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A Question Horary, is nothing else (as I have former∣ly in this Treatise, and elsewere told you) but an Interrogation made to an Artist, by a Desponding Que∣rent, at the particular time, in which his mind is most troubled and sollicitous, about any matter or thing Cognoscible to Humane Skill, as he is thereunto directed
and guided by the Coelestial Clock-work. But, in this place, I shall limit this Definition, particularly, to mat∣ters Maritime, those being the Subject of my present Discourse.
The difference also of an Horary Question from an Election or Nativity, I have likewise before acquainted you withal, so that I need not (actum agere) to do it here again.
I will therefore come to my intended purpose, and present you with twenty Examples of Questions, &c. they being double the Number to those of Elections or Nativities, and much more plentiful with me, (and, so I believe they are with all other Practical Astrologers) then either of the other. For, Man-kind is naturally subject to thousands of Doubts about one and the same Thing or Vessel, that cannot be presumed to have more than one Radix, or Launching Originally; or more than one proper Election of Time for a Voyage to Sea.
Not, but that I could have enlarged all three of them to a far greater Number, if I had conceived it requisite so to have done. But, a Thesis or Doctrine, being once well proved, if we should add a thousand Instances, it cannot thereby be the better, although (I confess) it may be the more often evinced.
For many days together, before the time wherein this Question was propounded, the Exchange News was, that this Rich Laden Vessel was lost in the Sea, by the extremity of ill weather.
An Ingenious Merchant, having a Thousand Pounds (and upward,) of concerns in her, being, by the Ensu∣rers, refused the Ensurance of any Sum upon her under Sixty Pounds per Cent. desired my Opinion of her Con∣dition under the above said Position of Heaven.
I considered, that the Moon being lately separated from an Opposition of Mercury, Lord of the Third of the Fi∣gure,
and in the Twelfth House, might very naturally de∣clare false News, as also together therewith, the Fears of the Querent. But then I found Venus, the Significa∣trix of the Ship to be Angular, (in Platique Trine of the Moon) and in Conjunction of Jupiter, and both of them in Sextile of Mercury, who is the Dispositer of Luna, which made me conclude, (and good reason there was for me so to do, Jupiter being Superior to Mercury, both in Nature and Influence) that the Ship was alive and safe; and would (by Gods Blessing) be suddenly heard of; and that there was no need for him to Ensure: The Lady of the Second House being the same Planet that signified the Ship, and so happily Fortunated as you have heard. No, notwithstanding the Moon was applying ad Quadra∣tum Saturni, and the Sun his being (though separated) in Opposition of Mars, Lord of the Ascendant and Eighth House.
The Effect was thus. The Ship was safe; and, in two or three days time, there was News come, that she was (by contrary Winds) forced into the Isle of Wight. And the Merchant saved all his Premium Money, which I think was no harm to him.
But, the ill Aspects before-mentioned, might have their Effects in this, with respect to the Querent, viz. The Querents Friends and Correspondents living at New-Castle, and he having Orders to Ensure for their parts in the Vessel, did so, at the before-mention'd Rate; and they lost their Money that was thus given.
A Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in an Angle, is much more powerful for good, than an Opposition of the Sun and Mars, and a Quadrate of the Moon and Saturn, from Cadent places of the Heavens, can be for Evil.
Several Vessels in this Ships company, were destroyed by Wreck in Stormy and Tempestuous Weather; and there came the unkind News to the Owners thereof, that she was wreck'd and sunk among the rest: upon which report, one, considerably concerned in her, proposed the above-said Question.
I considered that Mercury, the Significator of the Ves∣sel, was Angular (though in Sagitary) and in Trine of Jupiter, his Dispositer, who was Angular also. Next, observed that the Moon was strong, viz. in Taurus, her Exaltation; and, from a good House of Heaven, ap∣plied
to a Trine of Saturn, Lord of the Querents Sub∣stance, as the Moon was Significatrix of the Ships Sub∣stance. I therefore concluded, that profit and advan∣tage was coming to the Querent by the Ship. And, to∣gether herewith, finding the Hour to be fortunate also, as being governed by the Sun. — I affirmed to the Que∣rent, That the Vessel (according to the Rules of Safety before-going) was alive; and that he would hear of her suddenly. Howbeit, I acquainted him that I conceived she had been greatly distressed, because the Moon separa∣ted from void of course; and Mercury was in Detriment in Opposition to the Horoscope of the Ship.
The Issue was thus. The Ship came home in three days time from the Question, viz. upon the Trine of Jupiter and Mercury exactly. It had suffered some dam∣mage by Storms, but not so much as was supposed. What think you now of the Trigonal Beam of Jupiter?
One of the Owners of this Vessel, having not heard any News of her in four months time, beyond what he might reasonably have hoped for Intelligence, and there∣fore supposing her to be lost in the Sea, or else taken by the Turks, (then very much infesting the Seas) moved this Question concerning her. —
Finding Jupiter in the Seventh Angle, and the Moon in Sextile of Venus Lady thereof, and the Sun Lord of the Hour, not only Dispositer of Venus, but in Trine of Ju∣piter from Angles; — I adjudged the Ship to be safe, and in good condition. And, with that my Opinion I earnestly laboured to comfort the Querent: who, being signified by Mars, in Platique Opposition of Saturn, could scarce give credit to me, his fears were so great.
From the Position of Venus in the Ninth Angle, and, for that the Moon was swift in Motion, and (by Latitude) not past, but applying to the Sextile of Venus; I ac∣quainted him, that I conceived the Vessel was on its way homeward, and would be heard of speedily. Yet, I supposed she had been a little affrighted by Enemies, as also by Tempestuous Weather; because Venus was late∣ly separated both from a Conjunction of Mars, and an Opposition of Saturn, and it was true.
For, the Ship was heard of in a fortnights time from the propounding this Question; and came home very well, and in good condition, in November following. But, she had been chased by some Pirates in her way homeward, which she very happily escaped. Some in∣jury also, she sustained by ill weather.
Thus you see, that the Bodies and Beams of Jupiter and Venus, are (sub Deo) certain Arguments of safety.
This Vessel was a Collier, and having been at New-Castle, no News was heard of her in some considerable time; so that the Querent much feared she was lost. And there∣fore propounded the within written Question unto me, un∣der this Position of Heaven.
I considered herein, that the Moon (though in Sexta Domo) was lately separated a Sextilo Martis, Significa∣tor of the Ship, and applied ad Trinum Mercurii, her Dispositer, and Lord of the Querents Substance; and that both of them were swift in Motion, together, with Ju∣piter, his being Lord of the Hour: And was thence en∣couraged
to tell him, that I doubted not (by Gods Bles∣sing) but the Ship was safe, and not only so, but that she would be speedily at home, or at least suddenly heard of.
The truth is, — The Ship was well, and heard of the same day; and, in few days following, came safe home.
What think you now? You, that are Enemies to Star∣ry Truths? Do Astrologers commit Error and Folly, when they attribute Intelligence to Mercury? Or, suc∣cess and safety to Jupiter? — Let us not hood wink the eyes of our understanding, and, we shall then find,— That Astrology is, as well Useful and Fruitful, as Truth-ful; Let the Learned Commentator upon Religio Medici, think what he pleaseth, when he says, Astrology is not so Truth∣less as Fruitless. — Certainly, no Tree so Fruitful as the Tree of Truth. And, no Fruit so useful, as that which grows on such Sacred Branches. For, not only Great is, but of Great Ʋse is, the TRUTH, and that shall prevail.
In this Figure the Quesited Vessel was signified by Sa∣turn, and he near Cauda Draconis, and the Moon sepa∣rated a Oppositione Solis & Jovis, ex Angulis; which inti∣mated the same to have been in some danger (to my ap∣prehension) not only by Weather, but Enemies, &c.— Howbeit, the Moon applying ad Trinum Saturni, and Saturn so eminently strong in the Eleventh from the Se∣venth, casting a Trine to the Second of the Eigure; toge∣ther with the Sun and Jupiter hastning to a Conjunction in the Seventh.—
From all which Arguments, I concluded the Vessel safe, (though lately in some danger, &c.) and that she would be heard of, if not come home, in three weeks or a months time at the farthest. You see the Sun wanted but three Degrees of the Body of Jupiter.
The matter of Fact was thus. On March the 6th. following, she came home; but had been distressed very much by ill Weather in her return, and forced to make many Ports before her Arrival, for relief. — Here you see, the Sun and Jupiter did not signifie Enemies as I feared; but the Moon (being in the Dignities of Mercu∣ry) in Opposition of the Sun and Jupiter, had Relation to the Weather only, though from the Angle of Enemies. I will not here enquire, whether the Weather may not be as well the greatest Enemy, as Friend to Maritime matters? Because I meant Martial Enemies when I gave my Opinion hereon. I was, I confess, in that particular deceived. — How even, and calm, ought the mind of an Astrologer to be, when he is to distinguish of such cu∣rious matters!
That the Querent, or Owner hereof, was sufficiently besiedged with troubles and fears concerning the safety of this Vessel, the Lord of the Ascendant in the Sixth House, in the Dignities of Saturn, aptly denotes.— But that the Ship was safe, not only Jupiter his governing the Hour, but the Conjunction of the Sun and Jupiter in its Ascen∣dant plainly signified; as you may find by consulting the Arguments of safety, &c.
The Moon separating from a Sextile of Mercury, and transferring Hermes his happy Beams to Venus, Lady of the Third and Tenth Houses, shewed good News was coming.
This Vessel (God be blessed) was safe, and in three weeks time from the Question, was heard of: and in some two months time, or thereabouts, arrived in the River of Thames, very happily Laden; and thereby quitted this Querent of his many & remarkable doubts concerning her.
May we not, from these, and such like Instances and Examples, with good ground, presume to Predict secu∣rity to Ships or Vessels Interrogated; in case we find the same Arguments of safety in any future Question? From like Causes generally proceed like Effects. But hark thee good Reader, it is not every one that can shew thee how the Heavens are Posited, that can tell thee what they mean or signifie. To this it is required, that the Person giving Judgment, be not only born an Artist, and well read in the Caelestial Volume, but that he be under a good Fate also. When the mind of Man is become like a Chaos, the Judgment is not apt for either Logical, or Astrological distinctions.
Great News on the Exchange many days, that this Vessel was cast away. Ensurance of any thing in her, at reasonable rates, could not be purchased by any of the Owners of her.
One of them being much afflicted thereat, in great trouble of mind, moved the before-said Question to me, and the Figure of Heaven was as here represented.
The Moon with Cauda Draconis, and she, and Saturn, in Quadrate of the Sun and Mars, were eminent Argu∣ments of Danger to this Vessel. And, accordingly, she had been much distressed both by Weather, and by Pi∣rates, in her return home-ward.
But, when I considered the great strength of Saturn, (though accidentally fallen into the Sixth Angle, which is the Twelfth from the Seventh) and that the Luminaries were Angular; and, that the Sun was in Sextile of Ju∣piter, Lord of the Medium Coeli; and he Lord of the Querents Second House; and that the Pars Fortunae, and most of the Planets, were in Fortunate Points or Degrees of Heaven; and also, that the Hour it self was gover∣ned by the Moon. When I considered these things, I say,— I advised the Querent not to Ensure, but be∣lieve that his Vessel would (Favente Deo) come home safe.
He followed my Advice, and saved 100 l. in Ensu∣rance Money thereby. The Ship came safe home on April the 14th. following, viz. a little after the Trine of Jupiter and Venus; and before the Trines of Sol, Sa∣turn, and Mercury.
By this Example, the Artist is taught, not to be frigh∣ted too much with ill Testimonies; but to consider whe∣ther the good ones be not stronger?
This was a Trading Vessel to New-Castle, and having been somewhat longer out than usual, the Owner hereof, was very doubtful that some unhappiness had attended her; and therefore, with a troubled and solicitous mind, propounded the above-mentioned Question to me, under this Position of Heaven.
I considered first, that the Horoscope of the Vessel was in a Degree increasing Fortune; and the Lord thereof very strong in the Heavens, though falling into the Sixth House, and that the Quadrates of the Sun and Jupiter to him, did not hurt, but help the Question. — Good Planets seldom shed bad Influences. Chiefly, when the Ray they emit them by, is of imperfect perjudice, as is the Qua∣drate Beam.
Next, I found the Moon was in exact Sextile of Mer∣cury, and he Lord of the Querents Second, and Dispositer of Pars Fortunae, and in Trine of Mars, Lord of the Ninth in the Figure, and transferring their good Beams to Venus, Lady of the Ninth in the Question, and Posited in the Eleventh of the Figure; viz. the Angle of Hopes, &c.
From these Arguments I adjudged the Ship safe: And did thereby a little enlighten the heavy heart of the Owner, or Querent. But that which pleased him better than any thing I could possibly say to him, was, — That the Ship was really safe, (as I had given him my Opinion) and came home in four days time from the Question, very well Laden.
Herein you see, the Great Good that depends on the Luminaries, being Posited in good Houses of Heaven, in Conjunction of the Benefique Stars.
There was great fear in an Owner of this Vessel of the absolute loss thereof; as Mercury in the Sixth House, Combust and in Detriment, sufficiently declared. But, finding the Moon in the Tenth House, in good Aspect of the Prime Angles of the Figure, and in Quadrate of Ve∣nus, a Fortunate Planet, (which Governed the Hora Questionis) and applying, after a small Vacuum Cursus, ad Trinum Martis, & Quadratum Mercurii, and the Dragons Head in the Eleventh, and Saturn and Jupiter both, in good Aspect of the Second House of the Querent, and of the Ship likewise; I was positive in my Opinion, That the Ship, (God not contradicting the Course of se∣cond Causes) was safe.— Howbeit, I conceived she had been in some hazardous condition, because Saturn had lately passed an Opposition of Jupiter (Significator of the Ship) and quadrate of the Sun, being yet within the Mediety of their Orbs.
The Vessel was heard of in a fortnights time from the Question, and that she was in a good and safe condition; but her Voyage had been retarded by the unhappiness of the Weather; which having been very Tempestuous for a long time, had put the Vessel to very great distress, and notable hard labour; and the Men also that were in her. But both Men and Vessel were (by Gods Mercy) preser∣ved, and, in a short time after, came home to the con∣tent of the Querent.
What sayest thou now Antagonist? Is not Saturn truly termed the Author of Fear, Labour, Sorrow, &c. in an Astrological Sence.
An Ingenious Gentleman and Merchant, that had great concerns in this Vessel, hearing News of her being (with others) in danger of the Algerine Pirates, which it seems, were then in Chase of her; propounded the above-written Question concerning her.
Indeed the Lord of the Seventh being Combust and Retrograde, and the Moon void of Course, and in the Combust-way; together, with her separating from a Con∣junction of Mars, intimated Danger sufficient to the Ves∣sel. But then, I considered, what might alleviate those threatning Testimonies: and finding, (1.) Venus on the Horoscope. (2.) The Sun and Saturn in Trine from
Friendly Houses. (3.) Jupiter his being in Sextile of the Sun and Mercury. (4.) The Moon in an eminent Angle; together with the Sun his being Dominus Horae. (5.) Venus in Sextile of Mars, Lord of the Eleventh.— I concluded, that the major number of Testimonies ought to be preferred before the minor: and therefore acquain∣ted the Querent, That though the Ship had been in great Danger, and possibly undergone strange and vio∣lent hazards; yet, she was now safe, and would be heard of suddenly.
The Story was thus. This Vessel was heard of, Octo∣ber the 26th. following, viz. in five days time; when the Moon came ad Sextilem Mercurii, near the Horo∣scope.— But she had been in Fight with the Turks, and came off bravely, by the Valour and Courage of the Commander and Sea-men therein. And his Majesty, the better to encourage Generous and Valorous Actions, at the Ships coming home, gave unto Captain Battison, the Valiant Commander of her, a Medal and Chain of Gold, as a Signal Mark of Honour for his good Service performed against the Turks.
An Ingenious Merchant, that had much Concern in this Vessel, not hearing of her in any reasonable time, accor∣ding to his wonted Custom when she had been formerly abroad, in much discontent of mind, propounded the within-written Question.
To come to the matter of Fact before I give my Rea∣sons in Art; The Vessel was alive and safe; and was heard of in less than a weeks time. But had been di∣stressed by Weather, and made no prosperous Voyage. And such a Judgment I had given to the Querent.
The Reasons why I pronounced safety to the Vessel, were these following. The Moon in Cancer strong, in Trine of Saturn, and Sextile of Jupiter, (though separa∣ted) and Jupiter the Dispositer of Venus, which signified the Ship. Neither did I forget that Jupiter Governed the Hour; or that Venus cast her Sextile to Mars, to miti∣gate his Fury; or, yet, that Benefique Stars, of the Na∣ture of Venus and Mercury, did Descend on the Cusp of the Seventh Angle.
But, the Arguments of her Labouring under the hard∣ship mentioned, were, Mars infesting her Ascendant, and Saturn his being in Quadrate of Venus, Lady there∣of; together, with his being in Opposition to Jupiter her Dispositer.
By this you see, that when there are good and bad Testimonies in your Figure, the Effects attending the in∣terrogated matter, will prove accordingly.— And, if the Arguments of Success, be greater than those of Mis∣fortune, be sure you shall find safety to succeed on the Question. But, yet, shall the ill Rays of the Planets have their Effects too, according to their Natures and Rela∣tions.
This Ship was bound toward Allicant, and the New∣found-Land, for the Fishing-Trade. And one of the Owners having a considerable share in her, and suspecting her to have been lost, (the Turks being then very fre∣quent in all parts, doing Dammage to all they lighted on) propounded the aforesaid Question to me concerning her.
Saturn is Significator of the Ship, (as Lord of the Seventh Angle) and, being in Pisces in the Eighth of the Figure, in Quadrate Aspect of Mars and Venus in the Dignities of Mercury, Lord of the Eighth in the Que∣stion,
made me at the first doubtful of the safety of the Vessel. But, Venus being a Consignificatrix of the Per∣son enquiring, and of the Ship too, and in the Eleventh of the Figure, in Sextile of Jupiter, and in good Aspect to both the Ascendant of the Querent, and Vessel, did a little encourage me. And when, together with this, I considered that Saturn was in Sextile of the Sun in the Mid-Heaven, and that Mars was no Enemy in the Figure, either to the Vessel, or Querent; and also that both Lumina∣ries were Angular, and the good Planet Venus Governed the Hour.— I was sufficiently perswaded that the Vessel was safe; and encouraged the Querent according∣ly to be of the same Opinion with me.
To be brief.— The Ship was safe; yet had been in some small Danger, but came happily home, and well Laden. But (as the Querent afterwards acquainted me) she came to no good Market, other Ships having brought in their Stores before her.
Did you ever know Saturn a Significator in any Que∣stion, that you did not find an Effect therein, of his tar∣dous Nature or Motion?
An Ingenious Merchant, having been long Owner of a Vessel that now began to prove a little unfortunate (tho' formerly successful enough) was doubtful, lest she might prove so yet further; and, being somewhat loath to part with her, propounded the above-said Question to me.
I first observed, That Violent Fixed Stars descended on the Cusp of the Seventh Angle; and next, that Venus La∣dy thereof (which signified the Ship) was in her Fall, Re∣trograde, Combust, and in Quadrate of Mars; as also, in the same Aspect of Jupiter, Lord of the 8th. in the Que∣stion. And, to make the matter in Question the more un∣fortunate, Cauda Draconis was in the Ascendant, and the Moon void of Course.
All these Arguments considered, there is no Astrologer
but will believe, that I must needs, not only advise, but per∣swade the Querent to sell his Ship. And indeed so he did.
But the Querent (though resolv'd sufficiently to follow my advise) being a little unwilling to part with an old Servant too hastily, did somewhat delay the Sale there∣of.— And behold, in ten weeks time from the Question, as she was going to New-Castle for Coals, was broken all to pieces, by the violence of a Storm.
What thinks my Astrologian? Have not Things their Anareta's too, as well as Men?
Nay, what thinks the Antagonist to the Stars? Can he shew me any one unfortunate Figure, that hath been attended with a fortunate Effect? Let him do it; and I do hereby promise to become his Convert; and will write my Recantation, and therein beg Pardon of the VVorld for deluding it, and my self, so many years to∣gether.
Herein we must accept of Mercury for the proper Sig∣nificator of the Vessel Interrogated. And, he being in the Eleventh House of the Figure, no way afflicted or impedited; and the Luminaries in Friendly Trine of each other, and the Ascendant being Fortunated, and Fortified by Venus her presence there, together with the Sun his Governing the Hour. All which were Arguments that might very reasonably denote the Vessel to be in safety. [And so she was.] And this, non obstante Saturn his being in Quadrate to the Seventh House, and in the same Aspect of the Ascendant.
And, because I found that Mercury, in ten days time from the Question, came ad Trinum Saturni, Lord of the Querent's Second House, and to a Sextile of Jupiter his Dispositer; and that the Moons next Aspect, (after a small Vacuum Cursus) was to a Trine of Venus in the As∣cendant, and this without Frustration. I told the Que∣rent (from thence) that he might (Favente Deo) most probably hear of the Vessel, or see her at, or much about that time. He did not much believe me; Jupiter you see is in Opposition of Saturn, heightening the Querents fears. Howbeit, he was a little enlightened in his humour, by my Encouragement.
The Truth of the Effect was thus. The Vessel did then come safe home, and very well Laden also; to my no little Credit, and to the Satisfaction of the Querent.
Thus you see, that if Saturn, Mars, or Cauda Draconis, in the Ascendant, destroy the hopes of the Question; Venue or Jupiter Posited therein, (not otherwise contradicted) preserve it.
I have already Printed this Remarkable Experiment in my Almanack Anno 1667. but the Observation being so Eminent, and our Annual Books seldom remembered af∣ter the year is expired, I shall Re-print it here again (toti∣dem verbis) for the advantage of Artists, viz.
Captain Owen Cox, upon, or a little after his being made Commander of the Nathan Frigate, propounded the within written Question unto me, and received the following Answer, viz. That his Voyage would be unfortu∣nate, and that it was better for him to pretermit than pur∣sue it.
In the Figure ♍ ascends, & ☿ Lord thereof is Stationary
in ☍ ♄ ex Angulis: ☽ Lady of his Hopes in the 8th. in Partil ☿ transferring his Beams unto ♄ by a ma∣licious . All which portended much Infelicity to at∣tend the Querent from his intended Design: and ♄. be∣ing in the 4th. there in ☍ ☉ ♀ and ☿ declared a Fa∣tal end unto it. I laboured all I could to disswade him from that undertaking; but he being engaged with many others in that business before, and having obliged several in the same, (as he told me) could not, without con∣tracting a great Dishonour upon himself, make use of that my Advise and Caution.
When I saw there was no preventing his going, but that he was resolvedly bent upon it; I advised him (for mitigation of part of the dammage threatned, if it might be) to forbear going but seven or eight weeks, be∣cause the greatest prejudice was probable to fall out about that time from the time of the Question; the ☽ wanting seven Degrees of ♄'s and ♀ and ♄ much about the same distance in their ☍. This Querent did endeavour that, with many of those he had to do with, but in vain: for the more he delay'd time, the more he subjected him∣self to Censure and Suspition; and at length (to prevent the murmuring of his Owners) viz. On July the 8th. at seven in the morning he fell down to Gravesend. ☿ being at that time in ☍ ♄ again, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lately separate from the 's of ♄ ♀ ☿.— A time so unluckie! and corre∣spondent to the Figure of the Question in mischief, that nothing could be greater: and it was attended with a suitable effect. For behold! — On August the 14th. following, being seven weeks and two days from the propoun∣ding the Question, this unfortunate Querent had his Ship broke all to pieces in a Storm, near unto Yarmouth, and himself with all his Men (except one or two) fell Sacrifices to the merciless Waves of the Sea.— Thus we see that the Stars sometimes, by a kind of irresistible Influence, direct, nay, hurl Men into dangers [almost] unavoidable, even beyond the Power of humane Counsel or prevention.
A little before, and also at the time of this question, there was great noise all over the Royal-Exchange, and City likewise, that this good Ship was lost, by reason of which report, 30 l. per Cent would not be taken by the Ensurers.
The Querent having considerable concerns in her, mo∣ved the abovesaid Question to me, under this Position of Heaven.
I viewed the Figure seriously; and finding Mercury, the Significator of the Vessel, in the House of Hopes, lately separated from a Sextile of Jupiter, and applying to a Trine of Saturn, Lord of the Second House; and that the Moon was in exact Sextile of the Sun, (an Emi∣nent Argument of Life) from the prime Angles of the Figure; I adjudged the Ship to be safe, and in good con∣dition,
both in respect of her self, and in relation to her Owners; and that I doubted not but the Querent would soon hear News concerning her.
The Effect was thus. The Querent did hear of her in October the second following, about noon. And (first I should have told you) he having an Opinion of, and Cre∣dit for the Truth I told him, thereby saved his Ensurance Money.
If, as the Learned Mirandula says, By knowing the uttermost force of Natural Agents, we come to know the Divinity of Christ. I may reasonably and innocently subjoyn,— By being acquainted with the Energy of Starry Influences, we may thereby, the more Eminently come to understand the Wisdom, and Power too, of God, who first of all gave Influence and Motion to the Stars.
This Vessel by contrary winds, had been driven from its Company, and no News heard of her in a fortnights time; which occasioned (as it might well) great fears in the Querent, that she was totally lost in the Sea. And, being in the mind to Ensure what he had upon her, was first desirous to know my Opinion thereof, from a Figure of Heaven, which happen'd to be this as you see.
Finding the Moon, which claim'd Exaltation in the Seventh Angle, to be in Conjunction of Jupiter, in the Mid-Heaven, and he Governing the Hora Questionis; and, that Venus, the proper Significatrix of the Ship, was in the Ascendant in Sextile of Mars Lord thereof, in the Tenth House. It was encouragement sufficient for me, to give my Judgment.— That the Vessel was safe, and very probably in Harbour; and that I did believe he would have News of her being alive and well, in a short time. Nay, I therefore further advised him not to En∣sure, the Arguments of Hopes were so strong.
The Querent followed my Advise, and, had no rea∣son to repent it; for he thereby saved his Praemium Mo∣ney.
The Effect was thus. The Ship had been in Harbour, as I Judged: and came home in a fortnight following.
Many Men, somewhat acquainted with Astrology, may, with a seeming shew of Reason, Object,— That Saturn in the Fourth, in Opposition of Mars, should not declare so good an Issue as is here set down.— I Answer,— Saturn is not in the Fourth of the Question, though he be of the Figure. And, it was nothing to the Fate of the Ship, what the Querent did with her Lading after she came safe home.
This Vessel was a Trader to New-Castle, and being longer out than was usual, put the Owner of her into several fears, that all was not well with her. And, in great perplexity of mind, he moved the above-said Que∣stion concerning it to me, under this Position of Heaven.
Venus is Significatrix of the Vessel, and Retrograde, in her Detriment, and by Retrogradation applying to Com∣bustion of the Sun, and he Lord of the Fourth House in the Question; which plainly argued that the Ship was in no good condition,— And, when, together with this, I
considered the Moon was in exact Opposition of Saturn, and, both of them in Quadrate Aspect to the seventh Angle,— I told the Querent positively, that I believed all was not well; and that I feared, his Vessel was in great hazard of loosing, if not already lost; because ☽ and ♄ were so exact and Diametrically opposite.
The Truth of the Effect was thus.— The Ship was heard of in six days time; and though not lost, yet had she been in great danger thereof: having unhappily run on Ground at New-Castle, and so, not only sprung a Shrowd, but wholly lost her Keel, which put the Owner to a great deal of Costs to Repair, before she could be fitted for Sailing again.
Honest Reader, I will readily acknowledge to thee, I am but a Man, and therefore am often subject to com∣mit Error in my Judgments, 'tis a Crime I hope thou wilt pardon. It is connived at in Physicians (I will not say 'tis tolerable in them) if they endanger Lives, before they come to a right understanding of their Profession. Shall not the poor Anstrologer be indulged a little, if he be found to give a mistaken Judgment? His after Expe∣rience may perchance teach him to make amends for a present failing.
This Vessel had been at the Canaries, and some other parts Southward; and no News being heard of her for a considerable time, she was supposed to have been cast away in the late terrible Storm, that happen'd in the latter end of February before-going.
The Fear was indeed two true. And, to confirm it, you see in this Scheam, Jupiter Lord of the Seventh An∣gle to be in the Eighth from the Seventh, Retrograde there, and nearly in Opposition of the Sun, and Quadrate of Mars, Lord of the Eighth in the Figure. And, to add unto these dismal Testimonies, here is Cauda Draconis in the Ascendant of the Vessel; all which denoted danger of Shipwrack.
Accordingly to these Astral Testimonies, and the Que∣rents Fears, (most certainly irritated by Coelestial Ener∣gie) this good Ship was cast away by ill weather on the Portugal Coasts, as she was coming homeward.— But, blessed be God, all her Men were saved, by the assistance and opportunity of another Vessel, that then happen'd to be near her, which was better provided for an Encoun∣ter with Storms at Sea.
It is remarkable, that about the latter end of February, she was Wrecked, as was supposed; having been three days contending with her concluding Fate. The angry Planet Mars then becoming Direct, as Jupiter (Signifi∣cator of the Ship) fell Retrograde. As Naturally signi∣flying its Destruction, and Philosophically too.
This Vessel was supposed by the Querent to be lost, and that was the occasion of the above-mentioned Question.
To resolve it, I considered that Jupiter Lord of the Seventh (Significator of the Ship,) was in the Fifth from the Seventh, and Venus a Fortunate Star, which received Exaltation in the Seventh, was not only in Trine there∣unto, but in great Reception of the Moon; and the Moon applied ad Sextilem Solis. All which were Arguments of Encouragement.
But then I considered also, that the Moon was with Cau∣da Draconis in the Eighth House from the Seventh, and in Quadrate of Venus Lady of the Second in the Figure; and that the Destructive Planet Saturn ruled the Hour, which did really portend Dammage to the Querent in the matter quesited.
Howbeit, the Arguments of Good being much more powerful, than those of Prejudice and Dammage, did incline me to perswade the Querent not to Ensure, but leave the Issue to Providence; being confident (sub Deo) that tho' there was some danger threatned, yet good suc∣cess was promised by the Figure to be more prevalent, and I doubted not of the safety of the Yessel.
Observe how the grand Sorites of Nature links things together: And, how both the Arguments of Fear and Hope were answered with a suitable Event.
The Ship at time of this Question, was taken by the Spaniards, but the mistake being clear'd (for the English and Spaniards were then, as they are at this time in peace) she was set at Liberty again, and let go with all her Cargo. But, the Querent (though a very ingenious person) not much crediting Judicial Astrology, yet willing to hear my Opinion, did Ensure.— And thereby lost his Money, to confirm my Judgment, and prove the Art true, &c.