Astrologia restaurata, or, Astrologie restored being an introduction to the general and chief part of the language of the stars : in four books ... / by VVilliam Ramesey, Gent. ...

CHAP. VI. That the variation of the Heavens from their places wherein they were in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation, causeth no erring in A∣strological Iudgements.

[Object.] ANd first, since it is objected by some, That the true effects of the stars cannot be known by us, for that Ptolomie, whom we account as a chief Doctor amongst us in the delivering the mysteries and instructions of this Art, writ so long since, that the Heavens are gone some whole degrees from their places, they were in at his time, and therefore the same Rules will not now hold which he delivered.

* 1.1 For the answering of this Objection, I should do well to say no more then this, that it is altogether weak, and occasioned through ignorance, &c. and not trouble my self further to answer what needs no answer;* 1.2 but least those for whom I have undertaken these my labours, should then, for that they are not well grounded in the Art, think this Goliah to be more then it is; I shall say thus much, that Ptolomie tyed us not by his Writings to be confined to use his Rules for those places the Signs were in at that time; but thus, Saturn in Aries signifieth so and so, where ever Aries be removed; for it is the nature of the Sign the Planet is in, that causeth him to have such and such a signification, not the place where the Sign is, in respect of the Revolution of the Starry Sphear; for then we (making no such observation for the direction of our Judgements) should never be able to predict any thing of certainty; besides if this had been necessary, Ptolomy

would have taught us accordingly, and also have directed the precepts of the Art to have dependency on the place of the Heavens at the Creation, which were as far removed be∣fore his time as they have been since ; so that since the first Creation of all things, Aries the first sign (and so consequently uniformly all the rest in that Starry Sphear) is re∣moved and revolved in the course of its motion neer upon three whole signs, according to Ticho his Account, which if this were of any, or the least moment (as I have said) we should never possibly be able (having no regard thereunto) to foretell any thing with certainty; But our Rules run on another strain (as hath been said) viz. a Planet in such a Sign, signifieth so and so, let it be by its revolution where it will, &c. But this we finde daily certain, and the other consequently then of no efficacy; as for example.

We see clearly, and that to be testified by every vulgar notion, that when the Sun comes into the Equinoctial point of Aries, the Spring forthwith begins to shew it self;* 1.3 every thing by its humidity and temperate heat, being thereby made to flourish, and as it were to rise again from the dead, which have by the tedious blasts of the Hyemnal Ayr been kept in obscurity; and this without respect to the place where Aries was in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation; which neither then at that time had any other but the same efficacy now they have, though they may be intended or remitted by the conjunctions and configurations of the Planets, or by the variation of their declination, as they dart their beams more or less down perpendicularly upon us, and so work more or less powerfully at one time then another in the same place.

So likewise when he enters into the first Solstice, or the Tropick of Cancer (he being then neerest our Zenith) causeth Summer; in the second Equinoctial, Libra, Autumn; in the last Trophick, Capricorn, Winter, &c.

But to put this matter quite out of doubt, let us but observe when the Sun comes in∣to the Sign Taurus, and stirreth up the vertue of the Pleiades and Hyades in that sign,* 1.4 and the Hoedi to the North thereof, and Orion to the South, as also Arcturus then set∣ting; and we shall see these Constellations (being naturally violent and tempestuous) do raise Southern and moist winds for certain days together, watring the earth, and causing those seeds and vegetables (not before to be discerned) to spring forth and appear; and this hath not only been delivered unto us from Antiquity, but we every year (towards the latter end of that moneth, we vulgarly call April) finde it by experience most true: Hence that old English Proverb, even amongst the illiterate that know nothing of the cause, April showers, bring May flowers.

* 1.5Again when the Sun riseth with the Dog-star, we see it causeth many infirmities, and vehemency of heat, so that Hipoc. Aphor. 4, 5. saith, Medicines are hard, or obnoxious that are administred under the Dog-star; likewise we see Dogs at this time apt to run mad, the Sea to be troubled, and all Creatures whatsoever in one sort or other perplexed; and this is known commonly to all the vulgar, as well as the learned, and therefore needs not farther to be amplified: yet in some Summers,* 1.6 this time is not so contagious as again in other years, which happens according to the places and configurations of the Lumina∣ries with the other Planets and fixed Stars, according to their intentions and remissions, neither cold nor heat proceeding from the absence or presence of the Sun, as some weakly conceive; for then all Summers would be alike hot, as also all Winters alike cold, since the Sun keeps his constant motion, and is never more elongated nor appropriated, one year then another: And this we see also every year when the Sun comes near the 18. Degree of Cancer, wherein the little or lesser Dog is, notwithstanding the Revolution of the Starry sphear; for otherwise it would be about the time he is in the 27. Degree of Gemini, which is about the latter end of that moneth we commonly term May.

* 1.7Lastly, and with this I shall conclude as touching this point, and then proceed: There is no man that hath any knowledge in Astrologie, but can affirm, that the Weather will be tempestuous, stormy and turbulent, Saturn going out of one Sign into another, according to Hermes, Centil. 33. and other sayings of the Ancients, which if to be observed as they were just at the time Ptolomie writ, or at the first Creation, it will now be when he is in the middle, or towards the latter end of a sign, as the signs are now; for that Aries is now in our times very far in Taurus, or where Taurus was in Ptolomies time; but this hindreth or varieth no more the Influence of the Heavens from their

natural properties and inclinations, then to affirm a Faggot or any other combustible thing will not burn, although it be put into the fire, because it is not in a Chimney, or any such whimsical assertion, &c. wherefore let us now shew the power of their Influence, and so discharge our former promise, since it here so fitly offereth it self.

* 1.8What hath been already said is sufficient to satisfie any man who is not disposed, or given over to obstinacy, of the verity and certainty of Astrology: but for farther satis∣faction, I think good yet to proceed to some particular effects of the Stars, that God may be glorified in his Works, being himself the first moving cause of all their wonder∣full operations, that we may (according to the Apostle) see him in his Works, though not worthy to behold him as he is in himself, nor indeed able, so long as we carry this earthy Tabernacle about us unchanged and unglorified.

First then, because we are to hasten to say somewhat to a pretended reply to my Lux Veritatis, least this first Book swell to a bigger bulk then I would willingly have it: I shall briefly speak of the Planets first, and then of the fixed Stars, or as they are both joyned together, and so hasten to a conclusion.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Answ.
• * 1.2

  The motion of the Heavens since Ptolomies time, nor in∣deed since the first Creatlon, is any cause of errour in Astro∣logers judge∣ments in this our Age.
• * 1.3

  The aforesaid objection cleared by ex∣ample.
• * 1.4

  Manifested by common expe∣rience.
• * 1.5

  Farther yet manifest.
• * 1.6

  Why the Dog-Days are not all years alike contagious.
• * 1.7

  A third mani∣festation there∣of.
• * 1.8

  The Stars cau∣ses next under God the first moving cause. By the study of the Stars we see God in his works.