The works of that late most excellent philosopher and astronomer, Sir George Wharton, bar. collected into one volume / by John Gadbvry ...

Multiplicatio Effectus Syderum Se∣creta.

HE that will know Great and Noble things, must commit three Rules to Memory. 1. The Rarity and Time of the Planetary Conjunctions, and multiply one into the other, if it be exquisite or perfect; if not, into the part thereof in respect of Days, and the Factus shall be the number of the Days of that Effect.

For Example; Suppose a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in some point of the Zodiack, and be∣sid••s that of the Moon, ad unguem. The Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter is in Twenty Years, and the Recourse of the Moon in Twenty seven Days, and eight Hours. Then Multiply Twenty seven, and one third part of a Day by Twenty, and they make Five hundred forty six Years, and two thirds of a Year, for the time of the Effect of that Conjunction.

But yet it may ere that be obstructed by another Conjunction, especially after one half of the time be expired; for the Effect will be Naturally increased for the space of Two hundred seventy three Years, and one third part of a Year: And this when the Conjunction of all the Three shall be in one Point.

But admit the Moon should then be distant Thirty Minutes, we will take the Semi-diameters of the Moon, and therewith compare the Proportion of her distance, in such sort, as that we allow thereunto one half of the time, because her Semi-diameter is one half of her distance. And so if the Moon shall be di∣stant one whole degree, we must give only a Fourth

part, Multiplying six Days and twenty Hours, into twenty Years, and the time of the Effect shall be One hundred thirty six Years. The like must be done until the Moon shall be further distant than the quantity of her Beams, which is twelve degrees and a half. For although this Proportion be not altogether perfect, yet it is sensible, and near to the truth.

The Magnitude of

• Sun, is—16 m.
• Moon —17.
• Jup. & Venus—5. & almost to 6 m.
• Sat. & Mars—4.
• Mercury—2.

2. That the Effects be multiplyed in Strength like the Rarity, according to an exquisite Application.

As if Saturn have Four Vertues, Jupiter Five, Mars Three, and are all conjoyned in one Point; then let us multiply Three, Four, and Five together, and the Effect shall be Sixty in Strength, viz. twelve times so much to the Effect of Jupiter alone; fifteen times so much to Saturn, and twenty times so much to Mars.

But if Mars shall be distant one degree at a time when Saturn and Jupiter are in Conjunction, we must multiply three Minutes of the Semi-diameter of Mars, into three, the Number of his Strength, and the Factus is Nine. Then Divide the Number by Sixty, (the number of Minutes in the distance of Mars from Jupiter and Saturn) and the Quotient is three twen∣tieth parts, which we multiply into Twenty, (the Number of the strength of the Conjunction of Sa∣turn and Jupiter.) and the result is Three, whi••h add to Tw••nty, and the strength of that Conjunction shall be Twenty three; that is almost eight times so much

as the strength of Mars; six times so much as the strength of Saturn, and five times so much as the strength of Jupiter. And the like of the rest.

The strength of every Planet may be known by the Magnitude thereof, and the slowness of its Mo∣tion; for by how much greater the Planets be, and by how much slower they are in Motion, by so much stronger are they in General Causes, but not so in Par∣ticular. For Example,

I would know what Power Saturn hath in respect of the Moon, as to length or continuance of their Effects.

I see that Saturn's Revolution is performed in Twenty nine Years, and Three hundred fifty eight Days; where∣in are 10750 Days. This I multiply into the Square of his Semi-diameter, and they make 96750 Days. In like manner, I multiply the Circuit of the Moon in∣to the Squared Minutes of her Semi-diameter, and the Factus is 7899 Days, and one eighth part of a Day. I Divide the one by the other, and the Quotient is Twelve. And so much is the proportion of Saturn's strength to the strength of the Moon.

The same I say of Conjunctions, in respect of the length or Continuance of their Effects.

And it may be demonstrated in one word, because the Effects continue until the Return; as the Con∣junction of Saturn and Jupiter till another Conjunction; and the Ingress of Saturn into the first point of Aries, untill his next entrance into the same Point. For, Nihil datur inane in Natura. And therefore, if the Effects should not continue until the Return, it were a Mathematical Circuit, not a Natural; a Cause without an Effect; yea, a kind of Impotency. Where∣fore, Proportio Circuitus ad Circuitum, ut temporis ad tempus, quod erat probandum.

Nevertheless, every one of these Circuits is reduced to the half thereof; because that from the Opposition, the force of the Conjunction is finished, and the Oppo∣sition regarded only.

These things understood, it is manifest, that in ei∣ther Rule, what is said of two Planets, and three, holds also in four, and five, and six: As if Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and the Moon shall be joyned ad unguem, or within some degrees, you must multiply their Times and Vertues, as well in respect of the Magnitude of the Effects, as the Magnitude of Time: Observing the first Rule in the Times, the Second in their Ver∣tues.

1. Hence it is concluded, that the most powerful Conjunction, and the most durable, is that of the Head of Aries of the Eighth Sphere, with the Head of Aries of the Ninth Sphere, because it is but once in Thirty six Thousand Years. And in this Conjunction it is ma∣nifest, that all the Signs of the Eighth Sphere do agree to those of the Ninth, and that all the Stars of the Eighth Sphere contribute their Powers: So likewise all the Planets, because their Absides are moved by the Motion of the Eighth Sphere, and for that the Eclip∣tique-lines are joyned to one another, unto which the Planets have a Respect, both in regard of the Sun's Motion, and the Motion of Latitude also.

2. The Second is the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, in the Sign of Aries; that is, the Circuit from Aries to Aries, which is but once in Seven hun∣dred ninety five Years, regard being had to the change of the Trigon.

3. The change of the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, from one Trigon to another, which happens in One hundred ninety nine Years, and proceeds ac∣cording to the Succession of Signs, viz. from the

first Trigon of Aries into the second Trigon of Taurus, thence into the Trigon of Gemini, and then into that of Cancer; after which it returns to the first Trigon.

4. The Return of Saturn to the beginning of Aries in the space of Thirty Years.

5. The Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, once in every Twenty Years.

6. The Return of Jupiter to the beginning of Aries, perfected at the end of Twelve Years.

7. The Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in Twenty seven Months.

8. The Conjunction of the Sun and Mars in Twenty six Months.

9. The Conjunction of Mars and Saturn, in Twen∣ty five Months.

10. The Circuit of Mars, in Twenty three Months.

11. The Conjunction of the Sun and Jupiter, every Fourteen Months.

12. The Conjunction of the Sun and Saturn, every Thirteen Months.

13. The Circuit of the Sun, in Twelve Months.

And what is said of the Sun, as to his own Circuit, and his Conjunction with the Superiour Planets, must be understood also of Venus and Mercury.

In like manner, what shall be said touching the Conjunction of the Moon with the Sun, must be under∣stood also of the Conjunction of the Moon with Venus and Mercury.

14. The Conjunction of Venus with the Sun, in Ten Months, or Two hundred ninety two Days.

15. The Conjunction of Mercury with the Sun, in two Months, or in Fifty and eight Days.

16. The Conjunction of the Moon with the Sun, in twenty nine Days, and ten Hours, a Lunar Month.

17. The Revolution of the Moon, in twenty seven Days, and eight Hours.

18. The Return of any Planet or Fixed Star, or Place of Conjunction to the Ascendant or Circle of the Mid-heaven, which hath as much force as the Ingress of the same Star into the first Point of Aries: And this is demonstrable by the third Rule, which is this.

Every Star that hath much Power per se, as is the Rarity of the Event, (for this was but even now de∣monstrated) and this Rarity in gradu, is always a Three hundred and sixtieth part: Therefore if the Star be the same, and Rarity the same, it is as much to have that Star in the degree of the Ascendant (which happens every day, and is called the Diurne Circuit) as that the same Star should enter the first Point of Aries.

Now, I will shew that Rarity is the same: For like as every day that Degree continues but only four Mi∣nutes of time in the Ascendant: So Saturn remains the space of a Month (ferè) in the first degree of Aries. And thus (notwithstanding the Ingress of Saturn into Aries can be but once in Thirty Years, and Saturn in the Ascendant but once every day, yet) because he remains in the Ascendant but for a Moment, viz. Four Minutes of an Hour, which are the three hundred and sixtieth part of a Day, and the whole Circuit; and in the first degree of Aries, the space of a Month, which is also the three hundred and sixtieth part of Thirty Years Circuit. It is evident, that it is as Rare to have Saturn in the degree of the Asc••ndant as in the f••rst degree of Aries.

The same may be demonstrated concerning the Moon, and the Great Conjunctions of the H••ad of Aries of the Eighth Sph••••e, with the Head of A••i••s

of the Ninth. For although it happen but once in Thirty six thousand Years; yet because the Head of Aries of the Eighth Sphere continues in the first de∣gree of Aries in the Ninth, and every Fixed Star of the Eighth, in one degree of the Ninth Sphere, the space of a Hundred Years; 'tis plain, that it is as Rare to have the Head of Aries in the Ascendant (whether of the Eighth or Ninth Sphere,) as that any one is Born at the time of that Conjunction, viz. Of the Head of the Eighth Sphere with the Head of the Ninth, in the same Degree. And so of the rest, where∣in a regard must be had of the Circuit, because one Term remaineth Fixed. The like I prove of Those in which the Terms are both moveable; and as is ma∣nifest (for Example) in the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which (although it falls out but once in Twenty Years, yet) remain joyned for the space of the 360th. part of the Circuit; that is to say, for more than Twenty Days; the like of all others. And the Reason is the same concerning the Circuit and Cor∣poral Conjunction, in respect of one of those Stars in the Cuspe of the Ascendant and Mid-heaven.

Whence it follows, That even all Conjunctions (whether of the Planets amongst themselves, or of the Fixed Stars in respect of the same distance, sup∣pose of one Degree, or ten Minutes, or in the very same Minute) are of the same Vertue according to their Ra∣rity; yea, and according to their Power or Strength, in respect of Rarity; but yet not in respect of the Stars that be in Conjunction. For that (as but now was said) the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter can do more, than the Conjunction of Mars and Ju∣piter; and much more the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, than of Venus and Mercury in the same di∣stance, in regard of their Bodies.

And so likewise the Conjunction of Saturn and Ju∣piter in the same degree (be it in what place soever of a Nativity) may do more than if Saturn or Ju∣piter only were in the degree of the Ascendant, or Mid-heaven, not of Rarity: For as to this they are of equal Power, as was before demonstrated. But for that Reason, that the Planets are joyn'd, they do conduplicate their Power by the second Rule.

And hence another thing follows, viz. That some Conjunction of Venus and Mercury shall be far more Powerful than the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, or of the Sun and Moon: Because the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, or of the Sun and Moon, may be in the same degree only, and the Conjunction of Venus and Mercury, Corporeal.

I call that a Corporeal Conjunction, when the Pla∣nets are not more distant one from another, than the Aggregate of their Semi-diameters; as Venus and Mer∣cury not farther than Eight Minutes in Longitude; and so Venus from the Moon not above Twenty three Minutes. And if such a Conjunction be made also in respect of Latitude, it will be far more effectual and valid. Nevertheless the Latitude doth not so much as the difference in Longitude; because the distance of Latitude impedeth not, but that both the Stars may be moved in the same Circle, passing by the Poles of the Zodiack. And the greatest distance that can be of two Planets in Latitude, is betwixt Mars and Venus, viz. When Mars is in the utmost extre∣mity of his Southern Latitude, and Venus in the like of her Northern Latitude; for then they are distant fourteen degrees and a half.

A Second way, whereby the Conjunction of Venus and Mercury may be greater than the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter (I omit then what they might be

with some Fixed Star, or in the beginning of Aries, and with Saturn and Jupiter in the end of Virgo, for that were to multiply the Conjunction, and make it Triple) as (for Example) this: Venus and Mercury may be in the Degree of the Ascendant, and Saturn and Jupiter in the end of the second House: And this by the third Rule.

A Third manner is, That in One Nativity, where∣in Venus and Mercury are conjoyn'd, they may be Lords of the Ascendant. In another, wherein Saturn and Jupiter are joyned, neither of them may have any Power at all in the Ascendant (as when the tenth De∣gree of Virgo or Taurus Ascendeth,) or but very lit∣tle, as when the tenth of Leo Ascendeth, where only Jupiter hath but the Dignity of a Trigon, and especi∣ally if the Nativity be by Day.

A Fourth Mode is, if whilst Venus is joyn'd to Mer∣cury, a Comet should appear in the Heavens; or that the Sun and Moon be in Conjunction, the rather if there be an Eclipse; for then also because it may not behold the Place, this Conjunction of Venus and Mercury shall be more Powerful than the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, wherewith none of these great Causes hap∣peneth.

And Note, That there are six great Causes in Heaven.

The First, is the Conjunction of the Ecliptiques of the Eighth) and Ninth Spheres, and of the Heads of Aries thereof; for this excelleth all the rest.

The Second, a Comet, which confounds both Sea and Land, and all things else.

The Third, an Eclipse, which for the most part troubles and disturbs one certain and determinate kind of Creatures.

The Fourth, is the Conjunction of the Luminaries, whereby all moist things are governed: Therefore the Seas, Crabs, Fishes, Diseases, F••ll'd or Lopped Wood, and the like.

The Fifth, is the Conjunction of Saturn and Ju∣piter, in what place soever it chanceth, whereby Laws, Empires, and Regions are Governed.

The Sixth and Last, the Conjunction of the Lu∣minaries with the Fixed Stars, whereof the Solar Conjunctions govern the Winds, the Lunar the Seas.

19. The Nineteenth Conjunction, is that of Venus and Mercury, which may be called Irregular, for that it hath no certain Circuit: Yet is there one assigned, the same being Collected and Divided from many Con∣junctions, and this is called the Mean Circuit of Five Months and three Days, or thereabouts.

20. The Twentieth, is the Transits of the Absides out of one Sign into another, which is in the space of about Three thousand Years, some say, Four Thousand; others, Twelve hundred; and another sort, Sixteen hundred. But it is not as yet determined in what time precisely the Apogaeon absolves one Sign, nor conse∣quently, one Degree, (as Petavius hath Observed) and therefore I forbear any Judgments thereon.