AN Astrological Discourse With Mathematical DEMONSTRATIONS, Proving the Powerful and Harmonical Influence of the Planets and fixed Stars upon Elementary Bodies, in Justification of the Validity of ASTROLOGY  
Together with an Astrological judgement UPON The great Conjunction of Saturn & Jupiter 1603.  
Written by that worthy learned Gentleman Sir CHRISTOPHER HEYDON, Knight, and now published by NICHOLAS FISKE, Jatromathematicus.  
LONDON, Printed by i: Macock for Nathaniel Brooks at the Angel in Cornhill. 1650.   

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

To the Reader.  
RICHARD FORSTER, Doctor in physic, one of the college of Physicians in London, in Astronomy very learned, and in Astrology no less skilful, as many yet living do very well remember; for although he was Physician to Robert Dudley, that great Earl of Leicester, yet did he survive him, and died long after King James came into England: by this doctor's means Sir Christopher Heydon Kt. of the County of Norfolk, became not only a Lover but an admirable Student in Astrology; and to say truth, I do not find in all my reading that any of the Ancients did exceed him in knowledge herein.  
Some years after K. James his coming into England this learned Knight, to manifest his gratefulness unto Doctor Forster, from whom he acknowledged his initiation in this Study, did present unto him in London in a well written hand, this ingenuous and deep piece of Philosophy which I now make public. Doctor Forster, as myself well know, received it as an inestimable Jewel, and preserved it in his Study amongst the rarest and choicest Pieces therein; but death depriving this learned Doctor of life in that year he was President of the college, by great providence this ensuing Treatise came into my hands; which I have carefully preserved with great respect, both to the Author and matter itself.  
I have many times endeavoured its impression, but without success; for until of late years such was the error or rather malice of the Clergy, who only had privilege of licensing Books of this nature, that they wilfully refused the publication: But of late casually showing this Manuscript to my worthy friend Elias Ashmole Esq he earnestly desired it might be made public, freely offering to be at the charges of cutting the Diagrams in brass, that so the work might appear in its greater lustre.  
I might here fall into a serious and just Commendation of every particular Chapter of this Work, and the weight almost of every word in each Chapter; but sith the Work itself is short, I will not anticipate thy reading, but refer thee to the book itself, having abundantly satisfied myself in these my aged days to have added somewhat to the raising up of Astrology, which during all my years, and they are more than 70. hath been strangely kept under, and aspersed by men malicious and unlearned; so that although I had myself many times serious thoughts of expressing my own Astrological Conceptions in public, yet was I ever either dehorted by Friends, or retarded by a servile fear of incuring the then present Powers. However, if God shall enlarge my days, I hope hereafter to be serviceable to the learned Society of Astrologers, unto whom I heartily commend this at present, and in the future such other Pieces as he shall enable me to perform, while I live, and am called, Thine,  
Nicholas Fisk. Philiatros, & Astrophilus.   

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

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

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

Choice Poems, with several excellent tragedies and Comedies.  
1. Fons Lachrymarum, or a Fountain of Tears, from whence doth flow England's Complaint, Jeremiah's Lamentations, with an Elegy upon that Son of valour Sir Charles Lucas, by John Quarls. 8.  
2. Nocturnal Locubrations, or Meditations Divine and Moral, with Epigrams and Epitaphs, by Robert Chamberlin.  
3. The unfortunate Mother, a Tragedy, by Thomas Nabbs.  
4. The Rebellion of Comedy, by Tho: Raulins.  
5. The Tragedy of Messalina, by Nathaniel Richards. 8.   

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

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

CHAP. I.  
Of Winter.  
NOt without great judgement doth Pliny affirm 
lib. 2. cap. 8  those that first understood the obliquity of the zodiac, Rerum fores aperuisse: For besides that, the finding out hereof prepared the way first to find out the periodical motions of the Planets. The Philosopher himself teacheth us, that the variety, generation and corruption of all things dependeth chiefly hereupon. And common experience driveth us to confess the access and recess of the Sun unto the four Cardinal Points of this Circle to be the most general and assured cause of the years successive alteration. Upon this ground I affirm the Winter quarter to take his true beginning at what time the Sun making his entrance into the tropic of ♑, hath attained his greatest declination Southward from our Zenith or Vertical Point. From whence divers Impediments evident in Nature do follow, which bereave our Septentrional parts of that heat and vigour wherewith at other times the Sun being nearer, and more elevated, doth preserve and cherish the Elements, and all things composed of them, whether vegetable or sensative.   

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

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

CHAP. III.  
The second Reason of the foresaid Difference, drawn from the difference of union in the Beams.  
SEcondly, In the work of the Stars Union of Beams is a thing regarded, 
Union of Beams, what it causeth.  as of special consequence. But it is clear to them that have any insight in the optics, that in Winter the Union of the Beam, incident with the Beam reflected, is not comparable with that which the greater Altitude of the Sun causeth in Summer; and therefore the effects depending upon this Union, must accordly be increased or diminished in proportion. That this is true,  
Diagram.  
Suppose A B in the first Figure, and C D in the second, to be two equal parts of the earth's Superficies; whereupon the Beams of the Sun E A in Winter, and G C in Summer do fall: E A in the Winter Solstice, making an Angle with the plain of the Horizon H A B, of 14. gr: 56′. 30″. viz. E A H, or E B H, being the Meridian Altitude of the Sun at London upon that day. Likewise let G C K, or G D K, be admitted to irradiate the Earth at the highest Meridian Altitude in the Summer Solstice at an Angle of 61 gr. 59′. 30″. Then forasmuch as (by the principles of the optics) the Angles of incidence and reflection are evermore equal, A F in the first Figure, and C M in the second, being the reflected Beams, E F and G M shall be reverberated from A B and C D at like Angles with their proper incidents. Which being true, it is also evident, that because the inward Angles at C and D are greater than the inward Angles at A and B, the Triangle C L D shall of necessity be greater than the Triangle A I B. And forasmuch as the Union of the Beams, incident with the reflected, happeneth within the limits of these Triangles, therefore of consequence the Union C L D in Summer is so much greater than the Union of A I B in Winter, as the area of the one doth exceed the area of the other, which is about, or rather somewhat above, six to one; and being joined to the former difference, as is usual in addition of proportions, proveth, that this difference of Union, together with the Suns stay in Summer, causeth the heat to exceed that which we receive in Winter above twelve times.   

CHAP. IV.  
The third Reason of the former Diversity, proceeding from the differing quantity of Beams.  
A Third Reason of the difference and 
Quantity of Beams.  diminution of heat in Winter proceedeth from the small quantity of Beams which then illustrate the earth's Superficies, in comparison of that which the Sun sendeth down to us in Summer. For as the specifical qualities of the rest of the Stars accompany their light, so it is also true, that the heat of the Sun is conveyed unto us by his Beams. Wherefore the fewer the Beams be which fall upon the Horizon, the less also shall be the heat. And forasmuch as in Winter the Sun darteth them more oblique than in Summer; therefore it is evident, that there shall not so many Beams fall upon the plain of the Horizon at the oblique Position of the Sun in Winter, as when he approacheth nigher to a perpendicularity in Summer. To demonstrate this,  
Diagram.  
Suppose Q O, and Q P, to be two divers Superficies of the Earth, upon which the same Beams A Q do shine diversely; that is, perpendicularly upon the Superficies Q O, but obliquely upon the Superficies Q P. Then I say, that the Triangle Q O P, whose Angle at O is by supposition a right angle, the side Q P, which subtendeth the said Angle must be greater than the side Q O, by the 18 of the first of Euclid. And yet from hence we see it followeth, that all the light which is shed upon Q P, the oblique, but greater Super●…cies, shall fall notwithstanding upon Q O, the less, but directly subject to the Beams A Q. If moreover we take a ●pace Q V in the greater Superficies, which by construction shall be equal to Q O, and from N to V draw down a parallel to the line A O P, it is evident that the Beam N Q; wherewith the Superficies Q V is illuminated, is but a part of the Beams A Q. For which Reason the Superficies Q V shall participate but part also of that heat which is communicated to the Superficies Q O, being directly subject to the Beam Q A, which also was manifest enough even by the precedent Figures, where the Winter Beams E A, compared with the Summer Beams G D, are next hand in proportion but as one to four, by reason whereof the Sun hardly imparteth ¼ of that light and heat to us at his Meridional height in the Winter Solstice, which we feel from his highest Position in the Summer. This Diminution, considered with the former Impediments, leaveth us not above the forty eight part of that heat in Winter, which we receive in Summer from the Sun.   

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

CHAP. VI.  
Why the ending of July and beginning of August is the hottest time of Summer, and so likewise the ending of January and beginning of February the coldest time of Winter.  
BUt we must further consider, that although these four causes are most evident upon the very Solstitial days, yet it is not always of necessity that upon them we always feel the greatest heat or cold. But there is yet another general cause to be added, which in respect of itself doth commonly aggravate the bitterness of Winter about the beginning of February. The Reason whereof Kepler doth resolutely ascribe to Privation 
In fundam. Astrolog. Thes. 12 & 19  only, with Cardan, further denying Cold to be a positive quality, and with him Picus, that any specifical virtue doth descend unto us from Heaven, besides Light and Heat; and therefore saith that the Air, Water, and Earth, being naturally destitute of Heat, as they are material and thick Bodies, are neither ●uddenly warmed, nor suddenly cold, but conceiving Heat in June when the ●un is at the highest, do accumulate it ●nto the Heat of July and August after the same manner, and for the same Rea●on, that the heat of the day in the after●oon is greater than at high noon, until the Sun, after his declining by degrees ●rom us, doth also by little & little withdraw his heat from these Elements, which ●hen return to their former Nature, and ●o necessarily admit Cold in the absence ●f Heat, which still prevaileth more and more by the sun's long discontinuance ●rom us, until after February be past, ●e begin to recover some part of his ●orce again.   

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

CHAP. VIII.  
Other qualities concomitate Light, as well as Heat.  
ANd now to prosecute these things in order: First, I affirm, That although we see Heat and Light to descend jointly with the Beams of the Sun, yet it doth not concomitate the light of all the Stars; for that heat is neither the substance of the light, (for assertion whereof Scaliger justly reprehendeth 
Exercitat. 75.  Cardane,) nor more to be confounded with light than sight, than sight is to be confounded with touch, whereof Light and Heat are proper Objects. For as we cannot feel the Light, nor see the Heat; so those Senses which are not always jointly exercised together (as we see, and not feel, and feel, and not see) do teach us, that Light and Heat are divers qualities, and both in reason and nature may be conceived to subsist the one without the other. This will best appear by the definition of both, which evermore expresseth the nature of the thing in question. Forasmuch therefore as Heat is that quality which doth congregate 
Heat or Hotness defined.  homogeneal things, and separate those that are heterogeneal, which agreeeth not to the property of the Light, which is brought unto us by the Beams of the Stars, the same being defined (according to Alhazen and Vitellio) to be 
Light defined, or rather lightsomeness.  only The Species or Image of the inherent Light of the Sun or Star from whence it is sent: There is nothing more evident than that that Heat which is conveyed unto us with the beams of the Sun, is of a divers nature from the light thereof. For both sense and Experience do prove, That Heat is no Image or similitude, but a real and active quality, which how it should subsist in an Image as in the subject, or how Light should subsist in Heat, being likewise an accidental quality, are difficulties which in my judgement will not easily be answered, except we can prove, that one accident may be the subject of another, which is against all Philosophy. This then alone, although it doth sufficiently prove, that Light and Heat are two divers qualities; yet to make it more apparent, daily observation doth show, That one may be and remain in the absence of the other, as we see in Attrition, where Heat is excited without Light, and so we may exclude the Light, when nevertheless the heat of the Sun shall remain. And though the Earth, and the rest of the Elements, retain the impression of the former day, yet doth neither the Earth, Air, or Water, shine after the Sun is set: Wherefore if Heat may thus exist, and be separated from the light; and it be also true (as before hath been showed) that the one cannot subsist in the other, what may be more clear than that for these reason's Light and Heat are two diverse qualities, and that Light can neither be the essence of Heat, nor Heat of Light? Truly therefore doth Durandus distinguish of their properties, teaching us, that the property of Light is only to illuminate, and that it is not of the essence thereof either to heat or infrigidate; Sed (saith he) duntaxat merito corporis in quo inest, ut si virtute calidum sit, &c. So than the heat, which accompanieth the light of the Sun, is not to be said any property of light, but in truth to be referred to the sun's occult and specific Virtue: as with like reason I do affirm, and hereafter will prove, That the rest of the first qualities, together with the special properties of every Star, doth accompany Light as well as Heat. For it is clear, that there be many 
Light in many natural Bodies, which yet be actually cold.  lightsome bodies which do not heat, but are rather actually cold, as for example, the Diamond, Carbuncle, and other precious Stones, besides the Eyes, Heads, and Scales of Fishes, and the Sea itself, which in tempestuous weather doth represent huge mountains of light. Yet to affirm that the Sea burns, would be reputed by the common Proverb, no better than a plain lie. So false is it, that light is always the cause of heat, and proceedeth only from such bodies as are of a hot nature; which I could yet further amplify by experience that I have made in Reflections, it being certain that Spherical Concaves, or Parabolical Sections, will as sensibly reflect the actual cold of Snow or Ice, as it will the heat of the Sun. Wherefore if Cold may accompany the reflected Light, why not the original 
Cold accompanieth reflected Light.  Light itself? Neither do I desire herein my bare word to go for payment, but do further remit him that shall call this in doubt unto his own practice, and the Testimonies of Maginus, who, in the Representations of his Glass sent to the Emperor, doth confirm the same in these words: Species esse sensu tactus perceptibilis, ut apparet ex lumine candelae, item ex nive & glacy infrigidante per suam imaginem remotè admodum. And myself have often made the like trial of the full Moon, which nevertheless 
The light of the Moon not to be hot, found by reflection.  is reflected without any heat at all that sense can perceive, notwithstanding that the same Glass doth sensibly reverberate heat with the light of a small candle, and reflecteth the beams of the Sun with that force, that it inflameth all combustible matter in an instant, and causeth Lead to run. Whereunto then may it be imputed, that the Moon shining with her borrowed light, doth not sensibly warm, as well when it is projected from the Sun? Will they answer that the sun's light is debilited by reflection from the Moon? But if they maintain heat always to accompany light, than this is no answer. And though I should yield that it may weaken the heat also, and cause calefaction in a lesser degree, yet this doth not satisfy how so glorious a Light as the full Moon doth yield, especially in Winter, should be deprived of all heat, when the same is collected, reunited, and multiplied again, in which case as well all Beams are as well strengthened by reflection, as weakened without his help. Add hereunto, that the greatest Frosts happen in the fairest moonshine nights, which proveth Cold to accompany her light. wherefore I rather affirm this to be another notable Argument, proving Light of an indifferent nature, neither hot nor cold of itself, but to participate of the quality of the star, or other body from whence it is reflected, seeing the same light which from the Sun causeth heat, hath no such quality reflected from the Moon, but rather the contrary, and divers from it, the force thereof chiefly showing itself in cold and moisture. But if Kepler's opinion were true, that Cold were nothing but a mere Privation, this could not be: and therefore leaving that which hath been already alleged to the judgement of the learned, I hold it very material, according to the order formerly propounded, to prove next, That Cold is a positive quality.   

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

CHAP. X.  
The first Qualities originally from Heaven, not from the Elements.  
HAving therefore (as I take it) sufficiently proved Cold to be a positive quality, the next thing which in order offereth itself to be decided, is, whereunto we shall originally refer the same with the rest of the first qualities. And forasmuch as the whole system of the world is distinguished into two parts, Celestial or Elementary, we must of necessity primarily derive them from the one or the other. But I will prove, That they are only by accident, and not essentially, in the Elements; wherefore of consequence originally to be ascribed to the heavenly Bodies. I know they are commonly placed in the definition of the Elements, and therefore they define Air to be hot and moist, Water cold and moist, Earth cold and dry. But if it be better considered, we may more truly say with Roslinus, That the Elements rather essentially differ one 
Wherein the Elements differ essentially.  from another in other qualities, which are as it were the offspring of these, as in rariety, density, levity, gravity, liquidness, softness, transparancy, opacity: For so is the Earth, an heavy, thick, dark, firm and stable Element. The Water likewise soft, flowing, and navigable. The Air light, rare, liquid, and permeable; and so tempered one to another in proportion, that as the Air, in the rarity and liquidness thereof, is to the softness and flowing nature of the Water, so is the like constitution of the Water unto the density and firmness of the Earth; neither thin nor thick in extremity, but of a middle temperature between both. And in a word, they are all proportioned to the heavenly Bodies, but as the matter of things merely passive, 
Arist. li. 1. Met. cap. 4. Zabar. li. 1. de qualit. Element. cap. 2. Tolet. 2. de gen. & cor. 2. q. 1. p. 309. Scalig. exer. 18.  not having their first qualities essentially in themselves, but by accident from Heaven. Thus teacheth Aristotle himself, and thus says his Expositors, Zabarella, Toletus, Scaliger, and others. Neither do I rest upon their authority alone, but upon their firm and evident Reasons. For were these the essential forms of the Elements, they 
Form admitteth not of intention and remission. Axi. But Heat and Cold are intended and remitted in the Elements; Ergo these qualities are not formally in the Elements.  could not be intended and remitted, because it is against the principle which denyeth form to admit intention and remission. But these qualities are sometimes more or less in the Elements; wherefore neither can they be affirmed their essential forms, neither can the Elements themselves be said the first subjects of Heat, Cold, Moisture, and Siccity, considering that both Experience and sense teacheth us, that they be neither hot nor cold, but indifferently disposed to the receiving of all the qualities, and not more capable of the one than the other. For example, to them in a right sphere the Air is always hot, by reason of the perpendicularity of the Sun beams. To us it is variable, sometimes hot, sometimes cold, sometimes moist, and sometimes dry. And to them nearer the North Pole for the most part cold. Nay, which is more absurd, were these qualities formally in the Elements, we should of necessity be driven to constitute two forms in every Element answerable to the two first qualities ascribed to every one of them, and those not differing secundum magis & minus, but in the highest degree of perfection, and that in such sort also as they might not be reputed of the same special kind, but to vary one from another. For if the moisture of the Air should not differ from the moisture of the Water, confusion would follow, and so no distinction at all of the Elements. And yet if these qualities be admitted of a divers species instead of four, we must constitute eight first qualities. Wherefore I take it very clear, that seeing the 
Absurdi●● following upon admitting the first qualities to be formally or essentially in the Elements.  first four qualities cannot originally be derived from the Elements, necessity will infer by consequence, that their first inherence is in the inward forms of the heavenly Bodies, from whence by accident (as Aristotle teacheth) and not otherwise, they are conveyed into the Elements.   

CHAP. XI.  
The scruple of alteration in Heaven, (which made the peripatetics, Picus, Cardane, &c. to ascribe the first Qualities to the Elements,) taken away.  
WHich being true, it will not be labour lost, after these grounds thus laid, to borrow a little more patience for examination of the Reason why Picus, Cardane, Kepler, with others, frankly confessing heat to descend with the light of the Stars, are nevertheless so nice to subscribe to the derivation of the rest of the qualities from Heaven: The consideration whereof will also something explain unto us the differing manner between their inherence in the Stars, and in the Elements. And surely I find none other Reason of their doubt in this Point, but that they fear if contrary qualities should originally be found in Heaven, we must withal induce action and passion between the heavenly Bodies, and so by consequence, generation and corruption, whereof the peripatetics may not abide to hear. Which Objection may diversely be answered. For first, whatsoever the peripatetics have held, we know the world to have had a beginning, and therefore even by their own doctrine it shall have an end. And the 
Alteration in Heaven by experience exemplified, as well as by Reason confirmed.  experience of latter times hath sufficiently proved Heaven subject to alteration: as is evident by that Spot which, in the time of Charles the Great, continued 8. or 9 days in the Sun, being by Historiographers (though ignorantly) reputed to be Mercury. For Copernicus after supputation 
Lib. 1. ca▪ 10.  findeth it not to be Mercury, but a prodigious Meteor, which could not happen but in the sphere of the Sun, considering it accompanied the Sun itself so long time together. The like, Buntingus, Gemma Frisius, and others, report of that strange and bloody obscurity, which Anno 1547. did so darken the Sun three whole days together, as the stars for the most part were seen at high noon. But what need I run to foreign Testimonies? when all London can bear me witness of the like Blot, which in the year 1604. 11. and 12. of Octob. appeared first a little above the southeast Periphery of the Sun, and seemed to move by little and little unto the centre of his Globe. And whereunto shall we refer the illumination and extinguishing of the Comets and new Stars, which in this our age have been observed to flame in Heaven itself? Do they not all demonstratively prove generation and corruption in Heaven? True it is, that by reason of our remote distance from the heavenly 
By reason of the immense distance of Heaven, the alterations there not sensible.  Spheres, we cannot by sense attain to every particular alteration which happeneth there. And therefore Aristotle neither being acquainted with the world's Creation, nor in former ages finding any alteration in Heaven, but still receiving by tradition, that the Planets, the fixed Stars, their motions, and the medium in which they are, remained the same, while in the mean time the Earth and Elements are daily subject unto divers changes familiar to our eyes, concludeth from Experience, Heaven to be privileged from almutation, but the Elements to be obnoxious thereunto. But could either Aristotle be informed, that now this latte● age (more diligent than the former) hat● observed new bodies in Heaven, or were it possible that our mortal eyes might from the Heavens behold the Earth, as now from the Earth we behold them: I verily am persuaded, that both the Philosopher would change his opinion, and that we should from Heaven behold as little alteration in the Globe of the Earth, as now we observe in Heaven. He that listeth to read more of this matter, let him peruse Kepler himself, cap. 23. de Nova Stella, where he doth purposely treat of this Subject, and proveth by five particular Reasons, That the matter of Heaven is alterable. Which if it be true, then is their Argument from the consequence of alteration of no force against the first qualities in Heaven, but rather to be retorted upon themselves in this manner. That because there is a generation and alteration demonstratively observed, ergo the first qualities may likewise be affirmed there as fit Instruments of these Mutations. But nevertheless leaving this Doctrine in suspense, because it is new: Yet is not our Cause so needy, but that I dare otherwise undertake to prove the Consequent of the Reason to be false, for that 
The second Reason showing, that the admitting of the Stars to produce the first qualities, doth not necessarily induce alteration in themselves.  the Stars may very well be justified to have divers and contrary virtues, without admitting any passion in the heavenly Bodies. For Astra agere quod in seipsis non est, is no rare Maxim among the learned, some of whom use this distinction between the differing manner of these qualities in the Stars otherwise then in the Elements, by supposing them in the first only effective, and in the latter subjective: Because (as they will have it) the Stars are not actually hot or cold, but virtualiter; that is, they have a certain power to produce Heat and Cold, and the rest of the qualities in the other bodies out of themselves, which nevertheless are not in themselves. But for mine own part, I freely confess not well to conceive this subtlety (though it be Scaligers) how the Sun not being habitually hot, yet nevertheless can burn. Rather to go more directly to the work, 
The third Reason granting the heavenly Bodies to be actually hot or cold, yet without mutual action or Passion, by reason of the Preogative of the matter.  I hold the efficacy of the Stars to proceed from that natural virtue which is originally inherent in themselves, which notwithstanding shall never the more subject these excellent Bodies to alteration. For as the loadstone (more precious than any Diamond) hath in many points a singular affinity with Heaven, so it doth not fail to lend us a most lively example, how contraries may be found in the same natural body without destruction thereof. For what can be more contrary than attraction & repulsion Yet if the Needle be touched with the North Pole of the loadstone, it is certain, that as that part will attract the same, so the contrary Pole or End will make it fly away, yet without any danger or passion in the stone itself. Why should we not therefore believe, that as Heaven is far more excellent than these sublunary Bodies, so it should be endowed with all the virtues which are found here beneath in a far more excellent manner, and without any prejudice to the purity of the matter whereof it consisteth. For if the Matter be not proportioned unto the power of the Agent, no effect can follow. But even by the Doctrine of the peripatetics such is the matter of Heaven, consisting of a simple and fift essence free from all passion, ergo although we do admit contrary qualities to flow from the Stars, yet shall this work no alteration, because the matter of Heaven is not an apt subject for this purpose. And for this Reason we may not consider these qualities, as they are found in the Elements, or mixed Bodies, whose matter is passive, but rather as they are inherent in a simple and pure essence, privileged from corruption, being for this cause called by Aristotle, agentes, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, thereby to distinguish them from those inferior things which are mutually subject to action and passion, because they consist of elementary matter. I doubt not therefore but by this which hath been said it doth sufficiently appear, That in this controversy between the Stars and the Elements, these celestial and pure Lights have obtained priority, as first endued by God with natural power by their motion, Light and secret influence to excite and stir up Heat, Cold, Moisture and Siccity in these sublunary Bodies subordinate unto them, according to their several virtues.   

CHAP. XII.  
The Cause why the Cold in Winter is greatest in February proved to proceed from the different Points of Heaven, whose diversity is showed.  
WHerefore now to return from whence I digressed: Having thus prepared the way, I may the more boldly proceed, and with better assurance, according to the Rules of astrology, ascribe this increase of Cold, which commonly happeneth about February, partly unto the complexion of that Sign which the Sun then passeth, partly to the apparent rising and setting of those Constellations which ordinarily agree to this month. And first concerning that part of Heaven which the Sun then holdeth, we are to know that it is the Dominion of Saturn, whose influence excelleth in exciting Cold, (as in that which follows I hope infallibly to demonstrate,) the same being diametrically opposite unto the Royal palace of the Sun, which alone, to those that repose in the principles delivered by Astrologers, is sufficient Reason in this case. But if any there be that doth doubt thereof, and whether the matter of Heaven may admit variety as well as the Stars, I doubt not but to satisfy him also, partly by Reason, partly by undoubted Exper●ence.  
For first, whereas we see the forms of divers 
The first Reason drawn from the sympathy of these inferior thing● with the Parts of Heaven.  things in this sublunary world apparently to consent both with certain Stars, and with the particular Regions of Heaven, Reason teacheth us, that this can proceed from no other probable cause in Nature, then from the sympathy or agreeable temperature of their Substances. And that one or two examples may stand for many, we see the North part of Heaven particularly to affect Iron, that hath either lain long North and South in some old building, or that otherwise hath been forged at such a position, as precisely respecteth the same. But above all, who is so ignorant of the like impression in the loadstone, as that he knoweth not the Mariner thereby to shape his Course, and to be further able (by the ingenious diligence of our Countryman Mr D Gilbert) to give the elevation of the Pole wheresoever he be come? Considering therefore that this distinction of Regions is not to be ascribed to any Star, but to the whole system or Body of Heaven, therefore here we see directly a respective quality impressed in these Subjects, which cannot be ascribed to any thing but the matter of Heaven.  
Again, whereas even Picus himself, 
The second Reason borrowed from Valesius de sacra Philosophia.  and the Enemies of astrology, do grant thus much to Aristotle, That if Heaven were quiet, and stood still, nothing could have motion; which granted, it also followeth, according to the proportion of the first motions which are proper to Heaven, That all the natural motions of inferior things are both excited and ordinated: Valesius demandeth whether Heaven simply performeth the same by the motion thereof, or by accident. By simply he meaneth, as if Heaven did communicate this motion only because it is moved. By accident, as if by moving is communicateth an accidental faculty of motion unto other things: as when the hand moveth the candle to flax; the hand by his own motion moveth the candle, and so burneth the flax or straw; the one by itself, because it doth not otherwise move the candle, then by the motion of the hand: but it doth the other by accident, because by moving of the hand and the candle, it also conveyeth the flame, which burneth of itself. If therefore Heaven, by the motion thereof, doth immit any motive faculty unto things, by help whereof they are moved, than hath it of necessity another virtue of moving besides the own Motion. But if Picus, to avoid this, deny Heaven to impart any such virtue, and persist in this opinion, that Heaven moveth because it is moved: Then saith Valesius, it shall not skill of what matter Heaven consisteth; seeing this effect would as well follow, if Heaven were of wood, metal, or stone, and were withal carried about. But this could not be: For if a wooden Sphere were turned about circularly over our heads, why should a stone and smoke (for example) move, in a straight line, the one upward, the other downward? For whatsoever moveth another, it doth it either by impulsion, attraction, volutation, or vection. But a stone falling, is neither drawn, thrust forward, carried, or turned about by Heaven; seeing the same falleth in a straight line: Wherefore Valesius strongly concludeth, That the matter of Heaven concurreth with those things that are moved by immitting some virtue which moveth every thing in the kind, which yet is diverse from the circular motion itself.  
Besides, if that be true which Aristotle, 
The third Reason from the definition of a Star according to Aristotle.  and with him hitherto Schools of Philosophy, do teach in the definition of a Star, That there is no difference between the same, and the Orb wherein it is fixed, but that the Star is Densior pars ejusdem; Then I say, it doth unanswerably follow, That as the Stars differ one from another in Motion, Magnitude, Colour, and Virtue; so likewise those parts of Heaven wherein they are fixed must needs admit the like variety of nature and qualities. If any following the late opinion of Tycho, and others, shall here deny the Stars to be fixed, and inherent in the matter of Heaven, and affirm the substance thereof to be liquid, giving way as the Stars move through the same: I answer, That besides it will be incomprehensible in a man's understanding, how all Stars should finish the diurnal motion from East to West, and yet in the same moment strive with a contrary endeavour in that which we call the proper motions from the West to the East; and that which is more, at once both ascend and descend from or nearer to the Earth. They shall hardly in the end be able to make this their conceit stand with the motion of {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, which (as it is evident to Sense) is the very substance and matter of the Heaven itself, differing only from the rest of Heaven in whiteness of colour. And yet we see both the same Stars now contained within the latitude thereof, and others to describe and limit the tract of this Circle, as it crosseth the zodiac from one tropic to the other, which Ptolemy did comprehend, & define the same by, in his 
Li. Almagesti.  time; which to my poor understanding doth infallibly prove, That the fixed Stars at the least are inherent and fastened in the matter of Heaven, for that otherwise the Substance of this Circle could not now be found equally moved from the Aequinoctial Points with the Stars that were then in and about the same. I might yet confirm this further by that Sympathy which is found betwixt the Points of Heaven in the time of Conception and Nativities, and betwixt the figure of the father's Nativity and the Sons: but for brevity sake I remit him that will be better informed to Kepler. 
Li. de Nova Stell● ca. 10.   
And now to confirm these Reasons by Experience; I know not what better course to take, then to appeal to their Testimony who have traveled into America, in whose stories we read, That the same parts of Heaven, both to them and us, retain the same qualities. For thus Johannes Lerius, in the History of 
Lerius, ca. 4  his Navigation into Brasile, affirmeth, That their Ship passed the Aequinoctial the day before the Nones of February, which was about the fourth of that month, at what time nevertheless the Sun being in Aquarius he complaineth of great Tempests, extreme and corrupt rain, with inconstant and tempestuous storms of wind. And no less (if not more) notable is that which I find in Josephus Acosta, whose words, for the Readers better satisfaction, as they lie in the English Translation, I will set 
Lib. 2. de Nat. Novi orbis. ca. 3. pag. 85.. in editione Collon. Agrip. p. 68  down, as followeth.  Truly (saith Acosta) it is an admirable thing, and worthy of observation, That the Air is most clear, and without rain under the burning Zone, when as the Sun is furthest off: and contrariwise, there is most Rain, Snow, and Mists, when as the Sun is nearest. Such as have not traveled in this new World, will haply think this incredible: and it will seem strange unto such as have been there, if they have not well observed it. But the one and the other will willingly yield, in noting the certain experience of that which hath been said of this part of Peru, which looks to the Southern or Antarctic Pole: the Sun is then furthest off when it is nearest unto Europe; that is, May, June, July, and August, when he makes his Course in the tropic of Cancer. During which months the Air at Peru is very calm and clear, neither doth there fall any Snow or Rain; all their Rivers fall much, and some are dried up quite. But as the year increaseth, and the Sun approacheth near the tropic of Capricorn, then begins it to Rain and to Snow, and their Rivers swell from October to December. Then after that, the Sun retiring from Capricorn, when as his Beams reflect directly upon the heads of them at Peru, then is the violence of their Waters great, than is the time of Rain, Snow, and great overflowings of their Rivers, when as their heat is greatest; that is, from January to mid March: this is so true and certain, as no man may contradict it. 
Hitherto Acosta. By which it appeareth, that the Sun in the same Signs causeth like effects to them beyond the Aequinoctial, that at the same time he produceth here to us, the fairest or foulest weather happening to both at the same instant: which may satisfy the most obstinate in this point, seeing throughout the whole world the same parts of Heaven keep still the same quality. Thus much therefore shall suffice concerning the general constitutions of the Seasons, as the same chiefly depend upon the Sun, and the parts of Heaven which he passeth.   

CHAP. XIII.  
Of the particular intentions or Remissions which happen by Position of the Planets.  
BUt as for the intention happening by the fixed Stars, it shall hereafter be handled by itself, as I come to the same in order, forasmuch as the greatest disposition of weather may and doth admit intention and Remission in the particular parts thereof for divers other causes; we must likewise have respect unto them: Amongst which the first that offereth itself unto our Consideration, is the place or Position of the Planets, who moving 
Our sharp●st Winters by Satur's Position, when he is in Perigaeo Excentrici & Epicycli, viz. in the end of II, confirmed by demonstration & experience.  under the zodiac, shall for the same Reasons receive the same increase and abatement of force in their Operations, which before I have proved the Sun to receive. For considering the power of Saturn consisteth chiefly in cold and congealed Meteors, it followeth for an infallible Maxim, That we are then pinched with the sharpest and longest Winters, when Saturn having surmounted the Aequinoctial, shineth in the Septentrional Signs nearest our heads; by means whereof, as the sun's force beginneth to grow weak, during his situation in those Signs, his cold influence shall prevail still more & more, as well because of his slow motion, and long continuance in one place, as also by reason of the more direct projection of his Beams, and great described Ark above the Horizon. In all which respects his impression must then be more forcible, and the rather, that he than consisteth above the Perigaeon of his Orbs, and so becometh the nearest the Earth that he can approach, which still addeth much to his efficacy. And that experience doth confirm thus much, I refer the Reader to Pontanus, and Valentinus Nabod, in his commentary upon Alcabitius, and also to Reisuerus 
Li. 1. Prop. 17.  his optics, where illustrating this Proposition, That All light the nearer it is, the more strongly it doth illuminate the Object, he hath these words.  Hac ratione (saith he) Anno 1441. sub Imperatore Friderico Proavo Imp: Caroli V. paulo aute cladem Varnensem Saturnus 
Ann. 1441. a sharp Winter.  currens per postremos partes Geminorum, Soli oppositas, factusque terrae quam propinquissimus, tam ratione eccentrici quam epicycli, luminis sui propinquitate in usitatum illud frigus effecit, quod adeo saevum fuit diuturum, ut in Historium Commentarias referri meruerit. 
Here therefore they that will be satisfied, may behold Demonstration as well as Experience, for which cause I hold it needless to commemorate any further examples hereof, especially seeing it is not so long since the year 1591., at what time being likewise 
Ann. 1591. the like.  placed in II, as well as the years immediately before and after, the effects of his cold influence were so lasting and hurtful, specially to sheep that perished in the deep of Snows, as I know they cannot be yet forgotten. Notwithstanding it shall not be immaterial to add this out of Functius his Chronology, that in Anno 1427. he noteth the Winter to pass away without cold; For (saith he) it was hiems sive frigore. Whereupon calculating Satur's place for that time, I find it in the midst of ♐, the sign of his greatest distance from the Earth, where he suffereth all the debilities which before I have showed the Sun to do in Winter, and therefore material to be considered for our purpose. For though he be not in ♑, yet seeing both those Signs have equal declination, I hold it all one. The like observation therefore I desire them that impugn this Art most, and are not obstinate, to make for their own satisfaction, and I know that when they find Saturn to have been and to continue still in his greatest remotion and weakness, they cannot but subscribe unto his virtue in cold effects, seeing it is so manifestly confirmed, that generally our Winters are the coldest when he is strongest in operation, and so mild and temperate when his Beams are not able to express their qualities.   

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

CHAP. XV.  
intention and Remission by Parallelism.  
I Have before spoken of the place and motion of the Planets; now I intend to show, That the Parallel which the Planets describe by reason of their place and Motion, is likewise of great force to cause intention and Remission, when any two, or more of them, happen to describe the same Circle aequidistant from any of the Tropics. For then having equal Declination 
The Reason why Parallolism is so effectual.  towards the same side of the Aequinoctial, they rise and set exactly in the same points of the Horizon: they come to the Meridian at the same height; the Ark also which they describe above the Horizon as well as under the same; by reason whereof their Beams succeeding one another, shall not only impress the very same line upon the Earth, but besides in their like situation and distance of each side of the Meridian their Beams shall make right Angles of Incidence, whereby at that time they are also united by reflextion; as in this Figure.  
Diagram.  
Where let N H M F be supposed the Horizon, M N the Meridian, H F the Aequinoctial, D E the Tropics, or some other Parallel; A B the two Stars which are turned in the same: and without further demonstration it is evident to the eye, That if A rise at the point D in the Horizon, pass the Meridian at O, and set at E: the Star B moving in another part of the same Parallel shall do the like, and comingto an aequidistant situation with A from the Meridian, the Angle B O C shall be equal to the Angle A C O, being the Angles of Incidence to both Stars; by means whereof B shall of necessity reflect unto A, and A to B, which is of great moment in their operation, especially to them to whom the same happeneth to be perpendicular. And here by the way we are to note, That by 
Paralelism why most effectual nearest the Tropics.  how much nearer the Tropics this Parallelism doth happen unto the Planets, either amongst themselves, or with the fixed Stars, so much more effectual the same shall be, because of the slow variation of their declination which will cause them to continue Parallel the longer together: whereas nearer unto the Aequinoctial it is of less moment, because their declination varying swiftly, will also as suddenly vary their Parallelism. And thus much concerning the natural Reason of intention and Remission, which happeneth while the Planets and fixed Stars do thus follow and wait one upon another, and by means thereof embrace and enfold every thing whereon they shine, as if equal care were committed to both their charges, as they are carried about by the wrapped Motion of Heaven.   

CHAP. XVI.  
intention and Remission by the rising and setting of the fixed Stars and Planets.  
NOw forasmuch as the common axiom testifieth, that Nature hath made nothing in vain, we may not think, that the rest of the Stars which are fixed do stand for ciphers, although it be true, that the action of every particular fixed Star be not so evidently discerned as the Planets. Neither (so far forth as we are able to attain by experience) do they 
The fixed stars cause no new alteration, and why.  cause any sudden and unwonted alteration by themselves, but rather by reason of their uniform Motion, and the same perpetual distance which they retain one to another, they work still after one manner, saving when their virtues are accidentally 
In what cases the fixed Stars do cause alterations.  stirred up by their 1. risings and settings with the Sun, and the rest of the Planets; or 2. when their Beams are united, either by Configuration and Parallel, or by 3. reflection in the same vertical Circle with them, at what time the quality of their impression dependeth upon their Nature, which partly is measured by Experience, and partly confirmed by 
How the nature and virtue of the fixed Stars is found.  their Colour, as they resemble the Planets therein. But the quantity of this intention and Remission is guided by their apparent Diameters or Magnitude.  
And first, how much the Ancients 
The Ancients in their predictions much guided by the rising and setting of the Stars.  have ascribed to the rising and setting of the fixed Stars, not only for distinction of Times, but also matters of physic, Weather, Navigation, Husbandry, and the like, is familiar to every man, though meanly conversant in philosophy, physic, History, or Poetry, as well as in Astronomy. For such was their skill herein (as Theon testifieth) that the Astrologers 
Com. in Arat.  of those times did hereby both limit and assign the beginning of the Seasons, and the particular state of the Weather for every day, foretelling which should be fair, which rain and tempestuous; and again, upon what days every particular Wind did usually blow. And thus reducing all Metons' Circle of Years into Tables, they communicated the same to all the Cities of Greece for the common good. The truth whereof is not a little confirmed by Ptolemy himself in his 
Which is the True Ptolemy de syderum inerra●t. significationibus.  Book de inerrantium Syderum significationibus, (not that supposed on, set forth by Leonicus, but that which Fredericus Bonaventura of Urbin, not long since, translated out of Greek into Latin) wherein, besides experience of the Egyptians, he also recordeth the Observations of the most famous Astronomers before his time; as of Dosith●us, Philippus, Calippus, Euctemon, Meton, Conon, Metrodorus, Eudoxus, Caesar, Democritus and Hypparchus, for the place of their particular dwellings, even to the fifth Parallel, passing by the midst of Pontus, where the longest day is fifteen hours and a half. Not without Reason then doth Ptolemy both here, as also in his Quadrupertite, remit him that will 
Li. 2. ca. 12  judge of the particular intentions and Remissions of every day unto the risings and settings of the fixed Stars; whereof, although he setteth down eight kinds, yet doth he reduce them all into two Species, viz. the True, and the Apparent; And if these, I see not that any of 
The apparent risings & settings of the fixed Stars necessary to the particular intentions & Remissions of the Weather. The ancient Astronomers only regarded the apparent risings & settings. The Error of our Prognosticators.  the Astronomers, before named, have had a regard to the first kind, but only those which are apparent: The first whereof Ptolemy reckoneth the Emersion, or Matutine oriental apparition; the second is (as he placeth them) the Vespertine oriental Apparition, which he calleth the last rising. In like manner there be two apparent Settings, whereof he calleth the first Matutine and Occidental, and the last Verspertine and Ocidental, which is also their Orcultation. How far therefore those Prognosticators do err, who quite otherwise then the Ancients, did refer their yearly judgements the true rising and setting of the Stars, omitting the apparent, I leave to their own censure, if they know not their Error before. But forasmuch as those that are supputated to one particular 
The Reason why the same day is not alike in several orisons.  place will not agree the same day to every Horizon, let none from hence take occasion to calumniate astrology, if the effects do likewise differ in divers orisons; but rather let them learn for this Cause the more to admire the Art, for that from hence chiefly the true Reason doth grow, why in several Elevations the Weather is oft times differing upon the same day, seeing that in a small difference of latitude both the Emersions and Occultations may vary divers days; Wherefore the Effect must accordingly follow the Cause. The Reason why the apparent Risings and Settings are preferred by Antiquity before the true, is not expressed by them, but leaning simply upon observation and experience, they commend the same in their Monuments to Posterity, neither in truth was it necessary, 
The Reason why the apparent risings and settings are most regarded.  seeing the Reason was evident in itself. For who doubteth that the substraction or addition of Light may beget such a new degree of temperature in the Air, as is sufficient to Mutation? As we see it often to happen in Distillations, where the alteration, though of a very small heat, doth either perfect, or give impediment to the work. But 
Borrowed light, the reason why the effects of Emersions and Occultations are for the most part moist.  whereas for the most part this Mutation turneth unto moisture, this is purposely to be imputed to the great quantity of borrowed light wherewith they shine. For (as it is held in the Perspectives) there is no doubt but that the Stars do as well reflect unto us the light of the Sun, as shine with their own proper light: Wherefore the sun's light being debilitated by reflection, doth heat imperfectly, being for that cause fitter to resolve and cause moisture to flow, then to consume the same, being stirred. And here is further to be noted, That Ptolemy doth not require the apparent rising and setting of all the fixed Stars; for it is clear in that Tractate of their significations, that he neglected all, but those of the first and 
The reason why Ptolemy regardath not the apparent risings & settings of all the Stars.  second Magnitude, whereof he giveth two Reasons; one, because the exact Emersion and Occultation of the lesser Stars cannot be observed, by reason that their weak light is not able to overcome the twilight; whereby the Arks of their Apparition being uncertain, the Apparition itself cannot be calculated. The other Reason is, because these more notable Stars are for the most part so conveniently situated, as the Appearances of the lesser, happening much about the same time, are not so to be regarded, as these that are more illustrious. And thus (for example) he thinketh it enough to observe the apparent Risings and Settings of Arcturus and Spica, though we pass Vindimiatricks in silence; neither careth he much for the Haedi, or the Vergiliae, or Hyades, so he observe Hircus, and the brightest of the Hyades. Wherefore Ptolemy hath not supputated these Apparitions 
How many fixed Stars Ptolemy regarded, and why I fall short of Ptolemy.  for above 30. myself coming short of him by 6. For more of the first and second Magnitude do not rise and set to us, because the declinations of divers do exceed the compliment of our Pole; and therefore if the Sun be septen●rional they never set, as Lyra, Lucida Persei, Dexter humerus Aurigae, Con●a, Cygni, and the like. Or if this excess be Austral, than they do never ●ise of which kind Canobus and Pes Dexter Centauri be, which are never seen above our Horizon.   

CHAP. XVII.  
intentions and Remissions by Configuration of the Stars.  
THe Causes hitherto mentioned, although they be very divine, and contain much excellency in them, yet they come all nearer the nature of Matter than this which followeth. For the manner of their operation did consist chiefly in a certain flux and emission of light continued down to these sublunary bodies, which although it be commonly thought without matter or time, yet it is not without the dimensions of Quantity. 
In what respects the precedent rules of intention and romission come nearer the nature of Matter, than this now to be handled.  For it is made by a right line; it is attenuated by the distance thereof from the Star; it increaseth or decreaseth with the face of the Planet itself; it is hindered by opposition of a shady body; and lastly, the visible presence of the Star admitted, it is necessarily presupposed also. Neither is this found in one and the same single star, considered by itself, but in comparison also with others. As because the Sun and Moon excel all other Stars in their visible magnitude; therefore their action is most evident: but in the rest, whose visible Diameters are not comparable to the Suns or Moons, their efficacy is hardly sensible, and not to be attained without long experience.  
This cause therefore which followeth and belongeth equally to the Planets and fixed Stars, is more noble, and to be admired then the other. For this savoreth nothing of Matter, but hath only consideration 
The Configurations of the Stars savour nothing of Matter, but only of Form, and therefore to be preferred before all other Causes.  of Form, not so much respecting the straight beams of light which flow from every Star, as valuing and esteeming how their Beams meet at the Earth between us and their Light; but both when they are hidden under the Horizon, and seem above the same, it maketh the efficacy of the Stars more notable over all the World, then at other times. Which kind of operation, if the Stars be swift in Motion, is in a manner but momentany; for that the Geometrical Angle being changed into another Angle that is improportionable and improper, immediately, or not long after, this efficacy also ceaseth, though the light of the Star at that time chance to increase. For which Cause I give not so much regard to the Aspects of the Moon with other Planets in the alteration of the Weather, as unto the Configurations of the Planets among themselves, or with the fixed Stars, whose motion being but slow in respect of the Moons, doth not so suddenly vary the Angle of their Configuration at the Earth.  
From hence it is therefore that those Arks or Portions of the Heaven allotted unto the Aspects are not so much esteemed above all other Causes in Astrological judgements. For although it be true, that in all situations the Stars send forth their Beams unto all the parts of Heaven and Earth which they behold, as may be argued out of Vitellio his Demonstration, 
Li. 5. Pro. 22.  by means whereof the Beams and Lines of true motion in every two Stars do retain a mutual respect one to another, and so do evermore intercept some Ark of Heaven, and concur at some Angle of the Earth, which may seem to make an Aspect among themselves: Yet nevertheless all the ancient and modern Astronomers following Nature for their Guide, have heretofore regarded these few Configurations only, being but five in all, namely the ☌, ⚹, □, △, and ☍: amongst which, although the first do not commonly go for an Aspect, because every Aspect is reputed a proportioned distance between two or more Stars; yet nevertheless seeing a certain Position of the Stars in the zodiac is rather considered in this Position, than any diversity of place, and that the enumeration of the Aspects ever beginneth from the Conjunction; Therefore as well in respect of this analogy, as of the received use, it may not be secluded out of the Number of Aspects, specially knowing that the Beams of the Stars are as well extended upward and downward, as obliquely and collaterally.  
But if any man desire further to be satisfied of the Reason which first moved the ancient Astronomers to observe those distances and Arks assigned unto the Aspects as of more virtue than any other: Surely the Answer is easy, seeing Nature itself everywhere, both in the motions and effects of the heavenly Bodies, as also in other Arithmetical and Geometrical respects, chiefly celebrateth these very proportions with a singular Prerogative. Picus speaking hereof, thinketh 
Nature hath as it were first allured us to observe the Aspects by special tokens, or secret marks in the Motions.  they were first induced hereunto by observing the several illuminations or ages of the Moon, for that when she is new, horned, in her quarters, gibbossity, and fullness, her forms are still changed at these proportioned spaces from the Sun. Besides which, it is not to be passed in silence, which others have more particularly noted, that in her annual Revolution she is still found about the △ of her own place in the beginning of the former year. Neither have other Astronomers failed to note, how Nature pointeth (as it were with a finger) particularly unto every Configuration, while we consider the motions of the other Planets. For thus Abohazer wittily affirmeth the two inferior Planets in their Stations to observe the Ark proper to a □ aspect. Pliny likewise with him as skilfully commendeth 
Li. 2. ca. 17.  unto us the observation of the △ by the stations of the three superior Planets. But above all it cannot be considered without deep admiration, how Nature hath singularly nobilitated all the Aspects in the Motions of Saturn and Jupiter. For as their Conjunctions are rare, and but once in 20 years, so hath Nature evermore disposed these Conjunctions in the most memorable places of the zodiac, That is only in such Signs as behold one another in an aequilater triangle inscribed. For between any two great Conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter, there are 19 Egyptian years, 318 days, and 13 hours, in which time those Planets are moved from the place of their former Conjunctions 8 signs, and almost 3 degrees, which excess of 3 degrees is the cause why after 10 Conjunctions they pass from one Triplicity to another, and one Triplicity continueth 198 equal years, 2●5 days (the intercalary day of every fourth year omitted) and 10 hours. But the Revolution of all the Triplicities is finished but only once in 794 equal years, 331 days, and 16 hours. Or otherwise, in 794 Julian years, 133 days, 16 hours; the double whereof cometh to 1588., which number of years they are thought to have respected, that 
The Reason why the year 1588. was reputed so fatal.  imagined the year 1588. from the birth of Christ would have been so fatal. From hence therefore it is, that not without cause they are called great Conjunctions, both happening rarely, and abiding thus in one Triplicity almost 200 years together, and not finishing all the Triplicities of the zodiac in much lesser than 800 years, not having therefore reiterated all the Triplicities 8 times since the beginning of the World. Neither are the other Positions of these Planets to be neglected; for if any man will take the pains to observe when Saturn and Jupiter do behold one another with a □ or ☍ aspect, they shall evidently perceive that they still carry such a regard unto the signs or places of their precedent and next Conjunctions, as evermore they irradiate the one and the other with a ⚹, □, △, or ☍ aspects. And so this shall suffice (if it be not more than enough) to show how Nature hath allured us to the Consideration of these Arks by these Aspects in the particular Motion of the Planets.  
And now in a word to confirm the 
The aspects confirmed by their effects.  same by their virtue and effects: First, The Physicians are taught by experience, That the Crisis of all sharp diseases have a notorious and most memorable Sympathy with all these five Configurations of the ☽ to the place of her Being in the beginning of the sickness. Thus also we see the Seas themselves in their tides to dance as it were after the motion of the ☽, while their Spring and highest Floods always concur with her ☌ and ☍ to the Sun, as their Neaps and lowest tides do likewise respect her Quarters. And as memorable a thing it is, that the Seas in their daily flowing and ebbing upon every Coast, have still a constant respect only to such Azimuthal Circles as are in a quartile positure when the ☽ passeth by them. To conclude, it is more manifest than that I need to insist upon it, that the Sun itself seemeth greatly to respect the □, in that he moderateth the vicissitudes or four quarters of the year by his ingress into the four Aequinoctial and Tropical Points.  
But now to descend to other Speculations of the learned more mystical than these, it is not amiss to begin with the 
The Signs whereof the Aspects consist the only aliquate parts of a Circle.  Arithmetical Observation which Julius Firmicus maketh of the number of Signs agreeable to the Aspects; 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, answering in order to the ☌, ⚹, □, △, & ☍: for these numbers only, and none other, will divide the zodiac, consisting of twelve Signs, for which reason he maketh them the only aliquate parts of a Circle. Thus also the famous Ptolemy addeth not a little to the dignity of 
The Subtenses of the Aspect proportionable to the diameter of the World. Li. 1. ca. 12. lege Cardane Comentar. The Subtenses of those Arks which are proper to the aspects joined together only take upcircumference of the zodiac.  these Irradiations, when he first observed the Geometrical proportion, which the Subtenses of every of these Arks do retain in power to the Diameter of a Circle, as every man may read in the Quadripartite. Others again, with no less subtlety, have observed, that amongst all regular or ordinate figures that may be inscribed in a Circle, though the same be infinite, there are none whose sides and angles carry away the Prerogative both at the Circumference and centre, but those whose sides and angles are answerable to the Subtenses and Arks of their Aspects. For thus amongst all ordinate plains that may be inscribed, there are no two whose sides joined together have pre-eminence to take up a semicircle, but only the Hexagon, Quadrate, and equilateral triangle, answering to the ⚹, □, and △, irradiated. The subtence therefore of a ⚹ aspect consisteth of two Signs, joined to the subtence of a △, composed of four, being regular and aequilater, take up six Signs, which is a complete semicircle. In like manner, the sides of a Quadrate inscribed, subtending three Signs, twice reckoned, do ocupy likewise the mediety of a Circle. And what those Figures are before said to perform, either doubled or joined together, may also be truly ascribed unto the opposite aspect by itself, for that the Diametral Line, which passeth from the place of Conjunction to the opposite Point, divideth a Circle into two equal parts, the like whereof cannot be found in any other inscripts. For example, the side of a regular Pentagon subtendeth 72. degr. of an Octagon but 45. the remainders of which Arks, viz. 108. and 135. gr. are not subtended by the sides of any ordinate figure.  
And thus, as it is before showed, That the Subtenses of these Aspects be the same with the sides of the fore-remembered 
The Angles of the Aspects, viz. the △, □, ⚹, the same wherewith the aforesaid ordinate plains ocupy place about a Point, and therefore do proportionably also take up the centre of the World.  Inscripts, and do only therefore take up the Circumference of a Circle: So it is evident, that the Angles at which they concur be the same wherewith the ordinate plains take up the whole space about the centre. For if we consider the Angle of a ⚹ at the Earth, it is all one with that of an aequilater Triangle consisting of 60. gr. and containeth ⅔ of a right Angle, but six times ⅔ of a right Angle makes four right Angles; wherefore six Sextiles equal to six aequilater Triangles fill the whole space about a point, which is equal to four right Angles. Secondly, Every Angle of a quartile is a right Angle, and all one with the Angle of rectangle Quadrilater figure, wherefore four of them fill a whole space. Thirdly, The Angle which two Stars in a △ make at the centre of the World, is measured by an Angle of 120. gr. and so equal to the Angle of a regular Hexagon, consisting of a right Angle, and 1/● of a right Angle, and therefore taken three times maketh four right Angles: Wherefore three aequilater Hexagons, or three △ Aspects, do also fill the whole space about the centre: To which me may not improperly add the opposite Aspect, consisting of two right Angles, and therefore doubled, shall perform the like office with the rest, any other figure of many Angles, however joined together at the Angles, shall either want of four right Angles, or exceed them. For example, the Angle of a Pentagon containeth a right Angle, and ● more; wherefore three such Angles placed about a point, shall fall short of four right Angles by ⅖ of a right Angle; as on the other side, four such Angles shall exceed four right Angles ⅘.  
These Speculations therefore considered, it were senseless to imagine, that Nature hath so many ways honoured these Irradiations of the Stars in vain, and admonished us to a special regard of them by so many rare and secret Observations, both in the motions of the Planets, and also in their effects and proportions, if they were not endued with more virtue than others. Wherefore it hath no less exercised the learned to find out the Reason why these few Configurations, selected out of an infinite number, should be endued with such eminent efficacy. Neither as yet hath any reason been invented, 
The first Reason why these few Configurations are more effectual than others which be infinite, being drawn from the harmonical proportion.  with more applause for the probability thereof, then that these proportions, whereof the Aspects are before showed to consist, be the same which are found in harmonical Concords; for which cause it is also thought no less probable, that the light of the Stars in these proportioned distances should powerfully affect the matter of sublunary things, then that the like Geometrical Symmetry in sounds and voices should passionately stir up the sense of the hearer. For to confess the truth, so hath the admired providence of Nature ordained throughout all her works, that where due proportion is not wanting, there she never faileth to endue all her effects with such height of perfection, that the same becomes evident to the eye of every man. And from hence it is even in artificial Compositions also as in Medicines, we know those only to be most kind and sovereign which observe a competent Symmetry or temperature of the Active and Passive qualities; with good likelihood therefore, and appearance of truth, do most of the learned, with Ptolemy in 
Ptolemy in Catoptricis  his optics, resolve the only cause of this efficacy to proceed from harmonical proportion.  
And more clearly to express this similitude 
How the Proportions which the aforesaid Irradiations retain in respect of themselves, answer the Concords in music.  or affinity between the proportions of the Aspects, and the like distances observed in the Musical Concords, we must understand, that all Harmony whatsoever springeth originally from three such terms of numbers as respect each other in such sort, that still their differences retain the same proportion that is found between the extremes. For example, in these three Numbers, 6, 4, 3, (answerable to the Signs of the ☍, △, and □ Configurations) here it is evident, if we compare the extremes with the mean, that 2. shall be the difference between 6. the first, and 4. the second Number; and 1. is in like manner between the middle or second, and 3. the third Number: but 2. is double in proportion to 1. therefore 6. the first number respecteth 3. the third number with the like proportion. The analogy of which Proportions, as is before remembered, is found to be the fountain of all music, rising originally from these three simple concording distances, which by the Musicians are called 
Diapente, Diatessaron & Diapason, the 3 perfect Concords,  Diapente, consisting of a Sesquialter Proportion, as 6. to 4. or which is all one of 3. to 2. Diatessaron of a Sesquitertia, as 4. to 3. And lastly, Diapason consisted of a double proportion, as 6. to 3. or 2. to 1. and is as much in value, as both the 2. first distances and proportions put together: For a Sesquialter added to a 
Diapente & Diatessaron are parts of a Diapason. Diapason severally compared with each of his parts makes up the 2 other compounded or imperfect Concords, viz. Diapason cum Diapente a Triple, & Diapason cum Diatessaron a Quadruple, or Bis Diapason.  Sesquitertia, according to the art of Proportions, do produce a Diapason, or double proportion, such as is found between the former extremes compared together, viz. 6. and 3. And in like manner, by comparing the Diapason with both these his parts, that is, with the Sesquialter and Sesquitertia, according to the usual manner of supputating Proportions, we are brought to the two other compounded or imperfect Concords, so constituting the 5. first and natural Distances in harmonical Sounds, which afterward, as they be diversely mixed between themselves, produce infinite variety of all kind of Melody.  
After the same manner fareth it with the light and influence of Heaven. For although anciently there be but 5 Irradi●tions observed as most apt to action, namely the ☌, ☍, △, □, and ⚹; yet nevertheless there is nothing more sure, then that by the harmonical mixture of these proportioned Beams, the generation and corruption of this mortal world is infinitely varied. Wherefore as the force of ●ll Harmony, so likewise the effectual ●eason of all action in the influence of the Stars, is properly deduced from the foresaid Symmetry of these distances. And therefore more fully to illustrate, that the 
The Angles which the Aspects do make at the Earth, are proved proportionable to the Concords in music▪  Angles of the Aspects, compared between ●hemselves, concur with these Harmonies ●n music, it will be no hard matter, if ●hat which before hath been often rexated be called to mind: As that first, the Stars in an opposite or diametral ●spect are disjoined by the space of two ●ight angles, which are measured with the Ark of 6. signs, or 180. degrees of Circumference, and that the △, consisting of 4. signs, or 120. degrees, is in value one ●ight angle, and ⅓ of a right angle: Also ●hat the □ taketh up one entire right an●le, and is subtended with the Ark of 3. ●…gns, or 90. degrees. And lastly, that the ⚹ is constituted but of 2. signs, or 60. gr. which is ⅔ of a right angle; which being thus, if we now so compare the two right angles of the ☍ taken together with the angles of the rest of the aspects, either the △ be placed between the ☍ and the □, or the □ between the ☍ and the ⚹, we shall find either way three numbers, which admit all the Laws of harmoniacal Proportions, as in these Figures following is evident. 
The first Figure proveth the 3 Concords to have 3 perfect Aspects. The second showeth the ⚹ to be an imperfect Aspect, agreeable to Diapente cum Diapason, that is a triple proportion, as 60. is to 80.   
Diagram.  
Where, to let the rest pass as plain enough of itself by that which is before spoken, we are further to note, That the ☍, compared in the last figure of those two with the ⚹, hath a triple proportion to the same, compounded of a double and sesquialter proportion, as Diapente with Diapason in music is, and so is found no simple or perfect Aspect, but exactly 
B flat, why after a sort a perfect Concord, & so by the same Reason why a ⚹ may be admitted a perfect Aspect.  answerable to B flat, the first imperfect or compounded Concord in music being a sixth from G Sol re ut, which nevertheless in some respects is after a sort esteemed perfect, because it useth the same division compared to D sol re that the perfect Concords do, for it is half a Fifth, and situate in the middle between Γ ut and D sol re. As also the ⚹ compared with the △ is a just half thereof, which before hath been showed to be in a sesquialter proportion to the ☍, as D sol re is to Γ ut, and therefore exactly agreeable to a Diapente in music, which the rather I here note, because we shall have some use thereof afterward in speaking 
New Aspects after handled.  of the new Aspects. And thus much shall shortly serve for the Theory or Philosophical speculation of them that ascribe the efficacy of these Irradiations to the harmonical proportion which is sound between them. Wherefore seeing they carry the same mutual respect one towards another, which the foresaid Harmonical Concords do retain between themselves, what wonder is it if Nature in her operations, as well by lights as by sounds, admitted no other Symmetry, but that which is derived from these proportions, rejecting all other as irrational and discordant?  
Yet all this hitherto doth rather illustrate 
Kepler's Reason; why the foresaid harmonical proportions are so effectual drawnfrom the Symmetry of the World, being the same that is found between the 5 Regular Bodies inscribed one within another.  a Simili, and doth more and more express unto us, that Nature indeed hath adorned these proportions with singular privileges above any other, then satisfy us with the true Reason, why in the infinite variety of Sounds and Lights these only should consent most sweetly in music, and be effectual in the operations of Nature. Neither hath any man herein endeavoured with more probability to give satisfaction unto the learned than Kepler, who having wittily laboured to demonstrate, That God in the Creation of the World hath observed the same proportion in the Magnitude and distance of the heavenly Spheres which is found in the regular Solides, which (as geometry teacheth) have their Original from the Ordinate Playns: In the end concludeth with good probability, That the heavenly Motions shall then consent sweetly, and cooperate strongly together, when the nature of these sublunary things, endued (as he supposeth) with a sensitive or knowing faculty, apprehendeth the Beams of the Stars to observe that respect in their concurrence at the centre of the Earth, which answereth unto the Ordinate Playns, from whence the Regularity of these proportions is derived, as the impressed Characters of that Symmetry which God is said to have used in the Creation of the World itself. So imagining, that as often as the nature of any thing meeteth with these proportions, it exerciseth itself as it were by this Idea, which it retaineth still, and that in such sort, as what it doth but ordinarily and slackly at other times, it performeth now much more effectually, and as it were with extraordinary diligence; Not (saith he) that these proportions work any thing of their own virtue; for in music it is neither the Sounds, neither the proportion of the Concords, that work any thing of themselves, or beget any delightful humour in a man, but the Soul approaching to the Instruments of Sense, first there entertaineth the sounds inwardly, than valueth their proportions, and (finding the same good and Geometrical) lastly exhilarateth itself, and moveth the body wherein it is, as with an Object wherein it taketh delight. And surely were these proportions set 
Why Keplers opinion fully leaveth me unsatisfied.  down by Kepler exactly found in the Symmetry of the World, than I could the better give ear unto him, and believe this Mystery to rest in that which he hath said. But he himself having inscribed the several Spheres of the Planets within the Regulare bodies, in the end findeth their distances from the centre of the World to differ very much, both in Jupiter, the Earth (which he supposeth to occupy the sun's place,) and Mercury, from that which Copernicus and other Astronomers do set down by observation. I love not (after the expectance of Geometrical demonstration, though he come near in some) to feed myself with Fancies in the rest: neither can I well conceive, in that poor understanding which I have in Philosophy, how Configurations, consisting only of intelligible Angles, should be objects to any sensitive power; or how the sensitive power, which he doth imagine in the Elements, and all elementary things, should apprehend without organical Instruments. Yet nevertheless 
A second Reason why these Aspects are so effectual, and first of the ☌ & ☍ whose virtue proceedeth chiefly from Union of Beams.  (leaving this Conceit of Keplers, without prejudice of his Conceit or judgement, unto others of riper judgement than myself) I will as perspicuously as I can deliver that which myself have further considered as the Reason why these Beams should be more effectual than others. And first concerning the ☌ and ☍, I held myself abundantly satisfied with the union of Beams, which therefore are the most potent and powerful Configurations of all others, as is evident in this Figure, where we see the Beams, as well incident as reflected, to be united.  
Diagram.  
For let A be in ☌ here with B, it is first manifest, that all the Beams flowing from G and E, the points of touch in the Circumference of A shall unite themselves with the Beams that art sent from B to C the Earth or centre of the World. Secondly, We are also to observe, That in this Case only the Beam A C, or B C, coming from the centre of the Stars reflecteth into itself, as being only perpendicular, whereas those Beams which are sent from the points E and G make an acute Angle at C, and do therefore reflect the one into the other at equal Angles, as G C reflecteth from C to E, and E C from C to G; last of all the union that happeneth in ☍ is manifest without more circumstance, where the Beams sent from the opposite Points make but one straight line, as G F, and E H in this Figure, except in Cases where the Earth 
In what case the Union of two Stars in ☌ and ☍ is hindered.  is bigger than the Star in opposition, for there without latitude the union of their Beams must needs be hindered by interposition of the Earth. For which cause it is specially here to be remembered 
The ☌ of Venus and Mercury not so effectual in Apogaeo Epicycli, as in Perigaeo.  in the ☌ of the two inferior Planets with the Sun, that if this happen in the Apogaeon of their Epicycles, their ☌ shall not be of that efficacy or force, as when they are in Perigaeo: because (according to the Hypothesis of Tycho and Copernicus) they being above the Sun, and the Sun much bigger than they, the Sun shall return all their Beams to themselves from the Earth, so that their union by this means shall be interrupted and frustrate.  
In like manner, in my contemplation for help in the Configuration of the ⚹ and △, I found that which did reasonably give me contentment, because in the concurrence of their Beams at the Earth I found a mutual Reflection of the one into the other, and so an Union by Reflection.  
Diagram.  
For admit A B C to be three Stars, A and B in a ⚹ Configuration, A C in a △: Then for so much as B F, the Beam incident of the ⚹, falleth obliquely in respect of A F, and maketh an acute Angle therewith, it is evident to those that have any mean understanding in the optics, that B F shall reflect to C, and so be united to C F, the incident of the Star 
Union by Reflection between the ⚹ and △ demonstrated, and the familiarity of these points of Heaven mentioned by Prolomy declared.  C, which is in a △ Configuration with A: as also C F shall for the same Reason reflect to the Star in B, and be likewise united with B F, the incident of the Star at B. Behold here by the way the grounds of that familiarity which Ptolemy noteth in these Arks of Heaven, when he considereth the Position apt for the Aphaeta of life, or the Houses of the Figure. And thus far me thought I pursued the Reason of that virtue which is found in the Aspects with good encouragement, that I should have found their force to depend upon Union or reflection. But when I come to consider of the Quartile, whose Beams only cut each other ad angulos rectos, and so reflect into themselves, after much deliberation with myself, finding all aid of the optics to fail me, I was forced to say with Offusius; Ingenué fatebimur causam talis 
The Reason of the efficacy of the □ not depending upon Reflection or Union.  effectus nos demonstrare non posse: id tamen verissimum esse tam diuturna observatione compertum habemus, ut ea de re dubitare puderet. Wherefore recounting with myself some of those Speculations before remembered, and specially that theorem which prove the Angles of the ⚹, □ and △ to be only proportionable in taking up the centre of the World; the more I considered thereof, the more I find myself confirmed, that the mystery or secret of these Configurations resteth chiefly in this, that these only Irradiations, and those that are derived from these, are proportional unto all patille matter, & therefore more effectual.  
For that these Irradiations only are every way proportionable is before abundantly 
The third Reason why these aforesaid trradiations are of such virtue proved to depend upon their proportionable taking up of the centre of the World by their Angles, whereby they must needs shine upon all Elementary matter with a due and even mixture of light & influence.  proved, whether we respect the taking up of the Circumference, the power and proportion oftheir Subtenses unto the Diameter, or lastly and principally, the occupying of place at the centre of the World. Which Prerogatives seeing no other Arks, Subtenses, or Angles do enjoy: therefore I conclude these above all others to be proportional unto the whole system of the World. For that is truly said proportionable, which is neither defective, interrupted, nor redundant: but such are the Arks, Subtenses and Angles of those Irradiations, and none other; Ergo, these and none other are proportionable. Now as that which is defective, and wanteth proportion, leaveth the action frustrate, and without effect: so that which on the other side offendeth in excess, must needs incur the contrary fault, and overcharge that which either Nature or Art intendeth, whereby of necessity it will follow, that there being no defect, nor excess, but an equal and just mixture of the influence of the Stars in these Irradiations, these only shall be apt and convenient to produce agreeable effects in the matter of all sublunary things. For it fareth in these effects, which are produced by the mixture of Light and Influence, as with chemical Operations, where the defect of heat produceth nothing; as on the other side excess doth either by Sublimation, Eruption, Vitrification, breaking the Vessel, and the like, destroy the work. And to make it yet clearer, how the Beams of any such Stars do proportionally take up the centre of the World, whereas, in that which went before, I have only showed how the Points of those Ordinate Playns, whereunto these Configurations have been compared, often reiterated, do take up place. 
The Reason why any 2 Stars in Configuration shall take up all elementary matter at the centre with proportionable Angles made by their Beams, incident, reflected, or opposite.   
Now will I set forth how the Beams of any two Stars in any one of the former Configurations shall take up more space, then that which is comprehended between their Incidents or Beams of true motion, and how by their Beams, either incident, reflected, or opposite, they do possess, and take up the whole centre of the World at one instant with proportionable Angles. For evident demonstration whereof concerning ☌ and ☍, (whose force rather dependeth upon union than proportion) I need no further labour, then to refer the Reader to the view of the last figure but one, where he seeth the united Beams of such Stars as are in ☌ & ☍ to surround the centre, and all elementary matter whatsoever subject unto the actions of Heaven. And so for the □, whose Beams incident and opposite, traverse the centre of the World at four right Angles, viz. AFG, GFI, AFH, and HFI; seeing four Points of a rectangle quadrilater figure hath been before proved to occupy place, I likewise need no other proof, then that the Reader will in the last figure consider how these four right Angles made by one Quartile take up the centre of the World. But concerning the △ and ⚹, although the like be evident enough to any of mean skill, yet nevertheless there are some other speculations which require a word or two more. For in the last figure suppose two Stars A & Birradiate the earth with their ⚹ Beams, although it be true, that by the protracting of the opposite Beam from F to D, the centre of the whole World seemeth occupied with proportionable Angles, BFA being subtended by the Ark of 60. which is before declared to be the Angle of an ordinate aequilater triangle, and so leaveth the outward Angle BFI equal to the Angle of an ordinate Hexagon, subtended hereby the Ark 120, which is the Ark of a △; the like being also to be understood of the Angles made by the opposite Beams ad verticem. Yet nevertheless we are here further to consider, how the incident Beam of B, viz. BF, reflecteth unto C, and so taketh up the whole Semicircle ABCI, with three ⚹, viz. AFB, BFC, and CFI. In like manner, if we consider C to be in a triangular Configuration with A, we see that as the opposite Beam of A, viz. FI, maketh a ⚹ with the incident Beam of a Star at C, viz. CF; so CF being the Beam incident of the Star C reflecteth also to the Point B, and so maketh the same three ⚹, wherewith the aforesaid whole Semicircle is taken up, as is before demonstrated. Wherefore this may satisfy the indifferent, how any two Stars in any of these Configurations do proportionably ocupy the whole centre of the World in the same moment, without reiterating the same Angle.  
And because hitherto we have spoken only of the old Configurations, known to the ancient Astronomers, I may not forget to signify, that in these our days our late Artists (whereof Kepler is the chief) have added unto these former 
Three new Aspects, viz. the Quintile, Biquintile & Sesquiquadrate added by Kepler, and the Reason which drew him to this Observation, so making 8 Aspects in all answerable to so many divisions of a Monochord.  Aspects three others, viz. the Quintile, consisting of 72 degr. the Biquintile of 144 degr. and the Sesquiquadrate of 135 degr. so making 8 Configurations answerable to the 8 Consonant Stops in a Monochord. Neither dare I for my part contradict these new additions: For having made trial as well in the speculations of the Weather & Meteors, as in the accidents of Nativities, I dare boldly affirm, That there have divers events and effects concurred with these new Configurations, for which, without these Considerations, we can find as yet no Reason at all in astrology: Neither wanted they true grounds of Reason for this their Observation. For as in music there be but 3 perfect Concords, viz. the Diapason, Diapente, and Diatessaron; so in astrology there are but 3 perfect Aspects answerable to the foresaid Harmonies, namely the ☍, the △, and the □, the ⚹ being accounted, and so proved before to be but an imperfect Aspect, answering exactly to B flat, the first among the imperfect or compounded Concords. Wherefore considering that the first 3 perfect Concords are found to have their perfect Aspects answerable unto them, and that B flat being an imperfect Concord is also found to agree exactly in proportion with the ⚹, being an imperfect Aspect: This gave Kepler first cause to suspect that the other Harmonical Proportions contained in the same Monochord might also have their Aspects, viz. the Quintile, Biquintile, and Sesquiquadrate answerable unto them; wherefore although as yet I have not entered into any other Geometrical Speculation, why these distances are also effectual in operation as well as the former, thus much for this time may suffice, both for the occasion of their first invention, as also for their probability to be observed in practice.  
And now having thus discoursed at large of the Dignity, and diverse Reasons of these Aspects or Configurations, which are so powerful in operation, I shall conclude with this desire, that two things more may be further noted.  
First, That we are not only to regard these proportioned Distances among the Planets, but also of the Planets with the fixed Stars. Which Speculation as it hath been heretofore omitted by others, either through loathness to calculate the Aspects of the fixed Stars, or through neglecting them altogether; so undoubtedly it hath been no small cause, why our Prognosticators have failed in their judgements by omitting a principal part of their Direction.  
And secondly, That where we find plenty of Aspects, especially coming together, it is a manifest Argument, that plenty of matter stirred up will follow, which will cause great alteration of the Air apt for the Season.   

AN Astrological judgement UPON The great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter 1603. being its first Entrance into the fiery Trigon.  
Sent by way of Letter from Sir Christopher Heydon Knight, to Doctor Foster.  
SIR,  
UPon the 3 of Decemb. An. 1603. being desirous (as the Weather would give leave) to observe the places of Saturn and Jupiter, that thereby I might attain unto the true time of their ☌ at hand, I fitted myself as well as I could in the morning about 7 of the Clock to take their Distances: but at that time the Air being cloudy, and the Heaven only favourable about the Horizon, I could perceive Jupiter only in his Matutine Emersion, newly appearing out of the sunbeams, but Saturn at that time was not to be discerned by the youngest eye there. Wherefore I only at that time observed Jupiter his distance a lance Meridionali, 27. gr. 33. m. 30. sec.  
The place of Lanx Merid: according to Tycho, was then 9 gr. 33. m. 30. sec ♏.  
Wherefore seeing Jupiter his latitude by the Ephem: was 54. m. Sept. and the latitude of Lanx Merid: 26. m. Sept. agreeing thus in the denomination of your latitude, and so near the ecliptic, it is evident that Jupiter his place was quoad longitudinem, without more Calculation, 7. gr. 7. m. ♐.  
The three day following, viz. 4, 5, and 6. were very foul and stormy, but the seventh being frosty in the morning, gave me reasonable opportunity to attend this business again, at what time we beheld both Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury in an Isoceles triangle almost, pleasantly representing the beginning of the fiery Trigon: But the day being broken, and the Sun approaching apace, we were fain to take such Observations as we could of Saturn and Jupiter, and let Mercury alone.  
Wherefore, hor. 7. m. 25. I observed Saturn to be distant from Lan: Meridional 28. gr. 24. m. 30. sec. bis.  
And Jupiter from the same fixed Star twice also, hor. 7. m. 40.— 28. 24 30. at what time Saturn his light, contending with the breaking of the day, was very weak; therefore we began with him, and ended with Jupiter: and by this Observation I then concluded, That I thought it the Will of God I should have opportunity to observe the true moment of the great Conjunction, which, as appeareth by these distances, happened in the 7 gr. 58 m. of ♐, for otherwise they could not both have had equal distance from the same fixed Star, lying parallel in effect with them to the ecliptic.  
I also observed both Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury upon the sixteenth day,  
Hor. 7. m. 15. Saturn from the said Star 29. g. 28. m. paulo plus, 9 g. 1. m. ♐.  
Hor. 7. m. 15. Jupiter from the same Star 30. g. 22. m. 30. sec.— 9 g. 55. m. ♐.  
Hor. 7. m. 27. Mercury from the same Star 32. g. 18. m. 0. sec.— 11. g. 51. m. ♐.  
All which Observations I set down, to the end you may compare them, hoping you shall find they will rather confirm then derogate from the place and time of this great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter: yet, to speak ingenuously, not trusting my Observation more than I should, partly because the daylight would not suffer us to observe other fixed Stars with the Planets, and partly by reason of the slow motion of Saturn and Jupiter, I laid them aside till after perusing Kepler de Stella Nova, I was the more encouraged to make account of my Observation: for I found in pag. 48. that he, by such Observation as he could make, constituteth the time at Prague to be the 7 day, 8 hor. and 20 min. although afterwards he show as little confidence in the hour as myself did before, I was confirmed by his Observation. Wherefore if the Meridians be compared, the difference of time between his Observation and mine is not above 13 m. which is not worth the speaking of, and may happen as well by the Error of Longitude, as of the Observation. For the Longitude of Prague, as Ty●ho noteth in his Progymnasmat●, pag. 131. is 38. gr. 0. m. And the Longitude of London in Mr Cambdens Britannia is 23. gr. 25. m. the difference is 14. gr. 35. m. which wants but 2. m. of the whole hour. Wherefore if 58. m. being the common difference between the Meridians of Prague and London, be subducted from 8 hor. 28 m. the remainder showeth the moment of the great Conjunction at London to be 7 ho. 22 m. by Kepler. But whereas my Observation of Jupiter was at 7 ho. 40 m. with me, whose dwelling is removed about 5 m. of time from the Meridian of London to the East, by my Observation the same happen 7 ho. 35 m. at London, which is but 13 m. later than Kepler assigneth it, whose Observation, being only by the Quadrate and Azimuth with many operations and corrections, as you may read, I hold not so certain as my own.  
Thus then having both observed the time myself, and confirmed my Observation by Keplers, and by Observations of my own, both preceding and subsequent, (for that the observation of Jupiter the 3 of Decemb. and those of the 16. being examined by the diurnal Motion, will vary little or nothing from the day and time before limited,) I will now erect the Figure of the Heavens for the Horizon of London at that instant, that so you may have a foundation of further Speculations than have hitherto been thought on.  
The first things therefore in this Figure, whereupon I pray you curiously cast your eye, are the Ascendent, and the M: C: the degree ascending, being the very place of the new Star, which appeared the year following 1604. in Serpen: the M: C: the degree of the Sun at the time of the great Eclipse the year after, 1605. The Conjunction itself you see happened in duodecimo loco.  
So as the places of the new Star and the Eclipses are thus celebrated with special Prerogative in respect of us. But for so much as by the doctrine of Leovitius, and other Astrologers, the ☌ of Mars, with these two superior Planets, is also requisite for the just compliment of a great ☌, you shall also see how the end and accomplishment thereof doth answer the beginning. I was not at leisure to observe the Planets myself the year following: but Kepler supplieth my want, who pag. 55. observed Mars to be joined with Saturn the 16 of Sept. 1604. after out stile, about 8. in the Evening at Prague, in the 10 gr. 1 m. of ♐: and again, upon the 29 day of the same month an hour before Noon, he affirmeth Mars to have passed by Jupiter, and ●o fully to absolve this great meeting and ☌ of the three superior Planets in the 19 gr. 12 m. of ♐. The degree of the Eclipsed Sun, at what time the new Star was not seen, as he proveth by the Testimony of many famous Astronomers, as of Fabritius, R●slinus, and others: But behold the 30 of Sept. (which was the very day following) in the Evening, this rare and wonderful phenomena appeared just almost in the place where the great ☌ was accomplished, viz. in the 17 gr. 40 m. of ♐, the degree ascending at London in the beginning of the great ☌, and now 1. ½ gr. before the ending thereof: at what time also, if you please to consider the place of the Sun by Tyeho's account, you shall find him an hour after sunset the 30 of Sept. at London, being 36 m. past 6 of the Clock at Even (when the Star certainly was first seen) to hold 17 gr. 30 m. of ♎, the place almost exactly of his Eclipse the year following, and in a perfect ⚹ to the new Star now first appearing, and the Ascendant in the great Conjunction.  
Certainly when I consider first how exactly all these dependences follow another, I cannot think that God hath observed this straight familiarity between the ☌, the new Star, and the Eclipse in vain, or that they should thu● concur with the Asc: and M: C: of London at the time of the great ☌; but tha● as the signification is general, so questionless, in the participation of the effects, London, and with it England, is like to taste more fully thereof than other places.  
Now a little to consider these Appearances by the precepts of astrology, we see all these Conjunctions celebrated in ♐, which, as it is Signum Bicorporeum, by Ptolemy, signifieth of Kings, and as it is the house of Jupiter, it may both be applied to matter and persons of State and Religion. Wherefore, as we may rightly call the sign of ♐ at this time the Court or Temple of Heaven, where al● the Planets have made their Assembly So is it not unworthy the noting in what order they hold the same, which for certain was all one with that which the Planets themselves hold in Heaven; as Saturn is highest, so was his Northern Latitude greatest, viz. 1 gr. 40. m. Jupiter next 36 m. Sept. also, and Mars lowest of all, having Meridional Latitude 1 gr. 36 m. at his Conjunction with Saturn and Jupiter. But the new Star shined above them all, both in respect of the ecliptic, and the Diameter of the World; which nevertheless is not out of order, if we respect the situation of the Orbs: But herein to be admired, that as the same had no Motion, nor any prodigious tail, or Hair, (as Comets are wont,) but both in place, and form, and fixedness represented a fixed Star; so it may be proportionably collected, That what was decreed in this notable Synod of the Planets, was also ratified by the fixed Stars, and by all the Spheres of Heaven. Neither is it to be neglected, that this new Star excelled all the rest of the Planets in Magnitude and Light: and whereas before perverse old Saturn (the precedent of Antiquity) both in respect of his situation in his own Orb, being in Apogaeo Eccentrici et Epicycli, and also in regard of his Latitude, was elevated above Jupiter in his own house: Now this new Star having Latitude, 1 gr. 53 m. 54 sec. Sept. by our Observation is elevated above Saturn, and therefore when Satur● hardly enduring to be thus overtopped, prepared against him, and toward the ending of Novem. that year thought to have encountered him; behold he was also fain to come under the Lee (as the seamen term it) of the new Star, and so glad to pass away, and leave the new Star still keeping possession, and as it were master of the field, where it still continued, till at last the Sun returning the year following to the place which he held in the conclusion of the great Conjunction, and the beginning of this new Star, as before is showed, he there finished the Catastrophe of all this solemn Art, with a great Eclipse of his Light exactly in the Mid-heaven of the beginning of the great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, and in a ⚹ to the Ascendant thereof, and the place of this new Star. This is the true Historical Narration.  
What the meaning hereof is, I leave to those that are endued with a more divine and Prophetical Instinct than myself: Yet thus much we see, that he who overlooked proud Jupiter, and challenged Antiquity to himself, is here put down by the brightness of this new Light. And further, as the Sun Metaphorically representeth Kings and Magistrates, and Nobility in astrology are resembled to the Planets about the Sun: So the fixed Stars are compared to the People, and Commons, amongst whom some excel others, and therefore whether there be a new Democraty or Aristocraty of the Church and commonwealth founded while the Sun suffereth his light to be obscured by the ☽, or whether the Gospel (often by the Scriptures resembled to the Sun) shall suffer an Eclipse, I take not upon me to decide. But this I verily believe, as far as I can look into it with any probable guess, that since the beginning of this great Conjunction there hath been many Treaties of Peace over all the parts of the World, both between us and the French, the Lowcountry-men and the Spaniard, and also between the Emperor, Turks and Hungarians; all which are concluded, saving the Peace between the Low-countries and Spain: So you shall see (if I be not deceived) that Treaty will break off, and by that means the Wars be renewed, & the King of Spain utterly beaten out of his Indies, and the Gospel propagated unto the Southern parts. For to what other end is this new Star Perpendicular to the Indian Seas, and to the best part of America? To what end also (though Mars seemeth in the Eclipse in respect of his Position, as also in the great Conjunction in respect of his Latitude directed) is he notwithstanding both in the figure of the great Conjunction elevated above all the Planets, while Saturn and Jupiter are in pessimo loco, and in the figure of the Eclipse, as yourself materially noted, in imperante gradu & signo, over the place Eclipsed? Besides, you aptly note the dissembling and treacherous ⚹ of Saturn in 12. loco to the place Eclipsed, together with the hostile and exact Irradiation of Jupiter to the same: I speak not these things as if I pronounced them Ab Apollinis tripod, but as I compare the likelihood of future accidents by the state of things present, as they have any allusion to the apparition of the heavenly bodies: All which I submit to your grave Censure.  
And so craving pardon for my tediousness, and not doubting your good acceptance of my good will, I commend my love unfeignedly, and rest,  
Yours most assured, Christopher Heydon. April 2. 1608.  
FINIS.