Astrologonaytis or, The astrological seaman directing merchants, mariners, &c. adventuring to sea, how (by God's blessing) to escape many dangers which commonly happen in the ocean. Unto which (by way of appendix) is added, A diary of the weather for XXI. years, very exactly observed in London: with sundry observations made thereon. By John Gadbury, student in physick and astrology.

SECT. II. Of Elections, in Ten choise Instances or Examples, which we have an assured Experience of; and helpeth to prove (I hope so at least) the second part of our former Theory.

AN Election (I told you formerly) in the sence I make use of the word here, is nothing else, but that particular time, which is made choise of, by an Ar∣tist, for a Ships first setting Sail, or weighing Anchor, in relation to some particular designed Voyage. And a Ves∣sel may have many of these in its Life time, viz. as many as it shall please God to permit it to perform Voyages therein. Whereas it can have but one Nativity or Ra∣dix: there being no such thing as Regeneration in Astro∣logy.

That, is a Science which depends upon Natural and Rational Principles, and intrencheth not upon Theo∣logy in the least; although many Men in these days, are taught to believe the contrary. And, to the Advance∣ment of so great an Error, and Injury to the Truths of God and Nature, some, calling themselves Astrologers, have most Irrationally, (I was about to say, Knavishly) contributed, by promoting (under pretence of the Syde∣ral Science) Merlin's, and Mother Shipton's Fables, for Prophecies; Aggrippa's Retracted Vanities, and Trithe∣mius's Suspected Discourses, &c. for true Philosophy.

But, my present Theam not leading to an Examination of such matters, I shall leave them, and come to my Instances.

I. ELECTION, is of Sir Jeremy Smith's setting Sail, as Admiral of the English Fleet, &c.

[illustration] astrological chart

Sir JEREMY SMITH set Sail from the Spit-head, with the English Fleet, ☽ Decemb. 18. 7h. 50′. A.M. 1665.

Sir Jeremy Smith, in the Mary, with about a dozen more of our Noble English Ships of War, viz. Sir Fre∣cheville Holles in the Antilope, (the Frigate in which he unhappily afterwards lost his Arm.) Captain Hubbert in the Lyon, Captain Wager in the Crown, &c. set Sail from the Spit-Head, at the time within written.

Every one Versed in Astrology, will admire that this Royal Fleet, setting Sail under so direful a posi∣tion of Heaven, could ever live to return again. All the Planets in the Scheam are disposed of by Saturn and Mer∣cury, and they both emminently afflicted: the one, by Combustion; the other by being in Conjunction of Cauda Draconis. And, that which did not meanly aggravate the unhappiness threatned to this Gallant Fleet, was, the Moon her being in Conjunction of Mars in Domo Mortis; and Mars his being in Quadrate of the Ascendant and the Sun.

The Story is thus (as I had it from my Honoured Friend Sir Frecheville Holles; The whole Voyage was at∣tended with but indifferent Fortune; for in Christmass following, (or rather on Decemb. 28. Mercury having then just changed his Sign.) A very violent Storm ari∣sing in, or about the Latitude of 42°. Degrees, in some few days time, carried away the Masts of the Lyon, An∣tilope, Crown, and Milford; forcing these four back a∣gain into England. The rest of the Fleet was very much Scatter'd, and Dammag'd in their Masts: They continu∣ed forth a considerable time, and missed much of their intended Design.

May it not be of good use to our Noble English Nep∣tunes, to avoid beginning their Eminent and Remarkable Voyages, when either the Moon is in Conjunction of Mars in the Eighth, or when the Lord of the Ascendant is Combust; or the Dispositer of the Moon with the Dra∣gons Head, or Saturn, as in this Election?— I must seriously tell them, that had not the Fate of divers of the Worthy Commanders in this Fleet been more Powerful

and Successful, than that of the Voyage was unfortunate, it had been little less than a Miracle, if but one of so ma∣ny Gallant Ships had been saved, as appears by the First, Fourth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Aphorisms of Danger be∣fore-mention'd.

Let the greatest Enemy to Astrology shew me but one Fortunate Figure that hath been attended with unhappy Success, (& contra) and I will be content to yield him the Bucklers for ever; and not so much as once plead for Astrology any more.

II. ELECTION, is of Captain Owen Cox, in the Nathan Frigate. A Fatal one indeed.

[illustration] astrological chart

Captain Owen Cox, in the Nathan Frigate, first set Sail, on July 8^o. 7h. mane. 1665.

This is the very time that Captain Owen Cox (my ve∣ry good Friend) fell down toward Gravesend, in order to a Voyage for the Straights, &c.— He had my Opinion upon a Horary Question of the success of his Voyage be∣fore; which when I come to my third part of Instances, I intend to insert at large; as I have formerly (viz. in my Ephemeris Anno 1667.) done it already.

Only, here we are to take notice that this Election (I do not mean of this Captains own framing, but of the Fates; as you shall hereafter be informed) is a most pernicious one in earnest; and, as unfortunate, as the effect it self was fatal.

For first, the Ascendant and seventh House are both in the terms of Mars; and the Ascendant and its Lord in Azimen and Pitted Degrees. Secondly, the Moon is in Tenebrous degrees, and entring the Via Combusta. The former is rendred dangerous by the 25 Aphorism, and the latter by the third. Thirdly, the Moon is in Quadrate Aspect of Saturn and Mercury; which by Aphorism 18. presages the loss of the Vessel.

The Moon ('tis true) is applying ad trinum Jovis: but to what purpose? He being Lord of the Eighth, and in Opposition to the Ascendant. The fifth Aphorism also, is (almost) of force herein; and, to add hereunto, the Horoscope it self is naturally unfortunate, it being, as Cardan calls it, signum infelicissimum; a Sign most unhap∣py. Chiefly, the latter part thereof.

On Monday August 14. following, when the Moon came to a Conjunction of the Lord of the Eighth, and Mars was neerly come to the place of the Sun in this Fi∣gure, this Valiant Captain had his Ship broke all to pieces in Yarmouth Road by a Storm then arising; in which, not only himself, but all his Men perished.

III. ELECTION, is of the French Fleet setting Sail for Candia, under the Command of D. de Beaufort.

[illustration] astrological chart

The Fleet under Duke de Beaufort, set Sail from Thoulon, ☿ June 5th. 4h. P.M. 1669.

In this Electional Figure, you will observe an eminent and unusual Satellitium of Planets in the Eighth House, viz. Angulum Mortis, and Cauda Draconis in Ascendente, to∣gether with the Moon her separating a vacuo Cursus, and applying ad Quadratum Veneris, Lady of the Eighth; and she the peculiar Significatrix of both their publick and their private Enemies. As if by this their unhappy setting forth, they had unhappily hastned to their Ruine and Perdition: as indeed, not long after it unfortunately proved.

For, in twenty days time from the beginning of this Fatal Design, viz. on June the 25th. day following, they were all Routed by the Turkish Power in Candia: and the Famous Duke de Beaufort himself, was in the Conflict slain.

What think you of violent Stars upon the chief An∣gles of the Figure, and the Arguments of unhappiness before-mentioned? Compare this Scheam of Heaven with the second, and twenty fourth Arguments of Danger, and tell me if the Effects have not punctually answered to them. I say no more to this Observation.

IV. ELECTION, is of the Lord Willoughby his setting Sail from the Barbadoes, and was never seen any more.

[illustration] astrological chart

The Lord Willoughby set Sail from the Barba∣does, 1666.

This Fatal Figure was given me by several Ingenious persons well acquainted with Astrology, who were curi∣ous in the Observation thereof; and all of them agreed in one, as to the truth of the time.

And, do you not see the Lord of the Ascendant Retro∣grade in the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Angle of Despair, &c. in Quadrate Aspect of Mars, Lord of the Medium Coeli? And, see you not likewise, that the Sun and Mercury Lords of the Seventh and Eighth Angles, are in Opposition to the Ascendant, and the Moon in Quadrate of Jupiter, and ♁. afflicted of ♈. Corporalliy? They are all Omens of Eminent Danger.

Nay, to add unto these, you may observe, that the Sun, Jupiter, and the Medium Coeli, are in Pitted Degrees; the Ascendant between Dark and Feminine; the Moon, in Pitted, Void, and Feminine; Saturn, between Smoaky and Pitted; Venus, in Azimene; Mars, in Via Combusta; and Dark, though near Spica Virginis. Nor is the con∣sideration of this part of Astrology Apochryphal; although many pretending to this Science (without a true Know∣ledge thereof) have branded it as such. Let Experience be weighed a little, and reason a little therewith; and perhaps it will be found, that we often reject good Wheat for Chaff.

There is not one Planet to be found in Degrees rejoy∣cing, but Mercury who is Lord of the Angle of Death.

'Tis a most Remarkable Observation. And Death on∣ly triumphed in this fatal Undertaking. For, this Ho∣nourable Lord (and Twenty Two Sail of Ships, with him) was devoured of the Sea, and never so much as once heard of any more.

Let me ask the Modest Astrologer, whether such Ar∣cana are to be slighted? And, whether any person pre∣tending to acquaintance with Philosophy, can hear of such stupendious Misfortunes, and, with patience, rest igno∣rant of their Causes?

V. ELECTION, is of the Advise Frigate, setting sail from Dover, Commanded by the Valiant Capt. Young.

[illustration] astrological chart

The Advice Frigate set sail from Dover, ☿ June 1. 6h. 30′. A.M. 1670.

This Ship set sail from Dover at the time within writ∣ten, under the Command of Captain Young. And, on July the 3d. day following, she was pursued by seven Turks Men of War; and, being set upon by them, Va∣liantly Fought them, and giving them a brave Resistance, came off with a great deal of Honour in the Engage∣ment. Only, the Worthy Captain was slain therein, and some Men wounded

What think we now? Is the Moon in the Medium Coeli, (which signifies the Commanders of Vessels always) in Quadrate Aspect of Mars, a good and proper

signification hereof, or not? — The propinquity of Jupiter to the Horoscope, was sufficient to save the Vessel, but not the Commander thereof.

I will acknowledge to you, that an Astrologer would not (it is possible) have been positive in his Opinion, that this Noble Captain should have been slain in this Expedi∣tion; but he would, and might have been confident, that the Vessel it self should meet with Enemies, and that the Captain or Commander thereof should be in danger of Death. See the Seventh and Eleventh Aphorisms of Dan∣ger, &c. and that is as much as an Artist need contend for in these matters.

We know but in part; was the Holy Apostle St. Pauls Rule, and an absolute, true, and unerring one. Can any Man tell me in what Science, now in use among Mortals, we may meet perfection? Surely not. No, although Geometry it self be Courted for it.

An Astrologer should be modest in his Predictions, and not too confident. The knowledge of particular kinds of things, is, not only denied Mortals by God and Na∣ture: but acknowledged also by Ptolemy impossible to be attained by them. See Aph. 1. Centiloq. We need not pry into the Almighties Secrets on the one hand, nor yet crave Assistance from the Devil on the other. Can we not be acquainted with the heats of Mars, but by doing dishon∣our to God? And must we needs make use of unlawful Studies to come to the knowledge of Natural things? There is no necessity thereof at all. The Astrologer, if in such a case, he had given a Caution of Danger, had acquitted himself like an Artist, and to go further, had been presumption at the least.

VI. ELECTION, is of a Vessel that was sunk with all her Goods, as soon as she was gotten out of Harbour.

[illustration] astrological chart

A Ship set sail from Yarmouth, ☉ March 21. 10h. mane. 1668/9

This Vessel (the Name whereof I have forgotten, but yet can give any one satisfaction of the truth of the Story, if it shall be required, and that by an Owner of her, an Eminent Citizen, &c.) was no sooner got out of the Har∣bour of Yarmouth, but was accidently fallen foul of by a great Ship, (then riding in that Road) and by her weight and force sunk immediately to the bottom of the Sea, with all the Goods in her. But the Men (God be praised) all escaped. Pray be so good a Friend to the Truth, as to compare the Fate of this Vessel, with the third Aphorism of Danger, &c.

Besides the Eminent Omen of ill, in its setting Sail in hora Saturni, we find the Sun, Moon, and Mars, in this Election, in Pitted and Azimene Degrees.

But, that which is worse than all this, was, the Moon her being Combust of the Sun, and applying to his Con∣junction in Aries. Saturn in the Ninth House is of ill im∣port: so also the Lord of the Mid-Heaven in the Angle of Sorrow, Fear, and Hazard; together, with the Lord of the Fourth (which signified the end of the Affair.) his be∣ing Retrograde and Combust in a Moveable Sign, in Qua∣drate to the Horoscope.

Say, Antagonist, is there no distinction to be made of Times in the beginning of Humane Enterprizes? Know ye not that there are twelve hours in the day? said our Blessed Saviour.

VII. Election, is of a Ship that set Sail from London to New-Castle.

[illustration] astrological chart

A Ship set sail from New-Castle, ♂ Octob 5th. 5h. 30′ A.M. 1669

This Vessel made a singular good Voyage, and that free from all manner of Hazards or Troubles, either from the Weather, or publick Enemies, &c. and returned safe, and well loaden to London again, in less than three weeks time, from the day of its first weighing Anchor; although at such a season of the year.

Indeed, the Arguments of good were so many, and so prevalent; and those of ill were so few, and inconsi∣derable withal; that had it fallen out otherwise with her, it had been a positive contradiction to the Rules of Astro∣logy.

First, the hour is governed by Jupiter. (2.) The Moon is applying ad Conjunctionem Jovis, in Medio Coeli. (3.) The Moon and Jupiter both powerful in the Figure, and in a happy reception of each other. (4.) The Moon is in Trine of Mercury, Lord of the Ninth, and he Dis∣positer of the Part of Fortune. (5.) A noble Trine of Jupiter and Venus from the Tenth and Second Houses. (6.) The Sun, Lord of the Eleventh, in the Ascendant. And, a Man not over-superstitious, would not be affraid to make the Sextile of Jupiter and Mars, a seventh Ar∣gument of Happiness.

The ill of this Scheam is so little, that it is scarce worthy mentioning: howbeit, to make things the more plain, I will take notice of them, viz. (1.) Saturn his Quadrate to the Lady of the Ascendant in the Second; which is overballanced by the Sun's Trine to him from the Horoscope. (2.) ♈. on the second; which is allevia∣ted by the presence of ♀. and ☿. in it.

The Ship made a happy, prosperous, and successful Voyage.

VIII. ELECTION, is of a Fleet of Merchant-Men, that Sailed out of the Downs, &c.

[illustration] astrological chart

A Fleet of Ships set sail from the Downs ☉ Sept. 10h, 7h. mane. 1671.

Under the above-said Position of Heaven, the good Ship called the Providence, with sixty or seventy Sail of Merchant-Men more, being then in the Downs, weighed Anchor for their intended Voyage. But, upon the Oppo∣sition of Saturn and Mars, just following, (those Planets having great Dignities in the Ascendant and Seventh An∣gle) were strangely separated one from the other, and un∣happily shattered and distressed by the badness of the weather; and the most of them, thereby suffered very great dammage and prejudice, several ways.

Behold the effects of an Opposition of the Moon and Mercury from Angles, and Cardinal Signs! The rugged Influence thereof being aggravated and increased by the Opposition of Saturn and Mars.

It is not for nothing, that Astrologers have assigned an equal Government to Mercury with Saturn in the Airy Trigon. Had not Venus been in Trine of Saturn, and in Sextile of Mars and Jupiter; and that the Sun (though in the Twelfth Angle by Position) had ruled the hour, at the time they first set Sail, they might all have perished in the Ocean.

Thus we see, there may be Naumachies or Conflicts at Sea, without one Nation or Kingdom contending against another by the power of their Fleets.

And, Navies, as well as Persons, are preserved, and advantaged, by a little Armour in the right place.

These are Truths, yet fresh in every Man's memory, and easie to be contradicted, if I should but dare to im∣pose upon the World in my recording of them.

IX. ELECTION, is of a Ship that set sail after the aforesaid Fleet, but was beaten all to pieces by the Weather.

[illustration] astrological chart

A Ship set sail after the Fleet, ☉. September 10th. 5h. 8′. 1671.

This Ship (being of the Company of the former Fleet) set Sail under this Position of Heaven to follow the rest of its Fellows and Companions. But such was its unhap∣py Fate, that in less than a weeks time, from its weigh∣ing Anchor, it was beaten all to pieces in a violent Storm at Sea; and, (with much ado) all her Men were saved.

Do you not see an Opposition of Saturn and Mars from Angles? and the Moon, (the conveigher of all the Pla∣nets Influxes to the Earth) in Opposition of Mercury, from Angles also? and applying ad vacuum Cursus.

To make this Election the more fatal and cruel, the

Moon was in Aries, a Sign of Violence, and Saturn was, not only Lord of the hour, but of the Ascendant.

Pray, do not think that I beg the Question of you, when I ask you, whether Astrology may not be servicea∣ble to Man-kind in these matters?

If you distrust me, do but commence some of your more Eminent Affairs under such Positions, as I have set up my Mark at, as dangerous, among the Aphorisms be∣fore going: And, possibly, you will prove the Truth hereof, at your own charge and dammage. (A thing that I in this Treatise labour to prevent) which neverthe∣less is, (I confess) a way far better to convince Men of any approved verity, than all the Arguments in the World can be, if used to that purpose, by the ablest Philosopher, or Rhetoritian in the World.

X. ELECTION, is of a Ship that sailed from London to New-Castle.

[illustration] astrological chart

A Ship set sail from London, toward New-Castle, ☿ August 27 11h. P.M. 1669.

At the time in this Figure mentioned, this Ship set Sail from London toward New Castle, and she made, not on∣ly a prosperous, but a speedy Voyage; as indeed, un∣der so Auspicious a Position of Heaven, it had been strange if she had missed so to have done.

For, herein you see Jupiter in the Ascendant in Sextile Aspect of the Sun; and the Moon, who is Lady of the Horoscope, and Governess of the hour, in which she weighed Anchor, is applying ad Trinum Veneris.

She returned to London again very well laden, in three weeks time, to the great content, as well as advantage of the Owner.

Hence, you may observe the happy Effects of the Ascendants being befriended by Jupiter, and of the Moon her being in Trine of Venus. See the 5th. 7th. 9th. and 12th. Aphorisms of Safety, and consider them herewith.

And so I have (by Gods Blessing) finished the second part of my Ternary of Instances or Examples, which consists of Elections. I am now come to my third and last part thereof, which treateth of Horary Questions.