produce persons who operate by means of fire; for instance, cooks,
as well as those who work in copper, brass, and other metals, by
melting, burning, and casting: if Mars be separated from the Sun, he
will make shipwrights, smiths, agriculturists, stonemasons, carpenters,
and subordinate labourers. If Saturn bear testimony, in addition
to Mars, persons will become mariners, workers in wells, vaults or
mines, painters, keepers of beasts or cattle, cooks or butchers,
and attendants on baths or on exhibitions. And, if Jupiter join
testimony, they will be soldiers, or mechanics, collectors of revenue,
inn-keepers, toll-gatherers, or attendants on sacrifices.
Further, should it happen that two arbiters of employment may be found
together, and provided they should be Mercury and Venus, they will then
produce musicians, melodists, and persons engaged in music, poetry,
and songs: they will also produce (especially if changed in their
places)[225], mimics, actors, dealers in slaves, makers of musical
instruments, choristers and musical performers, dancers, weavers,
modellers in wax, and painters. And if Saturn join testimony with
Mercury and Venus, the preparation and sale of female ornaments will
be added to the aforesaid occupations. But, if Jupiter give testimony,
the persons will become administrators of justice, guardians of public
affairs, instructors of youth, and magistrates of the people.
Should Mercury and Mars together be lords of the employment, persons
will become statuaries, armour-makers, sculptors,[226] modellers of
animals, wrestlers, surgeons, spies or informers, adulterers, busy in
crime, and forgers. And, if Saturn also bear testimony in addition
to Mercury and Mars, he will produce assassins, highwaymen, thieves,
robbers lurking in ambush, marauders on cattle, and swindlers. But, if
Jupiter afford testimony, he will engage persons in honourable warfare,
and in industry; making them cautious and diligent in business, curious
in foreign matters, and deriving profit from their pursuits.
[225] Meaning probably “if in mutual reception,” which position has
been before explained.
[226] Or makers of hieroglyphics—ιερογλυφοι.
When Venus and Mars exercise the dominion together, persons will become
dyers, dealers in unguents and perfumes, workers in tin, lead, gold,
and silver, mock combatants or dancers in armour, dealers in medical
drugs, agriculturists, and physicians, healing by means of medicine.
And if Saturn add testimony to Venus and Mars, he will produce persons
attendant on animals consecrated to religion; also grave-diggers and
undertakers, mourners and musicians at funerals, and fanatics occupied
in religious ceremonies, lamentations, and blood. But, if Jupiter
add testimony, the persons will become regulators of sacrifices,
augurs, holders of sacred offices, governors placed over women, and
interpreters; and they will derive support from such occupations.
The properties of the signs, in which the lords of the employment
may be posited, are also influential in varying the employment. For
example, the signs of human shape promote all scientific pursuits, and
such as are of utility to mankind; the quadrupedal signs contribute
to produce employment among metals, in business and trade, in
house-building, and in the work of smiths and mechanics: the tropical
and equinoctial signs tend to give employment in translation or
interpretation, in matters of exchange, in mensuration and agriculture,
and in religious duties: the terrestrial and watery signs tend to
employment in water, and in connection with water, as well in regard to
the nurture of plants, as to ship-building; they likewise contribute to
employment in funerals, in embalming and preserving, and also in salt.
Moreover, should the Moon herself actually occupy the place regulating
the employment,[227] and, after her conjunction, continue in course
with Mercury, being at the same time in Taurus, Capricorn, or Cancer,
she will then produce soothsayers, attendants on sacrifices, and
diviners by the basin.[228] If she be in Sagittarius or Pisces,
she will make necromancers, and evokers of dæmons: if in Virgo or
Scorpio, magicians, astrologers, and oracular persons, possessing
prescience: and, if in Libra, Aries, or Leo, she will produce fanatics,
interpreters of dreams, and makers of false vows and adjurations.
From the foregoing rules, the various forms of employment are to
be inferred; and its magnitude or importance will be manifested by
the existing power of the ruling planets. For instance, if the said
planets be oriental, or in angles, they will give the person eminence
and authority in his employment; but, if occidental or cadent, they
will render him subordinate. And should the benefics be in elevation,
the employment will be important, lucrative, secure, honourable, and
agreeable; but, on the other hand, if the malefics be in elevation
above the lords of the employment, it will then be mean, disreputable,
unprofitable, and insecure: thus, Saturn brings an adverse influence
in coldness or tardiness, and in the composition or mixture of
colours[229]; and Mars produces opposition by audacity and publicity
in enterprise: and both planets are alike hostile to proficiency and
prosperity.
The general period, at which any increase or diminution of the
employment may take place, must, again in this case also, be determined
by the disposition of the stars, which operate the effect towards the
oriental and occidental angles.
[227] That is to say, the mid-heaven; as stated in the 4th Chapter of
the 3rd Book, and in the commencement of the present Chapter.
[228] This mode of divination, as practised by the Greeks, is mentioned
by Potter. It is likewise described by a learned Doctor of Medicine,
Geo. Pictorius Vigillanus (in his Treatise “de Speciebus Magiæ
Ceremonialis,” printed at Strasburgh, 1531), as being used “when the
fraudulent vanity of a dæmon renders things more like each other than
eggs are to eggs.” And, according to this writer, it is practised by
exorcising water, and pouring it into a basin, wherein the vain and
refractory dæmon is immersed: the said dæmon will sometimes remain at
the bottom, and sometimes raise himself to the surface, sending forth a
slender hissing; out of which the desired responses are to be formed.
[229] Κρασεσι των χρωματων.—These words have been rendered literally,
but they seem to contain some figurative meaning, rather than a literal
one. Perhaps the preferable sense of them is, “_by a mixture of
views_,” or “_from various pursuits being blended together_.”
CHAPTER V
MARRIAGE
The consideration of circumstances relating to marriage, or the
cohabitation of husband and wife, as sanctioned by law, succeeds to the
foregoing details, and must be pursued in the following method.
With regard to men, it is to be observed in what manner the Moon may
be disposed; for, in the first place, if she be found in the oriental
quadrants, she will cause men either to marry early in life, or, after
having over-passed their prime, to marry young women; “but, should she
be situated in either of the occidental quadrants, men will then marry
either late in life, or to women advanced in age[230]”: and if she be
found under the Sun’s beams, and configurated with Saturn, she then
entirely denies marriage. Secondly, should she be in a sign of single
form, and in application to only one of the planets, she will cause
men to marry only once; but, if she be in a bicorporeal or multiform
sign, or in application to several planets, she will cause them to be
married several times; and, provided also that the planets, which thus,
either by adjacency or by testimony,[231] receive her application, be
benefic, men will then obtain good wives; but if, on the contrary,
the said planets be malefic, bad. For example, if Saturn receive the
Moon’s application, the wives whom he will provide will be troublesome
and morose; but, if Jupiter receive it, they will be decorous and
economical; if Mars, bold and refractory; if Venus, cheerful, handsome,
and agreeable; and, if Mercury, sensible, prudent, and clever.
Moreover, should Venus be found connected with Jupiter, Saturn,[232]
or Mercury, she will render wives provident, and attached to their
husbands and children; but, if she be found connected with Mars, they
will be irascible, unsteady, and indiscreet. Thus far in reference to
the marriage of men.
[230] The words marked with inverted commas are not in the Greek; they
are found, however, in two Latin translations; that of Basle, 1541, and
that of Perugio, 1646.
[231] In other Editions, “whether by conjunction or aspect.”
[232] “_Saturn._” Not found in the Elzevir edition, but in others.
But, in the case of women, the Sun must be observed, instead of the
Moon: and, should he be posited in the oriental quadrants, women
will be married either in their own youth, or to men younger than
themselves; but, if he be in the occidental quadrants, they will either
be married late in life, or to men who have passed their prime, and are
advanced in years. And should the Sun be in a sign of single form, or
configurated with only one oriental planet, he will cause them to enter
into matrimony only once; but, if in a bicorporeal or multiform sign,
or configurated with several oriental planets, he will then cause them
to be often married. And Saturn, being configurated with the Sun, will
provide husbands steadfast, advantageous, and industrious; Jupiter,
such as are honourable and noble-minded; Mars, severe husbands void of
affection and intractable; Venus, amiable and handsome husbands; and
Mercury, such as are provident and expert in business. But, if Venus be
found connected with Saturn, she will indicate dull and timid husbands;
“if with Jupiter, the husbands will be good, just, and modest[233];” if
with Mars, hasty, lustful, and adulterous; and if with Mercury, they
will be extravagantly desirous of young persons.[234]
In regard to the Sun, those quadrants which precede the ascending and
descending points of the zodiac, and, in respect of the Moon, those
which are measured from her conjunction and opposition[235] to her
intermediate quarters, are called oriental quadrants: the occidental
quadrants are, of course, those lying opposite to the oriental.
Whenever both nativities, viz. that of the husband and that of the
wife, may exhibit the luminaries configurated together in concord,
that is to say, either in trine or in sextile to each other, the
cohabitation will most usually be lasting; especially if the said
concord exist by means of interchange[236]; but its duration will be
also much more securely established, provided the Moon in the husband’s
nativity should correspond or agree with the Sun in the wife’s
nativity.[237] If, however, the relative positions of the luminaries be
in signs inconjunct, or in opposition, or in quartile, the cohabitation
will be speedily dissolved upon slight causes, and the total separation
of the parties will ensue.
[233] The words thus marked “ ” are not found in the Elzevir edition,
but appear in the Latin one of Basle, 1541.
[234] Πεpi παιδας επιθυμητικους.
[235] That is to say, from the new and the full Moon.
[236] By mutual reception; according to Whalley, and also according to
the Latin copy of Perugio, 1646.
[237] Meaning, probably, if the Moon in the husband’s nativity
should be in the same position as the Sun in the wife’s nativity, or
harmoniously configurated with that position.
And should the configuration of the luminaries, when made in concord,
be aspected by the benefics, the cohabitation will continue in
respectability, comfort, and advantage; but, on the other hand, it will
abound in strife, contention, and misfortune, if the malefics be in
aspect to the said configuration.
In like manner, even though the luminaries may not be favourably
configurated in concord, should the benefics still offer testimony
to them, the cohabitation will then not be entirely broken off,
nor totally destroyed for ever, but will be again renewed, and
re-established as before. But if, on the contrary, the malefics
bear testimony to such discordant disposition of the luminaries, a
dissolution of the cohabitation will take place, accompanied by scorn
and injury. Should Mercury alone be conjoined with the malefics, it
will be effected by means of some public inculpation; and if Venus also
be found with them, it will be on the ground of adultery, or sorcery,
or some similar offence.
There are, however, other varieties in the married state, which are to
be contemplated by means of Venus, Mars, and Saturn. And should these
planets act in familiarity with the luminaries, the cohabitation will
be appropriate and domestic, and authorised by law; because Venus holds
a certain affinity both to Mars and Saturn: her affinity to Mars, for
instance, consists in each having exaltation in a sign belonging to
the other’s triplicity,[238] and it operates in the cases of youthful
and vigorous persons: while her affinity to Saturn arises from their
respective houses being in the signs, again also, belonging to each
other’s triplicity,[239] and relates to persons of more advanced age.
Hence, if Venus be in concurrence with Mars, she will produce entire
love and affection in the cohabiting parties; and if Mercury also
coincide with the said planets, such affection will become publicly
notorious. Should Venus be found in a sign mutually common and
familiar, such as Capricorn, or Pisces,[240] she will effect marriages
between brothers and sisters and kindred by blood: and, provided she be
also in the presence of the Moon, when the native may be male, she will
cause him to connect himself with two sisters, or other near relatives;
but, if the native be a female, a similar contract on her part, with
two brothers or near relatives, will be indicated, when Venus may be
also with Jupiter.[241]
[238] The exaltation of Venus being in Pisces, and that of Mars in
Capricorn. _Vide_ Chapters XXI and XXII, Book I.
[239] Libra being Venus’s house, and in Saturn’s triplicity; and
Capricorn being Saturn’s house, and in Venus’s triplicity. _Vide_
Chapters XX and XXI, Book I.
[240] _Vide_ Note ¹ in p. 126.
[241] Instead of the Moon.
Again, if Venus be with Saturn, the cohabitation will be established
entirely in happiness and constancy; and if Mercury be present with
them, it will be profitable; but, should Mars be present, it will
be unsettled, calamitous, and afflicted by jealousy. And if Mars be
configurated on equal terms with Venus, Saturn, and Mercury, he will
effect marriage between persons of equal age; but, on the other hand,
should he be more oriental, marriage will take place with a younger
man or woman; and, if more occidental, with an older person. Should
Venus and Saturn be found in signs common to each other, that is to
say, in Capricorn and Libra,[242] marriage will be contracted between
persons kindred by blood: and, when the said position may happen in
the ascendant, or in the mid-heaven, provided the Moon also should
present herself there, men will become connected with their mothers, or
maternal aunts, or with their mothers-in-law; and women with their own
sons, or the sons of their brothers, or with their daughters’ husbands.
But if, instead of the Moon, the Sun should be in concurrence with the
said position, and especially should it happen that the planets in
question may be occidental, men will then connect themselves with their
daughters, or the wives of their sons; and women with their fathers, or
paternal uncles, or the husbands of their daughters.
When the aforesaid configurations,[243] although not existing in signs
of affinity to each other,[244] should be found in feminine places,
they will render the parties obscene, lustful and shameless; for
instance, when found in the anterior and hinder parts of Aries, and
near the Hyades of Taurus, about the urn of Aquarius, in the hinder
parts of Leo, and in the face of Capricorn. And should the last-named
planets, Venus and Saturn, be posited in angles, they will then, if
posited in the first two angles, the eastern and southern, produce
a total exposure of the passions, and cause them to be publicly
canvassed; but, if in the last two angles, the western and northern,
they will produce eunuchs, or persons unprolific, and not possessing
the proper channels of nature.
[242] _Vide_ Note ² in p. 126.
[243] Of the planets before specified.
[244] These are such signs as are connected with each other in any
manner similar to that before described, as connecting Capricorn with
Pisces, and with Libra; or, in other words, signs common to the planets
configurated.
The passions, liable to operate in males, are to be considered by
observation of Mars: for should he be separated from Venus and Saturn,
but yet, at the same time, be supported by the testimony of Jupiter,
he will make men pure and decorous in sexual intercourse, and incline
them to natural usages only: and, if he attach himself to Saturn only,
he will render them cold in blood and dull in appetite; if, however,
when Saturn and Mars may be thus connected together, Venus and Jupiter
should also be configurated with them, men will then become easily
excited and eager in desire, although they will still be continent,
and restrain themselves in order to avoid reproach. But should Saturn
be absent, and Mars be with Venus alone, or even although Jupiter
also be with her, men will become highly licentious, and attempt to
gratify their desires in every mode.[245] And further, if Venus be
found more occidental, men will connect themselves with low women,
female servants, and aliens or vagabonds; but, should Mars be found
occidental, with women of rank, and gentlewomen; or with women living
with their husbands, or under the protection of men. Thus far with
regard to males.
In the case of females, Venus requires attention: for, if she be
configurated with Jupiter, or with Mercury, she will cause women to be
temperate and pure in sexual intercourse; still, however, when she may
be thus connected with Mercury, if Saturn be not present also, she will
cause them to be easily excited to desire; although they will control
their desires, and avoid reproach. But, should Venus be conjoined
or configurated with Mars alone, she will render women licentious
and lustful; and if, to both these planets, when thus conjoined or
configurated, Jupiter also present himself, Mars being at the same
time under the rays of the Sun, women will then mingle in intercourse
with servants, and persons meaner than themselves, or with aliens,
or vagabonds: but, should it happen that Venus may be under the rays
of the Sun, they will then connect themselves with their superiors
or masters. And, further, should the planets be in feminine places,
or configurated femininely, they will be content with their passive
faculties only.[246]
Saturn, in being conciliated with such positions as those now
described, tends to produce greater obscenity; Jupiter, greater
decency; and Mercury, greater publicity, and greater fickleness, or
instability.
[245] The following also occurs here: “και ει μεν o εις τωνασερων
δυτικος, o δε ετερος ανατολικος εσι, και προς ανδρας και γυναικας
εσονται διακειμενοι, ουχ’ υπερβολικως δε, ει δε αμφοτεροι οι ασερες
δυτικοι ευρεθωσι, προς μονον το θηλυ εσονται καταφερεις. θηλυκων δε των
ζωδιων υπαρχοντων εν οις οι ασερες, και αυτοι παοχειν ανεξονται τα του
θηλυος. ει δε αμφοτεροι ανατολικοι ωσι, προς μονον το αρρεν ερμητικως
εξουσι. των δε ζωδιον αρσενικων οντων, προς πασαν αρσενικην ηλικιαν.”
[246] To this the following sentence succeeds: εαν δε αρρενικως
διακειμενοι ωσιν οι ασερες, και προς το ποιειυ.
CHAPTER VI
CHILDREN
The next point to be investigated is that concerning children: and, to
accomplish this, observation must be made of the planets posited in,
or configurated with the place on the zenith,[247] or its succedent
house, which latter is called the place of the good dæmon. And should
it happen that not any planets may be present in the said places,
nor configurated with them, it will then be necessary to take into
consideration such as may be in opposition thereto.
[247] The angle of the mid-heaven.
Now the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus are esteemed as givers of offspring;
but the Sun, Mars, and Saturn are considered as denying children
altogether, or as allowing but few: while Mercury, being in quality
common to both parties, lends co-operation to that with which he may be
configurated, and gives offspring, when oriental, but withholds, when
occidental.
To speak briefly, if the planets, which grant progeny, be so posited as
described,[248] and placed singly, the gift of progeny will be single
only[249]; but should they be in bicorporeal or in feminine signs,
they will grant double offsprings[250]: so likewise if they should be
in prolific or seminal signs, such as Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio,
they will grant twins, or even more. And provided they should also be
masculinely constituted, as well by configuration with the Sun, as by
being in masculine signs, they will grant male children; but otherwise,
if femininely constituted, female.
But, although the said planets, even if beneath the malefics in
elevation, or, even if found in barren places, or in signs such as
those of Leo and Virgo, will still grant children; yet such children,
thus indicated, will neither be healthy, nor continue in life. Should
it happen, however, that the Sun and the malefics may be in entire
possession of the places above mentioned, viz. that on the zenith,
or the succedent house allotted to the good dæmon; and provided they
be, at the same time, in masculine or barren signs, and the benefics
be not in elevation above them, a total privation of offspring is
thereby indicated; but, should they be in feminine or prolific signs,
or supported by the testimony of the benefics, children will then be
granted; yet they will be liable to disease, and short-lived.
If, however, planets of each condition should be configurated with, and
have prerogative in prolific signs, there will then ensue a loss of
either all the children, or only few, or else the major part of them;
in the same proportion as that in which the planets, bearing testimony
to either condition, may preponderate on one side rather than the
other; by excelling in number, or in influence, in consequence of being
posited more orientally, more genuinely in angles, higher in elevation,
or successively ascending.
When the lords of the aforesaid signs[251] may be such as are givers of
offspring, and be either oriental, or in places proper to themselves,
the children thus granted will become eminent and illustrious: but,
if occidental, or in places not proper to themselves, the children
will then become undistinguished and abject. Should the said lords
also be in concord with the part of fortune, and with the ascendant,
they will render the children amiable, and cause them to be beloved by
their parents, and to inherit their parents’ substance: but, if found
inconjunct, and not in concord with the said parts, the children will
then become odious and mischievous to their parents, and will forfeit
the inheritance of their substance.
[248] The meaning, apparent from the commencement of the chapter, is
this: “Should such planets be in the mid-heaven or its succedent house,
or configurated with either.”
[249] Μοναδικην, single, or one at a birth.
[250] Διδυμογωνιαν, double, or two at a birth.
[251] That on the mid-heaven, and that on the eleventh house.
Further, should the planets which grant progeny be appropriately
configurated with each other, they will promote brotherly love, and
mutual regard and affection among the children; but, if inconjunct,
or in opposition, they will excite in them mutual hatred, deceit, and
treachery.
The general investigation regarding children is to be conducted
in the foregoing method: but, in order to enquire into particular
circumstances consequent on the above, it will be necessary to assume,
as an ascendant, the position of each planet which gives offspring, and
to observe the separate schemes; drawing inferences therefrom as in the
case of a nativity.
CHAPTER VII
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
With respect to friendship and enmity, it may be observed that great
and lasting familiarities, or disagreements, are respectively called
sympathies and enmities; while the smaller, such as arise occasionally,
and subsist for a short time only, are denominated casual intimacies
and strifes: the whole are to be contemplated according to the
following rules.
Indications of great and lasting friendships, or enmities, may be
perceived by observation of the ruling places, exhibited in the
respective nativities of both the persons, between whom the friendship
or enmity may subsist. It is consequently essential to observe the
places of the Sun, the Moon, the ascendant, and the part of fortune;
for, should all these in both nativities be in the same signs, or
should either all or most of them be counterchanged in position in
each nativity, and especially should the two ascendants be within the
distance of seventeen degrees from each other,[252] they will create
fixed and indissoluble friendship. On the other hand, should they be
in signs inconjunct, or in opposition, they will produce great and
lasting enmity. If, however, they be not constituted in either of the
modes above mentioned, but merely configurated in signs,[253] they
will then produce minor friendship; provided such configuration exist
by trine or sextile; but, if by quartile, they will excite minor
enmity, so as to take effect at certain particular times, in which
the friendship remains, as it were, inactive and subdued, while the
malefics transit the configuration: and, in a similar manner, enmity
also will be softened and abated, when the benefics may enter upon the
configuration.[254]
[252] Or, regard each other within the distance of seventeen degrees.
[253] That is to say; if the places of the Sun, &c., in one nativity be
configurated with such parts of the zodiac as are occupied by the Sun,
&c., in the other nativity.
[254] Of any of the four places above described.
The friendship and enmity, which men bear towards each other, may be
classed under three general heads. One kind is suggested by spontaneous
wilfulness; another, by the idea of profit; and another, by pain and
pleasure mutually excited.
And, therefore, should either all or most of the aforesaid places
be in familiarity with each other, friendship of all the three
kinds will be established: so, also, should the places be entirely
without familiarity, similar enmity will be established. If, however,
familiarity, or absence of familiarity (as the case may be), exist
only as regards the places of the luminaries, friendship or enmity
will then be established by spontaneous will; and friendship thus
produced is the best and most secure; while, on the other hand, enmity
so arising is, in like manner, the worst and most dangerous. The
friendship, or enmity, consequent on the familiarity or non-familiarity
of the respective parts of Fortune, will be established on the idea of
profit; and that, consequent on a similar disposition of the respective
ascendants, will arise from pain or pleasure mutually excited between
the parties.
It will, however, be necessary to pay still further attention to the
places in question, in order to observe whether any and what planets
may be in elevation above them, or in aspect to them; because, among
all the said places, that particular one, to which any planet in
elevation, or in succession, may be adjacent, whether in the same
sign, or in the next, will possess the more powerful influence over
friendship or enmity: and whichever place may have its aspecting
planets more powerfully benefic, will operate in a greater degree[255]
to advantage in friendship, and to the relaxation of enmity. The
foregoing instructions are applicable to such friendships or enmities
as are great and lasting.
[255] Than the rest of the places.
But, in the case of others, which subsist only occasionally, and which
have been defined as casual intimacies and strifes, it is essential
to make observation of the motions of the planets, as exhibited by
each nativity; that is to say, the times are to be calculated, on the
completion of which the motions of the planets of one nativity will
cause them to enter on certain places of the other nativity; for it is
at such periods that certain particular friendships and enmities occur,
continuing for a short time, until the said ingress of the planets
shall have passed over.
For instance, Saturn and Jupiter, when making ingress upon each other’s
places, produce friendship by certain agreements, or engagements,
relating either to agriculture or to inheritance: Saturn and Mars
create contention and treachery spontaneously entertained: Saturn and
Venus, friendship between kindred; liable, however, soon to grow cool:
Saturn and Mercury, friendship on account of business, or profit, or
some secret art or mystery.
Jupiter and Mars create friendship in the direction of affairs, and
by means of dignities; Jupiter and Venus also create friendship by
means of female persons, or attendants on religion, or on oracles:
Jupiter and Mercury, friendship by means of eloquence and science, and
philosophical inclinations.
Mars and Venus cause friendship in the course of amours, adultery, and
fornication: Mars and Mercury excite hatred and strife by offences
committed in business and trade, or by sorcery.
And Venus and Mercury produce communion by means of the arts and
sciences, by a mutual interest in literature, or by female persons.
It is in this manner that the planets operate in producing friendship
or enmity. And their comparative intensity or relaxation of vigour is
to be distinguished by the situation of the places, which they occupy,
with regard to the four principal and ruling places[256]: for, should
they be posited in angles, at the places of the respective parts of
Fortune, or at those of the luminaries, they will render the casual
intimacies or strifes more eminent and remarkable; but, if they be
remote from these places, their effects will not be highly conspicuous.
The comparative degree of injury or advantage, liable to be received,
is to be discerned by means of the good or evil properties of such
planets as may be thus in aspect to the aforesaid places.
With respect to servants,[257] the sign of the evil dæmon[258] is
considered as the place to which the disposition ruling over them must
be referred; and it is to be observed what planets are in aspect to
that place, both at the actual time of nativity, and at that of any
ingresses made upon it, or oppositions to it; and also, especially,
whether the lords of the said sign may be configurated in familiarity
with the ruling places of the nativity, or not in familiarity.
[256] Those of the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, and part of Fortune, as before
mentioned.
[257] “—and the attachment, or disagreement, subsisting between them
and their masters”;—so Allatius, and the Latin translation printed at
Perugio.
[258] The twelfth house.
CHAPTER VIII
TRAVELLING
The circumstances indicative of travel are to be considered by means of
the situation held by both the luminaries, in respect to the angles,
and especially, by means of that held by the Moon. For, should she be
descending, or cadent from the angles, she will cause journeys and
changes of residence: Mars, also, if descending, or cadent from the
zenith, will sometimes do the same, provided he may occupy a situation
in quartile, or in opposition to the luminaries. And, if the part
of Fortune, also, should happen to be placed in signs which produce
travelling, the course and practice of the whole life will be engaged
in foreign lands. And further, provided the benefics superintend the
aforesaid places, or ascend in succession to them, the engagements
abroad will be honourable and lucrative, and the return home speedy
and unobstructed: but if, on the contrary, the malefics superintend or
ascend in succession to those places, the journey outward will then
lead to peril and misfortune, and the return will be replete with
difficulty. But it is, at the same time, necessary in all cases to
consider the contemperament also, and to observe such of the existing
configurations as are more predominant.
It most usually happens, that, if the luminaries be posited in the
cadent houses of the oriental quadrants, the travel will take place in
the eastern or southern quarters of the world; and that, if placed in
western situations, or in an occidental quadrant, travel will be then
prosecuted in the northern or western parts. And, should the signs,
which operate travel, be themselves single in form, or should the
planets, having dominion of them, be singly posited, the journeys will
then take place after long intervals, and occasionally only: but, if
the said signs be bicorporeal, or double in form or figure, travel will
be constantly repeated and continued.
Thus, when Jupiter and Venus may be in dominion over the luminaries,
and over the places producing travel, they will render the journeys
agreeable, as well as free from danger: for the traveller will be
joyfully forwarded on his way by the magistrates of the country, and
by the concurrent assistance of friendly persons; the state of the
atmosphere will also be favourable, and he will meet with abundance of
accommodation. And, provided Mercury also be present with the planets
above specified, utility, profit, presents and honours will likewise be
derived from the journey.
Saturn and Mars, if controlling the luminaries, and, especially, if
placed distant from each other,[259] will produce great dangers, and
at the same time render the journey fruitless and unavailing. Should
they be in watery signs, the dangers will arise by shipwreck, or among
deserts and wilderness[260]; if in fixed signs, by precipices, and
adverse blasts of wind; in tropical and equinoctial signs, by want
of food and other necessaries, and by some unwholesome state of the
atmosphere; in signs of human form, by robbery, treachery, and various
depredations; and, if in terrestrial signs, by the attack of wild
beasts, or from earthquakes. And, should Mercury also lend concurrence,
the traveller will incur further danger from accusations made against
him, as well as from reptiles and venomous stings or bites.
The question, whether the events will be advantageous or injurious in
quality, must, however, be further considered by observation (made in
the forms already detailed), of the peculiar properties of the places,
in which the lords of employment, of wealth, of the body, or of rank,
may be posited. And the periods, at which travelling will take place,
are to be considered by the occasional ingress of the five planets.[261]
[259] The probable meaning is, “if not acting in concert”: but the
Latin of Perugio says, “_si sint oppositi secundum longitudinem_.”
[260] There seems a misprint here in the original: δυσωδιων, “foul
vapours,” instead of δυσοδων, “wildernesses.”
[261] On the places indicative of travelling.
CHAPTER IX
THE KIND OF DEATH
It now remains to treat of the kind and species of death. It is,
however, first to be determined, by the rules already delivered
regarding the duration of life,[262] whether death will ensue from an
oriental or occidental position of the predominating influence. And, if
death ensue from some oriental position, or meeting of rays, the place
of such meeting must be observed, and by means of that place the kind
of death is to be distinguished; if from the descension, or setting,
of the significator, or prorogator, the place of descension[263]
must be considered: because death is to be expected conformable in
character to the influences, whatever they may be, which preside over
the said places; or, if not any influences should directly preside, it
will then be conformable to the influences, of whatever kind, which
may be brought first in succession to the places in question: the
configuration of the stars, the property of the aforesaid anæretic
places, and the nature of the signs and of the terms,[264] are, also,
all of them co-operative.
[262] _Vide_ the 14th Chapter of the 3rd Book; on the number of the
modes of prorogation.
[263] That is to say, the sign and degree on the occidental horizon.
[264] See a subsequent note, p. 135, which gives an instance of the
mode in which Placidus applied the power of the terms, in an anæretic
direction.
Thus, for example, if the dominion of death be vested in Saturn, he
will produce death by means of lingering diseases; cough, rheumatism,
flux, ague, disorder of the spleen, dropsy, colic, and complaints in
the womb; and, in short, by all such diseases as proceed from the
superabundance of cold.
Jupiter effects death by quinsey, inflammation of the lungs, apoplexy,
spasm, pains in the head, morbid performance of the heart, and by all
diseases arising from the superabundance of air, and from immoderate
and impure respiration.
Mars causes death by constant fevers, semitertians, sudden and
spontaneous wounds, diseases of the kidneys, expectoration of blood,
and hæmorrhages of various kinds; by miscarriage, or abortion, and by
childbirth, by erysipelas, and, in short, by such diseases as proceed
from abundant and immediate heat.
Venus produces death by disorders of the stomach, and of the liver, by
scurvy and dysentry: also by consumption or wasting away,[265] and by
fistula and poison, and by all diseases incident on the superabundance
or poverty of moisture, and its corruption.
Lastly, Mercury causes death to proceed from fury, madness, melancholy,
epilepsy, falling fits, coughs, and obstructions, and by such diseases
as arise from superabundant or disproportionate dryness.
When the lords of death may fully possess their own peculiar and
natural properties, and when neither of the malefics may be in
elevation above them, death will ensue in the modes above detailed,
and in the ordinary course of nature. But a violent and remarkable
death will occur when both the malefics, either in conjunction, or in
quartile or opposition to each other, may be lords of the anæretic
places; or if both, or only one of the two, should attack either both
the luminaries, or even only the Sun or the Moon. In such a case, the
evil character of the death will proceed from the concurrence of the
malefic influence, and its magnitude or remarkable nature from the
additional testimony of the luminaries: its quality, also, will be
known by means of the rest of the planets and stars in configuration,
and by the signs which contain the malefic influence.[266]
[265] Δια σηψεων. Perhaps more properly, putridity or rottenness. The
Perugio Latin translation renders it by “cancer.”
[266] Placidus, in treating of the nativity of Lewis, Cardinal Zachia,
uses these words: “This example also teaches us what the sentiments
of Ptolemy were concerning a violent death; when, in a peremptory
place, both the enemies meet together, it is to be understood, that
in the nativity the violence is sometimes first pre-ordained from the
unfortunate position of the Apheta; at other times quite the contrary.
But, because the direct direction happened to be in the terms of
Mercury, the sickness was attended with a delirium and lethargy, so
that you may perceive this to have been the true cause of the native’s
death.” (Cooper’s Translation, pp. 198, 199.)
Hence, if it happen that Saturn be in fixed signs, and in quartile
or opposition to the Sun, and contrary in condition, he will produce
death by suffocation, occasioned either by multitudes of people, or
by hanging or strangulation: so, likewise, should he be occidental,
and the Moon be succedent to him, he will operate the same effects. If
he be posited in places or signs of bestial form, the native will be
destroyed by wild beasts: and, if Jupiter also offer testimony, being
at the same time badly afflicted, the death will then occur in public,
and by day; for example, by being exposed to combats with wild beasts.
If Saturn be posited in opposition to either of the luminaries in the
ascendant,[267] he will cause death in prison: if he be configurated
with Mercury, and especially if near the constellation of the Serpent
in the sphere, and in terrestrial signs of the zodiac, he will produce
death by venomous wounds or bites, and by reptiles and wild beasts.
And, should Venus also attach herself to Saturn and Mercury thus
combined, death will then ensue by poison or female treachery. If
Saturn be in Virgo or Pisces, or watery signs, and configurated with
the Moon, he will operate death by means of water, by drowning and
suffocation; and, if found near Argo, by shipwreck. Should he be in
tropical or quadrupedal signs, and the Sun be either in conjunction
with him, or in opposition; or if, instead of the Sun, Mars should
so present himself, death will be caused by the fall of houses or
buildings; and, if posited in the mid-heaven, death will happen by
falls from heights or precipices. These are the various effects of
Saturn, when configurated as described.
[267] Ειδε ανθωροσκοπησει προσοιον δηποτε των φωτων: which Allatius has
translated, “if he should be in the ascendant opposed to either of the
luminaries” (_si in horoscopo alteri luminum opponatur_); but the Latin
copy of Basle, 1541, as well as that of Perugio, 1646, give the passage
as now rendered. And it appears in a subsequent place, p. 201 (where
the word ανθωροσκοπων occurs), that it can only be properly translated
“_in opposition to the ascendant_.”
Mars, if in signs of human form, and posited in quartile or in
opposition to the Sun or Moon, and contrary in condition, will operate
death by slaughter, either in civil or foreign war, or by suicide:
if Venus add her testimony, death will be inflicted by women, or by
assassins in the employment of women: and, should Mercury also be
configurated with them, death will happen from robbers, thieves, or
highwaymen. If Mars be in mutilated or imperfect signs, or near the
Gorgon[268] of Perseus, he will produce death by decapitation, or
by mutilation of limb. If found in Scorpio or Taurus, he will cause
death by surgical amputation, burning or searing, or also by spasms
or convulsions. Should he be found in the mid-heaven, either above or
below the earth, death will be inflicted by crucifixion or impalement,
and especially if he be in the vicinity of Cepheus or Andromeda. If
descending, or in opposition to the ascendant,[269] he will produce
death by fire: and, if in quadrupedal signs, by falls and fractures.
Should Jupiter, however, bear testimony to Mars, and be at the same
time afflicted, death will ensue from the wrath of princes and kings,
and from judicial condemnation.
If it happen that the malefics be in concurrence with each other in
the first instance, and afterwards in mutual opposition, in any of
the aforesaid situations, the evil character of the death will be yet
further augmented; but its species or quality, and its dominion, will
depend upon that one which may be in occupation of the anæretic place.
And, if both the malefics claim prerogative in the anæretic places, the
bodies of persons who thus die will be cast abroad without interment,
and will be devoured by beasts and birds: these circumstances will
especially ensue, when the malefics may be found in signs similar in
form to beasts and birds; and provided not any one of the benefics
should offer testimony to the place below the earth,[270] nor to the
anæretic places.
[268] Caput Medusæ.
[269] Ανθωροσκοπων. _Vide_ note ³ in p. 135.
[270] That is to say, the lower heaven, or imum-cœli. Whalley has
translated it, “_above_ the earth,” instead of “_below_”; mistaking νπο
for νπερ.
Lastly, death will occur in foreign lands, when it may happen that
the planets controlling the anæretic places may be posited in cadent
houses; especially if the Moon be present in the said places also, or
if she be found in quartile or in opposition.[271]
[271] On this chapter Whalley makes the following annotations:
“One direction, how malevolent soever, rarely kills; and, in most
nativities, there is required a train of malevolent directions to
concur to death: where several malevolent directions concur so
together, without the aid of intervenings of the benevolents, they fail
not to destroy life.”
“In such trains of directions, the author here distinguisheth between
the killing planet and the causer of the quality of death; for one
planet doth not give both. The foremost of the malevolent train is
the killing place, and shows the time of death; but the following
directions, though benevolent, show the quality. If the train fall
altogether, and none follow, for the quality observe those which
precede, though at a distance and benevolent also; for, though the
benevolent contribute to the preservation of life, yet they frequently
specify the disease which is the cause of death. And with these, our
author tells us, concur the configurating stars, the quality of the
stars and signs, and the terms in which the lords happen. In violent
deaths, the genethliacal positions of the lights are to be observed,
and how the malefics affect them, and (_how they_) are also concerned
by directions in the quality or death.” See also Chap. XIV, Book II.
CHAPTER X
THE PERIODICAL DIVISIONS OF TIME
In addition to the foregoing brief observations, applicable to the
various forms of death, further attention is demanded with respect to
the division of time, which requires to be contemplated in its natural
order and succession.
Now as, in all genethlialogical cases, a certain common and general
arrangement, affecting the region or country and the race or
generation, is pre-supposed to be in operation, to which arrangement
particular inferences, relating to the form of the body, the properties
of the mind, and national habits and variations, must each be
subservient; and as, in these respects, certain causes more general and
predominating are pre-supposed in existence before particular causes,
due care must consequently be taken, in order to make an inference
consistent with the course of nature, to observe always the original
and predominating cause, and never to lose sight of it; lest some
similarity in nativities (if any such should exist) might induce an
assertion when the original predominating cause proceeding from the
region itself has been overlooked, that the native of Æthiopia will
be born of white complexion, and with long and straight hair; or, on
the other hand, that the native of Germany or of Gaul will be black
in complexion, and have curled hair; or, that the said nations are
polished in manners, and cultivate learning, but that the people of
Greece are barbarous and illiterate: and so, in short, of any other
countries; without duly considering the national differences and
variations in their several courses of life. So also, with regard
to the division of time, it is in the same manner essential to
consider the different qualities of the several ages of life, and to
pre-determine the appropriate fitness of every age to such events as
may be expected: in order to avoid the gross error which might arise
from a merely vague consideration of the subject, by attributing
to infancy some deed or circumstance of too complete a nature and
belonging rather to manhood, or by ascribing to extreme old age the
procreation of children, or some other action belonging to youth; and
to adapt, on the contrary, to each separate age such circumstances as
seem, by due observation of the periods, to be suitable and appropriate
thereto.
The mode of consideration[272] applicable to human nature is
universally one and the same; and it is analogous to the arrangement
of the seven planetary orbs.[273] It, therefore, duly commences with
the first age of human life, and the first sphere next above the earth,
that of the Moon; and it terminates with the final age of man, and the
last of the planetary spheres, which is that of Saturn; and, in fact,
it accordingly happens that the appropriate qualities of each sphere
take effect in a corresponding age of life, each age being subjected to
one particular sphere. These observations are necessary, because the
general divisions of time must be considered by means of the spheres,
as a primary arrangement; although minor distinctions are to be made by
means of the existing peculiarities found in nativities.
[272] With respect to the periodical divisions of time.
[273] It will, of course, be remembered, that the Sun, in the Ptolemaic
astronomy, is counted as a planetary orb.
Hence, the first age of infancy, which endures for four years, agreeing
in number with the quadrennial period of the Moon, is consequently
adapted to her; being in its nature moist and incompact, presenting
rapidity of growth, being nourished by moist things, and possessing
a highly variable habit. Its mental incompleteness is likewise in
accordance with its familiar relation to the Moon, and her operative
influence.
The age after this continues for ten years, and accommodates itself to
the second sphere, that of Mercury. In this period, the intellectual
and reasoning faculties of the mind begin to take their character,
imbibing the seeds of learning, and developing, as it were, the
elements and germs of the genius and abilities, and their peculiar
quality. The mind is also roused to discipline and instruction, and to
its first exercises.
Venus corresponds with the next and third age, which lasts throughout
the following eight years, the number of her own period: from her, the
movement of the seminal vessels originates, as well as an unrestrained
impetuosity and precipitancy in amours.
The fourth and adult age next succeeds, and is subject to the fourth
sphere, that of the Sun: it endures for nineteen years, according to
the Sun’s number. Authority of action now commences in the mind, the
career of life is entered upon, distinction and glory are desired, and
puerile irregularities are relinquished for more orderly conduct, and
the pursuit of honour.
Mars, next after the Sun, claims the fifth age, that of manhood,
agreeing in duration with his own period, viz. fifteen years. He
induces greater austerity of life, together with vexation, care, and
trouble.
Jupiter occupies the sixth sphere, and influences the maturer age,
during the twelve years corresponding to his own period. He operates
the relinquishment of labour, of hazardous employment and tumult, and
produces greater gravity, foresight, prudence, and sagacity, favouring
the claim to honour, respect, and privilege.
Saturn, moving in the last sphere, regulates the final old age, as
agreeing with its chilliness. He obstructs the mental movements,
the appetites and enjoyments; rendering them imbecile and dull, in
conformity with the dullness of his own motion.
The common properties attributable to the various times of life are
subject, in a general manner, to this previous adaptation; but there
are particular periods, arising from the respective peculiarities of
nativities, which also require determination, and must be ascertained
from the ruling prorogations; that is to say, from the whole of them,
and not from any single one only, as in the case of the duration
of life. For example, prorogation made from the ascendant is to be
applied to events affecting the body, and to travelling, or change
of residence; that from the part of Fortune, to incidents affecting
the substance or wealth; that from the Moon, to actions of the
mind, and to communion[274] and cohabitation; that from the Sun, to
dignities and glory; and that from the mid-heaven, to other particular
circumstances of life, such as employment, friendship, and the
possession of children. So that thus, at one and the same time any
single planet, whether benefic or malefic, will not possess the sole
dominion; for many conflicting events frequently occur at the same
period, and a person may, at one and the same time, lose a kinsman,
yet inherit his substance; or be at once ill in health, yet prosperous
and advantageously established in regard to fortune; or be struggling
with adversity and in want, yet, notwithstanding, be also a father
and beget children; or he may experience other similar contrarieties:
because individuals are subject to occurrences which may affect either
the body, the mind, the rank, or the condition of wealth, and which are
not altogether fortunate or unfortunate at the same period. Something
of the kind will, however, frequently happen in cases of perfect good
fortune or distress, when meetings of all the benefics or malefics may
concur in all or most of the prorogations. Still such cases are but
rare, because human nature in general is not subjected to the extremity
either of good or evil, but rather to their moderate alteration and
counter-change.
[274] The Latin copy of Basle, 1541, says, “to marriages.”
The prorogatory places must, therefore, be separately distinguished in
the mode before pointed out; and the planets meeting the prorogations
must again be all taken into consideration: not only those which may be
anæretic (as in the case of the duration of life), nor those only which
may be configurated bodily,[275] or in opposition or quartile, but also
those in trine or sextile. And, first, the times in each prorogation
will be governed by the planet occupying or configurated with the
actual prorogatory degree itself: if, however, there be found no planet
thus constituted, the nearest preceding planet will govern the times
until another, which may be in aspect to the degree following in the
order of the signs, shall take them; and this one, again, will do the
same until the next in succession shall take them.[276] The like rule
obtains with respect to any other planets received into dominion, and
with respect to those in occupation of the terms.
Further, in prorogations of the ascendant, the degrees of distances
will be equal in number to the ascensional times of the particular
latitude; but, in prorogation, from the mid-heaven, to the times of
culmination; and, in other prorogations, they will be in proportion to
the ascensions, or descensions, or culminations, and will depend on
their proximity to the angles; as has been already said in treating of
the duration of life.[277]
[275] “_Bodily_,” or in conjunction.
[276] On this passage, Whalley remarks, “we are to observe in
direction, that the star in exact ray with the prorogator shall be
ruler until the prorogator meets another ray; that then the planet
whose ray it is shall take the dominion, and so on. But if no planet
aspect the hyleg (prorogator) exactly, that which casts its rays before
the prorogator is to be taken for ruler of the time, till another
planet’s ray comes in by direction. And the lord of the term, in
which the direction falls, must be considered as a co-partner in this
dominion.”
[277] _Vide_ Chap. XIV, Book 3.
The arbiters of general times are to be determined by the foregoing
method; but arbiters of annual periods as follows: viz. after
the number of years which have elapsed since the birth has been
ascertained, the amount is to be projected from each place of
prorogation, in the succession of the signs, at the rate of one sign
for a year,[278] and the lord of the last sign[279] is to be assumed
as arbiter. And, with regard to periods reckoned by months, the same
rule is to be observed: for in this case also, the number of the month,
as counted from the month of the nativity, is to be projected from
such places as possess the dominion of the year, in the proportion
of twenty-eight days per sign. So, likewise, in the case of periods
reckoned by days, the number of the day, counted from the day of birth,
must be projected from the monthly places of dominion, allowing for
each sign two days and a third.[280]
[278] The Greek is simply εις τα επομενα κατα ξωδιον; but the context
proves that the entire meaning must be as now given, although the Latin
translation of Perugio renders it “one year to each degree.” Whalley
explains that by annual periods “the author intends profections: for
the taking of which, for every year from the birth, add one sign to
the sign in which the aphetics are at birth, and the sign which ends
at the year desired is the sign profectional for that year, and the
lord of that sign is chronocrator (arbitor) for that year; so far as
the degrees of that sign reach.” For example, if a prorogator at birth
be in 15° of Gemini, to 15° of Cancer serves the first year; but the
first six months are ruled by Mercury, and the last six by the Moon and
Jupiter; and so on.
[279] The Latin translation of Basle, 1541, says, “the lord of that
sign in which the number shall terminate.”
[280] Whalley says here, “let a sign be added for each month to the
sign of the year. So, in the example before proposed, the last 15° of
Gemini, and the first 15° of Cancer, shall serve for the first month:
the last 15° of Cancer and the first 15° of Leo, for the second month;
and so on. And for days, from 15° of Gemini to 15° of Cancer, rules two
days and eight hours after birth, &c.”
Placidus is of opinion, “that Ptolemy, speaking of annual places, is
to be understood of the places of secondary directions; and that when
he speaks of the menstrual, he hints at the places of progressions.”
(Cooper’s Translation, pp. 25 and 57.)
It is, however, necessary to notice the ingresses made on places
allotted to different periods; for they take effect in no small degree
on the events of the period. Thus, the ingresses made by Saturn, on
places of general periods, require special observation; those made by
Jupiter, on places of annual periods; those made by the Sun, Mars,
Venus, and Mercury, on monthly places; and the Moon’s transit over
daily places. It must also be remembered, that arbiters of general
periods are chiefly paramount over the events; and that, to their
influence, the arbiters of particular periods (each of whom acting by
its own proper nature) present either co-operation or obstruction; and
that the ingresses also operate on events, by increasing or diminishing
their force and extent.[281]
[281] Placidus says, that “active ingresses, if they be similar, to
the pre-ordained effects, cause them to influence; if dissimilar, they
either diminish or retard; as Ptolemy has it in the last Chapter of
Book IV.” (Cooper’s Translation, p. 27.)
The general characteristic property, and the duration of the period,
will be indicated by the place of prorogation, as also by the lord of
the general times, and by the planet in possession of the terms; by
means of the familiarity subsisting, from the actual birth, between
each planet, and the places of which they may have respectively
and originally taken dominion. The arbiters of time will also give
indication whether the event will be good or evil, by means of their
own naturally benefic or malefic property and temperament, and by their
original familiarity or variance with the place of which they have
become lords. But the period, at which the event will become more
strongly evident, is shown by the relative positions of the annual and
monthly signs towards the places wherein the causes exist, and also by
the ingresses of the planets.[282]
The mode in which the Sun and Moon may be disposed, in reference to
the signs relating to annual and monthly periods, is also indicative.
For example, should they, from the date of the nativity, be posited in
concord with the operative places, and keep a position of concord at
the ingresses, they will produce good; but, if adversely posited, evil.
And also, if they be not in concord with the said places, and provided
they be contrary in condition, and in opposition or in quartile, to
the transits, they will cause evil: should they, however, not be
in quartile, nor in opposition, but otherwise configurated, their
influence then will not be equally malefic.
Should it happen that the same planets may be lords of the times,[283]
as well as of the ingresses, the effect will be extreme and unalloyed,
if of a favourable nature; and more particularly unmitigated, if
evil. And should the said planets be not only lords of the times, but
likewise hold dominion from the date of the nativity, and provided
also that all the prorogations, or most of them, should tend to, or
depend on, one and the same place, or, should the prorogations not be
so constituted, yet notwithstanding, if the meetings occurring at the
periods be found to be either all, or most of them, benefic or malefic,
they will wholly produce, in all respects, good or evil fortune,
respectively.
It is in this method, which preserves a natural order and succession,
that times and seasons require to be contemplated.
[282] Placidus observes, that “the primary directions of the
significators to their promittors, and the lords of the terms, Ptolemy
calls the General Arbiters of Times, because they pre-ordain the
general times of their effects; which, as its motion is slow and its
perseverance long, discovers its effects after a very long time; that
is, after months and years. In order that we may know, in this extent
of time, on what particular month and day the effects appear, Ptolemy
proposes these motions for observation, wherein, when the majority of
the causes agree together, then doubtless the effect is accomplished,
or most clearly manifests itself.” (Cooper’s Translation, p. 109.) And
he says afterwards, in speaking of secondary directions, progressions,
ingresses, &c., “these subsequent motions of the causes demand our
greatest attention.” (_Ibid._, p. 110.) In the Appendix to the same
book, at p. 438, the proper equation of time, or measurement of the
arcs of direction, is also treated of, in reference to the 16th canon
of Placidus, which is as follows:—
“_To equate the Arc of Direction._ Add the arc of direction to the
right ascension of the natal Sun; look for this sum in the table
of right ascensions under the ecliptic, and take the degree and
minute of longitude corresponding with that sum; then, in the best
ephemeris, reckon in how many days and hours the Sun, from the day and
hour of birth, has arrived at that degree and minute. The number of
days indicate as many years; every two hours over, reckon a month.”
(_Ibid._, p. 55.)
[283] Whether general or annual.
And now, in adverting to the scope allotted to this work in its
commencement, all further adaptation of the forms of events liable to
take effect at particular times will here be relinquished; because the
operative influences which the stars exercise in all events, whether
general or particular, may be arranged in proper order, if care be
taken that the causes set forth by the Rules of Science, and the causes
arising from any existing commixture, be duly combined and blended
together.
THE END
APPENDIX
NO. I
ALMAGEST; BOOK VIII, CHAP. IV
The various constellations of the fixed stars having now been duly
described, their aspects remain to be investigated.
Independently of the steadfast and immutable aspects which the said
stars preserve among themselves, either rectilinearly, or triangularly,
or by other similar forms,[284] they have also certain aspects
considered as referring exclusively to the planets and the Sun and
Moon, or parts of the zodiac; certain others to the earth only; and
others, again, to the earth, the planets and the Sun and Moon, or parts
of the zodiac, combined.
[284] That is to say, by the opposition, trine, &c.
With regard to the planets only, and parts of the zodiac, aspects are
properly considered as made to them by the fixed stars, when the said
planets and fixed stars may be posited on one and the same of those
circles which are drawn through the poles of the zodiac; or, also, if
they be posited on different circles, provided a trinal or sextile
distance between them may be preserved; that is to say, a distance
equal to a right angle and a third part more, or a distance equal to
two-thirds of a right angle; and provided, also, that the fixed stars
be on such parts of the circle as are liable to be transited by any one
of the planets. These parts are situated within the latitude of the
zodiac, which circumscribes the planetary motions. And as far as the
five planets are concerned, the aspects of the fixed stars depend upon
the visible mutual conjunctions, or configurations, made in the forms
above prescribed; but, with respect to the Sun and Moon, they depend
on occultations, conjunctions, and succedent risings of the stars.
Occultation is when a star becomes invisible by being carried under
the rays of the luminary; conjunction, when it is placed under the
luminary’s centre; and succedent rising, when it begins to reappear on
issuing out beyond the rays.
In regard to the earth only, the aspects of the fixed stars are four in
number, and are known by the common term of angles: to speak, however,
more particularly, they are the oriental horizon, the meridian or
mid-heaven above the earth, the occidental horizon, and the meridian
or mid-heaven below the earth. And in that part of the earth where
the equator is in the zenith, the whole of the fixed stars are found
to rise and set, and to be above as well as below the earth, once in
each revolution; because the situation of the poles of the equator,
being in this manner on the plane of the horizon, thereby prevents the
constant visibility or invisibility of any one of the parallel circles.
But in other parts of the earth, where the pole of the equator is in
the zenith, the fixed stars can never set nor rise; because the equator
itself is then on the plane of the horizon, and circumscribes the two
hemispheres (which it thus creates, one above and the other below the
earth) in such a manner, that in one revolution every star must twice
transit the meridian, some of them above, others below the earth. In
other declinations, however, between these extreme positions of the
equator, as just mentioned, there are certain of the circles always
visible, and others never visible; consequently, the stars intercepted
between the first of such circles and the poles can neither rise not
set, but must, in the course of one revolution, twice transit the
meridian; above the earth, if the said stars be on a circle always
visible; but below the earth, if on a circle never visible. The other
stars, however, situated on the greater parallels, both rise and
set, and are found in each revolution once on the meridian above the
earth, and once on that below the earth. In all these cases, the time
occupied in proceeding round from any angle to the same again, must
be everywhere equal in its duration, for it is marked by one sensible
revolution; and the time occupied in passing from either meridianal
angle to the angle diametrically opposite, is also everywhere equal;
because it is marked by the half of one revolution. So, also, the
passage from either horizontal angle to its opposite angle is again
effected in the same equal portion of time, wherever the equator may
be in the zenith, for it is then likewise marked by the half of an
entire revolution; because on such a position of the equator, all the
parallels are then divided, as well by the horizon as by the meridian,
into two equal parts. But in all other declinations, the time of
passage of a semicircle above the earth is not equal to that of its
passage below the earth, except only in the case of the equinoctial
circle itself, which, in an oblique sphere, is the only one divided
by the horizon into two equal parts, all others (its parallels) being
bisected into dissimilar and unequal arcs. It follows, accordingly,
that the time contained in the space between rising or setting, and
either meridian, must be equal to the time between the _same_ meridian
and rising and setting; because the meridian divides equally such
portions of the parallels as are above or under the earth. But in
proceeding in an _oblique_ sphere, from rising or setting to _either_
meridian, the time occupied must be unequal; and in a right sphere,
equal, because the entire portions above the earth are, in a _right_
sphere only, equal to those below the earth; whence, for instance, in a
right sphere, whatever stars may be together on the meridian must also
all rise and set together, until their progress becomes perceptible
by the poles of the zodiac; while, on the other hand, in an oblique
sphere, whatever stars may be together on the meridian can neither all
rise together nor set together; for the more southern stars must always
rise later than those which are more northern, and set earlier.[285]
[285] On this side of the equator.
The aspects made by the fixed stars, in regard to the planets or parts
of the zodiac, and the earth combined, are considered, in a general
manner, by the rising, or meridianal position, or setting of the same
fixed stars in conjunction with any planet or part of the zodiac; but
their aspects are properly distinguishable, by means of the Sun, in the
nine following modes:—
1. The first is called matutine subsolar, when the star is found
together with the Sun in the oriental horizon. Of this aspect, one
species is called the oriental, invisible, and succedent rising; when
the star, at the commencement of its occultation, rises immediately
after the Sun: another is called the precise oriental co-rising; when
the star is found in partile conjunction with the Sun in the oriental
horizon: another is the oriental, precedent, and visible rising; when
the star, beginning to appear, rises before the Sun.
2. The second aspect is termed matutine location in the mid-heaven;
when the star is found on the meridian, either above or below the
earth, while the Sun is on the oriental horizon. And of this aspect,
one species is called a succedent and oriental location in the
mid-heaven, invisible; when, immediately after the Sun’s rising, the
star shall be found on the meridian: another is the precise oriental
location in the mid-heaven; when, exactly as the Sun rises, the star
is at the same time on the meridian; another is the oriental precedent
location in the mid-heaven; when the star first shall come to the
meridian above the earth, and the Sun may then immediately rise.
3. The third, called matutine setting, is when the Sun may be actually
in the oriental horizon, but the star in the occidental. One of the
forms of this aspect is called the oriental, succedent setting,
invisible; when the star sets immediately after the Sun’s rising:
another is the precise oriental co-setting, when the star sets at the
moment of the Sun’s rising: another is the oriental, precedent, and
visible setting, when the Sun does not rise until immediately after the
setting of the star.
4. The fourth aspect is named meridianal subsolar, and takes place
when the Sun is actually on the meridian, but the star on the oriental
horizon. Of this, one is diurnal and invisible; when the star rises
while the Sun is posited on the meridian above the earth: another is
nocturnal and visible; when the star rises while the Sun is placed on
the meridian below the earth.
5. The fifth is called meridianal location in the mid-heaven; when the
Sun, as well as the star, may be at the same time on the meridian. Of
this aspect, two sorts are diurnal and invisible; when the star is on
the meridian above the earth, together with the Sun, or on that below
the earth, diametrically opposite to the Sun. Two also are nocturnal,
and of these, one is invisible; when the star is on the meridian under
the earth, together with the Sun: the other, however, is visible; when
the star is on the meridian above the earth, diametrically opposite to
the Sun.
6. The sixth is meridianal setting; when the star is found on the
occidental horizon, while the Sun is on the meridian. Of this, one
species is diurnal and invisible; when the star sets while the Sun is
above the earth on the meridian: the other is nocturnal and visible;
when the star sets while the Sun is on the meridian below the earth.
7. The seventh aspect is called vespertine subsolar; when the star
is found on the oriental horizon, while the Sun is posited on the
occidental horizon. One form of this aspect is the vespertine succedent
rising, visible; when the star rises immediately after sunset: another
is the precise vespertine co-rising; when the star rises and the Sun
sets at one and the same time: another is the precedent, vespertine
rising, invisible; when the star rises immediately before the Sun sets.
8. The eighth is named vespertine location in the mid-heaven; when
the star is on the meridian, either above or below the earth, while
the Sun is placed on the occidental horizon. Of this aspect, one kind
is called a visible vespertine location in the mid-heaven; when the
star is found there immediately after sunset: another is the precise
vespertine location in the mid-heaven; when the star is found there
at the moment of sunset; another is the vespertine precedent location
in the mid-heaven, invisible; when the star arrives there immediately
before sunset.
9. The ninth aspect is called vespertine setting; when the star,
together with the Sun, is on the occidental horizon. One form of this
aspect is the vespertine, succedent and visible setting; when the star,
at the commencement of its occultation, sets immediately after the Sun:
another is the precise vespertine setting; when the star sets at the
same moment with the Sun: another is the precedent, invisible setting;
when the star, before it emerges from its occultation, sets before the
Sun.
NO. II
ALMAGEST; BOOK II. EXTRACT FROM CHAP. IX
_Of Circumstances regulated by Ascensions_
In any climate whatever, the magnitude of a given day or night is to be
computed by the number of ascensional times proper to that particular
climate. For example, the magnitude of the day will be ascertained by
numbering the times between the Sun’s zodiacal degree and the degree
diametrically opposite, in the succession of the signs; and that of the
night, by numbering the times, from the degree diametrically opposite
to the Sun, onwards, in the order of the signs, to be the degree
actually occupied by the Sun: because, by dividing the respective
amounts of these times so obtained, by fifteen, the number of
equatorial hours belonging to each space will be exhibited; and if the
division be made by twelve, instead of fifteen, the result will show
the numbers of degrees equivalent to one temporal hour of either of the
said spaces respectively.[286]
The magnitude of any temporal hour may be, however, more easily found
by referring to the annexed Table of Ascensions, and taking the
difference between the respective aggregate numbers, inserted therein
under the heads of the equinoctial parallel or right sphere, and of
any particular climate for which the magnitude of the temporal hour is
required; and, if the said hour be a diurnal hour, the aggregate times
as stated against the zodiacal degree occupied by the Sun; but, if
nocturnal, those stated against the degree diametrically opposite, are
to be compared; and the sixth part of the difference between them is to
be added, if the said degree be in the northern signs, to the fifteen
times of an equatorial hour; but subtracted therefrom, if in the
southern signs. The amount thus obtained will be the required number of
degrees of the temporal hour in question.[287]
[286] Thus (according to the Table inserted at p. 152), in the climate
or latitude of Lower Ægypt, the times of ascension between the first
point of Gemini and the first point of Sagittarius, diametrically
opposite, are 205° 18′, which, being divided by 15, give 13 hours 41
minutes and a fraction of equatorial time, as the length of the day of
the first point of Gemini. And the same number of times of ascension,
divided by 12, give 17° 6′ and a fraction of the equator, as the length
of the diurnal temporal hour. In the latitude of Southern Britain, the
times of ascension between the same points as above mentioned are 236°
2′, which, divided by 15, give 15 hours 44 minutes and a fraction of
equatorial time, as the length of the day of the first point of Gemini;
and, if divided by 12, they produce 19° 40′ and a fraction of the
equator, as the length of the diurnal temporal hour.
[287] Thus, the aggregate times of ascension, in a right sphere, of
the first point of Gemini are 57° 44′; and, in the climate of Lower
Ægypt, 45° 5′: the sixth part of the difference between them is 2° 6′
and a fraction, which, added to 15°, again makes the diurnal temporal
hour of the first point of Gemini equal to 17° 6′ and a fraction of
the equator. In the climate of Southern Britain, the aggregate times
of ascension of the first point of Gemini are 29° 43′: the sixth part
of the difference between that sum and 57° 44′ of right ascension is
4° 40′ and a fraction, which, added to 15°, makes the diurnal temporal
hour of the first point of Gemini, in South Britain, equal to 19° 40′
and a fraction of the equator, as before shown.
And if it be required to reduce the temporal hours of any given day
or night, in a certain climate, into equatorial hours, they must be
multiplied by their proper horary times, whether diurnal or nocturnal,
as the case may be; the product is then to be divided by fifteen, and
the quotient will necessarily be the number of equatorial hours in the
climate in question, on the given day or night.[288] On the other hand,
equatorial hours are also to be reduced into temporal hours by being
multiplied by fifteen, the product of which is to be divided by the
horary times proper to the given day or night in the said climate.
[288] For example,
Diurnal horary times of the first point of
Gemini in the latitude of Alexandria 17° 6′ 30″
Number of temporal hours 12
--------------
15)205 18 0
--------------
Diurnal equatorial hours of the first point of
Gemini in the latitude of Alexandria 13 41 12
==============
Diurnal horary times of the first point of
Gemini in the latitude of Southern Britain 19° 40′ 10″
Number of temporal hours 12
--------------
15)236 2 0
--------------
Diurnal equatorial hours of the first point of
Gemini in the latitude of Southern Britain 15 44 8
==============
The degree ascending in the ecliptic, at any given temporal hour, may
also be ascertained by multiplying the number of temporal hours since
sunrise, if the given hour be diurnal, but if nocturnal, since sunset,
by their proper horary times; and the product is to be added, in the
succession of the signs, to the aggregate number (as shown by the
ascensions proper to the climate) of the Sun’s degree, if the given
hour be diurnal, but, if nocturnal, to that of the degree diametrically
opposite, and that particular degree of the ecliptic which shall
correspond with the total number thus found in the ascensions of the
climate will be the degree then ascending.[289]
[289] Let the first point of Gemini be on the meridian above the earth;
the number of temporal hours since sunrise will then be 6, by which 17°
6′ 30″ are to multiplied. The product will be 102° 39′: this, added
to 45° 5′, the aggregate number of the first point of Gemini in the
latitude of Alexandria, will give 147° 44′, which, in the ascensions
of the climate in question, will correspond to the 3d degree of Virgo,
and show that to be the degree ascending. In the latitude of Southern
Britain the total number would still amount to the same, viz. 147° 44′,
but it would show 7° and about 30′ of Virgo to be ascending.
But, in order to ascertain the degree on the meridian above the earth,
the number of temporal hours since the preceding noon are also to be
multiplied by their proper horary times, and the product is to be added
to the aggregate number of the Sun’s right ascension; and that degree
of the ecliptic, with which the total number as found in the aggregate
times of right ascension shall correspond, will then be on the
meridian.[290] The degree on the oriental horizon will, however, also
show what degrees occupy the meridian; for, by subtracting 90 times
(the amount of the quadrant) from the aggregate number ascribed to the
said ascending degree in the Table proper to the climate, the number
so reduced will be found, in the aggregate times of the Table of Right
Ascension, to correspond with the degree on the meridian. And again, on
the other hand, by adding 90 to the aggregate times ascribed by right
of ascension to the degree on the meridian above the earth, the degree
ascending may be obtained, for it will be that degree which corresponds
to that total number, as stated in the Table proper to the climate.[291]
The Sun always preserves an equal distance in equatorial hours from all
parts of the same meridian; but his distance in equatorial hours from
different meridians varies according to the degrees of distance between
meridian and meridian.
The foregoing extracts have been made to show the entire agreement
between the astronomy of the Tetrabiblos and that of the Almagest. The
Tables herein given from the latter work are, of course, now, in some
degree, superseded by others of modern calculation, infinitely more
complete.
[290] Let the first point of Gemini be three temporal hours past
the meridian; these hours reduced to degrees, in the latitude of
Alexandria, will give 51° 19′, which, added to the right ascension of
the first point of Gemini, make 109° 3′, showing the 18th degree of
Cancer on the meridian. In the latitude of Southern Britain, these
hours would produce 59°, which, added to the right ascension, would
make 116° 44′, and show the 25th degree of Cancer on the meridian.
[291] Thus, in the latitude of Alexandria, when the first point of
Gemini is three temporal hours past the meridian, the 16th degree of
Libra will be on the ascendant, and the aggregate times of ascension of
that degree in the said latitude are 109° 3′: by subtracting 90 from
this sum, the remainder will be 19° 3′, the right ascension of the
mid-heaven answering to the 18th degree of Cancer. In the latitude of
Southern Britain, the 18th degree of Libra would be on the ascendant,
of which degree the aggregate times of ascension in that latitude are
206° 44′, from which, if 90 be subtracted, the remainder will be 116°
44′, the right ascension of the mid-heaven answering to the 25th degree
of Cancer. The converse of these operations seems too obvious to need
explanation.
TABLE OF LATITUDES, AS SHOWN BY THE DURATION OF THE LONGEST DAY
[From the Almagest.]
------------+--------------
LONGEST DAY.| LATITUDE.
------------+--------------
H. M. | D. M.
------------+--------------
12 0 | 0 0
------------+--------------
12 15 | 4 15
------------+--------------
12 30 | 8 25
------------+--------------
12 45 | 12 30
------------+--------------
13 0 | 16 27
------------+--------------
13 15 | 20 14
------------+--------------
13 30 | 23 51
------------+--------------
13 45 | 27 40
------------+--------------
14 0 |[292]30 22
------------+--------------
14 15 | 33 18
------------+--------------
14 30 | 36 0
------------+--------------
14 45 | 38 35
------------+--------------
15 0 | 40 56
------------+--------------
15 15 | 43 5
------------+--------------
15 30 | 45 1
------------+--------------
15 45 | 46 51
------------+--------------
16 0 | 48 32
------------+--------------
16 15 | 50 15
------------+--------------
16 30 |[293]51 35
------------+--------------
16 45 | 52 50
------------+--------------
17 0 | 54 1
------------+--------------
17 15 | 55 0
------------+--------------
17 30 | 56 0
------------+--------------
17 45 | 57 0
------------+--------------
18 0 | 58 0
------------+--------------
18 30 | 59 30
------------+--------------
19 0 | 61 0
------------+--------------
19 30 | 62 0
------------+--------------
20 0 | 63 0
------------+--------------
21 0 | 64 30
------------+--------------
22 0 | 65 30
------------+--------------
23 0 | 66 0
------------+--------------
24 0 | 66 10
------------+--------------
[292] Alexandria.
Footnote 293: Southern Britain.]
EXTRACT FROM THE TABLE OF ASCENSION (CONTAINED IN THE ALMAGEST),
CALCULATED FOR EVERY TENTH DEGREE OF THE ZODIAC.
-----------+-----+----------------+----------------+----------------
| | In a Right | 3rd Climate, | 8th Climate
| |Sphere under the| thro’ Lower | thro’ Southern
| | Equator, | Ægypt, Lat. | Britain, Lat.
| | Diurnal Arc | 30° 22′ N. | 51° 30′ N.
SIGNS. |Tenth| 12 Hours. | Diurnal Arc | Diurnal Arc
| Deg.| | 14 Hours. | 16 Hs. 20 Mts.
| +------+---------+------+---------+------+---------
| |Times |Aggregate|Times |Aggregate|Times |Aggregate
| | of | Times. | of | Times. | of | Times.
| |Ascen.| |Ascen.| |Ascen.|
-----------+-----+------+---------+------+---------+------+---------
| | D. M.| D. M. | D. M.| D. M. | D. M.| D. M.
| | | | | | |
Aries | 10 | 9.10| 9.10 | 6.48| 6.48 | 4.05| 4.05
| 20 | 9.15| 18.25 | 6.55| 13.43 | 4.12| 8.17
| 30 | 9.25| 27.50 | 7.10| 20.53 | 4.31| 12.48
Taurus | 10 | 9.40| 37.30 | 7.33| 28.26 | 4.56| 17.44
| 20 | 9.58| 47.28 | 8.02| 36.28 | 5.34| 23.18
| 30 | 10.16| 57.44 | 8.37| 45.05 | 6.25| 29.43
Gemini | 10 | 10.34| 68.18 | 9.17| 54.22 | 7.29| 37.12
| 20 | 10.47| 79.05 | 10.00| 64.22 | 8.49| 46.01
| 30 | 10.55| 90.00 | 10.38| 75.00 | 10.14| 56.15
Cancer | 10 | 10.55| 100.55 | 11.12| 86.12 | 11.36| 67.51
| 20 | 10.47| 111.42 | 11.34| 97.46 | 12.45| 80.36
| 30 | 10.34| 122.16 | 11.51| 109.37 | 13.39| 94.15
Leo | 10 | 10.16| 132.32 | 11.55| 121.32 | 14.07| 108.22
| 20 | 9.58| 142.30 | 11.54| 133.26 | 14.22| 122.44
| 30 | 9.40| 152.10 | 11.47| 145.13 | 14.24| 137.08
Virgo | 10 | 9.25| 161.35 | 11.40| 156.53 | 14.19| 151.27
| 20 | 9.15| 170.50 | 11.35| 168.28 | 14.18| 165.45
| 30 | 9.10| 180.00 | 11.32| 180.00 | 14.15| 180.00
Libra | 10 | 9.10| 189.10 | 11.32| 191.32 | 14.15| 194.15
| 20 | 9.15| 198.25 | 11.35| 203.07 | 14.18| 208.33
| 30 | 9.25| 207.50 | 11.40| 214.47 | 14.19| 222.52
Scorpio | 10 | 9.40| 217.30 | 11.47| 226.34 | 14.24| 237.16
| 20 | 9.58| 227.28 | 11.54| 238.28 | 14.22| 251.38
| 30 | 10.16| 237.44 | 11.55| 250.23 | 14.07| 265.45
Sagittarius| 10 | 10.34| 248.18 | 11.51| 262.14 | 13.39| 279.24
| 20 | 10.47| 269.05 | 11.34| 273.48 | 12.45| 292.09
| 30 | 10.55| 270.00 | 11.12| 285.00 | 11.36| 303.45
Capricornus| 10 | 10.55| 280.55 | 10.38| 295.38 | 10.14| 313.59
| 20 | 10.47| 291.42 | 10.00| 305.38 | 8.49| 322.48
| 30 | 10.34| 302.16 | 9.17| 314.55 | 7.29| 330.17
Aquarius | 10 | 10.16| 312.32 | 8.37| 323.32 | 6.25| 336.42
| 20 | 9.58| 322.30 | 8.02| 331.34 | 5.34| 342.16
| 30 | 9.40| 332.10 | 7.33| 339.07 | 4.56| 347.12
Pisces | 10 | 9.25| 341.35 | 7.10| 346.17 | 4.31| 351.43
| 20 | 9.15| 350.50 | 6.55| 353.12 | 4.12| 355.55
| 30 | 9.10| 360.00 | 6.48| 360.00 | 4.05| 360.00
-----------+-----+------+---------+------+---------+------+---------
NO. III.
THE CENTILOQUY, OR HUNDRED APHORISMS OF CLAUDIUS PTOLEMY[294];
OTHERWISE CALLED, THE FRUIT OF HIS FOUR BOOKS
[294] Moxon’s Mathematical Dictionary says, that the “Centiloquium is a
book containing one hundred astrological aphorisms, commonly ascribed
to Ptolemy, as its author, but by some to Hermes Trismegistus.” This
account, however, seems to be inaccurate; for the Centiloquy attributed
to Osiris’s contemporary and counsellor (eulogized by Lilly as having
been “one of the wisest of all mortal men, and as ancient as Moses”),
is very different from that known by the name of the Καρπος, or “Fruit
of the Tetrabiblos.” Whether this latter Centiloquy be really the work
of Ptolemy is another question: it has been usually edited as his, but
some of the aphorisms seem to relate to horary questions only, which
are not adverted to in the Tetrabiblos, and there are others also which
do not appear to result from the doctrine of that book.
I. Judgment must be regulated by thyself, as well as by the science;
for it is not possible that particular forms of events should be
declared by any person, however scientific; since the understanding
conceives only a certain general idea of some sensible event, and not
its particular form. It is, therefore, necessary for him who practices
herein to adopt inference. They only who are inspired by the deity can
predict particulars.
II. When an enquirer shall make mature search into an expected event,
there will be found no material difference between the event itself and
his idea of it.
III. Whosoever may be adapted to any particular event or pursuit, will
assuredly have the star indicative thereof very potent in his nativity.
IV. A mind apt in knowledge will discover truth more readily than one
practised in the highest branches of science.
V. A skilful person, acquainted with the nature of the stars, is
enabled to avert many of their effects, and to prepare himself for
those effects before they arrive.
VI. It is advantageous to make choice of days and hours at a time well
constituted by the nativity. Should the time be adverse, the choice
will in no respect avail, however favourable an issue it may chance to
promise.
VII. The mingled influences of the stars can be understood by no one
who has not previously acquired knowledge of the combinations and
varieties existing in nature.
VIII. A sagacious mind improves the operation of the heavens, as a
skilful farmer, by cultivation, improves nature.
IX. In their generation and corruption forms are influenced by the
celestial forms, of which the framers of talismans consequently avail
themselves, by observing the ingresses of the stars thereupon.
X. In the election of days and hours, make use of the malefics, to the
same moderate extent as the skilful physician would use poisons in
order to perform cures.
XI. A day and hour are not to be elected until the quality of the
object proposed shall be known.
XII. Love and hatred prohibit the true accomplishment of judgments;
and, inasmuch as they lessen the most important, so likewise they
magnify the most trivial things.
XIII. In every indication made by the constitution of the heavens,
secondary stars, whether auxiliary or injurious thereto, are also to be
used.
XIV. The astrologer will be entangled in a labyrinth of error, when the
seventh house and its lord shall be afflicted.
XV. Signs cadent from the ascendant of any kingdom are the ascendants
of that kingdom’s enemies. But the angles and succedent houses are
the ascendants of its friends. It is the same in all doctrines and
institutions.
XVI. When the benefics may be controlled in the eighth house, they
bring mischief by means of good men: if, on the other hand, they be
well affected, they will prevent mischief.
XVII. Give no judgment as to the future life of an aged person, until
the number of years he may live shall have been reckoned.
XVIII. If, while a benefic may ascend, both the luminaries should be in
the same minute,[295] the native will be equally and highly prosperous
in all things which can befall him. So, likewise, if the luminaries be
mutually opposed by the east and west. But the contrary effect will be
produced, should a malefic be on the ascendant.
[295] Of the same degree and sign.
XIX. The efficacy of purgation is impeded by the Moon’s conjunction
with Jupiter.
XX. Pierce not with iron that part of the body which may be governed by
the sign actually occupied by the Moon.
XXI. When the Moon may be in Scorpio or Pisces, purgation may be
advantageously used, provided the lord of the ascendant be coupled with
some star posited below the earth. If he be coupled with a star placed
above the earth, the potion swallowed will be vomited up.
XXII. Neither put on nor lay aside any garment for the first time, when
the Moon may be located in Leo. And it will be still worse to do so,
should she be badly affected.
XXIII. Aspects between the Moon and stars give the native much
activity; and, if the stars be in power, they indicate an efficient,
but if weak an inert, excitation to action.
XXIV. An eclipse of the luminaries, if in the angles of the nativity,
or of an annual revolution, is noxious; and the effects take place
according to the space between the ascendant and the place of eclipse.
And as, in a solar eclipse, a year is reckoned for an hour, so
likewise, in a lunar eclipse, a month is reckoned for an hour.
XXV. The progression of a significator, posited in the mid-heaven, is
to be made by right ascension; of another posited in the ascendant, by
the oblique ascension of the particular latitude.
XXVI. There is obvious concealment in the case, if the star
significative of any particular affair be in conjunction with the Sun,
either under the earth or in a place foreign to its own nature. On
the other hand, there is manifestation, should the star be raised to
elevation out of its depression, and be located in its own place.
XXVII. Venus gives pleasure to the native in that part of the body
which may be ruled by the sign she occupies. It is the same with other
stars.
XXVIII. When the Moon may not hold a familiarity with two planets, as
is desirable, care should be taken to connect her, if possible, with
some fixed star combining their qualities.
XXIX. The fixed stars grant extremely good fortune, unconnected with
the understanding; but it is most commonly marked by calamities, unless
the planets also agree in the felicity.
XXX. Observe the creation of the first king of any dynasty; for if
the ascendant at that creation should agree with the ascendant of the
nativity of the king’s son, he will succeed his father.
XXXI. When the star ruling over any kingdom shall enter into a
climacterical place, either the king, or some one of the chief men of
his kingdom, will die.
XXXII. Concord between two persons is produced by an harmonious
figuration of the stars, indicative of the matter whereby good will is
constituted, in the nativity of either person.
XXXIII. Love and hatred are discernible, as well from the concord and
discord of the luminaries, as from the ascendants of both nativities:
but obeying signs increase good will.
XXXIV. If the lord of the place of the new Moon be in an angle, he is
indicative of the events liable to happen in that month.
XXXV. When the Sun arrives at the place of any star, he excites the
influence of that star in the atmosphere.
XXXVI. In the foundation of cities, consider the fixed stars which may
seem to contribute thereto; but in the erection of houses, observe the
planets. The kings of every city which has Mars in culmination will
most commonly perish by the sword.
XXXVII. If Virgo or Pisces be on the ascendant, the native will create
his own dignity; but if Aries or Libra is on the ascendant, he will
cause his own death. The other signs are to be contemplated in the same
way.
XXXVIII. Mercury, if established in either house of Saturn, and in
power, gives the native a speculative and inquisitive intellect: if in
a house of Mars, and especially if in Aries, he gives eloquence.
XXXIX. Affliction of the eleventh house, in the creation of a king,
indicates damage in his household and his treasury: affliction of the
second house denotes the detriment of his subject’s wealth.
XL. When the ascendant is oppressed by the malefics, the native will
delight in sordid things, and approve ill-favoured odours.
XLI. Beware the affliction of the eighth house and its lord, at a time
of departure; and that of the second house and its lord, at a time of
return.
XLII. Should a disease begin when the Moon may be in a sign occupied
at the birth by some malefic, or in quartile or opposition to any such
sign, such disease will be most severe; and if the malefic also behold
the said sign, it will be dangerous. On the other hand, there will be
no danger if the Moon be in a place held at the time of birth by some
benefic.
XLIII. The malefic figures of a nation are strengthened by adverse
figurations of existing times.
XLIV. It is an evil case if the ascendant of a sick person resist the
figuration of his own nativity; and if the time should not bring up any
benefic.
XLV. If the ascendant, or principal significators, be not in human
signs, the native himself will be also estranged from human nature.
XLVI. In nativities much happiness is conferred by the fixed stars; and
also by the angles of the new Moon, and by the place of a kingdom’s
Part of Fortune, should the ascendant be found in any of them.
XLVII. If a malefic in one nativity fall on the place of a benefic in
another nativity, he who has the benefic will suffer damage from him
who has the malefic.
XLVIII. If the mid-heaven of a prince be the ascendant of his subject,
or if their respective significators be configurated in a benevolent
form, they will continue long inseparable. It will be the same, also,
should the sixth house of a subject or servant be the ascendant of his
prince or master.
XLIX. If the ascendant of a servant be the mid-heaven in his master’s
nativity, the master will place so much confidence in that servant as
to be ruled by him.
L. Overlook none of the hundred and nineteen conjunctions; for on them
depends the knowledge of worldly operations, whether of generation or
of corruption.
LI. Make the sign occupied by the Moon at the time of birth the sign
ascending at the conception; and consider that in which she may be
posited at the conception, or the opposite one, as the sign ascending
at the birth.
LII. Men of tall stature have their lords of nativity in elevation, and
their ascendants in the beginnings of signs; but the lords of men of
short stature will be found in declination.[296] It must also be seen
whether the signs be right or oblique.
[296] Or in obscure situations.
LIII. The lords of nativity of slight or thin men have no latitude,
but those of stout or fat men have; and, if the latitude be south, the
native will be active; if north, inactive.
LIV. In the construction of a building, the principal rulers, if
coupled with a star below the earth, will impede the erection.
LV. Mars’ evil influence over ships is diminished if he be neither in
the mid-heaven nor in the eleventh house; but if in either of those
places, he renders the ship liable to be captured by pirates. And if
the ascendant be afflicted by any fixed star of the nature of Mars, the
ship will be burned.
LVI. While the Moon is in her first quarter, withdrawing from her
conjunction with the Sun, the bodily humours expand until her second
quarter: in her other quarters they decrease.
LVII. If, during a sickness, the seventh house and its lord be
afflicted, change the physician.
LVIII. Observe the place of an aspect, and its distance from the
ascendant of the year; for the event will happen when the profection
may arrive thither.
LIX. Before pronouncing that an absent person shall die, observe
whether he may not become intoxicated; before declaring that he shall
receive a wound, see whether he may not be let blood; and before saying
that he shall find treasure, examine whether he may not receive his own
deposit; for the figures of all these things may be similar.
LX. In cases of sickness, observe the critical days, and the Moon’s
progress in the angles of a figure of sixteen sides. If those angles be
well affected, it is favourable for the invalid; if they be afflicted,
unfavourable.
LXI. The Moon is significative of bodily matters, which, in respect of
motion, resemble her.
LXII. By marking exactly the beginning of a conjunction,[297] judgment
may be made of the variation of the weather in the ensuing month. It
will depend upon the lord of the angle of every figure, for he controls
the nature of the atmosphere; assuming also at these times the quality
of the existing weather.
[297] Of the Sun and Moon.
LXIII. In the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, pronounce according
to the nature of that one which may be higher in elevation. Follow the
same rule with other stars.
LXIV. After ascertaining the lord of the inquiry, see what power he may
have in the annual revolution, or in the ascendant of the new Moon; and
pronounce accordingly.
LXV. In the least conjunction, the difference of the mean conjunction,
and in the mean conjunction the difference of the greatest
conjunction.[298]
[298] On this aphorism Partridge has said, “how Ptolemy meant it to be
understood, I know not; and so I leave it.”
LXVI. Consider no profection by itself alone, but make reference also
to the qualifications and impediments of the stars.
LXVII. Years are diminished by the imbecility of the receiver.
LXVIII. A malefic, when matutine, signifies an accident; when
vespertine, a disease.
LXIX. The native’s sight will be impaired if the Moon be opposed to the
Sun, and joined with nebulous stars; and if the Moon be in the western
angle, and both the malefic stars in the eastern angle, the Sun being
in an angle also, the native will become blind.
LXX. Insanity is produced if the Moon have no connection with Mercury;
and, if neither of them be connected with the ascendant, Saturn being
in occupation of the angle by night, but Mars by day, especially if in
Cancer, Virgo, or Pisces, a dæmoniac affection will be produced.
LXXI. If both luminaries may be in masculine signs, in the nativities
of males, their actions will be consonant with nature; but if so placed
in the nativities of females, they increase their action. And Mars and
Venus, if matutine, incline to the masculine gender; if vespertine, to
the feminine.
LXXII. Matters of education are to be considered by the ascending
lords of triplicity; matters of life, by the lords of the conditionary
luminary’s triplicity.
LXXIII. If the Sun be found with the Gorgon’s head (_Caput Medusæ_),
and not aspected by any benefic star, and if there be no benefic
present in the eighth house, and the lord of the conditionary luminary
be opposed to Mars, or in quartile to him, the native will be beheaded.
If the luminary culminate, his body will be maimed or mangled; and if
the aspect in quartile be from Gemini or Pisces, his hands and feet
will be amputated.
LXXIV. Mars, if ascending, uniformly gives a scar in the face.
LXXV. If the Sun be in conjunction with the lord of the ascendant, in
Leo, and Mars has no prerogative in the ascendant, and if there be no
benefic in the eighth house, the native will be burned.
LXXVI. If Saturn hold the mid-heaven, and the conditionary luminary
be opposed to him, the native will perish in the ruins of buildings,
provided the sign on the lower heaven be an earthly sign; if it be a
watery sign, he will be drowned or suffocated by water: if a human
sign, he will be strangled by men, or will perish by the halter or the
scourge. Should there, however, be a benefic in the eighth house, he
will not suffer death, although he will be brought near it.
LXXVII. Profection of the ascendant is to be made for matters affecting
the body; of the Part of Fortune, for extrinsic circumstances; of the
Moon, for the connection between the body and the spirit; and of the
mid-heaven, for the employment or profession.
LXXVIII. A star often dispenses influence in a place in which it has no
prerogative, thus bringing unexpected advantage to the native.
LXXIX. Whoever has Mars in the eleventh house, does not govern his
master.
LXXX. If Venus be in conjunction with Saturn, and have any lord of
house in the seventh house, the native will be of spurious origin.
LXXXI. Times are reckoned in seven ways; viz. by the space between
two significators; by the space between their mutual aspects; by the
approach of one to the other; by the space between either of them
and the place appropriated to the proposed event; by the descension
of a star, with its addition or diminution; by the changing of a
significator; and by the approach of a planet to its place.
LXXXII. When a figure may be equipoised, observe the horoscope (or
figure) at the new or full moon, and, if that also be equipoised, be
not hasty in giving judgment.
LXXXIII. The time of obtaining a grant indicates the affection between
the applicant and his prince; but the seat[299] shows the nature of the
office;—
[299] Or part of heaven indicating the grant.
LXXXIV. And if Mars be lord of the ascendant at the time of entering on
possession, and posited in the second house, or coupled with the lord
of the second, he brings much mischief.
LXXXV. Should the lord of the ascendant be configurated with the lord
of the second house, the prince will spontaneously create many charges.
LXXXVI. The Sun is the source of the vital power; the Moon, of the
natural power.
LXXXVII. Monthly revolutions are made in twenty-eight days, two hours
and about eighteen minutes. Judgment is also made by some persons by
means of the Sun’s progress; that is to say, by his partial equations
to that degree and minute which he might hold at the beginning.
LXXXVIII. In making profection of the part of Fortune for a whole
annual revolution, a space equal to that between the Sun and Moon is to
be reckoned from the ascendant.
LXXXIX. Consider the grandfather’s affairs from the seventh house and
the uncle’s from the sixth.
XC. Should the significator be in aspect to the ascendant, the hidden
event or object will correspond in its nature with the ascendant; but
if the ascendant be not so aspected, the nature of the event will
accord with that of the place in which the significator is posited. The
lord of the hour shows its colour; the place of the Moon its time; and,
if above the earth, it will be a novel thing; if below, old. The part
of Fortune indicates its quantity, whether long or short. The lords of
the terms, and of the lower heaven and mid-heaven, and of the Moon,
shows its substance or value.
XCI. Should the ruler of a sick person be combust, it is an evil
portent; and especially if the part of Fortune be afflicted.
XCII. Saturn, if oriental, is not so highly noxious to a sick person;
nor Mars, if occidental.
XCIII. Judgment is not to be drawn from any figure until the next
conjunction shall have been considered: for principles are varied by
every conjunction; and therefore, to avoid error, both the last and the
next should be combined.
XCIV. The place of the more potent significator indicates the thoughts
of the inquirer.
XCV. The stars rising with the tenth house prove how far the native may
be fitted to the occupation which he follows.
XCVI. In an eclipse, such significations as are made nearest the
angles, show the events decreed. The nature of the stars in accordance
with the eclipse, plants as well as fixed stars, and also the
appearances co-ascending, are likewise to be considered, and judgment
is to be given accordingly.
XCVII. The event inquired about will be speedily accomplished, should
the lord of the new or full Moon be in an angle.
XCVIII. Shooting stars, and meteors like flowing hair, bear a secondary
part in judgments.
XCIX. Shooting stars denote the dryness of the air; and, if they are
projected to one part only, they indicate wind therefrom: if to various
parts, they indicate diminution of waters, a turbulent atmosphere, and
incursions of armies.
C. If comets, whose distance is eleven signs behind the Sun, appear
in angles, the king of some kingdom, or one of the princes or chief
men of a kingdom, will die. If in a succedent house, the affairs of
the kingdom’s treasury will prosper, but the governor or ruler will
be changed. If in a cadent house, there will be diseases and sudden
deaths. And if comets be in motion from the west towards the east, a
foreign foe will invade the country: if not in motion, the foe will be
provincial, or domestic.
END OF THE CENTILOQUY
NO. IV
THE ZODIACAL PLANISPHERE
The Reader is desired to refer to the Plate at end of book containing
diagrams of the Zodiacal Planisphere, which has been spoken of in the
Note in p. 99.
Fig. 1 is the Planisphere adjusted for the northern latitude of 30°
22′ (where the longest day consists of fourteen equatorial hours),
agreeably to the “Exemplification” given by Ptolemy in Chapter XV,
Book 3. It represents that portion of the celestial sphere which is
contained between the tropics: the central horizontal line is the
equator; the curved line extending longitudinally from east to west
is the ecliptic; the central perpendicular line is the meridian, or
cusp of the 10th house; the other short lines, cutting the equator
transversely, are the cusps of the other houses; that of the 1st house
being the eastern horizon; that of the 7th, the western horizon.
Hence, the distance from the 1st house to the meridian, or from the
meridian to the 7th house, shows the semi-diurnal arc of any parallel
of declination in the ecliptic; and the distance of the 7th house to
the 4th, or from the 4th to the 1st, shows the semi-nocturnal arc. The
distance from the cusp of one house to that of the next, taken on the
same parallel, is also equal to two temporal hours; thus, for instance,
in the latitude above quoted, the semi-diurnal arc of 0° ♊ is 6 h. 50
m., or 102° 39′ of the equator; consequently the diurnal temporal hour
is equal to one equatorial hour and eight minutes, or to 17° 6′ of the
equator.
In his first example, Ptolemy directs 0° ♉ to be placed on the
ascendant, so that the beginning of ♑ may be on the mid-heaven; 0° ♊
must, therefore, fall on the point A, distant from the mid-heaven 147°
44′ of the equator, as measured by the line AB; because every point in
the sphere always preserves one and the same parallel with the equator;
and 0° ♊, in passing to the mid-heaven, must proceed along the line
AB. In the present case, however, it is required to know how long 0° ♊
will be in coming to the ascendant, the given position of 0° ♉. Now 0°
♊ will be on the ascendant when it arrives at the point G; therefore
the distance from A to C is the amount of the prorogation between 0° ♉
(when posited on the ascendant) and 0° ♊, and it is equal to 45° 5′ of
the equator. In the second example, 0° ♉ is placed on the mid-heaven,
which position must be at D, so that 0° ♊ must necessarily be at E;
and the distance from E to B, equal to 57° 44′ of the equator, is the
prorogation between 0° ♉ and 0° ♊, when 0⁴ ♉ is on the mid-heaven. In
the third example, 0° ♉ is supposed to be on the 7th house, descending,
at F, so that ♓ is on the mid-heaven, and 0° ♊ at the point G, in
advance of the mid-heaven 32° 16′ of the equator, as shown by the
distance BG. Now it is required to bring 0° ♊ to the 7th house (the
place of 0° ♉), and it will be there on arriving at H, distant from
B 102° 39′ of the equator; but as 0° ♊ is already at G, the distance
from G to H, equal to 70° 23′ of the equator, is the amount of the
prorogation between 0° ♉ and 0° ♊, when 0° ♉ is on the 7th house.
The fourth example places 0° ♉ at I, three temporal hours past the
meridian; 0° ♊ therefore falls on the point K, at the distance of 13
equatorial degrees before the meridian or mid-heaven, and will be three
temporal hours past the meridian (the position of 0° ♉) on arriving
at L, distant 51 equatorial degrees from the mid-heaven: the whole
distance from K (the first position of 0° ♊) to L, its second position,
equal to 64 degrees of the equator, is therefore the prorogation
between 0° ♉ and 0° ♊, when 0° ♉ is past the meridian at the distance
of three temporal hours. Ptolemy has also instanced two other positions
for 0° ♉; viz. at two temporal hours past the meridian, and at two
temporal hours before the occidental angle; or, in other words, on the
cusp of the 9th house, and on that of the 8th. Now, if 0° ♉ be on the
cusp of the 9th house, it must be at M, and 0° ♊ will be at N, distant
62 equatorial degrees from Q, which is also on the cusp of the 9th. If
0° ♉ be on the cusp of the 8th, it must be at O, and 0° ♊ will be at
P, distant 66 equatorial degrees from R, which is also on the cusp of
the 8th: these two several numbers of degrees will be the respective
prorogations between 0° ♉ and 0° ♊, when 0° ♉ is placed on the 9th and
8th houses.
Ptolemy’s “Exemplification” has been followed thus minutely in order to
show how perfectly Mr. Ranger’s invention is adapted to assist (if not
to supersede) arithmetical calculation; for, after the Planisphere has
once been accurately laid down, a line drawn parallel to the equator,
from the significator to the promittor, or to the promittor’s pole of
position, and measured by degrees of the equator, will accomplish the
whole operation of ascertaining the amount of prorogation.
Fig. 2 is the Equator extended, _in plano_, on a scale proportionate
to the planispheres in Figs. 1 and 3: it is divided into 360 degrees,
and into equal time, as measured by the 24 hours of the earth’s daily
rotation on its axis, and by smaller portions of four minutes each,
corresponding with degrees of the equator.
Fig. 3 is the Planisphere set for the latitude of Southern Britain,
51° 30′ N., where the longest day is 16 h. 30 m., the semi-diurnal arc
of 0° ♊ being consequently 7 h. 52 m., or 118° of the equator, and its
diurnal temporal hour equal to one hour and nearly nineteen minutes of
equatorial time, or to 19° 40′ of the equator. In applying Ptolemy’s
examples, given in Chapter XV, Book 3, to this latitude, it will follow
that, when 0° ♉ may be on the ascendant, 0° ♊ will be at A, and will
subsequently arrive at the ascendant at C, after the passage of 29°
43′ of the equator. When 0° ♉ may be on the mid-heaven at D, 0° ♊ will
be at E, and will arrive at B, on the mid-heaven, after the passage
of 57° 44′ of the equator, as in Fig. 1. When 0° ♉ may be on the 7th
house, at F, 0° ♊ will be at G, and will come to the 7th house, at H,
after the passage of 85° 45′ of the equator. If 0° ♉ be three temporal
hours past the meridian, at I, 0° ♊ would be at K, again 13 equatorial
degrees before the meridian, as in Fig. 1, and will be three temporal
hours past the meridian, a position similar to that assumed for 0° ♉,
on arriving at L, distant from the mid-heaven 59 equatorial degrees;
thus making the whole distance, from K to L, 17 equatorial degrees. If
0° ♉ be on the 9th house, at M, 0° ♊ will be at N, distant from Q (also
on the 9th house) about 67 equatorial degrees. If 0° ♉ be on the 8th
house, at O, 0° ♊ will be at P, distant from R (also on the 8th house)
about 76 equatorial degrees.
By taking the trouble to calculate the distances between the several
positions given by Ptolemy, the Reader may satisfy himself of the
sufficiency of this Planisphere for the purpose for which it was first
projected; viz. for the more expeditious measurement of the arcs of
direction. The Tables of Ascensions, extracted from the Almagest,
in p. 152, will show that the arcs, as measured in Figs. 1 and 2 of
the plate, exactly tally with the amounts of distance obtained by
calculating arithmetically, according to the respective latitudes, as
quoted in the Tables.
The slight view which has been here given of the Zodiacal Planisphere
invented by Mr. Ranger, must not be considered as pretending to offer
a complete idea of its powers: they are so manifold and various,
that another volume would be required to detail them fully; and it
has now been used only in order to give a better illustration of
Ptolemy’s examples of the spaces of prorogation than mere words can
do. To persons conversant with the mathematical part of astronomy, the
facility with which a complete representation of zodiacal latitude,
declination, the poles of position, crepusculine circles, and other
phenomena, may be made by this Planisphere, will be sufficiently
obvious from the accompanying Figures.
FINIS
[Illustration: _Fig. 1._]
[Illustration: _Fig. 2._]
[Illustration: _Fig. 3._]