Catastasis mundi, or, The true state, vigor, and growing greatness of Christendom, under the influences of the last triple conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, the late comet, &c. together with the true genitures of Mahomet the imposter, the Grand Seignior, the German Emperour, the French monarch : proving thence that the Turks will be defeated in all their attempts against Christendom, &c., notwithstanding Mr. Holwel's menaces to the contrary in his Catastrophe mundi, and his appendix thereunto : also the said Holwel's monstrous falshoods and errours discovered, retorted, and confuted, and himself remitted to the Turks, to comfort them now after their losses before Vienna / by John Merrifield ...

CHAP. VI.

Treating of the Conjunction of the Superior Planets, and more particularly, of the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, in Leo, in the year 1682.

EVery Planet contributeth in some measure or other to the Go∣vernment of this World, but some more forcibly than others, as the Superiours, being forerunners of great and strange Acci∣dents, War, Slaughter, and Mutations.

I come now to speak something of the Conjunctions of Saturn, and Jupiter; and as for Mr. Holwels method of direction to that purpose, in a Figure of the new or full Moon, either next before or after it, I think it not a safe way, there to find the time of their Effects, for by this way of direction round and round the Zodiac, the Effects of a Conjunction would last to the end of the World; and if all the Conjunctions which have been since the Creation, should to this day work their Effects, as they did at or soon after they happened, what a miserable time should we now live in? but they are not to last always, for they are appointed for Signs and for Seasons, for days and years; and as he hath directed Sa∣turn and Jupiter in their Conjunction in Sagitary, Anno Dom. 1603. to the new Star, which was in the year 1572. and the Ascen∣dent and Midheaven of the new Moon, before the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, 1682. directed to the same new Star, is to no more effect (comparatively) than a man being very cold, should fit by a great Fire till he had warmed and refreshed him∣self, and many years after, he being in the same Extremity with Cold, and coming to the same House, expecting there again to warm and refresh himself, but finds neither Fire nor Inhabi∣tants there at present, nor had any been there for many years past, only there remained the House empty; so by this direction, the House or Sign of the Zodiac may be found, but the new Star long time past, quite out and extinguished; so are the directions to the other Promitters as erroneous and frivolous.

But I having been at least twenty years a Student in Astrology (and other parts of the Mathematicks) I have read many Authors, and discoursed with Doctor Reason, and Doctor Experience, and they tell me, that the time of the Events of Conjunctions of the superior Pla∣nets are taken two ways, that is generally and particularly; first generally, as to the time of the whole duration of their effects; take this for a general Rule, that the effects of the Conjunction of any of the superior Planets continue in force, but until another Con∣junction of them happen (which is in about twenty years) and then their effects will alter, according to the nature of the Sign in which it happens, consideration being had to their Position and other Configurations; so that the effects of that Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Sagitary, in the year 1603. (so much spoken of by Mr. Holwel, in his Catastrophe Mundi) ended in the year 1623. for at that time there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, whose effects also ended in the year 1643. and the more fully,

there then happening a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Pisces, a Sign of the watry Triplicity, whose effects lasted but to the year 1663. for then hapned another Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Sagitary, whose effects were not different from that in 1603. I mean, in their own Nature, and not as the many Eclipses, solar Ingresses and other Configurations, altered them, and their effects ceased, when the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter hapned in Octo∣ber 1682. and was the first of the Triple Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, which hapned then and in the following year, under whose effects we now are, and shall so be, until the year 1702, and their effects in their own nature are not like to be much different from that which hapned in the year 1623, only this in 1682. is of far greater force, it being a Triple Conjunction, and therefore its effects will be more powerful.

The effects of the Conjunctions of the Superior Planets, are commonly Seditions, Troubles, Mutations, Wars, Subversions of Monarchies, Kingdoms, States, alterations of Laws, Customs, Priviledges, Treacheries, Treasons, and sometimes the Death of Emperors, Kings, Princes, Potentates and Powers; and thus much of the general Operation: now we come to the parti∣cular.

And the better to judge of the future effects of the Conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, in the years 1682. and 1683. let us look back into History, and see what hath hapned under such Conjunctions already past, and thereby we shall be the better able to judge of their following significations. In the year Anno Christi 35. (being but one year after the Death and Passion of our Saviour Jesus Christ) there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupi∣ter in Leo, and then the Jews waxed bitter cruel against the Disci∣ples of our Saviour; for after the death of Christ, the Holy Spirit falling on them, they boldly profess what they had seen and heard, and that openly; and Stephen being chosen to perform Ho∣ly Service, in the Company of the Christians, because he fer-vently imployed himself in publishing the Glory of Christ, being laid hold on by envious Persons, was stoned to death, and from that time, the chief of the Jews endeavoured all they could, to blot out the name of the Christians by what means they could; but especially Saul breathed out threatnings against them, who having the largest Power made over to him from the high-Priest, he then bended toward Damascus, that he might oppress them, but in his Journey he was affrighted, and being struck to the Earth,

he is converted, and suddenly applied himself wholly to the Wor∣ship of Christ. This hapned in the third year after the death of Christ, and the first after the Conjunction.

And this is a very good Example of what is now coming on af∣ter the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, 1682. for Jupiter being a Significator of the Christian Religion, and afflicted by the body of Saturn in Leo, the House of the Sun, another Significator of the Christian Religion, and Saturn being Significator of the Turks, may well stir them up against Christendom; Saturn being the most superiour Planet, put great and haughty thoughts of conquering the Christians into the Turks malicious minds: But I suppose that neither the Turk nor Mr. Holwel thought of, nor considered, that Saturn was weak in Leo, and disposed of by the Sun, Significator of both the Christians and their Religion; for all that Saturn can do in Leo, is but to stir up Christian Emperours, Kings, Princes, and Governours, to purge out all the dangerous dregs of obstinate Dissenters and Fanaticism, and those of every wicked principle contrary to the well-being of Government; and that in all parts of Christendom, but especially in those places un∣der the Sign Leo, also to those in Sextile or Trine to it, which are Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagitarius; so that all Countries and Cities under those Signs will in some way or other receive benefit by the means of this Conjunction, rendring the Regal power like the Sun, glorious and splendid; but I doubt of the Conversion of the Turks under such a Conjunction, though Saint Paul had his under the like.

In the year of Christ 94. was a Conjunction of Saturn and Ju∣piter in Leo, and soon after Ulpius Trajanus took the Roman Em∣pire, being two and forty years of age: he was strong and expert in Military affairs; he was also wise, moderate and courteous, so that by the general consent of all he deserved the name of very good: he was prosperous in War; he added to the Roman Em∣pire Dacia of Scythia; in the year of Christ 102. he subdued▪ the Armenians, Ibrians, Colchians, the Sermats, Arabians, and the Baby∣lonians; he brought under his power Seleucia, Ctesiphon▪ and Babylon, and several other Cities; but while he sailed in the Red-Sea, they rebelled against him; but he in person, with his Army, soon sub∣dued them again; he also smote the Cyrenian Jews and Parthians with great slaughters, which rebelled against him; he fell sick and died naturally in Cilicia, in August, Anno Dom. 117.

Sure, had Mr. Holwel compared History with his Astrology, he might have judged more charitably of Rome, Italy and Christen∣dom; for never yet did Christendom under any Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, suffer Detriment, but came off Victori∣ously over their Enemies, neither can either Turk, Tartar, or a∣ny other Enemy to Christendom, under this Conjunction, pre∣prevail against them; yet I suppose, the Turk will have another attempt against Christendom, though he come off with as great or greater loss, than he did last at Vienna.

In the year of Christ 153, there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, and at the same time, Antonius Pius was Emperor of Rome, and with such virtue and goodness governed he that Em∣pire, that he excelled all others, the whole World was at Peace with him, all the time of his Empire, foraign Princes did dread him, so that they would make him the Arbitrator of their differences, because of his Wisdom; he died naturally, Anno Dom. 161.

Antonius Varus succeeded him, and reigned prosperously; he was succesful in War against the Parthians, also in the Marcoman Wars; he died of an Apoplexy, Anno Dom. 171.

Surely, if Christian Princes were under this Conjunction, so wise and successful in War against their Enemies, I know no rea∣son Astrologically, why they should not be so now, for the Con∣junctions are the same, and therefore must work the same effects; let Mr. Holwel, or any of Mahomets Prophets say what they will, for the Celestial Powers have not changed their former In∣fluences.

Anno Dom. 829. there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, and then Lodovick governed the Roman Empire: but in the year following, Pepin King of France conspired against him, with the chief Governours, and lays hold on the Empire, but in the following year, through the help of the Germans, Lodowick re∣gains the Empire, and in the year 833. he is driven from the Em∣pire, by the Conspiracy of his three Sons, and advice of the Bi∣shops; but in the following year, Lodowick is wholly restored to Empire, and so governed it to the day of his death, which was in the year 840. after his decease, his three Sons fall at difference for the Empire: Lotharius the eldest, against Lodowick and Charles the two youngest, and joyn Battle, so that many men were slain on both sides; but in the year 844. they agree, and divide their Fa∣thers Inheritance thus amongst themselves; unto Lothvrius the Ro∣man

Empire, that is, Rome and Italy, also Lorain, which took its Name from Lotharius, and also the Province of Burgany, and to Ludovick, all Germany, Mentzspirds, and Worms, and to Charles, the West Country of France.

In the year 888. there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupi∣ter in Leo; about this time, was great War between the Normans and the French; for in the year 890. the Normans lay Siege against Paris, but took it not, though (as some say) the Siege lasted se∣ven years, and in the year 898. the French slew of the Normans 18000, upon the Hill Faulcon, near the City.

Anno Dom. 948. there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, about this time, Berengarius usurps the Kingdom of Italy from Lotharius, but the Italians disliking his Tyrannieal Government (which he held for the space of twelve years) fled to Otho King of Germany, who being gone into Italy, in the year 962. received the Imperial Crown of Pope John, and was saluted the first Empe∣ror of Germany; he two years after led away Berengarius into Ba∣varia, and there he died; so Otho governed the German Empire prosperously and victoriously all his days, so that the German Em∣pire had its rise under the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, a fixed Masculine Regal Sign, which relates to Diuturnity, and the long continuance of all things begun under it.

Thus you may see, that under these three Conjunctions, the Christians have had War one against another, an Error too much practised amongst some Christian Princes. And indeed at this time, amongst those that profess the Christian Religion, there are so many animosities and divers ways of Worship, that I think, most of our Dissenters had rather chuse to kiss the Turks Alchoran, then to submit to our Lawful Regal Authority; but let such know, that under this Conjunction, and all other Conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, there hath been, and will be a cleansing and purging by Regal Authority, all the dangerous dregs of Panati∣cism, and of every wicked Principle, repugnant to the well being of Government. There hath also been under those Conjunctions, Treachery, Treason and Rebellion; the Son hath conspired a∣gainst the Father, and driven him from his Throne; the Subjects have conspired against their Prince, and Brethren have made War one against another for their Fathers Inheritance; God grant that no such Conspiracy happen in any part of Christendom under this Conjunction.

In the year of Christ 1623. there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, just at which time Mustapha the Turks Grand Signior was deposed from his Imperial Throne the second time, and Morat the rightful Heir proclaimed Emperour in his room, be∣ing but fourteen years of age. In this year the Turks had War with the Hungarians, Persians and Transilvanians; and the Persians took the Province and City of Babylon from the Turks, slew many of them, took Mosul (formerly called Nineve) Mecha, and great part of the Turks Territories. The following year was much in effect like unto this. In 1625. a Rebellion broke out in Asia against the Grand Signior, and a great Plague in Constantinople. In 1626. the Turks besiege Babylon, but came off by the loss of 70000 Turks and Tartars; and in the following year no peace could be conclu∣ded▪ 1628. the War continued, and the Persians took several Towns from the Turks. This War continued till the year 1638. at which time the Persians had War with the Indians, and then the Grand Signior taking advantage of the Persians, went himself in person with a mighty Army against Babylon, and with much ado, and the loss of a great many men, took it from the Persians on promise of quarter; but contrary to his promise he caused all Men, Women, and Children to be barbarously massacred: and by this you may see the faith of a Turk. And thus much of the signification of this Conjunction, and of what is past; I proceed now to what is yet to come.

I come now to speak of the Triple Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo, in the year of our Lord 1682. And it is a Maxim according to that of Cardan, Segm. 5. Aphor. 63. Operationes Pla∣netarum nunquam cessant, donec contraria à Planeta, vel Stella fixa, aut signi parte contrariae qualitatis impedimentur, vel in Solis radios in∣cidant; The operation of the Planets never cease until they are impedited by a contrary Planet or fixed Star, or from part of the Sign of contrary quality, or when they fall into combustion, viz. into the rayes of the Sun.

In this Conjunction those Planets are not in evil aspects of ei∣ther the Sun or Mars, therefore no great matter of their effects could operate at the time of this Conjuction; but about the be∣ginning of November 1682. the Sun came to the Square of both Saturn and Jupiter, and also of the place of the Conjunction; at which time the effects began to operate, though but slowly; but about the latter end of January following, the Sun came to the Opposition of both Saturn and Jupiter, and the place of the Con∣junction;

this insinuated mischief into the heart of the Turks, to proclaim open War against Germany; and in the latter end of Au∣gust, and beginning of September, when Mars came to the Square of Saturn, and the place of the Conjunction, the effects began to operate to purpose, as we know about Vienna, and had not Jupi∣ter been stronger than Saturn, Christendom might have had too great a cause to have remembred it, for Mars is an Enemy to both Saturn and Jupiter; but a little after, Jupiter met with the Con∣junction of Venus, governess of Libra (and thereby raised the Siege) being the Sign under which Vienna lieth.

And whereas this Conjunction hapned in Leo, we may consider by what hath been already said, that Christendom never suffered much under such Conjunctions, but hath come off either with honour or victory, although they have had many Troubles and Afflictions; for under such Conjunctions they have beaten the Turks, and almost all that have opposed them.

Now if I should be asked the reason why the Christians have been so fortunate under the Conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo? Consider that Jupiter in Leo is stronger than Saturn there, and disposeth of Saturn in his own Triplicity; for Saturn being Perigrine, and in his Detriment, he is as a man in custody of his Enemy, forsaken of his Friend, and not able to work the evil ef∣fects he might do if he were strong, either in his own House or Exaltation; for what hurt can an envious man do, when he is bound in Prison, and forsaken of his Friends? Saturn can do no more in this Conjunction (neither can Kingdoms nor People un∣der Saturn) but envy the happiness of Religions, Countreys and Persons under Leo, and not under Leo only, but those that be un∣der any Sign that is in Sextile or Trine to Leo, which are Libra, Sagitary, Aries, and Gemini. But here, peradventure I may be asked the Question, why Vienna in Austria, being under Libra sped so ill? To that I answer, Had it not been for this Conjunction, it might have sped worse; for the Besieging of Vienna, was not wholly occasioned by the Conjunction, but rather by the last Co∣met that appeared in 1682, and passed through Libra, and the Conjunction may well be reputed the Raising of the Siege at Vien∣na; or if any one will have it to proceed from the Conjunction only, it matters not, for it is no more than I told you before, that Saturn or the Turks by him represented, would shew their Envy to Religion, Countries, Cities and Persons under Leo, and under Signs in Sextile or Trine to Leo, but would want strength and power to destroy them; for if we compute the Loss that the Turks

have sustained by that Siege, both in Substance and People, and compare it with the Loss of the Christians, we may say, that the Conjunction was not prejudicial, but rather beneficial to Chri∣stendom, and prejudicial to the Turks.

Yet I do not say, but these Places under Leo, and in Sextile, and Trine to it, may have Troubles, but their Enemies shall not have power to prevail against them to overcome them; for though Sa∣turn be the most superior, yet being out of all his essential Digni∣ties, he shall be forced to seek to, and comply with the Sun and Jupiter, and that upon their terms, and not upon his own.

But these Regions, Countries, and Cities under Aquarius, being in opposition to Leo, and those in square, which are Taurus and Scorpio, will be like to be most sufferers (under this Conjunction) by one means or other; either by War, Famine, Sickness, or In∣undations of Waters, &c. for certainly, if those under the Sextiles and Trines partake of Evil, much more those under the Squares and Oppositions will be Sufferers by their effects, as may be seen by this following example, being yet in the memory of many thousands now living in England. In the year 1663. there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Sagitary, and Gemini is the opposite Sign, London being under it, what sad fates did London under∣go soon after? for in the year 1665, there was a lamentable Plague, and in 1666. the City almost consumed with Fire; many more sad Accidents I could instance, but let this suffice at this time.

And because that every one that may happen to read this Book, may not be an Artist good enough to know what places are under the Signs before mentioned, I will here insert the Names of some Countries and Cities under Leo, and under the Signs in Oppositi∣on and Square to it, which are as followeth.

Under Leo, are, Italy, Sicily, Bohemia, the Alps, Gallia, Togata, Apuleia, Phoenicia, and part of Turky: Cities, Damascus, Syracuse, Rome, Ravinna, Cremona, Ulms, Prague, Lints, Confluentia, Bri∣stol, &c.

Under Aquarius, are, Samaria, Amazonia, Tartaria, Muscovia, Westphalia, Mosel, Aethiopia, Media, Arabia, the desart: Cities, Hamborough, Breme, Montserat, Pisarum, Ingoldstad and Trent, &c.

Under Taurus, are Russia, Polonia major, Lorrain, Campagnia, Helve∣tia, Switzerland, Persia, Cyprus, Parthia, Ireland: Cities, Parma, Nants, Bononia, Sena, Mantua, Sicila, Tigur, Tarentum, Lucern, Lipsic, &c.

Under Scorpio, are, Norway the Higher, Bavaria, Campagena, Cappadocia, Idumea, Catalonia, Barbary, Fez: Cities, Gaunt, Alge∣ra, Messina in Italy, Frankfort upon Odar, Valentia, and Catalonia in Spain.

Thus I have shewed some of the Places under the Signs, in which the effects of this Conjunction is like to be most powerful; and for the time of the future effects, it is most like to be, when the Sun or Mars shall behold Saturn, Jupiter, or the place of the Conjunction by an evil Aspect; that is, by Square or Opposition. I do not say that all the places aforesaid shall be afflicted at one time, neither that all the Calamities aforesaid shall happen to any one place; it is enough (nay and too much too) if any one of them happen in any Country or City in Christendom. Thus have I given an Astrological account of the effects of this Conjunction, and I hope I have not varied from the Rules of Art; and here I shall speak a little more of the effects of this Conjunction be∣tween the Turks and Christians, in what may be the event of their present War. In April 1684. Saturn will be again in Leo, and in square to Mars; in May following, Saturn meets with a Square of the Sun; Jupiter also meets with the Square of both the Sun and Mars, intimating that about that time, the Turks will be active against the Christians, and then great preparation will be making on both sides; but both Saturn and Jupiter are weak, and there∣fore no great Actions will yet be performed; but rather about Au∣gust, when the Sun comes to the place of the Conjunction, or la∣ter in the year, when Saturn and Jupiter meets with the body of both the Sun and Mars, and then the Turks suppose to do great matters against the Christians: but I find no reason in Art, why he should have any more Victory in this year, than he had in the last against the Christians; neither do I suppose, that their Diffe∣rences will be reconciled until the year 1687. which if it be not, then let the Turk look to be beaten to purpose, for then Jupiter comes into Sagitary, his own house, and then, when it is too late, the Turk may repent of his Enterprises.