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.

XVIII. QUESTION.— If his Ship were safe?

[illustration] astrological chart

If his Ship were safe?

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.