Demonstration of astrology, or, A brief discourse, proving the influence of the sun, moon, stars, over this terraqueous globe grounded on the fundamental rules of the Copernican system and philosophy, and verified by practical examples and experience : illustrated by diagrams : whereby the art is rendered almost mathematically demonstrable : to which is added, an astrological and philosophical appendix, or second part, treating of this summer's effects, both in the macrocosm as well as microcosm : wherein we have great cause to fear, that the sword, pestilence, and famine will annoy our European territories this ensuing summer / by William Hunt, a lover of the mathematics and natural philosophy.

CHAP. VI.

IN this Chapter I shall explain my Method; and as I have in the foregoing Chapters explained the most material Circles, &c. of the Sphere; and also how, by the Motion of the Sun or Earth, our Seasons are constituted, viz. Day, Night, Win∣ter and Summer; together with the Natures and Aspects of the Planets:

So now in this, and the following Chapter, I shall demon∣strate why some Winters are warmer than others, and some Summers are colder than other-some; and the reason why our Spring sometimes is late, and at other times early, coming soon∣er by five or six Weeks some Years than other.

First, Know that the general Constitutions of the Seasons are caused by the Diurnal and Annual Motion of the Earth, as before treated of.

But the Reason of their Variations must be examined by the Annual and Revolutional Motion of the rest of the Planets, especially the Superiors, the Inferiors having most to do in the daily Mutations of the Air.

Now the Motion of the Planets is to be considered in a threefold manner.

1. According to their Revolution in respect of the Ecliptick, whereby they sometimes, as the Sun, (though with some diffe∣rence of Latitude) are in Estival Signs, and sometimes in Win∣ter Signs.

2. They are to be considered according to their Motion in this Copernican Projection, whereby they are sometimes near to the Earth, and sometimes at remoter distance, having great In∣fluence

at some times, and at other times in abject Places, and almost void of Influence in respect of us.

3. They are to be considered as to their Aphelions and Peri∣helions, they moving in Eliptick Circles, as also their Diurnal Revolutions; passing by the Motion of their Satellites, which as yet have no known Influence.

4. Their Natures are chiefly to be noted, both Simple and Complicated: These are the chief relating to the several Constitutions of the Seasons.

But in the Diurnal and Horary Vicissitudes, we consider the Motion of Venus and Mercury, and chiefly the Lunar Mo∣tion, as also their Aspects and Transits: And the Diurnal Motion of the Earth, whereby the Sun, Moon, and Stars, be∣come sometimes upon the Meridian or Zenith, and sometimes under the Earth or Nadir, and sometimes upon the Horizon, ei∣ther rising or setting. And note, that those Planets are of greatest Force which are nearest to us, both in respect of their Perigaeons, as well as being Vertical, and having North Declination and La∣titude; as also that Planet which is above the Horizon: and the more vertical he is, the stronger he is; which also is aug∣mented or diminished, according as he is beheld by the Sun, or the rest of the Planets. These and many more Phenomena's are to be considered, and well poised in Judgment, of which I shall treat in some following Tracts: This Tract only treats of the general Nature and Constitution of the Seasons. And I shall farther explain the Copernican Projection, or Diagrams, which ought well to be understood by every one that would be a Pro∣ficient in the Knowledg of the Weather.

Which Diagrams are a new Projection, and never before made publick: They shewing the true Motions of the Earth, and other Planets about the Sun; and represent to you the true Geocentrick Places of the Planets, as well as Aspects; but in the Heliocentrick Places and Aspects of the Planets, they vary a little from Truth, because of their apparent Eliptical Motions.

And note, that what I say concerning the Demonstration of the third Diagram, understand the same of the rest.

In the said Diagram the Sun is the Center, the other Planets move about him in their several Orbits, as I have demonstrated in the third Chapter of this Book.

In this Diagram you may see, that the Lunar Orbit is divided into 12 equal Parts, being the Right Ascensions of the 12 Zodiacal Signs, viz. ♈, ♉, ♊, ♋, ♌, ♍, ♎, ♏, ♐ ♑, ♒, ♓, to those who live under the Zodiack.

Now when a Planet is in the Point ♑, then I say that Planet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Heliocentrick Conjunction with the Earth; and in Perigae∣i••, or at his nearest approach to the Earth, when in the fore∣said Position. But note, that I call a Planet in Perigaeon, when that he is elongated, from the Point ♑, as far on either side as the two next Signs, viz. ♐ and ♒, that is 30 Degrees on each side.

And a Planet posited within a few Degrees of the Lines ♏ or ♓ on either side, then I say that Planet is in △ with the Sun.

And a Planet upon or near the Lines ♎ or ♈, then is that Planet in Square to the Sun.

And when upon the Lines ♍ or ♉, then in Sextile of the Sun.

And when in or near the Line A ♋, then he is in ☌ with the Sun.

But when in the Space between the Points ♍ and ♋, or ♉ and ♋, then, I say, that Planet is in an Abject place, or place void of Influence, or at least having very weak Influence.

And note, when two Planets are in both in Abject places, as suppose ♄ in 15 Degrees of ♌, in Quartile of ♃ in 15 Deg. of ♉, then is that Aspect of much less Force than if they were in Aspect, in other places posited nearer the Earth; which Aphorism ought well to be heeded.

And note farther, that what I have here said, relates chiefly to the Superiors, the Phenomena of the Inferiors being something different to them; for the Demonstration whereof I shall say nothing until my next appears.

And what I have said of this Diagram, I would have you un∣derstand the same of the 5th and 6th Diagrams, and in all others of the same Projection.

Mars is called by me the Sun's Deputy, who if near or at a fit distance, he becomes hotter than the Sun himself, who by re∣flecting the united Rays of the Sun upon us, like a Burning-glass doth make them the more strong and forcible to us; but if he be in an Abject place, then he hath little or no Force; for place a Burning-glass in an Abject place, or so far off that the reflected Rays do not reach the Matter or Object to be cal∣cined, it cannot fire it.

Saturn is famed on the other hand for Cold, who being com∣posed of Nitrous Particles, doth, when near the Earth, (and not opposed or hindred by ♂ his Rays) by his Nitrous Parti∣cles, stop or slacken the Motion of the Atmosphere, and thereby (as I have said before) cause Cold.

But Jupiter simply considered, viz. when powerful or near the Earth in Perigaeon, and in Estival Signs, causeth Serenity, and wholsome North Winds in Winter, seasonable Frosts; and in Summer a serene, sweet, temperate, and prolifick Air, being rather a favourer of Cold than Heat.