Brief Introductions unto the Art of Chiromancy, Physiognomy and Natural Astrology

❧ BRIEFE introductions, bothe naturall, pleaſaunte, and alſo delectable vnto the Art of Chiromancy, or Manuel diuination, and Phiſiognomy: with circumſtances vpon the faces of the ſignes. Alſo certain canons or rules vpon diſeaſes and ſickeneſſe. Whereunto is alſo annexed aſwel the artificiall, as naturall Aſtrologye, with the nature of the planets. Written in the Latin tonge, by Ihon Indagine Prieſte. And now latelye tranſlated into Engliſhe, by Fabian Withers.

LONDINI. Apud Iohannis Day. 1558.

To the gentle Reader.

IT was the vſe amongſte the aunciente Philoſophers (moſt gentle Reader) that they neuer admitted or receiued anye ſcholer, vnto whome they did not indict and appoint a certain time to heare & kepe ſilence: willing thē in no wiſe for to ſpeke, vntil that by hearinge they had learned to ſpeake wiſeli and diſcretely. Whoſe example being preſent in my mind, and alſo the raſh & temerarious iudgements of many conuerſant before my eyes: I thoughte it good to admoniſh you, that folowing the example aforſaid, to beſtow ſome labour & time in peruſinge and readinge this briefe worke of Chiromancy, or manuel diuination, before you entre into iudgemēt of ani effect or certainty of the ſame. The whiche thing if thou diligently & attentiſlye do: I dout not, but that beſide the great pleaſure and delectation, thou ſhalt find therin that thou ſhalt in likewiſe repe & gather no leſſe good frute & profit therof. For herby thou ſhalt perceiue & ſe the ſecrete works of nature, how aptly & neceſſarily ſhe hath compound & knit eche member with other: geuing vnto ye hand (as vnto a table) certain ſignes & tokens whereby to diſcerne and know the inward motions and affectyons of the minde and hearte, with the inwarde ſtate of the whole bodye: as alſo oure inclination & aptnes to al our external actiōs & doings. For what more profitable thing may be ſuppoſed or thought, then when a mā in him ſelf, & by him ſelf, maiforſee and know his proper & fatal accidentes: & therby to embrace and folowe that whiche is good, & to auoid and eſcliue ye euils which are iminent vnto him, for the better vnder ſtāding and knowledge therof. And for as much as the Chiromāci vnto ſome peradture may ſeme obſcure & darke: we haue anexed hereunto an Epiloge or brief collection of the art of Phiſiognomy and circūſtances vpon the faces of the ſignes, wyth certain canons or rules, aſwel for ye knowledge, as alſo for the curing and helping of diſeaſes, very neceſſary & profitable. Then orderly cōming vnto Aſtrology, we haue deſcribed vnto you aſwel by the artificiall Horoſcope, as alſo by the naturall entring of the Sunne into any of the .xii. celeſtiall ſignes: the hole effect and power that anye of the Planets or erraticall ſtarres maye by any meanes worke in vs, Wherby hauing recourſe firſt vnto the hād, and marking and noting ſuche ſignes and tokens as therin ſhall appere, then becholdinge the proportion and liniaments of the hole body, and according to the preſcript rules to way and conſidre the equality & agreableneſſe betwene them, with like reſpecte had vnto the natiuity, iudging either by thartificial Horoſcope, or by the natural courſe of ye Sun: yu ſhalt not only ſee & perceiue a great neceſſity & affinity betwene our terreſtrial & the celeſtial bodies, but alſo forſe & know a. M. accidentes either to good or euil prouided vnto vs, & hanging ouer our head. But leaſt that any mā ſhuld thynke that hereby we attribute ſo much vnto natural prouidēce, as though it wer ineuitable, & therby vſe it as a refuge or ſāctuary, for al their euil actions and doinges. Vnto ſuch we wil obiect thanſwer of Criſippus writing in this maner. Although (ſaith he) ye nature hath prouided al thing frō the beginning, and yt by her prouidence al things are moued & ſtyrred vp by a certain neceſſary reaſon and motion: yet notwithſtanding our diſpoſitiōs & mindes are no furder ſubiect or in daunger therof, then theyr propriety and quality is concordante and agreable vnto the ſame. For if yt by nature our wittes be fyrſt made holſōe and good, and after endued with reaſon and vnderſtanding: either they do vtterly put of and auoid al euil influences and accidentes or els receiue and beare them the more eaſily without hurt or domage. If contrariwiſe our diſpoſitions of them ſelues be rude & groſe, not endued with any kind of letters or good learning to aſſiſte and helpe them withal: with euery light conflict or aſſault of our natural inclination, we runne hedlong into al kinde of errours & vice. Euen folowinge the enſample of the Cilindre ſtone, which by nature being apt to roll & tomble, and being caſt or throwen downe in[•]o holow or ſteye places: doth run with out ceaſing, not ſo much becauſe it is caſte or throwen, as for his owne nature & aptnes therunto, and not hauing in it ſelf any thing to withſtand the ſame. The aucthor him ſelf in like maner forſeing the cauillations of certaine euill diſpoſed perſones which wold make al thinges ſubiect vnto the influences of the heauenly bodies: before he entreth to ſpeak of the iudgmēts of natiuities, writeth in this ſort. We ought (ſaith he) firſt to know and vnderſtād that the ſtars do not prouoke or force vs to ani thing, but only maketh vs apt and prone: and being ſo diſpoſed, doth as it were allure & draw vs forward to our naturall inclinatiō. In the which if we folow yt rule of reaſon, taking it to be our only guide & gouernour: thei loſe al their force, power, & effect, which they by ani means may haue in, & vpon vs. Contrariwiſe, if we geue our ſelues ouer to folow our own ſenſuality & natural diſpoſition, they woorke euen the ſame effect in vs yt thei do in brute beaſts. And this ſhalbe ſufficiente at this time to anſwer the vain obiection of naturall prouidence, wherby the frute of this woorke might by anye meane ſeme to be cōuerted into any vice or error, the which in dede of it ſelf, is veri neceſſary & profitable. What ſhould I nede to ſtand aboute with longe circumſtances, to deſcribe the perticuler cōmodities of theſe briefe workes anexed togethers: when that the labor is ſo ſmal, yt wyth once or twiſe diligēt & attentife reding, the hole effect is known & vnderſtād Notwithſtanding, I wold wiſhe & deſire yt al men which ſhal read or take any frute of this ſmal treatiſe: to uſe ſuch moderation in peruſyng of the ſame, that they do not by and by take in hand to geue iudgment, eyther of theyr owne, or of other mens eſtates or natiuityes, without diligent circumſpection and taking hede. Wayinge & cōſidering how many wayes a man maye be deceyued, as by the prouidence & diſcretion of the man in whō thou geueſt iudgement. Alſo the diſpenſation of God, and oure fallible and vncertaine ſpeculation.

Wherefore, let al men in ſeking hereby to forſee their own fortune, take hede that bi the promiſſe of good, thei be not ſo elate or high minded, geuing them ſelues ouer to oſiuetye or idleneſſe, truſtinge altogether to the naturall influences, neither yet by anye ſignes or tokens of aduerſitye to be derecte or caſte downe: but to take and waye all thinge with ſuche equalitie and moderation, directinge their ſtate of life and liuinge to all perfectneſſe and goodneſſe, that they maye be ready to embrace and followe all that whiche is good and profitable, and alſo not only to eſchue and auoide: but to withſtande and ſet at noughte all euill and aduerſe fortune, when ſo euer it maye happen or chaunce vnto them.

FINIS.

The boke of Palmeſtry.

❧ The firſt Chapiter of the diſtinction of the hand.

THE auncient Grekes, who (as it may appere by yt long and old vſe of the word) did vſe this ſorte and kinde of Diuinatyon, whiche is gathered by the beholdynge of manne his hande, called it by this propre name of Chyromancia. Wherfore I intendynge to write the rules & obſeruations therof, do thinke it neceſſarye and mete firſt of al to diſcribe the hand of man, and point out & ſet forthe his partes, whereby ſuch rules and preceptes as ſhall be geuen vpon this manuell diuination, maye the more eaſily be vnderſtand and knowen. The hand therfore being extent or opened abroade, the playne within is called the palme, in the middeſt whereof there is a certaine ſpace called the concaue or holowneſſe, oute of the whiche the fiue fingers haue their originall and beginning. Amongſt the which, the firſt being the ſtrongeſt and mooſte groſſe, is called the Thombe: the next is called the index or forfinger, becauſe in ſhewing or pointing to any thing, we do commonly vſe that finger. The next that foloweth and is in the middeſt of the fiue, is by the ſame name called the middle finger: next after this, is the ringe finger: ſo called, becauſe it is commonly to weare a ring of golde vpon it, and ſpeciallye that on the lefthand, for becauſe as learned men hold opinion, there dothe paſſe a certain ſmall ſinnowe from that finger to the heart of man: wherefore it ſemed good in times paſte to the antiquitie, to wear a ringe as a crowne vppon that finger, or els as ſome do ſuppoſe, that goulds by nature doth comforte the heart. The laſte finger and leaſte of all, is called the eare finger, becauſe it is commonly vſed to make cleane the eares. And thus farre concernynge the fingers. More ouer, the hand beyng cloſed or ſhut wyth the fingers turned in, we call the fiſte, the nether parte wherof (amongeſt ſuch as vſe this Arte,) is commonlye called the percuſſiō or ſtroke of the hand. Thē the place where the hand is drawen and gathered in, & ioyned to the arme, is alſo called the wreſte. Furthermore, euerye finger hath his proper riſing or ſwelling of the fleſhe, whiche doth riſe at the rote or nether parte of the ſaide fingers, and of ſome is called hylles, and are attributed vnto the names of the Planets. Among the whiche is reckened the riſyng or hyll in the nether parte of the fiſt, called the percuſſion of the hande, ſo that in the hande are limitted and appoynted ſeuerall places vnto euerye of the Planettes, whereby iudgemente maye be gathered. For the riſynge or hyll of the thombe is aſſigned vnto Venus, and marked with this carecter ♀, the hyll of the fore finger to Iupiter, and is thus noted ♃, the middle finger is attribute to Saturne, with this note ♄, the ringe finger to the Sunne, with this character ☉, the hill of the little or eare finger is vnder Mercury, with this marke ☿, the riſyng or hill which is in the percuſſion, the Mone doth poſſeſſe, and is thus figured ☽. Now what place Mars ſhal haue we will ſhew you hereafter, but firſt we will make diſcription of the inciſions & diuiſions of the hand, which we call the lines. Amongeſt the which there be two chiefe and principall, which be theſe: the wreſt which diuideth the hand from the arme, and is almoſt ioyned to the line of life, or of the hart, the whiche beginueth vnder the hill of the forefinger, as it wer betwene the forefinger and the thombe, and dothe deuide the hande ſtretchinge downeward towarde the wreſt. In the ſame ſide of the hande at the hyll of the forefinger, beginneth a line whiche paſſeth ouerthwart the hande to the hyll of the Moone, and is called the middle crinean naturall. And theſe two lines thus beginning and paſſyng ſundry wayes, make the forme and ſhape of a triangle. To the whiche[•], if the line of the Liuer or ſtomacke, whiche beginneth ouer againſte the wreſte, and paſſeth vnder the hil of the thombe, to the hil of the Mone, by the end of the meane natural line, do apere, as in ſome it doth not, it finiſheth the triangle. And the ſpace conteyned within theſe lines, is attribute and geuē vnto Mars, and is called the triangle of Mars, noted wyth this figure ♂.

There is alſo an other line called the table line, beginninge vnder the eare finger, at the ende of the hyll of the Mone, and runneth to the forefinger, and is ſo called, becauſe the ſpace betwene it and the middle or meane natural doth argue or ſhewe the faſhion of a table, and that ſpace is alwayes called the table or quadrangle of the hande, and the line is alſo called the lyne of fortune. And theſe be almoſt the chiefe diuiſions or lines of the hand, to the which all other leſſe & ſmaller inciſions and lines are referred. But nowe as neare as we can wee wyll diſcribe them all, and as farre as parteyneth to this Arte, ſhew their nature and ſignification. And firſt I thinke mete to ſpeake of thoſe lines, whiche take their denomination or name of the three principall membres of mans bodie, that is of the hart, the brain, and the liuer. For as in thoſe parts, whatſoeuer is in mā is altered & chaūged: ſo bi thoſe thre inciſions and lines, a man may foreſee & pronoſticate what ſoeuer ſhall happen, touching health, or aduerſitie, or other thinges naturall. The which if any man thinke to be vaine and triflying: let him call to remembraunce the auncient Philoſophers of Pythagoras ſecte, who chieflye by the proporcion and liniaments of mans bodye, did declare and pronoſticate the maners, ſtate, and ende of man his life. For what is ſaide of Socrates, when that a certain man profeſſying the Arte of Phiſiognomye, or ſpeculation: beholdynge Socrates, iudged hym by his outwarde habyte to be a verye euyll manne, of vncleane lyfe, libidinous, and geuen to all euil, was therefore wonderfullye rebuked of his ſcholers, as thoughe he had ſhamefullye flaundered hym. Socrates aunſwered, that in dede naturallye he felte ſuche mocions and inclinations, ſo that if he hadde not corrected the vyces, his nature by the rules of reaſon, he had bene ſuche a one as he hadde pronounced hym to bee: meanynge thereby all thoſe vices, whiche nature and deſtenye hath planted in vs, maye eaſilye by reaſon and cuſtome be amended, if we wyll ſtriue agaynſte deſtinye. And the prince of the Paripetecians Ariſtotle, ſaide, the hande of manne to be made of Nature, the principall organe and inſtrument in mannes bodye. For ſithens it is his office to miniſter and ſerue all other partes of the bodye, and that in humaine generation, the vertues, powers, and ſtrēgth, of all membres do come together. It is verye conſequente and agreable, ſome certaine ſignes and tokens of the qualitie and complexion of man, to be knowen and perceiued by the hande.

Suche is the proporcion of membres among them ſelues, that they do partake one wyth another in all thynges. And further, that this arte of Chyromancie was vſed in the time of Plinie, he him ſelfe dothe affirme. Wherefore I take it to be my dutie to admonyſhe you what you ought to attribute to this arte, and what is els to be ioyned wyth it, leſt any man ſhould thinke to include or ſhut vp the knowledge of ſo highe and great thinges into ſo ſtraight and narow corners. Wherfore what I thinke herein I thinke good to ſhewe. As often as I muſt anſwere to any that enquireth, by and by as is accuſtomed, I loke vpon the hand, and therwithal beholde the whole bodye with the lineamentes, and proporcion of the ſame, whiche is called his Phyſiognomie, (whereof in the boke folowing I will intreate,) then I caſt my minde to the hour of Natiuitie, moneth, daye, or yere: the whiche knowen, I referre ſtrait to the rules of natural Aſtrologye hereafter by mee written, then plainely iudgyng none of theſe by them ſelues ſufficient. And thinking it better to iudge them foles in geuyng light credite, then I to be counted raſhe and foliſhe haſtye in geuyng ſentence. So that when I haue gathered all theſe thinges together, and taken holde of that which I thinke meete for my vſe, I vtter my iudgment, eſtemyng the point of a mad manne by lokyng onely in the hande, to geue iudgemente of the life and all the ſtates of mans bodye. And nowe I returne to the rules of Chyromancie.

The ſeconde Chapiter of the line of life, or of the heart.

THe line of life, called alſo the line of the heart, beginneth as is ſaide before at the hyll of the forefinger, paſſing by the midſt of the palme, goeth to the wreſt. The whiche if it be long, ſtraite, liuely coloured, bright and cleare, it betokeneth longe life, endomaged with fewe diſeaſes or ſickeneſſe. Plinie affirmyng the ſame, ſayth: that it is token of longe life to haue vpryght ſhoulders, & two longe inciſions or lines in one hand, the which are to be vnderſtande of the line of lyfe, and the meane natural line. If that the natural powers be weake, and that the line doe appeare ſhort and of diuers colours, runnyng in & out, thinne or ſlender, and cut or parted in ſunder, with manye ouerthwart riuels or ſmall creſtes, it dooeth declare ſhortneſſe of life, muche ſickeneſſe, ſmall ſtrength, and that he in whom this is ſo noted, ſhall ſeldome or neuer bringe any thing to a good end. So likewiſe, the line groſe, long, and vndeuided, doth ſhew al the contraries to the ſame. Wherfore, if any man do requyre or aſke a reaſon of this thing, we anſwer yt the blud, which doth noriſh the hart, and is alſo thought to be the ſeat & reſting place of ye minde, to be the cauſe efficiēt of this thing. For it is moſt certain, that as ye blud is pure, or vnpure: ſo the line ſhal be coloured, either cleare or dark: ſo as long as bloud dothe abounde, it ſheweth reddye and brighte: and contrariwiſe, pale, & ſwart, when the bloude doth fail or war ſcarſe. Wherby aſwel the natural heate diminiſhed and the weake bodye, as alſo the ſtrong & luſty body is ſhewed & declared. Thē if this line be narow, ſubtile, & wel colored, & ſtretch forth toward the mean natural: it ſignifieth a mā of good counſel, of ſubtile vnderſtandinge, and of an high and princely minde and ſtomacke. And if it be broade, il coloured, and pale: it ſignifieth the cōtrary. This is always to be noted in all principal lines, that if they be ſtraite, not deuided, neither cutte, and well coloured, it doth declare a good complexion: if they be contrariwiſe diſpoſed or ſet, if ſheweth the contrari: Alſo if ye line of life be groſe, depe, and diuerſly coloured: that is to ſay: one place redde, another pale or ſwarte, is a ſigne of malice, craft, enuy, and the man to be a great talker, and boaſter, and one that ſtandeth much in his own conceit. If the line be groſſe and very red, it betokeneth a crafty, a filthy, and an inconſtant man, but if it be pale, mixed wyth a certain redneſſe: it ſignifieth an angry man, almoſte mad with anger. And it be very red, mixed with palenes or ſwarthneſſe like leade: it ſheweth an vnconſtant, vnſhamfaſt, wauering, traitorous, and angry man, and delitinge to ſtir vp miſchief, and ſow diſcord. But if it be red in the part next the wreaſte: it ſignifieth cruelty, and oftentimes it chaunceth to be forked in the vpper corner, which betokeneth an vnſtable man, a runner aboute countryes, and marueſlous in all his doinges, the whiche if it be croked & writhen toward the mean natural line: if ſignifieth a craftye, diſceitfull, wanton, and a manne of a peruerſe and froward minde: and if you happen to finde in the hande of a woman, a croſſe, with three ſmall lines at the vpper corner of the line of life: it ſignifieth an vnſhamefaſte, and vnhoneſt woman, but if that croſſe be founde aboute the right corner in the line it ſelfe, and be depe in: it ſignifieth an vngodlye and miſcheuous woman, whiche ſhall ſuffer greate puniſhemente for her miſchiefe. For ſuche a croſſe in that line, dothe alwaies betoken euel, bothe in man and woman. If that there be founde two lines in thend of the riſing of the thumbe, nere the line of life, as they wer liyng on the one ſide: by ye token I iudge the mā to die ſhortly. And if ye line of life haue braūches ſtretched out toward the meane natural, in forme as you ſee in the margente: it is a ſine of riches, honor, and perfection. But if ye ſaid braūches run dounward toward the wreſt in this maner, it ſignifieth pouerty & domage by houſhold ſeruantes, through their vntruthe, and if the ſaide braunches do paſſe ſtrait thorow the triangle to the meane natural: it ſignifieth a man, after diuerſe and ſondrye daungers and chaūges of fortune, to come to proſperity and riches. Moreouer, manye ſmal lines deuiding the left line, betokeneth much ſickenes: furder, if there be in the line of life certain points or graines ſcattering: it declareth a man vnſhamefaſt, a fornicator, and in ieoperdy of hys life for murder in a tumult, whereof he was auctor him ſelf, and ſhalbe diuerſe times ſore wounded.

When in the beginninge of the lyne of lyfe be thre ſmal croked lines, deuidinge it in this maner: it is a token of a leproſy to come, for it doth declare the il diſpoſition of the liuer, whereupon this whych is already ſaid maye be gathered, that if the line of life be long, and depe, wel coloured, hauinge a good proportion with the meane naturall line, and the line of the liuer or ſtomacke, and that they two be of due quantity and length, and well coloured: it is a good ſigne of long life, good nature, wit, diſpoſition, and complexion. And oftentimes there be found in the line of life one ☉ or ☉ ☉ of theſe notes, which do ſignify the loſſe either of one, or bothe eyes, the whiche although they be ſeldome found, yet in my ſelfe I haue had the experience, for in the ſame place of my hand is the ſame marke, the which whē I ſaw, I cald to remēbrance in what daunger I was of one of my eyes, for ſitting by the fire in winter, I fell therein, and tumblinge in the flame with my left eye, I was vehemently tormented. Albeit I find that not only that did prognoſticate that euel vnto me, but alſo the oppoſition of Mars, & the Mone in my natiuity. For I finde at the tyme of my birth, Mars to be in the eleuenthe houſe in a manlye ſigne, and the Mone likewiſe in the fyfthe houſe, whiche conſtellatiō, is obſerued of the Aſtronomers to ſignifye ſome ſuche thynge. And in ſo muche as I haue found this true it doth ſo muche the more verify that whyche I ſayd afore, that theſe artes were ioyned together, as it were by a certaine alyaunce, or affinitie, and that thone wythout thother could very litle preuail. For it is moſt certaine, the inferior bodyes to be gouerned by them aboue, and as all power and ſtrength haue their influence from thoſe heauenly bodies: ſo like wiſe al lack and default to come by them, it is moſt ſure. Wherfore we may wel conſider, that nature was a careful workman about the creation of mans body, which hath geuen knowledge to man diuerſiy and manifoldly, to iudge by theſe three moſt noble and principal partes.

In the other partes, ſhe hathe not ſo done. For ſhe hath ſet in the hand of mā certain ſignes and tokens of the heart, braine, and liuer, becauſe that in them the life of man doth chiefly conſiſt. But ſhe hathe not likewiſe done of the eyes, eares, mouthe, handes, and fete, for becauſe thoſe partes and members of the body, ſeme rather to be made for a comelineſſe or beautye to the bodye, then for anye neceſſitye. Therefore all handes haue the thre lynes aforeſayde, but the other inciſions or lynes manye do wante or lacke. Huſbandmen beinge alſo excluded frō hence for their continual labour. Wherefore, ſithens theſe two ſciences nede ſuch a mutual help, one of the other: I wil declare vnto you oute of aſtrologye, the nature of the Erratical ſignes, whiche the Crekes cal Planets. Saturnus maketh ſad, circumſpect, couetous, ſlow, and litle ſpeakers, and ſelf louers. Iupiter cauſeth pleaſaunt, liberal, quiet, ſobre. and eloquent perſons, Contrariwiſe, Mars cauſeth cruel, fiers, and liers. The Sonne maketh godly, wittye, happy, or fortunate, and coragious mē. Venus cauſeth incontinent, libidinouſe, comely & faire. Mercury cauſeth ſubtile, craftye, learned in ſciences, and nimble men. The Mone maketh quicke witted, and comly, but vnſtable and ſlow. Now I haue ſpoken of the diuerſitie of diſpoſitiōs and wits: I wil alſo ſhewe ſomewhat of voice, and ſpeche, wherby the diuers effectes and workinge of the Planettes amongeſt them ſelfes, maye the better be vnderſtand and knowen. Saturnus doth cauſe a ſlow and ſcriking voice or ſpeche, Mars a craſhing voice, like the breaking of metals. Iupiter, a ſhril, ſounding, and gentle voice. Venus maketh a weake, ſoft, pleaſant, & effeminate voice. And ſo likewiſe doth the Sunne, & Mercury, The ſignes alſo haue their proper voices, for Virgo, Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, do make good voices or ſoundes. Aries, Taurus, Leo, Capricorne, and the laſt part of Sagittary, cauſe meane voyces. Cancer, Scorpio and Piſces, are eyther altogither dombe, & without ſound: or els miniſter ſom great impedimēt in yt ſpeche, Ther be alſo certain ſignes, called fertile, becauſe they do increaſe with Cancer, Scorpio or Piſces. And others be called barraine. as Gemini, Leo, Capricorne. So that what ſo euer a man can do, may be applied to the ſignes, as furderers of the ſame. The which thing in that it canne not be denied, ſo muche the more are they to be counted ſlaūderers, which eſteme & report Aſtrologye not as deuine, but as a vaine friuolous arte, or knowledge, whō in their places we wil ſet forth with their colours. But nowe to returne to our purpoſe.

If you find a croſſe in this fort about the vpper corner, procedinge oute of the line of life, and on the nether ſide, three ſmal lines, and on thupper ſide two, as you may ſe by this figure, it ſignifieth a libidinouſe and an vnſhamfaſt woman. But if the thre lines be found in the nether ende of the line of lyfe towarde the wreſt, it betokeneth that the woman ſhall ſuffer greuous puniſhment for ſome miſchief, or cuel doinge.

When that certain ſmal lines do deuide or touche the line of life in the vpper ende, in forme preſcribed: it dothe declare the infirmitie and ſicknes of yt body. But if on thother parte of the meane natural line, there be inciſions in this manner, liynge as it were direcily from the nether parte of the line, and riſinge vpwarde: it betokeneth cuel, as paine in the heade, whiche commeth of exhalations of the ſtomacke, or ſome ſuche other diſeaſe. And thoſe thre lines on thend of that line, do betoken euel, as ſhal appere hereafter.

❧ The third Chapter, of the meane naturall line.

THe line whiche beginneth at the roote of the line of life, and paſſeth through[•] the Palme of the hande, towarde the hyll of the Moone, or pommel of the hande: is properli called the meane natural line. The whiche if it be ſtraite, and vndeuided with ani ſmal ouerthwart lines, it ſheweth good health, a ſound brayn, a quicke & liuely wit, and alſo a good memorye. If it be long, ſtretched oute to the hill of the mone, it doth declare a ſtout ſtomack and long life, which if it be ſhorte, that it paſſe not the holownes of the hand: it betokeneth a feareful, couetous, vnwiſe, & vnfaithful man, and if the ſaide line do not ſtretch out to the hill of the Moone, but end euer againſt the ſpace, which is betwene the middle finger, and the ring finger: it betokeneth a mā of il maners, and that ſhal not liue long. Then if the ſame line run out beyond the hill of the Mone, and turne in again in forme of a halfe compaſſe: the farther it ſtretcheth, the longer life it betokeneth, but in age pouerty. But if the ſame line at the vpper end do riſe toward the fingers, it ſignifieth an vnſhamefaſte and malicious man, the which if it riſe verye muche toward the fingers, it doth declare him to be verye folyſhe, and vnwiſe. Contrariwiſe, if it tourne down warde almoſte to the palme of the hand, it is a token of a couetous and vncleane man. On the other part, if it turne vpwarde, touch the table line: it ſignifieth ſome great [•]oſſe, and aduerſe or euell fortune: and if the ſame line be writhen, vnequal, and of diuers coulours: it is a token of an il diſpoſed mind, and oftentimes of theft. The line being ſtraite, equal, and bright coloured: betokeneth a good conſciēce, and iuſtice. But when the meane naturall line is brode and groſſe, with a certaine redneſſe intermedled: it ſignifieth a rude diſpoſicion and lacke of wit. And if it be nether to ſtraight, nor to large, and wel coloured: it betokeneth a mery, chereful, and a fortunate man, but if it be ſubtile, and ſlender, ſwarte, or pale: it declareth weaknes of the braine, and vapores riſing from the ſtomacke into the heade. And if the line appere groſſe, & very depe & hath a certaine ſmal line nere to it, red coloured: it ſheweth an angry and furyous man. Again if it haue certain knotty ſpaces in this maner o, ſo many knots as there be, it doth declare ſo many murders, ether al ready cōmitted, or hereafter to be done. The which knottes if they be not fully cloſed or ſhutte, they are a tokē of a great quareller, whiche ſhal beate & wounde, but not kill outright. If there be in the ſame line certain groſſe pricks, or pointes: it ſheweth an vnmanerly, foliſh, and vnpleaſant manne, the whiche pointes if they be verye redde: it betokeneth a very cruel and fierce man. If the ſame line be croked, makyng halfe a circle, with a certaine obſcure or darke coloure: it ſignifieth daunger by foure foted beaſt, or els to be ſlain of wild beaſt. And oftentimes, nye the ſame line there be two ſmal lines ioyned together (as in the figure of the hande folowynge you ſhal ſee) which ſignifie wounds, but not with weapon. More ouer, if there be a croſſe in the ſame line, ouer againſte the middle finger: it betokeneth that the man ſhal dye within a yere. If any man haue this line forked toward the wreſt, with ſmal diuiſions: he ſemeth to ſet al his minde on miſchiefe, and neither to feare God nor man.

This figure of the hande here deſcribed with the meane natural line, beginning at the rote of the line of life, & paſſing directly through the middeſt of the hand, withoute any inciſions: ſignifieth the good ſtate of the body, and health of the braine. And when it maketh a ſharp corner, with the line of life: it declareth a quickeneſſe of memorye, and vprightnes of minde. But if it be (as is reherſed in the cannon before) vnequal, not ſtretching paſt the pit or caue of the hand: it betokeneth a fearfull, couetous, and a forgetfull perſone.

If the meane naturall line aboue figured, make as it were a halfe Circle, with a certain obſcure colour: it threateneth hurte by beaſtes, and oftentymes death. But if at the ende of this line on eche ſide do appeare two ſmall lines: it ſignifieth woundes by Weapons. If there appere ouer againſt the middle finger a little Croſſe deuided with ſmall lines, it doth demonſtrate the weakenes of the bodye, and breuitie of life: and ſo muche the rather if the ſquare or quadrangle be lackyng in the hand.

If the hande before portured, haue in the meane naturall line certaine pale knottes: howe manye knottes there be, ſo many murders it doth declare alredy committed: if they be red, they do pronounce the perſone to be hereafter bothe a murderer and thiefe. If there be croked inciſions in the ſaid natural line: I iudge him to be a verye vnhappye and vnfortunate manne. And by the croſſe there, I ſuppoſe him to be ful of ſtrife and debate, and deſirous of diſcord.

When this meane natural line ſtretcheth to the table line, and is croked in the ende in forme preſcribed: it declareth a noughty euil tonged man, a ſheader of bloud, and ſhall often be in daunger for the ſame, & at the lengthe peraduenture ſuffer condigne puniſhment. If the ſame line haue priuy inciſiōs: it doth denounce a proude, bablyng, and angrye man. But if there be a croſſe in the vpper corner, right againſt the riſyng or hil of the thombe: it ſheweth an honeſt mā, and apt and diſpoſed to all kinde of goodneſſe, and ſo likewiſe on the contrary.

The fourth Chapter of the table line.

THis line is called the table line, becauſe it maketh the faſhion of a table in the hande, for ſo wee do call the ſpace remainynge betwene it and the meane naturall line. It is alſo called the quadrāgle or ſquare line, becauſe that wyth the mean natural line, it maketh almoſt a quadrangle or ſquare. If this lyne be equal, long inoughe, depe, and ſtraite: it is a token of a good nature and ſtrength of the principal membres of man, of modeſty, temperance, and a conſtant minde in al good workes. If it ſtretche paſt the hill of the forefinger, and touch the hyll of Iupiter: it is a ſigne of vehement anger and crueltie, beinge redde aboue, is a ſigne of a promoter, and enuiynge another mans felicitie or welfare. And hauynge braunches riſynge ſtraite to the finger of Iupiter: it dothe promiſſe promocion, encreaſe of riches: and that beinge poore, ſhal come by little and little to honoure and worſhippe. But if the line be naked without anye braunches ſtretchyng toward the roote of the forefinger: it betokeneth an vnfortunat and poore manne. If it haue in the end three ſmal lines or braunches aboute the hyll of Iupiter, runnynge ſtraite forthe to the vpper corner: it ſignifieth a fortunate, liberall, merye, modeſt, and noble manne, whiche deliteth in all kinde of comely and cleanlye apparel, and ſwets ſmelles and ſauoures. In whoſe byrthe who doth conſider the Horoſcope, (whether he finde Taurus or Libra, whome Venus dothe rule: or Sagittarius & Piſces, vpon whome Iupiter hath dominion: or what planet els there be) ſhal eaſily perceiue and finde the cauſe and reaſon of this matter: a croſſe ſtāding in the ſame place, doth ſignify a liberal man, a louer of truth, benigne, gentle to be ſpoken to, and in a maner one indued wyth al kind of vertue. But if this line do finiſhe or ende ouer againſte the hil of the middle finger: it betokeneth a lier, a ſelfe louer, inconſtante, diſceitful, vnſhamfaſt man, and a ſower of ſtrife and debate. When this line is ioyned with the mean natural, ſo that they both make a ſharpe corner: the ſame man ſhalbe in many daūgers bothe of bodye and minde, that he ſhall be euen wearye of his life. And if he lacke the meane natural line, that the table line ioyninge to the line of life do make a ſharp corner or point, I iudge that that manne ſhall loſe hys heade, or bee deadlye wounded, and ſhall neuer bringe nothinge to paſſe. If this line be deuided, that one part loke towarde the meane natural, thother towarde the hil of Saturne: it is a token that he ſhall be often in daunger of his life, and yet eſcape. The ſame line beinge ſubtile and ſtraite at the ende vnder the hil of Iupiter: it ſignifieth a gouernor of houſhold: and promotiō or rule ouer his brethren, kindred, and equalles. If it hathe inciſions ouer againſte the middle finger: it betokeneth a flatterer, and a double tonged manne, whome fewe menne ſhall loue. If a line comminge directlye from the quadrangle to the hil of Saturne, deuidinge the table line, do make a little croſſe there: it threateneth violent death. For as this line is a token of greate felicitie and good fortune, if it paſſe by the hill of the middle finger, and ſtretche beyonde the hill of the forefinger: ſo likewiſe, not touchinge the middle finger, and endinge vnder the hil thereof, is a ſigne of extreme pouerty, and many calamities and daungers.

Thē this line hauing any interruptiōs or inciſions liyng ſcattered, it ſignifieth a foliſh, and an vnconſtant man, whoſe ſtudy or deſire is to be in contētion with women, as now to loue, now to hate, & oftentimes to chide & fighte with them. And this line being depe, ſubtile, & pale, at the end aforeſaid: declareth an honeſt chaſte man, but weake, & much troubled with ſickneſſe and diſeaſes. But it is an ill ſigne, and ſpecially in a woman, whē the line beginninge at the meane natural, going to the hil of the middle finger, doth both deuide the table, and the table line, and is forked in the ende. And that woman whiche hathe a line comminge from the line of life, to the hil aforſaide: it ſignifieth that woman to haue killed her owne childe. The whiche line if it turne backeward to the hil of Iupiter: it betokeneth that woman ſhal haue great inheritaunce, if that line be redder then the other: it betokeneth pain in the bowels, & knawing about the nauel. Again, if that line be double, cuttinge the table line: it ſheweth that the man ſhal dye a miſerable death. For bothe in man and woman, it is a tokē of an il end. And often the table line towarde the hill of Saturne or Iupiter, is ſene forked: whiche doth note the man ſhal ſuffer many wery laboures and trauailes in his life, the whiche the redder it is, it ſheweth him ye more inclined to anger. When there appeareth in the ſame line, certaine ſmall lines riſinge one by another: the more there be, the more honorable thei declare him to be, & to haue the greater power and rule. But in whoſe hande there is no table line at all, I coniecture them to be of both kinds, il willing, contentious, angry, vnfaithful, vnconſtant, & ready to al miſchief. More ouer, if there appeare a line, cōming from the table line toward the little finger, it is obſerued, that man neither to be good nor fortunate: but couetous, angry, and horribly ſad, and alſo filthie, enuioue, and a companion of miſchief, if there apere any lines red, betwene the table line, & the eare finger: it betokeneth ſo many mariages as thei be in nomber, but if they be croked and pale, thei be already paſt. Again, if there be found vnder the roote of the table line certaine croked croſſes, ſo many as there bee, ſo many deadly enemies do they betoken. When that a line comming from the table to the hyl of Saturne, deuide the table line, and make a croſſe on the ende therof: it is ſaide to be a token of a violent death. And certaine wiſe menne in this ſcience ſaie, that if there be ſmall inciſions about the vpper end of the ſame line: it betokeneth ſickenes in youth. If they be in the middeſt, in middle age: if at the other ende, in age: and if the ſame lines runne downeward, the diſcaſe ſhal be of cholore, if they aſcend, of fleume: if they riſe out of the midſt vpward, it ſhal be of bloude: and if contrariwiſe thei turne downewarde, it ſhall be of melancholye, after as his coloure is brighte or darcke. Here is to be vnderſtande, that Cancer, Scorpio, and Piſces, do rule the ſalt fleume, and Saturne cauſeth all diſeaſes that come of a viſcouſe or ſlimye fleume, as the morphew, leproſy, canker & goute. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorne, are of like nature, colde, and drye, and rule the melancoly. And therfore Venus dothe cauſe colde and moiſte diſeaſes in the throte and priuy membres. Likewiſe the Moone cauſeth the dropſye, fallynge ſickenes, and appopleri. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, haue dominion of the cholere & agues, and biles, which come of bloud. Likewiſe Mars dothe rule hote agues, fronſies, and the worme in the head: vnto Iupiter we attribute the cōbuſt bloud, vnto Mercury is applied the diſeaſes of the minde, bitter, and heauy thoughtes, & troubled conſcience. The Sonne bringeth hote & drye diſeaſes. Al which thinges ſhal appeare more plaine hereafter, wher the nature of the planets & ſignes ſhalbe ſpokē of, wherfore note always yt the redneſſe of the lines or inciſiōs come of the heat of Mars. Therefore in all the iudgements of this manuel diuinatiō, I wil you to haue reſpect to the nature of yt planets & ſignes, wherin the ſunne was the time of natiuity or birth. And ſo likewiſe the Phiſiognomy muſt be taken hede of, & by that meane the wiſe iudge ſhal get both profite & praiſe.

If there be founde in the line of fortune (called alſo the line of proſperitie) thre ſmal braunches and be ioyned with the line of life, and therwith deuide the wreaſt: it betokeneth a good and quicke witte, but if it ioyne to thoſe lines, as it is here deſcribed, with a certaine writhinge or crokedneſſe: it ſignifieth an euel, peruerſe, wicked, and a malitious ſlaunderer, and one whiche coueteth alwaie to ſhede bloude. For when ſo euer you ſhal ſee theſe maner of lines, ſtraite remember and haue recourſe to the nature of Mars.

The table line thus diſpoſed that it begin and ende in his due places, do declare the good ſtate of the body, & ſtrēgth of the members of generation. But contrariwiſe, if there be no table line at all, or that it be withoute braunches ſhorte and groſſe, ſtretchinge oute beyonde the hill of the forefinger: it ſignifieth a miſcheuous perſone, and hard of learninge or vnderſtandinge.

¶ Theſe three Braunches in the ende about the hyll of the forefinger, agaynſte the vpper corner: is a good ſygne bothe in manne and woman. Alſo a little Croſſe in the ſame place, betokeneth good likewyſe. If the ſaide table line haue manye inciſions: it ſignifieth hatred of Princes, and of greate menne: but if the inciſions be vnequall and diſperſed, you ſhall vnderſtande the varietye of Fortune.

If that the table line be lackinge in the hande of manne or woman: it is a verye euill ſigne. For it ſheweth a man prompte to all miſchiefe, which alſo ſhal die an euil death. There muſt alſo be reſpect to the lines aboute the hill of Mercury, for there is the ſignes of mariage, and the iudgemente of ſuche thinges as pertaine to the planet of Mercury.

Againe, if the table lyne do throughlye touche the natural line, that it make a ſharpe angle as you maye ſee: it betokeneth ill, for ſo many perils ſhal hange ouer his heade, that he maye iuſtelye repent that euer he was borne. But if the naturall line be lackynge, and the table line touch the line of the heart: (except I be vtterlye diſceiued) that man ſhall loſe his head, or dye ſome yll death. When a certaine line (as here you may ſee) doths deuide the table line, and make a ſmal croſſe in the vpper ende: it doth betoken a violent death. The which line, if it riſe ſtraite vpright in the hand of a woman, and deuide the table line: it is an euil token, for the whiche ſeke the cannon or rule afore. If there be a ſmal croſſe in the end of the table line: it betokeneth ſpiritual dignities, and the rather, if there be two croſſes (as I haue often proued:) it ſignifieth eccleſiaſtical promotions.

❧ The fifth Chapter of the wreſt.

THe ſpace which as is aforeſaid appering in the ioyning of ye hand to the arme, is called the wreaſte, the whiche if it be pure, and of a good liuely colour: it declareth the good eſtate of the body, and cōtrariwiſe the euil. And note, that for the moſt part there be two lines which as it wer deuide ye hand frō the arme. If there be two lines, then if that next the hande be equal, ſtraite, and wel coloured, ſtretching vpwarde: it promiſeth riches, yea, although he be very pore, it promiſeth encreaſe and felicitie, and ſo much the rather, if there be ſtrait braūches and not ouerthwart. If that a line riſing at the rote of the arm, do run vp to the rote of the middle finger: it ſignifieth good ſucceſſe and proſperous fortune. But if ther be in the ſpace or ioynt foure equal lines wel ioyned, deuidinge the arme ouerthwart, beholde great honor and dignitie, ſucceſſion, and heritage of thy kinred. And if there be founde in the rote of the arme, neare the hil of the thombe, nigh the line of life (if it deſcend ſo lowe) thre lines or ſtarres or more: it ſignifieth that perſone to be accuſed and betraied by women, and to ſuffre ſlaunder bi them. Further, if a line beginning in the midle of the wreſt, go toward the hil of the Mone: it doth pronoſticate many ſtormes and troubles of fortune, and priuy enmitie and hatred. The whiche line if it be croked & vnequal: it is a token of continual bondage, and that that perſon ſhal neuer come to promotiō nor riches. If there be many lines ſcatred in the wreſt, & riſe to the hill of the thōbe: he that hath that ſigne, is in daunger to be afflicted, wounded, ſpoiled, or caſte in priſon by his kinred, or by thoſe whō he moſt loued. If there begin certaine lines in the arme, and deuide the wreaſte, and ioyne together in the vpper parie: that man without doubte, ſhal die in exile or baniſhment. The which lines if they do not fully cloſe, but be ſomwhat diſtant a ſonder: he ſhal end his life amongſt forrein nations, far from his own country. The ſame lines tendynge to the pomell of the hande, do for ſhew long nauigations and iourneyes by ſea, & an vnſtable life to be ſpent in ſuch ſea perigrinatiōs. Further, if there go a line directly frō ye wreſte, to the hyl of the forefinger: it ſignifieth a longe iourney, and a difficult or doubtful returne. Alſo, if there riſe a line at the wreſt, and runne into the caue of the hande, and be very redde: it declareth the weakenes and diſeaſes of the bodye to come. But if it be pale: they be al readye paſt, & no more to be feared. If there be founde in the hande of a womanne a triangle, tendyng from the wreſte to the hyl of the Moone: it ſheweth her to haue ben corrupt, defiled, and defloured in her firſt youth and floure of her age. Moreouer, if there be about the wreſt of a woman a little croſſe: I iudge her thereby both honeſt, wiſe, and chaſte. Behold the the ſignes of the good eſtate of the body, when the ſpace in the wreſt next the hād at the other next the ioynte of the arme, be both of good & liuely colour, hauynge the foure inciſions aforeſaide: it betokeneth al goodneſſe. Againe, howe hateful are the three Starres, whiche threaten daunger by accuſation and ſlaunder. Marke alſo going from the wreſt to the pomel of the hand, how manifeſt an argument of infelicitie and euil fortune it is. Thē that cōming from the wreſt to ye hil of Iupiter, how it ſignifieth a forain, & far diſtant life to be led. Another riſing vpright, dothe promiſſe riches & fauorable fortune. Moreouer, the ſignes which are in the hil of Iupiter: betoken riches, honor, & dignitie. Alſo four lines almoſt cōpaſſing the arm (as you may ſe in the hand folowing,) are tokens of long life, and certain lines going from the rote of the arme, making a ſharp angle or corner, and a ſmal croſſe by thē: do promiſſe greate quietneſſe of life, and to paſſe his time merilye with promotion. But the croſſe be away: it doth only promiſſe ſucceſſion and heritage of manye. If the croſſe or certaine litle ſtarres be there: that man ſhal lacke nothing neceſſary to his life.

If there be founde in the wreſte two large lines, and the nether line be ſubtil: it ſignifieth riches vntil the midle age, and after worſhip, but decreaſe & decay euerye day more and more. If there riſe out of the ſame lines two ſmal lines, as it were ſupporting and holdinge vp one another, and certaine other lines riſe vp directly through the palme to the natural line: it is a token of great integritie, and declareth that man to be of a good conſcience, the which through his behauiour ſhal come to great riches and proſperitie, and alſo come to a good end: but yet it will be the lenger or theeſe thinges happen, if the line aſcendinge be croked and writhen.

If that two lines beginninge at the wreaſte, do riſe throughe the Paime to the hil of the Sunne or ringe finger, and the ſame hil be deuided with two lines ouerthwart: it ſignifieth a compaſſer or doer of greate thinges, which ſhal haue rule and aucthoritie in kinges buſineſſe and affairs, and therby get both great honor and richeſſe.

If in the wreſt there be ſene a certain groſe line, and then an other ſubtiller and ſlenderer, and the thirde groſſer and deper then the other: it prepoſeth abundance of richeſſe in the firſt age or youth, infelicitie & pouertie at the middle age: and in the thirde and laſt age, recouerys of al before loſte, with increaſe of riches, and a quiet life vnto the laſte ende. If there be two croked lines aſcendyng to the hyll of Iupiter, and vppon the firſt ioynte of the ſame appere two lines going ouerthwart: it ſignifieth increaſe of ſubſtaunce, by longe iourneys and trauailes. The ſame lines goynge to the hyll of Mercury: betokeneth a man apte to manye thinges, but not fortunate to great richeſſe. But if they runne to the finger of Saturne: there can be no worſe ſigne, for he will al couetouſneſſe, and immoderate deſire, enuye, and diſdaine at an other mannes felicitie and welfare, and a minde geuen to al euil.

The ſixte Chapiter of the Triangle.

THe triangle in the hande is three lines, (that is to ſa[•]e) the line of life, the meane natural line, and the line of the liuer or ſtomack: which are ſo diſpoſed and ſet, that they make the forme of a triāgle. And the ſpace incloſed within thoſe lines, is deuided into thre partes or corners: wherof the firſte is made by the line of life, and the natural line, and is called the vpper angle. Thother which is formed by the line of life, and the vtter part of the triangle: is called the ſiniſter or lifte angle. The triangle being[•] of equal angles, hauinge lines faire, wel coloured, and ſtraite: doth repreſent the good qualitie of nature, and of the bodie, wyth healthe and ſecuritye of the minde, with fame and renoume, and alſo longe lyfe. And contrariwiſe, the lines beinge darcke, vnequal, no makinge a playne triangle: dothe derlare the contrarye. Further, if the ſpace of the Triangle bee wide and broade, it doth argue a ſtoute, liberal, and bold ſtomacke. Againe, if it be ſtrait & ſhorte, it betokeneth nigardy, couetouſnes, and fearfulnes. If the plain within be pale, declininge to ſwarthneſſe: it ſignifieth an angry and diſceitful perſone. Alſo, if it be cut and deuided with many wrinkels: it ſhe weth the ill diſpoſicion of the body. Moreouer, the vpper angle is cloſed by the line of lyfe, and the natural line thre maner of waies: firſt of al, if it cloſe in the caue of the hād ouer againſt the valley: betwene the forefinger and the middle finger: we iudge thereby a miſerable life, endaungered with calamities and captiuitie, and a minde ful of anxietie and care, and oftentimes as it were drowned and ouercome, and ſpecially for the deſire of mony. Secondlye, if it be wel cloſed with a ſharpe corner vnder the midſt of the hil of the forefinger: it declareth a good nature, a quick wit, and good diſpoſition, happy and proſperous ſucceſſe, with integrite of maners. And all theſe thinges are ſo muche the perfecter if the angle be wel and ſharply cloſed. Thirdly, the lines not ioyning together, but hauinge a certaine ſpace left betwene: is an argumente of an ambitious man, a ſelfe louer, vnpure, and vnmannerly, a ſlaunderer, and cruel, a lier, & liuing withoute praiſe or good name. The whiche man if he happen to come in captiuitie or bondage: he ſhall neuer recouer againe his libertye. And if he be fre, yet he ſhal die miſerablye. The ſpace within the triangle roughe and harde: is a ſigne of anger, and crafte, and ſubtilitie, if it be roughe with wrinkles: it ſignifieth enuy, hatred, & ſlaunders. When there doth appere a certain line betwene the two lines ſo nere, that it touch either of thē: it ſignifieth that man ſhal either be poiſoned, or haue ſome mortal woūd. When there appeare in the vpper ſpace foure lines deuidinge one another like croſſes: it ſheweth enuie, backebitinge, with ſtudye and deſire to oppreſſe others. For the two lines ioyning ſharplye together, dothe declare the goodneſſe of the hole body, but if they ende in the caue or pitte of the hande preciſely ouer againſte the finger of Saturne, makinge an angle: it betokeneth bloudſheadinge diuerſe and ſondry waies: as woundes of the head, fluxe of the belly, and if this ſigne be in women it ſignifieth the inceſſant fluxe of the menſtrue, and daunger in childbearinge. If there be in the triangle a figure like a ſtarre: it ſheweth and aduoutrous woman, & paſt ſhame and furious, which throughe her irrefrenable anger, ſhal fal into ſuche a frenſye and madneſſe of minde, that ſhe ſhal couet and go about to cut her own throte. When ſo euer you perceiue in the hand of a woman in the place aforeſaid, a certaine ſtarre puttinge forthe a long role: iudge that womā to haue four huſbāds. If in the ſame ſpace ther be a croſſe with out any inciſion: it betokeneth good both in man & woman. For in thoſe whiche haue that ſigne, it betokeneth a life wel paſſed, and to ende with good name and fame. The right angle being veri ſharp, doth ſhewe a circumſpect, witty, and ſparing man: the ſame beinge obſcure and groſſe: is a ſigne of rudeneſſe, ſlouth, and much geuē to ſlep[•]. The left angle ſharp, betokeneth a babler and crafty man, not withſtanding witty and painful: but if the vpper corne[•] be not ſharpe, and hauinge as it were the ca[•]acter of Saturn: it is a token of an euel and plaine Saturnine nature. And he whoſe fingers are ſo ſet, that there be in euerye [•]oynte as it were certaine ſpaces or riſinges croked and vnequal: it betokeneth him to become very pore, & to liue miſerablye. If there be in the vpper parte that is in the third ioynt, an euident writhing or crokedneſſe: it is a ſigne of enuye, diſceite, malice, and altogether of an euel diſpoſed minde, which man alſo ſhal leade a life ful of miſery and calamitie.

The Triangle bothe in the hande of man and woman, dothe ſignifie muche goodneſſe. But if there be founde in the hande of a woman within the triangle, the ſimilitude of a ſtarre: it betokeneth an vnchaſte woman, and geuen ouer to the luſt of the fleſhe. Alſo, in a manne it is a ſigne of euill. Further, if there be in the hande of a manne abouie the right angle, an expreſſe playne ſtarre: it dothe plainly declare an vntruſty, troubleſome diſceitfull, and ſlaunderous perſone: Alſo a thiefe and robber, doinge al thing be it right or wronge, by violence, inclined & alſo inſtructed in al euil, who at the length ſhal dye an euil death. Smal braunches in the beginnyng of the line of lyfe, or table line: dothe betoken abounndance and encreaſe of houſhold.

If a ſtarre hauinge a longe ſtalke or braunch going from it, be founde in the hande of a woman: it do the declare that ſhe ſhal haue many huſbandes, as often as the two lines of the vpper corner be diſtante a ſunder with a ſpace betwene them, it is an euil ſigne. Alſo, foure lines deuidinge them ſelues in the vpper corner in maner of a croſſe: do demonſtrate an enuious detractor, and a man of euel fame and name. Thē a figure as it wer the caracter of Saturne, dothe pronounce an euel end: the table line alſo faſhioned as you may ſe, doth betoken an infortunate man, and geuē to the belly, if there be the figure of a forke either vpward or downward in the ſaid triangle: it ſheweth an inconſtant and libidinous man.

The ſeuenth Chapter of the Quadrangle.

THe quadrangle is called that ſpace which is betwene yt line & the meane naturall. Then if the inciſions of thys quadrangle be of a bright and liuely coloure, it dothe promiſſe the equitie and vprightneſſe of life: and contrariwiſe, it doth declare a wicked & naughtye man. The ſame ſpace ample, & large: betokeneth liberalitie and ſtou[•]nes of ſtomack. A croſſe alſo in yt ſame place of the hād, ſignifieth good ſucceſſe in eccleſiaſtical miniſtrations, and is ſo muche the more fortunate, if the figure be doubled or tripled like vnto a lattiſe: but if the ſame croſſe be croked or vndeuided with ouerthwart inciſions, it doth pronoſticate the contrary to al that is aforeſaide. Moreouer, an euident ſtarre in the ſame place, dothe demonſtrate a ſtoute manne, vprighte, true, and of a good conſcience. The whiche manne although throughe aduerſitie and miſfortune he fal into pouertie, yet he ſhal riſe againe by his own vertue and goodnes: Yet notwithſtanding, it ſheweth him to be a feminine man, which alſo ſhal ſuffer ſome aduerſitie and trouble for women.

Oftentimes alſo the hole table is lacking: then if the table line ioyne with the natural line, and beginne a triangle: it ſheweth that man to be in daūger to be ſlaine by many that ſhal lye in wait for him. But if in the end of the table about the pommel of the hande there be a manifeſt croſſe: iudge therby many perigrinations, longe iourneis, and often chaūging of place, but therby good fortune. When the two lines whiche make the table be far diſtant, with a greate ſpace betwene them: it is a token of ſuperfluous heate, and vntemperate humoures in the body. Contrariwiſe, the plaine or table of the hande beinge narowe and ſtraight: betokeneth a couetous mā, careful to get goodes, and therwithal deadlye cruell. And this is ſufficientlye ſpoken of the principall inciſions or lines whiche are within the hande. And conſequentlye wee will intreate of the riſinges or hilles of the fingers, and alſo of the fingers them ſelues, with the ſtations of the planettes, and what ſo euer els ſhal remain nedeful to be ſpoken of.

You haue heard before declared what theſe characters, lines, & croſſes in the table of yt hād, do ſignifie & foreſhew. The ſtarre alſo in the middeſt of the Table, doth ſhew a louer, and mainteyner of all honeſtie & goodneſſe, and therfore had in reuerence, & aſpiringe to great dignitie. And let this be a general rule, for al thoſe whoſe handes doe quiuer and ſhake by nature, (for vnto many it happeneth by chaunce, and to other ſome by ſickneſſe and diſeaſes,) to iudge them as angrye, ſcolders, and braulers, vnclene men, and dronkerds.

❧ The .viii. Chapter of the hilles of the fingers, and firſt of the hill of the thombe, called alſo amongſt aunciēt writers, the hill of Venus.

NOwe that there is ſufficientlye entreated of the principall lines of the hande: we will alſo write of the particuler inciſiōs of the fingers, and of their hilles: laiyng before your eyes their ſignificatiōs, with the natures of the ſeue[•] planets, wherby you may know what is agreable among them, and contrariwiſe what doth hurt. The riſing or ſwellyng of the fleſh, beginnyng at the line of life, deſcēdyng ſtraite to the wreſt is called ye hill of the thōb: it is alſo called the hil of Venus, becauſe it is ſoft and plain with very few or no wrinkcles or inciſions, & being ruddy and liuely coloured: it ſheweth the good quality & eſtate of the body, alſo a louer of women, & one delityng in cleanely and fine appare[•]. But if there appere in the ſame place a certaine ſhort line going down ward by the line of life, (& therfore called the ſiſter of the line of life:) it ſignifieth a man delitynge in venerye. Notwithſtanding, the ſame line being long, not broken of, wholy accompaniyng ye line of life thorow: doth promiſſe continual richeſſe. But if it begin not in the vpper ende of the hill, but peraduēture in the midſt, or not farre from the nether ende: it betokeneth lacke and penury in youth, but after abundaunce & plenty. Often alſo there be foure lines equally diſtant, cōminge from the top of the hil to the wreſt, whiche do promeſſe richeſſe and honoure euen in the firſte age, the which lines if they begin not at the verie, top but at the ioynt of ye thōbe: they do promiſſe the ſame ſucceſſe, but lōger and latter to come to paſſe, euen in the extreme age. If the ſame foure lines do deuide the vpper ioynt of the thombe a litle within the naile, or be very neare the ſame ioynt, and be long, brighte ſhining: they betoke preſent honour and riches. And alſo ruie and dominion if the ſame foure lines be deuided or cut, with other ſmal lines going ouerthwart. Many times there is a ſubtile incſiō beginning at the top of the hil of the thombe, going toward the line of life: which ſignifieth that man ſhal die by ſome ſtroke of weapon. Alſo, many brighte lines riſinge ouer againſte the fore finger, and deuidinge the line of life, are tokens of manye perigrinations and longe ioureneis into diuers places. The ſame lines deuiding the line of life in ye vpper part or beginninge: ſheweth a boaſter and an ambitious manne, riotous, and denērous. In ſome alſo a red line wandringe vp and downe the hil of the thombe: betokeneth inceſt, and carnal companye with his kinred. Albeit, I wold not haue ſuche credite geuen to this ſcience, that this ſhoulde ſtraite be iudged true, the hande beinge loked vppon, for when we ſpeake of accompaniynge with kinred, we woulde haue it vnderſtande that man to be ſo enflamed with fleſhly luſte and appetite, that there is but little hope that he wil abſtain from them. To the whiche thinge it behoueth muche to behold the face and hole bodye of the man, whiche dothe declare the ſtate of life to come. For they which be pleaſaunt manered, leadinge a mery and ioconde life, beinge conuerſaunte and reioyſinge in plaies and daunſes, haue ſmal ſtarres in their hil, for this is the whole ſtudye of Venus: and ſuche menne haue theyr hil commonlye deuided with many ſmal and brighte inciſions, whome if you do wel behold, you ſhal ſee his face wel coloured, his body decently cōpact, his eyes blacke and cleare, a pleaſaunte countenaunce & honeſt geſture, and altogether [•]enerous, and therefore wanton, riotous, lecherous, delitinge in diſe playe, daunſing, and other paſtimes, hauinge pleaſure in flours, roſes, and ſwete ſmels coſtly apparel, deſirous of golde and ſiluer, often laughing, conuerſant amōgſt women, deſirous and apte to learne all ſciences of this ſort and nature, and of a dul wit and vnderſtanding to lerne any other thing. Alſo light of belief, eaſye to be deceiued, liberal, gentle, iuſt & faithful, deliting in painted tables & pictures, & al ſo deſirous to learn to paint him ſelf, hauing good fortune in al thinges of that ſort, in the contraries not ſo fortunate: Whoſe life ſhalbe pleaſaunt with mean ſubſtance, not couetous of lucre & gain, beloued of manye, geuen to all kinde of pleaſure, not eaſilye moued with anger, not careful about hard & doutful buſines, but content with his preſent eſtate, ſetting al anxiety & trouble of minde apart, & ſo liuing to his laſt end. For likewiſe as in this, ſo in all other is the nature of man to be conſidered, aſwel by the habit and proportion of the body, as by loking in the hand, wherfore that which is here expreſſed, let it be an example to be followed in al others. Further, they which haue the hil of the thombe deuided with many ſmal wrinkles not equally diſtāt, but ſcattering and out of order: are to be counted fleſhli, vnpure, froward, & brawling, delitinge to be in contention with women, burninge ſo much in luſt that they be neuer ſatiſfied but ſeke ſtraunge and vnaccuſtomed kindes of vſe like vnto monſters & beaſtes, howe be it they be of an vnpleſant conuerſation & life, deliting in no kind of wiſdō or learning, nether profiting any thing at al therin, but very apt to learne al handye craftes, and to deuiſe and inuente al thinges pertaining vnto riot. The cauſe of this I aſſigne to Venus beinge in the .vi. or .viii. houſe in the birth of ſuch men. Wherby you may perceiue how Aſtrology & Chiromācy do mutually embraſe thone thother, ſo that one without thother can not wel be vnderſtand, as ſhalbe ſhewed hereafter more at large.

If there be about the firſt ioynt of the thombe a creſte like a ring going round about, and deuiding the thombe: many do ſtifly iudge and ſay that that manne ſhalbe hanged. The which thing I haue proued true in one man, but becauſe I haue ſene many hanged which haue lacked that marke, I leaue it as vncertain. Alſo thre or foure inciſions in breadth vnder the firſt ioynt: betokeneth richeſſe and honor in youth, if they be aboue that ioynt, it ſhalbe in the middle age, but if the ſame inciſions be neare the ſeconde ioynt: it ſignifieth the ſame effecte, but in the extreame or laſte age. If any womanne haue her thombe ſo marked (as is deſcribed in the ſecond figure) I iudge her to be eſchewed and auoided, as craftye and noughte. Alſo this marke ☉ in the midſt of the hil of Venus: ſignifieth a libidinous, euel mannered, & an aduoutrous womā, willingly putting forth her ſelfe to hordome & vice, wonderful vntēperate, & vnſa[•]iable in copulation. Furder, what maried womā hath thre lines ſomwhat vnequally diſtant, deuidinge the firſt ioynte of the thombe: it ſheweth her to be in daūger either of death, or of a wounde by her owne huſbande. More [•]uer, many ſmal croſſes vnder the ſecond ioynt, declareth a verye holy woman, geuen to religion. Againe, onelye two of thoſe markes dothe ſignifye an vnfaithful babbler, and a woman full of ſtrife and diſcord. Alſo many ſmal braunches in the ſame place dothe betoken a wanton women, and one ſone ripe.

❧ The .ix. Chapiter of the hil of the forefinger, and of the finger, with the nature of the Iouialles.

IVpiter the moſt benificial planet of al, hath his place in the hil whiche is vnder the forefinger, the whiche hil beinge plaine and ſmoth, dothe ſhewe vnto the honeſty of life and goodnes of nature. And ſo muche the rather, if there be certaine ſmal darke riules going out from the ſame finger, the whiche if they be not farre diſtant: it betokeneth honoure and dignity by princes. And ſome being bolder, do define and ſaye, that he ſhal attaine to ſo many degrees of honor, or eccleſiaſtical dignities, as there be ſuche inciſions in his hande. It is alſo a token of magnitude and boldneſſe, deſire, and ſtudy to compaſſe greate thinges, as alſo a deſire of renowme and glorye: when a ſtrait cleare line beginning at the rote of the forefinger, almoſt at the mean natural line, doth turne backe again to the corner of the hil. A ſmal line alſo goinge from the table line to the hil of the forefinger: doth ſignify the ſame aforeſaide. If that certain ouerthwart riules do deuide the lines aforeſaide, they betoken wounds in ye head. Alſo a groſſe, bright, and ruddy line, deuidinge the forefinger from the middle finger in a man, dothe betoken the ſickeneſſe of the intrailes or bowels, in a woman it ſignifieth daunger in childe bearinge, and ſo muche the more daunger, if it be very red. More ouer, croſſes in the hil of Iupiter, do ſignify honoure and promotions in ſo manye degrees, as there be founde croſſes, for it hath bene often ſene, ſuch men to haue gotten henefices and eccleſiaſticall promocions abundauntlye. And thoſe men hauyng thoſe markes, are chiefly called Iouials, or of the nature of Iupiter, hauyng for the moſt parte good ſucceſſe in al affayres of that ſorte or kinde, who for the moſt part are of a meane ſtature, and pleaſant forme or ſhape, whitely coloured, thicke heered, comely eyed, geuen to clenlines & mirth. They be naturally ſtout ſtomaked, & hie minded, hauyng to do in great & waighty affaires, liberall oftē times aboue their abilitie, coueting to rule and haue dominion ouer other, deſpiſers of al mediocrite and meane eſtate, honeſt, noble, couetous of glorye & renowne, ambicious, pleaſant and merye, faythful and frendly, abhorrynge al fraud, and diſceit, peaceable, apt and inclined to al learnyng and wiſedome, politique, and eloquente. The walkyng or goyng is meane, neither faſte nor ſlow, betokenyng a great conſtancy of minde. No menne more fortunate then they, or that ſoner obteyne their deſires. For the moſt part alwaies in fauour with princes or gréate men, louyng dearely their wyfe and children. Alſo proſperous and happye in ſucceſſion and poſteritie. More ouer, they bee greate eaters, and therfore often diſeaſed wyth the raweneſſe of the ſtomack or liuer, or els long liued, hauynge a cleare and ſhril voyce, & the formoſt two vpper teeth ſtickinge oute. And thus muche of them on whoſe byrthe Iupiter is lorde, without coniunction of any euil wyth hym. Furthermore, many lines goynge ouerthwarte in the vpper ioynte of the forefinger in the hand of a woman, do declare that ſhe ſhal haue large inheritance by the death of her frendes and kinred. The ſame in the middle ioynt, do ſignify enuy, lying, and diſceit, which ſignes if they be in the hil of Iupiter, do miniſter ſuſpicion of an angry, teſty, vnmanerly, and ſcolding woman.

And thus haue I alſo founde oute the number of children: If anye woman haue in the middle ioynte three bryght inciſions runnyng lengthwaies, whereof the middlemoſt is ſhorte and blunte at the one ende, and an other bright line goyng ouerthwart, & two other darke lynes whiche touche not the middle ſhorte lyne. Alſo wicked and noughtye women haue ſtarres wyth a halfe compaſſe in the hyll of Iupiter.

The ſame alſo do declare thre crok[•]d lines almoſt equally diſtant within the vtter ioynt of the forefinger. Contrariwiſe, it is a token of honeſtie and chaſtitie, when the middle ioynte is deuided with many lines going in length, with a ſtarre in the middeſt. Alſo it promiſeth great inheritance or riches to come (whether it be by order of inheritaunce, or of eccleſiaſticall dignities or promocions) vnto hym that hath a cleare ſtarre not interrupte with anye line or wrinkle in the hyl of Iupiter. A line going from the hil of the middle finger to the wreaſte: ſheweth fearful and weake harted men, but notwithſtandyng enuious. Some alſo affirme, that thoſe which haue that line, if they chaunce to be taken & caſte in priſon: either they ſhal dye there, or be greuouſly puniſhed, or very hardly eſcape and be deliuered.

The .x. Chapiter of the hill of the middle finger, appropriate to Saturnus of the finger it ſelfe with the nature of the Saturnines.

THe middle finger of the hande as is aforeſaid in this ſcience, is attribute vnto Saturne, and called by his name, & therfore the riſynge vnderneth it, is alſo called the hill of Saturne. The which hil if it be plaine and ſmoth without wrinkles or inciſiōs: it declareth a ſimple mā, paineful, and without diſceit. If that a riule cōmyng from the table line do cut the hyll of Saturne: it ſignifieth a careful man, diſquieted and vexed with dayly troubles and cares, alwayes ſtudiyng and muſyng on ſomthing, notwithſtandyng ſeldome riche. Alſo many inciſions in the ſame place, do declare an heauy & penſiful life, full of penurie & neceſſitie, priſonment, and tormentes. Likewiſe, a line bowyng from the rote of the rynge finger to the hyll of Saturne, ſheweth a flouthful and ſluggiſh man, foliſhe, and raſhe, neuer doyng any thing wittely, albeit ſometime foliſhe, bolde, of a folyſh and rude minde and vnderſtandynge. They ſaye alſo, that woman which hath more lines betwene the fingers of the Sunne and Saturne, then betwene the Sunne and Mercurye, there beinge ſome lines alſo: to be apt to generatiō, and ſpecially of men childrē. This alſo I know certaine, that if any ſmal lines go from the principal lines of the hande to the hil of Saturne: thei declare an euil diſpoſition, and not a verye honeſt life. It is alſo iudged a token of ſterilitie and barrennes in a woman, to haue a croſſe or a ſtarre in the firſt ioint of ye finger. And thoſe whiche haue ye hil diuerſly deuided with riules, thother hil beinge ſmothe and plain, are to be iudged Saturnins, whoſe nature for the moſt parte is to be pale coloured, vncomelye vyſaged, their eyes fixed downeward to the grounde, in goynge ſlowe, leane, and oftentimes croked backed, and for the moſt part euil manered. For Saturn maketh them malicious, diſceitful, and craftye, delitinge

to be alone, regardyng no man, without al frendſhippe. Not very curious aboute their meates, great drinkers, and often times great eaters, continually diſquieted with cares and miſeries, neuer free frō them, ful of heauy and fearful thoughtes and imaginations, louyng fennes and ſtandyng waters, liuynge filthelye, ſlow and rare of ſpeach, colde of nature, weake bodied, and ſickly, of a low voice, hoorſe, and ſluttyng, lightly enuiyng other, and whom thei hate, thei perſecute continully without remiſſion. Their delite is to buylde, to plante, plowe, and al thinge that will continue, hauyng no great pleaſure in women, and therfore ſeldome hauynge children, but diynge without iſſue. Wonderful defēders and kepers of their libertie, iudgynge it extreme miſerie and euil to ſerue and be in bōdage, deliting in blacke, & therfore clothing them ſelues therwith, ful of ſuſpicion and feare, geuing great regard vnto dreames: and thus far of Saturnins. That womanne that hathe fiue or ſyxe lines in the firſte ioint of the middle finger runnynge downewarde, ſhal beare a ſonne which ſhal be a prieſt. Alſo that manne which hath a ſtarre in the ſame iointe, ſhal either kil or be killed.

The .xi. Chapter of the ringe finger and hyll, and the nature of them borne vnder the Sunne.

THe hil of the ringe finger, called alſo of moſt learned men the hil of the Sunne, is that which riſeth in a certayne ſpace betwene the finger and the table line, if there procede from the rote therof to the table lyne, certaine ſmal lines: they worke the ſame effect that Mercury doth amongſt the Aſtrologians, whiche maketh a man of a pregnant and quick wit, geuen to diuers kinde of learning, proude, and eloquent, alſo fortunate to promotions, as wel prophane as ſpiritual. But if there be other lines drawē ouerthwart thē, or that they deuide one another: it ſignifieth the clene contrary. But if the ſame lines do not touche or deuide the other: it is a good token that he ſhal ouercome & treade doune al his enemies. The which, if they neither touch ye finger, neither be equally placed frō the table line, but be hangyng betwene, accordynge to the alteration of the lynes: they note the chaunge of eſtate, and lyfe. Alſo, manye ſlender redde lynes in the ſame hil, do ſhew a wiſe and mery man, the which lines if thei be croked and red: betoken diſeaſes wherewith a man is preſently vexed and troubled. If they be pale, paines al ready paſt. Again, if they deuide thē ſelues like a ſaint And rewes croſſe, ſtretched from the table line to the firſt ioynt: it ſignifieth a prouidente and circumſpect man in doing his buſineſſe. There is alſo another token pronouncing fortunate thinges, ſpecially in getting of honour and dignity, and al thinges pertaininge to vertue, liberality, and wiſdō: which are two croked lines, equally diſtant going from the wreſt, as you may perceiue by this figure.

Alſo many lines in the hand of a woman about the vpper ioynt runninge to gether, do ſhew ye ſame. And more ouer, that ſhe ſhalbe had in reuerence & made rich by her huſbandes, alſo they ſhewe her to be deuout, but not to lead no monaſtical life. So likewiſe, if they be in the ſecōd ioynt, they declare that ſhe ſhal alwaies be had in reputacion and honor but amongſt them of her own ſtocke. Alwaies they ſignify riches, aſwel in menne as in women. But they are euel if they ſtretche to the hil of the Sunne.

❧ The .xii. Chapter of the hil and finger of Mercurye, and of his nature.

THe hil of the eare finger or rather of Mercury, is betwene the little finger and the table line. It is greatlye materiall whether it be plaine withoute inciſions or vaines.

For it being wel colored without wrinkles, ſheweth a conſtant mind in a man, in a maide integritie. A ſlender line riſing at the table to the rote of the hil: betokeneth liberality. Alſo mani ſuch lines beginning betwene the table line, and the little finger: ſignifieth ſo many mariages as there be lines. Notwithſtandinge, the lengthe, coloure, and ſlendernes of them muſt be marked: for the pale lines ſignify mariages paſt, the long and wel coloured thē to come. It happeneth often ſome of them to be groſſe and very red, wherby thou ſhalt iudge a lier, a theſe, and robber, and one defiled with al kinde of miſchief. Now if there be a croked line, as it were a circle goinge from that finger to the middle finger: it declareth an excellente wit and diſpoſicion, in whome there is great hope, that he wil he apt and prompt to al kind of affaires. If there be ſmal croked lines in the vpper part of the litle finger in the hand of a woman: it ſheweth a condition propre to al women, which is pride, much talke and babling, with inconſtancy. And this for the moſt part is the Phiſiognomy of al the Mercurians, meane coloured betw[•]ne blacke and white, hie foreheade, round face, faire eyes like a cat, blacke and thin berd, ſlender body, comelye ſtature, thin lips, ſharp noſe, ſhril voice and ready, a quicke motion and ſtirringe. If thou wilt for know this by the hil: if it be ful of ſtrait lines, he is alſo of a pregnāt wit, bold, a horemonger, faithful, readye to lie, a louer of his owne ſectes, a hater of ſuperſtition, not regardinge temples nor oracles, apt to al ſciences Mathematical and Geometry. Finallye, a man fit for al aſſaies, a doctoure, a poete, endued with the knowledge of tonges, a ſercher of ſecretes, a Philoſopher, harty, modeſt, but ful of wordes, hurting no man, deliting in the cleaneſt handye craftes, as in painting and ſuch like. Albeit, he is more vexed with ſickeneſſe and troubled with deluſions of ſpirites, then other men.

There be alſo certaine tokens, wherof the firſt in the firſt ioynt doth declare a man to be ſtudious, chiefely of Rethorike, arrogant, proude, and of a ripe wit. That in the ſecond ioynt although it vary frō the firſt, yet hathe it the ſame effecte, it ſheweth an excellente preacher or oratoure, if it ſtand ouerthwart: he is troubled with ſondrye paſſions, horrible dreames, and euel fātaſies. If in the thirde ioynt there be a croſſe, it is a ſure ſigne of pouertie and neceſſity. And this is ſufficient of Mercury, although the figure do not conteine al the ſignes, yet we haue deſcribed the chiefeſt and principal, for who can comprehende ſo manye ſortes of lines & tokens of ſo diuerſe diſpoſitions in ſo ſmall a roume. Wee haue lefte nothinge oute in the cannon or rule, which might be to any effecte or purpoſe.

❧ The .xiii. Chapter of the vtter part of the Triangle, and of them ouer whom the mone hath power and dominion.

FIrſte of al, I will declare what the Chiromanciers cal ye vtter part of yt Triangle, it is the ſame whiche by the cōmon name is called the line of the ſtomacke or liuer, with riſinge at the tail of the line of life, touching the mean natural, maketh a triangle, if ther be no let in the natiuitye. Albeit, I knowe in ſome it doth not ioyne, yet it is not to be left out, for it is found to be of as muche force as al the other, for if it make a perfite Triangle with the meane natural and line of life: it ſheweth the floriſhing helth and proſperitie bothe of bodye and mind. If it happen to be darke coloured & ful of points: it ſheweth the il digeſtion of the ſtomack, morphew, colick, flegme, bindinge of the bellye, paine of the ſtomacke and ribbes, and ſpecially if it be pale. But if it be wel drawen, ruddye, nearer the line of life then the midle natural: it betokeneth paine in the head, if contrariwiſe, it be nearer the middle natural, it ſignifieth the inflamation of the lungs, anexed wt a feruēt ague, ye kongh, and ſtinke of the mouth. Alſo, ſuch a circle in the place of the Mone, ☉ although it ſeme to be but a reft, yet it betokeneth the loſſe of one eye, if there be two ☉☉, the loſſe of bothe eyes, whiche thinge I haue proued true bi my own hurt. Likewiſe a ſtarre in the ſame place, ſignifieth a wicked and miſcheuous man. If you deſire to know ye phiſnamy of the lunatickes, they be whitlye faced with ſome red, their browes ioyned together, their face and cheekes blowen, vnequal eyed, ſomwhat blacke, peraduenture marked in the face, vnthrifty, ſickelye, vnſtable, ſlow, foliſh, pore in youthe, in the ſeconde

age richer ſomwhat. But in thertreame age miſerable again, dotinge, vnfortunate, and borne to trauail, geuen to the fallynge ſickeneſſe and Palſye, to the flixe & blaſtyng, except the Moone in the rote of natiuitie haue the Sunne or Iupiter propice and in amitie with her.

The .xiiii. Chapter of the place of Mars, and the nature of the Martialiſtes.

VVe thought it mete before we ſpake of Mars, to place hī in the caue of the hād in the triangle, ouer againſt the natural line: in the which if there apere another perfit triangle according to al the natural properties of the Martialiſts: you may pronoſticate, ye by hew much ye ſame is larger & bigger the man is to be iudged the more vicious. And ſpecially if it be wel proportioned with the lines. The phiſnamye herein is not to be diſpiſed, which I haue therfore adioyned becauſe it ſhuld helpe the Chiromancier the better in iudgemente, otherwiſe it can not be ſo exactly iudged. Thei be hie colored in the face, as burnte of the Sunne, thinne heered and curled, ſmall eyes, ſomewhat croked bodied, with a ſharpe and fiers aſpecte, boulde, couetous, diſceitful, a briber, vnfaithful, a ieſter, vnſhamefaſt, lighte, vnconſtant, angry, ſeditious, ſuſpicious, impaciente, a murderer, a boaſter, a mocker, periured, and a counterfaiter of all thinges, that maye be counterfaited.

¶ The concluſion of this worke of Chiromancy.

Chiromantial prognoſtication or manual diuinations, accordinge to the places of the. vii, Planets.

BEſides the Charecters & lines which are commonlye in the hande, there dothe often appeare ſtraunge notes and markes, whiche betoken ſome great vnknowen thinge, wherefore our intente now is to ſhe we their effect & meaning. W[•] haue ſhewed before the natures of the ſignes, and what Planet is lorde of euerie man, nowe we will attempte to knowe what ſuſpecte tokens bee in the Planettes: I meane not thooſe in the heuens, but (heir charecters which be in the fingers, of what force they be.

Of the place of Mars.

THe place of Mars is in the Triangle, wherefore if you perceaue or finds ſuche a marke or ſigne drawen in thys ſort in the triangle, iudge that man to be a Martialiſt, & that he ſhal be hanged. The other three markes ouer againſte the table of the hande: ſignifieth boldeneſſe, ſtubburneſſe, ſeueritie, waſtinge of his patrimonie and inheritaunce, wyth oppreſſion of his frendes and kinſfolke.

Of the finger of Venus.

VEnus doth poſſeſſe the thombe & the hyll therof, which for the plainneſſe of it, is called the hil of Venus, if there be in the firſt ioint ſuch a marke, they ſhal proſpere in all their affayres. In the ſeconde iointe, it betokeneth pouertye, and neare the naile, that he ſhal haue a leprous childe, or els in the place of Venus, it ſhe weth a venerous man, geuen to inceſt and aduoutrie, and ſpecially if the markes be in the hill.

Of the finger of Iupiter.

IVpiter hathe alſo his proper markes, who poſſeſſeth yt forefinger, as is here preſccibed, in the firſt ioint they ſignifie an aduoutrer, & in thupper ioints riches, and ſpeciallye in age. The other ſignes for the moſt part betoken no yll.

Of the finger of Saturne.

SAturne the higheſt amōgſt thē, kepeth the midle finger with his priuate charectes here diſcribed, which declare a ſaturnine mā, whoſe nature you may partly gather bi that which is aforeſaid, and partly we wil define more at large hereafter.

Of the finger of the Sunne.

A Line portured in this ſort appearing in the ring finger, called properly the finger of the Sunne, ſignifieth long life and proſperitie, al other apparances are tokens of euill.

Of the finger of Mercury.

THey haue appointed vnto Mercurys the little finger with certaine lines, whereby you may perceiue and know a Mercurial here briefly expreſſed, they betoken benefites or offices, all other ſignifie ſadneſſe, melancholy, and heauines.

Of the place of the Moone.

THe place of the Mone is in the pomel of the hande. Wherfore if thou perceiue the lines here diſcribed riſing from the wreſte: it ſheweth ſluggiſhnes, in the place of Iupiter dulneſſe and foliſhnes, & ſpeciallye in women, whiche by nature are not very wiſe.

The Concluſion.

YOu haue hearde (deare Reader) the ſignes and markes of the planets, by the which without Aſtrology you maie learne and knowe vnto what planet euerye man is ſubiecte, deſieryng you to take this our Treatiſe in good worth, & to make a proufe thereof with labour & diligēce, leſt yt we mai be thought herein to haue ſpēt our time & labour in vaine. There lacketh but only iudgemēt, the labour or pain is nothing: for ſo much as the hole effecte maie be vnderſtand and knowen by once or twiſe readyng at the moſte.

Fare ye well.

❧ The ſeconde Boke entreateth of an Epiloge or briefe collection of the hole ſumme of the Arte of Phiſiognomy. By the which you may vnderſtand and perceiue, what euery membre from the crowne of the head, to the ſoule of the foote, dothe ſignifye and meane. Alſo a brief introduction vppon the faces of the ſignes, with certaine cannons and rules, vpon ſicknes & diſeaſes. And firſt to begin with the eyes.

THe eyes therfore being moiſte and cleare, ſheweth mirthe, good manners, and an honeſt life, declininge and loking downward, red, & very great: betokeneth glotony, and fleſhly luſte. Smal hollowe eyes, couetouſneſſe. Graye eyes an euil man: hollowe eyes a craftye man, waueringe vnſtable eyes, declare a ſeditious, ſuſpitious, vnfaithful boſter. Great eyes ſlouth, trēblinge eyes ſluggiſhnes, gliſtering eyes betokē drōkēnes, ſmal eyes vnſhamfaſtnes, diuerſe coloured & ſmal: ſignifieth crafty flattering. Turning toward the noſe, betokeneth lecherous men. Greate dropping[•] eyes with an vnſtable coūtenance, mad men. Dry eies, crafty men. Black cleare eyes, iuſt, witty, libidinous, and cūning. The circle of the ball gren[•]: declareth a craftye wicked man and a theefe. Moiſte eyes ſtoutnes of ſtomacke, perfect ſpeche and good coūſel. Great gliſtering eyes: ſhewe mad men, light, & glotons, Croked hollow and dry eyes, declare vnfaithfull and traitorous perſons. Highe eyes, large, cleare, pure, & moiſt: are tokens of circūſpect, diligente perſons, and louers. Alwaies running and droppinge without cauſe of ſicknes, declareth foliſhnes. Miſty dry eyes, vnfaithful mē. Larg eyes gliſtering, moiſt, & cleare: ſignifieth witty and high men, violent, ſtout, and boaſters. Blacke and ſhining eyes, fearful and euel men. Swelling eyes and raw: ſheweth glotons and vnamiable men. Smal and holow eyes, couetous, diſceitful men. Chereful eyes betoken iuſt mē, prone to laughter, gentle, & holy. Moiſt eyes, good coūſel. Winking eyes, a theſe and a lier in wait. Bleared eyes, libidonous mē. Vpright browes, amiable, the browes hanging ouer effeminate platynge with the bries: ſignifieth adulterous perſons.

The forhed narow, ſheweth a foliſhe perſon, long, one apt to learne. A hie fore hend ſwelling and round, is a ſigne of a crafty man & a coward. Ful of wrinkles, ful of cares, round, enuious and craftye, A large forhed betokeneth a liberal mā.

The browes heery, ſignifieth ſtutting: & being extent to the ſēples vnclean[••]nes.

The face plaine and [•]lat, declareth a mā ful of debate and ſtrife, without any riſing or ſwelling: infurious, and an vncleane perſon. A leane face is token of a wiſe man. A fleſhy face one apt to learn. A ſad face ſheweth ſomtime foliſhneſſe, ſometime wiſdome.

Open eares betokeneth a man without reaſon or vnderſtāding, great eares an vnwiſe man, ſmal eares a fole, ſquare eares a learned and wiſe man.

A ſharpe noſe ſheweth an angry perſon, thicke and lowe, euil manner[•]. The noſe tending or ſtretching to the mouth, declareth honeſty, ſtrength, and apte to learning. A great noſe good, a litle noſe a diſceitful perſon. A noſe like an ape, betokeneth a libidinouſe & riotous perſon.

The noſethrilles thicke and ſtronge, betokeneth ſtrength: round, feare: drawē in lēgth, mery & coragious: ye noſethrils narow & round are tokens of a fole.

A bigge mouth ſheweth a bolde and hardy warriour. The mouth very bigge with the vpper lippe hanging ouer: ſignifieth a glotton and an vngodly man, a babler, raſh, foliſh, and vnſtedfaſt.

Slender, thinne, and ſubtile lips, betoken eloquence, but thin lips with a litle mouth, an effeminate perſō. Fleſſhy lips a fole. And they whoſe dogge teethe do beare out their lippes, are to be counted cōtumelous, ſlanderers, and vnfaithfull. A ſharp throtbole ſignifieth a vain ſeſter

A long ſlender necke declareth a fearful euil mannered man, thicke and long: a furious, fearful, and ſtubburne perſon. A meane necke, a ſtronge and vertuous man, and apt to learning. A thick necke, ſheweth rude, barbarous, and vngentle perſons. Sharpe neck a ſlaūderous perſon. A ſhort neck raſhnes. A croked neck a couetous mā. The necke turned to the right ſide: ſheweth a tēperat man. Turned to ye left ſide, a hore maſter & a fole.

A great breſt is alway praiſed, a larg breſt doth repreſēt Magnanimitie, boldneſſe, and honeſtye. A little breaſt a fearful perſon. A purſye or groſſe breaſte, an vngentle and cruel man.

The paps hanging downe from the breſt, do ſhewe a violente man.

A great belly, declareth an vndiſcrete foliſhe man, proude, and riotous. A lanke belly with a bigge breaſte, a man of vnderſtanding and counſel.

A brode backe declareth gentleneſſe. The mean proportion both of the backe and breaſt, is alwaye commendable: a croked backe is token of a nigarde, and couetous perſone.

Very long armes are ſigne of boldnes, honeſty, and ſtrength, ſhort armes a ſower of diſcord and riot.

The handes very ſhort doth ſignify a groſſe & rude perſon, fat and fleſſhy with the fingers likewiſe inclined to thefte. Smal handes crafty men.

The feteful of fleſh declareth foliſhnes, Smal and ſlender fete, hardneſſe.

Slender legges ſhew ignorance, groſſe legges, boldnes and ſtrength. Large and ful of ſ[••]owes, fortitude, & ſtrēgth. Short & fat legs, crueltye. Croked & hollow inward, is a token of very [〈◊〉] men. Soft and ſw[•]lling legges, euil ma[•]nered men.

The ſh[•]nne groſſe & ſhort with a ſharp heele and fatte thighes, do prognoſticate madneſſe or frenſye to come or happen to that partie.

Thus haue you here theſe briefe introductions to this art of Phiſiognomy, by the which a man may iudge the diſpoſitions of other. Folowing herein Ariſtotle and Valla, who did the like, by whoſe help we haue performed herein that we may or can. Wherefore, if any man wil ſlaunder vs, let him know that we haue not written any commentaries, but a cōpendious treatiſe of this ſcience, and thus an end.

❧ Briefe introductions upon the faces of the ſignes, what effect the Sunne doth worke in euerye houſe or manſion.

NOw that we haue fully propoſed & alſo determined aſwel to inſtruct, as to induce and allure the ſtudious and deſirous, to the ſtudye and knowledge of Aſtrology, and that there be many things to be obſerued and marked therein, as the ſituation and placing of the houſes, and the iudgements of the Horoſcope: we thinke now onlye to remaine neceſſary to intreate or ſpeake of the faces or triplicities of the ſignes, and of their worke and effect in euery degre. For the Sunne and euerye other Planet haue diuerſe and ſondry effectes in eche degre & face, working one thinge in the firſt triplicity, another in the ſecond, and a far different and contrarye operation in the thirde face. The whiche that you may the better vnderſtande, euery ſigne is deuided into thirty degrees. The ſame thirty being parted again into .iii. parts, ye firſt part or order to ten, doth make the firſt face or triplicity, & al whiche cometh betwene ten & twenty, is attribute to the ſecōd: & that which remaineth to ye thirty degre, is added to the third face. And in this manner muſic you deuide al the other ſignes: and theſe degrees as thei increaſe in number, ſo do they in force and ſtrengthe. So towarde the ende they be of loſſe power then they were in the beginninge or middeſie of the triplicitye, and ſpecially in the laſt faces or triplicities. Theſe notes and others we haue brieflye drawen or taken out of Abrahā, Haly, Alcabitius, Firmicus and ſuche others. Wherefore, if anye zoylous or enuious perſone, wil obiecte or demaunde whye we ioyne theſe thinges to our doinges: wee anſwere that thoſe learned menne did not fullye and diſtinctly write the whole effects, which a perfect Aſtrologian mighte altogether do. But rather to admoniſhe their owne Diſciples and ſcholers then to teache others. And theſe thinges thus beinge touched, we wil procede to ſpeake of Aries.

The Sunne in the firſte face of Aries. ♈.

THe Sunne in Aries, which is the firſt and principall ſigne, amongſte the twelue, and in the firſte tenne degrees of the ſame, dothe commonlye make thoſe whiche be then borne, red couloured, ſmal viſaged, lanke and ſlender bealied, and leane, marked in the lefte ſote, or elbowe, hauinge manye frendes, hating euil and louing al that is good.

In the ſecond face whiche is from the tenth degre of Aries, to the twenty degre of the ſam[•]e, it maketh them blacke colored, the which blacknes is not reputed as any vice or deformity, but for a comelineſſe and great ciuilitye. They be alſo of a mean ciuility, angry, ſuſpitious, diſceitful, and hartye, compaſſed and beſet with many ennemies which ſhal purſue him euen vnto death.

In the thirde face it maketh them oftentimes red, inclining to a ſaffrō colour ſolitary, and deuiſing craftes & diſceites

The ſun in the firſt face of Taurus. ♉

Maketh them that be borne apt or diligent, great eyed, and greate lips, marked in the necke, but very merye, and alwaies occupied in riot and banketinge.

In the ſecōd face, it maketh them wāton and riotous, (but not ſo muche as in the firſt face) runners aboute countries, and vnſtedfaſt.

In the thirde face it cauſeth a colder complexion becauſe of Saturne whiche doth poſſeſſe this laſte face, and bringeth the paines or diſeaſes of the eares, belly, and thighes.

The Sunne in the firſte face of Geminy. ♊

VVho ſo euer hapneth to be born the Sunne being in the firſte face of Gemini, is for the moſt part of a meane ſtature, wel bodied, euery membre decently compact, marked in the heade or knees, gentle, and painful, vnfortunate through women, and cōmonly without iſſue.

In the ſecond face it doth miniſhe the ſtature, adding blacknes of colour, marked in the elbow or preuy members, and that whiche ſemeth to be deminiſhed or wanting in thother partes, is repaired & fulfilled with eloquence.

In the declination of the thirde face, it maketh theim to decreaſe in honeſtye and the due proporcion of the mēbres, making them foliſhe, and inuentors and ſpreaders abrode of ieſtes & vain trifles.

The Sunne in Cancer ♋.

THey which are borne in the firſt ten degrees of Cancer, are comelye bothe of bodye and heere, narrowe browes, quicke and pregnant witted, marked in the right arme and thighes, hauynge a good ſpirite and diſpoſition, and plenty of frendes.

In the ſecond face redde heeres, ſhort ſtature without any beard, and marked in the eyes.

In the third face it maketh thē groſſe and dull, with heery browes, ful of ytch, and as it were blowen or puffed vp in the face.

The Sunne in Leo ♌.

SO in the firſt face of Leo, is the gift of life, and it maketh thē of a ſmal comely body, reddy coloured, mixed with ſome white, rouling eyes, ſtraight bodye, ful of diſeaſes in their feete, & ſpecially in age: famous and notable, ſimple, and beloued of the kinges and rulers of the earth.

In the ſecond face it maketh thē large breaſted, the ſtones and priuy members ſlender, harty and honourable.

In the third face ſhort of ſtature, roſe coloured, mixed with white, vexed with much ſickneſſe, a whoremonger, and louer of women.

The Sunne in Virgo. ♍

THe Sunne poſſeſſing the firſt face of Virgo, cauſeth a comely ſtature, high and tal body, a faire face, witty, prudence and quicke, curled heere, a player of inſtruments, with a quicke and ſhril voice, learned in many ſciences, but vnfertil & barren in hauinge or bringinge forthe of children.

In the ſecōd face it maketh thē likewiſe comly coūtenanced, ſmal eyes, fair noſe, religious, learned, honeſt, without blame or reproche, and deſirous of praiſe.

Vnder the third face, ſimple, fair, apt, witty, prudent, and good.

The Sunne in the firſte face of Libra. ♎

BEing a ſigne of a māly ſhape or form cauſeth a fayre face, a ſimple, painful and modeſt perſon, which ſhalbe wounded in the heade.

In the ſecond face it maketh likewiſe a faire face, but blexe eied, or ſquint eyed, for they ſhal haue ſome default in them.

In the third face it maketh them honorable, reuerent, and comely: in thend of this face it maketh them oftentimes of both kindes, and let them take hede they take no venemous thing.

The ſunne in Scorpio. ♏

CAuſeth them whiche are borne to be euel fauored, marked in the heade or ſhulders, or in the left fote or arme, large breſted, mery, & pleſant in geuing checks or tauntes, ſobre, and diſcrete.

In the ſeconde face it cauſeth a great head, and a great babler, marked in the knees or backe.

And vnder yt third face maketh a ſmal and litle ſtature, gogle eyed, a glotton or great eater, and a horemonger.

The Sunne in Sagittarius. ♐

MAketh them of a comely countenāce and tall ſtature, belonginge to the Courte, ſtudious and deſirous of good thinges.

Vnder the ſecōd face it cauſeth a comly & faire countenance & ſtature, inclined to a ſaffron colour, thin browes, & marked in the breaſt.

In the third face tal and comly, large & big breſted, marked in the breſt & fote.

The Sunne in Capricorne. ♑

MAketh oftentimes a large breaſte, a tender and ſoft perſon, of a competēt ſtature, but ſomwhat black colored, marked in the elbow or breſt craftye.

In the ſecond face fair, marked in the left arme, but if the natiuity be by night, it maketh them malicious, longe noſed, and quicke witted.

In the thirde face it cauſeth a comely body, a citrine face, marked in the arme or knee, angrye, louelye, and a louer of women.

The Sunne in the firſt face of Aquarius. ♒

THe ſunne in the firſt face of Aquarius maketh a comely bodi & face, marked in the breſt or left fote, alſo benigne, eaſy and gentle to be ſpoken to, tractable, & familiar amongſt men.

Vnder the ſecond face, it maketh thē very long red face, marked in the backe or elbow, endomaged with many vexations and tribulations.

In the third face it cauſeth a ſhort ſtature, a roſe coloured countenaunce, marked vnder the elbow, and a louer of women: but if it happen him to be borne in the laſt degree, he ſhal not only be different and cōtrary diſpoſed in the proportion of the bodye, but in all his actions and doinges.

The Sunne being found in Piſces. ♓

CAuſeth a ſoft body, white, bigge breſt, comely beard, faire forhed, clear ſkin, large & fayre eyes, ful of fleſhe & honeſt.

In the ſecond face, an equal and ſhort ſtature, blacke bearde, thin heared, nimble and mery.

In the third face it maketh thē comely and decent in al members, and geueth alſo clerenes of ſound or voice.

This alſo we haue iudged worthy to be noted and marked, that in artificiall Aſtrology there be certaine formes or ſignes, whiche do cauſe greatneſſe or bigneſſe, as Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius: and certaine which cauſe diuination or making leſſe, as Piſces, Cancer, Capricorne.

The beginninges alſo of Aries, Leo, and Taurus, do cauſe bodyes to tende to groſeneſſe and ſtrengthe, the endes of the ſame, do contrariwiſe cauſe leannes, ſlenderneſſe, and debilitie: likewiſe the beginninges of Gemini, Scorpio, and Sagittarius, cauſe leanneſſe and debility, and the endes of the ſame, groſneſſe, and ſtrength, but Virgo, Libra and Sagittarius cauſe equalitye and good proportion. Taurus, Scorpius, and Piſces, as Halye writeth, do woorke and cauſe a diuerſe and vnequall proportion of the bodye. For they whiche are borne in the daye, are clearer then they whiche are borne in the nyghte: for the nyghte doothe helpe the Planettes, ſignifying obſcuritie and blackeneſſe. Alſo the Moone in coniunction with Mercury, in the houre of natiuitie, and not beinge aſcendent: cauſeth the fallinge ſickeneſſe, and ſpeciallye if Saturne be in anye angle in the day birth: or Mars in the nighte birthe. Alſo Saturnus in anye of the angles, either in the nighte or daye birthe, cauſeth madneſſe, and ſpeciallye when Cancer, Virgo or Piſces, are founde in any of the angles. More ouer, Saturne in the houſes of the lightes: that is to ſay, the Sunne or Mone, whiche are Cancer and Leo, it be tokeneth the paſſion or hurt of the eyes.

Theſe ſignes, Aries, Cancer, Scorpius Capricorne and Piſces: do ſignify & cauſe biles, leproſy, red ſpottes, itches, ſcurffes, deafeneſſe, ſtuttinge, baldeneſſe, and a ſmal bearde.

Cancer, Scorpius, and Piſces, are ſignes of manye ſonnes or men children. Alſo theſe ſignes betoken the honeſty of womē, their religion & puritye of life, Taurus, Leo, Aquarius.

Theſe ſignes haue reaſō and are called reaſonable ſignes, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, the firſt part of Sagittarius & al Aquarius

Signes mouing to anger and ſharpenes, are Aries, Leo, and Scorpio.

More ouer, Gemini, Virgo, and Libra cauſe great, loude, & ſhril voices, Cancer, Scorpio, and Piſces, are dombe, & without voice or ſounde.

There be thre planets which do geue riches: that is to ſaie, Iupiter, the Sunne, and Venus. The Sunne alſo geueth wiſdome, Mercury eloquence, and Venus goodlye vtterance or pronunciation.

There be alſo three ſignes oriental or of theaſt. Aries is the heart of theaſt. Leo the ſecond triplicitie and the lift part of theaſt, & Sagittarius his right part or ſide Capricorne is the heart of the Southe, Taurus the liſt ſide, & Virgo the righte. Libra is the heart of the weſt, Aquarius the liſt ſide, and Gemint the right.

Cancer is the heart of the north, Scorpio his lifte parte, and laſte of al Piſces his right ſide.

Wherefore, if you wil knowe to what ende this reſpecte or diſpoſition of the ſignes doth belonge or attaine, you ſhal briefly hear. We haue ſaid there be thre ſignes oriental, or of the eaſt, three meridional, three perteininge to the northe, & three to the weſt. The oriental ſignes profite vs, if that thei riſyng, & the ſunne beinge in them, we order & direct al our doinges to that coaſt, parte, or place.

As if thou w[•]lt leade an healthful lyfe, ſlepe quietly, proſpere in children if thou be maried, or haue any thing to ſuccede or go forwarde, if thou wilt ſell or make any bargaine, or hope for any honour or gaine, or any ſuch like: to directe al your doinges toward that place, in the which the ſines hauing reſpect to thoſe things, are ſituate or placed. So contrariwiſe, if that we feare the euill ſucceſſe of anye of thoſe thinges, the contrarye ſignes are to be eſchued. And in this ſort maye you ſudge of the other ſignes. Alſo wee haue made a larger diſcription hereof, where as we make mention of the qualitie & nature of the houſes. Thus haue we here no leſſe copiouſlye then brieflye diſcribed the nature of the faces of the ſignes, neither do I perceaue how they coulde more compendiouſlye haue bene touched, not iudgyng it of great effect to haue taried longe herein with great circumſtances. At be it, they be neceſſarye vnto Aſtrology, yet are they not of ſuch force (that as is ſaide in the prouerbe, bothe ſhippe, and helme were to be committed vnto them) or that the hole rule, and gouernance of Aſtrology did depēd on theim. For as they can not well be left vnknowen, yet are they with ſuche a moderation to be learned and vnderſtande, that vpon the knowledge of them a man oughte not to iudge him ſelfe by and by an Aſtronomer. Wherfore, who ſoeuer thou art that ſemeſt to be propēſe or apte to this ſcience,^[1] I warne thee to vſe moderation, and to do nothing raſhlye, neither vnaduiſedlye to geue iudgement of anye man his natiuitie. There are ſo many thinges whereby we mate be diſcetued, as the wiſdome and circumſ[•••] [•••]on of the man, the diſpenſation of O[••], and our vncertaine iudgemente. [••••]or example, it maye be that a man home vnder Aries, bee verye fierce and angrie, who waiyng wyth hym ſelf the foulnes of the vice, doth moderate & ſuppreſſe his anger. If I then ſhould iudge this man an angrye or teſtye man, who would not mocke me and laughe me to ſcorne, albeit nature and deſtinye do incline thereunto: yet notwithſtandynge the ſentence and iudgemente is ſo to be tempered and ruled, that without perfect reſpect had to all thinges, thou vtter nothinge raſhely. The whiche if you do not take hede of, be aſſured you ſhal neither Prognoſticate or foreſhewe anye truth: but alſo become a mockyng ſtocke to all men. And this I do euerye where admoniſhe you of, becauſe I haue knowen manſe to haue erred and bene foulye diſceiued: who thinkyng them ſelfes ſure, haue bene (as they ſaye) ſixtene fote of from the marke or pricke.

Certaine cannons or rules vpon ſicknes or diſeaſes, bi what meanes the patientes may be cured and holpen by the aſpectes of the ſignes.

The preface.

THE foliſhe and vnaduiſed ſorte of Phiſitions which in theſe our daies we ſee ſo much to aduaunce them ſelfes, and claime vnto them ſelues the ſupremacy ouer vs, albeit they be commaunded bi their auctours not to take in hand to cure any mā, without hauing reſpect vnto the ſtarres. So farre are they diſtant from the true knowledge of Phiſicke, which are ignoraunt of Aſtrology, that they ought not rightly to be called Phiſitions, but diſceauers. Howbeit, it is now come to this poynt, that amongeſt an hundred you ſhal ſcarſely finde one, the which can truely diſcerne what time euerye medicine ought to be miniſtred. The which is no maruaile, for how can they finde any time to beſtow or occupy them ſelues in Aſtrologye, whiche haue no leaſure to read Galene or Hipocrates, but do all thinge a head or vnaduiſedlye by certaine preſcript receiptes. Like as there was a certaine (no ſimple man) at Moguntia, whom you would haue iudged to haue bene the thirde Cato or another Galene, if that grauitie would help any thinge thereunto. This man being moſte rude and vnlearned, vied two receiptes, from whence he had drawen thē I knowe not. There was in them. 3. ſz. of Elleborns, or ſo much feamonye, to purge the wombe. Theſe he miniſtred bi courſe, without hauing reſpect either to the completion or ſickenes: by the which vaine trifles he ſcraped together ſo much money, that being deade, he left behinde him. 3000. gilders. He iudged the whole effect of this ſcience to conſíſt in loſinge of the bealy. Such effect hath au[•]thoritie and boldenes in Phiſicke. Theſe ſorte of rude and groſſe men the which diſdaine to learne, we wil neither admoniſh nor yet reduce into the right way. But vnto others whiche intende hereafter to bee Phiſitions, we wil preſcribe certain rules whereby ſetting apart al olde vaine trifles, they maie learne frō aboue to helpe the patient or diſeafed. For it hath-bene many times experimented and proued, that that which many Phiſitions coulde not cure or remedye with their greateſt and ſtrongeſt medicins: the Aſtronomer hathe brought to paſſe with one ſimple herbe, by obſeruinge the mouyng of the ſignes, the which we haue wholly deuided in Canons.

THe firſt Canō. There be four ſignes the which beholde or gouerne the inward partes of a man, the which Phiſitions do cal the ſpiritual mēbres. Thoſe are Cancer, Leo, Virgo, and Libra. Of theſe Cancer beholdeth the Liuer, the lunges, and the heart ſtringes. Leo gouerneth the ſtomacke, & the mouth therof. Virgo the nether part of the ſtomack, the bealy, the midriffe, and the bowels. Libra hath reſpect to the nether part of the bealy, the loynes, and the nauell.

The .ii. Canon. Cancer which gonerneth the lunges, engendreth the cough, the pertiſes, and pleuriſie. Leo cauſeth impoſtumes, taunders, feuers, and peſtitence. Virgo the ſwelling of the bealye, the dropſy, and hardnes of the belly, and collicke. Libra cauſeth the exulceration of the bowels, pain in the bealy, & about the ſmall of the backe: and chieflye if the ſignes aforeſaide happen into thoſe houſes whiche are naturally euil. Such as are the. 6. houſe, the. 8. &. 12. houſe from the aſcendent or Horoſcope.

The .iii. Canon. He whiche is borne vnder Taurus for the moſt part ſhalbe in peril by poyſon, witcheraft, or the colick: and ſpecially in the fatall yeres, whiche are the .vi.viii.xviii.xx.xxiii.xliiii. according to the reuolution of euerye twelfe yere, beginninge at the .viii. yeare of the natiuitie. And becauſe that Taurus doth gouerne the throte, thei do alſo refer vnto him the ſquinancy & al impoſtumes & biles which happē in the throte, ye which when the expert Phiſition dothe vnderſtande and know, let him take hede that he miniſter not[•]vnaduiſedly.

For this is almoſte a general rule, that the Sunne, or rather the Mone beinge in any ſigne which beholdeth any member vered or diſeaſed during that reuolutiō, ther be no medicine miniſtred therunto, or els that it be miniſtred in ſuche [•••]te, not to cure or heale, but to comforte and nouriſh, leaſt that it decline into a worſe eſtate, vnto ſuch time as the Sunne be remoued out of that ſigne.

The. 4. Canon. They whyche are much vexed or troubled with the Strangulion or ſtone, or with any ſuch kind of diſeaſes, moſte commonly are borne, the Sunne being in Aries or Gemini.

The. 5. Canon. They that haue Piſces in their aſcendent, or are born vnder Piſces, are in daunger of hote infirmities: as hote feuers, knawynge of the bealye, and poyſon, becauſe of Libra and his lord of the .viii. houſe. Theſe diſeaſes ſhall partlye happen by harlottes, and euil women, and ſpecially in the. 44.56.78. yeres, in the which he ſhalbe in great daunger of death. Wherefore, the wiſe Phiſition oughte carefullye to obſerue thoſe things. There be alſo certaine euil times & yeres of a mās life, which are at euery ſeuen yeres e[••]h: ſo ye euery ſeuenth yere is perilous. Wherfore, if yu wilt prolong the daies of thy life: as oftē as thou comeſt to euery .vii. or .ix. yere, (if yu geue any credit to Marſilius ficinꝰ or Firmicꝰ) diligētly conſult with an Aſtronomer, from whence, and by what meanes any pearil or daunger maye happen or come vnto thee, thē either go vnto a Phiſition or vſe diſcreſſion and temperāce, and by that meanes thou maiſt defer & prolong thy natural ende, throughe the rules of Aſtronomy, & the help of the Phiſition. Neither bee aſhamed to enquire of the Phiſition, what is thy natural diet: & of ye Aſtronomer, what ſtarre dothe moſle ſupport and fauour thy life, and to ſe in what aſpect he is with the Mone. Likewiſe, in the beginninge of thy ſickeneſſe to behold the Sunne in the daye, and the Moone in the nighte. They, if they be letted or hindred, there muſt be great hede and diligence be had vpon the pacient. The like is to be feared in al ſickneſſe, when the Moone and the lorde of the aſcendent be letted in the .viii. houſe, whiche is called the houſe of death. For in ſuche caſe it is paſt all hope, without the great diligence and labour of the expert and wiſe Phiſition. Theſe and many other ſuch like thinges, the wiſe and learned Phiſition oughte diligentlye to obſerue and take hede vnto.

The .vi. Canon. Leo in theyght houſe engendreth to him that is borne vnder Capricorne theſe kinde of diſeaſes: that is to ſaye, knawynge of the ſtomacke, the plureſie, the coughe, inflamation of the liuer, & impoſtumes of the ſtomacke. Wherfore in curyng or helpyng therof, you muſt eſchue wedenſdaye, bicauſe of ♊, the ſixt houſe Sunday, becauſe of ♌ in the .viii. houſe, and thurſdaye, becauſe of Sagittarius in the .xii. houſe.

The .vii. Canon. Cancer cauſeth the inflamation of the lunges, with a feruët ague. The ſunne beinge in ſagittarius, engendreth likewiſe the Ethica, & ſwellyng of the lunges. But and if Saturnus be in ſagittarius, it cauſeth the ſwellyng of the feete, and the goute. Saturnus in cancer cauſeth the payne of the coddes, ſtones, and priuy members.

The .viii. Canon. Scorpius engendreth the gowte in the hande the ſciatica, and ſometime the paine in the head. If Saturne bee in ſcorpio, it cauſeth alſo payne vnder the ancley. Wherefore let this diet be vſed, not to waſh their heads vppon a tueſdaye, neither vſe any hotie bathes, the ſunne beinge in Aries, leſt they fall into a continual headatche, for then they ſhall be in greate daunger of freneſye or madneſſe.

And for becauſe that the euill dayes, monethes, and yeres, are to be obſerued and taken heede of: let theim abſtayne ſpeciallye from hotte thinges. The fortunate dayes for the cure and healpe of ſuche as are infected wyth that kinde of melancholye, are thurſdaye, mondaye, and Sondaye. The infortunate dayes are tueſdaye and wedenſdaye. And for ſo muche as Scorpio dothe beholde the priuy membres, thei ought not to be miniſtred vnto the ſunne being in Scorpio.

The. 9. Canon. They that haue Virgo in their Horoſcope, or els are borne vnder Virgo, for the mooſte parte haue the natural infirmitie of the legges or fe[••] ſwollen: the legges runnyng with corrupte and filthye matter, or els the eye liddes or chekes full of pimples. In likewiſe, great paines in the head throughe the exhalation of humours out of the [•]ete vnto the heade. The which paines are ſone dela[•]ed and appeaſed by cutting the ſwelling of the feete. And ſo muche the rather if Saturn be in Virgo at the time of natiuitie. Wherfore if thou diligently conſider it, thou ſhalt perceiue and ſee it to be a natural diſeaſe, and for the moſt part ineuitable. And therfore onlye to be au[•]ided and put of by the natural obſeruation of the ſignes. Such ought to abſtaine from hot houſes, whether they be to waſhe or ſweate in, which if they can not altogether eſchue, let them abſtaine Tueſdaies and Saturdaies, and the euel monethes & yeares before preſcribed: becauſe ye at thoſe times more thē at anye other, they do moſt vehemently pour out their miſchief and poyſon. Let them alſo refraine from al Autumnal frutes.

The. 10. Canon. The infortunate dayes vnto ſuch as are borne vnder Leo are Saterday and Thurſday, the which thing muſt be taken hede of in their diet: for all ſharpe and pepered meates, are hurtful for thē. Moreouer, they may take no drinckes or purgations. And in like caſe when the Sunne remoueth oute of Leo, and cometh vnto Capricorne or Piſces, they muſt abſtein frō al kind of ſaltfiſh and diminution or letting of bloud.

The. 11. Canon. If that any manne chaunce to fal ſicke, the Sunne beinge in Aries, and thou be admitted or called for Phiſition: vnderſtand that he in eſpecial, engendreth the paines of the heade, and deafeneſſe, therof with ye du[•]nes of ſight. Wherfore, beware that thou miniſter no hote bathes or ſtewes, becauſe of Mars, and ſpecially in October, whē the ſunne doth poſſeſſe Scorpio, neither geue him in his diet, any Mutton, Rammes fleſh, or Lambe, neither ſuffre him to waſhe his heade vpon the Tueſdaies, wedenſdayes becauſe of Mercury being Lord of Virgo in the .vi. houſe, whereas Mars al ſo doth priuely reioyſe, and Scorpius in the eight houſe, for then thei prolong the ſicknes, not only bicauſe the .vi. houſe is manſion of ſickeneſſe: as alſo that Virgo is a ſigne colde and drye, earthlye and Melancholye. Not withſtandinge, this hope remaineth that the patiēt ſhal not depart. And al be it Scorpio, as is aforſaide, be in theight houſe whiche is the manſion of death, becauſe that Mars is Lord of the ſame ſigne, it preuaileth nothing, for no euil Planet is noyſome or hurtful in his proper manſion or houſe: and ſuche kinde of menne mooſte of all, ſhall be withoute pearill of the ſwearde. Wherfore after his recouery or amendment, you muſte warne the patiente that he do not take in hande anye ioureney, the Sunne beinge in Piſces, whiche is the. 12. houſe from the Horoſcope.

Or elſſe not to haue to do with notaries or ſcribes, grauere, or gold ſmithes. Alſo that he abſtaine from wemen, and horſſes. For by al theſe thinges infirmitie or ſickeneſſe maye happen vnto him, by reaſon of the .vi. houſe, whiche is the houſe of ſickeneſſe, and chiefly in Auguſt the Sunne hauinge his courſe in Virgo.

The. 12. Canon. In like maner, the noumber of the yeares of the pacient are diligentlye to be obſerued and marked, for alwaies euerye .vii. and .ix. yeare, are mortal and deadly, and are called of the Aſtronomers: the perillous time of a mans life at euery .vii. yeares end. The cauſe thereof, is the greate mutacion and chaunge of the bodies, that happeneth in thoſe yeres. For Saturne whiche in the other yeares is farre diſtaunte from vs, is then ioyned to the Moone, which is the loweſt planet of al. Wherfore you muſſe obſerue in the reuolution of the yeares, the aſpectes of thoſe Planettes: and thereby iudge whether there be anye daunger towarde the patiente or not, or whether Saturne or Mars which alſo gouerneth euery .ix. yeare, be in ſtrengthe or power to woorke their malice vpon vs, or elſſe if that any good or fauorable Planet, haue the rule or dominion ouer him. And by this meanes yu ſhalt not only put away ye ſicknes: but alſo through thengines of Aſtronomi, defer and pro[•]ong the fatal end and death.

The. 13. Canon. Alwaies the diet of the patient is to be enquired, ſecondlye the Horoſcope of the natiuity, and then by a figure erect to beholde ye ſtars of the planets, & by the ſituation of thē in their houſes to know their ſtrēgth & operatiō with the cauſe of thinfirmitie, & the lord of the birth: & ſo by the cōtrary qualities of the ſignes, to driue awaye the diſeaſe, as we wil declare hereafter by exāples.

The. 14. Canon. Furthermore, you muſt note and marke euery .vii. day, and the courſes. For therby is life or deathe to be loked or hoped for, but whiche be thoſe Cretical dayes, we haue referred to be learned of the Phiſition. As for as much as examples to moſt inſtructe and teach, we haue anexed one. It may happen peraduenture, that in the beginning of the ſicken[••••] the Moone be in Aries, which is a hote and drye ſigne, & accordinge to his nature, dothe inflame the diſeaſes. Here thou ma[•]eſt admoniſh the ſicke perſon to be paciente, and that his paine wil be delayed at the .vii. daye, at which time the mone wilbe remoned into Cancer. For Cancer beinge colde and moiſte, and being a quartile aſpecte vnto Aries: except the ſickneſſe be very furious, will moderate the ſame throughe his coldnes and moiſtures. The whiche thing if thou diligently attend & marke, thou ſhalt ſone perceiue and vnderſtand. And in like ſort thou muſt worke b[•] the other ſignes, conſidering how [•]i ſignes of like nature, diſeaſes are augmented and increaſed: and by the cōtraries, they be cured and holpen.

The. 15. Canon. In likewiſe the ſeconde number of daies is to be obſerued and marked, whiche is the. 14. daye, the whiche dothe geue a certaine and determinate iudgemente, by meanes of the ful Moone, not ſo much for the Criſis as for the influence of the Mone beinge thē in oppoſition. As Aries, & Libra, Taurus, and Scorpio.

The. 16. Canon. The medicines thē ſelues haue likewiſe their propre ſignes, neither are they indifferentlye to be miniſtred at all times. For ſome ſerue for gargles, ſome for ſuffumigations, and other ſome ſorpotions or drinks. Wherfore to auoide tediouſneſſe, I will comprehende all theſe in oure Canon. The Mone being in Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, it is good to corroborate and ſtrēgth the vertue attractiue in a man.

Vnder Virgo and Taurus the vertue retentiue, the digeſtiue in Gemini, Libra and Capricorne, gargiles, vomettes, and ſuffumigations are to be miniſtred, the Mone being in Aries, and ſometime onlye gargles in Taurus, Laxatiues by drincke in Scorpio, by electuari in ♋, by pilles (if you will) in Piſces, in Gemini and ♒ al confortable medicines is to be receiued and taken. In Libra or Scorpio, ſuppoſitories or gliſters.

The. 18. Canon. In the miniſtringe of purgations, there is greate reſpect to be had vnto the Mone, and her aſpectes. For ſhe beinge in Cancer, and hauynge a trine or ſextile aſpecte with Venus, it is good to pourge cholere, hauinge the lyke aſpectes with the Sunne: is good to pourge flegme, and with Iupiter melancholye. either by pilles or by gobbets, called of the phiſitians Boli. But if thou wilte pourge by drinkes: vſe the ſame aſpectes in Scorpio, and likewiſe in Piſces for miniſtring of pilles. And if that two Planettes at one time be in the aſpectes aforeſaide with the mone, two purgations may be taken at once. As for example, if the Mone be at one time in a trine or ſextile aſpecte with Venus & the Sun, you may pourge bothe Choler & flegme together.

The. 19. Canon. Suche as haue in the roote of their natiuity, Mars in Aries, or on his triplicitye, are colericke, for the moſt part indaunger of hot feuers, by aboundāce of cholere, phreneſi, puſhes or biles cōming of blud, ſcuruy itch, burninges, and ſuche diſeaſes as conſume and eat the fleſh, the holy fire. The which diſeaſes, if they can not vrterly be auoided and eſchued the Phiſition or ſurgean muſt take diligēt he[•]e that he may driue awaye the diſeaſe by the rules of qualities of the ſignes before expreſſed.

The. 20. Canon. The like is to be vnderſtande of al thoſe with Mercury euill placed in the houſe of Mars, the whiche when thou perceiueſt in anye natiuitie: iudge therby hote feuers, pimples riſing of bloud, the canker, the kinges euel, and holy fire, darkeneſſe of the eyes, ſuffocation, and moreouer, horrible and fearful thoughts & verations of the minde. Ercept there come any temperament vnto the Mone, either in the ſignes or places appointed vnto Venus, and ſpeciallye in collericke men.

The. 22. Canon. The infirmities of the phlegmaticke, are of an other ſorte: for vnto them happeneth moſt comonlye the agewes called Quotidians, and are much vexed with cold, the whiche is perceiued by the Vrine, which for the moſte part is thicke and raw. Wherfore ſuche muſt vſe exerciſe and laboure, and abſtaine from al fat fleſh and ſwine fleſhe, alſo from cheſe and milke, and from the marrowe and braines of be aſtes.

The. 23. Canon. Saturne with the Mone engendreth the fallen ſickeneſſe, blacke chollere, leproſy and fiſtula. Alſo the morphew, goute, and oftentimes ſodaine panges.

The which diſeaſes when they happen are leaſurelye and gentellye to be dealt withal, neither maiſt thou in ſuche caſe ſtriue againſte the Planets: excepte the medicine be ſuch as will endeuoure with al force and ſtrengthe, to expel and driue away the ſickeneſſe, and pul it vp cleane by the rotes. Alſo, if anye man be borne, at the time of the coniunction of the Sunne and Mone: alwaies that natiuity is iudged euil, for it maketh men when thei come to age, daungerouſly afflicted as it were with euil ſpirites, to be ſickely, enclined to the falling ſickeneſſe, to madneſſe, and ſuch kinde of diſeaſes, as may hardly and difficultlye be cured by the Phiſition.

The. 24. Cannon. You maye alſo iudge by the courſe of the Sunne, the ſickeneſſe whiche we are in daunger of, if that ye marke the month in which the man is born. As for example. The man borne vnder Scorpio, ſhall be endomaged with the diſeaſe of the ſhoulders, the goute in the handes, and the contraction or conuulſion of the hāds or fingers. If it be a woman, it cauſeth the paine in the ſplene and ſtomacke. Likewiſe, they which are borne vnder Cancer, ſhall bevered with a drye ſcuruy itche, or roughneſſe of ſkin, biles, and puſhes. The wemen with knawyng in the bowels, and pearils by waters. Taurus bringeth the infirmities aboute the throate, and many other vexatiōs of the body: & ſpecially in the euil monethes & yeres preſcribed. Alſo Leo cauſeth ye paines of ye ſtomack. And Aquarius engendreth quotidian feuers, as we haue briefly touched before.

The. 25. Canon. This is alſo to be noted no leſſe profitable vnto the ſicke manne then to the Phiſition, that is to ſaye: if that the patiente haue Saturne or Mars in the ſeuenthe houſe, it is not conuenient to meddle, neither with phiſition nor Phiſicke: althoughe the Lorde of the houſe, be neuer ſo vnfortunate, for ſo Galene thoughte it meete. Alſo if the Phiſition be Saturnine or Mertiall, ſuche as is the patiente: It is approued and knowen, that theſe kinde of menne are borne for the deſtruction of mankinde. For it is vnpoſſible that they ſhoulde euer cure or helpe, or bringe any thinge proſperouſlye to paſſe, excepte peraduenture amongeſt prophane and ruſticall people. Suche one we haue knowen, a man ſurelye well learned, and in greate reputation amongeſt noble menne, in whome there wanted nothinge as touchinge the arte or ſcience, howe be it beynge admitted eyther to prieſtes, noble men, or eccleſiaſticall rulers, his labour and knowledge was alwaies fruſtrate & in vaine, and brought the moſt part of them to their ende: but contrarywiſe amongeſt the prophane and rude ſorte. he did cures withoute anye difficultye or paine. Hereby you may perceiue as wel in this as in all other thinges, of what force and ſtrength the planets are. And this dare I be bolde to profeſſe, that who ſo euer hathe Mars conioyned with Venus in the .vi. houſe, that he ſhalbe an excellente Phiſition. And ſuche kinde of men, oughte not to geue them ſelues to anye other kinde of learninge or knowledge. I coulde rehearſe vnto certaine graue men, Phiſitions witneſſes hereof: vnto whome it is a ready and eaſy matter to cure & helpe: yea, euen without any paine or labour. And againe, other ſome vnto whome it is ſo difficult and hard, that withal their poſſible endeuour, they can ſcarſly bring any thing to paſſe, whoſe names we wil kepe vnder ſilence, leaſt we may ſeme to backbite or ſlaunder any man. Thus we haue briefly ſpokē, not hereby to expoūd all thinges whiche can not be done in ſo fewe wordes: but to miniſter occaſion vnto Phiſitions, that beholding and conſidering the vtilitie and profit of Aſtronomy, hey may with their hole power and endeuour embrace the ſame, & therby learne not only by the preſcript rules of men to helpe the diſeaſed: but alſo by their owne wit and engine to put away the diſeaſes, euen without medicines. For euery ſicke man is not of that ſorte that he can beare ſalues or medicines. For ſome by diet, and others by obſeruations of the ſignes maie be cured and holpen. Scorne vs who will, we verelye haue written theſe thinges of a ſincere minde and affection, intendyng ſhortlye to ſet forth greater things. But firſt we thought it good to declare the things in general: and afterwarde the ſome and effect wheron the matter dependeth.

❧ A compēdious diſcription of Naturall Aſtrologye, neuer ſo briefely handeled before. Made by, Iohn Indagine Prieſt.

FIrſt of all and chiefelye, it is mete to reſell and put of the obiections of ſuche as obtecte and ſaic: that beſidethe Sunne and the Mone we attribute verie little or nothinge at all to the other Planets, but do collocate and ſet the whole ſumme & power of Aſtrologye in them two onelye. Wherefore let euerie man vnderſtande and knowe, as muche vertue and force to be in them two, as in all the other. And that the Sunne hathe the whole power and gouernance in the daie, and the Moone in the night, ſo that it is not neadefull to haue reſpecte to anye of the other planettes. And this is the onely difference betwene naturall and arificiall Aſtrologye, that that thinge whiche artificial Aſtrology dothe by the ſeueral obſeruations of euerye Planet and Horoſcope: the ſame doth natural Aſtrologye bring to paſſe by the onely obſeruation of the motion of the Sunne and Mone. Or els they are ſo knitte and toyned together, that the one without the other can not well be learned or vnderſtande. Wherfore, he ſhall not lofe his laboure whiche ſhall ioyne them bothe together, as well for the learnynge, as for the pleaſure of them: for the naturall hathe ſomewhat more delectation then the artificiall, albeit the other ſeme the better. But now we wil define what a houſe is.

A Houſe is a certaine ſpace in the firmamēt deuided by certain degrees, by the which the planets haue their motion, ſo Metaphorically called. For as in a houſe there be many mantions: ſo euery planet hath his proper place in the heauen or firmament, by the whiche they do moue, and in the which they be reſident and ſituate. And it is called the diſcription or diuiſton of the ſignes by. 30 degrees, for euerie houſe or ſigne hathe 30. degrees.

The number of the houſes.

AS the Aſtronomers do make mention in their common Rithmes, there be .xii. houſes, the whiche wee will here aſcribe with their interpretations.

• The firſt is interpreted the houſe of life
• The .ii. the houſe of faculties or ſubſtāce, called alſo of thimportunity of the place, the gate of hell.
• The .iii. is the mancion of brethren.
• The .iiii. beinge the bottome of the heauens, and the angle of the earth, is the houſe of parentage.
• The .v. is the pleaſure of Venus, the houſe of children.
• The .vi. of euil fortune, ſeruauntes, ſickneſſe, and the pleaſure of ♂
• The .vii. being oppoſite to the firſte, is the houſe of mariage and open enemies
• The .viii. is the houſe of death.
• The .ix. of religion or long iourneys, the delite of the Sunne.
• The .x. being the middle of the firmamēt, is the houſe of rule or gouernance.
• The .xi. is the houſe of Fortune, the exaltation of Iupiter.
• The .xii. is the houſe of priſons, euil fortune, the pleaſure of Saturne.

¶ Of the principall Angles or houſes of the heauen or firmament.

AMongeſt theſe .xii. there be certaine which are called ye principall angles or coruers of the firmament, whiche are the firſt, the tenth, the ſeuēth, the fourth. The firſte is the angle of the Eaſte, the Horoſcope of the birth, and the houſe of Aries. The ſeconde is the midſt of heauen, and the houſe of Capricorne. The thirde is the angle of the weſt, and perteyneth to Libra. The fourth of Firmic9 is called the bottome of the firmament. And in theſe foure almoſte the whole iudgement dothe depende and conſiſte. For they are the principall angles and houſes, & the planets haue more power and ſtrength in them then in any of the other.

I Iudge it but ſuperſticious vnprofitably to intreate much of the beginning of the natiuitic, becauſe it dothe rather pertain to artificial Aſtrology: as of the fall of the ſede into the wombe, and the aſcendente of the houre of the natiuitye, whiche (as I ſaid) perteyneth to an other kinde of ſpeculation. Our intention at thys preſente is fullye derected to the Sunne, and the ſigne wherein the Sunne is the daye of natiuitie.

For as Ptolomye is witneſſe, there are as great effectes and vertues in the Sunne as in al the other Planets. And thoſe thinges which nature & long experiēce hath taught vs: we will make euident vnto you, letting paſſe all ſuperſtitious thinges.

Of the effectes of the Planets.

FIrſt of all it is conuenient to declare the natures and effectes of the Planets in euery houſe, the which although we haue ſufficiētly handled in our boke intituled Octocedrō, yet I am nothing a haſhed to deſcribe it here the ſecōd time.

If any man be borne betwene the .x. or .xi. daye of Marche, (when the ſunne commonlye dothe enter into Aries) and cōtinueth there through thre decanes or faces, vnto the .x. or .xi. daye of Aprill, Mars is founde larde in the day of natiuitie: who beinge by nature fierye, and Aries likewiſe, dooeth augmente and increaſe his heat and furye, and al other cull diſpoſitions, more then if he had ben in an earthly or watery ſigne.

Saturnus whereſoeuer he be, and ſpeciallye in the .vi .viii. or .xii. houſe, is the auctoure of all miſeries, calamities, laboures, and ſickeneſſe.

Venus being temperate, cauſeth a mā to be a louer of women, of playes, ſonges and bankettes, and all thinges pertaining vnto mirth.

Mercury is the miniſter and geuer of wiſdome and eloquence, lawes, rethoricke, ſubtile workes, merchaundiſe, and ſuch like.

The Mone cauſeth madneſſe, vnſtedfaſtnes, moiſtneſſe, and ſtouth.

Iupiter in the angles is the auctor of beauty, richeſſe, honor, and rule.

The Sunne in the aſcendente, or in the angles maketh a greate and honourable perſonage, and had in reputation amongſt princes and greate men.

The ſignes alſo cauſinge beautye, are Gemini, Libra, Virgo, and the firſte part of Sagittarius.

Workers of meane beauty, Scorpio, Capricorne and Piſces.

Barren ſignes, are Gemini, Leo, virgo.

Cauſinge defection or lacke of children Aries, Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius, Capricorne, and Aquarius.

Meane and without voice, Cancer, Scorpio, piſces.

Miniſtring reaſon, Virgo, Libra, Aquarius, Gemini.

The qualities of the ſignes I iudge are wel inoughe knoweit.

Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, are hotte and drye.

Taurus, Virgo, Capricorne, melancholike, colde, and drye.

Cancer, Scorpio, and Piſces, are colde, moyſt, and waterye.

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, are hotte, moiſt, and ayrye.

And thus always thre ſignes agreing in one nature, do make a triplicitie. And euerye Planette likewiſe haue certaine powers and effectes in their priuate or proper houſes, as for example.

Aries and Scorpius, are the houſes of Mars.

Taurus and Libra, of Venus.

Gemini and Virgo, of Mercury.

Sagittarius and Piſces, are the houſes of Iupiter.

Capricorne and Aquarius, are attribute to Saturne.

The Sunne hathe onlye one houſe, which is Leo.

The Mone poſſeſſeth alſo Cancer.

Euerye ſigne hath likewiſe his proper ſignification in the creation of the mēbers of mans bodye.

Aries hathe of the bodye of man, the head and the face.

Taurus the necke, and the throte bole.

Gemini, the ſhoulders, armes, and handes.

Cancer the breſt, the heart, ſtomack & ribbes, ſplene, and longes.

Leo the nether parte of the ſtomacke, backe, and ſides.

Virgo the belly or midriffe, Diaphragma and bowels.

Libra the loynes, the nether parte of the belly and nauel.

Scorpio the priuye members, ſtones, blather, and thighes.

Sagittarius the buttocks with the appertenances. And Capricorne the knees. Aquarius the legges, Piſces the feete and ſoules.

Certaine vvorthy notes concerning the ſunne and Moone.

LEaſte that any ſhoulde herein be deceiued, we thinke it not mete to be let paſſe, concerning the ſunne and Mone, the which al be it they be the chiefe and princes of the Planettes: yet are they neuer Lordes of the natiuity, as for example. If ye Mone be in Gemini, or in Cancer, whiche is her owne houſe, when a childe is borne: yet ſhall not the Moone haue the dominion of the birthe, but it ſhalbe imputed to the Lord of the houſe folowing. So likewiſe, if a man be born the Sunne being in Leo, which is his proper houſe: yet he loſeth the dominion of the natiuity, and it is deriued vnto Mercury being patrone of the next manſion Virgo. Againe, the Mone being in Virgo, Venus is Ladye of the birthe, becauſe of Libra folowing which is the houſe of Venus. Neither is it vnprofitable to admoniſh you alſo of his, which I perceiue euery wher to be doubted of, that ye euel planets as Saturn and Mars, are not ſo hurtful & pernicious in their own proper houſes, as thei be in ye manſiōs of others. I wil propound an example of the firſte ſigne, wherby it may appeare more euident. We wil ſet the Sunne to be in the time of ſome natiuitye in Aries, whoſe nature you al ready know, and what effect he worketh being in the Horoſcope. Then in therection of the figure, ioyne Mars with Aries beinge Lorde of the houſe: and therby iudge that he whiche is born ſhal liue long. Notwithſtāding, Mars who although he be nought, & ill, yet he doth not ſo much pour out & ſhew his malice being in his own houſe; as if he were in another houſe, ſacring that in ſtede of hurt by the ſword, he threatneth ſode[•]ne ſickeneſſe, becauſe Mars being in Scorpio, the .viii. houſe, neyther ſhall thoſe ſickeneſſe bring death. And this is for an e[•]āple. The like is alſo to be vnderſtād of Saturn, being in Capricorn or in Aquarius. And left we may ſeine here vtterly to neglect artificial Aſtrology, ye which we do not denye, but to be requi[•]i[•]e, to the vnderſtāding of the natural. Wherefore, we mindinge to declare the force & ſtrēgth of the ſignes, we wil firſt do it by artificial Aſtrology: ſo that anye mā lacking Firmicus and his tables, hauing a plaine Aſtrolobe, and beholding thaſcendent at thoure of ye natiuity: may by theſe ſmal inſtructions geue iudgmet. And after this in order, in another phraſe I wil do the ſame by natural Aſtrology the which ſhal helpe the artificial.

Of the firſt houſe and horoſcope in Aries

IF any man wil peraduenture demaūd what operation & effect the Horoſcope in Aries doth worke in vs. Firſt of all I admoniſh thē that the ſtars or ſignes do not ꝓuoke or force vs to any thing, but onlye doth make vs prone & apt:[•] being ſo apt, they do moue ſtir vs vp vnto the things we are ſo prone vnto. Frō whoſe motion we are fre and oute of daunger, that folowing the rule and gouernāce of reaſō, they ſhal haue no effect in vs. But if cōtraciwiſe, we onli folow our natural ſtinction they ſhal worke the ſame effect in vs, that they do in a manner in brute beaſtes. Wherfore, this Horoſcope maketh them which are borne, floriſhing in youth, withoute brethren, or one at the moſt, if they be fortunate: hauing a mutable inheritance, now gotten, now loſt, and now loſt, and ſt[•]ait recouered again, inclined to the diſeaſes of the hed, rather then to ani other ſickneſſe (becauſe Aries hath chief reſpect to the hed). For ye moſt part beſtowing his labor & good wil vpon vnthankful perſons, & ſpecially Aries being in the Horoſcope. Nexte after the Horoſcope, muſt hede be taken vnto the chiefe angles, & what ſigne is in eche angle, which may eaſily be rekened, by the fingers or els bi a figure erect, as for example. Aries being in the firſt houſe, Cācer poſſeſſeth the nether part of the heauen, Capricorne the midſt, and Libra the weſt, and now we wil ſhew, what theſe principal angles do promiſſe.

Capricorne in the midſt of the heauen, doth diſcern honors, riches, promotions, ſecretes of religion, and a ſuttel wit.

Libra in the weſt ſheweth the life and courtly maners, the which life few do alow: for it is vnconſtant, caſting down a man from honor and reputation, into in famy and reproche: fortune nowe flattering and laughing vpon him, and bi and by vering him with ſondry miſeries and calamities, ſo that he ſhal haue no comodity or gaine, withoute incomoditye and loſſe. Al this ſhal happen throughe emulation or ye deſpite of his cōpanions. But al theſe euils, whatſoeuer thei are Cācer in the nether part of the heauen doth amend and recompence. We haue ioyned hereunto a figure, by the whiche as in a table you may perceiue all thinges perfectlye.

Of the ſecond houſe and Horoſcope in Taurus.

NExt after Aries, Taurus doth orderly follow, and is placed in the figure to the ſecond houſe: the which, as we ſaide before, is the houſe of ſubſtāce or riches. If any man therfore wil know whether he ſhalbe rich in the firſt, ſecond, or thirde age: let him iudge accordinge to ye lordes of the triplicities & their places. Whiche we wil do hereafter. Now we will only ſpeake in general.

The Horoſcope or aſcendent, beinge in Taurus, thou ſhalt iudge in this ſort: that that mā ſhalbe painfully diſquieted with ſondry cares for getting of richeſſe, which he ſhal eaſely attain vnto, and be as apt to loſe the ſame againe, and ſhall triumph ouer his enemies.

Aquarius alſo in the middeſt of heauē maketh him acceptable vnto Princes & great men, and geueth him rule in publike affaires and offices, and peraduenture in buſines perteinynge to waters, becauſe he ſemeth to be moſte geuen to the nature of the water.

Scorpius in the weſt cauſeth a harty & beneficial perſon, the which ſhal loſe his wife, if it be a woman, ſhe ſhal loſe both her huſband, and her ſonne or childe.

Leo in the nether parte of the heauen cauſeth him to chalenge his patrimonie, the which (notwithſtandynge al the endeuours & liyng in waite of his kinred) he ſhal obteine and get.

Of the aſcendent in Gemini.

VVhoſoeuer hathe this Horoſcope, ſhal haue proſperitie & good fortune by his parentes, brethren, frendes, kinſfolke, and great menne.

According vnto Firmicus Piſces being in the middeſt of the heauen, cauſeth thē which are ſo borne, to get their liuynge by moiſte and watery thinges, howbeit for a tyme he ſhall not liue of his owne coſtes, but ſhal get the ſtipende or fee of ſome prince or citie.

Sagittarius in the weſt doth contrariwiſe threaten deſtruction vnto his brethren and kinred, whereby throughe diuers cares and vexations being put beſides his minde, he ſhal be a longe tyme tormented. After this his enemies waxinge fierce, and vyolentlye commynge vpon hym, and the waues of miſchiefes ſtyll increaſynge: he ſhall be compelled to forſake hys owne natyue countrey, and ſhal be baniſhed & driuen awaye as Cain was, vntil at lengthe by the helpe of God, he ſhall be reſtored into his former eſtate and condition.

Virgo likewiſe in the bottome of the heauen doth threaten the very ſame, but by chaunge and increaſe of time (accordynge to the ſtate of the incommodities and hurtes) it doth increaſe abundaunce and good fortune.

¶ Here you may behold the figure.

Of the Horoſcope in Cancer.

Cancer in the Horoſcope doth diſpoſe the natural diſpoſition, and al other fortune in this ſorte. It maketh a man of a quicke and ſubtile wit, albeit ſomewhat ſlowe, pleaſaunt, quiet, and angry, earneſtly purſuynge all euil perſons, whoſe anger is ſone appeaſed. Alſo ſtrong, moderate, and graue, by the which gifts he ſhall be promoted vnto publike offices, & haue his liuing by them. Manye ſhal obey him, and ſome by compulſion flatter him but fainedly and not hartely. Saturn is alſo hurtful vnto him, if that he be either in the Horoſcope or any near aſpect For he dothe forſhew not onely violente death, but alſo continual veration wyth ſickenes, and the death of his brethren.

Howbeit Aries beinge preſent in the midſt of ye heauen, doth reſiſt him al that he may, and maketh him alſo acceptable vnto princes and great men, deſirous of good thinges, alſo waſtyng and recoueryng again his patrimony & inheritāce.

With like clemency Capricorne in the occidēt ſhal cauſe him to be ſpotted with infamy, which he ſhal ſhortly after wipe away, and many other miſfortunes, and ſhal reſtore him into his former eſtate. And ſhal alſo encourage him to ſeke out hidden and ſecrete things, but not without great vexation and trauaile.

Libra in the bottome bringeth ſorow vpon ſorow, diſperſying the patrimonye, and gettyng it againe, preferryng hym to publike or ciuil offices, whereby great and ſecreate affaires ſhall be committed vnto hym, which are not accuſtomed to be committed, but onely vnto verye good menne.

And where as Saturne before in the Horoſcope doth threatē a violent death, Libra doth alienate the ſame, promiſing an honeſt death and burial. And if Iupiter be in the ſigne folowynge, it cauſeth the firſt childe to be a ſonne.

Of the Horoſcope in Leo.

THey alſo which haue Leo in the Horoſcope for the moſte parte are troubled with buſineſſe not perteinynge to them ſelues, whereby thei get them ſelues immortall name and fame, preferring them ſelues vnto other nacions, louing libertie, neither willynglye ſuffering ſubiection: beſtowinge all their laboure and trauayle to preſcribe lawes and ordinaunces to other. Mars in the artificial figure being oppoſite vnto Leo dothe to al effectes denye men children: except Iupiter beinge preſent do appeaſe his rigour, who peraduenture wil geue a daughter.

Taurus in the middeſte of Heauen, cauſeth hym to bee ſuſpecte amongeſt Princes and greate menne, and maketh hym a ruler of publyke offices. Alſo promoted into dignityes by greate menne, wittye in all thinges, and likewyſe fortunate in all thinges but onelye in mariage, for becauſe he ſhal refuſe the moſte honeſt and beautifull women, and marrye either an olde woman, or a woman of euyll name, or els a wydow.

Aquarius beynge in the occidente dooeth geue bothe increaſe and loſſes. Scorpius in the nether parte of the heauen, maketh hym a ruler ouer certaine affayres. And they alſo haue Taurus in the middeſt of the heauen, whome Mars beholdynge wyth a contrarye aſpecte, dooeth threaten bothe impriſonmente, and alſo death in a ſtraunge place or contrey.

¶ Of the Horeſcope in Virgo.

THe Horoſcope in Virgo dothe vehementlye prouoke a manne to lechery and riote, and cauſeth him to bee ſo farre in loue with women, that he wold abuſe all women. It dothe alſo miniſter riches and religion, and maketh him ruler ouer aunſwers and oracles, ſo that he ſhal be thought to be of the noumber of the Goddes, wittye and cunnynge in all thynges, ſearchynge out al thinges a good artificer, with aboundance of richeſſe, whether it happen by religion, by learning, or by marchandiſe.

Gemini beinge in the middeſt of the heauen, dothe promiſſe in a manner the ſame effecte: howe be it, noc ſo ſone, but doth adde a goodly wit and diſpoſition in ſeking out of ſecrete thinges, and preſcribinge rules and preceptes of liuinge vnto others.

Piſces alſo tending towardes the weſt doth not only for ſhow the ſame: but alſo more pleſāt and ioyful thinges, as beauty or comlines, liberality, gentlenes and ſoftneſſe, with fauor & loue amongſt mē.

Sagittarius doth adde vnto this the fauour and giftes of the goddes, as felicity and plenty of all thinges, as of children, eccleſiaſtical rule, and agility and quickneſſe to do al theſe thinges. And this is the deſteny of him, which hath Virgo in his Horoſcope, the other thre ſignes beinge alſo gathered, as you maye here perceiue.

Of the Horoſcope in Libra.

LIbra being aſcendente at the houre of natiuity, cauſeth ſickneſſe, daungers, enemies, & great ſtrifes and debates, how be it, after all thoſe daungers, it decreeth victory and triumphe. Alſo promotions, religion, ſincerity, and integrity of iudgment. In nothing ſo vnfortunate as in hauinge of children, for when he hathe gotten certaine children, and beginneth to put all his hole confidence and truſte in them by and by, they ſhall decaye and dye, euen thoſe in whome he had ſet his ful hope and truſt in.

If any mā deſire to know what dignities he ſhal haue & in what place, ye may very wel be perceiued by Cācer being aſcendēt in the mideſt of the heauen. Who promiſeth eccleſiaſtical promotiōs or ſtipend, and to haue his liuing oute of the common treaſure. Hither alſo are to be referred the ſubſtance, nobility, and children, which ſhal happen aboundantly in age: how be it he ſhal not be ſo fortunate in children, except Iupiter do behold him with ſome foundly aſpecte.

Aries being in the accident, ſhal miniſter all theſe thinges in watery places, or about the water: ſhal alſo bring him into great daungers, lōg iourneys, and deſert places, into pearils by his wife: and peraduenture into a frenſye or madneſſe til he draw in age, and then he ſhal haue an end of all theſe miſeries.

Capriobrne ſhall teſſe him hither and thither, and ſeldome ſuffer him to be in quiet, nether wil he ſuffer his patrimony to be in ſuretie, but now vp, now down, now loſſe, now recouered again: becauſe for the moſt parte they be wanton whiche haue Capricorne in the nether parte of the heauen. Alſo be ſhall haue a ſonne by an vnlawfull woman.

The Horroſcope in Scorpio.

I Iudge the nature of the Horroſcope in Scorpio to be manifeſt, accordynge to the naturall guiding of the thing taking life therin. For it maketh an angry man, priuily pouring out his poiſon, and backbityng with his peſtilent tong, very rich, and toſſed with many perils, and thereby almoſt brought to deſperation: the which being ſomewhat quieted and pacified, he ſhal enioy a quiet fruite and vſe of glorie, dignitie, miniſtration, and religion. It addeth alſo a liuely ſpirite & vigour of minde, with adournament of ſpeache. Further, notwithſtanding his former damages, it geueth increaſe of children, whiche ſhal recompence his ſorowes paſſed.

For ſo much as it happeneth ſeldom but ye thother pricipall angles perform the ſame which the aſcendent doth promiſe: ſo Leo poſſeſſyng the midſte of the heuen, doth promiſſe that which is aforeſaid, adding therunto fortitude & ſtrēgth to perform the ſame withal, geuing alſo dignitie, as an imortal reward of vertue.

Taurus in the accident geueth him victory ouer his enemies, as wel priuy, as apert. Howheit he ſhal be infamed for lechery, the whiche he ſhal alſo wipe away by little and little, now encreaſyng and augmentyng his inheritaunce, and ſhortly diſperſing and ſpoyling it again.

Aquarius in the nether angle threateneth peryll and daunger by water, and ingratitude of them vnto whō he hath bene moſt beneficiall.

Of the Horoſcope in Sagittarius.

THe Horoſcope in Sagittarie is reckened amongſt them which wrappeth a mā in manifold daūgers & perils beinge aſcendēt, for it doth allure them whiche are borne vnder it to trauayle longe iourneys, & to commit them ſelues to the ſeas and great waters. It miniſtreth alſo naturally a prompt and ready wit to all good learnyng and diſcipline, ſo that they folow nature.

Wherfore, if Virgo happen to be in the middeſt of the heauen, it dothe augment his fortune, recompenſyng the labours of his minde and wit with ſome notable preferment, bi the which he ſhal excell others: vſing the ſame liberalitye in helpynge others, althoughe they bee vnthankefull.

Gemini in the weſt geueth children & neuewes by and by in the middle age, and ſhall geue hym rule or office ouer bokes and ſecrete thinges.

Piſces in the nether part of the heauē g[•]ueth helpe out of watery places, maketh him faithful, to whom ſecrets may be committed, noble, either by bloude or gentlenes: whome, if Iupiter do beholde with any meane aſpect, he ſhal marye a wife which hath bene defiled before, or an adulterous woman.

Of the Horroſcope in Capricorne.

CApricorne in the Horroſcope is not altogither an ill ſigne, for it cauſeth a man to be louyng, mery, faithful, ſomwhat crafty, abundant, but faint harted, and very ſuperſticious in prayer. Moreouer, libidinous, and the pleaſure beinge once paſte, he wil ſtraite be at defiaunce and miſhandle the women. Alſo of a ſtraunge life or liuing, and a ſecrete ſenſore or iudge, and ſpeciallye of religion, or ſuch like maiters.

Libra in the midſt of the heauen bringeth in his gaine by the loſſe and deathe of others, maketh him alſo honeſt, godly, acceptable, eloquent, and learned: and in his neceſſitie wowyng & praiynge vnto God, wherby after all euils and miſfortunes, he ſhall obteine a proſperous and happye age.

Of the Horoſcope in Aquarius.

THe effect of this Horoſcope is ſuche that it maketh them meanely riche, promoted them vnto great men, and caſteth them into manye daungers, out of the which, euen in the midſt of deſperatiō, he ſhal be releued by the holy of god. It maketh them alſo kepers of hoſpitalitie, liberal, and prodigal, and a patrone to thē which ſeme to excel in good ſciēces, handlyng & diſpenſing holy matters.

Scorpius poſſeſſyng the midſte of the heauen, geueth ſtrengthe, and cauſeth a harde and vile lyfe, neuer permanent or abidyng in one place, hauyng ill fortune by his wiues. But laſt of al, he ſhal be deliuered out of al theſe euils by the helpe of good men. Leo in thoccidēt ſhal cauſe him to be often at variāce with his wife or concubine, he ſhal alſo mary with an olde woman, whyche ſhall flatter hym, promiſyng him great giftes, but in her hart ſhe ſhal loue other better then him. His owne houſhold ſhal be his enemies, by whoſe healpe his other enemies ſhal go aboute to deſtroye him. And he ſhal marie either another mans wyfe, or els a widdow.

Taurus in the nether angle, encreſeth his glory and pompe which he is geuen vnto, enrichynge hym alſo with other mennes goodes, and cauſynge hym to liue longe.

Of the Horoſcope in Piſces.

PIſces maketh them very witty, bold, harty, faithful, frēdly, & ſomwhat hie minded, promoting them alſo to honor. Sagittarius in the vpper angle, ſhal caſte him headlonge into manye pearils and daugers. Notwithſtanding, maketh him perſonable, and bold to moue debate and ſtrife with great men, and ſhal bring other mens goodes in pearil and danger, and therby poſſeſſe that whiche is none of his owne.

Virgo in the occidente, maketh him hartye, a keper of hoſpitalitye, ſecrete, a ſteward, and one louing his wife immoderatly, whom ſhe contrariwiſe ſhal not loue, and al other vnto whome he hathe beneficial, ſhalbe vnthankeful. Wherby he ſhal be often vexed & troubled through his wife and children.

Moreouer, he ſhall be troubled with ſickeneſſe, by reaſon of Gemini in the nether angle. He ſhal alſo haue a diſeaſe whome none ſhal know but him ſelf, he ſhal loſe his ſubſtaunce, and recouer the ſame againe, and alſo be holpen by his fre[•]des, leſt he might ſeme deſtitute. He ſhal ſurrendre his ſpirit to his maker in a ſtrange land or place, out of his owne country by ſodaine deathe.

¶ Hereafter folovveth the natural iudgementes of Aſtrology, according to the reuolution of the Sunne, throughe the .xii. ſignes of the Zodiacke.

HItherto we haue intreated ye obſcure ſayinges of others, concerninge the iudgementes of the Horoſcope. But becauſe we only promiſed to intreat briefli of thoſe thinges, which others haue hādled with long comentaries: ſome peraduēture wold impute theft vnto me, in adding other mens doing vnto mine. Of ye which theft I am nothing aſhamed: for albeit ye theft in al thinges be reprehenſible, yet in learning only it is comendable and praiſe worthy, & eſpecially when that a man goeth aboute by the ſame to enucleat and diſcuſſe the darke & obſcure ſayinges of others. This we ſpeake vnto ſuch as enuy al our doinges, like as ye barbarous people, whiche beinge nether apt, nether prompt to any kinde of good learninge: yet they iudge all thinges in their own tong & lāguage vile & nought. Thou, who ſo euer thou art, that readeſt theſe thinges, rather waye and conſider our minde and intent, then our wordes, mindinge to teach and make euident all thinges vnto thee: which if it come other wiſe to paſſe, it is contrary to our minde and purpoſe. Nowe we wil enter vppon the natural iudgementes, wheras briefly concerning Aries, it is in this ſort.

The Sunne in Aries.

THe Sunne beinge in Aries, maketh thē which are born, nether riche, nether very pore. Alſo angry, but ſone pleaſed, ſtudious, eloquent, diuerſe, proude, liyng, and luxurious, promiſing (as they ſay) mountains of gold, and performing nothinge, euel reported of amongſte his kinred, and ſhalbe broughte in daunger by his enemies, whiche ſhalbe men of power. He ſhall be burie by foure foted beaſtes, as being caſt of a horſe, he ſhal receiue great woundes with daunger of death. So much vnfortunate and aduers ſhal al kinde of hauking, hūting, fiſhing and al thinges to be done on horſeback, be, & happen vnto him: in other things he ſhalbe more fortunate and happy, and alſo long liued. Alſo if it be maid which is born, ſhe ſhalbe geuē to liyng, angry, faire, curious, deliting in new & ſtrange thinges, enuious and fruteful in childrē, whoſe firſt childe ſhalbe ſlain: ſhe ſhalbe in many pearils and daungers; whereby ſhe ſhal get a marke or ſkar in the head, or elſſe be naturally marked there, or in the féete. This we haue noted alſo out of certayne authors, that the children of Aries, being borne in the day, ſhalbe fortunate and of greate reputation and renowme amongſte greate men and princes: contrariwiſe, they whiche are borne in the nighte, to be infortunate, and of no reputacion.

The Sunne in Taurus.

TAurus doth make thē bold and fortunate in attēpting hard and waightie affaires & buſineſſe, a victor or conquerour of his enemies, a great trauailer, & baniſhed from his natiue countrye. Alſo ſeruile, familiar, angrye, but more in youth thē in age[•] for age ſhal take away al incōmodities and diſpleaſures, & ſhal bringe richeſſe and mariage, by whiche meanes he ſhall be exhilerate and made ioyful & glad. For if he go about to mary in youth, he ſhal ſcarſe attain vnto it, how be it age doth not take away ſickeneſſe, but increaſeth ſadneſſe, melancholy, blacke choler, and cauſeth hurt, as biting of a dogge, and that about the .xxviii or .xxxv. yeare of his age. Theſe thinges once paſſed, he ſhal floriſh again & liue very lōg. It maketh alſo the womē childrē wanton, painful, obediente, & ful of wordes: alſo infamed for whoredō, which infamy ſhal vaniſh away by litle and litle, whē ſhe cometh to the age of .xxi. yeres, ſhe ſhal haue many huſbands & children, wiſe and witty in helping and counſailing others alſo circumſpect and rich.

The Sunne in Gemini.

GEmini beinge naturallye faire, dothe cauſe alſo a fair childe, merciful, wiſe and wittye, liberall, a boaſter, a runner and ſtrayer about countries, taking ſmal regard to his owne buſines, whereby he ſhall be neither riche, neither oppreſſed with pouerty, but of a meane eſtate. And of ſuche fidelitye and faythfulneſſe, that he ſhall haue the rule of the common treaſure, merye mineded, full of vnderſtanding, ſubtile, gentle to be ſpoken to, [〈1 page missing〉] & by a certain inſtructiō acceptable vnto men, as they whiche haue Venus in the rote of their natiuiti. Alſo fair of face, indued with good learning and ſcience: as Mathematical ſciences, the lawes, and Arithmatick. This ſinguler gift he hath alſo before others, that being angrye, he can diſſemble and couer his anger. He ſhalbe in great daūger about .xxiii. yeres of age, ether to be bitten of a dog, or hurt by fire, or els by Iron or weapon.

The Sunne in Cancer.

CAncer being naturally cold & moiſte, doth make groſe the fleſh, and doth allure and prouoke to the loue and cōpany of women. Alſo it cauſeth a good wit, humility, and wiſdome, ful of ſtrife and debate: & for the moſt part geuing victorye ouer al his enemies. Attemptinge many thinges, and ſpecially on the ſea, often in daūger, and vexed with manye incōmodities, with much pouerty & miſery. And al be it he be the cauſer of gaine, yet ſhal he be neuer a whitte the richer: he ſhall digge for treaſure, and finde that, which he [•]oked not for. But if it be a maid, ſhe ſhalbe fat, beautifull, nimble, angry, and ſone pleaſed, diligente, wiſe, ciuile and ſhamfaſt, witty, diſceitful, and crafty, ſaiyng one thinge and doinge another: alwaies careful and paineful, ordeyned to many dangers, as by water, by fallinge, by childe bearing, and by the c[•]licke, hauing her firſte childe weake and tender, the other ſomewhat ſtronger. And if ſhe happen to commit any faut of infamye, after the age of .xxvi. yeres it ſhalbe clene aboliſhed & put out of minde. After the which age, whether it be man or womā, it promiſeth good ſucceſſe & fortune. It maketh them alſo well heered, modeſt, faithful, painful, greadye of meate and drinke, acquainted with noble men, and fortunate in huſbandrye.

The Sunne in Leo.

THe Sunne in Leo, maketh a ſtoute ſtomacke, bolde, arrogant, eloquent and proud: a mocker & ſcorner, vnmercifull, cruel, harde, and harde to be intreated. Beſet with manye miſeries and perilles, out of the whiche he beinge eſcaped, ſhall obtaine ſome cōmon office: as to be a centurion or a captaine ouer .v.c. lokinge for benefite at the hands of thre noble men, vnfortunate in children, & for thē ſuſteininge muche laboure and affliction, prone to anger, and putting him ſelfe in manye daungers, enflaminge cholere, promoting to honours and dignities, and bringeth them in daunger of fire, ſword, and violence of beaſts, wherby he ſhal dye oute of his owne houſe or place. How be it by the helpe of God, he ſhall eſcape oute of all theſe daungers. Likewiſe, if it be a maid, ſhe ſhalbe bold, haue a great and large breaſte and ſlender legges, whiche are tokens of ſtouteneſſe and boldneſſe, anger, ſlaunders and bablinge, albeit that the ſoftneſſe which is in women, dothe ſomwhat remit and aſſwage thexceſſe of ye ſame. She ought alſo ſpecially to take hede of hot water & fire, bi ye which ſhe ſhalbe gretli in dāger ſhe ſhal alſo be much inclined to the ſickneſſe or knawinge of the ſtomacke. But after the age of .xx. or .xxi. yeres, ſhe ſhal be fortunate in richeſſe, the whiche ſhe ſhal obtaine by the helpe of greate men, and the vſe of other mennes goodes: alſo in houſekeping, beauty, and loue. Notwithſtandinge, ſhe ſhall haue but fewe children.

The Sunne in Virgo.

SO likewiſe Virgo dothe make them fortunate in houſholde affaires, witty, true, ſtout, and ambitious. His wife ſhal die before he know of it, diuerſe thinges alſo ſhalbe taken and ſtoine from him, and he ſhal be reuenged of his enemies. Moreouer, he ſhalbe ſo muche geuen to boaſtinge and bablinge, that he can not hide and keepe cloſe his owne ſecreates, faire of face, well mannered, a louer of women, and deliting to be in the courtes of great men and princes. Moreouer, iuſt wiſe, good, and honourable, a patr[•]ne & defender of his frendes: alſo holy & merciful, comelye bodied and well frended. A maide of the ſame birthe, ſhalbe wittye, honeſt, and ſhamefaſte, wel willinge, diligente, circumſpecte and angrye, ſhe ſhall marrye aboute the age of ſixtene yeares, and ſhall bringe forthe her firſte begotten of an elogant and goodly form or ſhape. Howbeit, whether thei be men or women, they ſhalbe wrapped in many pearils and daungers.

The Sunne in Libra.

THe Sunne in Libra cauſeth the childe to bee libidinous, buſye, fortunate, and ſpecyallye vppon the waters, or things perteinyng to the water. Alſo by ſwete ſpices and precious ſtones, & ſuche like. It cauſeth likewiſe a comely bodye and nimble, a pleaſant tongue or ſpeche, a good name, ſekinge oute ſecretes, but ſeldome ſtedfaſt in promiſes, althoughe he pretende otherwiſe. He ſhal put him ſelfe in greate daungers and troubles. His firſte wife ſhall not continue wyth him longe, he ſhal alſo haue enheritance of the goodes of deade men, and partely by his owne witte and induſtrye. Neither ſhall he bee altogether vnfortunate by foure foted beaſts. He ſhal ſuffer manie and great things for womēs ſakes, and ſhal be infamed for vnlawfull companiynge with them. Alſo he ſhall be a good interpreter of dreames, whether his birthe be by daie or night. The women ſhall bee frendelie, merie, and iocunde, ſettinge her whole delite on the fieldes and hearbes, wanderinge into ſtraunge places. Aboute the age of .xxiii. ſhee ſhal marie, whiche maxiage ſhal be fortunate: whoſe beautie, pleaſant ſpeche or tongue, and comelie behauiour, ſhall greately preferre and promote her. Neither are the children of Libra altogether vnapt to letters or good learnynge. But let them take heede of ſcaldinge water and of fire, for they ſhall receiue hurt by them, without great regard he had.

The Sunne in Scorpio.

SCorpio dothe augmente the inheritance, and addeth boldnes and ſtoutneſſe, alſo flatterie, by the which he ſhall diſceiue manye, ſhewynge (as they ſay) breade in the one hande, and hidynge a Stone in the other: minglynge poyſon with honye, perfourmynge almoſte nothinge that he promiſeth. Notwithſtandynge, merye, and ieſtynge, yght of beliefe, and a Conquerour of his enemies. It cauſeth alſo the women to be frendlye, wyſe, and craftye, whiche ſhall be diſceyued of her firſte hu[•]bande: her other huſbande ſhee ſhal ioyfully vſe, & ouercome her enemies. Shee ſhall alſo haue the paine of the ſplene, & bee marked either in the heade, or ſhoulders, or brawne of the arme. It maketh bothe kyndes bolde and raſſhe to robbe and ſteale, and to ſearche oute forbidden thinges, and to make contractes or bargaines. Alſo it maketh them wanton, fornicatours, vnſtable, and full of euyll thoughtes and imaginations, babblyng and angrye, and ſometyme very ſadde and afflicte. Howbeit, there ſhall bee Princes and greate menne whiche ſhall eſteme and ſette muche by ſuche ſorte of menne, and alſo of the common people whiche ſhall flatter them, whereby they ſhalbe hadde in reputation and honour.

The Sunne in Sagittarius.

SAgittarius is not altogether euil, for the Sunne dwellyng in it dothe geue fortune, & miniſtreth a courage to take anie thinge in hande, whatſoeuer thou purpoſeſt: and ſpecially to trauel ſtraūge countreys, and to paſſe the ſeas, and not to returne without great gaine. He ſhal alſo get frendes to come into the houſes and courtes of princes, (not to gather vp the trenchers, or licke the diſſhes as the common and viler ſorte of courtiers do: but to be put in ſome office, as to be ſteward or ſuche like, to the which promotion his agility and ſtrength ſhal greatly prefer him. Moreouer, he ſhalbe altogether geuen to ridinge, haukinge, huntinge, daunſinge, and leapinge, playes and games, combates and conflictes, for the whiche he ſhall haue many enemies whiche ſhal enuy him and impugn him greuouſly, whome he ſhal not withſtandinge vanquiſhe and ouercome. He ſhall alſo poſſeſſe his fathers inheritance, whiche hapneth not vnto al mē. And oftentimes it maketh them iuſte, wittye, ſtil, harty, ingenious, faithful, gentle, firme and ſtable, paineful and boaſtinge. The woman alſo ſhal not much differ: for ſhe ſhalbe full of anxietie, painful, merciful, and muche enuied and lien in waite for by euel men: but ſhe ſhal ouercome them and be fertile in childe bearing. She ſhal mary about the age of .xvii. yeares, but if that mariage procede not, ſhe ſhall not mary vntil the age of .xxiiii. yeares.

The Sunne in Capricorne.

CApricorne maketh the childe angrye and light, accompaniynge him ſelfe with vyle and ſuſpicious perſons. Alſo painefull, and diſtracte and vexed wyth diuerſe variaunces, the whiche aduerſities he ſhall boldely and ſtoutlye beare out and ſuſtaine. He ſhall be readye to dye for the loue of ſome pore aud ſimple maide, the which at length ſhal caſt hym into ſome diſeaſe and ſickenes.

It maketh them alſo meanelye riche, beneuolente, chearefull, and merye: but vnſtedfaſte, if the natiuitye be by night. In his age, when hee ſeeth his rycheſſe increaſe, he will beginne to loue mony, and decline from his former liberality, vnto couetouſneſſe, for in youth he was eaſye to be handeled. He ſhal proſpere in nauigations, and ſpeciallye towarde the Eaſt, for hys fortune ſhal come out of the Eaſte from greate menne. The Phiſiognomye of theſe children for the moſte parte is ſuche: a little heade, hollowe eyes, and a meane voyce. Bathes be profitable vnto hym beynge ſicke. The women are tymerous, and verye ſhamefaſt, and ſhal haue dominion and vyctorye ouer their ennemyes, and ſhall ſtraye farre abroade.

The Sunne in Aquarius.

AQuarius maketh the childe frendlye, but couetous, & apte to quotidian agues, vnfortunate about waters, which naturally he ſhal abhorre. His good fortune ſhal begin to increaſe about thage of .xv. or .xvi. yeares, at the whiche time he ſhall beginne to wander and ſtraye throughe diuers places, and waxe ſomwhat riche, whiche richeſſe ſhall neuer come to aboundaunce, but ſhalbe diſperſed againe vntil his latter yeares, which ſhall make amendes for that which hath bene ouer liberally ſpent afore. Neither ſhall his long iourneis turne him to any greate lucre or gaine, but he ſhal loke for, and obtaine greater profite at the hāds of others. Further, he ſhalbe vexed with ſondry incommodities, loſſes, and pearils, and ſpecially with his wife, and other women: for ſhe ſhal fal into a palſey, neyther ſhal he haue the fruition of her any long time, nether ſhal he proſper with other women, but ſhe beinge once deade, al thinges ſhall come more fortunate to paſſe.

The maide borne in Aquarius ſhalbe proper and fine, true, and conſtant, and in theſe three pointes, ſhe ſhall excell the man. She ſhal alſo be enriched by other mens goodes, and let her take heede of her childrē, for ſhe ſhalbe vexed with many incōmodities, and attempte ſtraunge places, ſhe ſhalbe but of a mene eſtate vnto thage of .xxii. yeares, and then fortune ſhall begin ſomewhat to fauour her: and ſhe ſhal optaine meane richeſſe. Oftentimes bothe the men and wemen be ſoft of ſpeche, wiſe, ingenious, faithfull, merye, and continually angry with theyr enemies.

The Sunne in Piſces.

PIſces in youthe, dothe vere his children with many euils, and oftentimes with out deſerte: and maketh them couetous, merye, diligente, players, neglecting fortune, of a good diſpoſition, louing the cōpanye of good men. Alſo of a quicke and readye tonge, bolde, ſtandinge muche in their owne conceite, and fortunate in ſekinge oute treaſures: for this is only geuen vnto them, that they ſhal finde ſomthing vnloked for. Thei ſhal alſo be partly enriched by other mens goodes. Thei ſhal not liue lōg, except they paſſe ye age of. 35. yeres, then ther is hope of lōg life: yet ſhal they neuer be very riche, al be it in their own opinion, they thinke to poſſeſſe the richeſſe of Creſus. Full of troublous thoughtes, and ſhalbe brought into captiuitye throughe women, and few thinges ſhal proſper with them in their childehode or youthe. They ſhalbe marked in the elbowe or fote, and their fortune is towardes the Southe. The maiden children ſhall be hote, bolde, of inſolente tonges, contumelious, and full of braulinge and ſcoldinge, beſet with manye pearilles, (and puttinge all honeſtye aparte) ſhe ſhall forſake her huſbande: and if ſhe be not let, ſhe will marye her ſelf vnto an aduoutrer. Alſo they ſhalbe muche vexed with the tormentes of the belly and ſtomacke. And thus you haue the ſecōd time the influēces of the ſignes ſufficiently ſpoken and intreated of.

The nature of the houſes.

NOwe there dothe remaine to ſpeake of the natures of the houſes & ſignes howe and in what thinges they fauoure or helpe our doinges, and what is to be done in euerie ſigne: whereby we may[•] ſo ordre all our accions and doinges, that all thinges maie come proſperouſlie and happelie to paſſe. For this is the onelye ſcope of Naturall Aſtrology, to the whiche if we do not attaine, I know not (as Alchabitius ſaith) to what ende it can otherwiſe be profitable vnto vs.

THe firſt houſe is geuen vnto Aries, who alſo is the firſt ſigne in order, and is called of the Aſtronomers the houſe of life, and ſignifieth the beginninge of all workes: and that whiche in the beginning of the life ſhall either delite the childe, or els vexe him and trouble him, alſo his ſtrength and weaknes: and finally, al things that pertain to the natural life.

The ſecond houſe is of Taurus, and is the houſe of ſubſtaunce, liuinge, miniſtration, and ſeruauntes, and betokeneth the ende of youthe. In the which[•] houſe if Iupiter and Venus happen to bee: they will chiefelye encreaſe thoſe goodes which amongeſt the lawers are called mouables, and alſo vnmouables, as gardens, fieldes, vineyardes and yerely rentes, and what ſo euer dothe endure longe. Alſo if any man do hier any bond ſeruaunte vnder this ſigne, he ſhall be faithfull in all thinges he ſhalbe put in truſte withal.

The thirde houſe whiche ſignifieth ſucceſſe by brethren, ſiſters, kinred, and ſmal iourneis, is attribute vnto Gemini. Wherefore if anye manne haue Aries in the Horoſcope, you may pronoūce vnto him good fortune by his brethren & kindred, by greate men, and his neighbours.

It is good vnder this ſigne, to write and ſende letters, to take in hande ſhort iourneys, to begin frendſhip or brotherhode, and ſende letters, to take in hande ſhort or ſuch like.

The fourthe houſe is called the manſion of parentes, inheritance, treaſures, and ſecreates. In this houſe it is good to contract, bie and ſell, & to chaunge vineyardes, fieldes, and poſſeſſions, to builde houſes and engines, to lay foundations, to big the earth, & to chuſe thy ſepulchre, for al theſe things Cācer doth proſperate.

The fifte houſe, is the houſe of children, and loue, legacies, and giftes, and of al thoſe thinges whiche after deathe do pertaine either to praiſe or reproche. It is expedient therfore vnder this ſigne to take in hande all thinges that commeth in minde, to cheariſhe thy ſelfe, to banket and make good cheare, to ſtraye abroade, to entre in couenauntes and frendſhip, becauſe of Venus miniſtringe gladneſſe. It is good alſo to put on newe garmentes, to write Epiſtles, to be merye and playe, and to gette him faithful frendes, whiche maye defend him in his neceſſity and nede.

The ſixte is the houſe of infirmitie and ſickeneſſe, ſadneſſe, and ſeruaunts, the delite of Mars, and is imputed vnto Virgo. It is not good herein neither to bie nor ſel, becauſe of vnfaithfulneſſe, labour, and ſorow: and ſpecially by Mercurials and virgines, whome a man ought to eſchue. For it heapeth againſt vs falſe witneſſe, theues, and thoſe whiche ſhal lie in wait for our life, menſlears, & bloud ſheders. Alſo tumultes, ſeditions, and factions, and al theſe ſhall happen by the Virginiſtes, & Mercurials, becauſe ye Mars as is aforſaid doth reioiſe ī theſe things.

The .vii. is in Libra, which folowing by and by after the ſickneſſe, is the houſe of mariage, and of thoſe thinges whiche are handled aboute the middle age, as it were in equal balance. In this it is good to amend and recouer things loſt and in deſperation: and becauſe it is the houſe of perfit enmity, it is good to haue to do with thine enemies, to begin warres & debates, and ſpeciallye for them whiche haue Aries in thaſcendent.

The .viii. manſion is attribute vnto Scorpio, & is the houſe or portiō of death, feare, and inheritance of deade men, and of ſuch thinges as are done after death. Wherfore take heede that in this ſigne thou take in hand nothing, nether entre vpon any iourney or cōmit thy ſelf vnto waters, becauſe that herein he ſhal eaſily take hurt. Wherfore al battailes, cōtentions, vniuſt cauſes, enmities, & euill wemen are to be eſchued, and ſpecially if they riſe by meanes of inheritance.

The .ix. is in Sagittarius, the houſe of faithe, religion, long iourneys, wiſdome, philoſophy, Mathematical ſciēces, bokes, epiſtles, narrations, meſſages, dreames, and rumoures, whiche euerye one haue their proper ſtarre in the firmamente or heauen. Wherefore the Sunne or Mone beinge in that houſe, it is good to take in hande the thinges aforeſaid, for becauſe they ſhal ſoner take effecte at that time then at anye other, for it is the manſion of perfect frendſhip.

The .x. houſe is in Capricorne, and is called the houſe of kingdome, rule, and office, and what ſo euer pertaineth to power. Wherfore, if thou wilt geue forth any precept or commaundemēt, or bryng any prouince or city in ſubiection, or attain and get any rich kingdome, or haue to do with any iudge, or take in hand the defence of the poore, or haue conferens with great or noble men: al theſe things may haply & fortunately be done the Sun or Mone being in this houſe, cōmonlye called the houſe of Capricorne by the reguler order, Aries being in ye firſt houſe.

The .xi. is referred to Aquarius, and is the houſe of praiſe, of good Fortune, the delite of Iupiter, of ſeruauntes, and helpers in this māſion. It is good to ſet vpon thine ennemies, to get frendes, to praiſe them by whom thou lokeſt for rewarde and gaine: and finally, to take in hande al thinges that wee woulde haue come wel to paſſe.

The moſte euill and peſtilente houſe in a manner of all is the .xii. houſe, for it is the manſion of enemies, priſons, labours, miſeries, enuye, murmurations, and beaſtes, and is the ende of life. In this houſe let no goodneſſe be loked for, but let him take hede of impriſonmente or fetters, the whiche (if he chaunce to come into in this ſigne) he ſhal be hardly deliuered oute. And if that Saturne the Lorde of the houſe, or Mars bee there: if woorketh deathe, and all kinde of miſchiefe. And thus ſucceſſiuelye of al the other ſignes.

Hitherto we haue ſpoken of the nature and effectes of the ſignes, in what thinges thei beinge aſcendente, do helpe and furder vs. Nowe wee will call to minde againe ſomewhat whiche was ſpoken before concerninge the Planets, aboute the whiche, (as the matter dothe require) wee will not tarie with longe circumſtaunce accordinge to the Prouerbe, not mindynge to make an Elephant of a flie: a great matter of a ſmall.

❧ Saturne Lorde of the Birthe.

SAturnus wherſoeuer he be Lorde of birthe, doth draw the minde of thoſe whiche are borne vnder him, hauing the bridle at libertie: to bee hie minded and ſtubburne, to malice, and to manie miſeries and calamityes. Howbeit, he geueth faieth and wiſedome to perſwade, and to diſcerne that whiche is iuſte and true in all matters but in his owne, in the whiche he ſhal not be ſo circumſpect. He ſhall truſt muche vnto him ſelfe and to his owne witte, a ſmall eater, but a large drinker, not greatly affectioned towardes his wife and children.

Moreouer, he cauſeth the bodye to be leane, colde, and drie, filling it ful of euil humoures, maketh paleneſſe, bringeth ſickeneſſe ſone, and heapeth all diſeaſes together; as the inflammations of the lunges, with a feruent ague, the dropſy, the gout, the kings euil, botches & biles, fallinge of the heere, and blindeneſſe, fallinge ſickeneſſe: and finallye, the whole ſeas and floude of noughtye and vicious humours. He dothe alſo cut of and ſhorten the life, either in a moiſte place, or els in a ſtraunge or deſerte place, oute of his natiue countrye. It is alſo very euell if Mercury do fal in the houſe of Saturn, for he maketh an inchaunter, a coniurer, a Southſayer, a truſe breaker, and an enemy of his parents and brethren, and of al other men.

❧ Iupiter Lorde of the birthe.

IVpiter doth euery wher deſerue praiſe for there is no pointe of counſel, wiſedome, knowledge, eloquence, and beautye, whiche he dothe not liberallye miniſter and geue: ſo that if you will diſcribe anye good manne, you maye wel faine him to be a Iouial. And brieflye, if thou wendicate vnto him al vertues and goodneſſe, thou canſte not erre. For the Iouialles be fullye repleniſhed wyth all thoſe thinges, ſo much leſſe do they lacke anye thinge. To what ende ſhal I nede to commende and praiſe their magnanimitie, with their large honours and promotions: whē as I ſaide before, there is nothinge founde to be wantinge or lacking in them.

Mars Lord of the Birthe.

COntrariwiſe, Mars beinge naturally euil, dothe make them diſpoſed to all kinde of euell. And as we ſayde, there was nothing in Iupiter blame worthy: ſo wee do againe pronounce, that there is none ſo greate a miſchiefe, but that the Martialiſtes dare boldly take in hād: nor none ſo foule a crime, wherewyth they are not contaminate and defiled. It is counted an heynous thinge amongeſt them to be honeſt and good. And it is counted a greate vertue to robbe and ſteale, to kill, to burne, to lye, to diſceaue, and delude. And to be ſhorte, it is naturall vnto them to commit all vnlawful thinges. And if there be any thing more miſcheuous then other, they thinke it lawfull for them to do it without ſhame or puniſhment.

Venus ladie of the birthe.

THe properties of Venus are ſo well knowen that I ſhal not nede to ſtand about it with greate circumſtances: neither do I ſee why ſhe ſhould not be ioyned with Iupiter. For vnto al the effects and workes, to al the vertues and ſciences, and finallye, to all the good thinges that Iupiter doth geue: ſhe addeth ſplendoure and renowme, and alſo riote, and ſpecially if Iupiter be in any frendlye aſpecte with her: or that Mercurye be in coniunction with Saturne and Mars, her ſignification is well knowen.

Mercuri lord of the birth

VNto ſome Mercury ſemeth doubtful good with the good, & euill with the euil. Howbeit alone he is verye good in geuinge the dowries of the witte or diſpoſition, in the which he doth excel Iupiter and Venus. As for the ſortes & kinds of ſciences and learning, they are ſo wel knowen, that we ſhal not nede to repete them here againe.

¶ The Sunne vvith the lord of the birth.

AL ye which is aforeſaid of ye good planets, we wold alſo haue it vnderſtād of the Sunne. For he is aſſured of a good planet which hath him, I mean not lord of yc birth: for that he is neuer. Likewiſe as the Moone being with the lord of the birthe ſemeth to me to bee (as it were) meane betwene Mars and Venus, and therfore kepeth as it were a mean in the natural gifts. But if ſhe happē to come in coniunction with Iupiter, Venus, and Mercurye: who wil not iudge that man moſt happye.

¶ The Mone vvith the lord of the birth.

THe Mone onely for this cauſe is euyl reported, bicauſe it doth brede inſtabilitie and vnſtedfaſtnes, the which in a mā bringeth alſo al kind of miſchiefe[•].

Canons or rules for the erexion of the figure of the heauen.

THE ſame order of the ſignes is obſerued herein that is in the artificial, for what ſigne is aſcendēt, euery planet accordynge to the order, is to be put into euerie houſe. As if Aries be the aſcendente of the birthe: place Aries in the firſte houſe, Taurus in the ſeconde, Gemini in the thirde, and Cancer in the fourth. If the Sunne be in Cancer, ſhort ſha[•] place Cancer in the firſt houſe, Leo in the ſeconde, Virgo in the thirde, Libra in the fourth, Scorpio in the fift, Sagittarius in the ſixte, Capricorne in the ſeuenthe, whiche is oppoſite to Cancer, and the other in their order as you well knowe.

But the Lordſhippe and gouernours of the ſignes is cleane prepoſterous and contrarye to that whiche is alledged of Firmicus: for here onelye reſpecte is had to the Lorde of the aſcendente, and after him the other Planettes in eche houſe are to bee placed accordynge to their naturall order.

And in this onlye it agreeth with the artificial, that the Lord of the aſcendent is placed with the aſcendent of the other planets, there is no order but onlye the natural order. As for example, I deſire to erect a figure of natiuity, the Sun being in Aries, I knowe the order of the houſes. I will ſette in the firſte houſe Aries, in the ſeconde Taurus, in the eyght Scorpio, in the nynthe Sagittarius, in the .x. Capricorne, in the .xi. Aquarius, in the .xii. Piſces. And the ſignes beinge thus ſette, is almooſte the whole order of them whiche iudge by the Horoſcope. Nowe foloweth the order of the Planettes. Firſte of al I appointe to the Lordſhip of Aries, Mars: for he is Lorde of the ſign, to the ſecond houſe I aſcribe the Sunne, to the thirde Venus, to the fourthe Mercurye, to the fifte the Mone, to the ſixthe Saturne, to the ſeuenthe Iupiter, to the eighte Mars, to the ninthe the Sunne, to the tenthe Venus, to the leuenth Mercury, to the .xii. the Mone.

Thus you ſee the Lorde of the aſcendente onlye, excepte al other planets, to be placed according to their natural order. I wold not that any man ſhuld vnderſtand me herein, that when I ſpeake of the aſcendente, that I meane the aſcendente of the houre or Horoſcope: but of the ſigne in the whiche the Sunne is at that time.

Likewiſe, in the ſeconde reuolution, thou ſhal ſet Saturne in the firſte houſe, and ſhalbe the Lorde of life at the age of xiii. yeares. In the ſeconde houſe Iupiter, and accordynge to his nature iudge the ſubſtaunce of the childe. To the thirde houſe adde Mars, and by him iudge concerninge brethren and kinred, and ſhort [•]ournets. To the fourth houſe, the ſunne, and accordinge to his Nature, haue reſpect to the parentes and inheritance at xvi. yeres of age. And by this example you maie raiſe to anye man a like reuolation, and perceiue thereby what ſhall happen yerelye. For this houſe doth not ſignifie that ſhorte reuolution wherein the Sunne is euery two hours: but a yerelye reuolution. Wherfore we haue added a reuolution, ſtretching to. 84. yeres, accordyng to the aſcendent in Aries: but if that any other ſigne be aſcendent, you muſt fourme an other reuolutiō, but accordyng to this tipe or rule. If thou wilt iudge of children, loke to ye fift houſe. For ſicknes, ſmal beaſtes, or ſeruants: behold the ſixte houſe. For mariages and open enemies, the ſeuenth houſe. For deathe and inheritance by deade men, and ſuch kinds of thinges: geue iudgement by the eight houſe, and ſo likewiſe of all the other houſes. Neither do I vnderſtande and perceiue what ether ought or can be furder ſpokē or ſaid herein. The ſumme of this art is to know the natures of the ſignes & planets, & then to erect a figure, & to exerciſe that which you haue reade. Proue it who will, and he ſhal ſee it not onely to agree with the artificial: but alſo for to excel it, as wel for the eaſineſſe, as alſo for the certainetie of the ſame. Thou ſeeſt (as we ſaid before in our preface, & now againe without ſhame) that there is nothing ſo much to be takē h[•]de of, as a few things which are taken out of the artificial. Neither is it vnknowen yt Liechtenbergius the beſt learned of his time in naturall Mathematical ſciences, by this onely Arte to haue made all the aſtronomers aſtonied, & to haue wrought ſtraungs thinges. Wherfore it ſhoulde feme very euill, if that we ſhoulde ſuffer the learnyng and cunning of ſuch a man to be obſcured & kept cloſe, for theſe oure doinges wee haue drawen out of him. Wherfore we are the leſſe to be blamed if that we haue not ſatiſfied eueri mans mind: except you wil count it faut worthye, that we haue expounded and ſette oute other mens good workes, vnto the poſteritye, and preferre them before our owne. The whiche thinge if it be culpable, who is then withoute ſhame or reproche, euen they whiche are counted beſt learned in this time and ſeaſō. We haue added hereunto a figure of the reuolution: he that will knowe thother reuolutiōs, let him read the tables folowinge.

A Figure of the reuolution of the Signes and Planettes accordynge to Naturall Aſtrologye, whoſe aſcendente is ♈, and the Lorde of the ſame ♂.

A continuation or prolongyng of the figure aforeſaide, from the firſt yeare of the Horoſcope in ♈, vnto the ende of .84. yeres.

¶ By this order (gentle Reader) you may multiply your reuolution into an infinite number.

FINIS.

❧ Imprinted at London by Ihon Daie, for Richarde Iugge, dvvellinge at the Northe dore of Poules Churche, at the ſigne of the Bible.

Marginal notes

1. mon of ctor. ↩