An Astrological Discourse with Mathematical Demonstrations

AN Aſtrological Diſcourſe With Mathematical DEMONSTRATIONS, Proving the Powerful and Harmonical Influence of the Planets and fixed Stars upon Elementary Bodies, in Juſtification of the Validity of ASTROLOGY

Together with an Aſtrological Judgment UPON The great Conjunction of Saturn & Jupiter 1603.

Written by that worthy learned Gentleman Sir CHRISTOPHER HEYDON, Knight, and now publiſhed by NICHOLAS FISKE, Jatromathematicus.

LONDON, Printed by J: Macock for Nathaniel Brooks at the Angel in Cornhil. 1650.

THis exquiſite Treatiſe having been near 40 years detained in private hands, is now by the good hand of God made publike; it being the One, and only Copy of this Subject extant in the World: Pen'd it was by the incomparably learned Sir Chriſtopher Heydon Knight, whoſe able Pen hath ſo ſtrenuouſly vindicated Judicial Aſtrologie; as to this day not any Antagoniſt [•••…]st encounter with his unanſwer able Arguments. In this Tractate that very thing which all Antagoniſts cry out for, viz. Where's the demonſtration of the Art? is hear in this Book by [••••••…]able Mathematical Demonſtrations ſo judiciouſly proved, that the moſt ſcrupulous may receive full ſatisfaction. I ſhall ouly add thus much, that we may herein admire the divine Providence of God, who ſo long ſince elevated the Conceptions of this learned Kt, to go on with, to perform and perfect ſo high and ſo ſublime a piece of learning, and yet deferred its. publication, until both the times, and mens minds alſo were by his all-guiding hand made capable of its reception: The Work ſpeaks its own merits. I am thine,

WILLIAM LILLY.

To the Reader.

RICHARD FORSTER, Doctor in Phyſick, one of the Colledg of Phyſicians in London, in Aſtronomy very learned, and in Aſtrology no leſs skilful, as many yet living do very well remember; for although he was Phyſician to Robert Dudley, that great Earl of Leiceſter, yet did he ſurvive him, and dyed long after King Iames came into England: by this Doctors means Sir Chriſtopher Heydon Kt. of the County of Norfolk, became not onely a Lover but an admirable Student in Aſtrology; and to ſay truth, I do not find in all my reading that any of the Ancients did exceed him in Knowledg herein.

Some years after K. Iames his coming into England this learned Knight, to manifeſt his gratefulneſs unto Doctor Forſter, from whom he acknowledged his initiation in this Study, did preſent unto him in London in a well written hand, this ingenuous and deep piece of Philoſophy which I now make publike. Doctor Forſter, as my ſelf well know, received it as an ineſtimable Jewel, and preſerved it in his Study amongſt the rareſt and choiceſt Pieces therein; but death depriving this learned Doctor of life in that year he was Preſident of the Colledg, by great providence this enſuing Treatiſe came into my hands; which I have carefully preſerved with great reſpect, both to the Author and matter it ſelf.

I have many times endeavored its impreſſion, but without ſucceſs; for until of late years ſuch was the error or rather malice of the Clergy, who only had priviledg of licenſing Books of this nature, that they wilfully refuſed the publication: But of late caſually ſhewing this Manuſcript to my worthy friend Elias Ashmole Eſq he earneſtly deſired it might be made publike, freely offering to be at the charges of cutting the Diagrams in braſs, that ſo the work might appear in its greater luſtre.

I might here fall into a ſerious and juſt Commendation of every particular Chapter of this Work, and the weight almoſt of every word in each Chapter; but ſith the Work it ſelf is ſhort, I will not anticipate thy reading, but refer thee to the book it ſelf, having abundantly ſatisfied my ſelf in theſe my aged days to have added ſomewhat to the raiſing up of Aſtrology, which during all my years, and they are more then 70. hath been ſtrangely kept under, and aſperſed by men malicious and unlearned; ſo that although I had my ſelf many times ſerious thoughts of expreſſing my own Aſtrological Conceptions in publike, yet was I ever either dehorted by Friends, or retarded by a ſervile fear of incuring the then preſent Powers. However, if God ſhall enlarge my days, I hope hereafter to be ſerviceable to the learned Society of Aſtrologers, unto whom I heartily commend this at preſent, and in the future ſuch other Pieces as he ſhall enable me to perform, while I live, and am called, Thine,

Nicholas Fisk. Philiatros, & Aſtrophilus.

Courteous Reader, Theſe Books following are printed for NATHANIEL BROOKS, and are to be ſold at his ſhop at the Angel in Cornhill.

• 1. PLanometria, or the whole Art of Survey of Land, ſhewing the uſe of all Inſtruments, but especially the plain Table; whereunto is added an Appendix to meaſure regular Solides, as Timber, Stone, & the like, and to find the contents of Timber tree as it groweth, uſeful for all that intends either to ſell or purchaſe, by Ol. Wallingby. 8.
• 2. An Arithmatick, diſcovering the ſecrets of that Art in Numbers and Species, in two Books: 1. Teaching by precept and example the operation in Numbers, whole and broken by Decimals, a new practiſe & uſe of the Logarithms, Napyers bones, with new Propoſitions, touching the Quantities, qualities and Rules of Medicines. 2. The great Rule of Algebra in Species, reſolving all Arithmatical Queſtions by ſuppoſition, with a Canon of the powers of Numbers, fitted to the meaneſt capacity, by Jonas Moor, late of Durham. 8.
• 3. Tactometria, or the Geometry of Regulars, after a new, moſt exact, and expedious manner, in Solids, not only in respect of magnitude or demenſion, but alſo of gravity or ponderoſity, according to any metal aſſigned, with uſeful Experiments, falling in by the way of meaſure & weight. And withall, the like artifical Practical Geometry of Regular-like Solids, and of a Cylindrir body, for liquid or Veſſel Meaſure, with ſundry new Experiments never before extant for gauging, a work very uſeful for all that are imployed in the Art Metrical, by John Wiberd, Doctor in Phyſick.
• 4. Records Arithmetick, or the grounds of Art, teaching the Practiſes of Numbers and Fractions after an eaſie manner.

Hiſtories with curious Diſcourſe of Humane Learning.

• 1. The Engliſh Gentleman, and Engliſh Gentlewoman, both couched into one volume, with the Ladies Love-Lecture, and a Supylement, called the Turtles Triumph, by Richard Braithwait, Eſq Folio.
• 2. The History of the Golden Aſs. 4.
• 3. The Painting of the Ancients, the beginning, progreſs and Conſummation of that Noble Art; and how thoſe ancient Artificers attained to their ſtill ſo much admired Excellency.
• 5. Iſraels Redemption, or the Prophetical Hiſtory of our Saviours Kingdom on Earth, that is, the Church Catholique and Triumphant, with a Diſcourſe of Gog and Magog, or the Battle of the the great Day of God Almighty, by Robert Maton of Exon-Colledg in Oxon. 8.
• 6. An Introduction to the Teutonick Philoſophy, being a determination of the original of the Soul, at a Diſpute held in the publike School at Cambridg at the Comencement, March 3. 1646. by Charls Hotham, Fellow of Peter-Houſe. 12.
• 7. Oedipus, or A Reſolver, being a Clew that leads to the chief Secrets and true Reſolution of Ammorus Natural, Moral and Political Problems, by G. M. 12.
• 8. The Celeſtial Lamp, enlightening every diſtreſſed Soul from the depth of everlaſting Darkneſs to the height of eternal Light, by Tho: Fettiſplace. 12.

Choyce Poems, with ſeveral excellent Tradegies and Comedies.

• 1. Fons Lachrymarum, or a Fountain of Tears, from whence doth flow Englands Complaint, Jeremiahs Lamentations, with an Elegy upon that Son of Valor Sir Charls Lucas, by John Quarls. 8.
• 2. Nocturnal Locubrations, or Meditations Divine and Moral, with Epigrams and Epitaphs, by Robert Chamberlin.
• 3. The Ʋnfortunate Mother, a Tragedy, by Thomas Nabbs.
• 4. The Rebellion of Comedy, by Tho: Raulins.
• 5. The Tragedy of Meſſalina, by Nathaniel Richards. 8.

Excellent Peeces of Divinity of certain Orthodox Divines, with other Sermons, viz.

• 1. The Remedy of Diſcontentment, or a Treatiſe of Contentation in whatſoever condition, fit for theſe ſad and troubled Times, by the right Reverend Father in God Joſeph Hall, late Biſhop of Exon and Norwich. 12.
• 2. The Grand Sacriledg of the Church of Rome, in taking away the ſacred Cup from the Laiety at the Lords Table, by the late Reverend Daniel Featly, Doctor in Divinity. 4.
• 3. The Cauſe and Cure of Ignorance, Error, Enmity, Athieſm and Prophaneſs, or a moſt hopeful way to Grace and Salvation, by R. Young. 8.
• 4. A Bridle for the Times, tending to ſtill the Murmuring, to ſettle the Wavering, to ſtay the Wandering, to ſtrengthen the Fainting, by John Brinſley Miniſter of Gods Word at Yarmouth.
• 5. Comforts against the Fear of Death, being ſhort Meditations of that precious Gentlewoman Mrs Anne Skelton of Norwich, wherein are ſeveral Evidences of the Works of Grace in her own Soul, which were the ſtay of her Heart against the Fear of Death, by John Collings of Norwich.
• 6. Iacobs Seed, or the Excellency of ſeeking God by Prayer, by Jeremiah Burroughs, Miniſter of the Gospel to the two greateſt Congregations about London, Stepney and Criple-gate. 12.
• 10. The Zealous Magistrate, A Sermon by Thomas Treſcot.
• 11. Britania Rediviva, or a Soveraign Remedy to cure a ſick Commonwealth, in a Sermon preached in the Minſter at York before the Iudges at the Aſſize, Aug. 9. 1649. by John Shaw Min. of Hull.
• 9. The Princes Royal, or a Sermon preached in the Minſter in York before the Iudges, March 24. 1650. by John Shaw Miniſter of Hull.
• 10. Anatomy of Mortality, divided into eight Heads. 1. The Certainty of Death. 2. Meditations of Death. 3. Preparations for Death. 4. The right Behavior in Death. 5. The Comfort in our own death. 6. The Comfort againſt the death of friends. 7. The Caſes wherein its lawful and unlawful. 8. The glorious Eſtate of Gods children after death. By George Stronde.

ERRATA.

REad Page 4. li. 2. is above a. p. 13. li. 15. proportion. l. 24. operation. p. 22. l. 26. this. p. 23. l. 6. with the quality. p. 24. l. 8. ſo far. p. 27. l. 5. operation. l. 7. ardor. p. 48. l. 7. the general. p. 50. l. 6. Hiſtoriarum Commentarios. l. 23. ſine. p. 54. l. 8. this. p. 55. l. 9. make like. p. 58. l. 25. alſo in p. 60. l. 12. of theſe. l. 28. to the true. p. 63. l. 23. the ſame. l. 25. Cauda Cygni. p. 66. l. 17. are ſo. p. 67. l. 14. Paſſion. p. 70. l. 26. by, r. of. p. 72. l. 26. their, r. theſe. p. 74. l. 22. Ark. p. 75. l. 1. me, r. we. p. 78. l. 4. of, r. as. l. 6. conſtituted. p. 79. l. 22. of the Circum: p. 80. l. 5. that either. p. 99. l. 19. your, r. their. p. 102. l. 22. hapned.

CHAP. I.

Of Winter.

NOt without great Judgment doth Pliny affirm ^[1] thoſe that firſt underſtood the obliquity of the Zodiack, Rerum fores aperuiſſe: For beſides that, the finding out hereof prepared the way firſt to find out the periodical motions of the Planets. The Philoſopher himſelf teacheth us, that the variety, generation and corruption of all things dependeth chiefly hereupon. And common experience driveth us to confeſs the acceſs and receſs of the Sun unto the four Cardinal Points of this Circle to be the moſt general and aſſured cauſe of the years ſucceſſive alteration. Upon this ground I affirm the Winter quarter to take his true beginning at what time the Sun making his entrance into the Tropick of ♑, hath attain'd his greateſt declination Southward from our Zenith or Vertical Point. From whence divers Impediments evident in Nature do follow, which bereave our Septentrional parts of that heat and vigor wherewith at other times the Sun being nearer, and more elevated, doth preſerve and cheriſh the Elements, and all things compoſed of them, whether vegetable or ſenſative.

CHAP. II.

The firſt Reaſon of the difference between the Heat and Light in Summer and Winter, drawn from the diverſity of Stay above the Horizon.

^[2] FOr whereas firſt of all continuance of action doth neceſſarily add force of operation to all natural Agents, it cometh to paſs in Winter by reaſon of the Suns remote Poſition, that his continuance above the Horizon is ſhorteſt, and his abſence under the ſame longeſt, thereby now cauſing the ſhorteſt days, and longeſt nights. For example, the Elevation of the Pole at the honorable City of London is obſerved to be 51. g: 32′. and the greateſt declination of the Sun in this our Age is 23. g: 31′. 30″. Therfore in the Winter Solſtice the Sun finiſheth his Diurnal Ark, to them of this City in 7 hours 34 minutes, and for this conſideration can heat the Air here but a little while, ſeeing the ſame is not one third of a natural day, at which time nevertheleſs he remaineth hidden under the Earth more then twice ſo long, and ſo ceaſeth from calefaction, imparting no benefit of his light and heat to us at all: Whereas in Summer the Sun perſiſteth 16 whole hours, and 26 minutes in operation, not ceaſing above ſeven hours and a half from action, by reaſon of his abſence under the Horizon. Wherefore look what proportion 7 hours 34 minutes have to 16 hou: 26 min: the like difference there ſhall be betwixt the Suns operation in Summer and Winter, in reſpect of his diverſe ſtay above the Horizon, which (not to be too ſcrupulous) is a double proportion the one to the other.

CHAP. III.

The ſecond Reaſon of the foreſaid Difference, drawn from the difference of Ʋnion in the Beams.

SEcondly, In the work of the Stars Union of Beams is a thing regarded, ^[3] as of ſpecial conſequence. But it is clear to them that have any inſight in the Opticks, that in Winter the Union of the Beam, incident with the Beam reflected, is not comparable with that which the greater Altitude of the Sun cauſeth in Summer; and therefore the effects depending upon this Union, muſt accordly be increaſed or diminiſhed in proportion. That this is true,

Suppoſe A B in the firſt Figure, and C D in the ſecond, to be two equal parts of the Earths Superficies; whereupon the Beams of the Sun E A in Winter, and G C in Summer do fall: E A in the Winter Solſtice, making an Angle with the plain of the Horizon H A B, of 14. gr: 56′. 30″. viz. E A H, or E B H, being the Meridian Altitude of the Sun at London upon that day. Likewiſe let G C K, or G D K, be admitted to irradiate the Earth at the higheſt Meridian Altitude in the Summer Solſtice at an Angle of 61 gr. 59′. 30″. Then foraſmuch as (by the principles of the Opticks) the Angles of incidence and reflection are evermore equal, A F in the firſt Figure, and C M in the ſecond, being the reflected Beams, E F and G M ſhall be reverberated from A B and C D at like Angles with their proper incidents. Which being true, it is alſo evident, that becauſe the inward Angles at C and D are greater then the inward Angles at A and B, the Triangle C L D ſhall of neceſſity be greater then the Triangle A I B. And foraſmuch as the Union of the Beams, incident with the reflected, hapneth within the limits of theſe Triangles, therefore of conſequence the Union C L D in Summer is ſo much greater then the Union of A I B in Winter, as the area of the one doth exceed the area of the other, which is about, or rather ſomewhat above, ſix to one; and being joyned to the former difference, as is uſual in addition of proportions, proveth, that this difference of Union, together with the Suns ſtay in Summer, cauſeth the heat to exceed that which we receive in Winter above twelve times.

CHAP. IV.

The third Reaſon of the former Diverſity, proceeding from the differing quantity of Beams.

A Third Reaſon of the difference and ^[4] diminution of heat in Winter proceedeth from the ſmall quantity of Beams which then illuſtrate the Earths Superficies, in compariſon of that which the Sun ſendeth down to us in Summer. For as the ſpecifical qualities of the reſt of the Stars accompany their light, ſo it is alſo true, that the heat of the Sun is conveyed unto us by his Beams. Wherefore the fewer the Beams be which fall upon the Horizon, the leſs alſo ſhall be the heat. And foraſmuch as in Winter the Sun darteth them more oblique then in Summer; therefore it is evident, that there ſhall not ſo many Beams fall upon the plain of the Horizon at the oblique Poſition of the Sun in Winter, as when he approacheth nigher to a perpendicularity in Summer. To demonſtrate this,

Suppoſe Q O, and Q P, to be two divers Superficies of the Earth, upon which the ſame Beams A Q do ſhine diverſly; that is, perpendicularly upon the Superficies Q O, but obliquely upon the Superficies Q P. Then I ſay, that the Triangle Q O P, whoſe Angle at O is by ſuppoſition a right angle, the ſide Q P, which ſubtendeth the ſaid Angle muſt be greater then the ſide Q O, by the 18 of the firſt of Euclide. And yet from hence we ſee it followeth, that all the light which is ſhed upon Q P, the oblique, but greater Super[•…]cies, ſhall fall notwithſtanding upon Q O, the leſs, but directly ſubject to the Beams A Q. If moreover we take a [•]pace Q V in the greater Superficies, which by conſtruction ſhall be equal to Q O, and from N to V draw down a parallel to the line A O P, it is evident that the Beam N Q; wherewith the Superficies Q V is illuminated, is but a part of the Beams A Q. For which Reaſon the Superficies Q V ſhall participate but part alſo of that heat which is communicated to the Superficies Q O, being directly ſubject to the Beam Q A, which alſo was manifeſt enough even by the precedent Figures, where the Winter Beams E A, compared with the Summer Beams G D, are next hand in proportion but as one to four, by reaſon whereof the Sun hardly imparteth ¼ of that light and heat to us at his Meridional height in the Winter Solſtice, which we feel from his higheſt Poſition in the Summer. This Diminution, conſidered with the former Impediments, leaveth us not above the forty eight part of that heat in Winter, which we receive in Summer from the Sun.

CHAP. V.

The fourth difference cauſed by the depth or diverſe craſſitude of the Air by which the Beams paſs.

NEither can we be rightly ſaid to ^[5] have the full fruition of this portion of Heat in Winter, by reaſon that the craſſitude or thickneſs of the Air is then more object to the Suns oblique Beams then in Summer, and doth thereby reſiſt and hinder them more now then in Summer. For proof hereof,

let D F H repreſent the ſuperficies of the Earth: I G N, the convex ſuperficies of the cloudy or vaporous Region: And ſuppoſe the Sun to ſhine upon F, the place of our habitation, from three ſeveral points, Z, A, B. Z being the vertical point over our heads, A the Suns Summer height, B his altitude in Winter (as before was expreſſed:) So Z F, A F, and B F, ſhall be the Suns Beams, part whereof, viz. G F, K F, and M F, we ſee are in a ſort obſcured, hindered, and reſiſted by the vaporous Air. But now for as much as (by the 7 of the 3 of Euclide) G F is ſhorter then K F, & K F then M F, therfore the Sun ſhal of neceſſity feel leſs impediment in the Zenith at Z, then at A, and by conſequence at A, then at B. becauſe ſtill the further the Sun is removed from the Zenith, the longer is the paſſage of the Sun-beams through the oppoſite air. Now to attain Geometrically to the proportion of the Suns debilitated force, through this impediment; we are firſt to agree how deep or thick this cloudy Region of the air that [•]efringeth the Sun-beams may be: which our late Artiſts, to whom greateſt credit is to be given, as they have been more converſant and curious in the obſervation hereof, then their Predeceſſors, do all agree not to extend three Engliſh miles in the Perpendicular G F, as is plain unto ^[6] them that are acquainted with the Diſputations of Tycho, Rothman, Kepler, and others. For we muſt here diſtinguiſh between the matter of the crepuſculum, and this vaporous air, which is ſo little elevated above the Earth, that hardly we may live upon the tops of ſome hills (as Ariſtotle teſtified of Olympus) without applying a Sponge to the noſtrils for want of this thick air which we uſe in reſpiration: The like doth Joſephus Acosta witneſs unto us of the Seres in Peru, which are hardly paſſable by ſuch as labor to overcome their height; becauſe the air, before they came to the tops of theſe hills, groweth ſo ſubtil and attenuated. And to add ſomething of my own experience, my ſelf having made ſome tryals of the height of the Clouds, as well in the heat of Summer, as at other times, could never yet finde them more lifted up above the ſuperficies of the Earth, then 236. perches. Wherefore admitting G F, which is the part of the Perpendicular line that penetrateth the groſs Air to be three miles, and F C, the ſemidiamiter of the Earth, to be 3436 miles, and the Summer and Winter heights as before; it will be manifeſt by ſupputation, that whereas K F ſhall pierce but four miles, or thereabouts, M F ſhall paſs twelve, and ſomewhat more. So that the oppoſition and impediment which the Sun-beams do ſuffer in Winter, is triple to that which they feel in their Summer paſſage, and doth therefore weaken the Suns force in that preparation. And being added to the reſt of the cauſes before ſpecified, doth demonſtratively prove (all together conſidered) that the heat in Summer excelleth that which we receive in Winter in proportion, as 144. is to 1. In explaining whereof I have been the more curious, becauſe that which is here demonſtrated concerning the Suns apparition, is likewiſe to be applyed to the reſt of the Planets, which moving under the ſame Circle that the Sun doth, ſhall receive the like addition or abatement of force, and therefore of ſingular moment to be obſerved in all Judgments.

CHAP. VI.

Why the ending of July and beginning of Auguſt is the hottest time of Summer, and ſo likewiſe the ending of January and beginning of February the coldeſt time of Winter.

BUt we muſt further conſider, that although theſe four cauſes are moſt evident upon the very Solſtitial days, yet it is not always of neceſſity that upon them we always feel the greateſt heat or cold. But there is yet another general cauſe to be added, which in reſpect of it ſelf doth commonly aggravate the bitterneſs of Winter about the beginning of February. The Reaſon whereof Kepler doth reſolutely aſcribe to Privation ^[7] onely, with Cardan, further denying Cold to be a poſitive quality, and with him Picus, that any ſpecifical vertue doth deſcend unto us from Heaven, beſides Light and Heat; and therefore ſaith that the Air, Water, and Earth, being naturally deſtitute of Heat, as they are material and thick Bodies, are neither [•]uddenly warmed, nor ſuddenly cold, but conceiving Heat in June when the [•]un is at the higheſt, do accumulate it [•]nto the Heat of July and August after [•]he ſame manner, and for the ſame Rea[•]on, that the heat of the day in the after[•]oon is greater then at high noon, until [•]he Sun, after his declining by degrees [•]rom us, doth alſo by little & little withdraw his heat from theſe Elements, which [•]hen return to their former Nature, and [•]o neceſſarily admit Cold in the abſence [•]f Heat, which ſtill prevaileth more and more by the Suns long diſcontinuance [•]rom us, until after February be paſt, [•]e begin to recover ſome part of his [•]orce again.

CHAP. VII.

The method ſet down which is obſerved in refelling Kepler.

WHereunto, becauſe it concerneth the very Foundation of Aſtrologie, I muſt crave leave to anſwer, not doubting but if I can demonſtrate that both Cold and all the reſt of the firſt qualities do proceed eſſentially from Heaven, and are onely to be found by accident in the Elements, that this will give the Reader, who before ſtood in doubt, good ſatisfaction. And the better to clear this point, I will firſt ſhew, that Heat is neither eſſential to the Light, nor ſo inſeparably united unto it, but that they are and may be ſevered as diverſe in Nature; whereby it will likewiſe follow, that the reſt of the qualities may concur with Light as well as Heat. This done, I will ſecondly make it plain that Cold is no privation, but a poſitive quality, and that neither it nor the reſt of the qualities can originally be referred to the Elements, but of conſequence to Heaven, yea, and that without any incongruity in Philoſophy, whatſoever the Peripateticks and their followers have heretofore thought. Which thus premiſed, the Reader ſhall be the better prepared to believe both that this common Intenſion in February is to be aſcribed (as Aſtrologie teacheth) partly to thoſe parts of Heaven, which the Sun doth then paſs by, partly to ſuch Conſtellations as do then riſe and ſet; and alſo the better to conceive how the Intenſions & Remiſsions of every ſeaſon may grow by the particular paſsions of the Planets and the reſt of the Stars, and not from naked Privation, as Kepler would have it.

CHAP. VIII.

Other qualities concomitate Light, as well as Heat.

ANd now to proſecute theſe things in order: Firſt, I affirm, That although we ſee Heat and Light to deſcend joyntly with the Beams of the Sun, yet it doth not concomitate the light of all the Stars; for that heat is neither the ſubſtance of the light, (for aſſertion whereof Scaliger juſtly reprehendeth ^[8] Cardane,) nor more to be confounded with light then ſight, then ſight is to be confounded with touch, whereof Light and Heat are proper Objects. For as we cannot feel the Light, nor ſee the Heat; ſo thoſe Senſes which are not always joyntly exerciſed together (as we ſee, and not feel, and feel, and not ſee) do teach us, that Light and Heat are divers qualities, and both in reaſon and nature may be conceived to ſubſiſt the one without the other. This will beſt appear by the diffinition of both, which evermore expreſſeth the nature of the thing in queſtion. Foraſmuch therefore as Heat is that quality which doth congregate ^[9] homogeneal things, and ſeparate thoſe that are heterogeneal, which agreeeth not to the property of the Light, which is brought unto us by the Beams of the Stars, the ſame being defined (according to Alhazen and Vitellio) to be ^[10] only The Species or Image of the inherent Light of the Sun or Star from whence it is ſent: There is nothing more evident then that that Heat which is conveyed unto us with the beams of the Sun, is of a divers nature from the light thereof. For both Sence and Experience do prove, That Heat is no Image or ſimilitude, but a real and active quality, which how it ſhould ſubſiſt in an Image as in the ſubject, or how Light ſhould ſubſiſt in Heat, being likewiſe an accidental quality, are difficulties which in my judgment will not eaſily be anſwered, except we can prove, that one accident may be the ſubject of another, which is againſt all Philoſophy. This then alone, although it doth ſufficiently prove, that Light and Heat are two divers qualities; yet to make it more apparent, dayly obſervation doth ſhew, That one may be and remain in the abſence of the other, as we ſee in Attrition, where Heat is excited without Light, and ſo we may exclude the Light, when nevertheleſs the heat of the Sun ſhall remain. And though the Earth, and the reſt of the Elements, retein the impreſſion of the former day, yet doth neither the Earth, Air, or Water, ſhine after the Sun is ſet: Wherefore if Heat may thus exiſt, and be ſeparated from the light; and it be alſo true (as before hath been ſhewed) that the one cannot ſubſiſt in the other, what may be more clear then that for theſe Reaſons Light and Heat are two diverſe qualities, and that Light can neither be the eſſence of Heat, nor Heat of Light? Truly therefore doth Durandus diſtinguiſh of their properties, teaching us, that the property of Light is only to illuminate, and that it is not of the eſſence thereof either to heat or infrigidate; Sed (ſaith he) duntaxat merito corporis in quo ineſt, ut ſi virtute calidum ſit, &c. So then the heat, which accompanieth the light of the Sun, is not to be ſaid any property of light, but in truth to be referred to the Suns occult and ſpecifick Virtue: as with like reaſon I do affirm, and hereafter will prove, That the reſt of the firſt qualities, together with the ſpecial properties of every Star, doth accompany Light as well as Heat. For it is clear, that there be many ^[11] lightſom bodies which do not heat, but are rather actually cold, as for example, the Diamond, Carbuncle, and other precious Stones, beſides the Eyes, Heads, and Scales of Fiſhes, and the Sea it ſelf, which in tempeſtuous weather doth repreſent huge mountains of light. Yet to affirm that the Sea burns, would be reputed by the common Proverb, no better then a plain lye. So falſe is it, that light is always the cauſe of heat, and proceedeth only from ſuch bodies as are of a hot nature; which I could yet further amplifie by experience that I have made in Reflections, it being certain that Spherical Concaves, or Parabolical Sections, will as ſenſibly reflect the actual cold of Snow or Ice, as it will the heat of the Sun. Wherefore if Cold may accompany the reflected Light, why not the original ^[12] Light it ſelf? Neither do I deſire herein my bare word to go for payment, but do further remit him that ſhall call this in doubt unto his own practiſe, and the Teſtimonies of Maginus, who, in the Repreſentations of his Glaſs ſent to the Emperor, doth confirm the ſame in theſe words: Species eſſe ſenſu tactus perceptibilis, ut apparet ex lumine candelae, item ex nive & glacie infrigidante per ſuam imaginem remotè admodum. And my ſelf have often made the like tryal of the full Moon, which nevertheleſs ^[13] is reflected without any heat at all that ſenſe can perceive, notwithſtanding that the ſame Glaſs doth ſenſibly reverberate heat with the light of a ſmall candle, and reflecteth the beams of the Sun with that force, that it inflameth all combuſtible matter in an inſtant, and cauſeth Lead to run. Whereunto then may it be imputed, that the Moon ſhining with her borrowed light, doth not ſenſibly warm, as well when it is projected from the Sun? Will they anſwer that the Suns light is debilited by reflection from the Moon? But if they maintain heat always to accompany light, then this is no anſwer. And though I ſhould yield that it may weaken the heat alſo, and cauſe calefaction in a leſſer degree, yet this doth not ſatisfie how ſo glorious a Light as the full Moon doth yield, eſpecially in Winter, ſhould be deprived of all heat, when the ſame is collected, re-united, and multiplied again, in which caſe as well all Beams are as well ſtrengthened by reflection, as weakened without his help. Add hereunto, that the greateſt Froſts happen in the faireſt Moon-ſhine nights, which proveth Cold to accompany her light. VVherefore I rather affirm this to be another notable Argument, proving Light of an indifferent nature, neither hot nor cold of it ſelf, but to participate of the quality of the ſtar, or other body from whence it is reflected, ſeeing the ſame light which from the Sun cauſeth heat, hath no ſuch quality reflected from the Moon, but rather the contrary, and divers from it, the force thereof chiefly ſhewing it ſelf in cold and moiſture. But if Keplers opinion were true, that Cold were nothing but a meer Privation, this could not be: and therefore leaving that which hath been already alledged to the Judgment of the learned, I hold it very material, according to the order formerly propounded, to prove next, That Cold is a poſitive quality.

CHAP. IX.

Cold a poſitive quality, as well as Heat.

ANd firſt I demand of Kepler, or any that maintaineth his Opinion, if Cold be aſcribed to nothing but privation of Heat by the Suns long abſence, how it cometh to paſs, that one VVinter doth far exceed another in extremity of Cold? Will he anſwer that the Sun is more remote, or longer abſent from us, one year then another? It were too ridiculous, knowing that the Sun hath his limits preſcribed, which he never did tranſgreſs, neither can, without violating the Law of Nature. The uniform courſe of the Sun therefore can be no cauſe of this variety of one year from another: Neither (if it be well conſidered) ^[14] can Privation be any cauſe of Cold at all. For ſeeing Privation is no nature in Being, but only an imaginary noncens, how can that which is not have any action aſcribed unto it? Such a cold therefore could not refrigerate, and ſo in truth can be no cold at all. But on the contrary, we ſee that Cold is ſuch a quality, as actually conſtringeth Hail, Snow, Froſt, and other congealed Meteors; it condenſeth the flowing Superficies of the Water into a firm glaſſie Subſtance; it chilleth the Blood, and benumeth the Senſe with the extremity thereof: And to be ſhort, through the real exiſtence of this quality in any Subject, we ſee it giveth the ſame denomination of Cold, and that the Senſe is able to judg it ſo: But it were abſurd to ſay we could feel that which is not, and againſt all Reaſon and Philoſophy to aſcribe theſe effects unto ſuch a thing as reſteth only in imagination but hath no Being in Nature. Wherefore this Error in this Point is as palpable as the Cold it ſelf. And to add ſomewhat more unto that which I have already ſaid, I ſee not how this can be admit[•]ed, except we will further reduce Pha[•]etons world again. For if there be no poſitive nature to moderate and reſiſt the multiplyed heat of the ſtars; it cannot be but in continuance of time all the whole frame of the world muſt be ſet on fire. For ſo long as the ſtars ſhine, they ſtill affirm ſucceeding heat to deſcend with their light, whereupon it doth neceſſarily follow, that if there be no poſitive nature to refrigerate, all muſt needs be inflamed. They muſt therefore firſt remove the Sun and Stars out of Heaven, before they can eſtabliſh their vain Cold by abſence and privation of Heat. Which were it granted unto them, ſee further how, whilſt they avoyd Scylla, they fall into Charybdis. For as on the one ſide Privation, being a meer Negative, hath no action, and therefore (as hath been proved) cannot moderate the heat conceived in Summer: So on the other ſide, ſuppoſe Cold once induced into the world by privation of Heat, and it will be as impoſſible to reſtore Heat again by the return of the Sun, or any other natural means, as to give life to a dead man. For a privatione ad habitum nullus eſt regreſſus. As for their ſimile or example, it will do them ſmall ſervice: For ſeeing that betwixt twelve and two in the afternoon the Sun continueth his action ſtill without interruption, their own reaſon will teach them, that this is not ad idem. For we ſpeak of the intended qualities of the Seaſons, where, by intercourſe of the nights, they muſt needs confeſs an intermiſſion of the Suns appearation, which alone (as we read) ſerveth greatly to qualifie the Suns order to them that dwell under the Aequinoctial. Wherefore to conclude this Point alſo: foraſmuch as Cold is the oppoſite quality to Heat, which of it ſelf is by Kepler and Cardane confeſſed to have a real exiſtence in Nature: They muſt alſo be driven to acknowledge Cold to be more then a meer Negation and Privation, becauſe it is impoſſible that that which is not habituall can be actually contrary to a particular Nature in Being.

CHAP. X.

The firſt Qualities originally from Heaven, not from the Elements.

HAving therefore (as I take it) ſufficiently proved Cold to be a poſitive quality, the next thing which in order offereth it ſelf to be decided, is, whereunto we ſhall originally refer the ſame with the reſt of the firſt qualities. And foraſmuch as the whole Syſteme of the world is diſtinguiſhed into two parts, Celeſtial or Elementary, we muſt of neceſſity primarily derive them from the one or the other. But I will prove, That they are only by accident, and not eſſentially, in the Elements; wherefore of conſequence originally to be aſcribed to the heavenly Bodies. I know they are commonly placed in the definition of the Elements, and therefore they define Air to be hot and moiſt, Water cold and moiſt, Earth cold and dry. But if it be better conſidered, we may more truly ſay with Roſlinus, That the Elements rather eſſentially differ one ^[15] from another in other qualities, which are as it were the off-ſpring of theſe, as in rariety, denſity, levity, gravity, liquidneſs, ſoftneſs, tranſparancy, opacity: For ſo is the Earth, an heavy, thick, dark, firm and ſtable Element. The Water likewiſe ſoft, flowing, and navigable. The Air light, rare, liquid, and permeable; and ſo tempered one to another in proportion, that as the Air, in the rarity and liquidneſs thereof, is to the ſoftneſs and flowing nature of the Water, ſo is the like conſtitution of the Water unto the denſity and firmneſs of the Earth; neither thin nor thick in extremity, but of a middle temperature between both. And in a word, they are all proportioned to the heavenly Bodies, but as the matter of things meerly paſſive, ^[16] not having their firſt qualities eſſentially in themſelves, but by accident from Heaven. Thus teacheth Ariſtotle himſelf, and thus ſays his Expoſitors, Zabarella, Toletus, Scaliger, and others. Neither do I reſt upon their authority alone, but upon their firm and evident Reaſons. For were theſe the eſſential forms of the Elements, they ^[17] could not be intended and remitted, becauſe it is againſt the principle which denyeth form to admit intenſion and remiſſion. But theſe qualities are ſometimes more or leſs in the Elements; wherefore neither can they be affirmed their eſſential forms, neither can the Elements themſelves be ſaid the firſt ſubjects of Heat, Cold, Moiſture, and Siccity, conſidering that both Experience and Sence teacheth us, that they be neither hot nor cold, but indifferently diſpoſed to the receiving of all the qualities, and not more capable of the one then the other. For example, to them in a right ſphere the Air is always hot, by reaſon of the perpendicularity of the Sun beams. To us it is variable, ſometimes hot, ſometimes cold, ſometimes moiſt, and ſometimes dry. And to them nearer the North Pole for the moſt part cold. Nay, which is more abſurd, were theſe qualities formally in the Elements, we ſhould of neceſſity be driven to conſtitute two forms in every Element anſwerable to the two firſt qualities aſcribed to every one of them, and thoſe not differing ſecundum magis & minus, but in the higheſt degree of perfection, and that in ſuch ſort alſo as they might not be reputed of the ſame ſpecial kind, but to vary one from another. For if the moiſture of the Air ſhould not differ from the moiſture of the Water, confuſion would follow, and ſo no diſtinction at all of the Elements. And yet if theſe qualities be admitted of a divers ſpecies inſtead of four, we muſt conſtitute eight firſt qualities. Wherefore I take it very clear, that ſeeing the ^[18] firſt four qualities cannot originally be derived from the Elements, neceſſity will infer by conſequence, that their firſt inherence is in the inward forms of the heavenly Bodies, from whence by accident (as Ariſtotle teacheth) and not otherwiſe, they are conveyed into the Elements.

CHAP. XI.

The ſcruple of alteration in Heaven, (which made the Peripateticks, Picus, Cardane, &c. to aſcribe the firſt Qualities to the Elements,) taken away.

WHich being true, it will not be labour loſt, after theſe grounds thus laid, to borrow a little more patience for examination of the Reaſon why Picus, Cardane, Kepler, with others, frankly confeſſing heat to deſcend with the light of the Stars, are nevertheleſs ſo nice to ſubſcribe to the derivation of the reſt of the qualities from Heaven: The conſideration whereof will alſo ſomething explain unto us the differing maner between their inherence in the Stars, and in the Elements. And ſurely I find none other Reaſon of their doubt in this Point, but that they fear if contrary qualities ſhould originally be found in Heaven, we muſt withall induce action and paſſion between the heavenly Bodies, and ſo by conſequence, generation and corruption, whereof the Peripateticks may not abide to hear. Which Objection may diverſly be anſwered. For firſt, whatſoever the Peripateticks have held, we know the world to have had a beginning, and therefore even by their own doctrine it ſhall have an end. And the ^[19] experience of latter times hath ſufficiently proved Heaven ſubject to alteration: as is evident by that Spot which, in the time of Charls the Great, continued 8. or 9. days in the Sun, being by Hiſtoriographers (though ignorantly) reputed to be Mercury. For Copernicus after ſupputation ^[20] findeth it not to be Mercury, but a prodigious Meteor, which could not happen but in the Sphaere of the Sun, conſidering it accompanied the Sun it ſelf ſo long time together. The like, Buntingus, Gemma Friſius, and others, report of that ſtrange and bloody obſcurity, which Anno 1547. did ſo darken the Sun three whole days together, as the ſtars for the moſt part were ſeen at high noon. But what need I run to forraign Teſtimonies? when all London can bear me witneſs of the like Blot, which in the year 1604. 11. and 12. of Octob. appeared firſt a little above the South-Eaſt Periphery of the Sun, and ſeemed to move by little and little unto the center of his Globe. And whereunto ſhall we refer the illumination and extinguiſhing of the Comets and new Stars, which in this our age have been obſerved to flame in Heaven it ſelf? Do they not all demonſtratively prove generation and corruption in Heaven? True it is, that by reaſon of our remote diſtance from the heavenly ^[21] Spheres, we cannot by ſenſe attain to every particular alteration which hapneth there. And therefore Ariſtotle neither being acquainted with the Worlds Creation, nor in former ages finding any alteration in Heaven, but ſtill receiving by tradition, that the Planets, the fixed Stars, their motions, and the medium in which they are, remained the ſame, while in the mean time the Earth and Elements are dayly ſubject unto divers changes familiar to our eyes, concludeth from Experience, Heaven to be priviledged from almutation, but the Elements to be obnoxious thereunto. But could either Ariſtotle be informed, that now this latte[•] age (more diligent then the former) hat[•] obſerved new bodies in Heaven, or were it poſſible that our mortal eyes might from the Heavens behold the Earth, as now from the Earth we behold them: I verily am perſwaded, that both the Philoſopher would change his opinion, and that we ſhould from Heaven behold as little alteration in the Globe of the Earth, as now we obſerve in Heaven. He that liſteth to read more of this matter, let him peruſe Kepler himſelf, cap. 23. de Nova Stella, where he doth purpoſely treat of this Subject, and proveth by five particular Reaſons, That the matter of Heaven is alterable. Which if it be true, then is their Argument from the conſequence of alteration of no force againſt the firſt qualities in Heaven, but rather to be retorted upon themſelves in this manner. That becauſe there is a generation and alteration demonſtratively obſerved, ergo the firſt qualities may likewiſe be affirmed there as fit Inſtruments of theſe Mutations. But nevertheleſs leaving this Doctrine in ſuſpence, becauſe it is new: Yet is not our Cauſe ſo needy, but that I dare otherwiſe undertake to prove the Conſequent of the Reaſon to be falſe, for that ^[22] the Stars may very well be juſtified to have divers and contrary virtues, without admitting any paſſion in the heavenly Bodies. For Aſtra agere quod in ſeipſis non eſt, is no rare Maxim among the learned, ſome of whom uſe this diſtinction between the differing manner of theſe qualities in the Stars otherwiſe then in the Elements, by ſuppoſing them in the firſt only effective, and in the latter ſubjective: Becauſe (as they will have it) the Stars are not actually hot or cold, but virtualiter; that is, they have a certain power to produce Heat and Cold, and the reſt of the qualities in the other bodies out of themſelves, which nevertheleſs are not in themſelves. But for mine own part, I freely confeſs not well to conceive this ſubtilty (though it be Scaligers) how the Sun not being habitually hot, yet nevertheleſs can burn. Rather to go more directly to the work, ^[23] I hold the efficacy of the Stars to proceed from that natural virtue which is originally inherent in themſelves, which notwithſtanding ſhall never the more ſubject theſe excellent Bodies to alteration. For as the Load-ſtone (more precious then any Diamond) hath in many points a ſingular affinity with Heaven, ſo it doth not fail to lend us a moſt lively example, how contraries may be found in the ſame natural body without deſtruction thereof. For what can be more contrary then attraction & repulſion Yet if the Needle be touched with the North Pole of the Load-ſtone, it is certain, that as that part will attract the ſame, ſo the contrary Pole or End will make it fly away, yet without any danger or paſſion in the ſtone it ſelf. Why ſhould we not therefore believe, that as Heaven is far more excellent then theſe ſublunary Bodies, ſo it ſhould be endowed with all the virtues which are found here beneath in a far more excellent manner, and without any prejudice to the purity of the matter whereof it conſiſteth. For if the Matter be not proportioned unto the power of the Agent, no effect can follow. But even by the Doctrine of the Peripateticks ſuch is the matter of Heaven, conſiſting of a ſimple and fift eſſence free from all paſſion, ergo although we do admit contrary qualities to flow from the Stars, yet ſhall this work no alteration, becauſe the matter of Heaven is not an apt ſubject for this purpoſe. And for this Reaſon we may not conſider theſe qualities, as they are found in the Elements, or mixt Bodies, whoſe matter is paſſive, but rather as they are inherent in a ſimple and pure eſſence, priviledged from corruption, being for this cauſe called by Ariſtotle, agentes, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], thereby to diſtinguiſh them from thoſe inferior things which are mutually ſubject to action and paſſion, becauſe they conſiſt of elementary matter. I doubt not therefore but by this which hath been ſaid it doth ſufficiently appear, That in this Controverſie between the Stars and the Elements, theſe celeſtial and pure Lights have obtained priority, as firſt indued by God with natural power by their motion, Light and ſecret influence to excite and ſtir up Heat, Cold, Moiſture and Siccity in theſe ſublunary Bodies ſubordinate unto them, according to their ſeveral virtues.

CHAP. XII.

The Cauſe why the Cold in Winter is greateſt in February proved to proceed from the different Points of Heaven, whoſe diverſity is ſhewed.

WHerefore now to return from whence I digreſſed: Having thus prepared the way, I may the more boldly proceed, and with better aſſurance, according to the Rules of Aſtrologie, aſcribe this increaſe of Cold, which commonly hapneth about February, partly unto the complexion of that Sign which the Sun then paſſeth, partly to the apparent riſing and ſetting of thoſe Conſtellations which ordinarily agree to this moneth. And firſt concerning that part of Heaven which the Sun then holdeth, we are to know that it is the Dominion of Saturn, whoſe influence excelleth in exciting Cold, (as in that which follows I hope infallibly to demonſtrate,) the ſame being diametrically oppoſite unto the Royal Pallace of the Sun, which alone, to thoſe that repoſe in the principles delivered by Aſtrologers, is ſufficient Reaſon in this caſe. But if any there be that doth doubt thereof, and whether the matter of Heaven may admit variety as well as the Stars, I doubt not but to ſatisfie him alſo, partly by Reaſon, partly by undoubted Exper[•]ence.

For firſt, whereas we ſee the forms of divers ^[24] things in this ſublunary world apparantly to conſent both with certain Stars, and with the particular Regions of Heaven, Reaſon teacheth us, that this can proceed from no other probable cauſe in Nature, then from the ſympathy or agreeable temperature of their Subſtances. And that one or two examples may ſtand for many, we ſee the North part of Heaven particularly to affect Iron, that hath either layn long North and South in ſome old building, or that otherwiſe hath bin forg'd at ſuch a poſition, as preciſely reſpecteth the ſame. But above all, who is ſo ignorant of the like impreſſion in the Load-ſtone, as that he knoweth not the Mariner thereby to ſhape his Courſe, and to be further able (by the ingenious diligence of our Countryman Mr D Gilbert) to give the elevation of the Pole whereſoever he be come? Conſidering therefore that this diſtinction of Regions is not to be aſcribed to any Star, but to the whole Syſteme or Body of Heaven, therefore here we ſee directly a reſpective quality impreſſed in theſe Subjects, which cannot be aſcribed to any thing but the matter of Heaven.

Again, whereas even Picus himſelf, ^[25] and the Enemies of Aſtrologie, do grant thus much to Aristotle, That if Heaven were quiet, and ſtood ſtill, nothing could have motion; which granted, it alſo followeth, according to the proportion of the firſt motions which are proper to Heaven, That all the natural motions of inferior things are both excited and ordinated: Valeſius demandeth whether Heaven ſimply performeth the ſame by the motion thereof, or by accident. By ſimply he meaneth, as if Heaven did communicate this motion only becauſe it is moved. By accident, as if by moving is communicateth an accidental faculty of motion unto other things: as when the hand moveth the candle to flax; the hand by his own motion moveth the candle, and ſo burneth the flax or ſtraw; the one by it ſelf, becauſe it doth not otherwiſe move the candle, then by the motion of the hand: but it doth the other by accident, becauſe by moving of the hand and the candle, it alſo conveyeth the flame, which burneth of it ſelf. If therefore Heaven, by the motion thereof, doth immit any motive faculty unto things, by help whereof they are moved, then hath it of neceſſity another virtue of moving beſides the own Motion. But if Picus, to avoyd this, deny Heaven to impart any ſuch virtue, and perſiſt in this opinion, that Heaven moveth becauſe it is moved: Then ſaith Valeſius, it ſhall not skill of what matter Heaven conſiſteth; ſeeing this effect would as well follow, if Heaven were of wood, mettal, or ſtone, and were withall carryed about. But this could not be: For if a wooden Sphere were turned about circularly over our heads, why ſhould a ſtone and ſmoak (for example) move, in a ſtreight line, the one upward, the other downward? For whatſoever moveth another, it doth it either by impulſion, attraction, volutation, or vection. But a ſtone falling, is neither drawn, thruſt forward, carryed, or turned about by Heaven; ſeeing the ſame falleth in a ſtreight line: Wherefore Valeſius ſtrongly concludeth, That the matter of Heaven concurreth with thoſe things that are moved by immitting ſome virtue which moveth every thing in the kind, which yet is diverſe from the circular motion it ſelf.

Beſides, if that be true which Ariſtotle, ^[26] and with him hitherto Schools of Philoſophy, do teach in the definition of a Star, That there is no difference between the ſame, and the Orb wherein it is fixed, but that the Star is Denſior pars ejuſdem; Then I ſay, it doth unanſwerably follow, That as the Stars differ one from another in Motion, Magnitude, Colour, and Virtue; ſo likewiſe thoſe parts of Heaven wherein they are fixed muſt needs admit the like variety of nature and qualities. If any following the late opinion of Tycho, and others, ſhall here deny the Stars to be fixed, and inherent in the matter of Heaven, and affirm the ſubſtance thereof to be liquid, giving way as the Stars move through the ſame: I anſwer, That beſides it will be incomprehenſible in a mans underſtanding, how all Stars ſhould finiſh the diurnal motion from Eaſt to Weſt, and yet in the ſame moment ſtrive with a contrary Endeavor in that which we call the proper motions from the Weſt to the Eaſt; and that which is more, at once both aſcend and deſcend from or neerer to the Earth. They ſhall hardly in the end be able to make this their conceit ſtand with the motion of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], which (as it is evident to Senſe) is the very ſubſtance and matter of the Heaven it ſelf, differing only from the reſt of Heaven in whiteneſs of colour. And yet we ſee both the ſame Stars now contained within the latitude thereof, and others to deſcribe and limit the tract of this Circle, as it croſſeth the Zodiack from one Tropick to the other, which Ptolomy did comprehend, & define the ſame by, in his ^[27] time; which to my poor underſtanding doth infallibly prove, That the fixed Stars at the leaſt are inherent and faſtened in the matter of Heaven, for that otherwiſe the Subſtance of this Circle could not now be found equally moved from the Aequinoctial Points with the Stars that were then in and about the ſame. I might yet confirm this further by that Sympathy which is found betwixt the Points of Heaven in the time of Conception and Nativities, and betwixt the figure of the Fathers Nativity and the Sons: but for brevity ſake I remit him that will be better informed to Kepler. ^[28]

And now to confirm theſe Reaſons by Experience; I know not what better courſe to take, then to appeal to their Teſtimony who have travelled into America, in whoſe ſtories we read, That the ſame parts of Heaven, both to them and us, retain the ſame qualities. For thus Johannes Lerius, in the Hiſtory of ^[29] his Navigation into Braſile, affirmeth, That their Ship paſſed the Aequinoctial the day before the Nones of February, which was about the fourth of that moneth, at what time nevertheleſs the Sun being in Aquarius he complaineth of great Tempeſts, extream and corrupt rain, with inconſtant and tempeſtuous ſtorms of winde. And no leſs (if not more) notable is that which I find in Joſephus Acoſta, whoſe words, for the Readers better ſatisfaction, as they lie in the Engliſh Tranſlation, I will ſet ^[30] down, as followeth.

Truly (ſaith Acosta) it is an admirable thing, and worthy of obſervation, That the Air is most clear, and without rain under the burning Zone, when as the Sun is furtheſt off: and contrariwiſe, there is most Rain, Snow, and Miſts, when as the Sun is neareſt. Such as have not travelled in this new World, will haply think this incredible: and it will ſeem ſtrange unto ſuch as have been there, if they have not well obſerved it. But the one and the other will willingly yield, in noting the certain experience of that which hath been ſaid of this part of Peru, which looks to the Southern or Antartick Pole: the Sun is then furtheſt off when it is nearest unto Europe; that is, May, June, July, and Auguſt, when he makes his Courſe in the Tropick of Cancer. During which moneths the Air at Peru is very calm and clear, neither doth there fall any Snow or Rain; all their Rivers fall much, and ſome are dryed up quite. But as the year increaſeth, and the Sun approacheth near the Tropick of Capricorn, then begins it to Rain and to Snow, and their Rivers ſwell from October to December. Then after that, the Sun retyring from Capricorn, when as his Beams reflect directly upon the heads of them at Peru, then is the violence of their Waters great, then is the time of Rain, Snow, and great over-flowings of their Rivers, when as their heat is greateſt; that is, from January to mid March: this is ſo true and certain, as no man may contradict it.

Hitherto Acoſta. By which it appeareth, that the Sun in the ſame Signs cauſeth like effects to them beyond the Aequinoctial, that at the ſame time he produceth here to us, the faireſt or fouleſt weather hapning to both at the ſame inſtant: which may ſatisfie the moſt obſtinate in this point, ſeeing throughout the whole world the ſame parts of Heaven keep ſtill the ſame quality. Thus much therefore ſhall ſuffice concerning the general conſtitutions of the Seaſons, as the ſame chiefly depend upon the Sun, and the parts of Heaven which he paſſeth.

CHAP. XIII.

Of the particular Intenſions or Remiſſions which happen by Poſition of the Planets.

BUt as for the Intenſion hapning by the fixed Stars, it ſhall hereafter be handled by it ſelf, as I come to the ſame in order, foraſmuch as the greateſt diſpoſition of weather may and doth admit Intenſion and Remiſſion in the particular parts thereof for divers other cauſes; we muſt likewiſe have reſpect unto them: Amongſt which the firſt that offereth it ſelf unto our Conſideration, is the place or Poſition of the Planets, who moving ^[31] under the Zodiack, ſhall for the ſame Reaſons receive the ſame increaſe and abatement of force in their Operations, which before I have proved the Sun to receive. For conſidering the power of Saturn conſiſteth chiefly in cold and congealed Meteors, it followeth for an infallible Maxim, That we are then pinched with the ſharpeſt and longeſt Winters, when Saturn having ſurmounted the Aequinoctial, ſhineth in the Septentrional Signs neareſt our heads; by means whereof, as the Suns force beginneth to grow weak, during his ſcituation in thoſe Signs, his cold influence ſhall prevail ſtill more & more, as well becauſe of his ſlow motion, and long continuance in one place, as alſo by reaſon of the more direct projection of his Beams, and great deſcribed Ark above the Horizon. In all which reſpects his impreſſion muſt then be more forcible, and the rather, that he then conſiſteth above the Perigaeon of his Orbs, and ſo becometh the neareſt the Earth that he can approach, which ſtill addeth much to his efficacy. And that experience doth confirm thus much, I refer the Reader to Pontanus, and Valentinus Nabod, in his Comentary upon Alcabitius, and alſo to Reiſuerus ^[32] his Opticks, where illuſtrating this Propoſition, That All light the nearer it is, the more ſtrongly it doth illuminate the Object, he hath theſe words.

Hac ratione (ſaith he) Anno 1441. ſub Imperatore Friderico Proavo Imp: Caroli V. paulo aute cladem Varnenſem Saturnus ^[33] currens per postremos partes Geminorum, Soli oppoſitas, factuſque terrae quam propinquiſſimus, tam ratione eccentrici quam epicycli, luminis ſui propinquitate in uſitatum illud frigus effecit, quod adeo ſaevum fuit diuturum, ut in Hiſtorium Commentarias referri meruerit.

Here therefore they that will be ſatisfied, may behold Demonſtration as well as Experience, for which cauſe I hold it needleſs to commemorate any further examples hereof, eſpecially ſeeing it is not ſo long ſince the year 1591, at what time being likewiſe ^[34] placed in II, as well as the years immediately before and after, the effects of his cold influence were ſo laſting and hurtful, ſpecially to ſheep that periſhed in the deep of Snows, as I know they cannot be yet forgotten. Notwithſtanding it ſhall not be immaterial to add this out of Functius his Chronology, that in Anno 1427. he noteth the Winter to paſs away without cold; For (ſaith he) it was Hyems ſive frigore. Whereupon calculating Saturns place for that time, I find it in the midſt of ♐, the ſign of his greateſt diſtance from the Earth, where he ſuffereth all the debilities which before I have ſhewed the Sun to do in Winter, and therefore material to be conſidered for our purpoſe. For though he be not in ♑, yet ſeeing both thoſe Signs have equal declination, I hold it all one. The like obſervation therefore I deſire them that impugn this Art moſt, and are not obſtinate, to make for their own ſatisfaction, and I know that when they find Saturn to have been and to continue ſtill in his greateſt remotion and weakneſs, they cannot but ſubſcribe unto his virtue in cold effects, ſeeing it is ſo manifeſtly confirmed, that generally our Winters are the coldeſt when he is ſtrongeſt in operation, and ſo milde and temperate when his Beams are not able to expreſs their qualities.

CHAP. XIV.

Intenſion and Remiſſion by the Motion of the Planets.

NExt the ſcituation and place of the Planets, that Intenſion and Remiſſion which hapneth by theſe Paſſions that reſult from their motion through the Anamaly of their Eccentricks and Epicycles, are not unfit to be conſidered. Not that the diverſity of Motions altereth the nature of the Planets, which is ever the ſame, but becauſe in regard hereof they work not after one manner in every place, nor yet alike in the ſame place at the ſame poſition, but diverſly in all places, as the force of their operation is increaſed or diminiſhed through this diverſity of their particular motions, and then diverſly applyed by the diurnal Revolution of the Heavens unto the matter of ſublunary things. For as is well known to thoſe that are acquainted with the Theoricks, the Center of their Orbs differing from the Center of the World, cauſeth them in reſpect of us to move irregularly, as ſometimes Directly, according to the ſucceſſion of the Signs; ſometimes Retrograde, and againſt their order: their Motion alſo for the ſame Reaſon being ſometimes ſwift, ſometimes ſlow, and ſometimes nothing at all but ſtationary. Which great diverſity muſt of neceſſity cauſe variety in the manner of their operation. For as the motion of a Planet that is direct, doth greatly avail to his ^[35] long ſtay and continuance above the Horizon, in that it comprehendeth more then one intire period of the Aequinoctial in his diurnal Revolution: So that Planet which is Retrograde, ſeemeth not only to forſake his own natural courſe, (becauſe the proper motion of every Planet is performed towards the Eaſt,) but beſides, he is alſo eſteemed purpoſely to refuſe that opportunity of ſtrengthening his operation by long continuance above the Horizon, which, by holding on a direct courſe, he doth obtain. Yet notwithſtanding my opinion is, and both Reaſon and Experience do confirm it, That God hath not vainly ordained this Law in their Motions, but that it doth rather evidently admoniſh us, that this Planet doth (as I may ſay) by this Retrograde Motion aſſuredly purpoſe ſome particular effect, conſidering he ſeemeth rather to violate the conſtant Decree of Nature, then it ſhould be unperformed. In which reſpect Aſtrologers uſe to call ^[36] ſuch an Application as hapneth by Regreſſion to a Planet that is direct Violent, or the doubling of the effects. And moreover it is to be obſerved, that a Retrograde Planet doth, by means of this ^[37] paſſion, paſs, return, and re-paſs the ſame ſmall Ark of the Zodiack thrice in few days, whereby the former loſs, which he ſuffereth through interruption of his diurnal Ark, is as it were treble recompenſed by his three-fold reiteration of the ſame courſe.

CHAP. XV.

Intenſion and Remiſſion by Paralleliſm.

I Have before ſpoken of the place and motion of the Planets; now I intend to ſhew, That the Parallel which the Planets deſcribe by reaſon of their place and Motion, is likewiſe of great force to cauſe Intenſion and Remiſſion, when any two, or more of them, happen to deſcribe the ſame Circle aequidiſtant from any of the Tropicks. For then having equal Declination ^[38] towards the ſame ſide of the Aequinoctial, they riſe and ſet exactly in the ſame points of the Horizon: they come to the Meridian at the ſame height; the Ark alſo which they deſcribe above the Horizon as well as under the ſame; by reaſon whereof their Beams ſucceeding one another, ſhall not only impreſs the very ſame line upon the Earth, but beſides in their like ſcituation and diſtance of each ſide of the Meridian their Beams ſhall make right Angles of Incidence, whereby at that time they are alſo united by reflextion; as in this Figure.

Where let N H M F be ſuppoſed the Horizon, M N the Meridian, H F the Aequinoctial, D E the Tropicks, or ſome other Parallel; A B the two Stars which are turned in the ſame: and without further demonſtration it is evident to the eye, That if A riſe at the point D in the Horizon, paſs the Meridian at O, and ſet at E: the Star B moving in another part of the ſame Parallel ſhall do the like, and coming-to an aequidiſtant ſcituation with A from the Meridian, the Angle B O C ſhall be equal to the Angle A C O, being the Angles of Incidence to both Stars; by means whereof B ſhall of neceſſity reflect unto A, and A to B, which is of great moment in their operation, eſpecially to them to whom the ſame hapneth to be perpendicular. And here by the way we are to note, That by ^[39] how much neerer the Tropicks this Paralleliſm doth happen unto the Planets, either amongſt themſelves, or with the fixed Stars, ſo much more effectual the ſame ſhall be, becauſe of the ſlow variation of their declination which will cauſe them to continue Parallel the longer together: whereas neerer unto the Aequinoctial it is of leſs moment, becauſe their declination varying ſwiftly, will alſo as ſuddenly vary their Paralleliſm. And thus much concerning the natural Reaſon of Intenſion and Remiſſion, which hapneth while the Planets and fixed Stars do thus follow and wait one upon another, and by means thereof imbrace and infold every thing whereon they ſhine, as if equal care were committed to both their charges, as they are carryed about by the wrapt Motion of Heaven.

CHAP. XVI.

Intenſion and Remiſſion by the riſing and ſetting of the fixed Stars and Planets.

NOw foraſmuch as the common Axiome teſtifieth, that Nature hath made nothing in vain, we may not think, that the reſt of the Stars which are fixed do ſtand for Cyphers, although it be true, that the action of every particular fixed Star be not ſo evidently diſcerned as the Planets. Neither (ſo far forth as we are able to attain by experience) do they ^[40] cauſe any ſudden and unwonted alteration by themſelves, but rather by reaſon of their uniform Motion, and the ſame perpetual diſtance which they retain one to another, they work ſtill after one manner, ſaving when their virtues are accidentally ^[41] ſtirred up by their 1. riſings and ſettings with the Sun, and the reſt of the Planets; or 2. when their Beams are united, either by Configuration and Parallel, or by 3. reflection in the ſame vertical Circle with them, at what time the quality of their impreſſion dependeth upon their Nature, which partly is meaſured by Experience, and partly confirmed by ^[42] their Colour, as they reſemble the Planets therein. But the quantity of this Intenſion and Remiſſion is guided by their apparent Diameters or Magnitude.

And firſt, how much the Ancients ^[43] have aſcribed to the riſing and ſetting of the fixed Stars, not only for diſtinction of Times, but alſo matters of Phyſick, Weather, Navigation, Huſbandry, and the like, is familiar to every man, though meanly converſant in Phyloſophy, Phyſick, Hiſtory, or Poetry, as well as in Aſtronomy. For ſuch was their skill herein (as Theon teſtifieth) that the Aſtrologers ^[44] of thoſe times did hereby both limit and aſſign the beginning of the Seaſons, and the particular ſtate of the Weather for every day, foretelling which ſhould be fair, which rain and tempeſtuous; and again, upon what days every particular Wind did uſually blow. And thus reducing all Metons Circle of Years into Tables, they communicated the ſame to all the Cities of Greece for the common good. The truth whereof is not a little confirmed by Ptolomy himſelf in his ^[45] Book de inerrantium Syderum ſignificationibus, (not that ſuppoſed on, ſet forth by Leonicus, but that which Fredericus Bonaventura of Ʋrbin, not long ſince, tranſlated out of Greek into Latin) wherein, beſides experience of the Aegyptians, he alſo recordeth the Obſervations of the moſt famous Aſtronomers before his time; as of Doſith[•]us, Philippus, Calippus, Euctemon, Meton, Conon, Metrodorus, Eudoxus, Caeſar, Democritus and Hypparchus, for the place of their particular dwellings, even to the fifth Parallel, paſſing by the midſt of Pontus, where the longeſt day is fifteen hours and a half. Not without Reaſon then doth Ptolomy both here, as alſo in his Quadrupertite, remit him that will ^[46] judg of the particular Intenſions and Remiſſions of every day unto the riſings and ſettings of the fixed Stars; whereof, although he ſetteth down eight kinds, yet doth he reduce them all into two Species, viz. the True, and the Apparent; And if theſe, I ſee not that any of ^[47] the Aſtronomers, before named, have had a regard to the firſt kind, but only thoſe which are apparent: The firſt whereof Ptolomy reckoneth the Emerſion, or Matutine oriental apparition; the ſecond is (as he placeth them) the Veſpertine oriental Apparition, which he calleth the laſt riſing. In like manner there be two apparent Settings, whereof he calleth the firſt Matutine and Occidental, and the laſt Verſpertine and Ocidental, which is alſo their Orcultation. How far therefore thoſe Prognoſticators do err, who quite otherwiſe then the Ancients, did refer their yearly Judgments the true riſing and ſetting of the Stars, omitting the apparent, I leave to their own cenſure, if they know not their Error before. But foraſmuch as thoſe that are ſupputated to one particular ^[48] place will not agree the ſame day to every Horizon, let none from hence take occaſion to calumniate Aſtrologie, if the effects do likewiſe differ in divers Horizons; but rather let them learn for this Cauſe the more to admire the Art, for that from hence chiefly the true Reaſon doth grow, why in ſeveral Elevations the Weather is oft times differing upon the ſame day, ſeeing that in a ſmall difference of latitude both the Emerſions and Occultations may vary divers days; Wherefore the Effect muſt accordingly follow the Cauſe. The Reaſon why the apparent Riſings and Settings are prefered by Antiquity before the true, is not expreſſed by them, but leaning ſimply upon obſervation and experience, they commend the ſame in their Monuments to Poſterity, neither in truth was it neceſſary, ^[49] ſeeing the Reaſon was evident in it ſelf. For who doubteth that the ſubſtraction or addition of Light may beget ſuch a new degree of temperature in the Air, as is ſufficient to Mutation? As we ſee it often to happen in Diſtillations, where the alteration, though of a very ſmall heat, doth either perfect, or give impediment to the work. But ^[50] whereas for the moſt part this Mutation turneth unto moiſture, this is purpoſely to be imputed to the great quantity of borrowed light wherewith they ſhine. For (as it is held in the Perſpectives) there is no doubt but that the Stars do as well reflect unto us the light of the Sun, as ſhine with their own proper light: Wherefore the Suns light being debilitated by reflection, doth heat imperfectly, being for that cauſe fitter to reſolve and cauſe moiſture to flow, then to conſume the ſame, being ſtirred. And here is further to be noted, That Ptolomy doth not require the apparent riſing and ſetting of all the fixed Stars; for it is clear in that Tractate of their ſignifications, that he neglected all, but thoſe of the firſt and ^[51] ſecond Magnitude, whereof he giveth two Reaſons; one, becauſe the exact Emerſion and Occultation of the leſſer Stars cannot be obſerved, by reaſon that their weak light is not able to overcome the twi-light; whereby the Arks of their Apparition being uncertain, the Apparition it ſelf cannot be calculated. The other Reaſon is, becauſe theſe more notable Stars are for the moſt part ſo conveniently ſcituated, as the Appearances of the leſſer, hapning much about the ſame time, are not ſo to be regarded, as theſe that are more illuſtrious. And thus (for example) he thinketh it enough to obſerve the apparent Riſings and Settings of Arcturus and Spica, though we paſs Vindimiatricks in ſilence; neither careth he much for the Haedi, or the Vergiliae, or Hyades, ſo he obſerve Hircus, and the brighteſt of the Hyades. Wherefore Ptolomy hath not ſupputated theſe Apparitions ^[52] for above 30. my ſelf coming ſhort of him by 6. For more of the firſt and ſecond Magnitude do not riſe and ſet to us, becauſe the declinations of divers do exceed the complement of our Pole; and therefore if the Sun be ſepten[•]rional they never ſet, as Lyra, Lucida Perſei, Dexter humerus Aurigae, Con[•]a, Cygni, and the like. Or if this exceſs be Auſtral, then they do never [•]iſe of which kind Canobus and Pes Dexter Centauri be, which are never ſeen above our Horizon.

CHAP. XVII.

Intenſions and Remiſſions by Configuration of the Stars.

THe Cauſes hitherto mentioned, although they be very divine, and contain much excellency in them, yet they come all neerer the nature of Matter then this which followeth. For the manner of their operation did conſiſt chiefly in a certain flux and emiſſion of light continued down to theſe ſublunary bodies, which although it be commonly thought without matter or time, yet it is not without the demenſions of Quantity. ^[53] For it is made by a right line; it is attenuated by the diſtance thereof from the Star; it increaſeth or decreaſeth with the face of the Planet it ſelf; it is hindered by oppoſition of a ſhady body; and laſtly, the viſible preſence of the Star admitted, it is neceſſarily preſuppoſed alſo. Neither is this found in one and the ſame ſingle ſtar, conſidered by it ſelf, but in compariſon alſo with others. As becauſe the Sun and Moon excel all other Stars in their viſible magnitude; therefore their action is moſt evident: but in the reſt, whoſe viſible Diameters are not comparable to the Suns or Moons, their efficacy is hardly ſenſible, and not to be attained without long experience.

This cauſe therefore which followeth and belongeth equally to the Planets and fixed Stars, is more noble, and to be admired then the other. For this ſavoreth nothing of Matter, but hath only conſideration ^[54] of Form, not ſo much reſpecting the ſtreight beams of light which flow from every Star, as valuing and eſteeming how their Beams meet at the Earth between us and their Light; but both when they are hidden under the Horizon, and ſeem above the ſame, it maketh the efficacy of the Stars more notable over all the World, then at other times. Which kind of operation, if the Stars be ſwift in Motion, is in a manner but momentany; for that the Geometrical Angle being changed into another Angle that is improportionable and improper, immediately, or not long after, this efficacy alſo ceaſeth, though the light of the Star at that time chance to increaſe. For which Cauſe I give not ſo much regard to the Aſpects of the Moon with other Planets in the alteration of the Weather, as unto the Configurations of the Planets among themſelves, or with the fixed Stars, whoſe motion being but ſlow in reſpect of the Moons, doth not ſo ſuddenly vary the Angle of their Configuration at the Earth.

From hence it is therefore that thoſe Arks or Portions of the Heaven allotted unto the Aſpects are not ſo much eſteemed above all other Cauſes in Aſtrological Judgments. For although it be true, that in all Scituations the Stars ſend forth their Beams unto all the parts of Heaven and Earth which they behold, as may be argued out of Vitellio his Demonſtration, ^[55] by means whereof the Beams and Lines of true motion in every two Stars do retain a mutual reſpect one to another, and ſo do evermore intercept ſome Ark of Heaven, and concur at ſome Angle of the Earth, which may ſeem to make an Aſpect among themſelves: Yet nevertheleſs all the ancient and modern Aſtronomers following Nature for their Guide, have heretofore regarded theſe few Configurations only, being but five in all, namely the ☌, ⚹, □, △, and ☍: amongſt which, although the firſt do not commonly go for an Aspect, becauſe every Aspect is reputed a proportioned diſtance between two or more Stars; yet nevertheleſs ſeeing a certain Poſition of the Stars in the Zodiack is rather conſidered in this Poſition, then any diverſity of place, and that the enumeration of the Aſpects ever beginneth from the Conjunction; Therefore as well in reſpect of this Analogie, as of the received uſe, it may not be ſecluded out of the Number of Aspects, ſpecially knowing that the Beams of the Stars are as well extended upward and downward, as obliquely and collaterally.

But if any man deſire further to be ſatisfied of the Reaſon which firſt moved the ancient Aſtronomers to obſerve thoſe diſtances and Arks aſſigned unto the Aſpects as of more virtue then any other: Surely the Anſwer is eaſie, ſeeing Nature it ſelf every where, both in the motions and effects of the heavenly Bodies, as alſo in other Arithmetical and Geometrical reſpects, chiefly celebrateth theſe very proportions with a ſingular Prerogative. Picus ſpeaking hereof, thinketh ^[56] they were firſt induced hereunto by obſerving the ſeveral illuminations or ages of the Moon, for that when ſhe is new, horned, in her quarters, gibboſſity, and fulneſs, her forms are ſtill changed at theſe proportioned ſpaces from the Sun. Beſides which, it is not to be paſſed in ſilence, which others have more particularly noted, that in her annual Revolution ſhe is ſtill found about the △ of her own place in the beginning of the former year. Neither have other Aſtronomers failed to note, how Nature pointeth (as it were with a finger) particularly unto every Configuration, while we conſider the motions of the other Planets. For thus Abohazer wittily affirmeth the two inferiour Planets in their Stations to obſerve the Ark proper to a □ aſpect. Pliny likewiſe with him as skilfully commendeth ^[57] unto us the obſervation of the △ by the ſtations of the three ſuperior Planets. But above all it cannot be conſidered without deep admiration, how Nature hath ſingularly nobilitated all the Aſpects in the Motions of Saturn and Jupiter. For as their Conjunctions are rare, and but once in 20 years, ſo hath Nature evermore diſpoſed theſe Conjunctions in the moſt memorable places of the Zodiack, That is only in ſuch Signs as behold one another in an aequilater triangle inſcribed. For between any two great Conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter, there are 19 Aegyptian years, 318 days, and 13 hours, in which time thoſe Planets are moved from the place of their former Conjunctions 8 ſigns, and almoſt 3 degrees, which exceſs of 3 degrees is the cauſe why after 10 Conjunctions they paſs from one Triplicity to another, and one Triplicity continueth 198 equal years, 2[•]5 days (the intercalary day of every fourth year omitted) and 10 hours. But the Revolution of all the Triplicities is finiſhed but only once in 794 equal years, 331 days, and 16 hours. Or otherwiſe, in 794 Julian years, 133 days, 16 hours; the double whereof cometh to 1588, which number of years they are thought to have reſpected, that ^[58] imagined the year 1588. from the birth of Chriſt would have been ſo fatal. From hence therefore it is, that not without cauſe they are called great Conjunctions, both hapning rarely, and abiding thus in one Triplicity almoſt 200 years together, and not finiſhing all the Triplicities of the Zodiack in much leſſer then 800 years, not having therefore reiterated all the Triplicities 8 times ſince the beginning of the World. Neither are the other Poſitions of theſe Planets to be neglected; for if any man will take the pains to obſerve when Saturn and Jupiter do behold one another with a □ or ☍ aſpect, they ſhall evidently perceive that they ſtill carry ſuch a regard unto the ſigns or places of their precedent and next Conjunctions, as evermore they irradiate the one and the other with a ⚹, □, △, or ☍ aſpects. And ſo this ſhall ſuffice (if it be not more then enough) to ſhew how Nature hath alured us to the Conſideration of theſe Arks by theſe Aſpects in the particular Motion of the Planets.

And now in a word to confirm the ^[59] ſame by their virtue and effects: Firſt, The Phyſicians are taught by experience, That the Criſis of all ſharp diſeaſes have a notorious and moſt memorable Sympathy with all theſe five Configurations of the ☽ to the place of her Being in the beginning of the ſickneſs. Thus alſo we ſee the Seas themſelves in their Tydes to dance as it were after the motion of the ☽, while their Spring and higheſt Floods always concur with her ☌ and ☍ to the Sun, as their Neaps and loweſt Tydes do likewiſe reſpect her Quarters. And as memorable a thing it is, that the Seas in their dayly flowing and ebbing upon every Coaſt, have ſtill a conſtant reſpect only to ſuch Azimuthal Circles as are in a quartile poſiture when the ☽ paſſeth by them. To conclude, it is more manifeſt then that I need to inſiſt upon it, that the Sun it ſelf ſeemeth greatly to reſpect the □, in that he moderateth the viciſſitudes or four quarters of the year by his ingreſs into the four Aequinoctial and Tropical Points.

But now to deſcend to other Speculations of the learned more myſtical then theſe, it is not amiſs to begin with the ^[60] Arithmetical Obſervation which Julius Firmicus maketh of the number of Signs agreeable to the Aſpects; 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, anſwering in order to the ☌, ⚹, □, △, & ☍: for theſe numbers only, and none other, will divide the Zodiack, conſiſting of twelve Signs, for which reaſon he maketh them the only aliquate parts of a Circle. Thus alſo the famous Ptolomy addeth not a little to the dignity of ^[61] theſe Irradiations, when he firſt obſerved the Geometrical proportion, which the Subtenſes of every of theſe Arks do retain in power to the Diameter of a Circle, as every man may read in the Quadripartite. Others again, with no leſs ſubtilty, have obſerved, that amongſt all regular or ordinate figures that may be inſcribed in a Circle, though the ſame be infinite, there are none whoſe ſides and angles carry away the Prerogative both at the Circumference and Center, but thoſe whoſe ſides and angles are anſwerable to the Subtenſes and Arks of their Aſpects. For thus amongſt all ordinate plains that may be inſcribed, there are no two whoſe ſides joyned together have preheminence to take up a ſemicircle, but only the Hexagon, Quadrate, and equilateral triangle, anſwering to the ⚹, □, and △, irradiated. The ſubtence therefore of a ⚹ aſpect conſiſteth of two Signs, joyned to the ſubtence of a △, compoſed of four, being regular and aequilater, take up ſix Signs, which is a compleat ſemicircle. In like manner, the ſides of a Quadrate inſcribed, ſubtending three Signs, twice reckoned, do ocupy likewiſe the mediety of a Circle. And what thoſe Figures are before ſaid to perform, either doubled or joyned together, may alſo be truly aſcribed unto the oppoſite aſpect by it ſelf, for that the Diametral Line, which paſſeth from the place of Conjunction to the oppoſite Point, divideth a Circle into two equal parts, the like whereof cannot be found in any other inſcripts. For example, the ſide of a regular Pentagon ſubtendeth 72. degr. of an Octagon but 45. the remainders of which Arks, viz. 108. and 135. gr. are not ſubtended by the ſides of any ordinate figure.

And thus, as it is before ſhewed, That the Subtenſes of theſe Aſpects be the ſame with the ſides of the fore-remembered ^[62] Inſcripts, and do only therefore take up the Circumference of a Circle: So it is evident, that the Angles at which they concur be the ſame wherewith the ordinate plains take up the whole ſpace about the Center. For if we conſider the Angle of a ⚹ at the Earth, it is all one with that of an aequilater Triangle conſiſting of 60. gr. and containeth ⅔ of a right Angle, but ſix times ⅔ of a right Angle makes four right Angles; wherefore ſix Sextiles equal to ſix aequilater Triangles fill the whole ſpace about a point, which is equal to four right Angles. Secondly, Every Angle of a quartile is a right Angle, and all one with the Angle of rectangle Quadrilater figure, wherefore four of them fill a whole ſpace. Thirdly, The Angle which two Stars in a △ make at the Center of the World, is meaſured by an Angle of 120. gr. and ſo equal to the Angle of a regular Hexagon, conſiſting of a right Angle, and 1/[•] of a right Angle, and therefore taken three times maketh four right Angles: Wherefore three aequilater Hexagons, or three △ Aſpects, do alſo fill the whole ſpace about the Center: To which me may not improperly add the oppoſite Aſpect, conſiſting of two right Angles, and therefore doubled, ſhall perform the like office with the reſt, any other figure of many Angles, however joyned together at the Angles, ſhall either want of four right Angles, or exceed them. For example, the Angle of a Pentagon containeth a right Angle, and [•] more; wherefore three ſuch Angles placed about a point, ſhall fall ſhort of four right Angles by ⅖ of a right Angle; as on the other ſide, four ſuch Angles ſhall exceed four right Angles ⅘.

Theſe Speculations therefore conſidered, it were ſenſleſs to imagine, that Nature hath ſo many ways honored theſe Irradiations of the Stars in vain, and admoniſhed us to a ſpecial regard of them by ſo many rare and ſecret Obſervations, both in the motions of the Planets, and alſo in their effects and proportions, if they were not indued with more virtue then others. Wherefore it hath no leſs exerciſed the learned to find out the Reaſon why theſe few Configurations, ſelected out of an infinite number, ſhould be indued with ſuch eminent efficacy. Neither as yet hath any reaſon been invented, ^[63] with more applauſe for the probability thereof, then that theſe proportions, whereof the Aſpects are before ſhewed to conſiſt, be the ſame which are found in harmonical Concords; for which cauſe it is alſo thought no leſs probable, that the light of the Stars in theſe proportioned diſtances ſhould powerfully affect the matter of ſublunary things, then that the like Geometrical Symmetry in ſounds and voyces ſhould paſſionately ſtir up the ſenſe of the hearer. For to confeſs the truth, ſo hath the admired providence of Nature ordained throughout all her works, that where due proportion is not wanting, there ſhe never faileth to endue all her effects with ſuch height of perfection, that the ſame becomes evident to the eye of every man. And from hence it is even in artificial Compoſitions alſo as in Medicines, we know thoſe only to be moſt kind and ſoveraign which obſerve a competent Symmetry or temperature of the Active and Paſſive qualities; with good likelihood therefore, and appearance of truth, do moſt of the learned, with Ptolomy in ^[64] his Opticks, reſolve the only cauſe of this efficacy to proceed from harmonical proportion.

And more clearly to expreſs this ſimilitude ^[65] or affinity between the proportions of the Aſpects, and the like diſtances obſerved in the Muſical Concords, we muſt underſtand, that all Harmony whatſoever ſpringeth originally from three ſuch terms of numbers as reſpect each other in ſuch ſort, that ſtill their differences retain the ſame proportion that is found between the extreams. For example, in theſe three Numbers, 6, 4, 3, (anſwerable to the Signs of the ☍, △, and □ Configurations) here it is evident, if we compare the extreams with the mean, that 2. ſhall be the difference between 6. the firſt, and 4. the ſecond Number; and 1. is in like manner between the middle or ſecond, and 3. the third Number: but 2. is double in proportion to 1. therefore 6. the firſt number reſpecteth 3. the third number with the like proportion. The Analogie of which Proportions, as is before remembered, is found to be the fountain of all Muſick, riſing originally from theſe three ſimple concording diſtances, which by the Muſicians are called ^[66] Diapente, conſiſting of a Seſquialter Proportion, as 6. to 4. or which is all one of 3. to 2. Diateſſaron of a Seſquitertia, as 4. to 3. And laſtly, Diapaſon conſiſted of a double proportion, as 6. to 3. or 2. to 1. and is as much in value, as both the 2. firſt diſtances and proportions put together: For a Seſquialter added to a ^[67] Seſquitertia, according to the art of Proportions, do produce a Diapaſon, or double proportion, ſuch as is found between the former extreams compared together, viz. 6. and 3. And in like manner, by comparing the Diapaſon with both theſe his parts, that is, with the Seſquialter and Seſquitertia, according to the uſual manner of ſupputating Proportions, we are brought to the two other compounded or imperfect Concords, ſo conſtituting the 5. firſt and natural Diſtances in harmonical Sounds, which afterward, as they be diverſly mixed between themſelves, produce infinite variety of all kind of Melody.

After the ſame manner fareth it with the light and influence of Heaven. For although anciently there be but 5 Irradi[•]tions obſerved as moſt apt to action, namely the ☌, ☍, △, □, and ⚹; yet nevertheleſs there is nothing more ſure, then that by the harmonical mixture of theſe proportioned Beams, the generation and corruption of this mortal world is infinitely varied. Wherefore as the force of [•]ll Harmony, ſo likewiſe the effectual [•]eaſon of all action in the influence of the Stars, is properly deduced from the foreſaid Symmetry of theſe diſtances. And therefore more fully to illuſtrate, that the ^[68] Angles of the Aſpects, compared between [•]hemſelves, concur with theſe Harmonies [•]n Muſick, it will be no hard matter, if [•]hat which before hath been often rexated be called to mind: As that firſt, [•]he Stars in an oppoſite or diametral [•]ſpect are diſjoyned by the ſpace of two [•]ight angles, which are meaſured with [•]he Ark of 6. ſigns, or 180. degrees of Circumference, and that the △, conſiſting of 4. ſigns, or 120. degrees, is in value one [•]ight angle, and ⅓ of a right angle: Alſo [•]hat the □ taketh up one intire right an[•]le, and is ſubtended with the Ark of 3. [•…]gns, or 90. degrees. And laſtly, that the ⚹ is conſtituted but of 2. ſigns, or 60. gr. which is ⅔ of a right angle; which being thus, if we now ſo compare the two right angles of the ☍ taken together with the angles of the reſt of the aſpects, either the △ be placed between the ☍ and the □, or the □ between the ☍ and the ⚹, we ſhall find either way three numbers, which admit all the Laws of harmoniacal Proportions, as in theſe Figures following is evident. ^[69]

Where, to let the reſt paſs as plain enough of it ſelf by that which is before ſpoken, we are further to note, That the ☍, compared in the laſt figure of thoſe two with the ⚹, hath a triple proportion to the ſame, compounded of a double and ſeſquialter proportion, as Diapente with Diapaſon in Muſick is, and ſo is found no ſimple or perfect Aſpect, but exactly ^[70] anſwerable to B flat, the firſt imperfect or compounded Concord in Muſick being a ſixth from G Sol re ut, which nevertheleſs in ſome reſpects is after a ſort eſteemed perfect, becauſe it uſeth the ſame diviſion compared to D ſol re that the perfect Concords do, for it is half a Fifth, and ſcituate in the middle between Γ ut and D ſol re. As alſo the ⚹ compared with the △ is a juſt half thereof, which before hath been ſhewed to be in a ſeſquialter proportion to the ☍, as D ſol re is to Γ ut, and therefore exactly agreeable to a Diapente in Muſick, which the rather I here note, becauſe we ſhall have ſome uſe thereof afterward in ſpeaking ^[71] of the new Aſpects. And thus much ſhall ſhortly ſerve for the Theory or Philoſophical ſpeculation of them that aſcribe the efficacy of theſe Irradiations to the harmonical proportion which is ſound between them. Wherefore ſeeing they carry the ſame mutual reſpect one towards another, which the foreſaid Harmonical Concords do retain between themſelves, what wonder is it if Nature in her operations, as well by lights as by ſounds, admitted no other Symmetry, but that which is derived from theſe proportions, rejecting all other as irrational and diſcordant?

Yet all this hitherto doth rather illuſtrate ^[72] a Simili, and doth more and more expreſs unto us, that Nature indeed hath adorned theſe proportions with ſingular priviledges above any other, then ſatisfie us with the true Reaſon, why in the infinite variety of Sounds and Lights theſe only ſhould conſent moſt ſweetly in Muſick, and be effectual in the operations of Nature. Neither hath any man herein endeavored with more probability to give ſatisfaction unto the learned then Kepler, who having wittily laboured to demonſtrate, That God in the Creation of the World hath obſerved the ſame proportion in the Magnitude and diſtance of the heavenly Spheres which is found in the regular Solides, which (as Geomitry teacheth) have their Original from the Ordinate Playns: In the end concludeth with good probability, That the heavenly Motions ſhall then conſent ſweetly, and co-operate ſtrongly together, when the nature of theſe ſublunary things, indued (as he ſuppoſeth) with a ſenſitive or knowing faculty, apprehendeth the Beams of the Stars to obſerve that reſpect in their concurrence at the Center of the Earth, which anſwereth unto the Ordinate Playns, from whence the Regularity of theſe proportions is derived, as the impreſſed Characters of that Symmetry which God is ſaid to have uſed in the Creation of the World it ſelf. So imagining, that as often as the nature of any thing meeteth with theſe proportions, it exerciſeth it ſelf as it were by this Idea, which it retaineth ſtill, and that in ſuch ſort, as what it doth but ordinarily and ſlackly at other times, it performeth now much more effectually, and as it were with extraordinary diligence; Not (ſaith he) that theſe proportions work any thing of their own virtue; for in Muſick it is neither the Sounds, neither the proportion of the Concords, that work any thing of themſelves, or beget any delightful humor in a man, but the Soul approaching to the Inſtruments of Senſe, firſt there entertaineth the ſounds inwardly, then valueth their proportions, and (finding the ſame good and Geometrical) laſtly exhilarateth it ſelf, and moveth the body wherein it is, as with an Object wherein it taketh delight. And ſurely were theſe proportions ſet ^[73] down by Kepler exactly found in the Symmetry of the World, then I could the better give ear unto him, and believe this Myſtery to reſt in that which he hath ſaid. But he himſelf having inſcribed the ſeveral Spheres of the Planets within the Regulare bodies, in the end findeth their diſtances from the Center of the World to differ very much, both in Jupiter, the Earth (which he ſuppoſeth to occupy the Suns place,) and Mercury, from that which Copernicus and other Aſtronomers do ſet down by obſervation. I love not (after the expectancy of Geometrical demonſtration, though he come near in ſome) to feed my ſelf with Fancies in the reſt: neither can I well conceive, in that poor underſtanding which I have in Philoſophy, how Configurations, conſiſting only of intelligible Angles, ſhould be objects to any ſenſitive power; or how the ſenſitive power, which he doth imagine in the Elements, and all elementary things, ſhould apprehend without organical Inſtruments. Yet nevertheleſs ^[74] (leaving this Conceit of Keplers, without prejudice of his Conceit or Judgment, unto others of riper Judgment then my ſelf) I will as perſpicuouſly as I can deliver that which my ſelf have further conſidered as the Reaſon why theſe Beams ſhould be more effectual then others. And firſt concerning the ☌ and ☍, I held my ſelf abundantly ſatisfied with the union of Beams, which therefore are the moſt potent and powerful Configurations of all others, as is evident in this Figure, where we ſee the Beams, as well incident as reflected, to be united.

For let A be in ☌ here with B, it is firſt manifeſt, that all the Beams flowing from G and E, the points of touch in the Circumference of A ſhall unite themſelves with the Beams that art ſent from B to C the Earth or Center of the World. Secondly, We are alſo to obſerve, That in this Caſe only the Beam A C, or B C, coming from the Center of the Stars reflecteth into it ſelf, as being only perpendicular, whereas thoſe Beams which are ſent from the points E and G make an acute Angle at C, and do therefore reflect the one into the other at equal Angles, as G C reflecteth from C to E, and E C from C to G; laſt of all the union that hapneth in ☍ is manifeſt without more circumſtance, where the Beams ſent from the oppoſite Points make but one ſtreight line, as G F, and E H in this Figure, except in Caſes where the Earth ^[75] is bigger then the Star in oppoſition, for there without latitude the union of their Beams muſt needs be hindered by interpoſition of the Earth. For which cauſe it is ſpecially here to be remembered ^[76] in the ☌ of the two inferior Planets with the Sun, that if this happen in the Apogaeon of their Epicycles, their ☌ ſhall not be of that efficacy or force, as when they are in Perigaeo: becauſe (according to the Hypotheſis of Tycho and Copernicus) they being above the Sun, and the Sun much bigger then they, the Sun ſhall return all their Beams to themſelves from the Earth, ſo that their union by this means ſhall be interrupted and fruſtrate.

In like manner, in my contemplation for help in the Configuration of the ⚹ and △, I found that which did reaſonably give me contentment, becauſe in the concurrence of their Beams at the Earth I found a mutual Reflection of the one into the other, and ſo an Union by Reflection.

For admit A B C to be three Stars, A and B in a ⚹ Configuration, A C in a △: Then for ſo much as B F, the Beam incident of the ⚹, falleth obliquely in reſpect of A F, and maketh an acute Angle therewith, it is evident to thoſe that have any mean underſtanding in the Opticks, that B F ſhall reflect to C, and ſo be united to C F, the incident of the Star ^[77] C, which is in a △ Configuration with A: as alſo C F ſhall for the ſame Reaſon reflect to the Star in B, and be likewiſe united with B F, the incident of the Star at B. Behold here by the way the grounds of that familiarity which Ptolomy noteth in theſe Arks of Heaven, when he conſidereth the Poſition apt for the Aphaeta of life, or the Houſes of the Figure. And thus far me thought I purſued the Reaſon of that virtue which is found in the Aſpects with good encouragement, that I ſhould have found their force to depend upon Union or Reflexion. But when I come to conſider of the Quartile, whoſe Beams only cut each other ad angulos rectos, and ſo reflect into themſelves, after much deliberation with my ſelf, finding all aid of the Opticks to fail me, I was forced to ſay with Offuſius; Ingenué fatebimur cauſam talis ^[78] effectus nos demonstrare non poſſe: id tamen veriſſimum eſſe tam diuturna obſervatione compertum habemus, ut ea de re dubitare puderet. Wherefore recounting with my ſelf ſome of thoſe Speculations before remembered, and ſpecially that Theoreme which prove the Angles of the ⚹, □ and △ to be only proportionable in taking up the Center of the World; the more I conſidered thereof, the more I find my ſelf confirmed, that the myſtery or ſecret of theſe Configurations reſteth chiefly in this, that theſe only Irradiations, and thoſe that are derived from theſe, are proportional unto all patille matter, & therefore more effectual.

For that theſe Irradiations only are every way proportionable is before abundantly ^[79] proved, whether we reſpect the taking up of the Circumference, the power and proportion oftheir Subtenſes unto the Diameter, or laſtly and principally, the occupying of place at the Center of the World. Which Prerogatives ſeeing no other Arks, Subtenſes, or Angles do enjoy: therefore I conclude theſe above all others to be proportional unto the whole Syſteme of the World. For that is truly ſaid proportionable, which is neither defective, interrupted, nor redundant: but ſuch are the Arks, Subtenſes and Angles of thoſe Irradiations, and none other; Ergo, theſe and none other are proportionable. Now as that which is defective, and wanteth proportion, leaveth the action fruſtrate, and without effect: ſo that which on the other ſide offendeth in exceſs, muſt needs incur the contrary fault, and overcharge that which either Nature or Art intendeth, whereby of neceſſity it will follow, that there being no defect, nor exceſs, but an equal and juſt mixture of the influence of the Stars in theſe Irradiations, theſe only ſhall be apt and convenient to produce agreeable effects in the matter of all ſublunary things. For it fareth in theſe effects, which are produced by the mixture of Light and Influence, as with Chymical Operations, where the defect of heat produceth nothing; as on the other ſide exceſs doth either by Sublimation, Eruption, Vitrification, breaking the Veſſel, and the like, deſtroy the work. And to make it yet clearer, how the Beams of any ſuch Stars do proportionally take up the Center of the World, whereas, in that which went before, I have only ſhewed how the Points of thoſe Ordinate Playns, whereunto theſe Configurations have been compared, often reiterated, do take up place. ^[80]

Now will I ſet forth how the Beams of any two Stars in any one of the former Configurations ſhall take up more ſpace, then that which is comprehended between their Incidents or Beams of true motion, and how by their Beams, either incident, reflected, or oppoſite, they do poſſeſs, and take up the whole Center of the World at one inſtant with proportionable Angles. For evident demonſtration whereof concerning ☌ and ☍, (whoſe force rather dependeth upon union then proportion) I need no further labour, then to refer the Reader to the view of the laſt figure but one, where he ſeeth the united Beams of ſuch Stars as are in ☌ & ☍ to ſurround the Center, and all elementary matter whatſoever ſubject unto the actions of Heaven. And ſo for the □, whoſe Beams incident and oppoſite, traverſe the Center of the World at four right Angles, viz. AFG, GFI, AFH, and HFI; ſeeing four Points of a rectangle quadrilater figure hath been before proved to occupy place, I likewiſe need no other proof, then that the Reader will in the laſt figure conſider how theſe four right Angles made by one Quartile take up the Center of the World. But concerning the △ and ⚹, although the like be evident enough to any of mean skil, yet nevertheleſs there are ſome other ſpeculations which require a word or two more. For in the laſt figure ſuppoſe two Stars A & Birradiate the earth with their ⚹ Beams, although it be true, that by the protracting of the oppoſite Beam from F to D, the Center of the whole World ſeemeth occupied with proportionable Angles, BFA being ſubtended by the Ark of 60. which is before declared to be the Angle of an ordinate aequilater triangle, and ſo leaveth the outward Angle BFI equal to the Angle of an ordinate Hexagon, ſubtended hereby the Ark 120, which is the Ark of a △; the like being alſo to be underſtood of the Angles made by the oppoſite Beams ad verticem. Yet nevertheleſs we are here further to conſider, how the incident Beam of B, viz. BF, reflecteth unto C, and ſo taketh up the whole Semicircle ABCI, with three ⚹, viz. AFB, BFC, and CFI. In like manner, if we conſider C to be in a triangular Configuration with A, we ſee that as the oppoſite Beam of A, viz. FI, maketh a ⚹ with the incident Beam of a Star at C, viz. CF; ſo CF being the Beam incident of the Star C reflecteth alſo to the Point B, and ſo maketh the ſame three ⚹, wherewith the aforeſaid whole Semicircle is taken up, as is before demonſtrated. Wherefore this may ſatisfie the indifferent, how any two Stars in any of theſe Configurations do proportionably ocupy the whole Center of the World in the ſame moment, without reiterating the ſame Angle.

And becauſe hitherto we have ſpoken only of the old Configurations, known to the ancient Astronomers, I may not forget to ſignifie, that in theſe our days our late Artiſts (whereof Kepler is the chief) have added unto theſe former ^[81] Aſpects three others, viz. the Quintile, conſiſting of 72 degr. the Biquintile of 144 degr. and the Seſquiquadrate of 135 degr. ſo making 8 Configurations anſwerable to the 8 Conſonant Stops in a Monochord. Neither dare I for my part contradict theſe new additions: For having made trial as wel in the ſpeculations of the Weather & Meteors, as in the accidents of Nativities, I dare boldly affirm, That there have divers events and effects concurred with theſe new Configurations, for which, without theſe Conſiderations, we can find as yet no Reaſon at all in Astrologie: Neither wanted they true grounds of Reaſon for this their Obſervation. For as in Muſick there be but 3 perfect Concords, viz. the Diapaſon, Diapente, and Diateſſaron; ſo in Aſtrologie there are but 3 perfect Aſpects anſwerable to the foreſaid Harmonies, namely the ☍, the △, and the □, the ⚹ being accounted, and ſo proved before to be but an imperfect Aſpect, anſwering exactly to B flat, the firſt among the imperfect or compounded Concords. Wherefore conſidering that the firſt 3 perfect Concords are found to have their perfect Aſpects anſwerable unto them, and that B flat being an imperfect Concord is alſo found to agree exactly in proportion with the ⚹, being an imperfect Aſpect: This gave Kepler firſt cauſe to ſuſpect that the other Harmonical Proportions contained in the ſame Monochord might alſo have their Aſpects, viz. the Quintile, Biquintile, and Seſquiquadrate anſwerable unto them; wherefore although as yet I have not entered into any other Geometrical Speculation, why theſe diſtances are alſo effectual in operation as well as the former, thus much for this time may ſuffice, both for the occaſion of their firſt invention, as alſo for their probability to be obſerved in practiſe.

And now having thus diſcourſed at large of the Dignity, and diverſe Reaſons of theſe Aſpects or Configurations, which are ſo powerful in operation, I ſhall conclude with this deſire, that two things more may be further noted.

Firſt, That we are not only to regard theſe proportioned Diſtances among the Planets, but alſo of the Planets with the fixed Stars. Which Speculation as it hath been heretofore omitted by others, either through loathneſs to calculate the Aſpects of the fixed Stars, or through neglecting them altogether; ſo undoubtedly it hath been no ſmall cauſe, why our Prognoſticators have failed in their Judgments by omitting a principal part of their Direction.

And ſecondly, That where we finde plenty of Aſpects, eſpecially coming together, it is a manifeſt Argument, that plenty of matter ſtirred up will follow, which will cauſe great alteration of the Air apt for the Seaſon.

AN Astrological Judgment UPON The great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter 1603. being its firſt Entrance into the Firy Trigon.

Sent by way of Letter from Sir Chriſtopher Heydon Knight, to Doctor Foſter.

SIR,

UPon the 3 of Decemb. An. 1603. being deſirous (as the Weather would give leave) to obſerve the places of Saturn and Jupiter, that thereby I might attain unto the true time of their ☌ at hand, I fitted my ſelf as well as I could in the morning about 7 of the Clock to take their Diſtances: but at that time the Air being cloudy, and the Heaven only favorable about the Horizon, I could perceive Jupiter only in his Matutine Emerſion, newly appearing out of the Sun-beams, but Saturn at that time was not to be diſcerned by the youngeſt eye there. Wherefore I only at that time obſerved Jupiter his diſtance a lance Meridionali, 27. gr. 33. m. 30. ſec.

The place of Lanx Merid: according to Tycho, was then 9. gr. 33. m. 30. ſec ♏.

Wherefore ſeeing Jupiter his latitude by the Ephem: was 54. m. Sept. and the latitude of Lanx Merid: 26. m. Sept. agreeing thus in the denomination of your latitude, and ſo near the Ecliptick, it is evident that Jupiter his place was quoad longitudinem, without more Calculation, 7. gr. 7. m. ♐.

The three day following, viz. 4, 5, and 6. were very foul and ſtormy, but the ſeventh being froſty in the morning, gave me reaſonable opportunity to attend this buſineſs again, at what time we beheld both Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury in an Iſoceles triangle almoſt, pleaſantly repreſenting the beginning of the firy Trigon: But the day being broken, and the Sun approaching apace, we were fain to take ſuch Obſervations as we could of Saturn and Jupiter, and let Mercury alone.

Wherefore, hor. 7. m. 25. I obſerved Saturn to be diſtant from Lan: Meridional 28. gr. 24. m. 30. ſec. bis.

And Jupiter from the ſame fixed Star twice alſo, hor. 7. m. 40.—28. 24 30. at what time Saturn his light, contending with the breaking of the day, was very weak; therefore we began with him, and ended with Jupiter: and by this Obſervation I then concluded, That I thought it the Will of God I ſhould have opportunity to obſerve the true moment of the great Conjunction, which, as appeareth by theſe diſtances, happened in the 7 gr. 58 m. of ♐, for otherwiſe they could not both have had equal diſtance from the ſame fixed Star, lying parallel in effect with them to the Ecliptick.

I alſo obſerved both Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury upon the ſixteenth day,

Hor. 7. m. 15. Saturn from the ſaid Star 29. g. 28. m. paulo plus, 9. g. 1. m. ♐.

Hor. 7. m. 15. Iupiter from the ſame Star 30. g. 22. m. 30. ſec.—9. g. 55. m. ♐.

Hor. 7. m. 27. Mercury from the ſame Star 32. g. 18. m. 0. ſec.—11. g. 51. m. ♐.

All which Obſervations I ſet down, to the end you may compare them, hopeing you ſhall find they will rather confirm then derogate from the place and time of this great Conjunction of Saturn and Iupiter: yet, to ſpeak ingenuouſly, not truſting my Obſervation more then I ſhould, partly becauſe the day-light would not ſuffer us to obſerve other fixed Stars with the Planets, and partly by reaſon of the ſlow motion of Saturn and Iupiter, I layd them aſide till after peruſing Kepler de Stella Nova, I was the more encouraged to make account of my Obſervation: for I found in pag. 48. that he, by ſuch Obſervation as he could make, conſtituteth the time at Prage to be the 7 day, 8 hor. and 20 min. although afterwards he ſhew as little confidence in the hour as my ſelf did before, I was confirmed by his Obſervation. Wherefore if the Meridians be compared, the difference of time between his Obſervation and mine is not above 13 m. which is not worth the ſpeaking of, and may happen as well by the Error of Longitude, as of the Obſervation. For the Longitude of Prage, as Ty[•]ho noteth in his Progymnaſmat[•], pag. 131. is 38. gr. 0. m. And the Longitude of London in Mr Cambdens Britannia is 23. gr. 25. m. the difference is 14. gr. 35. m. which wants but 2. m. of the whole hour. Wherefore if 58. m. being the common difference between the Meridians of Prage and London, be ſubducted from 8 hor. 28 m. the remainder ſheweth the moment of the great Conjunction at London to be 7 ho. 22 m. by Kepler. But whereas my Obſervation of Iupiter was at 7 ho. 40 m. with me, whoſe dwelling is removed about 5 m. of time from the Meridian of London to the Eaſt, by my Obſervation the ſame happen 7 ho. 35 m. at London, which is but 13 m. later then Kepler aſſigneth it, whoſe Obſervation, being only by the Quadrate and Azimuth with many operations and corrections, as you may read, I hold not ſo certain as my own.

Thus then having both obſerved the time my ſelf, and confirmed my Obſervation by Keplers, and by Obſervations of my own, both preceding and ſubſequent, (for that the obſervation of Iupiter the 3 of Decemb. and thoſe of the 16. being examined by the diurnal Motion, will vary little or nothing from the day and time before limited,) I will now erect the Figure of the Heavens for the Horizon of London at that inſtant, that ſo you may have a foundation of further Speculations then have hitherto been thought on.

The firſt things therefore in this Figure, whereupon I pray you curiouſly caſt your eye, are the Aſcendent, and the M: C: the degree aſcending, being the very place of the new Star, which appeared the year following 1604. in Serpen: the M: C: the degree of the Sun at the time of the great Eclipſe the year after, 1605. The Conjunction it ſelf you ſee hapned in duodecimo loco.

So as the places of the new Star and the Eclipſes are thus celebrated with ſpecial Prerogative in reſpect of us. But for ſo much as by the doctrine of Leovitius, and other Astrologers, the ☌ of Mars, with theſe two ſuperiour Planets, is alſo requiſite for the juſt complement of a great ☌, you ſhall alſo ſee how the end and accompliſhment thereof doth anſwer the beginning. I was not at leiſure to obſerve the Planets my ſelf the year following: but Kepler ſupplieth my want, who pag. 55. obſerved Mars to be joyned with Saturn the 16 of Sept. 1604. after out ſtile, about 8. in the Evening at Prage, in the 10 gr. 1 m. of ♐: and again, upon the 29 day of the ſame moneth an hour before Noon, he affirmeth Mars to have paſſed by Iupiter, and [•]o fully to abſolve this great meeting and ☌ of the three ſuperior Planets in the 19 gr. 12 m. of ♐. The degree of the Eclipſed Sun, at what time the new Star was not ſeen, as he proveth by the Teſtimony of many famous Aſtronomers, as of Fabritius, R[•]ſlinus, and others: But behold the 30 of Sept. (which was the very day following) in the Evening, this rare and wonderful Phaenomena appeared juſt almoſt in the place where the great ☌ was accompliſhed, viz. in the 17 gr. 40 m. of ♐, the degree aſcending at London in the beginning of the great ☌, and now 1. ½ gr. before the ending thereof: at what time alſo, if you pleaſe to conſider the place of the Sun by Tyeho's account, you ſhall find him an hour after Sun-ſet the 30 of Sept. at London, being 36 m. paſt 6 of the Clock at Even (when the Star certainly was firſt ſeen) to hold 17 gr. 30 m. of ♎, the place almoſt exactly of his Eclipſe the year following, and in a perfect ⚹ to the new Star now firſt appearing, and the Aſcendant in the great Conjunction.

Certainly when I conſider firſt how exactly all theſe dependances follow another, I cannot think that God hath obſerved this ſtreight familiarity between the ☌, the new Star, and the Eclipſe in vain, or that they ſhould thu[•] concur with the Aſc: and M: C: of London at the time of the great ☌; but tha[•] as the ſignification is general, ſo queſtionleſs, in the participation of the effects, London, and with it England, is like to taſte more fully thereof then other places.

Now a little to conſider theſe Appearances by the precepts of Astrologie, we ſee all theſe Conjunctions celebrated in ♐, which, as it is Signum Bicorporeum, by Ptolomy, ſignifieth of Kings, and as it is the houſe of Iupiter, it may both be applyed to matter and perſons of State and Religion. Wherefore, as we may rightly call the ſign of ♐ at this time the Court or Temple of Heaven, where al[•] the Planets have made their Aſſembly So is it not unworthy the noting in what order they hold the ſame, which for certain was all one with that which the Planets themſelves hold in Heaven; as Saturn is higheſt, ſo was his Northern Latitude greateſt, viz. 1 gr. 40. m. Iupiter next 36 m. Sept. alſo, and Mars loweſt of all, having Meridional Latitude 1 gr. 36 m. at his Conjunction with Saturn and Iupiter. But the new Star ſhined above them all, both in reſpect of the Ecliptick, and the Diameter of the World; which nevertheleſs is not out of order, if we reſpect the ſcituation of the Orbs: But herein to be admired, that as the ſame had no Motion, nor any prodigious Tayl, or Hair, (as Comets are wont,) but both in place, and form, and fixedneſs repreſented a fixed Star; ſo it may be proportionably collected, That what was decreed in this notable Synod of the Planets, was alſo ratified by the fixed Stars, and by all the Spheres of Heaven. Neither is it to be neglected, that this new Star excelled all the reſt of the Planets in Magnitude and Light: and whereas before perverſe old Saturn (the Preſident of Antiquity) both in reſpect of his ſcituation in his own Orb, being in Apogaeo Eccentrici et Epicycli, and alſo in regard of his Latitude, was elevated above Iupiter in his own houſe: Now this new Star having Latitude, 1 gr. 53 m. 54 ſec. Sept. by our Obſervation is elevated above Saturn, and therefore when Satur[•] hardly enduring to be thus over-topped, prepared againſt him, and toward the ending of Novem. that year thought to have encountred him; behold he was alſo fain to come under the Lee (as the Sea-men term it) of the new Star, and ſo glad to paſs away, and leave the new Star ſtill keeping poſſeſſion, and as it were maſter of the field, where it ſtill continued, till at laſt the Sun returning the year following to the place which he held in the concluſion of the great Conjunction, and the beginning of this new Star, as before is ſhewed, he there finiſhed the Cataſtrophe of all this ſolemn Art, with a great Eclipſe of his Light exactly in the Mid-heaven of the beginning of the great Conjunction of Iupiter and Saturn, and in a ⚹ to the Aſcendant thereof, and the place of this new Star. This is the true Hiſtorical Narration.

What the meaning hereof is, I leave to thoſe that are indued with a more divine and Prophetical Inſtinct then my ſelf: Yet thus much we ſee, that he who overlooked proud Iupiter, and challenged Antiquity to himſelf, is here put down by the brightneſs of this new Light. And further, as the Sun Metaphorically repreſenteth Kings and Magiſtrates, and Nobility in Astrologie are reſembled to the Planets about the Sun: So the fixed Stars are compared to the People, and Commons, amongſt whom ſome excel others, and therefore whether there be a new Democraty or Ariſtocraty of the Church and Common-wealth founded while the Sun ſuffereth his light to be obſcured by the ☽, or whether the Goſpel (often by the Scriptures reſembled to the Sun) ſhall ſuffer an Eclipſe, I take not upon me to decide. But this I verily believe, as far as I can look into it with any probable gueſs, that ſince the beginning of this great Conjunction there hath been many Treaties of Peace over all the parts of the World, both between us and the French, the Lowcountry-men and the Spaniard, and alſo between the Emperor, Turks and Hungarians; all which are concluded, ſaving the Peace between the Low-countries and Spain: So you ſhall ſee (if I be not deceived) that Treaty will break off, and by that means the Wars be renewed, & the King of Spain utterly beaten out of his Indies, and the Gospel propagated unto the Southern parts. For to what other end is this new Star Perpendicular to the Indian Seas, and to the beſt part of America? To what end alſo (though Mars ſeemeth in the Eclipſe in reſpect of his Poſition, as alſo in the great Conjunction in reſpect of his Latitude directed) is he notwithſtanding both in the figure of the great Conjunction elevated above all the Planets, while Saturn and Iupiter are in peſſimo loco, and in the figure of the Eclipſe, as your ſelf materially noted, in imperante gradu & ſigno, over the place Eclipſed? Beſides, you aptly note the diſſembling and treacherous ⚹ of Saturn in 12. loco to the place Eclipſed, together with the hoſtile and exact Irradiation of Iupiter to the ſame: I ſpeak not theſe things as if I pronounced them Ab Apollinis Tripode, but as I compare the likelihood of future accidents by the ſtate of things preſent, as they have any alluſion to the apparition of the heavenly bodies: All which I ſubmit to your grave Cenſure.

And ſo craving pardon for my tediouſneſs, and not doubting your good acceptance of my good will, I commend my love unfeignedly, and reſt,

Yours most aſſured, Chriſtopher Heydon.

FINIS.