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 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 Ruler If 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 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
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 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 therein * Ergo 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 THE Iudgement of the Stars WHEREIN The whole ART of ASTROLOGY Is plainly Taught and
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
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
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 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
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 considered And 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 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
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 â—â—mâ—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 hâ—â—â— 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 Eâ—â—â—â— nor so terrible as the former yet though in a less degree the fore-runners an â—â—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 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