ADVERTISEMENT, Of a late Book by the same Author, viz. Vates Astrologicus, or England's Astrological-Prophet, etc. Sold by Thomas Malthus, at the Sun in the Poultry. A Diurnal Speculum, FOR THE Year of our LORD GOD, 1684. BEING The Bissextile, or LEAP-YEAR, With Annual and Mon●●●● Predictions & Progn●stications ASTROLOGICALLY Handled. (Written and Designed for the Press in Aug, 1683. but its Publication prevented by the Printers T●merity.) Wherein was foretell, in D●cemb. 1683. the late and unheard of Frost; with the Events that may probably and suddenly ensue thereon. By Richard Kirby, Student in Astrology and Physic. Coeli ennarant Dei fortis, & opus Manuum ejus judicat expansum coram, Psal. 19.1 The Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament showeth his Handiwork, etc. LONDON, Printed by John Bringhurst, at the sign of the Book and Three Blackbirds, in Leaden-Hall Mutton-Market, (who formerly Lived at the Book in Grace-Church-Street) 1684. The Preface to the Reader. AS the Fall of Man made himself, and all other Creatures subject to Vanity; so, by Reason thereof, the most Noble and Excellent Arts, wherewith the Rational Soul was endued, are by the rusty Canker of Time, brought unto Corruption; for Astrology itself, which the Ancients did so highly esteem of, is scandalised with bearing the Badge of Conjuration, Witchcraft, and all Diabolical Sorceries: Many Men there are, that hate the very Name of Astrology; and why is that? because they understand it not. Therefore, I may very well say; Pauci intelligunt, multi reprehendunt, & sicut Canes ignotos semper allatrant; Few understand, many reprehend, and as Dogs bark at those they know not. I know all, or most of the Objections that are made against the Art; and could with great Ease answer them, and their reproachful Tongues and Calumnies; who call it Conjuration, Witchcraft; and therefore unlawful: I could produce sufficient Arguments, to prove, that Devils know not Future Events any more than Men do; (i. e.) that is, by the same Signs. And as to the common Objection, (viz.) That it hinders Prayer, and other Dutie●, a●d is an Encouragement to Atheism: 'Tis no more b●t what is objected against the great Doctrine of Election and Reprobation; and ha●h ●he same Answer, tho' I must not now stand thereon: For m● own part, I know no b●●ter Argument against the One, nor for the Other, than This or That. But, in fine, learn first to be a good and sound Christian, and afterwards a good ginger; and thou wilt see so much of God's Power, Wisdom, and Goodness, as will make thee love and serve him the more▪ and with that holy King David, to say, When I behold, and consider the Heavens, the Work of thy Fingers, the Moon, and the Stars, which thou hast ordained: What is Man, that thou art mindful of him, etc. For the Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament showeth his Handiwork: Day unto Day u●tereth Speech, and Night unto Night showeth Knowledge; Psal. 8 19 And why any Man should be more offended with me, for making Observation, and giving my Judgement upon the Stars Inclinations; than with a Physician, who by the Pulse or Urine, tells the Disease of a Sick Patient; I know not; nor will any, I hope: seeing that if my Conjectures hit, I am not the Cause▪ and if 〈◊〉, they no ways the worse: For it is not to be expected, but I should sometimes miss; for, Mult most de Rebus Coelestibus asiquid co●no●cere; It is much to know a little of Heavenly things, the best of us know but in par●, and are of mistaken too; for as we are Men, may err▪ Yet I may say thus far; Let Man live merely as a Natural Man, without Spark of Grace, the Influence of the Stars predominates▪ but where Grace rules, the Stars obey. This I mean in men's Qualities, etc. But to conclude: I shall say a word or two to the ignorant Inhabitants of Ful-●●m: which have been either Tailors, Footboys, Grooms, Brick-place-Boys, or the like; I mean all those which condemn that harmless, us full, pious, a●d judicious Art of Astrology; whom the Ancients and Learned so highly esteemed of, in all Ages; and now is scandalised and condemned by such idle, illiterate Fellows as those, who scarcely know the h●ssing of a Snake, from a Goose; but, like Parrots, talk without Book, etc. Hence you fiery Zealots: you I dare to tell, That astrology is from Heaven, and not from H●ll. It●s no Black Art, nor damned Necromancy: ●or no Witchcraft, as you Fools please to fancy. Your shallow Brains thinks all that's hard or high, Is unlawful, or else Impossibility. But hence carping Critleks▪ its past your Skill▪ Hence envious Momes, converting Good to iii. Hence dull Conceits, which have not true discerning: Hence all at once, which lack or Love, not Learning. You thick-scull●d Fops, which presume herein to peep: And think there is Nonsense, because it is so deep. I pray sit down, and plod on what you have read: And learn with your Nails to scratch a wiser Head. For my Good Name may live, when yours is dead: Although by your malicious Tongues it's murdered. Then go you Momes: I am sure it is no sin To say, You look like Asses in a Lion's Skin. Perhaps some of these Fops will be apt to say, I am no Scholar; and therefore will reason within themselves, and say, We know his Education and bringing up; and therefore, how should he understand these Things, & c? All such I answer with these following Words of the Learned Carden; Ate & a Scientia, etc. It's from thyself, and Science or Learning, and from no Man's Teaching, etc. as we read in Holy Writ; On whom I will have Mercy, I will have Mercy, saith the Lord. Therefore, since it is the Lord's Mercy and Goodness towards me, I am bound to render Praise unto Him, for his great Goodness, and loving Kindness towards me at all times. And thus much from him, who is A True and Loyal Subject to the King, and a Lover of his Country, Richard Kirby. Fulham, August the ●0th. 1683. Astrological Judgements on the Year, 1684. beginning March the 9th. one Hour fifty seven minutes past Noon; at which time the Sun touches the first Scruple, or Point of that Equinoctial sign Aries, the Ascendant of Great Britain, etc. March the 9th. 1684. one Hour 57 Min. past Noon. Lat. 51 deg. 32 min. Londini. Prudentis est multa Dissimulare: It is a Wise Man's part, not to take notice of many things. THE Angles of this Figure are all fixed, and Saturn is in the Ascendant, and there Retrograde with that notable fixed Star, viz. Cor Leonis. Attends in Revolutionibus annorum Mundi, si fuerit, Saturn●s in signo fixo, quo niam habet tunc significare Mortali●atem, & terrae Nascentium penurium atque Diminutionem: sed in Leone fortius atque durius, & durabilius quam in aliis. Mark: If in Revolutions of the Years of the World, Saturn be found in a fixed Sign; for that then he signifies Mortality, Penury, and Dimunition of things growing in and upon the Earch: But if in Leo, more strongly and hardly, and of longer continuance, than in other Signs. Si fuerit ejus Latitudo Septentrionalis significat, corruptionem Aeris, & ejus grossitudinem ac tenebrasitatem in temporibus debitis acconsuetis plus solito. If his Latitude shall be North, he bodes Corruption of the Air, thickness and darkness thereof, at due and accustomed Times, more than usual. Si fuerit Occidentalis, Pestilentias' quae venient in terrae Mortalitaten. If Occidental, Pestilential Diseases and Mortality to ensue in the Land. Si Retrogradus gravitates venturas ex accidentibus quae venient hominibus, & quod prolongabuntur, & erunt durabiles. If Retrograde, great heaviness proceeding from Accidents that shall befall Men, and that the same be prolonged, and durable, etc. And because Saturn applies to a Trine of Mars, by his Retrograde Motion, who is posited in the 9th. near the Body of Venus, who rules the Mid-heaven: Therefore, I judge his Holiness feels himself begin to decline; yea, both he and his whole Dominions: For Saturn's long Transit through the Sign Leb, besides his Triple Conjunction with Jupiter in the same, makes Him, and most of the Italian Princes, begin to look about them; and they find it the best of their Play, to make Friends with their Neighbour Nations; as England, France, Germany, Polonia, Denmark, Palestine, Naples, Syria, Burgundy, and many more Places, which are under the Sign Aries, as may be seen by Saturn's Application to the Trine of Mars, in the foregoing Scheme. But all this will not do; for Saturn's Continuance almost Three Years in that Kingly Sign Leo, will show is dire Effects to those Places under that Constellation, and its opposite Sign Aquarius. Therefore, Turkey, Italy, and Rome, I forewarn you to prepare yourselves to entertain Showers of Judgement: for as you have taken delight in spilling of Blood, so ere long you may live to drink it, etc. Mars is Lord of the Year, by reason he surmounts all the rest of the Planets in Dignity, as having most Testimonies of strength. Wherein we have great cause to fear much Thunder and lightning, burning of Houses, and the like. For Carden saith, If Mars be Lord of the Year, and posited in a Fiery Sign, great Heat follows, burning of Houses, with great Lightnings and Wars: And if Mars be Occidental, and have Meridinal Latitude, (saith a Learned Author) many Fears and Troubles shall fall upon Men; as also, Discords and Comentions, with Thunder and Lightnings: And yet because Mars is Powerful and Strong, and free from Affliction, he portends much Felicity and Prosperity to all Martial Persons in general. Soldiers will now be very successful, and perform many notable Exploits, and overcome their Enemies, and gain good Esteem and Honour thereby, and that in those Country's subject to the Sign Aries; perhaps in Germany, France, Burgundy, and some other Countries not far remote, etc. But by reason Mars is posited in the 9th. he shows danger in travelling both by Sea and Land, as sudden Ship wracks, occasioned by several Storms and Tempests: He also denotes Plundering of Ships by Piracy; and that the Men should be taken Captives; and those which adventure to the East-Indies; being Mars is in Aries, an Easterly Sign: Mars was in Aries at the Sun's Ingress into Aries, 1682. What a prodigious Fire did there break out in Wappen suddenly after? But, I hope, no such thing this Year; for Venus, and the Sun beautifies the 9th. House, as much as Mars deforms it; and, I hope, ties the Sword of Mars from doing much Damage, although he be powerful, and strong. But Venus, and the Sun, in the 9th. shows, that Men of Religious Orders should flight and remove from one House and Place to another: And, I think, this Judgement may very well be confirmed by the Position of that violent Mars who is naturally an Enemy to all Religion, and Religious Persons. In fine, I shall conclude, that many Controversies will arise in, by, from, and through the Pretence of Religion, and Religious Matters: And this the more certain, because Jupiter, who is the Natural Significator thereof, is posited in Virgo, the Place of his Detriment, and there Retrograde: And because Mercury hastens to an Opposition of Jupiter, we may expect to find many underhand and pernicious Transactions agitated by the several Agents, Messengers or Ambassadors of Europe, etc. Mercury in Domus Mortis, shows, that many Persons should suffer Loss in their Writings, or for want of Evidences, unhappily lost, or casually destroyed; and consequently, many Controversies and Lawsuits fomented, and stirred up; by which means many Fatherless Children and Widows may be wronged of their proper Rights; and that not only by Law, but by Bankrupts also, etc. Mercury is also the General Significator of Youth, or Persons of tender Years: Therefore it is an Argument of Mortality amongst the young and tender Branches, viz. Young Men, Maids, and Children, etc. Now we come to consider the Positions of the Moon, who is the general Significator of the Common People: Her She is posited in the Mid-heaven, in her Exacation; and no ways impedi●ed, but in Sextil of Mercury, and applying to a Trine of Jupiter. Therefore, I judge, much of this Evil impending, will be abated: For the Ancients tell us, That if the Moon be in the 10th. in her Exaltation, and no ways afflicted in that Year, the People shall be in a good and Prosperous Condition; should ●e beloved and honoured by their King and Saperiors; and that they shall be very Fort●●●●e and Happy, during the evolution. But I must tell you, by the way, That Canda 〈◊〉 the Sixth, and Saturn, Lord thereof, in the Ascendant, doth fore show strange and ●●wholsom Air; which may cause many prodigious Diseases both to Man and Beast▪ as violent Afflictions at the Heart, weakness in the Knees, pains in the Back, Melancholy, Fears, and Grief, a Decay or Consume ●on in the Reins, and inward Parts; Corruption of the Blood, Black Jaundice, Palsy, Vain Fears, Gouts of all sorts, and many strange unheard of Diseases and Distempers: I wi●h no Plague, etc. Neither shall we be free from many open Enemies striving to oppose and disturb the Government, because Saturn is Lord of the Seventh: But let them know, that their Fate is so hard, that they will not be so happy as to accomplish their Designs, etc. Agentes & Consentientes pari poenâ puniuntur: The Doers & Consenters are punished alike. In the next place, I shall give you an account of the Luminaries Eclipsed this Year; four times will the Heavenly Lamps be deprived of their glorious Light, viz. twice the Sun, and as often the Moon: The first will be an Eclipse of the Sun, which falls on the sixth Day of January, about six at Night Invisible: It falls in the last Face of Capricorn: It denotes Famine, and the tumultuary Motions of Princes. The Second Eclipse is of the Moon; and it falls on the 17th. Day of June, at three of the Clock in the Morning, in the first Face of Capricorn, and Visible. This denotes Suggestions among Men, and untimely Death or Mischief to some Illustrious and Noble Man. The Third will be an Eclipse of the Sun, on July the Second, about Three of the Clock Afternoon, Visible to us in England, and almost Total; for above two Thirds of the Sun's Body will be darkened from our Sight. It falls in the last Face of Cancer, and is made in the 9th. Angle: This denotes Seditions, Hydropical Diseases, and causeth Pestilent and Grievous Mortality's; also, Winds and Alterations of Wether, which much troubles the Air; it al●o drieth up Rivers and Fountains: Likewise, it denotes the Death of some Great Person or Ruler, with thundering Noises and Uproars in and about Religion, etc. But for the general Judgement, see my Treatise of the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. The Fourth and last Defect, is of the Moon, and falls on the 11th. Day of December, at Eleven at Night, Visible, and very great: It happens in the first Face of Cancer. This causeth Wars and Inundations, or Overflowing of the Sea-Banks; and that in Holland, Scotland, Burgundy, Saxony, Granado, Zealand, P●usia, Hasia, Macedonia, and many more Places, which are under the Signs Cancer and Capricorn, which are too tedious for me here to relate; but you may find them written in Mr. G●ley's Clavis Astrologia, Pag. 91, 92. The great Defect of the Sun, happens July the second, 2 Hours, 40 Minutes afternoon, at which time the last degree of Leo culminates, and 13 Degrees of Scorpion ascends; the Eclipse itself is made in the 9th House, Mars and Mercury are sole Rulers thereof. Mars is stronger than Mercury by odds. Mars being Lord of the Eclipse, corrupts the Air by Heat, breeds Pestilential Diseases, spoils the Fruits of the Earth, and disturbs the Sea by violent Winds and Shipwrecks: and Albumazar saith, That if Mercury be joined with Mars in signification, it signifies Pestilences, and other Epidemical Diseases by corruption of Blood. Mercury is here very unluckily tied to the body of Mars, both of them being in our Summer Solstice a watery Sign, and the 9th. House of Heaven; which signifies terrible, hasty, furious Do, violent, tempestuous, destructive, vehement Winds; the Sea will be so dangerous, Men can scarce pass it by reason of Shipwreck and Piracy: And this is the more confirmed, because Mars is in square to his place in the Revolution, where he was in the 9th. House, as here he is now. If such things are likely to happen upon the Sea, judge you what the Land is like to suffer, when a couple of such thieving Planets are Lords of an Eclipse. Besides all this, the Earth suffers by Thunder & Lightning, vehement and violent Storms; also Inundations, or Overflowing of the Sea-Banks; It inclines Men to the taking of such things, as is none of their own, etc. to pillaging, plundering, & seizing on Malignants Goods. It also inclines Men to Rapine, Theft, Lying, Depopulation: It likewise procures a Rottenness, or Corruption in the Fruits, when they are gathered; occasioning Surfeits and Sicknesses to such as eat them; as Hydropical Diseases, which may cause petulant and grievous Mortality's: It likewise foreshews the Diseases of France, Naples, Spain, England, and indeed all the World Let them as are inclined to Venery, have a care. Again, it fore shows Sea-fights, long and dangerous Navigations, with much Loss to the generous and industrious Merchants; and thundering Noises and Uproars about Religion, as well at home as abroad, and that by all sorts of People, from the highest to the lowest Degree; for so many Planets in the 9th. House, in Conjunction in Cancer, and all in Sextil to Jupiter, who is Exalted therein, can intimate no less than great and fierce Disputes about Religion, and Religious Matters; Nay, the whole Body of Truth seems to be rend and torn asunder, and the several Limbs of it in small Iota's, and diminutive Parcels, are scattered up and down (as it were) upon the Face of the whole Earth; each Party, and Sect of Professors, grasping at some small Portion and Seed of Truth; and covering it under various Mixtures of their own, which many times do steal away the Heart from the Contemplation of Truth itself: most People eyeing only the Building which doth appear, and neglecting the Foundation which lies under Ground. But when the Almighty, by the Chemistry of his Spirit, shall gather up the Fragments of Truth from every the several Professions, (where it now lies scattered and divided, as aforesaid) into one entire Body and Lump, How Beautiful will it then appear, whilst every Party shall see its Hay and Stubble burnt up before their Eyes; and their Gold (whether little or much) purified, and added to the whole Mass; and themselves by this means no longer placing their Unity in outward Rites and Observations, but being united and reconciled in the Common Unity of the same Spirit, & c? Therefore I hope now, the True Protestant Divine will begin to weed out those Apostate Counterfeits amongst us, and disperse them to several Parts of the World: though it is impossible to lad the Sea dry; for some will remain still, and swear outward Conformity, etc. Places subject to the Effects of this Eclipse, are Scotland, Granado, Burgundy, Holland, Zealand, Prusia, Numidia, Africa, Bethinia, Calchis, Carthage, Canstantinople, Tunis, Venice, Genoa, Lucaspisa, Milan, Vincentia, Berne, England, France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Alsatia, Livonia, York, St. Andrew's in Scotland, Lubeck, Magdeburg, Whittenburg, Gerlick, Macedonia, Illyria, Thracia, Bosinia, Albania, Oxford. Gaunt, India, etc. So much from the great Eye of Heaven. Prognostications on JANUARY. Inconsulti facile ruunt.: Unadvised Men quickly fall to ruin. THE Year is ushered in with a Trine of Jupiter, and the Sun; but soon after we have an Opposition between those Malefacts, viz. Saturn and Mars: also an Eclipse of the Sun in Capricorn. Therefore I conceive, and that upon good grounds, this Month will produce many grand Consultations, hot Disputes betwixt the Soldiers and some Persons very Eminent, and Famous (or rather Infamous) Men, (I mean) that have long been loaded with Authority, but are now about to be eased of their Burdens: For some must expect to pay for their former Roguery; for the Heavens are to Justice bend: For we have no less than four Oppositions this Month; and opposite Aspects will have opposite Effects. If God divert not the Course of Nature, by his Merciful Providence, in or near this Month, most strange and wonderful Catastrophes will appear: Where Armies are near, great Slaughters of Men will be; where prepared Naval Forces are, there will be great Destruction of Men and Ships; where Towns or Cities are beleaguered, there will appear and actually be great Effusion of Blood in several Parts beyond the Seas, in those Country's subject to the Signs Virgo and Pisces; also much Heart-grudging betwixt the Martialist, and the Gown-Man; and in all probability; some Men found guilty of what is laid to their Charge: Also, Intelligence to the generous and industrious Merchants of this Kingdom, etc. Dubius rerus event us. The Wether. Very hard Frosts at the Beginning hereof; 〈◊〉 soon altars, and turns to Snow or Rain, with high Winds till about the Nineth Day; then expect in more Calm: yet very sharp and pinching Frosts about the erst Quarter, till about the Twenty-third Day; then expect it to be very blustering for sometime, viz. for six or seven Days; after which, it proves more calm to the Months End; but sufficiently Cold and Frosty. Prognostications on FEBRUARY. Si Deus nobiscum quis contra nos: If God be for us, who can be against us? I Might have very properly discoursed of the Oppositions of Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Mercury, in January's Prognostications; but for some Reasons occurring to me in the Manuscript, I thought it might not be altogether impertinent, to insert them where they are: and they manifest ●●to us Superlative Actions upon the Stage, and old Matters seem to be called in question: Infor●●tions, Impeachments, Accusations; and 〈…〉, those that shall be found Guilty of Treason, must expect considerable Punishment, viz. Imprisonment, or Loss of Estate; nay, perhaps, Loss of Life also. But most of these Actions should appear beyond Sea, or in some Countries not far 〈◊〉 from England. Sudden Hopes, and we fear as 〈◊〉 Alterations; for this Month is attended with variety of Configurations of the Planets, whose Influences and Operations may very well merit our Observations. The Opposition of Venus, and Jupiter, and Saturn, and the Sun, at the beginning hereof, doth presage strange Overtures in the Actions of Men, in several Countries abroad, as well as amongst ourselves at home. Great Animosities in the Courts of Princes. Many discontented Spirits appear, disturbing the Magistracy of Kingdoms and Nations. Many loses their Offices or Employments; and some Woman found guilty of Inconstancy: And the Opposition of the Sun and Jupiter menaces some grave Magistrates, or Clergymen amongst us, (whether Bishops, or by any other Titles distinquished) with some very unhappy Casualty or Disaster; it may be, Death itself. In fine, the Month produces nothing, or very little of Good, but Contention amongst Grandees; with whole swarms of high ranting Pamphlets and Libels thrown about, dispersing the Seed of Treason. In This, and the next Month, Mars is in the Sign Aries; which causeth violent Pains in the Heads of People, insomuch that they are like to go stank mad; but for what, they know not. The Wether. Fine moderate Wether at the beginning of this Month, and may continue till about the 7th. or 8th. Day: then expect high blustering Winds with Rain, and much of it for four or five days; and then appears more calm, till about the 20th. day: After which we may expect very notable Wether, viz. both Wind and Rain, if not Snow; and so continues more or less to the Month's end: For opposite Aspect presage no less, than unseasonable Wether; because of the several Apertio Partarums in this Month. I hope, no Flood, etc. Prognostications on MARCH. Exurgat Deus, & dessipentur Inimici: Let God arise, and his Enemies shall be scattered. THE Configurations of the Planets, are for the most part Benevolent this Month; and the Malevolent Oppositions of the Planets in the Last, may influence notable Effects in This, and Those which follow: For in many places Men are in fear of Danger approaching; but notwithstanding, we have great hopes, there is but little grounds for su●h Jealousies or Suspicions. Very notable things may now be had in Consultation, in England, France, Germany, Polonia, and Burgundy. The Emperor of Germany seems very active, and is no less successful; and is very vigilant, in preventing many Inconveniences he apprehends may fall upon some of his Empires, through and by the means of the Turks. A great Part of this Month is spent in Counsels, and most Judicious Contrivances, vigorously managed; still tending to the Reconciliation of Differences yet depending; and most Persons principally concerned, being almost wearied out with long Expectations, seem willing to agree with any reasonable Proposals. Saturn is now Retrograde in Leo. The Turkish Emperor may have cause to look about him; so may the Pope of Rome also. The Soldiers will be apt to rebel in some Countries under the Influence of Aries, perhaps in France, or some Countries not far adjacent from them. The Opposition of Mercury and Jupiter from Virgo and Pisces, shows some Scribbling Author should be brought upon the Stage, for abusing Authority. Mars in the Sign Aries being Warlike, adds Courage to the undaunted Natives of England: and because we have a Sextile and Trine between Venue, Mercury, and Jupiter, I judge happy Returns to the generous and indu●tions Merchants of this Kingdom: also very hopeful Intelligence from the Land of Ireland; and some Person belonging to the Long Robe, as highly advanced. And to conclude, the Month ends with hopeful Intelligence, by the Arrival of some Ambassador. Tempus omina Reulat. The Wether. Moderate at the Beginning hereof, till about the third Day; then expect flying Clouds, with fine brisk Galas of Wind, and Rain, or Hail at the New Moon; But March doth not intent to play his part, till about the 22 or 23 Day; then expect both Wind and Rain, and that plentifully too. After which it becomes very pleasant, and so continues unto the end, without much Alteration. Prognostications on APRIL. Quod capita, tot sensus: So many Men, so many minds, or so many opinions. THE Configurations of the Planets this Month are many; from whence we may expect many Disputes and Controversies to arise, and that chief from the Quartile of Saturn and Mars: for they by their evil Influence, will put forward many rash Actions, and set several Persons a madding. Mars is in Taurus, the Ascendant of Ireland; I hope, no Rebellion there. Likewise, God preserve us from all Contagious Distempers, which at this time we may have just cause to fear. At the beginning hereof, we have a Quartil of Saturn and Venus, which doth inform us of the great Indisposition of some Eminent Lady, that doth labour under some deep Melancholy, and discontent of Mind; which may bring her Body to the Grave, and will be much lamented by most of her Friends and Relations. To conclude, the most part of this Month will be taken up with sober and deliberate Counsels, tending to the healing of Breaches, and composing of Differences to good Purpose. Many worthy and deserving Persons very highly advanced, as well the Gown-Man as the Martialist; and this Work is prosecuted very effectually, to the honour of those Noble Hero's, that appear more than ordinary active. Beatissimus civet as, quae a Saplentibus Regitur. The Wether. Now we may expect to see the Old Proverb made good; for March borrows three days of April, and they are ill; but quickly becomes very pleasant, with a show of fine, pleasant, spreading, white Clouds, till about the 15th. or 16th. day; then expect fine moderate Showers of Rain or Hail; and about the 25th. day, expect Thunder and Lightning, and very pleasant to the end of the Month. Prognostications on MAY. Ubi Dolour, ibi Digitus: Where the Pain is, there the Finger is. MAny are the Configurations of the Superior Bodies, in this Month of May. Mars, the Sun, and Mercury, do all pass through the Sign Gemini; and we have no less than five Quadrate Aspects between Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, and Mercury: I wish, it portends no unhappy Casualty unto the worthy Inhabitants of the City of London, either by the Heats of Passion, or the private Interests of a Malicious Crew of Rascals, who pretend Religion and Conscience; and yet neither fears God, nor honours their King. The Square of Jupiter and Mars, seems to aggravate the Danger; and shows, that here are too many amongst us, who do condemn the Worthy and Honourable Clergy; as may be seen by the Square of Mercury, Mars, and the Sun, to Jupiter. God preserve our Worthy and Famous City of London, with her numerous Inhabitants, from Fire, Plague, Pestilence, and other Calamities: For some Prudential People of London, fear an approaching general Disease amongst us; and others find Molestation by tedious and troublesome Lawsuits, which too many delight in. Also, many Difficulties arise in the Councils of Nations; and many Persons are summoned into the other World by Death, who is the King of Terrors. Therefore, hot Disputes between France and S●ain, if I mistake not. Mors est inevitabilis. The Wether. 〈◊〉 M●●th 〈…〉 near to he very unseasonable; for so many Malevolent Aspects of the Planets from Earthly Signs, doth promise very cold Mornings, with sharp Frosts; which will be very unwelcome to the Husbundman: also, they promise Hail, Rain, and Wind, till about the 25th. day; but afterwards becomes very pleasant, and so lasts to the Months End. Prognostications one JUNE. Mala herba non perit: An evil Weed dyeth not. THis Month the two Malefacts, viz. Saturn and Mars, changes their Stations; Mars passes into the Sign Cancer, and Saturn into Virgo: and we have a Visible Eclipse of the M●on also, on the 17th. Day in Capricorn, near to an Opposition of Mars. Now the Ancients tells us, That Eclipses in Capricorn are the Forerunners of Sterility of the Earth, and the tumultuary Motions of Princes, and that in those Places under the Signs Cancer and Capricorn. It likewise signifies, that some Great and Eminent Person shall departed this Lise, in a terrible and deplorable Condition; and that Men shall be given to slander, and betray one another, and that under the Pretence and Species of Religion; because the Eclipse is made in the 9th. House of Heaven: and because it is made in the Exaltation of Mars, and near his Opposition, it will excite men's Minds to quarrel▪ and new Attempts of War, with Treachery and Sedition. Holland be quiet, and meddle not with War; but, Necessity hath not Law. Omne malum nascens facile opprimitur, but every Evil at its first coming up, is easily suppressed. Mars is now in Conjunction with the Sun in Gemini: Heavens bless an Eminent Worthy of this World from all Dangers; and let the Hand of Providence be ever over the City of London, and her numerous Inhabitants; and let Spain seek out for a good Physician. Were it not in the Heat of Summer, we might expect the Appearance of another Comet, because of Saturn is leaving the Sign Leo; but because it is at this time, I shall say no more of it; yet strange Apparitions may be, if not Gapings of the Earth, etc. The Wether. Curious pleasant and seasonable Wether, at the beginning hereof, and may so continue till about the 7th. day; then expect it to be very tempestuous, viz. both Thunder and Lightning, if not Wind also; but afterwards it continues very pleasant, till Saturn and Mars change their Stations, and then becomes somewhat blustering, but continues not long. Expect Rain near the End. Prognostications on JULY. Seditiosis nunquam felicites cessit: It never went well with Seditious Men. NOw the Jesuits, and Jesuitical Tribe stretch their Wits, even till they break them, to fight against the Decrees of Heaven; for so saith the late Tribble Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Leo. I hope now the Romish Party will begin to Repent, their being so cruel to those innocent and harmless Protestants: Therefore, let them know, that hard is their Fate; for here is a bitter Potion prepared for them. Saturn hath now left the Sign Leo, the Conjunction will begin to opperate; and to be sure they will feel its dire Effects. Therefore, if the Turks doth enter some of their Territories, let them think of me. We have a notable Visible Eclipse of the Sun in Cancer, and Mars suddenly transits the Degree thereof; and so doth Mercury too. The Soldier is all for Plunder in some of the Northern Countries, viz. in those Countries under Cancer and Capricorn, Virgo and Pisces, Aries and Libra: But we in England are in a good and prosperous Condition; God continue it: but still plagued with whole swarms of Pamphlets and Libels stuffing the Ears of People with strange things. To conclude, the Month produceth very notable Consultations, and that for the general Good. God give us Hearts to be thankful. Jupiter and Mars is now in Sextil. Oh brave Soldier, be of good Cheer, the Heavens have allotted a Pharsalia for thee; where thou shalt not lose, but gain. To conclude, much Good may be expected this Month; the Lord make us fit to receive it! The Sextil of Mercury and Venus, and Mercury and Jupiter, promise happy and prosperous Returns of our Merchant's Ships. The Wether. The fourth day or there abouts, we have a Conjunction of Mars and Mercury in Cancer, which portends both Hail, Rain, and Thunder, and that very considerable; but continues not long, but grows temperate, and so continues without much Alteration, to the end of the Month: yet we may expect it to be very hot, if not Thunder-Storms in some Places about the Full Moon. Prognostications on AUGUST. Ubi quis dolet, ibidem & manum habet: Where one feels it smart, there he layeth his hand VEry notable Consultations in several eminent Places of Europe, a●e held this Month, which is attended with no less than ●ix Conjunctions of the Planets; but what those D●bates and Resolutions are, will not be suddenly made public; for they are Matters of very high Concernment, and will relate to those Countries under Virgo and Pisces, as Portugal, Normandy, Greece, Carinthia, Babylon, the Dukedom of Athens, Gallia, Lions, Paris, and Basil. The Conjunction of the Sun with Saturn, shows that many aged Persons of high and low degree, make their Exit, and bid Adieu to Thi● World; some by sudden Deaths, and some otherwise, perhaps by the Hand Justice; for several guilty Persons, who have lain dormant along time, now with heavy sorrowful Spirits, fear a fatal Discovery. Towards the latter end of the Month Mars passeth the Degree of the Conjunction 〈◊〉 Saturn and Jupiter; which will produce very strange Catastrophes in Italy and Rome; as burning of Houses, Massacres, and Incursions of Armies, o● at leastwise strange Divisions among Themselves At the latter End of the Month, Jupiter passeth into Libra; which brings happy Tidings to the Hou● of Austria: but our Young Men die apace; an● much Complaint amongst the common sort of People, for want of Trade and Moneys. The Wether. Fine pleasant, seasonable Wether, at the beginning hereof, and may continue till about the 15th. day, without any considerable alteration; therefore, rejoice Farmer, at the sight of a brave Harvest; but after the 15th. day, expect considerable Alteration, viz. both Wind, Rain, and Thunder; and so continues more or less, to the end of Month: Therefore, Tak● Time whilst Time doth last; For Time is no Time, when Time is past. Prognostications on SEPTEMBER. Perturbato cordi nihil est jucundum. Nothing is pleasant to a troubled Heart. Venus' is now with the Body of Saturn in Virgo. Some Eminent Person about this Time, is much afflicted with Melancholy, and in all probability, may return to the Rock from whence she was hewn: But this Conjunction of Saturn and Venus, doth not only concern one Woman but many; and I fear, will cause them to shed Tears, instead of wearing Pearls. Now Mars passes the Ascendant, and the Place of Saturn in the Revolution. Mars was Lord of the 4th. and Saturn of the 6th. and 7th. The Great God of Heaven deliver us from Fires, and all Contagious Diseases, now and for ever more. The Heavens seem now to move toward an Accord; and when the Celestial Bodies agree, there is some hopes we should do the like. Jupiter is now with the Body of the Sun, and Saturn, Mars, and Venus, are all in Sextile with Mercury. O Heavens! now the Man of Learning is exalted, and had in great Request: and we have very rational hopes of Unity, or at leastwise a better Understanding amongst the People in general, than has been some few Years past, etc. Mars in Conjunction with Venus, shows some Eminent Lady in danger of a Stab, or questioned for her Honesty. About the 18th. or 19th. day, Mars passes the very Degree he was in, at the Time of the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter; therefore, let all Places under the Sign Virgo look to it; for he will stir up strange Divisions amongst them. I hearty wish, no Massacre there in this, or the succeeding Month, etc. The Wether. The Conjunction of Saturn and Venus, at the beginning hereof, doth promise very cold Rain; but soon altars, and becomes more mild, till about the 16th. day; then expect high Winds, but not very Cold, etc. Fine pleasant Wether now: for 6 or 7 days; but then expect much Rain, viz. about the New Moon: yet the Month ends very seasonable, etc. Prognostications on OCTOBER. Concordia Ecclesia Regenda est: The Church is to be governed by Concord. THE ponderous Planet Saturn moves very swiftly forward in the Sign Virgo; but is suddenly over-taken by Mars, who is not improperly termed a Tory amongst the Stars: which Conjunction threatens Babylon, Assyria, Gallia, Carinthia, the Dukedom of Athens, Mesopotamia, Jerusalem, Achaia, Greece, Crect, Lions, Paris, and Basil, with Mutinies, Tumults, Wars, Commotions of Armies, Treacheries, Massacres, and strange Rebellion; for Mars is a Stirrer up of Sedition: Therefore causeth great Slaughter of Men, where there is frequent Motions of Arms. But I hope, that we in England continue in a good and prosperous Condition, and our Foundation ●est firm and unshaken; and that we enjoy both Peace and Quietness, though there be a continual Repining an o●gst the common and vulgar sort of People, for want of Trade, etc. Great are the Counsels and Consultations of this Month. God direct our Superiors, or Representatives, in the Management of those ●●ighty Affairs that are now before them▪ In ●ine, Many Persons are very highly advanced, and some struck into as deep Melancholy of Mind: and some Eminent Lady makes her Exit towards the End The Wether. About the Third or Fourth Day, expect very tempestuous Wether; for the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in Virgo, seems to aggravate the same, and may continue very wet and slabby, till the Nineth or Tenth Day; and then appears more calm, till about the 22th. Day: at which time look for much more Rain, for Four or Five Days; but afterwards it appears more mild, and so continues to the End. Prognostications on NOVEMBER. Tempore fiunt omina: All Things are done in Time. Mar now enters the Sign Libra, wherein he was at the time of the second and last Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, in January and May 1683. The Austrian Cedars begin to shake; neither doth it go ●ell with Alsatia, Livonia, Caspia; and indeed, all those Places under Libra. The Italian Princes begin to decline, and Germany fears no less than Devastation; and Polonia, Burgundy, France, and D●n●ark, are much dissatisfied: But England stands upon a Rock, and her Foundation rests firm and unshaken. God so continue it to the End of the World. About the middle of the Month, we have a Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in Libra; which may somewhat assuage the Malice of Mars: It also portends the Marriage of some worthy Lady amongst us; as also the Preferment of some worthy deserving Person, belonging either to the Ecclesiastical or Legal Function. Many are the Consultations in this Month of November, and that for the general Good. The Sun labours to unite Mars and Jupiter; but Saturn destroys their Hopes. He that is an Artist, knows what I mean. Mars pursues the Body of Jupiter in the Balance The Wether. Fine pleasant Wether at the beginning hereof, Consideration being had to the Season of the Year, and may continue for the most part, viz. till about the 26th. or 27th. Day, without any considerable Alteration; perhaps now and then some small Gales of Wind, and gentle Showers of Rain; but about the 27th. Day, expect some notable Alteratian, with Wind or Rain; but ends pleasant .. Prognostications on DECEMBER. Difficillimum vincere Naturum: It is a very hard thing to conquer Nature. MAny are the Configurations of the Planets, in this Month of December; and amongst the rest, we ought to ta●e particular Notice of the Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, in the Celestial Balance at the beginning hereof. All Men that are but meanly versed in the Art of Astrology, knows, that Jupiter principally signifies all things concerning Religion, the more Pu●e and Orthodox Principals thereof, relating to Church Discipline, or the Worship of God: and Mars signifies all Martial and Military Affairs, Wars, Commotions, Insurrections, Massacres, Persecutions, and Murders, Firing of Houses, Cities, and Towns, Theft, Rapine, and all manner of Tyranny, Oppression, and Villainy. Therefore, what shall we judge from this Conjunction, but some such unhappy Disaster to happen in those Countries under Libra; yea, many Contentions to happen amongst those which are of the highest Degree and Quality. Mercury is both their Counsels; but he will deceive one in the end; and the Sun will aggravate the Danger. But how happy are we, if we could but think our selves so? And many Persons, according to their Merits, are as highly advanced; and our Merchants have very Prosperous Returns. And so God save the KING. Amen. The Wether. This Month gins very turbulent, and will produce either Snow or Rain, about the 4th. 5th. or 6th. Days; but suddenly becomes more temperate: yet very cold Mornings, and sharp Frosts now and then, between while, till the 19th. Day; then expect Rain or Snow; but no great quantity, yet Winter-like Wether: But from the 21st. to the 26th. Day, it proves very moderate; after which expect notable turbulent Wether to the End. Reader, WHereas there is lately come into the World a Pamphlet by one T. T. and is entitled, Modest Observations concerning the great Frost, etc. wherein he saith, None of our Astrologers did foresee any such thing. Now although it is not Modesty in me, for to give him the Lie; yet if I should, he may take it for his Pains: Witness these following Persons, whom I told of it long before it happened. But if any one hath a Desire to know what manner of Person he is, let them repair to Mr. John Ga●bury, who is able to give an Account of him. And farther, let T. T. know, that he is not worthy to carry the Books after our Annual Writers: Therefore, let him not condemn their Judgements in this, or the like Case; for indeed, he hath reason to say, (and that a great deal too) That there is something in Astrology, etc. But for his, or any others further Satisfaction, let them inquire of Mr. Thomas Ledsom, at the Bell in Cannon-Street, Plumber; Mr. John King, at the Naggs head in Fulham; John Douff●y and William Botley of Battersea; Philip Mail and William Apsl●y at the Neat Houses; Mr. Watts and Mr. To●b●ot of Chelsey; John Jones of Putney; and several of the Watermens at Fulham, Putney, and Chelsey: I say, All these are able to satisfy the World, That I told them almost half a Year before the Frost began, That the River of Thames would be frozen over before N●w-Years-Day, and would stand for a considerable Time, viz. till Candlemass, or thereabouts. Besides, in the Copy of my Almanac which was wrote for the Year 1683. in the Month of December, was these Prognostications of the Wether: Remiss of Cold gins this Month, with many dark flying Clouds, producing Wind and Snow, and now and then a small Frost; but continues not long, and so turns to Rain and Wind: After which follows sharp Frosts, and k●●n Air; for Saturn in Virgo produceth a sharp Month. What if the River of Thames be Frozen over, ere this Month ends, & c? The aforesaid Copy is to be seen at the Publisher's hereof. A true Systeme of the Visible World, explained according to Copurnicus, December the 11th. 1684. ACcording to the foregoing Systeme, the Sun is the Centre of the Lower World, which, without doubt, is the Point and Place of his Situation; and above the Sun, in the first Orb next the Centre, is placed Mercury; who accomplisheth his Revolutions, through the 12 Signs of the Zodiac, in 88 days. Venus moves in the next Sphere, and finisheth her Course through the Zodiac Signs, in 225 days. In the next Sphere is the Earth, who makes her Course about the Body of the Sun, in a Year. About the Body of the Earth, is the Sphere of the Moon; who performs her Course in a Month Next above the Earth, wheels Mars; who performs his Perambulation in two Years, and no less, because his Orb is much larger than the Earth's. The next is the Sphere of Jupiter; wh● performs his Revolution in twelve Years. A●d lastly, in the highest Orb of all, is old Saturn; who m●●es his Progress through the Zodiac, but once in t●irty Years. Dear Countrymen: I having taken this short Survey of the Planetary spheres, and ascended ●rom the Centre to the Circumference; 〈◊〉 am now 〈◊〉 stand, to behold the vast Distance of the fixed Stars; when●s so ●xceeding far, that they are altogether void of Paraliax of the Annual Orb. Therefore i● is beyond the Capacity of Man, to obtain their Distance exactly, &c My present Ta●k in hand is to prove, That the Earth moves about the Sun, and not the Sun round the Earth: Therefore, I shall have recourse to the former Figure or Systeme of the ●orld, wherein the great outward Circle represents the Zodiac, or Eight Sphere, in which the 12 Signs are placed according to their Natural Order: and that I may the better explain the Figure, I have placed the Planets b●th Heliocentrical, and Geocentrical to the Meridian of the 11th Day of December, 1684. Whereof the former is noted with a pr●c●t Line, being directed from the Sun; but the latter (which is the true Place from the Earth) with a Black Line; both of them passing through the Body of the Planet, to the Zodiac, a●d the Angle made at the Planet, by the Intersection of the said Lines, is called the Parallax of the annual Orb: which Angle, as it increaseth or decreaseth, in respect of the mutual Position of the Planet, and the Earth, their separation one from another, or applying one to the other, is the sole reason, that the Planets are b●th Direct, Retrograde, and Stationary; sometimes near the Earth, and sometimes far distant, as here in this Figure. The true place of old Saturn from the Sun represented by the pricked Line ♄ A, falls in 12 deg 30 min. ♍; but his true pl●ce in the Zodiac, as we behold it at the Earth is ●7 deg. 8 min. of the same Sign, as it is showed by the Line Earth ♄ b; so that the Angle Earth ♄ ☉ (is equal to the Angle A ♄ b) and is 4 deg. 38 min. which is the Parallax of the Earth's Orb; and makes the Planet appear farther in the Zodiac, at the Earth, than at the Sun; and that you may know whether Saturn be Direct or Retrograde, we see it plainly by Inspection with our Eyes; for the Earth moving switter towards z, than Saturn doth towards n, it follows, that he is now Stationary to Retrogradation, and his Place w●ll appear more backward in the Zodiac, till the Earth cometh to z, which will be the Third of May: on which day, saturn becomes Direct, after some few days being Stationary, as you may perceive by the Scheme. In ●upiter's Orb you may observe, that his true Place from the Sun are is 12 deg. 10 min. of ♎: but his true P●ace from the Earth at D, is 19 deg 50 min, of the same Sign, whereby the Angle c ♃ D, which is equal to the Angle Earth ♃ ☉ is 7 deg. 40 min. And because the Earth moves sw●tter towards ●, than Jupiter doth towardt ♉, the Line drawn through the Body of Jupiter, will make him appear every Day further and further in the Zodiac, ●ntil such time as ●h● Earth comes to o: at which time he will seem Station●ry for two or three days: and then will be apparently Retrograde, until such time as the Earth comes to 〈◊〉; as you may see by observing their Motions upon the Figure. Also, if you look upon Mars, you shall find his Place from the Sun to be 6 deg. 35 min. of ♎: but if you take his Place from the Earth, it will be 24 deg. 11 min of the same Sign; and you may see also by the Figure, it is not long since he was with the Body of Jupiter, and in Sextile of Mercury. He hath been Direct a long time, and will continue till the Earth comes to a: then he comes Retrograde, and will appear of a greater Magnatude than ordinary, because he will be nearer the Earth. Let any Man observe the Time, and he shall find it most containly true: If Mars be above the Earth, as I am sure he will, the Time is April the 15th. 1685. In a word, Venus and Mercury are also both Direct: Mercury is near the Body of the Sun, Venus is in the Sextile to Saturn, and the Moon goes to an Opposition of Mercury, and an Opposition of the Sun. She will be in Opposition of the Sun, December the 11th. about eleven at Hight: at which time she will be almost totally Eclipsed, and that by the Interposition of the gross Body of the Earth between the Bodies of the Sun and Moon, as may be seen by the Figure at large, etc. Kind Readers, tell me where I have erred in This, And Jolle correct and mend what●s done amiss. Let's pray for our Dread Sovereign's Life each Day and Hour, That He May still with us remain, and Rule in Power: Until which Time the King of King's H●m shall remove From this Lower Orb, into his Throne obove. ADVERTISEMENT. This is to give Notice to all Persons, that are desirous to be Resolved any Lawful Questions in Astrology, They may repair to the sign of the Iron-Jack in Fetter-Lane, a Smith's Shop, at one Mrs. Adams'; Where the Author will be ready to oblige all Persons, to the best of his Judgement: not that he designeth to leave the Town of Fulham, but he will be three Days at Home: and his very good Friend, viz. Philip Mail, the other Part of the Week. The Author will attend Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays himself. He also Calculateth Nativities, or Teacheth the whole Art to those that are desirous to learn such a harmless, useful, judicious Piece of Learning. FINIS.