AN easy AND FAMILIAR METHOD WHEREBY TO judge the effects depending ON ECLIPSES, Either of the Sun or Moon.  
By WILLIAM lily Student in astrology.  Non nobis nati sumus; partim patria, partim amici vendicant. 
LONDON, Printed for the Company of Stationers, and H. Blunden, at the Castle in Corn-Hill, 1652.   

To the Reader.  
I Intended in 1648. to have Printed this small discourse for judging of Eclipses,( for so long time it hath lain by me;) how or by what means it was not then done, I do not now remember; such as it is, I here present unto the young Students, intending by the blessing of Almighty God, one day or other to enlarge it; in the mean time accept of it, and of Ptolomy's own Method, though somewhat more harsh, which I have also taken care to be Printed together with mine. several persons, and men of great learning have treated of Eclipses, but as yet I cannot well approve of their Method or ways, being their Doctrines are full of intricacies, too too much to puzzle any younger brother. I will endeavour with Captain Wharton, or Master Harflet, to frame some Tables, and print them in their next labours, whereby without any prolixity, thou mayst sinned either the day when the effects shall begin, or the continuance of them.  
W. lily.   

A Short Method how to judge the effects of Eclipses, and what events may be expected from them.  
AN Eclipse 
What an Eclipse is.  is no other thing than an Interception or privation of the Light of the Luminaries, viz. Of the Sun and Moon, A Lunar Eclipse, or of the Moon, is privation of Light in the Moon, occasioned by interposition of the Earth between the Sun and the Moon; a Solar Eclipse is an interception or obscuration of the Light of the Sun, caused by interposition of the Moons body between the Sun and out sight.  
Of these Eclipses, some are total, others but in part; we may call an Eclipse total, 
So that when the Digits Eclipsed are less then 12. it is not a total eclipse.  in respect of the obscuration of the whole body of the Light, so far as it occupies the whole body of the luminary, distinguished into twelve Digits by the wisdom of Astronomers; a partill Eclipse, or but in part, is when those twelve Digits or parts of the Luminar body are not all of them darkened: so then we say, an Eclipse of the Sun is ever upon the new Moon or change, an Eclipse of the Moon is always upon her opposition with the Sun or upon the full Moon, which is all one. In every Eclipse there are four things considerable, after you have erected the Scheme and reduced the Planets to the Meridian desired.  
1. Unto what Region, Kingdom, City or People the effects of the eclipse shall appertain.  
2. The time is to be enquired, viz. Either when the effect shall begin, or how long time the events of an eclipse shall continue.  
3. What events may be expected from the eclipse.  
4. The Quality, or Species of them, whether they intend War or Famine, &c. Whether plenty or dearth, &c. Or who, or what people shall do best if they signify War, &c.  

To know unto what Kingdom or City the effects shall belong.  
IN every great eclipse of the Sun or Moon, you must observe the place of the zodiac, that is, in which of the twelve Signs the Defect is in, and consider the Kingdoms, Cities, or Countries subject unto that Sign, according to their several distributions, which we have sufficiently performed in our Introduction in page. 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, &c.  
You must also observe the Ascendant or Mid-Heaven at the time of the building of any City, and the place or Signs wherein either the Sun or Moon were at that time, and see if the Sign wherein the eclipse is, be any of those Signs yea or no! You are also to take notice if the Mid-Heaven, viz. or Sign culminating of the King or principal governor of that Kingdom, metropolitan City or Country, viz. If the Sign wherein the eclipse is; be his, viz. the Kings or Governours Mid-Heaven, or if at his birth either of the Lights, viz. Sun or Moon, were near the Degree Eclipsed, or where the present defect is. For you shall usually find, that where the Ascendant, or Mid-Heaven of those Cities or men do concur with the place of Heaven Eclipsed or defective, that in a great measure the effects shall appear and manifest themselves upon those men, Kings, or Rulers, Kingdoms, or Cities, especially if the eclipse be above the Earth, for all Eclipses are held to extend their effects most forcibly when above the Earth, weakly and not so vigorously when under the Earth; but that they have also then some manifest operation greater or lesser, I could manifest by many examples of Eclipses in this age, and confirm my own judgement by the opinion of several learned men; I shall instance only Cardan Seg. 7. Apho. 81. Eclipsis in quarto Domo juxta Caeli I mum, validiores quam in octavo vel duodecimo loco, & in prima Domo quam in nona vel undecima, Eclipses in the fourth House or Heaven, are more forcible than those in the eighth or eleventh, those in the first more strong than they in the ninth or twelfth, and it must be acknowledged that although Eclipses in the first House cannot be visible, yet we are by no Author prohibited to judge them, nay Leovitius the most painful man that ever wrote in Astrology and of Eclipses, doth deliver many judgements and predictions upon Eclipses falling in the Ascendant itself, and that I may not proceed to former times, let us consider that in June, 1648, viz. the 10th. day, 12th. hour, 38. P. M. an Eclipse of the ☉. was in 0. d. 3. m. of ♋. near the Cusp of the fourth House; ♋. is the Ascendant of Scotland, then did that people raise their Malignant Army, which in August 1648. plundered our Northern Counties. Because I would leave no scruple in the minds of young Students, I shall by example explain this Chapter more fully. In the eclipse of 19. No. 1648. you see the ☉. was in the 8. d. 44. of ♊. If the Astrologian know any man, who had in the Radix of his Nativity either the Sun or Moon in that degree, or in the degree opposite, viz. 8. d. 44. of ♐. or in the like degrees of Virgo or Pisces, which Signs are in Quadrate Aspects to the former, or if the degree Culminating in any mans Nativity was either the 9. of ♊. ♐. ♍. or ♓. or if the degree Ascending was in those degrees, or within one degree thereof, the native did suffer more or less by the influence of this eclipse; according to the signification of the House of Heaven, wherein the ☉. or Moon was in at the Birth, and was either well fortified, or aspected of the benevolent Planets, or ill aspected, or afflicted of the Malevolents. If you have the Ascendant of a City, Town, or Corporation, or if you have the Radix or positure of heaven, of a family, or any new or oId Inception, &c. do therein as formerly directed: ever observing that the more Digits Eclipsed, the greater the eclipse is, and by how much more near to an Angle the eclipse falls, the more strong and forcible will the Effects demonstrate themselves. London is subject to the Sign ♊ as in page. 95. of our Introduction appears Ergo, much trouble it did produce there, as also to Spain subject to ♐ vide Pag. 97. so. Portugall, vide pag 99. Paris also in France, vid. pag. 96. Charles, late King of England, had the Sun in 8. deg. and 3. min. of Sagitarius: and this eclipse 19. Nov. 1648 of the ☽ was celebrated the day of the Revolution of his Birth, she being in 8. deg. 44 of ♊. in direct opposition to the place of the Sun; who also hastened unto an opposition of Saturn. We know how suddenly after he was beheaded.   

Of the time when the Events shall appear.  
YOu are to observe in every Region where the eclipse is visible, that so many hours as an eclipse of the Sun continues, so many years the effects or Events of a Solar Defect shall continue, and so parts of hours, shall signify parts of the year proportionable to the minutes of the hour; but in an eclipse of the Moon, so many hours as she is defective or suffers an eclipse, so many moneths the Events thereby signified shall continue; As the Lunar eclipse 1649. continuing from the beginning to the end 3. hours and 33 minutes, the effects of it did operate three whole months and a half, and two dayes, &c. wherein you must observe, that in the Duration of all Eclipses, the length of the hour is according to the equal hour, or 60 minutes for one hour, and not the artificial or astronomical hour, being more or less unequal by reason of the motion of the Sun, and length or shortness of the day.  
The beginning, the increase, and determination of the effects are known, by that place or part of the Scheme of heaven wherein the eclipse is, having relation to the Angles of the figures.  
For when the place Eclipsed, or eclipse itself, shall be in the Ascendant, 
When the Effects shall begin.  the effects shall then begin in the 1, 2, 3, and 4. moneths next after appearance of the eclipse, but itis greatest vigour, and most material accidents designed from that eclipse, shall show themselves in the first third part of time allotted to the universal Duration thereof.  
But if the place defective, or eclipse itself, be in the Mid-heaven, or near it, the effects shall begin in the 5, 6, 7, and 8. months, taking place from the beginning of the eclipse, and shall operate most forcibly in the second division of time allotted to the whole continuance; but if the eclipse be in the Angle of the West or seventh house, the first apparition of the effects shall be in the 9, 10, 11, and 12. last months after the eclipse, and the most vehement effects in the third Trient or part of time assigned for continuance of the Eclipsar effects. These last lines require an easy explanation, and some perfect Method, else we shall not benefit either the more ancient or Modern Scholar in these our astrological well-wishes. This Method you must understand, and constantly follow, viz. if an eclipse be in the Ascendant, or near unto it, and it doth signify either War, Famine, Plague, Tumults, Murders, &c. itis then intended, that such like things shall begin their operation, and to appear, within the first four months after the day of the eclipse; and whereas we mention that it shall most forcibly operate in the third part of time allotted unto the whole duration of its effects, which ptolemy calls Prima Triens, the true meaning of our words and his are these, viz. that if a Solar eclipse be of one hour and one half hours continuance, and be near the Ascendant, or in it, that then in the four first moneths next succeeding the day of the eclipse, the effects thereof, or of that eclipse, shall begin, and shall operate most forcibly by the space of six months succeeding next after those four months, and then shall after by little and little decrease and vanish for 18. moneths, being the whole time limited for continuance of the Effects, the first six moneths are the first third part of time for continuation of the effects, the middle six months are the second Trient, as ptolemy calls it, and the last six months are the third Trient, or third part of time. Again, if the eclipse be in, or near the Mid heaven, then the Matter or thing signified by that eclipse shall apparently declare itself, betwixt the fourth and eighth months from the hour of the eclipse; and for the next six months immediately succeeding, that is during the ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth months from the time or day of the eclipse, the Plague or matter signified shall begin to appear, and to increase moderately; but in the fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteen, nineteenth, twentieth months from the hour of the eclipse, the thing or business designed, shall most effectually operate, and the last six months begin to lessen and decline, &c. Again, let the eclipse be near the Cusp of the seventh House, or in that House, then the effects depending thereon, shall begin to be active and take place, from the eighth month until the twelfth, to be accounted from the day of the eclipse, and then for twelve whole months next after, the effects shall operate very sensibly and to purpose, but in the last six months of that whole time assigned for its continuance, the Plague, Pestilence, or Famine signified thereby, shall be in greatest force, and do most mischief; From hence it appears, an eclipse according to the Doctrine of ptolemy shall begin to declare its effects within one year next after the day of its being; nor can the effects of a Solar eclipse continue, or be extended above three years and one half, or of a Lunar eclipse above six months, &c. so that holy and those adhering unto him were much deceived, &c.  
But if you will judge when particular remissions, or more hasty intentions, shall be, or in more plain language, if you would know when the effects would work with great force, when more slowly, you must take notice thereof from the several Conjunctions, Oppositions, or Quadratures which shall be made either in that part, viz. degree of the Sign wherein the eclipse was, or in such parts of the zodiac, viz. in such degrees of the Signs as behold that place so eclipsed, as also from the several Quadratures and Oppositions of other Planets as well as of the Sun and Moon, or their arising, or first appearance above the Horizon, together with either of the Lights in that place of the zodiac, and which have signification in determining the Events of that eclipse you do Astrologically judge of, and these especially, when either in the Ascendant or seventh House, or in their Stations, or in their Vespertine rising, viz. When they first appear upon the Suns setting, they aspect the Signs and degrees where the eclipse was. The rising of the Planets and their Stations in those places or parts wherein the eclipse was, declare the increase and greatness of the Events which are to succeed. But when those stars or Planets are either under the Sun beams, or in their Vespertine rising, they intend a more remissnesse, and not so strong events to succeed. By Station is intended, when a Planet comes to be Stationary, or to stand still, and to move very little in any degree of the zodiac, either in the degree eclipsed, or opposition thereof, or in Dexter or sinister Quadrate unto it. Its believed by many, and found true by experience, that when a Planet is stationary, he is then by reason of his standing still, firm and able to settle an impression; but when a Planet is under the Sun beams, he resembles a man limited, and one that hath none or little power of himself or a masculine Planet having power in the said places when he first rises above the Earth, after the Sun set is conceived to produce very small, or but weak effects in any eclipse, or Conjunction of the superior Planets.   

Of the kind or quality of Events.  
THat this be artificially, and with judgement performed; first, you must Erect the scheme of heaven for the middle time of the eclipse, and reduce the Motion of the ☉, ☽, and other Planets to your own Meridian, or to that place of the world, for which you intend to erect the figure, and thereupon to give judgement, and then seriously considering the degree of the sign wherein the eclipse is,( the Sign I mean wherein the Sun is, if it be a Solar eclipse, the Sign wherein the Moon is, if it be a Lunar Defect.) Consider also the place, Asterisme, Sign and degree of the zodiac, in the Angle next following the eclipse, as if the eclipse be in the ninth eighth or seventh, you are to consider what Planet hath most power and dignities in the tenth house for that is the Angle succeeding them; but if the eclipse be in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth, then you must see to the fortitude of that Planet who hath most dignities essential in the Ascendant, that being the Angle subsequent to the eclipse, being in the 10, 11, or 12th house. Herein you must reckon no dignities unto any Planet, but what that Planet hath either by house exaltation, triplicity, term or face, accidental fortitudes or dignities in this judgement are not admitted. For that Planet who hath most dignities in the place, viz. in the sign and degree eclipsed, and Angle succeeding it, viz. in the sign and degree either culminating or ascending he shall be Lord of the eclipse, or principal Ruler; but if it happen that one Planet alone have not most Dominion or greatest fortitudes in the place Eclipsed and Angle subsequent but that there are two which may equally challenge Prer'ogative he shall be preferred who is Lord of the place, or S●gne Eclipsed, and the other Planet shall be joined with him in signification ▪ who agreeth to either place and shall be called Partner in judgement. But if many Planets have equal dignity in the aforesaid places, and do also behold both the place eclipsed, and succeeding Angles, wee mean not the whole sign, but the degree, that Planet shall be preferred who is in Situation or Position nearest to an Angle, or more powerful in signification, or more agreeable in quality, that is in nature, or by triplicity. Concerning the fixed Star or stars which shall participate in judgement, this is generally obserserved, to take that fixed star which at the time of the eclipse doth precede the place Eclipsed in an Angle, and is of great or eminent Magnitude, viz. of the first or second, and hath little Latitude, but is seated near the ecliptic line, or which at that instant time of the Defect doth arise or Culminate, following the place eclipsed, the preceding words are thus to be understood, viz. that if an eclipse be between the seventh house and the Mid-heaven, most consideration is to be had unto that fixed Star which possesseth the Angle of the 7th, for that Star precedes; next who are in the 10th house, for they follow; but if the eclipse be between the Mid-heaven and Ascendant, those fixed stars in the Mid-heaven are preferred before those in the Ascendant.  
The Asterisme also or Constellation in which the eclipse is, as also the principal ruler or rulers of the eclipse, 
Other notable considerations.  are most to be considered, as also the sign wherein the eclipse itself is, for such signs in the zodiac and Constellations which have human shape or form, have signification of men, and things human; terrestrial signs signify according to the forms and shapes thereof; signs that signify the milder creatures or Beasts show loss and damage in such like beasts as are useful for man, according to the reason of the singular shapes, forms, and figures thereof, whether they be of horses, oxen &c. Septentrionall Constellations, show sudden Earthquakes, meridional declare inexpected and great showers. When the ecliptical place is either in Virgo or Sagitary, damage follows to such fowl as men feed on, but if it be in watery signs or Constellations, much of the Event shall appear in the waters, at Sea, and in fish, or fishing, and to men Navigating; yet if it fall out in Aquarius or Pisces, men receive great loss by overflow of Rivers, and swelling of Fountains.  
When the eclipse is in tropic or equinoctial signs, viz. in ♈, ♋, ♎, ♑, Commonly the eclipse is prejudicial to the air and the present season. In the Spring it destroys the growth of such herbs as spring out of the earth, and the budding and blossoming of trees. In the Summer solstice, it hurts the corn, and lessons the burden of fruit; In the autumnal equinoctial it prejudiceth the seed; in the Winter it gives too much moisture: When the eclipse is also in ♈ or ♎, there follows Controversies in Religion, or some change or alteration; in tropics, viz. ♋ or ♑, alteration of air, and of Offices or places or Governments.  
Fixed signs, as ♉ ♌ ♒ ♏, show much ado about buildings, double-bodied signs, as ♊ ♍ ♐ ♓. threaten matter to Kings, Princes, or principal Magistrates.  
Those Defects which happen in the first house, have relation to fruits, or to youth, or matter newly begun, in the Mid-heaven, to kingdoms, Cities, or Countries, Kings and Princes, or Nobles, or persons of quality, or men of middle age; in the West or 7th house. the change and mutation of laws, customs, Contentions, lawsuits, Quarrels, Warres, the death of aged men, for the most part some slaughter or bloodshed.  
The greater the Defect is, and the stronger the principal Ruler or Rulers of the eclipse is or are, so much more famous and eminent are the effects of the eclipse. All effects are diminished when the eclipse of the Sun is near his setting, or of the ☽ to her Matutine rising, but when any eclipse of the Sun is in the Morning or Matutine, or of the Moon Vespertine or towards Sun-setting, the evils signified thereby are increased, and the effects operate most vigorously. Leovitius doth deliver a Method for finding the time when the effects of an eclipse shall begin, in his book in fol. De eclipsibus, but because the operation is troublesone, and doth nothing conduce for enlarging the Students judgement, and also because it would make our book swell too too much, I leave further discourse thereof.   

What manner of Events shall happen, and whether they shall be Good or Ill.  
THis Doctrine being most necessary and profitable, is naturally thus deduced, viz. from the nature of the predominating Planets in the principal places of the figure, viz. in that sign of the eclipse and sign of the Angle subsequent, their Commixtion one with an other, and with those places or houses of the zodiac in which they are posited; in this signification you must not collect the dignities of the Sun or Moon, or make them significators of the kinds or qualities of the events; for they being Governours of other Planets, and the principal causes of events, commanding the power of other stars, do either confirm or destroy the virtues of the predominant Planets.  
The consideration of those Planets, who have most right, and greatest fortitude in their Commixtions, doth declare the quality and kind of the Events which may ensue after the eclipse, or of which the eclipse is Precursor. burr let us begin with the Planets in their several kinds, and first of Saturn when he is principal Ruler of, or Lord of the eclipse, or when any fixed star of his nature doth most principally manifest the effects of the eclipse.  
When ♄ is Lord of the eclipse. He is generally the cause of corruptions by reason of could, more properly he declares continued diseases in the bodies of men, as wasting of the body, or a consumption which hath its original from some deflux of rheum, he denotes Disturbance of the radical Humours, Fluxes, quartan Agues, Banishments, Poverty, misery, Lamentation, vain fears, mortality of old men especially: A scarcity of such cattle as are useful for mankind, afflicting those Cattle which escape Death with diseases, so that men are infected that use those Cattle, or after the Cattles death feed upon them; In the air, he stirs up most horrible colds, frosty and Icy weather, cloudy and pestilent, the air oftentimes molested; long continued frosts, thick clouds, misty foggy weather, much darkness, abundant Snows nothing profitable but destructive, from whose corruptions many poisonous and hurtful creatures proceed. In the Rivers and the Sea commonly he stirs up most bitter tempests, sudden and manifold shipwrecks, difficult and dangerous voyages and passages, scarcity of corn, and a dearth of Fish and Water-Foul. Generally in the Sea peculiar Recesses or backslidings of the Sea from its former bounds and banks, leaving thereby its former channels. In Rivers there are great overflowings, violent Inundations and corruption of the Waters; upon Earth there follows scarcity of Grain, Fruit and Corn, all things very dear, all manner of provisions scanty and rarely to be had, such especially which conduce to the preservation of mans life; destruction of Fruits by Cater-pillars, Worms, Locusts, &c. Of Grass and Hay by floods, by immoderate showers, or by sudden Hail-storms, and furious tempests, so that men perish by Famine and such like casualties, and beasts by the unseasonable getting in of Winter provisions, and the unnatural nourishment of that food they eat: old men die more plentifully, or more abundance of them perish than in other years; much rancour and malice and stiff lawsuits do rage amongst the vulgar Clowns or Country people.  
Of ♃. when he alone is Ruler of the eclipse. When ♃ alone hath the chiefest Dominion in an eclipse, generally he produceth the increase of all things; and when the Event appertains unto men, he signifies glory, fertility, tranquillity and peace; every man thrives and becomes rich, each man signified by him enjoys health and quiet of mind he promiseth gifts and favours from Kings, he adorns Governours or Magistrates with famed and estimation, 
Viz. he signifies such things unto man.  and to speak truly, he is the cause of all good things. He multiplies all living creatures which are behoveful for man, and portends destruction to such animals as are hurtful unto man. In the air he declares a good and wholesome temperature, windy, moist, or inclining to showers; nourishing all living Creatures procreated from, or feeding on the fruits of the earth. sailors and Merchants sail without danger and make good voyages; the Rivers swell with no imoderate floods; plenty of all manner of fruit appears; Religious men increase in the Church, many whereof attain to very high preferments, or have great honours conferred on them; Ministers grow proud and haughty,( an easy sin in that generation;) The Laws are executed, and upright Judges are employed by the States; New Customs or privileges are conferred on the people; New Corporations, new Honours, &c.  
Of Mars when Lord of the eclipse. When ♂ alone shall obtain the Government of an eclipse, he generally is the cause of corruption in regard of his too much dryness, and this especially when he is in a fiery Sign. When the Events appertain unto men, he stirs up Wars, Seditions, intestine risings, and tumults, imprisonments, banishments, besieging and taking of towns and Cities, popular tumults, frowns of Princes upon several of their Subjects, divers principal men suddenly arraigned, condemned and beheaded; moreover he portends Tertian fevers, acute diseases, corruption of blood, or infirmities by breaking or stretching the veins, violent, untimely, and the sudden deaths of young men; he inclines Kings and Princes unto tyranny, violence, injuries and injustice; the soldier to the firing of Houses, to Man-slaughters, Rapines, Thefts, Robberies on highways, lawsuits, Duels. In the air he stirs up extraordinary soultry blasts and great heat, hot pestilent winds, pestiferous and infectious, thunder, lightning, whirl-winds, immeasurable droughts. In the Sea he occasions impetuous storms, and denotes sudden and violent shipwrecks by reason of inordinate blasts, &c. In Rivers he lessons or dries up the streams, and drains the fountains dry, corrupting all waters, causing putrefaction in them; he occasions or more naturally signifies scarcity of grain, and of all such things as are produced or grow out of the earth, either causing untimely heats whereby nourishment sufficient cannot come to maintain the Root, or destroying the tender grain by unseasonable dry blasts of wind ere it be mature, and by Mildews, &c. Usually he excites mens minds to great rashness and fool-hardiness, provoking to Duels, to all manner of evils, as thefts, murders, &c. Great dissension amongst kindred, much undutifulness in children, yet many times it foreshows amongst mechanical men, some rare or admirable man produced to light.  
♀. When she only rules, the effects of an eclipse. Venus generally in all things is like unto Jupiter, and produceth such like effects, with a certain kind of gracefulness; Peculiarly she gives renown unto men, honour, cheerfulness, plentiful years in the fruits of the earth, or great increase of all harmless living creatures, delightful marriages, numerous issues, firm friendships, constant Leagues, increase of mens estates, cleanliness in diet and manner of living, reverence, obedience and conformity in Religion, mens bodies are sound and lusty, little needing physic, much unity and good correspondency betwixt the King and his Subjects, a perfect understanding betwixt the Magistrate and the vulgar people. In the air she stirs up temperate blasts of wind, moist and fructifying, no unpleasing weather, or troublesone tempests, serene fair seasons in all parts of the year, very pleasing moystning showers, successful Navigations, gainful and advantageous to the Merchant, safe for his own person, wholesome for the Mariners In Rivers, it notes their gentle Inundation, and pretty swellings without harming any thing, not destructive or violently breaking forth, plenty of all manner of working-Cattle, and abundance of all sorts of fruit growing forth and out of the earth, great store of Wine, oil and Figs; in general, itis the fore-runner of a quiet peaceable time upon earth, I mean in those Countrys where the eclipse is visible.  
When ☿. is sole Ruler of the eclipse. When Mercury of himself is Lord and principal Ruler of the eclipse, he generally assumes unto himself part of the nature of that Planet with whom he is in Aspect, or is corporally joined unto, however he is the author of quick and violent motion; he declares in human affairs celerity, industry, craft and subtlety, in performing what is then upon the stage of this World; he shows the highways obstructed with Thieves, and the Seas with pirates; he causeth men to be short breathed, and to fetch their wind difficultly, and when he is joined with the Infortunes, he signifies dry diseases, Quotidian fevers, the phthisic, Consumptions, alteration in Ceremonies, Heresies and Schisms in Religion, detriment in the Revenues of Kings, and of the Nobles and Gentry of the Kingdom; great controversy in the Customs, Laws and privileges of the people, and all this according to the nature of that Planet with whom he hath familiarity. In the( air, himself being dry and swift, and always in motion near unto the Sun) he produces inordinate high-winds, sudden tempests quickly changing, thunders, lightnings, opening of the earth, and Earth-quakes; in regard of these properties his influence or effects are destructive to plants and living creatures: when he is occidental he lessons the growth or increase of Rivers, when oriental he increaseth their streams, causing abundance of waters. This is the nature of every Planet by himself, but being mixed with others, they have signification of other events, and effects, by reason of the variety of Aspects and Signs, and their position to the Sun, and so conveniently do change the actions which they solely of themselves did signify, but this Commixtion is left to the discretion of every Astrologer, being impossible to give such particular rules as in every Positure of Heaven would hold good.  
Who participate in Eclipses. In general it is held for an assured maxim, that as unto mens or womens Nativities, every eclipse of the Sun or Moon chancing in that very degree of the Sign, wherein either of them both were at the birth of any one, shall in one way or other be very fatal, or signify somewhat very material unto that native I have found by experience that much affliction and trouble do accompany those persons, who casually in the course of their lives have an eclipse in either of the Signs and degrees, where either of the Luminaries were, or in the opposite degree, at the time of their birth, but I have not yet found that death did ensue, although either the Sun or Moon was at the B rth the only and principal Hyleg or Apheta( except in King charles.) I do attribute nothing to the colours in the eclipse, yet would wish every man in this nature to follow what he hath found true by experience.  
When either of the Lights are Eclipsed in the several triplicities, what they signify. There are some who do much adhere unto the arabic Doctrine in Astrology, have added what they thought fit for illustration of this learning concerning Eclipses, and do say, that Eclipses of the Sun or Moon in the fiery triplicity, do declare the death of herds both of great and small Cattle, the banishment of some great King, Prince, or eminent man, or his imprisonment or beheading. Amongst the vulgar people, or men of somewhat better quality, it excites enmity, jarring one with an other, much dissembling with each other, the motion of some great Army or Company of men, horrible Wars, slaughter of men, thefts, murders, many towns or places depopulated, women suffering by Abortions, sharp fevers, strange apparitions in the air, epidemical diseases by reason of scorching heat; scarcity of fruit especially in those Countries which are subject unto the Sign Eclipsed, admirable mutation in many things.  
When an eclipse happens in the earthly triplicity, there follows scarcity of Corn, especially of fruit, and of all such things as are annually sown, or put into the earth.  
An eclipse of either of the Lights in the airy triplicity shows famine, most violent and fierce sicknesses, pestilent diseases, stormy high-winds, very prejudicial to mankind, and blowing down trees by the roots, and very many houses.  
An eclipse of the Sun or Moon in the watery triplicity presages a rot or consumption of the vulgar sort of people, rumours, seditions, and expectation of Wars, destruction of Water Foul, great inundations and overflowings of the Seabanks.  
Again they affirm if an eclipse appear in Aries, it produceth great alteration in fruits, as in tender Vines, corruption in Fig trees.  
In Taurus, lo, scorpion or Aquarius, many ancient buildings are ruinated or pulled down, the divisions of the Clergy are high, they hate each other obstinately, and stir up tumults: a thing very frequent with them in all ages.  
In Cancer, an eclipse procures a rottenness or corruption in the fruit when itis gathered, occasioning surfeits, and sicknesses unto such as eat them; Sea fights, long and dangerous Navigations.  
In geminy or Sagittarius, an eclipse threatens destruction to flying Fouls, unto such especially, which men eat or feed upon, whereby many men come to sudden death.  
In Virgo or Pisces, it signifies much harm to vegetable Plants, and to such creatures as live in the Water or of the Water it shows that very many fountains shall be corrupt and grow impure, and the River Waters not wholesome.  
In Capricorn it denotes Olives to be devoured by Locusts, or Worms, many ships drowned, alteration in mens manners and conditions, peculiarly in those Cities or Countries subject unto the Sign wherein the eclipse is.   

Of the Sun Eclipsed in any one Decanate of the 12. signs.  
♈ WHen the Sun is Eclipsed in the first ten degrees of Aries, it portends the frequent Motions of Armies, and rumours of wars, continual expeditions, assaults, and batteries, yea, and Wars, with much noise and tumult; Seditions, Controversies, an intemperancy of the air verging principally unto dryness.  
When in the second Decanate, or from 10. to 20. degrees, it brings some King, Prince, or eminent officer to Prison or restraint of Liberty, it adds sorrow and danger of Death unto him, destruction of the bearing fruit-trees, and it portends the rottenness or putrefaction of such things as the earth produces, whereby both man and beast are afflicted. When in the last 10. degrees of Aries, itis the forerunner of lamentation, woes, and mourning, unto mortal men, or most sorts of men, and the death of some Noble woman; unto these I may add, that it designs destruction unto the lesser cattle, as Sheep, Conies, Goats, Hares, &c.  
♉ An eclipse of either of the Lights in the first ten degrees of Taurus, afflicts such as are Negotiators, Solicitors ▪ Agents, or are generally employed in mens affairs, or in the public; it compels men to undertake unnecessary businesses, it brings to nought, and confounds all factions undertaken by the former sort of men, and is sufficiently hurtful to Corn.  
In the second Decanate, it shows innumerable difficulties, and many discommodities to Travellers, and to such as bear Children many abortions, and births not natural, or Monsters are produced.  
In the third Face or Decanate, it signifies both Plague and Famine: mortality in and amongst Oxen, Cowes and Horses.  
♊ Eclipses in the ten first degrees of geminy, stir up dissensions, strifes, seditions amongst those we call Priests, and all manner of Merchants and mechanics of every Order, or any quality that is amongst them; Deadly hatred, contempt of laws, neglect of piety and holy duties doth also follow, so also breach of Covenants.  
In the second Decanate or Face, much Piracy at Sea, and Murders, many fruitless treaties, many turbulent Petitions presented by the people to their superiors.  
In the last Face of geminy, when any eclipse happens, the Death of some King or great Person follows; various and sundry losses unto the State public, much action to no purpose in the Managing of the Civill affairs of the Commonwealth; Many simplo Consultations and no Conclusions; superior men grant Commissions, which inferior Officers n●ver regard; much prattling, no action.  
♋ In the first ten degrees of Cancer, it disturbs the air, and stirs up strange weather, and variety of it, inclines men to Arms, and to violate national Leagues, deceitfully under the species of Religion.  
In the second Decanate, it dries up Rivers and Fountains, and intends much incontinency in men and women, and petulancy, or ill offices amongst mortal men, viz. one cunningly thrusting an other out of his place.  
In the last Decanate, it emits the Pox( I conceive the French Pox) amongst the men of that Country subject unto Cancer, many diseases, and seditions or risings of the people, the vulgar man afflicted generally with the dropsy, or such malevolent matter in his stomach as brings him to a Consumption.  
♌ In the first Face or Decanate of lo, it premonstrates the Death of some certain famous Prince ▪ as also great scarcity of Corn and grain; if the Prince miss death, he avoyds not the occasion of many misfortunes and consumption of Treasure.  
In the second Decanate it threatens great tribulation, and many damages unto Kings, Peers, and Prime of the Nobility; what is meant of persons of quality, must have relation to all Magistrates.  
In the third Decanate, it presages Captivities, besieging of Towns, Plunderings ▪ Profanation of holy places, a scarcity of Horses, or a destructive Murrain amongst them.  
♍. In the first Decanate of Virgo, it argues the lamentable death, or pitiful end of some certain Prince or Nobleman, and a general ruin or slaughter of men, scarcity of corn and all manner of sustenance fit for man.  
In the second Decanate, it designs Famine Plague, and seditions, of mortal men, great drought, and thereby no plentiful crops of Summer corn.  
In the third Decanate, it powers down vengeance on poor Poets, Painters, or Limners, and men mercurial, who flourish with excellent understandings, nothing thrives with them, nor are their Purses full, it produces murders, Banishment, &c. it imposeth on the vulgar Writers of those times, harsh conceptions, and no esteem of their rude Poems.  
♎. In the first Decanate of Libra, it corrupts the air, begets the Plague, inclines youth to much wantonness, yet straightens provisions, and makes them dear.  
In the second Decanate, it portends the Death of some eminent Prince or King, or Nobleman, and for breach of Customs, stirs up Seditions, and designs a Famine.  
In the third Decanate, it premonishes of high Controversies amongst the Nobility, and great Detriment in their estates, much prodigality amongst them, and the extirpation of some one family.  
♏. In the first Decanate of scorpion, it moves and raises warlike tumults, murders, dissensions, captivities, and cherishes underhand practices, or plots of Treasons.  
In the second Decanate, it argues Destruction to some certain King, or person of worth, and declares his mind averse to Armies or wars.  
In the third Decanate, it portends the coming in of some stranger Tyrant, and the drowsy dulness and slothfulness of the former King odious unto all men; sometimes it portends a deposing of the then present governor or King or great dislike with him.  
♐. An eclipse in the first ten degrees, or first Decanate of Sagittarius, doth manifest most dangerous seditions amongst men, and renders mens minds averse to all manner of accommodations, or Treaties; each man fearing deceit in the man he deals with, or one Prince fearing another will delude him.  
In the second Decanate, it portends the Death, or much destruction unto such cattle as naturally bray, and of the bigger sort of any such beasts as are useful for man.  
In the last Decanate, it afflicts several manner of ways Horses, and prejudiceth such Armies as then are on foot, all things and matters go hardly on with the Nobility, who willingly and foolishly undo themselves to no purpose.  
♑. In the first Decanate, or ten degrees of Capricorn, it imports the unhappy chances attending Great men, and strange casualties unto such; the transmigration, or oft shifting of places of some King, Prince, or Person of eminent Rank and quality, and it implies the Revolt or Rebellion of Nobles, and others of meaner quality, viz. of the common people; it imports a covetous Prince or Magistrate, by reason of his oppression, shall cause insurrections.  
In the second Decanate, it stirs up the fury or spirits of sworn Souldiers against their Commanders in Chief, or against their Emperour, King or Prince, it renders all their endeavours fruitless, and the events thereof unprosperous; it is the forerunner of scarcity of Corn, and that many will dy for want thereof.  
In the third Decanate, it implies the tumultuary motion of a King, and induces famine, and shows great poverty unto the Husbandman, bad crops, little hay or grass.  
♒. In the first Decanate of Aquarius, it affords matter of public sorrow and mourning unto Gentlemen, but comfort to the Country-man.  
In the second Decanate, Thefts publicly countenanced, Robberies, Rapines, Earthquakes, Famine, Monopolies, pilling and poling the people.  
In the third Decanate, it tells of the death of field cattle, and such like creatures, it shows great inundations to succeed the eclipse.  
♓. In the first Decanate of Pisces, it drains the Rivers of their waters, infortunates the Sea coasts, and drives fishes far from shore.  
In the second Decanate, it designs the death of a famous and excellent man, destruction and waste of fish near the Sea Towns, it imports an Earthquake, some great Church-man questioned, and he called to account for his Knavery.  
In the third Decanate, it presages sedition, cruelty, bitterness of spirits, and the inhumanity of souldiers, as also much controversy amongst Divines, and Lawyers.   

The effects of Lunar Eclipses when they happen in the several Decanates of every Sign.  
♈. IF an eclipse of the Moon be in the first ten degrees of Aries, she portends that fevers shall bee frequent, many houses fired, woods destroyed or cut down and burned, as also a general dryness of the air, many Cater-pillers and destructive vermin appear.  
In the second Decanate, a Pestilence, and fatality in most diseases, few falling sick that escape.  
In the third Decanate, it imports many abortive births, many discommodities and dangers unto that Sex, viz. of women; as also the death of many great ladies according to the Climate wherein the eclipse falls.  
♉. In the first Decanate of Taurus, household cattle are tormented with several unusual diseases i. e. the oxen and horses of the ploughman fall sick and die, and a general disease reigns amongst cattle.  
In the second Decanate, it points out the death of some Queen, as also a dearth of such seeds as are usually sown, it signifies a barrenness of the earth to continue during the time the effects of the Eclipses influence.  
In the third Decanate, it implies a plague amongst creeping noxious Creatures; as also amongst Rats and Mice, and such vermin as do most devour the Country-mans grain or Corn.  
♊. In the first ten degrees of geminy, it threatens Incursions and Rapines of Enemies: fraudulent Negotiations, many treaties, violent Petitions, many Missives, and much employment for Scribes and Secretaries.  
In the second Decanate, the sudden motion of Armies, and declares mens solicitations and cares, both of private and public affairs; and that Judges will be careful of executing Justice.  
In the third Decanate, it foretells the death of some famous man, for the most part this person happens to be a Scholar, viz. either a Lawyer or Divine.  
♋. In the first Decanate of Cancer, it wholly excites mens minds unto War, treachery and apostasy.  
In the second Decanate, most bitter and sharp exactions, intolerable assessments, and such like burdens oppress the Commonalty; vulgar tumults, much harm at Sea.  
In the third Decanate, it foretells diseases to the female sex, and also sudden, miserable and unexpected deaths unto many; and they of ignoble births, or of the meaner sort of people.  
♌. In the first Decanate of lo, it denotes a present & unlooked-for infirmity to befall unto some great Prince, or the Death of some very much noted Person usually of the blood of Princes.  
In the second Decanate, some journey to be undertaken by a King, with a strange mutation and Catastrophe in mundane affairs.  
In the third Decanate, it swells and animates the dispositions both of the people and soldiery, so that they run after Novelties, desiring new laws, and new Governours.  
♍. In the first Decanate of Virgo, it declares sicknesses unto Kings, manifold discords and dissensions universally raging amongst men.  
In the second Decanate, it prepares destruction and Calamities, informs matter against counsellors, Lawyers, Secretaries, and such like men, for their oppression, bribery, and indirect dealings.  
In the third Decanate, it afflicts man-kind with many diseases, and intimates scarcity of bread, and all sorts of grain.  
♎. In the first Decanate of Libra, hail, storms, ill weather, turbulent winds, violent tempests, very harmful.  
In the second Decanate, a rot amongst Pettyfoggers, Informers, and such like Cattle, they whipped and stripped to purpose.  
In the third Decanate, some eminent and noted person dyes; the Religious swell in every Country, and raise seditions in the Courts of Princes.  
♏. In the first Decanate of scorpion, terrible Thunders, fearful Lightnings, many times Earthquakes, abundance of destructive creatures in the waters.  
In the second Decanate, hot and sharp fevers afflict men, siccity destroys the Olives, and infects the air.  
In the third Decanate, many seditions, murders, and all manner of wretchedness succeeds, mankind oppressed with abundance of obnoxious diseases, and these general.  
♐. In the first Decanate of Sagittarius, many Thefts and Rapines.  
In the second Decanate, Diseases rage against, and amongst Horses, Mules, &c. the Seas troubled with pirates.  
In the third Decanate, a Plague follows, and great evils afflict all mankind, Consumptions more than ordinary,  
♑. In the first Decanate of Capricorn, it moves many slanders and false aspersions against very many men, and declares an untimely death unto some Person of worth.  
In the second Decanate, uproars very frequent in the soldiery, oft incursions into neighbour-Countries, Captivities, Plunderings.  
In the third Decanate, the Death of a King, Conspiracies in the People, or Mutinies.  
♒. In the first Decanate of Aquarius, it shows averse health to a certain King.  
In the second Decanate, it hinders the seed-time.  
In the third Decanate, a wonderful change in all affairs, yet notwithstanding, it imports the change better than to continue as formerly, and argues a relaxation from former oppressions.  
♓. In the first Decanate of Pisces, it imports sorrow to Priests, Church-officers, and Bishops.  
In the second Decanate, Death to some Prime man of Princely discent.  
In the third Decanate, robberies equally committed both at Sea, and on the dry Land.    

The Images or Asterismes of the Signs as they now are this present year, 1652.  
THE Asterisme of Aries 
Asterism of Aries.  begins about the twenty eighth degree of Aries, and extends unto the seventeenth of Taurus.  
The first part 
First Part.  of the Asterism of Aries begins in the 28. of Aries, and ends in the 4. of Taurus, the fixed Stars herein being of the nature of Mars and Saturn, and also some of the nature of Mercury being there, do stir up winds and showers; but now a dayes not so plentifully as in Ptolomies time: for the Sun passing the Horns and shoulder of the Ram doth now more heat, and thereby purify the air, those Stars in Aries being now proceeded further Northward, whereby more gentle winds do blow.  
The middle parts of this Asterisme are contained from the 4. degree of Taurus, unto the tenth degree of Taurus; 
Second Part.  these degrees are temperate, in some measure inclining to drought and heat, by reason of some stars in the hinder foot, loins, and hams of the Ram which are Martiall: with which certain Saturnine Stars towards the South in the Whale, and Saturnine and venerean in Cassiopea towards the North do come near.  
The extreme or last parts 
Last Part.  of this Asterism are from the 10. of Taurus unto the 17. of Taurus; these are now more scorching hot than in Ptolomey his dayes, but not very pestilent: There are also Northern stars in Aries as the Horns, and hinder part of the Neck of the nature of Saturn, Mars and Mercury, also Mercurian Triangles hot and hurtful, The Southern Stars by reason of Saturnine Stars in the Whale, are Icey and very could.  
♉. The first part of the Asterisme of Taurus begins in the seventeenth of Taurus, and ends in the twenty seventh of Taurus, in which space of Heaven the Pleiades are seen of the nature of Mars and Luna, they are turbulent, windy and cloudy, but now less than formerly.  
The middle parts of this Asterism is from the twenty seventh of Taurus to the beginning of geminy, these are somewhat moist, and temperate in heat, by reason of some Saturnine and jovial Stars of Perseus.  
The last parts are from the beginning of geminy unto the twenty fifth of geminy, in which space the Hyades are, and Horns of the Bull, of the nature of Mars, also the Buckler, foot, and left shoulder of Orion, of the nature of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury; these show thunder, lightning, fire. The North space is temperate, Stars of Jupiter and Saturn making most part of the Constellation of Perseus; the South part is variable, because of the Martiall Stars of Taurus, with whom are some Mercurian and Saturnine, yea of Mars and Luna.  
♊. The first part of the Asterism of geminy is from the twenty sixth of geminy, to the sixth of Cancer, the Stars herein are moist and harmful, yea even in our dayes.  
The middle part is from the sixth of Cancer to the fourteenth of Cancer, containing Saturnine Stars in the Arms and Knees of the Twins, these are temperate, yet somewhat inclining to dryness.  
The latter are from the fourteenth to the twenty fourth of Cancer, these are mixed and uncertain Stars, declining to dryness, by reason of some Saturnine, some Martiall and Mercurian Stars, as the forepart of the head of the twins, some Martiall stars, there are onely in the back part of the head of the twins: The North part moves winds, which even shake the Earth. The South part occasions drought and heat.  
♋. The first part of the Asterism of Cancer is from the twenty fourth of Cancer, to the first of lo, near the feet of the Crab, and to the Cratch, wherein there are some Martiall, some mercurial stars, some of Mars, and of Luna, these shake the Earth, and cause darkness.  
The middle part are from the first of lo, to the seventh of lo, in which space are the Asses of the nature of Mars and Sol, formerly they were held temperate, now their nature is more dry and hot.  
The last part are from the seventh of lo, to the thirteenth of lo almost, wherein are contained Saturnine and Martiall stars, in former ages they were windy, now not so; still they are very dry: but both the Northern and Southern stars are hot and hurtful.  
♌ The first part of this Asterism is from thirteen degrees, to the twenty fourth of lo, in this space are several stars, part Saturnine and Martiall, part Saturnine and venerean, part Martiall and jovial, these are of a suffocating and pestilent nature.  
The middle part is from the twenty fourth of lo, to the fourth of Virgo, this part of heaven is illustrated with Saturnine, terrestial, and Mercurian stars, these are temperate, and somewhat incline to moisture.  
The extreme parts of this Asterism are from the fourth of Virgo, to the seventeenth of Virgo, in which the lions tail is, being Saturnine and venerean; These are temperate, and moderately hot and humid.  
The Northern part hereof is of a fiery influx and unstable, by reason of some Martiall stars near the great Bear.  
The Southern part is moist by reason of Saturnine and venerean stars in the Constellation of Hydra.  
♍. The beginning of the Virgins Asterism is from the seventeenth of Virgo, to the end of the Sign, by reason of some Martiall and Mercurian stars, they are somewhat hot and harmful.  
The middle is from the beginning of Libra, unto the eighteen of Libra, containing mercurial and venerean stars in the left wing and shank of the Virgin, this part is temperate.  
The end of this Asterism is from the eighteen of Libra, to the eighth of scorpion, in which the Virgins Spike is placed a star of the nature of Venus and Mars; there are also other Mercurian and Martiall stars in the train of her gown or garment, and these are somewhat watery; the North part is windy having therein stars of the nature of Mercury.  
The South part is temperate, having jovial and Saturnine stars therein.  
♎. The first part of the balance Asterism begins in the eighth of scorpion, ending in the fifteenth of scorpion, containing Saturnine stars participating with some Martiall in the Southern scale of the balance, and in the Serpent of Ophiuchus, these stars are temperate, yet at this present more dry then formerly.  
The second are from the fifteenth of scorpion, to the nineteenth of scorpion, and these are temperate.  
The last part of this Asterisme is from the nineteenth of scorpion, to the twenty sixth of scorpion, these are watery; The Northern part is windy, having stars of Saturn and Mercury therein; the Southern part is dry and pestilent.  
♏ The Asterism of the Scorpion begins in twenty six of scorpion, and continues to the sixth of Sagittarius, being furnished with Martiall stars, and some others of Saturn and Jupiter their influence as Antares in the fourth of Sagitarius, these produce Snows more plentifully now than formerly.  
The middle are from the sixth of Sagitarius to the sixteenth of Sagitarius, wherein the stars of Ophiuchus are Saturnine and terrestial, and they temperate, but inclining unto moisture.  
The later parts are from the sixteenth of Sagitarius, to almost the twenty sixth of Sagitarius, these stars are turbulent, and of the nature of Mars and mercury.  
The North part do occasion Heats, the South are moist and inconstant.  
♐. The first part of the Asterism of Sagitarius, it from the twenty sixth of Sagitarius, to the sixth of Capricorn, its could and moist in our dayes more than anciently.  
The middle is from the sixth of Capricorn to the sixteenth of Capricorn, temperate; and declining to could, the stars of the Sagitary being of Jupiter and Mars.  
The later part from the sixteenth of Cpricorn, to the twenty eight of Capricorn, are hot or fiery. The North part of the Constellation is windy; the South moist and inconstant.  
♑. The first part of the Asterism of Capricorn begins in the twenty eighth of Capricorn, and continues to the seventh of Aquarius, the stars in this place are part terrestial part Martiall, they produce heat, and do mischief.  
The middle part are from the seventh of Aquarius, to the fifteenth of Aquarius, and the stars herein are temperate.  
The last part is from the first of Aquarius, unto the twenty one of Aquarius, these produce rain; Both North and South Constellation is moist and harmful.  
♒ The first part begins in the twenty one of Aquarius, to the end of the sign, and it is moist.  
The second part is from the first of Pisces to the eighth, temperate it is, by reason of Saturnine and jovial stars.  
The last part of the Asterism is from the eighth to the fifteenth of Pisces, it is windy. The North stars do heat, the Southern produce Snow.  
♓ The first part of this Asterism begins in the fifteenth of Pisces, and ends in the last degree of Pisces; these stars are now more could, they were temperate.  
The middle part is from the first of Aries, to the fifteenth of Aries, these are moist.  
The last part of this Asterism from the fifteenth of Aries, to the twenty eighth of Aries, formerly did cause heat, thicken and dark the air; The Northern part is windy, the Southern is watery.   

Part of the second Book of PTOLOMEY, concerning the judging of Eclipses.  
HAving already in a fit Method declared, what is the familiarity of the Planets and Signs of the zodiac with the Constitutions and conditions of several Nations and people and from whence they arise; we now intend to deliver a more facile and easy way, how to apply certain Nations unto several of the Signs of Heaven: whereby Predictions may be framed concerning the most eminent and material Accidents of several Kingdoms, Regions, Cities and Countries.  
The first and most principal or most effectual cause of such Events, is the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and the Transits of the Stars or Planets at that time of the defect.  
First of all therefore, The Place is to be found out or declared, viz. What Region, Country, or City, the eclipse of the Sun and Moons doth point out, or the Stations of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars.  
Secondly, The time is to be observed and adjudged when, or how long the Events shall continue or endure.  
Thirdly ▪ The kinds of the Events; viz, Whether War or Famine is implyed.  
Fourthly, The Species, kinds or nature of those events, or the manner of them; or who shall do best and be Victors.  

CHAP. I. Of the consideration of those Regions, unto which the effects shall belong or appertain.  
FIrst we make our Conjecture of the Region or Place in this manner.  
In those Eclipses of the Sun and Moon which are great and famous, we consider the place of the zodiac in which the eclipse is, and the Regions familiar or assigned unto that place according to the distribution of the Trigons or Triplicitys.  
And what Cities by reason of their Horoscope Ascendant or sign ascending in the Cities first structure or for that place or Sign which either or both the Sun and Moon possessed at that time, or for the Medium Coeli or Sign Culminating in the Nativities of the Princes of those Regions, which had familiarity with the present place Eclipsed.  
What Regions or Cities we shall behold, that shall thus concur and agree with the place Eclipsed, we shall judge the Events in a great measure shall happen there; especially if those places were in Conjunction in that Sign in which the eclipse appears, and if the Defects or eclipse are above the Earth or visible in those Regions.   

CHAP. II. Of the time of the Events.  
THe second doctrine of the time of the significations of the Events, and their Duration, is in this manner.  
For as much as the eclipse of the Sun and Moon doth not appear in the same unequal hours in all Regions, or is the Obscuration of their bodies, or continuance of duration all alike.  
First therefore in every Region according unto Proportion, let there be taken, the ecliptical Hour, the Elevation of the Pole, the Angles of the figure, as you do in a nativity.  
Then it is to be considered, how many equinoctial Hours according to proportion the obscuration continues in every Region.  
These things considered, we shall find, that so many equinoctial hours as the Sun is Eclipsed, so many years the Events thereby signified shall continue, but in a Lunar eclipse so many months.  
The beginnings and the Increasings of those effects, wee shall discover from the place where the eclipse fals, with relation to the Angles.  
For when the place Eclipsed shall fall out to be in the Ascendant, or East Horizon, the beginning of Events shall be from the fourth month next after the eclipse, but the progressions of those Events will be more vehement in the first Trient of the whole duration.  
But if the Defect be in the Mid-Heaven, the beginning of the Events shall be in the second four months, and the progressions more hot and fierce in the second Trient; But if the place defective be in the West Angle, the beginnings shall appear in the third, fourth month, and the effects most violent in the third Trient.  
But the particular Remissions and intentions shall be adjudged from the Conjunctions which in the mean time shall be made in that place where the eclipse was: or in those places, which do behold that place, and from other Planets arising, together which signify the Events, when as they are either in the morning rising, or in the East, or in the West, or in their Station or vespertine Rising and do behold the Signs wherein the eclipse was.  
For their Risings and Stations do increase the Events; but if they be in the West or in occulation of the Sun-beams, or in their vespertine Rising, the Events are more remiss.   

CHAP. III. Of the Kind, or quality of Events.  
THis third Chapter contains, how the quality of the Events may be known.  
The knowledge whereof is taken or derived from the Qualities and figures of those Signs, wherein the Eclipses of the Luminaries were, and from the places of the predominant Stars both fixed and erraticall, and from that Sign in which the eclipse was, and the Sign which is in the Angle, The fortitude or Domination of the wandring Planets is thus taken.  
For what Planet doth concur or agree in most ways to the place Eclipsed, and to the Angle which follows the eclipse, he shall onely bear rule, he we mean who is nearest the place either by his apparent Access or Recession, or who by any aspect is in configuration with the place, or is most strong by reason of House, Exaltation, Triplicity, Term, or Face.  
But if it so fall out that the same Planet is not Lord of the eclipse, and of the Angle succeeding, but two Planets must be Lords, then is that Planet preferred or made choice of, who is Lord of the place Eclipsed, but the other shall be associated with him, who hath dignities in both places.  
And if many Planets have equal fortitude and authority in both places, and do also aspect the place, that Planet shall be admitted who is nearest unto an Angle, or is more powerful in signification, or more familiar in quality.  
Fixed signs considerable. Of the fixed Stars, that onely is to be assumed, which hath as it were Dominion in the Angle Preceding the eclipse, and is of the greater Magnitude, or which ariseth in the East, in the very hour of the eclipse, or possesseth the Medium Coeli, according to the Angles succeeding the place of the eclipse.  
forms of the signs. These things being taken into consideration, and the fixed stars, and other Planets in judgement of the causes, the figures of the signs are to be considered, in which the eclipse is, and in which the Planets having most Dominion are in, from whence the Quality of Events may be discerned.  
Those signs in the zodiac which have human shape, have signification unto men and mankind.  
terrestrial shapes have signification on those whose forms and figures are alike: Serpents or creeping signs, signify evils from Snakes Wild signs, or ferall, harm from wild beasts.  
Tame Creatures or beasts, signify harms and losses from and in domestical and tame cattle, and such as have relation to the profit of mans life, as the reason of several shapes or figures falls out, viz. either of horses, oxen or other beasts.  
The Northern earthly Asterisms show sudden Earthquakes, the meridional, great and unexpected showers. When the place Eclipsed is in an Asterism or sign having wings, as Virgo, Sagitarius, damage and detriment will befall to birds or fowle, especially to those on whom mankind feedeth; If the place Eclipsed be in signs, or Constellations pictured swimming the effects do fall in the water, and on fish; but if the Sign be Marine, then on ships and Navigation, these signs or Images are the Crab, Dolphin, and the Goat; If it be in the form of Rivers as in Aquarius or Pisces, it hath signification on what lives in Rivers, and on Fountains.  
The Constellation of Argos signifieth both, viz. both Sea and Rivers. If the Eclipses be in tropical or equinoctial signs, they commonly signify Change of the air; if they be in the Spring, or vernal equinox, the budding or sprouting of the Trees is to suffer, as the Vine Fig-tree, and others then appearing to bud or break forth. If they happen in the Summer Solstice, the effects will appear about the gathering Fruits, but in Egypt; it properly denotes the overflowing of the Nile; If in the autumnal Equinox, the effects concern the Harvest; if in the Winter, Pot-herbs, Birds of that Season, and Fish will undergo the effects; The equinoctial signs do also show what may happen in matter of Religion. The tropics denote change of air, and State-affairs: Fixed signs denotes Foundations and Buldings.  
By corporeal or Common signs portend to men and Kings.  
Those Eclipses who are near, or in the East, do signify the effects will concern Fruits, Youth, and their foundations.  
Those in the Mid-heaven, Regions, Kings, and people of middle age.  
Those in the West, Changes of laws, old age, murders.  
How largely the Events may extend themselves is best known by the greatness of the Defects, and from those Stars or Planets which in the place defective are causes of the Events.  
When the eclipse of the Sun is Vespertine, all Events are then less, and in an eclipse of the Moon when the Defect is Matutine; in an opposition half the effects are taken off.  
Eclipses of the Sun being Matutine; and Vespertine of the Moon, do increase the Evils.   

CHAP. IV. What manner of Events are like to happen, and whether good or ill.  
IN our fourth Chapter we propound, what manner of Events shall happen, and those whether good or evil, and of what nature in every kind. This judgement is derived from the nature of the Planets who have most fortitudes, who are posited in the chiefest places of heaven, and from their Commixtion amongst themselves, and in those places of the heaven in which they are beholded to be.  
For the Sun and Moon are the Governours of other Planets, and the chiefest causes of the Events, and do order the Dominion of the Stars; either confirming or lessening the forces or influences of those who are most strong.  
But the consideration of those Stars, who have the greatest privilege or right in Commixtion, do show the quality of Events.  
Let us begin and relate the qualities of every of the Planets, and tell of their natures, &c.  
But this short admonition must be taken notice of, viz. that when generally I nominate any one, or some of the five Planets, I understand their temper, and consequently their force, whether that very star doth predominate or any other fixed star, or other place of the zodiac, having alike nature and influence, as if we discoursed of their Influxive quality and nature in general, and not of the stars; Nor in the commixtions onely of the Planets, do I understand their Congresses, but the like natures also of others, whether fixed stars, or places of the zodiac, according to the before mentioned familiarities with the Planets.  
If Saturn be the only Lord, he induceth corruptions caused by could, but if the mischief be only dispersed among men; it causeth long diseases, as Pinings, Consumptions, Fluxes, the perturbations of humid diseases, the catching of quartan Agues; as also banishment, want, distresses through the means of evil men, griefs, terrors, deaths; and all these especially to those who are strike in years. The Beasts also, which are most useful to man, shall be destroyed by it; and men by using them, when they are corrupt, will dy. Moreover, the air shall for the most part stir up frosts, and cloudy, bleak and pestilent blasts, being extremely could, therefore itself is also troubled, ore-spread with clouds, and dark; Whence will ensue noisome and hurtful showers, such as shall produce living creatures hurtful to mankind. In Rivers, and especially in the Sea will arise tempests that shall cause the wracks of Navies, their voyages being unfortunate, Fish will die, especially in the Sea, the waters shall be backward and forward, overwhelming all, Rivers shall be overflown, and the chiefest and most necessary fruits of the Earth shall be consumed, principally by caterpillars or Locusts; Inundations or reins, or hail, and the like: And the mischief will go so far, as that men shall dy for hunger.  
If Jupiter be Lord alone, he advances all things by a copious increase; but as to men, he causeth honours, tranquillity, plenty, peace, and he advantages all things that relate to life. And in sum, he is the author of all good, both as to the body and mind. He doth moreover conciliate the benefits and rewards expected from Princes, and makes those Kings and Princes more illustrious, dilating their Territories, and increasing their Magnanimity and indeed generally he denotes all things happy and fortunate. If the effects relate to Beasts and bruits; those which are domestic, and for the use of man he will multiply, the unprofitable and contrary he will destroy. The constitution of the Air is wholesome and temperate, yet windy and moist, and a cherisher of fruits; Navigation also is prosperous, the Rivers have moderate floods; there is abundance of fruit and plenty of all those things which are requisite to men to live well.  
If Mars be the onely Lord he causes generally destruction by reason of his drought. But properly among men he raises Wars, inward seditions, the taking of Cities, destruction, tumults, rebellions, the indignation of Princes towards their subjects, and for that reason unexpected slaughters.  
Moreover, he induceth burning diseases, tertian Agues, eruptions of the blood acute diseases, violent deaths, and that especially of young men. As also combustions murders, impieties, injuries violence, rapine, robbery. The constitution of the air will be extreme hot, causing hot, pestilential and corruptive blasts; There will be also great droughts, thunder, and flames of fire fall from heaven: At Sea unexpected wracks by reason of tempests and thunder-bolts; Rivers and Springs shall be dried up and especially the waters necessary for drink shall fa●l and all other things useful and necessary to man a● cattle, Plants ▪ and Fruits will be corrupted, partly by excessive heat, partly by showers and ill winds. And those that are laid up for to be preserved shall be destroyed by Fire.  
If Venus be the onely Lady, she generally doth the same as Jupiter, but with more beauty. But particularly as to men, she causes famed, Honours, Joy, fortunate Marriage, off-spring, and it goes well in all things, and as is desired; She increases the substance, and generally she denotes, a chast and pious institution of human life, and holy things receive the honour and veneration due to them. Between Princes and their subjects there is an unexpected familiarity. There will be an excellent temperament of the air, a humid and precious constitution of winds; and generally the air will be excellently temperate, and pure, and there will be many showers, but fruitful. A prosperous and profitable Navigation ▪ Rivers will be risen because of the plenty of showers; and there will be plenty of all the creatures, and fruits which are useful to man.  
If Mercury be Lord alone generally as he is in Conjunction with the other Planets, so is he conformed to their natures; but properly when his own nature contributes any thing he advances the others. When the effect relates to men, it insinuates expedition industry, and craft in human affairs. He promotes the assaults of thieves, robberies, and treachery. M●rcury being configurate with the malevolent Planets, causes very unfortunate Navigation, dry diseases ▪ quotidian fevers and Coughs, eruptions of the blood and Consumptions. As for what concerns Religion and Divine rites, and secrets of State, customs and laws he disposes of all according to the quality of that Planet which is in aspect with him. When he is near the Sun( being dry because of his swift motion) he raises in the air inordinate and impetuous winds, and suddenly changeable, as also thunder and lightning He also causes gapings in the earth, Earthquakes, whereby he brings a Murrain and destruction to those living creatures and plants, which are useful to man. Moreover when he is occidental, he diminisheth the waters, when oriental, increases them. And these are the operations of each Planet according to their innate qualities; But when they are mingled together among themselves according to the variety of the Aspects and signs, as also in relation of their positure to the Sun, they do conveniently vary their actions, and from their several Commixtures various qualities do arise.  
But sith it is impossible, to expound the qualities of every and of all their mixtures, or to recite all their Configurations, of which there is so great variety, let the consideration hereof be referred to the discretion and prudence of every Astrologer.  
But let us with diligence observe these times, viz. what is the familiarity of those Stars which do bear rule and signify the Events, and their affinity and relation with those Regions and Cities wherein the Events will appear.  
For beneficial Stars joined in any relation to the obnoxious places where the Events should happen ▪ if they I say are not contradicted by other Stars of contrary nature, they do absolve by the goodness of their nature more effectually what they did promise.  
If there be no affinity or cognation betwixt them or if they be over powred by Stars who are adverse unto them, they do the less good.  
So also obnoxious Stars, when having obtained dominion, shall concur also with the harmful places unto the Event; If Stars of a contrary nature assist, then the maleficall do less offence; but if they themselves do neither govern the Regions, or are hindered from others, who may seem to claim a certain right and dominion on those Regious subject unto the events signified, then they more vehemently inflict a Plague of their own Constitution.  
But for the most part in universal evils, those men or women are especially laid hold on in whose Nativities the principal places, viz. of the two Lights, and the Angles, are the same with those from whom the causes of universal Events are derived; that is, either in the Eclipsed places themselves, or in the opposite places unto them.  
Above all in the first place it is most periculous and almost unavoidable if the very degrees of the ecliptical places or the opposite, shall fall to be with degrees of either luminary, which they possessed at time of the Birth.    

To the Citizens of bristol or as many of them as had the misfortune to hear Ralph Farmer prattle in the college Church 5. Novem. 1651.  
Gentlemen,  
THer's a Wolf inhabits your City in Sheeps clothing: perhaps you know not the man so well as we at London, This Ralph Farmer was for many years an under clerk or Hireling in the Sub-poena Office in Chancery Lane; About 1642. or 1643. when those unnatural Quarrels amongst ourselves grew high, and a Committee for Sequestrations was erected in London, this Farmer left his scribbling, and became either an Informer or a malicious solicitor unto that Committee: how viperously and covetously he demeaned himself in that employment, the purses of many unfortunate Gentlemen and Citizens well remember, but what advantage he made of his place, he best knows, being before that a poor sneaking fellow.  
That Trade failing, about 1645. or 1646. he became a Quack in chemistry, and sold his Extractions to the Apothecaries, some say he had so little knowledge of what he did, that but once giving some of his spirits to a near friend of his, she died within two dayes after: Finding himself a mere Botcher in chemistry, and the Apothecaries weary of his Spirits, he declined that Trade, and procured Orders, and hath since intruded himself into the ministry: Canterbury he left; Non vacat exiguis; no penny, no Pater Noster: How basely and niggardly he dealt with an excellent scholar( who for one years space taught his worshipful Blockhead Chimistery,) I scorn to mention.  
But now to some fragments of his Chat, the 5. of Novem. 1651. delivered for catholic Doctrine by this fellow in the Pulpit, before the Mayor and Aldermen, as it was sent unto me from a good hand.  

The exact words and expressions which were uttered by Master Farmer in his Sermon at the college of bristol the 5. day of November 1651. Concerning Mr. William lily.  

MAster Farmer was threatening the Congregation with the departure of the gospel to America: and then, to make this good, he tells us of an another whose name wee forgot that had 5. prognostics of the Gospels departing: the 1. Was Height of Malice, the 2. Was Prodigious Lust, the 3. Was impudent sinning, the 4. Was Increase of Witchcrafts, the 5. Was coming in of Popery, and when he came to speak of the fourth of these namely Increase of Witchcrafts, he lashed against many in this City of bristol that did study that Art of Star-gazing and Astrology, which he termed Witchcraft, and bid the people mark them, for they were some that had made some show of Religion formerly, but now they had laid aside all religion, and were altogether studying that Act of Witchcraft, and then said, that those were Scholars of that grand Witch of them all, lily( I mean, said he) for there was not a three-penny Book of his that did come forth, but he was lashing against one godly Minister or other. These were his very words, as will be atested by a hundred witnesses if need be.   
A word or two unto Mr. Radulphus.  
IF himself be not a Witch, how knows he the gospel is departing from us to America, pitty it is, there's so small a M●g●zin of wit in such a Lobsters head; But to his Prognost●q●es, for you see he is also now amongst the lesser Prophets.  
1. Height of Malice; he did well to begin with malice, himself being the most notoriously guilty, whilst h● malit●ously sl●nders the whole Nation, when as in truth, Malice a●ou●ds mo●t ●n the levitical Tribe, into which he is now received as a● Adopted str●p●ing.  
2. Prodigious lust, if he means of the flesh, why doth he not accuse his own Carnality and brethren. The State hath made an Act against p odigious Lusts, they have acted thei● parts, I do wonder R●lph falls not to his old Trade of Informing, if he be a man of Conscience he ought to do it, but ah alas! There's no money to be got by it.  
3. Impudent sinning; he that hates his N●igh●our Mr. Ralph, is an impudent sinner, and so you have, and so you will prove yourself, being yourself a younger son of Do●g the Edomite.  
4. Increase of Witchcraft. The reverend Judges who go the Circuits of the whole Nation, are best able to ju●ge if this be true: But Astrol●gy is Witchcraft as Ralph thinks; is this a fitting f●llow to t●ke upon h●m th● M●n stry, which cannot distinguish betwixt Venus and a Hogg. Astro●ogie is the speech of the Stars; Let R●lph prove it Witchcraft. But ●●lly is a Grand Witch; If an ass bray at me, or a Cur bark or yelp at me, shall I be angry; I sha●l be blessed, whilst such V●rmin as Fa●m●r curse me: If an ignorant An●mall as b●g a Ralph Farme● call me Wi●ch in a frolic, I can retort him a Widgi●● in p●int, a●d an informer in g●a●n for his labour, and when he shall speak sense or Reason, or to the th●ng in question, h● shall hear further from the Pen of W. lily; who believes the●e is a God, one God, and but one God; who abhors contracts w●●h Spirits, wh● d●sowns Witchcraft, Sorcery all unlawful Acts, who ab●ors to think th●t there is any doth maintain a fatality or necssitie in the Stars; who studies Nature, and the works of God therein, no further then becomes a Christian, and a lover of Jesus Christ.   
FINIS.