APOTELESMA: OR, THE NATIVITY OF THE WORLD, AND The Revolution thereof, with astrological Judgements thereupon.  
By GEORGE WHARTON Esq.  Cardan. Seg. 1. Aph. 20. 
ASTROLOGIA altissima scientiarum est, tum quiae de Coelestibus, tum quia de futuris, quorum scientia non solum Divina est, sed etiam Vtilissima.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho: Vere at the Angel without Newgate, and Nath: Brook at the Angel in Cornhill. 1655.   

Of the world's Nativity, and the Revolution thereof, with Astrological judgements thereupon.  
I'll not trouble myself, or the Reader, with the various Opinions of Men or Nations concerning the' lapsed years of the World's Creation, some being utterly lost in Conc●ipts that repugn Philosophy, others swayed with philosophical conjectures destructive to Divinity; and the rest miserably varying one from another: For, the Heathens afford us no satisfaction [Epicurus and Aristotle will not allow it had any beginning.] The Jews are wretchedly dissenting in their accounts [Philo and Ios●phus irreconcilable.] The Samari●ans differing from the Jews, and indeed all others, the Jews from the Christians, and they amongst themselves, Scaliger and Petavius of the Latins, Clemens Alexandrinus and Nicepborus among the Greeks.  
'Tis true, Longomontanus (a most learned modern Astronomer) with a ●ilere ampli●s ●eque●, takes boldly upon him to discover this grand secret from the motion of the Sun's Apogaeum, supposing the Sun's Eccentriciti● immutable, and the Apogaeum a yearly motion of 1′. 1″. 50‴. 14''''. styling it Illustre testimonium de Mundi exordi●, & duratione hactenus. For, by positing the the Sun's Apogaeum in the beginning of Aries at the Creation, and his Perigaeum in the opposite point Libra; He concludes of 4000 years (within a half) betwixt the Creation and the Passion of our Saviour; and till the 1588th. year of his Incarnation 5554. (allowing 33. whole years for our saviour's age, with addition of the time intercepted betwixt his Nativity and Passion.) And this, this learned Author grounds on the accurate Observations of his learned Master Tycho Brabe, (who indeed concluded the progress of the Sun's Apogaeum, (S. S. S.) till that year 95°. 30′.) And to the end we might compare the same with the Observations of sundry old and late Astronomers, throughout the respective Ages they lived in▪ exhibits to our view the following Table of 
The Place of the Sun's Apogaeum, from the beginning of the World, and the true vernal Equinox.  In the several Ages of Years of the World. Deduct. Observat. Differ. Hipparohus Rhodius 3810 65 16 65 30 14′ C. Ptolomeus Alexand. 4099 70 3    Albategnius Maham 4849 82 53 82 16 37 ●ualterus Nor●nberg. 5454 93 43 94 15 32— Nicolaus Copern. Tur. 5492 94 23 95 8 45— Tycho Braheus Dan. 5554 95 30 95 30 0  
Whereby it appears that the moved Apogaeum of the Sun proportionably deduced (according to the annual motion here allowed it) throughout the respective ages of their Astronomers, differs nowhere more than 45′. from what it was observed by them, Ptolemy excepted, who (as saith Longomontanus) too confidently maintained that Hipparchus' supposition of the Su●s Apogaeum had continued invariable until his time: his observations being without all question violently fitted to such a purpose.  
And (to say the truth) were it that we had the Sun's Apogaeum precisely and uncontrollably so determined by Longomontanus, or otherwise by any other; very well it might be called Illustre testimonium of the world's original. But for somuch as later Authors do all or most of them differ (more or less) from him in the annual motion of the Sun's Apogaeum, and consequently in the place thereof, (for instance Bullialdus, who makes it this year much less than he, viz. 3●. 6°. 26′. 27″. by abating 5. Seconds of what Longomontanus allows for its annual Motion;) I dare not confidently build upon this Foundation: which would (this year 1655.) compute of above 5621. years since the Creation, yet that far short of what arises from Bullialdus, whereby the Age of the World should now be no less than 6091. years: both of them exceeding (but the latter by far) that account which the latest and best of Chronologers sit down with. So that hence (also) we receive very little or no satisfaction.  
But let be the Age of the World what it please: the Season of its Birth I undoubtedly take to be the Spring, the particle of time in which that mighty Giant (the Sun,) began his unwearyed Course (according to appearance from the first scruple of Aries in the Meridian of Mesopotamia, where Paradise is by men very learned both in Divinity & Geography affirmed to have stood, unless we admit of such Allegories as make Paradise to signify a place of Pleasure, and the four Rivers four Cardinal virtues: or hoist it up in the air under the moons Orbit, fancyiny those rivers to fall down● from thence, and running under the Ocean to rise up again in those places where now they are found: the one Opinion being as unwarrantable, as the other is ridiculous.  
For, it is as true as Truth itself, that God instituted the beginning of the Ecclesasticall year at the Vernal-Equinox: whereby he restored to the People the Beginning of the year which the patriarchs had observed before them, and which they by their long Conversation with the Egyptians had discontinued; whence the soundest, both Divines and Historians conclude, that God restored to the Israelites the ancient account of the year and the true beginning thereof, partly to the end it might be a memorial of their departure out of Egypt, partly that the world's Creation might be recorded, and partly that it might be a Prophecy of Christ, who was to suffer at this time. So that the Creation, the Celebration of the Passeover, and the Redemption of the World (by the death of Christ) do all of them fall out at the same time.  
Now that the patriarchs had this beginning of the year, who can doubt it? They had the most natural account of the year, and such is that which fixes its original at the vernal Equinox. For seeing the mode of perfection is twofold▪ one cùm res sit, the other cùm facta est; the consummate perfection doth in no wise appertain to the birth of the thing, but the Inchoate, and (as i may say) vernant. For illustration whereof is may be added, That the Spring is the most beautiful and pleasant time of all the year, and the most proper for generation of things: which Moses not obscurely implieth, where he saith, Terram g●rminâsse herbam virentem. Neither is the Objection of Adam's plucking fruit from off the forbidden tree available, it being very w●l known that in some Eastern countries (yea elsewhere) they have frui● growing twice a year: the Poma aurea of Spain, both at Spring and autumn. No● does the great volume of Heaven but confirm this opinion; whilst the Dodecatemorle of Aries commences the natural year, wherein the first conversion, or change of these sublunary things is caused.  
To conclude this point. The Chaldaeans had their learning and wisdom from the Hebrews: Now forasmuch as they appointed the beginning of the year at the Vernal Equinox, as did also the Persians; 'tis very probable they borrowed this account of the year from the Hebrews: And therefore saith Scaliger Exerc. 257. Mundum verè ortum primò, & autumant sapientes & credere par est. So runs (also) the sentence of pious Antiquity.  

Hâc est illa dies quinta & vigesima Marti,  
Quâ verbo Domini mundi textura peracta est:  
Mortuus hâc Adam: Mortem hâc devicit Iësus:  
Hâc est caesus Abel: fuit hâc mactandus Isaacus:  
Hâc Pasoba indictum: Hâc David Rex dicitur unctus.   
Which is thus much after my rude version.  

This is (of March) the five and twentieth day,  
Whereon God finished th' Heavens, Earth and Sea,  
And all therein: when the first Adam died:  
And when the Second [JESUS crucified.]  
When Abel's blood was by his Brother shed,  
And Isaac's ready to be offered,  
The Passeover proclaimed to begin,  
When holy David was anointed King.   

Of the world's Revolution.  
IF this than be the season of the year, wherein the World had its Birth, as the most learned Divines, Chronologers, and Astronomers have unanimously concluded. It followeth next, that we consider the Revolution thereof this present year 1655. and from thence derive our judgements astrological; Non aliter ac in Nativitatibus quid nato per subsequentes annos eventurum fit, pronunciari solet ex thematibus Revolutionum, quae eriguntur ad locum Solis qui est in Radice. Orig. Part. 3. cap. 3.  
Now to find out this temporary moment of the Sun's Revolution to the first scruple of Aries (where he was in the Radix of the world's Creation) hath been by some accounted impossible; by others a task very difficult and uncertain. And (to say the truth) such has been the wide difference herein amongst Astronomers, until of late days, that the Calculations (how nice and curious soever) made from the several Tables they published, howbeit every man with equal confidence and commendation of the verity and exactness of his own, have wanted that precise concurrence which is requisite to raise thereon so complete an astrological structure, as might withstand the tempestuous storms that frequently arise from the turbulent Sea of Ignorance and Malice. Whereof Cardanus was so sensible, that (because he would not run the hazard of his credit, so great in the World) he rather wholly neglected the (Than so) doubtful Cusps of the Houses in these revolutional Figures, saving thereby the labour of erecting Schemes, then from such incertainties to raise alike incertain judgements: In which respect he prescribes a regard only to the places and Aspects of the Planets. And indeed should we grant the Tables astronomical (what as yet we find not in them; I mean) the exactness aimed at and coveted by all men: yet, till the long-sought for and hitherto unfound certainer way of a●taining the true Longitude be discovered, some discrepancies (more or less) will be always occurring.  
In the mean while, I could wish, that some ingenious Artists would ayply the Directions of Daniel Santbeck, (Probl. Astronom. & Geom. Sec. 1. Prop. 10.) who by the help of a geometrical Quadrant there described, sets down the manner of observing the true time of the Equinoxes, whereby they may discover, not only how far the Calculations made by the Tables differ from (but also which Tables come nearest) Observation; and by this means make choice of the best, whereon to ground their Judgements astrological.  
But forasmuch as all, or the most of our annual Prognostiques, are commonly extant before the vernal Equinox, on and about which day those Observations ought to be made, it cannot be expected that we should here proceed upon those grounds, the Birth of what now we present you with, anticipating its Fortune in the Press not less than Four Lunar Revolutions: Wherefore all we can here do, to do fairly, will be to make choice of the best astronomical Tables, in which Number ● rank the Philolaick, as solving the phenomena nearest exactness, when handled by a skilful Artist, and reduced (not upon the bare credit of every prostituted Catalogue of the Difference of Meridians, but) with regard had to elliptical Observations, determining (so near as may be) the true Longitude: otherwise great Errors may ensue, especially in the time of the Solar Ingresses, Eclipses, and other Lunations, and yet the Tables excusable.  
These things well considered, I cannot see with what show of equity we should be derided, or astrology exploded, in case we arrive not at such preciseness in our annual judgements as is looked for from us, by those which know not the handling of a Science, whose subject is so remote, whose paths be so variously winding and intricate. Or why astrology should be contemned or slighted for want of Perfection more than all other Arts or Sciences, since really there are none without some defect or other; not any one that can truly say, it is free from every scrupulous exception: For, (omitting physic, and the rest, which cannot justly boast of nigh so much perfection) what Geometrician can stand up and truly tell me, he hath found out the exact Quadrature of a Circle, or the Duplication of a Gube? What Algebraist can resolve the so long sought for Equation of three discontinued Numbers in Algebraique proportion? And should therefore those noble Sciences be rejected as vain and foolish, and the Professors be no better accounted of than Impostors; when nevertheless we cannot but confess the most excellent and daily use made of Geometry, both of Sea and Land, very well knowing that the Geometrician can Square a Circle, (though not precisely, yet) so near exactness, as leaves the issue of his endeavours without any sensible Error? In like manner, because the Astronomer determines not precisely the true places of the Planets, (howbeit very near the same, and the Eclipses of the Luminaries, to admiration) the ginger sometimes strays a little in the Species and Times of the events thereon depending, shall we therefore (altogether excusing Astronomic) lay the whole blame and weight of our indignation on astrology, whose Effata suppose the Planets true places, which are Scientiarum apices, the perfection of Sciences, that God (in his wisdom) would not have known ab initio, but reserveth only to some peculiar Men and Ages?  
I confess it is but too true, that (like as in all other Sciences, so) in this, as there are and ever have been some heretics and Miscreants, who rail and exclaim against astrology, (for no other reason, but) because they apprehend it not, so there are a ●ort of loose and ignorant pretenders, (Spurii non veri filii Artis:) who expose to sale their Lying Oracles, do ●xceedingly blemish and disparage the Science, administering thereby great advantage for the malicious to inveigh and rail against it both from the Press and Pulpit, and to bespatter the more able and hon●st Professors thereof with the Titles of Figure-Flingers, Cheats, Impostors, and (I care not what) other abusive Epithets.  
But should we (which my very soul abhors) set light of the deity, because Caligula and Lucian would not grant any? or suspect the Regiment of the World, because Sardanapalus, Epicurus, Lucretius and Nero denied God's providence? or esteem of human things more than sacred, because the Machivelists teach that polity might consist without Religion, accounting it nothing but an empty name, and the Bond or Give of polity? Or should we condemn the whole Catholic Church, because of the many Ravenning Wolves and subtle Foxes crept into (and now so miserably despoiling) her? Or, decrying all the clergy, because some Time-buggering changelings have dishonoured the Function, seduced their Auditori●, and preferred their worldly interests and carnal ends of Pride, vainglory, strife, covetousness, and desire of pr●hemin●nce above their brethren, to the Truth and Peace of the Gospel? Should we (I say) for the incredulity of some, cond●mn● what (for doing so) might damn● us? Or for the impiety and hypocrisy of a few, cast dirt in the face of a whole Covent of Learned and Religious Men? let the enemies of Urania themselves be Judges, if we might not be justly taken for fools or knaves, or knaves and fools in Folio? And let all rational men say, whether they be less, or any other, that have causl●sly and publicly so derid●d and railed at us.  
But è diverticulo in viam, to return into the road again, (for I cannot crave pardon for this digr●ssion, so pr●ssing is the cause thereof!) The Arieticall Ingress reduced to K●ndale is this year (by Ishmael Bullialdus) at 1h. 58′. 41″ Apparent-time, in the afternoon of the 10th. day of March (Old style) unto which I erect the following Scheme of the Worlds 5063d. Revolution, according to the (generally received for) true account, the Vulgar and Dy●ui●ian being one year more.  

The Scheme.  

♋ 26  
♊ 18  
♉ 2 0  
☿ 11 52  
♀ 8. 36  
♃ 4. 50  
♈ ●  
☊ 14. 32  
♌ 19 40  
☉ 0. 0 ♈  
♓ 9  
♄ 5. 0  
♍ 9  
☽ 9 37  
♒ 19 40  
☋ 14. 32  
♎ ●  
♍ 2 0  
♐ 18  
♂ 28. 40  
♃ 26  
Revolutio Mundi 5603a.  


Ad 

Annum CHRISTI 1655. Ingressum ☉ in Ariet●m. Sublimitatem Poli 54°. 50′. Longitud. Candal. 18.00. constructa.      
Favent. Deo Ter-Opt. Max. ☉ ad ♂ ♃.    
Behold! We have here the 19 degr. 40′. of the Lion ascending, the second of the Bull culminating, Cynthia separating from Conjunction with Saturn, and hastening to the Quartile of Mars, He to the Trine of Saturn, and about ten days after to the Square of Jupiter, who is in Conjunction with the Sun, Venus, and Mercury in the beginning of the equinoctial sign Aries:  
The preventional new-moon in the 17°. 44′. of the Fishes:  
The postventionall full-moon in the 1°. 33′. of the Balance:  
Mars Almuten (or Lord) of the Revolution, as exceeding the rest in number of essential Dignities, free from combustion, and rays of the Sun, Oriental, swif● in Motion, and just upon entering the Goat, wherein he is exalted.  
All which (with much of what more was requisite to be) considered, I conclude: That the year will be generally inclined to drought: For, besides that Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury be all of them near the Sun in the Ram (a sign of the fiery Triplicity) unto whom also the Sun succ●ssively d●fluxeth, Mars continueth for the greatest part of the year in the cold and dry Houses of Saturn, who is now got to the Virgin (a sign of the same nature) where the moon likewise resideth: More particularly, that the Winter shall be temperately cold and dry, the Spring moderately warm, but ●xceedingly dry: the Summer cooler than usual, but the autumn intemperately cold. Whence it naturally follows,  
That the Winter shall prove very seasonable: but the Spring not adorning the earth so plentifully as moderate minds could wish for, neither the fruits thereof so good or gorgeous. The Summer (and consequently the remainder of the year) very healthful, but the fruits thereof serotine: Loss and hurt to the fruits of autumn, in vantity, taste, and comeliness, Omne nimium Naturae inimicum est.  
The moisture that will be is signified by the uncertain nature of Mars, according to that of Haly, Est Mars naturâ quidem ●ic●us, sed valde mutabilis, &c. Mars (saith he) is indeed of a dry nature, but withal very changeable: so that sometimes he is of a moist, another while of a dry nature. Humectatur verò & minuitur calor ejus, quando descendit versus terram, & tun● signat infi●mitat●s & dolores ex▪ occasione sanguinis provenic●●is: His heat is moistued and diminished so often as he d●sc●nds towards the earth▪ and then he portends infirmities and griefs proceeding of blood.  
Moreover, In conjunctione vel opposi●ione Luminarium, quae pr●●edit revolutionem anni, si Mars locum Luminarium a●pic●at, erunt f●lgura, tonitrua & lampades: If at the new or full moon preceding the years revolution, Mars beholdeth the place of the Luminaries, lightning and thunder, with lamps or leamos of fire succeed the same. And commonly▪ th●se are accompanied with showers.  
Mercurius in Ariete multitudinem ventorum fortium, sucorumque: Mercury in the Ram foreshows a number of strong and dry winds: and I have often observed, that when Mercury is sub radiis, the weather is very tempestuous and blustering.  
But i● in judgements of this nature I should give the reasons of all my predictions,' ●would surfeit the Reader▪ and swell my Pam●hlet to a Book. However, to satisfy the ingenious on what grounds we proceed; and to convince a sort of people, who reflecting on Marlianus his Rule [Si vis divinare, totum contrarium ad unguem dicito ejus quod Astrologi pollicentur,] suppose we do but guess at the weather, and believe that if They should say rain, when the ginger writes fair and dry weather; or calm, when he foretells wind, they should hit the mark as often as the ginger: I will (once for all) hint a few of the many causes, which either are, or should be considered, by all such as aim at credit or truth in their predictions.  
First (then) you must know, that when the Sun (according to appearance) wheels to a Star of a hot nature (as to Mars or Jupiter) it argues a hot or warm disposition of the air: if to a Star of a cold nature (as Saturn or Mercury) a distempered air through the extremity of cold. And the mutual conjunction of Stars that be of one complexion augments the same quality: As the conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, by the twofold virtue of their heat, make the lower region of the air more fervent.  
Many Planets (especially the superior) in Northern signs, a hot Summer, or a temperate Winter: The contrary when many Planets (the three superior chiefly) are in Southern signs: for so they signify a cold and moist Peristasis of the air, and a colder Winter.  
Saturn in Southern signs, and especially in Capricorn and Aquary, terrible Winters of frost and cold; summer's remiss in heat, a famine, an evil increase of wine, and of all such fruits as delight in the Sun.  
Moreover, when the cold nature of Saturn is duplicated by the presence of Mercury, it makes the quality of the season colder: but if such a Conjunction or Aspect of the Planets falls out at the new or full Moon, or at any other Aspect of the Luminaries, the virtue thereof shall appear much more effectually; nay, if within three days preceding a new-Moon, it addeth vigour to the virtue of such a Planetary Conjunction, or Aspect.  
But when Stars of a contrary nature be united by commixture of mutual Aspect, then shall a temperate affection of the air attend the same. The like you may judge, if there happen at the same time Constellations of different natures, whereof one produces frost and cold, the other heat, or if one of them bode a dry air, the other a moist; for so of necessity a mean is produced: the influences of contrary Constellations mutually impeding and mitigating one another: As the Conjunction of the Sun, and Jupiter or Mars, (when both in Fiery Signs) brings with it greater heat, than if one were in a cold Sign and the other in a hot.  
Furthermore, the full and new Moons that be celebrated in Angles (the Horoscope especially, or Angle of the Earth) are usually accompanied with rain the same day they happen. But here you must note, that the Effects of the Stars do oftentimes show themselves before they come into partile Configuration, that is to say, during the time of their Access or Application one to another; and sometimes in their defluxion or separation, which the Ancient Grecian Astrologers named Epichemasin and Prochemasin.  
There are some, who (not altogether without reason) erect Schemes to the Apparent times of the Conjunctions of the Luminaries: and (having found the Almuten of the Figure, and observed what Planets be Angular) direct the Horoscope of the Conjunction (allowing one day for every 13°. 11′. the mean motion of the Moon in one day:) for, that when the Horoscope comes by such direction to any Planet that was then Angular, or to the Lord of the Lunation, some change of air, to rain or snow, or wind, at least a dark and cloudy air, succeedeth.  
Consider likewise the Position of the Lord of the Lunation, in the Figure, and the Latitude of the Moon; for, from thence come the winds that occasion Tempests.  
Take notice also, when the Moon comes within the beams of the Lord of the Figure, or the Angular Planets, for then principally does she manifest herself according to the nature of the Planet.  
The Conjunctions of the Planets with fixed stars not far distant from the ecliptic, produce a notable alteration of the air: And when the Stars leave one Sign and enter into another, they betoken showers. Yet still a regard must be had to the Qualities of the Signs and Seasons. As if the Mutation be in a Watery Sign, and in the Winter or Spring, then may rain or snow be safely denounced [snow in Winter, if so be a cold Peristasis is impending:] The general Rule is, Grandines in Aprili & Octobri, Nives in Hyeme, in Aestate tonitrua.  
A special regard must be also had to the nature of the Earth and Air peculiar to the Horizon you live in, or write for, because that in all places they are not of a like nature: And no less to the winds that agree to the particular season of the year: forasmuch as they blow not alike in all places, some being topical and peculiar to one place; others Chronical, which come at a certain time of the year: Wherefore Cardan. 7. Aph. 29. Oportet Coelum ●ognoscere Regionis, & quo tempore Anni sit tempestuosum, tum etiam cui signo Regio magis conveniat, si veritat●ni in judicando assequi velimus.  
In the next place, let the Interval of the Sun, Moon, and Planets be observed, which consists of the Aggregate of the Sun and Planets Orb upon the access or deflux thereof, and especially in the corporal conjunction of the Planets: As in the sun's Application to Conjunction with Saturn, because the sun's Orb consists of 12. and Saturn of 9 therefore so soon as the Sun shall be distant from him, not more than 21. degrees (which number is produced by the Addition of 12. and 9 degrees) the cold commenceth, and lasts for the most part, until the Sun have separated himself 21. degrees from conjunction with him.  
In like manner the Planets, which have their houses opposite, when they behold one another by a forcible aspect, as the Opposition or Quartile, or Trine, do introduce a memorable change to rain, or cold, or heat: As, if the Sun be in aspect with Saturn, a cold Peristasis of the air, especially if either of them be in watery Signs: In the summer time frequent showers, but in Winter cold and snow. So also the configuration of Mars and Venus do bring for the most part heat and warm showers, Jupiter and Mercury vehement blasts of wind. And these Configurations of the Sun with Saturn, Venus and Mars, Jupiter and Mercury, are (by the ancient Mathematicians) called, Portarum seu valvarum Apertiones.  
Nor must you neglect the rising and setting of the 15. fixed Stars of the first, and the 15. of the second magnitude, recorded by Ptolemy in his Calendar: For, if upon the days that those stars rise or set with the Sun, there be a new or full moon celebrated, or that some Planet of a conformable nature with those fixed Glories shall rise or set with him, or some other memorable Constellation that day happen, then may you safely predict a notable change of air. And this is confirmed of Cardan 7. Aph. 71. Oportet & exortus & occasus heliacoes clariorum syderum observare, vix enim fiet, nè sub ortu Caniculae siccitatis, morbi non vigeant; & sub Arcturi occasu imbres. And indeed unless the rising and setting of the fixed Stars did operate something, we should hardly have rain at one time more than another: For (as saith the same Author, 7. Aph. 72.) Incertus est Planetarum contursus.  
Observe also, when the moon or any other of the Planets transits the Angles of the world's Revolution, or the Angles of the new and full moons: for then be sure some change of air ensueth, according to the nature of those Planets.  
Moreover if upon a Conjunction or Opposition of the three superior Planets, either amongst themselves, or with the three inferiors, the moon soon after apply unto them by an opposite or quartile Configuration, be assured of rain, or winds, according to the nature of the Planets so conjoined or opposed.  
Consider too, the Eclipses, Comets, and other general Constitutions, for oftentimes they augment or mitigate the special: I presume it is not forgotten yet, what vehement and mighty winds we had in January and February following the first appearance of the Comet in Decemb 1652. And what incredible tempests were the two last years, on the coasts of England, France, Spain, Holland and Germany, in the Atlantic Ocean and Baltique Seas, the Owners of the Navies thereby scattered, and of the many ships, goods and men that were lost, and therein miserably perished, have cause to remember.  
Neither do ye wholly neglect the Rule of Eudoxus, which Pliny tells of (lib. 2. ch. 47.) viz. That in the space of four years, not only the winds, but all other tempests (for the most part) return to what they were before. For, although that Rule of his depends only upon this foundation, [That at the end of four years' next following the leap-year, the political year agrees almost with astronomical, in respect of time, the rising, setting, and mediation of the fixed Stars with the Sun; howbeit the motion of the moon, and the other Planets be far different:] yet because the power of the Sun and fixed Stars is so great in stirring up of tempests, and the moon not far distant from the place opposite unto that wherein she was 4. years before, it is probable, that almost the same tempests may return: I confess I never observed it. But touching the Mansions of the moon, I do not regard them, as remembering what Cardan admonishes 7. Aph. 57 Mansiones Lunae nè inspicias, est Lunae vis à loco suo▪ à loco in signifero, à Lumine, Planetis, & Fixis.  
And these are the Rules I thought fit to communicate, concerning the change of the Weather.   

Of the Diseases this year.  
NOw as touching the Diseases of this year, although it be true, That a dry year is wholesomer than a moist, yet according to Cardan, 3. Aph. 7. Praedominante siccitate, Febres acutae generantur: when siccity prevails, acute fevers are generated: Excitantur etiam morhi tabisici, Opthalmiae, Capitis & Articulorum dolores, difficultates Intestinorum, & Urinae. 3. Aph. 10. Diseases also are excited that lead to Consumptions, Inflammations of the Eyes, griefs of the Head and Joints, Diseases and pains of the entrails, with stoppage of the Urine. More particularly, the Winter shall abound with headaches, Coughs, hoarseness and Rheums, (which according to Galen) be symptoms of a full head. The Spring with diseases and death of aged men: The Summer with Abortive births and dissenteries, or bloody flixes, amongst such as be of a phlegmatic complexion: Nevertheless, a Summer colder than usual is very favourable to them that be melancholic or ch●llerike, though to such this Autumn will be very obnoxious; for it brings with it dry diseases of the Eyes, acute and durable fevers, Compressions of the Breast, and Exuberances of Black choler, yet shall it be beneficial to women, and such as are of a phlegmatic complexion.  
Moreover, I greatly fear that England will this year suffer by the Plague or Pestilence: Howbeit we cannot (I confess) judge thereof by the face of the heavens, only as Cardan himself affirmeth, 2. Aph. 132. and therefore (saith Origanus) Ex Histori●s & experientia petendum erit, quibus periodis Regionem aliquam inficiat: We must gather from Histories and Experience, in what number of years it is usually wont to infect any Nation, country or City; it being certain, that in some places there are set times and periods in which the Plague rageth: For, the same Origanus tells us; how at Francofurt they have found by experience, that about every ten years the seeds of the Pestilence hath showed itself: As in 1506. being the first year of their Academy, when Saturn was in the lion, in 1516 when he was in sagittary, and in 1526. when in the Ram: the like he proves of other years. Peucerus also informs us, that whensoever Saturn was in the Lion, or in Aquary, the country of Wirtenberge hath been infested with Pestilent diseases, and moreover, that the same have been intended of exasperated by the Conjunction or Opposition of Mars unto him. And I remember, it was the observation of our learned countryman Mr. Cam●den, That Saturn never passes through a Sign of the Fiery Triplicity, but be afflicts the City of London with a Plague or Pestilence, or some other Epidemical disease: And I willingly agree therein with him; for (having consulted history for the years, in which any great Mortality or Plague afflicted us) I find▪ That Saturn at or about the beginning thereof in London was ever in Aries, Leo, or Sagittary (Signs of the Fiery Trigon.) I will instance a few for better satisfaction.  
He was in Aries when that universal Pestilence first began in London, in the 22. of Edw. 3.  
He was in Sagittary, when the sweating sickness began in the first year of Henry 7. and in Leo when that other sweating sickness began in the 22. of his Reign.  
He was again in Sagittary upon that third sweating sickness in the 9 of Hen. 8. and in Aries at the beginning of the fourth, in the 20. of Hen. 8.  
He was also in Sagittary in the 36. of Hen. 8. when that great plague began in London, which adjourned the Term to St. Albans.  
He was in Leo, when in the 6. of Eliz. the Pestilence began in London after the return of the Army from Newhaven: And again in Leo in the 36. of her Reign, whilst that great Plague raged in London, which caused the Term to be again holden at St. Albans.  
He was in Sagittary in the first year of King James, when that great Plague began in London, which devoured so many thousands.  
And was he not again in Leo in the first of King Charles, when that other great Plague began in London, which removed the Parliament to Oxford?  
Was he not in Sagittary in the eighth, ninth, and tenth years of King Charles, when the Pestilence again raged in so many parts of England?  
What strange and unheard of Pestilential diseases reigned i●London, Oxford, and other places of the Nation, during Saturn's progress through Aries, in the nineteenth and twentieth years of the same King? And have we had other or less the most part of the three years he was last in Leo?  
Many more I could have instanced (for I have them all by me) but I suppose that these few may satisfy the intelligent Reader, if therein he be but half so impartial, as I have been curiously inquisitive.  
But the chief celestial Causes (or Signs) threatening the Pestilence (or other violent diseases) this year, are the Comet in Decemb. 1652. and the great Eclipse of the Sun in August last, whose point Deficient was within 3. scruples of the Revolutional degree and minute ascending this year 1655. the dire effects whereof began on S. Andrews day (the last of November, 1654.) this being the 120th day from that of the Eclipse (agreeable to 4h. 57′. the Interval or space of time betwixt the Sun-rise on the second of August, and the middle-time of the then visible conjunction of the Luminaries:) and continue in force two whole years, four months, and four days (proportionable to 2. hours, 19′ the time that Eclipse lasted) that is to say, till the annunciation of our blessed Lady commencing the year 1657. according to the Ecclesiastical account.  
Cardanus (Lib. 15. cap. 78. de Rer. var.) enumerates other signs of the Pestilence, which be very considerable, as the Murrain amongst Cattle, who (because their mouths are inclined downward) do quicklier attract or draw unto them the impure vapours of the earth, and are therefore more and sooner offended, especially those of a moist nature, as sheep, Oxen and swine; for, Goats and Horses are not so subject thereunto, and much less Dogs. For, when it continues amongst such creatures, Men are easily infected So likewise an unspeakable multitude of creeping creatures of Frogs or Flies, are a sign of future Pestilence. In the 12. year of Rich. 2. and in the month of July, whilst the King was at Sheen (now called Richmond) there swarmed in his Court such a multitude of Flies and Gnats, skirmishing one with another, that in the end they were swept away with brooms by h●aps, and bushels filled with them; after which (saith the Story) there followed a great Mortality.  
Moreover, the Plague is signified by Fires wandering in the air, especially if it be soon after the Spring: so also by a cloudy and scorched summer without winds: by much rain that is followed with great heat (for this putrifies the Water, by which the Plague is generated:) By a multitude of Locusts dying, (for they endanger not a little the corruption of the air.) And the Countries or Cities infected do frequently transmit it to their Neighbours, specially those that lie Westward off them 1 Solet enim Pestis quasi motu Coeli diurno, ab Oriente in Occidentem procedere: The Plague or Pestilence follows the diurne Motion of the Heavens from East to West. The like is portended by confused sounds in the Night, by Earthquakes and Inundations, which are both the Causes and signs thereof, as I could manifest by History, if I feared not the want of Paper.  
Now (lastly) as touching the Continuance of the Pestilence, Cardan tells us 7. Aph. 121. Pestis quatuor annis durar● nunquam potest: The Plague or Pestilence can never last fully out 4. years; Which aphorism must be understood not of divers places, but of one; Experience teaching us, that it never lasts longer. For example: the contagious viniversall Pestilence (before mentioned) in Edw. 3. time, although it began in the East and South parts Ao. 1348. and continued till 1357. (above 9 years) yet we read not that (in all this time it continued wholly out 4. years in any one Province, county, or city, notwithstanding it spread itself all Christendom over. The Reason whereof I could give you, but that I would avoid tediousness.   

Of war and Peace.  
FOr war or Peace, I cannot say otherwise, than I have already in my Hemeroscope●on for the last year 1654., from the Place, Motion, and Nature of the Comet therein treated of: something I may enlarge, something I may (in effect) reiterate: and the rather because my book for that year hath come to the hands but of a few, being seized on and stifled in the very Birth, by those malicious monopolising Stationers before mentioned, and a simple lying Counterfeit dispersed by them under my Name, in stead thereof, throughout the Nation.  
Si magnae sint Causae, eviam ab his inter Homines magni effectus provenient, & à diuturnis dui ●urni, & à feris atque s●vi● savi atque diri. If there happen great Causes (saith Cardan) great effects shall befall men proceeding from such Causes. And if those Causes continue long, and with all be fierce and terrible, so shall the effects be. Great and formidable Causes never wanted proportionable events to succeed them. Now forasmuch as this Comet appeared in the 8th Period of the greatest of climacterical Conjunctions celebrated since the Creation, can it otherwise be● than the forerunner of a mighty Catastrophe in human affairs? Ney, observe if it introduce not another Administration of Politic and Religion, in most of the places unto which it was vertical, or through whose Ascendent it passed. For, although it was not exactly vertical to any part of England, yet so close it comes to us, as I presume no wiseman will deny, bus we have felt the furious effects thereof in a more than ordinary Measure already. To instance the Dissolution of Parliaments, and the Change of Government here in England, were but needless, 'tis known (and wondered at) all the World over. Other Vicissitudes and Changes are approachin● and can such be, were they ever, without war and Bloodshed? Tristis Cometae facies, quid ui●i magnorum Principum fata? Color plumbeus, quid ui●i mortalibus Bella & Pestem denunciat? The sorrowful face of a Comet, what else denounces it, but the calamities of great Princes: What the leaden, dull and dusky colour thereof but wars and Plagues to Mankind?— But there are who rail and exclaim against us for Prognosticating of Wars or Plagues, or Famine, &c. from the colour of Comets, &c. And let them so: Perhaps they may at God himself (for what is it they dare not do?) who in the 6th. of Rev. describes unto us by the different colours of Horses; victory, bloodshed, Famine, and Death or Pestilence? Peruse the scrutinously learned Dr. Hammond's Paraphrase, and Notes upon this Chapter: 'tis full of Mystery.— Death, mischiefs, and miseries unto Kings and Princes, &c. For why else did this Comet so hastily ascend the chair of Cassiopea, and vanished in that Constellation? 〈◊〉 Cassiopea sedens in solio Regali Personas illustres & potentes, Gubernaculaque Rcipublicae moderantes: Cassiopea sitting in a royal throne, denoteth Persons that be illustrious and powerful, and such as steer the commonwealth: to the first of which Death is portended; to the later Depression or Destruction, Horrid Treasons and Exiles. And this not always in the same or the subsequent year (to that wherein the Comet first appeared) but oftentimes in some proportionable time after, when the Comet cuts the degree Ascending, or some other of the Hylegiacall places in the Genitures of such persons.  
Again: Changes and Calamities of Empires and kingdoms, &c. For, seeing that Comets are not contrary to, but over and above the ordinary Nature of Heaven, unto what else should they be referred then Empires, which are nearest thereunto of all greatest human things, and in which the welfare of all men consisteth? Quod in Coelo novus Cometa discurrens, hoc est in terris novus aliquis Homo, qui seu Magnitudine▪ Imperii, seu Armis, seu dogmate, praecipuam aliquam de se famam concitet, & ut Cometa terrore, sic iste vi illata, seu alia calamitate magnam generis humani partem exagitet. Forasmuch as there is in heaven a new Comet wandering, that signifies upon Earth some new or strange Man, who shall either by the greatness of his Empire, or his arms, his determination or decree, raise up some excellent Fame of himself: and as this Comet by the Terror thereof, so He by his Power brought with him, or some other Calamity, shall disquiet and trouble a great part of mankind▪ Now who this new or strange man is, or whether he be (yet) in the number of mankind, I shall not take upon me either to discuss or determine. Only this, there is at hand a Direction of the Sun to the Trine of Jupiter, which I recommend to the judgement of the learned and honest ginger: (for if otherwise; he cannot, or will not understand it.)  
Locus Solis in ♊  13°. 30′ Locus Jovis in ♓  11. 34 Latitudo ejus M. D.  .1. 0● Ascentio Recta Solis  76. 24 Asc. Recta M. C.  85, 9 Distantia Solis à M. C.  .8. 45 Declinatio Solis Septentr. supra Terram  22. 54 Circulus Positionis  7. 9 Descentio obliqua Significatoris  108. 34 Descentio obliqua Promissoris  133. 49 Arcus Directionis  25. 15 Tempus Directionis (secundum Naibodoe Institutum) Anni 25. Di 2●6. Hor. 12 Quod incidit in Annum 1655/6 Ianuar. 11.   

Tartareae fugiunt volucres, fugit at●● Calig●:  
Et metus atque Horror, Sole Ori●nte fugit.  
A te (—) Radiis sic pulsae, recedat,  
Inque suam fugiat Ge●s inimica Stygem.  
Te nascence, Gomes Phoebo, Stella aureae fulfit,  
E●●luc● insolita splenduit aucta Dies.  
Vim geminam Flammae praestes, Tu (—) sa  
Ure hosts! Populum Lumine restituas!   
When that feral and fatal Comet appeared in 〈◊〉 year 1618. it was the judgement of Keple● (a great Mathematician and ginger) that because there were two other Comets preceded it the same year, and the last was dissected or separated into two parts, Imperium Turci●um dilataci●s futurum, & quasi in duo dividendum, quorum alterum Orbem Meridionalem, alterum Septentrionalem esset amplexurum. That the Turkish Empire should be enlarged, and in a manner divided into two: one of which should comprehend the Southern, the other the Northern parts of the world. And there is an ancient prophecy translated out of the Hebrew into Latin, by one Be●echobus (a learned Bishop) which runs to this purpose, viz.  
Deus tradet nos, &c. God shall deliver us into the hands of Barbarians and Saracens, Persia and Cappadocia to captivity and slaughter, Syria he shall drive into a Wilderness, and the People thereof into Bondage: Cilicia shall perish by the sword, Greece and Africa be destroyed: the Egyptians and People (inhabiting the East parts) of Asia shall pay a grievous Tribute. Spain, France, and Germany shall be devoured by often wars of the Romans, some shall be slain, the rest put to flight. And so the sons of Jsmael with their entrance shall obtain the North, East, South and West. All Nations shall be under their yoke and tribute: They shall possess and become Lords of all the rich Ornaments, Gold and Silver of rich Men, and of the sacred Temples: Then shall there be great Tribulation, and the Passage of the Saracens shall be from one Sea to another, and their country not to be travailed through: Their way shall be called the way of anguish and sorrow.  
Melanchton also writeth, that he was told by a nobleman Ambassador at Constantinople of a prophecy among the Turks, which saith, they should conquer Hungary, Poland, and some part of Germany: and that afterwards their Empire should declin●▪ Neither was Melanchton himself of other opinion, inasmuch as it was his usual saying, Quando T●●ea veniet in Germaniam, veniet per Polonia●: When the Turk invade●Germany, he shall come through Poland: Nor is it otherwise, if we judge thereof from the tail of the Comet in 1652. (as Philip landgrave of Hassia did the coming of the Spaniard) which threatens the mischiefs thereby signified from the North-East; that is, by the way of Poland.  
Learned Men (also) there are, who by no contemptible Arguments of Scripture, prove, That yet there is a notable Calamity to be brought upon the Christians by means of the Turks, before the last day: And (to go no farther than common Reason) what signify those notable appearances of them everywhere, especially after the sight of this Comet Ao. 165● in Silesia, and against the Hungarians, yea (which is more) the Emperor himself? The manifold preparations and excursions made but the last year against all Defenders of the Christian name, and particularly the King of Poland: who was then also invaded by the Muscovites, and thereby made less able to withstand that only common enemy of Christendom.  
Much more might be added to inculcate the danger Christendom is in, by means of the Turk pointed at by this Comet● But a people there is will think I have writ too much, if at all any thing of this Nature: However let such know, they may i● time have more reason to repent their ingratitude to God in neglecting such Ostenta, then I shall for my reverend regard thereof, and the diligent search I have made thereafter.  
It is recorded of Charles the Great, that (beholding and dreading the new-star which presaged and preceded his D●ath) he was very inquisitive what it portended. Eginard●● (who writ his History) returns the words of the Prophet Jeremy (cap. 10. 2.) for answer, Et à signis Coelorum nè co●sternemi●i, quia consterna●tur Gentes ab illis. fear not the signs of Heaven, though the Heathen be afraid of such. Unto which the prudent Emperor replies, Nè quidem metuere ●jusmodi Signa, sed Signorum opisiccm Cau●a●●: he did not indeed fear any signs of that Nature, but the Maker (Cause,) of the signs. A most wise saying, and fit to be written in Letters of Gold. For, as Herodotus tells us, Cùm Deus pu●iturus est Gent●m vel Orbem, prodigiis id solet priùs significare: when God is about to punish a Nation, a country, or city, he is first wont to give warning thereof by Prodigies. And shall we dare to flight or contemn such warnings? Medina (also) in the 2d. book of his Paraenesis cap. 1. declares himself of the same mind, Loquitur Deus (saith He) cum hominibus non modò humanâ linguâ per sacros Vates, ut à peccatis avocentur, et resipiscant, sed nonnunquam ipsis Elemen●is in Formas & Imagines diversas ad corundem terrorem compositis▪ God speaks unto Men, not only with the Tongues of the Holy Prophets, that they might be reclaimed from sin and amend their lives, but at sometimes by the Elements themselves disposed into several shapes and images, thereby to affright and terrify them. And such was the Fiery Spheres seen in the air, before the Sabines invaded the Romans. Such were the images and signs of armed men in the air at the conflict of the Greeks with the Persians Such was the sight of the Ravens in the air before Alexander the Great his passing from Media into Babylon: such were the Prodigies precurring and concurring the death of Caesar. And such were all those published by Garibus in his Book de Phaenomenis ostentis, from the year of Christ 1641. to the year 1650. amongst which the second system observed in the East Febr. 24. 1642. under the Constellation of Orion, concerned this Nation▪ not a little, as hath been found by long and woeful experience.  
Johannes Tackius (a German Doctor of physic, and a learned ginger now living, in his Coeli Anomalon) informs us, that in the earldom of Arctois, this Comet extended forth an arm, and brandished a flaming sword, towards the North and West parts of the Earth.  
He says likewise, there were seen in Germany many other Prodigies, and some he instances, viz. Horrible Winter-Thunders, and the pregnant soil labouring of a dropsy, (i. e.) an indundation. The miraculous sudden rising of a fountain. A mountain cleft asunder in the Country of Thuringia (in the Province of Saxony) and which (one part severing from the other) removed to another place. In another territory: Chasmata, or Disruptiones, that is, great gapings or openings in the Heavens: In some places terrible flames of Fire: in others, Voices were heard in the air. And that to such as dwell near the mountains of Wetteravia, a star was seen, which showed at the first with very bright beams, but soon after assumed the shape of the bowed moon (but greater than she is wont to be) casting out Flames from the middle cavity thereof a sad spectacle, and hurtful to the eyes of those that beheld it. And that although the face of this mock moon was fiery▪ yet it cast so clear a light upon the Earth, that the hedges were perceived to be waxing green. At last (saith he) it took the shape of a ●ithe or sikle destitiute of a handle, and without any flames; in which manner it vanished. And this (he says happened on the 12. Calends of Febr. 1653. Luna fer● silent.  
The same Tackius likewise instanceth Letters he received from Persons of credit, wherein he had notice given of a Rainbow that appeared about the same time, the night being cloudy, and a great murmuring or noise heard in the Clouds, which Rainbow was not of sundry colours, as it usually appears, but exceeding white, and projecting a clear light upon the country of Alsfeld: which that it was not the light of the moon, being so near the time of the New moon, may be safely, concluded without any more ado. Other Prodigies (he saith) there were everywhere observed almost throughout all Germany, but that for brevity's sake he omitted them.  
Now what else should this Sickle signify, but the excision of Men and Nations, who in respect of their sius, are as a field of Corno ready for Harvest? see Rev. 14: v. 14. and so to the end.  
What the renting and removing of mountains, but the Discords of kingdoms, and the Minds of great Personages departing or differing one from another? ●ot, what are mountains, but Great men, set in the Highest places, and lifting their Heads above other mortals?  
What else signify Inundations or the overflowing of Rivers, but the entrance of strange People into the Land● [The waters which thou sawest, where the Whore fitteth, are Peoples, and Multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues. Rev. 17-15▪ See the learned Hammond's Paraphrase upon the Text.  
And▪ the Appearance of a decoloured Rainbow, what is it, but a token of the wrath of God?]  
This Author further tells us, That in autumn 1652▪ they had a monstrous growth of Mast or Acorner in many places of Germany, resembling the Heads and Teguments of the Turks. That the Comet was attended with great and destructive Fires in many places, as at Paris, Constantinople, and elsewhere● so also, that Jserloo (a town in the County of Marchia) and the Prison at Rudels●ad, with many other Houses▪ perished by Fire. I could wish no honest Men had cause to complain of the like here in England.  
But that which I read in him with greatest admiration, is that he reports out of Gaspar Lib. 3. viz. That in the year 1554. not far from the city of Harmstad in Transilvania, this following writing was observed in Heaven, in fair, and legible Characters; 
I. N. R. I. M. D. L. V. I. I. A. R. E. I. N. E. N. D. E.  
D. I. S. E. S. R. E. I. C. H. S.   
And that at Freiburge the same year, on a very fair day, Dn. nostrum Jesum Christum Iridi insidentem conspectum fuisse: Our Lord Jesus Christ was beheld sitting upon a rainbow, as if upon his tribunal, to denounce the universal judgement.  
Now what I pray you should such signs (beheld 100, years ago) signify, but that like as our Fathers before the flood (whom God had indulged or respited 120. years for their conversion, and doubtlessly no less forewarned by Prodigies) we might be exhorted to repentance and amendment of li●e, and with pious lamentation and mourning unto God, divert or extenuate the calamities approaching upon the World?  
But to draw somewhat nearer our own times, it may here be not unworthy our notice, That within the space of 55. years' last past (this present being included) there have been no fewer than 212. Eclipses of the Luminaries, viz. 125. of the Sun, and 87. of the moon: whereof 71. we (the Inhabitants of Europe) the other 141. they of Asia, Africa, India, and about the Antartique Pole (not without great Horror) have observed: Besides, two great Conjunctions, two now stars, and six Comets.  
And what signified those Clashings and strange Apparatio●s in the Heavens, and those gapings of the Clouds Anno 1644. those Parelii or Mock-suns the same and the 3 following years here it England, but the troubles and changes which have since followed?  
What that irruption of Waters at Amsterdam in the beginning of the year 1650?  
What that Inundation at Bilbo in Spain the following year, 1651. but Populorum et Gentium bostilium adventum? The inroads of People and Nations (their Enemies) into those parts? Cardan Lib. 14. de Rer. var. pag. 703.  
What the unseasonable antedated growth of Apples and other Fruits? The breeding of Rooks three months before their accustomed time (which myself can testify upon my own knowledge, three years ago in the Place where I dwell,) but the too soon and untimely access of mean and unworthy persons (such were many of the last dissolved Parl.) to Nests or Places of Honour and Trust: and the abortive issue of their too too prominent designs and Actions?  
What the three years' last past, whilst the Heavens were as brass, and the Earth as Iron (Deut. 28. v. 23.) but Inopiam & diram Necessitatem, A Dearth and dire Necessity to ensue? Card. lib. 11. de Rer. var.  
What the warm-blood that rained at Poole in Dorsetshire June 20. 1653. & those dreadful claps of Winter-Thunder and Lightning, Decemb. 19 1653. and the fiery Leamings soon after the following Spring (observed in the Heavens for several nights together,) but that— which I must be silent in?  
I find recorded in Suetonius a very memorable Accident occasioned by a Flash of Lightning, which struck out the first Letter of Caesar Augustus (his name) inscribed upon his Statue: whereupon the augurs divined, Centum solos dies posthac victurum: That he was to live but just 100 days after, which number the numeral Letter●. betokened: and that it would come to pass, that he should be registered among the Gods, because AESAR (the residue of the Name C AESAR (in the Tusean Language) signified God.— But to proceed,  
What else should be portended by that Prodigy seen in March 1654.▪ in the Northern parts of England, viz. Two Armies encountering one another, but the wars, Bloodshed and Slaughter that hath and is to succeed within these Dominions of England and Scotland?  

Not fearing to get up, not falling down,  
Diverts the thoughts of c●●ming to a crown:  
[Great things, and things incredible are they  
That Catalin attempts, to▪ make His way,  
The greatest evils He can, the blackest Sin,  
What not, to make Him more than Catalin?]  
Nor shall grey hairs (despairing of success)  
Repose in quiet, or adventure less:  
Galba's stiffe-Limbs (when aged seventy three,  
And buckled up in warlike armoury)  
To gain an Empire, stoutly durst withstand  
The treacherous bl●wes of Otho's bloody hand.   
And lastly, (but not the least to be taken Notice of) what the two prodigious swarms of Bees (those monarchical Creatures) that came murmuring through the air, (as if offended at all Governments but their own;) one, the 13. of June the last year 1654. in London (the Metropolis of England▪) where it fixed upon a man as he passed the streets in Covent-Garden: The other (upon the 21. of the same month and in the same city) which clung to the end of a Cart▪ near Somerset House in the Strand, but what these times will never endure to hear of?  
Such Conjectures (for more they must not now be called) as have anciently been passed upon the like Prodigies and their Issue, Virgil informs us of, Aeneid. lib. 7.   

Of the State, or Condition of Man.  
AS touching the Condition of Man, forasmuch as we daily see some Men (of all Qualities) to flourish at one time, and at another time to be pressed with misfortunes and adversities: yet this not always through their own circumspection or evil doings, but by a celestial cause and inclination (not obvious to all) I say, that the persons signified by Mars (Lord of the Revolution) are they that shall this year wear the Feather: namely, the Princes (and others) ruling by Tyranny and Oppression, new-Conquerors and usurpers, generals of Armies, Colonels, Captains and Commanders, all manner of soldiers, physicians, Apothecaries, chirurgeons, alchemists, Gunners, Marshals, sergeants, Balli●●s, Smiths, Armourers, Cutlers, and the like. See my worthy frie●d M. Lilly's Introduction Pag. 67.  
Those signified by Jupiter (Combust of the Sun) shall be (as Haly saith) like to Captives, Quorum vires sunt vinctae & ●gatae, whose strength is in chains and fetters. Such be even all judges and Senators (in the worst sense) Churchmen, Bishops, and Priests (in the best sense:) Also those that call themselves Ministers or Teachers (of nonsense:) Chancellors, Counsellors and Civilians; all manner of Lawyers and young Students, &c. But let some of these be of good cheer— The time is at hand: and it is but waiting the leisure of Heaven for every one to have His Right either in Person or by Proxy.  
In Anni Revolutionibus, si Luna debilis & peregrina applicuerit infortuniis Saturno vel Marti potentibus, denotabitur Popul● infaelicitas, depressio, impedimentum, in negotits; defectus victus & lucri, multaeque infirmitates Populum affligent. If in the years' Revolution, the moon being weak and peregrine apply to either of the infortunate Planets, Saturn or Mars, in a powerful Positure: then shall infelicity, Depression, Impediment in their affairs, want of Provision and gain, be denoted to the People, and many infirmities will afflict them. And this the rather, because of the Proximity of the dragon's tail to the cusp Ascending, which hath likewise signification upon the Common-People, or general state of the Nation.  
For, the Head and tail of the Dragon, although they be not stars, but only Intersections of the Eccliptique, yet have they the virtue of stars, and sometimes greater than they. The reason is; because that in these Intersections, the Eclipses of the Luminaries always happen, by means whereof they do marvailously contribute in the Changes of things, when joined with the Planets especially, and accordingly alter the Quality of the year, as hath been observed by long Experience. Therefore not now to be questioned.  
Thus far have we briefly touched what I judged necessary or safe to be taken notice of in this Revolution, and the Causes or signs preceding and concerning it: (I know much more may be read in the Figure; but this I'm resolved shall suffice: for,) now it is high time we reflect upon   

The Eclipses 1655.  
Ptolemy and the Ancients very seldom (or never) gave judgement upon Eclipses, Great Conjunctious, or the like, before they happened: and that first they had observed by Instrument the precise times thereof. Nor indeed could they very well the contrary, wanting the many curious Observations later Ages have made, and the benefit of those excellent Tables astronomical, built upon that Foundation.  
And (to deal candidly) I could wish it were drawn into custom, to do yet no otherwise ourselves: For, although i● be true, there can no considerable error be committed in the Degrees deficient, or the places of great Conjunctions, and the like▪ yet as to the true Times of all or any of these, the hazard is obvious, whilst depending upon Tables requiring Reduction, we know not how happily we can perform it beforehand: So that erring in the moment of Eclipses or other Configurations, we cannot but the like in the Times their Effects begin, and continue. Howbeit, the Effects of the Eclipses this year but a little concerning us, nor the Guerdon (otherwise) encouraging, it shall suffice that we rest contented for the present, with what the Tables afford us.  
The Inhabitants of this Earthly star shall twice, this year, be deprived of a part of the Sun's Light, by the moon's Interposition. Once, the 27. of January 33. min. after high-noon: but not to the quantity of one Digit in any part of England. To other Regions which incline more to the South-West [in France, Italy, Spain, the Fortunate Island, &c.] it will appear much greater: and in the South Latitude of 3°. 23′. viz. in the countries that adjoin upon the South Coasts of Africa, the Sun shall be almost totally darkened, in the 1●°. 54′. of Aquary.  
It threatens (Astrologically) public Thefts; or what we (modestly) call Plundering &c. Robberies, Rapes, Earthquakes' in the countries naturally subject thereunto) and Famine, with Monopolies, and other ungodly devices of pilling, and polling the overriden People.  
The second time, on the 23. of July, 24′. past one in the Morning, but not visible in any part of Great Britain, or Ireland, &c. because the Luminaries are then both under the Earth, and the Latitude of the moon Southern.  
This happens in the 9°. 27′. of the Lion: which foreshows the death of a famous Prince, or (if not) his many Misfortunes: with great Scarcity of corn and grain.  
Andrea's Argolus (a great Mathematician, and an eminent ginger) in his Ephemeris for this year, gives us two mo●●Eclipses of the moon: viz. One the 8th. of July, the other the 7h. of August. But this Noble Author shrewdly mistook in his Calculation: for there cannot be (this year) any other Eclipse, either Lunar or Solar, than what I have here mentioned; as time will manifest.  
Thus far I have proceeded in the general Accidents incident to mankind, &c. from the Comet, Eclipses, Revolution of the World, and other extraordinary signs and Causes formerly mentioned. Now, to know the particular persons concerned therein, and on whom their▪ Effects shall fall, the Happiliest or Heaviest, it were requisite that I first knew and perused their respective Genitures; for, by that means I might discover abundantly, the Rise and Fall of some who act their parts so eminently upon the Stage of this World; what men or women shall have Fortune, or Misfortune, peace or discord, gain or less, comfort or discomfort in their erterprises, and actions, health, or sickness in their Bodies, and when: In a word, any thing that concerns human affairs; (for with those that he divine or supernatural, Astrologers meddle not.) But as I trouble myself with few Nativities, nor (of those few) consider any, unless of good and signal concernment, or such as I shall be peculiarly (and upon good terms) enjoined to look into: so shall I forbear all further inquiries this year; except after what myself or intimate friends may occasionally thirst for private satisfaction in. And 'tis hoped by Me, that what I have here written will not be found offensive to anybody, but those monopolising Stationers, whom nothing will satisfy but my ruin, which I hereby assure them of, rather than the least parcel of my propriety: and if yet my ears must needs be horns, 'tis fit those Fellowe● should wear them.  
Confederates in Mischief quickly fall:  
Their ruin's sure; ofttimes reciprocal.  
Deo proteCtorI natI●nIs oMnIs honour & gLorIa.  
FINIS.    

Books worth buying, as being Learned, Honest, or useful.  
EPhemeris Parliamentaria, or a faithful Register of the transactions of those eminent Parliaments in the beginning of K. Charles his reign, containing the several Speeches, Cases, Arguments of Law, together with the great mysteries of the kingdom then in agitation between His Majesty and both Houses.  
The Letters of that most excellent orator Monsieur de Balzac, the 1. 2. 3. and 4. parts, translated ou: of French into English by Sir Richard Baker, and others, newly collected into one volume, with a methodical Table of all the Letters, both printed for John Williams, and Francis Eglesfield, to be sold at the Crown and Marigold in S. Paul's churchyard London.  
Calam●s Mensurans: The Measuring Reed: Or, The Standard of Time. By John Swan, an honest Divine, a learned Mathematician. To be sold by the same John Williams, at the Crown in S. Paul's churchyard.  
The Complete ambassador, or two Treaties, of the intended Marriage of Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, comprised in Letters of Negotiation, of Sir Francis Walsingham her Resident in France; together with the answers of the Lord Burleigh, the Earl of Leicester, Sir Thomas Smith, and others; wherein as in a clear mirror, may be seen the faces of the Courts of England and France, as they then stood, with many remarkable passages of State, not at all mentioned in any History; Faithfully collected by the truly honourable, Sir Dudley Diggs Knight, late Master of the Rolls: in folio.  
As also, The Lady's Cabinet enlarged and opened, containing many rare secrets, and rich Ornaments; under 3. heads, of Preserving, Conserving, &c. Physic and Chirurgeri●; Cookery and Housewifery; with choice exttactions of Waters, oils, &c. collected, and practised, by the late learned chemist, the Lord Ruthuen, with Tables to each part: The third Edition, with Additions; both these printed for, and sold by G. Bedell and T. Collins, at their shop at Middle Temple Gate in Fleetstreet.  
VULGAR arithmetic, (the most exquisite peace extant) made applicable to Trade, by my Noble Friend, Noah Bridges Esquire; who teacheth the Greek, Latin, and French Tongues; also fair Writing, arithmetic, Merchants accounts, geometry, trigonometry, Algebra, &c. at Putney in the County of Surrey. Sold by Andrew Crook in S. Paul's churchyard, and Humphrey Tuckey, over against ●. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet.  
The Queen's Closet opened: Incomparable Receipts of physic, Preserving, Candying, and Cookery, transcribed from Her majesty's own Receipt-Book, by W. M. one of her late Servants.  
The Exact Surveyor of Land, showing how to plot all manner of Grounds, and to prove the truth thereof: and to reduce Irish Land-measure into English, useful for all that either purchase or sell. By J. E.  
Both to be sold by Nath. Brooke at the angel in Cornhill▪