A STRANGE AND WONDERFUL Prognostication: Or rather, PRENOMINATION of those Accidents which shall, or at least are likely to happen, as may be conjectured by the heavenly Influences; Foretelling the wondrous direful Events which shall fall out in all Christendom, as may be collected by the Rules and Directions of Astrology, in this year 1624. Written by Anthonio Magini, an Italian Professor of the Mathematics, and much experienced in Astronomy: And now faithfully translated into English. Printed at London for Nathanael Butter. 1624. The Preface, showing in what manner this Calendar or Prognostication is to be understood. TO come to our Almanac and Prognostication, which hath above two hundred declarations or points, and therefore if the one half, or the fourth part, be but true it will be well. Furthermore, it is to be understood, that the things happen not just the same time, hour, or day they are predicted, but are deferred sometimes for a little while; for you know that water in a Kettle hanged on the fire boyles not presently, and even so is it with the operation of the Planets or Signs of the Firmament. A small proof of the last year. 1623. Said he not what was to happen betwixt the Rhyne, Elbe, and Weser, and in the Northern parts of the world? Did he not likewise speak of a Match, as also where the war should be, and how fare it should extend? He predicted likewise a battle of a certain Prince, and the defeat of his soldiers upon the thirteenth of August, of which the Boers of Westphalia should tell strange things. Likewise he talked much of treason, and of a simultated peace, as is known to Holland and Hungary. And made also mention of the Forces that should march upon the frontier of Turkey and Hungary, designing the invasion of Bethlem Gabor. Moreover, he predicted also that the plague should reign mightily in the Northern Lands, as hath afterwards been seen in Polonia, Lituania, Sweden, and East-Friesland, in which lands there died above 200000 persons of the Sickness. Observe likewise what he saith of the dearth, the like being hardly known by any man now living. And concerning the East-Indies, have not the Protestants made such an invasion in it as was never done before. Likewise we will not forget that which he told of the West-Indies, and of the great alteration in the Roman Empire. Moreover, he predicted that the Northern Lands should want both bread and wine, which seemed to be unlikely, seeing it was a fertile year, and that all the fruits of the field were ripe, and carried into the barns, and there was also great store of fish catcht, upon which accident the prices of all other victuals are used to fall, but the dearth increased daily against all expectation. He saith also that about the Harvest or August, many should be slain upon the frontiers of Hungary. Here beginneth the Italian Soothsayer, or Prognostication, practised by Anthonio Magini, Professor of the Mathematics at Bononia in Italy. januarie. THe years in former times took not their beginning as they do now, a 1. Circ. of Chr. b 2. Steph. oct. c 3. S. joh oct. d 4. Titus. e 5. Edward f 6. Three Kings. for some began it when the Sun was in the midst of the Firmament; and others, when it was nearest unto them; and we make the beginning of it when the Sun is furthest from us, to wit, in Capricornus. So that our Winter beginneth upon the the 22 of September. And I find, having over-looked all the celestial Signs, that Saturnus and jupiter going into Leo, go backwards as the Crabs do, Mars in Aquarius, Venus and Mercurius in Sagitarius, and Luna near at hand, travelling as a messenger up and down; when the Moon shall be in Taurus, and begin to increase, than we shall have the eight after the birth of Christ, and the same is the first day of the year, and shall be governed as followeth, by the power of God. The 5, being full Moon, are Saturnus and jupiter declared Lords of this year, & Luna is also to be an aid of them. And first to speak of her government, Sunday. G 7. Valentius. a 8. Erhardus. b 9 julianus. c 10. Paulus her. d 11. Higinus pa. e 12. Benedictus. f 13. Hilar. Epis. she shall cause a cold, unhealthful, dear, & miserable time. Concerning Saturnus, he shall also use his wont cruelty, and go about to spoil even the child in the Cradle; and in several places, as upon the height of 48 and 53 degrees, do great hurt, as in Bohemia, Hungary, Moravia, Silesia, Germany, Polonia, and other Countries bordering upon the Low-Countries. Sunday. G 14. Pontian. a 15. Jesus nam. b 16 Marcellus. c 17. Anton. op. d 18. Prisc. virg. e 19 Herental. f 20. Fab. Sebast. The 13, with the last quarter of the Moon, is Mars in Pisces, which is certainly an ill sign (for bad trees give bad fruits, & lame messengers bring bad news) and he causeth the Sea to be set on fire, through the power of Neptunus, and shall also go about to break the Peace, which could be concluded in these times, making great steps even into the Indies, and incites the Waterlanders (or Hollanders) to the battle, showing them all the riches of the world, so that many nations of Europe shall hearken to him, being desirous to be delivered from the cries of the hungry, and to find a better Country than they inhabit. Sunday. G 21. S Agneta. a 22. Vincentius. b 23. Emerent. c 24 Timotheus. d 25. Paul's cohu. e 26. Policarpus. f 27. joh. Chrisost. The 20, with the full Moon, was Venus and Mercurius above the head of Sagitarius, the one being somewhat whorish, and the other somewhat knavish. About this time will much treason and deceit be intended, and that shall even come from lands that lie fare off at the other side of Hell, seeing that Lucifer reigneth, therefore look to yourself, so shall it happen that the Crane shall invite the Fox, who shall find himself deceived at last. The 27, being the first quarter of the Moon, ought his Holiness to look a little to the Alps, for there shall strange signs be seen, and many conspirations be made with them of S. Marck (the Venetians.) The 28 cometh the Sun into Aquarius, Sunday. G 28. Carol. Madge a 29. Valerius. b 30. Septuages. c 31. Isaac. who running swiftly to the war, in the hot Countries, seems to confirm the former, leaving the cold countries behind infested or vexed with famine, piracies, and inundations. The last of this Month shall jupiter and Mercurius be opposite, as likewise Saturnus and Venus, and there was a strange trick played, but it seemed not cleanly to be done. But Luna although she was in Cancer came nevertheless to them which dwell under the Crevice, namely, the Sea-cocks, and brought tidings that Shield-bearer would aid them upon the frontiers of Turkey. February. d 1. Bridget. e 2. Marie. f 3. Blasius Bish. Sunday. G 4. Rembertus. a 5. Agatha. b 6. Dorothea. c 7. Richardus. d 8. Solomon. e 9 Apolonia. f 10. Ireneus. THe 4, being full Moon, is the Sun yet in Aquarius, and Saturnus, and jupiter in Leo, and do not cease yet from running these ill courses, and to use ill devices, to take the gold from one another, giving iron only in lieu of it; which news being brought into Spain, upon 35 degrees it will cause great murmur and discontentment. And jupiter shall go about to remedy it by the means of his goodness, and make many friends with gifts, whereby the purse will be emptied, nevertheless he will keep counsel. The 11, being the last quarter, was Mars in Aries, or in the hurting Ram, walking very desperately, showing that his children under the government of Saturnus and jupiter, in the Northern parts of Europe suffered famine, and that he would revenge it in the South. To which effect he had caused the Fleet of Neptune to be gathered together by Triton, & would himself in person visit the cashes of India, to relieve his children with them. Sunday. G 11. Desiderius. a 12. Gandent. b 13. Tranquil. c 14. Valentius. d 15. Craton. mar e 16. juliana. f 17. Constantia. This shall cause joy on the one side, and heaviness on the other, for there breedeth continually quarrel wheresoever is question made of having & keeping: for the one shall think that by reason of his long possession, another's good is his own. Therefore ye Commanders look too that through treason you be not frustrated of your design. Sunday. G 18. Simon bish a 19 Sabinus. b 20. Gallus con. c 21 Coronat. d 22. S. Peter. e 23. Bissext. cor. f 24. The 18, being new Moon, was Venus in Capricornus, and gave order to Mercurius that he should look to his business, and play his part well, seeing that almost the gods were out of their own houses, seeking help and aid of other, and especially betwixt 35 and 46 degrees. And the Bird of jupiter had lost many of her chiefest feathers, and he sent to the Peacock and the white Eagle, to borrow other feathers to aid himself in time of necessity with flying. By this present meeting are understood all the allies of Spain, the Emperor and all his States, but concerning their demand it is yet uncertain whether they shall obtain it. The 19 cometh the Sun into Pisces, which is a good sign for the Fishers, but ill for them that go to catch Birds. Betwixt the 23 and 24 you shall find this year a day to be removed, and it is certain that nothing is steadfast without alteration or commotion, and even in such manner shall the heaviness remove from the one place to the other: and if it should be told unto which they should happen, it would but bereave them of their joy. The Gods to prevent all this, had caused Argus with his 100 eyes to keep watch. But Mercurius having cut off his head, presented the eyes unto the Bird of june, which is the Peacock, whom the Gods have set on the high Mountains to watch what Austria, Germany, Italy, France, England, the Low Countries, and Polen, do. The 25, being the first quarter, the Hollanders receive tidings of their victories in foreign Countries. And Luna was in Cancer, which is her water Crevice, and is a good sign for them; and when it happens to her, that decreased mightily the Romish Empire. Therefore look to yourself, that you show them in the dream through the Angel of jacob, another way into the Empire, yea even with a play in Lent, but take heed of the end. March. THe 5, with the full Moon, was Saturn still in the midst of heaven in the fiery Lion, and jupiter walked up and down on the same height, intending to assuage the former anger of the Lion, but he minded something else, seeing that Sol came toward him, so that all the Elements shown their power to go towards the Northern places of the West-Indies, whereupon the Sun, Moon, Windes, and Waters driven with great force under the Aequator or Line towards the Islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, even in such manner that many did marvel at it. And jupiter, who would show his power, lost a piece of his beard, thinking only to stay the streams: but alas, it was in vain, seeing that jupiter (whose Masts reach unto the skies) was himself in the Fleet which carried in her colours Batavia and a Lion) whom jupiter thought to tie so fast that he should not be able to move a vain, but he lost idly his labour. The 12 being the last quarter, jupiter commanded his Bird the Eagle, to take the pan by the tail to look how many eggs the Boers threw into the pan; and to learn his subjects to live sparingly, in Lent, whereupon many were black and starved. O poor husbandmen that live betwixt the East and the black Sea, and especially you that live about the rivers of Elbe, Weser, Rhyne, and Donow. In the same time was Mars in the house of Death, namely, in Taurus, or the wild Bull, with his steeled or strong horns, using there such violence, that he will make mankind almost weary of their lives. And even in the same time there shall also be a Basilisque or Cokatrice that shall brood eggs, of which the young ones shall be seen in many places. Venus was in Aquarius, and Luna in Capricornus, all the Planets being in strange houses, which surely betokens some strange thing, as the Stars also of the East, South, and North passage upon the height of the Spanish and Netherlandish Seas. Towards Turkey and France is also something seen which is not pleasing to the Gods. The 19 being new Moon, there is also about Mexica or Nova Hispania a darkness in the Sun seen, which will cause great alteration in those lands, as likewise in Congo, the red Sea, Goa, and other places of the East-Indies, for they are almost all upon one climate. The Sun coming into Aries, there shall a strange and wonderful joy be heard, and night and day shall then be of one length, and the grains in the Northern parts shall be sold better cheap than they were at the last Harvest when all the barns were full. The 26, being the last quarter, there shall at the beginning of the sweet time be spoken of great warlike preparations, but they shall not all come to effect, by reason of some small Gods (understand thereby neutral Princes) nevertheless there shall upon the appointed time a Fleet of Neptune be set abroad, and he that shall go with it under the earth, shall have good success, for the Sun is in a good Climate, and this is likewise a fertile year in general, few Countries only excepted, in which shall deadly vapours and mists rise out of the earth, and poison both fields and trees, and are shortly even against nature out of the East to come into the West, contrary to the forementioned course of the Firmament. April. THe 3, being full Moon, are Saturn and jupiter yet in Leo, and puffed up with pride, thought the King's House to be their own: upon the same day towards the evening they were on a sudden afraid, for there happened in the 10 degree of Libra, a darkness in the Moon by reason of a faintness she fell in, as shall be seen in Europe, and shall last above 3 hours. During this darkness there shall be some traitors who shall seek to cover or excuse themselves, and many thiefs shall seek to bring their booty into other Lands, and many scores shall not be paid, by reason of sudden sickness. The tenth, being the last quarter, when the eggs of Easter shall be divided, so shall Mars be in Gemini, which shall cause pitiful cries of disarmed people, which shall howl and lament as women and children. Therefore seeing that Saturnus a devourer of children, is Lord and Governor of this year, it will be best for the disarmed and faint-hearted to give themselves in good time under a Protector who may defend them, or they may otherwise timely go under the earth, and fly to the other world. The hot Fevers shall reign mightily, and especially in the lands which have great Rivers to run to the Sea, for the waters shall be spoilt through bad confluences, and they that shall drink of them shall suddenly die, look then to the streams of Donaw, Elbe, Weser, Ems, Mase, Rhyne, Schelde, Lore in France, and the Po in Italy. The 17, being new Moon, you shall have a darkness of the Sun being yet in Pisces, and shall be seen by them which lie under the Meridian of Italy, as likewise by them which dwell about the straits of Magellan, as the Patigones and other nations about them, where it shall do his operation as well as in these parts. The 18 cometh the Sun into Taurus, at which time there shall many go to the war, and the Merchants which have great store of munition provided, may make then good cheer. Venus' being then still in Pisces, she shall very cunningly seek to make a match, but she and all her adherents shall get disgrace for thank. But on the other side, there shall the next month something else appear in the Northern land, and shall be against the Roman Empire. Now husbandmen look to it, for Mars is now in action, and Neptune goeth on with his resolved enterprise, and cometh into a Country in which Ceres and Bacchus shall be honoured, nevertheless keep your horse saddled, for some think to surprise you with an ambush, and to make havoc of your goods. All manner of beasts shall be sold at dear rates under Taurus, and especially about the Rivers of Ems, Rhyne, Weser, and the Donow: But on the other side, they shall in the West-Indies be given for almost nothing, and there shall new Towns and Cities be built by a Nation, whose eyes are as brown as the eyes of Whiting: and this shall be done before the Sun cometh again into Taurus. May. THe third (being full Moon) upon Crosse-day, was Saturn in the 12 degree, and jupiter in the 22 degree above Leo, at great strife, the one would have it thus, and the other so: and in the mean time gathered S. jacob his Schalpes: jupiter would fain have had peace to rest himself a while, but Saturnus would not condescend unto it; whereupon Leo considering their debate, shown the door to them both, and gave them leave to walk. But jupiter saw from above that the Eagle (his Bird) was in great distress, and had a heavy cross on his neck or back. This will without question draw great misery and calamity upon Polonia, Germany, or some other parts of the Empire, unless there happen some alteration in Gemini, The 9, with the last quarter, was Mars in Gemini, and walked towards the Crevice, which can turn at the left and right side, and chief by water, and is with his armed Cizers to bring Mars over into the West, for both the wind and stream will favour him. At the same time shall the Waterlander (or Hollander) have good success by water, and especially in some Lands which lie fare from his own Country, and under another Climate, as likewise under this, but there is yet one new tiding to be told, which time will reveal. At the same time shall Pegasus begin something in the Northern parts, about the height of Lituania and Polonia, where the King of the Gods intends to make some great enterprise, and hangs the Eagle a shield or Skushion about the neck. And cast now a little an eye upon Transiluania, about the Flood Irydanus, the Peacock hangs her tail down, and shall be destroyed by many children of Saturnus. The Lilies or Fleurs du lis rise both about the sides of the water, and in the Mountains of Switzerland; and even about the same time a most joyful tidings shall be heard. The 17, being full Moon, Venus is on the Ram, and makes great haste to come upon Taurus that horned beast, meaning thereby Europe. Luna is likewise seen in Taurus, but the Peacock the Bird of juno can tell you how she is pleased, look but upon her actions. The 20 began the joyful play, for Luna went from Gemini, and Sol came with his golden beams in her room, and there shall be heard a harmony of many instruments; Mercury plays upon his pipe, Neptunus bloweth the horn of Triton, sitting upon the wooden horse, and every one did as he was minded: Mars being yet in Gemini. In the mean time cometh Mathusalem with the fearful Death's head, whose heirs are Serpents, and they all died that saw it, therefore look not about at that time, but go strait on your ways. The five and twentieth, being the first Quarter, leapt Venus from Taurus and came in Gemini, in which the Sun ran her course, and would as well as the rest eat of the banquet sugar: all sweet Meats shall be good cheap, and she did eat so much of it, that her belly began to swell: but whether it be now poison of Traitors, or that she shall breed sweet twins, you shall perceive it under Virgo, by three that beareth Roses, and if she happen to rest there; so shall it be an ill time for them which were used to get their living under Mars, but nevertheless they shall play the bride of Whitsuntide, although there be not an Ear or Grain in the Barns, but they shall shake it, if it be not within it is without: Venus having in the mean time gotten her Horses to her Chariot, rides with a Thundery noise through the Air, until she cometh in Leo; and if Mars be not assuaged in this time, take your tools in your bag and walk to the Black Mountain. Junius. THe first, being full Moon and all Fruits increasing, Mars was sick or seemed or feigned at least to be so, having a cloth tied about his Head. And Saturn and jupiter were in Leo, and Sol in Gemini. Venus sits now upon Europa as a rider upon his Horse, and willing (with sweet or kisses which she hath stolen from the lame) to set one of her friends upon her (Europa) the Angels rose out of their sleep, and took Roses and Lilies in the hand. Whereupon all the branches of Bohemia (seeing that Luna was in Sagitarius) rose up. Mercurius played so well that some were fallen in a sleep, but if he keeps no better watch than Argus did, and continue his piping, all is spoilt, and he sits as dangerously as a Louse upon a Comb. The 8. th', being the quarter of the Moon, were many Trees that stood very fair, but were not yet peeced about their nether-partss, and many fruits pulled on their boots, with intention to see what doings there were abroad, but before they were almost ready, the Devil was in such a rage, that they had presently in their Spring, their head bitten off by Taurus, and their roots almost pulled out by Leo. Whereupon was jupiter compelled to go from Leo, and Saturnius followed him close at his heels. And Mars coming in the mean time in Cancer, was very much discontented, by reason that there were so many that had conspired to kill him, and told to his Widows, that he was again on horseback under Cancer, seeing he had gotten Mercurius on his own side, and were running both in one spur, (or took both one course) and would make it so, that the Calues-skinnes (young men he means) should suffer much. The 12. th', being new Moon, came Luna likewise in Cancer. Conferring this time by the former as I observed, that whensoever they come so many Butchers in Cancer, that the Sea-cocks have much wind in their head, and that even to their own good. Therefore look to the Turkish Pirates, the black Sea-cockes, and upon the Gulf of Venice, the Mediterranean Sea, and all Rivers that are Navigable, as likewise upon the East Sea, betwixt Polonia, Russia, and Prusen, and chief to the water called the Zouth-Sea, and see whether it ends not all in batteries or Battles; to be brief, they shall there everywhere be in action, some publicly, and some privately, but you must not understand that it shall only be on the Water, but they that shall Command over them shall put on their iron Gauntlets, fearing to be pinched of the Crevice. The 15. th', shall there be a Conjunction of jupiter and Mars, and they shall seek to cover one another: When this shall happen I would wish the Husbandman not to pay his Rent aforehand, seeing that the Children of Mars will demand it again of them. Hereupon, so cometh Sol again upon the 19 th', with his golden armour in Cancer, and walketh so with Mars towards the West. This is a sign, that Mars or his Messengers, shall get great booties of Gold and Silver in the West, and especially they that are mentioned on the 12. th' day here before, and it shall go as Ebb and Flood, for that which is taken from the one shall be given to the other; Wither this will smart, you may even by the Elements and her Children perceive. To be brief, the fortune of the one is the mishap of the other. The 24. th', being the first Quarter, so shall the catchers of Crabs get good returns out of the East Indies, of a Treasure that was long buried betwixt Brasill and Guinea, about a bank on which Sol keeps his Dinner, and Mars shall happen to burn there his fingers. The last day, it is full Moon, than you shall find many Chests that are full, but more hollow bellies and empty Barns, but be patiented for a while, for you shall shortly have plenty enough of all kind of Fruits. Julius. THe 7. th', being the last Quarter, so was Leo delivered from the rage of jupiter and Saturnus, upon passport given unto them. Assoon as jupiter came in Virgo, asked the Maid with a heavy mind, where that the provision of Corn was? and he promised to send it within few days, and wished that her Children that dwell in the Lowlands, and about the over-watring Rivers, should not eat it Green; which if they did, the moisture of it should engender burning and hot Sicknesses, and many thousands should dye before they should come to the taste of the Flower of the new Corn, of which the Catchers of the Crabs shall have a part, namely upon the 52. 54. and 46. Degrees. And he will neither excuse the Maidens on the fields themselves, of which many shall account themselves happy, as giving no suck, nor being troubled with children, nevertheless, they will grieve much for their beloved which are gone to the wars, and other voyages. The 14. came Mars with the new Moon to Leo, desiring aid of him before his death; the Lion standing in some need of him, began to give ear unto him: and when they were yet walking together, the Cannon began to thunder, whereupon these two friends cast both their eyes down, and seeing the play to go on, it seemed that they took delight in it, for walking yet in the Heaven, they looked very merrily, and they seemed rather to be inclined to laughing then crying, and their Boys understanding this, besides Saturnius (who was yet in Leo) they made together such noise with laughing, that the whole earth quaked: And it may be that this unsatiable dire (thought to get his belly full of Children) To be brief, the wicked shall have the upper hand, but alas, they walk with the Devil and the Death. The 21. came Sol likewise in Leo; I seeing that they were enlightened by the brightness of the Sun, it seemed unto me, that the gods took pleasure that mortal men set so one upon an other with slashing, striking, murdering, and firing: yea, stony hearts would have cried if they had seen the damps and vapours that were in Polonia, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Low Countries: France and England being excepted, in which the Stars had not their will. The 23. being the first quarter, they were busy about the burying of the dead, but they could not agree amongst themselves upon the division of the goods of the dead: whereupon they took one another by the hair, although the Governors had forbidden it, for their blood was too hot. The Region turns also much to the West, so that it is likely that there is also something to do, and chief about the Zouth Sea, where the Griffons or gold-eaters dwell. The 30. was very perfectly by clear Moonshine written with three crosses, which Mercurius (being in Leo) could see very well, and was to draw them very skilfully off as was commanded unto him; but he taking great delight in the ruin of another, he leapt presently up, and went amongst the rest, and threw cunningly a Pedlar's stall under the feet by a trick which he had. Whereupon there came other which took the Wares presently up, and he set them at work being fit for Wars, but consumeth many men. But the new governing Gods make no difficulty therefore, and say, who is slain he is paid. Augustus. THe 6. being full Moon, were both Mars, Saturnus, Venus, Sol, and Luna altogether appearing in the course of the Sun, as well by water as by land, with their burning Torches; and commanded Mercury to conduct the Wagon in such manner, that the Advocate or Speaker of the Husbandman was driven to say Quisquis delirat plectuntur Achivi. That is to say, the Boar must pay for the ill deeds, actions, and dycing, ill play of these great Masters (which if it were but the Boar alone) for such great Armadas or Armies need not to be set forth to play only the poor Boar, but it is to bring some great Masters either in or out of their Kingdom, under the Government of this Zodiac, for I find none that will give over or desist: and concerning jupiter himself, he is as Harbinger gone before, to procure that Virgo shall have something to bring to the Table. The 12. so shall there be a conjunction of Saturnus and Mars, and the operation of it shall be seen before 14. days run at an end (or are expired.) The 14. being new Moon, so begin they to do their operation, and that not only by water under Neptunus, but also by land under Mars, and chief in the Northern lands of Europe, the Armies are marching in several places, and the Husbandman lets his Plough rest, and the Shipper hoiseth his Sails up, the one makes room for the other, and that which the one hath gathered, the other consumeth: to be short, the world goeth quite contrary, and the Netherlanders themselves also shall go with their heads downwards, to dive after the earthly gold; others will go to fill the air with their renown, which stands as firm as a Castle in the sky: there shall also another come forth, which shall be desirous to have a Star aswell in heaven as his Confederates: but to be brief, every one strive for the higher board or place, whereupon there is a great strife to happen, both betwixt Beasts and Birds, and after the end of the battle, so shall the air be infected, by the noisome smell of the dead carcases. The 19 cometh Sol in Virgo, leaving yet some of the Counsellors in Leo, where they are railing being almost in a rage: And there shall without any doubt, many desperate spirits be found; yea, aswell amongst beasts as men. The 20. being the first quarter, so shall the conjunction before mentioned show herself more plain, and especially towards the Southern Lands, Poland hath likewise to expect something out of Sweden. Look upon the King of the Gotts, and Hungary, which drink other drink: of Italy we have spoken before, Spain get shells, and Signior will cover himself with Letice and Roses (which is seen in Baetavia itself) and that in a laughing manner, but when the one laughs, so weeps the other, that is the course of this year. The 28. being full Moon began the streams of the Ocean Sea to cease, and to stand still, to hearken after the rumour that was spread abroad of the Sun who should turn his head to the South, leaving the Northern quarters with many sicknesses and dead ones, but he shall keep a certain limited course, even as the fierce thunders, and the hurlewindes do: In the East and West Indies shall the servants of Mars fight, and Mars shall receive a deadly wound, but recover his health again, Saturnus shall burn his head, by reason that his anger shall be greater, when he cometh in Virgo. September. THe 4. being the last quarter, is Lucifer only in Leo, he is to do much hurt, and shall use such cruelty, as Mars himself never imagined; yea, he gets so much vantage, that he can show his power according to his own pleasure, but I pity them upon whom it lights: And if his reign might have been of any continuance, he would have destroyed the one 4. part of mankind, and sent them to the earth, to look what is become of their Ancestors. And thereupon, so shall the Mountains in Italy, Sicilia, and they also that are in the East and West Indies cast up both fire and smoke; and there are likewise to happen fierce Thunderbolts and Earthquakes, and other elementary alterations, which shall mightily move the world to herself and repent if it be not too late (according to the Proverb) to boil a Posset when the man is dead: therefore look to it, it concerneth your own self. The 12. is the new Moon, upon Thursday against the evening are both Sol, jupiter, Mars and Venus, in Virgo, being altogether very sorry and heavy, and at the same time so groweth the Sun dark upon 52. degrees by the Line in the South, and upon 51. to 54. on the North side of the Equinoctial shall the blow be felt, so that Italy and Spain shall be in great danger. Mercurius as a swift Messenger, bringeth tidings of a certain battle, and was therefore as sorry as a Soldier is, when a louse of his falleth in the fire. It seemeth that the aforementioned Gods would fain put the Wolveses skin off, and draw the Sheep's skin on, and to overrule Mars, seeing that he had played such a crooked or lefthanded trick, and desired him to consider what damage the Towns and Countries had received, and how much precious blood of man there was spilt: as likewise how much hurt mankind had received by famine, misery, pestilence, and the other plagues which the God of Gods appointed unto it. The 20. is the first quarter of the Moon, and you shall then find out, that Mercurius is in Libra, to weigh over all the Merchandizes, but the Messenger is too light, and the justice too meek, not avoiding many wicked accidents which it could do, for to do ill, aids to feed the war, and the war makes some rich, but they resemble the Beast which devours the gold, and the more it eats groweth more hungry, so that all will be ill, unless the instigators and ringleaders be set in the forefront at the approach. The next day being the 21. cometh Sol in Libra, and makes both night and day of one length, but the goods and Lordships shall still unequally be divided. The 26. is full Moon, and Sol being in Libra shall be above the Netherlands, end bordering Countries which are near it. Upon this day, there shall in the evening about 9 of the clock, a darkness on the Moon be seen even under Pisces, what this signifieth shall the time show. But it is certain, that the learned hold it for an ill sign, and to presage a general ruin, robbery, and violence, and causeth also some to die, but especially them unto whom it is shown. But the wicked will not cease to oppress the innocent, and take no warning, and think on these plagues only when they are sleeping, and leave all care to the Birds which have small legs. October. THe 4. it is the Last quarter, Saturnius departs then from Leo, which is a good sign, but nevertheless, there are many things here before mentioned, which shall do their operation in this month, the experience itself teacheth this unto us, and it needs no proof being here before expressed, and especially in the year of 22. and 23. Now upon the same day aforementioned, so shall Saturn, jupiter, and Mercury be in Virgo, and Mars, Venus, Sol, and Luna in Libra, which are good Signs of peace, and without doubt so shall the one or the other Potentate be delivered of the War which shall go to another. The 12. it is new Moon, and then go all the Signs equally one with another, which happens but seldom, and will without question presage something, but that will expect such a time as it was in the year 1618. (in which I wrote this) he shall be mistaken: But let us set this aside and behold other confluences, and Signs, which are not known to the common people; And I find that at this time there shall many places be fired upon the 45. degrees about the River of Donaw, and the fields betwixt the Rivers of Elbe and of the Rhine, and they which dwell about the Maze and the Scheld shall see the smoke arising thence. The West Indians shall likewise about the same time see many Sails or armed Ships (as well in the North as South Sea) being loaden with hope; the Brasilians shall also receive a greeting at the same time. The 19 being the first quarter, is Sol, in Scorpio, and bringeth this Company in this order; yea, even by a tiding which cometh out of the East Indies, some degrees in the South by the Equinoctial line, declaring, that both heaven and earth were full of the rumour and certain news of the miserable state of the Roman Empire; for the Gold Mines are destroyed about the same time, and Neptunus, the friend of March hath lent his helping hand too it. And the Hollanders (according to his relation) carry themselves so, both in the East and West Indies, that the Spaniards shall feel it. Upon the same they went in such manner to work, as if Mars and Saturnus would before their departure turn all topsie turnie, casting all things to the ground, and amongst other, a Nation that carrieth the red Lion, which made a great breach with other that carried Luna in their arms. The 29. reigned yet all the former Planets, and sought to effect that which was intended, but war going an uncertain time on, aswell by water as by land, many fled in the mean time from the one Land to the other; some to escape the wars, others the Plague, and some the dearth and famine. And even about this time, so shall there fall upon the Earth much fire, & flames rising from the poisoned and inflamed Stars, the place on which it falleth are to be shunned, for this is a sign of the Plague which is out of the Northern Lands, to come to the West and Southwest. These are all heavy Thunderbolts, and showers, after which is many times a fair Sunshine seen, and the like shall happen to some Nations, of which was almost no help. About 150. years ago was likewise an alteration in Christendom (the Planets standing then as they stand now) but it evanished quickly. November. THE second day after All-Saintes is the last quarter of the Moon, the Sun is yet in the poisoning Scorpio, and you shall seldom as long as he abides there, have any good issue, and he shall chiefly annoy them, which are nearest unto him, for upon the same time, viz. In illo tempore, went great forces out of Africa into Spain, and there shall likewise a great number go to the Northern lands, as also to Gallia, Batavia, and Hungaria, but they shall not have any good success, as the Histories shall declare at large. And when I consider the matter well, so find I that yet to stand firm, which is written in the great Opera to the full in an ample manner, but it is not for every man's diet, but I will put my finger in the earth, and smell in what land I am. But it is enough for the learned. The 10. is full Moon, and Luna is in Scorpio, and Saturnus and jupiter in Virgo, but jupiter is very heavy. Mars and Venus being in Libra, although they make yet little or nothing of the matter, are nevertheless better now then in the last Summer to be spoken withal. Having now taken the height of some Corpora that reign. I perceive that there will be yet a great alteration on the foot of the Alps, whence both the Rivers, namely the Rhine and the Donaw take their beginning: as likewise along the Strand towards France behind Sicilia (perhaps Sicilia and Portugal) and in other strange Countries which are opposed against them. There shall likewise many rise in the North about Polonia and Lituania along the Eastern Sea, and go towards the South. The 17. is the first quarter: And then shall there an Army be divided to surprise another, but the design shall partly be discovered, the fight will not end without shedding of blood, and there are many materials to be left behind, although the assaulted shall not quite be overthrown. Upon the same time is there likewise some sudden exploit to be made in manner of an excursion in Lituania, and Tartary, nevertheless, men shall be sold as beasts. On the 19 is the Sun in Sagitarius, and it will then mend shortly, for the great courage and heat of many shall be spent, whereby the wars will slacken and decrease. The 24. is full Moon, and diverse aspects of the Planets are come towards the South, and South-west, coming there out of the East; the North-landers shall be glad therefore, and fill their Chests with booty. December. THe third being the last Quarter, so was Mars, jupiter, and Venus, in the Aspect, which will cause a great alteration; for seeing that Saturnius, Luna, and jupiter were found in Virgo, there shall be some great Masters, that shall become faint-hearted, and be desirous to lay their Arms down, to move thereby other to do the like, thinking that they will dance as he pipes before them. But his lesser will not condescend to it, seeing that Mars was on the same day yet in Scorpio, and gave to him a great and manly courage, and said that it was now the right time to take revenge of the Enemy. Moreover, so was Neptunus likewise come by the shadow of Luna under the Tropicus to give aid unto him, that is to say, that the Heathens which pray to the Moon, shall aid the Lutherans, (to hit the nail right on the head) and the proof or demonstration is to be seen on the cross Star. The 5. is Saturn, jupiter, Mars and Mercurius in the fourth aspect, and Mercurius sitting on the Stern, seeks by policy and craft to conduct the Ship into another port, yea, under the Maiden Brit. The 10. it being new Moon, and the waters very high in several parts of the world, The Sun being yet in Sagitarius, causeth strange fortunes and accidents, both in Hungaria and Polonia, and likewise in other parts of Europe, but especially about the River of Rhine. Venus' being at the same time very heavy, was in the Ram, and cried then for the loss of some of her lovers which she had in former times, but it went with her as the Proverb saith, the cries are all loud and the tears hot, true love is soon forgot, and returned so again towards us with a fainted heaviness. jupiter and Mercurius; which are in the fourth Aspect, with diverse other Conjunctions and Aspects presage that it is a dangerous and deceitful time, as will appear shortly upon the height of Spain and Italy, so that all the Northern lands shall have reason to look to themselves, for there is some danger hanging over their head, and chiefly over them where the war was this last Summer. The 17. it is the first quarter, and Luna in Aries: when the Sun shall go from Aries, then shall many things (of which we have spoken here before) be manifested and appear, and especially concerning the Indies, to the great grief of the Bird of jupiter, or of the Eagle, and to the joy and comfort of them that dwell in the Wood of unmercifulness: whereby is understood, Batavia or Gallia inter Rhenum, and their next neighbours shall be sorry because they prosper and do well, but their heaviness will shortly turn in joy, when they shall also receive some part of the booty. But shall still think that the meat is fatter in their neighbour's dishes then in their own. The 19 is Sol in Capricornus and Saturnius (the Ruler of this year) in Libra, and shall lose there his Government, and shall the next year not be set so high, by reason of his cruelty. Hereupon, shall the plague decrease in Europe, and every one shall have time to enrol his dead ones, which died within the last four months, both by war and her ordinary followers. The 24. it is full Moon, and then shall the persecution against an innocent Nation cease, whereupon, if some other which are of a worse humour and life, do not mend themselves, Mars when he cometh from Scorpio shall shoot a poisoned Dart into their intralls. You shall yet before the end of this year, hear strange tidings, both out of Greece, Persia and Turkey, and shall tend to great prejudice of the Bird of jupiter. There are yet other things to be told, but seeing that mine Ink gins to freeze, and my Parchment to shrink, I will therefore make an end, and commend you to the most merciful God. FJNJS.