between two and three a clock afternoon as appeareth in the Almanack answerable unto the day of the Month also by the same Rules you may gather any other Herbs or Plants at the right planetary hours accordingly which are out of controversie Rules whereby to gather such Herbs and plants which are in Controversie that so you may have the true planetary influence notwithstanding as followeth VVHen you are minded to gather any herb or Plant in controversie as instance dandelion before mentioned this Plant being by my rules under Venus but by some Authoâ—s appropriated unto Jupiter by reason it hath a virtue to open the obstructions of the Liver being under Jupiter But it hath also a virtue to open and cleanse the passages of urine as I have already declared which is under Venus but chiefly it hath the first elemental quality of being cold agreeing with Venus whereas Jupiter is hot Now to reconcile this or any other difference of the like nature do as followeth Let both Planets in question at the time of gathering be in Conjunction Sextile or Tâ—ine aspect unto each other Or otherwise let the Moon be seperating and applying by any of those aspects from the one planet to the otheâ— by this rule you may have the true planetary influence of both planets in question Alwayes provided that the Lord of the Hour doth accord with the first elemental quality of the planet be it hot or cold wherefore in this condition Venus must be Lord of the Hour at the time of gathering the herb or plant accordingly I shall instance one herb more Suppose I was minded to gather Sweet-marjerome which plant is by many Authors appropriated unto the planet Mercury the reason they give is because Mercury is conjoyned in some particular operations of the brain and this plant is of known virtue to comfort the brain But by my rules and dayly experience I find it to be under the dominion of the sun First by reason of its elemental qualities as agreeing with heat and drith Secondly in regard of its virtues for all herbs and plants which are of sweet smell and are of approved virtues to comfort the heart brain nerves and arteries and vital spirits as this plant is are justly and rationally accounted to be under the dominion of the Sun who is the fountain of life Lord of Leo and exalted in Aries whereas Mercury hath only predominancy over some particular operations of the brain as he hath in all the five sences It s Generally approved of all Authors that the bulk of the brain in all creatures is under the dominion of the Moon The vital and quickning part under the Sun the operation of Mercury as aforesaid Now to gather this plant at the right planetary hour that so you may have the influence of both planets in question you must do as before expressed let those planets concerned be in either Conjunction Trine or Sextile aspect unto each other at the time of gathering or otherwise let the Moon be separating and applying from the one planet to the other at the time of gathering by any of the before going aspects Example If I were minded to gather the said sweet marjerome in September 1669. about which time such like plants are in their prime to gather In which moneth upon the fourteenth day the Sun and Mercury are in partil Conjunction but their influence holds above a week before and after for until they are separated ten degrees from each other their Orbs Raies or Influence holds strong unto perfection wherefore you may gather this plant aright upon Sunday the fifth day or upon Sunday the tenth day or upon Sunday the fifteenth day from the Suns rising until the Sun is about an hour in hight and likewise in the afternoon between one and two of the clock as appeareth in the perpetual Almanack for the day appointed Also you may gather any days of those weeks when the Sun is Lord of the hour and if the Moon be in friendly aspect it s the better how to find the Lord of the hour I have shewed elsewhere at the beginning of the second book NOTE That in gathering all kinds of herbs and plants whatsoever more especially when you intend to do any great cure you must get the influential virtue of one of the fortunes viz. the Sun Jupiter or Venus to be joyned or be in some friendly aspect with that planet which owns the plant having regard unto the infirmity or grief which either by simpathy or antipathy hath any relation to the fortune as instance endive which is cold and dry under Mercury yet in regard its approved good to cool the heat of the liver which is under Jupiter therefore let Jupiter be in Conjunction Trine or Sextile aspect unto Mercury or the Moon separating and applying by any of those aspects from the one planet to the other when you gather the plant this is to be done when an infortune owns the plant or herb you are minded to gather A Plain and Easie may how to gather herbs or plants aright that so you may have the benefit both of the day and hour when each planet reigneth which owneth the plant throughout the year And will generally serve to gather any Herbs or plants aright for the use of physick Being fitted for every ten dayes of the Month throughout the year and so for ever NOTE All Herbs and Plants which are under the dominion of the Sun are gathered on Sundayes and all those herbs and plants which are under the dominion of the Moon are gathered on Mondayes and all those under Mars on Tuesdayes and all those under Mercury on wednesdayes and all those under Jupiter on Thursdayes and all those under Venus on Fridayes and all those under Saturn on Saturdayes Now every planet which is Lord of the day â—uleth the first and the eighth hour of the day each day being divided into twelve equal parts which we call the planetary hours and so the planetary hours are near twice so long in the highest of Summer as they are in the midst of winter Example Suppose I were minded to gather herbs or plants under the dominion of Sol upon one of the first ten dayes of January Then upon Sunday from the Suns rising which is six minutes after eight a clock until 46 min. past eight in the morning and likewise from 40 minutes past noon until 20 minutes past one you may gather any herb or plant under the dominion of the Sun by which account you have the benefit both of the day and hour as aforesaid as appeareth in the Table following you may do the like for any other plant or herb whatsoever alwayes remembring that the planet which is Lord of the day ever ruleth the first and the eighth hour divided as aforesaid into twelve equal parts January the first 10 days Length of the planetary hours Bef noon From the Suns rising which is 6 min. after 8 until 46 min. past 8.
Aspected by a Planet Retrograde and that the Ascendant with its Lord doth Correspond then the Purge will turn unto a Vomit and on the contrary if a Vomit be given when the Moon is in a Watery Sign Aspected by Planets swift in Motion out of Watery Signs the Signs Ascending with its Lord Corresponding then the Vomit will turn to a Purge also an exact time must be obtained whereby to erect your Figure aright whereby to give judgment upon the disease its cause and termination which this book will sufficiently instruct you in For by Urine alone no true judgement herein can be given except in some few infirmities which proceed from the blood or passages of Urine for Urine is but the excrement of blood there are many other considerations to be made use of by vertue of time which I for brevities sake am willing at present to pass over and so shall proceed unto the word Vertue which is in brief a right knowledge and understanding of the Nature Properties Elemental Qualities and Effects which each Herb or Plant hath whereby to cure all kinds of griefs or infirmities whatsoever either by Sympathy or Antipathy as this book will sufficiently inform you and all growing within our Nation I shall not trouble my self or Reader in setting forth the dangers in using Forrain Drugs yet I deny not but that some Drugs whose vertue and operations are well known unto us may in many respects be useful by reason our Climate doth not afford some ingredients which are necessary to be used in some Distempers as Figs Raisons Currants Sugar Wine and Spirits c. which are oft times made use of whereby to make our Dyet-drinks and spirits of Plants extracted the more savory and doth help to work a more forceble effect in many distempers as you will find in this book and I have accordingly in some infirmities made use thereof Thirdly concerning Number there are certain Numbers attributed unto the Planets which every Astrological or Chymical Physician ought to know more especially such who use this way of cure by Herbs or Plants which is the most assured way extant as best agreeing with our English bodies yet as I have already declared both in Decoctions and in Chimical Extractions Ingredients together with Herbs may be used to make it the more forceable and savory but should we take all Herbs or Plants which are accounted good for every grief not having regard to any select Number there being so many sorts of Herbs approved good for the same there would be no certainty either for the gathering of the Herbs at a right hour or yet know when you have enough whereby to work your cure the certainty of a select Number is not only according unto my own experience but also it s the Opinion of Cornelius Agrippa an excellent Philosopher and many others What Numbers are attributed unto each Planet and the reasons thereof I have elsewhere in this book expressed Fourthly Concerning Sympathy that is when any Planet who is strongest in the Heavens by essential dignities shall afflict the Principal significator of the sick especially if more strong than that Planet which is of a contrary nature then those herbs or Plants which are under his Dominion shall according unto their Vertues and Numbers be collected to cure the infirmity alwayes provided they are gathered at the right Planetary hours which this Book will inform you Example If Mars be the afflicting Planet and is more strong in essential dignities than Venus then you must make choyce of such Herbs which are under the dominion of Mars to cure such infirmities which he usually produceth which this Book will also acquaint you with There is no infirmity or disease whatsoever but in a second Cause proceedeth from the evil influence of the afflicting Planets and what infirmity soever any Planet causeth he hath Herbs by Sympathy to cure it in this condition heat must fetch out heat even as if one should burn ones Finger and then heat it against the fire which cureth by Sympathy Likewise I have known a great cold taken to be cured by a Pippin taken in cold water Venus being strong in essential dignities and if we should give cooling remedies when Mars is strong it will destroy the Patient as I have often proved for it stands by reason that if a weak man contend with a strong man well armed he must needs be worsted but if Mars be the afflicting Planet although strong and Venus also be near equal in strength then we must chase a select lesser Number of her herbs to joyn with Mars and so the dose must be proportionable according to their strength and weakness and so the remedies will be between both rather adhereing unto the strongest Planet Fifthly Concerning Antipathy admit the Moon or principal Significator of the sick be afflicted by Saturn a Planet Cold and Dry and he weak in the Heavens and the Planet which is of a contrary nature is strong as instance Jupiter who is Hot and Moist then a select Number of Herbs under the dominion of Jupiter being of vertue to cure the distemper must be used provided they are gathered at the hour when Jupiter raineth which this book will inform you But if Saturn and Jupiter be near equal in strength then use a medium between both and let one part of your Herbs be by Sympathy under Saturn and the other part under Jupiter alwayes adhereing unto the stronger Planet both by Number and Dose and ever remembring in all Cures whatsoever to use a select number of Herbs which are under the Sun in regard he is Fountain of Life and sole Monarch of the Heavens and all those Herbs which are under his Dominion are always approved good to comfort the Heart Brain Nerves Arteries and Vital Spirits and are likewise good to resist Poyson Likewise in all Cures whatsoever you must have regard unto the age of the Patient together with their Complexion and the season of the year that so you may help to support Natures defects for a Cholerick or Sanguine Man or Woman by nature requireth things more cooling then Flegmatick or Melancholy Man or Woman and a Flegmatique or Melancholy man or woman requires things more heating than a Cholerick or Sanguine man or woman consider the like between Youth and Age and the season of the year Note that each herb or plant mentioned in this Treatise is set down by way of Catalogue under the Planet which owneth the Plant or Herb it being done according unto their Elemental Qualities and Vertues Having given sufficient reasons thereof I confess I much differ from Authors for what I have written in this book is no Translation being meerly according unto my Practice and Experience for many years by vertue of which Herbs and plants through Gods blessing I have done many great and wonderful cures I dare say greater hath not been done since the Apostles times for I have caused the blind to see the
degree and hath virtue to cure by sympathy such defects which Venus causeth or otherwise by antipathy unto Mars as doth plantane which cureth cuts and wounds which Mars causeth Now white beets and dandelion cureth by sympathy the first bringeth down womens courses the other helpeth to cleanse the passages of urin always provided in these particular applications that the first elemental quality of heat or cold doth agree as aforesaid without which there can be no true gathering or attributing the plant aright unto the Planet as I have shewed more at large elsewhere And farther should we not sometimes use this particular way herein expressed both Jupiter and Venus who are great friends unto Nature would have very few herbs or plants allotted unto them especially Jupiter who is the greater fortune for by the Herbal you shall find very few herbs or plants which doth accord in elemental qualities of heat and moisture with Jupiter and the truth is I find that Authors do most of them agree in the first elemental quality or part of heat or cold but in the latter part of drith or moysture somewhat differing and without question they do but guess thereat or otherwise by tradition follow each other neither do they give true knowledge therein especially in many herbs and plants as instance dandelion which hath a known virtue to open and cleanse the passages of urin Now if this plant were cold and dry which most Authors hold how could it have this virtue to open and cleanse for of necessity moisture must do it for all plants which are drying are usually stopping and binding and so Saturn a Planet cold and dry when afflicting the ☽ in earthy signs always produceth bindings in the body Also the blossoms of plants are somewhat to be regarded more especially when they agree in the first elemental quality of heat or cold as instance wood-bittany hyssop bugloss burrage and such like whose blossoms are blew a colour which ♃ owneth And notwithstanding they are all hot and dry except burrage yet they are rightly appropriated unto Jupiter by reason of their virtues as curing such defects which ♃ causeth But should we grant that herbs and plants which are by Nature cold and dry to be under Jupiter as many learned Authors do hold as I could name as instance endive succory and such like there can be no reason given for it by reason they are so much differing in elemental qualities for the plants are cold and dry and the Planet Jupiter hot and moist clean opposite unto each other wherefore it standeth by reason and is rational to be under Mercury whose nature doth sympathize as being cold and dry and so to cure by antipathy unto Jupiter the herbs being of known virtue to cure such distempers which Jupiter causeth likewise I find that many Authors do attribute clary mints peny royal and many Others unto Venus a planet cold and moist whereas the herbs are all hot and dry of a clean contrary nature Now these plants doe properly belong to the Sun and the rather in regard of their virtues as being comfortable unto the heart and vital spirits and being of sweet smell and pleasant taste I could instance many more which Authors do wrongfully apply as instance they attribute angelica sage box and such like to be under the planet Saturn whereas the herbs are all hot and dry especially box who is hot and dry in the fourth degree both the first plants are without question under the dominion of the Sun as being of a good smell and taste and are of known virtues to comfort the heart arteries and vital spirits and to resist poyson The other being very hot and of bitter taste rightly belongeth unto the planet Mars as agreeing in elemental qualities I confess I have read many Authors and I find many of them accord but clean out of the way of truth The reason is as I conceive because their works are many or most of them but translated and so following by tradition each other not well weighing the reasons have likewise erred but as to the virtues of herbs and plants they do for the most part accord giving reasons for the same What I have written in this Book i◠not by imitation of others but from my own daily practice and experience And should I set down the many difficult cures which I have done by virtue of herbs I should hardly be believed except by such who are well versed in the secrets of Astrology and Philosophy for many countrey people think they make a bold adventure when they come unto me for cure presuming that what I do is more than natural They not considering or at least being ignorant of the extraordinary virtue of herbs and plants more especially being gathered at the right planetary hours together with the right numbers of herbs and plants belonging unto each planet being collected and being truely in due times administred for time virtue and number together with the right understanding of the way of cure by sympathy and antipathy are the five principal pillars of our work in the Astrological or chymical way of physick as I have already declared in my before Epistle to the Reader Here followeth some necessary Rules to be observed concerning the gathering of each herb or Plant aright according unto the true planetary hours without which no great cures can be done or wonders wrought in the Astrological and Chymical way of Physick I have also set down the way how to reconcile any difference which may sometimes arise by way of application of the plant unto the planet For I must confesse by reason of the difference amongst Herbalists concerning the qualities and vertues of some particular plants there may happily be some rational contest therein The Way to gather such Herbs and Plants which are of known Elemental qualities and virtues out of contest is as followeth BEfore we proceed herein it will be necessary for the Reader to understand the planetary hours which are inserted at the beginning of the second Book together with the Almanack perpetual adjoyning for both the planet which is Lord of the hour and the plant which is to be gathered must both agree in elemental qualities especially of the first part of heat or cold Example If I were minded to gather baum rosemary marygolds angelica and such like plants or herbs which are under the dominion of the Sun upon Sunday the fourteenth of March 1699. Now from the Suns rising until he is an hour in highth which is until seven a clock is the hour of the Sun likewise the Sun reigneth again the eighth hour which is between one and two a clock after upon At which times you may gather any herbs or plants under the dominion of the Sun Now if any one were minded to gather any herbs of the Sun upon Tuesday the sixteenth day then between seven and eight a clock in the morning is the hour of the Sun And likewise
one degree in two hours wherefore we must set the Moon in nine degreeâ— Sagitary you must do the like in all other figures Had he took his bed at midnight you must have added six degrees and then the Moon would have been fourteen degrees thirty one minutes entred Sagitary Now having set the signs on the cuspes of every house and the Planets in those signs as by the figure appeareth I shall in the next place shew how to give judgement thereupon and so thereby discover the grief as followeth How to give Judgement by the Figure of twelve Houses THe general way especially in acute griefs is to give iudgment by the Moon being in any of the twelve signs and by the infirmities afflicted as I have already declared And this being an acute grief judgment must be given accordingly yet notwithstanding I shall by this figure set forth his natural infirmities or griefs and so instruct â—â—e Learner how to give judgement in any other chronick griefs by the signs on the ascendant sixth house and their Lords afflicted For some lasting and obscure griefs cannot be discovered by the Sun and Moon afflicted In the first place you must observe whether the ascendant which is the first house or the sixth house or their Lords be any way afflicted by the malevolent planets Saturn Mars Mercury or the Sun for sometimes the Sun may and will afflict more especially if the grief lieâ—h about the heart or in the arteries or vital spirits In the neâ—t place it will be necessary to know whether the grief be natural or whether it came by Witchcraft or Sorcery Now if you find the Lord of the twelfth house in the ascendant or if the Lord of the twelfth being in the sixth or Lord of the sixth in the twelfth or if the Lord of the ascendant be combust that is when the Sun is not above eight degrees thirty minutes distant from him or if one planet be Lord of the ascendant and twelfth house and an infortune then you may conclude that the grief is more than natural more especially where there is any just suspition thereof which may be somewhat deferred by heeding well the nature of their distempers as I have shewed elsewhere But in this Figure I find no such thing wherefore I did conclude the grief was natural occasioned by his own disorder of body as shall be shewed in order Sometimes I have known the ascendent the sixth house or their Lords have been afflicted by the Lord of the twelfth house and yet the sickness was not from Witchcraft notwithstanding those suspected evils for if Jupiter and Venus or the Sun do cast their friendly aspects unto the afflicted Planet or Cusp of the House aforesaid that then the grief came by some disorder of body Also if that Lord of the ascendant be in the twelfth or in the sixth the grief is natural For from the twelfth house we give judgment of self-undoing so well as otherwise but any rational experienced practitioner may easily distinguish the natural diseases from the unnatural by heeding well the manner of their distempers as aforesaid And generally I find that those who are taken in this snare of Witchcraft that at the time of any strong fit or when they are more than usually tormented that then the ascendant together with its Lord doth exactly personate the sick and at that very time the Lord of the twelfth house doth one way or other afflict either the ascendant or its Lord or that an infortune Lord of the ascendant and twelfth house which may so happen when the proper ascendant is intercepted in the first house as I have oft times experimented I shall now proceed to give judgment upon the decumbiture figure before mentioned and in the first place describe the person of the sick Secondly y rules discover whether the sick shall live or die if live how long time before recovery Thirdly I shall by rules set forth what the grief is and from what came Fourthly How and which way he was recovered The mans person is described by the ascendant Capricorn and Saturn his being therein who is Lord thereof viz. one of a middle stature full and well set of a dark or swartish complection â—ad brown hair as you may find more at large in this book Signes of recovery was first Saturn Lord of the ascendant being his significator is strong as being in his own house and is more strong than Mars who is the afflicting Planet Secondly the Moon doth separate from Mars and apply first unto Venus and from thence to the Sun and Jupiter all fortunes Thirdly the Sun is increasing in light Fourthly neither the Moon or Saturn are combust Planets are said to be combust when they are not elongated eight deg thirty min from the Sun Fifthly she is not in that part of the Zodiack called via combusta which is from the middle of Libra to the midst of Scorpio Lastly Venus Lady of the fourth house which usually sheweth the end of all things of this nature was in friendly aspect to the Moon at the time of decumbiture all which are arguments of recovery The time when followeth First the angles of the figure are part fixt and part common Secondly the Moon was in a common sign which argueth that the grief was not perfectly acute nor yet chronick but between both and so it proved for upon the last critical day the feaver left him at which time the Moon came to the place she was in at the decumbiture viz. unto the ninth deg of Sagitarius yet notwithstanding at the last critical time he had a very strong fit the Moon being then in square to Mars but Venus fortune and Lady of the fourth house being in friendly aspect to the Moon and she together with Saturn being both more strong than Mars who was the afflicting Planet put an end to this sickness at the time aforesaid The next thing considerable is to discover the grief and from what cause and likewise what infirmities she was naturally subject unto from the birth Now concerning the present acute grief I found the Moon being in the sign Sagitary was the platick square of Mars afflicted for between the sign Virgo the place where Mars is and the sign Sagitary the place where the Moon is containeth ninety deg which number maketh a square had the Moon been but one degree in the sign Sagitary yet that would have been a platick square for if we consider the moity of each Orb there will be ten deg allotted at which time and distance the influence of those Planets doth operate both before and after any aspect Now to know what the present distemper was by reason it was an acute grief you must find out the place in this book entituled the Moon in Sagitary of Mars oppressed which argueth a high and strong fever with the flux or lask and cholerick passions the pulses few and taint heating slowly his blood over heated The
bright Star of the Harp and the Star called the Swans-bill both of the nature of Mars and Jupiter in the a cendant made the fever the more violent The cause of this sickness was from inordinate exercise surfeiting or too much repletion as you may find more at large at the place aforesaid The way of recovery was by application antipathetical unto Mars the afflicting planet by reason that Venu was more strong in essential dignities as being in her house Now in regard that Mars is by nature hot and dry I made choice of such herbs and other remedies which were cold and moist wherefore I advised that such decoctions syrrups or cordials which were administred should be cooling and cleansing also glisters the like ever remembring as in this so in all other cures to fortifie the heart and vital spirits with herbs under the dominion of the Sun Would the Patient have been perswaded to let blood the fever would without question have left him upon the second critical time the Moon meeting then with the friendly aspect of Venus a fortune and strong Note That as we give judgement by the Sun and Moon afflicted in acute and chronick griefs so by the same rules you may give judgement by the Lord of the ascendant or sixth house afflicted Example In the last figure Mercury being Lord of the sixth house and in the sign Libra is in platick square to Saturn and conjunction of the Sun who is much of the nature of Mars only the Sun striketh more upon the vital spirits Now according unto the rule in giving judgement by the Moon afflicted in the sign Libra it sheweth a severish distemper and blood over heated occasioned from surfeiting The next thing considerable is to know what infirmities naturally he was subject unto from the birth In this question judgement must be given from the ascendant sixth house and their Lords afflicted first the ascendant is no way afflicted save onely by the presence of Saturn who is Lord thereof Now in this question Saturn is not accounted an enemy notwithstanding he is naturally evil as being in his own house and Lord of the sick mans person for according unto the old saying the devil will not hurt his own Also the sixth house is no way afflicted wherefore we have onely Mercury Lord of the sixth considerable herein and he I find is in Libra in platick coniunction of Venus Lady of the fourth Now any planet although he be naturally a fortune may afflict so well as the infortunes being Lord or Lady of the fourth sixth eighth or twelfth houses for every planet must do his Office to know what the grief is you must take notice of the sign where Mercury Lord of the sixth house is videl in Libra and what parts of the body is signified thereby also what griefs or infirmities are under the dominion of Venus First under the sign Libra is reins and loyns and under Venus is also the reins together with back belly and members of generation and passages of urine To my knowledge he hath for many years past been oft-times perplexed with difficulty of making water and with pains in his reins back and belly What I have written I presume will be sufficient to instruct the learner but practice and experience will be the only means to inlarge the practitioners â—â—dgement herein for 't is impossible for any man to write be he never so curious and exact in any art but that somewhat may be added unto it Observations concerning the Ascendant THat which I have found by daily practice and experience is carefully so to erect your figure either for the time of decumbiture or the time of any strong fit or when the Patient was more than ordinarily sick or afflicted or for the time when the urine is brought or when you go to visit the patient that the Ascendant together with its Lord may exactly personate the Sick for if neither the ascendant nor the Lord thereof doth agree in shape complexion and hair with the body of the Sick you cannot safely give judgement by a figure of twelve houses especially in many infirmities as I have often experienced for the first fourth sixth eighth and twelfth houses will be especially concerned therein wherefore if you fail in the first foundation the whole building must needs be obstructed and out of order Example In the decumbiture figure before mentioned haâ— I erected the figure but for one hour sooner Sagitary would have ascended whereof Jupiter is Lord and then the person of the sick must have been described accordingly Now Jupiter signifies a man of an upright and tall stature complexion ruddy face oval full and fleshy and a kind of a bourn brown hair Also the sign Sagitary represents a man much after the same shape and likeness by which it appears what a vast difference it might produce by takeing a wrong ascendant both in regard of the personal shape and likewise in the discovery of the grief of the sick Whereas it appears by taking the true ascendant that it doth not on-only dilineate his person as is before expressed but doth exactly discover his present distemper and natural infirmities For let the time of decumbiture or the time for receipt of the urine or the time of any strong fit be brought and the Artist never so curious by enquiry except by chance he shall not get the true ascendant for many reasons may be objected to the contrary First clocks may fail and so sick persons will hold out longer then others before complaint and the urine may by the messenger be hastened or retarded you see one hour maketh a mighty alteration I shall quote another Example Suppose a Man or Woman who is under the dominion of Sol Lord of Leo should fall sick which represents one of a large stature fat full and fleshy complexion sanguine and yellowish hair Now perhaps when the urine is brought or through mistakes of clocks or time Gemini should ascend whereof Mercury is Lord what a mighty difference could this produce For the planet Mercury represents one of an upright and tall stature spare body long face and nose of a dark swarthy complexion and sad hair Also the sign Gemini signifies a tall body a dark and obscure complexion and sad or black hair I could instance many more wherefore advise all practitioners in this art so to vary their ascendant that it together with its Lord or planet posited in the ascendant may exactly personate the Sick without which no true judgment can be given especially in many chronick griefs or infirmities and in case of Witchcraft and Sorcery Some brief Rules concerning long and short sicknesses and whether the Patient is like to live or die First of long or short Sickness i A Fixt sign on the Cusp of the sixt or the Lord of the sixt or Lord of the Ascendant or the Moon in accute or Sun in Chronick griefs be in fixt signs afflicted by the malevolent
â™ signifies one of a middle stature strong full and well set somewhat broad-faced of a muddy or darkish complexion sad or black hair bow-legged short-necked and somewhat hairy The diseases incident unto this Sign are Ulcers Inflammations Gravel or Stone in the Bladder all imperfections and difficulties of Urine Ruptures Hemorhoids the French Pox and Running of the Reins Priapismus and all diseases which infect the Privities both of men and women Sagitary â™ signifies one of a fair stature and strong body long face but full and fleshy complexion sanguine or ruddy the hair a kind of Chestnut colour the diseases which are under this Sign are Fevers and such infirmities which are occasioned through heat of blood The Sciatica and all pains iâ— the Hips and Thighs falls from horses and hurts by four-footed beasts Capricorn ♑ signifies one rather short then tall narrow 〈◊〉 â—ace thin beard black hair narrow breast small neck complexion swarthy under this Sign are all diseases in the â—â—â—â—es and Hams Leprosies Itch and Scabs all diseases of â—â—â—ancholly all schirrous tumors sprains fractures and disloâ—â—â—â—â—â—s Aquary â™’ represents one of a thick squar corporâ—ture strong and well composed not very tall visage long complexion fair and clear hair sandy-coloured but if ♄ be in this House at the birth then black hair and the complexion will be more sanguine with distorted teeth under this Sign are all diseases incident to the legs and ancles and all melancholly winds coagulated in the veins and blood also Cramps Pisces ♓ represents one of a short stature not decent but rather ill composed a large face complexion pale the body fleshy or swelling and somewhat incurvating with the head the diseases subject unto this sign is all lameness and aches incident to the feet and all diseases coming of salt flegm and mixt humors all blood putrâ—fied as Scabs Itch and Botches or breakings out about the body Small Pox and Measles also all cold and moist diseases and such which come of catching cold and wet at the feet The bodily shape with the parts and members of the body and diseases which the Planets generally rule ♄ Saturn represents one of a middle stature broad and large shoulders sometimes crooked his thighs lean his feet and knees indecent many times hitting or shovelling one against the other broad forehead eyes little complexion muddy or swarfish looking downward thick lips and nose thin beard black hair Diseases and sicknesses subject unto this Planet are Quartan Agues and diseases proceeding from cold dry and melancholly distempers the retentive faculties all impediments in the right ear and teeth also Rhumes Consumptions Black Jaundies Palsies tremblings and vain fears Dropsies the hand and feet Gout the Spleen and bones ♃ Jupiter signifies one of an upright and tall stature a large deep belly thighs and legs strong proportioned his feet long face oval full and fleshy complexion brown ruddy and lovely high forehead his hair soft and a kind of a 〈…〉 brown much beard his speech sober The diseases under this Planet are Plurifies and all infirmities in the liver lungs ribs sides veins blood the digestive faculty Cramps pain in the back-bone Squinzies windiness and putâ—efaction in the blood Feavers proceeding from wind and ill blood ♂ Mars signifies one of a middle stature body strong big bones not fat visage round complexion ruddy the hair between red and sandy flexon crisping or curling hazel eyes a bold confident man or woman and fearless The sicknesses incident to this Planet are â—ertian Fevers and pestileâ—â— burning Fevers the Plague Bloody Flux Small Pox aâ—â— diseases of choler the Shingles Gall and left ear phrensies and sudden distempers in the head Carbuncles Fistulaes all scars and hurts by iron ☉ Sun Those who are under the Sun are of a strong large corporature and well composed body fat and fleshy of a yellow saffron ruddy complexion goggle or large eyes hair yellowish The sicknesses under this Planet are all diseases of the heart and brain palpitations tremblings sudden swoundings Catars the Nerves and Arteries the right eye of men the left eye of women and vital spirit of both all infirmities of the eyes and diseases of the mouth rotten Fevers and stinking breaths ♀ Venus signifies one somewhat short but full and well set fat and fleshy face round complexion dark but lovely light brown hair and smooth a rowling eye and full of amorous inticements a body well shapt and delightful Sicknesses under this Planet are all diseases of the Matrix and members of Generation Running of the Reins French Pox also griefs of the Belly Back and Navil any disease arising by inordinate lust Priapisme Diabetes or pissing disease Hernias and impotency in the act of Generation the throat womens breasts and the milk in them ☿ Mercury denotes one tall of stature spare body long arms and hands long face and nose thin lips little hair on his chin but pretty store on his head inclining to blackness an olive or sallow complexion eyes between black and grey oft-times much partaking of the Planet he is joyned withal sicknesses under this Planet are all diseases of the brain as Madness Vertigoes Lethargies or giddiness in the head Ptisick stammering memory dry coughs snufling in the head or nose dumbners all evils in the fancy or intellectual parts and tongue the Nerves the defects of the Uvula or Gargareon ☽ Moon The Moon generally representeth one of a fair stature flegmatick full fat and fleshy round face complexion whitely lowring looks hair light brown grey eyes Sicknesses and diseases are Apoplexies Palsey Collick Belly-ake the Menstrues in women Dropsies Fluxes of the Belly all â— old Rhumatick diseases and cold Stomack Surfeits rotten â—â—â—ughs Convulsions Falling-Sickness Kings Evil Apostems â—â—â—all Pox and Measles the Collick Bladder and Members 〈◊〉 Generation Concerning what effects the Moon worketh in any of the twelve Signs upon the Body of the Sick she being afflicted by the Conjunction Square or opposition Aspects of Mars at the decumbiture Note that the Sun afflicting the Moon doth work near the same effects only the ☉ striketh more upon the Heart and Vital Spirits The ☽ Moon in ♈ Aries of ♂ Mars afflicted or oppressed If at the time of Decumbiture the Moon be in ♈ Aries of ♂ or ☉ oppressed either by ☌ â–¡ or ☠then the Sick shall be tormented with continual Fevers with little or no rest or quietness a continued extreme thirst and driness of the tongue and breast an inflammation of the Liver tending unto a Phrensie high and inordinate Pulses sometimes a deprivation of senses and the Patient ready to run mad or hath some extreme pain or grief in their belly or small guts occasioned by cholerick obstructions The original cause of this disease shall proceed from a distempered affection of the Membranes or pellets of the brain and excess of cholerick matter If Venus be stronger then Mars then cooling remedies will be suitable however 't will be necessary to
Epithimum Inde Mirabilaus lapis lazuli But that which I chiefly use it sena and Seamony How to purge Blood To purge the blood is best done by decoctions made with such herbs which are suitable to the grief as you may find elsewhere in this Book But if you desire to purge gross humours proceding from corruption of blood as boils botches tumors itch or scabs Then I commonly use the powder called pulvus sanctis or holy powder made according to the London Dispensatory Of Vomits When you intend to give a Vomit let either the Moon or Lord of the ascendant be in an earthy sign aspected by a Planet retrograde and let the sign ascending be an earthy sign when the vomit is taken or let the Moon be aspected by planets stationary or slow in motion if about the earth the better Any one of these observations will serve where there are no testimonies against it Of Bathes or Sweats Enter bathes or sweats for hot diseases when the Moon is in a a watry sign as ♋ ♠♓ Enter bathes or sweats for cold infirmities when the Moon is in fiery signs as ♈ ♌ â™ Of Fluxes Rheums and Laxes To stay fluxes Rheums and Laxes let the Moon be in an Earthy sign as ♑ ♉ â™ Of Clysters Take Glysters when the Moon is in aiery or watery signs especially in ♑ or â™ Of Blood-letting Let blood on the right side at spring and on the left-side at the fall Cholerick persons must be let blood when the Moon is in watry signs as ♋ â™ or ♓ Flegmatick persons must be let blood when the Moon is in fiery signs as ♈ â™ but not in ♌ because that sign governs the heart Melancholy persons must be let blood when the Moon is in aiery signs as ♎ and â™’ but not in ♊ because that sign governs the arms except you let blood in some other part of the body Sanguin persons may lâ—t blood when the Moone is in my sign except ♌ or the place signified by the sign where the Moon is Young people may let blood before the first Quarter is over Middle age from the first Quarter to the Full. Elder people from the Full to the last Quarter Old people from the last Quarter to the change Good to comfort the vertue Attractive the Moon in ♈ ♌ â™ Retentive ♉ ♠♑ Degestive ♊ ♎ â™’ Expulsive ♋ ♠♓ Here followeth a Catalogue of such choice herbs which cureth the most usual infirmities and diseases incident unto men and women being discovered by the Sun and Moon afflicted in any of the twelve signs or by a figure of twelve houses out of which you may make diet drinks intments baths glysters fumes suffumigations cataplasms and the like according unto the humour offending And without question if rightly understand may serve to cure all griefs and infirmities whatsoever although not by me named as for example if one shall desire cure for the Asthmah or shortness of breath these herbs which openeth obstructions doth it Note That all inward griefs or infirmities are usually cured only by decoctions and the spirits of plants which are extracted from them And such diseases or infirmities which proceed from the heart and brain and lye in the nerves and arteries and vital spirits such as are convulsions appoplexies palpitations palsies and such like are not cured onely by decoctions but also by ointments and cataplasmes applyed unto the pulses and other parts suitable And as concerning all pains aches humours and swellings baths and ointments suitable to their condition are most proper not omitting diet drinks corresponding in all cures whatsoever Note That I do not use all the herbs named for every Cure but only a select number as is else where expressed A A ABortion to hinder Snakeweed or bistort madder mosse sage â—anfie tresoil Aches coming of cold or taken under cold planets to help rosemary camomil rue bayes Saint Johns wort lavender marjerom sage cink-foil broom wormwood ragwort mugwort elmpeel smallage comphrey vervain wild-tansey brooklime arsmart goutwort calmint hyssop charlock scabious southernwood marigolds Aches coming of heat or taken under Mars Camomil Saint Johns wort baume arsmart grouncel sorrel archangel mallowes honey-suckles violet leaves elmpeel elder-flowers comphrey mugwort smallage henbane chick-weed seagreen turnip cabbage cinkfoil plantain orpine daisie lettuce spinage endive adders-tongue pimpernel trefoil sow-thistle After-hirth and Secundine to expel angelica camomil chervil horehound mallowes mugwort marygolds peny-royal time wake robin alessander fennel garlick house-tongue Agues If you intend to cure all kinds of Agues you must take notice under what planet the patient is most afflicted whether under Saturn or under Mars or both as I have elsewhere expressed in this book and so make choice of herbs accordingly rosemary lovage camomil rue centaury southernwood wood-bitany sage vervain fetherfew horsemint savin assarabacca carduus wormwood tobacco burdock mustard rhubarb sorrel grouncel plantain calamint cinquefoil fumetary black hellebore smallage satirion dodder bryony agrimony hyssop vipers-grass endive succory burrage trefoile periwinckle Appetite to procure sorrel sloes apples barberies capers black-cherries mulberies mints goose-berries grapes generally such herbs plants or fruits which are sower having no unpleasant relish are good Saint Anthonies fire rhubarb rue saffron bugloss brooklime adders tongue houseleek chickweed night-shade white poppy pondweed crab-tree dane-wort hounds-tongue adders-tongue henbane lentils mandrake hemlock Appoplexies misletoe lavender wall-gilly-flowers melilor box wild citruls lillie marjoram sage pellitory fennel master-wort Apostumes adders-tongue bears breech melilot onions rye chickweed daisie liverwort privet vervain flax mugwort B B Back and Reins to strengthen Saint John's-wort baum angellica rosemary misletoe clary mints cowslips comfrey lungwort burrage-blossoms sweet-maudline costmary mace Solomons-seal wood-bittany Barrenness to help Barren-wort clary Saint James-wort Ladies mantle mercury horsmint sage shepheards-needle Belching sour to repress Aniseed bitony cammomil marjoram wormwood hares-foot wood-bitony burnet Belly-ach Cammomil centory sweet-marjoram plantaney smallage rue angelica sage southernwood time hyssop gronnd-ivy or alehoof fenel-root and fennel-seed fern stinking gladwin marsh-mallows Belly to looson basil baise white-beets elder-buds fumitory hounds-tongue laurel mallows maiden-hair mercury mirabilan mulberries peach flowers roses poppy potatoes rhubarb satirion scabious sene spurg spinach violet-flowers leaves and roots Belly to bind bulleys caltrop chesnuts cowslips eglantine Saint John's-wort lentils ginger dates medlars quinces rice services whortleberries hot stued pruens red-wine Bladder to cleanse angelica rosemary pimpernel dandelion burrage burdock assarabacca furzbush-flowers featherfew chervil dodder amphier southernwood spignel vine white-wine Vide Stone in the Kidneys Reins and Bladder Bleeding to stay aloe red-beans golden-rod hawes ladies bedstraw liverwort moss arch-angel plantaney yarrow saunders oak drydates chesnuts comfrey tormentil roses rosemary burnet cats-tail herb two pence horse-tail moon-wort mulberries If the Bleeding be at nose my usual way is to tie the small of the leg and the hand-wrist on that side which bleedeth and to dry some of the patients blood to a
taken with extream cold which usually settleth in this part are seemingly speechless or at least speak with little or low voice so this boy being more vehemently afflicted under so sad a cold planet could not speak at all And likewise he seemed to be foolish for there was a great cold defect in the brain and head so well as in the Vvula Now having by the Rules of Art discovered the cause so well as the distemper it self the friends of this boy and my self agreed upon a price for the cure which I performed in less then a months space The cure was effected as followeth having in the first place by the rules hereafter mentioned endeavoured to afflict the Witch that so she might be discouraged to act any further in her mischief I used herbs antipathetical unto the afflicting planet being Saturn viz. Herbs under the dominion of the Sun and Jupiter according unto their numbers and virtues being gathered at their right planetary hours three of which hetbs being under the domion of the â—un I caused him to wear about his neck it being in virtue answerable unto gold and a number which properly belongeth unto the Sun as I have shewed elsewhere and as gold is a metal under the dominion of the Sun and hath a virtue to withstand all kinds of evils and to comfort the heart arteries and vital spirits so likewise hath these herbs under his dominion the like properties as also the ruby amongst stones Generally all those pains aches distempers or afflictions which are caused by Witchcraft are called Evils and sometimes these kinds of Evils will turn into white kernels swellings proceeding from some extraordinary distemper in the nerves as I have elsewhere expressed and then it s usually called the Kings Evil. Having collected my herbs together according unto their numbers and virtues being under the dominion of the Sun and Jupiter as aforesaid and caused a mixture then out of these herbs we usually make diet drinks ointments and suffumigations of the diet drink I gave him three times a day viz. Morning afternoon and night also every morning we usually give them water-grewel made with some of those herbs about an hour after they have taken the diet drink by which means through Gods blessing the boy within a month was cured and hath so continued ever since I believe it will be a warning unto him how to meddle with such Creatures in a morning without prayer I shall relate one passage which happened between the Boys Unkle and my self as followeth The month being expired wihich was the time set for the Boys cure he came to see whether the Boy could speak or no whereupon I called in the boy and bad him speak to his unckle which he did desiring to know how all his friends did whereupon his Unkle seemed to be much troubled and sad for as he told me afterwards he did verily believe that I had infused a spirit into the boy to make him speak and his reason was because the Doctors and others who had undertaken to help him but could not said he would never be cured as they verily believed by any man whatsoever whereupon the boys Unkle desired me to keep him somewhat longer and then he would come and bring money for the cure The reason why he brought no money with him was because he did not believe I could help him and he made his bargain so that if I did not cure the boy I was to have nought for my charge and pains And about a week after he came privately to my Servants desiring to speak with the boy which he did and then but not before he was satisfied for the boy could both pray and readily give answers unto questions After which about a week following he came again with one of his Neighbours who both heard the boy speak and pray again and was fully satisfied paying me what we had agreed upon for the cure It seems they were not onely disheartened by Physitians but also hearing that I did many times set figures concerning Nativities thefts strays and fugitives c. As though I had wrought the cure by unlawful means But before we parted I gave them both such ample satisfaction that they went away well contented and satisfied being joyful that it was their good hap to come unto me Now whether this Boy was by this woman bewitched or whether it pleased God to lay such an affliction upon the Boy It may be a question worthy of answer unto which I shall briefly reply in point of art That in regard the only afflicting planet was Lord of the twelfth and an evil planet I did conclude that the infirmity might proceed from fascination or witchcraft but not without Gods permission for as I have elsewhere declared if we neglect daily prayers we lie lyable unto the assaults of Sathan and his Instruments for the time being especially in our bodies For our Saviour Jesus Christ taught us to pray daily not only for bread but also to deliver us from evil wherein if we fail the fault is ours How to make the Sympathetical Powder with the way to apply the same for the curing of wounds and sundry distempers Especially such which any way concern the blood or vital spirits TAke of Roman vitriol six or eight ounces beat it very small in a morter then search it through a fine search do it when the Sun enters Leo which is about the twelfth of July then spread it finely upon an earthen glased pan set it daily in the heat of the Sun during forty days and keep it warm at night and be careful it takes no wet or cold afterwards you must continually keep it dry with this powder alone kept dry and warm great cures may be done I shall instance one Example A Brother of mine living in Southcote near Reading in the time of the late war had a Mastiffe Dog shot into the neck and head with a brace of bullets The dog being very much swell'd lay pining away and was in appearance near unto death A Gent. who came by accident having some of this powder in his pocket was desirous to make some tryal thereof upon this Dog whereupon with a linnen cloth we took some of the corruption which was about his neck and immediately applyed a small quantity of the powder unto it keeping it very warm whereupon presently the Dog revived stood up and wagged his tail then presently for further tryal we laid the powder with the corruption to the air and then the Dog fell down as dead again shivering and then immediately we closed it up again and ever afterwards kept it warm and the Dog in a short time recovered The Way to apply this Powder for the curing of distempers and infirmities especially such wherein the Blood and vital Spirits are concerned VVHen you are minded to cure any disease or infirmity you must by the help of this Book take notice what herbs are good to be used to cure
yet they are seldom mortal the reason is I judge because there is usually two dayes respite between every fit whereby nature hath time to rally up its forces against the incounter What I have written concerning Agues and Quotidian infirmities is from my own daily Practice and Experience for I never met with any Author either in Print or by Manuscript which did shew the reasons of each kind of Ague nor yet any certain way of cure I shall in the next place set forth the certain way of Cure as followeth The way to Cure each kind of Ague according unto the Rules of Astrology there being no certainty in any other way as I have oftentimes experienced IN the first place according unto the Rules in this book elsewhere expressed you must erect a Scheam either for the time of the first fit if that may be had or for any other strong fit you must be careful so to vary the Ascendant that it together with its Lord may exactly personate the sick for if you take a wrong ascendant which you may easily do for many reasons as first the difference in Clocks secondly the swiftness or slowness of the Moons motion thirdly some men and women being strong hearted will not yield to lie down in bed so soon as others who are more weak and faint hearted c. wherefore if you fail in the Ascendant no true judgment can be given except in ordinary natural acute and chronick griefs or where there is no suspition of Sorcery or Witchcraft for then judgment may be given by the Sun or Moon afflicted as is shewed elsewhere when your Scheam is Erected and the Figure Radical as aforesaid you must take notice whether the Lord of the Ascendant or first house be in the twelfth house or whether the Lord of the twelfth be in the Ascendant or whether one Planet be Lord of the Ascendant and twelfth and an infortune or if the Lord of the twelfth afflict the Lord of the Ascendant or whether the Lord of the twelfth afflict the Moon in acute griefs which are under a moneths standing or the Sun in Chronick griefs then you may conclude that the Quotidian fits of any kind and likewise the Tertian and Quartan fits of any Ague are more than natural and that either Fascination Witchcraft or Sorcery have been wrought upon the Patient such is the subtilty of these wretches that many times they are not mistrusted much more discovered except by the Rules of Astrology described as I have shewed elsewhere and who more bold and forward to visit and frequent Neighbours and oft-times are imployed both for Nurses and tenders upon those whom they have bewitched and yet not mistrusted and were there no wayes to afflict them there could be no cure wrought upon such whom they daily visit or are imployed as tenders upon For by their wretched ways they would soon infect them again Example Once a Friend and Neighbour of mine after she was delivered of her Child fell into strange fits whereupon some thought she had taken great cold others thought some one thing and some another at length her fits grew so strong and the Woman so weak that her Husband thought at every fit she would have departed whereupon he was advised to come unto me but to prevent his coming the Tender or Nurse being a lusty youâ—g Hussie would needs perswade him to send her with the Water which he did at her first coming she seemed to be very merry and jocund alwayes laughing I askt her why she was so merry considering her Dame was so bad she told me for no harm I believe she thought to have fooled me as she had done others but she was greatly mistaken for having viewed the Urine I demanded of her to tell me whether she had any fits and when her first fit began which she readily told me not thinking that I could thereby discover her Villany I quickly found by the Figure that Sorcery or Witchcraft had been wrought upon the sick and by a Female body much resembling her person for either the Lord of the twelfth house more especially of that is the afflicting Planet or the Sign where the Sun is doâ—h usually personate the Witch whereupon I told her that I could send no answer by her in regard I must first speak with her Master at which answer she seemed somewhat danted but replyed she would speedily send him and so went away but when she came home she clean contrary to my message told him that she had order to gather herbs and make his Wife Dyet-drink and none but she must give her any thing to help her whereupon the man marvelling much at this message came to me on purpose to know the truth why none but she must be trusted and brought his Wifes Brother with him whereupon I told him what I found by the Figure his brother presently replyed that to his knowledge both her Mother and Grandmother were both suspected for Witches and one of them dyed in Reading-Goal being Committed by the Justice with intent to bring her unto Tryal having made this discovery upon her I advised him speedily to put her away and to take another Nurse or Tender who was of better repute which he did after which by such wayes and means as were agreeable to her distemper according as I have declared at large elsewhere she was soon recovered I shall now proceed to set forth the Astrological way of Cure for there is no certainty in any other way notwithstanding sometimes the Patient is cured by other means as I shall declare in the sequel more especially when the original of the fits either of Agues or other Quotidian infirmities before mentioned be from Sorcery or Witchcraft for then in the first place you must by the rules before going indeavour to afflict the Witch otherwise she will continually renew the grief so fast as you cure more especially where the Witch is not suspected Secondly you must be careful that such herbs which are used for the Cure be gathered at the right Planetary hours with the numbers of herbs according as they are attributed unto each Planet what herbs are to be used herein together with the time of gathering administring and the numbers of herbs are set down elsewhere The true way of curing all kinds of Agues and other Quotidian fits must be by antipathy not omitting as in these so in all other Cures to take a select number of herbs to fortify the heart and vital Spirits There are four things considerable to be done in curing all kinds of Agues besides the afflicting of the Witch in case of Sorcery or Witchcraft First Dyet drink Secondly Cataplasms laid to the hand wrests Thirdly a vomit to be given at the coming of the fit Fourthly to let blood if the Ague have been of longe continuance Fifthly to cause the Patient to wear one or more Solary Plants The way which I alwayes used is as followeth having by the Figure
herbs under such Planets which are antipathetical unto each several Complexion before mentioned not omitting oyntments to the heart and brain and fumes to the head if the brain be moist and suffumigation if dry If the Patient have been long distempered then 't will get into the blood and then 't will be convenient sometimes to let them blood and then if you take a small quantity of the Sympathetical powder and mix it with so much Powder of the herbs proportionable for the Cure it will mightily help forward the cure you must order it and wear it as directed in the cureing of Agues There are several other kinds and causes of madness as followeth sometimes height of blood will ascend up to the head and so disturb their brain which will cause madness the cureing whereof is by oft letting blood and dyet drink made suitable by Antipathy unto their Complexion as aforesaid for if we should apply herbs which are by nature hot although good in general for the brain to a Cholerick mad body it will rather increase then mittigate their fury but in all cures you must ever remember to fortify the heart and vital Spirits the Sympathetical powder in this kind of madness mixt and ordered as aforesaid is most proper the truth is this kind of madness is easily cured by any drug-Doctor for their general way is to cure by blood letting and purgation which kind of Physick is proper for this distemper â—here is another kind of madness which cometh by being costive bound in body of which I have cured many and I always found by the Figure that the chief significators of the distemper were in earthy Signs for the time being these who are taken in this condition will be as mad as any according unto their natural Complexion be it Choler Sanguine Melancholy or Fiegmatick at the first they will be ill only in head and stomack but after some time it will make them light headed and forgetful and by reason of that great stop in Natures Course it will more and more cause inordinate Vapours to ascend up to the head and brain and at length bring madness insomuch that they are not able to discover their own condition nor yet their friends I have known some who have dyed in this condition before their grief was perfectly known or at least were so far gone that Doctors could not help them I had once a Maid who was a Farmers Daughter living in the Parish of Goring in the County of Oxon brought tyed and bound fast in a Cart with Cords who was only mad by reason of this condition her Friends not knowing what she ayled some thought it might be through Love others thought she was either bewitched or possessed some thought one thing and some another the truth is she looked very gastly and wild but being by nature of a Sanguine Complection she would hoop hollow sing and dance day and night if she might be suffered having by a Figure discovered the cause of her distemper I bargained with her Father what to have for the cure I quickly with suppositer and glister brought her to stool and within three days she grew sensible and quiet and in a week was perfectly recovered I have known sometimes that an afright hath caused madness in this condition applications must be chiefly to the brain not omitting Dyet drink made suitable by antipathy to their Complexion I have known some Females who have been mad only by the stop of their monethly Course the cure is by herbs proper to help such infirmities as you shall find in this book I have known some women who have fell mad after they have been delivered of their Child occasioned sometime from great cold taken or disorderly dyet and sometimes by Witchcraft as I have already declared occasioned by the Tender or Nurse for their bodies being open and weak any infirmities may the easier be wrought upon them by such wretches and yet the cause undiscovered and the Patient many times dyeth The worst kind of madness that I know is occasioned from Sorcery or Witchcraft and I believe there are multitudes of this kind in Beathlaem and elsewhere that lye many years in this condition for except the Witches power be taken off and staid it s in vain to administer Physick more especially where the Witch sometimes may have admittance to come to the Patient others may perhaps be possessed and then the Devil must be cast forth for as I have said already except the true cause of each kinds of madness be discovered its impossible to cure without a Miracle except by accident now to cure this kind of madness which cometh from Witchcraft In the first place you must by the Rules of Art endeavour to afflict the Witch and then by herbs antipathetical unto the afflicting Planet and complection of the Patient you must make Dyet-drinks Oyntments and Glisters not omitting some ingredients suitable as Figs Raisons Currants Liquorish Aniseeds or any other seeds good to expel wind c. sometimes when the body is bound which most mad people are very subject unto you must make choyce of such herbs amongst your Numbers which are Purging and losening Note that I alwayes found in my Practice that the afflicting Planet and Complexion of the Patient were usually one as instance Cholerick people are commonly afflicted of Mars and Melancholy under Saturn for such is the subtilty of the Devil and the Witches that they strike most upon that humour whereunto they find the nature of men and Women most prone and apt to receive impression If these Rules which I have inserted be well observed and followed there is no one mad body whatsoever but may through Gods blessing be recovered to my knowledge I have not failed these many years where I have undertaken notwithstanding some whom I have cured have been mad many years but I must needs say the longer they are mad before a right means is used the more difficult the cure is and somewhat the more time it will require to perfect their cure For according unto that saying in Philosophy Custom produceth a second Nature c. FINIS To all such who are Students and well-Willers unto this most excellent Science of Astrology I Presume that no sooner are these following Books come forth but some will be ready to say What needs this Treatise since we have so many books of this nature extant written both so Learned and Copious even in our own Language that one would think nothing more could be written of this Subject but yet we know that in all Arts and Sciences whatsoever no man can so curiously and exactly write of any matter or thing of what Nature soever but that something might be added thereunto and were it but only a confirmation of what have been written formerly by other Authors yet it s but reasonable that such persons who have been Practitioners and Students in this Art should likewise have liberty to write
Then having recourse unto the rules elsewhere in this Book under the titles of the Moon by Saturn or Mars afflicted there you shall find the disease and the cause thereof The Almanack which you use herein must be such a one which setteth forth the daily motions of the planets I shall give one or two examples hereof as followeth A Friend of mine took his bed the 10th day of October 1667 at a quarter past one a clock after noon the Moon being of nine degrees in Sagitary and Mars in eight degrees thirty five minutes in Virgo which argueth that Mars is in platick square to the Moon we call that a platick aspect which doth not perfectly accord in degrees and minutes and if Mars had been but one degree in Virgo yet we should account it a platick Square by reason that the Orbs Rayes or Influence of the Moon unto any planet doth begin to opperate when she is within ten degrees aspecting any planet as is shewed at large elsewhere Now to find the Grief with its cause you must repair unto the place in this book intituled The Moon in Sagitary of Mars oppressed as in page 57 which sheweth that the Sick is tormented with a strong fever and cholerick passions c. occasioned by surfeiting or too much repletion as there more at large appeareth the next thing considerable is to know whether the Sick shall live or die and the time when either death or recovery may be expected Now in regard that the Moon is applying by a friendly Sex to aspect unto Venus a fortune and free from combustion and not in that part of the Zodiack called via combusta as shall be shewed more at large elsewhere I did conclude that the sick would recover and so he did had the Moon applyed unto the infortuâ—s ♄ or â— and no fortune interposed his friendly Rays then I should have concluded that the sick would have died of this sickness to know when the time of recovery will be is found by a critical figure or circle divided into 16 equal parts I shall not stand or spend time to give you the definition of each term of art Onely thus much I say the intercidental time or divident part of the circle is not so dangerous as the judicial time or part nor yet the judicial time so dangerous as the critical time The Cui Steali Cirkle of 1C equall pts Begining whear The moon WES at The â—lecum Litus Doict â™ â™ 4 9 Note That in this critical figure each part containeth 22 deg 30 min. you must begin where the Moon was at the decumbiture viz. in 9 deg â™ unto which you must add 22. deg 30 min. Now in regard there is 30 deg in every sign you most set down 1 deg 30 min. Capricorn for the first intercidental time into which 1 deg 30 min. you must add 22 deg 30 min. which maketh 24 Capricorn for the first judicial time Now if you add 22 deg 30 min. unto the last number it maketh 6 deg 30 min. Aquarius which is the second intercidental time and if you add 22 deg 30 min. unto the last number it maketh 9 deg Pisces which is the first crisis or mortal time according unto which account you must go round the circle as appeareth by the figure now to know when the time of recovery will be you must observe by a critical figure when the Moon upon a critical day doth meet with any friendly aspect of either of the fortunes viz. Jupiter or Venus or Sol or Leo for then the time of recovery may be expected This critical figure being set for a friend of mine at the time aforesaid I did observe each change and alteration of his distemper and I alwayes found that upon the critical and judicial dayes and times he was ever most afflicted The reason is because the Quartiles Oppositions and Semi-quartile aspects are more pernitious and hateful aspects then any other as the intercidental times which happen between the critical and judicial times consisting only of 22 deg and a half which we call a Semi Semi Quartile aspect they seldom prove mortal by reason the aspect is not so bad and forceable as the other it being but half the half quartile aspect yet notwithstanding sometimes in perperacute mortal sicknesses I have known the Sick depart when the Moon came unto a partile evil aspect of the infortunes no fortune interposing their friendly rayes upon an intercedental time but this is not usual but as concerning the time of recovery of my Friend before mentioned it was upon the fourth and last critical day the Moon being returned unto the place she was in at the decumbiture at which time she applyed to the Sextile of Venus and Trine of Jupiter which happened upon the sixt day of November after midnight would my friend have been let blood he might questionless have recovered upon the second crisis at what time the moon applyed to the Trine of Venus now had this Sickness continued longer than we account the grief Chronick and then we give judgement by the Sun afflicted as before we did by the Moon But all acute griefs do end usually before the moon goeth round the Zodiack some griefs are peracute and those end sooner others are perperacute and those commonly make a quick dispatch one way or other But of this I have treated more at large elsewhere Judgment upon an Imaginary decumbiture For the better explanation hereof I shall instance two or three Imaginary Decumbitures as followeth Suppose one should take his Bed April the 10th 1668. at Noon the Moon being then in 12. deg 50 min. in the Signe Leo and Saturn in 12 deg 50 min. in the Signe Aquary now this is called a partile opposition aspect by reason the Moon and Saturn are just in the same deg and min. opposite unto each other had the sick took his bed 16 hours sooner or later then it would have been called a Platick opposition for as I have said elsewhere the influence of the Moon and Planets doth begin to appear when she is 10 deg distant from any aspect which will take up near 20 hours motion before and after separation Now to know what the Grief is you must seek out the place in this Book intituled the Moon in Leo of Saturn oppressed which argueth the Sick shall be troubled with unkindly heat in the Breast and a violent Feavour with faintness at the heart or swounding fits and inclining to the Black jaundies occasioned from ill Melancholly blood c. Now to know whether the sick shall live or dye and the time when either recoverie or Death may be expected is as followeth First the Moon is increasing in light Secondly she is not in that place in the Zodiack called via combusta which is from the middest of the Signe Libra unto the middest of Scorpio Thirdly the Moon seperateth from Jupiter a fortune and applyeth unto a friendly Trine aspect of the Sun
proceedeth from too much luxury or from surfeiting or inordinate repletion also melancholly and ill diet The Moon in Gemini of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed under this configuration shall be indanger of a feaver and the pain disperses it self all over the body but principally in the Arteries and joynts Also the Sick is inclinable to a Consumption the vitals much afflicted the pulse low and little also they will be subject unto frequent sweatings with Symptomes of the Spleen The disease more troublesome in the night than in the day The cause of this distemper is from much waiting weariness of the mind and overburdening with multiplicity of affairs excess of labour or violent exercise The Moon in Cancer of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed the Moon being in Cancer of Saturn oppressed shall be afflicted in the breast with tough melancholly matter or thick flegm also troubled with Coughs Catharrs hoarseness and a distillation of Rhuems or Humours falling into the breast their pipes are narrow and obstructed inordinate feavers pulses little and low oft-times a Quotidian but now especially a Quartane Ague followes with belly-ake or some infirmness in the reins or Secrets If the Moon be decreasing and near the body of Saturn the sickness is like to be long and lasting The cause is from great cold and inordinate eating or drinking and want of moderate exercise The Moon in Leo of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed the Moon being in Leo of Saturn oppressed shall be oppressed with much heat in the breast and intension of the heart-strings with augmenting feavers the pulses keeping no course annoyed with external and internal heat also great faintness of heart or swooning fits after some time if not cured the sick will be subject unto the black jaundies The cause it from grief taken and ill melancholly blood The Moon in Virgo of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their beds when the Moon is in Virgo of Saturn oppressed shall be troubled with in ordinate feavers pricking or shooting under the ribs also viscous flegm obstructing the bowels sometimes the wind chollick afflicts them also the gout and aches in the thighs and feet I oft-times find they are much troubled with wormes The cause of this distemper is usually from crudities and evill digestion in the stomack and contrary diet The Moon in Libra of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed when the Moon is in Libra of Saturn or Mercury oppressed shall be troubled with pains of the head breast and stomach disaffected the cough hoarsness and distillation of rhuems shall afflict them and losse of Appetite small fevers troubling them by night oft-times great pains in their joynts knees and thighs also some defect in their reins kidneys and bladder The cause is originally from surfeting or glutton and meat not fully digested or excess of Venery The Moon in Scorpio of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed the Moon being in Scorpio of Saturn afflicted shall be subject unto some defects in their secret parts hemorhoids piles or some exulceration their no retention of urine oft-times vexed with the stone or stop in the bladder sometimes if a man the gonorrea if a woman too much of menstrues The cause is of corrupt flegm or disorder of body The Moon in Sagitary of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed when the Moon is in Sagitary of Saturn oppressed shall be tormented with defluction of thin sharp humors and aches of the sinews and arteries extreamities of heat and cold and oft-times a double access of a feaver and most commonly a violent burning feaver at the first being ill The cause is from blood infected with choler and melancholy and sometimes by great pains taking or violent exercise and cold taken thereupon The Moon in Capricorn of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed whilst the Moon is in Capricorn of Saturn oppressed shall be afflicted with heaviness at the breast and stomach and difficulty of breathing and dry Coughs their lungs oppressed more pained by night than day with intended feavers oft times troubled with head-ach and noise in their head The Cause is from great cold melancholy and disorderly dyet The Moon in Aquary of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed the Moon being in the sign Aquary of Saturn or Mercury afflicted shall be troubled with much melancholy winds coagulated in the veins the malady ceaseth on them unequally with remission and intension their heads pained with wind or noise Also troubled with faint fits or passion of the heart sometimes a sore throat or troubled with a rising there being in danger of suffocation The cause is from excess of labour want of sleep whereby to refresh nature and much trouble of mind The Moon in Pisces of Saturn or Mercury oppressed Those who take their bed when the Moon is in Pisces of Saturn oppressed shall be troubled with much sighing and pricking or shooting of the breast and under the paps and continual augmenting feavers with extensions of the precordiacks and heart-strings or arteries also their throat is oppressed with thick flegm and their breast with a rotten cough and store of watry matter lodging there The cause is from extreamity of cold taken by bathing or otherwise by much wet The Way to make diet drinks by decoctions or to extract the Spirits of Plants or Herbs Also to make Syrups Lohochs or Lambetives Pills Glyâ—â—ers Fumes Suffumigations Cataplasms Oyntments Bathes Also the making and administrating of Purgations and vomits and concerning blood-letting c. Concerning Decoctions and Dyet-drinks HAving by the Rules elsewhere expressed in this Book collected the herbs together suitable to the cure according unto their virtues and numbers alwaies remembring in all cures to fortifie the heart with herbs proper you must take the herbs and chop them small But unto all diet drinks I usually add as followeth to make it the more strong and useful viz. raisons currants sometimes figs liquorish and aniseed and if the Patient be much troubled with wind then you may also put into it sweet fennil-seed coliander-seed and such like which are good to expel wind These additions must be bruised well in a mortar and so boiled with the herbs when its boiling you must keep them close covered whereby to keep in the spirit you may boil these herbs with the addition in bear or ale If you desire to make it strong and nutritive then when it is new boiled you may put into it white-wine muscadel or brandy according unto the temper of the Patient A good handful of all sorts of herbs put together will be sufficient for three or four gallons of liliquor you may let it boil until a forth part or thereabouts be wasted for if you keep it close covered it will not waste very much in the boiling Now of this diet drink we usually give the
Patient thereof three times a day viz morning afternoon and at night and every morning about an hour after they have taken the diet drink you must give the Patient water grewel or broath made with either the same herbs or other herbs which are suitable to the Cure according â—nto their virtues and numbers How to extract the Spirits of Plants and Herbs If the Patient be weak and must take smal quantities then you must do as followeth having collected the herbs together suitable to the cure shred them small with the addition according as in the decoction aforesaid and put them into a limbeck still and put into it a quantity of bear or ale with some white-wine muskadel and brandy to make it proportionable unto the quantity of liquor and herbs before expressed viz. a good handful of herbs with the additions unto two quarts or better of liquor this will keep a long time There is yet another way to extract the Spirit as followeth Take the herbs with the additions being shread small and bruised put them into warm water and put some berm unto it let it work three dayes as doth bear and then distil it in a limbeck still if you desire to have it strong you may put brandy or Spirit of Wine unto it and put fresh herbs to it and still it over again The way to make Syrups Take the Roses herbs or flowers and bruise them put them into a convenient quantity of fair water my usual dose is about three pints of water to a pound of flowers roses or herbs let the water be hot and let it stand with the herbs or flowers in it about twelve hours then strain it and infuse more of the same herbs or flowers and heat more water and put unto it you must sometimes infuse the roses herbs or flowers whole without bruising to make it have the smell of the plant The more of the roses herbs or flowers you do infuse into the liquor the stronger it will be and the oftner you do infuse the better The last infusions I usually boil and then gently strain it and to every pint of liquor add a pound of the best Sugar at the least you must cimber it over the fire until it be a Syrup you may know when 't is enough by cooling some in a spoon when 't is made you must keep it in glasses or stone pots bound over onely with paper or such like you must not stop it close with cork least it break the glass Concerning Lohochs or Lambatives the making and use Having made your election of such herbs which are of virtue to cure such inward defects required shread and boil them by way of decoction and when you have strain'd it put twice its wait of honey or suger and so boil it to a Lohoch which is somewhat thicker than a Syrup if the grief be of flegme then honey is best These lambetives are usually taken with a liquorish stick And are most usually taken for inflamations and â—ulcers in the lungs Coughs Asthmaes and difficulty of breath and such like infirmities Concerning Pils their making and use All kinds of Pils are made onely by beating the substantial matter into a powder and so with syrup or little gum Tragacanth dissolved in distilled water made up into Pils They are usually taken at night If it be oneâ—y to cause the Patient to go to stool the next day then so much alloes as will heap on a two pence for a strong body or less for a weak body mixt with a little mirrh and saffron will be enough these Pils are also good for the head and stomach There are many forts of Pilâ— made for several infirmities as you may find in the London Dispensatory unto which I shall refer you I confess I seldom use any Pils except what I haue mentioned for I find the Astrological way of cure by herbs doth if rightly applyed cure all distempers and griefs whatsoever loosen the body and alay any pain of the head and the like as you shall find in this book yet sometimes when the patient is bound in body and the destemper requireth a decoction made of such herbs which are commonly heating and so for the most part binding such as are palpetations convulsions palsiesâ— apoplexies and such like Then I usually give the Patient Pils at night made as aforesaid if need require Concerning Glysters If the Patient be much afflicted in the belly and Guts or is very costive in body as sometimes it will fall out more especially when the grief requireth herbs heating and binding to work their cure then I usually apply Glisters and ointments made of such herbs which are antipathetical to the afflicting Planet But most especially such herbs which are good to comfort the heart to expell poison and cleanse the Guts Also you must be careful that the herbs be gathered at the right planetary hours not omitting their numbers which he longeth to each Planet When you have gotten the herbs together shred them small and boil them in milk together with such seeds and roots which are good to expell winds about a pint and a half of milk boiled until it be near half wasted will be enough for any reasonable man or woman after its boil'd and strain'd I usually put into it three or four spoonfuls of sallet oyle and a spoonful of hony or course sugar And so give it the Patient blood warm But my usual way is first to give the Patient a suppository made of Sal-Gem to bring them first to stool by which means I find the Glyster worketh the more effectual upon the humour offending For many times if no suppository be first given the glisters will not stay by reason the Patient cannot keep them in their body Concerning Fumes If the head and brain be disaffected by reason of superfluous moisture then fumes are proper to be used by reason they have a drying quality provided they be made antipathetical unto the afflicting planet you must shred bruise and dry those herbs plants or roots which you intend to use and so bring them into powder and when you intend to fume their heads put some of this powder upon hot coles and let the Patients hold their heads over it twice a day is enough viz. morning and evening They must be careful to keep their head and feet warm Concerning Suffumigations If the head and brain be disaffected by reason of great drought be it hot or cold drought you must make choice of such herbs according unto their vertues and numbers which are antipathetical unto the afflicting Planet shread them small and boil them either in strong bear ale or strong maulted water and while it is hot let the Patients hold their head over it and be careful they take no cold afterwards Concerning Cataplasms Cataplasmes are oft-times used to help cure Agues and sometimes to apply unto the feet to draw from the head and more especially in such infirmities and defects wherein