CHAP. XX. Of the number of the Heavens and Sphears, their places, order and motions.
* 1.1 YOU are to know we are now about to speak of the signs of the Zodiack, as also of the Zodiack it self; it is necessary here therefore (having done with the Planets) that so this Art may be throughly understood by the lo∣vers thereof, first to speak a word of the sphears, and number of the Heavens, which by most Philosophers, especially Hermes Trismegistus and Ptolomy are held to be in number nine, which indeed are plainly to be demonstrated and proved by rea∣son; and this is the opinion not only of the Ancient Philosophers, but of all Astro∣nomers and Mathematicians, who will better and more at large instruct you; where∣fore I refer you for satisfaction in what you farther doubt of then what I shall here deliver, to their volumes; only for the satisfaction of my Reader, since it comes in my way, I thought good to say somewhat. Wherefore these are briefly thus distin∣guished.
* 1.2 First, know then, that about this Elementary World (as being the center) they all move one above another in their several sphears, as the Moon first above the earth in her sphear; Mercury above the Moon; Venus above Mercury; the Sun above Ve∣nus; Mars above the Sun; Iupiter above Mars; Saturn above Iupiter; the star∣ry heaven or eighth heaven, above Saturn; and in this heaven are located all the fixed stars which never move but as their sphear moves and carryeth them, they being never the one farther or nearer to another, but are firm and fixt in their places; for which cause was this eighth heaven called the firmament;* 1.3 and lastly is this firmament or star∣ry heaven inclosed by the first mover or Chrystaline heaven, which is the guide (as I may say) of the heavens (not being at all under the rule of any of the other heavens, but governed only by that intelligence that ruleth it,* 1.4 or the express commandment of God) but carryeth them all violently about with it self (of whose motions you shall here more anon) yet there is another higher then the ninth heaven, which doth in∣close and comprehend them all; and this by some is held to be the habitation of God, the Elect and Angels; others hold that Iupiter is the place of the Elect; and like∣wise that Mars is the local place of Hell for the damned, others hold Saturn to be Hell, &c. But we leave these opinions, it being no part of our Discourse; and re∣turn to shew you the motions of the sphears and heavens.
* 1.5You have heard already of the quickness of the motion of the sphear of Saturn in the first chapter of this Treatise, where we speak of the significations, nature and shape of Saturn; as also of the sphear of Iupiter in the second chapter, where we treat of Iupiter, and so of all the rest of the Planets; viz. Saturn finisheth his mo∣tion, or he in his sphear in 29. years, some moneths and days; Iupiter in 12. years, &c. Their motion, notwithstanding they are carryed violently and accidentally once a day about the earth by the force and power of the first mover, is quite contrary there∣unto, viz. from West to East, and so likewise is the motion of the starry heaven from