colour yet seeing at length it appeared of a more bright and Mercurial colour or rather a Jovial Spineus will have it after so many misfortunes as Wars Seditions Burnings Slaughters c. to signifie the Kingdome of Peace with him we may conclude that there will be great change of Laws and Customes Destruction and Detriment to divers States and Monarchies beyond what is signified from the great Conjunction for else why was it visible so neer the place and time thereof To which we may adde that notable observation of Sir Christopher Heydon that as Saturn was elevated above Jupiter and so might seem to retard or remit the benevolent influence of Jupiter in the Conjunctional effects who was otherwise better dignified yet this Star when Saturn came to passe by him was elevated above him which doth also further evidence the greatness of the effects of this New Star and what Saturn would do by Subtilty Craft Hypocrisie self ends c. shall in a great measure by this New Light be discovered and suppressed whether it be by new Laws or Decrees in matters either Civil or Ecclesiastical And forasmuch as this Star was fixed and situate above the planetary Orbs even among the fixed Stars and that the Sun also among the Planets the year following suffered an Eclipse in the M. C. of the great Conjunction and in perfect Sextile to the Ascendent thereof and the place of the Star which was also then yet visible from whence it may be saith he proportionably collected that what was decreed in this notable Synod of the Planets in this sign which he calls the Court or Temple of Heaven was also ratified by the fixed Stars and by all the spheres of Heaven neither is it to be neglected that this New Star was not onely elevated above the Planets in the Conjunction both in respect of its Latitude from the Ecliptique and situation or distance from the Earth but also excelled all the Planets in magnitude and light So that as the Sun metaphorically representeth Kings and Magistrates and Nobility in Astrology are resembled to the Planets about the Sun so the fixed Stars are compared to the people and Commons among whom some excell others in Greatnesse and therefore whether there be a new Democracy or Aristocracy of the Church and Common-wealth founded while the Sun suffereth his light to be eclipsed I take not upon me to decide but he conceived there would be a breach of Leagues and Treaties and a renovation of the Wars great detriment to the King of Spain that he should be beaten out of the Indies and the Gospel should be propagated unto the Southern parts For to what end is this Star perpendicular to the Indian Seas and to the best parts of America if we consider the place of the â—tar in relation to the Figure of the great Conjunction it was in the Ascendent thereof therefore what great Man there is or to be born that must come from the East to excite Wars and change Lawes we must leave to time to determine Considering that all the Planets except the Moon are subterranean that Saturn Jupiter and Mars and the New Star are intercepted in the fourth House without doubt it will be long before the effects will manifest themselves fully to the world which at length will be the more effectual because the first appearance thereof was so neer the conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter with Mars and all nigh the place of the Great Conjunction and the Ascendent thereof and therefore I may add that because our present Conjunction is so neer these former Configurations therefore the effects thereof shall in abundant measure shew themselves these next twenty years and likewise during the effects of every of those Conjunctions that shall happen in this sign Sagittarius so long as the influence of the Fiery Triplicity shall continue But what those effects yet further are give me leave also to add the judgement of Spineus in his Catastrophe mundi where treating of the Mock-stars of the years 1572. and 1604. he saith That the appearance of this Star in the Fiery Triplicity and as he terms it in the direct of Sagittary signifies the vehemency of some King over his people his coveting of moneys depressing of many of his subjects by violence and injustice the death or deposition of such Nobles as had their honour under the Fiery Trigon I suppose it should have been the Watry and consequently it foreshews a Drought and great Mortality among the Inhabitants of the Earth a decay of Fruits by the vehemency of Heat a dearth of Cattel the death of Kings and Citizens and that there will be much lewdnesse in many parts And further without doubt in the latter years there will be almost a destruction of Monarchies especially because of the most powerful influence of the Stars that then will happen we conceive saith he not onely the final destruction of the Turks but also that there will be a great decay among Christians and that not onely all the Kings and Potentates of the Earth shall be hurt by the several evil Constellations of Heaven But take heed all you KINGS of SPAIN and FRANCE ☞ you Princes and Potentates of ITALY behold and dread the Sign sent from GOD viz. the Mock-star of the year 1604. let down in the Fiery Triplicity to provoke Wars and Conflicts by Seg. 7. Aph. 34 Rebellions Treasons Desolations sudden and utter Ruine and Mischiefs of all kinds so that all men living of what degree soever shall be naturally inclined to the shedding of Blood For every inordinate constitution of the Stars brings Death among old and infirm people but in others sudden and utter ruine And at length he thus concludes Oh! quot mutationes Regnorum Oh! quot lugubres flebiles infortuniorum Casus c. Oh! how many changes of Kingdomes Oh! how much lamenting the condition of Disgrace Oh! how many sorts and differences of dangers are to be feared what great and grievous Villanies what turbulent and damnable Seditions Oh! what sudden and unlook'd for mischievous kinds of Deaths Oh! what exalting of wicked and reprobate men do the Stars of Heaven belch out what wretched and indigent persons are every where extoll'd and the rich oppressed and impoverished how many subjects and servants will rule while Kings and Masters obey Oh! what Princes shall be thrown down out of their Dominions what insolent drunken and luxurious men who shall have the habit of Whoredom what inventors of new and unheard of Lusts Buggerers Gluttons Murtherers cruel Deceivers Traitors and Thieves without cause such as shall deride torment tear in pieces and kill with very vexation all men that be endowed with Prudence Knowledge and Wisdome who will neverthelesse be of a firm and constant mind And if you would also know when in general these things Nota benè shall be he adds Although they shall be fierce after the year 1630. yea more fierce after the year 1650.
in the year 1603 its in the discourse you may see at large and this is the third Conjunction that hath happened in that Trigon which indeed should have beeen the fourth inorder c. But suppose it had been their first Conjunction we have some general rules though but short to judge of great Conjunctions nor are those presidents we have of so little use as to be neglected but must we have presidents of necessity for all we write or judge then I fear this Astrologer will hardly ever be capable of judging a Nativity true while he lives I have great reason to think and do verily believe he never yet did or very rarely As for his position of Heaven I have said as much of that in the Discourse it self as is necessary and certainly there are other things of more principal concernment to judge of than the House of Heaven which I need not stand to mention here because sufficiently handled in the Book it self and if we consider the great variety of judgement in respect of different Meridians and Elevations of the Pole who is there will satisfie or incourage an Artist for the great labour it will require But why do I trifle time in answering one who with much confidence and as much ignorance doth cavil at the labours of others nay most ingratefully against those who have been his greatest support and promoters whilest it may be made evidently appear that in all or most that ever he did yet he hath committed frequently most gross and absurd errours in his very fundamentals and this appears not to be want of care or through oversight but absolutely for want of judgement and yet he must be a corrector of or rather a caviller at other mens labours although though as I could make it appear he understands them not But I shall refer my Reader to a particular Treatise shortly to come forth wherein this boasting Ignoramus is anatomized to the full his Absurdities Ignorance and gross abuse of Art particularly laid open and made known to undeceive the world But to thou that art courteous this Book is commended to thy judicious censure the subject it self is not able and I have been carefull to my power to perform what lay on on my part without playing the Plagiary or robbing any man of his Labours nor have I had the assistance of any either in Calculations or Judgement not that I am ambitious of any Igenuity therein but having used an honest endeavour in the performance thereof if thou meetest with any errours or deficiency either in the Pen or Press let me crave as I doubt not of thy courteous censure and care to correct And as for the envious I challenge and expect their emendation or be silent Farewell From my Study next door above the four Swans in Bishopsgate-street I am thine R. E. Observationes Astrologica A Treatise of a Conjunction of Saturn and Mars whererein are also many things of principal concernment in Astrology not frequently practised A most Learned and Ingenious Discourse of the true visible Systeme of the World according to Capernicus and our late best Astronomers The second Edition to be sold by the Author and at the Angel in Cornhill I have perused this Astrological Discourse of Mr. Richard Edlin ' s and may truly say It is not more Elaborate then Learned and very worthy the view of all Judicious Artists Die ♀ Feb. 12. 1663 4. G. WHARTON I have read over this Piece and averr it is excellently and judiciously penn'd and know not what could have been said more of this Subject ☽ 15. Feb. 1663 4. W. LILLY I have seriously read over this elaborate Treatise of Mr. Edlin ' s and so far approve thereof that I wish it were made publick for the satisfaction of all ingenious persons 17. Feb. 1663 4. JOHN BOOKER PART I. CHAP. I. Containing some General Considerations of Natural Causes THe Causes of all Natural Mutations next unto God whether as to the World in general or more particularly as to Humane bodies are the vertues and influences of the Celestial bodies whereof some are termed more others lesse principal The more principal causes as they are distinguished by the Learned are the transmutations of the Absides or Aphelions of the Planets Great Conjunctions of the Superiours new Stars and Comets to which some have added though as it is conceived not upon sufficient grounds the change of the Sun's excentricity and the obliquity of the Ecliptique Causes lesse principal or adjutant Causes as Spineus termes them are Eclipses of the Luminaries Lesser Conjunctions Annual Revolutions to which are supposed the motion of profection of the great Orb of great Conjunctions before the Floud the Birth of Christ Mahomet c. All which have their variety of Effects according to their different qualities and the nature of the subject they operate upon which although some are scrupulous is confirmed by the institution of the Almighty himself Sint Signa c. Let them be for signes and for seasons And indeed in order to the will and power of the Lord they are but as signes of his providential will and pleasure but as to natural Operations they are not improperly called Causes for Sub Deo semper agunt is a true Motto And not onely this institution of God himself but the consent of the Learned do also confirm it For S. Austin the Divine hath this saying Deus inferiora regit per Superiora God governeth all inferiour things by their Superiours And the Philosopher Cardanus Segm. 2. Aph. 58. Dei igitur altissimi coelum est instrumentum quo agit impellit regitque Heaven is the instrument of the most high God by which he acteth inforceth and governeth all things Amesius in his Medulla Theologica lib. 1. cap. 9. de providentia Dei terms it modus ordinarius the ordinary and usual way of Gods providence wherein we are to consider both the antecedent and the consequent as it is in Hos 2. 22. Exaudiam coelos ipsi exaudient terram c. I will hear the Heavens saith God and they shall hear the Earth and the Earth shall hear the Fruit and the Corn and the Oyl and they shall hear Israel And this order saith he is that Law of Nature adhibited by God himself at the Creation Fiat esto sit ita Let it be so and it was so Hence the Prophet styles them the Statutes and Ordinances of the Sun and of the Moon and Stars Jer. 31. 35 36. ver and chap. 33. 20. he calls it Gods Covenant with them And God himself asketh Job chap. 38. v. 31 32 33. among other interrogaties of the powers of Heaven whether he knew the ORDINANCES of Heaven or could set the dominion thereof in the Earth Hence then we may conclude with Cardan Seg. 1. Aphor. 20. Astrologia altissima scientiarum est tum quia de coelestibus tum quia de futuris quorum scientia non solum divina est
yet shall they be most terrible and rigorous after the year 1660. God divert the Evil that is yet further portended from the effects of this Star from the Kingdom of England for seeing the Star did first appear so neer the body of Mars and that Saturn was also applying whose influence Mars translates first to the New Star afterwards to Jupiter it may probably be conjectured that many violent and turbulent accidents must ensue in the world which as they do proceed from such natural causes whose influences are universal so that all places more or lesse shall be sensible of the effects therefore England cannot be excluded and the rather because we are under a sign of the same Triangularity But if we consider the dominion of the Sign it self or their situation in Heaven the effects are for certain extended to the more Southern parts of the World and such as are both South-East and South-West from England and in Europe more particularly Spain France Italy Portugal c. But let this suffice for the effects of the New Star also onely if we consider the time of the Sun 's coming to the place of the Star Mars and Jupiter it informs us of some superlative transactions to fall out in the years 1664 65 and 66. CHAP. IV. Of the other Lesser Conjunctions Anno 1623. and 1643. OF these we are not to take any great notice seeing the effects extended but to the following 20 years after each Conjunction among which we may not forget that the death of King James succeeded the Conjunction of the year 1623. and that King Charls whose Ascendent was the sign of the Conjunction came by rightful succession to the Crown there was also several years of great Drought Scarcity and a most furious Plague And therefore seeing such like Evils did also succeed the great Conjunction of the year 1603 especially that great Plague in England Anno 16â—â— and that as Mr. Cambden observes Saturn cannot or seldomâ— doth passe through the Fiery Triplicity b 〈…〉 afflicts the City of London with a Plague and as at other times it hath been observed so God grant it not to be so now But truly when I consider beside the Transit of Saturn through the sign Sagittary that besides other Enormities great Plagues have also succeeded those preceding Conjunctions of the years ☞ 1603. and 1623. that there are also two conjunctions of Saturn and Mars in the same Sign me thinks we have too great cause to fear an approaching Plague and that a very great one ere the year 1665. be expired I dare not be positive in such determinations but I say from these reasons taken from such eminent natural causes it is greatly to be feared and if we consider how the Fruits of the Earth have been corrupted by intemperate seasons and unwholsome airs and thence a great destruction of Cattel we cannot but look on those also as the Prodromi of the same and how hath Almighty God visited most Nations about us and a long time spared us LIBERA LIBERA NOS DOMINE Notable is that expression of Mr. Lilly's We in England saith he have had two of our best Princes followed with two Great Plagues viz. Queen Elizabeth 1603. and King James 1625. There 's a Mysterie in it if I durst unfold it God grant we have no more such Plagues I wish such Princes I onely further note in this Conjunction of the year 1623. that as Mars his next Aspect is a Quartile with the Moon who translates the light and malevolent influence of Mars to the Sun by a hostile Aspect viz. a Square from Cardinal Signs and that the Sun being separated from the Opposition of Mars applies next to the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter doth evidently denote most violent Transactions to ensue though not suddenly because of the distance of the degrees which if we convert into time viz. of the Moon to the Quadrate of the Sun and Mars to his opposite place it gives about 16 or 17 years which brings us to the years 1639. or 40. And who knows not what troubles were then agitating and beginning to come upon us And seeing that the place of Mars at the time of our present Conjunction is the place of the Conjunction of the year 1623. or near it which sign being the Ascendent of Rome and of Italy in general it threatens detriment to them especially by Fires Tumults War and such like Enormities by which means those who especially had the Original of their greatnesse from the effects of that Conjunction shall be deposed and lose much of their Honour and Dignity whiles others by some Noble Heroick Exploits and principal Martial performances will be elevated to greater dignity and power which will be also of longer continuance But as for the Conjunction in 1643. which according to the usual order of the Superiours should have happened in Aries and so have made their third Conjunction in the Fiery Trigon but contrarily it happened in Pisces which is a sign of the last Triplicity so that after two Conjunctions made in the Fiery Triplicity this preposterously comes in to finish the period of the former Triangularity And indeed the effects thereof were of as contrary nature according to that of Lud. de Reg. Aph. 32. Deterior â—â—â—ur general hominum per transmutationes illarum magnarum cum succedeâ—tes inimicabiliter configurantur cum figuris praeteritarum c. the kinds of men are made worse by the transmutations of those Conjunctions when those that succeed are inimically configurated to those that are past So I say did this preposterous Conjunction produce as preposterous Effects viz. the suppressing and abrogating of former Laws Religion Customes Privileges Governments c. which now from the effects of this Restitution or returning again of the Superiours into the Fiery First and Regal Triplicity must all those exorbitant abuses both in Church and State be abolished and all or most of those former Rights and Privileges Laws and Customes be restored and established upon their former principles and foundations But if we consider moreover the malevolent configurations of the Planets at the time of the Conjunction Mars is neer the opposite place of Mercury and the Conjunction of the year 1603. the Sun separating from his Quadrature and applying next to the place of the Conjunction the Moon separated from the body of Mars and Square of the Sun is in Square to Mercury and opposition of the Ascendent of the great Conjunction and New Star and applies next to the Square of a Conjunction All which I say considered are all Arguments in Astrology of much Faction and Division of much turbulency and disturbance in Affairs which although they were carried on under pretence of Religion and Justice Rights and Liberties of the people yet were the intents of those Enormities nothing but self-ends and who knows not how fraudulently and deceitfully matters were performed however they were at first otherwise pretended Those
before I proceed any farther First Profections of themselves as they are generally taken are not sufficiently demonstrative for all Influences depending upon the harmony of some real Motion this of Profection being not grounded sufficiently upon any is therefore not unfitly questioned by some and they the most judicious in Astronomy now living yet not so but that it may relate to something more rational if understood For as I have sometimes had it from my ingenious friend Mr. Thomas Street as Directions are the Harmony of the Earths Annual Diurnal Revolutions about the Sun so Profections if any thing are the Harmony of the Moons Diurnal and Mensurnal Revolutions about the Earth and therefore more properly called Lunar Directions but as in Directions founded upon these proportions there is a great discrepancy from that method commonly used so also is there in this kind of Profection but I forbear further mention hereof in this place and leave it to the consideration of the judicious Qui capiat c. But secondly another reason is taken from the difference of the Ascendents of revolutional Figures for if they vary a sign from the truth it causeth at least a year errour in time and it is apparent that some Theories differ more than a sign one from another especially when it happens to be among those signes that are of more oblique or short ascensions so that were there certainty in proportioning the times by profection yet the uncertainty or at least the discrepancy among Authors about the true Ascendent of the revolutional Figures leaves the matter in doubt But because I would not be thought too critical the rather seeing there are yet very judicious Artists that do not altogether relinquish this doctrine of Profections let us examine in what time we may expect the Effects of our Conjunction to manifest themselves The Ascendent of the Revolution for this year 1663. is the 23. degree of Leo by the Caroline Tables which by a general consent of Observations is without doubt very neer the truth the place of the Conjunction is in the 14 degree of Sagittary the distance is 3 signes 21 degrees which being added to the time of the Conjunction October the 10th 1663. viz. three years and two third parts directs to the year 1667. about the middle of the year wherein according to this proportion very superlative transactions must happen and appear upon the Stage of the World in those places subject to the Sign Sagittary very great counsels and consultations both in matters Politick and Ecclesiastical But if then matters do begin to manifest themselves more publickly or many things then come to light that before were obscured why shall not there be some more glorious actions or some illustrious accidents to fall out when by the same proportion the Medium Coeli comes to the place of the Conjunction and consequently its Opposition The place of the Med. Coel. or the degree culminating in the Meridian of London is the 9th degree of Taurus one sign and about 5 degr which gives in this measure of time one year and two moneths viz. the latter end of the year 1664. at what time the mid-mid-Heaven comes to the Opposition of the Conjunction so that let us observe if about that time we hear of some notable contentions and struglings among some Grandees and most eminent persons in the world about some ancient Rights or Customes c. This must be understood to happen at that time with us in England for in those places where the Meridian and elevation of the Pole is varied the time accordingly is varied which is also another reason of the scruple that may be made of this kind of measure of time viz. because it cannot be universal as other Rules and Directions are But if we also direct the Ascendent to other Planets in this manner we may find that the Ascendent comes to the body of the Sun about the latter end of the year 1665. which may also discover something of moment to the world because the Sun was lately in Sextile to the Planets conjoyned perhaps there appears some eminent person that would by policy and intreaty effect something to the composing of differences but attempting and being willing to do more than he hath power to effect falls of himself into some ignominy and disgrace The Medium Coeli comes to the Conjunction and to the Opposition of the Moon towards the latter end of the year 1670. or the beginning of 1671. which accordingly must produce the effects thereof in a most illustrious manner because the influence of the Conjunction is then almost at the highest For this is observable in Conjunctions and also agreeable to Nota. the precepts of Ptolomy upon Eclipses that the effects thereof do increase till they come to Opposition which is about the middle of the time determined for the continuance of the effects from one Conjunction to another and after by degrees they decrease or do operate more remisly till excited again by the influence of another Conjunction or remitted by some contrary Configurations This is to be understood of lesser Conjunctions but may also be applied and is as considerable in the effects of greater and mean Conjunctions whose effects do last in general neer two hundred years whilest those that are called lesser Conjunctions which happen every twenty yeares in signs of the same Triplicity do accordingly intend or remit increase or diminish or do more particularly shew the times of the effects signified by those more eminent Configurations Our Conjunction as I formerly mentioned cannot properly be said to be great being not the first entrance into the Fiery Trigon yet as it may be termed the restitution therof by reason of that preposterous Conjunction of the year 1643. the effects thereon depending must be the more eminent or of the nature of a Mean Conjunction and this the rather because it is the fourth Conjunction since their entrance into this Trigon Nota. which falling alwayes in the same Sign with the first Conjunction and the effects thereof increasing viz. in the first hundred years is therefore I say the more forcible in exciting and manifesting the effects of the great Conjunction it self for the next succeeding twenty years forasmuch also as all the Planets come then to a Sextile of their own places the like is to be understood of the mean Conjunctions But for the intentions or remission of the effects by the Aspects which was the first consideration in this digression I shall have occasion to handle afterwards these I thought necessary to premise There are yet other wayes more safe because more demonstrative and more necessary because universal to all parties though differently of the world and these are Directions Transits lesser Conjunctions and Aspects of the Planets especially of the Superiours also Eclipses of the Luminaries and what other configurations or appearances there may happen concomitant These do most certainly shew the particular times of