Prae-nuncius sydereus an astrological treatise of the effects of the great conjunction of the two superiour planets, Saturn & Jupiter, October the Xth, 1663, and other configurations concomitant : wherein the fate of Europe for these next twenty years is (from the most rational grounds of art) more than probably conjectured, and the success of the present design of the Turk against Christendome occasionally hinted at / by Richard Edlin.

CHAP. V.

Of the Comet that appeared in the year 1652.

ANno 1652. December the 9. by most (the 6, 7, and 8 by some) was the first appearance of a great Comet, or blazing Star, having a large Tail, which at some times and in some pla∣ces appeared bigger than at other times it seemed.

It continued visible about 23 days, therefore the effects must continue so many years from the time of its appearance, viz. till the year 1675. so that the influence thereof must be manifested, and also co-operate with the effects of our present Conjunction, according to the determination of the times thereof; and be∣cause it was of great Magnitude, even (in the simile of Mr. Boo∣ker) as the full Moon in her Apogaeon, or farthest distance from the Earth, or as Mr. Lilly and Mr. Wharton have it, about 14 or 15 inches diameter, and the Tail extended to 3 or 4 degrees North-east-ward, or opposite to the Sun; Hence the effects are of the greater concernment; For, Quo magis Stella eo efficacior est; By how much greater a Star is, the more powerful and efficacious: The times of its Appearance, its Longitude, Latitude, Diurnal motion, as it was observed by Mr. Rook sometime Reader of Astronomy at Gresham Colledge; and the declination by Mr. Wharton, is as by the following Table appears.

Where we must observe, that the 9th day was the first time of the observation thereof by Instrument, though it did appear two or three days before, nor could it be every night seen, so as to observe it, therefore there is no more set down than the observa∣tions were.

The nature of the Effects we come to know from the colour of the Comet, and the ruling Planets, &c.

Ephemexis Cometae.

Decemb.	H. M.	Long.	Lat.	Declinat.
9	7	0	10	♊	0	39		10	16	46.	A
10	7	0	5		29	27	M	51	0	4.	A
11	11	0	2		45	18		20	2	46.	B
12	7	0	1		0	9		0	11	36
14	11	0	27	♉	30	4	S	55	24	21
15	10	0	25		30	9		10	28	4
16	10	0	23		45	14		10	32	25
18	9	1/2	22		50	19		0	36	48
19	9	0	21		40	21		30	38	50
21	9	1/2	20		40	25		30	42	19
22	8	0	20		25	26		45	43	25
23	10	0	20		10	28		10	44	39
25	10	0	19		30	30		35	46	41
30	6	10	18		50	33		30	49	9

Which because they are particularly handled by Mr. Lilly, Mr. Booker, and Mr. Wharton, I shall onely make some general obser∣vations conducible to our present purpose, as they are concomi∣tant with the influence of this Conjunction.

And that which therefore is most observable, is, that the place in which this prodigious Comet was first observed to be, was in the exact place of the Moon, and opposite to the place of the great Conjunction, Anno 1603. and the New Star of the year 1604. which also is in opposition to our present Conjunction; so must we expect that what inordinate effects are thereby signi∣fied, are such as must contradict or disturb the influences of those more eminent causes.

And if (as by the consent of the Learned) those Conjunctions did signifie the erection of some new Monarchies, Empires and Dominions in the world, some new Laws and Customes, Ceremonies and Privileges, both in Church and State, so likewise from the effects of this Comet, should those Laws and Customes, &c. receive

great alteration and disturbance; and who knows not the great change of Government, and consequently of Customes and Privile∣ges that succeeded and happened the year following in England, as the influence of this Comet and the great Eclipse of the Sun in Aries the preceding March; which Eclipse signified some new Government, which by reason of the contrary effects of this Comet to those preceding causes, must be by the subversion and abroga∣ting of the former Power, Laws and Customes, and not as that of the coming of King James from Scotland to the Crown and Regal Government of England, which was in peace and tranquillity.

And seeing from the influence of our present Conjunction, which (as hath been already mentioned) is so neer the place of the great Conjunction and new Star, all those former Rights and Privileges, Laws and Customes shall be restored, and those exorbitant abuses both in Church and State abolished; yet we may infer from hence, that seeing the effects of this Comet do co-operate yet for several years to come; therefore will not the effects of the Conjunction take place, without great troubles and disturbances to ensue.

And although (for the forementioned considerations) we may most rationally conclude, that Almighty God hath some great and eminent work to do, and doth signifie to us some extraordina∣ry events to happen in the world by this last restitution of the Superiours, which shall be augmented and excited, or stirred up and put forward by the influence of the New Star, and that those wonderfull events will in a great measure be manifested these next 20 yeares, by reason of the concurrence of the Conjuncti∣on with those preceding Configurations; yet I say (by the 32 of Rigel. forementioned) will mens minds, or the minds of some men be excited by this preposterous Comet (if I may so call it) to Mischief, Sedition, Insurrection and Disturbance, to secret Conspi∣racies, Mutinies, and Rebellions, and all such irregular Enormities, as such malevolent spirits can be capable of contriving; which by reason of the Retrograde motion of this Comet, and that with such celerity or swiftnesse, cannot but redound to their own de∣struction or detriment, in as much as also it opposed those more regular, and more natural and accustomary causes, which indeed have the more principal and general disposition of the times. So

that I say that at what time soever, whether it be in England, or in what other parts of the world whatsoever, there may happen any irregular Transactions, any violent and unexpected incursi∣ons; although they may at first very furiously go on and seem to prosper in such irregular, unlawful and unjust designs, whether it be by war, or other more cunning or politick Stratagems; yet * 1.1 must they run Retrograde, till they have destroyed themselves, or in a more peaceable manner come to be extinguished. And if we do observe the place of the first appearance of this Comet, (though it was not then observed by Instrument that we hear of) it is very probable that it was in or very neer the degree of the Ascendent of the great Solar Eclipse the 29 of March 1652 (as Mr. Booker well noted) as the time thereof was observed by di∣vers Astronomers; so that no marvel that such turbulent transa∣ctions did so suddenly succeed in the several parts of the world, as England, Holland, Denmark, Swedeland, and divers others, as co∣operating with, and exciting the influence of the preceding Eclipse.

But because we cannot attain to the precise time of the first ap∣pearance thereof, by reason of its uncertainty, it is necessary for such as may make further speculation, for more particular acci∣dents to insert the figure of the Lunation preceding; for according to the 252 Aph. of Anonimus, Ne fabrices figuram in puncte appari∣tionis Cometae, quia non est verum punctum, cum Cometa habeat aug∣mentum & diminutionem. Erect not a Figure to the point of time of the Comets first appearance, because it is not the true point of time, when the Comet may have increase or diminution.

[illustration] astrological chart

1652. Decemb. 4 d. 14 h. 40. P. ☽ a ☍ ☉ ad ☍ ☿. Postea ad Cometaus. London.

If (as Mr. Lilly notes) that Comets portend pratia in locis ad quem tendent; Wars in those places to which they project their tails, then Germany and those places that lie North-east and Eastward from England, must expect a principal share in the effects, Den∣mark, Poland, Swedeland, &c.

Mr. Booker in his discourse of this Comet, tells us, that it is re∣lated of an Italian Astronomer, that upon the sight of this Comet cryed, Vae, Vae Germaniae; And who knows not what mischiefs have happened in those Countreys, but especicially to Germany and Hungaria, into which the Turks this year 1663. have made an invasion with almost an innumerous Army, firing and killing and carrying captive all those poor Christians they come nigh to? all which have been portended partly by this and such like prodigious appearance; for it is reported (and Mr. Booker him∣self

hath shewn me a Treatise) of another Comet that was seenin Germany Anno. 1661.

But seeing from the influences of these there hath happen'd such great and grievous Calamities, & besides what succeeded not long * 1.2 after the Comet here in Engl. Holland, and other places, there is now such great fear of the further designs of the Turk against Christen∣dome, by reason of his present preparations, attended with such great and devilish Threatnings; give me leave to add my con∣jectures thereon, in which I shall not be too presumptuous, but (with submission to better judgements) give such reasons as I conceive are grounded upon rational principles.

For as those violent and inordinate accidents do happen from those unnatural, unusual, and irregular causes, and this Comet ap∣pearing so opposite to the great Conjunctions of the superiour Planets, which are more natural and regular, so it may be conje∣ctured, that the fury of those Evils and Calamities that do happen from thence, will not, neither cannot continue long; but either (as was said before) by a forcible retrograde motion in their affairs, or a willing condescension by little and little, they (as the Comet) come at length to be extinguished or appeased.

Again, seeing (by 77 Aphor. of Dasipodius) that the Fiery Tri∣plicity hath most signification of the Christians, and the Roman Em∣pire (by the consent of Cardane) so many Planets in that Trigon so benevolently configurated, especially that Mars who is in Leo, is saluted with the Trine of Venus, and applying to the Trine of the Conjunction; I say, that what cannot be accomplished by Treaties (of which there will not be wanting the assistance of divers Princes and Potentates) will by the power of the Sword, though with labour and difficulty, wherein one Heroick spirit attains to great Honour, by his more than ordinary Martial Poli∣cy and Atchievements.

To which we add the reason already mentioned, pag. 32. that as the Law and Religion of Mahomet & the Turks had their rise from the Watry Triplicity; so now from the effects of this Sabba∣thical return of the Superiours into the Fiery Trigon (so accounted by some, and almost all the Ancient Astrologians, which distinction is questioned by some now) must that Law & Empire receive great restriction and abatement of its power and

Dominion, if not a finall and totall Subversion.

For what Law, Religion, Rule or Government, had its ori∣ginal of rise or greatnesse from the celestial Influences, must ex∣pect to receive great detriment and molestation from contrary causes; so that because the effects of this returne shall most powerfully operate, and be put forward by the effects of this Conjunction of the year 1663. therefore (I say again) all those enormities that do arise from contrary causes to these, must spee∣dily be subverted and exstinguished.

And although I take not upon me to judge the time precisely when the period of these Revolutions shall be; yet seeing they were excited hereunto by the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars Anno 1662. which happened neer the place of the great Conjunction Anno 1603. and this of 63, so I conceive that from the effects of their second Conjunction in the year 1664. in the same Sign (if not before) will they receive their final and full period of prosecuting any further designs at this time against the Chri∣stians.

So that I dare presume to conjecture from these natural prin∣ciples, that the Turk will not be so successful in his attempts upon Europe as some (and indeed with great reason) have feared; but that either matters will be reconciled by Treaties, Embas∣sies and Solicitations, or he will be forced by the Christian Sword to retire.

And if we do but consult with the Histories of former times, and that frequently after the apparition of such like unaccustom∣ed prodigies, we shall read of divers invasions of the Turks into Hungaria, Bohemia, Germany, &c. and that with almost innume∣rable Armies, in which they have made great spoyl and havock, and caused great desolation among the Christians, yet hath God in his infinite Mercy been pleased to deliver them (as he did of∣ten times the children of Israel against the Philistines) by far lesse power and force, and contrary to all humane reason; And who should now distrust his Power and Will? Surge ô Domine, Arise, arise ô Lord and help,) Notwithstanding I have heard of some Atheistical wretches, who most blasphemously and audaciously have asked, Where is now your crucified Saviour? why doth he not come down and save his People? &c.

Oh most horrid and detestable blasphemy! But why doe the Heath••n rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? He that sit∣teth in the Heavens shall laugh: The Lord shall have them in derision. Be wise now therefore, O ye Kings, be instructed ye Judges of the earth, &c. Psal. 2. v. 1. 4. 10.

But again to the Comet; It is a Generall rule, that all those places more or lesse shall be sensible of the effects, in which they appear; therefore this Comet being visible, not onely to Eu∣rope, but also to more remote parts of the World, the Influence thereof is the more Universal and not restrained to those fore∣mentioned places only; but if we take it as to its declination, then from the effects of its first appearance, the more Southern parts of the world must also share therein: From the Sign, England, France, but especially Spain must also have a great portion there∣of, and that especially towards the latter part of the time deter∣mined, because it then becomes nearest Verticall to those places.

If we consider the Figure of Heaven at the Lunation, which was without doubt about the beginning of its appearance, we shall find but an untoward position; for the two Malevolents do afflict the principal Angles, Saturn in the Meridian, and Mars neer the Ascendent or Horoscope; they also malevolently be∣hold the Fortunes, who are in abject places; Saturn is in Quartile to Venus, and Mars (who is neer the opposite place of the great Eclipse) is applying to a Square of Jupiter; the Moon, after her opposition with the Sun, applies to an opposition of Mercury and the place of the Comet: The tenth House signifies KINGS; The Ascendent and the Moon the People; both are afflicted, and both will suffer; Kings, Emperours, and Governours, by Fraud, Treachery, Sorrow, Fear, Depopulations of divers of their Ter∣ritories and Dominions, the people they will in a great measure suffer by Oppression, Warre, Fire and Swotd, Imprison∣ment, and such like.

Mars doth not onely oppose the place of the preceding great Eclipse of the Sun, but is applying to the Medium Coeli of the great Conjunction An. 1603. & the place of the Sun that is now in opposition to the Come, is at this Lunation neer his place at that Conjunction; this portends some more than ordinary Calamity, Death, or deposition to some Grandee or Great persons of the

World, who had either original or rise from the influence o•• those preceding Configurations; and this chiefly must happen in those Countries, and to those Persons subject to the Signs Libra and Sagittarius, among which (they say) Spain and the Austrian Family are very much concerned.

Not onely the Lunation but also the Comet it self happened in the ninth House of Heaven; Mercury, who is Lord of the ninth is in the third in his detriment and combust of the Sun, the Moon applying next to his opposition, out of those houses which have signification of Religion and the Laws of Kingdomes and Nations; so that much of the matters and accidents attending this Comet will happen by reason of some niceties in Religion, there will happen (as it is to be feared) great hazard and spoyl of the Church in many places: For so Cardanus doth also inform us, Segm. 5. Aphor. 15. Cometes valdè clarus ac conspicuus, tum eti∣am mobilis ac diuturnam mutationem alicujus imperii descernit. And by Segm. 3. Aphor. 117. Immobiles seditiones, mobiles autem bella indi∣cant ab externis; in Cardinibus regum mortes, in nono loco Religionis jacturam, in octavo vel duodecimo loco pestilentiam, aut jactu∣ram segetum, in undecimo loco nobilium mortes. Comets that appear clear and very conspicuous, and if then also they be moveable, they signifie War from Foreiners, and the mu∣tation or change of some Empire; but if they are immo∣vable, they signifie Seditions; if they appear in Angles, they signifie the death of Kings; in the ninth hazard and detriment to the Church and matters of Religion; in the eighth or twelfth houses Pestilence, Mortality, or the spoil of Corn; if in the ele∣venth, they signifie the death of Nobles.

This Comet (as we mentioned before) appeared very conspi∣cuous, the Diurnal motion thereof (as appears by the foregoing Table) was very swift: its first appearance was in the ninth of the Lunation; but by its irregular Retrograde motion it de∣scended to the eighth, even to the Cusp thereof; but as to its vi∣sibility in the part of Heaven at the first observation, and at the new Moon following, it was in the twelfth and eleventh houses of Heaven; we may therefore rationally judge, that what acci∣dents soever are hereby portended, whether by War from Forei∣ners, the change of some Empire, &c. according to Cardane;

those may be conjectured to happen in the change or sub version of some Laws or Customes, in the throwing down or spoyling and hazarding Religion, and the Church of God in many places, and will therefore bring great Sorrow and Desolation, as well to the Nobility as to the viler sort; all which Calamities must end in Mortality and violent Death, either by Pestilence or Sword.

Seeing now therefore, that according to the opinion of Bona∣tus, that all Comets do signifie Bella, terrores & magnos eventus in mundo, Wars, Terrours, and great Events to happen in the world, and that according to the precepts of Ptolemy, the effects of Co∣mets are generally such as are produced from Mars and Mercu∣ry, as Droughts, violent Commotions, Sed••••ions, Tumults, Wars, and such other Enormities as accompany them; so likewise, be∣sides the reasons already given, if we consider the great preroga∣tive of those two Planets, either by reason of its Colour, which (significat naturam Planetoe dominantis) signifies the nature of the ruling Planet; or its Form, (Quae crinita versicolor vel benè caudata) which was Tailed, or Hairy, and of divers colours [at several times;] or if we consider its Place, by reason of those fi∣xed Stars which it passed by: All which being more particularly handled by those judicious persons formerly mentioned, I there∣fore onely say, that besides what hath happened already since the appearance thereof, as well in other parts of the world as with us in England, and they such accidents as may well be ap∣propriated to the effects of the Comet; There is yet a time re∣maining for many such turbulent actions to break forth; I say turbulent, both as to the bodies of men by pernicious Diseases, in the body politick by War, Sedition, Tumults, Robberies, Murthers, &c. and Ecclesiastick, by Divisions in the Church, oppression of the Godly and Religious, by mutation of Laws & Religious Customs; and also in the Air, by violent and destructive Winds, and the like. All which will work and manifest them∣selves most powerfully in the European part of the world, at what time the Effects of our present Conjunction doth al∣so forcibly begin to break forth, because then by its declina∣tion (giving so many years for the days of appearance) it becomes nearest Verticall to those places.

But I conclude all with those notable and significant Verfes of Pontanus in Meteorolog.

Ventorum quoque certa dabunt tibi signa Cometa, Illi etiam Belli motus, feraque Arma minantur, Magnorum & clades populorum & funera Regum.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ☞ The Turk may be herein concerned.
• * 1.2

  ☞ The success of the present de∣signs of the Turks proba∣bly conjectu∣rep.