes shall be advantagious and good to the Com­mon People and Nation, but it shall chiefly be manifested and effected in the Western parts, because this is a Western sign.

For, whatever your Planet Lord or Lady of the year denotes, whether by her or his natural Complexion, or Accidental Fortitudes, good or bad, it shall be chiefly manifest in those Regions subject to the sign wherein he or she is, and the Countreys also sub­ject to that Triplicity, but more particularly in the quarter signified by the said Tri­plicity; as for example, if Saturn be in Aries, he shall denote mischief and dam­mage to all Noble, Rich and Great men (because they are denoted and signified espe­cial by fiery signs, which also you have heard in the 23. Chapter of the second Trea­tise of this Volume are regal) also to the Common People and Nation in general (be­cause he is Lord of the year, and so becomes significator thereof or of them) now I say mischief shall be unto these, losses, and crosses, because Saturn in this sign, as also in the whole Triplicity, is weak, Aries being his Fall, and Le [...] his Detriment &c. And this shall be in the Places, Cities, Regions, Countreys and Kingdoms signified by Aries, and all the Triplicity (which you have also been shewn in the aforesaid Book, and 27. Chapter) especially in the Eastern parts thereof, because they are Eastern signs, &c. this is clear.

So that if thou hast but regard to the Natural and Accidental significations of the Planet,Note. sign he is in, his strength, and debilities therein, what Triplicity the sign is of, and what Regions and Quarter of Heaven it denotes, together with the Triplicity, and do but judge according to what thou hast been shewn and I need say no more, for thereby mayst thou easily and exactly judge of the rest.

CHAP. XV. Demonstrating the Significations of Saturn when he is Lord of the Year in any of the twelve Signs.

YOu have been promised this plain jog trot way, and therefore I shall here de­liver it you, though to the ingenious what hath been already said is sufficient, and this superfluous.

Of the significa­tions of Saturn when Lord of the Year, and in Aries. In Aries and impedited.Wherefore then know, that if Saturn be Lord of the year, and in Aries, he stirreth up many great winds, and those Eastern, and causeth the death of many Matrons and old Women, or such as are Overseers of Nunneries, scarcity of Provisions, and a leanness and barrenness of the earth: And if he be impedited, he causeth many Thefts and Robberies, Cutters by the High-way, anxiety, sadness and tribulation during that Revolution: Also if he be the only Lord or Significator of the year, and be Cadent from the Ascendent, and behold it not, and be direct, he shews anxiety and trouble to Rich and Noblemen, or such as are the Grandees of the earth; and if he be Retrograde, their houses, substance and coffers of wealth shall be visited and de­stroyed or taken away, and so much the rather, if he be beheld by the malevolent Aspects of Mars; for then he shall denote grievous cold weather, the death of Cat­tel, especially Sheep, and such as are signified by Aries, and that by some rot or the violence and rudeness of Wars; and if he do not behold Mars, or Mars him, the Winter shall be extream cold, according to the nature and quality of the Climate, and there shall be a destruction or death of Cattel; also if he be not Retrograde there shall be dissentions and quarrels amongst men, Sackings, Robbings and Spoil­ings, and a great deal of mischief; especially if he be beheld of Mars out of an angle; but if he behold him from a Cadent house, it shall not be so bad: Also if Saturn be direct, and in an angle, he signifies much rain, discords amongst great and rich men, especially if he be aspected by Mars, for then the Common People shall assuredly disagree, and contend with their King and Superiours; and if he be Retrograde, the state and condition of the People shall be grievous; and if both Mars and the Moon behold him with a malevolent Aspect together, there shall be terrible cold weather, Cattel shall die, and there shall be dissentions and Wars.

Saturn Lord of the year, and in fixed signs.In any Revolution of the World, if you finde Saturn in a fixed sign, he denotes mortality, poverty, scarcity, and great want of the fruits of the earth (if he be Lord of the year this is meant) especially in Leo, because he is therein afflicted and in de­triment (being the sign opposite to his own house Aquaries) not altogether so bad in Scorpio, and in Taurus a great deal less mischievous then in Scorpio; for the more he is impedited, the more evil shall he be the occasioner of, especially if he behold Mars, or be aspected by him, except Jupiter do moderate the matter by his benevolent beams.

If Saturn be Lord of the year, and have Septentrional Latitude,Saturn when Lord of the year, and hath North latit. When South latitude. (or more plain­ly North Latitude, because every one understands not Septentrional) he denotes thick, gross and corrupt ayr, also dark and cloudy.

If he have Meridional or South latitude, he signifies much hard cold weather and frost.

Saturn Lord of the year, and Oriental.If he be Oriental also, he shall be the occasioner of trouble, sadness, grief and sorrow to Great and Noblemen, perhaps through the coldness and frostiness of the weather.

Saturn Lord of the year and Occidental.Again if he be Occidental, there shall be Earthquakes during that Revolution, especially in the Eastern parts (this is if he be in Aries or any sign signifying that Quarter) if he denote Earthquakes, and be Oriental, joy shall not be so great; if he be Retrograde it will be the worse, and so judge of the quality and greatness of [Page 250]the good or evil still signified by any Planet according to his strength or impediment and affliction.

Saturn in Tau­rus, and Lord of the year.Thus much touching the significations of Saturn when Lord of the year, and po­sited in Aries; wherefore now as touching this position in Taurus when he is Lord of the year, who if he be then in an angle and direct, he signifies War and Discords or Quarrels, chiefly in the Regions and Places subject to Taurus, and in the Southern parts of the Nation in which the Revolution is made, also destruction to the Seeds and Plants in the earth, because Taurus is an Earthy sign, and he no ways essentially fortified so as to do there any good, and being naturally evil, unless the good aspects of the Fortunes do prevent and alter his influence; he shall also cause Catterpillers, Worms, and such kinde of Creatures as shall destroy the Fruits of the Earth; also Tribulations, and Sorrows in the earth, destruction of Houses, Cities and Towns, also Earthquakes, chiefly Southward (because Taurus is a Southern sign, &c.) and in those places subject unto Taurus.

Moreover if Saturn be Lord of the year, and located in Taurus, he signifies Wars, Scarcity and Famine, or a want of such things as are produced out of the earth; and if he be impedited, he also denotes mortality, and that also to the great Ones of the earth; and if Mars and the Moon be joyned either in Conjunction or Aspect with Saturn, in what ever sign it be, or what ever then ascends, they shall denote mortality and famine, or a scarcity and if they be joyned to Mars, it signifies trouble and vexation to the King and chief Rulers; also Quarrels and Wars in the Southern parts; and if he be then Retrograde, he denotes destructions and violencies gene­rally over all the Region, Wars and Bloodshed, especially if he be in the tenth, for then it shall be more universal; also mischief and dammage to children and young men: but if he behold the Ascendent, and be direct, the evil shall not be so great and general; and if he be Cadent from the Ascendent, nor in Aspect therewith, and be direct, nor beheld of Mars, the evil is thereby still declared not to be so great: but if he be retrograde and impedited by Mars, he denotes destruction to the fruits of the earth and mortalities, according to the nature of the sign he is in.

Saturn Lord of the year, and in Gemini.When Saturn is Lord of the year and in Gemini, and in an angle direct, he stirreth up many great and high Western winds, and causeth very sharp cold wea­ther in Winter according to the nature and quality of the Climate; the Birds of the ayr shall suffer Detriment of which there shall be a scarcity; also men shall be af­flicted with cold and dry Diseases commixed with heat and moisture, and men shall be lyars, contentious and shedders of blood; there shall be much Frost in Winter, and in Summer corruption of ayr, thunder, lightning and rain; and if he be Retrograde, dissentions and discords shall happen between Kings, Nobles and great men; also they shall during that Revolution be in great fear of death; it signifieth also Earthquakes and these towards the Western parts; and if he be remote from an Angle, he signi­fies as well Eastern as Western winds, and abundance of Cold, and men shall suffer many changes; so also judge they shall be if Saturn be then Retrograde; and that there shall be many infirmities through winds, storms, unnatural Dews and Rains: but if he be Cadent and not beholding the Ascendent and be direct, these things shall happen in the sign in which Saturn then is, and shall cause many Southern and Southwest winds.

Also if Saturn be in the fourth house in Gemini, or its Triplicity, and Lord of the year, or if he be not Lord of the year, yet if he be in aspect of the Lord of the Ascen­dent, he signifieth that in the Western parts during that Revolution many men shall die through Earthquakes; but if he be in Aspect with the Lord of the tenth, there shall be many controversies and dissentions about Rule and Government, and the power and right of one another; also many inundations, and abundance of over­flowings of Waters, by which the fruits of the earth shall be damnified.

Again,Saturn Lord of the year, & ha­ving Septen­trional lat. in ♊ if Saturn have Septentrional Latitude, there shall be many grievous high winds, corrupt, foggy dark ayr and earthquakes, and these chiefly in the Western parts and places subject to Gemini.

If he be Meri­dional. Oriental.But if he have Meridional Latitude, there will be a hot and dry ayr, mortality, and little or no rain; if he be Oriental, he denotes infirmities and sickness, also trouble to the Grandees of the earth, and Nobles of those Re­gions under Gemini; Occidental. so if he be Occidental, there shall be a very dry ayr, and little or no rain, &c.

Saturn Lord of the year, and in Cancer.Again, if Saturn be in Cancer in any Revolution and Lord of the year, there shall be an increase and abundance of Water, Fish and Locusts (or Cater­pillers rather in our Country) and such Worms and creeping Creatures as are de­structive to Fruits, and are ingendred by immoderate rain with which the year shall abound, as also with Fishes; and if Mars behold him not, there shall be grievous and terrible cold weather, and many infirmities in those places under the sign where­in Saturn is, as also under the signs in Square and Opposition to him, and they shall be such Diseases as shall be of the nature of the sign he possesses, and if he be Retrograde, let the King have a care of death, or some prime and chief Ruler du­ring that Revolution: and if Mars behold him with any Malevolent aspect, it signi­fieth Mortalities to the aforesaid places and many evils and mischiefs.

And if Saturn behold not the Ascendent, there shall be much cold, rain and dew; but if he be direct, the evil shall not be so bad, except then the Moon be in the Ascendent, for that signifieth the evil shall fall on the King or chief Rulers of the Region in which the Revolution is, if not death it self; but if he be retrograde, and beheld of Mars, it signifieth death and mortality in those Regions aforesaid; and if he be Cadent and not beholding the Ascen­dent, and be direct and Mars Cadent from him, it signifieth that men shall be secure and safe; and so much the more assured will this be if he be past the first fifteen degrees of the sign; yet shall there be infirmities in the Regi­ons and Places subject unto the said sign: but if he be retrograde and be­held of Mars, and neither of them in the Aspects of the Fortunes, many tri­bulations and troubles shall be incident unto those Regions, also abundance of rain and cold weather, also Shipwracks and Disasters by Sea, and much danger to Navigators, and such as make Voyages; also death to fish, and the creatures lying in the Sea and other Waters.

Saturn in Can­cer, and having Septentrional latitude. Meridional. Oriental. Occidental.If that Saturn be in Cancer having Septentrional Latitude, he denotes a scar­city of Waters, and a drought of fountains and rivers, and but little rain; Also if he be Meridional, that men shall labour and take much pains in their Trades, but shall gain little or nothing thereby: if he be Oriental, he denotes dark, thick and obscure unwholsom ayr, also in the Winter time, grievous cold raw weather; and dam­mage to fruits by Northern winds; if he be Occidental, also much rain; And if he be retrograde the evil shall be augmented, and the King or Rulers of the Countreys and Nations under the sign wherein Saturn is, shall undergo grievous asper­sions, reproaches and disgraces even equivalent to death it self; but if he be direct it will lessen and diminish the evil a little, for look how much your signifi­cator is fortified, and so much the less shall the evil signified be, and so much the more the good, &c. And this thou wilt plainly see by what fol­lows, if thou hast diligent respect to what shall be expressed, so as to ponder throughly the reason of every Judgement, the which I would advise thee to do, for then shalt thou be assuredly an expert Philosopher, and be soon able to deliver Judgement most rationally on any Configuration of the Hea­vens without recourse to thy Books; for, that Astrologer whose brains re­mains in his Library shall never come to the accomplishment of this Science: but he that makes his Library remain in his brains shall not erre; Et ille erit mihi amicus.

Saturn Lord of the year, and in Leo.But if Saturn be Lord of the year in any Revolution, and in Leo, having Septentrional (or North) latitude, he causeth much rain and corruption of things both to the prejudice of great and small, Rulers and People, also bringeth to nought the designs and works of mens hands.

If he be Oriental, he denotes many infirmities to the People of the Climate un­der that Revolution: and if he be Occidental, many Mortalities and Pestilencies shall happen unto the People: and so much the more grievous will the Evil and mischief be if he be retrograde, less if direct.

Saturn Lord of the year in Virgo.Also if Saturn be in Virgo, and be Lord of the Year and Septentrional, he signifies good, wholsom and sweet gales and blasts of wind, also convenient and seasonable gusts in Harvest-time: and if he be Meridional, there shall be a drought of Foun­tains, and a scarcity of waters; but if he be Oriental, the women that shall con­ceive during that Revolution shall miscarry, by reason of wind or carnal copula­tion after conception: but if he be Occidental, he causeth acute and sharp Fevers: and if he be Retrograde, the King and Rulers shall fear their Enemies: but if he be Direct, they shall not thus fear, but be provided for by them.

Saturn Lord of the year in Libra.Again if Saturn be in Libra and Lord of the Year Septentrional, he denotes a hot and dry Ayr, and little or no rain during that Revolution, and a scarcity of Waters: And if he be Meridional, a good wholsom sweet Ayr and no noysom Blasts: and if he be Oriental, men shall have a lustfull inclina­tion to women: but if he be Occidental, he denotes infamy and disgrace which shall come of such Doings: If he be Retrograde, he signifies In­firmities to Servants and the Baser Sort of People: And if he be di­rect, there shall be pretty Plenty of the Fruits of the Earth, especially of Barly, &c.

Saturn Lord of the year in Scorpio. Saturn Lord of the Year and in Scorpio Septentrional, signifieth abundance of Rain and increase of Waters both in Rivers and Fountains: also that they shall be corrupt: and if he be Meridional, he shall denote a scarcity of provisions appertain­ing to the life of man, especially such as are produced by the Earth: And if he be Oriental, there shall be many dissentions, and quarrels amongst Great men: but if Occidental, he signifies destruction and trouble on the Sea, also loss and dammage to such as have their Livelihood thereon: also if he be Retrograde, there shall hap­pen Pestilential Diseases: but if direct, Babylon (as say some of the Antients) shall be safe.

Saturn Lord of the year in Sagittary.Again if Saturn be Lord of the Year Septentrional and in Sagittary, he denotes the increase of Fountains, and extremity of Cold in Winter according to the nature of the Climate: if he be Oriental, Noble and Rich men shall be put out of their Countries and Habitations: and if he be Occidental, there shall be many dissentions, quarrels and wars between Kings and Great men: also if he be Retro­grade, it shall go ill with all manner of men and their affairs; and quarrels shall be a­mongst them: and if he be Direct, Travellers both by Sea and Land shall be in a good Condition and successfull

Saturn Lord of the year in Capricorn.Moreover if Saturn be Lord of the Year, and in Capricorn and Septentrional, the Ayr shall be temperate and healthy, and there shall be moderate and seasonable Rains: but if he be Meridional or have Meridional Latitude, in Winter there will be dark, cloudy, cold weather: and if he be Oriental, the state of Great and Noble men shall be but sad and troublesome, neither shall they agree with the Common People: and if he be Occidental, the fruits of the Earth shall be wasted and consumed by and through extremity of heat and creeping things, as Catterpillers and the like: and if he be Retrograde, the Common People shall be angry and fall out one with another: if Direct, it signifies the good Condition of Great and Noble men, that they shall carry themselves well towards all men, and that they shall delight in and love the Law, and put it in execution.

Saturn Lord of the year in Aquaries.If Saturn be Lord of the Year and in Aquaries having Septentrional Latitude, he signifies much Rain, Frost and Cold at Times convenient; when Meridional, a scar­city of water in Fountains and Rivers: if he be Oriental, the Common People shall obtain but few Heritages, and thrive but little: if he be Occidental, he signifies many Combustions: if he be Retrograde, the Evill is increased; and if Direct, he de­notes the Death of such Cattell as Men ordinarily imploy about their Oc­casions.

Saturn Lord of the year in Pisces.Lastly, if Saturn be Septentrional, and Lord of the year, and in Pisces, he signi­fies many great and tempestuous blasts of winds and that from the North, and grievous cold weather in winter; if he be Meridional, he denotes storms and tem­pests by sea and many shipwracks, also hurt and loss to those that have their living and dependency on the sea or water; and if he be Oriental, it signifies dissentions and discords amongst great and noble men, and also slaughter amongst them; but if he be Occidental, the ignoble and baser sort of people shall exalt themselves above their Superiors; and if he be Retrograde, there shall be many dissentions, tribulations and discords amongst Religious men and such as study Divine matters; and if he be Direct, men shall serve and worship God, &c.

CHAP. XVI. Shewing the Significations of Jupiter, when he is Lord of the year in any of the Twelve Signs.

WE are now in order to descend to Jupiter, being the next Planet under Saturn in the heavens,Jupiter Lord of the year in Aries. who if he be in Aries and Lord of the year, he signifies an appearance of religion in the Eastern parts, or that some new Sect or Schism shall there arise; and men shall be observers and lovers of the Laws, both Moral and Divine, and shall be given to good works: also he denotes much windy weather, and that from the East or Eastern parts: as also much cold and rain in winter, yet not so much as shall be hurtful, or to cause any inundation; the fruits of the earth also shall be plenteously and seasonably produced: And if he be then well dignified when he is Lord of the year and in Aries, he signifies the prosperous and successful condition of those men, places, Cities and Countreys subject unto him and the sign wherein he is, that they shall be merry and jovial and want nothing: the like also to the common people in general, and that they shall love their Superiors; but if he be impedited and weak, judge the contrary.

Also if Jupiter be in humane Signs, or fiëry Signs in any Revolution and Lord of the year, you are to know (if he be weak) that he signifies great and noble men shall be dejected and perplexed, molested and afflicted, and shall sustain many losses, and disgraces according to the nature of the affliction, and these shall chiefly be incident to the Regions and places subject unto him, and the sign in which he is located, as also the place for which the figure of the Revolution is erected; but if he be strong, judge the contrary. Also if he be strong and well placed, or acciden­tally aspected by any of the other fortunate Planets (which you have heard may sometimes accidentally be fortunes) in earthy or watery Signs, he shall denote good to all such things as are thereby signified, as the fruits of the earth and seeds if in earthy Signs, also fishes and such things as appertain to water, if in watry signs, as Navigators and such as have their living out of the Sea, they shall make good voyages and that safely and with security; but if he be weak, you may judge danger by shipwrack, tedious and unprofitable voyages and the like: and so contrariwise in earthy Signs when he is weak and afflicted, he denotes a scarcity of Grain, fruits and seeds, and that the earth shall be afflicted with [Page 254]barrenness, according to the nature of the Planet or Planets assisting him, &c.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Taurus. Jupiter in Taurus and Lord of the year well dignified, or assisted by Adjuvant Planets, shall denote fertillity, and the good condition of the fruits of the earth, and that there shall be a temperate and good ayr: men shall delight in the husbandring and manuring of the ground, and shall profit thereby; the King also and the Rulers, or Great and Noble men, shall do good to the people, and incourage them, and do them justice and equity: and again, the People shall love, honor, and re­spect their Superiors; there shall also be sufficient and moderate rain, and sweet Southern winds, and all things signified by Jupiter shall chiefly be manifest in the Southern parts, and those places subject to Taurus; but if he be weak and afflicted, judge the contrary, and judge the nature thereof from the significator aff [...]icting, as you have been often taught before.

Nora bene.But you are ever to remember this general rule, which I would also have you observe and take notice of in all the other Planets, that although Jupiter do in Taurus signifie good when he is well disposed, he being naturally good in himself, yet doth he not effect it so powerfully or so fully as when he is in Aries; for he hath therein borh Triplicity and Term; but in Taurus only Term, and in Sagittary more power then in Aries to effect what he denotes; for therein he hath both House, Tripli­city and Term; for by how much the stronger essentially a Planet is, by so much is his power increased; and so on the contrary, when he is debilitated, &c. this, I say, I would have thee still remember in what thou hast already heard, as also in what follows, and in all the other Planets.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Gemini.If Jupiter be Lord of the year in Gemini and well dignified, and in some Aspects of the Malevolents, men shall be perplexed with extream warm winds; and if he be in Aspect with Mars, many casualties through thunder and lightning shall be in­cident unto them; but if he be aspected with Saturn, he denotes corruption of ayr; and if other testimonies concur, pestilential ayr and diseases through corruption of blood are to be feared; but if you see him free from any Aspect of the Malevo­lents, yet shall he denote no very pleasant ayr, many sudden gusts of winds, and storms of rain, which shall be somewhat destructive to the fruits of the earth, and not pleasant unto men; For it is certain, that when Jupiter is in Gemini, if he do no hurt, he doth as little good, or rather none at all, especially if Retrograde, weak or afflicted.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Cancer.When Jupiter is in Cancer, and Lord of the year, the People and Nobles shall be in a most prosperous and good condition, shall live credibly in honor and esteem, the ayr shall be pleasant and healthy, the earth fruitful, and the fruit wholsom and good. There shall be no danger by Sea, but men shall make prosperous and suc­cesful voyages; rain shall fall seasonably and moderately, the winds also shall be temperate and calm, if other testimonies also agree therewith; but if he be in Cancer, and weak, the year will not be altogether so happy as you have heard; yet you are to know, that if he be so aspected and afflicted, that his sweet influence of doing good is letted; yet will he not do any mischief when he is in any Revolution of the years of the world located in Cancer.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Leo. Jupiter Lord of the year in Leo, denotes high winds and cold weather in win­ter: also much rain and tempests, even to the blowing up trees by the roots; yet there shall be a clear and wholsom ayr towards the latter end of winter, in the spring aboundance of rain, a drought of fountains, and a scarceity of water in rivers; and lastly, in Autumn thou shalt be sure of a plentiful and good harvest, yet many people shall be troubled with unusual coughs, &c.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Virgo.If he be Lord of year, and in Virgo, free from the Malevolent Aspects of the In­fortunes, men shall be sociable, and love one another, and delight in Husbandry and manuring of the earth, the fruits shall be plentiful, but soon corrupt, also seeds shall come to good; many Southerly winds and those sometimes obnoxious, &c. but if be afflicted in this Sign, he will not be of sufficient force and efficacy to effect the good he naturally would perform.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Libra.Also if Jupiter be in Libra, in an annual Revolution, and Lord of the year, well aspected and placed, he shall manifest his effects chiefly in the ayr, which shall ge­nerally be temperate and wholsom, many warm winds, and pleasant showers for the production of the fruits of the earth, which shall be good and pleasant; men also generally shall be healthy, and love one another; if he be beheld by the Malevo­lent aspect of Mars, there shall be much thunder and lightning in Summer, and in the Western parts some hurt thereby; if by Saturn, the ayr shall sometimes be per­plexed with unwholsom fogs and mists.

Jupiter [...] of the year in Scorpio.Again, Jupiter in Scorpio, denotes a good clear ayr if he be Lord of the year, and not afflicted, and thin clouds, the year shall be plentiful, many seasonable and sweet showers or rain shall fall, hot weather may be expected in summer, but very cold in winter, and thick clouds; the ayr shall be healthy, and there shall be many Northern winds; also the Sea shall be free from misfortune; viz. Ship­wracks, Wars, and the like; but if you finde him Retrograde, and in Square or Opposition of Saturn or Mars, judge the contrary to what hath been said.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Sagittary.Moreover, if Jupiter be in Sagittarie, he denotes a temperate ayr in the begin­ning of winter, but in the end thereof great cold, but few or no high winds, also much snow and frost in the spring, insomuch that the fruits of the earth shall be much damnified thereby; for many of them shall be nipt in the bud, and blasted: And if his latitude be Septentrional, he signifies little rain, but a most temperate good ayr; if Meridional, a turbulent ayr, and many great gusts of wind; if he be Oriental, noble and rich men shall be in a good and joyful condition; if Occi­dental, they shall be raised to dignity and renown; if Retrograde, it shall not be safe travelling or voyaging by Sea; but if Direct, judge them to be safe and free from any danger that voyage by sea; judge also, that fish, and such creatures as delight in waters shall in crease, &c.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Capricorn.In Capricorn, Jupiter if he be Lord of the year, doth not promise much good weather; indeed he will be the Author of much mischief, but according to his posi­tion, and the aspects of other Planets unto him you are to judge; for if he be well aspected, and free from Retrogradation and other impediments, he promises a plentiful year quo ad Capax, yet no extraordinary abundance, but sufficient; also a pleasant ayr, many great Southern winds; success and profit to the common people, &c. but if you finde him afflicted by their Malevolent Aspects, and ill placed, judge the contrary.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Aquaries.But if Jupiter be in Aquaries, and Lord of the year, also assisted and well placed, judge the year to be temperate and seasonable, for the most part a tempe­rate ayr, pleasant showers, &c. but if you finde him afflicted, judge the contrary, much hurt and damage by high winds, rain, and snow, &c.

Jupiter Lord of the year in Pisces.Lastly, if Jupiter be Lord of the year, and in Pisces, the ayr shall be wholsome, clear and good, a plentiful year, seasonable showers, and success to all those that navigate and negotiate by sea, abundace of fish &c. but if he be afflicted, he shall denote much thunder and rain.

CHAP. XVII. Shewing the Significations of Mars, when he is Lord of the year in any of the twelve Signs.

Mars Lord of the year in Aries, and af­flicted.IN the next place you see follows Mars who is next under Jupiter, and there­fore now to be treated of; wherefore if he be Lord of the year, and in Aries, he signifies many great and high winds, and various mutations in the ayr, in the Eastern parts especially; he signifies also little or no rain, and that men shall have pain in their eyes, and quarrels, dissentions and debates amonst men, especially in the Eastern parts, and such places and Cities subject to Aries, and that Kings shall disagree amongst themselves and fight: but understand, this is when he is maliciously aspected of Saturn, or any other Infortune.

Free from af­fliction.But if he be free from their affliction, as also retrogradation and combustion, the common people in that Revolution, as also those subject unto Aries, shall be in a happy and good condition, shall prosper and overcome all their enemies; the ayr shall be temperate, and the year fruitful, and there shall be much plenty, chiefly if he be then Lord of the Ascendent, and men shall generally be joyful and merry, as having no other cause.

Septentrional. And if he have Sepentrional latitude, he notes little or no rain, and a hot ayr.

Meridional. If he have Meridional latitude, he denotes much thunder and lightning.

Oriental. Also if he be Oriental, wars and discords amongst noble, great and rich men, or such as are the Grandees of the earth.

Occidental. But if he be Occidental, many fears and troubles shall fall upon men, as also dis­cords and contentions.

Retrograde. Again, if he be retrograde, men shall be perplexed with many infirmities in many parts of their body, but especially in their eyes.

Direct. But if direct and combust, or otherways impedited, men shall be hypocritical, cloathed in sheeps cloathing, but shall inwardly be ravening woolves.

Mars Lord of the year in Taurus.Also, if Mars be Lord of the year in any Revolution, and in Taurus, he denotes many great Southern winds and blasts, very hurtful and destructive to the fruits of the earth, by reason sudden heats will follow thereupon: there shall also be many showers of rain, and much thunder and lightning, death to greater cattel and wo­men, or at least many tribulations and crosses unto them: also the year shall not be fruitful, nor healthful, the fruits shall be blasted, and rotten, and the seeds of the earth destroyed.

If he have north latitude. South latitude.And if he have North latitude, he signifies much rain, and somewhat the more good unto the herbs and fruits of the earth.

But if South latitude, he denotes many gusts of wind and blasts (as you have heard) and destruction to the fruits of the earth.

Oriental. Occidental. Direct.If he be Oriental, there shall be peace in the Southern and Western parts.

And if Occidental, he denotes much death, and many infirmities, especially to women, and that they shall be hated if he be direct and otherways impe­dited.

Retrograde. But if he be Retrograde, many children and young people shall dye, during the time of that Revolution.

Mars Lord of the year in Gemini.But if Mars be Lord of the year, and in Gemini, many casualties and damage shall befal men through thunder, and lightning, and little rain, or through the want thereof also by excess of heat; there shall also be debates and contentions, thefts and robberies in the Northern and Western parts; the King or chief Rulers shall be exalt­ed and overcome their enemies; there shall be many griefs of the ears, as in­flammations [Page 257]and pustules which shall be very offensive and troublesome to men.

If he have north, south latitude. Oriental. Occidental.And if he have North latitude, he signifies much rain; but if his latitude be South, there shall be a drought of fountains, and a scarcety of water.

If Oriental, he causeth many infirmities, pustules, scabs, and breakings out in the skin; and if Occidental, he denotes much trouble and auxiety to Lawyers, Scribes, Merchants and Judges, and that some of them shall run away by reason of their in­justice, extortion and cheating tricks.

Direct. Retrograde.Again, if he be Direct, men shall be blabs of their tongues, and divuldge both their own and others secrets, committed to their charge; and when he is Retrograde, religious men, or such as take such kinde of functions on them, shall clash, disagree and contend upon some nice points.

Mars Lord of the year in Cancer.Again, if Mars in any annual Revolution of the world, be Lord of the year in Cancer, he shall signifie frequent shipwracks, by reason of sudden blasts of wind; also dissentions and quarrels in the Western and Northwest parts, and that men shall suffer much damage under taxations; many infirmities also are threatned, feavers, pains and infirmities in the throat and breast; the ayr shall be grievous and contagious, and a want of rain; also the year shall be turbulent and dangerous, many cattel, especially horses shall dye, the fruits of the earth generally shall be wanting, and there shall be a palpable scarcety thereof.

Septentrional. Meridional.And if his latitude be Septentrional, there shall be grievous sharp cold weather in winter, and a drought of fountains: also if he have Meridional latitude, many noi­som gusts of wind, very destructive to trees and fruits.

Oriental. Occidental.If he be Oriental there shall be a death or mortality amonst such creatures as are kept upon Commons, and in the open fields: when Occidental, the common peo­ple shall be very careful and industrious in their ordinary imployments and nego­tiations.

Direct. And if it be Direct, the ayr shall be healthy and pleasant; but if he be Retrograde, men shall be lascivious, and study how they may opportunely commit Adulteries and Fornications.

Mars Lord of the year in Leo. If he have north latitude. If south. Oriental. Retrograde.Yet again, if Mars be Lord of the year, and in Leo, he signifies wars, contenti­ons, and discords and a scarcity of provisions, and the fruits of the earth, in the Eastern parts especially: also death amongst men, and that chiefly to those of younger years; and if he have Septentrional latitude, there shall be a scarcity of waters; but if he be Meridional, there shall be no want thereof; if Oriental, damage to such beasts as are useful to mankinde, especially the greater sort; Occidental, fish, and such creatures as inhabit the water shall be destroyed and dye: If he be Retrograde, loss and detriment shall be to the great and rich men of the earth; and if he be Direct, many great Western winds,Direct. and ships shall be safe and secure at Sea.

Mars Lord of the year in Virgo. If Septentri­onal. Meridional. Oriental. Occidental. Direct. Retrograde. Mars Lord of the year in Libra.Moreover, if Mars be in Virgo, and Lord of the year, he denotes war and ef­fusion of blood in the Northern parts; also pains and griefs in the eyes, plenty of provision and fruits of the earth, death to many women, &c. And if he be Septen­trional, damage to fruits and seeds; also infirmities to mans body: if Meridional, success to the fruits, &c. if Oriental, the death of old men: if Occidental, he de­notes great and tempestuous winds; if Direct, he denotes the good and prosperi­ty of rich and great men; if Retrograde, wars shall happen amonst men.

When Mars is Lord of the year, and in Libra, he signifies vehement and great winds, infirmities and mortalities, and more especially to men then women; also winds rain and clouds, also mists, and those chiefly Southward, and infirmities and mortalities, a scarcity of the fruits of the earth, corn and wine, many sackings and robberies, quarrels, dissentions and discords amonst men, terrors, fears and tri­bulations.

Septentrional. [...]eridional. Oriental.And if he have Septentrional latitude, there shall be many thunderings and lightnings; if Meridional, many infirmities amonst men, especially on the left side; and if he be Oriental, he signifies wars and dissentions amonst rich and noble men; [Page 258]if Occidental,Occidental, Retrograde. Direct. rich noble and great men shall be safe and secure; if Retro­grade, sickness shall be incident to noble, great, rich men and Judges; if Direct, it will not be so bad with them.

Mars Lord of the year in Scorpio.Again, when Mars is Lord of the year, and accidentally located in Scorpio, he signifies much misty and cloudy weather, also much cold in winter, and very ex­cessive heat and intemperate ayr in Summer, for which cause the fruits of the earth shall be much damnified, as also the herbs and seeds shall be much hurt; men shall be molested with pains and griefs in the eyes, thefts and robberies, quarrels and de­bates, as also deceits and frauds, and a scarcity of fruits and provisions: Also if he be Septentrional,Septentrional. Meridional. Oriental. Occidental. Retrograde. Direct. there shall be a scarcity of water; if Meridional, abundance of water; if Oriental, many infirmities shall be incident to man, especially in the lower and secret parts, if other testimonies concur; if Occidental, small Piety among men; if Retrograde, he denotes many tribulations, fears and troubles; if Direct, things will be so much the better.

Mars Lord of the year in Sagittary.Also Mars in Sagittary, if he be Lord of the year, he signifies wars shall happen in the Eastern parts; also damage and mischief unto the inhabitants of those parts, and the Regions subject to the sign Sagittary; death, infirmities, coughs and infirmities in the eyes, as also in the loyns and back; little or no rain, and extream cold wea­ther in winter, as also the spring, so that the fruits of trees shall be blasted and nipt; also plants, herbs and seeds shall be very much damnified, and the year gene­rally shall be scarce and indigent of provisions, also honey shall not be plentiful; for by reason of the scarcity of herbs, Bees shall many of them be destroyed: and if therein he be well aspected, and free from the Malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes, all such as bear arms, or have any relation thereunto of what degree soever, shall be in good condition, fortunate and successful.

Some of the Ancients with Albumazar say, that if Mars be in the last fifteen degrees of Sagittary, If strong. and Lord of the year in any Revolution, or in any humane Sign, he denotes wars, tumults and insurrections of the people against their King and Superiors, sudden death, feavers both Tertian, Quartan, and Pestilential, and many other infirmities, robbings, sackings and polings, bloodshed, fire and sword, and lightnings, and if he be Infortunately aspected by the Malevolents, and otherways also debilitated,If weak. he signifies all these things you have now heard, but more mis­chievously, unless the Benevolent Aspects of Jupiter prevent and contradict his fury.

Septentrional. Meridional. Oriental.If his latitude be Septentrional, he signifies the ayr shall be good, pleasant and temperate; if Meridional, Merchants and Trades-men shall be on the thriving and gaining hand; if he be Oriental, he denotes peace, quietness and security, and no war; Occidental, the safety of trees, and much fruit; and if Retrograde, he denotes coughs,Occidental. Retrograde. Direct. and pains in the hinder part of the head and neck, also in the thighs; if Direct, a death or mortality amongst cattel.

Mars Lord of the year in Capricorn.Again, if Mars be Lord of the year in any Revolution, and located in Capricorn, he denotes wars, tribulation and slaughter to yong men, perplexities and fears to the Eastern parts: also rain in due season, and that moderate, plenty of all provi­sions, and a fruitful and plentiful year.

North latit. Meridional. Oriental. And if he have North latitude, he signifies much snow in those parts where it is usual and requisite if he have Meridional latitude, he denotes a close, hot ayr; if Ori­ental, let the Roman Emperor have a care of a stob, and so much the more assured will this be if the Moon be in the eighth house or joyned by body or aspect to the Lord thereof, or joyned to Mars in any of the Angles, or indeed any other house, especially in the eighth, or be beheld by the Square or Opposition of the Lord of the eighth; and the more assuredly will this be, and thou mayest be confident thereof, if there be mutual reception also betwixt them, or either of them, and the Lord of the eighth; for if then Jupiter prevent not by his Benevolent beams, and cast his aspect unto Mars or the Moon, he will not escape with life that Revolution, unless God miraculously shew his infinite mercy towards him; if he be Occidental, botches, boyls,Occidental. Direct. Retrograde. and such like, shall molest the bodies of men; if Direct, abundance of plen­ty is promised during that Revolution; if Retrograde, want, scarcity and penury.

Mars Lord of the year in Aquaries.Moreover, if Mars be in Aquaries, and Lord of the year, tribulation and trouble is threatned to men during that Revolution; abundance of rain, snow and cold weather in winter and such times as it is usual; a probability of degrading and un­throwning Kings and great Hogens of the times, in those places for which the Re­volution of the year is; a scarcity and want of provisions and fruits of the earth, especially in the Western parts; but if he be beheld then by Venus, or the Lord of the Ascendent, and she be then also Septentrional, the spring shall be good and seasonable; and if he be Septentrional,Septentrional. much snow and cold hard weather in winter; if Meridional, much hot weather, but a thick, obscure, muddy ayr; if he be Oriental, it shall be well with great, noble, and rich men, and they shall be jovial,Meridional. Oriental. Occidental. Retrograde. and merry; if Occidental, it will not be so good: but if he be Retrograde, he denotes very hot weather, and detriment to trees and their fruits by reason thereof; if Direct there shall be many Catterpillars, and such like creatures,Direct. that shall de­stroy trees, especially if then the Dragons head be also in this Sign, or in Gemini.

Mars Lord of the year in Pisces.Lastly, if Mars be Lord of the year, and in Pisces, he signifies much snow and rain; also destruction to fish, and such creatures as live in the water, for men shall catch many during that Revolution; the slaying and massacring of Kings and Great men, scarcity of provisions, and the fruits of the earth, and generally it shall be a turbulent and hard year both for man and beast; and if Venus behold the Ascendent, there shall be much thunder and lightning, also much death and mor­tality amongst men, and grief and pains in their eyes:Septentrional. Meridional. and if Mars be Septen­trional, the ayr shall be good, pleasant and healthy; and if he be Meridional, there shall be many Caterpillars and Locusts in such places, as shall be natural for them, and such like noysom creatures, but they shall not do much hurt: if he be Oriental,Oriental. he signifies the slaughter of rich and great men: if Occidental,Occidental. Direct. many infirmities shall fall on servants, and the inferior sort of people; and if he be Direct, they shall be safe and in health: also sheep and small cattel shall be in good condition: if Retrograde, the good condition and state of those that follow Trading is also pro­mised,Retrograde. who shall gain and profit.

CHAP. XVIII. Containing the Accidents signified by the Sun when he is Lord of the year in any of the twelve Signs.

LAbour but to understand the nature of every Planet and Sign, and to distin­guish exactly every ones strength and fortitudes from his debilities, and then by observing the reasons of what hath been already said in these three forgoing Chapters, in handling the Significations of these Superior Planets thou mayst soon know how to understand the Significations of the Sun in every Sign, when ever he is Lord of the year, and judge of them without any further instru­ction.

The Sun Lord Lord of the year in Aries, free from afflicti­on.Yet thus much I shall say, If the Sun be Lord of the year in Aries, free from the Malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes, it shall be well with the Common peo­ple, the year shall be fruitful and succesful unto them, as also to great, noble and rich men, Kings and the Grandees of the earth, and that they shall be fortunate in honor, and shall overcome their enemies, be gracious and loving to their people, and shall do them justice, &c.

The Sun Lord of the year in Aries, weak or afflicted.But if he be in Aries afflicted and impedited, judge the contrary; yet know that whatever he signifies whether good or evil in Aries or its triplicity, shall chiefly happen in and to those parts subject unto the Sign and their Cities and Towns, and more particularly to the Eastern parts thereof, so understand of the rest of the signs when he or indeed any of the other Planets are located in them or in any Triplicity.

The Sun Lord of the year in Taurus.When in any annual Revolution you finde the Sun Lord of the year and in Taurus, you shall judge the state both of rich and poor, great and small, noble and vile to be but so so, although he be no wise afflicted by the Malevolent beams of the In­fortunes; for in Taurus he hath no manner of dignity, but is wholly peregrine and weak; the fruits of the earth also shall not be very plentiful, especially if he be afflicted; and you must still remember, (as you have been sufficiently taught before) that according to the nature and quality of the affliction you are to judge dammage or detriment to such things as are signified by the Sun, and that they shall chiefly be incident to those places subject unto Taurus, and in the Southern parts of those places.

The Sun Lord of the year in Gemini.If the Sun be Lord of the year and in Gemini, if he be well aspected by the For­tunes, judge success, health and good (according to the nature and accidental Sig­nifications and the adjuvant Planets or Planet) to the Commons, and year in gene­ral, fruits of the earth, nobles, rich and great men, and that these shall chiefly be incident to the Regions and Cities subject unto Gemini, and the Western parts; but if he be afflicted, judge also the affliction accordingly by the nature and significa­tion of the afflicting Planet, &c.

The Sun Lord of the year in Cancer.If he be in Cancer or its Triplicity, judge the good or evil signified by him (ac­cording to the natures of the Planets afflicting or assisting him) to happen to the Northern parts of those places, Cities, Regions and Kingdoms signified or ruled by the Signs wherein he is; this you have had often reiterated; I do it not through forgetfulness or carelesness, but through a willingness and an earnest desire the Rules may be easily apprehended and retained by the young Students, for whose sakes only I did undertake these my labours; for I doubt not but thereby they will soon be in­abled to give a probable judgement upon any position of the heavens, without the help of any Book, when they have well pondred (as I have often said) the Rules of Art and the reasons thereof.

The Sun Lord of the year in Leo.Again, if the Sun be Lord of the year and in Leo, it shall be well with the Gran­dees of the earth, and people in general, the fruits of the earth shall be plentiful, &c. for you must know the Sun in Leo is very potent and strong, by being in his own house, unless he be afflicted at that time by the Malevolent Aspects of the Infortunes, and then according to their mischievous power you are to judge the misfortune and detriment of such things as they shall naturally or accidentally sig­nifie, &c.

In the fourth Chapter of the second Book of this volumn, you have heard the Sun hath no latitude, neither can be Oriental, Occidental, Stationary, Retrograde or Combust: and therefore, if you but remember to judge according to his strength essential and accidental in all the other subsequent signs, as you have heard the me­thod before, this shall suffice to be said of the significations of the Sun when he is Lord of the year and located in any of the twelve Signs of heaven; Wherefore let us proceed to the significations of Venus when she is Lady of the year and so posited.

CHAP. XIX. Of the things signified by Venus when she is Lady of the year in any of the Twelve Signs.

LIttle will it avail you to observe the Latitudes of the three inferiour Planets in this manner of Judgement as you have heard of the Superiors as say most of the Ancients: and truly in this I do agree with them (though not in in many other of their tenets, especially in their Rules in the last Chapter, where they would teach the significations of the Sun in the 12. Signs in Annual Revoluti­ons, when it is impossible for him at such a time to be in any other sign then Aries; and if the Judgement be half yearly, or quarterly in Libra; Cancer, or Capricorn, he must needs be but in no other) for oftentimes we shall finde the Rules in the inferiour Planets vary and prove false by reason of their swift motion and frequent variations but in the superiour seldom or never; This I thought good to prefix before our Discourse of the inferiour Planets that it might not seem strange to the diligent Inquirer we follow not the same Method in these as in the former.

Venus Lady of the year in Aries.When Venus then is Lady of the year and in Aries in any Annual Revolution well aspected and in Configuration of none of the Malevolents and neither Re­trograde nor Combust, the ayr shall be temperate, the Earth fruitful, men in general successful, shall thive, be merry and delight in all pleasant recreations, it shall also be well with Great and noble men, and with the smaller sort of Cat­tel, men shall be peaceably given, and many pleasant moderate showers of rain shall fall, and generally there shall be plenty of provisions, and these shall chiefly be in the Eastern parts, and those Cities, Regions and Countreys subject unto Aries.

Notes. But to speak the truth, I see no reason at all why Venus should occasion so much good in Aries, it being a sign wherein she suffers detriment and affliction, although no wise aspected by the malevolents, and although she be naturally of her self fortu­nate and good, yet it will not follow (I conceive) that she is of the same power to effect good when she is weak and impotent, as when she is strong, for she can pro­mise no more then this you have heard, when she is well dignified and in Tau­rus or Libra which are her own Houses, and wherein she is essentially strong and dignified; a poor weak fellow in another mans power and constraint without arms (there is no man but knows) is not so able to rescue or assist his friend, as one that is strong, at liberty, and a good Sword, or Rapier at his command.

Wherefore I must needs dissent from the Ancients in this point; for it is not the Nature of a Planet simply that must be the ground on which we must judge good or bad, for then Jupiter or Venus shall never be occa­sioners of mischief in what ever house or sign they are placed; the which to affirm were ridiculous and very erronious, but this you have already sufficiently heard cleared; I should therefore say when any benevolent Planet is thus posited in any sign wherein he suffers detriment or any other affliction, that the evil threatened will not be altogether so bad as was likely because the benevolency of the Planet doth contradict it; nor the good altogether so ef­fectual, by reason the Planet signifying it, is in detriment or otherwise af­flicted; and therefore in such positions as are these, let not the Rules of the An­cients and Tradition, lead you wholly beyond the bonds of reason and sense for thereby you shall not avoid rendring your self both irrational, weak and senseless.

Venus Lady of the year in Taurus. Venus in Taurus Lady of the year denotes prosperity, health and gladness unto all men in general under that Revolution, and in those places subject unto Taurus, espe­cially in the Southern parts, plenty of provision, and the fruits of the earth, plea­sant wholsom ayr and moderate showers and blasts of wind, safety to women with childe, and also to all cattel for the use of man, especially the greater sort, and the year generally happy; but it will not be altogether so good if she be impedited, retro­grade, combust or the like,Note. still remember, that if she or any other Planet be much afflicted, little good, or much evil is promised; if much assisted, the contrary; ac­cording to the signification and nature of your Significator, and the impedition and affliction, or assistance and strength thereof.

Venus Lady of the year in Gemini.Also if Venus be in Gemini, and Lady of the year, well aspected of the Fortunes and free from Retrogradation, impedition, combustion and other such like impedi­ments and the aspects of the Malevolents, the bodies of men shall be healthy, safe and sound; the ayr temperate, good and wholsom; the fruits pleasant, profitable and plentifull; and the year generally happy, fortunate and successfull; But if she be afflicted by the malevolents, or otherwise impedited, the contrary mayst thou judge, or so farre as shall be agreeable to reason, remembring your former Rules.

Venus Lady of t [...]e year in Cancer.Again if Venus be Lady of the year and in Cancer in the like manner free from impediment and well aspected or accidentally dignified, the Fruits of the Earth shall be plentifull, the Sea safe and free from many usual Piracies and Shipwracks, many comfortable, pleasant, necessary showres, and men shall generally be healthy, successfull and prosperous: But if she be afflicted it will not be so well by so much as she is afflicted, &c.

Venus Lady of the year in Leo.Moreover if she be Lady of the year and strong or accidentally dignified and in Leo, many Diseases, Wars and Discords shall be abated and taken away; also men shall delight themselves in such things and Recreations as are of the nature of Venus; But if she be weak, impedited or afflicted, it will not be so well.

Venus Lady of the year in Virgo.And if she be in Virgo and well dignified as abovesaid, the year (as say the Ancients) shall be fruitfull, and plenty of all things of the earth is there­by promised, safety also to seeds and grain, and that men shall generally be healthfull.

I should judge that the year would not be very scarce, because the Lady of the year is Venus one of the most fortunate Planets, nor very fruitfull, or plentifull, because she is in her fall but so so; and indifferent both for plenty of fruits and health of body; But if she be afflicted, it will be so much the worse.

Venus Lady of the year in Libra.Again if Venus be Lady of the year and in Libra free from retrogradation, combustion and other impedition and aspects of the Malevolents, although not at all beheld or assisted by the fortunes, yet shall the Cities, Regions and Coun­treys be safe that are under the power of Libra and in good condition, man­kind also shall generally be healthfull, and likewise the ayr; it shall be also tem­perate and pleasant, also fruitfull and plentifull in every thing, and the people shall be generally happy, and free from all Thefts, Rapines and Robberies, and dissen­tions, troubles and discords; and if she be assisted by the benevolents it will be the better.

Venus Lady of the year in Scorpio.But if she be Lady of the year, and free from all manner of impediment and in Scorpio, she shall cause a pure, good and thin pleasant ayr, but some­what sharp, and shall lessen the heat of Summer and cold of Winter; as also Diseases, and increase Provisions and Fruits of the Earth; and there shall be little or no filching and stealing; But although these be the Rules of the Ancients you are to remember she is herein in detriment, judge thou therefore according as thou hast been taught in the former Rules.

Venus Lady of the year in Sagittary.Moreover if Venus be Lady of the year and in Sagittary well dignified accidentally, [Page 263]she denotes peace and quietness amongst men in the Western parts, also health of bo­dy and prosperity to men in general under that Revolution, and in those places sub­ject to Sagittary unless it be hindred by Mars, the earth shall be fruitfull, and the Winter somewhat abated of its cold; but if she be afflicted by Mars or any other way judge the contrary, or at least not so much good by the quantity of the evil af­flicting.

Venus Lady of the year in Capricorn.Also if she be in Capricorn free from all manner of impedition and be Lady of the year, there shall during that Revolution be little or no War, Thieving, Pillaging, Plundring or Robbing, little rain in the Eastern parts, and abundance of provision, and the earth shall be fruitfull and the year generally successfull; but if she be im­pedited, it will be nothing so well.

Venus Lady of the year in Aquaries.Again if Venus be in Aquaries in any Annual Revolution, and free from impedi­ment, men shall be in a happy and prosperous condition during that Revolution, and there shall be no abundance of rain nor snow, neither much cold in Winter, the year shall be successfull and plentifull, and people in a happy condition and prosperous if Mars work not the contrary.

Venus Lady of [...]e year in Pisces.Lastly if Venus be in Pisces free from the Malevolent aspects of the Infortunes, and Lady of the year, there shall not be much cold weather in Winter, nor much snow nor rain but what shall be necessary and convenient, and that too in due Season; the Earth shall be fruitfull, the year plentifull, and the Sea quiet and safe from Shipwracks and Pirates: but if she be afflicted, Re­trograde or Combust, and beholding the Ascendent, she denotes Thunders and Lightnings, also death amongst men, and pains in the eyes, and generally, un­less Mars hinder, they shall abound in all things that are produced by the Earth.

CHAP. XX. Of the Significations of Mercury when he is Lord of the Year in any of the Twelve Signs.

IN the next place we are to look what are the significations of Mercury, who is the second of the inferiour Planets, and the next under Venus, who if he be Lord of the year and posited in Aries, Mercury Lord of the year, in Aries. there shall be abundance of water and rain, and a scarcity of provisions in the Western parts; he signifies also great winds, much dew, and many thin clouds, also death to young men and women.

Now because he is of that quality that he participateth still of the nature of that Planet in Configuration with him, it is requisite we have respect thereunto; for with the Fortunes he is good, with the Infortunes bad, in his own nature indifferent, and he is with the Masculine Planets a Masculine Planet and of that signification; with the Feminine a Feminine.

Wherefore if Mercury be joyned to the Moon either by body or aspect, it de­notes plenty of Fish; if to the Sun, plenty of Wine, and the safety and prosperity of women, and so much the rather if Mars and Venus be then in Conjunction or Aspect with the Sun; and if Saturn be in the place of Mercury, he signifies very much rain and abundance of Waters; but if Mars be only then with the Sun, he denotes pains in the eyes and much war and blood-shed.

Mercury Lord of the year in Taurus.If Mercury be Lord of the year, and located in Taurus, he signifies many showers and plenty of waters, and a destruction of Corn and the fruits of the earth through di­versity and change of ayr, pains and infirmities in the eyes in the Eastern parts [Page 264]and the death of Great and Noble men, unless Jupiter or Venus work the contrary by their benovolent aspects to him or to the Ascendent; but if Mars behold the Ascendent, he signifies the death of Cows, and the greater sort of Cattel, especial­ly in the Southern parts.

Mercury Lord of the year in Gemini.Also if he be in Gemini, and be Lord of the year in any Revolution of the World, he denotes Wars in those parts subject to the sign, much snow, and dammage to the fruits of the earth, and plenty of wine. This is one of the mad Rules of the Anci­ents; I would fain know why not a plentifull year for every thing else as well as wine if he be strong; for this is his own house; and if he be weak, how comes he to be so successfull to Vines and nothing else? they say also he signifies pestilencies and death, inflammations, swellings and eruptions; he denotes also much dew and moist ayr: I believe, it should be a wholsom good ayr, and health and prosperity to the People in general; the Antients say, if Jupiter or the Sun behold the Ascendent of the Re­volution, Pestilence and Sickness will be lessened, and that there will be a diminution of these evils, and men in the Eastern parts shall be stronger and in a better and hap­pier condition then before; it is clear to me all this will happen without their assist­ance, so Mercury be but free from impedition and the malevolent aspects of the In­fortunes when he is located in this sign. Reader, thou mayst follow the Ancients in every thing they say if thou wilt, and be a Drone for ever; for my part I am abso­lutely resolved to the contrary, especially in these and such like whimsies of theirs.

Mercury Lord of the year in Cancer.If Mercury be Lord of the year in Cancer, he signifies slaughter and bloodshed in the Western parts (I believe it should be in the Northwest parts; a little time and experience will soon decide the controversie) scarcity of provisions and the fruits of the earth, mischief and detriment to Trees and Seeds, many infirmities through Rheums, Defluxions and Swellings, and those chiefly in the neck, throat, and brest, such as are Squincies, Kings-evil, Obstructions and stuffings in the pectorals, through thick, gross, tough Flegme, unnatural Swellings or Hydropical Humours in the legs: If he be joyned by either body or aspect to Mars and Venus both together, he de­notes the murthering and slaughtering of great and Noble men, or perhaps of such as are rampant in authority in any Nation for which your Revolution is made; but if Venus and the Moon be so joyned to him, judge the contrary.

Mercury Lord of the year in Leo.Also if he be in Leo, and be Lord of the year, he denotes excessive and vehement hot weather in Summer; also hot and warm winds; also if he be beyond the tenth house, viz. towards the seventh, he signifies impediment and dammage to those parts, or to that Quarter of Heaven, viz. Southwest, Southwest and by South, and South­west and by West, and a diminution or a scarcity of Provisions and Fruits, but not an absolute Famine. If he be in any Configuration of the Fortunes, the evil will be lessened by so much as the adjuvant Planet is in strength, and the aspect in goodness; but if beheld by the Infortunes, by so much the more is the mischief increased by how much the worse is the aspect and power of the malevolent Planet; he also signifies the death of Lions, Wolves, and such beasts as are ravenous.

Mercury Lord of the year in Virgo.Again, if he be in Virgo, and Lord of the year, there shall be much rain and plen­ty of Corn (and the fruits of the earth too, I may add) and there shall be many In­firmities of the eyes and death in the Southern parts. I should truly rather conclude (this sign being the house wherein he is both exalted, and essentially dignified by house) contrary to the precepts of my Predecessors in this most heavenly Science, that there will be a pleasant wholsom healthy ayr, and a diminution of infirmities both of the eyes and other parts of the body, comfortable and seasonable showers, and gusts of winde, and plenty of all manner of fruits and provisions convenient for the life of man, unless the malicious beams of Saturn or Mars prevent it.

Mercury Lord of the year in Libra. Mercury in Libra and Lord of the year, denotes great and high winds, and if he be free from impediment of the Malevolents (saith my own Natural Reason) the ayr shall not be so troublesom, and the year shall be pretty plentifull; yet the Anci­ents say (without any exceptions) there shall be a diminution of Provisions if he be in Libra; and truly I am of their opinion, if he be then afflicted, otherwise not. [Page 265]If Saturn be either joyned to him in this sign by either Conjunction or Aspect, he sig­nifies men shall be troubled with pains and infirmities in the head and belly; (I know no reason why they might not also have said in the neck, throat, back and reins) but if the Sun do then behold Saturn, the malice and mischief of Saturn is taken away.

Mercury Lord of the year in Scorpio.Also if he be Lord of the year and in Scorpio, there shall be much snow and cold weather in those parts wherein such are natural or usual; also Wars and Quarrels in the Northern and Western parts; and if he be beheld of Mars, they will be rather Northern then Western; and there will be also much thieving, pillaging and robbing, both by Sea and Land; the Sea shall be very turbulent, and there will be many Ship­wracks and mischiefs therein, also pestilencies and contagious Feavers in the Northern parts (why not in those Regions and places subject to Scorpio?) and all manner of in­firmities and diseases of the eyes.

Mercury Lord of the year in Sagittary.Much snow during that Revolution shall fall in Winter when you finde Mercury Lord of the year and in Sagittary, especially in those parts of the World where such accidents are most usual, as also in the place under which your Revolution is, an un­constant turbulent ayr, a scarcity and dimunition of the fruits of the earth, and pro­visions for the use of man; and Wars and dissentions in the Western parts, say the Ancients; but if it should prove in the Eastern parts, I know no reason why we should so much confide in every thing they write.

Mercury Lord of the year, in Capricorn.Again in Capricorn, Mercury signifies if he be Lord of the year in your annual Re­volution, Wars, Tribulations and Sorrows to the Southern parts and places subject to the sign; this is if he be afflicted; but if assisted by the benevolent aspects of the Fortunes, and free from all other impediments, the year will be pretty fruitfull and healthy; but if he be afflicted by the Malevolents, judge the contrary.

Mercury Lord of the year in Aquaries.Also if he be in Aquaries and Lord of the year or Quarter, he signifies many Catterpillers and Locusts in such places where they are naturally, and diminution of rain; also that men shall be molested with Plurisies and Pustules or Eruptions in the skin, especially in the thighs; and this shall chiefly be occasioned through corruption of the ayr, and several changes thereof; and if he be then in a corporal Conjunction of Venus, there will be earthquakes in that Revolution, especially if the Sun do then behold them or be joyned unto them; and if Mars also, or Saturn behold them with a Square or Opposition, thou mayst be confident thereof, and that there will be pesti­lential Diseases, and many Thefts and Robberies; and if Saturn be corporally joyn­ed to Mercury, there shall be an increase of waters and rain.

Mercury Lord of the year in Pisces.Lastly Mercury in Pisces in any annual Revolution when he is Lord of the year or Quarter, denotes very much wind and rain in the Northern parts, also death; Fish shall abound, and want of provisions and fruits of the earth; detriment also to the Sea and those that converse therein, many Shipwracks, &c

Now although Mercury at time of the Sun his ingress into Aries cannot possibly be in some of these signs (by reason he is never distant from the Sun above 28. de­grees, as you have heard in the sixth Chapter of the second Treatise of this Work) yet may not any one conclude these Rules superfluous, and the Antients therein ridi­culous, since as you have heard in the first Chapter of the first Section of this very Treatise, it often falls out that there are four Schemes to be erected, and sometimes two, for the judging of annual affairs in the World; and therefore it was requisite that his significations should also be known in any sign of the Heavens; for in these we shall otherwise be to seek, &c.

CHAP. XXI. Containing the Significations of the Moon, when she is Lady of the Year in any of the twelve Signs.

ALL that I have said from the 15. Chapter of this second Section hath been but (in a manner) meerly reiterations, and an inlargement of such rules as were more briefly delivered before, that the Students in this Art might be very well versed in their rules, and perfected in the reasons and grounds thereof.

It resteth therefore now we also handle the significations of the Moon in every one of the twelve Celestial signs when she is Lady of the year; but I must confess I am almost tired and wearied out with this kinde of repetition; wherefore I shall only in less bounds, [yet as largely and plainly as the Ancients for matter of Instruction,] de­liver unto you the ground of these rules, and so proceed to the significations of the Dragons Head and Tail.

Know then that the Moon (as you have heard in the 5. Chapter of this second Section) doth denote all the good that can possibly be desired to the Commons and People in general when she is Lady of the year and strong or well dignified; if she be weak, the contrary according to her debility and impediment you are to judge.

Well then when you see in your figure she is strong either essentially or accident­ally, look to the Nature of the sign she is in, and artificially commixing their Na­tures and their strength therein, judge thou good to such things and places as are by her and the sign she is in signified or understood either naturally or accidentally as they are placed in the Heavens, according as you have heard sufficiently before; if she be weak, judge the contrary after the same manner.

For you must remember that the Moon in humane signs shews her events whether good or bad on mankinde, according to the Sex of the sign she is in; if in aëry signs in the ayr; in watry, in the water; in earthy, in the earth; in bestial in and upon beasts of the nature and quality of the sign; as if it be Aries, on sheep; Capricorn, on Goats; Taurus, on Bulls, Cows, Oxen and the greater sort of Cattel, and the like.

Neither oughtest thou to forget to make commixtures according to the nature of the Planets in configuration or Conjunction with her at the time of the Revolution; for upon the true and exact commixtures (which you have been shewn in the forego­ing Planets, and therefore needless here again to make repetition) dependeth the whole secret and key of the Art, and therefore let me here admonish thee once more (although I have often already) to be perfect in the nature and temperature of eve­ry Planet, every sign, every aspect, every house, every dignity, every Triplicity, eve­ry exaltation, every term, every face, every detriment, every fall, every essential dig­nity and debility of every Planet in every Sign, and then thou hast attained above half the Art, nay three parts and three quarters (being divided into four) and there­fore let the second Treatise intituled An Introduction to the Judgement of the Stars, be read over and over, which will perfect thee in these particulars, so mayst thou bold­ly venter upon these two other Treatises, which will then be most easily comprehen­ded, and the greatest mysteries therein quickly attained.

And thus much shall suffice to be said of the significations of the seven Celestial Planets in the 12 signs when they are Lords or Ladies of the year; the same also should serve for Rules to the judging the Portencies of the Dragors head and Dragons tail, but that perhaps (their natures having not been before discussed, so much as have the Planets) they might remain obscure, and the knowledge of the young Stu­dents therein defective; wherefore I shall yet spend one quarter of a sheet more for their further instruction in this matter.

CHAP. XXII. Shewing what is signified by the Head and Tayl of the Dragon, as they are placed in any of the Twelve Signs in any Revolution.

MAny are the significations of ☊ and ☋ therefore to particularize every particular thing, would be both tedious, and in a manner needless, yet I hold it very necessary you be well acquainted with their denotations in every sign of the Zodiack in any Revolution, as followeth.

If therefore in any annual Revolution of the World you finde ☊ in Aries, ☊ in ♈. it signifies the rise of great and noble men, and the dejection and suppression of vile and ignoble; and if ☋ be in Aries, ☋ in ♈. it shews the ill state and condition of noble and great men, and that they shall be injured and damnified by the common sort of People.

If ☊ be in Taurus, it denotes the slaughter of Kings, Noble,☊ in ♉ Great and Rich men in the Northern parts, and in the Western parts many controversies and Dissen­tions amongst great and noble men and the Pleabeans: if ☋ be in Taurus, ☋ in ♉. it signifies little Piety or Mercy in men and women, and many troublesom and unprofitable journeys in the same parts.

☊ in Gemini shews sicknesses and divers infirmities to Rich and Noblemen,☊ in ♊. or such as are the Grandees of the earth, which shall happen through tempestuous and noysom gales of wind, earthquakes, and unwholsom infectious Mists; it signifies also Wars and Dissentions betwixt great and rich men, and men of a middle degree, and that the Trees shall be much damnifield by Catterpillers, and such like Worms. If ☋ be in Gemini, the Commons shall be exalted and elevated,☋ in ♊. and they shall spurn at, and despise their Superiors and Rulers, and indeavour to get all power and autho­rity into their own hands.

Also if ☊ be in Cancer, ☊ in ♋. it denotes honorable and bountious acts of the King and Rulers towards their People and Subjects; and if ☋ be in Cancer, ☋ in ♋. it denotes great mortalities and pestilencies, sudden deaths, fornications and little or no justice, rea­son or honesty amongst men, the destruction of treasuries, and the flitting of great and noble men our of one place into another, also their sad condition and banish­ment through the works of their own hands, as writing, or some other thing signi­fied by the ingenious Planet Mercury.

☊ in ♌.Again ☊ in Leo in any Revolution signifies much lightning and apparitions in the ayr, much dammage trouble and vexation, and also infectious ayr:☋ in ♌. Dragons tail in Leo, signifies a dark obscure ayr, earthquakes, increase of waters and wet wea­ther and destruction to the fruits both of trees and the Earth.

☊ in ♍.Also if ☊ be in Virgo, the fruits of the Earth and of trees shall be destroyed, there shall be many Catterpillers, and dammage and hurt shall pursue even those fruits doth of Trees, and of the Earth that are gathered into the Store-houses or Barnes, and they shall suffer great detriment: and if ☋ be in Virgo shame, hatred,☋ in ♍. and disgrace shall fall upon noble and great men, and there shall be much dissention and controversie amongst them, Religious houses, and such as study Divine matters, also shall greatly suffer dammage, trouble and loss, many discords, debates and quar­rels amongst men in points of Religion and Faith, Schisms and Heresies, &c.

☊ in ♎.Moreover ☊ in Libra shews that Kings and the Grandees of the earth, shall ex­ercise their power and authority over their People, both against Justice and their own Honour, taxing them with crimes, whereof they are innocent, and imposing Taxa­tions, and heavy extortions and burthens on them, insomuch that by reason of their poverty, which they shall be reduced to, and their grievous sad condition, they shall sink under the burthen as not being able to sustain it; but if ☋ be in Libra, ☋ in ♎. it de­notes [Page 268]the mortality of fourfooted Creatures, especially those of the smaller sort; also in Summer, extream drought; and in Winter, very hard cold weather; the Fruits of the Earth shall be destroyed, also the Seeds, Plants and Trees shall be damnified, so that they shall produce little or no increase.

☊ in ♏. Dragons Head in Scorpio, signifies joy, success and gladness to men of mean de­gree, and sadness, grief and trouble to great men, and those in high degree; also dissentions, quarrels and bloodshed amongst them (if other testimonies concur) and amongst the common people, deceat, treachery and fornications, for the which mis­demeanors, they shall (many of them) fall into the hands of their Kings and Rules; if Dragons tail be therein,☋ in ♏. men shall be molested with many feavers and infirmities in the brest, catarrs and defluctions in the throat, but noble and great men shall be safe, quiet and in a peaceable condition.

☊ in ♐. Again, if Dragons head be in any annual Revolution in Sagittary, the common people of Babylon shall be afflicted by their King and Superiors, and suffer many vexations and injuries by them; also their beasts shall suffer much detriment, and those that are in an hostile-posture, especially if it be in the last fifteen degrees of Sagittary, it signifies also an hot and dry ayr, also a thick and obscure face of heaven;☋ in ♐. And if Dragons Tail be therein, it signifies the dejection of Noble and Great men and their misfortune, but the rise of Ignoble base fellows, and the sad condition of Judges, Councellors, Learned and Wise-men, espetially if Dragons-Tail be in the first fifteen degrees.

Also if Dragons-Head be in Capricorn it denotes joy and gladness to Rich,☊ in ♑. Noble and Great men, and their honour and preferment, but the dejection of the base and Ignoble;☋ in ♑. but if Dragons Tail be therein, it signifies Earthquakes and dammages especially in the southern parts.

And Dragons-Head in Aquaries signifies the death of religious men and such as study the Law,☊ in ♒. this to some few, but in one kinde or other they will all suf­fer detriment and vexation,☋ in ♒. many Sects and Shismes shall also arise: and if Dragons Tail be therin, Kings, Great-men and Land-Lords shall be very injurious and tyrannical over their subjects, servants and tennants, and shall afflict, tax and grinde theire faces beyond common humanity and honesty.

Lastly Dragons-Head in Pisces shews the honour and dignity of Great and Noble men,☊ in ♓. and of every man according to his degree; and if Dragons-Tail be in Pisces, ☋ in ♓. many Noble and rich men shall be subjugated and brought under the power of the militia or men in armes, and be removed out of their ha­bitations for their faults, and much controversie and debates concerning Sects and the apperance of some new Heresie or Schism.

And so much for the significations of the Head and Tail of the Dragon and what we have to say in this second Section; Let us now proceed to the third and hasten to a conclusion.

SECTION III. Containing some other necessary Instructions for the judging of Events portended by any Revolution of the Years of the World; Also shewing how to judge of such Years as signifie fertility, sterility, wars, peace, health or sickness, alteration of and in the air, and of all other things foreknown by the position of the Hea­vens at the Ingress of the Sun into the first point of Aries.

CHAP. I. Shewing the Significations of the Planets in their Exaltations, and also in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Saturn or Mars at that time in any Revolution.

IN this matter we shall have chief respect to the superiour Planets, who by reason of their magnitude and slowness of motion in compari­son of the other, do effect more forcibly and infallibly on the Elemen­tary things of the world, and bodies of men.

The significa­tion of Saturn when in any Revolution he is in the point of his exal­tation.We shall begin then with Saturn, being the highest as you have heard, who if he be at the time of the Sun his Ingress into the first point of Aries in Libra, especially the 21 degree thereof, which is the sign and point of his exaltation, and receive the light and nature of Venus, he shall signifie and de­note and be the fore-runner of some great and most notable thing to happen during that Revolution, especially in those parts subject to Libra and Saturn, and men shall suffer much loss and detriment in their estates and fortunes, and that his significations shall be of long continuance; but if Venus be fortunate, Occidental, direct, free from the affliction of the Malevolents, or other impediment, free from combustion and the Sun-beams, Saturn shall be the portender of good, prosperity and increase of the Kingdoms and Powers in the places subject to his dominion and the sign Libra; but if Venus be weak, retrograde, unfortunate, afflicted by the Malevolents, com­bust, under the Sun-beams and impedited, judge the contrary; but yet you may be confident of some strange Catastrophe to happen thereupon, but the nature thereof will incline rather to evil then good.

Also if Jupiter in any Revolution be in the 15 degree of Cancer being his exal­tation, [Page 270]fortunate and strong accidentally as being well aspected of the Fortunes and no wise afflicted by the Malevolents,Of Jupiter when in his exaltation. and well aspected of the Moon, and she also strong both essentially and accidentally there is no doubt to be made of it but that he shall be the occasioner of some great alteration in Church-affairs and matters Divine and appertaining to the Law, and that for the better; but if they be afflicted, weak and impedited, judge the contrary, viz. that the alteration shall be for the worse.

Again, if at the Sun his ingress you find Mars in the 28 degree of Capricorn, be­ing his exaltation,Of Mars when in his exaltation. he denotes many and great Mutations, yet not altogether so no­table and strange as the two other preceding, and the nature and quality thereof shall be according to his own proper signification, viz. wars, fire, combustions, up­roars, slaughters, thefts, rapines and robberies, and such like, unless he be beheld of Saturn by a Sextile or Trine, and Saturn be then also well dignified and free from all manner of impediment and affliction, or behold other Planets of whom he is received and well aspected, and those Planets also fortunate and free from all manner of im­pediment; but if otherwise, it shall be the worse.

Of the Sun.There is nothing to be said of the Sun in this particular, who (by reason the Re­volution is still made by his return to the first point of Aries) can never be in the point of his exaltation in any Revolution of the World: neither indeed have I found any of the Ancients regard any of the inferiour Planets in this matter; onely Bonatus testifieth of Albumazar (a most learned Arabian in this Heavenly Science) that in every Revolution of the World we are to have regard to the exaltation of Mercury, which is the 15 degree of Virgo, and see what Planet is then therein re­ceiving Mercury, or Mercury him, for he shall be Lord or chief Denoter or Signifi­cator of what is portended by him according to his strength or weakness, as you have heard of the Superiours; for after the same manner must you judge, &c. And truly I see no reason why we may not after this rule judge of Venus and the Moon also.

Of the Conjun­ction or As­pect of Saturn with any Pla­net in exalta­tion, in any Revolution.In every Revolution see what Planet is in his exaltation, and how aspected by either Saturn or Mars; for if it be Saturn, he shall cause much dammage and detri­ment and trouble to those Regions and Places subject to the Planet with whom he is in Configuration; and if Saturn be in a fixed sign, and the Planet also in a fixed sign, the evill shall continue so many years as there wanted degrees betwixt the perfect Conjunction or Aspect; if in common signs, so many moneths; if movable, so many weeks or dayes: but if one be in a fixed sign, and the other in a common one, you are according to discretion to make commixture of moneths and years; one in a common sign, and the other in a movable, make commixture of moneths and weeks, or weeks and days, as you see reason; but if by other testimo­nies thou findest that the evil shall not continue after that Year wherein your Revo­lution was made although the Conjunction or Aspect be in or from fixed signs, yet shalt thou give but moneths then for every degree they want of the perfect Conjunction or Aspect: Note also, that if the Conjunction or Aspect be by common signs, and thou thereby judgest moneths, and the evil still continue longer then thy time prefixed, then▪ shalt thou convert them into Years: So likewise if thou didst judge days or weeks thy significators being in movable signs and the evil still continue after those weeks or days be expired, then art thou to say the continuation thereof will be so many moneths or years, &c. for as Ptolomy in his Centilo. 1. saith, A te & à scientia; for though thou hast the art to help thee, yet thou art not wholly to lay aside dis­cretion and reason.

But if any Planet by his body or aspect doth frustrate the Conjunction or Aspect of Saturn, then shall not the evil happen in the places subject to the Planet in exal­tation, but to those places ruled by the Planet so frustrating; but if there be no frustration by neither the interposition of the body or aspect of any Planet, but that Saturn do come by his beams to touch the beams of the Planet so in exal­tation, the evil by him threatned shall assuredly happen in those Regions and Places subject to his Dominion, &c.

Of Mars in aspect or Con­junction with any Planet in exaltation.Also if any Planet in exaltation in any Annual Revolution be beheld of Mars (as you heard of Saturn) by a Square or Opposition, or else afflicting any Planet by his bodily Conjunction, he shall denote very much evil, detriment and dammage to the people under his jurisdiction that is in exaltation; but if the Planet so exalted be af­flicted by Square or Opposition, it will be the more grievous by reason the nature of Mars is to cause quarrels, dissentions, wars, bloodshed and thefts which will then be incident to those parts; as touching the durability of the time, you are to judge thereof according to the nature of the signs your significators are in, as you have heard of Saturn, whether they be movable, fixed or common, &c.

Consider also the position of the Sun and Moon, and see how in every Revolution they are placed, and in Conjunction or Aspect with any Planet; for if either of them be in any Configuration with any Planet in the whole Heavens, they shall be joyned in signification therewith; and note that if the Moon be lately separated from any Planet according to the nature thereof, and the place of Heaven he is located and hath dominion in, mayst thou judge of what hath lately happened; but if he be applying to any, thereby mayst thou know what is immediatly to happen, &c.

CHAP. II. Of the Significations of the Planets, and Dragons Head and Tail, as also Blazing-Stars, when they are (in any Revolution) exalted one above another.

UNless I here remove a seeming obstruction or stumbling block, perhaps some mistakes or errours might arise much to the dammage and puzzeling of the younger Student; which is this; In the foregoing Chapter you have heard the significations of the Planets (especially the Superiour) when in any Revo­lution they are in the point of their proper exaltations; but in this Chapter when we speak of their being exalted one above the other, we mean as to their places in the Heavens at the time of the Sun his ingress into Aries; for he or she that is nearest to the Cuspe of the mid-heaven or tenth house, is the Planet most elevated or exalted, and shall have signification as followeth; yet note that it is not meant barely by the position of one above the other at that time, but when any two are in Conjunction or other Configuration and elevated the one above the other at that time, then I say shall their significations be as is here expressed.

Contrary to the Ancients who begin in this matter with Venus, I shall as all along I have done begin with Saturn, and so give you their significations still in order as they are placed in the Heavens; as Saturn being in Conjunction, Square or Opposition with any Planet, the Dragons Head, and Tail, or Blazing Star, and exalted above them, we shall begin thus: Saturn exalted above Jupiter, and then above Mars, and afterwards above the Sun and so forwards; and not as the Ancients have done who set down his significations as he is exalted above the Moon first, then above Iupiter, then Mars, then Dragons Head, Dragons Tail, Blazing-Star, and lastly Venus; omitting his significations when in any Configuration of Mercury or the Sun, and exalted above them; which defect as in this, so in the signification of the other Pla­nets, I shall endeavour to supply; for in the significations of Venus they have omit­ted Iupiter and Dragons Head; and a Blazing-Star in the significations of Iupiter; the Sun in the significations of Mars; the Sun and Venus, of Mercury, the Sun also, of the Dragons Head, Iupiter and Mars, &c.

If you find not my opinion and judgement herein sufficiently grounded on reason, you may follow what other you can find delivered unto you, which may be more [Page 272]pleasing and agreeable to thy fancy, or remain ignorant as the Ancients have left thee; but to our business:

Saturn in any Scheam at the time of any Revolution of the years of the World,Saturn exalted above any of the Planets, Dragons Head, Dragons Tayl, or Bl [...]z. Star. Jupiter. Ecclipse, or great Conjunction, or at the time of the appearance of any Comet, or Blazing-Star, or at the time of any Opposition of the Superiours, or any other re­markable or considerable face of the Heavens, in Conjunction; Square, or Opposition, or any other Aspect of Jupiter, and at that time elevated above the Body of Jupiter, in the figure of the Heavens, Great and Noble men shall be slain; if he be exalted above Mars, Mars. The Sun. he signifies good, and better success; if above the Sun when in any of the aforesaid Configurations with him, Let those Kings and such as are in high or chief Authority in those Regions subject to the sign the Sun then is in look for much trouble and sorrow, as also Treacheries and Treasons; If he be exalted above Venus, Venus. men shall delight in Pictures, Ornaments, and neatness, and addict themselves to their Trades and Occupations and delight themselves therein;Mercury. above Mercury, they will delight in Arts and Sciences, especially such as are Ingenuous; above the Moon, Luna. men shall be clownish and ill-behaved; Above Dragons Head, Great and Noble-men shall have good success joy and gladness;Dragons Head. Dragons Tayl. Blazing Star. but if above Dragons Tayl, this felicity shall happen to the Commons; And if he be exalted above any Blazing Star, when he is in any Configuration therewith, men shall generally suffer poverty, penury and want anxiety and much misery.

Jupiter exal­ted above Sa­turn. Mars. Sol. Venus. Mercury.If Jupier be eaxlted above Saturn when in any Configuration with him, he signifies much lamentation, weeping, howling, grief, trouble and sadness: Above Mars there shall happen much grief and trouble to Men, also dammage and loss if above the Sun: above Venus, Womens affairs and business shall succeed well and prospe­rously: and if above Mercury the Kings Officers shall be increased, and they shall have honor,Luna. Dragons Head profit, gain and praise: above the Moon, Noble and Great men shall in­crease and abound in honor, prosperity and success: Above the Dragons Head he de­notes all good success and fortune:Dragons Tayl. Blazing Star. if above the Dragons Tayl, depopulations and destruction of houses and buildings; above a Blazing Star, it signifies that Noble men and such as are in great esteem shall be slain.

Mars exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. Sol. Venus. Mercury.When Mars is exalted above Saturn and in any configuration with him he doth not signifie much hurt or mischief: Above Jupiter, great men shall agree to take arms and kill one an other: Above the Sun, Kings and Rulers will go neer to be slain treacherously: Above Venus, men shall not care much for pleasures, neither will women soon conceive with Child: Above Mercury, quarrels, slaugh­ters, and discords are signified:Luna. Dragons Head. And above the Moon, Earth-quakes, and those very violent: Above Dragons Head he denotes good success, and prosperity, and ho­nour to Great and Noble men:Dragons Tayl. Above Dragons Tayl, there shall happen Combusti­ons, troubles and inconveniencies to Men concerning Plants and Vegetables; And if he be exalted above a Blazing Star, Blazing Star. there will happen many slaughters amongst men, and they shall delight to sway and bear Arms.

The Sun is of that nature and quality,The Sun a­bove any of the [...]lanets, Drag. H &c. Venus exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. Mars. that by his beams any Planet is afflicted, wherefore when he is exalted so above any Planet, he is the significator of much evill and mischief, excepting Mercury strong and fortified.

Venus being exalted above Saturn, Men shall be perplexed with much grief and trouble: Above Jupiter, Great and Noble men shall be in a prosperous and happy condition, and all things shall succeed well with them: Above Mars, Women shall willingly use the Art of Generation, and soon Conceive, and Men shall be troubled in their stomachs through Surfeits and eating too much: Above the Sun, Sol. Mercury. men shall be lavish and expensive: Above Mercury, men shall domineer and triumph one over another: Above the Moon, men shall have much joy and gladness:Luna. Dragons Head Above Dragons Head, joy and gladness to Great and Noble men, and all prosperity and happiness; and they shall delight themselves with young Maids and Virgins,Dragons Tayl blazing Star. and in Womens affairs; But if above Dragons Tayl, judge neither pro­sperity nor good; and if she be exalted above any Blazing Star. being in Configu­ration therewith, she signifies that there shall be a scarcity of waters, and that wo­men shall not be in any great esteem, shall miscarry and come to many misfortunes and mischances.

Also Mercury being exalted above Saturn, men shall go about to deceive, cheat, and betray one another: Above Jupiter, Kings, Great men,Merc exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. Mars. So [...]. Venus. Luna. Dragons Head. Dragons Tayl. Blazing Star. and those in power and Authority shall increase in health and Honor: Above Mars, fear and terror shal fall upon men: above ☉, Kings and Rulers shal be famous, and addict themselves to know­ledge and learning: Above ♀, men shall addict themselves to sports, and the study of Necromancy, occult and secret Arts: Above the ☽ he signifies joy and gladness, and that men shal do wonderful and strange feats: Above ☊, there shall be many manifest thefts and robberies: above ☋ it signifies men shall be scoffers and jeerers one of ano­ther: Above a Blazing Star, men shall stay and destroy those that are Masters of their Militia, and such as are in most eminent and chief command and best souldiers.

The ☽ being in any Configuration of ♄, and exalted above him,Lana exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. Mars. Sol. signifies evill and mischief, and that men shall be ill-conditioned one towards another: Above ♃, rich and noble men shal encrease in health, wealth, and honor. Above ♂. Houses and buildings shall be destroyed by fire; also Earth-quakes and much blood-shed: Above ☉, mischief and much evill; and take this for a general rule, Let her be Significatrix of what you will, she ever denotes mischief and misfortune if she be under the Sun-beams: Above ♀, Noble and rich Women shall encrease in honour and esteem:Venus. Mercury. Dragons Head. Dragons Tayl. Blazing Star. Above ☿, men shall be wise, shall choose grave and judicious Counsellors, and shall make good Laws and wise Acts: Above ☊, she signifies dammage to Rivers and Fountains, Springs, and water-places: Above ☋, mortality and destruction to beasts: And lastly, above a Blazing Star, she signifies loss of of substance.

Thus much of the significations of the Planets, when exalted one above the other, and above ☊, ☋, and Blazing Stars, it resteth therefore now to shew you the signi­fications of them, being exalted over one another, and also over the Planets, and so conclude this Chapter; according then to the same order we have hitherto followed, we are to begin with ☊, and then of the other two.

Now if ☊ be beheld of ♄, and ☊ at that time exalted above him,Dra. H. exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. it stirreth up Wars, and men shall delight to bear Arms: Above ♃, Noble and rich Men shall increase in honour and greatness, and all business shall succeed well with them: Above ♂, Souldiers and such as carry Arms shall be prosperous, in esteem, and fortunate;Mars. It shall also go well with Kings, and the Grandees of the Earth when it is exalted above ☉: And if it be above ♀,Sol. Venus. Mercury. it signifies that Women and Virgins shall be joyfull and merry, and that every thing shall succeed well with them in a generall way: Above ☿, men shall delight and addict themselves to laying of foundations for Palaces Royall, Castles, Cities, Towns, and Villages: Above the ☽,Luna. men shall have loss and detriment in their substance and goods: Above ☋ in this nature it cannot be exalted,Dragons Tayl. (because (as you have heard in the 17. Chapter of the 2. Treatise of this Volume) they are but Nodes, and can behold no Planet, because they have no rayes nor beams, but may be beheld by any Planet) and therefore in this, ☋ is omitted; again if Dragons Head be exalted above a Blazing Star, Blazing Star. it signifies tempestuous stormy windes and tempests, and those very often.

Dragons Tayl exalted above ♄,Dra. T. exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. Mars, Sol. Venus. Mercury. Luna. signifies the death and destruction of old people, and Monks, and Religious men: Above ♃, long life and joy: Above ♂, sadness and vexation: above ☉, much evill and want of charity: Above ♀, dam­mage to Women, especially to young Maids and Virgins: Above ☿, evil to learned and wise men: above the ☉, destruction to rich men and loss of substance: Above a Blazing Star, It denotes damage in the affairs generall of women.

Now lastly, touching Blazing Stars, Blaz. S. exalted above Saturn. Jupiter. and what may be predicted by their being exalted above the Planets, ☊ and ☋; A Blazing Star then being in Configura­tion of ♄, and exalted above him, signifies many and great infirmities: Above ♃, men shall kill and murther their Nobles, and Great men, and such as are in esteem: Above ♂, men shall usually delight to bear Arms, and there shall happen many great wars and slaughters: If above ☉,Mars. Sol. Venus. Mercury. Luna. Dragons Head Dragons Tayl. men shall quarrell one with another, be treacherous and given to Treasons: Above ♀, a deminution and drying up of waters: Above ☿, damage and destruction to young men: Above ☽, loss and damage to men in generall in their substance: Above ☊, Noble men shall be slain, and such as are in esteem: Above ☋, there shall happen loss and destruction to fruits of the Earth and Trees.

CHAP. III. Containing Considerations from the Sun and Moon when the Revo­lution is either Diurnal or Nocturnal, also when the Revolution happens at Sun-setting and break of day; from the Lord of the hour, Part of Fortune, the indisposition of Saturn and Mars, from their Conjunction with the Dragons Head and Tail in any Annual Revolution.

DIligently thou art to observe whether the Revolution in any year be by night or by day, viz. Diurnal or Nocturnal; and if it be Diurnal, have regard to the Sun, If any Revo­lution be Diurnal. how and where he is posited in the figure at the time of the Re­volution, and how aspected of the Fortunes or Infortunes; for if he be well aspected by benevolent and adjuvant Planets, it signifies according to the nature and signifi­cation of the Planets aspecting him and the nature of the signs they are in; if he be maliciously and unfortunately beheld by the Malevolents, judge the contrary dammage and evil.

For if the Sun be strong and well dignified and aspected, he signifies (the Revolu­tion being Diurnal) the accomplishment of some high and remarkable action; see also if the Lord of the then Ascendent be strong essentially, and accidentally well aspected; for if so, he shall signifie prosperity, health and happiness during that Re­volution to those Regions, Cities, Towns and Places subject to the sign which is then upon the Cuspe of the Ascendent, also to that Kingdom or Nation for which the Re­volution is made, and the Kingdoms, Regions and Places subject to the Lord of the Ascendent; but if he be weak, afflicted and impedited, he shall signifie trouble, vexa­tion, misery, detriment and very much unhappiness (according to the quantity and quality of his affliction) unto those aforesaid places subject to the Lord of the Ascendent and sign thereof.

And if the Ascendent be Libra, and Venus who is Lady thereof be cadent from it, or from an angle, impedited, retrograde or combust, afflicted by the Malevolents or any other ways unfortunated, it signifies there shall happen sadness, vexation, trou­ble, misery, and many infirmities and destruction in an high measure to all those Re­gions, Towns, Cities, Kingdoms and Nations under the dominion of Venus and Li­bra; what those are you are taught in the second Book; and so likewise judge of any other Planet and Sign in the same nature.

If the Revo­lution be Nocturnal.But if the Revolution be Nocturnal, you are to have regard to the place and strength of the Moon, as you have heard of the Sun, and judge accordingly; for if the Moon be Lady of the Year; or of the Ascendent, increasing in light and motion, in Cancer well dignified and aspected of the benevolent Planets, you shall judge the Year will be successful, the people generally healthful, fortunate and happy; but if she be weak, impedited, afflicted of the malevolent Planets, slow in motion, decreas­ing in light and impedited, judge the contrary, and that this good or evil shall chiefly be incident to those Regions and Places signified by her and Cancer, &c. but if she be not in Cancer, look to the Planet that is then her dispositor, viz. [he that is Lord of the sign wherein she is] and see whether he be essentially or accidentally debilita­ted or assisted, and accordingly judge as you have heard of the Moon good or bad, as he is strong or weak, and that it shall happen to the places subject to the sign ascending, the Lord thereof, and to the sign wherein the Moon is, and its Lord, as also the Region for which your Figure is erected.

See also if the Moon (the Revolution being Nocturnal) be either in Conjunction [Page 275]or aspect with Saturn (or any other malevolent Planet if in your Figure you find him also accidentally significator of mischief and impediment) without any reception either of house, exaltation, triplicity, term or face, and the Moon decreasing in light; for if so, the mischief and misfortune is so much the more increased, as is the nature and signification of the afflicting or impediting Planet; but if the Moon be separating from the Conjunction or aspect of any afflicting and unfortunate Planet, and be in­creasing in light and motion, the evil will be so much the more lessened and dimi­nished, &c.

The nature of any afflicti­on, and from whence it shall arise.If you would know the nature of the affliction threatned or portended by any Pla­net afflicting or impediting your significator, you need do no more then this; see to the natural signification of the afflicting Planet, and also accidental as he is placed in your Scheme, the nature of the house and sign he is placed in, and so judge ac­cordingly; judge the evil shall proceed from the signification of the house wherein the afflicting Planet is located; the nature and quality thereof from the natural and accidental signification of the Planet and sign wherein he is.

As for example, we shall suppose your significator to be the Lord of Year or Ascendent, the Planet afflicting to be Mars and he Lord of the seventh and located in the second; from hence you shall conclude that the people of the Nation for which the Revolution is made, signified by the Lord of the Year or Ascendent, shall be afflicted and damnified in their estates and riches, being afflicted in or from the second house (which you know denotes the wealth and riches of the people) therefore from hence shall the evil or mischief threatned proceed: Now as touching the na­ture thereof, or manner how it shall come to pass, you shall say it shall be by the sword, thefts, wars, murthers and the like, which are the natural significations of Mars; or else by the power or treacherous plots of their Enemies, which is his ac­cidental signification as being Lord of the seventh, which you have heard is the house of Enemies, &c. or if the sign of the second be Libra, and Mars therein, look to his significations in Libra, as you have been taught in the seventeenth Chapter of the second Section of this same Treatise and say it shall be occasioned so and so as you have it there expressed; in like manner if it be any other sign or any other Planet, judge according as you shall see most requisite and agreeing to art and nature; if the afflicting Planet be in the third, the evil shall proceed from short journies, neigh­bours, kindred, or brothers and sisters or associates; if in the fourth, from fathers, heritages, loss of possessions, houses, farms, or destruction of seed and fruits, &c. judge still according to the nature of the house wherein your afflictor shall be found, which you have been taught elsewhere sufficiently.

How to judge of any thing signified by the 12 houses of Heaven.Having hereby now fully declared unto thee the manner how thou mayst exactly and truly judge of the state and condition of what is signified by the Lord of the Ascendent, so also is it requisite to acquaint thee that thou mayst (following the same method) judge of what is also signified by the Lord of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and so round the whole Heavens of every thing appertaining to the life of man in a natural way, there being nothing in the world but what is signified by one house or other, and by which a man may judge of the quality and nature thereof.

As if the Lord of the second house be strong, free from misfortune and impediment, judge the good success of all things thereby signified, and to all Nations and Places subject unto the sign thereof and its Lord; but if unfortunate, impedited, weak and afflicted, judge mischief, trouble, crosses and losses, &c. according to the significa­tion thereof, and the aforesaid Places and Regions under the sign and Lord thereof; and so (I say) mayst thou easily in this manner judge of any other thing, still re­membring to derive your Judgement from the signification of the house, nature of the Planet afflicting or assisting, and that the good or evil will be incident to those Regions and Places subject to the sign and Lord thereof, &c.

If the Revolu­tion be at Sun setting or day breaking.Look also that if your Revolution be at the time of the Sun-setting, or within an hour and half thereof, you regard not the position and fortitudes of the Sun, but of the Moon who is the Governess of the night, which doth then immediately succeed: [Page 276]In like manner if the Revolution be about the same time before break of day, the Sun is to be considered in the same manner as you have been shewn, and not the Moon, it being so near day-breaking; and over and above what hath been delivered unto you, you are in the consideration of the strength of either the Sun or Moon, to see if either of them are to suffer an Eclipse during the time of that Revolution; and if so, to look to the place thereof, viz. in what house of Heaven, in what sign and de­gree of the Zodiack, and the Almuten of those places, and the state of those Planets in Configuration with him, or the place of the Eclipse, viz. whether they be strong or weak; good or bad, and accordingly judge; but of this more in the next Section, wherein we shall treat of Eclipses.

Considera­tions from the Lord of the hour, Part of Fortune, and its Dispositor.Again, you must know that in every Revolution the Lord of the hour, or Planet ruling the time in which the Revolution is made, is to be regarded, as also Part of Fortune and its dispositor; for if they be well dignified, well placed and aspected of the fortunate and adjuvant Planets, thou mayst assuredly conclude that the good signified by the Lord of the Year, or significator of the King, shall be augmented, if the Lord of the Year or significator of the King do denote any good; but if they portend evil, and the Lord of the Year, Part of Fortune and its dispositor be also ill disposed, unfortunate and weak, the mischief shall be also augmented; but if then the Lord of the hour, Part of Fortune and its dispositor be strong, the mischief shall be diminished, and so on the contrary if they be weak, and the Lord of the Year strong, and also the significator of the King, they shall diminish the good by them signified.

Considerati­ons from the Position of Sa­turn and Mars.Consider also in every Revolution the position of Saturn and Mars, and see if Mars be then stationary to retrogradation, and in Conjunction with Saturn, or Sa­turn applying to him whilst he remains stationary, or Mars unto him when he be­comes retrograde; for if so, thou shalt assuredly judge there shall be much fierce­ness, cruelty, barbarous and outragious actions amongst men, and little or no piety, or mercy, but Malefactors, Thieves, Cutters, Murtherers and Robbers by the High-way shall abound, and servants and the rural sort of people shall be disobedient to their Masters and Superiours; and it shall be the worse if Saturn be in Libra re­trograde, and in Opposition of the Sun, and the Sun in aspect with Mars, and Mars by his retrogradation also applying to the Sun (for you must know that the superiour Planets cannot apply to any inferiour Planet, except when they are retrograde) and the evil will be yet the more increased if Mars be then peregrine and going to the Conjunction of Saturn, and the Revolution be at Sun-setting, or near thereunto, viz. a little before or after; also when these Configurations are in any Revolution, some of the Ancients have concluded there will be many wars, quarrels, discords and much bloodshed in the Cities and Regions of both the East and West; and truly my opi­nion also is that there will thereon assuredly happen many commotions, intestine wars and bloodshed in many parts; those places chiefly I conceive will be concerned in it that are subject to both Saturn, Mars and the signs wherein they are then lo­cated.

From the Con­junction of Dragons Head with Saturn. Dragons Head in Conjunction of Saturn in Aries.Again, see whether the Dragons Head in any Annual Revolution be in ♂ with ♄, for then shalt thou conclude much mischief and detriment to those Regions and Places subject to the sign wherein the ♂ is, unless the benevolent aspect of some fortunate Planet prevent it: for if they be in ♂ in ♈ they shall denote evil and mischief to Sheep and the smaller sort of Cattel, unless the ⚹ or △ of ♂ intervene, and he well dignified essentially; also much anxiety, vexation and trouble to Kings, Nobles and great men, if ☉ behold them not with a good aspect, and be also fortified, or else the Lord of the tenth.

Dragons Head, Saturn, Con­junction in Taurus.And if ☊ be in ♂ with ♄ in ♉, the evil shall happen to Oxen, Buls, Cows, and the greater sort of Cattel, Horses, &c. also in some sort to Sheep, and to young Men and Youths, Hearbs, Plants and Trees; there shall be little rain, and a diminu­tion of provisions and fruits of the earth, if ☽ and ♀ prevent not.

Dragons Head, Saturn, Con­junction in Ge­mini.In Gemini if they be in Conjunction, because it is a humane sign, there shall much evil and mischief fall on mankind, especially those in their younger years, but those in [Page 277]the strength of years, not so much nor on such as are well stricken in age; there shall also be many great windes and abnoxious.

In Cancer such places as are subject to Locusts and Caterpillars shall abound therewith, and where rain is no novelty there shall be much more then is usual;☊, ♄ in ♂ in ♋. the fruits of the Earth also shall suffer much damage by Locusts and such kinde of obnoxious creatures, unless aspected by Luna or Jupiter.

And if they be in Conjunction in Leo, the evil shall fall on wilde and savage beasts,☊, ♄, ♂ in ♌. also on Kings and Great men, if the Sun doth not with some benevolent Aspect be­hold them.

Also if they be in Conjunction in Virgo ☊, ♄, ♂ in ♍. dammage is threatned to women and chiefly to the younger sort, and also young men will not be wholly free; Seeds, Corn▪ and such fruits as are reduced to seed, will be diminished, or there shall be a scarcity thereof, by reason they shall be much damnified, for you must know this is an earthy sign.

Again, if in Libra, which is an aiëry and humane sign,☊, ♄, ♂ in ♎. it shall happen to men and in the air, and that chiefly to those of mature years, and such as are of a good age, and not to the younger sort; and there will be many great and high windes, if Saturn or Venus contradict it not.

Moreover if they be in Conjunction in Scorpio, ☊, ♄, ♂ in ♏. the mischief shall happen to such creatures as are of a poysonous and venemous nature, especially to Scor­pions.

Also if Dragons Head and Saturn be in Conjunction in the first fifteen degrees of Sagittarius (which is humane) the impediment or mischief shall happen to man­kinde; but in the last fifteen degrees on great Cattel,☊, ♄, ♂ in ♐ especially on Horses and such as men ride on.

In Capricorn on Goats and such like,☊ ♄, ♂ in ♑. and the fruits of the Earth will suffer detri­ment, but not altogether so much as when they are joined in Virgo; also grievous cold and sharp weather if Mars work not to the contrary by his Aspect unto them.

In Aquaries on antient and old men,☊, ♄, ♂ in ♒. and not to those in their prime and strength of age and youths or young men.

And in Pisces on such creatures as live in the element of water,☊, ♄, ♂ in ♓. especially such fishes as are usually eaten by men, if Jupiter or Venus prevent not.

And if Dragons Head be in Conjunction with Mars in any of the twelve signs,☊, ♂, ♂ in any of the 12 signs. he shall signifie also much evil, but not so much as Saturn doth, and it shall chiefly be by heat and drought, unless Jupiter or Saturn work to the contrary.

Also in Conjunction with Dragons Tayl, be it in what sign it will,☋, ♂, ♂ in any of the 12 signs. he signifies de­structions, depopulations, fire, sword, slaughter and great blood-shed, famine also and much mischief.

So likewise if Saturn and Dragons Tayl be in Conjunction in any sign,☋, ♄, ♂ in any of the 12 signs. he signifies famine, a scarcity of provisions, great mischiefs, cold in the extremity, grievous fears, anxieties, terrors and troubles, much want and scarcity of the fruits of the Earth, and a superfluity of evils, torments and grievances; and these shall be incident to those places subject to the sign wherein they are joined, and understand the same of Mars when he is joined with either the Head or Tail, &c.

CHAP. IV. Teaching how to judge of the evil of any year, the nature thereof, and when the year is most likely to be both turbulent, obnoxious, and unfortunate, also what is portended in any Revolution when one Planet transfers his light and nature to another.

EVer when you would know what grievous and heavy accidents and evils are to happen, or are threatned to any place, look to the Position of Sa­turn and Mars, for from them are you to require judgment touching this matter, for if you find them in the higher circle, viz. in the middle thereof towards the North, and they have then Septentrional latitude, and be above the earth, thou shalt judge there will grievous and horrible actions happen in that Revolution, or before the Sun enter again the first point of Aries, in and to those parts under the Sign and Triplicity wherein they are; also look how much they are elevated above the earth, (especially Saturn) and they shall signifie so much the more mischief and trouble, and the more certain will your judgment be; also when they are in the superiour part of the Circle, they denote a hard and scarse year, both for provisions, fruits of the Earth, and all things else.

And if one be in a Square of the other, it will be the worse in every particular, also Iefections to and in all kind of living creatures, tribulations and troubles, and that of continuance and durability, and so much the rather if Saturn be then in Virgo, and Mars in Gemini, and the Revolution Nocturnal, and Mars applying or transla­ting his light and nature to Saturn, and he receive him and either, both or one of them Retrograde: and Saturn shall be then most mischievous, In so much that Jupiter shall not be of sufficient efficacy to alter it, unless Saturn or Mars be in Cancer in a Sextile or Trine of Jupiter, and he strong and well dignified at that time, and then he shall break his malice with whom he is aspected, and diminish it or wholly take it away, which you may judge from the strength of your Significators.

The affairs also of the King or Grandees of the Nation where your Revoluti­on is, and their condition shall be bad and suffer detriment, and much trouble and dif­ficulty there shall be in or about them, and they shall require aid and assistance from the common people, Religion shall be slingted and impiety and wickedness shall in­crease amongst men, and no mercy or pity shall be found amongst them, and this shall continue till either Saturn or Mars transite the cusp of the tenth House at time of the Revolution, or shall then begin ad continue, at least till Mars have made one Revolution through the twelve Signs of the Zodiack.

But if then Saturn be in Virgo and Mars Aspect him out of Gemini (as hath been said) and the Moon also translate her light to Saturn and she in Sagittarie, there shall be misery upon misery, the mischief of mischiefs, the trouble of troubles, the tribu­lation of tribulations, the pestilence of pestilencies, and the misfortune of misfor­tunes, and all kind of vexations, troubles and torments, also it signifies the destruction of Kingdoms, and translation of one Kingdome into the power and under the subje­ction of another.

Moreover if the Moon when she translates her light and nature to Saturn, either by Conjunction, Square or Opposition, and the Lord of the Sign wherein she is when there is a Partil Conjunction, Square or Opposition betwixt them, be then impedited, unfortunate, weak or afflicted, there shall be many diversities of mischiefs during the time of that Revolution; and if then the Moon were eclipsed at the Preventional, or to be eclipsed at the Postventional full Moon [Page 279]immediately going before or comming after any such Configuration, the mischiefs and troubles threatned shall continue so many moneths as the Moon is or shall be ecclipsed houres, reckoning from the minute she first begins to be ecclipsed till the Punctum wherein she is again free.

But if Part of Fortune be Impedited, and its dispositor when the Moon is so in Conjunction or aspect partil of Saturn, the evill thereby signified or threatned shall be increased; have regard also to the Sun how he is placed, dignified and aspected by the Malevolent Planet, or by what Aspect he beholds him, (as you have heard of the Moon) and the Lord of the Sign in which he is at the time of the Partil Con­junction or Aspect, and make Part of Fortune and its Dispositor participate in sig­nification therewith, and judge accordingly mutatis mutandis, as you have heard (I say) of the Moon; and if the Sun was eclipsed, or to be eclipsed at the Preventi­onal or Postventional Conjunction of the Luminaries or change of the Moon (to speak plainly) the evill then threatned shall continue so many years as the Sun is at that time eclipsed houres.

Also when any Planets behold one another, and be in any Reception, look in what place in the figure they project their rays or beams; for those places subject to the sign wherein they cast their rayes, shall suffer such things as are by those Planets signified, whether good or bad, more then any other place.

And if one planet transfer his light, Nature and Vertue to another, you are diligently to weigh their natures and significations, and judge accordingly as you have been before sufficiently shown; as if the Significator of the King transfer his light and Nature to Saturn, and he also well disposed, such people and religious orders and things which you have heard elsewhere signified by Saturn, shall be bet­tered, and receive good from the bounty or liberality of the King or Superiours; If to Jupiter, Nobles, Judges, and such as converse in the Law, and are signified by him, shall receive honour, liberty, and much good from the Kings hand, &c. And so judge if any other Planet and if any other Significator transfer his light to any, remember the Nature of your Significator; transfering his light, and the Natural and Accidental signification of the Planet to whom it is transferred, and judge according thereunto and you are right, and will soon be able to judge of any matter mutatis mutandis, varying your rules according to Art.

And thus far have I in a manner reiterated rules and words for thy through understanding and instruction in such matters as have been delivered in a more short and compendious manner before, and indeed so much the rather, be­cause that though what was at the beginning of this Discourse set down, was sufficient to and for any one that is any thing entred into this Art, yet would it perhaps have seemed somewhat difficult to those who are as yet altogether unseen therein, and therefore I hope this fault will be by the Judicious deemed venial; Wherefore let us now proceed.

CHAP. V. Shewing how to judge of health or sickness in any year.

THus then, if thou wouldst be expert in this manner of judgement, have re­spect to the Cusp of the Ascendent of the figure of the heavens at the time of your Revolution, and the Ascendent of the figures at the time of the Conjunction or preventional Conjunction of the Luminaries before the Sun his in­gress into Aries; and then if these two Ascendents and the Moon be free from Mis­fortune, and the Lord of the place of the Conjunction also free, and then applying to a Fortune, as also the Luminaries beholding him, especially that of the time, viz the Sun, if it be by day, the Moon, if by night; then it signifies that that year shall be free from infirmities general, and diseases, and shall be healthful; but if the Lords of these two Ascendents, and the Moon, and Lord of the place of the Conjunction, and prevention, be all or the major part of them unfortunate, it denotes general infirmites and diseases, and no healthful year; and that according to the power of the infortunate Planets, their nature and the nature of the signs and places they are in; what diseases are appropriated to both the Planets and Signs; I have sully de­livered unto you in the second Treatise of this Volumn, entituled, An Introduction to the judgement of the STARS.

Also if the Lords of those two Ascendents, or one of them being so unfortunated, apply to the Lord of the Eighth House, there shall be many general infirmities and also death; but if otherwise, there shall be many infirmities and general diseases, but not mortality, and if death, it will not be great.

Moreover, if the strongest Planet of these Significators apply to the Lord of the Eighth, there shall be many sudden deaths, without any great or tedious sicknesses; also if to the Lord of the sixth, there shall be many infirmities and general di­seases, and those of long continuance: And if Mars be the afflicting Planet, he shall signifie hot and dry diseases, especially if he be in a siëry sign, and swift of motion: and if it be Saturn, he shall cause lingring Agues, Coughs, Consum­ptions and Saturnian tedious diseases, especially if he be in a cold and dry sign, and flow in motion.

CHAP. VI. Of Wars or Peace.

HItherto we have proceeded in a plain and easie manner of Instruction, for it is my most earnest desire that knowledge may flow as a stream amongst all judicious souls, especially those of this my native Nation of England; and therefore I shall here again desire the more quick and nimble apprehensions to pardon both my largeness and plainness, since I write to those that are altogether to seek in these matters.

How to judge whether there shall [...]e war in any year.Wherefore then know, that years of War, Dissention, Quarrels and Bloodshed, are to be judged from the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, as also from their Square and Opposition, also from the Ascendent and Angles of the Revolution of the year; for if these Superior Planets be either in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of [Page 281]each other, or applying to each other by any of these Configurations, wars are to be feared, and that they shall then begin when they are in Partil Conjunction or Aspect, if they are in Angles, or else they shall begin when Jupiter enters his ex­altation or one of his houses, or any of the Angles of the Figure at time of the Revo­lution; and judge that party to have Victory that is signified by the Planet most elevated in his excentrick; for if Jupiter be most elevated, and be exalted above Saturn, they shall overcome who make insurrection or begin the strife.

Also if Mars be in any of the Angles at time of the Revolution, whichsoever it be, he excites and stirs up wars according to his strength and power; for if he be strong and well dignified, it will be the more certain, also the strife and war will be the more invective and grievous; in like manner if he be in a Square of Saturn or Jupiter, because these are the Superior Planets; for take this for an approved Aphorism, that when any of the Superiors, viz. Saturn, Jupiter or Mars (who are thus termed because they are above the Sun) are in Conjunction, or any Malevo­lent Configuration one of another, there happens great and manifest Alterations in this Elementary world, according to their strength and natural and accidental Significations.

In what place war shall hap­pen. If thou wouldst know where the war shall be, when in any Revolution or other face of heaven thou seest it threatned, have regard unto the sign in which Mars is located, also the sign wherein he aspecteth either Saturn or Jupiter by Square or Opposition; also in what sign and part of heaven, Part of War, Blood-shed, or Con­tention falleth, and say that in those parts signified by those signs, the War, Dissen­tion, Bloodshed and Strife will be, and so accordingly judge, or by the major part. How to take Part of War. as also Part of Peace, and all other parts requisite to be known, I shall not here mention; the exact knowledge whereof would require a volumn by themselves, which (God enabling me and granting me life and health) I shall endeavor to deliver to the world, if I finde the inclinations of men worthy of such blessings, and therein also I shall endeavor to give them some grounds and reasons why the Antients have invented such variety of parts, and why they are of such signification.

See also if any of the Infortunes, or all, behold the house of Mars or Part of War, with a Square or Opposition, or be therein, or behold the sign by which the Nation, Town or City is signified for which your Figure is set, or the Significa­tor of the King or Nobles of that Nation, Kingdom or People with a Square or Opposition; or be corporally joyned thereunto; it signifies, that if the King or that People have Wars with any, they shall be beaten and worsted; or at least, possessed with much grief, sadness, trouble, sorrow and anxiety: also if the Planet that is their Significator be combust, it signifieth the same; and if Retrograde, they shall fly from before their enemies, and grow weakerand weaker, shall be indigent and cast down; judge also the same, although he were at first well placed, and after a while becomes thus afflicted.

When the was or quartel will happen.Again, if in any Revolution of the year Mars be joyned to Part of War, espe­cially in fiëry signs, it denotes Wars and Quarrels; and if Part of War be strong and free from affliction, they shall overcome that begin and soment the dissention and quarrel; but if it be weak judge the contrary; you may also judge of the time when the War will happen, from the distance of Saturn and Mars, if their Conjunction or Aspect be a forerunner thereof, or of any other Significators, by seeing how many degrees they want of the Partil Conjunction or Aspect, and giving a moneth, day or week to every degree, according as they are in signs fixed, moveable or com­mon, as you have been taught before; or else you may have regard to the Planet denoting War, who if he be Direct, it will happen when he becomes Retrograde; if he be Retrograde, say it will be when he becomes Direct, or when his beams are joyned in Configuration or Conjunction of the Significator of the King; and if he behold the Significator of the people, he signifieth much thieving, pillaging and robbing, especially if the Malevolent Planet be in an Angle; but if he be not in an Angle, but only in a succedent or cadent, the evil will not be general, but on­ly [Page 28]in such Towns, Cities and places under the sign wherein he is, unless his beams be mixed in Aspect or Conjunction with the beams of the Lord of the Ascen­dent; for unless he have rule and Dominion in the Revolution, he shall not then signifie generally evill.

Also if Mars be in any of the Angles, and the Division apply to any term of his, and the Revolution apply to the place where Mars was, in the last Conjunction of the Planets preceding, or to the place in which Mars was, in any great Con­junction, it signifieth in that year fighting and quarrelling in those places and Re­gions subject to the sign wherein Mars was, and the application is; Dissentions and quarrels also are threatned when Mars is in Square or Opposition of Saturn, and Mars received; but if Mars be not received, neither Saturn, it signifieth but little quarrelling; also if in any Revolution he be under the Sun beams, he denotes Wars, especially if in a moveable sign, but in a common sign he pro­miseth not much; and if Mars be in Gemini, in the Tenth House, the King shall be very lavish and spend his treasure; Note also that if the Lord of the Fourth be in the Ninth House of Heaven, it signifies the prisons and goals shall be set open, and many Captives and Prisoners shall escape.

Other rules for the pre­dicting war, and how it wild be occasi­oned.Moreover, thou art to remember, that in what ever Revolution of the World thou lookest, Wars are still to be known and judged from Mars, who is the occa­sioner of all dissentions, quarrels, wars, blood-shed and commotions in the Ele­mentary world generally; but if thou wouldst know the Immediate causes and fomenters thereof, look from what Planet Mars last separated before the Sun his ingress into the first point of Aries; for although they be Fortunes, yet shall they and such as are by them fignified be the occasioners thereof; as, we shall admit Mars last separated from Conjunction or Aspect of Jupiter, from whence we shall judge that Noble men, rich and great in power, authority and esteem, shall be the fomenters of the War threatned; or Bishops, Pope, Cardinals, Church-men and Religious people, they being all Signified by him; In like manner if it Venus, Sa­turn, the Sun, the Moon or Mercury, you have no more to doe then judge in the like manner according to their several Significations which you are sufficiently taught in the second Book of this Volume.

When we may predict peace, victory, loss, dammage, as­sistance; and from whence the assistance is to [...]e ex­pected, and from w [...]at kinde of men.Now when thou hast found in any Revolution, that wars are threatned, have re­gard unto the Planet signifying it; for if he be direct and well dignified, the war shall not continue or last long, but shall be broken by the King of that Region for which your Revolution is, for it signifieth a cessation of arms, and that there shall be peace; see also how he is aspected and by what Planets, and by how many; for many Planets beholding him, (especially being then essentially strong) it signifies the people shall be in good condition, shall be strong and able to defend themselves, and offend their enemies, shall overcome them and have assistance from others, ac­cording to the nature of the Planets so aspecting him.

But if he be retrograde, they shall be beaten, shall run away and be dejected; and if stationary to Direction, they shall be strong and powerful in war; but if stationary to Retrogradation, at the beginning of the war they shall be strong, but it shall go hard with them in the end. In like manner have regard to the Significator of their enemies, or those that begin and first foment strife, and judge of their conditi­on mutatis mutandis, as you have of these; for if their Significator be direct there is a probability of peace, and that to proceed from their desire and willingness, or if there be war that they shall overcome; but if thou wouldst know by what means they shall thus become victorious, if thou findest their Significator strong essen­tially, and not beheld by any other Planet, say by their own strength and policy; but if it be aspected and assisted by the benevolent rayes of other Planets, their Significator essentially not being very strong, say by the help of such as are signified by those Planets so assisting and beholding their Significator shall they become vi­ctorious; as if it be Saturn, say by the help of some King; if the Sun, by some Prince or Noble man (for the Sun signifieth rather petty Princes then [...]aturn) if Mars, by souldiers and warlike men; If Jupiter, by noble, wise and discreet grave men; [Page 283]If Mercury, by scholars, and learned, witty, politick men; If Venus, by riches or by some noble spirited women; If Luna by Merchants, Sea men or the common people of any place; but if thou wouldst particularly know the place, or from what Countrey, Nation, or Province, it is no more then thus, look to the Sign wherein your adjuvant Planets, or Planet is, and judge according to discretion, that they will be such as are of the Nation or place thereby signified, remembring that antient Aphorism àte & àscientia, for you must not judge impossibilities, or what is contrary or repugnant to reason.

By what Nati­on or People the war shall be begun.Again, If thou wouldst know by what Nation or men the war threatned is to be begun or acted, look to which part Mars seems to be assistant, remembring that the ascendent, the Lord thereof, and Planet from whom Mars last separated are Sig­nificators of the Kingdom, People or Nation wherein your Revolution is; the seventh House, the Lord thereof and the Planet Mars next applies unto, are Signi­ficators of their enemies: and that he is more assistant to that party with whose Significator he is applying or in Configuration, or that which he doth more lovingly behold; for on whose side soever you finde Mars, say that that party shall be the beginners or fomenters of the war if he be direct, and that they shall be valiant and stout, and turn their backs upon no enemy whatsoever; but if he be retro­grade it shall be occasioned by divers men who aim at the honour and applause of such actions as they are never able to perform or are worthy of the name, yet at­tributing that unto themselves which was acted and accomplished by others, shall boast of great and high matters, but shall perform little or nothing, and lay the burthen of the war on other mens shoulders, and shall themselves only thieve, pillage and plunder, and cut by the high ways; and if Mars be stationary (as abovesaid) the war shall be the more greivous and hot, and the men more strong and couragious.

Have regard also unto Saturn, who stirs up most deadly fewds and heart-burn­ings above any of the other Planets, when he is Significator of dissentions and troubles, and that to those to whose side he takes: also grievous troubles and miseries unto those Cities and Towns subject unto the sign wherein he is, according to the signification of the house of Heaven he is in, as if in the second, they shall be damnified in their estates, substance and riches; in the third, in their small jour­neys, brethren and kindred, and so (as you have been taught above) you may run over the signification of every house of Heaven; if he be retrograde, he shall signifie the same mischiefs which you have heard of Mars, but they shall be more grievous and intolerable.

What may be expected when the Lord of the year, half year, quarter, moneth or day are in good as­pect, and re­ception of the Planet signify­ing war.Know also that if the Planet denoting war be in good aspect and reception of the Lord of the Year, he shall denote good during that Revolution, viz. peace and no war; If with the Lord of the half Year or quarter, no mischief by war shall happen that half year or quarter; In like manner, if he be thus in Configuration with the Lord of the moneth and day, such mischief shall not happen therein: and if this reception by either body or aspect, be in the first seven degrees of any sign, the good shall be chiefly at the beginning of the year and during the first quarter; If it be between the seventh and fifteenth degree, during the first half year, If betwixt the fifteenth and one and twentieth, in the third quarter; If between that and the end, in the last quarter and later end of the year: In like manner judge of the moneths, days and hours.

Whether the Enemies Ge­neral be young or old.The Antients amongst other curiosities in this nature have given these rules for the knowing whether the Generall or chief Commander of the enemies party be young or old; have regard to the Significator of the afflicting Planet and Signifi­cator of the enemy, and see if they be Oriental, for then it denoteth him young, especially if then the Moon be also Oriental; but if they be all Occidental, he is old; but if one shall be Oriental and the other Occidental, he is neither young nor very old but of a middle age.

I shall here now conclude this Chapter with this note, that all quarrels and [Page 284]blood-sheds that happen in the World are generally occasioned by Mars, because when he enters any angle, especially the fourth, he signifies there shall be many quarrels and wars, and great slaughters and effusion of blood, and that men shall delight to kill one another.

CHAP. VII. Of Fertility and Sterility.

How to judge of plenty in any year. REason and Experience teacheth us, that commonly after war comes a scarcity; and after peace, plenty; and therefore these being their successors (as I may say) or events, I have thought good in this Chapter to speak thereof.

Wherefore in this matter have regard to the Ascendents of the Conjunction and prevention of the Luminaries to the Revolution and their places; and if the place of the Conjun­ction or prevention apply to the place of Jupiter, and Jupi­ter have dominion in that place, or if he assist the Lord of the Ascendent, and the Lord of the fourth house at that time free from misfortune, and the application of the Ascendent of that law or the change of Triplicities, applying to the place of Jupiter or Venus by Conjunction or Aspect, there shall be plenty at that year of such things as the earth doth produce; especially if the Lord of the second house assist or apply unto the Lord of the Ascendent by a good and friendly Aspect; and this shall be the more assuredly confirmed; if Part of Fortune have power and dignity there in that place, because those signifie plenty upon plenty.

Of scarcity or dearth.But if thou wouldst know when the year is likely to be scarce and unfruitful, see if Saturn be ruler or disposer of the place of the Conjunction or Opposition by Essen­tial dignity or Aspect, or whether he be Lord of the Ascendent or Almuten thereof, or afflict it by any malevolent Aspect, or be in any Angle, and the Lord of the fourth afflicted of the Infortunes, especially of Saturn; for if so, scarcity is threat­ned and may assuredly be expected, especially if he be in Opposition of Mercury, or in any of the Angles of the figures at the time of the Conjunction or prevention; or be in Square or Opposition of the Lord of the second, Lord of the Ascendent, Part of Fortune, or its Dispositor; scarciry may also be expected when Saturn afflicteth the Moon, or the Moon apply unto him by either Conjunction or Aspect, having last separated from the Conjunction or Opposition of the Sun; In like manner, judge penury and want, if either of the Malevolents afflict the year thus, especially if they be in Square or Opposition of Mercury, but you must note that the evil threatned by Saturn is worse then that promised by Mars, as the good promised by Jupiter is much better then that signified by Venus; and judge the quality of the good or evil promised or threatned by any of these, from their proper nature and the nature of the sign wherein they are; as if Saturn be in an aiëry or watery sign, he denotes floods, inundations and many storms, tempests and destruction by high windes; if in a fiëry sign, drought, &c. Also note, that if Mars in that Revo­lution in which the Lord of that Nation, Kingdom, Law, or Common-wealth is exalted, be then in any of his own Houses, he shall signifie much rain; and if he be in any of the Houses of Saturn, little or no rain is to be expected, and in other Houses a mean is promised.

CHAP. VIII. Teaching how to know the price of any thing in any Year.

A Tabarim amongst other of the Antients hath been herein most large; what is most expedient to be known, I shall here set down, and as neer as I can omit that which may be superfluous

In this manner of judgement, you are to have regard to the ingress of the Sun into Aries, from whence you are to require Judgement, as also of the Position of the Heavens at every Conjunction and Opposition of the Luminaries every moneth, and from the Conjunction preceding every Ingress, as well quarterly and half-yearly as yearly, for all things happening in this World in a natural way, are occasioned by the Stars, and may be known by the Position of the Heavens, Stars and Planets at the time of the Conjunction and Opposition of the Luminaries if rightly under­stood, so that by the Conjunction, the Generation and beginning of things are judged, by the Opposition, the destruction and decay thereof; for the Moon being neerest of all the Planets to the Globe of the Earth, and the swiftest, doth immedi­ately convey unto it and men thereon the vertue and signification of all the other Planets, and therefore we see by reason of this her great power and influence, all things, as well Vegetatives and Minerals as Animals, increase and decrease in vigour strength and growth in some sense according to her motion, and that the corruption and generation of all things are appropriate unto her and the Sun, and therefore by their Conjunction and Opposition these things may perfectly be known unto us if we be but searchers and contemplators of Nature and its Causes.

Now if thou wouldst know what shall happen generally touching the price of any thing in any year, have regard unto the Position of the Heavens at the Suns Ingress into Aries if there be but one figure to be erected, but if two look to their Positions at his Ingress into Aries and Libra, if four, or for every quarter, at his Ingress into Aries, Cancer, Librae, and Capricorn; and if you would more parti­cularly make monethly observations thereon, have regard unto the Conjunction of the Luminaries every moneth; and remember that the Ascendent thereof, or the sign ascending at that instant for which you desire to erect the figure of the Heavens, its Lord and the Planet or Planets therein located are significators of the condi­tion and state of Man and the Ayr, and you may join also in signification with them the Dispositor of the Lord of the Ascendent, if the Planets or Planet therein located be peregrine and afflicted, judge mischief and detriment in these according to his nature, signification and strength; and so judge the contrary if he be then strong and essentially dignified.

If there be any Planet in an Angle who hath dignity and power in the Ascen­dent, especially Exaltation, he shall be the Significator of the price of things, or any Planet in an Angle Essentially dignified and strong; and if the Lord of the Ascendent be remote from this House and the Planet in an Angle Peregrine, yet he shall be Significator as long as he is in that Angle; But when the Lord of the Ascendent is in any of the Angles, or in the eleventh or fifth Houses, he shall more manifestly shew his significations then any other, especially if he be Oriental and going from under the Sun-beams: ever take this for a general and true rule, that what ever Planet you finde fortunate in any sign,Note. he shall signifie and denote the dearness of such things as are under the signification of that Planet, and the sign wherein he is; so also on the contrary, if he be weak and impedited, judge they will be of little or no esteem or value, and may be purchased at a small rate; wherefore it is very necessary you be throughly versed in the Nature of every Planet and Sign which you are sufficiently taught in the second Book; and this rule without any more [Page 286]words may suffice for sufficient instruction in these matters, yet may we apply it thus

Look if the Lord of your Ascendent be received or disposed of by any Planet and the receiving or disposing Planet be strong in an Angle, it signifieth that Corn and such things as are most necessary for the use of man shall be at a high rate all that moneth; And the Dispositor of the Lord of the Ascendent in Opposition of the Lu­minaries or that of the time promiseth the same; as also if the Lord of the Ascen­dent be received or disposed of, and he together with the receiving and disposing Planet be ascending; But if the Lord of the Ascendent and the Planet in an Angle apply to any Planet Cadent, slow in motion, or afflicted, the price shall fall; so likewise if the Lord of the Ascendent, its Receptor or Dispositor be Cadent, weak and afflicted it signifieth the same, according to their affliction; if much weakned and afflicted, they will be very cheap, if a little afflicted their price will fall but not altogether so much &c. And if the Lord of the Ascendent, its Dispositor and Re­ceptor do then also apply to any Planets weak, cadent and afflicted, this will be the more certain.

See also what Planet you finde in the Ascendent, for he shall have signification with the Lord of the Ascendent, and shall according to his strength or weakness denote the cheapness or dearness of provisions; But if the Lord of the Ascendent be not re­ceived by any Planet, he shall not have signification with him, but the Planet therein placed shall be Significator onely: If your Significator, or Lord of the Ascendent, (if he have participation with him) and the Luminaries be in the Ascendent, or in any other Angle at the time of their monthly Conjunction, the price of Corn & other neces­saries for the life of man shal-continue and remain as it was in the preceding moneth; but if your Significator and the Luminaries be received and strong, and be in the eleventh, or fifth, the price shall be raised, and that according to their fortitudes; for if they be essentially very strong it will be much raised, and so on the contrary: Also if the Planet in the Ascendent apply unto the Lord of the Ascendent, the price shall be raised that day you finde your significators in Partil Conjunction or Aspect; but if the Lord of the Ascendent and the Luminaries be weak and afflicted in the third, or ninth, or twelfth, or eighth Houses, it signifieth their price shall be abated and fal'n; But the Angles signifie the fixation and durability of what is; If any afflicted Planet also apply to the Lord of the Ascendent, judge the abatement of the price, and that especially if the Lord of the Ascendent apply to any Planet weak or afflicted.

Moreover if the Lord of the Ascendent be weak and afflicted, and its Dispositor strong, yet shal not he by his strength signifie any thing; for the Lord of the Ascendent shall stil be Significator of the price of things unless he were in a Cadent House, and some Planet be then in an Angle (as hath been said) for then that Planet shall be Sig­nificator: Lastly, if the Ascendent be any of the houses of the Luminaries, have re­gard unto them, and according to their fortitudes or debilities and places in the figure and Configuration with the Ascendent, judge.

Some of the Antients have taught that we are to regard the Planet in the tenth House, if any be there at the time of the Sun this ingress into Aries, or the Planet applying to the Lord of the tenth, and make him significator of the price of things; As if the Planet located in the tenth or beholding the Lord thereof be strong and direct, such things signified by the sign wherein your Significator is shall be deer and of an high price; but if your Significator be weak and retrograde, judge the contrary.

Dorotheus with others say to know the price of things, look what Planets you find at the Sun his ingress into Aries Oriental, and judge such things signified by him, and the sign wherein he is shall be deer; and that those that are under the signification of those that are Occidental and the signs wherein they are, shall be cheap; In like manner have regard to every Planet, and see which of them is strong and free from all impediment, and judge such things as are signified by him and the sign wherein he is, shall be deer, and on the contrary they shall be cheap whose Significators are [Page 287]weak, combust, cadent, under the Sun-beams and Retrograde, &c. and so also according to their mean betwixt those two extreams judge of the business when they are not altogether so strong, nor altogether so weak; and truly this is very ra­tional and for the generality may pass current, yet mayest thou follow which most pleaseth thy fancy, but I would recommend this unto thee.

Abrahamus Judaeus saith, If Saturn in any Revolution or other time be not in any of the angles, such things as are edible and most beneficial and useful for man shall be cheap; but if he be therein, judge the contrary, especially if he be strong and have dignity therein, for then he shall denote grievous penury and want, things shall be so deer.

Messehalah saith, have respect unto the Lord of the Ascendent and the Moon, and if the strongest of them apply to any Planet in the Ascendent or Mid-heaven, judge the price of provisions necessary for the use of man to be high; and if it ap­ply to any Planet in the seventh house the price shall be indifferent; but if to a Planet in the fourth, received or the Lord of the Ascendent, its Dispositor, or the Moon received by him, it shall be high; but if they or either of them apply to a Planet in a cadent house not receiving him, provision shall be so bad it will hardly be sold; but if they do receive him, they shall be deer.

Haly saith, have regard to the Lord of the Year who if he be going to Retro­gradation or be Descending in his circle, or be in the lower part of his Epicycle, he signifieth things shall be cheap and of a low price that are of the nature of the sign wherein he is; so likewise if the Moon be either in the Revolution of the year, quarter or moneth decreasing in light and motion, or applying to a Retrograde or weak Planet, she signifieth the same.

But as touching the cheapness and dearness of any thing, have regard to the In­gress of the Sun into Aries, or any other quarter (if it be so that so many figures are to be made) and therein diligently consider the state and condition of the Planet and Sign signifying that concerning which you would require judgement, and accor­ding to his strength and debility judge; for if strong, the things will be deer and of an high price or value; and if weak, judge the contrary.

Some of the Antients have also taught that for monethly observations in this matter we have regard to the Conjunction of the Luminaries, and Haly saith that we ought in every year to have regard whither Saturn or Jupiter enter the sign of the Kingdom, Nation or Countrey for which you erect your Figure, and from their then places, strengths and debilities we are to judge; for that if the Planets are un­fortunate in these places, it signifies things shall be cheap; but if they be there for­tunated and strong, judge the contrary.

Moreover you are to take notice that every Planet in his Exaltation or ele­vated in his Epicycle whether he have dignity in the Ascendent or no, signi­fieth things shall be deer that are of the nature of that Planet and the Sign wherein he is; and therefore I say again it is most requisite you be throughly acquainted with the significations of the Planets and Signs taught you in the second Book.

CHAP. IX. Containing some Instructions touching the alteration of the Ayr and change of weather in any Year.

MUch pains and diligent observation is required for the delivering rules infal­lible in this matter, I mean for these Regions and parts of the Earth wherein we live being Islands; but doubtless the Antients did sufficiently treat hereof; neither is the validity and certainty of their rules which they have left to posterity to be questioned; for such is the reason they carry with them, that questi­onless they were most authentick and seldom or never admitted of correction in those parts of the Continent wherein they lived; and perhaps in these parts also with a little amendment they may be made infallible, wherefore I shall here do my utmost endevour to deliver them unto thee, and perhaps hereafter according as I shall have life, liberty and leisure afforded me, I may give you them more short, compendious and efficacious: For I must confess the present Philosophers of this our age are more to seek in their judgements of weather then in any one thing whatsoever and do oftenest therein deviate from truth.

How to judge of the altera­tion of the ayr and change of the weather.In the judging then of these matters have regard unto the figure of the Sun his ingress into Aries, for the general judgement thereof for the whole year, if no more Figures are to be erected; but if two, or four, (as you have heard in the 1. Chap­ter of this Treatise) you are to have respect unto them, to know the state of the weather quarterly and half-yearly, but you are also to remember you join in judgement with them the figures at the time of the Preventional Conjunction and Op­position of the Luminaries; and if you would judge of the alteration of the ayr for every moneth, you may have regard to the figure of Heaven at the time of every Conjunction of the Luminaries; as also to every Square and Opposition if you would predict of every week.

Of the chief and general signicator of the weather.When you would judge of any of these times, have regard unto the degree ascending of the figure, whither it be for the year, half year or quarter, and the places of the Conjunction and Opposition preceding, and see in what mansion of the Moon these places fall, viz. whether in a dry, moist, cold or temperate mansion (the which you are taught in the 1. Sect. and 3. Chapter of the third Book of this Volume being our Introduction to Elections) and whither the Lord of the Mansion have any Aspect to the Conjunction, Opposition, Ascendent of the Revolution, or Lords thereof; and of what nature, temper and quality he is, and the mansion he is in. and accordingly judge of the state of the weather, he being the general and chief Significator, especially if he be Almuten of the Ascendent, for he shall (as saith Ptolomy) be Significator though he doth not behold their Conjunction or Opposi­tion, but if any other doth, you must join him in judgement with him.

Have regard also to the fixed stars of the first, second, third and fourth Magni­tudes, rising, culminating and setting; and see how they are aspected by the Sig­nificator, and see whither any of them be in Conjunction with him; consider their nature and mansion they are in; also have regard to the nature and quality of the Lord of the place of any great Conjunction, or Eclipse of any of the Luminaries; and to what Planets or fixed Stars they apply, as also the Moon after her Conjun­ction and Opposition with the Sun, and as you finde it requisite, having regard to the major testimonies, judge of the nature, quality and temper of the weather.

If your Significator be free from impediment, strong, no wise beheld by any of the Planets, nor he in Conjunction nor applying by Aspect to any of them, nor to any notable fixed star, you shall judge the quality and nature of the weather from [Page 289]his bare signification; but if any Planet be in Configuration with him, or he with any Planet or fixed star, you are to judge according to the nature of your Signifi­cator, and the nature of the Planet or fixed star in Conjunction or other Configura [...]ion with him by making a rational and judicious commixture, and this shall happen at that time, and on those dayes wherein you finde them in Conjunction or Aspect.

As if Saturn be chief Significator of weather in an Angle no wise impedited nor applying to any other Planet, nor any to him, he shews temperate showers and sea­sons, dark clowds over-spreading the sky, especially if he be in a temperate Mansion; but if it be a cold Mansion, the weather will incline to cold; if a moist, to moisture: But if he be impedited or ill aspected he shall signifie storms, tempests, hail, rain, winde, thunder, and dark clowds, especially if he be then malevolently aspected of Venus or Mercury out of an Angle and in a moist Mansion; of Jupiter, windes, rain and thick clowds; of Mars, yellow clowds, lightning, thunder and rain in places and time convenient; of the Sun, red clowds, winde and great rain, also in Summer thunder and lightning; according to the nature of the Signs, Man­sions, and Places of the Heavens their Conjunction or Aspects are: But you must know the Sun or Moon are never assigned chief Dominion in any Figure concern­ing weather, because they are general Significators of times and seasons; as the Sun of the Year, and its parts, viz. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, by his Ingress into the Equinoctials and Propicks; the Moon of the moneths and weeks by her Conjunction, Square and Opposition to the Sun, &c.

Your chief Significator being Oriental, will work his effects chiefly towards the latter end of the Year; if Occidental, towards the beginning.

Moreover you are to have regard that you may be the better enabled to your work, to the nature of of the sign ascending at any Lunation, time, or quarter of the year, the Planet Lord thereof, and the nature of those Planets located in the Ascendent, or in any Configuration thereof, and in what Mansions all these are, as also the Planets in Conjunction or Aspect of the Moon; see also from what house she is beheld, or in what house corporally joined to any, and according to the major testimonies judge, if wet, wet; if dry, dry; &c. and if the testimonies be equal, judge an indifferency.

Consider also the Angle the Moon is next to enter into; for if most Planets are therein located, or cast their Aspects to the Cuspe thereof, or are therein accom­panyed with the most notable fixed Stars, it is a sure testimony of rain, and that ge­neral throughout the whole Region; especially if the Lord of the Ascendent be in that Angle and chief Significator; also if the sign ascending belong to the Dominion of Saturn, Venus or the Moon, or if they be in the Ascendent, or behold it with any Aspect, it prenotes also rain and a moist ayr and weather; Also if a Retrograde Planet (especially if it be one of the Superiours) be with the Opener of gates, also when Venus is in any Configuration of the Sun, especially Square Opposition or Conjunction, in seasons convenient.

See also you have an especial regard to Mercury; for as soon as he changeth his habitude either in the Zodiack, or in his Orb though never so little, the ayr and wea­ther is altered; observe also to what Planet he is joined either by Body or Aspect in the opening of gates; for if it be Saturn, he causeth fierce blasts, darkness of the ayr and rain; If Venus, clowds and showes in times and places convenient, and so of the rest.

It is also an approved rule, that when Saturn goeth out of one sign of the Zo­diack into another, the ayr and weather doth immediately alter, let it be at what time of the year it will, and sometimes causeth thunder and lightning, and very tempestuous stormy weather: Also when the Moon after any Conjunction, Square or Opposition of the Sun applyeth to the chief Significator, or to the degree ascen­ding at the time of the same Conjunction, Square or Opposition, the weather will he disposed according to the nature of the Significator in the Figure.

What opening of Gates is.Opening of gates is when a Planet applyeth to another who ruleth the sign op­posite to his house, or when another Planet separeteth from any and applyes [Page 290]immediately to another that hath Dominion by house in the signs opposite to those ruled by the Planet from whom he last separated; as for example, If the Sun apply by any Aspect or Conjunction of Saturn, it is an opening of Gates (or windowes as it is termed by Moses in the 7. of Gen. 11.) because Aquaries which is a house or Sign under the Dominion of Saturn, is opposite to Leo, which is the house of the Sun; so likewise if any other Planet should separate from the Sun and immediately apply next to Saturn, or separate from Saturn and apply to the Sun, it is also an Opener of Gates; because that Planet transferreth the light and nature of the Planet with whom it was last joined either by Body or Aspect to the Planet it next applies unto, and so causeth an alteration of the ayr, as rain ever followeth upon Opening of Gates.

Now you may soon know the Opening of Gates in all the other Planets, by ha­ving regard to the houses and signs appropriated to each Planet, as you have been taught in the 8 Chapter of our Introduction to the judgement of the STARS; But if you please you may have regard to this following direction.

Any of these four applying to a ☌. ⚹. □. △. or ☍.

  • ♃
  • ♂
  • ☉ ☽

Of these three op­posite unto them, or they to these, or any Planet, translating the light of each to the other,

  • ☿
  • ♀
  • ♄

Is an opening of Gates, for that their Houses are opposite the one to the other, viz.

♃♐to♊☿
♓♍
♂♈to♀♎
♏♉
☉♌to♄♒
☽♋♑

♃ rules ♐ and ♓; ☿, ♊ and ♍; ♂, ♈ and ♏ ♀, ♎ and ♉; ☉, ♌; ☽, ♋; ♄, ♒ and ♑ according as you may see them places.

So that the Planet from whom any Planet separteth, openeth the Gates of the other to whom he applyes; as if from Jupiter to Mercury, or they be in each others Aspect, they raise fierce North windes; If Mars and Venus, according to the sea­son and place and signs they are in they shall denote rain, hail, snow and thunder; If the Sun and Saturn, dark ayr, many clouds and much wet, &c.

CHAP. X. Shewing how to judge of the weather by the Aspects of the Moon to the other Planets, and by the several Aspects of the Planets amongst themselves.

Nota benè EVer remember you be wary in pronouncing judgement touching weather and the alteration of the ayr; for in some places and Regions rain is more natural and usual then in others, and again [which is wonderful] rain is never seen in Egypt which is watred with the overflowing of the River Nilus onely; and there­fore let your judgements be framed according to discretion, considering the nature and quality of the Climate concerning which thou art to judge.

How to judge of the alterati­on of the ayr by the Conjun­ction or Male­volent aspects of the Moon to the other six Planets.The Moon in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Saturn in moist signs signifies cloudy weather, cold, and moist ayr that day, and so according to the nature of the sign judge; and if she separate from Saturn and apply to the Sun by any Aspect or Conjunction, the weather will be tempestuous, and very hard and uncomfor­table.

If she be in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Jupiter either in Aries or Scorp she denotes fair weather and white clowds; with Mars in watry signs promiseth rain; in fiëry, divers coloured clowds throughout the whole heaven; In Summer often thun­der. With the Sun in moist signs denotes rain, especially if she immediately after apply to Saturn; In aiëry signs and applying to Jupiter afterwards denotes a temperate ayr and moderate weather; In fiëry and applying to Mars, hot and dry weather and much lightning; If the Moon be in like manner in Conjunction, Square or Opposi­tion of Venus, rain is threatned, especially if they be in moist signs; with Mercury if she be so beheld, or he so aspected by her, signifieth rain also and winde, and that the more if she then go to any Aspect of Jupiter, or from Venus to Mars, because these are Openers of Gates as you have heard.

How [...]o know the state of the weather by the mutual As­pects of the Planets.Thus much of the Malevolent Aspects of the Moon with the other six Planets; now it resteth, we see also what may be predicted touching the alteration of the ayr when the Planets are mutually aspected the one by the other.

Saturn then in Conjunction of Jupiter, in fiëry signs signifies a great drought; In watry, floods, continual rain, also inundations and overflowings of water; In aiëry signs plenty of wind; In earthy, Earth-quakes and the fall of Houses and eradication of trees; judge also the same when they are in a malitious Square or Opposi­tion, &c.

Saturn in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Mars in watry signs,Of Saturn. denotes rain in Winter, Autumn and Summer, as also in Summer oftentimes thunder and light­ning, especially if in fiëry signs; but in Autumn and Winter windy dry weather, as also in the Spring; And in aiëry signs both Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, promiseth great windes and sometimes rain.

Saturn in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of the Sun, in the Spring denotes cold rain or hail, in Summer much rain, thunder and lightning according to the nature of the sign; In Autumn tempestuous stormy weather; and in winter, grievous cold, and snowy slabby weather.

Saturn in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Venus, promiseth in the Spring rain and cold, in Summer sudden cold, in Autumn much rain, and in Winter rain and snow, especiall if in these times the sign be watry; but if otherwise, judge according to discretion and the nature thereof.

Saturn in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Mercury, signifieth windes and rain in the Spring, especially in watry and aiery signs, as also in Summer winde and showres; but if they be in fiery signs, thunder, lightning and rain; In Autumn winde and cold, according to the nature of the sign, and in Winter cold and snow.

Jupiter in like manner in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Mars, Of Jupiter. Spring to be windy and tempestuous; a thundering and lightning Summer; rain and storms in Autumn; and in Winter cold snows and sharp windes according to the na­ture of the sign.

Jupiter in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of the Sun in the Spring signifieth high windes, in Summer thunder and lightning; and in Autumn vehement windes, and very dry, cold, frosty weather in Winter; for the most part they signifie thus in every sign.

Jupiter in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Venus, shews a temperate ayr accor­ding to the nature of the season all the year long; yet if they be in watery signs they will incline somewhat to misling showers.

Jupiter in Conjunction, Square or Opposition of Mercury, denotes great and vehement windes in every quarter they are so aspected if in aiery signs; In watry, rain; In fiery, thunder and lightning, but of no great continuance.

♂ in ☌, □ or ☍ of ☉, in fiery signs promiseth drought in Summer, in the Spring a dry ayr, also in Autumn and in Winter frost; in watry signs, shewers in the Spring; Summer, thunder and rain; and in Autumn, shewers; in Winter rain and cold.

♂ in ☌, □ or ☍ of ♀, in the Spring causeth sudden great and violent rains; Tempests in Autumn, and in Summer: but if in fiery signs or in each others house great thunders and lightnings.

♂ in ☌, □ or ☍ with ☿, in fiery signs, causeth heat and drought in Summer; rain in watry signs, and sometimes thunder and lightnings; in Autumn and Winter sudden great windes, also cold in Winter.

Of the Sun.☉ in ☌ of ♀, in the Spring causeth rain, in Summer thunder, tempests and rain; in Autumn, shewers and winde; and in Winter, much moisture in □ or ☍ of ♀, he can never be.

☉ in ☌ of ☿, denotes windes and moisture, especially in watry and aiery signs, but in fiery a serene ayr in Summer, and frost in Winter; in □ or ☍ he can never be neither [...], by reason of his proximity, as you have heard in the 2 Book, Chap. 6.

Of Venus.♀ in ☌ of ☿, Rain in the Spring, Summer, and Autumn, as also snow in Winter and sudden high windes, also in Summer they raise storms and tempests; judge also the same in every one being in ⚹ or △ as you have heard of these Aspects, but you must know they are not altogether so bad.

CHAP. XI. Demonstrating the alteration of the Ayr by the Combustion, Orientality and Occidentality of the Planets in every of the 12 Signs.

SAturn in ♈ Combust, denotes a dark, obscure, cloudy, misty ayr; Orientall, fair weather; Occidental, great and vehement winde.

In ♉ Combust, causeth thick clouds; Oriental, Thunder; Occidental a turbulent ayr.

In ♊ Combust and Occidental, drought; Oriental, fair windy weather.

In ♌ Combust and Occidental, dark ayr, fogs, mists and troublesome weather; Oriental, somewhat calmer.

In ♌ Combust, Oriental or Occidental, causeth rain and misling at the best, and sometimes thunder.

In ♍ Combust maketh an infectious ayr; and turbulent if Occidental; but Ori­ental, it will not be so bad.

In ♎ Combust causeth a defect in the sight of men and women; Oriental, winds; Occidental, whirlewindes and a turbulent ayr.

In ♏ Combust, cold ayr; Occidental, frosts; Oriental, cold North windes.

In ♐ Combust and Occidental, a cold rainy ayr; Oriental, cold and frost.

In ♑ Combust, denotes a dark obscure ayr with South windes; Occidental, cold; Oriental, North windes.

In ♒ Combust, cold ayr; Occidental, tempests; Oriental, rain.

In ♓ Combust, clouds; Occidental, rain; Oriental, a more temperate ayr.

♃ in ♈ Combust is a token of rain; being Occidental he causeth clouds; and Ori­tal, fair weather.

In ♉ Combust, indifferent weather; Occidental, pleasant shewers; Oriental, close calm weather.

In ♊ Combust, Occidental or Oriental, fair temperate weather.

In ♋ Combust, Occidental or Oriental, brings a calm and pleasant ayr.

In Leo Combust, Occidental or Oriental, pleasant windes.

In Virgo Combust, Occidental or Oriental, causeth weather fit for the production of seed and the fruits of the Earth.

In Libra Combust, Occidental or Oriental, indifferent weather.

In Scorpio Combust, rain; Occidental, bitter weather; Oriental, more temperate.

In Sagittary Combust, much rain; Occidental, worse weather; Oriental, better.

In Capricorn Combust, moist ayr; Occidental, it is worse; Oriental, better.

In Aquaries Combust and Occidental, rain; Oriental, fair.

In Pisces Combust, Occidental and Oriental, calm windes.

Mars in Aries Combust and Occidental, bad weather; Oriental, the con­trary.Mars.

In Taurus Combust, a quiet ayr; Occidental, stormy; Oriental, windy.

In Gemini Combust and Occidental, heat; Oriental, somewhat more temperate.

In Cancer Combust and Occidental, great heat; Oriental, not so violent.

In Leo Combust, and Occidental, drought; Oriental, not altogether so dry.

In Virgo Combust, Occidental and Oriental, signifieth the same as you have heard of Saturn.

In Libra Combust, causeth moisture; Occidental, high windes; Oriental, more temperate.

In Scorpio Combust, moisture; Occidental, storms; Oriental, gales of winde.

In Sagittary Combust, drought; Occidental, the same; but Oriental, it will not be so very dry.

In Capricorn Combust, clowdy; Occidental, some heat; Oriental, more tem­perate.

In Aquaries Combust, drought; Occidental and Oriental, plenty of windes.

In Pisces Combust and Occidental, drought; Oriental, thunder and lightning.

The Sun now should follow in order,The Sun. but he (as you have heard before) can never be either Combust, Oriental or Occidental, the Planets being thus termed in respect of him: besides you have been also shewn that neither the Sun nor Moon are to be admitted chief Rulers in any Scheme, because they are general signi­ficators of times and seasons; therefore let us now have regard unto the significa­tions of Venus, when she is either Combust, Occidental or Oriental in any of the signs of the Zodiac.

Venus in Aries Combust and Occidental, causeth moisture and great windes;Venus. Ori­ental, thunders and rains.

In Taurus Combust, thunders; Occidental, fair▪ Oriental, pleasant weather.

In Gemini Combust and Occidental, winde; Oriental, a calmer ayr.

In Cancer Combust, Occidental or Oriental, a quiet calm time.

In Leo Combust, Occidental or Oriental, drought.

In Virgo Combust and Occidental, drought; Oriental, the contrary.

In Libra Combust, moist ayr; Occidentall, rain; Oriental, fair.

In Scorpio Combust, Occidental or Oriental, rain.

In Sagittary Combust, rain; Occidental, winde and cold; Oriental, not so bad.

In Capricorn Combust, cold ayr; Occidental and Oriental, rain.

In Aquaries Combust, clowdy; Occidental, hot; Oriental, rain.

In Pisces Combust; cold; Occidental and Oriental, disposed to snow.

Mercury in Aries Combust, promiseth tempests; Occidental and Oriental,Mercury. fair windy weather.

In Taurus thunder, and storms being Combust; Occidental and Oriental, a clowdy dark muddy ayr.

In Gemini Combust and Occidental, winde; Oriental, temperate ayr and small gusts of winde.

In Cancer Combust and Occidental, tempestuous stormy weather; Oriental, calmer.

In Leo combust, Occidental and Oriental, winde.

In Virgo Combust, drought and often tempests; so also when Occidental; but when Oriental, the contrary.

In Libra Combust, Occidental or Oriental, windes.

In Scorpro Combust and Occidental, raging weather, chiefly Oriental.

In Sagitary Combust and Occidental, rain▪ Oriental, clear ayr.

In Capricorn Combust, Occidental and Oriental, rain.

In Aquaries Combust, snow; Occidental, more cold; Oriental, rain.

In Pisces Combust, Occidental or Oriental, moist ayr.

CHAP. XII. Containing further Instructions touching the alteration of the Ayr, from the application of the Moon to the other Planets, having sepa­rated from the Conjunction or Opposition of the Sun.

ENdeavour thou but to understand this Chapter well, and thou shalt be suf­ficiently furnished with ability to judge of the weather for every moneth; In the ninth Chapter of this Book, you have heard that the Planet the Moon next applyes unto after her Conjunction and Opposition with the Sun is especially to be regarded for the exact judging of the state of the weather; wherefore I thought good for thy better Instruction to insert this Chapter, which teacheth largely how to judge by her application unto any other Planet (after her aforesaid Configurati­ons with the Sun) of the mutation or alteration of the ayr.

Because Saturn is the higest of all the Planets (as you have heard) and there­fore we have still began with him in all the progress of this our labour, we shall here also follow the same method, and shew what is to be expected when she se­parates from the Conjunction or Opposition of the Sun and applyes next unto Saturn, and then to Jupiter, and so in order of the rest.

Having erected your figure then for the Conjunction, (if that be your time) or for the Opposition of the Luminaries if you are to consider that, have regard to the place of the Conjunction or Opposition, the nature of the signs and Mansions they are in, and the Square Aspects of the Malevolents unto these places, and accordingly judge; judge the time when the effect will be manifested from the number of degrees they want of the Partil Aspect, and the nature of the signs, fixed, common, or moveable, and so according to reason judge dayes or houres; but if your Signi­ficators or the Moon be swift of motion, it will be the sooner; if slow, the con­trary, &c.

The Moon separating from the Con­junction or Opposition of the Sun, and applying to Saturn.If the Moon after her bodily Conjunction or Opposite Aspect with the Sun do immediately next apply unto Saturn in moist signs and mansions, let it be by what Aspect it will, rain shall follow in some measure, more abundantly if she apply by Conjunction, Square or Opposition; not so much if by Sextile; and if by Trine, yet there will be mislings, and dark clowdy obscure ayr, &c. Remember according to the nature of the signs, aspects and mansions to pronounce judgement: But if Saturn be then in a fiery sign and a dry Mansion, and the Moon also so posited, there shall ra­ther be a turbulent, dark, obscure ayr then rain.

To Jupiter.On the contrary, if she then apply next unto Jupiter although she and he both be in moist signes and mansions yet shall they denote onely sweet showers and mo­derate dews and the like, but in other signes and mansions hardly any rain at all; how ever it will be but very moderate, seasonable and pleasant if there be any, [Page 295]which sometimes (as other causes may concur) perhaps may be; But if either Venus or Mercury, or both do then cast their beams unto either the Moon or Ju­piter or both, there will happen rain in some measure; judge the quality from the natu [...]e of the mansions and nature of the signs they are in; as if moist, then it will be the more wet; if dry, the less; if in signs aiery, windes and showers by fits; but seldome is any rain or weather produced or occasioned by Jupiter that is destructive or unseasonable, but it is still moderate, temperate and wholsome.

Again if the Moon apply next unto Mars after her Conjunction or Opposition with the Sun, and Saturn be then also in any Aspect with her or Mars, To Mars. or with the Sun, rain is threatned, and that immoderate if they are in moist signs and mansions, and if in temperate, and yet the Moon be in a moist sign and mansion, it shall denote rain though not so much; but if she be in a moist sign and mansion and they in a dry, there shall be but very little wet; but if Venus do then. Aspect Mars also, you shall judge the contrary, that there shall be much rain, and if it be in summer, thunder and lightning with all.

To the Sun.Also if at the time of the Conjunction or Opposition of the Luminaries you finde them in Aspect with none of the Planets nor any with them, judge it will be fair weather and little or no rain; but if Saturn or Mars, especially Saturn behold ei­ther of them, or any other Planet in a moist sign and mansion, especially from an An­gle and the Sun then Peregrine, much rain shall follow, and so on the contrary judge.

To Venus.To Venus if in aiery or watry signs and moist mansions, without doubt rain will thereon follow, (but it will not be so much, if the signs be aiery) especially if they or either of them be beheld of either Saturn or Mars; but it will be infallibly true if then they be beheld of both Saturn and Mars, especially if Saturn behold the Moon, and Mars Venus, because these are Openers of Gates as you have heard; but you must note the rain will not be so great, if but one of them behold the Moon and Venus or either of them: But if Jupiter behold them in like manner, judge there will be no rain, but contrariwise fair weather, or at least such moderate, gentle showers as shall be very seasonable and acceptable; and if Venus be free from impediment, when she is thus aspected of the Moon, and fortunate, and not in moist signs nor mansions, there shall not be any rain on their then Configuration, whether it be Con­junction or Aspect, but clowds and dews.

To Mercury.And if she immediately apply to Mercury and they be in moist signs and mansi­ons, there shall be continual rain and that dayly, especially if Saturn and Mars doe then behold them; also if Venus have then any dignity in the place of the Conjun­ction or Aspect of the Moon and Mercury, there shall be unusual wet weather; so likewise if (when the Sun and the Moon are in Conjunction) Mercury be also in the same degree with them in a moist sign and and mansion and apply to Venus; And if you finde these Configurations in other mansions and signs, you shall also judge wet weather is threatned, but not so abundantly: And if Mercury and the Moon be alone in Conjunction or Aspect, dews and gentle showers are most com­monly produced; but if Jupiter behold them when they are in Conjunction, or Mer­cury at any time, he shall cause much rain and windes according to the nature of the signs and mansions; and thus much shall suffice to be said of the Moon her ap­plication of the other Planets, having been immediately before in Conjunction or Op­position of the Sun; I know the Antients have been more large, but I question whither all their rules will be agreeable to the nature of the Climate wherein we live; where­fore if what hath been already delivered unto thee, and what is beneath on this par­ticular further said, be not infallible rules for the judgeing of weather as I said before, being very intricate, especially in Islands, I shall desire thee lovingly to accept of my weak indeavours and well wishes to the propagation of this Divine Science, and also to study (by a diligent observation and trial of these rules and others thou shalt in thy practise find out) to perfect some rules which may exactly and infallibly point out unto us the true state of the weather in any quarter of the year, or day in any quarter.

CHAP. XIII. Teaching by other Rules how to judge of the alteration of the Ayr, and to know when Rain is to be expected.

YOu must still remember to erect your Figure for the exact time for which you require judgement, and place the Planets therein being (reduced to the time of the day) and see what Planets are then in Conjunction or Aspect with the Sun and Moon, especially if the figure be made at any Lunation, for if it be Ju­piter or Venus and they corporally joined to the Sun and Moon, or Jupiter in a Sex­tile or Trine of them, and they be then free from the Conjunction and Aspect of all the Malevolents, neither apply unto them after their separation from Jupiter, it is an assured testimony of fair weather; but if Jupiter behold them by a Square or Opposition; and they free also from the Malevolent Configurations of the Infortunes (as hath been said) he shall denote gentle pleasant shewers. But if any of the Ma­levolent Planets, especially Saturn be in Aspect with them, or Conjunction, although by Sextile or Trine, or they apply unto him after their Conjunction, especially if by Square or Opposition, rain shall inevitably follow, for it is the natural property of the Malevolents to disturb and thicken the Ayr with offensive gross vapours, as it is the disposition of the fortunes to disperse them and clear the ayr thereof, resisting the quality of the Malevolents.

Now you must know, that although Venus be one of the fortunes, yet doth she by reason of her moist nature dispose the ayr and weather to moisture, especially if she be in any Configuration with the Sun in moist signs and mansions, or have any commixture or participation with the malevolents, but yet she seldome sends noisome or unseasonable wet weather, unless, when she participates with the infor­tunes she be then also very weak and afflicted, for then she is not able to lessen their malicious influence.

If the Sun be in the South part of heaven and Venus under his beams, and the Moon be then in Conjunction with either of them, especially with Venus, or apply­ing unto her by any Aspect, you shall assuredly judge when that Configura­tion is, viz. that very day and hour there shall be rain and shewers, and if then Mercury also be in the same part of Heaven applying to the Moon by Conjunction or Aspect, it shall prenote rain, especially if the Moon be in Scorpio: so also if Mars and Venus be in Conjunction, especially also in Scorpio; and when the Sun is in Aquaries and the Moon applying by Opposition unto him, and Venus be also placed as aforesaid, you shall judge rain at that very hour, so also when Mars ap­plyes at that time to either the Sun or Venus, and the Moon in Square or Opposition of the Sun, and when Venus applyes unto the Sun, and Mercury then also in Con­junction with her or she with him, rain is to he expected at that very instant; again, if the Sun be in Libra, and Venus in Sagittarius in the same number of degrees, and the Moon applying, especially to Venus, that very day and hour you may predict rain; also when the Sun is either in Aries or Aquaries and the Moon in Opposition unto him many shewers follow in that day from the hour of their Opposition; judge the same if the Moon be in Sagitary, yet Leo is a cause of more shewers a great deal; also if the aforesaid Configurations be out of the houses of Mars and Venus, judge the same, viz. wet-weather, also thunder, lightning, rain in great drops, and sometimes hail: Again, if the Sun be in Aries or Pisces, and the Moon in Libra or Virgo, or Sagittary, there shall be shewers in that hour wherein they come to a Partil Opposition or Square; In like manner if Venus and Mercury in any of the aforesaid places behold the Sun out of Leo, and the Moon [Page 297]apply also then unto him, especially if she be in Leo, it signifies many flashes of lightning and thunder, yet little or no rain, especially if they are in Partil Con­junction or Aspect; also if the Sun be in Aries, Leo, Libra, Scorpio or Aquaries, and the Moon in a right diameter joined unto him by Conjunction or Aspect, or to Venus by Opposition from either Aries or Libra, it denotes after rain many flashes of lightning and thunder: Lastly, if the Sun or the Moon be in Pisces no wise up­held or aspected of the fortunes, and Mars do then behold them with a Square or Opposition, it shews there will follow much rain, thunder and flashes of light­ning.

But you are here to note that there are some places of the Zodiack called Places of rain, and again others which are not altogether so effectual; those which most conduce and incline to rain, are Cancer, Leo, Capricorn and Aquaries, for if the Moon be in any of them and corporally joined to Venus, or by any Aspect doth participate of her nature, and their beams touch each other within one degree either before or after the Partil Conjunction, or Aspect, especially if the Aspect be a Square or Opposition, there shall follow many shewers, but you are to take no­tice that the first 15 degrees of Capricorn is less effectual, or conduceth least to rain of any of the other, and the last fifteen degrees inclines rather to cold, so that you are warily to judge according to discretion; those places that are less effe­ctual are the last term of Aries, and the signs Gemini, Virgo and Libra.

And here for the manifestation of the secret and admirable power and influence of the Heavens, Stars and Planets, I may justly reprehend such as deny their influ­ences on Sublunaries by these ordinary and common signs of rain; As,

Ordinary signs of the mutation of weather, or tokens of rain.The unusual crowing of the Cock, viz. at times unaccustomed, denotes rain: Also inordinate swelling of the Seas, Rivers, and other waters, in calm and moderate wea­ther: The straightness of doores and windows: The noyse and trumpeting sound of Peacocks: The crying of Fowles about waters: The crying and whining of Swine: The absence of Sea and Water-fowl from the Sea, and frequenting the Land: And Land-fowle frequenting the water: The chirping of Sparrows in a morning, viz. about Sun-rising or a little after: The sudden motion of Beasts out of one place in­to another, and their making then a noyse: The frequent licking of their feet and hoofs; and this is very remarkable in the Cat, who still before rain and tempe­stuous weather, will run up and down the house, turning over and over, and playing with her tail, and ascend up by hangings, beds, or such like to the roof of the room; and this she will do very often together, although each time she endangereth her self by descending: Even as though (and as I indeed conceive it) she were by the influence of the Heavens constrained to such mad freakish actions: You may also observe that these creatures make a great stir at such times in licking their feet, and rubbing their feet about their visage and head, whence the vulgar usually say at such times, The Cat washeth her face, &c. The greedy feeding of Beasts also denotes rain: and their snuffing up the ayr with their head held up against the wind: The resorting of Poultry to their roost being covered with dust: The egression of Worms out of the Earth: The tumbling and rubbing o [...] Dogs in the dust: The busie heaving of Moules: The quick pratling of the Crow: The high flight of Birds: The close flying of the Swallow to the water, and the flapping of her wings therein: The busie working of the Spider in her web: Also the business of the Ant with her Egges: The sound of Bels when they are heard further then usually: The inordi­nate sweating of Stones in dry weather: The hankering of Bees about home in fair weather: The excessive pain of Corns and old sores and wounds in men and women which are either very great, or not well cured: The business of Fowls in pruning themselves, especially if it be in winter. And here I would have the Reader to take notice, that unless they be seen to squeese the small Pustule (as it were) that groweth on their rump, and then anoint their feathers by slightly stroaking their bils thereon, it is no certain sign of rain, for in their time of moultring they will prune and peck their feathers all day long; but in this Pustule (as I may call it for the resemblance it hath therewith) there is a certain unctious matter or oily sub­stance [Page 298]wherewith they smooth their feathers and anoint them, be better to keep out the wet, and this thou mayest easily perceive to be true by taking a feather and pulling it asunder with your fingers gently, and you will soon see how the beards on the edges thereof will stick together.

I might here instance many more such like ordinary signs of the mutations of the Ayr; but since I desire not to be tedious, and to the judicious and searchers of Nature, many such like testimonies will be frequently offered to their conside­rations, I shall here desist, deriding such as shall deny by their ignorance the ad­mirable and powerful vertues of the Heavens, Stars and Celestial Planets, being convinced even by these bruit creatures, Fowls, creeping things, and the very stones; wherefore such must needs be concluded worse, or at best no better then Stocks, Dolts or Asses.

CHAP. XIV. Shewing Haly his judgement on Weather and the alteration of the Ayr.

How to judge of the altera­tion of the ayr at any time of the year. WE are to judge and know the alteration and Mutation of the Ayr and Weather from the various Configurations and Positi­ons of the Planets at certain times, especially at the Con [...]unction and prevention of the Luminaries before the Sun his entrance into Aries, whose Ascendents are chiefly to be regarded, and the places of the Conjunction and Opposition, also the places of the Luminaries in the figure at the Ingress of the Sun into Aries, and the places of the Planets in these aforesaid Scheams.

So that if Saturn be in any of the Angles from the Ascendent or in any of the Angles from the Lord of the Ascendent, strong and essentially dignified, especially in the mid Heaven, he signifies a various and divers temper of Ayr, thick and dark clowds; and in hot weather he lesseneth the heat, and in winter or cold weather the cold is by him augmented and increased; but if he be not in an Angle, the times shall be more stable and natural; also if Saturn be in any of the Angles from the Lord of the Ascendent, he shall not work so forcibly his effects as when he is in any Angle from the Ascendent it self.

And if Mars be located as you have heard of Saturn, especially in the mid-Heavens, the heat in Summer shall be increased and augmented, and the cold in Winter diminished and abated, and the Spring and Autumn also shall incline rather to heat then cold.

If Jupiter, Venus or the Moon be so placed, they cause a temperate, good and wholesome ayr, and cause every thing to grow, increase and fructifie well and kindely that is sown or planted in the Earth.

Again, If Mercury be found as aforesaid, viz. in the mid-Heaven in the figure of the Preventional Conjunction or Opposition, in an aiery sign and any of the In­fortunes in any of his Angles, it denotes much change of Ayr, great and high winds and very hurtful; in like manner judge the contrary if you find any of the For­tunes in any of his Angles, or he in any Angle from them, for this signifies the same as if they were in Conjunction.

Wherefore if any Planet be in an Angle or succedent House from the Ascendent of the Preventional Conjunction, make him your Significator, & then see what commix­ture he hath with Saturn and Mars or either of them; for if he be in a Square of Mars or Opposition, or Conjunction, and Mars be in a fiery sign, heat in Summer shall [Page 299]be augmented, and in Winter cold abated; also if the commixture with him be by a Sextile or Trine and Mars be in any fiery sign, he denotes the same but not so effe­ctually.

Also if its commixture be with Saturn by Conjunction, Square or Opposition, and Saturn be in cold, watry or earthy signs, the cold in Winter shall be increased and the heart in Summer diminished; also if it be by Sextile or Trine, and Saturn be in any of the aforesaid Signs, he shall also signifie the same, but not so powerfully; and if Saturn be in aiery Signs which are hot and moist, and the commixture with the Significator be by Conjunction, Square or Opposition, it signifieth the ayr shall be temperate and good, and if it be by Sextile or Trine it shall be the better.

Also if Mars have commixture with the Significator, and he be in Earthy Signs which are cold and dry, or in watery which are cold and moist, and it be by Con­junction, Square or Opposition, the ayr will be good and temperate, but if it be by Sex­tile or Trine, it will be much the betrer, and will more effectually produce the fruits and seeds of the Earth.

See also in the aforesaid figure of the Conjunction you have chief regard to the Part of Air or Weather, and make it participate in judgment with your Significator; And if you finde Saturn or Mars after the same manner placed, and in Aspect therewith, judge according as you have heard of the Significator.How to take part of ayr or weather, ac­cording to Haly. You are to take this part from the place and degree wherein Mercury is, (if he be not in his own House,) to the degree of the Lord of the House wherein he is, to which you must yet adde the de­gree ascending, and so project it from the Ascendent, and there shall be your part where the number ends; But if Mercury be in his own House, take only the Sign, [...]egree and Minute wherein he is, and by adding the Ascendent and projecting it [...]u shall finde it where your number ends: But if God spare me life and opportu­nity, I shall for thy benefit and the good of posterity take some pains to deliver thee the manner and way of taking any Part either by night or day belonging to any of the Planets, or the Signification of any of the 12 Houses, in a treatise by it self, as also the uses of them, &c.

To be short, if you would judge of the alteration of the ayr for any quarter of the Year, erect your figures for the Sun, his ingress into Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn and according to the same method judge; if for any or every moneth, see when he enters the first Punctum of every Sign; if for any day, have re­gard to Pars dierum or Part of dayes which is taken from the place of the Sun to the place of Saturn, How to take pars dierum, or part of days. (or more plainly substract the place of Saturn from the place of the Sun) and adde the place of the Moon, and see where your number of Signs, Degrees and Minutes ends, and there shall be your Pars dierum, and this must he taken at the punctuall appearance of the Sun his arising above our Horizon.

Wherefore if Mercury behold this part or be corporally joined thereunto, in that day there shall be much winde, especially if the Moon be then also with him, and Venus have also any Aspect thereunto; for then the more assured will this judgement be.

There is also another way to judge of the Diurnal mutation of the ayr, which is to observe exactly the time of the Moon her entring inro the first point of any sign; and having erected the figure of the Heavens for that moment see what Planet A­specteth or is located within five degrees of the Cuspe thereof, and make him Sig­nificator of the state of the weather during the time the Moon is in that sign, and according to his strength and Configurations with the other Planets judge as you have heard according to discretion.

How to judge of I hunder, Lightning, and Winds.Thus have you been taught the alteration of the Ayr for any time of the Year, Moneth, Day, &c. It resteth now you also know how to judge of Thunder, Light­ning and Winds; And this we are to require from the Sun his ingress into the twenty degree and one minute of Scorpio, for the which time having erected the figure of the Heavens, and placed all the Planets therein being exactly reduced to [Page 300]the time of the day or night, have regard to Jupiter, Venus and Mercury, and if you finde them all Occidental or Retrograde, judge there shall be much rain and wet weather that year.

Look then if Mars be in any of the Angles, especially in the tenth House in an aiery sign, and in any Configuration of Mercury, he signifies thunder, flashes of light­ning, and tempestuous storms of rain that year, yet sometimes without rain, they signi­fie also an unwholsome ayr; but if Mars be in the fourth House in an earthy sign, and the Fortunes strong and in Configuration with Mercury, it signifies Earth-quakes, fiery apparitions in the ayr and strange sights; also damage to the Mines of the Earth; but if Mars be in the fourth in a fiery sign, it denotes an obnoxious hurt­ful ayr to the Earth, and feeds thereof, and the corn and fruits shall be scorched and burnt up; also if he be in a watry sign in the fourth, he denotes a diminution and scarcity of waters and detriment to Fishes and such as Navigate; but if the For­tunes be in Configuration with him, damage and mischief by Thunder shall be les­sened but if they do no wise behold him, that year there will be mischief by Thunder and Lightning.

Moreover if Saturn be there, in the stead of Mars, and in the tenth House in an aiery sign, and in any Aspect of Mercury, and no wise assisted by the Fortunes, it sig­nifieth detriment in the ayr, and much hurtful rain, and that for some continuance; but if he be in the fourth House, as hath been said in an earthy sign, and in any Configuration with Mercury, and no wise beheld by the Fortunes, there shall happen Earth-quakes, and there shall be much black water upon the Earth and the like; but if he be in a watry sign in the fourth posited as aforesaid, and not at all helped by the Fortunes, there shall be a scarcity of waters, and all things abiding therein, whither living creatures or other things, shall suffer detriment; also if he be in [...] earthy sign placed in the same manner, he signifies damage to the Earth, and the things thereon and growing out of it: But if Mercury do not behold him by any Configuration, neither be joined bodily to him, the aforesaid Significations shall not be so grievous, but more tolerable; and if he be beheld of the Fortunes, the mischief will be yet less and less; and if by a Sextile or Trine, and they strong essentially, it will be totally taken away.

Note that every Planet hath its own peculiar property; Note. for the superiour are as Spirits, the inferiour as bodies, of which all the corruption and generation in the World hath participation, by their Configurations and Commixtions one with another according to the preordination and will of God.

Moreover the radix from which you are to judge of the alteration of the ayr, is the Ascendent of the Conjunction or prevention of the Luminaries before the In­gress of the Sun into every sign; and have regard to the Lord also of the Ascendent and the Lord of the place of the Conjunction or Prevention; for if these places and their Lords be in moist signs and mansions, it signifieth wet weather shall follow; also if the Significator in chief be Occidental, Retrograde or slow in motion, it signifies rain, and so also if he be Combust, unless Mars hinder it; for he being Combust hindereth and prohibiteth rain; Also note that if the chief Significator be descen­ding in Latitude or in his Epicycle, he signifieth rain, and so on the contrary if he be ascending; Moreover note, that when rain is occasioned by the Signification of the Infortunes, it is still hurtful; if it be Saturn, he causeth eruptions and over-flowings of water; if Mars, he causeth for the most part extraordinary heat.

When rain is to be ex­pected.Now if thou wouldst know when it is most probable and likely to rain, accor­ding to Haly have regard unto the chief Significator of rain; for if he be in an Angle from the Ascendent, or entring therein, judge rain at that time; as al­so to the Ingress of the Sun into the twentieth degree and one minute of Scorpio, and see what Planets signifying rain that year are received of him, and especi­ally of the Moon, and which he is in Conjunction, Square or Opposition with; for up­on those days wherein these Configurations happen, rain is to be expected; but if these Aspects be without reception, the rain will not be of long continuance nor very much.

Moreover if the Significator be in an Angle as hath been said, and in Conjunction with the Moon, it signifies Rain, Thunder, Lightning, Earth-quakes, and such like; but if you would know what rain is to be expected for all the year,Of the state of the weather for the whole year. have re­gard unto Venus, Mercury and the Moon, and if you finde them all in Conjunction in Pisces at the time of the Revolution of the year, it signifieth rain, moisture and many clouds that year; but if they be so joined in Aries or Taurus, the year shall be dry, and shall want rain.

Also if Venus apply to Mercury in any of his Houses, it signifieth much rain, and that of continuance that year; so likewise if the Moon be in Opposition to ei­ther the Sun, Saturn or Venus, it signifieth much rain and dark clouds that year; also when Mercury and Venus are in one and the same term, there shall be great rain; and if it be in a moist sign, and the Moon in a Sextile or Trine of them, there will be tempestuous storms and rain, until one of them go out of the aforesaid term: also at the time of the Sun his Ingress into Aries, if Saturn be in Square or Oppo­sition of him or of the Moon, or Jupiter and Mercury, or Venus and Mars so posited, much rain is to be expected in that year, especially if the Aspect be by Opposition, and they be in Reception by House; for this is Opening of Gates or Windows, as you have heard: Also if Venus be before the Sun, it signifieth there will be many clouds that year, dews and moisture of ayr, but little rain.

And if Venus be retrograde whilest the Sun is in Aries or Taurus, there shall be much rain that year, especially in the Spring; but if she be Retrograde in Ca­pricorn, Aquaries or Pisces, there shall not be so much rain in the Spring, but very much in the Winter.

Moreover when Mercury is stationary, in what ever sign it be, he denotes a moist ayr, rain and clouds according to the season; also many storms and tempestuous showers follow when Openers of Gates and the Significators of rain are placed in moist and watry signs; also if Venus be so posited judge the same; also if Mercury be in a fiery dry sign, and the Moon and Venus in watry and moist signs, there shall be temperate and moderate rain; and if Saturn behold them and he being in a cold sign, there will be rain and snow and much cold with an ob­scure and dark ayr.

And thus much shall suffice to be said touching the judgement of the weather and alteration of the ayr by the Positions and Configurations of the Planets and Stars the secondary causes of all sublunary accidents; if these rules in every par­ticular hold not, endeavour thou the more to finde out the truth, and let my failings be rather an incouragement to thee to search further into the secrets of Nature; wherefore I shall say no more on this point in this Nature, but con­clude our last Chapter touching the alteration of the ayr with some particular observations from the aforesaid causes, wh [...]ch are common and may be observed even by the most illiterate and rural Pesant that is.

CHAP. XV. Shewing how to judge of Weather from common Observation of the rising and setting of the Sun, colour of the Moon, appearance of the Rain-bow, Comets, Clowds, Brightness of the fixed Stars, also by the prime day, and from the time of the day wherein Thunder happeneth.

IT doth no wise seem unto me unnecessary to deliver this Chapter unto the world; although it be not altogether so Astrological as the preceding Chap­ters are, yet by reason it containeth Observations deduced from the Stars and other Superiour things, it cannot be absolutely rejected as not agreeing with our discourse and subject; besides since it may very well be an help both for the plainness and certainty thereof, to such as perhaps are not of sufficient capacity to at­tain to the perfection of what we have set down before, I have adventured to give them to understand thus much.

How to judge of weather by the rising and setting of the Sun.That when the Sun riseth clear and bright in our Horizon, it denotes a pleasant day; but fowl weather, if then he be overcast with a thin cloud; if he set being free from clouds, a fair night followeth; also being then divers coloured, his beams long and red, denotes windes the next day from that part or quarter of heaven; his beams spotted, green, black or pale, promiseth rain that night; if at his setting there be one or more circles about him, you are to observe whether they are red, and here and there broken; for then he denotes vehement windes that night: if obscured thick and black circles, it signifies cold windes and snow in Winter; many circles denote winde of what colour soever they are, but the more if they be red; if but one circle be about him and, and that clear and of no continuance, fair wea­ther is to be expected; understand the same of the Moon which you have heard of the Sun, when there is circles about her; blackness in the Sun and Moon denotes rain; redness, winde; The element red in the morning, shews winde and rain to ensue that day; the same in the Evening declares the contrary; for the day follow­ing is for the most part then fair; and in this manner of Prognostication we finde the Pharisees very expert, as appears in the 16. of Matthew.

By the colour of the Moon.Also if the Moon in the third day after the change, and the third day before the full, or in the midst of the quarter be found of a red colour, causeth windes; pale and inclining to blackness and a muddy obscurity, brings rain; but being bright and clear the end direct upright and free from circles promiseth fair weather.

By the Rain-bow.Look also to the the time when a Rain-bow appears, and by it judge of weather thus; if it appear in fair weather, judge fowl will follow; if in fowl, fair will follow, this is the opinion of some, and it stands with very much reason to be true, if we look to the first Ordination thereof in the 9 of Gen. again if it ap­pear in the morning rain and moisture is thereby portended; if in the evening, fair weather.

By Comets.From Comets if we require judgment touching these matters, we are to know that they never appear but they bring as well great and terrible alteration in the ayr as on the earth; but of this we shall have more occasion to treat anon in the next Section; wherefore here only note that they cause dry weather and ayr, great and high windes, especially if they appear obscure and cloudy. And their power and efficacy judge by their greatness, smalness, length and shortness; they cause also sickness by corruption of ayr if they appear in Aiery or Earthy signs.

By clouds.When you see thick clouds and resembling flocks gathered together in many places, they denote rain; and so do dark, obscure thick clouds over the North part of Heaven declining to the West; if they appear like hils and somewhat above the Earth, it shews weather over-passed; black clouds, promise rain; white clouds ap­pearing in Winter two or three days together in the East part of Heaven, shews cold and snow.

By Stars.When the Stars seem to fall which we vulgarly term shooting of the Stars, it prenotes winde in that part; but if they shoot in many places, or perhaps all over the Heavens, Inordinate windes, thunder, lightnings, and very tempestuous wea­ther; and when they seem to run along out of one place into another, it denotes winde; and that the weather shall alter from the temper wherein it is, if but few appear, and those obscure and cloudy; also if they at any time seem greater and brighter then usual, it denotes winde and rain in these parts where you see such Stars appear; and in Winter they presage frosts, snow and cold weather; but herein unless thou art well acquainted with their Natural magnitudes thou mayest be deceived and canst never be perfect.

By the Prime day.Again, you may judge of the weather by the prime day thus; if it be Monday, judge moist weather; Tuesday, windy and cold; Wednesday, very cold; Thursday, fair and clear; Friday, mixt weather; Saturday, moist; and Sunday, dry.

By Thunder.Thunder in the Morning also denotes winde about Noon; in the Evening, rain and tempest; Thunder also in the Winter shews terrible accidents and alterations the Summer following; whence the old Proverb, A Winters Thunder is a Summers won­der; also when in any Summer you finde no Thunder, the Winter following will be very unhealthful and obnoxious to all creatures.

And thus much of the alteration of the ayr and change of weather; Come we now to shew some natural reasons for such things as are commonly incident amongst us, and yet their cause by many unknown, and so hasten to conclude this Section.

CHAP. XVI. Demonstrating the Natural cause of many Suns, of the Rain-bow, Rain, Hail, Frost, Snow, Dew, Winde, Earth-quakes, Comets, Thunders, Lightnings and the cause of the Sun and the Moons Eclipse.

LEaving now our Astrological Discourse, I shall here a little step out of the way and shew my Reader, who hath not waded far into the Ocean of Na­ture, what Hail, Snow, Dew, Winde and the Rain-bow is, and how it comes to pass we have many Suns sometimes visible, and Moons; also what Thunder and Lightning is, and how we come to haue such strange and new Stars as are Comets and the like, and how the Sun and the Moon become sometimes eclipsed or darkned, that so he may not be to seek in these ordinary and small matters, which I believe may stumble some more then greater and higher things.

The reason of many Suns and Moon.We shall then in order handle each of these as they are set down in the contents, and first then we are to take this for an approved rule, that there never appeareth any Parelii or mock-Suns nor mock-Moons above or beneath the Sun or Moon, but on each side, and that neither, but at the Sun-rising or setting; and they are thus occasioned, when a thick cloud is gathered together toward the side of the Sun or the Moon in which the broken beams of the Sun or Moon being gathered, the very form or fashion of the Sun or Moon, is represented unto us therein.

The cause of the Rain bow.As touching the Rain-bow, it is no more then the reflection of the Sun-beams in a cloud that turns to the contrary vapour.

What rain is.Rain is a cold vapour drawn up or exhaled by the attractive faculty of the Sun to the nether part of the middle Region of the Ayr, where being thickened through cold it falleth again to the Earth.

What hail and snow.Hail and Snow are the same, only are drawn up higher; Snow into the middle Region, and Hail into the upper, and there condensed and congealed into the body of a cloud, and being disposed by the Configurations of fit Significators descendeth.

What frost and dew.In like manner hoar frost and dew is also the same vapour, and of the same na­ture as is rain and the rest, only not drawn so high by the Sun as to keep up, but when he with draws himself from our Hemisphere falleth down again, and is by the coldness of the Earth congealed or resolved into water which we call dew in Summer, but in Winter by the sharpness of the ayr it is congealed into frost, and by reason of the hoaryness of it, is called Hoare frost.

What winde and the occasi­on of Earth-quakes.Winde also is but a dry exhalation drawn up from the Earth by the heat of the Sun also, and dispersed here and there; and this is the reason of Earth-quakes; for through the gathering together of abundance of these vapours in the Concaves of the Earth, and from thence violently breaking out, and the Earth closing again, is the Earth caused to shake or as it were tremble; and this is the fore-runner of wars for the most part in those parts of the Earth.

What a Co­met.Moreover a Comet is a flame caused of a dry, hot, slimy exhalation, drawn up by the Sun to the uppermost part of the ayr, the which being dispersed and broken causeth high windes; but more of this in the last Section.

What thunder and lightning.Again, Thunder is a quenching of fire in a cloud, or an exhalation hot and dry mixt with moisture, carryed up to the middle Region, and there thickened and wraped into a cloud, where meeting with moisture being of a contrary quality, it breaketh out the sides of the cloud, and by this its eruption causeth a thundering noyse in the ayr; and this flying out of the fire the vulgar call Lightning; the which Aristotle saith comes after Thunder; but I am of opinion they come both together, though the sense of seeing is more suddenly apprehensive of the light then the hear­ing is of the sound; because what is conveyed to the Eye is by a direct line, but to the Ear by an oblique; for at a distance we may discern a blow before we hear it, yet being hard by we shall hear it as soon as it is given or can be seen, &c.

Lightning as say some Authours, is of marvailous efficacy, and they have made mention of three sorts, Dry, Moist, and Clear; the Dry doth not burn but cleaveth trees through and also houses and the like; the Moist doth not burn neither, but altereth colour; the Clear both burneth and destroyeth, and is indeed the most dangerous of all; for it breaketh the bones, and sword, and bruiseth not theskin nor breaketh the scabbard; and melteth moneyin the purse, and yet melteth not wax, &c.

Signs of Earth-quakes to come.We are now to give the reason of the Eclipsing of both the Luminaries; but first I think it very requisite to set down some tokens of Earth-quakes to come, which are briefly six; the first is when the Sun is obscured and darkened without the presence of clouds or the body of the Moon; the second token that an Earth-quake is at hand, is when the Sun is as it were bloudy and coloured in such a strange manner; the third is when a fiery Pillar, or cloud like a pillar of fire, appears in the Heavens; the fourth is when the ayr is very quiet both at Land and Sea for a long continuance and winde absent; the fifth when waters are salt and troubled, and of another taste then usually and naturally they are; the sixth and last is when strange unaccustomed and unusual noises of exclamations of men, howl­ings, lamentations, and clatterings of armour are heard, and such sights seen in the Ayr.

The cause of the Sun his Eclipse.And now as touching the Eclipse of either of the Luminaries, you are to know it is only a privation of their light; that of the Sun is occasioned at the conjunction of the Luminaries (or more plainly at the change of the Moon) [Page 305]by the interposition of the body of the Moon betwixt the Sun and the Earth averting or turning his beams from us, and so the Sun becomes obscured or darkened for that time.

The cause of the Moons Eclipse.That of the Moon by the Diametrical interposition of the body of the Earth bet­ween the Sun and the Moon, thereby depriving her of the borrowed light she re­ceiveth of the Sun, and this is ever upon the Opposition of the Luminaries, or vul­garly at the Full Moon; and truly this desect of the Luminaries would happen every change and full,Why there are not 2 Eclipses every moneth. did not the Moon sometime deviate from the Ecliptick line five de­grees Northward, as also sometimes again as far South-ward, and therefore cannot so directly meet with the Conjunction and Opposition of the Sun who ever moveth in the Ecliptick line or just under it.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Signification of the most notable fixed Stars both fortunate and unfortunate in any of the twelve Houses in Revolutions of the Years of the World.

LOok into the second Book of this Volume and there you shall have the Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude of the most notable fixed Stars; what are less and more obscure, are not so needful and re­quisite to be recorded, since they are of the same nature as are the rest in their con­stellation; wherefore what are there expressed may sufficiently serve as touching thy judgment in the Stars.

I shall not therefore here at all rehearse either the names or natures of any Star there expressed; onely I shall desire thee to be very expert in the several Natures thereof, and so according to their several Positions, Conjunctions and Configurations with the Planets judge either good or bad according to the nature of those Stars, Planets and Houses of Heaven they are in.

The significa­tion of the Ma­levolent fixed Stars in the first House.As if malevolent, mischievous and unfortunate Stars, viz. such as are of the nature of Saturn or Mars, or both, be upon the Cuspe of the Ascendent, or within five degrees thereof or with the Lord of the Ascendent in Conjunction Partil, or within five degrees thereof, judge mischief and damage to the people of that Na­tion for which your Revolution is set in one kinde or other; compare and weigh exactly the nature of your Significators, viz. the Stars afflicting your Ascendent or its Lord, and you will soon discover the nature of the evill threatned; and this your own Genius must teach you; for all the writings in the World without it will be of little or no effect; it signifies also diseases in the head, especially if the sign ascending be Aries.

In the secondIf they be in the second House afflicting the Cuspe thereof or the Lord thereof or both (as abovesaid of the Ascendent) judge the evill to fall in and to mens estates and riches, especially to the common people who shall many of them be exposed to poverty and want, and in some measure even the Nobles also and best of them shall have losses and crosses in such matters; it signifies also that there shall many maladies and infirmities in the Ears, Throat and Neck, afflict men▪ such as are Impostumes, Catarrs and Rheumes, &c. especially if the sign of the se­cond be Taurus.

In the thirdIf in the third, the evill shall happen to those that go short journies, and they shall be unprofitable; strife, contentions and discords amongst brethren, neighbors and kindred without cause or any occasion given; many grievous infirmities and [Page 306]those cheifly in the Arms, Hands, and Shoulders or Shoulder-blades, especially if the sign of the third be Gemini.

In the fourth.In the fourth, (as you have heard of the Ascendent) or in Conjunction with the Lord thereof, evill and mischief is threatned to the Earth and its Fruits; it sig­nifies also wars and contentions amongst men, and one City and Place with another; also dissentions and quarrels between Fathers and Children, and the end of mens actions shall be evill; also if any shall purchase Land, Houses, or Heritages, they shall not finde that profit and good therein which they expected; and there shall be many Infirmities and diseases in the Breasts and Lungs and parts adjacent, especially if the sign be Cancer.

In the fifth.Also in the fifth, if they or any of them be found afflicting the Cusp thereof, or its Lord, much evill shall happen to Children, Parents shall not be so affectionate and careful as they ought, Women conceaved shall miscarry, such as are not con­ceaved shall continue unfruitful, friends also and loving acquaintance shall disagree and clash, and Men shall suffer detriment in and by such things as they most de­light in, and many infirmities will be incident to man also, especially in the Back, Reins and Parts or Vessels of Generation, and in the Stomach, cheifly if the sign of the fifth be Leo.

In the sixth.Again, if in the sixth, &c. mischief shall happen to small Cattel, servants of both sex; it signifieth also there shall be no gain or profit in Merchandizing and Trading in small Cattel, and many infirmities in the Belly and Intrals, if the sign of the sixth be Virgo especially.

In the seventh.In the seventh or any of them in Conjunction with the Lord thereof (as you have heard, &c.) denotes wars, dissentions amongst great ones, also quarrels and dissen­tions amongst Associates and Lovers, and between Man and Wife, Kings and their Subjects and Associates, and they with their King or Superiours, mens hearts shall be hardned, neither shall there be any mercy or pity amongst them, nor faith nor truth; and promises, tyes and protestations shall be violated and lightly esteemed, and men shall not care for the use of their Trade. Profession or Calling, but shall be given to looseness; and it signifieth also there shall be many Infirmities in the Bladder, Ureters and Reins, especially if the sign of the seventh be Libra.

In the eighth.In the eighth, it denotes the evill condition and trouble of Theeves and Robbers, also that men shall quarrel and disagree that have inherited the Goods and Lega­cies of the late deceased; and to be short impediment, loss and damage in, to and by all things appertaining to the signification of the eight House, which you have been abundantly shewn in the 41. Chapter of the second Book; it signifies also many Infirmities in the Secrets, if the sign be Scorpio especially, also Plagues, Mor­talities, and Malevolent infectious and poysonous Diseases.

In the ninth.Also if in the ninth, judge mischief to happen to the Religious sort of men, and such as bear Office in the Church and Ecclesiastick affairs; Sects, Schisms, and new Tenets shall be allayed, perhaps extirpated and totally beaten down and quasht, &c. Much damage it also signifies to such as travel and go long journeys, and no success or profit therein: It signifies also that men shall be corrupt, Heathenish, and of ill conversations; there shall be little or no war, and men shall be perplexed with many accidents and Infirmities in the Thighs, especially if the sign of the ninth be Sagittary.

In the tenth.Again, if any of the Malevolent fixed Stars be in the tenth afflicting the Cuspe thereof, or the Lord thereof, it denotes much damage and detriment, sorrow and trouble to those in Authority, also dissention quarrel and discord amongst them, and they shall be so put to it for mony, that they will de induced to tax the people, nei­ther indeed will they contribute to their necessities as formerly, nor have so vene­rable an esteem of them, but shall slight, deride, and scoffe at them and set up themselves if possible in their room, Nobles will be dejected, and Rusticks erected and elevated, and there shall be many infirmities in the Knees, especially if the sign be Capricorn.

In the ele­venth.Also if in the eleventh, strife, dissention and discord shall happen among friends and acquaintance, and one shall abuse and slander the other, and study to injure and prejudice each other; hopes shall be frustrated, and the Treasure of the King or chief Rulers shall be exhausted, and those in whom they most confide shall deceive them, and leave them helpless at their greatest extreamity, and men shall be perplexed with many Infirmities in the Legs, especially if the sign be in Aquaries.

In the twelfth.Lastly, if in the twelfth. It denotes many theeves, and much theeving and rob­bing by the High-way, also deceit and falsehood of servants towards their Ma­sters, and much detriment by them, a diminution of indigent and poore people, the Commons shall be kept under by their Superiours, damage shall be to great Cattel, and there shall be many infirmities incident to man in the feet, especially if the sign be Pisces.

In like manner judge the contrary if you finde the benevolent Stars so posited; they are benevolents that you find are of the nature of Jupiter or Venus, or both, or of the nature of Jupiter and Saturn, Jupier and Mars, or Venus and Saturn, Venus and Mars, and of the nature of Jupiter and Mercury, Venus and Mercury, and of the nature of Mercury only, especially if assisted by the benevolent Aspects of the For­tunes.

And thus much shall suffice for Instruction in the judging of the Annual Revolu­tions of the world; let us now descend to Eclipses, and so hasten to a conclusion of these our labours.

SECTION IV. Teaching how to judge of the Natural Mutations and Accidents of this Elementary World by the appear­ance of Eclipses, Comets, great Conjunctions and Blazing Stars.

IN the Sixteenth Chapter of this very Fourth Book I have already declared what an Eclipse of either of the Luminaries is, and the cause of that defect in each of them; wherefore it would be both needless and superfluous here again to touch thereon. I shall therefore give you now the whole Method whereby to judge of any Mutation or Accident in this World portended by Eclipses, and that in brief accor­ding to the Rules of our Predecessor Ptolomy, whom I prefer for his shortness and plainness before any or all other Writings that I have mett with; it is true, Leovitius hath been very large on this subject, and others; but since what Ptolomy hath deli­vered us, is sufficient for instruction to any that are to seek in these matters, I shall pass them by as more mysterious and intricate, and yet tending no more to edifi­cation.

In the first Section and first Chapter of this Fourth Book you have been taught that in your judgement of Revolutions you are to consider the place of the Eclipses of either Luminaries or both, if any such happen, and joyn them in judgement; for if there be any Eclipse or Eclipses, you are to see if there be any agreement betwixt them and the Lord of the Year and Ascendent of the Revolutions; for there is no­thing more certain then that there followeth many inconveniencies and alterations in the World after any of the great Lights are Eclipsed; for by them all things have their subsistence and nutriment in a natural way; and therefore it must needs follow sublunary things must suffer detriment in one kinde or other when either of them are deprived of their lights and influences, especially if both in one Moneth; whence Her­mes saith,Note. There shall much inconveniency and trouble happen in the World when both the Luminaries shall be Eclipsed in one Moneth, and chiefly in those places in which their Effects shall be manifested.

Wherefore in any Year if either or both the Luminaries are Eclipsed, or in any quarterly Revolution, see if the Lord of the Sign wherein the Eclipse is to fall, be strong or weak, or in Conjunction or any Configuration with the Lord of the Ascen­dent at the time of the middle of the Eclipse (which you are to know is the time wherein you are to erect your Scheme or Figure of the Heavens for the judging of the Effects of any Eclipse) or with the Lord of the Year or Quarter,What time the figure of Heaven is to be erected for the judging of Eclipses. or whether the Fortunes behold these or the Infortunes: for if the Fortunes, you are to judge good; if the Infortunes, the contrary. The nature and quality thereof judge from good; if the Infortunes, the contrary. The nature and quality thereof judge from the nature of the Significators, as you have heard before: likewise whether much e­vill or good is to be expected by considering the strength of your Significators and their Receptions and nature of their Aspects.

What things or places are sig­nified good or evill in any Eclipse.And judge this evill or good to those signified by the Planet in Configuration with these Lords or the Fortunes or Infortunes, whether men or things: as if the Ascen­dent or its Lord be beheld by the Fortunes, then you may safely say the People of that Nation or Kingdom wherein the Revoluton is, shall be safe, of good health and prosperous, &c. and so judge of all the rest of the Houses according to their [Page 309]several significations, as you have been taught before: and so on the contrary evill, if by the Infortunes: And this shall be the more encreased if the Lord of the Ascen­dent or Lord of the Year be the Lord of the Sign wherein the Eclipse is to happen. In like manner pronounce evill and dammage to the persons and things signified by any other House of whom you find the Lord of the Sign of the Eclipse Ruler, &c. Judge the time when it shall be most grievous unto them, to be when the Sun comes to the same House in the Eclipse (I mean the very degree and minute of the Cusp) whereby they are signified, or to the degree and minute of the Zodiack their chief Sgnificator was then in: as if it be the Common People, when the Sun comes to the degree and minute of the Ascendent at the time of the middle of the Eclipse: if it be the Rulers or King, it will be most grievous when the Sun comes to the degree and minute of the Tenth House at that time; and so of the rest.

Detriment and mischief also is to be expected to all things signified by the House wherein any Eclipse is: as if in the Tenth, to Kings, Grandees and chief Rulers: if in the Ninth, to Church-men: in the Eighth, the death of Old men, &c. and it shall be chiefly incident unto men, if any Eclipse be in Humane Signs: if in Aiery, to Birds: if in Earthy, to the Fruits of the Earth and Seeds: (yet Junctinus as­sureth us, that if an Eclipse be in Libra, it signifies the rottenness of Herbs, and that there shall be Sects and Schisms amongst Church-men) in watery, to the Fish and Creatures living in the Watery Element: in Bestial Signs, to Beasts, according to the nature of the Sign: as if Aries, to Sheep: if Capricorn, to Goats: if Taurus, to Bulls, Cows and Oxen: if Sagittary, the last 15 degrees, to Horses, &c. and if feral signs, to wild Beasts.

The Portence of an Eclipse in any Tri­plicity.See also in what Triplicity the Luminaries are Eclipsed; for Junctinus saith, An Eclipse either of the Sun or Moon in the Fiery Triplicity, denotes the motion of Armies, the death and destruction of Cattell, Kings and Great men; imprison­ments, enmity between the Vulgar and Nobler sort of People, dissemblings, fewd and discords, wars, and grievous slaughter and destruction of men, murthers, thefts, depopulations, abortions to women, sharp Feavers and Epidemical diseases through excess of heat, apparitions in the Air, scarcity of Rain, especially in those Regions and places subject to the sign wherein the Eclipse is, admirable and strange mutations.

In the Earthy Triplicity when any of the Luminaries are Eclipsed, it occasions scarcity of the Fruits of the Earth, and chiefly of Corn, and such things as are usually sown every Year.

In the Aiery, shews Famine, fierce and violent Maladies and Pestilential Diseases, tempestuous stormy winds, and those very pernicious.

In the Watry Triplicity it promiseth the death of the Vulgar and ignobler sort of People, seditions and rumors of wars, and eruptions and overflowings of the Sea-banks.

In the Cardi­nal points.Moreover he further testifieth, that if an Eclipse happen in Aries, it causeth altera­tion in Fruits: Vines and Fig-trees shall be corrupted.

If in Libra, in Seeds and Herbs; and Schisms amongst Ecclesiastical men (as you have already heard.)

In Cancer, a rot tenness or corruption of the fruit when it is gathered, causing sick­ness to those that eat them, perhaps surfeits.

In Capricorn, it denotes Olives to be devoured by Locusts or Caterpillers and such like Worms, many shipwracks and submersions of ships, change in mens dispositions and manners, especially in those Regions and Places subject unto Capricorn.

In common signs.In Gemini and Sagittary an Eclipse threatens destruction to flying Fowls, especially such as men eat, whereby many men come to sudden death.

In Virgo and Pisces harm and destruction to Vegetables and Creatures living in the Waters, cheifly in Fountains, corruption of Rivers.

In fixed.In Taurus, Scorpio, Leo and Aquaries, ruine of houses and ancient buildings, divi­sions and hatred amongst the Clergy, and they shall excite Tumults.

Let us now come to Ptolomyes Method in judging of Eclipses, which he begins in Chap. 4. of his 2. Book of his Quadripartite, after this manner.

CHAP. I. Containing Ptolomies method in judging Eclipses, and how to know the Regions to which the Effects belong.

AFter he had in the preceding Chapters declared the conditions and consti­tutions of severall Nations of the World, and the occasion thereof from the nature of the Signs and Planets, he comes in the 4 Chapter to a more facil way of appropriating them unto the several signs of the Zodiack, the better to predict the most eminent accidents and casualties in all Nations, Kingdoms, and Re­gions, &c.

Four things to be considered in judging of Eclipses.Wherefore herein there will be four things most worthy our consideration.

The first, The Places or Regions, Countreys, Kingdoms or Cities where the effects of any Eclipse will be manifest.

The second, The time when the Effects shall begin and how long continue.

The third, The kinds of the events.

The fourth, The quality of the events whither good or evill.

1 Touching the first you have no more to do but thus; see what place of the Zodiack your Eclipse fals in, whither it be of the Sun or Moon, and what Cities, Countries, Kingdoms or Regions are subject to the sign wherein the Eclipse is, and such Cities that had the sign wherein the defect is, in the Horoscope or first House at the time of its first structure, or the place then of the Sun or Moon, and the places subject to the signs in Opposition and Square thereunto, you may say shall assuredly taste of its ef­fects, as also such Regions wherein the Eclipse shall be visible; Kingdoms, Cities and Places subject to every sign of the Zodiack you have in the second Book.

CHAP. II. Shewing the time when the Effects of any Eclipse shall begin and how long continue.

MAny men I know wonder why Astrologers have taught that Eclipses operate not till such a time after their appearance; but they have but small reason to move them to this their admiration; for the effects of an Eclipse opperate from the first appearance thereof, though not so apparently; as a child from its very first Conceptions is in Beeing, yet cannot properly be termed ought other then some living creature till it be produced to light.

And therefore I conceive the Antients without any respect at all to the former, have still give Rules for judging of the latter, or the time when their Effects will be in force or begin to be apparent.

When an E­clipse first ma­nifests its Effects, and when more forcibly.Wherefore Ptolomy teacheth us, that if an Eclipse fall in the East part of the Horizon, (or more plainly in the Ascendent or East Angle) the Events thereof shall first manifest themselves from the fourth Moneth after, but it will more strongly ope­rate in the first third part of its whole duration.

If in the mid-Heaven, the Effects thereof will first begin to appear after the second four Moneths (or more plainly about eight Moneths after the defect of the Lumi­nary) but more apparent will it be in the second or middlemost third part of the whole time it continues.

But if it be in the West-part of the Horizon, (viz. in the Seventh House of Heaven, or the West Angle) in the third or last fourth Moneth shall the Effects be manifested, but more forcibly in the third and last part of the whole time of its continuance.

But the particular Remissions and Intentions we must judge from the Conjuncti­ons and Preventions which in the mean time shall happen in that place, or in any other places of the figure that hath relation thereunto, from the places of the mo­tion of the Planets by which future events are fore-known, viz. such as are Oriental, Occidental, Stationary or ascending in the close of the Evening, viz. vespertine and are occasion of any future events by their Aspects or any other manner; when they are Oriental you must know their effects are augmented, and when they are Stati­onary; but Occidental and under the Sun-beams, or vespertine and Retrograde, de­minished and lessened; understand this as to the time, not Nature.

How long the Effects of any Eclipse shall continue.As touching the time of their continuance viz. how long the Effects of any Eclipse shall last or be in force, it is in this manner to be known, for as much as an Eclipse is not seen in all Regions and Places in the same houre or instant of time, neither for the beginning, continuation or end thereof; you ought therefore in every Re­gion to take according to proportion the Ecliptical houre, the Elevation of the Pole and the Angles of the figure according thereunto.

And then you are to see how many equal houres (viz. Natural Equinoctial houres consisting of 60 Minutes a peece) the Eclipse continues in every Region, for when you have this, you are to know that the Events of a Solar Eclipse shall con­tinue so many years as he is Eclipsed houres, reckoning from the first moment of his Obscuration to the very last; of a Lunar, so many moneths; wherefore the beginning of them you shall know from the place where the Eclipse fals, and the An­gles of the figure at that time.

CHAP. III. Of the kindes of the Events of any Eclipse.

3 IN the third place you know the kindes of the Events of any Eclipse are to be considered, which is known from the qualities and signs belonging to the signs in which either of the Luminaries are eclipsed, and from the places or signs in which the Planets and most notable fixed Stars are, the which with the sign of the Eclipse (or the Sign wherein the Eclipse is) and the sign of the Angle preceding the Eclipse is to be considered.

How to know the Lord of Eclipse.To know the Planet that shall bear chief rule of these two places, it is not more then thus; see which of the Planets hath most power and strength in the place of the Eclipse and Angle preceding the Eclipse, by House, Exaltation, Triplicity, face or term, and give it to him; but if one Planet be not both Lord of the sign wherein the Eclipse is, and the Angle preceding the Eclipse, but there be two Planets bear­ing rule in these places, then are you to prefer that Planet which is Lord of the place of the Eclipse to the rule or Dominion before the other, yet shalt thou joyn him in judgement therewith; but if there be several Planets that have Dominion in these places you shall prefer that which is nearest an Angle and most strong in the degree of the Eclipse, and make him Lord of the Eclipse.

Fixed Stars to be consideredAnd you are also to observe those fixed Stars which are of most note, and placed nere the place of the Eclipse and the Cuspe of the Angle preceding the Eclipse, as also the Cusps of the Ascendent and mid-Heaven at the time of the Eclipse.

The forms and figures of the signs.Having thus seriously considered the fixed Stars as you ought, the forms and figures of the signs are to be considered in which an Eclipse fals, and in which the predomi­nant Planets are; for the quality of the Events cannot be well known but by the na­ture thereof.

For humane signs of such as are of that form have signification unto mankinde; and if they be ferall signs, or such as bear the form of wild Beasts, or four-footed Creatures, it shall be to such Beasts and Creatures which are found in shape and Nature agreeable thereunto; whether the sign signifie Snakes, Beasts of the field, domestick, tame Creatures, &c.

Northern signs,Nota. signifie sudden Earth-quakes, which have the figure of Beasts of the field when an Eclipse is therein; in Southern, alteration of the ayr, in such Signs and Constellations as have wings, such as are Virgo, Sagittary, the Hen, the Vulture, &c. it denotes detriment to birds and flying fowl, chiefly such as are usually eaten by man; If in Cancer, Pisces, or the Dolphin, to Creatures living in the water; if in the Constellation of the Ship, to Ships and such as Navigate; in Aquaries, to Rivers and the like, &c.

The portence of an Eclipse in Tropical or Equinoctial signs.Also if an Eclipse of either I uminary be in any of the Tropical or Equinoctial signs, it denotes change of ayr in every of these times; if in the vernal Equinox, dam­mage to Trees when they begin to bud and shout forth, as the Vine, Fig-tree and others then springing; if in the Summer Solstice, the events will be on fruits when they are gathered, but in Egypt it signifies the over-flowing of Nilus; If in the Au­tumnall Equinox, they will be manifest on Hearbs and the Seeds of the Earth when they are sown, and detriment in harvest; in the Winter Solstice, on Pot-Hearbs, Birds of the season and Fish.

Also if an Eclipse be in Equinoctial signs, it shews its Effects in Religious things and Church affairs; in the Tropicks, in the ayr, laws and manners of men; In fixed signs, in foundations and edifices; in common signs, in mankinde and Kings.

In the quarters of Heaven.Moreover Eclipses nere the East, signifie their Effects will be apparent in fruits, youth and foundations; in the mid-Heaven, in the Church, State, great ones and such as are of middle age; but if in the West, in the Laws and Customs of the People, the alteration thereof, and in those of elder years; it hath signification also of Murthers.

To know the greatness of the Events of any Eclipse.The quantity or the greatness of their Effects are known from the greatness of the Eclipse, and from those Stars which in the place of the Eclipse are caused of the future events.

For when an Eclipse of the Sun is vespertine, the evill portended thereby is lessened; but when Matutine, increased; so likewise on the contrary, an Eclipse of the Moon Vespertine increaseth the evill, Matutine impareth it the one half.

The reason thereof is, because the Sun is the proper Governour of the Day, and the Moon Governess of the Night, Gen. 1.16. and therefore when they are thus afflicted in their own season, the Effects must needs be much more effectual then when on the contrary.

CHAP. IV. Of the quality of the Events of any Eclipse, whether Good or Evill.

4 How to know the nature and quality of the Events of any Eclipse, whe­ther good or evill.UNder the verge of this Chapter will the quality of the events, whether good or evill fall, and the nature of them both, the which is known from the na­ture of the Planets, having most fortitudes in the place of the Eclipse and the Communication and commixtion of one with another, and the places in which they are in the Figure of Heaven.

For the Sun and Moon bear rule over the other Planets, and are main causes of future accidents, as also the power and efficacy of the other Stars are by them aug­mented or diminished; but the commixture of those Stars who are of most power, shew the quality of the events.

But let us declare the works and properties of each Planet and their natures; but that our relation thereof may be the more effectual, you are to take notice that when I nominate or declare the nature generally of the five Planets, you are to understand their temper, power and force, whether that Planet doth of himself in his own nature predominate or no, or whether any other Star which is not errant, or other place of the Zodiack of the same nature and temper or influence of that Star; wherefore if possible we are to know the nature and quality of every fixed Star worthy the noting for the making a right commixtion when they are joined in Configuration with the Errant Stars or Planets, because this is as considerable as their commixtion one with another, according to their familiarity before men­tioned.

Of Saturn when he is chief Ruler, and his signi­fications in ge­neral.So that if Saturn be only chief Lord or Ruler, he shall be generally the occa­sion of destruction and mischief caused by cold; and particularly when his in­fluence relateth unto men, he causeth long and tedious Infirmities, Tissicks and obnoxious Diseases, occasioned from Humors, Flegm and Defluxions, quartane Feavers, Banishment, Want, Tribulation, Anxiety, Fears, sadness and Death; and these chiefly to those that are stricken in years.

But when it relateth to Beasts and Creatures belonging to the use of Man, he bringeth destruction and causeth a scarcity of them, and sickness and rottenness to those that remain; death also and infirmity in the same nature to those men that use or eat them.

In the ayr he shall cause frost and snow, and such as shall produce bitter cold weather, cloudy and obscure, also pernicious, pestiferous and tempestuous, Snow and inconvenient wind and moisture, producing by corruption pernicious and offen­sive creatures to mankinde.

But in the Sea and Rivers, tempests and shipwracks, also difficult and dangerous Navigating, a destruction and scarcity of fishes; increase and decrease of waters in the Sea by fits, the over-flowing of Rivers, and eruptions of the Sea-banks and mischief by water.

In the Earth, a diminution and destruction of fruits, and chiefly to such as are more particularly for the use of Man; they shall suffer by Worms very much detri­ment and Caterpillars, Locusts, and such like, or by inundations, over-flowings of Water, or too much abundance of Rain, cold Frost or the like, so that thereby there shall be such a scarcity and deerness of such things, that many men shall dye for want of bread.

Of Jupiter when he is chief Ruler, what he signi­fieth in gene­ral.If Jupiter be chief Ruler, he causeth generally an increase and plenty of all things, and particularly to man, he elevateth their condition to honour, renown and plenty, giveth health, tranquillity, peace and an increase of riches and goods, and all things appertaining to the life of man in a natural way; Increaseth the benefits and goods received from Princes, or such as are in Authority, and causeth also even these Grandees to be more Illustrious, inlargeth their Territories and Dominions, and abundantly augmenteth their Grandure; generally Jupiter denotes success and happiness in every thing.

To Beasts belonging chiefly to the use of Man, he signifieth an increase, but such as are destructive and not profitable, he destroyeth.

The ayr also he tempereth and maketh wholsome, and sendeth convenient moi­sture in seasons requisite for the Production of the fruits of the Earth, the which he multiplyeth and increaseth by his sweet influence.

The Sea also for Navigation shall be safe, the floods of Rivers temperate, &c.

Of the signifi­cations of Mars, if he be chief Ruler.If Mars be chief Lord of any Eclipse, he generally threatneth mischief to all sorts and kinds of men which shall happen through extremity of drought; and particu­larly he causeth much war, intestine hatreds, fewds, quarrels and discords amongst [Page 314]men, especially of that kinde of life, viz souldiers; he excites men also to many robbe­ries, spoilings, sacking, tyranny and rebellion; he also causeth the wrath of Kings and Great men, and troubles in general, sudden death, sicknesses and those chiefly tertian Agues or Feavers, and those principally, or more particularly to those of younger years or in their strength of youth, much choler and anger amongst men of small repute; they shall commit unlawful things and violate the Law; many Combustions, slaughters, rapines, thefts, and robberies.

In the ayr he causeth extremity of heat and very warm windes, also ligthning and little rain.

In the Sea destruction to ships, and submersions suddenly by mixt winds, lightning and such like.

In Rivers a scarcity of waters, a drought of Fountains and detriment by drinking of waters, which for the most part will be corrupted.

And in things appertaining to the life of Man, viz. Beasts and Vegetables, he shall cause a scarcity, and destruction of the fruits of the Earth, by reason they shall be scorched with extremity of heat or eaten with Locusts and Caterpillers, or destroyed by winds, or nipt in the bud.

Of Venus and her significati­ons general.But if Venus be chief Significatrix, she denotes the same as doth Jupiter gene­rally, but together with it some Venereal sports; and particularly to men she causeht honour, fame, joy, fortunate success in every thing, happy marriages, abundance of children and felicity in all things belonging to Matrimony, and an increase of riches, and an unusual familiarity and correspondency between Princes and their Subjects and Familiars.

In the ayr, winds, but temperate, bringing abundance of showers, yet they very seasonable and convenient for the fructifying of the Earth, a seasonable time accor­ding to the nature of the season.

In the Sea such Ships as Navigate shall be safe and prosperous.

In Rivers abundance of waters by reason of many showers.

Beasts, Vegetables and such things as are for the use of man, shall be plentiful.

Of Mercury and his signi­fications when he is chief RulerIf Mercury be chief Ruler, he signifieth such events generally as are of the na­ture of the Planet he is in Conjunction with and in Configuration; for you have been taught in our second Book of this Volume, that he participateth in Nature with the Planet in Conjunction or Configuration with him; but properly in his own nature he furthers the natural signification of the other.

Particularly in men he excites expedition, industry, cunning and ingenuity in every thing.

In the Sea he causeth unfortunate Navigation when he is joined in judgement with the Infortunes as being in Configuration or Conjunction with them; but if with the Fortunes, judge the contrary; with the Malevolents also he denotes many diseases and infirmities, Quotidian Feavers, Imposthumes, Consumptions and Coughs, Phthisis and dry diseases; as touching matters of State, Laws, Customs and Privi­ledges, he orders all according to the Planets and Stars in Configuration with him; wherefore we see he being dry of constitution being so nere the Sun, and of a swift motion, and because he is often Retrograde, he stirs up frequent turbulent and per­nicious winds, also thunder and lightning, openings of the Earth and Earth-quakes, and perhaps much damage thereby to Vegetables and Creatures for the use of Man (I conceive Ptolomy might very well have left out perhaps) also in the houres of his setting he causeth a diminution of Waters and Rivers; in the houres of his rising an augmentation; and thus much of the innate significations of the Planets.

Now when according to the variety of the Aspects and Signs they are mingled by being mutually behold of each other and their Position in respect of the Sun, they thereby vary their effects or actions according to the variety of significations and judgements arising from their several Conjunctions and Configurations.

Wherefore since it is impossible to relate exactly unto thee all their Configurations and their commixtures, or at least for that it would be so intricate a thing, we shall refer it to the study and consideration of the Student; for as I have said before, [Page 315]unless thy Genius leadeth thee to the exact knowledge thereof, the reading of all the Books in the World will no wise avail thee.

But we ought diligently to observe the nature of those Stars by which the e­vents are signified, and their affinity with those Regions where the effects are to be manifested thus.

If they be fortunes and have relation to the evil places where the events shall happen, and no wise contradicted by other Stars, they more effectually perform what events were afore promised; but if they have no relation to those places, or if they be gainsayed by malevolent Stars, their good influence is by so much lessened, and so thou mayest judge on the contrary. And thus much of Eclipses according to Ptolomy.

Some lines towards the latter end of the eighth chapter of his aforesaid se­cond Booke I have willingly omitted, for that I do not in every word agree with him, and therfore herein I shall desire to be excused, as also if I have in any other places varied somewhat from him; I know no reason why any man that standeth on his shoulders may not see farther then he; truly I must really confess he hath merited much honour from his successors, wherefore I shall esteem him as for his shortness, so for his accurate and sufficient largeness and method before any or all other Astrological Philosophers whatsoever; and therefore (as I have al­ready said) with him I shall conclude as touching this matter, adding only this Chap­ter which I have collected out of of Junctinus, that we may hasten to a conclusion of this Treatise.

CHAP. V. Of the Sun and Moon Eclipsed in any Decanate or Face of the twelve Celestial Signs.

DIvers rules have I before delivered unto thee which I collectedout of Juncti­nus; wherefore now for conclusion of this point; I thought good to give thee this Chapter out of him also, the which he gathered from the writings of Proclus.

When there happens any Eclipse either of the Sun or Moon in Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn, it denotes a scarcity of the fruits of the Earth and Corn; in Gemini, Libra or Aquaries, a Famin and outragious diseases, Pestilencies and Mortalities; in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces, the death and slaughter of obscure, common Plebean kinde of people, continual quarrels and seditions, and great damage to Navigators and such as converse in the Sea, or Sea-affairs; in Aries, Leo or Sagittary, I need say no more then this, thas it is sufficiently declared in the handling the several De­canates of these Signs; wherefore it will not be amiss if we also go through every sign of the whole Zodiack, beginning at Aries, that so thou mayest not be to seek upon any Eclipse of the Luminaries, and first then of the Sun.

♈ 10. When the Sun is Eclipsed in any of the first ten degrees of Aries (which you have heard is the first Decanate or Face thereof) it portends the sudden and fre­quent motion of Armies, continual expeditions, assaults and batteries with many tumults, seditions and controversies, and an inclination of the ayr to intempe­rate heat and drought.

♈ 20. In the following Decanat or Face, (viz. from the tenth to the twentieth de­gree of Aries) it denotes the Imprisonment, trouble and sadness of some King, and danger of death unto him, a corruption of trees that are fruitful or of such fruits as are produced of Trees, as also of the Earth.

♈ 30. In the last Decanate or Face, (viz. from the twentieth to the thirtieth, or last degree of Aries) he bringeth grief and sadness to mortals, and the death of great women, and a scarcity or diminution of Cattel (viz. those of the lesser sort, because it is signified by Aries.)

♉ 10. An Eclipse of the Sun happening in the first Face of Taurus, afflicteth Negotia­tors, Agents and Solicitors, destroyeth businesses, and the Corn upon the Earth.

♉ 20. In the second Decanate or Face of Taurus, incommodities to such as bear chil­dren, and also to Travellers.

♉ 30. In the third, Pestilence and Famine, from whence we may collect the destruction of greater Cattel, viz. Buls, Oxen and Cows.

♊ 10. An Eclipse in the first Face of Gemini (of the Sun) causeth dissention amongst Priests, of what Order soever they are, inveterate hatred and seditions, and a con­tempt of both the Law of God and Man is to be feared.

♊ 20. In the second, thefts and robberies, piracies and slaughters.

♊ 30. In the third, the death of some King, and various mischeifs to such Common­wealths as are under Gemini, and the frustration of such Cities affairs and Negoti­ations.

♋ 10. Again, an Eclipse of the Sun in the first Face of Cancer, troubleth the ayr, and causeth var [...]ous winds and alterations of weather.

♋ 20. In the second, dryeth up Rivers and Fountains, and causeth petulent and greivous mortalities.

♋ 30. In the third, through Armenia and Africa, and the rest of the Regions and Places subject to Cancer, Hidropical diseases, seditions, and the disease of France, Naples, Spain, England, and indeed of all the World; yet commonly called the French and Neopolitan disease, or more plainly the French Pox.

♌ 10. Also an Eclipse of the Sun in the first Decanate of Leo denotes the death of some eminent Prince, and the scarcity of Bread-corn.

♌ 20. In the second, troubles and anxieties to Kings, Princes and Great men or Magi­strates.

♌ 30. In the third, captivities, slaughters, rapines and profanation of holy and sacred Houses (I conceive he hereby meant Churches, Monasteries, and such like.)

♍ 10. Moreover an Eclipse of the Sun in Virgo, argues the grievous calamity and death of some certain King in the confines of Virgo.

♍ 20. In the second, Famine, Pestilence and deadly Seditions.

♍ 30. In the third, to Pictures, Poets and Merchants, and such as live by their Ingenuity and wit slaughters, destruction, banishment, and the like.

♎ 10 If an Eclipse of the Sun be in the first Face of Libra; it corrupteth the Ayr, causeth the Pestilence: and a scarcity and dearness of Corn

♎ 20. In the second, portendeth the death of some Great King; under the Dominion of Libra, Seditions and Famine.

♎ 30. In the third, discords amongst Great ones, and detriment in their estates.

♏ 10. Also if an Eclipse be in the first Face of Scorpio, it moveth and stirreth up Wars and tumults, slaughter, hatred, captivities, plots and treacheries.

♏ 20. In the second, mischief to some King whose minde is averse to war.

♏ 30. In the third, the rise of some tyrant, the slothfulness and idleness of the former King hateful to every one.

♐ 10. In the first Face or Decanate of Sagittary, if an Eclipse of the Sun be, it shews grievous dissentions and deadly fewds amongst men.

♐ 20. In the second, the death of Camels and such Cattel as chew the cud (especially the greater sort) and such like.

♐ 30. In the third, prejudice to Horses and Armies.

♑ 10. Again, an Eclipse of the Sun in the first Decanate of Capricorn, it denotes un­happiness and chances to Great men, the transmigration of some King, and the Rebellion of the Nobles and rusticks.

♑ 20. In the second, hired souldiers are excited and animated against their Commanders and Superiours, and frustrateth all their devices.

♑ 30. In the third, it induceth the tumultuary motion of the King, and causeth Famine.

♒ 10. Moreover an Eclipse of the Sun in the first Face of Aquaries, causeth publique sorrow and sadness.

♒ 20. In the second, publique thefts, rapines and roberies, Earth-quakes and Famine.

♒ 30. In the third, the death and slaughter of sheep and beasts of the field.

♓ 10. Lastly, an Eclipse of the Sun in the first Face of Pisces, drieth up Rivers, and un­fortunateth the Sea and the affairs thereof.

♓ 20. In the second, the death of famous and excellent men, destruction of Fish, Earth-quakes, &c.

♓ 30. In the third, sedition, cruelty, furiousness and inhumanity of souldiers.

The Moon eclipsed in the first Face of Aries.An Eclipse of the Moon now in every Decanate is to be considered, since we have done with the Sun, wherefore when the Moon is Eclipsed in the first Decanate of Aries, she denotes Feavers, destruction of Woods by fire, and a siccity and dry­ness of the ayr.

♈ 20. In the second, Pestilence.

♈ 30. In the third, Abortive births, incommodities and such like dangers to women.

♉ 10. An Eclipse of the Moon in the first decanate of Taurus, denotes destruction and death to great Cattel.

♉ 20. In the second, the death of the Queen of some Region under Taurus; and a scarcity of seeds and barrenness of the Earth.

♉ 30. In the third, she shews cruelty on Serpents and such like.

♊ 10. Also an Eclipse of the Moon in the first Face of Gemini, threatneth incursions and rapins of enemies.

♊ 20. In the second, the frequent motion of Armies, and the solicitations of private and publique things.

♊ 30. In the third, the death of some illustrious and famous man.

♋ 10. Again, an Eclipse of the Moon in the first Face of Cancer, excites and stirs up Wars.

♋ 20. In the second, grievous exactions, intolerable Tributes, Taxations and such like burthens.

♋ 30. In the third, death to the Female sex, and sudden destruction and miseries.

♌ 10. Also an Eclipse of the Moon in the first Face of Leo, denotes the death of either some Illustrious King or famous Man.

♌ 20. In the second, the journey of the King and mutation of things.

♌ 30. In the third, she excites the People and Armies to new actions and attempts.

♍ 10. An Eclipse of the Moon in the first Face of Virgo, causeth diseases and Infirmities to the King, and various seditions and discords amongst men.

♍ 20. In the second, causeth mischief to Councellors, Scribes, or such like men.

♍ 30. In the third, brings deadly diseases.

♎ 10 A Lunary Eclipse in the first Face of Libra, provoketh furious and tempestuous hail storms.

♎ 20. In the second, mischief and trouble to every one.

♎ 30. In the third, death to some famous and illustrious men.

♏ 10. If an Eclipse of the Moon be in the first Face of Scorpio, it causeth horrible Thun­der and Lightning, and sometimes Earth-quakes.

♏ 20. In the second, dryeth Olives; and causeth a dry ayr, and Burning Feavers.

♏ 30. In the third, the same is threatned, and death; many seditions, quarrels, and troubles over and above.

♐ 10. Also an Eclipse of the Moon in the first Face of Sagittary, sendeth thefts and ra­pines.

♐ 20. In the second, destruction to Horses and Mules.

♐ 30. In the third, the Pestilence and many evils.

♑ 10. Again, the Moon eclipsed in the first face of Capricorn, shews suggestions amongst men, and untimely death: or mischief to some illustrious and Noble man.

♑ 20. In the second, frequent incursions and assaults of souldiers, thefts, roberies and Captivities.

♑ 30. In the third, the death of some King under the Dominion of Capricorn, also se­dition.

♒ 10. Moreover the Moon eclipsed in the first face of Aquaries, denotes the misfortune of some King under Aquaries.

♒ 20. In the second, universally hurteth the seed of the Earth.

♒ 30. In the third, a change in all things.

♓ 10. Lastly, the Moon eclipsed in the first face of Pisces, bringeth sadness and anxiety to those we call Priests, and Religious Houses.

♓ 20. In the second, the death of some great and Illustrious Person.

♓ 30. In the third thefts, rapines, robberies by Land, and piracies and troubles by Sea.

And thus much shall suffice to be said of Eclipses at this time; hereafter God sparing me life and leisure from my other studies, perhaps I may make some addi­tion thereunto if I finde the present age worthy thereof; Let us now proceed.

CHAP. VI. Of Comets and Blazing-Stars, what they are, the many sorts thereof, their Portences, and how long they appear at any time.

What a Comet is.ELsewhere you may remember you have been shewn what a Comet is, viz. in the 16. Chpater of the 3. Section of this Book, it being no other then a dry exhalation, viscuous and slimy, exhaled by the Sun and power of the Stars by degrees into the upper Region of the Ayr; for by how much the dryer or moister are the vapours whereof they are compounded, the higher or lower are they placed and drawn up.

The name thereof.This word Comet we borrow from the Greeks, who call it [...], Cometes quasi comata stella, an hairy Star, as the word signifies in English, whence the Latines call it Crinita, because many times they appear like hair made of fire, or fire in the manner and form of a mans head, or an horses main, and we in England do vulgarly call them Comets or Blazing-Stars, of which there are divers sorts, as mentioneth Pliny, Lib. 2. cap. 25. de Nat. and others.

Divers sorts of Comets, or Bl [...]zing stars.The first by the Greeks called [...], à barba, resembling a beard, because it hath a circle about it of that form or shape, I mean about the nether part thereof.

The second they call [...], id est, a jaculo, because it is shapen in form of a dart or spear.

The third [...], which is the same as is the former, save only they are shorter and sharper-pointed at the top then the other, and pale like a sword and without raies.

The fourth [...], discus, id est, a dish or platter; this Comet is so called for that it is round resembling a dish, yet now and then it putteth forth one of the brims thereof.

The fifth [...], Pitheus, and this is in form like a Tun, invironed in a smoaky light.

The sixth [...], Ceratias, thus called for that it resembleth an horn, and such an one Pliny testifieth appeared when the whole manhood of Greece fought the battel of Salamis.

The seventh [...] lampas à [...], splendeo, to shine like a lamp, and there­fore hath it this name.

The eighth [...], Hippeus; this emitteth streams like unto an Horse main, and therefore it is thus called; this is swift in motion and often turneth round, as saith Pliny.

A ninth he recordeth to be white and bright like silver hair, and of that splen­dor [Page 319]that a man is hardly able to behold it, and others become shaggy and com­passed as it were with hair or frindge round about.

Where or in what part of Heaven usual­ly seen.They are in a manner all seen under the Great Bear, or that constellation which we vulgarly call Charlimains Wain, or Charles his Wain, yet some have been dis­cerned to appear in that white part of the Heaven called commonly the Milky way from the fictions of the Poet; they denote many boisterous winds and exces­sive heat; seldome are any seen in the West part of Heaven, but about the South or Antartick Pole some have been seen, as Pliny in the same aforesaid Chapter te­stifieth, to whom I here refer thee where thou shalt finde what Prodigies they were the fore-runners of in the time of Claud [...]us Caesar, Pompey, and Octavius the Consul.

Their conti­nuance in the Heavens.It hath been observed and noted by the diligent care, industry and pains of the An­tients, that they never appear a shorter time then a seven-night, nor longer then 80 dayes; some have said 40; others 75, from Plutarch, who noted so much from the Comet which appeared before the Peloponsian wars in Greece; but their continu­ance is according to their magnitude; for if they be but small, they will be soon burnt out, unless they be daily fed with new exhalations: I shall not here trouble my self to recite what Seneca, Aristotle, and others write in Histories concerning such horrid accidents which have followed in many places on the appearance of Comets, since all the learned in the works of Nature do unanimously conclude they are the fore-runners of much tribulation, alteration, anxiety, and trouble, which I shall by and by more amply deliver unto thee.

Some Comets move, others again are fixed. How to judge of their Por­tences.You are to take notice that some Comets do move, as the Planets; and again, others, stir not but are fixed as are the other Stars.

To judge of the accidents portended by Comets, the place of their appearance in the Heavens is to be observed, and what Stars are in Configuration therewith; al­so in what similitude they appear, and where they appear and shine.

If they appear like swords, wars are threatned, and destruction of mankinde; like Flutes or Hout-boys, it portends mischief to Musitians; if in the middle of a sign, to whore-masters, and women gamesters; in form of a triangle or quadrange, viz. a Trine or Square Aspect to any of the fixed Stars, to wits and learned men; if a Comet appear in either of the Nodes, or those places which we commonly call the Head and Tail of the Dragon, it proves infectious and pestiferous.

The birth of our Saviour fore-known by the Comet in Augustus his time.We come now to shew the events of Comets, or such things as they are the fore­runners of; yet I cannot but first let my Reader know the strange foreknowledge Sybilla Tiburtina had in this Science, who from the apparition of that great and fa­mous Comets which was seen in Caesar Augustus his time (in whose dayes and reign was our Saviour Christ born) told the Emperour that it pointed out a child born of a Virgin, which should be great then he; and therefore she exhorted him to worship and adore him, &c.

The Porten­cies of Co­mets and Bla­zing-Stars.Histories, antient Writers, and common experience in former ages testifieth unto us that these signs in the Heaven, or appearance of Comets, are the assured fore­runners of the sterility of the Earth, Pestilence, Famin, War, alterations of Kingdoms, States and Empires, Laws and Customs, Winds, Earth-quakes, Iuundations, extream heat and drought, greiveous diseases and infirmities, and such like horrid evils.

CHAP. VII. Shewing the Physical reasons of the horrid and terrible portences of Con­mets and Blazing-Stars.

THat they are the cause of inordinate heat, is apparent by their ardent burn­ing in the ayr, and their matter of which they are made.

Of sterility, by reason the fatness of the Earth is (together with the exhaled matter whereof they are composed) drawn out, and the Earth left dry, and lean, and so the moisture and convenient humidity, whereby it fructified all things growing therein, is dried up by excessive heat, and consequently rendred barren, whence there must needs follow famine or sterility in those Regions as places where they are seen, or from whence their matter or substance was drawn.

Of Pestilence and Diseases, in that they ayr is by them infected through hot, thick cloudy exhalations, the which being drawn in at the mouth of living creatures, in­fecteth and killeth them; also by excessive and inordinate heat the radical himi­dity and moisture of living creatures whereby they subsist, is dryed up, whereby they become no other then dead carkasses: wherefore it is necessary in such times to use colling and moistning preparatives which are of that nature as to restore and conserve radicall moisture.

Of war and alterations in Kingdoms, States, Laws and Customs, in that when a Comet or Blazing-Star appears, there are many exhalations in the Ayr, and those of nature hot and dry, the which do so dry up the humors in men, and in­crease choler, that they are easily excited to quarrels, after which follow blows, wars and blood-shed; and so consequently alterations in States, Governments, Laws, Customs, and Empires.

Of Winds, for that they are of the same matter whereof Comets are, as you have heard in the 16 Chapter and 2 Section of this fourth Book; and when any Comet or Blazing-Star appears, many such dry vapours are exhaled; besides, when they vanish, they become windy vapours.

Of Earth-quakes, for the same aforesaid reason; for they are the occasion of winds, and winds of Earth-quakes, as in the same aforesaid 16 Chapter you have been taught.

Of Inundations, for the same reason also; for Comets cause winds, winds cause the Sea to roar and rage, whence follows inundations.

Thus have I delivered you the reasons of their portences the which I would not have thee nor any to fear, though never so horrid and terrible, but ra­ther take courage thereby to call earnestly to God for mercy, that he might evert his judgments whereof he doth so fairly warn us by these his messen­gers.

CHAP. VIII. Shewing some other names of Comets or Blazing-Stars, and their Portences.

Why Comets are seen but seldom, and but one at a time.HEre it will not be amiss, if I set down something which I had almost for­got, viz. that Comets and Blazing-Stars seldom are seen, for that it is not an easie matter for the Sun and Planets, (neither is it soon done) to draw up so much dry vapour as is requisite for the composition of such an appa­rition; and therefore is it also that there doth but one appear at a time, th [...]ugh Aristotle affirmeth there hath been many seen together, and this I must confess is as likely to be true as many other of his stories and tales.

At what time of the year Comets and Blazing-Stars usually appear.They are seldom never seen in Winter by reason of the abundance of cold and moist weather that then aboundeth, so that there can be no such dry va­pour exhaled by the Sun or Stars, nor in that quantity as is requisite to the composition of such apparitions; neither in Summer, by reason of the ex­cess of heat, or the heat of the Sun which consumes and disperseth the matter whereof they are made, so that it cannot ascend unto that part of the Region of the Ayr wherein they are usually placed; neither in the Spring time, by reason of the abundance of moisture that then reigns, and the want of sufficient heat to elevate so much matter; but in Autumn, especially when Saturn and Mars are in Conjunction, because then the heat that exhales the matter, is more strong.

Comets white and red; and the reason thereof.Father note, that some Comets are white, some again red, which ariseth from the divers nature and qualit of the matter whereof they are; for pure thin exha­lations produce a white, clear and bright Comet; when it is more gross and im­pure, red, and these appear like burning coals; but when the matter whereof they are is very gross, they appear as red as Scarlet or blood; wherefore the Antients have assigned them unto the several Planets according to their complexions; for such as are Saturnian, are pale, wan and of a leaden colour like unto Saturn; Jovial, bright; Martial, red; Solar, golden or yellow; Venereal, obscure; Mercurial, blews, &c.

The reason of their shape and form.Such as are like the hairs of a mans head (as you have heard) are more con­densed and thick in the middle, but about the edges more rare; those resembling beards, have their extreams more rare and dispersed; and those that are much exten­ded in length, are more rare and subtil.

The distinct significations of every Co­met or Bla­zing Star.The Antients have delivered moreover these nine following several Comets or Blazing-Stars, and their virtues or Portences which I could no wise omit being so necessary to Instruction.

The first then is call [...] Veru, for that it resembleth a spit, or dart, and appeareth in the day time very terrible to the beholders: It denotes a scarcity of fruit both of the Earth and trees; mutations in Church and State, grievous slaughters and the death of Kings, Nobles and such as are of their adherence.

The second, Tenaculum, of the colour of Mars, and hath raies under it like the flames of burning coals: it signifieth there shall not be such plenty as formerly, yet not famine; wars also are thereby stirred up to the great prejudice of the god­lier sort of people who shall be very forward therein.

The third, Pertica, which sometimes emitts obscure raies, and again at other times bright; this denotes a drought both of the Earth and Waters; and a scarcity of Provisions; the which if corporally joined to any Planet signifyeth events according to the nature of that Planet (the nature of every Planet you have been taught be­fore) [Page 322]as if it be joined to Saturn, there shall be mortalities, troubles to old men, and those of the religious Orders: to Jupiter it extends its effects to Kings and Gran­dees whether good or bad according to their fortitudes; to Mars, many wars, tumults, slaughters and effusion of bloud; to the Sun it will not appear by rea­son of the Suns splendour, yet it portends the death of Kings and many tribula­tions, plagues, and sicknesses; to Venus, it signifies drought, and a diminution of great waters; to Mercury, it denotes the death of young men, wits and ingenuous souls; to the Moon, it signifies death and grievous mortality to men, especially common people.

The fourth Miles, consecrated to Venus, and hath an hairy tail or main, emitting Moon-like beams or rayes; it signifieth mischief to Kings, Nobles and Great men, and that men shall rise that will endeavour to alter the Laws and antient Customs, and set up new; but the greatest evil portended thereby will be incident to those places towards which it extends its tail or rayes; it denotes also wars.

The fifth Ceruleus, of a blew or azure colour, appropriated to Mercury, it de­notes the death of Kings and Grandees, Nobles such as are chief Rulers, and chiefly towards the part towards which it extends its rayes; also wars.

The sixth Aurora five Matutina, assigned to Mars, it hath a tale, and is of a fiery complexion; when it appeareth towards the East, bending its head down­wards, it signifies war, combustions, fire and sword, pestilence and famine in Arabia and Egypt, drought and a scarcity of waters, and this shall extend also to the Western Regions

The seventh Argentum sive Argenteus, and this is the brightest and clearest of all Comets; it hath pure bright beams; when it appears, Jupiter being then in Cancer or Pisces, it promiseth abundance of corn and fruit in those parts where it appeared; but if Jupiter be then in Scorpio, it will not be altogether so good.

The eighth Rosa, this is a great round Comet, and is of the form and simi­litude of of a man, it causeth the death of Kings, Great, Noble and Rich men, and the alteration of things.

The ninth and last Niger, appropriated to Saturn, being in colour like unto him; it denotes mortality both natural and also by the sword, beheadings and the like.

If a Comet appear in the Ascendent of any Town,Note. Kingdom, City, Family, or in the Ascendent of the Revolution of the World, it signifieth destruction of the things signified by the Ascendent and the sign thereof; and if it appear in the sign of the mid-Heaven at the time of any of these, it bringeth danger to such as are promoted to honour.

The significa­tion of Co­mets in Ear­thy signs, wa­try, aiery and fiery.Comets appearing in earthy signs, denote sterility through drought; in watry, through abundance of rain and floods, and causeth also Pestilence; in aiery, they promise Winds, Seditions and Pestilence, yet not alwayes Plagues; in fiery, Wars, slaughters and commotions.

CHAP. IX. Of the signification of Comets and Blazing-Stars appropriated to the seven Planets.

REceive these Rule following, as from the Chaldeans, Arabi­ans, and such as were very expert in these matters in former Ages.

The Portences of such Co­mets as belong to Saturn.Wherefore know, that if any Comet of the nature and complexion of Saturn appear in the Ascendent of the Revo­lution of the World, it denotes many evils, Famine, Pestilence, Banishment, Want, Anxiety, terrour and trouble, Chronick diseases, and Melancholy distempers, Catarrs, Quartane Agues, Falling Sickness, Leprosies, Palsies, Cancers, and those diseases which are of continuance, lingring Consumptions, and the like; destruction to Beasts appertaining to the use of man; excessive cold weather in winter; Note. (but you are still to remember the Nature of the Climate; for this inordinate cold in Aethiopia will cause but a temperate Ayr, &c. and therefore this is to be understood of these Northern parts,) clouds, frost and snow, strong and high winds, tempests, shipwracks, destruction of Fish, as also of Fruit by Caterpillers, Locusts, and such like Vermine; great Inundations and storms, to the anoyance of Cattel, and all things, Men and Kingdoms under the Dominion of Saturn shall suffer detriment, and be in danger of destruction.

Comets of the nature of Ju­piter and their porten­ces.Such as are of a silver colour, bright and of great splendor, and of the nature of Jupiter, cause a plentiful year when they appear in the Ascendent (as you have heard) wholsome blasts of Ayr with many seasonable showers especially if it be a watry sign; it denotes also such infirmities as are of the nature of Jupiter (which you have heard in the second Book of this Volume) and many alterations and changes in such Kingdoms, Regions and Places subject unto him, the which I have there also at large set down.

Comets of the nature of Mars, and their significa­tions.Those Comets which you have heard we have understood by the names of Veru and Pertica are of the nature of Mars, wherefore they denote horrible winds, storms, and tempests, a drought of Fountains, and a destruction of Fruit by corruption, and all the diseases portended by Mars; &c. frequent Thundering and Lightnings to the destruction of many Ship at Sea, wrath, quarrels, heart-burnings, slaughters and blood-shed amongst men; tumults, seditions and wars, alterati­ons of Kingdoms, Laws, Government and Customs, and such like evils appro­priated to the nature of Mars, and the shall chiefly be incident to such men as are under his Dominion, Towns, Cities, Kingdoms and Places, as also to those parts towards which the Comet extendeth its tayl as you have heard.

The significa­tion of the Sun his Co­ments.Comets and Blazing-Stars of the nature and complexion of the Sun, denote the death of Kings, Great men and Nobles in those parts they appear, and in that Kingdom or Nation under the Ascendent of that sign where in they appear, and for which the Revolution is made (when they are seen in the Ascendent thereof;) also alterations in Government to the better; continall and dayly tu­mults also war, drought, and such infirmities and are solar, and those chiefly to solar men, and to such places as are under his Dominion.

Comets of the nature of Ve­nus, and their portences.Such as are appropriated unto Venus, shew their Effects on Fruits and in Wa­ters, and cause change and mutations in the World, alterations of the Laws, Customs and Priviledges of Men; damage and detriment to Women, Nuns, and Matrons, chiefly in their Stomach, Secrets and Reins, &c. All infirmities signified [Page 324]by Venus are threatned, to those especially that are under her rule, and also to those places subject unto her.

What is signi­fied by Mercu­rial Comets.Mercurial Comets occasion the death of some Great man (still remember this is where they have Dominion) grievous calamities, War, Pestilence and Fa­mine, Destruction, Tribulation, Anxiety, trouble and sadness to Mercurialists, and Ingenuous and wise men, and such as are ruled by Mercury, and grievous trouble and sorrow to such places as are subject unto him, and the sign wherein the Comet appears, and places to which it extends it self, and where it is visible it sends Mercuriall diseases.

What by Lu­nar.Lunar Comets chiefly manifest their significations on women and common people; as also to all such as are under her rule, whether Towns, Cities, Kingdoms or Nations; they particularly denote troubles, alteration of the Laws, Customs and Rites Sterility and Wars, all infirmities signified by the Moon, and those chiefly to such as are by her governed, &c.

Note also, that if a Comet extends its self towards Saturn, (viz. its raies or tail) it portends the destruction of the fruits of the Earth, and a scarcity or Famine; to­wards Jupiter, wrath and destruction to Kings, and the Grandees of the Earth; towards Mars, grievous and terrible sicknesses, wars, slaughters and blood-shed, and the alteration of Kingdoms; towards the Sun, the death and destructions of Kings and Government; towards Venus, the death of Great and Noble women, and damage to such things as appertain unto them; towards Mercury, much con­sumption of wealth, with shame and infamy; towards the Moon, troubles and shame to the People in general.

CHAP. X. Shewing the Significations of Comets, when they appear in any of the twelve Signs of Heaven.

Of the signifi­cation of Co­mets when they appeat in Aries. ALbumaser and Junctinus with many others say, that if any of the aforesaid Comets or Blazing-Stars appear in Aries, it signifies evill and detriment to Noble men, and the Grandees of the Earth in the Eastern parts, and abundance of sadness to the commoner sort, (and truly I conceive all Nati­ons, Kingdoms and People, Cities, Towns, Villages and Families under the sign Aries will suffer the same) also a noise of the clashing of Arms, blood-shed, and the death of some eminent Prince, or slaughter of some great Lady, (you must remember to confine your judgment herein to the places wherein the Bla­zing-Star or Comet hath power, so also in the subsequent rules in the like case) with fear and trouble of slaughter amongst men; also great drought, common diseases in the Head, Eyes and Brain, a rot amongst small Cattel, especially Sheep, and a dejection of Great and Noble men, or an un-throning of some King, and a rise or promotion of vile and ignoble mean people.

If its apparition be in the Eastern part of Heaven, it will operate sooner, and there shall be enmity amongst men; but if in the Western, more slow, and much evill and detriment from Kings or Superiours, and many showers, inundations and fre­quent snows in Winter.

In Taurus.If any Blazing-Star or Comet appear in Taurus, it signifieth mischief to men, and diminution of their goods, also injuries and wrongs put upon them; it uses also to signifie (as say the Antients) the death of some Great man, Captivities, injuries, and a toleration of evils; detriment to the greater sort of Cattel, especially [Page 325]Buls, Cows and Oxen, great winds, a corruption of Fruit, and destruction of Corn, and in Winter much cold, also grievous Earth-quakes, vehement sicknesses, and dry scurfie diseases, proceeding of putrefication, as scabs, &c.

If it appear toward the East, it will sooner operate, and the King shall fear his Enemies, and men shall be molested with boils and swellings about the Groins, and these shall continue for some years; also sicknesses in the Summer-quarter; and if it appear in the Western part, it will work more slowly, and signifies much rain.

In Gemini.In Gemini, if any Comet appear, it signifies men shall be lascivious and incestuous,In Gemini. loose livers and neglecters of goodness; also it denotes quarrels, wars, and dissenti­ons amongst men, sicknesses and the death of children, and yong men especially; also Abortive births, the slaughter of Birds, Famine, Thunder and Lightning, with very high winds to the eradication and subversion of trees and houses.

And if it appear towards the East part of Heaven, the Effects thereof will soon be seen, and many Grandees of the World shall be abased, and brought down from their High Places and Honours; and if it appear in the West, not so soon, and it signifies much captivity, and abundance of rain and inundations.

In Cancer.Also if a Comet appear in Cancer, it signifies abundance of Locusts (in the parts where they are naturally produced, in our Climate it produces Caterpillars, and such like pernitious worms) which shall eat up and destroy the Fruits of the Earth, also small worms in Corn and Trees, a scarcity of Fruit and plenty of Worms; it denotes also wars, discords and much evill, the death of some Great Person, sub­mersions, Rapes and Robberies, Famine and Pestilence.

And if it appear in the Eastern part of Heaven, its Effects will be quickly mani­fest, and there shall be scarcity of Provisions for the use of man towards the latter end of the year; if in the Western, not so soon; it denotes the kindness of Kings and Great men to the Commons.

Again, if any appear in Leo, men shall be damnified by wild Beasts,In Leo. Lyons and Woolfs, (this is to be understood in those Regions where such feral creatures are) Worms and Vermin shall be destructive to the Corn, an men shall be dam­nified in their estates; the Gentry and Nobility shall suffer detriment, and many of them death, and War amongst Kings towards the end of the year, and much effusion of bloud in the Eastern parts [note the Parenthesis in Aries] and pains in the Eyes.

And if it appear in the Eastern part, the Effects are soon manifested, and it sig­nifies great Winds, Lightning, and a scarcity of Waters; in the Western, not so soon, and it signifies many sicknesses, and that Wolves and mad Dogs will rage.

And if in Virgo, In Virgo. it denotes the extirpation of Domesticks belonging to some King or Prince, or their removall out of one place into another, or out of one King­dom into another, or their banishment, or their being carried away captive, and their goods and offices shall be taken away without any hope of restauration, nei­ther shall they ever recover them; it denotes also damage to Merchants and mu­tual injuries and injustice amongst men; also vexations and captivities, and much la­bour, pain, trouble, tribulations and sadness, Feavers, Abortions in women, a noise of Arms, &c.

If it appear Eastward, the sooner are its Effects manifest, and portends war; if Westward, the later, and denotes quarrels and a rankeness of Corn.

In Libra it denotes theft and robberies, also cutters on the High-way,In Libra. and men shall fear poverty and want, and shall suffer through cold; it denotes also the death of some eminent man, slaughters, and secret plots and treacheries, a scarcity of Rain, impetuous Winds, a drought of Fountains and other waters, a want of the Fruits of the Earth, and Provisions for the use of man, Earth quakes, &c.

And if it be Eastern, these Effects will the sooner appear, and the Kings of Ba­bylon (and such as are under the sign Libra) shall be unfortunate; and Horses and Mules shall be dear, and Wars amongst the Romans; but if Western, the contrary, and servants shall contemn and reject their Masters, and the fruits of the Earth shall not be altogether so scarce.

In Scorpio any Comet signifieth abundance of war and rebellion to Kings,In Scorpio. changes and alterations, detriment and damage to souldiers, labour and travel to all kings of men, contentions amongst Great men, great perils and dangers, the death of some eminent man, and a scarcity of waters at some certain times, mischief to such as are with child, a scarcity of Corn and the fruits of the Earth, and pains in the Testicles and Bladder.

And if it be seen in the East or Eastward, these do soon appear, and it denotes a scarcity of rain, and that Wolves sand Dogs will ravin; but if it be Westward, not so soon, and there shall be Locusts and such like creatures.

Also a Comet in Sagittary denotes a decay of Nobility,In Sagittary. and a suppression of Great and Noble men, wise, prudent and learned, and much evill and tribulation will fall upon them, and especially to Scribes or Lawyers, moreover captivity of Princes, war and such like.

But if it be seen towards the East, sooner will these be effected, and it signifieth the death of Kings, fightings robberies and a scarcity of Provisions for the life of man; if towards the West, later, and it denotes many fantastical dreams, and that women shall have many Abortions.

Again,In Capricorn. in Capricorn any Comet signifies fornications amongst men, war amongst King and Nobles, many calamities and misfortunes, quarrels, poisoning of Kings, the death of Princes cutting by the High-way, contempt of Religion, men and things; and it also shews persecution of or to Religion, hail, snow, and a sharp winter to the great anoyance of the seeds of the Earth; also it threatneth Famine, Pestilence, and the like.

If it be first seen in the Eastern part of Heaven, its Effects will suddenly ap­pear, and it denotes that Kings shall be damnified by their enemies, and they shall be the occasion of their death and alterations in Government, snow also and abun­dance of rain, to the destruction of Vines and other the fruits of the Earth; but if in the Western, not so soon, and it denotes a Year of abundance of grass and water.

Moreover if in Aquaries, In Aquaries. it denotes many wars and slaughters, and the death of some honorable and eminent Prince or Lady in the Eastern parts, say some of the Antients; (but I should have judged it in the Western parts, Aquaries being a Western sign, &c.) war for a long time, Epidemical diseases, an obscuration of the Ayr, with thundring and lightning, Pestilence also, and the death of both Illustrious men, and also the common sort of people.

If it appear in the Eastern parts, their Portences will sooner operate, and it de­notes abundance of grass; if in the Western, later, and it signifies various rumors, and chiefly of war, and that many men shall be imprisoned and captivated.

Lastly,In Pisces. a Comet in Pisces signifies war amongst kindred and to another, and there shall be much slaughter, contentions also touching matters of Faith, and priviledges and customs in Religion and antient Traditions; there shall be also many apparitions in the Ayr, fishes shall many of them suffer destruction, and it shall be dangerous Navigating; Kings shall War one against another the father against the son, and the son against the father, and brother against brother, &c.

And if it appear in the East part of Heaven, the sooner will these be manifested, and it signifies enmities between Kings, Nobles, and Plebeans, tumults, bickerings, &c. if in the West part, the later, and there shall be many anxieties and deaths amongst men in the Western parts (I should judge it in the North-west parts,) and this shall continue three years, and and there shall be many birds, fishes, and inundations and over­flowings of Rivers.

When Comets chiefly ma­nifest their Effects.You have heard that they chiefly shew their Effects to those parts to which they emitt their beams or rayes, to the which I may adde the Regions where they are seen, and the Kingdoms, Countreys, Provinces and Cities subject to the sign wherein they appear; but the time when it shall be chiefly most manifest is [Page 327]when the Sun comes to the place of their first appearance, or to that Planet of whose nature and complexion it is, &c.

And thus much of Comets and Blazing-Stars; come we now to great Con­junctions, and so conclude these our labours.

CHAP. XI. Of great Conjunctions, their Number, and how to judge of their Effects.

MOst of the Antients have been short in their judgments on this subject, yet some more copious then others, but none so effectual as I could wish for thy instruction, since by the Conjunction of the Planets all the accidents and mutations of this Elementary World are known, especially by the Conjunction of the Superiours; how ever such as they are I shall here deliver unto the with my best assistance; time and opportunity may happily produce more hereafter; in the In­terim understand thus much,

That there are seven sorts of Conjunctions considerable.

The first and greatest of all the rest, is the Conjunction of the two superiour Pla­nets Saturn and Jupiter in the first term or degree of Aries, which happens but once in nine hundred and threescore yearr.

The second is the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in the first term or degree of every triplicity, and this is accomplished once in two hundred and forty years, yet once in twenty years, they come in Conjunction in one part or other of the Zodiack.

The third is the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in the first term or degree of Cancer, and this is once in thirty years.

The fourth is the Conjunction of the three superiours, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in one term or face of any sign.

The fifth is the Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, which is a mean and the least Conjunction of the superiours, and therefore is not the fore-runner of such great n foreefs as the other, as you shall by and by understand.

[...]m [...]re sixth is the Conjunction of the Sun with any of the rest of the Planets at the time of his entrance into the first point of Aries.

The seventh and last is the Conjunction of the Sun and Moon, which happeneth once every moneth.

Considerati­ons before iudgement.Of which we are now in order to treat; but first you must know that the time for the erecting of your figure is when the Planets are in Partil Conjunction, viz. in the very same signe, degree and minute of the Zodiack. You may see what a Partial Aspect is the 27 Chapter of the second Book of this Volume.

Having then erected the Figure of the Heavens at your punctual time, and placed the Planets therein being reduced to the time of the day, have regard unto the for­titudes and debilities of the Planets, especially those in Conjunction, for if they be strong and fortunate, they presage good; if weak and impedited, the contrary.

And this good or evill shall be according to the nature of the Planets in Con­junction, and the nature of the sign in which they are; as if the Sign be aiery and the Planets evill, impediment in the Ayr, corruption and much damage thereby both to men and the fruits of the Earth is denoted; and so judge of the rest of the signs; in like manner judge the contrary if the Planets in Conjunction be For­tunes and well dignified.

Again, if the Malevolents be in Conjunction in feminine Signs, they denote Pe­stilence and evill infirmities to women; and the Female sex of things in general chiefly. in like manner to the Masculine sex if the Sign be Masculine; and health, prosperity and good success, if they are benevolent Planets.

[...]
[...]

Moreover in fixed signs, what they portend (whether they are Benevo­lents or Malevolents) is of continuance; in moveable, of little or no continuance: in common signs, a mean between these, viz. they are neither of long or short continuance.

CHAP. XII. Of the Conjunctions of the Superiours.

EVery Planet in some measure or other contributeth to the Government of this World [for the which they were ordained] but some more forcibly then others, as being fore-runners of greater and stranger accidents and mutations.

Of the Con­junction of Sa­turn and Ju­piter in Aries.For, the great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in the first point of Aries, or the first term thereof, is the greatest and most notable Conjunction of all the other, for that they are the highest, and so consequently (as to us) the slowest of the Planets, and therefore have more power to act what they denote then any of the other h [...], and for that Aries is the first of the signs of the Zodiack, and the first sign of the Triplicities, also the first of the fiery Trygon.

And therefore it is that when these two highest Planets are in Conjunction in the fiery Trygon, (especially in the first term or degree of Aries the Ascendent of the world, and the place wherein the chief Luminary (viz. the Sun) was at the Creation) many commotions, wars, seditions, troubles, subversion of Monarchies, Kingdoms, States, alteration of Laws, Customs, Priviledges and Rights, Plagues, Famine, Desolation, Anxiety and trouble, Treasons, Treacheries, and the death of Kings, Nobles, Princes, Emperours and Powers, follow.

Of the Con­junction of Sa­turn and Ju­piter in any Trygon.So likewise when they are in Conjunction in the first term of any Trygon, whe­ther it be fiery, earthy, aiery or watry, but not so forcible is their then E [...], nor so terrible as the former, yet (though in a less degree) the fore-runners an [...] ­casioners of grievous mutations and accidents, according to the nature of that Planet which hath most power of the two in the Sign wherein they are joined; for if Saturn be stronger then Jupiter, it will be very terrible; but if Jupiter be stronger then him, somewhat will be abated; in fiery, earthy and aiery Signs they cause drought and a scarcity of Provisions and barrenness of the ground, Pestilence and Famine; in watry, detriment by the too much abundance thereof.

Also when these two first Conjunctions are in any of the Angles, especially the tenth, it denotes the arise of some new King or Prophet from the quarter signified by the sign wherein they are joined, and if the Sign and Lord thereof be fortunate, it denotes their continuance, establishment and glory; but if it be weak or afflicted, and its Lord, they shall be slain and put down; for the whole world is governed by these Trygons, as Ptolomy teacheth in his second Book, and the whole Macrocosm compounded of the four Elements which answereth to the four Triplicities, and there­fore it is that the Conjunction of the Superiours in them are occasioners of such great mutations.

Of the Con­junction of Sa­turn and Mars in Cancer.In like manner the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in the first degree or term of Cancer, is the forerunner of much evill▪ (yet are the two former preferred before it) viz. terrible wars, slaughters, depopulations and alterations of Government, and destruction of Kingdoms, fire and sword, famine and pestilence, &c. and if it be Ori­ental, its Effects will soon operate; if Occidentall, not so soon, the Conjunction of Sa­turn and Mars in any other sign and place is not so terrible.

And truly this is a terrible Conjunction if rightly considered, and dictateth unto us [Page 329]upon the first consideration, no less then horrible troubles and alterations in the World; if we but consider it, it is a Conjunction of the Malevolents, two enemies must needs be stronger then one, and here they are both together, and in a sign wherein Jupiter our best friend is exalted, and the Moon the mother of moisture pitcheth her Tent, so that by their Conjunction therein both the assistance of the one and the nature of the other is much damnified and afflicted; again, Saturn is there­in in detriment, it being the sign opposite to his House Capricorn, and Mars is therein in his fall, Capricorn being the House of his exaltation, and therefore it is (these things being considered) that they are so mischievous, when joined in this sign, the which of all their Conjunctions is the worst, &c.

Of the Con­junction of Sa­turn, Jupiter and Mars.Also the Conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in any term or face, and beheld by the Sun, they being the three superiour Planets and most effectual for strength and height, signifieth the destruction of Kingdoms, Sects and Schisms, and great things ac­cording to their strength and the nature of that Planet which is strongest in the sign, &c. Note that when these Planets are joined in their exaltations, they denote good, to their power; yet there shall be much war, and many Miracles; if they be joined in their fals, they denote mischief, Famine and Pestilence, &c.

CHAP. XIII. Of the mean and lesser Conjunctions, and their Effects.

SOme of the Antients have termed the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars (I mean their Conjunction in any other sign or place of the Heavens save that in Cancer) a mean Conjunction, that of Jupiter and Mars, a lesser, and that of the Sun with any Planet in his ingress into Aries, and his Conjunction with the Moon every moneth, least of all.

Their reasons will soon appear, if we but warily consider why they term the foregoing Conjunctions greatest or greater, for Saturn and Mars must needs do more mischief then Jupiter and Mars, Saturn being of a Malevolent nature, and highest of all the Planets, and so consequently slowest, (as to us, yet his mo­tion doth equal if not exceed the Moons, only the largeness of his sphear causeth that it is not so apparently obvious to our sense) and Jupiter of a Benevolent and sweet Influence, and lower, &c. and therefore as touching the rest, your own sense will give you (having considered what hath been said) that the Inferiour are not of such power and efficacy as are the Superiour.

Of the Con­junction of Sa­turn and Mars.The Conjunction of Saturn and Mars (I mean this mean Conjunction) denotes war and blood-shed; but if you would know in what degree this will be executed, you are to see what Planet is Almuten of the figure, and whether he be fortunate or no, for if he be strong, essentially and free from impediment and affliction, and be of a Benevolent nature, judge the evil will be lessened in one kinde or other, and if this Almuten have any good Aspect to the place of the Conjunction, see to the nature of your Almuten and the quarter of Heaven he is in, and the nature of the sign he doth possess, and judge that by such things, occasions, or men sig­nified thereby, shall the war threatned be mitigated, and perhaps dissolved, espe­cially if there be any reception between him and the strongest of those Planets in Conjunction, &c. understand this in all the rest mutatis mutandis; Note. likewise if your Almuten be evil, weak and unfortunate, judge the contrary, and that ra­ther by such as are by him signified the war will be fomented or increased.

Note also, that if they are joined in humane signs, many infirmities shall be incident to men, and those according to the nature of the strongest of the two in [Page 330] Conjunction; in earthy signs, frost, snow and cold shall molest and prove offensive and destructive to the fruits and seeds of the Earth; in fiery the Earth shall be barren through extremity of heat and drought; in aiery there shall be many high and tempestuous winds; in watry, abundance of waters and many inundations; so like­wise if it happen in beastial signs, the evil chiefly will be incident to Beasts, and those especially that are of the nature and form of the sign, &c. (as you have often heard before in delivering rules for the judging of the Revolutions of the Years of the World) in this manner also mayest thou enlarge upon all the preceding and sub­sequent Conjunctions; Note. if they be joined in an Angle, they declare war amongst great ones, and many tribulations and dissentions, which shall continue till they are otherwise joined, &c.

Of the ☌ of ♃ and ♂.The chiefest of the lesser Conjunctions is the Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, and this denotes many accidents and evils by rain, snow, corruption of the ayr, war [...]nd blood-shed; if Jupiter be strongest in the Conjunction it will not be so bad; if Mars, do not expect better; and if they be joined in the Ascendent of the Revo­lution of the Year, mischief and misfortune will happen assuredly unto the people in general; the nature of the evil judge from the nature of the sign they are in, and the Planet most fortified, &c.

In the same manner judge of the rest of the preceding and subsequent Conjunti­ons, if they be in the Ascendent of the Revolution, and so also according to the sig­nification and nature of every House wherein you find them in the Figure or Revo­lution, as you have heard in other cases sufficiently before; understand this and thou hast attained a great secret.

The ☌ of the ☉ with the o­ther Planets. Of the ☌ of the ☉ and ☽.The Conjunction of the Sun with any other Planet when he in his annual Re­volution enters the first point of Aries, you are to judge according to the nature of the Planet whether good or bad, of which, as also his Conjunction with the Moon every Moneth, I need say no more in this place since what hath been delivered where we treat of the Revolutions of the World, of weather and alteration of the Ayr, and of Eclipses before in this same fourth Book may suffice; wherefore let us now draw to a conclusion of this work.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Conjunction of the Planets in the twelve Signs according to Hermes.

ENdeavour thou but to understand what hath been said touching Conjunctions and this one Chapter more, and thou wilt soon be able to give a rationall and sufficient judgement upon any Cinjunction whatsoever.

Of the ☌ of ♃, ♀, ☿ and ☽ in ♈.When Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and the Moon are joined in Aries, they pro­mise good success to Mankinde, and much gain and profit every where, fertil shewers, and honour to women and Secretaries of State; also if the Moon and Jupiter alone be joined in Aries, they denote justice and honesty amongst men.

☌ ♀ and ♂ in ♉When Venus and Mars are joined in Taurus, it signifies women shall brawl and quarrel with their husbands, and there shall be many Epidemical diseases amongst men and Beasts, destruction and slaughter, strong and Malevolent winds, and de­triment to trees and fruits;☌ ♃ ♀ ♂ and ☽ in ♉. also if Jupiter, and Venus and Mars and the Moon be joyned in Taurus, there shall be much lying and dissembling amongst men, as also treacheries, destruction of Kings and Nobles, vile and ignoble men shall rebel and raise war against their Prince; also it denotes Earth-quakes: And if Saturn and [Page 331] Jupiter and Mars be joined in Taurus, they signifie the death and mortality of beasts,☌ ♄ ♃ and ♂ in ♉. and that Kings shall go out of their own Kingdoms into others; and there shall hap­pen many infirmities to men through choler, and grievous mortalities both to Man and Beast.

☌ ☉ ♀ and ♂ in ♊.Also when the Sun and Venus and Mercury are joined in Gemini, Scribes and Secretaries shall suffer detriment, and such as keep Books of Accompts, Stewards and Secretaries of State, Trustees, &c. souldiers shall be obedient to their Commanders, and many thefts and robberies by the High-way shall be committed, so that passengers are threatned mischief.

☌ ♄ ♂ ☉ ♀ ☿ and the ☽ in ♋.So likewise Saturn and Jupiter and Mars and the Sun, and Venus and Mer­cury, and the Moon in Conjunction in Cancer signifieth detriment in every thing and fear shall fall on men, and the King shall perplex men, and one man another, there shall also be Earth-quakes and detriment both at Sea and Land.

☌ ♄ ♃ ♂ and ♀ & ☽ in ♌.And when Saturn and Jupiter, and Mars and the Moon are joined in Leo, Kings shall war and kill one another, and there shall happen many great terrors and evils to men.

☌ ♄ ♂ and ☿ in ♍. ☉ Eclipsed, and ♂ in ☌. ☌ ♄ and ♀.When Saturn and Mars and Mercury are joined in Virgo, it signifieth damage and detriment to women, and Kings shall be deceived; also if the Sun be eclipsed in Virgo and Mars joined unto him, there shall be slaughter between the Nobles and Plebeans, and great dissentions; Also when Saturn and Venus are joined in this sign, it denotes an increase of waters.

☌ ♂ and ♃ in ♎. ☌ ♃ ☉ and ☽ in ♎.When Mars and Iupiter are joined in Libra, it signifies the evill state of No­ble men and their Associates; Also when Iupiter and the Sun and the Moon are therein joined, there shall happen mortalities to women and just men, and there shall be much rain, clouds and malignant ayr.

☌ ♄ ♂ and ♀ in ♏Again, when Saturn and Mars and Venus are joined in Scorpio, it signifieth the King shall be wounded, or bitten by some Beast, or stung by some Adder, or obnoxious creature; and that Kings shall go out of their own Lands into others; one King shall disagree and clash with another, and they shall break the league and promise which they have made to each other; Also when the Moon is also joined with them, it sig­nifies much rain and increase of waters.

Moreover if Scorpio be the Ascendent of the Revolution of the World, and Saturn be there, and Mars also joined unto him, or have any participation with him in the Ascendent, and Venus be then Combust, and Iupiter retrograde, judge evill in every thing, wars and quarrels, sackings and spoilings of Cities and Towns, Earth-quakes, terrours and blood-shed, mortalities and many destructive infirmities, because Scorpio is the most unfortunate of all the signs; judge also that Kings shall disagree and fight one with another, and Noble and Great men shall die, and there shall happen many anxieties, tribulations and trouble in the world:☌ ♃ and ♀ in ♏. also if both the Fortunes be joined in this sign there shall many seducers be discovered, and such as study to with-draw men from the true Worship of God.

☌ ♄ ♃ ☿ and ☽ in ♐.Also when Saturn and Iupiter and Mercury and the Moon are joined in Sagit­tary, it signifieth there shall be many waters upon the face of the Earth, and that Kings shall exalt themselves; also Noblemen, Scribes, Astrologers and Ingenuous men shall be in great esteem.

☌ ☉ ♂ and ☿ in ♑.Again, when the Sun and Mars and Mercury are joined in Capricorn, it signi­fieth destruction to Kings, causeth hot and dry diseases, many Combustions and fiery, apparitions in the ayr; many windes and a scarcity of all sorts of Vegetables; and that there shall be many thefts and robberies.

☌ ♂ ♄ and ☽ in ♒.Moreover when Mars and Saturn and the Moon are joined in Aquaries, it signi­fieth a scarcity of water and rain; damage to travellers; and that there shall be many Snakes and Serpents.

☌ ♄ ♃ and ♂ in ♓. ☌ ☉ ♂ and ♄ ♓.Lastly, when Saturn and Iupiter and Mars are joined in Pisces, it signifieth the death, and great damage of Kings, Noblemen and Grandees; also if the Sun and Mars and Saturn be there joined, the King shall be slain, there shall be little or no rain, and many Fishes shall be taken in the Sea; Note, that when Dragons Head [Page 332]and Saturn are joined in any Sign,The Conjun­ction of Dra­gons Head and Saturn in any sign. it signifieth evill and damage according to the na­ture of the Sign; as if they be joined in any fiery Sign, drought and damage to Beasts; if in Aries, to Sheep and small Cattel; if in Leo, to Lyons or feral Beasts and creatures of prey; if in Sagittary, to Horses, especially in the last 15 degrees thereof; if in Earthy, viz. Taurus, to Buls, Cows and Oxen; in Capricorn, to Goats, and such like, and damage to the Earth and fruits, but especially if in Virgo; if in watry, damage in and by water, shipwracks, and the death of Fish and creatures li­ving in the water; if in Aiery, there shall be many tempestuous, pernicious winds and storms, corruption of the Ayr, the death of many Kings and many infir­mities. &c.

And thus have I (by the blessing of God) delivered unto thee the Natural rules and reasons of fertility,Note. sterility, health, sickness, wars, peace alterations and accidents of this life, and how to judge of them by the Revolutions of the Years of the World, Eclipses of the two great lights and lamps of Heaven the Sun and Moon, Comets and Blazing-Stars, the fore-runners of great mutations, which we have found in all Ages God hath used to send for the reclaiming of his people from their evill wayes, before his wrath be poured on them; and lastly, by the great, mean and lesser Con­junctions of the Coelestial Planets, who next under the Great Creator, Governour and Causer of all causes, are the Governours of the World, and causes of all things therein, in a general and natural way.

Wherefore to him alone that ordereth and disposeth all things according to his Di­vine will, and that Created the Heavens, Earth, Coelestial Planets and Stars, and that calleth them all by their names, and that maketh them differ from each other in glory, and that giveth of his free will and pleasure the knowledge of Divine and Natural things to the sons of men, he ascribed all possible Praise, Glory, Power, Dominion, and Thanksgiving both now and for evermore, Amen.

With this Chapter I thought to have concluded, but since we have treated al­ready of the Natural causes of the general accidents of the World, and that some of the Antients have judged of all these things by the Falling of New-Years-Day, and for that I have for some few years found them experimentally true, I shall adde this own Chapter more, for my Readers recreation and sport when he is so disposed; yet if he diligently observe the Effects, he will finde them for the most part come very near truth, though many times on the otherside they may deviate therefrom.

CHAP. XV. Shewing how to judge of the General Accidents of the World by the Falling of New-Years Day.

YOu are herein to observe on what day of the week New-Years-Day falleth; for if it fall on Sunday, Sunday. a pleasant Winter ensueth, and a natural and kindly Summer and sufficient fruit; the Harvest will be indifferent for weather, yet some wind and rain it will produce, a temperate Spring and it seasonable; it de­notes also many Marriages, plenty of Wine and Honey, the death of young Men and Cattel, robberies in most places, news of Prelates and Kings, and cruel wars to­wards the end of the Year, or at lest much dissention and discord amongh men.

If it fall on a Monday, Monday. the Winter will be somewhat uncomfortable; the Sum­mer temperate; No great plenty of fruit, many fansies and fables dispersed abroad, many Agues, the death of Kings, Nobles and Great men, in most places marriages, and a downfal of the Gentry.

If on Tuesday there followeth a stormy Winter, and a wet Summer,Tuesday. a various harvest, and moist Spring, Corn and fruit indifferent, yet Garden Herbs shall not flourish, great sickness amongst men, women and young children, and a mortality of Cattel, many men shall die of the Bloody-Flux, and every thing save corn shall be dear.

On Wodensday, a warm Winter in the beginning,Wodensday. but towards the end snow and frost, a cloudy Summer, plenty of fruit, also of corn, wine, hay, honey and other things, damage and hard labour to women with child, death to many children, plenty of sheep, news of Kings and great wars and blood-shed towards the midst.

On Thursday both Winter and Summer windy, a rainy Harvest and a moist Spring,Thursday. many Innundations towards the latter end of the Year, much fruit, and plenty of the fruits of the Earth and honey, but flesh shall be dear, a death of Cattel, in ge­neral, great trouble, wars and commotions, and women shall be loose and licen­tious.

On Fryday a stormy Winter, and no pleasant Summer, a moderate Spring,Friday. save only it will be windy, and an indifferent Harvest, and small store of fruit, wine and honey, corn dear, many blear Eyes, Youth shall dye many of them, Earth quakes in many places, much Thunder and Lightning, also Tempest, and the sudden death of Cattel.

Lastly on Saturday, a mean Winter, a very hot Summer, a late harvest,Saturday. and a dry windy Spring, Garden Herbs shall be cheap, much burning, plenty of honey▪ flax and hemp, the death of antient people in most places, many Feavers, but chiefly Tertians, great rumours of wars, and sudden murthers in many places for or upon little or no occasion, &c.

Thus much from the falling of New-Years-day, the which although the Illiterate and Vulgar may make use of, for the frequent verity thereof, yet would I not have them depend thereon, for I cannot (I must confess) finde any sure ground why the Antients should thus conclude; wherefore here I desist with this Conclusion.

To God alone be the Praise.

FINIS.

The Post-Script.
To the Iudicious and Impartial Reader.

UPon the closure of these my Labours, and when so much of the Epistles was printed, that I could not conveniently bring in this which I am here to deliver unto thee, appears an invective, flashy, weak, ridiculous, in­considerate, cholerick, raving and rayling Pamphlet, against one which it seems he is displeased with for not concluding with him on the Annotations which he published on Jer. 10.2. The which as indeed ridiculous, so should I have smilingly passed it over in silence, and not rendered my self thus worthy of laughter in recording his folly, but that he was so absurd and childish as to bring me upon the Stage whom he knoweth not, and who is altogether a stranger unto him save for what the Mendax Rufus Rolandus, or [his Brother] Orlando furioso hath maliciously and contrary to his own knowledge delivered unto him.

Ʋpon the first sight thereof I perceived it to be a scurrulous Pamphlet, no more worthy the heeding then Politicus, Phreneticus, or Walkers dissembling and lying Occurences; as it was composed of such like paper and variety of letter (being (I beleive) by the Printer published gratis, and therefore by him not thought worthy of better paper, let­ter or work, being such mean stuffe) so doth it contain the like phrensies, invectives and whimsical inventions and evasions; I shall not spend time or paper to mention any part thereof save only where he is pleased now and then (thinking he hath sufficient ground from the malicious aspersions of the unworthy before mentioned, for his imprudent and impudent taunts and language) to vent his washipness and froward crasiness against me; his reason I know not, unless it were for answering aDr. Homes, who was when he com­menced Do­ctor, a strong man for the Bishops, then he became a Presbyterian, and now a most detesta­ble Indepen­dent. turn-coat of his own Livery, who had vainly and ignorantly attempted to beat down that which he is altogether ignorant of; or for that none could ever yet give me a Reply, though it hath been attempted with all the vigour and rigour that might be, but to no purpose, as appears by the first Book of this Volume.

In his 92 page he boldly tels his Reader, Sir Christopher Heydons large discourse, and Wil. Rameseys reply to Dr. Homes it sufficiently confuted. But he doth not in the least tell us how nor make it plain; it is enough for this old man to sit at home, and hear people talk or read the title of Books, but search no further either for want of time or judgement; for if that patch up pretended Reply to my Book, were ever perused by him, he cannot be ignorant that there is not any one Argument of Sir Christopher Heydons so much as mentioned, much less discussed or confuted; and as touching mine which this old Tom — (if I might answer him in his own language, and shew him his plain stiling of me without being guilty of the same absurdity with him; or if I might vindicate my self from his aspersions by casting the same dirt in his face that he hath boldly done in mine) learnedly tearmeth a Reply, as his learned Confutor did before him; but sober men know it is preposterous to call that a Reply which is an Answer; but it will quickly appear (as I have said) to the Judicious; by the first Book of this Volumne; that the main and chief arguments therein remain at yet both by him and others unshaken, nay by Mr. Gataker himself they are unrefelled, though much carped at as is plain by his subsequent words, where he affirmeth the alligation of both Sir Christopher and my self, that Astrology was revealed by God to Adam, Seth, Enoch and there posterity to be frivolous and groundless, as also at the lower end of his 4 page, and at the beginning of his 168 page, he doth not only hint at the same, but [Page]passeth it over with a peremptory attestation of the contrary, without either argument, proof, rime or reason against it; me things he should not so frequently have taken me up, unless he could have proved by sufficient grounds my Allegations to be frivolous, as he is pleased to term them, and not thus frivolousl [...] to pass them over with a bare saying it is false, without any contrary demonstration, and so deceive hoth himself and Reader; for I shall appeal to his own conscience, whether he have ever perused by Book, or that pretended Reply and mine together; or if so, whether he is not convinced not only that half my discourse is wholly omitted by the rurall Replyer; but also that there is no solid and substantiall reply to any particular thereof, (laying aside his ridiculous whim­seys and weak quibbles and evasions wherewith that Pamphlet so copiously abounds) and this my appeal is not only to Mr. Gataker, but all Ingenuous souls who impartially will judge of the matter, and warily observe how my words are by him set down con­trary to my intent and purpose in many places, the better to make for his turn and idle conceits, by comparing mine with his.

This I thought good to acquaint the world with, that they be not led away with error and tradition, having at this time so opportunely the opportunity of the Press, and not only so, but to demonstrate also to the World, that notwithstanding what Dr. Homes, the above named Rufus, or this Mr. Gataker, can or have said is altogether insuffici­ent to refel the Arguments contained in that Discourse of mine; it is not his saying Adam, Seth, Enoch, Abraham, Solomon, and the Patriarchs were not Astrological Philosophers, (which of all Philosophers are the chief) that will prove them not to be so; but since I have Josephus testimonyJoseph. Ant. Jud. lib. 1. c. 2. that they were so, and Eusebius his testi­mony, that he was a man worthy of credit, Eccles. Hist. lib. 1. cap. 7. Certainly I should forefeit my faith credit reason and underst [...]nding, if I should beleive his testimony before the testimony of Josephus, who was by so learned and holy a Father of the Church as Euse­bius deemed so worthy and an Authentick witness; or if I should beleive that he hath any ground for his other weak evasions wherewith his Book is fraught, that dares thus (con­trary to his own conscience and knowledge) asperse so worthy a man as Josephus by que­stioning his credit, to whom the World is so abundantly engaged for his authentick and unparalled works, the which neither Mr. Gataker▪ Wisaker, Rufus, or a thousand such animals are worthy to carry after him; But by this one thing is it plain to every Intelli­gent Reader, that his tongue is no slander (as we say) and therefore the rather to be excused▪ if in any place of his rahling patcht peece, he be found guilty of reproaching his betters that dares thus (when he knows not otherwise how to answer ad rem) not only lightly esteem the testimonies of the Antient Historiographers▪ but also of the Fathers, which but for brevities sake, I could shew him how in innumerable places of their Works they acknowledge themselves beholding to this learned Josephus; but especially Eusebius in almost every Chapter throughout his whole ten Books of his Ecclesiastical History, and in several places therein plainly expresses in the aforenamed words, that He was a man worthy of Credit: the which he cannot he ignorant of (certainly) being a professed Divine. Judge thou then Reader, whether is more worthy of credit, Josephus, that (as I have sufficiently shewed) testifieth Adam, Seth, Enoch, and the rest of the Patriarchs were Astrologers and most exquisite therein, and Eusebius that was a learned Father of the Church that testifieth Josephus to be a man most worthy of credit, or learned Rufus Rolandus, and wise Mr. Gataker, who say they are not, and revile those who have maintained the contrary, but not able otherwise to give any reply thereunto; but if one say, here is two to two, and so imagine we stand upon equal terms, I must needs tell him he will finde as much difference, as is between men and asses; yet to put the matter out of doubt, I shall give you one more, which is Gerson, one sufficient to counter­vail a thousand such Rolands or Gatakers that are opposite thereunto, who in his Pre­face to his. Trilogium Astrologiae Theologizatae, testifieth also that Astrology was first revealed by God himself to Adam. Nay farther Josephus doth not only testifi­eth that this Science was studied by these Patriarchs, and that also God first revealed it unto our first Father Adam, but that Seth was so well skilled therein, that he fore­knew thereby that the World should be destroyed by the flood, and therefore ingraved it (with other Arts and Sciences) on two Pillar, the one of stone and the other of brik, and [Page]that he saw that of stone to remain in Syria in his dayes; Moreover he farther testifiethJoseph. Ant. Jud. lib. 1. cap. 8. that Abraham being exquisite therein, and having learned it in Chaldea, the place of hit birth, when he went into Egypt was the first that taught them Astrology and Arith­metick, the which testimonies (especially carrying such strength of probability with them) I cannot beleeve ever were or ever will be questiened by the judicious and the more rational sort of men.

And as touching Mr. Gataker his rash and inconsiderate aspersion in reckoning me with the Impostors and Jugling knaves which abuse this Noble Science, by their illegall pra­ctises, (the which I have in theFol. 6.3. first Epistle, andPage 58. first Book sufficiently declared against) in terming mePag. 168. a bird of the same feather; I might justly tell him he is no better then a Thom-as Wisaker, thus rashly to conclude what he is ignorant off, but that I fear I should be guilty of the like absurd language with him, and be too plain with the old man, whom I must confess hath by this his rash and inconsiderate affirmation, most extreamly over-shot himself; and were he not a Divine, I should say he were doting or mad, thus highly to dare to affront one who he is altogether a stranger to; and this let me tell you Mr. Ga­taker, and excuse your self when and as well as you can, That it is neither the part of a Scholar, a Rational man, a Divine, a Presbyterian, or a Christian, to assume liberty to asperse, vilifie and wrongfully accuse your brother upon the bare hearsay of another, espe­cially one of so mean credit as is the pretended Author of the Reply to my Book in answer to Doctor Homes, (for I scorn to name him) who hath been of such variety of Professions, and is well known to be a time-serving fellow, Ergo not worthy the noting; for deny it if you can that it was not that pretended Reply that lead you thus to assume the boldness as to term me so confidently a bird of the same feather with Impostors; for as I have before declared in theCap. 13. fol. 28. first Book, I never practised or studyed it otherwise then for the satisfaction of my minde, and for my own pleasure, and therefore good Mr. Ga­taker, take notice, that I scorn to be guilty of any such mercenary practises; as much as you scorn to be termed or accounted schismatical or Jesuitical; and that I am as free and innocent from those abuses of the Art, as you are guilty of abusing me by this wrong accusation, being blinded with errour, and deluded by the aspersions and lying abuses of that unworthyRufus Ro­landu [...]. fellow, and so in danger to shipwrack your discretion and judgement on the rock of Tradition, which if guided by Reason would have been safe, which I would have all men study to obtain, and then I question not but that they will soon finde, that I abhor longer to live then I should degenerate from my self.

Wherfore with this argument I shall conclude; Who so imputeth folly or madness to any man for his tenets, which he cannot refute that doth gainsay them, doth thereby abundant­ly prove himself to be a malignant cavilling fool, and his arguings frivolous: But Thom­as Gataker imputes folly to William Ramesey for the allegation aforesad with his bro­ther Rufus, yet can not refute what they gainsay, Ergo—

Die ♄. 11o. Junii, 1653.
William Ramesey.
FINIS.

The Contents of every Section and Chapter contained in this fourth Treatise, intituled ASTROLOGIA MUNDA.

  • SECTION I. COntaining the ground work of Revolutions of the Years of the World, consi­derations before judgement, and the true significators of such things as are ne­cessary to be judged of in this manner of work. Fol 213
    • CHAP. I. Shewing the ground-work on which Astrological Judgements for the judging of Revo­lutions are to be built, and how many Scheams or Figures of Heaven ought to be erected for this work. Fol 214
    • Chap. 2. Containing some necessary considerations before judgement. Fol 216
    • Chap. 3. Shewing which are the significators of the King, People, their enemies and assistants in any Revolution of the Years of the World. Fol 218
    • Chap. 4. Shewing according to the signification of the Planets, the Significators in general, of rich and Noble men, the Kings Standard-bearer, Armor-bearer, or General of the Armies, Clergy men, Students, Merchants, Lawyers, Women, Fryers and Monks. Fol 220
  • SECT. II. Shewing the state and condition of the King or Rulers, and their continuation, and their durability in any Revolution, also the condition of the people from the Posi­tions and Fortitudes of their Significators; Also how to know the Lord of the Year, and what is portended thereby in any Revolution, whether in Aspect of the Planets, located in the Houses or Signs; also of the significations of the Head and Tayl of the Dragon, in the 12 Houses of Heaven in any Revolution in the 12 signs also. Fol. 221
    • CHAP. I. Of the State and condition of the King or chief Rulers, and People in any Annual Revolution. Idem.
    • Chap. 2. Teaching how to judge of the permanency or durability of Kings or such as are in authority by any Revolution. Fol 225
    • Chap. 3. Shewing the state and condition of the common people in any Region, by any Annual Revolution. Fol 226
    • Chap. 4 How to know that Planet which is Lord of the Year in any Annual revolu­tion of the Years of the World. Fol 231
    • Chap. 5. Of the significations of the seven Celestial Planets, when any of them is Lord of the Year, whether fortunated or impedited, and of the Aspects of the Planets with them. Fol 234
    • Chap. 6. Containing the true Significations of the Planet Saturn, as he is in any Annual Revolution accidentally placed in any of the twelve Houses of Heaven, whether he be Lord of the Year or no. Fol 237
    • Chap. 7. Of the significations of Jupiter as he is accidentally placed in any of the twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no. Fol 239
    • Chap. 8. Containing the significations of Mars in the twelve Houses of Heaven, in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no. Fol 240
    • Chap. 9. Shewing the significations of the Sun in the twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no. Fol 241
    • Chap. 10. Shewing the Signification of Venus in the twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether she Lady of the Year or no. Fol 242
    • Chap. 11. Of the significations of Mercury in the twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether he be Lord of the Year or no. Fol 244
    • [Page]Chap. 12. Of the signfications of the Moon in the twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution, whether she be Lady of the Year or no. 245
    • Chap. 13. Containing the significations of the head and tayl of the Dragon, in the twelve Houses of Heaven in any Annual Revolution of the years of the World. 246
    • Chap. 14. Shewing the significations of the Planets in any of the Triplicities when any of them is Lord of the Year in any Annual Revolution of the Years of the World. 248
    • Chap. 15. Demonstrating the significations of Saturn when he is Lord of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 249
    • Chap. 16. Shewing the significations of Jupiter when he is Lord of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 253.
    • Chap. 17. Shewing the significations of Mars when he is Lord of the Lord of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 256
    • Chap. 18. Containing the accidents signified by the Sun when he is Lord of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 259
    • Chap. 19. Of the things signified by Venus when she is Lady of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 261
    • Chap. 20. Of the significations of Mercury when he is Lord of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 263
    • Chap. 21. Containing the significations of the Moon when she is Lady of the Year in any of the twelve signs. 266
    • Chap. 22. Shewing what is sign [...]fied by the Head and Tayl of the Dragon, as they are placed in any of the twelve signs in any Revolution. 267
  • SECT. III. Containing some other necessary Instructions for the judging of Events portended by any Revolution of the Years of the World, also shewing how to judge of such Years as signifie fertility, sterility, wars, peace, health or sickness, alterations of, and in the Ayr, and of all other things foreknown by the Position of the Heavens at the Ingress of the Sun into the first point of Aries. 269
  • CHAP. I. Shewing the significations of the Planets in their exaltations, and also in Conjun­ction, Square or Opposition of Saturn or Mars at that time in any Revolution. Idem.
  • Chap. 2. Of the significations of the Planets and Dragons Head and Tail, as also Blazing-Stars, when they are (in any Revolution) exalted one above the other. 271
  • Chap. 3. Containing considerations from the Sun and the Moon, when the Revolution is either Diurnal or Nocturnal, also when the Revolution happens at Sun-setting or break of Day, and from the Lord of the Hour, Part of Fortune, the Indisposition of Saturn and Mars, and from the Conjunction with Dragons Head and Tayl in any of the twelve signs, in any Annual Revolution. 274
  • Chap. 4. Teaching how to iudge of the evill of any year, the nature thereof, and when the year is most likely to be turbulent, obnoxious and unfortunate; also what is portended by any Revolution when one Planet transfers his light and nature to another. 278
  • Chap. 5. Shewing how to judge of health or sickness in any year. 280
  • Chap. 6. How of wars or peace. Idem.
  • Chap. 7. Of fertility and sterility. 284
  • Chap. 8. Teaching how to know the price of any thing in any year. 285
  • Chap. 9. Containing some Instructions touching the alteration of the Ayr, and change of weather in any year. 288
  • Chap. 10. Shewing how to judge of the weather by the Aspects of the Moon to the other Planets, and by the several Aspects of the Planets amongst themselves. 290
  • Chap. 11. Demonstrating the alteration of the Ayr by the Combustion, Orientality and Occidentality of the Planets in every of the twelve signs of Heaven. 292
  • Chap. 12. Containing further instructions touching the alteration of the Ayr from the [Page]application of the Moon to the other Planets, having separated from the Conjunction or Opposition of the Sun. 294
  • Chap. 13. Teaching by other rules how to judge of the alteration of the ayr, and to know when rain is to be expected. 296
  • Chap. 14. Shewing Haly his judgement on weather, and the alteration of the Ayr, 298
  • Chap. 15. Shewing how to judge of weather from common Observation of the rising and setting of the [...]un, colour of the Moon, appearance of the Rain-bow, Comets, Clouds, brightness of the fixed Stars, also by the prime day, and from the time of the day wherein thunder happeneth. 302
  • Chap. 16. Demonstrating the natural causes of many Suns, of the Rain-bow, Rain, Hail, Frost, Snow, Dew, Winde, Earth-quakes, Comets, Thunders, Lightnings, and the cause of the Sun and Moons Eclipse. 303
  • Chap. 17 Of the signification of the most notable fixed Stars both fortunate and un­fortunate in any of the twelve Houses in Revolutions of the Years of the World. 305
  • SECT. IV. Teaching how to judge of the natural mutations and accidents of this Elemen­tary World, by the appearance of Eclipses, Comes, great Conjunctions and Blazing-stars.
    • CHAP. I. Containing Ptolomies method in judging Eclipses, and how to know the Regions to which the Effects belong. 310
    • Chap. 2. Shewing the time when the Effects of any Eclipse shall begin, and how long continue. Idem
    • Chap. 3. Of the kindes of Events of any Eclipse. 311
    • Chap. 4. Of the quality of the Events of any Eclipse whether good or evil. 312
    • Chap. 5. Of the Sun and Moon eclipsed in any Decanate or Face of the twelve Coe­lestial signs. 315
    • Chap. 6. Of Comets and Blazing-Stars, what they are, the many sorts thereof, their Portences, and how long they appear at any time. 318
    • Chap. 7. Shewing the Physical reasons of the horrid and terrible portencies of Co­mets and Blazing Stars. 320
    • Chap. 8. Shewing some other names of Comets or Blazing-Stars, and their Portencies. 321
    • Chap. 9. Of the signification of Comets and Blazing-Stars appropriated to the seven Planets 323
    • Chap. 10. Shewing the significations of Comets when they appear in any of the twelve signs of Heaven. 324
    • Chap. 11. Of great Conjunctions, their Number, and how to judge of their Effects. 327
    • Chap. 12. Of the Conjunctions of the superiours. 328
    • Chap. 13. Of the mean and lesser Conjunctions and their effects. 329
    • Chap. 14. Of the Conjunction of the Planets in the twelve signs according to Hermes. 330
    • Chap. 15. Shewing how to iudge of the general accidents of the World by the falling of New-Years Day. 332
FINIS.

An INDEX, pointing to the chief matters contained in this Vo­lume. This mark * before any figure, points you to the folio in the first EPISTLE to the READER.

A
  • ABraham an Astrologer, Epist. Ded. 1 Postscript, folio 4. The first that taught the Egyptians the knowledge of the Stars. Ibid.
  • Abuse of any thing, taketh not away the use thereof among the Learned. * 3
  • Abuses cast upon the Author by the pen­ners of the pretended Reply to his Lux Veritatis, and he vindicated from them all, from folio 26 to 29. their juglings and evasions discovered. 29
  • Acute diseases how ruled. 11
  • Adam an Astrologer, notwithstanding Mr. Gatakers evasions in his Annota­tions on Jer. 10. ver. 2. put forth by the Synod. Epist. Ded. 1 Postscript: and for the clearing of the Text, to that aforesaid Lux Veritatis, Chap. 3. Sect. 5
  • Ayrs alteration, how to judge thereof, from 288 to 303 by general significa­tors 288, 289 by opening of Gates 290 by the aspects of the Moon to the other Planets 291 by the Planets mu­tual aspects 291, 292 Orientallity, Oc­cidentallity, and combustion in the 12 signs 292, 293 by the application of the Moon to the other Planets, having separated from the conjunction of the Sun 294, 295 Aphorisms 296 Ordi­nary signs and tokens 297 by Haly his judgement, from 298 to 302 by the rising and setting of the Sun, the co­lour of the Moon, the Rainbow, and by the appearance of Comets 302 by Clouds, Stars, Prime day, &c. 303
  • Aeties, a stone so called, its vertue. 57
  • Afflictions portended by revolutions, the nature thereof, and from whence it shall arise. 275
  • Age decrepit prohibited physick. 166
  • Age of those that are not to use Phebo­tomie 170 What time of the Moon it availeth. 171
  • A time for making of Agreements. 178
  • A time for any work in the art of Alchi­my. 179
  • A time for All things under the Sun. 145
  • Almuten what. 111
  • Alterations in the world occasioned by Ecclipses of either Luminary, and why, 308 by Comets 319 and why. 320
  • A time for Anointing to remove superflu­ous hair. 169
  • Antiscience of the Planets, their force, how to know them▪ 76
  • Aphorisms conducing to the judging of Elections, from 122 to 128 shewing how to judge of the condition of Kings, People, or any other; what ac­cidents are to happen them, and at what time in any year, from 221 to 224 more particularly of the People, from 226 to 230
  • Apishness in men reprehended. * 18
  • Excess of Apparel in the vulgar condemn­ed. * 19
  • A time for putting on of Apparrel. 137. 156
  • Appearance of many Suns and Moons, the reason thereof. 303
  • Application what. 110
  • A time for Applying Medicines to all the parts of the body. 163
  • Aquaries, its nature and quality 90 Cor­porature, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Places, Regions, Cities, and part in man under its rule 91 why ruled by Saturn 68 the number, names, nature, magnitude, latitude and longitude of its most notable fixed stars. 294
  • Aries, its nature and quality, Corpora­ture, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Places, Regions, Cities, and part in man under its rule 86 why governed by Mars 68 why the exaltation of the Sun, and fall of Saturn 69 the number, names, na­ture, magnitude, latitude and longi­tude of its most notable fixed stars 94
  • Armour-bearers, their significators gene­ral in annual judgments. 220
  • A time for buying Arms. 184
  • Ascendant, why so called. 107
  • Asia its inhabitants, the reason of their several inclinations. 16
  • Aspects, names, nature, characters, why so named and charactered, partile and platick, 92 dexter and sinister. 93
  • Aspects of the Planets to the Lord of the year. 235
  • [Page]Assistance from whence to be expected, and from what kind of men 282 to obtain it of great men. 197
  • Astrologie, the definition of the word *1 its scope or definition *3 agreeth with Divinity *5.4, &c. one of the Liberal Sciences, together with Astro­nomy and Physicks 2 how they be­came separated, or so accounted ibid. how brought into contempt *1, *3 the best of studies and lawful 4, 18, 23 revealed first to Adam by God, not diabolical (as some weakly have en­deavoured to perswade the world) but a great mean [rather] to acquaint us with a Diety 4, 38 medleth not with the secrets of God 21 most useful for Physicians 23, 28 its definition 29 Legality 38 Excellency 4 warranted by Councels 37 not impugned by Di­vine Scripture from 30 to 36 useful for all the parts of Physick. 153
  • Athazer what. 111
  • Atlas fained to be the supporter of the Heavens and why. 4
  • The Author divided by the Author *20 his exhortation to this mad world *22 how far he holdeth of casual Events 22 his practice or way of living 28 denieth a fatality in the Stars Influen­cies ibid. yet proveth they have admi­rable Influence in all sublunaries 4 and that they are cause of fertility and sterility 5 how far he vindicateth it 37, 38 alloweth not of the resolution of Questions, whereby many now-a­days enrich themselves, and cheat the world, and bring a scandal on the pu­rity of Astrologie; but condemneth it, with the setting of Nativities, as toys, trifles, vanities, cheats and abu­ses of the purity of the Science of the Stars *3, *36, 38 the cause of his putting pen to paper in any of his works *4, *6 what books he hath hi­therto wrote 4 his manner of writing in these his Labours *25, &c. the oc­casion thereof and his end therein *6 his birth, breeding and life hither­to, declared. *28, *29
  • Author of the pretended Reply to my Lux veritatis discovered, and that it is not his under whose name the Epistle thereof passeth. 24
B
  • Barreness a curse. *13
  • A time for Bathing. 169
  • Beasts a time to purchase. 173
  • Beauty real defined, as vulgarly received, rejected. *9
  • A time for Begetting Boys and Girls. 152
  • Benevolents not alwayes Jupiter and Ve­nus. 124
  • Besieging what. 111
  • Birds a time to buy. 174
  • Blackmores why black. 14
  • Blood-letting when convenient. 170
  • Book the first, second, third of this Vo­lumn, their scope *2 the fourth. *3
  • Books published by the Author. *4
  • A time for Borrowing of money. 135
  • A time to purge the Brain. 168
  • A Bridle for Youth. *9
  • Of buying and selling 137 to profit thereby. 136
C
  • Cancer, its nature and quality, corpora­ture, diseases, Angel, colours, places 87 Regions Cities, part in man un­der its Rule 88 why ruled by the Moon 68 why the exaltation of Jupi­ter and fall of Mars 69 the number, names, nature, magnitude, latitude, and longitude of its most notable fix­ed Stars. 97
  • Capricorn, its nature and quality, Cor­porature, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Places Regions, Cities and Part in man under its rule 90 why ruled by Saturn 68 why the fall of Jupiter, and exaltation of Mars 69 the Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude, and Longitude of its most notable fix­ed Stars. 103
  • Captives a time for freeing of them. 201
  • Carbunkle its nature. 57
  • Castles a time to build them. 143
  • Casualties of Cities how to judge of them. 144
  • Cattel small and great a time to buy them 173 to tame them. 174
  • Cautions in administring Physick laxa­tive. 166, 168
  • Cazimi what. 111
  • Characters used in Astrological books, explained. 49, 77, 81, 91
  • Charactery Astrologie questioned. *3
  • Childhood the vanity thereof *7, *8 Child dead to bring forth. 153
  • Children born at the time of an Eclipse, or at the Partile Conjunction of the [Page]Luminaries, live not long, and why. 12
  • A time to purge Choler. 168
  • A time to draw cholerick blood. 171
  • Of Christening. 154
  • Chronick diseases how ruled. 11
  • Chrysolite its vertue. 57
  • Churches a time to build. 145
  • Chyrurgery a time to use. 169
  • Circles of Heaven, their number, order and motion. 79
  • Of Circumcision. 154
  • A time to bathe for cleanliness. 169
  • Clergymen their significators general in Annual judgments 220 more particularly. 141
  • Cause of Climacterical years. 12
  • Cloathing a time to buy. 137
  • Clysters, a time for administring them. 164
  • Why it is Colder in January when the days increase in length, then in Decem­ber when they are at the shortest. 13
  • Combustion what. 111
  • Comet, why so called, the many sorts thereof 318 the definition thereof 304 318 the appearance thereof an evident token of Astrologies Legality, and that it is allowed of by GOD 36 in what part of the Heaven they ap­pear; Continuance, Portencies, how to judge thereof, the birth of our Sa­viour foretold thereby 319 Physical reasons of their portencies 320 why seldom seen, and but in one part of heaven, at what time of the year, the reasons of their various shapes and colours, distinct significations 321 Sa­turnian, Jovial, Martial, Solar and Venerial, their portencies 323 Mercu­rial, Lunar 324 significations and por­tencies in any of the 12 Signs, from 324 to 327 when chiefly they mani­fest their effects. 326
  • Conception when hindred 152 when far­thered. 153
  • Ʋt mulier Conciplat; ut non Concipiat. 178
  • Great Conjunctions, their Number; Con­siderations before judgement 327 of the superiours and their effects 328 Lesser, & their portencies 329 Hermes of Conjunctions, from 330 to 333
  • Conjunction its nature. 92
  • How to order the matter of Conquest in any war. 179
  • Considerations to be had in Phlebotomie. 170
  • Constellations hindering and farthering Phlebotomie. Ibid.
  • To know the the Contents of any writing unseen. 185
  • Contrantiscians of the Planets how to know them; their force. 77
  • Corns, a time for the cutting of them. 134
  • Coronations, a time for them. 197
  • Covetousness most detestable. *12
  • What sign the Sun was in at the first Creation. 214
  • Critical-days whence caused 11 the true knowledge of them 162 may often be hindered by Saturn. 13
  • Custome reproved* 16 a second nature 170 cannot wholly alter the Natural Constitution of any Place or People. 15
  • The Customs and Laws of all Nations different, and why. 16
D.
  • Dead childe to deliver. 153
  • Debility of any Planet in any Sign to know. 66
  • Decrepit age prohibited Physick. 166
  • Degrees, how many in a sign of Heaven. 79
  • Delectatione cum muliere jacere. 178
  • Devil ignorant of the issue of future ac­cidents. 21
  • Dexter aspect, what its nature. 93
  • Direction what. 110
  • A time for any work in the Art of Di­stillation. 139
  • Dog-days why not a like contagious eve­ry year. 9
  • A time for buying of Dogs 173 of bringing them up. 174
  • Dragons Head and Tayl what they are; their nature 76 significations in the twelve Houses in the Revolutions of the years of the world 247 in the twelve signs of Heaven. 267, 268
  • A time for Dwelling. 179
E.
  • A time for husbanding the Earth. 148
  • Earthquakes how occasioned, signes thereof. 304
  • Earths Semidiamiter. 50
  • Cause of the Ebbing and flowing of the sea. 11
  • Eclipse of the Sun the cause thereof 304 [Page]of the Moon; why they happen not twice every Moneth 305 how to judge of the mutations and accidents in this Elementary world thereby, from 308 to 318 that alterations do follow in the world upon the Eclipse of either Luminary, and wherefore 308 an Introduction from 308 to 310 what is to be considered 310 when their effects manifest themselves, Ibid. how long continue 311 to know the Lord of any Eclipse, ibid. the kinds of the Events 312 quality, whether good or evil from 313 to 315 of the Sun in any decanate of the 12 Signs 316 of the Moon. 317
  • Ecliptick Circle what it is, why so called 79
  • Education not of force sufficient to alter the natural constitution of a People or Nation. 15
  • Egypt how watred. 290
  • A time for Electing Kings and Gover­nours. 196
  • Elections ordinary, slighted. *3
  • Elections by the Aspects of the Moon to the other Planets. 129
  • Electuaries a time to administer. 168
  • A time for sending Embassadors. 159
  • Enemies a time to suppress. 182
  • Enoch an Astrologer, vid. Postscript.
  • A time for Enstaulings. 197
  • Equator or the Equinoctial circle what it is, why so called. 79
  • To know when a Planet is Essentially dignified. 65
  • To know the event of any war. 181
  • Events portended by the Lord of the year 231, &c. where they shall be ma­nifested 232 of Comets 319 of E­clipses from 308 to 318
  • To know the Evil threatned in any year to any place 278 the cause of any evil to happen. 223
  • Europians why of magnaminous spirits and given to wars and exploits. 16
  • To Expel a dead child. 153
  • Eye of the Sun, a Stone so called its ver­tue. 57
  • A time for administring remedies to the Eyes. 163
F.
  • Faces of the Planets their use, why so called 73 their significations. 74
  • A time for Feasting. 156
  • To know if any Land be fertile. 147
  • Fertility and sterility on what they de­pend. 10
  • How to judge of the fertility of any year. 284
  • Figure of Heaven what it is 20 how to frame it. 112
  • Firmament why so called. 78
  • First Book its Subject. *2
  • First-mover why so called. 78
  • A time to fish. 187
  • Fixed Stars no cause of plenty or scarcity 10 Tables demonstrating the Names, Nature, Number, Magnitude, Lati­tude and Longitude of the chiefest of them, in every of the 12 signs, from 94 to 106 why called fixed 94 their significations in any of the 12 houses of Heaven in Revolutions of the years of the World, from 305 to 308
  • Flegm a time to purge it. 168
  • Flegmatick-blood a time to extract it. 171
  • A time for flitting or removing 138
  • Fluxes, a time to stop them. 164
  • Fourth Book its subject. *3
  • Fortunate Planets. 127
  • A time to fowl. 187
  • Fresh-waters why not so subject to ebb and flow. 11
  • Friendship between Brethren a time to make 140 between any two 141 a time to obtain it of any. 199
  • Friends how to choose them *22 prove them and keep them. *24
  • Frost what it is. 304
  • Frustration what. 111
  • Fryers their significators general in An­nual judgements. 220
  • Fugitives a time to seek. 184
  • Furlongs, how many in a sign of Heaven. 79
  • Future accidents to know. 223
G.
  • Galen his admonition to the Vulgar. 161
  • Gall a time to purge. 168
  • How to win at any game. 186
  • A time for administring Gargarisms. 165
  • Opening of Gates what it is 299 a cause of the change of weather. 290
  • Gemini, its nature and quality, Corpo­rature, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Places, Regions, Cities, and part in man under its Rule 87 why ruled by Mercury 68 the Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude & Longi­tude of its most notable fixed Stars. 96
  • [Page]General accidents how to judge of them by the falling of Newyears day. 333
  • General Rules will not hold in particular affairs. 128
  • Gentlemen their vanity in general. *20
  • A time for getting of Girls. 152
  • A time for giving of Gifts. 155
  • God worketh by causes *4 is the God of order ibid. clearly to be seen in the or­der of Nature *5, 10 seldom or ne­ver perverteth its order. *5
  • A time for the beginning of Govern­ments. 197
  • A time for Graffing, 150
  • A time for buying of great Cattel. 173
  • Groundwork of Elections. 122
H.
  • Hail what it is, how condensed. 304
  • Hair a time for cutting of it 133 a time for applying medicines to remove what is superfluous 163 when to bathe for the same purpose. 169
  • Haiz what. 111
  • An Harmony between the Coelestial and Terrestrial bodies. 122 bodies. 122
  • A time for administring remedies to the Head. 163
  • A time to bathe for Health. 169
  • How to judge of the Health of any year. 280
  • A time to purge the Heart. 168
  • Heavens power and vertue admirable 5 Gods book in which all things from the beginning to the subversion of the world is written 18 order, number and motions 78 division into 12 Signs. 79
  • Heliotropion its vertue. 57
  • A time for buying of Heritages. 146
  • Hermophrodites when begotten. 152
  • A time for Hiring any thing 149 ser­vants. 172
  • A time for obtaining the thing Hoped for. 199
  • Horizon what it is, its diversity. 80
  • A time for buying Horses. 201
  • Houses of Heaven what, the reasons of their significations 107, 108 division into 12 parts 109 how to judge of any thing signified by them. 275
  • Houses a time for buying of them 146 for building 142 letting or hiring 149 for ridding of evil spirits. 151
  • A time for buying of Hounds. 173
  • A time to Hunt 187
  • A time for buying of Land for Husban­dry. 147
  • Hyacinth its vertue. 57
  • Hypocrites reproved. *15
I.
  • Jacob an Astrologer. 18
  • Impeditions of the Moon. 127
  • Infants prohibited Physick. 166
  • Inferiour what. 111
  • Inferiours ruled by Superiours 123
  • Influence of the Stars may be found our, notwistanding the slowness of the star­ry sphear in less then thirty years time 7, &c. may certainly be predicted, not­withstanding the Revolution of the starry sphear since Ptolomies time, or since the first Creation 8, &c. takes not away Gods government 22 may be altered by him *4 yet it is sel­dom or never seen. *5
  • A time for acting any thing of Ingenuity. 158
  • Inns of Court described. *21
  • A short Journey what it is 140 a time for going. ibid.
  • A time of Iourneying and returning, and to judge of the success therein. 191
  • Iris, a stone so called, its vertue. 57
  • Issue a blessing *13 such as desire none, reprehended. ibid.
  • Judicial days whence caused 11 the true knowledge of them. 162
  • Jupiter, his Nature and Complexion, Magnitude, mean and diurnal Motion, Revolution, Distance from the Earth, Humours, Quality of men signified by him, Corporature, greatest North-Latitude, South, Colours, Savours, Spice, Hearbs and Drugs ruled by him, and part of Man 52 Trees, Birds, mi­neral, Stones, Fishes, Beasts, Places, Weather, Winds, Signs, Triplicity, Diseases, Regions, Day of the week ruled by him; his Exaltation, Fall, Detriment, Age, Angel, Friends, E­nemies, Orb, Years, Moneth after Conception 53 his Joy 75 why so called and charactered 77 is not al­ways a fortune 124, 216 significati­ons when Lord of the year 234 in any of the 12 houses of Heaven in any re­volution of the years of the world 239 &c. in any of the 12 Signs from 253 to 256 when Lord of an Eclipse. 313
  • A time to obtain Justice of Rulers. 197
K.
  • Kings significators in Annual Judge­ments, not exempt from the power of the Stars 219 Condition in any year 221, 222 How to judge of their permanency 225 A time to obtain their favour 197 and their Pardon. 198
L.
  • A time for Lanching of Ships. 195
  • A time for buying of Land 146 for Let­ting 149 if it be fertile. 147
  • A time to prevail in Law-suits. 181
  • Lawyers their significator general 220 reprehended. * 21
  • A time to Learn Sciences 195 Arts or Occupations. 198
  • A time for Lending of money. 135
  • Leo, its Nature, Quality, Corpora­ture, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Pla­ces, Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its Rule 88 why ruled by the Sun 68 the Number, Names, Na­ture, Magnitude, Latitude, and Lon­gitude of its most notable fixed Stars. 98
  • A time for composing of Letters. 158
  • Lightning what it is. 304
  • Liver a time to purge it. 168
  • Lord of the Year how to know him accor­ding to the Antients 231 according to the Author 233 of the Aspects of the Planets to him. 235
  • Loss how to judge of it. 282
  • To know the Love between two marri­ed, or any other 177
  • Low-countreymen why they shoke off the Spaniards Government. 16
  • Lewdness described, its portencies * 10 its remedy. * 11
  • A time to purge the Lungs. 168
  • Lybra, its Nature, Quality, Corpora­ture, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Pla­ces, Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its Rule 89 why ruled by Ve­nus 88 why the fall of the Sun and ex­altation of Saturn 69 the Number, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude of its most notable fixed Stars. 100
M.
  • Malefactor a time to make him confess Truth. 185
  • Malevolents are not always Saturn and Mars. 124
  • Man his vanity in general * 11, * 12, * 13 subject to Gods Government, and Angels rule, as well as to the power of the stars, and how 22 wherein he differeth from a brute Creature. 23
  • Mansions of the Moon, their several qualities and Elections. 130
  • A time for Manuring the Earth. 148
  • A time for Marriage according to the Antients 176 according to the Au­thor 177 the end thereof *13 forced, censured. * 17
  • Markets described. * 21
  • Mars, his Nature, Complexion, Mag­nitude, Distance from the Earth, mean and diurnal Motion, Revoluti­on, Humours, Quality of men, Cor­porature, North Latitude, South, what Savours, Colours, Part in man, Hearbs, Trees and Spice ruled by him 54 what Winds, Weather, Signs, Di­seases or Triplicity, Places, Birds, Stones, Fish, Beasts, Mineral Day of the week, Enemies, Friends, Angel, Age, Exaltation, Fall Detriment, Orb, Regions, Places, Years 55 Joy 75 why so called and charactered 77 may sometimes be a benovolent and adjuvant Planet 124, 216 significati­ons when Lord of the Year 235 in any of the twelve Houses 241 in any of the twelve signs from 256 to 259 when Lord of an Eclipse. 314
  • The vertue of Medicinal things how found out. 161
  • A time for applying Medicines to all parts of the body. 163
  • A time to purge Melancholy. 168
  • A time to extract Melancholy blood. 171
  • A time to purge any Member of the bo­dy. 168
  • A time to purge the Members of Gene­ration. ibid.
  • Merchants their significators general. 220
  • Mercury, his Nature, Complexion, Magnitude, Distance from the Earth, mean and diurnal Motion, Revoluti­on, Quality of Men, Corporature, greatest North Latitude, South, Sa­vours, Colours, and Part of man ru­led by him 6 [...] Hearbs, Drugs, Trees, Birds, Serpents, Stones, Minerals, Fishes, Beasts, Weather, Winds, Signs, Triplicity, Places, Day of [Page]the week, Regions, Moneth after Conception, Years, Diseases, &c. under his Dominion; Exaltation, Fall, Detriment, Age, Angel, Friends, Enemies 62 Joy 75 why so called and charactered 77 significations when Lord of the Year 235 in any of the twelve Houses 244 in any of the twelve signs, from 263 to 265 when Lord of an Eclipse. 314
  • Meridian what it is, wherefore so called. 80
  • A time for sending of Messengers. 159
  • Method of the fourth Book. 214
  • Miles how many in a sign of Heaven. 79.
  • A time for building of Mills. 145
  • Minutes in a degree how many. 79
  • Monarchial Government cast off by the English, and why. 17
  • Monks their significators general. 220
  • A time for receiving Money. 135
  • Moons Influence proved 11, 12 mock-moons the cause of them 303 her Na­ture, Complexion, Magnitude, mean and diurnal Motion, Revolution, Distance from the Earth, Humours, Quality of men, Corporature, North-Latitude, South, Colours, Savours, Hearbs, Trees and Plants 63 Birds, Stones, Mineral, Fishes, Beasts, Pla­ces, Weather, Winds, Sign, Tripli­city, Exaltation, Fall, Detriment, Age, Angel, Enemies, Friends, Day of the week, Regions, Orb, Years, Moneth after conception, Journies, Diseases, &c. ruled by her 64 Joy 75 why so called and charactered 77, 78 significations when Lady of the Year 235 in any of the twelve Houses of Heaven 245 in any of the twelve signs. 266
  • A time to Learn Musick. 195
N.
  • Nails of the hands or feet a time to cut them. 134
  • No Nation but hath good and bad in it. * 23
  • Nativities Legality questioned and con­demned as vain * 3. * 6 how far main­tained by the Author. 38
  • The study of Nature and help to the Knowledge of God * 22, 38 its course may be altered and how * 5 how of­ten since the Creation. ibid.
  • No New thing under the Sun. * 25, * 26
  • Noblemen their significator general. 220
  • A time for applying Remedies to the Nose. 164
  • A time for sending Children to Nurse. 132
  • Northern Inhabitants why strong body­ed, rude and fair complexioned. 15
O.
  • Objections against Astrology answered, from 18 to 23
  • Occidental what. 111
  • A time for making odoriferous smels. 158
  • Opposite Aspect, or an Opposition why so called and charactered 93 where­fore malevolent. 92, 93
  • Oriental what. 111
P.
  • Palaces of Kings defined, with their va­nity. * 21
  • Pantaura its vertue. 58
  • A time for obtaining pardon of King. 198
  • Parents Carelesness reprehended * 13 their folly in bringing up Children. * 8
  • Partile, Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine and Opposition what. 92
  • Of Partnership. 178
  • The Patient his danger by being in the hands of an unskilful Physitian. 161
  • Patriarchs Astrologers, vid. Postscript.
  • A time of peace. 182
  • How to judge of peace in any year. 282
  • A wonderfull thing of Pease. 11, 12
  • People, their significators in Annual Judgements 215 their State and Con­dition 222 and from 226 to 230
  • Peregrination what. 111
  • How to know the permanency of Kings, States, Governments, or any in Au­thority. 225
  • Philosophers-stone what 27 studied by the most refined spirits in all ages, and why so many miss of obtaining it. 139
  • A time for administring Physick to all the parts of the body. 163
  • Physick denyed to Children and decre­pit age. 166
  • Physitians ought to be well versed in Astrologie 153 the errour of most of them 136, 160 the Ignorant therein, accounted by the rational rather fools then Physitians 23, 160, 280 what is requisite to perfect them in their Art, [Page]being ignorant in Astrology, can ne­ver safely administer Physick, nor ac­counted by the judicious fit to be trust­ed with the lives of men 161 a time for going to his Patient. 171
  • Phlebotomy, what Constellations hinder it, what farther; Considerations, when best to refrain, when to use it 170 what time of the Moon is to be observed in all Ages and Humours of men. 171
  • A time for administring Pils. 168
  • Pisces its Nature, Quality, Corpora­ture, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Pla­ces, Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its rule 91 why ruled by Jupiter 68 why the exaltation of Venus and fall of Mercury 69 the Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Lati­tude and Longitude of its most no­table fixed stars. 150
  • Planets Influence proved 10, 13 Num­ber, Names, Characters. 49
  • What time is best to plant or sow. 12
  • A time for planting of Trees. 150
  • Platick Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine and Opposition what. 92
  • Plenty and scarcity depend on the moti­ons and configurations of the Planets. 10
  • How to judge of Plenty in any Year. 284
  • A remarkable thing of the Pomegranate. 12
  • When Preparatives ought to be admini­stred 164
  • A time for Preparing Medicines. 168
  • A time to give Presents. 155
  • To know the Price of any thing to be bought or sold. 146
  • To know the Price of any thing in any Year, from 285 to 288
  • Pride, its Cause removed. * 14
  • A time for freeing of Prisoners. 201
  • A time for going of Progress. 198
  • Prohibition what. 110
  • A time for obtaining Promises. 200
  • When to prune and cut Vines. 12
  • Ptolomies method in judging of Eclipses, from 310 to 315
  • A time for pulling down what hath been built. 145
  • A time for taking of Purges. 166
  • A time for putting on of Apparrel. 137, 156
  • Pyrophilus, its vertue. 57
Q.
  • A time for Quarrels. 179
  • Quartile Aspect, its nature, why so cal­led and charactered, why unfortu­nate. 92
  • Questions if radical agree with the Na­tivity, yet both rejected as not suffici­ent ground-works for Elections 322 the resolution thereof as practised among us by Impostors, condemned. * 3, *6, 38
R.
  • Race-horses, a time for buying them. 173
  • Rain what it is, how procreated. 304 never seen in Egypt. 290
  • Rainbow the cause thereof 304 how to judge of the weather thereby 302
  • Four Reasons why the pretended Reply to my Lux Veritatis is not taken notice of by me 24 another reason 26 an­other. 30
  • A time to receive gifts. 155
  • Reception what. 111
  • Regrenation what. ibid.
  • Regions under Saturn 51 subject to Ju­piter 53 Ruled by Mars 55 by the Sun 59 by Ʋenus 60 by Mercury 62 by the Moon 64 by Aries 86 by Tau­rus and Gemini 87 by Cancer, Leo and Virgo 88 by Libra and Scorpio 89 by Sagittary and Capricorn 90 by Aquarius and Pisces. 91
  • A time for applying Remedies to all the parts of the Body. 163
  • A time for removing. 138
  • A time for renting of Houses, Land, Fruit, or ought else. 149
  • A time for obtaining Requests. 200
  • Retrogradation what. 110
  • That Birds may return that are let fly. 173
  • A time for stopping of Rheumes. 164
  • Revolution of the Starry-sphere, of Sa­turn, Sol, Ʋenus, Mercury and the Moon 7 of Jupiter and Mars. 8
  • Revolutions of the Years of the world, their portencies, the Radix or ground-work from which they are to be judg­ed 214 how many Scheams ought to be set for the judging thereof 215 Con­siderations before judgement 216, 217 Considerations from the Sun and Moon when the Revolution is either diurnal or nocturnal 274 at Suns set, [Page]or at break of day; Considerations from the Lord of the hour, part of fortune, its Dispositor, the Position of Saturn and Mars, the Conjunction of Dragons head with Saturn in Aries, in Taurus, in Gemini 276 in Cancer, in Leo, in Ʋirgo, in Libra, in Scorpio, in Sagittary, in Capricorn, in Aquari­us, in Pisces or of Dragons tail in any of these Signs; And of Mars in Con­junction with Dragons head or Dragons tail in any of the twelve signs 277 from the fixed Stars in the twelve Houses, from 305 to 308
  • Rich-men, their Significators general in Annual judgements. 200
  • Riches wherein they consist. *12
  • A time for riding of Horses. 202
S.
  • Sagittary, its Nature and Quality, Cor­porature, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Places, Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its rule 90 why ruled by Jupiter 68 the Number, Names, Na­ture, Magnitude Latitude and Longi­tude of its most notable fixed Stars. 102
  • Saturn, his Influence proved 12, &c. removal out of one Sign into another, cause of change of Air 9 Colour, Nature, Magnitude, diurnal Mo­tion, Distance from the Earth 49 Humours, Profession, Copora­ture, Quality of men ruled by him, Savours, what part in man, Hearbs, Trees, Plants and Birds 58 Stones, Mi­nerals, Fishes, Beasts, Places, Weather, Winds, Signs, Triplicity, Angel, Age, Friend, Enemies, Regions, Orb 59 is sometimes a benovolent and adju­vant Planet 124, 216 his Significati­ons when Lord of the Year 234 in any of the twelve Houses of Heaven 237, 238 in any of the twelve Signs, from 249 to 253 when Lord of an Eclipse. 313
  • Scarcity of any year how to judge of it. 284
  • A time for setting of Children to School. 132
  • Scorpio, its Nature and Quality, Corpo­rature, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Places, Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its rule 89 why ruled by Mars 68 why the fall of the Moon 69 the Number, Names, Nature, Mag­nitude Latitude and Longitude of its most notable fixed Stars. 011
  • Second Book, its subject. * 2
  • Seconds how many in a minute. 79
  • A time for sowing of Seeds 151
  • Self-endedness reprehended * 14
  • A time for selling to gain thereby. 137
  • Of selling and buying. ibid.
  • Separation what. 110
  • A time for hiring Servants. 172
  • Seth an Astrologer, Epist. Dedic. 1. vid. Postscript.
  • Sextile Aspect its nature, why so called and charactered, benevolent. 92
  • A time for building of Ships. 194
  • When the Sick is not likely to recover. 198
  • How to judge of Sickness in any year. 280
  • Significations of Saturn and Jupiter when Lords of the Year in any Annual Re­volution 234 when rulers of an E­clipse 313 of Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury and the Moon, when Lords or Ladies of the Year 235 Mars, Venus and Mercury when rulers of an Eclipse 314 in any of the twelve Houses or Signs, from 237 to 268 in their exaltations or mutual aspects 269, 270 exalted one above another, from 271 to 273 of Dragons head and tail 247 of the Planets in any Tripli­city. 248
  • Significators of the King, People and their Enemies in any Annual Revolu­tion 219 of all sorts of People. 220
  • Signs what they are, why called Signs, how many degrees in a Sign, how many Minutes in a degree, how many Seconds in a Minute, how many Miles or Furlongs a Sign consisteth of 79 their Names and Characters, Di­visions 81 why so called and cha­ractered 83, &c. why reckoned from Aries, and not placed in the Hea­vens according to the order of the four Elements. 85
  • A time to learn to Sing. 196
  • Sinister Aspect what it is, its nature. 93
  • A time for buying of small Cattel 173 of taming of them. 174
  • A time for making sweet Smels. 150
  • A time for administring Sneezings. 165
  • Snow what it is. 304
  • Southern Inhabitants, why quickwitted. 15
  • A time for ridding houses of Spirits. 151
  • [Page]A time to purge the Spleen. 168
  • Spring-time the cause thereof. 9, 11
  • Square Aspect, its Nature, why so cal­led and charactered, why malevolent. 92
  • Standard-bearers their significators. 220
  • Stars portencies what * 4 cause of steri­lity and fertility, proved by the Word of GOD 5 most effectual and never perverted but by miracle * 4 both Signs and Causes warranted by the word of GOD 35 influence proved 3, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 maintained by sacred writ in spite of its Antago­nists 23, 31, and 33
  • The Annual motion of the Starry-sphere. 7, 10
  • Stationary what. 110
  • Sterility and fertility on what they de­pend 10 how to judge thereof in any Year. 284
  • A time for Storming Castles and Towns. 182
  • To know the Strength of any Planet in any Sign. 66
  • A time for Studying divine matters, or ought else. 141
  • Summer the cause thereof 9, 11 why not alike hot every Year 9 what Phy­sick is therein most safe to be taken. 166
  • Sun his Influence proved 10, 18 his nature, complexion, magnitude, distance from the Earth mean and diurnal Motion, Revolution, Quality of men, 56 Cor­porature, Savours, Colours, Part in man, Hearbs, Spice, Trees, Birds, Stones 57 Minerals, Fishes, Beasts, Weather, Places, Winds, Sign, Tri­plicity, Exaltation, Fall, Detriment, Age, Angel, Friends, Enemies, 58 Day of the week, Regions, Orb, Moneth after conception, Years, Diseases 59 Significations when Lord of the Year 235 in any of the twelve Houses 241 his Presence or Absence not alone the cause of heat or cold 9 Mock-Suns the reason thereof 303 under the Sunbeams what. 111
  • Superiour what. ibid.
T.
  • Tables of the Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude of the most notable fixed Stars in eve­ry Sign, from 94 to 105 of the Es­sential dignities of the Planets accord­ing to Ptolomy, or [rather] an un­known Author 95 of their fortitude and debilities 66, &c. of the Aspects of the Moon to the other Planets and Elections thereby 129 of the mansi­ons of the Moon. 130
  • A time for Taming small Cattel. 174
  • Taurus, its Nature, Quality, Corpora­ture, 86 Diseases, Angel, Colours, Pla­ces, Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its rule 87 why ruled by Venus 68 why the Exaltation of the Moon 69 the Number, Names, Nature, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude of its most notable fixed Stars. 95
  • Term what it is, wherefore so called, and why so attributed to the Planets 71 their use. 72
  • Terms of Art explained. 110, &c.
  • A time for apprehending Thieves 184 to make them confess truth. 185
  • Third book its subject. * 2
  • Thirds how many in a second. 79
  • Thunder what it is. 304
  • A time for Tilling the ground. 148
  • A time to cut Timber to keep long. 12
  • What Time is best to use Physick 166 Phlebotomie. 170
  • A Time for all things under the Sun. 145
  • A convenient time to set Children to a Trade. 132
  • Tradition in some kind censured. * 3, *6
  • Translation what. 111
  • Translation of light among the Planets, and what is thereby portended in Re­volutions. 279
  • A time for planting of Trees. 150
  • Trine aspect, its Nature, why so called and charactered 93 why good and benevolent. 92, 93
  • Triplicity what it is, how many, how no­minated, by what Planet ruled, and wherefore. 70
  • Tydes not so apparent in the Atlantick Sea as in others, and why in some places they are hindred. 11
V.
  • Venereal sports a time for them. 178
  • A time for applying Ventosies. 170
  • Venus, her Nature, Complexion, Mag­nitude, Distance from the Earth, mean and diurnal Motion, Revolu­tion, Quality of men 58 Coporature, [Page]Part of man, Beasts, Hearbs, Spice, Trees, Perfumes, Birds, Stones, Mineral, Fishes, Weather, Winds, Places, Signs, Triplicity, Day of the week, Regions, Years, Diseases ru­led by her, her Age, Angel, Exalta­tion, Fall, Detriment, Enemy, Friends 60 her joy 75 why so cal­led and charactered 77 is sometimes a malevolent and interficient Planet. 124, 216 Significations when Lady of the Year 235 in the twelve Houses 243 in the twelve Signs from 261 to 263 when Lady of an Eclipse. 314
  • How to order the matter for Victory. 179
  • How to judge of Victory in any year. 282
  • When to prune and cut Vines. 12
  • Virgo, its Nature, Quality, Corpora­ture, Diseases, Angel, Colours, Pla­ces Regions, Cities, and Part of man under its rule 88 why ruled by Me [...]cury 68 why his exaltation and fall of Ʋenus 69 the Number, Names, Magnitude, Latitude and Longitude of its most notable fixed Stars. 99
  • Vertue of Hearbs, Stones, Minerals, Drugs, and other Medicinal things how found out. 280
  • Ʋnfortunate Planets. 127
  • A time for making of Ʋnguents. 158
  • A time for Voyaging. 195
  • Void of Course what. 111
W.
  • A time for War 179 to judge of the event 181 how to judge of it in any year; where and when it shall happe 281 who shall be the begin­ner thereof. 283
  • A time to bring Water to an House by pipe or otherwaies. 148
  • A time for Weaning of Children. 133
  • Weather how to judge of it, from 288 to 303
  • A time for digging of Wells, 148
  • How to know the Whisperings of any two. 185
  • Will of any one if to be altered or stand in force, and how to judge of the state thereof. 189
  • How to Win at any game. 186
  • Wind what it is. 304
  • Winter the cause thereof 9, 11 why not all alike cold 9 what physick is there­in best to be taken. 166
  • Women their significators general 220 their Darling toys described. * 19
  • Word of God the chiefest Good. *22
  • World how governed by GOD since he finished his six days work * 5.4. ru­led by Planets 328 the vanity there­of in general * 7 its description and vanity more particularly from * 14 to * 19 turned topfie turvy. * 17
  • Writing of Letters a time therefore. 158
Y.
  • Year whether likely to be turbulent or obnoxious 278 plentiful or scarce. 284
  • Greater Years of the Planets how known. 71
  • Youth and its vanity and folly described. * 9, *10
From my Study at my Fathers House in Holborn, within two doors of the wounded Heart, near the Kings Gate, this 17 of January 1652.
FINIS.
Reader,

AS in all Volumes you shall finde the Printers faults, so in this; by reason it is a work wherewith they are unacquainted, mayest thou abundantly finde their failings, which I would intreat thee candidly to pass by, and amend with thy pen, before thou adventurest to read the same; especially or that some are so gross and absurd, they may otherwise lead thee into an errour, unless thou art well acquainted with this manner of learning. I have put the fault all along according as it should be amended in a different letter, that thou mayest thereby the more readily apprehend where the defect lyeth; if there be any other, as also literal faults or defects by me committed in the subject it self, if thou shalt shew thy self so charitable as lovingly to correct, and acquaint me therewith, I shall be for ever engaged to acknowledge my self

Thy assured Friend and Humble Servant William Ramesey.

Where in some Copies there are these faults let slip.

In the first Book.

FOlio 3. line 13. read Chap. 1. f. 4. l. 24. r. this art. l. 26. r. the Heavens. f. 14. l. 25. r. lately pub­lished, and l. 50. r. of all things. f. 22. l. 23. r. Lucius Bellantius. f. 26. l. 45. r. or crediting. f. 27. l. 52. r. this a more, &c. f. 28. l. 13. r. his art. f. 30. in the contents of the 14 Chap. r. fifth reason. f. 31. l. 57. r. and conceitedness. f. 33. l. 16. after superfluous, r. shall be satisfied, and in the same l. after matter r. therefore. f. 35. l. 3. r. facing it. f. 38. l. 7. r. Dearth. and l. 18. r. I mean. also l. 23. r. for since.

In the second Book.

Folio 50. in the margin. r. Saturn when well fortified, ibid. l. 39. r. Meridional. and l. 40. r. fleshy. f. 51. l▪ 34. r. Chap. 27. f. 54. l. 19. r. in two years. f. 62. l. 43. r. he is placed. f. 63. l. 15. r. her nearness. f. 65. in the table over against ♉ and after ♃. r ♄ 24. and over against ♊ and after ♀. r. ♄. 25. and ♂ 30. and af­ter ♀ 25. over against ♌. r. ♃ 30. & over against ♎ after ♀ 11. r. ☿ 16. & over against ♏, after ♂. 6. t. ♀ 13. f. 69. in the contents of the 11 Chap. r. falls, & l. 25. wherein she is in her full. f. 71. in the table over against ♊ and under ♃. r. for 6.7. and in the same l. under ♂. r. for 6.5. and over against ♌ and under ♃. for 6. r. 5. and in the same line under ♂. for 5. r 6. and l. 41. r. him last, & l. 42. r. also him. f. 76. l. 49. r. 25. degrees of ♌. and l. 53. dele and. f. 79. l. 56. r. is because f 85. l. 21. r. second treatise. f. 86. in the con­tents of the 26 Chap. r. quality. f. 92. l. 35. r. lighter Planer, and l 53 r. the worst &c. f. 106. l. 50. r. 21. Chap. f. 109. l. 7. r. second Treatise.

In the third Book.

Folio 122 l. 24 r. Omniscient Creator, and l. 37. r. of the party f. 125. l 15 for foreshewed. r. furthered. f. 127. l. 16. r. separating. f. 128. l. 11. r. affairs for demands. f. 135. l. 19. dele and. f. 137. l. 43. r. she next. f. 141. l. 24. r. second book. f. 148. l. 50. r. in an angle. f. 161. l. 12. dele be, and l. 32 dele then. f. 162. l. 20. r. interficient. l. 36. r. by her swiftness. and l. 37. r. by her slowness. f. 163. l. 19 r. malevolent aspects. f. 173. l. 14. r. aspect of. f. 179. l. 44. r. and of his houses. f. 183. l. 24. r. unto him. f. 185 l. 53. dele and before aspect. f. 201. l. 51. r. you have been taught.

In the fourth Book.

Folio 214. l. 46. r 25. Chap. f. 215 l. 33 r. Chap. 22. and l. 50. r. Chap. 26. f. 224. l 27. r. or sixth. f. 229. l. 32. r. to those places. f. 241. l. 12. r. he is. f. 250. l. 4. r. his position. f. 251. l. 31. r. living in the Sea. f. 258. l. 33. r. Jupiter prevent. f. 259. in the last note dele Lord. f. 261. l. 13. dele in. f. 265. l. 1. dele either. f. 282. l. 28. r. if it be Venus. f. 284. l. 26. dele at. f. 286. l. 1. r. amplifie it thus. f. 294. l. 5. for this book. r. this Section. f. 295. l. 39. dele and. f. 298. l. 1. r▪ the better and l. 10. r. these brute and l. 11. r. or at best. f. 300. l. 11. r. seeds therefore. f. 308. l. 17. r. in the sixteenth Chap. and third Section. f. 320. l. 33. r. 16. Chap. and 3. Sect.

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