PRAEDICTIO Astrologica. The great and wonderful Prognostication, for the year of our Lord 1598. Written by Rodulphus Grapheus Doctor of Physic in the Town of Deventer. Translated out of Dutch into English by W. P LONDON Imprinted by john Wolf, with the assent of Richard Watkins. 1598. Chap. 1. Of the entrance of the Sun in the first point of Aries, and of the Planets that are Lords of the year. WE read in the holy scriptures, that great kingdoms and princely Cities for their sins have been altered and brought under the government of strange nations: and that many towns for their wickedness have been punished, and brought in subjection: and Christ saith, that we never know him but when we are visited with some affliction. I find by right calculation, that this year of our Lord 1598. according to the meridian of the town of Deuentre, and other places lying under 52. degrees and 40. minutes, and after the old style beginneth upon the 10. of March, and according to the new style upon the 20. of March in the afternoon, a little after 12. of the clock, when the sun entereth into Aries, at which time it standeth in the middle of the element, and then night and day through all the world are all of one length, and as Ovid saith, nova temporisaetas, than the Sun by his heat openeth the earth, and reviveth it, which by the cold of the Winter season was dead and withered, making grass, trees, and all things else so fair and green, that it maketh all creatures living to rejoice, and thereupon all learned men are of opinion, that this time of the year, the world heaven, and earth, and all the creatures therein were created, and many wonderful works of God performed therein as the delivery of the children of Israel out of Egypt, the conception of the Virgin Mary, and after that his passion, death, and resurrection upon the same day. I find Saturn ascendent Eastward in the 24. degree of Sagittarius in the second house, jupiter in the 2. degree of Cancer, in the 8. house, Mars in the 4. degree of Taurus & the 6. house, the Sun in the first degree of Aries, and the 4. house, Venus in the third degree of Aries and the 4. house hard by the Sun, Mercury in Pisces, the Moon in the 11. degree of Pisces, and the 4. house, the Dragon's head in the first degree of Gemini in the seventh house, and so beginneth this year 1598. whereby we plainly see, that the Moon and Mercury are Lords of the year, and Mars assistant, and are both found in a watery sign. The rest of the planets for the most part are weak and badly placest, whereupon we must ground our judgement, and proceed accordingly, making the situation and conjunction of every Planet, whereby it is found, that this shall be none of the best years, for that the effects of the years 95.96. and 97. do yet continue, whereby I judge, that this year many crafty and secret enterprises will be wrought both by water and by land, and that there is a special matter pretended, which will be to the overthrow and advancement of divers persons, whereby certain provinces shall be brought into extreme misery and desolation, specially such countries as lie under Cancer, and her quadrangle, as Brabant, Flanders, France, and the provinces bordering upon it. Ciprianus Leovitius saith touching the revolution of this year, that it threateneth us with much rain, great sickness, and bloody and cruel wars, as also that certain Princes and great men both spiritual and temporal shallbe overthrown and cast in prison, whereby much misery and grievous alterations shall happen among the common people: for that in this revolution of the world the effect of two eclipses, one of the Sun, the other of the Moon shall happen. Wherefore I counsel all good Christians to be watchful, that these things come not suddenly upon them, and so I will end this Chapter with the words of David. Ni Deus aedificet frustrà domus illa paratur, Quam volet humanus constituisse labour. Psal. 1●6. Ni Deus invigilet, frustra custode tuentur. Chap. 2. Of good and evil fortune, strife & contention between men and women, being young and lovely like Venus' darlings, upon whom all the world doth cast their eyes. FOr that man's nature is addicted to hear and see strange things, I have here set down the signification of the heavenly influences of this year 1598. which I writ to give cause of watchfulness to careless men: I find by the right calculation of the provincial figure, that lovely Venus, coupled with jupiter and Mercury, signifieth good fortune to Venus' children, women, young maids, and all sweet Venus darlings, which gladly take all that is given them, they shall have good fortune by gifts, presents, jewels, apparel, and other toys, which if they have not it will be great grief unto them. I find the Planet Venus well placed in Aquarius, which signifieth great favour to all women in general, as well spiritual as temporal: women shall by nature flourish, and be lofty, they shall be much beloved, and divers that are of mean parentage and degree, shall by marriage rise and be preferred to high estate, but some of them must take care that when they are at the highest, that they keep themselves at that stay: such proud & lordly women, that often stumble at a straw, and are soon trodden upon the toes, which always sing the unpleasant song, they shall cause great sorrow and grief unto their husbands by chiding and contention, for that a woman which chideth without reason, doth often drive her husband out of doors, whereby shall arise strife, hearts grief, mourning, and other misfortunes. I find Mars and Venus in conjunction. Dabit incestas, libidines, fornicationes, adulteria, coniunctiones virorum ac mulierum horrendas & abominandas. In the last part of the year I find there will be great deceit and untruth among men, whom women and maids shall feed with fair words, and pay them with the like, standing much upon their credits and reputations, also I find the Planet Venus to be retrograde, which signifieth great quarrels and contentions with such as men have made of their secret counsels, where upon shall follow grief, sorrow, and divers diseases. You shall likewise hear of great strife between men and their wives, whereby controversy will arise, so that many weddings shall be holden, where there will be no music, and where the Lord or rulers of the land shall be betrayed. I find also in the provincial figure, that jupiter is elevated above Venus, which signifieth that women's nature is always desirous of pleasure, for they are the mother of our generation: They shall also be fortunate in childbearing, and are worthy of honour in all places. The quadrangle of Mars and Venus bringeth no good tidings to old men, and others that use many women, for they shall be bitten and not hurt, every man look to himself and be careful. Chap. 3. Of the Eclipses of this year 1598. and of wars and contentions, and other untrue dealings among men, which the Almighty God according to his great goodness can change and convert as pleaseth him, and of the beginning & ending of the Turks. WE are all greatly to praise the Lord, that he hath given us the right knowledge of Astronomy, and made us know the nature of Eclipses, to show causas, rationes & demonstrationes, and when the Sun and Moon are eclipsed, divers conjunctions of the uppermost Planets are openly seen, (which never faileth) as you may read in the books of ancient Astronomers, as also in writings. I find that in this year 1598. we shall have three Eclipses, one of the Sun, and two of the Moon: the first Eclipse of the Moon will be seen here in our meridian and Pole, being under 52. degrees and 40. minutes in the Town of Deuentre and other places bordering on the same, upon the 12. of February at 6. of the clock and 34. minutes in the morning, in the third degree and 3. minutes of Virgo, not far from the Dragon's tail, and will begin to be eclipsed at 4. of the clock and 24. minutes, and in the morning end at 8. of the clock 14. minutes: we of Deuentre and the low countries shall see the beginning and the middle, but not the end thereof: the effect and working of this first Eclipse shall continue a whole year. The second Eclipse shall be of the Sun, and shallbe seen upon the 25. of February (Stilo antiquo) somewhat before 10. of the clock, and (Stilo novo) upon the 7. of March before 10. of the clock and 48. minutes, and shall be 8. points great, in the 17. degree and 14. minutes of Pisces, not far from the Dragon's head, it shall begin to darken at 9 of the clock, and 50. minutes before noon, and end at 11. and 46 minutes. This Eclipse shall take effect the 17. of July 1598. and end the 22. of june 1600. The third Eclipse shallbe of the Moon, which shall be seen upon the 6. of August, and after the new style the 16. of August, at 7. of the clock and 35. minutes after noon: the colour thereof shall be black, mixed with some red, in the 23. degree and 29. minutes of Aquarius, not far from the Dragon's head, and shall begin to darken in the evening at 5. of the clock and 51. minutes, and end the same evening at 9 of the clock: we of the Netherlandes shall not see the beginning thereof, but only the middle and the end. Luna enim tota tenebrosa ab Horzionte nostro ortivo emerget. This Eclipse shall take effect the 24. of August (Stilo antiquo) and end on the fift of December 1598. The Arabian and Chaldean Astronomers say, that one Eclipse of the Sun is worse than 6. Eclipses of the Moon, specially when they happen in one month, as now they do. uno mense subit tenebras cum Lum uterum que, Tunc gemina causa tristia fata ferunt. We have this year likewise divers conjunctions and aspects of Planets, which signify much wars, troubles, mutinies, bloodsheddinges, and secret practices in the low Countries, and those that lie West south-west from it. The countries and kingdoms that lie Eastward towards the rising of the Sun, and under Aries, Cancer, Leo and Scorpion, shallbe vexed with wars, bloodsheddings, and secret practices, which are Grecia, Turkey, Muscovia, Swethland, Russia, Walachia, and certain countries in the Mediterranean sea, as Marsellus, the Province of Languedoc, Gascony, Dauphine, France, England, Hungary, Bohemia, Austria, Crabuten, Corinthia, Vianne, Sevenbergen, and such as are contributory to the Turk, the people thereof shallbe spoiled, & brought into great miseries (as Leovitius saith) In the years 1544. 48. and 49. in which there appeared divers Eclipses in Scorpion, the Turks and other Christians that had fallen from the faith of Christ had a great overthrow by the mighty king of Persia, as Historiographers do witness. Also the Emperors Maximilian and Rodulphus, with other mighty Princes, as Sigismond Bathorius in Transiluania, and divers princes and Lords that have rebelled against the Turk, with other Princes and Lords by God's help for certain years have had great fortunes and victories against our ancient enemy the Turk: so shall the Christian princes by God's power, as the chief of all princes have much more good fortune and advancement against the Turk and Sarrasens, so they follow it, as the old verse saith, Front capillata post est occasio calua: We may sit at a table and yet eat no meat, and so the good fortune that God sendeth us may be neglected, if we follow it not, and for that in the year 1584. it was the fiery Triangle, and that the Turks Empire began in the watery Triangle, so his Empire shall decay and be overthrown in the fiery Trigonis or Triangle, which decay hath begun now within few years under the fiery Triangle, as in the years 1595. 96. and 97. it hath well been seen, but the greatest fall and hardest pinch that the kingdom of Mahomet shall endure, according to my judgement shall be in the years 1603. or 1607. and then in an. 1610 it shall be wholly overthrown. Such prophesies certain of the Turks themselves do write, which they do much fear, and are grieved thereat, for in the said prophecies it is evidently said, that the City of Constantinople shall not continue above 150. years in his authority, neither yet their religion above 1000 years, As also that there shall not be above 14. Emperors of Turkey, that are of Ottomans race, and then it shall decay and be wholly overthrown, which if it happen all Christendom hath cause to rejoice. The City of Constantinople was taken from the Christians by the Turk in anno 1453. and Mahomet's false religion began among the Turks in an. 613. now if you add 150, to 1453. which is the year of the winning of Constantinople by the Turks, and 613. to 1598. to see when it maketh 1000 years for the continuance of Mahomet's law, they will fall out in an. 1603. and 1613. and the Turk that now is called Mahomet the third is the 14. Emperor of the race of Ottoman, as all Histories do witness, touching that which hath been written by john Lichtenberg, Martin Snellenbergh, and specially by john Hilten a learned Friar of Eisanach, that when we shall write 1600. the Turk by that time shall have run through all Germany, but whereupon they writ if I know not, unless I be otherwise instructed: Wherewith I will end this Chapter with the words of Martin Luther, Lord God we beseech thee help us, not for that the heavens and course of the planets do threaten us with many miseries, but because the subtlety of the Devil at this day doth creep and enter into all corners of the earth, and seeketh to destroy us. Lord be merciful unto us. Amen. Chap. 4. Of sicknesses and fruitfulness of this year. Having considered the constitution of the 6 house and the Lords of the same, from whence and from the conjunction of the Moon we make our judgement of sicknesses, I find Saturn to be Lord of the 6. house in the Ram, which signifieth new diseases in the head, omnia genera apoplexiae, cathares, pains in the heart & breast, lasks, red melisoens, burning fevers, pestilences, agues, yellow and black jandis. The year shallbe indifferent fruitful of all kind of corn, as Rye, Barley, Wheat, Oats, Pease and Beans, but fruit upon trees because Venus is found to be retrograde, shall endure some hurt, for by reason of the quadrangle of Mars, they shallbe hindered in their growth: Oil, Honey, Hops and Flax shallbe scant, but Wine will be good and great plenty: The Summer season shallbe cold and moist with strong winds, whereby Bees, Sheep, and fruits of the earth shall endure much hurt: all fourfooted beasts shallbe profitable and give good increase, Butter, Cheese and Bacon in great plenty, and an indifferent year of Acorns. There will be no want of fruits, but rather want of amendment in men, for that wickedness daily increaseth more and more, and we give our minds rather to beastly cruelties, than love and Christian humanity. An Astronomical Discourse of the particular effects of the 12. Months of this year 1598. Written in verse. januarie hath 31. days. THis year it shallbe wonderful and strange, Beginning on the 10. of March to come, Wherein both Sun & Moon shallbe eclipsed, The Sun but once, the Moon in double fold: What great effects these 3. Eclipses make In time the year will plainly make us see, Once be you sure no good by them will come, At the hour of ten somewhat before noon, The five and twenty day of February, The Sun shall be eclipsed, more than eight points, And so remain the space of two long hours: The other two Eclipses in the Moon, One about seven of the clock, and in The morning, of the sixth of August next, Thirteen points great which causeth grief abound, For divers Planets than meet in one point, As Mars and Saturn both of nature bad, Being conjoined presageth us no good, And seldom one misfortune comes alone. February hath 28. days. The first and last days of this present Month Mars and Mercurius are the governors, Whereby strange things shall then be heard and seen, With uproars and rebellions manifold: The common people thereby shall it rue, Mercurius many subtle sleights shall use, But he and his in fine shall dearly buy it. This doth the heavens manifestly show, In Western parts shall be accomplished, Till Peter's band before the door doth come, Or not long after to no little woe, For Mars by night his corn shall take in, And strangely work in covert of the shade, That men may not behold his actions, For many thereby might sore moved be, What shall hereof ensue I will not say, Time will it make t'appear in open sight. March hath 31. days. In time of lent beginning of the year When all things bud and show both fair and green, Pleasant and sweet as time of year doth serve, Mercurius shall by Mars be troubled In other lands, for there shall come a Lord That suddenly shall leap and dance for joy, And now the force of Mars being decayed, Sol entereth, and with heat and virtue rare, And like a bride beginneth for to reign, Whereby this year shall be most flourishing, With more increase than had the year before, Which will be cause of love and peace likewise, But at the first it shall not take effect: Ask Saint Gregory the most holy man, When that the Sun begins in force to be, The Planets Venus and good jupiter Will us support, God send our country peace. April hath 30. days. It is a thing that commonly is seen, Both in great Realms and little provinces, That strange effects are wrought in every place, As France shall make it plain unto our view, There shall the cock 'gainst nature bring forth eggs And Hen like cock shall crow and that full high, Which husbandman small profit will procure: For he that badly hath a time to sow, Shall find but small increase for him to mow, Saint Denis he shall turn and so rebel, Whereby great mischief will thereof ensue, 'Gainst right and ancient statutes of the land, And in the end will cause a spring of hate, To flow up and increase in noble hearts, Which likewise shall our land make desolate, By flattery which slily shall creep in. May hath 31. days. Walk joyfully in the field in May, Pass time away by making garlands sweet Of fragrant flowers and Lilies that are fair, Be bold I say to sport yourselves with joy, Mars he is gone to France here it is cold, Lilies are here so soon not to be had, Keep well your holds, your sconces watch & ward Borrow new sums upon the quittance old, Make alliance, but yet with good foresight, Leave of to mourn & sigh, it is not good. That which full stout did stand shall have a fall, He that was proud in all his actions, And among beasts accounted fierce and strong, Shall become weak in that he takes in hand, And too much lust shall make him impotent. june hath 30. days. Look out to Sea, watch and you shall behold, Great store of ships sailing in companies, The riches of God Neptune to defend, But words shall cause a noise and tumults strange The noise of Fifes and Drums shall sound full high Ships you shall see to wind and twine each way, Where shot and powder shall not spared be; That shall not fail, men may it not neglect, Much blood it shall cause to be spilled in vain, Yet little profit shall it breed thereby To common people, which are not esteemed, Many a man shall fall into mishap That lived in peace and had the world at will: Ask good S. john he shall you wonders tell, And Mary Magdaline shall weep full sore, S. jacob will at large show what it means. july hath 31. days. As we this month do thoroughly behold, And books peruse that speak of wonders strange, And likewise men be mindful and take care, In every place to look unto ourselves, Then we may say and prove it to be true, That in this month many shall weep and wail, Such as do under Cancer still remain, Hoping by anchor hold still to be safe, With ditch and sluice from water you defend, You that upon the water dwell and build, Look well unto yourselves, and take good heed, That it deceive you not unto your cost, On land great matters shallbe practised, If they should chance to lose their sleeve it is no harm So that the arm from body be not cut, And though they should be hindered by the cold Yet will they pass, God speed them on their way If shoe be lost, the foot it will not fail. August hath 31. days. This Month hath an Eclipse, but to no good, Which is the second of this years hard chance, Three dark Eclipses causes are of woe, And torments great, that manifold shall be, For sure I think that all evil aspects And Planets bad that in the skies are placed, With signs of woe have banded all in one, To work despite to human creatures, A league shall be agreed by wicked men, Even to the spoil of their next neighbour's house, By fight, strife, contention and debate, To overthrow the poor and innocent. If you behold the Equinoctial line, And mark how the eclipsed figures stand, You may divine an enterprise in hand, To overthrow the land that lieth south-west, Between some men accord there shall be made, Whereby in fine a peace it will ensue: September hath 30. days Agree in one most Christian Princes brave By God ordained your Countries to defend, That Turk prevail not 'gainst us with his power, And Christian blood be shed by tyrant's vile, Stand up and fight for our most holy faith, Which we do hope will be unto our joy, For in the East the infidels will stir, That only seek to rob, spoil, and destroy: England and France shall likewise have a change, And suddenly by means of some great charge, The one shall first upon the other fall, Which will fall out but hardly for them both, Full many towns that on the Roan do lie, Shall by deceit be brought unto decay: Contention shall abound, but in Savoy It shall proceed unto most bloody end: Saint Matthew shall full many separate, Which shallbe led like sheep for to be slain. October hath 31. days. The rage of Mars shall now still more abound, Mammon shall stir most vile rebellion, Whereby full soon many shall weep and wail, And countries strange shall torments great endure, The subject poor, shall only bear the smart, For that deceit shall catch them in her snare, By means of Mars his subtle practices, He shall speak fair but only with the mouth, But secretly his heart is set on blood, Which many seek, like unto thirsty hounds, Beware poor people what ye undertake: It were much better, though unto our shame, Our minds were set on quietness and peace, But now the world and her inhabitants, Is filled with pride, deceit and wickedness, For which the Lord as angry doth us scourge With bloody wars within our native land. November hath 30. days. I have in other places signified, That children under jupiter his power, Shall in the eight house of the heavenly sphere, By evil aspect much pain and woe endure, Which at this time accomplished shall be: Beware you Lords and governors each one, Look to yourselves, and seem not to neglect, Lest that the burden heavily do fall, And so disperse you by disunion, For that great blame upon you will arise, It is most true, and therefore look unto it, And for your wicked life shall so fall out, The great oppression of the Gospel pure, The strange injustice unto every man Are sins of yours, for which God doth us plague, And lays his cross upon us every day, For that our works are wholly wickedness: If we convert God will withdraw his wrath. December hath 31. days. By placing of the figures we may see, And course of planets give us t'understand How that this strife falling most heavily, Shall still endure, although it seem all done, And from this place in other countries slide, Which likewise may procure them double woe, And though within this month it fall not out, Yet time will make it evidently seen, Therefore I need not much thereof to say, On Planets can I not so surely bind, Although full many things they do foreshow, For God that guideth all things by his power, (As often I have said, and find it true, What ever Planets threaten to befall) Can at his will convert and make them void. FINIS.