Apotelesma, or, The nativity of the world, and the revolution thereof with astrologicall judgements thereupon / by George Wharton ...

Of the VVorlds Nativity, and the Revolution thereof, with Astrological Judgments thereupon.

I'Le not trouble my self, or the Reader, with the various Opi∣nions of Men or Nations concerning the 'lapsed years of the World's Creation, some being utterly lost in Conc••ipts that re∣pugne Philosophy, others sway'd with Philosophicall conjectures destructive to Divinity; and the rest miserably varying one from another: For, the Heathens afford us no satisfaction [Epicurus and Aristotle will not allow it had any beginning.] The Iews are wretchedly dissenting in their accompts [Philo and Ios••phus irreconcileable.] The Samari••ans differing from the Iews, and indeed all others, the Iewes from the Christians, and they a∣mongst themselves, Scaliger and Petavius of the Latines, Cle∣mens Alexandrinus and Nicepborus among the Greeks.

'Tis true, Longomontanus (a most learned modern Astrono∣mer) with a ••ilere ampli••s ••eque••, takes boldly upon him to dis∣cover this grand secret from the motion of the Sun's Apogaeum, supposing the Sun's Eccentriciti•• immutable, and the Apogaeum a yearly motion of 1′. 1″. 50‴. 14''''. stiling it Illustre testimonium de Mundi exordi••, & duratione hactenus. For, by positing the the Sun's Apogaeum in the beginning of Aries at the Creation, and his Perigaeum in the opposite point Libra; He concludes of 4000. years (within a half) betwixt the Creation and the Pas∣sion of our Saviour; and till the 1588^th. yeare of his Incarnati∣on 5554. (allowing 33. whole years for our Saviours age, with addition of the time intercepted betwixt his Nativity and Passi∣on.) And this, this learned Author grounds on the accurate Ob∣servations of his learned Master Tycho Brabe, (who indeed con∣cluded the progress of the Sun's Apogaeum, (S. S. S.) till that year 95°. 30′.) And to the end we might compare the same with the Observations of sundry old and late Astronomers, throughout the respective Ages they lived in▪ exhibits to our view the follow∣ing Table of

The Place of the Sun's Apogaeum, from the beginning of the World, and the true Vernall Equinox.

In the severall Ages of	Years of the World.	Deduct.	Obser∣vat.	Dif∣fer.
Hipparohus Rhodius	3810	65	16	65	30	14′
C. Ptolomeus Alexand.	4099	70	3
Albategnius Maham	4849	82	53	82	16	37
••ualterus Nor••nberg.	5454	93	43	94	15	32—
Nicolaus Copern. Tur.	5492	94	23	95	8	45—
Tycho Braheus Dan.	5554	95	30	95	30	0

Whereby it appeares that the moved Apogaeum of the Sun pro∣portionably deduced (according to the Annuall motion here al∣lowed it) throughout the respective ages of their Astronomers, differs no where more then 45′. from what it was observed by them, Ptolomy excepted, who (as saith Longomontanus) too con∣fidently maintained that Hipparchus's supposition of the Su••s Apogaeum had continued invariable untill his time: his observati∣ons being without all question violently fitted to such a purpose.

And (to say the truth) were it that we had the Sun's Apogaeum precisely and uncontrollably so determined by Longomontanus, or otherwise by any other; very well it might be called Illustre testimonium of the worlds Originall. But for somuch as later Authors doe all or most of them differ (more or lesse) from him in the Annuall motion of the Sun's Apogaeum, and consequently in the place thereof, (for instance Bullialdus, who makes it this yeare much lesse then hee, viz. 3^•. 6°. 26′. 27″. by abating 5. Se∣conds of what Longomontanus allowes for its Annuall Motion;) I dare not confidently build upon this Foundation: which would (this yeare 1655.) compute of above 5621. yeares since the Cre∣ation, yet that farre short of what arises from Bullialdus, whereby the Age of the World should now be no lesse then 6091. yeares: both of them exceeding (but the latter by farre) that Accompt which the latest and best of Chronologers sit down with. So that hence (also) wee receive very little or no satisfaction.

But let be the Age of the World what it please: the Season of its Birth I undoubtedly take to be the Spring, the particle of time in which that mighty Giant (the Sun,) began his unweary∣ed

Course (according to appearance from the first scruple of Aries in the Meridian of Mesopotamia, where Paradise is by men ve∣ry learned both in Divinity & Geography affirmed to have stood, unlesse we admitt of such Allegories as make Paradise to signifie a place of Pleasure, and the four Rivers Foure Cardinall ver∣tues: or hoist it up in the Aire under the Moones Orbit, fancyiny those rivers to fall down•• from thence, and running under the Ocean to rise up againe in those places where now they are found: the one Opinion being as unwarrantable, as the other is ridiculous.

For, it is as true as Truth it selfe, that God instituted the begin∣ing of the Ecclesasticall yeare at the Vernal-Equinox: whereby hee restored to the People the Beginning of the yeare which the Patriarkes had observed before them, and which they by their long Conversation with the Egyptians had discontinued; whence the soundest, both Divines and Historians conclude, that God restored to the Israelites the ancient accompt of the yeare and the true beginning thereof, partly to the end it might be a memoriall of their departure out of Egypt, partly that the Worlds Creation might be recorded, and partly that it might be a Prophecy of Christ, who was to suffer at this time. So that the Creation, the Celebration of the Passeover, and the Redemption of the World (by the death of Christ) do all of them fall out at the same time.

Now that the Patriarks had this beginning of the yeare, who can doubt it? They had the most naturall accompt of the yeare, and such is that which fixes its originall at the Vernall E∣quinox. For seeing the mode of perfection is twofold▪ one cùm res sit, the other cùm facta est; the consummate perfection doth in no wise appertain to the birth of the thing, but the Inchoate, and (as i may say) vernant. For illustration whereof is may be ad∣ded, That the Spring is the most beautifull and pleasant time of all the yeare, and the most proper for generation of things: which Moses not obscurely implieth, where he saith, Terram g••rminâsse herbam virentem. Neither is the Objection of Adams plucking fruit from off the forbidden tree available, it being very w••l known that in some Eastern Countreys (yea elswhere) they have frui•• growing twice a veare: the Poma aurea of Spain, both at Spring and Autumne. No•• does the great volume of Heaven but confirm this opinion; whilest the Dodecatemorle of Aries commences the

naturall yeare, wherein the first conversion, or change of these sublunary things is caused.

To conclude this point. The Chaldaeans had their learning and wisdom from the Hebrews: Now forasmuch as they appointed the beginning of the year at the Vernal Equinox, as did also the Per∣sians; 'tis very probable they borrowed this accompt of the yeare from the Hebrews: And therefore saith Scaliger Exerc. 257. Mundum verè ortum primò, & autumant sapientes & credere par est. So runs (also) the sentence of pious Antiquity.

Hâc est illa dies quinta & vigesima Marti, Quâ verbo Domini mundi textura peracta est: Mortuus hâc Adam: Mortem hâc devicit Iësus: Hâc est caesus Abel: fuit hâc mactandus Isaacus: Hâc Pasoba indictum: Hâc David Rex dicitur unctus.

Which is thus much after my rude version.

This is (of March) the five and twentieth day, Whereon God finish'd th' Heavens, Earth and Sea, And all therein: when the first Adam di'd: And when the Second [JESUS crucifi'd.] When Abel's blood was by his Brother shed, And Isaac's ready to be offered, The Passeover proclaimed to begin, When holy David was Annointed King.

Of the Worlds Revolution.

IF this then be the season of the yeare, wherein the World had its Birth, as the most learned Divines, Chronologers, and A∣stronomers have unanimously concluded. It followeth next, that we consider the Revolution thereof this present yeare 1655. and from thence derive our Judgments Astrologicall; Non aliter ac in Nativitatibus quid nato per subsequentes annos eventurum fit, pronunciari solet ex thematibus Revolutionum, quae eriguntur ad locum Solis qui est in Radice. Orig. Part. 3. cap. 3.

Now to find out this temporary moment of the Sun's Revo∣lution to the first scruple of Aries (where he was in the Radix of the Worlds Creation) hath been by some accounted impossi∣ble; by others a task very difficult and uncertain. And (to say

the truth) such has been the wide difference herein amongst A∣stronomers, untill of late dayes, that the Calculations (how nice and curious soever) made from the severall Tables they publish∣ed, howbeit every man with equall confidence and commenda∣tion of the verity and exactness of his own, have wanted that precise concurrence which is requisite to raise thereon so com∣plete an Astrologicall structure, as might withstand the tem∣pestuous stormes that frequently arise from the turbulent Sea of Ignorance and Malice. Whereof Cardanus was so sensi∣ble, that (because he would not run the hazard of his cre∣dit, so great in the World) he rather wholly neglected the (then so) doubtfull Cusps of the Houses in these revolutional Fi∣gures, saving thereby the labour of erecting Schemes, then from such incertainties to raise alike incertain judgments: In which respect he prescribes a regard onely to the places and Aspects of the Planets. And indeed should we grant the Tables Astrono∣micall (what as yet we find not in them; I mean) the exactness aimed at and coveted by all men: yet, till the long-sought for and hitherto unfound certainer way of a••taining the true Longi∣tude be discovered, some discrepancies (more or less) will be al∣ways occurring.

In the mean while, I could wish, that some ingenious Artists would ayply the Directions of Daniel Santbeck, (Probl. A∣stronom. & Geom. Sec. 1. Prop. 10.) who by the help of a Geo∣metricall Quadrant there described, sets down the manner of observing the true time of the Equinoxes, whereby they may discover, not only how far the Calculations made by the Tables differ from (but also which Tables come nearest) Observation; and by this means make choice of the best, whereon to ground their Judgements Astrologicall.

But forasmuch as all, or the most of our Annuall Progno∣stiques, are commonly extant before the Vernall Equinox, on and about which day those Observations ought to be made, it cannot be expected that we should here proceed upon those grounds, the Birth of what now we present you with, anticipa∣ting its Fortune in the Press not less than Four Lunar Revolu∣tions: Wherefore all we can here do, to do fairly, will be to make choice of the best Astronomicall Tables, in which Number •• rank the Philolaick, as solving the Phaenomena nearest exact∣ness, when handled by a skilful Artist, and reduced (not upon

the bare credit of every prostituted Catalogue of the Difference of Meridians, but) with regard had to Ecliptical Observations, determining (so near as may be) the true Longitude: otherwise great Errors may ensue, especially in the time of the Solar In∣gresses, Eclipses, and other Lunations, and yet the Tables ex∣cusable.

These things well considered, I cannot see with what shew of equity we should be derided, or Astrologie exploded, in case we arrive not at such preciseness in our Annuall Judgments as is looked for from us, by those which know not the handling of a Science, whose subject is so remote, whose paths be so variously winding and intricate. Or why Astrologie should be contemned or slighted for want of Perfection more than all other Arts or Sciences, since really there are none without some defect or o∣ther; not any one that can truly say, it is free from every scru∣pulous exception: For, (omitting Physick, and the rest, which cannot justly boast of nigh so much perfection) what Geometri∣cian can stand up and truly tell me, he hath found out the exact Quadrature of a Circle, or the Duplication of a Gube? What Algebraist can resolve the so long sought for Equation of three discontinued Numbers in Algebraique proportion? And should therefore those noble Sciences be rejected as vain and foolish, and the Professors be no better accounted of than Impostors; when nevertheless we cannot but confess the most excellent and daily use made of Geometry, both of Sea and Land, very well know∣ing that the Geometrician can Square a Circle, (though not pre∣cisely, yet) so neer exactness, as leaves the issue of his endeavors without any sensible Error? In like manner, because the Astro∣nomer determines not precisely the true places of the Planets, (howbeit very near the same, and the Eclipses of the Lumina∣ries, to admiration) the Astrologer sometimes strayes a little in the Species and Times of the events thereon depending, shall we therefore (altogether excusing Astronomic) lay the whole blame and weight of our indignation on Astrologie, whose Effata suppose the Planets true places, which are Scientiarum apices, the perfection of Sciences, that God (in his wisdome) would not have known ab initio, but reserveth only to some pe∣culiar Men and Ages?

I confess it is but too true, that (like as in all other Sciences, so) in this, as there are and ever have been some Hereticks and

Miscreants, who rail and exclaim against Astrologie, (for no o∣ther reason, but) because they apprehend it not, so there are a ••ort of loose and ignorant pretenders, (Spurii non veri filii Ar∣tis:) who expose to sale their Lying Oracles, do ••xceedingly ble∣mish and disparage the Science, administring thereby great ad∣vantage for the malitious to inveigh and rail against it both from the Press and Pulpit, and to bespatter the more able and hon••st Professors thereof with the Titles of Figure-Flingers, Cheats, Impostors, and (I care not what) other abusive Epithets.

But should we (which my very soul abhors) set light of the Deitie, because Caligula and Lucian would not grant any? or suspect the Regiment of the World, because Sardanapalus, Epi∣curus, Lucretius and Nero denied Gods providence? or esteem of humane things more than sacred, because the Machivelists teach that Politie might consist without Religion, accounting it nothing but an empty name, and the Bond or Give of Politie? Or should we condemn the whole Catholike Church, because of the many Ravenning Wolves and Subtile Foxes crept into (and now so miserably despoiling) her? Or, decrying all the Clergie, because some Time-buggering Changlings have dishonoured the Function, seduced their Auditori••, and preferr'd their worldly interests and carnall ends of Pride, vain-glory, strife, cove∣tousness, and desire of pr••hemin••nce above their brethren, to the Truth and Peace of the Gospel? Should we (I say) for the in∣credulity of some, cond••mn•• what (for doing so) might damn•• us? Or for the impiety and hypocrisie of a few, cast dirt in the face of a whole Covent of Learned and Religious Men? let the enemies of Ʋrania themselves be Judges, if we might not be justly taken for fools or knaves, or knaves and fools in Folio? And let all rational men say, whether they be less, or any other, that have causl••sly and publikely so derid••d and railed at us.

But è diverticulo in viam, to return into the road again, (for I cannot crave pardon for this digr••ssion, so pr••ssing is the cause thereof!) The Arieticall Ingress reduced to K••ndale is this yeare (by Ismael Bullialdus) at 1^h. 58′. 41″ Apparent-time, in the afternoon of the 10^th. day of March (Old Stile) unto which I erect the following Scheme of the Worlds 5063^d. Revolution, according to the (generally received for) true Accompt, the Vulgar and Dy••ui••ian being one year more.

The Scheme.

[illustration]

♋ 26

♊ 18

♉ 2 0

☿ 11 52

♀ 8. 36

♃ 4. 50

♈ ••

☊ 14. 32

♌ 19. 40

☉ 0. 0 ♈

♓ 9

♄ 5. 0 〈☐〉〈☐〉

♍ 9

☽ 9. 37

♒ 19 40

☋ 14. 32

♎ ••

♍ 2 0

♐ 18

♂ 28. 40

♃ 26

Revolutio Mundi 5603^a.

• ...Ad
  • Annum CHRISTI 1655. Ingressum ☉ in Ariet••m. Subli∣mitatem Poli 54°. 50′. Longitud. Can∣dal. 18.00. constru∣cta.

Favent. Deo Ter-Opt. Max. ☉ ad ♂^em ♃^is.

Behold! We have here the 19. degr. 40′. of the Lion ascend∣ing, the second of the Bull culminating, Cynthia separating from Conjunction with Saturne, and hastening to the Quartile of Mars, He to the Trine of Saturne, and about ten dayes after to the Square of Iupiter, who is in Conjunction with the Sun, Ve∣nus, and Mercurie in the beginning of the Equinoctiall Signe Aries:

The preventionall New-Moone in the 17°. 44′. of the Fishes:

The postventionall Full-Moone in the 1°. 33′. of the Balance:

Mars Almuten (or Lord) of the Revolution, as exceeding the rest in number of Essentiall Dignities, free from combustion, and Rayes of the Sun, Orientall, swif•• in Motion, and just upon enter∣ing the Goat, wherein he is exalted.

All which (with much of what more was requisite to be) consi∣dered, I conclude: That the yeare will be generally inclin'd to drought: For, besides that Iupiter, Venus, and Mercury be all of them neare the Sun in the Ram (a Signe of the fierie Triplicity) unto whom also the Sun succ••ssively d••fluxeth, Mars continueth for the greatest part of the year in the cold and drie Houses of Sa∣turne, who is now got to the Virgin (a Signe of the same nature) where the Moone likewise resid••th: More particularly, that the Winter shall be temperately cold and drie, the Spring moderately warme, but ••xceedingly drie: the Summer cooler than usuall, but the Autumne intemperately cold. Whence it naturally followes,

That the Winter shall prove very seasonable: but the Spring not adorning the earth so plentifully as moderate minds could wish for, neither the fruits thereof so good or gorgeous. The Summer (and consequently the remainer of the yeare) very healthfull, but the fruits thereof serotine: Loss and hurt to the fruits of Autumne, in uantity, tast, and comliness, Omne nimium Naturae inimi∣cum est.

The moisture that will be is signified by the uncertain nature of Mars, according to that of Haly, Est Mars naturâ quidem ••ic••us, sed valde mutabilis, &c. Mars (saith he) is indeed of a drie na∣ture, but withall very changeable: so that somtimes he is of a moist, another while of a drie nature. Humectatur verò & minuitur calor ejus, quando descendit versus terram, & tun•• signat infi••mitat••s & dolores ex▪ occasione sanguinis provenic••••is: His heat is moist∣ued and diminished so often as he d••sc••nds towards the earth▪ and then he portends infirmities and griefs proceeding of blood.

Moreover, In conjunctione vel opposi••ione Luminarium, quae pr••••edit revolutionem anni, si Mars locum Luminarium a••pic••at, erunt f••lgura, tonitrua & lampades: If at the new or full Moone preceding the years revolution, Mars beholdeth the place of the Luminaries, lightning and thunder, with lamps or leamos of fire succeed the same. And commonly▪ th••se are accompanied with showers.

Mercurius in Ariete multitudinem ventorum fortium, suco∣rum{que}: Mercury in the Ram foreshewes a number of strong and dry winds: and I have often observed, that when Mercury is sub radiis, the weather is very tempestuous and blustering.

But i•• in judgments of this nature I should give the reasons of all my predictions, '••would surfeit the Reader▪ and swell my Pam••hlet

to a Book. However, to satisfie the ingenious on what grounds we proceed; and to convince a sort of people, who reflecting on Mar∣lianus his Rule [Si vis divinare, totum contrarium ad unguem di∣cito ejus quod Astrologi pollicentur,] suppose we do but guesse at the weather, and believe that if They should say rain, when the A∣strologer writes faire and dry weather; or calm, when he foretels wind, they should hit the mark as often as the Astrologer: I will (once for all) hint a few of the many causes, which either are, or should be considered, by all such as aime at credit or truth in their predictions.

First (then) you must know, that when the Sun (according to appearance) wheels to a Star of a hot nature (as to Mars or Jupi∣ter) it argues a hot or warm disposition of the ayre: if to a Star of a cold nature (as Saturne or Mercury) a distempered ayre through the extremity of cold. And the mutuall conjunction of Stars that be of one complexion augments the same quality: As the conjun∣ction of Iupiter and Mars, by the twofold vertue of their heat, make the lower region of the ayre more fervent.

Many Planets (especially the superior) in Northern Signes, a hot Summer, or a temperate Winter: The contrary when many Planets (the three superior chiefly) are in Southern Signes: for so they signifie a cold and moist Peristasis of the ayre, and a colder Winter.

Saturne in Southerne Signes, and especially in Capricorne and Aquary, terrible Winters of frost and cold; Summers remiss in heat, a famine, an evill increase of wine, and of all such fruits as delight in the Sun.

Moreover, when the cold nature of Saturne is duplicated by the presence of Mercury, it makes the quality of the season colder: but if such a Conjunction or Aspect of the Planets falls out at the new or full Moon, or at any other Aspect of the Luminaries, the vertue thereof shall appear much more effectually; nay, if within three dayes preceding a new-Moon, it addeth vigour to the vertue of such a Planetary Conjunction, or Aspect.

But when Stars of a contrary nature be united by commixture of mutuall Aspect, then shall a temperate affection of the ayre at∣tend the same. The like you may judge, if there happen at the same time Constellations of different natures, whereof one produ∣ces frost and cold, the other heat, or if one of them bode a drie ayre, the other a moist; for so of necessity a mean is produced:

the influences of contrary Constellations mutually impeding and mitigating one another: As the Conjunction of the Sun, and Iu∣piter or Mars, (when both in Fiery Signs) brings with it greater heat, than if one were in a cold Sign and the other in a hot.

Furthermore, the full and new Moons that be celebrated in An∣gles (the Horoscope especially, or Angle of the Earth) are usu∣ally accompanied with rain the same day they happen. But here you must note, that the Effects of the Stars do oftentimes shew themselves before they come into partile Configuration, that is to say, during the time of their Access or Application one to ano∣ther; and sometimes in their defluxion or separation, which the Ancient Graecian Astrologers named Epichemasin and Proche∣masin.

There are some, who (not altogether without reason) erect Schemes to the Apparent times of the Conjunctions of the Lumi∣naries: and (having found the Almuten of the Figure, and ob∣served what Planets be Angular) direct the Horoscope of the Conjunction (allowing one day for every 13°. 11′. the mean motion of the Moon in one day:) for, that when the Horoscope comes by such direction to any Planet that was then Angular, or to the Lord of the Lunation, some change of air, to rain or snow, or wind, at least a dark and cloudy air, succeedeth.

Consider likewise the Position of the Lord of the Lunation, in the Figure, and the Latitude of the Moon; for, from thence come the winds that occasion Tempests.

Take notice also, when the Moon comes within the beams of the Lord of the Figure, or the Angular Planets, for then principally does she manifest her self according to the nature of the Planet.

The Conjunctions of the Planets with fixed stars not far di∣stant from the Ecliptique, produce a notable alteration of the air: And when the Stars leave one Sign and enter into another, they betoken showers. Yet still a regard must be had to the Qua∣lities of the Signs and Seasons. As if the Mutation be in a Wa∣tery Sign, and in the Winter or Spring, then may rain or snow be safely denounced [snow in Winter, if so be a cold Peristasis is im∣pending:] The general Rule is, Grandines in Aprili & Octobri, Nives in Hyeme, in Aestate tonitrua.

A special regard must be also had to the nature of the Earth and Air peculiar to the Horizon you live in, or write for, because that in all places they are not of a like nature: And no less to the

Windes that agree to the particular season of the yeer: forasmuch as they blow not alike in all places, some being Topicall and pe∣culiar to one place; others Chronical, which come at a certain time of the year: Wherefore Cardan. 7. Aph. 29. Oportet Coelum ••ognoscere Regionis, & quo tempore Anni sit tempestuosum, tum etiam cui signo Regio magis conveniat, si veritat••ni in judican∣do assequi velimus.

In the next place, let the Interval of the Sun, Moon, and Planets be observed, which consists of the Aggregate of the Sun and Planets Orb upon the access or deflux thereof, and espe∣cially in the corporal conjunction of the Planets: As in the Suns Application to Conjunction with Saturn, because the Suns Orb consists of 12. and Saturn of 9. therefore so soon as the Sun shall be distant from him, not more than 21. degrees (which number is produced by the Addition of 12. and 9. degrees) the cold commenceth, and lasts for the most part, until the Sun have separated himself 21. degrees from conjunction with him.

In like manner the Planets, which have their houses opposite, when they behold one another by a forceable aspect, as the Opposi∣tion or Quartile, or Trine, do introduce a memorable change to rain, or cold, or heat: As, if the Sun be in aspect with Saturn, a cold Peristasis of the air, especially if either of them be in wa∣tery Signs: In the Sommer time frequent showers, but in Win∣ter cold and snow. So also the configuration of Mars and Venus do bring for the most part heat and warm showers, Iupiter and Mercury vehement blasts of wind. And these Configurations of the Sun with Saturn, Venus and Mars, Jupiter and Mercury, are (by the ancient Mathematicians) called, Portarum seu val∣varum Apertiones.

Nor must you neglect the rising and setting of the 15. fixed Stars of the first, and the 15. of the second magnitude, recorded by Ptolomy in his Calendar: For, if upon the dayes that those Starres rise or set with the Sun, there be a new or full Moone cele∣brated, or that some Planet of a conformable nature with those fixed Glories shall rise or set with him, or some other memorable Constellation that day happen, then may you safely predict a nota∣ble change of ayre. And this is confirmed of Cardan 7. Aph. 71. Oportet & exortus & occasus Heliacos clariorum syderum obser∣vare, vix enim fiet, nè sub ortu Caniculae siccitatis, morbi non vi∣geant; & sub Arcturi occasu imbres. And indeed unless the ri∣sing

and setting of the fixed Stars did operate somthing, we should hardly have raine at one time more than another: For (as saith the same Author, 7. Aph. 72.) Incertus est Planetarum con∣tursus.

Observe also, when the Moone or any other of the Planets transits the Angles of the Worlds Revolution, or the Angles of the new and full Moones: for then be sure some change of aire ensueth, according to the nature of those Planets.

Moreover if upon a Conjunction or Opposition of the three su∣perior Planets, either amongst themselves, or with the three infe∣riors, the Moone soon after apply unto them by an opposite or quar∣tile Configuration, be assured of raine, or winds, according to the nature of the Planets so conjoyned or opposed.

Consider too, the Eclipses, Comets, and other generall Consti∣tutions, for oftentimes they augment or mitigate the speciall: I presume it is not forgotten yet, what vehement and mighty winds we had in Ianuary and February following the first appearance of the Comet in Decemb 1652. And what incredible tempests were the two last years, on the coasts of England, France, Spain, Hol∣land and Germany, in the Atlantique Ocean and Baltique Seas, the Owners of the Navies thereby scattered, and of the many ships, goods and men that were lost, and therein miserably perished, have cause to remember.

Neither do ye wholly neglect the Rule of Eudoxus, which Pliny tells of (lib. 2. ch. 47.) viz. That in the space of foure yeares, not only the winds, but all other tempests (for the most part) returne to what they were before. For, although that Rule of his depends only upon this foundation, [That at the end of foure years next following the Leap-yeare, the Politicall yeare agrees almost with Astronomicall, in respect of time, the rising, setting, and media∣tion of the fixed Stars with the Sun; howbeit the motion of the Moone, and the other Planets be far different:] yet because the power of the Sun and fixed Stars is so great in stirring up of tem∣pests, and the Moone not far distant from the place opposite unto that wherein she was 4. years before, it is probable, that almost the same tempests may return: I confess I never observ'd it. But touching the Mansions of the Moone, I do not regard them, as remembring what Cardan admonishes 7. Aph. 57. Mansiones Lunae nè inspicias, est Lunae vis à loco suo▪ à loco in signifero, à Lumine, Planetis, & Fixis.

And these are the Rules I thought fit to communicate, concern∣ing the change of the Weather.

Of the Diseases this Yeare.

NOw as touching the Diseases of this yeare, although it be true, That a drie year is wholsomer than a moist, yet according to Cardan, 3. Aph. 7. Praedominante siccitate, Febres acutae generan∣tur: when siccity prevailes, acute Feavers are generated: Exci∣tantur etiam morhi tabisici, Opthalmiae, Capitis & Articulorum dolores, difficultates Intestinorum, & Urinae. 3. Aph. 10. Diseases also are excited that lead to Consumptions, Inflammations of the Eyes, griefs of the Head and Joints, Diseases and pains of the En∣tralls, with stoppage of the Urine. More particularly, the Winter shall abound with Head-aches, Coughs, Hoarsness and Rheums, (which according to Gallen) be symptomes of a full head. The Spring with diseases and death of aged men: The Summer with Abortive births and dissenteries, or bloody flixes, amongst such as be of a Flegmatick complexion: Nevertheless, a Summer col∣der than usual is very favourable to them that be melancholike or ch••llerike, though to such this Autumn will be very obnoxious; for it brings with it dry diseases of the Eyes, acute and durable Feavers, Compressions of the Breast, and Exuberances of Black Cholar, yet shall it be beneficial to women, and such as are of a Flegmatike complexion.

Moreover, I greatly fear that England will this yeer suffer by the Plague or Pestilence: Howbeit we cannot (I confess) judge thereof by the face of the heavens, only as Cardan himself affirm∣eth, 2. Aph. 132. and therefore (saith Origanus) Ex Histori••s & experientia petendum erit, quibus periodis Regionem aliquam in∣ficiat: We must gather from Histories and Experience, in what number of yeers it is usually wont to infect any Nation, Coun∣trey or City; it being certain, that in some places there are set times and periods in which the Plague rageth: For, the same O∣riganus tells us; how at Francofurt they have found by experience, that about every ten yeers the seeds of the Pestilence hath shewed it self: As in 1506. being the first yeer of their Academy, when Saturn was in the Lyon, in 1516 when he was in Sagittarie, and in 1526. when in the Ram: the like he proves of other yeers. Peu∣cerus

also informs us, that whensoever Saturn was in the Lion, or in Aquary, the countrey of Wirtenberge hath been infested with Pestilent diseases, and moreover, that the same have been intended of exasperated by the Conjunction or Opposition of Mars unto him. And I remember, it was the observation of our learned Countrey-man Mr. Cam••den, That Saturn never passes through a Sign of the Fiery Triplicity, but be afflicts the City of London with a Plague or Pestilence, or some other Epidemical disease: And I willingly agree therein with him; for (having consulted Historie for the yeers, in which any great Mortality or Plague af∣flicted us) I find▪ That Saturn at or about the beginning thereof in London was ever in Aries, Leo, or Sagittary (Signs of the Fiery Trigon.) I will instance a few for better satisfaction.

He was in Aries when that universal Pestilence first began in London, in the 22. of Edw. 3.

He was in Sagittary, when the sweating sickness began in the first yeer of Henry 7. and in Leo when that other sweating sick∣ness began in the 22. of his Reign.

He was again in Sagittary upon that third sweating sickness in the 9 of Hen. 8. and in Aries at the beginning of the fourth, in the 20. of Hen. 8.

He was also in Sagittary in the 36. of Hen. 8. when that great plague began in London, which adjourn'd the Term to St. Al∣banes.

He was in Leo, when in the 6. of Eliz. the Pestilence began in London after the return of the Army from Newhaven: And again in Leo in the 36. of her Reign, whilest that great Plague raged in London, which caused the Term to be again holden at St. Albanes.

He was in Sagittary in the first yeer of King Iames, when that great Plague began in London, which devoured so many thou∣sands.

And was he not again in Leo in the first of King Charls, when that other great Plague began in London, which removed the Par∣liament to Oxford?

Was he not in Sagittary in the eighth, nineth, and tenth years of King Charls, when the Pestilence again raged in so many parts of England?

What strange and unheard of Pestilential diseases reigned i•• London, Oxford, and other places of the Narion, during Saturn's

progress through Aries, in the nineteenth and twentieth years of the same King? And have we had other or less the most part of the three years he was last in Leo?

Many more I could have instanc'd (for I have them all by me) but I suppose that these few may satisfie the intelligent Reader, if therein he be but half so impartial, as I have been curiously in∣quisitive.

But the chief Coelestial Causes (or Signs) threatning the Pe∣stilence (or other violent diseases) this year, are the Comet in Decemb. 1652. and the great Eclipse of the Sun in August last, whose point Deficient was within 3. scruples of the Revolutio∣nal degree and minute ascending this year 1655. the dire effects whereof began on S. Andrews day (the last of November, 1654) this being the 120^th day from that of the Eclipse (agreeable to 4^h. 57′. the Interval or space of time betwixt the Sun-rise on the second of August, and the middle-time of the then visible conjunction of the Luminaries:) and continue in force two whole years, four moneths, and four days (proportionable to 2. hours, 19′ the time that Eclipse lasted) that is to say, till the Annuntia∣tion of our blessed Lady commencing the yeer 1657. according to the Ecclesiastical Accompt.

Cardanus (Lib. 15. cap. 78. de Rer. var.) enumerates other signs of the Pestilence, which be very considerable, as the Mur∣rain amongst Cattle, who (because their mouths are inclined downward) do quicklier attract or draw unto them the impure vapours of the earth, and are therefore more and sooner offended, especially those of a moist nature, as sheep, Oxen and swine; for, Goats and Horses are not so subject thereunto, and much less Dogs. For, when it continues amongst such creatures, Men are easily infected So likewise an unspeakable multitude of creeping creatures of Frogs or Flies, are a sign of future Pestilence. In the 12. year of Rich. 2. and in the moneth of Iuly, whilest the King was at Sheene (now called Richmond) there swarmed in his Court such a multitude of Flies and Gnats, skirmishing one with another, that in the end they were swept away with brooms by h••aps, and bushels filled with them; after which (saith the Story) there followed a great Mortality.

Moreover, the Plague is signified by Fires wandring in the aire, especially if it be soon after the Spring: so also by a clou∣dy and scorched summer without windes: by much rain that is

followed with great heat (for this putrifies the Water, by which the Plague is generated:) By a multitude of Locusts dying, (for they endanger not a little the corruption of the Aire.) And the Countries or Cities infected do frequently transmit it to their Neighbours, specially those that lie Westward off them 1 Solet enim Pestis quasi motu Coeli diurno, ab Oriente in Occidentem procedere: The Plague or Pestilence follows the diurne Motion of the Heavens from East to West. The like is portended by con∣fused sounds in the Night, by Earthquakes and Inundations, which are both the Causes and Signes thereof, as I could manifest by History, if I feared not the want of Paper.

Now (lastly) as touching the Continuance of the Pestilence, Cardan tells us 7. Aph. 121. Pestis quatuor annis durar•• nun∣quam potest: The Plague or Pestilence can never last fully out 4. yeares; Which Aphorisme must be understood not of divers places, but of one; Experience teaching us, that it never lasts longer. For example: the contagious uiniversall Pestilence (before mentioned) in Edw. 3. time, although it began in the East and South parts A ^o. 1348. and continued till 1357. (above 9. years) yet wee read not that (in all this time it continued wholly out 4. years in any one Province, Countie, or Citie, not∣withstanding it spread it selfe all Christendome over. The Reason whereof I could give you, but that I would avoid tedi∣ousness.

Of VVarre and Peace.

FOr Warre or Peace, I cannot say otherwise, then I have al∣ready in my Hemeroscope••on for the last yeare 1654, from the Place, Motion, and Nature of the Comet therein treated of: something I may Inlarge, something I may (in effect) reiterate: and the rather because my Booke for that yeare hath come to the hands but of a few, being seized on and stifled in the very Birth, by those malitious Monopolizing Stationers before men∣tioned, and a simple lying Counterfeit dispersed by them under my Name, in stead thereof, throughout the Nation.

Si magnae sint Causae, eviam ab his inter Homines magni effectus provenient, & à diuturnis dui ••urni, & à feris at{que} s••vi•• savi at{que} diri. If there happen great Causes (saith Cardan) great effects shall befall men proceeding from such Causes. And

if those Causes continue long, and with all be fierce and terri∣ble, so shall the effects be. Great and formidable Causes never wanted proportionable events to succeed them. Now forasmuch as this Comet appeared in the 8^th Period of the greatest of Cli∣mactericall Conjunctions celebrated since the Creation, can it otherwise be•• then the Fore-runner of a mighty Catastrophe in Humane Affaires? Ney, observe if it introduce not another Administration of Politic and Religion, in most of the places unto which it was verticall, or through whose Ascendent it passed. For, although it was not exactly verticall to any part of England, yet so close it comes to us, as I presume no wise-man will deny, bus wee have felt the furious effects thereof in a more then ordinary Measure already. To instance the Dissolution of Parliaments, and the Change of Government here in Eng∣land, were but needless, 'tis knowne (and wondered at) all the World over. Other Vicissitudes and Changes are approachin•• and can such be, were they ever, without Warre and Bloodshed? Tristis Cometae facies, quid ui••i magnorum Principum fata? Color plumbeus, quid ui••i mortalibus Bella & Pestem de∣nunciat? The sorrowfull face of a Comet, what else de∣nounces it, but the calamities of great Princes: What the lea∣den, dull and duskie colour thereof but warres and Plagues to Mankind?—But there are who rayle and exclaime against us for Prognosticating of Wars or Plagues, or Famine, &c. from the colour of Comets, &c. And let them so: Perhaps they may at God himselfe (for what is it they dare not do?) who in the 6^th. of Rev. describes unto us by the different colours of Horses; victory, Blood-shed, Famine, and Death or Pestilence? Peruse the scrutinously learned Dr. Hammond's Paraphrase, and Notes upon this Chapter: 'tis full of Mystery.—Death, mischiefs, and miseries unto Kings and Princes, &c. For why else did this Comet so hastily ascend the Chaire of Cassi∣opea, and vanished in that Constellation? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cassiopea se∣dens in solio Regali Personas illustres & potentes, Guberna∣cula{que} Rcipublicae moderantes: Cassiopea sitting in a Royall throne, denoteth Persons that be illustrious and powerfull, and such as steere the Common-wealth: to the first of which Death is por∣tended; to the later Depression or Destruction, Horrid Treasons and Exiles. And this not alwaies in the same or the subsequent yeare (to that wherein the Comet first appeared) but oftentimes

in some proportionable time after, when the Comet cuts the de∣gree Ascending, or some other of the Hylegiacall places in the Genitures of such persons.

Againe: Changes and Calamities of Empires and Kingdomes, &c. For, seeing that Comets are not contrary to, but over and a∣bove the ordinary Nature of Heaven, unto what else should they be referred then Empires, which are nearest thereunto of all greatest Humane things, and in which the welfare of all men consisteth? Quod in Coelo novus Cometa discurrens, hoc est in terris novus aliquis Homo, qui seu Magnitudine▪ Imperii, seu Armis, seu dogmate, praecipuam aliquam de se famam concitet, & ut Cometa terrore, sic iste vi illata, seu alia calamitate magnam generis humani partem exagitet. Forasmuch as there is in heaven a new Comet wandering, that signifies upon Earth some new or strange Man, who shall either by the greatness of his Empire, or his Armes, his determination or decree, raise up some excellent Fame of Himselfe: and as this Comet by the Terror thereof, so He by his Power brought with him, or some other Calamity, shall disquiet and trouble a great part of Man-kind▪ Now who this new or strange man is, or whether he be (yet) in the number of Man-kind, I shall not take upon me either to discusse or determine. Only this, there is at hand a Direction of the Sun to the Trine of Jupiter, which I recom∣mend to the judgment of the learned and honest Astrologer: (for if otherwise; he cannot, or will not understand it.)

Locus Solis in ♊		13°. 30′
Locus Jovis in ♓		11. 34
Latitudo ejus M. D.		.1. 0••
Ascentio Recta Solis		76. 24
Asc. Recta M. C.		85, 9
Distantia Solis à M. C.		.8. 45
Declinatio Solis Septentr. supra Terram		22. 54
Circulus Positionis		7. 9
Descentio obliqua Significatoris		108. 34
Descentio obliqua Promissoris		133. 49
Arcus Directionis		25. 15
Tempus Directionis (secundum Naibodoe Institutum)	Anni 25. Di. 2••6. Hor. 12
Quod incidit in Annum 1655/6 Ianuar. 11.

Tartareae fugiunt volucres, fugit at•••• Calig••: Et metus atque Horror, Sole Ori••nte fugit. A te (—) Radiis sic pulsae, recedat, Inque suam fugiat Ge••s inimica Stygem. Te nascence, Gomes Phoebo, Stella aureae fulfit, E••••luc•• insolita splenduit aucta Dies. Vim geminam Flammae praestes, Tu (—) sa Ure Hostes! Populum Lumine restituas!

When that ferall and fatall Comet appeared in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yeare 1618. it was the judgment of Keple•• (a great Mathematician and Astrologer) that because there were two other Comets pre∣ceded it the same yeare, and the last was dissected or separated into two parts, Imperium Turci••um dilataci••s futurum, & quasi in duo dividendum, quorum alterum Orbem Meridionalem, alterum Septentrionalem esset amplexurum. That the Turkish Empire should be enlarged, and in a manner divided into two: one of which should comprehend the Southerne, the other the Northerne parts of the world. And there is an ancient Pro∣phesie translated out of the Hebrew into Latine, by one Be••echo∣bus (a learned Bishop) which runs to this purpose, viz.

Deus tradet nos, &c.

God shall deliver us into the hands of Barbarians and Sarazens, Persia and Cappadocia to captivity and slaughter, Syria Hee shall drive into a Wilderness, and the People thereof into Bondage: Cilicia shall perish by the sword, Greece and Affrick be destroyed: the Egyptians and People (inhabiting the East parts) of Asia shall pay a grievous Tribute. Spaine, France, and Germany shall be devoured by often Warres of the Romans, some shall be slaine, the rest put to flight. And so the sons of Jsmael with their entrance shall obtaine the North, East, South and West. All Nations shall be under their yoke and tribute: They shall possesse and become Lords of all the rich Ornaments, Gold and Silver of rich Men, and of the sacred Temples: Then shall there be great Tribulation, and the Passage of the Sarazens shall be from one Sea to another, and their Countrey not to be tra∣vailed through: Their way shall be called the way of an∣guish and sorrow.

Melanchton also writeth, that he was told by a Noble-man Ambassador at Constantinople of a Prophesie among the Turks, which saith, they should conquer Hungary, Poland, and some part of

Germany: and that afterwards their Empire should declin••▪ Neither was Melanchton himselfe of other opinion, inasmuch as it was his usuall saying, Quando T••••ea veniet in Germaniam, veniet per Polonia••: When the Turke invade•• Germany, he shall come through Poland: Nor is it otherwise, if wee judge thereof from the Tayle of the Comet in 1652. (as Philip Lant∣grave of Hassia did the coming of the Spaniard) which threa∣tens the mischiefs thereby signified from the North-East; that is, by the way of Poland.

Learned Men (also) there are, who by no contemptible Arguments of Scripture, prove, That yet there is a notable Calamity to be brought upon the Christians by meanes of the Turkes, before the last day: And (to goe no farther then common Reason) what signifie those notable appearances of them every where, especially after the sight of this Comet A^o. 165•• in Silesia, and against the Hungarians, yea (which is more) the Emperour himselfe? The manifold preparations and excursions made but the last yeare against all Defenders of the Christian name, and particularly the King of Poland: who was then also inva∣ded by the Muscovites, and thereby made lesse able to withstand that only common Enemie of Christendome.

Much more might be added to inculcate the danger Christen∣dome is in, by meanes of the Turke pointed at by this Comet•• But a people there is will think I have writ too much, if at all any thing of this Nature: However let such know, they may i•• time have more reason to repent their ingratitude to God in neglecting such Ostenta, then I shall for my reverend regard thereof, and the diligent search I have made thereafter.

It is recorded of Charles the Great, that (beholding and dreading the New-starre which presaged and preceded his D••ath) hee was very inquisitive what it portended. Eginard•••• (who writ his History) returnes the words of the Prophet Jeremy (cap. 10. 2.) for answer, Et à signis Coelorum nè co••∣sternemi••i, quia consterna••tur Gentes ab illis. Feare not the Signes of Heaven, though the Heathen be afraid of such. Unto which the prudent Emperour replies, Nè quidem me∣tuere ••jusmodi Signa, sed Signorum opisiccm Cau••a••••: Hee did not indeed feare any signes of that Nature, but the Maker (Cause,) of the signes. A most wise saying, and fit to be written in Letters of Gold. For, as Herodotus tells us, Cùm Deus pu∣••iturus

est Gent••m vel Orbem, prodigiis id solet priùs signifi∣care: when God is about to punish a Nation, a Countrey, or Citie, he is first wont to give warning thereof by Prodigies. And shall we dare to flight or contemne such warnings? Medi∣na (also) in the 2^d. booke of his Paraenesis cap. 1. declares himselfe of the same mind, Loquitur Deus (saith He) cum ho∣minibus non modò humanâ linguâ per sacros Vates, ut à pecca∣tis avocentur, et resipiscant, sed nonnunquam ipsis Elemen••is in Formas & Imagines diversas ad corundem terrorem compositis▪ God speaks unto Men, not only with the Tongues of the Holy Prophets, that they might be reclaimed from sin and amend their lives, but at sometimes by the Elements themselves disposed into severall shapes and images, thereby to affright and ter∣rifie them. And such was the Fiery Spheres seen in the Aire, before the Sabins invaded the Romans. Such were the images and signes of armed men in the Aire at the conflict of the Greeks with the Persians Such was the sight of the Ravens in the Aire before Alexander the Great his passing from Media into Babilon: such were the Prodigies precurring and concurring the death of Caesar. And such were all those published by Garibus in his Book de Phaenomenis ostentis, from the yeare of Christ 1641. to the yeare 1650. amongst which the second Systeme ob∣served in the East Febr. 24. 1642. under the Constellation of Orion, concerned this Nation▪ not a little, as hath beene found by long and wofull experience.

Johannes Tackius (a German Doctor of Physick, and a learn∣ed Astrologer now living, in his Coeli Anomalon) informes us, that in the Earledome of Arctois, this Comet extended forth an arme, and brandished a flaming sword, towards the North and West parts of the Earth.

He sayes likewise, there were seene in Germany many other Prodigies, and some he instances, viz. Horrible Winter-Thunders, and the pregnant soyle labouring of a Dropsie, (i. e.) an indundation. The miraculous suddaine rising of a Foun∣taine. A Mountaine cleft asunder in the Country of Thuringia (in the Province of Saxony) and which (one part severing from the other) removed to another place. In another Terri∣torie: Chasmata, or Disruptiones, that is, great gapings or openings in the Heavens: In some places terrible flames of Fire: Jn others, Voices were heared in the Aire. And that to such as

dwell near the Mountaines of Wetteravia, a Starre was seene, which shewed at the first with very bright Beames, but soone after assumed the shape of the bowed Moone (but greater then she is wont to be) casting out Flames from the middle cavity thereof a sad spectacle, and hurtfull to the eyes of those that beheld it. And that although the face of this mock moone was fiery▪ yet it cast so clear a light upon the Earth, that the hedges were perceived to be waxing greene. At last (saith he) it tooke the shape of a ••ithe or sikle destitiute of a handle, and without any flames; in which manner it vanished. And this (he sayes happened on the 12. Calends of Febr. 1653. Luna fer•• silente.

The same Tackius likewise instanceth Letters hee received from Persons of credit, wherein hee had notice given of a Rainbow that appeared about the same time, the night being cloudie, and a great murmuring or noise heard in the Clouds, which Rainbow was not of sundry colours, as it usually ap∣peares, but exceeding white, and projecting a clear light upon the Countrey of Alsfeld: which that it was not the light of the Moone, being so near the time of the New moone, may be safely, concluded without any more adoe. Other Prodigies (he saith) there were every where observed almost throughout all Germany, but that for brevities sake he omitted them.

Now what else should this Sickle signifie, but the excision of Men and Nations, who in respect of their sius, are as a field of Corno ready for Harvest? see Rev. 14: v. 14. and so to the end.

What the renting and removing of Mountaines, but the Discords of Kingdomes, and the Minds of great Personages de∣parting or differing one from another? ••ot, what are Moun∣taines, but Great men, set in the Highest places, and lifting their Heads above other Mortalls?

What else signifie Inundations or the Over-flowing of Rivers, but the entrance of strange People into the Land •• [The waters which thou sawest, where the Whore fitteth, are Peoples, and Multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues. Rev. 17-15▪ See the learned Hammond's Paraphrase upon the Text.

And▪ the Appearance of a decoloured Rainbow, what is it, but a token of the wrath of God?]

This Author further tells us, That in Autumne 1652▪ they had a monstrous growth of Mast or Acorner in many

places of Germany, resembling the Heads and Teguments of the Turks. That the Comet was attended with great and destructive Fires in many places, as at Paris, Constantinople, and elsewhere•• so also, that Jserloo (a towne in the County of Marchia) and the Prison at Rudels••ad, with many other Houses▪ perished by Fire. I could wish no honest Men had cause to complaine of the like here in England.

But that which I read in him with greatest admiration, is that hee reports out of Gaspar Lib. 3. viz. That in the year 1554. not farre from the Citie of Harmstad in Transilvania, this following writing was observed in Heaven, in faire, and legible Characters;

I. N. R. I. M. D. L. V. I. I. A. R. E. I. N. E. N. D. E.

D. I. S. E. S. R. E. I. C. H. S.

And that at Freiburge the same year, on a very faire day, Dn. nostrum Jesum Christum Iridi insidentem conspectum fuisse: Our Lord Jesus Christ was beheld sitting upon a Rainebow, as if upon his Tribunall, to denounce the universall Judgment.

Now what I pray you should such signes (beheld 100, years ago) signifie, but that like as our Fathers before the Floud (whom God had indulged or respited 120. yeares for their conversion, and doubtlesly no lesse forewarned by Prodigies) wee might be exhorted to repentance and amend∣ment of li••e, and with pious lamentation and mourning unto God, divert or extenuate the calamities approaching upon the World?

But to draw somewhat nearer our own times, it may here be not unworthy our notice, That within the space of 55. yeares last past (this present being included) there have beene no fewer then 212. Eclipses of the Luminaries, viz. 125. of the Sun, and 87. of the Moone: whereof 71. wee (the Inhabi∣tants of Europe) the other 141. they of Asia, Affrica, India, and about the Antartique Pole (not without great Horror) have observed: Besides, two great Conjunctions, two now Starres, and six Comets.

And what signifyed those Clashings and strange Apparatio••s in the Heavens, and those gapings of the Clouds Anno 1644. those Parelii or Mock-suns the same and the 3 following yeares here it England, but the troubles and changes which have since followed?

What that irruption of Waters at Amsterdam in the begin∣ning of the year 1650?

What that Inundation at Bilbo in Spain the following yeare, 1651. but Populorum et Gentium bostilium adventum? The Inroades of People and Nations (their Enemies) into those parts? Cardan Lib. 14. de Rer. var. pag. 703.

What the unseasonable antedated growth of Apples and other Fruits? The breeding of Rooks three Moneths before their accustomed time (which my selfe can testifie upon my owne knowledge, three years ago in the Place where I dwell,) but the too soon and untimely accesse of mean and unworthy per∣sons (such were many of the last dissolved Parl.) to Nests or Places of Honour and Trust: and the abortive issue of their too too prominent Designes and Actions?

What the three yeares last past, whilest the Heavens were as Brasse, and the Earth as Iron (Deut. 28. v. 23.) but Inopi∣am & diram Necessitatem, A Dearth and dire Necessity to en∣sue? Card. lib. 11. de Rer. var.

What the warm-blood that rained at Poole in Dorsetshire Iune 20. 1653. & those dreadful claps of Winter-Thunder and Light∣ning, Decemb. 19. 1653. and the fierie Leamings soon after the following Spring (observed in the Heavens for severall nights together,) but that—which I must be silent in?

I find recorded in Suetonius a very memorable Accident occasioned by a Flash of Lightning, which struck out the first Letter of Caesar Augustus (his name) inscribed upon his Statue: wherupon the Augures divined, Centum solos dies posthac victurum: That he was to live but just 100. dayes after, which number the Numerall Letter ••. betokened: and that it would come to passe, that he should be registred among the Gods, because AESAR (the residue of the Name C AE∣SAR (in the Tusean Language) signified God.—But to proceed,

What else should be portended by that Prodigy seene in March 1654▪ in the Northerne parts of England, viz. Two Armies encountering one another, but the Warres, Bloodshed and Slaughter that hath and is to succeed within these Dominions of England and Scotland?

Not fearing to get up, not falling downe, Diverts the thoughts of c••••ming to a Crowne:

[Great things, and things incredible are they That Catalin attempts, to▪ make His way, The greatest Evills He can, the blackest Sin, What not, to make Him more then Catalin?] Nor shall gray haires (despairing of successe) Repose in quiet, or adventure lesse: Galba's stiffe-Limbs (when aged seventy three, And buckled up in warlike Armory) To gaine an Empire, stoutly durst withstand The treacherous bl••wes of Otho's bloody hand.

And lastly, (but not the least to be taken Notice of) what the two prodigious Swarmes of Bees (those Monar∣chicall Creatures) that came murmuring through the Aire, (as if offended at all Governments but their own;) one, the 13. of Iune the last year 1654. in London (the Metropolis of England▪) where it fixed upon a man as he passed the streets in Covent-Garden: The other (upon the 21. of the same Moneth and in the same Citie) which clung to the end of a Cart▪ near Somerset House in the Strand, but what these times will never indure to heare of?

Such Conjectures (for more they must not now be called) as have antiently been passed upon the like Prodigies and their Issue, Virgil informes us of, Aeneid. lib. 7.

Of the State, or Condition of Man.

AS touching the Condition of Man, forasmuch as we daily see some Men (of all Qualities) to flourish at one time, and at another time to be pressed with mis-fortunes and ad∣versities: yet this not alwaies through their own circumspection or evill doings, but by a coelestiall cause and inclination (not obvious to all) I say, that the persons signified by Mars (Lord of the Revolution) are they that shall this year weare the Feather: namely, the Princes (and others) ruling by Tyranny and Oppression, new-Conquerors and Vsurpers, Generalls of Armies, Colonels, Captains and Commanders, all manner of Souldiers, Physitians, Apothecaries, Chirurgions, Alchi∣mists, Gunners, Marshals, Serjeants, Balli••••s, Smiths, Ar∣mourers, Cutlers, and the like. See my worthy frie••d M. Lilly's Introduction Pag. 67.

Those signified by Jupiter (Combust of the Sun) shall be (as Haly saith) like to Captives, Quorum vires sunt vinctae & ••gatae, whose strength is in chains and fetters. Such be even all Iudges and Senators (in the worst sense) Churchmen, Bishops, and Priests (in the best sense:) Also those that call themselves Ministers or Teachers (of Non-sense:) Chancellors, Counsellors and Civilians; all manner of Lawyers and young Students, &c. But let some of these be of good cheare—The time is at hand: and it is but waiting the leisure of Heaven for every one to have His Right either in Person or by Proxy.

In Anni Revolutionibus, si Luna debilis & peregrina appli∣cuerit infortuniis Saturno vel Marti potentibus, denotabitur Popul•• infaelicitas, depressio, impedimentum, in negotits; defe∣ctus victus & lucri, multae{que} infirmitates Populum affligent. If in the yeares Revolution, the Moone being weake and pere∣grine apply to either of the infortunate Planets, Saturne or Mars, in a powerfull Positure: then shall Infelicitie, Depression, Impediment in their affaires, want of Provision and Gaine, be denoted to the People, and many infirmities will afflict them. And this the rather, because of the Proximity of the Dragons Tayle to the Cuspe Ascending, which hath likewise signification upon the Common-People, or generall state of the Nation.

For, the Head and Tayle of the Dragon, although they be not Starres, but only Intersections of the Eccliptique, yet have they the vertue of Starres, and sometimes greater then they. The reason is; because that in these Intersections, the Eclipses of the Luminaries alwayes happen, by meanes whereof they doe marvailously contribute in the Changes of things, when joyned with the Planets especially, and accordingly alter the Quality of the yeare, as hath been observed by long Experience. There∣fore not now to be questioned.

Thus farre have wee briefly touch'd what I judged necessary or safe to be taken notice of in this Revolution, and the Causes or Signes preceding and concerning it: (I know much more may be read in the Figure; but this I'm resolved shall suffice: for,) now it is high time wee reflect upon

The Eclipses 1655.

PTolomy and the Ancients very seldome (or never) gave judgment upon Eclipses, Great Conjunctious, or the like, be∣fore

they happened: and that first they had observed by Instru∣ment the precise times thereof. Nor indeed could they very well the contrary, wanting the many curious Observations later Ages have made, and the benefit of those excellent Tables Astro∣nomicall, built upon that Foundation.

And (to deale candidly) I could wish it were drawne into Custome, to doe yet no otherwise our selves: For, although i•• be true, there can no considerable error be committed in the Degrees deficient, or the places of great Conjunctions, and the like▪ yet as to the true Times of all or any of these, the hazard is obvious, whilst depending upon Tables requiring Reduction, wee know not how happily wee can performe it beforehand: So that erring in the moment of Eclipses or other Configurations, we cannot but the like in the Times their Effects begin, and continue. Howbeit, the Effects of the Eclipses this yeare but a little concerning us, nor the Guerdon (otherwise) incouraging, it shall suffice that we rest contented for the present, with what the Tables afford us.

The Inhabitants of this Earthly Starre shall twice, this yeare, be deprived of a part of the Sun's Light, by the Moons Interposi∣tion. Once, the 27. of January 33. min. after High-Noone: but not to the Quantitie of one Digit in any part of England. To other Regions which incline more to the South-West [in France, Italy, Spaine, the Fortunate Island, &c.] it will appeare much greater: and in the South Latitude of 3°. 23′. viz. in the Countreys that adjoyne upon the South Coasts of Affrique, the Sun shall be almost totally darkened, in the 1••°. 54′. of Aquary.

It threatens (Astrologically) Publique Thefts; or what wee (modestly) call Plundering &c. Robberies, Rapes, Earthquakes' in the Countreys naturally subject thereunto) and Famine, with Monopolies, and other ungodly Devises of pilling, and polling the Over-ridden People.

The second time, on the 23. of Iuly, 24′. past one in the Morning, but not visible in any part of Great Britaine, or Ire∣land, &c. because the Luminaries are then both under the Earth, and the Latitude of the Moone Southerne.

This happens in the 9°. 27′. of the Lion: which foreshewes the death of a famous Prince, or (if not) his many Misfortunes: with great Scarcity of Corne and Graine.

Andreas Argolus (a great Mathematician, and an eminent

Astrologer) in his Ephemeris for this yeare, gives us two mo•••• Eclipses of the Moone: viz. One the 8^th. of Iuly, the other the 7^h. of August. But this Noble Author shrewdly mistooke in his Calculation: for there cannot be (this yeare) any other Eclipse, either Lunar or Solar, then what I have here mentioned; as time will manifest.

Thus farre I have proceeded in the Generall Accidents inci∣dent to mankind, &c. from the Comet, Eclipses, Revolution of the World, and other extraordinary Signes and Causes formerly mentioned. Now, to know the particular persons concerned therein, and on whom their▪ Effects shall fall, the Happiliest or Heaviest, it were requisite that I first knew and perused their respective Genitures; for, by that means I might discover a∣bundantly, the Rise and Fall of some who act their parts so emi∣nently upon the Stage of this World; what men or women shall have Fortune, or Misfortune, peace or discord, gaine or lesse, comfort or discomfort in their enterprizes, and actions, health, or sickness in their Bodies, and when: In a word, any thing that concerns humane affairs; (for with those that he divine or su∣pernaturall, Astrologers meddle not.) But as I trouble my self with few Nativities, nor (of those few) consider any, unlesse of good and signall concernment, or such as I shall be peculiarly (and upon good terms) injoyned to look into: so shall I for∣beare all further enquiries this yeare; except after what my selfe or intimate friends may occasionally thirst for private satisfacti∣on in. And 'tis hoped by Me, that what I have here written will not be found offensive to any body, but those Monopolizing Sta∣tioners, whom nothing will satisfie but my ruine, which I hereby assure them of, rather then the least parcell of my Proprietie: and if yet my Eares must needs be Hornes, 'tis fit those Fellowe•• should weare them.

Confederates in Mischief quickly fall: Their Ruine's sure; oft-times Reciprocall.

Deo proteCtorI natI••nIs oMnIs honor & gLorIa.

FINIS.