An astrological discourse with mathematical demonstrations proving the powerful and harmonical influence of the planets and fixed stars upon elementary bodies in justification of the validity of astrology : together with an astrological judgment upon the great conjunction of Saturn & Jupiter, 1603 / written by that worthy, learned gentleman, Sir Christopher Heydon, Knight ; and now published by Nicholas Fiske ...

CHAP. XIV.

Intension and Remission by the Motion of the Planets.

NExt the scituation and place of the Planets, that Intension and Remis∣sion which hapneth by these Passions that

result from their motion through the A∣namaly of their Eccentricks and Epi∣cycles, are not unfit to be considered. Not that the diversity of Motions alter∣eth the nature of the Planets, which is ever the same, but because in regard hereof they work not after one manner in every place, nor yet alike in the same place at the same position, but diversly in all places, as the force of their operation is increased or diminished through this diversity of their particular motions, and then diversly applyed by the diurnal Re∣volution of the Heavens unto the matter of sublunary things. For as is well known to those that are acquainted with the The∣oricks, the Center of their Orbs differing from the Center of the World, causeth them in respect of us to move irregularly, as sometimes Directly, according to the succession of the Signs; sometimes Re∣trograde, and against their order: their Motion also for the same Reason being sometimes swift, sometimes slow, and sometimes nothing at all but stationary. Which great diversity must of necessity cause variety in the manner of their ope∣ration. For as the motion of a Planet

that is direct, doth greatly avail to his long stay and continuance above the Ho∣rizon, in that it comprehendeth more then one intire period of the Aequinocti∣al in his diurnal Revolution: So that Planet which is Retrograde, seemeth not only to forsake his own natural course, (because the proper motion of every Pla∣net is performed towards the East,) but besides, he is also esteemed purposely to refuse that opportunity of strengthening his operation by long continuance above the Horizon, which, by holding on a di∣rect course, he doth obtain. Yet not∣withstanding my opinion is, and both Reason and Experience do confirm it, That God hath not vainly ordained this Law in their Motions, but that it doth rather evidently admonish us, that this Planet doth (as I may say) by this Retro∣grade Motion assuredly purpose some particular effect, considering he seemeth rather to violate the constant Decree of Nature, then it should be unperformed. In which respect Astrologers use to call such an Application as hapneth by Re∣gression to a Planet that is direct Violent, or the doubling of the effects. And

moreover it is to be observed, that a Re∣trograde Planet doth, by means of this passion, pass, return, and re-pass the same small Ark of the Zodiack thrice in few days, whereby the former loss, which he suffereth through interruption of his di∣urnal Ark, is as it were treble recompen∣sed by his three-fold reiteration of the same course.

Notes

• A direct Planet lon∣ger above the Horizon then a re∣trograde, which is the reason why Retro∣gradation is reputed a Debility in respect of it self.
• Applicati∣on by Re∣trogradati∣on violent.
• In what respect a Planet shal double and treble his efficacy be∣yond that which a direct Pla∣net c••n.