THE QUADRIPARTITE MATHEMATICAL TREATISE,
OR
2. That Knowledge by Astronomical Means is Attainable, and How
Far.
A very few considerations would make it apparent to all that a
certain power emanating from the eternal ethereal substance is
dispersed through and permeates the whole region about the earth,
which throughout is subject to change, since, of the primary
sublunar elements, fire and air are encompassed and changed by
the
motions in the ether, and in turn encompass and change all else,
earth and water and the plants and animals therein. For the sun,
together with the ambient, is always in some way affecting
everything
on the earth, not only by the changes that accompany the seasons
of
the year to bring about the generation of animals, the
productiveness
of plants, the flowing of waters, and the changes of bodies, but
also
by its daily revolutions furnishing heat, moisture, dryness, and
cold
in regular order and in correspondence with its positions
relative to
the zenith. The moon, too, as the heavenly body nearest the
earth,
bestows her effluence most abundantly upon mundane things, for
most
of them, animate or inanimate, are sympathetic to her and change
in
company with her; the rivers increase and diminish their streams
with
her light, the seas turn their own tides with her rising and
setting,
and plants and animals in whole or in some part wax and wane with
her.
Moreover, the passages of the fixed stars and the planets through
the
sky often signify hot, windy, and snowy conditions of the air,
and
mundane things are affected accordingly. Then, too, their aspects
to
one another, by the meeting and mingling of their dispensations,
bring
about many complicated changes. For though the sun's power
prevails
in the general ordering of quality, the other heavenly bodies aid
or
oppose it in particular details, the moon more obviously and
continuously, as for example when it is new, at quarter, or full,
and
the stars at greater intervals and more obscurely, as in their
appearances, occultations, and approaches. If these matters be so
regarded, all would judge it to follow that not only must things
already compounded be affected in some way by the motion of these
heavenly bodies, but likewise the germination and fruition of the
seed must be moulded and conformed to the quality proper to the
heavens at the time. The more observant farmers and herdsmen,
indeed,
conjecture, from the winds prevailing at the time of impregnation
and of the sowing of the seed, the quality of what will result;
and
in general we see that the more important consequences signified
by
the more obvious configurations of sun, moon, and stars are
usually
known beforehand, even by those who inquire, not by scientific
means,
but only by observation. Those which are consequent upon greater
forces and simpler natural orders, such as the annual variations
of
the seasons and the winds, are comprehended by very ignorant men,
nay
even by some dumb animals; for the sun is in general responsible
for
these phenomena. Things that are not of so general a nature,
however,
are comprehended by those who have by necessity become used to
making
observations, as, for instance, sailors know the special signs of
storms and winds that arise periodically by reason of the aspects
of
the moon and fixed stars to the sun. Yet because they cannot in
their
ignorance accurately know the times and places of these
phenomena,
nor the periodic movements of the planets, which contribute
importantly to the effect, it happens that they often err. If,
then,
a man knows accurately the movements of all the stars, the sun,
and
the moon, so that neither the place nor the time of any of their
configurations escapes his notice, and if he has distinguished in
general their natures as the result of previous continued study,
even
though he may discern, not their essential, but only their
potentially
effective qualities, such as the sun's heating and the moon's
moistening, and so on with the rest; and if he is capable of
determining in view of all these data, both scientifically and by
successful conjecture, the distinctive mark of quality resulting
from
the combination of all the factors, what is to prevent him from
being
able to tell on each given occasion the characteristics of the
air
from the relations of the phenomena at the time, for instance,
that
it will be warmer or wetter? Why can he not, too, with respect to
an
individual man, perceive the general quality of his temperament
from
the ambient at the time of his birth, as for instance that he is
such
and such in body and such and such in soul, and predict
occasional
events, by use of the fact that such and such an ambient is
attuned
to such and such a temperament and is favorable to prosperity,
while
another is not so attuned and conduces to injury? Enough,
however;
for the possibility of such knowledge can be understood from
these
and similar arguments.
The following considerations might lead us to observe that
criticism
of the science on the score of impossibility has been specious
but
undeserved. In the first place, the mistakes of those who are not
accurately instructed in its practice, and they are many, as one
would expect in an important and many-sided art, have brought
about
the belief that even its true predictions depend upon chance,
which
is incorrect. For a thing like this is an impotence, not of the
science, but of those who practice it. Secondly; most, for the
sake
of gain, claim credence for another art in the name of this, and
deceive the vulgar, because they are reputed to foretell many
things,
even those that cannot naturally be known beforehand, while to
the
more thoughtful they have thereby given occasion to pass equally
unfavorable judgement upon the natural subjects of prophecy. Nor
is
this deservedly done; it is the same with philosophy -- we need not
abolish it because there are evident rascals among those that
pretend
to it. Nevertheless it is clear that even though one approach
astrology in the most inquiring and legitimate spirit possible,
he
may frequently err, not for any of the reasons state, but
because of
the very nature of the thing and his own weakness in comparison
with
the magnitude of his profession. For in general, besides the fact
that
every science that deals with the quality of its subject-matter
is
conjectural and not to be absolutely affirmed, particularly One
which
is composed of many unlike elements, it is furthermore true that
the
ancient configurations of the planets, upon the basis of which we
attach to similar aspects of our own day the effects observed by
the
ancients in theirs, Can be more Or less similar to the modern
aspects,
and that, too, at long intervals, but not identical, since the
exact
return of all the heavenly bodies and the earth to the same
positions,
unless one holds vain opinions of his ability to comprehend and
know
the incomprehensible, either takes place not at all or at least
not in
the period of time that falls within the experience of man; so
that
for this reason predictions sometimes fail, because of the
disparity
of the examples on which they are based. As to the investigation
of
atmospheric phenomena, this would be the only difficulty, since
no
other cause besides the movement of the heavenly bodies is taken
into
consideration. But in an inquiry concerning nativities and
individual
temperaments in general, one can see that there are circumstances
of
no small importance and of no trifling character, which join to
cause the special qualities of those who are born. For
differences of
seed exert a very great influence on the special traits of the
genus,
since, if the ambient and the horizon are the same, each seed
prevails to express in general its own form, for example, man,
horse,
and so forth; and the places of birth bring about no small
variation
in what is produced. For if the seed is generically the same,
human
for example, and the condition of the ambient the same, those who
are
born differ much, both in body and soul, with the difference of
countries. In addition to this, all the aforesaid conditions
being
equal, rearing and customs contribute to influence the particular
way
in which a life is lived. Unless each one of these things is
examined
together with the causes that are derived from the ambient,
although
this latter be conceded to exercise the greatest influence (for
the
ambient is one of the causes for these things being what they
are,
while they in turn have no influence upon it), they can cause
much
difficulty for those who believe that in such cases everything
can be
understood, even things not wholly within its jurisdiction, from
the
motion of the heavenly bodies alone.
Since this is the case, it would not be fitting to
dismiss all prognostication of this character because it can
sometimes
be mistaken, for we do not discredit the art of the pilot for its
many errors; but as when the claims are great, so also when they
are
divine, we should welcome what is possible and think it enough.
Nor,
further, should we gropingly and in human fashion demand
everything
of the art, but rather join in the appreciation of its beauty,
even
in instances wherein it could not provide the full answer; and as
we
do not find fault with the physicians, when they examine a
person,
for speaking both about the sickness itself and about the
patient's
idiosyncrasy, so too in this case we should not object to
astrologers
using as a basis for calculation nationality, country, and
rearing,
or any other already existing accidental qualities.
Section 03
3. That it is also Beneficial.
In somewhat summary fashion it has been shown how prognostication
by
astronomical means is possible, and that it can go no further
than
what happens in the ambient and the consequences to man from such
causes -- that is, it concerns the original endowments of faculties
and
activities of soul and body, their occasional diseases, their
endurance for a long or a short time, and, besides, all external
circumstances that have a directive and natural connection with
the
original gifts of nature, such as property and marriage in the
case
of the body and honor and dignities in that of the soul, and
finally
what befalls them from time to time. The remaining part of our
project
would be to inquire briefly as to its usefulness, first
distinguishing
how and with what end in view we shall take the meaning of the
word
usefulness. For if we look to the goods of the soul, what could
be
more conducive to well-being, pleasure, and in general
satisfaction
than this kind of forecast, by which we gain full view of things
human and divine? And if we look to bodily goods, such knowledge,
better than anything else, would perceive what is fitting and
expedient for the capabilities of each temperament. But if it
does
not aid in the acquisition of riches, fame, and the like, we
shall be
able to say the same of all philosophy, for it does not provide
any
of these things as far as its own powers are concerned. We should
not, however, for that reason be justified in condemning either
philosophy or this art, disregarding its greater advantages.
To a general examination it would appear that those who find
fault
with the uselessness of prognostication have no regard for the
most
important matters, but only for this -- that foreknowledge of events
that will happen in any case is superfluous; this, too, quite
unreservedly and without due discrimination. For, in the first
place.
we should consider that even with events that will necessarily
take
place their unexpectedness is very apt to cause excessive panic
and
delirious joy. while foreknowledge accustoms and calms the soul
by
experience of distant events as though they were present, and
prepares it to greet with calms and steadiness whatever comes. A
second reason is that we should not believe that separate events
attend mankind as the result of the heavenly cause as if they had
been originally ordained for each person by some irrevocable
divine
command and destined -- to take place by necessity without the
possibility of any other cause whatever interfering. Rather is it
true that the movement of the heavenly bodies, to be sure. is
eternally performed in accordance with divine. unchangeable
destiny,
while the change of earthly things is subject to a natural and
mutable rate, and in drawing its first causes from above it is
governed by chance and natural sequence. Moreover, some things
happen to mankind through more general circumstances and not as
the
result of an individual's own natural propensities -- for example,
when
men perish in multitudes by conflagration or pestilence or
cataclysms, through monstrous and inescapable changes in the
ambient,
for the lesser cause always yields to the greater and stronger;
other
occurrences, however, accord with the individual's own natural
temperament through miner and fortuitous antipathies of the
ambient.
For if these distinctions are thus made, it is clear that both in
general and in particular whatever events depend upon a first
cause,
which is irresistible and more powerful than anything that
opposes
it, must by all means take place; on the contrary, of events that
are
not of this character, those which are provided with resistant
forces
are easily averted, while those that are not follow the primary
natural causes, to be sure, but this is due to ignorance and not
to
the necessity of almighty power. One might observe this same
thing
happening in all events whatsoever that have natural causes. For
even
of stones, plants, and animals, and also of wounds, mishaps, and
sicknesses, some are of such a nature as to act of necessity,
others only if no opposing thing interferes. One should therefore
believe that physical philosophers predict what is to befall men
with
foreknowledge of this character and do not approach their task
under
false impressions; for certain things, because their effective
causes
are numerous and powerful, are inevitable, but others for the
opposite
reason may be averted. Similarly those physicians who can
recognize
ailments know beforehand those which are always fatal and those
which
admit of aid. In the case of events that may be modified we must
give
heed to the astrologer, when, for example, he says that to such
and
such a temperament, with such and such a character of the
ambient,
if the fundamental proportions increase or decrease, such and
such an
affection will result. Similarly we must believe the physician,
when
he says that this sore will spread or cause putrefaction, and the
miner, for instance, that the lodestone attracts iron: just as
each
of these, if left to itself through ignorance of the opposing
forces,
will inevitably develop as its original nature compels, but
neither
will the sore cause spreading or putrefaction if it receives
preventive treatment, nor will the lodestone attract the iron if
it
is rubbed with garlic; and these very deterrent measures also
have
their resisting power naturally and by fate; so also in the other
cases, if future happenings to men are not known, or if they are
known and the remedies are not applied, they will by all means
follow
the course of primary nature; but if they are recognized ahead of
time and remedies are provided, again quite in accord with nature
and
fate, they either do not occur at all or are rendered less
severe.
And in general, since such power is the same whether applied to
things regarded universally or particularly, one would wonder why
all
believe in the efficacy of prediction in universal matters, and
in
its usefulness for guarding one's interests (for most people
admit
that they have foreknowledge of the seasons, of the significance
of
the constellations, and of the phases of the moon, and take great
forethought for safeguarding themselves, always contriving
cooling
agents against summer and the means of warmth against winter, and
in
general preparing their own natures with moderation as a goal;
furthermore, to ensure the safety of the seasons and of their
sailings they watch the significance of the fixed stars, and, for
the
beginning of breeding and sowing, the aspects of the moon's light
at
its full, and no one ever condemns such practices either as
impossible or useless); but, on the other hand, as regards
particular
matters and those depending upon the mixture of the other
qualities -- such as predictions of more or less, of cold or of
heat,
and of the individual temperament -- some people believe neither
that
foreknowledge is still possible nor that precautions can be taken
in
most instances. And yet, since it is obvious that, if we happen
to
have cooled ourselves against heat in general, we shall suffer
less
from it, similar measures can prove effective against particular
forces which increase this particular temperament to a
disproportionate amount of heat. For the cause of this error is
the
difficulty and unfamiliarity of particular prognostication, a
reason
which in most other situations as well brings about disbelief.
And
since for the most part the resisting faculty is not coupled with
the
prognostic, because so perfect a disposition is rare, and since
the
force of nature takes its course without hindrance when the
primary
natures are concerned, an opinion has been produced that
absolutely
all future events are inevitable and unescapable.
But, I think, just as with prognostication, even if it be not
entirely infallible, at least its possibilities have appeared
worthy
of the highest regard, so too in the case of defensive practice,
even
though it does not furnish a remedy for everything. its authority
in
some instances at least, however few or unimportant, should be
welcomed and prized. and regarded as profitable in no ordinary
sense.
Recognizing, apparently, that these things are so, those who have
most
advanced this faculty of the art, the Egyptians, have entirely
united medicine with astronomical prediction. For they would
never have devised certain means of averting or warding off or
remedying the universal and particular conditions that come or
are
present by reason of the ambient, if they had had any idea that
the
future cannot be moved and changed. But as it is, they place the
faculty of resisting by orderly natural means in second rank to
the
decrees of fate, and have yoked to the possibility of
prognostication
its useful and beneficial faculty, through what they call their
iatromathematical systems (medical astrology), in order that by
means
of astronomy they may succeed in learning the qualities of the
underlying temperatures, the events that will occur in the future
because of the ambient, and their special causes, on the ground
that
without this knowledge any measures of aid ought for the most
part
to fail, because the same onesare not fitted for all bodies or
diseases; and, on the other band, by means of medicine, through
their
knowledge of what is properly sympathetic or antipathetic in each
case, they proceed, as far as possible, to take precautionary
measures against impending illness and to prescribe infallible
treatment for existing disease.
Let this be, to this point, our summarily stated preliminary
sketch.
We shall now conduct our discussion after the manner of an
introduction, beginning with the character of each of the
heavenly
bodies with respect to its active power, in agreement with the
physical observations attached to them by the ancients, and in
the
first place the powers of the planets, sun, and moon.
Section 04
4. Of the Power of the Planets.
The active power of the sun's essential nature is found to be
heating
and, to a certain degree, drying. This is made more easily
perceptible
in the case of the sun than any other heavenly body by its size
and
by the obviousness of its seasonal changes, for the closer it
approaches to the zenith the more it affects us in this way. Most
of
the moon's power consists of humidifying, clearly because it is
close
to the earth and because of the moist exhalations therefrom. Its
action therefore is precisely this, to soften and cause
putrefaction
in bodies for the most part, but it shares moderately also in
heating
power because of the light which it receives from the sun.
It is Saturn's quality chiefly to cool and, moderately, to dry,
probably because he is furthest removed both from the sun's heat
and
the moist exhalations about the earth. Both in Saturn's case and
in
that of the other planets there are powers, too, which arise
through
the observation of their aspects to the sun and the moon, for
some of
them appear to modify conditions in the ambient in one way, some
in
another, by increase or by decrease.
The nature of Mars is chiefly to dry and to burn, in conformity
with
his fiery color and by reason of his nearness to the sun, for
the
sun's sphere lies just below him.
Jupiter has a temperate active force because his movement takes
place
between the cooling influence of Saturn and the burning power of
Mars.
He both heats and humidifies; and because his heating power is
the
greater by reason of the underlying spheres, he produces
fertilizing
winds.
Venus has the same powers and tempered nature as Jupiter, but
acts in
the opposite way; for she warms moderately because of her
nearness to
the sun, but chiefly humidifies, like the moon, because of the
amount
of her own light and because she appropriates the exhalations
from
the moist atmosphere surrounding the earth.
Mercury in general is found at certain times alike to be drying
and
absorptive of moisture, because he never is far removed in
longitude
from the heat of the sun; and again humidifying, because he is
next
above the sphere of the moon, which is closest to the earth; and
to
change quickly from one to the other, inspired as it were by the
speed of his motion in the neighborhood of the sun itself.
Section 05
5. Of Beneficent and Maleficent Planets.
Since the foregoing is the case, because two of the four humours
are
fertile and active, the hot and the moist (for all things are
brought
together and increased by them), and two are destructive and
passive,
the dry and the cold, through which all things, again, are
separated
and destroyed, the ancients accepted two of the planets, Jupiter
and
Venus, together with the moon, as beneficent because of their
tempered
nature and because they abound in the hot and the moist, and
Saturn
and Mars as producing effects of the opposite nature, one because
of
his excessive cold and the other for his excessive dryness; the
sun
and Mercury, however, they thought to have both powers, because
they,
have a common nature, and to join their influences with those of
the
other planets, with whichever of them they are associated.
Section 06
6. Of Masculine and Feminine Planets.
Again, since there are two primary kinds of natures, male and
female,
and of the forces already mentioned that of the moist is
especially
feminine -- for as a general thing this element is present to a
greater
degree in all females, and the others rather in maleswith good
reason
the view has been handed down to us that the moon and Venus are
feminine, because they share more largely in the moist, and that
the
sun, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars are masculine, and Mercury common
to
both genders, inasmuch as he produces the dry and the moist
alike.
They say too that the stars become masculine or feminine
according to
their aspects to the sun, for when they are morning stars and
precede
the sun they become masculine, and feminine when they are
evening
stars and follow the sun. Furthermore this happens also according
to
their positions with respect to the horizon; for when they are in
positions from the orient to mid-heaven, or again from the
occident
to lower mid-heaven, they become masculine because they are
eastern,
but in the other two quadrants, as western stars, they become
feminine.
Section 07
7. Of Diurnal and Nocturnal Planets.
Similarly, since of the two most obvious intervals of those which
make up time, the day is more masculine because of its heat and
active force, and night more feminine because of its moisture and
its
gift of rest, the tradition has consequently been handed down
that the
moon and Venus are nocturnal, the sun and Jupiter diurnal, and
Mercury
common as before, diurnal when it is a morning star and nocturnal
as
an evening star. They also assigned to each of the sects the two
destructive stars, not however in this instance on the principle
of
similar natures, but of just the opposite; for when stars of the
same
kind are joined with those of the good temperament their
beneficial
influence -- is increased, but if dissimilar stars are associated
with
the destructive onesthe greatest part of their injurious power
is
broken. Thus they assigned, Saturn, which is cold, to the warmth
of
day, and Mars, which is dry, to the moisture of night, for in
this
way each of them -- attains good proportion through admixture and
becomes a proper member of its sect, which provides moderation.
Section 08
8. Of the Power of the Aspects to the Sun.
Now, mark you, likewise, according to their aspects to the sun,
the
moon and three of the planets experience increase and decrease in
their own powers. For in its waxing from new moon to first
quarter
the moon is more productive of moisture; in its passage from
first
quarter to full, of heat; from full to last quarter; of dryness,
and
from last quarter to occultation, of cold. The planets, in
oriental
aspects only, are more productive of moisture from rising to
their
first station, of heat from first station to evening rising, of
dryness from evening rising to the second station, of cold from
second station to setting; and it is clear that when they are
associated with one another they produce very many variations of
quality in our ambient, the proper force of each one for the most
part persisting, but being changed in quantity by the force of
the
stars that share the configuration.
Section 09
9. Of the Power of the Fixed Stars.
As it is next in order to recount the natures of the fixed stars
with reference to their special powers, we shall set forth their
observed characters in an exposition like that of the natures of
the
planets, and in the first place those of the onesthat occupy the
figures in the zodiac itself.
The stars in the head of Aries, then, have an effect like the
power
of Mars and Saturn, mingled; those in the mouth like Mercury's
power
and moderately like Saturn's; those in the hind foot like that of
Mars, and those in the tail like that of Venus.
Of those in Taurus, the stars along the line where it is cut off
have
a temperature like that of Venus and in a measure like that of
Saturn; those in the Pleiades, like those of the moon and
Jupiter; of
the stars in the head, the one of the Hyades that is bright and
somewhat reddish, called the Torch, has a temperature like that
of
Mars; the others, like that of Saturn and moderately, like that
of
Mercury; those in the tips of the horns, like that of Mars.
Of the stars in Gemini, those in the feet share the same quality
as
Mercury and, to a less degree, as Venus; the bright stars in the
thighs, the same as Saturn; of the two bright stars in the heads,
the one in the head in advance the same as Mercury;
it is also called the star of Apollo; the one in the head that
follows, the same as Mars; it is also called the star of
Hercules.
Of the stars in Cancer, the two in the eyes produce the same
effect
as Mercury, and, to a less degree, as Mars; those in the claws,
the
same as Saturn and Mercury; the cloud-like cluster in the breast,
called the Manger, the same as Mars and the moon; and the two on
either side of it, which are called Asses, the same as Mars and
the sun.
Of those in Leo, the two in the head act in the same way as
Saturn
and, to a less degree, as Mars; the three in the throat, the same
as
Saturn and, to a less degree, as Mercury; the bright star upon
the
heart, called Regulus, the same as Mars and Jupiter; those in the
hip
and the bright star in the tail, the same as Saturn and Venus;
and
those in the thighs, the same as Venus and, to a less degree,
Mercury.
Of the stars in Virgo, those in the head and the one upon the tip
of
the southern wing have an effect like that of Mercury and, in
less
degree, of Mars; the other bright stars of the wing and those on
the
girdles like that of Mercury and, in a measure, of Venus; the
bright
star in the northern wing, called Vindemiator, like those of
Saturn
and Mercury; the so-called Spica, like that of Venus and, in a
less
degree, that of Mars; those in the tips of the feet and the train
like that of Mercury and, in a less degree, Mars.
Of those in the Claws of the Scorpion, the onesat their very
extremities exercise the same influence as do Jupiter and
Mercury;
those in the middle parts the same as do Saturn and, to a less
degree, Mars.
Of the stars in the body of Scorpio, the bright stars on the
forehead
act in the same way as does Mars and in some degree as does
Saturn;
the three in the body, the middle one of which is tawny and
rather
bright and is called Antares, the same as Mars and, in some
degree,
Jupiter; those in the joints, the same as Saturn and, in some
degree,
Venus; those in the sting, the same as Mercury and Mars; and the
so-called cloud-like cluster, the same as Mars and the moon.
Of the stars in Sagittarius, those in the point of his arrow have
an
effect like that of Mars and the moon; those in the bow and the
grip
of his hand, like that of Jupiter and Mars; the cluster in his
forehead, like that of the sun and Mars; those in the cloak and
his
back, like that of Jupiter and, to a less degree, of Mercury;
those
in his feet, like that of Jupiter and Saturn; the quadrangle upon
the
tail, like that of Venus and, to a less degree, of Saturn.
Of the stars in Capricorn, those in the horns act in the same way
as
Venus and, in same degree, as Mars; those in the mouth, as Saturn
and, in same degree, as Venus; those in the feet and the belly,
as
Mars and Mercury; and those in the tail, as Saturn and Jupiter.
Of the stars in Aquarius, those in the shoulders exert an
influence
like that of Saturn and Mercury, together with those in the left
arm
and the cloak; those in the thighs, like that of Mercury in a
greater
degree and like that of Saturn in a lesser degree; those in the
stream of water, like that of Saturn and, in same degree, like
that
of Jupiter.
Of the stars in Pisces, those in the head of the southern Fish
act in
the same way as Mercury and somewhat as does Saturn; those in the
body, as do Jupiter and Mercury; those in the tail and the
southern
cord, as do Saturn and, in some degree, Mercury; those in the
body
and backbone of the northern Fish, as do Jupiter and, in some
degree,
Venus; those in the northern part of the cord, as do Saturn and
Jupiter; and the bright star on the bond, as do Mars and, in some
degree, Mercury.
Of the stars in the configurations north of the zodiac, the
bright
stars in Ursa Minor have a similar quality to that of Saturn and,
to a less degree, to that of Venus; those in Ursa Major, to that
of
Mars; and the cluster of the Coma Berenices beneath the Bear's
tail,
to that of the moon and Venus; the bright stars in Draco, to that
of
Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter; those of Cepheus, to that of Saturn
and
Jupiter: those in Bootes, to that of Mercury and Saturn; the
bright,
tawny star, to that of Jupiter and Mars, the star called
Arcturus;
the star in Corona Septentrionalis, to that of Venus and Mercury;
those in Geniculator, to that of Mercury; those in Lyra, to that
of
Venus and Mercury; and likewise those in Cygnus. The stars in
Cassiopeia have the effect of Saturn and Venus; those in Perseus,
of
Jupiter and Saturn; the cluster in the hilt of the sword, of Mars
and
Mercury; the bright stars in Auriga, of Mars and Mercury; those
in
Ophiuchus, of Saturn and, to some degree, of Venus; those in his
serpent, of Saturn and Mars; those in Sagitta, of Mars and, to
some
degree, of Venus; those in Aquila, of Mars and Jupiter; those in
Delphinus, of Saturn and Mars; the bright stars in the Horse, of
Mars
and Mercury; those in Andromeda, of Venus; those in Triangulum,
of
Mercury.
Of the stars in the formations south of the zodiac the bright
star in
the mouth of Piscis Australis has an influence similar to that of
Venus and Mercury; those in Cetus, similar to that of Saturn; of
those in Orion, the stars on his shoulders similar to that of
Mars
and Mercury, and the other bright stars similar to that of
Jupiter
and Saturn; of the stars in Eridanus the last bright one has an
influence like that of Jupiter and the others like that of
Saturn;
the star in Lepus, like that of Saturn and Mercury; of those in
Canis, the others like that of Venus, and the bright star in the
mouth, like that of Jupiter and, to a less degree, of Mars; the
bright star Procyon, like that of Mercury. and, in a less degree,
that of Mars; the bright stars in Hydra, like that of Saturn and
Venus; those in Crater, like that of Venus and, in a less degree,
of
Mercury; those in Corvus, like that of Mars and Saturn; the
bright
stars of Argo, like that of Saturn and Jupiter; of those in
Centaurus, the onesin the human body, like that of Venus and
Mercury,
and the bright stars in the equine body like that of Venus and
Jupiter; the bright stars in Lupus, like that of Saturn and, in
less
degree, of Mars; those in Are, like that of Venus and, to a
lesser
degree, of Mercury; and the bright stars in Corona Australis,
like
that of Saturn and Mercury.
Such, then, are the observations of the effects of the stars
themselves as made by our predecessors.
Section 10
10. Of the Effect of the Seasons and of the Four Angles.
Of the four seasons of the year, spring, summer, autumn, and
winter,
spring exceeds in moisture on account of its diffusion after the
cold
has passed and warmth is setting in; the summer, in heat, because
of
the nearness of the sun to the zenith; autumn more in dryness,
because of the sucking up of the moisture during the hot season
just
past; and winter exceeds in cold, because the sun is farthest
away
from the zenith. For this reason, although there is no natural
beginning of the zodiac, since it is a circle, they assume that
the
sign which begins with the vernal equinox, that of Aries, is the
starting point of them all, making the excessive moisture of
the spring the first part of the zodiac as though it
were a living creature, and taking next in order the remaining
seasons, because in all creatures the
earliest ages, like the spring, have a larger share
of moisture and are tender and still delicate. The second age, up
to
the prime of life, exceeds in heat,
like summer; the third, which is now past the prime
and on the verge of decline, has an excess of dryness, like
autumn;
and the last, which approaches dissolution, exceeds in its
coldness,
like winter.
Similarly, too, of the four regions and angles of
the horizon, from which originate the winds from the cardinal
points,
the eastern one likewise excels in dryness because, when the sun
is
in that region, whatever has been moistened by the night then
first
begins to be dried; and the winds which blow from it, which we
call
in general Apeliotes, are without moisture and drying in effect.
The
region to the south is hottest because of the fiery heat of the
sun's passages through mid-heaven and because these passages, on
account of the inclination of our inhabited world, diverge more
to
the south; and the winds which blow thence and are called by the
general name Notus are hot and rarefying. The region to the west
is
itself moist, because when the sun is therein the things dried
out
during the day then first begin to become moistened; likewise the
winds which blow from this part, which we call by the general
name
Zephyrus, are fresh and moist. The region to the north is the
coldest, because through our inhabited world's inclination it is
too far removed from the causes of heat arising from the sun's
culmination, as it is also when the sun is at its lower
culmination;
and the winds which blow thence, which are called by the general
name Boreas, are cold and condensing in effect.
The knowledge of these facts is useful to enable one to form a
complete judgement of temperatures in individual instances. For
it
is easily recognizable that, together with such conditions as
these,
of seasons, ages, or angles, there is a corresponding variation
in
the potency of the stars' faculties, and that in the conditions
akin to them their quality is purer and their effectiveness
stronger,
those that are heating by nature, for instance, in heat, and
those
that are moistening in the moist, while under opposite conditions
their power is adulterated and weaker. Thus the heating stars in
the
cold periods and the moistening stars in the dry periods are
weaker,
and similarly in the other cases, according to the quality
produced
by the mixture.
Section 11
11. Of Solstitial, Equinoctial, Solid, and Bicorporeal Signs.
After the explanation of these matters the next subject to be
added
would be the natural characters of the zodiacal signs themselves,
as
they have been handed down by tradition. For although their more
general temperaments are each analogous to the seasons that take
place in them, certain peculiar qualities of theirs arise from
their
kinship to the sun, moon, and planets, as we shall relate in what
follows, putting first the unmingled powers of the signs
themselves
alone, regarded both absolutely and relatively to one another.
The first distinctions, then, are of the so-called solstitial,
equinoctial, solid, and bicorporeal signs. For there are two
solstitial signs, the first interval of 30° from the summer
solstice,
the sign of Cancer, and the first from the winter solstice,
Capricorn; and they have received their name from what takes
place in
them. For the sun turns when he is at the beginning of these
signs
and reverses his latitudinal progress, causing summer in Cancer
and
winter in Capricorn. Two signs are called equinoctial, the One
which
is first from the spring equinox, Aries, and the one which begins
with the autumnal equinox, Libra; and they too again are named
from
what happens there, because when the sun is at the beginning of
these
signs he makes the nights exactly equal to the days.
Of the remaining eight signs four are called solid and four
bicorporeal. The solid signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius,
are
those which follow the solstitial and equinoctial signs; and they
are
so called because when the sun is in them the moisture, heat,
dryness, and cold of the seasons that begin in the preceding
signs
touch us more firmly, not that the weather is naturally any more
intemperate at that time, but that we are by then inured to them
and
for that reason are more sensible of their power.
The bicorporeal signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces,
are
those which follow the solid signs, and are so called because
they
are between the solid and the solstitial and equinoctial signs
and
share, as it were, at end and beginning, the natural properties
of
the two states of weather.
Section 12
12. Of Masculine and Feminine Signs.
Again, in the same way they assigned six of the
signs to the masculine and diurnal nature and an
equal number to the feminine and nocturnal. An alternating order
was
assigned to them because day is always yoked to night and close
to it,
and female to male. Now as Aries is taken as the starting-point
for
the reasons we have mentioned, and as the male likewise rules and
holds first place, since also the
active is always superior to the passive in power, the signs of
Aries
and Libra were thought to be masculine and diurnal, an additional
reason being that the equinoctial circle which is drawn through
them
completes the primary and most powerful movement of the whole
universe. The signs in succession after them correspond, as we
said,
in alternating order.
Same, however, employ an order of masculine and feminine signs
whereby the masculine begins with the sign that is rising, called
the horoscope. For just as some begin the solstitial signs with
the
moon's sign because the moon changes direction more swiftly than
the
rest, so they begin the masculine signs with the horoscope
because
it is further to the east, some as before making use of the
alternate
order of signs, and others dividing by entire quadrants, and
designating as matutinal and masculine signs those of the
quadrant
from the horoscope to mid-heaven and those of the opposite
quadrant
from the occident to the lower mid-heaven, and as evening and
feminine the other two quadrants. They have also attached other
descriptions to the signs, derived from their shapes; I refer,
for
example, to "four-footed," -. terrestrial," "commanding,""
fecund,"
and similar appellations. These, since their reason and their
significance are directly derived, we think it superfluous to
enumerate, since the quality resulting from such conformations
can
be explained in connection with those predictions wherein it is
obviously useful.
Section 13
13. Of the Aspects of the Signs.
Of the parts of the zodiac those first are familiar one to
another
which are in aspect. These are the oneswhich are in opposition,
enclosing two right angles, six signs, and 180 degrees; those
which
are in trine, enclosing one and one-third right angles, four
signs,
and 120 degrees; those which are said to be in quartile,
enclosing
one right angle, three signs, and 90 degrees, and finally those
that
occupy the sextile position, enclosing two-thirds of a right
angle,
two signs, and 60 degrees.
We may learn from the following why only these intervals have
been
taken into consideration. The explanation of opposition is
immediately obvious, because it causes the signs to meet on one
straight line. But if we take the two fractions and the two
superparticulars most important in music, and if the fractions
one-half and one-third be applied to opposition, composed of two
right angles, the half makes the quartile and the third the
sextile
and trine. Of the superparticulars, if the sesquialter and
sesquitertian be applied to the quartile interval of one right
angle, which lies between them, the sesquialter makes the ratio
of
the quartile to the sextile and the sesquitertian that of trine
to
quartile. Of these aspects trine and sextile are called
harmonious
because they are composed of signs of the same kind, either
entirely
of feminine or entirely of masculine signs; while quartile and
opposition are disharmonious because they are composed of signs
of
opposite kinds.
Section 14
14. Of Commanding and Obeying Signs.
Similarly the names "commanding" and "obeying" are applied to
the
divisions of the zodiac which are disposed at an equal distance
from
the same equinoctial sign, whichever it may be, because they
ascend
in equal period of time and are on equal parallels. Of these the
ones in the summer hemisphere are called "commanding" and those
in
the winter hemisphere "obedient," because the sun makes the day
longer than the night when he is in the summer hemisphere, and
shorter in the winter.
Section 15
15. Of Signs which Behold each other and Signs of Equal Power.
Again they say that the parts which are equally removed from the
same
tropical sign, whichever it may be, are of equal power, because
when
the sun comes into either of them the days are equal to the days,
the nights to the nights, and the lengths of their own hours are
the
same. These also are said to "behold" one another both for the
reasons stated and because each of the pair rises from the same
part
of the horizon and sets in the same part.
Section 16
16. Of Disjunct Signs.
"Disjunct" and "alien" are the names applied to those divisions
of
the zodiac which have none whatever of the aforesaid
familiarities
with one another. These are the oneswhich belong neither to the
class of commanding or obeying, beholding or of equal power, and
furthermore they are found to be entirely without share in the
four
aforesaid aspects, opposition, trine, quartile, and sextile, and
are
either one or five signs apart; for those which are one sign
apart
are as it were averted from one another and, though they are two,
bound the angle of One, and those that are five signs apart
divide
the whole circle into unequal parts. while the other aspects make
an
equal division of the perimeter.
Section 17
17. Of the Houses of the Several Planets.
The planets also have familiarity with the parts of the zodiac,
through what are called their houses, triangles, exaltations,
terms,
and the like. The system of houses is of the following nature.
Since
of the twelve signs the most northern, which are closer than the
others to our zenith and therefore most productive of heat and of
warmth are Cancer and Leo, they assigned these to the greatest
and
most powerful heavenly bodies, that is, to the luminaries, as
houses,
Leo, which is masculine, to the sun and Cancer, feminine, to the
moon.
In keeping with this they assumed the semicircle from Leo to
Capricorn to be solar and that from Aquarius to Cancer to be
lunar,
so that in each of the semicircles one sign might be assigned to
each
of the five planets as its own, one bearing aspect to the sun and
the
other to the moon, consistently with the spheres of their motion
and
the peculiarities of their natures. For to Saturn, in whose
nature
cold prevails, as opposed to heat, and which occupies the orbit
highest and farthest from the luminaries, were assigned the signs
opposite Cancer and Leo, namely Capricorn and Aquarius, with the
additional reason that these signs are cold and wintry, and
further
that their diametrical aspect is not consistent with beneficence.
To
Jupiter, which is moderate and below Saturn's sphere, were as
signed
the two signs next to the foregoing, windy and fecund,
Sagittarius
and Pisces, in triangular aspect to the luminaries, which is a
harmonious and beneficent configuration. Next, to Mars, which is
dry
in nature and occupies a sphere under that of Jupiter, there were
assigned again the two signs, contiguous to the former, Scorpio
and
Aries, having a similar nature, and, agreeably to Mars'
destructive
and inharmonious quality, in quartile aspect to the luminaries.
To
Venus, which is temperate and beneath Mars, were given the next
two
signs, which are extremely fertile, Libra and Taurus.
These preserve the harmony of the sextile aspect; another reason
is
that this planet at most is never more than two signs removed
from
the sun in either direction. Finally, there were given to
Mercury,
which never is farther removed from the sun than one sign in
either
direction and is beneath the others and closer in a way to both
of
the luminaries, the remaining signs, Gemini and Virgo, which are
next to the houses of the luminaries.
Section 18
18. Of the Triangles.
The familiarity by triangles is as follows. Inasmuch as the
triangular and equilateral form is most harmonious with itself,
the
zodiac also is bounded by three circles, the equinoctial and the
two tropics, and its twelve parts are divided into four
equilateral
triangles. The first of these, which passes through Aries, Leo,
and
Sagittarius, is composed of three masculine signs and includes
the
houses of the sun, of Mars, and of Jupiter. This triangle was
assigned
to the sun and Jupiter, since Mars is not of the solar sect. The
sun
assumes first governance of it by day and Jupiter by night. Also,
Aries is close to the equinoctial circle, Leo to the summer
solstice
and Sagittarius to the winter solstice. This triangle is
preeminently
northern because of Jupiter's share in its government, since
Jupiter is fecund and windy, similarly to the winds from the
north.
However, because of the house of Mars it suffers an admixture of
the
south-west wind and is constituted Borrolibycon, because Mars
causes such winds and also because of the sect of the moon and
the
feminine quality of the occident.
The second triangle, which is the one drawn through Taurus,
Virgo,
and Capricorn, is composed of three feminine signs, and
consequently
was assigned to the moon and Venus; the moon governs it by night
and
Venus by day. Taurus lies toward the summer tropic, Virgo toward
the
equinox, and Capricorn toward the winter tropic. This triangle is
made preeminently southern because of the dominance of Venus,
since
this star through the heat and moisture of its power produces
similar
winds; but as it receives an admixture of Apeliotes because the
house of Saturn, Capricornus, is included within it, it is
constituted Notapeliotes in contrast to the filet triangle, since
Saturn produces winds of this kind and is related to the east
through sharing in the sect of the sun.
The third triangle is the one drawn through Gemini, Libra, and
Aquarius, composed of three masculine signs, and having no
relation
to Mars but rather to Saturn and Mercury because of their houses.
It
was assigned in turn to these, with Saturn governing during the
day
on account of his sect and Mercury by night. The sign of Gemini
lies
toward the summer tropic, Libra toward the equinox, and Aquarius
toward the winter tropic. This triangle also is primarily of
eastern
constitution, because of Saturn, but by admixture north-eastern,
because the sect of Jupiter has familiarity with Saturn, inasmuch
as
it is diurnal.
The fourth triangle, which is the one drawn through Cancer,
Scorpio,
and Pisces, was left to the only remaining planet, Mars, which is
related to it through his house, Scorpio; and along with him, on
account of the sect and the femininity of the signs, the moon by
night and Venus by day are co-rulers. Cancer is near the summer
circle, Scorpio lies close to the winter one, and Pisces to the
equinox. This triangle is constituted preeminently western,
because
it is dominated by Mars and the moon; but by admixture it
becomes
south-western through the domination of Venus.
Section 19
19. Of Exaltations.
The so-called exaltations of the planets have the following
explanation. Since the sun, when he is in Aries, is making his
transition to the northern and higher semicircle, and in Libra is
passing into the southern and lower One, they have fittingly
assigned
Aries to him as his exaltation, since there the length of the day
and
the heating power of his nature begin to increase, and Libra as
his
depression for the opposite reasons.
Saturn again, in order to have a position opposite to the sun, as
also in the matter of their houses, look, contrariwise, Libra as
his
exaltation and Aries as his depression. For where heat increases
there cold diminishes, and where the former diminishes cold on
the
contrary increases. And since the moon, coming to conjunction in
the
exaltation of the sun, in Aries, shows her first phase and begins
to
increase her light and, as it were, her height, in the first sign
of
her own triangle, Taurus, this was called her exaltation, and the
diametrically opposite sign, Scorpio, her depression.
Then Jupiter, which produces the fecund north winds, reaches
farthest north in Cancer and brings his own power to fullness;
they
therefore made this sign his exaltation and Capricorn his
depression.
Mars, which by nature is fiery and becomes all the more so in
Capricorn because in it he is farthest south, naturally received
Capricorn as his exaltation. in contrast to Jupiter, and Cancer
as
his depression.
Venus, however, as she is moist by nature and increases her own
proper power all the more in Pisces, where the beginning of the
moist
spring is indicated. has her exaltation in Pisces and her
depression
in Virgo.
Mercury, on the contrary, since he is airier, by contrast
naturally is
exalted, as it were, in Virgo, in which the dry autumn is
signified,
and is depressed in Pisces.
Section 20
20. Of the Disposition of Terms.
With regard to the terms two systems are most in circulation; the
first is the Egyptian, which is chiefly based on the government
of
the houses, and the second the Chaldaean, resting upon the
government
of the triplicities. Now the Egyptian system of the commonly
accepted
terms does not at all preserve the consistency either of order or
of
individual quantity. For in the first place, in the matter of
order,
they have sometimes assigned the first place to the lords of the
houses and again to those of the triplicities, and sometimes also
to
the lords of the exaltations. For example, if it is true that
they
have followed the houses, why have they assigned precedence to
Saturn, say, in Libra, and not to Venus, and why to Jupiter in
Aries
and not to Mars? And if they follow the triplicities, why have
they
given Mercury, and not Venus, first place in Capricorn? Or if it
be
exaltations, why give Mars, and not Jupiter, precedence in
Cancer;
and if they have regard for the planets that have the greatest
number
of these qualifications, why have they given first place in
Aquarius
to Mercury, who has only his triplicity there, and not to Saturn,
for
it is both the house and the triplicity of Saturn? Or why have
they
given Mercury first place in Capricorn at all, since he has no
relation of government to the sign ? One would find the same kind
of
thing in the rest of the system.
Secondly, the number of the terms manifestly has no consistency;
for
the number derived for each planet from the addition of its terms
in
all the signs, in accordance with which they say the planets
assign
years of life, furnishes no suitable or acceptable argument. But
even
if we rely upon the number derived from this summation, in
accordance
with the downright claim of the Egyptians, the sum would be found
the same, even though the amounts, sign by sign, be frequently
changed in various ways. And as for the specious and sophistic
assertion about them that same attempt to make, namely that the
times assigned to each single planet by the schedule of
ascensions
in all the climes add up to this same sum, it is false. For, in
the
first place, they follow the common method, based upon evenly
progressing increases in the ascensions, which is not even close
to
the truth. By this scheme they would have each of the signs Virgo
and
Libra, on the parallel which passes through lower Egypt, ascend
in
38 1/3 times, and Leo and Scorpio each in 35, although it is
shown by
the tables that these latter ascend in more than 35 times and
Virgo
and Libra in less. Furthermore, those who have endeavoured to
establish this theory even so do not seem to follow the usually
accepted number of terms, and are compelled to make many false
statements, and they have even made use of fractional parts of
fractions in the effort to save their hypothesis, which, as we
said,
is itself not a true one.
However, the terms most generally accepted on the authority of
ancient tradition are given in the following fashion:
21. According to the Chaldaeans.
The Chaldaean method involves a sequence, simple, to be sure, and
more plausible, though not so self-sufficient with respect to the
government of the triangles and the disposition of quantity, so
that,
nevertheless, one could easily understand them even without a
diagram. For in the first triplicity, Aries, Leo, and
Sagittarius,
which has with them the same division by signs as with the
Egyptians,
the lord of the triplicity, Jupiter, is the first to receive
terms,
then the lord of the next triangle, Venus, next the lord of the
triangle of Gemini, Saturn, and Mercury, and finally the lord of
the
remaining triplicity, Mars. In the second triplicity, Taurus,
Virgo,
and Capricorn, which again has the same division by signs, Venus
is
first, then Saturn, and again Mercury, after these Mars, and
finally
Jupiter. This arrangement in general is observed also in the
remaining two triplicities. Of the two lords of the same
triplicity,
however, Saturn and Mercury, by day Saturn takes the first place
in
the order of ownership, by night Mercury. The number assigned to
each
is also a simple matter. For in order that the number of terms of
each planet may be less by one degree than the preceding, to
correspond with the descending order in which first place is
assigned, they always assign 8° to the first, 7° to the second,
6° to
the third, 5° to the fourth, and 4° to the last; thus the 30° of
a
sign is made up. The sum of the number of degrees thus assigned
to
Saturn is 78 by day and 66 by night, to Jupiter 72, to Mars 69,
to Venus 75, to Mercury 66 by day and 78 by night; the total is
360 degrees.
Now of these terms those which are constituted by the Egyptian
method
are, as we said, more worthy of credence, both because in the
form
in which they have been collected by the Egyptian writers they
have
for their utility been deemed worthy of record, and because for
the
most part the degrees of these terms are consistent with the
nativities which have been recorded by them as examples. As these
very writers, however, nowhere explain their arrangement or their
number, their failure to agree in an account of the system might
well become an object of suspicion and a subject for criticism.
Recently. however, we have come upon an ancient manuscript, much
damaged, which contains a natural and consistent explanation of
their order and number, and at the same time the degrees reported
in
the aforesaid nativities and the numbers given in the summations
were
found to agree with the tabulation of the ancients. The hook was
very
lengthy in expression and excessive in demonstration, and its
damaged
state made it hard to read, so that I could barely gain an idea
of
its general purport; that too, in spite of the help offered by
the
tabulations of the terms, better preserved because they were
placed
at the end of the book. At any rate the general scheme of
assignment
of the terms is as follows. For their arrangement within each
sign,
the exaltations, triplicities, and houses are taken into
consideration. For, generally speaking, the star that has two
rulerships of this sort in the same sign is placed first, even
though it may be maleficent. But wherever this condition does not
exist, the maleficent planets are always put last, and the lords
of
the exaltation first, the lords of the triplicity next, and then
those of the house, following the order of the signs. And again
in
order, those that have two lordships each are preferred to the
one
which has but one in the same sign. Since terms are not allotted
to
the luminaries, however, Cancer and Leo, the houses of the sun
and
moon, are assigned to the maleficent planets because they were
deprived of their share in the order, Cancer to Mars and Leo to
Saturn; in these the order appropriate to them is preserved. As
for
the number of the terms, when no star is found with two
prerogatives,
either in the sign itself or in those which follow it within the
quadrant, there are assigned to each of the beneficent planets,
that
is, to Jupiter and Venus, 7; to the maleficent, Saturn and
Mars, 5°
each; and to Mercury, which is common, 6°; so that the total is
30°.
But since some always have two prerogatives for Venus alone
becomes
the ruler of the triplicity of Taurus, since the moon does not
participate in the terms there is given to each one of those in
such condition, whether it be in the same sign or in the
following
signs within the quadrant, one extra degree; these were marked
with
dots. But the degrees added for double prerogatives are taken
away
from the others, which.have but one, and, generally speaking,
from
Saturn and Jupiter because of their slower motion. These terms is
as follows:
22. 0f Places and Degrees.
Some have made even finer divisions of rulership than these,
using
the terms "places" and "degrees." Defining "place" as the twelfth
part of a sign, or 2 1/2°, they assign the domination over them
to
the signs in order. Others follow other illogical orders; and
again
they assign each "degree" from the beginning to each of the
planets
of each sign in accordance with the Chaldaean order of terms.
These
matters, as they have only plausible and not natural, but,
rather,
unfounded, arguments in their favor, we shall omit. The
following,
however, upon which it is worth while to dwell, we shall not pass
by,
namely, that it is reasonable to reckon the beginnings of the
signs
also from the equinoxes and solstices, partly because the writers
make this quite clear, and particularly because from our previous
demonstrations we observe that their natures, powers, and
familiarities take their cause from the solstitial and
equinoctial
starting-places, and from no other source. For if other
starting-places are assumed, we shall either be compelled no
longer
to use the natures of the signs for prognostications or, if we
use
them, to be in error, since the spaces of the zodiac which
implant
their powers in the planets would then pass over to others and
become
alienated.
Section 23
23. Of Faces, Chariots, and the Like.
Such, then, are the natural affinities of the stars and the signs
of
the zodiac. The planets are said to be in their "proper face"
when
an individual planet keeps to the sun or moon the same aspect
which
its house has to their houses; as, for example, when Venus is in
sextile to the luminaries, provided that she is occidental to the
sun
and oriental to the moon, in accordance with the original
arrangement
of their houses. They are said to be in their own "chariots" and
"thrones" and the like when they happen to have familiarity in
two
or more of the aforesaid ways with the places in which they are
found; for then their power is most increased in effectiveness by
the similarity and co-operation of the kindred property of the
signs
which contain them. They say they "rejoice" when, even though the
containing signs have no familiarity with the stars themselves,
nevertheless they have it with the stars of the same sect; in
this
case the sympathy arises less directly. They share, however, in
the
similarity in the same way; just as, on the contrary, when they
are
found in alien regions belonging to the opposite sect, a great
part
of their proper power is paralysed, because the temperament which
arises from the dissimilarity of the signs produces a different
and
adulterated nature.
Section 24
24. Of Applications and Separations and the Other Powers.
In general those which precede are said to "apply" to those which
follow, and those that follow to "be separated" from those that
precede, when the interval between them is not great. Such a
relation is taken to exist whether it happens by bodily
conjunction
or through one of the traditional aspects; except that with
respect
to the bodily applications and separations of the heavenly bodies
it
is of use also to observe their latitudes, in order that only
those
passages may be accepted which are found to be on the same side
of
the ecliptic. In the case of applications and separations by
aspect,
however, such a practice is superfluous, because all rays always
fall
and similarly converge from every direction upon the same point,
that
is, the center of the earth.
From all this then, it is easy to see that the quality of each of
the
stars must be examined with reference both to its own natural
character and that also of the signs that include it, or likewise
from the character of its aspects to the sun and the angles, in
the
manner which we have explained. Their power must be determined,
in
the first place, from the fact that they are either oriental and
adding to their proper motion -- for then they are most powerful --
or
occidental and diminishing in speed, for then their energy is
weaker.
Second, it is to be determined from their position relative to
the
horizon; for they are most powerful when they are in mid-heaven
or
approaching it, and second when they are exactly on the horizon
or
in the succedent place; their power is greater when they are in
the
orient, and less when they culminate beneath the earth or are in
some other aspect to the orient; if they bear no aspect at all to
the orient they are entirely powerless.
Section 25
2. Of the Characteristics of the inhabitants of the
General Climes.
The demarcation of national characteristics is established in
part
by entire parallels and angles, through their position relative
to
the ecliptic and the sun. For while the region which we inhabit
is
in one of the northern quarters; the people who live under the
more
southern parallels, that is, those from the equator to the
summer
tropic, since they have the sun over their heads and are burned
by
it, have black skins and thick, woolly hair, are contracted in
form
and shrunken in stature, are sanguine of nature, and in habits
are
for the most part savage because their homes are continually
oppressed by heat; we call them by the general name Ethiopians.
Not
only do we see them in this condition, but we likewise observe
that
their climate and the animals and plants of their region plainly
give
evidence of this baking by the sun.
Those who live under the more northern parallels, those, I mean,
who
have the Bears over their heads, since they are far removed from
the
zodiac and the heat of the sun, are therefore cooled; but because
they have a richer share of moisture, which is most nourishing
and
is not there exhausted by heat, they are white in complexion,
straight-haired, tall and well-nourished, and somewhat cold by
nature; these too are savage in their habits, because their
dwelling places are continually cold. The wintry character of
their
climate, the size of their plants, and the wildness of their
animals
are in accord with these qualities. We call these men, too, by a
general name, Scythians.
The inhabitants of the region between the summer tropic and the
Bears, however, since the sun is neither directly over their
heads
nor far distant at its noon-day transits, share in the equable
temperature of the air, which varies, to be sure, but has no
violent
changes from heat to cold. They are therefore medium in
coloring, of
moderate stature, in nature equable, live close together, and are
civilized in their habits. The southernmost of them are in
general
more shrewd and inventive, and better versed in the knowledge of
things divine because their zenith is close to the zodiac and to
the
planets revolving about it. Through this affinity the men
themselves
are characterized by an activity of the soul which is sagacious,
investigative, and fitted for pursuing the sciences specifically
called mathematical. Of them, again, the eastern group are more
masculine, vigorous of soul, and frank in all things, because One
would reasonably assume that the orient partakes of the nature of
the
sun. This region therefore is diurnal, masculine, and
right-handed,
even as we -- observe that among the animals too their right-hand
parts are better fitted for strength and vigour. Those to the
west
are more feminine, softer of soul, and secretive, because this
region, again, is lunar, for it is always in the west that the
moon emerges and makes its appearance after conjunction. For this
reason it appears to be a nocturnal clime, feminine, and, in
contrast
with the orient, lefthanded.
And now in each of these general regions certain special
conditions
of character and customs naturally ensue. For as likewise, in the
case of the climate, even within the regions that in general are
reckoned as hot, cold, or temperate, certain localities and
countries
have special peculiarities of excess or deficiency by reason of
their
situation, height, lowness, or adjacency; and again, as some
peoples
are more inclined to horsemanship because theirs is a plain
country,
or to seamanship because they live close to the sea, or to
civilization because of the richness of their soil, so also would
one
discover special traits in each arising from the natural
familiarity
of their particular climes with the stars in the signs of the
zodiac.
These traits, too, would be found generally present, but not in
every
individual. We must, then, deal with the subject summarily, in so
far
as it might be of use for the purpose of particular
investigations.
Section 27
3. Of the Familiarities between Countries and the Triplicities
and Stars.
Now of the four triangular formations recognized in the zodiac,
as we
have shown above, the one which consists of Aries, Leo, and
Sagittarius is northwestern, and is chiefly dominated by Jupiter
on account of the north wind, but Mars joins in its government
because of the south-west wind. That which is made up of Taurus,
Virgo, and Capricornus is south-eastern, and again is governed
primarily by Venus on account of the south wind, but conjointly
by
Saturn because of the east wind. The one consisting of Gemini,
Libra,
and Aquarius is north-eastern and is governed primarily by Saturn
because of the east wind, and conjointly by Jupiter because of
the
north wind. The triangle of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces is
south-western and is governed primarily, because of the west
wind,
by Mars, who is joined by Venus as co-ruler on account of the
south
wind.
As this is so, and since our inhabited world is divided into four
quarters, equal in number to the triangles, and is divided
latitudinally by our sea from the Straits of Hercules to the Gulf
of
Issus and the mountainous ridge adjacent on the east, and by
these
its southern and northern portions are separated, and in
longitude by
the Arabian Gulf, the Aegean Sea, the Pontus, and the Lake
Maeotis,
whereby the eastern and western portions are separated, there
arise
four quarters, and these agree in position with the triangles.
The
first quarter lies in the north-west of the whole inhabited
world; it
embraces Celtic Gaul and we give it the general name Europe.
Opposite
this is the south-eastern quarter; this includes eastern
Ethiopia,
which would be called the southern part of Greater Asia. Again,
the
north-eastern quarter of the whole inhabited world is that which
contains Scythia, which likewise is the northern part of Greater
Asia; and the quarter opposite this and toward the south-west
wind,
the quarter of western Ethiopia, is that which we call by the
general
term Libya.
Again, of each of the aforesaid quarters the parts which are
placed
closer to the center of the inhabited world are placed in a
contrary
fashion with respect to the surrounding quarters, just as are the
latter in comparison with the whole world; and since the European
quarter lies in the northwest of the whole world, the parts
about
the center, which are allied to the opposite angle, obviously are
situated in the south-east part of the quarter. The same holds of
the other quarters, so that each of them is related to two
oppositely
situated triangles; for while the other parts are in harmony
with
the general inclination of the quarter, the portions at
the center [of the world] share in familiarity with the opposite
inclination, and, again, of the stars that govern in their own
triangles, in all the other domiciles they alone govern, but in
the
parts about the center of the world likewise the other group, and
Mercury besides, because he is mid-way between and common to the
two
sects.
Under this arrangement, the remainder of the first quarter, by
which
I mean the European quarter, situated in the north-west of the
inhabited world, is in familiarity with the north-western
triangle,
Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, and is governed, as one would
expect, by
the lords of the triangle, Jupiter and Mars, occidental. In terms
of
whole nations these parts consist of Britain, (Transalpine) Gaul,
Germany, Bastarnia, Italy, (Cisalpine) Gaul, Apulia, Sicily,
Tyrrhenia, Celtica, and Spain. As one might expect, it is the
general
characteristic of these nations, by reason of the predominance of
the
triangle and the stars which join in its government, to be
independent, liberty-loving, fond of arms, industrious, very
warlike,
with qualities of leadership, cleanly, and magnanimous. However,
because of the occidental aspect of Jupiter and Mars, and
furthermore
because the first parts of the aforesaid triangle are masculine
and
the latter parts feminine, they are without passion for women and
look down upon the pleasures of love, but are better satisfied
with
and more desirous of association with men. And they do not regard
the
act as a disgrace to the paramour, nor indeed do they actually
become
effeminate and soft thereby, because their disposition is not
perverted, but they retain in their souls manliness, helpfulness,
good faith, love of kinsmen, and benevolence. Of these same
countries
Britain, (Transalpine) Gaul, Germany, and Bastarnia are in closer
familiarity with Aries and Mars. Therefore for the most part
their
inhabitants are fiercer, more headstrong, and bestial. But Italy,
Apulia, (Cisalpine) Gaul, and Sicily have their familiarity with
Leo
and the sun; wherefore these peoples are more masterful,
benevolent,
and co-operative. Tyrrhenia, Celtica, and Spain are subject to
Sagittarius and Jupiter, whence their independence, simplicity,
and
love of cleanliness. The parts of this quarter which are situated
about the center of the inhabited world, Thrace, Macedonia,
Illyria,
Hellas, Achaia, Crete, and likewise the Cyclades, and the coastal
regions of Asia Minor and Cyprus, which are in the south-east
portion
of the whole quarter, have in addition familiarity with the
south-east triangle, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricornus, and its
co-rulers Venus, Saturn, and Mercury. As a result the inhabitants
of
those countries are brought into conformity with these planets
and
both in body and soul are of a more mingled constitution. They
too have qualities of leadership and are noble and independent,
because of Mars; they are liberty-loving and self-governing,
democratic and framers of law, through Jupiter; lovers of music
and
of learning, fond of contests and clean livers, through Venus;
social, friendly to strangers, justice-loving, fond of letters,
and
very effective in eloquence, through Mercury; and they are
particularly addicted to the performance of mysteries, because of
Venus's occidental aspect. And again, part by part, those of this
group who live in the Cyclades and on the shores of Asia Minor
and
Cyprus are more closely familiar to Taurus and Venus. For this
reason
they are, on the whole, luxurious, clean, and attentive to their
bodies. The inhabitants of Hellas, Achaia, and Crete, however,
have a
familiarity with Virgo and Mercury, and are therefore better at
reasoning, and fond of learning, and they exercise the soul in
preference to the body. The Macedonians, Thracians, and Illyrians
have familiarity with Capricorn and Saturn, so that, though they
are
acquisitive, they are not so mild of nature, nor social in their
institutions.
Of the second quarter, which embraces the southern part of
Greater
Asia, the other parts, including India, Ariana, Gedrosia,
Parthia,
Media, Persia, Babylonia, Mesopotamia, and Assyria, which are
situated in the south-east of the whole inhabited world, are, as
we
might presume, familiar to the south-eastern triangle, Taurus,
Virgo,
and Capricorn, and are governed by Venus and Saturn in oriental
aspects. Therefore one would find that the natures of their
inhabitants conform with the temperaments governed by such
rulers;
for they revere the star of Venus under the name of Isis, and
that of
Saturn as Mithras Helios. Most of them, too, divine future
events;
and among them there exists the practice of consecrating the
genital organs because of the aspect of the aforesaid stars,
which is
by nature generative. Further, they are ardent, concupiscent, and
inclined to the pleasures of love; through the influence of Venus
they are dancers and leapers and fond of adornment, and through
that
of Saturn luxurious livers. They carry out their relations with
women
openly and not in secret, because of the planets´ oriental
aspect,
but hold in detestation such relations with males. For these
reasons
most of them beget children by their own mothers, and they do
obeisance to the breast, by reason of the morning rising of the
planets and on account of the primacy of the heart, which is akin
to
the sun's power. As for the rest, they are generally luxurious
and
effeminate in dress, in adornment, and in all habits relating to
the
body, because of Venus. In their souls and by their predilection
they
are magnanimous, noble, and warlike, because of the familiarity
of
Saturn oriental. Part by part, again, Parthia, Media, and Persia
are
more closely familiar to Taurus and Venus; hence their
inhabitants
use embroidered clothing, which covers their entire body except
the
breast, and they are as a general thing luxurious and clean.
Babylonia, Mesopotamia, and Assyria are familiar to Virgo and
Mercury,
and so the study of mathematics and the observation of the five
planets are special traits of these peoples. India, Ariana, and
Gedrosia have familiarity with Capricorn and Saturn; therefore
the
inhabitants of these countries are ugly, unclean, and bestial.
The
remaining parts of the quarter, situated about the center of the
inhabited world, Idumaea, Coelé, Syria, Judaca, Phoenicia,
Chaldaea,
Orchinia, and Arabia Felix, which are situated toward the
north-west
of the whole quarter, have additional familiarity with the
north-western triangle, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, and,
furthermore, have as co-rulers Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury.
Therefore
these peoples are, in comparison with the others, more gifted in
trade and exchange; they are more unscrupulous, despicable
cowards,
treacherous, servile, and in general fickle, on account of the
aspect
of the stars mentioned. Of these, again, the inhabitants of
Coelé,
Syria, Idumaea, and Judaea are more closely familiar to Aries and
Mars, and therefore these peoples are in general bold, godless,
and
scheming. The Phoenicians, Chaldaeans, and Orchinians have
familiarity with Leo and the sun, so that they are simpler,
kindly,
addicted to astrology, and beyond all men worshippers of the sun.
The
inhabitants of Arabia Felix are familiar to Sagittarius and
Jupiter;
this accounts for the fertility of the country, in accordance
with
its name, and its multitudes of spices, and the grace of its
inhabitants and their free spirit in daily life, in exchange, and
in
business.
Of the third quarter, which includes the northern part of Greater
Asia, the other parts, embracing Hyrcania, Armenia, Matiana,
Bactriana, Casperia, Serica, Sauromatica, Oxiana, Sogdiana, and
the
regions in the north-east of the inhabited world, are in
familiarity
with the north-eastern triangle, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, and
are, as might be expected, governed by Saturn and Jupiter in
oriental
aspect. Therefore the inhabitants of these lands worship Jupiter
and
Saturn, have much riches and gold, and are cleanly and seemly in
their living, learned and adepts in matters of religion, just and
liberal in manners, lofty and noble in soul, haters of evil, and
affectionate, and ready to die for their friends in a fair and
holy
cause. They are. dignified and pure in their, sexual relations,
lavish in dress, gracious and magnanimous; these things in
general
are brought about by Saturn and Jupiter in eastern aspects. Of
these
nations, again, Hyreania, Armenia, and Matiana are more closely
familiar to Gemini and Mercury; they are accordingly more easily
stirred and inclined to rascality. Bactriana, Casperia, and
Serica
are skin to Libra and Venus, so that their peoples are rich and
followers of the Muses, and more luxurious. The regions of
Sauromatica, Oxiana, and Sogdiana are in familiarity with
Aquarius
and Saturn; these nations therefore are more ungentle, sterile,
and
bestial. The remaining parts of this quarter, which lie close to
the
center of the inhabited world, Bithynia, Phrygia, Colchica,
Syria,
Commagenus, Cappadocia, Lydia, Lycia, Cilicia, and Pamphylia,
since
they are situated in the south-west of the quarter, have in
addition
familiarity with the southwestern quarter, Cancer, Scorpio, and
Pisces, and their co-rulers are Mars, Venus, and Mercury;
therefore
those who live in these countries generally worship Venus as the
mother of the gods, calling her by various local names, and Mars
as
Adonis, to whom again they give other names, and they celebrate
in
their honor certain mysteries accompanied by lamentations: They
are
exceedingly depraved, servile, laborious, rascally, are to be
found
in mercenary expeditions, looting and taking captives, enslaving
their own peoples, and engaging in destructive wars. And because
of
the junction of Mars and Venus in the Orient, since Mars is
exalted
in Capricorn, a sign of Venus's triangle, and Venus in Pisces, a
sign of Mars's triangle, it comes about that their women display
entire goodwill to their husbands; they are affectionate,
home-keepers,
diligent, helpful, and in every respect laborious and obedient.
Of
these peoples, again, those who live in Bithynia, Phrygia, and
Colchica are more closely familiar to Cancer and the moon;
therefore
the men are in general cautious and obedient, and most of the
women,
through the influence of the moon's oriental and masculine
aspect,
are virile, commanding, and warlike, like the Amazons, who shun
commerce with men, love arms, and from infancy make masculine all
their female characteristics, by cutting off their right breasts
for
the sake of military needs and baring these parts in the line of
battle, in order to display the absence of femininity in their
natures. The people of Syria, Commagenus, and Cappadocia are
familiar
to Scorpio and Mars; therefore much boldness, knavery, treachery,
and
laboriousness are found among them. The people of Lydia, Cilicia,
and
Pamphylia have familiarity with Pisces and Jupiter; these
accordingly are more wealthy, commercial, social, free, and
trustworthy in their compacts.
Of the remaining quarter, which includes what is called by the
common
name Libya, the other parts, including Numidia, Carthage, Africa,
Phazania, Nasamonitis, Garamantica, Mauritania, Gaetulia,
Metagonitis,
and the regions situated in the south-west of the inhabited
world,
are related by familiarity to the south-western triangle, Cancer,
Scorpio, and Pisces, and are accordingly ruled by Mars and Venus
in
occidental aspect. For this reason it befalls most of the
inhabitants, because of the aforesaid junction of these planets,
to
be governed by a man and wife who are own brother and sister, the
man ruling the men and the woman the women; and a succession of
this
sort is maintained. They are extremely ardent and disposed to
commerce with women, so that even their marriages are brought
about
by violent abduction, and frequently their kings enjoy the jus
primae
noctis with the brides, and among some of them the women are
common
to all the men. They are fond of beautifying themselves and gird
themselves with feminine adornments, through the influence of
Venus;
through that of Mars, however, they are virile of spirit,
rascally,
magicians, impostors, deceivers, and reckless. Of these people,
again, the inhabitants of Numidia, Carthage, and Africa are more
closely familiar to Cancer and the moon. They therefore are
social,
commercial, and live in great abundance. Those who inhabit
Metagonitis, Mauritania, and Gactulia are familiar to Scorpio and
Mars; they are accordingly fiercer and very warlike, meateaters,
very
reckless, and contemptuous of life to such an extent as not even
to
spare one another. Those who live in Phazania, Nasamonitis, and
Garamantica are familiar to Pisces and Jupiter; hence they are
free
and simple in their characters, willing to work, intelligent,
cleanly, and independent, as a general rule, and they are
worshippers
of Jupiter as Ammon. The remaining parts of the quarter, which
are
situated near the center of the inhabited world, Cyrenaica,
Marmarica, Egypt, Thebais, the Oasis, Troglodytica, Arabia,
Azania,
and Middle Ethiopia, which face the north-east of the whole
quarter,
have an additional familiarity with the northeastern triangle
Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, and therefore have as co-rulers
Saturn
and Jupiter and, furthermore, Mercury. Accordingly those who live
in
these countries, because they all in common, as it were, are
subject
to the occidental rulership of the five planets, are worshippers
of
the gods, superstitious, given to religions ceremony and fond of
lamentation; they bury their dead in the earth, putting them out
of
sight, on account of the occidental aspect of the planets; and
they
practice all kinds of usages, customs, and rites in the service
of
all manner of gods. Under command they are humble, timid,
penurious,
and long-suffering, in leadership courageous and magnanimous; but
they are polygamous and polyandrous and lecherous, marrying even
their own sisters, and the men are potent in begetting, the women
in
conceiving, even as their land is fertile. Furthermore, many of
the
males are unsound and effeminate of soul, and some even hold in
contempt the organs of generation, through the influence of the
aspect of the maleficent planets in combination with Venus
occidental. Of these peoples the inhabitants of Cyrenaica and
Marmarica, and particularly of Lower Egypt, are more closely
familiar
to Gemini and Mercury; on this account they are thoughtful and
intelligent and facile in all things, especially in the search
for
wisdom and religion; they are magicians and performers of secret
mysteries and in general skilled in mathematics. Those who live
in
Thebais, the Oasis, and Troglodytica are familiar to Libra and
Venus;
hence they are more ardent and lively of nature and live in
plenty.
The people of Arabia, Azania, and Middle Ethiopia are familiar to
Aquarius and Saturn, for which reason they are flesh-eaters,
fish-eaters, and nomads, living a rough, bestial life.
Let this be our brief exposition of the familiarities of the
planets
and the signs of the zodiac with the various nations, and of the
general characteristics of the latter. We shall also set forth,
for
ready use, a list of the several nations which are in
familiarity,
merely noted against each of the signs, in accordance with what
has
just been said about them, thus:
Aries: Britain, Gaul, Germania, Bastarnia; in the center,
Coelé, Syria, Palestine, Idumaea, Judaea.
Taurus: Parthia, Media, Persia; in the center, the Cyclades,
Cyprus,
the coastal region of Asia Minor.
Gemini: Hyrcania, Armenia, Matiana; in the center, Cyrenaica,
Marmarica, Lower Egypt.
Cancer: Numidia, Carthage, Africa; in the center, Bithynia,
Phrygia,
Colchica.
Leo: Italy, Cisalpine Gaul, Sicily, Apulia; in the center,
Phoenicia,
Chaldaea, Orchenia.
Virgo: Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Assyria; in the center, Hellas,
Achaia, Crete.
Libra: Bactriana, Casperia, Serica; in the center, Thebais,
Oasis,
Troglodytica.
Scorpio: Metagonitis, Mauritania, Gaetulia; in the center, Syria,
Commagenê, Cappadocia.
Sagittarius: Tyrrhenia, Celtica, Spain; in the center, Arabia
Felix.
Capricorn: India, Ariana, Gedrosia; in the center, Thrace,
Macedonia,
Illyria.
Aquarius: Sauromatica, Oxiana, Sogdiana; in the center, Arabia,
Azania, Middle Ethiopia.
Pisces: Phazania, Nasamonitis, Garamantica; in the center, Lydia,
Cilicia, Pamphylia.
Now that the subject at hand has been set forth, it is reasonable
to
attach to this section this further consideration -- that each of
the
fixed stars has familiarity with the countries with which the
parts
of the zodiac, which have the same inclinations as the fixed
stars
upon the circle drawn through its poles, appear to exert
sympathy;
furthermore, that, in the case of metropolitan cities, those
regions
of the zodiac are most sympathetic through which the sun and
moon,
and of the centers especially the horoscope, were passing at the
first founding of the city, as in a nativity, But in cases in
which
the exact times of the foundations are not discovered, the
regions
are sympathetic in which falls the midheaven of the nativities
of
those who held office or were kings at the time.
Section 28
4. Method of Making Particular Predictions.
After this introductory examination it would be the next task to
deal briefly with the procedure of the predictions, and first
with
those concerned with general conditions of countries or cities.
The
method of the inquiry will be as follows: The first and most
potent
cause of such events lies in the conjunctions of the sun and moon
at
eclipse and the movements of the stars at the time. Of the
prediction
itself, one portion is regional; therein we must foresee for
what
countries or cities there is significance in the various eclipses
or
in the occasional regular stations of the planet, that is, of
Saturn,
Jupiter, and Mars, whenever they halt, for then they are
significant.
Another division of the prediction is chronological; therein the
need
will be to foretell the time of the portents and their duration.
A
part, too, is generic; through this we ought to understand with
what
classes the event will be concerned. And finally there is the
specific aspect, by which we shall discern the quality of the
event
itself.
Section 29
5. 0f the Examination of the Countries Affected.
We are to judge of the first portion of the inquiry, which is
regional, in the following manner: In the eclipses of sun and
moon as
they occur, particularly those more easily observed, we shall
examine
the region of the zodiac in which they take place, and the
countries
in familiarity with its triangles, and in similar fashion
ascertain
which of the cities, either from their horoscope at the time of
their
founding and the position of the luminaries at the time, or
from the mid-heaven of the nativity of their then rulers, are
sympathetic to the zodiacal sign of the eclipse. And in
whatsoever
countries or cities we discover a familiarity of this kind, we
must
suppose that same event will occur which applies, generally
speaking,
to all of them, particularly to those which bear a relation to
the
actual zodiacal sign of the eclipse and to those of them in which
the
eclipse, since it look place above the earth, was visible.
Section 30
6. Of the Time of the Predicted Events.
The second and chronological heading, whereby we should learn the
times of the events signified and the length of their duration,
we
shall consider as follows. Inasmuch as the eclipses which take
place
at the same time are not completed in the same number of ordinary
hours in every locality, and since the same solar eclipses do not
everywhere have the same degree of obscuration or the same time
of
duration, we shall first set down for the hour of the eclipse, in
each of the related localities, and for the altitude of the pole,
centers, as in a nativity; secondly, how many equinoctial hours
the
obscuration of the eclipse lasts in each. For when these data are
examined, if it is a solar eclipse, we shall understand that the
predicted event lasts as many years as the equinoctial hours
which we
discover, and if a lunar eclipse, as many months. The nature of
the
beginnings and of the more important intensifications of the
events,
however, are deduced from the position of the place of the
eclipse
relative to the centers. For if the place of the eclipse falls on
the
eastern horizon, this signifies that the beginning of the
predicted
event is in the first period of four months from the time of the
eclipse and that its important intensifications lie in the first
third of the entire period of its duration; if on the mid-heaven,
in
the second four months and the middle third; if upon the western
horizon, in the third four months and the final third. The
beginnings
of the particular abatements and intensifications of the event we
deduce from the conjunctions which take place in the meantime, if
they occur in the significant regions or the regions in same
aspect
to them, and also from the other movements of the planets, if
those
that effect the predicted event are either rising or setting or
stationary or at evening rising, and are at the same time in same
aspect to the zodiacal signs that hold the cause; for planets
when
they are rising or stationary produce intensifications in the
events,
but when setting, and under the rays of the sun, or advancing at
evening, they bring about an abatement.
Section 31
7. Of the Class of those Affected.
The third heading is that of generic classification,
whereby one must determine what classes the event
will affect. This is ascertained from the special nature and form
of
the zodiacal signs in which happen to be the places of the
eclipses
and in which are the heavenly bodies, planets and fixed stars
alike,
that govern both the sign of the eclipse and that of the angle
preceding the eclipse. In the case of the planets we discover the
rulership of these regions thus: The one which has the greatest
number of relationships to both the regions aforesaid, that of
the
eclipse and that of the angle which follows it, both by virtue of
the
nearest visible applications or recessions, and by those of the
aspects which bear a relation, and furthermore by rulership of
the
houses, triangles, exaltations, and terms, that planet alone will
hold the dominance. However, if the same planet is not found to
be
both lord of the eclipse and of the angle, we must take together
the
two which have the greatest number of familiarities, as
aforesaid, to
either one of the regions, giving preference to the lord of the
eclipse. And if several rivals be found on either count, we shall
prefer for the domination the one which is closest to an angle,
or is
more significant, or is more closely allied by sect. In the case
of
the fixed stars, we shall take the first one of the brilliant
stars
which signifies upon the preceding angle at the actual time of
the
eclipse, according to the nine kinds of visible aspects defined
in
our first compilation, and the star which of the group visible at
the
time of the eclipse has either risen or reached meridian with the
angle following the place of the eclipse.
When we have thus reckoned the stars that share in causing the
event,
let us also consider the farms of the signs of the zodiac in
which
the eclipse and the dominating stars as well happened to be,
since
from their character the quality of the classes affected is
generally
discerned. Constellations of human form, both in the zodiac and
among
the fixed stars, cause the event to concern the human race. Of
the
other terrestrial signs, the fourfooted are concerned with the
four-footed dumb animals, and the signs formed like creeping
things
with serpents and the like. Again, the animal signs have
significance
for the wild animals and those which injure the human race; the
tame
signs concern the useful and domesticated animals, and those
which
help to gain prosperity, in consistency with their several forms;
for
example, horses, oxen, sheep, and the like. Again, of the
terrestrial
signs, the northern tend to signify sudden earthquakes and the
southern unexpected rains from the sky. Yet again, those dominant
regions that are in the form of winged creatures, such as Virgo,
Sagittarius, Cygnus, Aquila, and the like, exercise an effect
upon
winged creatures, particularly those which are used for human
food,
and if they are in the form of swimming things, upon water
animals and fish. And of these, in the constellations pertaining
to
the sea, such as Cancer, Capricorn, and the Dolphin, they
influence
the creatures of the sea and the sailing of fleets. In the
constellations pertaining to rivers, such as Aquarius and Pisces.
they concern the creatures of rivers and springs, and in Argo
they
affect both classes alike. Likewise stars in the solstitial or
equinoctial signs have significance in general for the conditions
of
the air and the seasons related to each of these signs, and in
particular they concern the spring and things which grow from the
earth. For when they are at the spring equinox they affect the
new
shoots of the arboreal crops, such as grapes and figs, and
whatever
matures with them; at the summer solstice, the gathering and
storing
of the crops, and in Egypt, peculiarly, the rising of the Nile;
at
the autumn solstice they concern the sowing, the hay crops, and
such;
and at the winter equinox the vegetables and the kinds of birds
and
fish most common at this season. Further, the equinoctial signs
have
significance for sacred rites and the worship of the gods; the
solstitial signs, for changes in the air and in political
customs;
the solid signs, for foundations and the construction of houses;
the bicorporeal, for men and kings. Similarly, those which are
closer
to the orient. at the time of the eclipse signify what is to be
concerning the crops, youth, and foundations; those near the
mid-heaven above the earth, concerning sacred rites, kings, and
middle age; and those near the occident, concerning change of
customs, old age, and those who have passed away.
To the question, how large a portion of the class involved will
the
event affect, the answer is supplied by the extent of the
obscuration
of the eclipses, and by the positions relative to the place of
the
eclipse held by the stars which furnish the cause. For when they
are
occidental to solar eclipses, or oriental to lunar, they usually
affect a minority; in opposition, a half; and the majority, if
they
are oriental to solar eclipses or occidental to lunar.
Section 32
8. Of the Quality of the Predicted Event.
The fourth heading concerns the quality of the predicted event,
that
is, whether it is productive of good or the opposite, and of what
sort is its effect in either direction, in accordance with the
peculiar character of the species. This is apprehended from the
nature of the activity of the planets which rule the dominant
places
and from their combination both with one another and with the
places
in which they happen to be. For the sun and the moon are the
marshals
and, as it were, leaders of the others; for they are themselves
responsible for the entirety of the power, and are the causes of
the
rulership of the planets, and, moreover, the causes of the
strength
or weakness of the ruling planets. The comprehensive observation
of
the ruling stars shows the quality of the predicted events.
We shall begin with the characteristic active powers of the
planets,
one by one, first, however, making this general observation, as a
summary reminder, that in general whenever we speak of any
temperament of the five planets one must understand that whatever
produces the like nature is also meant, whether it be the planet
itself in its own proper condition, or one of the fixed stars, or
one of the signs of the zodiac, considered with reference to the
temperament proper to it, just as though the characterizations
were
applied to the natures or the qualities themselves and not to the
planets; and let us remember that in the combinations, again, we
must
consider not only the mixture of the planets one with another,
but
also their combination with the others that share in the same
nature;
whether they be fixed stars or signs of the zodiac, by virtue of
their affinities with the planets, already set forth.
Saturn, when he gains sole dominance, is in general the cause of
destruction by cold, and in particular, when the event concerns
men,
causes long illnesses, consumptions, withering, disturbances
caused
by fluids, rheumatisms, and quartan fevers, exile, poverty,
imprisonment, mourning, fears, and deaths, especially among those
advanced in age. He is usually significant with regard to those
dumb
animals that are of use to man, and brings about scarcity of
them,
and the bodily destruction by disease of such as exist, so that
the
men who use them are similarly affected and perish. With regard
to
weather, he causes fearful cold, freezing, misty, and
pestilential;
corruption of the air, clouds, and gloom; furthermore, multitudes
of
snowstorms, not beneficial but destructive, from which are
produced
the reptiles harmful to man. As for the rivers and seas, in
general
he causes storms, the wreck of fleets, disastrous voyages, and
the
scarcity and death of fish, and in particular the high and ebb
tides
of the seas and in rivers excessive floods and pollution of their
waters. As for the crops of the earth, he brings about want,
scarcity, and loss, especially of those grown for necessary uses,
either through worms or locusts or floods or cloud-burst or hail
or
the like, so that famine and the destruction of men thereby
result.
When Jupiter rules alone he produces increase in general, and, in
particular, when the prediction is concerned with men, he makes
fame
and prosperity, abundance, peaceful existence, the increase of
the
necessities of life, bodily and spiritual health, and,
furthermore,
benefits and gifts from rulers, and the increase, greatness,
and magnanimity of these latter; and in general he is the cause
of
happiness. With reference to dumb animals he causes a multitude
and
abundance of those that are useful to men and the diminution and
destruction of the opposite kind. He makes the condition of the
air
temperate and healthful, windy, moist, and favorable to the
growth
of what the earth bears; he brings about the fortunate sailing of
fleets, the moderate rise of rivers, abundance of crops, and
everything similar.
Mars, when he assumes the rulership alone, is in general the
cause of
destruction through dryness and in particular, when the event
concerns men, brings about wars, civil faction, capture,
enslavement,
uprisings, the wrath of leaders, and sudden deaths arising from
such
causes; moreover, reverse, tertian agues, raising of blood, swift
and
violent deaths, especially in the prime of life; similarly,
violence, assaults, lawlessness, arson and murder, robbery and
piracy. With regard to the condition of the air he causes hot
weather, warm, pestilential, and withering winds, the loosing of
lightning and hurricanes, and drought. Again, at sea he causes
sudden
shipwreck of fleets through changeable winds or lightning or the
like; the failure of the water of rivers, the drying up of
springs,
and the tainting of potable waters. With reference to the
necessities
produced upon the earth for human use, he causes a scarcity and
loss
of dumb animals and of things which grow from the earth, and the
loss
of crops by drying as the result of hot weather, or by locusts,
or by
the beating of the winds, or by burning in places of storage.
Venus, when she becomes sole ruler of the event,
in general brings about results similar to those of Jupiter, but
with
the addition of a certain agreeable quality; in particular, where
men
are concerned, she causes fame, honor, happiness, abundance,
happy
marriage, many children, satisfaction in every mutual
relationship,
the increase of property, a neat and well conducted manner of
life,
paying honor to those things which are to be revered; further,
she
is the cause of bodily health, alliances with the leaders, and
elegance of rulers; as to the winds of the air, of temperateness
and
settled conditions of moist and very nourishing winds, of good
air,
clear weather, and generous showers of fertilizing waters; she
brings
about the fortunate sailing of fleets, successes, profits, and
the
full rising of rivers; of useful animals and the fruits of the
earth
she is the preeminent cause of abundance, good yields, and
profit.
Mercury, if he gains the rulership, is, generally speaking, in
nature
like whatever of the other planets may be associated with him. In
particular, he is above all stimulating, and in predictions
concerning men is keen and very practical, ingenious in any
situation; but he causes robbery, theft, piracy, and assault, and
furthermore, brings about unsuccessful voyaging when he is in
aspect
with the maleficent planets, and occasions diseases of dryness,
quotidian agues, coughs, raising, and consumption. he is the
cause of
events taking place which concern the priestly code, the worship
of
the gods, the royal revenues, and of change in customs and laws,
from
time to time, in consistency with his association with the other
planets on each occasion. With reference to the air, since he is
very
dry and swift on account of his nearness to the sun, and the
speed of
his revolution, he is particularly apt to arouse irregular,
fierce,
and changeable winds, and, as might be expected, thunder,
hurricanes,
chasms in the earth, earthquakes, and lightning; sometimes by
these
means he causes the destruction of useful animals and plants. At
setting he diminishes waters and rivers, at rising fills them.
Such are the effects produced by the several planets, each by
itself
and in command of its own nature. Associated, however, now with
one
and now with another, in the different aspects, by the exchange
of
signs, and by their phases with reference to the sun, and
experiencing
a corresponding tempering of their powers, each produces a
character,
in its effect, which is the result of the mixture of the natures
that
have participated, and is complicated. It is of course a hopeless
and impossible task to mention the proper outcome of every
combination and to enumerate absolutely all the aspects of
whatever
kind, since we can conceive of such a variety of them.
Consequently
questions of this kind would reasonably be left to the enterprise
and
ingenuity of the mathematician, in order to make the particular
distinctions.
It is needful to observe what affinity exists between the planets
which govern the prediction and the countries or the cities for
which
the event is signified. For if the ruling planets are beneficent,
and have familiarity with the subjects affected, and are not
overcome
by planets of the opposite sect, they more powerfully produce the
benefits natural to them; even as, when they bear no familiarity,
or
are overcome by their opposites, they are less helpful. But when
they
are of the injurious temperament and govern the prediction, if
they
have familiarity with the subjects affected or are overcome by
the
opposite sect, they do less harm; but if they are neither lords
of
the countries nor are overcome by the planets that have
familiarity
with those countries, they exert all the more intensely the
destructiveness of their temperament. Usually, however, those men
are
affected by the more universal ills who in their own genitures
happen
to have the most essential places, by which I mean those of the
luminaries or of the angles, the same as those that furnish the
cause
of the general misfortunes, that is, the places of the eclipses
or
the places directly opposite. Of these the positions most
dangerous
and hardest to avoid are those in which either of their
luminaries is
in possession of the very degree of the place of the eclipse, or
the
degree opposite.
Section 33
9. Of the Colors of Eclipses, Comets, and the Like.
For the prediction of general conditions we must also observe the
colors at the time of the eclipses, either those of the
luminaries
themselves, or those of the formations that occur near them, such
as
rods, halos, and the like. For if they appear black or livid they
signify the effects which were mentioned in connection with
Saturn's
nature; if white, those of Jupiter; if reddish, those of Mars;
if
yellow, those of Venus; and if variegated, those of Mercury. If
the
characteristic color appears to cover the whole body of the
luminary
or the whole region surrounding it, the predicted event will
affect
most of the parts of the countries; but if it is in any one part,
it
will affect only, that part against which the phenomenon is
inclined.
We most observe, further, for the prediction of general
conditions,
the comets which appear either at the time of the eclipse or at
any
time whatever; for instance, the so-called "beams," "trumpets,"
"jars,"and the like, for these naturally produce the effects
peculiar
to Mars and to Mercury -- wars, hot weather, disturbed condi