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EX LIBRIS HILLEL HOUSE LITERARY SOCIETY
PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS
PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS
QUADRIPARTITE
BEING
FOUR BOOKS
OF THE
INFLUENCE OF THE STARS
NEWLY TRANSLATED FROM THE GREEK PARAPHRASE OF PROCLUS
WITH A PREFACE, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND AN APPENDIX CONTAINING
EXTRACTS FROM THE ALMAGEST OF PTOLEMY
AND THE WHOLE OF HIs
CENTILOQUY
TOGETHER WITH A Short Notice of Mr. Ranger’s Zodiacal Planisphere
AND AN EXPLANATORY PLATE
By J. M. ASHMAND NEW EDITION
“‘ Ye stars, which are the poetry of Heaven! If, in your bright leaves, we would read the fate Of men and empires,—’tis to be forgiven.”’ LORD BYRON.
Lonpon: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. FOULSHAM & CO., Lid. DEALERS IN SCIENTIFIC BOOKS 10/1l RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET, LONDON, E.C.4
Made and Printed in Great Britain
TO THE AUTHOR OF “WAVERLEY” THIS TRANSLATION OF A WORK CONTAINING THE BEST ACCREDITED PRINCIPLES OF ASTROLOGY IS DEDICATED With the most profound admiration of his unrivalled Talents WHICH COULD ALONE HAVE RESTORED INTEREST TO THE SPECULATIONS OF AN
ANTIQUATED SCIENCE
wig RM yk ‘ MeN ΔΌΛΙΑ ἢ , as eS ty Ὕ is
We hak eo WA ‘ Ὦ 5:
vi
ra fs. ἔ ᾽ it i f “ἐς οὐκ ἢ ᾿ ty Bice
ADVERTISEMENT
Tue use recently made of Astrology in the poetical machinery of certain works of genius (which are of the highest popu- larity, and above all praise), seems to have excited in the world at large a desire to learn something of the mysteries of that science which has, in all former ages, if not in these days, more or less engaged reverence and usurped belief. The apparent existence of such a general desire has caused the completion of the following Translation, and its pre- sentation to the public ; although it was originally undertaken only in part, and merely to satisfy two or three individuals of the grounds on which the now neglected doctrines of Astrology had so long and so fully maintained credit.
CHAP.
III.
VII. VIII.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOOK I PRoEM . P " a 6 ᾽ ᾿ ἢ ᾿ . φ ᾿ ὁ KNOWLEDGE MAY BE ACQUIRED BY ASTRONOMY TO A CERTAIN EXTENT - ‘ THAT PRESCIENCE IS USEFUL . J ‘ ᾿ ᾿ P ὰ ᾿ . Tue INFLUENCES OF THE PLANETARY ORBS. ‘ i a é ὃ 3 Benerics AND MALEFIcs . 5 ᾿ ἡ ᾿ ‘ ° ° 7 τ MascuLiInE AND FEMININE ‘ 2 ; - ᾿ ᾿ > ‘ > Diurnal AND NoctTurNAL ) A . Ἶ ‘ Ξ . ἰ s Tue INFLUENCE OF POSITION WITH REGARD TO THE SUN, ° . ° Tue INFLUENCE OF THE FIXED STARS. ᾿ - . ° ὸ ἀ ° ConsTELLATIONS NorTH OF THE ZODIAC . > P ὸ ὃ ° . CONSTELLATIONS SOUTH OF THE ZODIAC . A é i . . Ἴ Tue ANNUAL SEASONS ‘ ‘ : , ‘ ‘ ° é . Ὃ Tue INFLUENCE OF THE Four ANGLES ‘ ᾷ ᾿ ὺ ὁ ¢ ὁ Tropicat, ΕΟΟΙΝΟΟΤΙΑΙ,, ΕἾΧΕΡ, AND ΒΙΟΘΟΚΡΟΒΕΑΙ, SIGNS . . . . MAscuLiINE AND FEMININE SIGNS 3 Ἶ é é ν Ἂ « MutTvat CONFIGURATIONS OF THE SIGNS . i : é Ξ ‘ . SIGNS COMMANDING AND ΟΒΕΥΙΝΟ . ᾿ ᾿ ° “ Ξ Ὰ ‘ SIGNS BEHOLDING EACH OTHER, AND OF EQUAL PowER. ‘ . ἐ , Sicns INCONJUNCT . , ‘ 4 s ‘ . Houses OF THE PLANETS . F ᾿ ι ἡ ‘ 4 ‘ . . Tue TRIPLICITIES . ‘ ᾿ * ᾿ ‘ 4 . ὃ ὦ ; EXALTATIONS . ‘ ὃ " * Ξ ἂ Ὰ ἁ Ὃ ὁ Tue Disposition ΟΕ THE TERMS ν - ἐ b ὸ " ‘ ° Tue Terms (AccorDING TO ProLemy) : : . . . . . THe PLaces AND DEGREES OF EVERY PLANET ° ° ° ἃ ° ὃ Faces, CHARIOTS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES OF THE PLANETS . : APPLICATION, SEPARATION, AND OTHER FAacuLTIES ‘ . . . . BOOK II
GENERAL DIvISION OF THE SUBJECT . 5 : ᾧ ἐ . . . PECULIARITIES OBSERVABLE THROUGHOUT EVERY ENTIRE CLIMATE . ὦ ὰ Tue FAMILIARITY OF THE REGIONS OF THE EARTH WITH THE TRIPLICITIES AND
THE PLANETS . ὶ ; ᾿ > : ὲ . 4 d . Tue FAMILIARITY OF THE REGIONS OF THE EARTH WITH THE ΕἾΧΕΡ Srars . MopeE or ParTICULAR PREDICTION IN Ec.ipsks . ‘ ᾿ ᾿ : a Tur REGIONS OR COUNTRIES TO BE CONSIDERED AS LIABLE TO BE COMPREHENDED
IN THE EvENT . A . ‘ é * ‘ é 4 ‘ Tue Time AND PERIOD OF THE EVENT F ‘ : é Ἢ F ὃ Tue Genus, Crass, oR KIND, LIABLE TO BE AFFECTED ° « . . THE QUALITY AND Nature ΟΕ THE Errect ὲ ᾿ ‘ : ᾿ ° Cotours ΙΝ Eciipses, COMETS, AND SIMILAR PHENOMENA . elena .
ΙΧ
PAGE
VII. VIII.
III. IV.
CONTENTS
Tue New Moon or THE YEAR ὃ “ Ἶ ὰ : : ᾿ ‘ THE PARTICULAR NATURES OF THE SIGNS BY WHICH THE DIFFERENT CONSTITU- TIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERE ARE PRODUCED . y x ᾿ Ξ . Moone or CONSIDERATION FOR PARTICULAR CONSTITUTIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERE Tue SIGNIFICATION oF METEORS ᾿ Oh SNe . i : ᾿ - BOOK III ProrM . : 4 “ : Ξ ἐ b Ἂ ᾿ ‘ . ‘ Tur CONCEPTION, AND THE PARTURITION, OR BIRTH; BY WHICH LATTER EVENT THE ANIMAL QUITS THE WOMB, AND ASSUMES ANOTHER STATE OF EXISTENCE Tuer Decree ASCENDING . 5 ᾿ ‘ ‘ ἐ : 4 ; ° DIsTRIBUTION OF THE DocTRINE OF NATIVITIES . " " 4 ὶ ὁ THE PARENTS - : : ᾿ 3 Ἷ Ἷ ᾿ . - if : BROTHERS AND SISTERS - Ε 4 ‘ Ἢ . : 4 ἔ ‘ Mate or FEMALE . : Σ ; : δ ὲ Ἔ : 3 . Twins . ‘ ‘ Ἢ Ἢ ν Ἢ ᾿ : ἢ ὃ Β a Monstrous or DerectriveE BirtHs . Ἴ Ἶ ᾿ ° Ἶ 3 : CHILDREN NOT REARED - é ‘ 5 ᾿ 4 Ε Ε Ξ : Tue DuraTIon or Lire . A ail ihe ἢ Υ . : - Ἰ THE ProroGaTory ΡΙΓΑΘΕΒ i ᾿ " ἢ δ 4 : : . Tue NuMBER OF PROROGATORS, AND ALSO THE PART OF FORTUNE. ᾿ . NuMBER OF THE Mopes oF PROROGATION . ἡ " ὃ ᾿ Ἷ y EXEMPLIFICATION . 3 6 Ἢ ‘ ὰ 3 ; * ν᾿ . Tue Form AND TEMPERAMENT OF THE Bopy . : ‘ iy ‘ 5 Tue Hurts, Injuries, AND DisEasrs OF THE BopDy . ‘ : : : Tue QuaALity or THE MIND . 4 P 5 Ἵ 4 : Ξ ἢ Tue Diskasrs oF THE MIND. 4 4 5 Ἐ : " 3 ν᾿ BOOK IV PromrMmM . < : 5 Ξ Ξ . ° F " " 5 ὲ Tue Fortune or WEALTH 4 ν᾽ ‘ ° ° ° ὺ : ; Tue Fortune or Rank . ᾿ ὁ : Ξ | . : 5 Tue Quatiry ΟΕ EMPLOYMENT ὰ Ἀ ν᾿ . : : : ν᾿ MarrIiaGE : ᾿ ‘ ) : Ε ν : Ἵ 5 4 4 CHILDREN ᾿ ᾿ ; ὸ : : Per ΤῈ ὃ - : : FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ‘ ° . , h A . : ; TRAVELLING . J 4 ᾿ οἱ ᾿ ul < 2 P 4 : Tue Kinp or DratH 5 aha Ἶ : : 5 \ Tue PertopicaL Divisions or TIME. : ‘ ᾿ ν Ἵ ἢ 4 APPENDIX Avmacsst, Boox vit, Cuap. 4 . Η ° . ° . . . ExTRACT FROM THE ALMAGEST, ΒΟΟΚ 11, CHAP. 9 . . . . : ΤΑΒΙΕ OF LATITUDES, FROM THE ALMAGEST ᾿ ὺ ὃ a : : ExTRACT FROM THE TABLE OF ASCENSIONS, IN THE ALMAGEST - . . ῬΤΟΙΕΜΥ 5 CENTILOQUY . ‘ Ὲ ‘ y i 4 - ἷ ᾿ Tue ZopiacaL PLANISPHERE, AND PLATE - ᾿ 4 ° 2 ‘ ‘
100 106 107 114
117
117 118
120 124 128 130 132 134 137
144 147 151 152 153 161
PREFACE
F all sciences, whether true or false, which have at any time () engaged the attention of the world, there is not one of which the real or assumed principles are less generally known, in the
present age, than those of Astrology. ‘The whole doctrine of this science is commonly understood to have been completely overturned ; and, of late, people seem to have satisfied themselves with merely knowing the import of its name. Such contented ignorance, in persons, too, sufficiently informed in other respects, is the more extraordinary, since Astrology has sustained a most conspicuous part throughout the history of the world, even until days comparatively recent. In the East, where it first arose, at a period of very remote antiquity, and whence it
1 Sir Isaac Newton has the following remarks in regard to the origin of Astrology : :— After the study of Astronomy was set on foot for the use of navigation, and the AZgyptians, by the heliacal risings and settings of the stars, had determined the length of the solar year of 365 days, and by other observa- tions had fixed the solstices, and formed the fixed stars into asterisms, all which was done in the reigns of Ammon, Sesac, Orus, and Memnon,” (about 1000 years before Christ), “‘it may be presumed that they continued to observe the motions of the planets, for they called them after the names of their gods ; and Nechepsos, or Nicepsos, King of Sais,” [772 B.c.], “‘ by the assistance of Petosiris, a priest of gypt, invented astrology, grounding it upon the aspects of the planets, and the qualities of the men and women to whom they were dedicated? ; and in the beginning of the reign of Nabonassar, King of Babylon, about which time the Athiopians, under Sabacon, invaded Agypt ” [751 B.c.], “those Aigyptians who fled from him to Babylon, carried thither the A’gyptian year of 365 days, and the study of astronomy and astrology, and founded the zra of Nabonassar, dating it from the first year of that king’s reign ” [747 B.c.], “and beginning the year on the same day with the Agyptians for the sake of their calculations. So Diodorus : ‘ they say that the Chaldean in Babylon, being colonies of the Aigyptians, became famous for astrology, having learned it from the priests of Egypt.’ »—Newton’s Chronology, pp. 251, 252. ἢ
Again, in p. 327: ‘‘ The practice of observing the stars began in Egypt i in the days of Ammon, as above, and was propagated from thence, in the reign of his son Sesac, inno Afric, Europe, and Asia, by conquest ; and then Atlas formed the sphere of the Libyans ” [956 B.c.], ‘‘ and Chiron that of the Greeks [939 B.c.]; and the Chaldzans also made a sphere of their own. But astrology
2 It is maintained by astrologers, that the planets, having been observed to produce certain effects, were consequently dedicated to the several personages whose names they respectively bear.
xi
xil PREFACE
came to subjugate the intellect of Europe, it still even now holds sway. In Europe, and in every part of the world where learning had “ im- press’'d the human soil,” Astrology reigned supreme until the middle of the 17th century. It entered into the councils of princes, it guided the policy of nations, and ruled the daily actions of individuals. All this is attested by the records of every nation which has a history, and
was invented in Egypt by Nichepsos, or Necepsos, one of the Kings of the Lower Agypt, and Petosiris his priest, a little before the days of Sabacon, and propagated thence into Chaldza, where Zoroaster, the legislator of the Magi, met with it: so Paulinus ;
* Quique magos docuit mysteria vana Necepsos.’”
The arcana of Astrology constituted a main feature in the doctrines of the Persian Magi; and it further appears, by Newton’s Chronology, p. 347, that Zoroaster (although the zra of his life has been erroneously assigned to various remoter periods) lived in the reign of Darius Hystaspis, about 520 B.c., and assisted Hystaspes, the father of Darius, in reforming the Magi, of whom the said Hystaspes was Master. Newton adds, p. 352, that “‘ about the same time with Hystaspes and Zoroaster, lived also Ostanes, another eminent Magus : Pliny places him under Darius Hystaspis, and Suidas makes him the follower of Zoroaster : he came into Greece with Xerxes about 480 B.c., and seems to be the Otanes of Herodotus. In his book, called the Octateuchus, he taught the same doctrine of the Deity as Zoroaster.”
Having quoted thus far from Newton, it seems proper to subjoin the follow- ing extract from the “ Ancient Universal History: ”—‘In the reign of Gushtasp ” [the oriental name of Darius Hystaspis], “‘ King of Persia, flourished a celebrated astrologer, whose name was Gjamasp, surnamed Al Hakim, or the wise. ‘The most credible writers say that he was the brother of King Gushtasp, and his confidant and chief minister. He is said to have predicted the coming of the Messiah ; and some treatises under his name are yet current in the East. Dr. Thomas Hyde, in speaking of this philosopher, cites a passage from a very ancient author, having before told us that this author asserted there had been among the Persians ten doctors of such consummate wisdom as the whole world could not boast the like. He then gives the author’s words: ‘ Of these, the sixth was Gjamasp, an astrologer, who was counsellor to Hystaspis. He is the author of a book intitled Fudicia Gjamaspts, in which is contained his judgment on the planetary conjunctions. And therein he gave notice that Jesus should appear ; that Mohammed should be born; that the Magian religion should be abolished, etc. ; nor did any astrologer ever come up to him.’ [E. lib. Mucy. apud Hyde.| Of this book there is an Arabic version, the title of which runs thus: The Book of the Philosopher Gjamasp, containing Judgments on the Grand Conjunctions of the Planets, and on the Events produced by them. This version was made by Lali; the title he gave it in Arabic was Al Keranai, and he published it a.p. 1280. In the preface of his version it is said that, after the times of Zoroaster, or Zerdusht, reigned Gushtasp, the son of Lohrasp,} a very
1 This seems to be a mistake of the Arabian author, for Gushtasp was identical with Darius Hystaspis, and Lohrasp [otherwise Cyaxares] was father of Darius the Mede, who was overcome by Cyrus, 536 B.c.—See Newton.
PREFACE xili
by none more fully than by those of England. Yet, with these striking facts before their eyes, the present generation seem never, until now, to have inquired on what basis this belief of their forefathers was estab- lished, nor by what authority the delusion (if it was one) could have been for so many ages supported. Among a thousand persons who now treat the mention of Astrology with supercilious ridicule, there is scarcely one who knows distinctly what it is he laughs at, or on what plea his ancestors should stand excused for having, in their day, contemplated with respect the unfortunate object of modern derision.
powerful prince ; and that in his reign flourished in the city of Balch, on the borders of Chorassan, a most excellent philosopher, whose name was Gjamasp, author of this book; wherein is contained an account of all the great con- junctions of the planets which had happened before his time, and which were to happen in succeeding ages; and wherein the appearances of new religions and the rise of new monarchies were exactly set down. This author, throughout his whole piece, styles Zerdusht, or Zoroaster, our Prophet. [D’Herbelot, Bibl. Orient. Art. Gjamasp.] The notion of predicting the rise and progress of religions from the grand conjunctions of the planets, has been likewise propagated in our western parts: Cardan was a bold assertor of this doctrine. The modern Persians are still great votaries of astrology, and although they distinguish between it and astronomy, they have but one word to express astro- nomer and astrologer ; viz. manegjim, which is exactly equivalent to the Greek word astpoAoyos. Of all the provinces of Persia, Chorassan is the most famous for producing great men in that art ; and in Chorassan there is a little town called Genabed, and in that town a certain family which, for 6 or 700 years past, has produced the most famous astrologers in Persia; and the king’s astrologer is always either a native of Genabed, or one brought up there. Sir John Chardin affirms that the appointments in his time for these sages amounted to six millions of French livres per annum.—Albumazar of Balch (scholar of Alkendi, a Jew, who was professor of judicial astrology at Bagdad, in the Caliphate of Almamoum?) became wonderfully famous. He wrote expressly from the Persian astrologers, and it may be from the works of Gjamasp, since he also reports a prediction of the coming of Christ in the following words : viz. ‘In the sphere of Persia, saith Aben Ezra, there ariseth upon the face of the sign Virgo a beautiful maiden, she holding two ears of corn in her hand, and a child in her arm: she feedeth him, and giveth him suck, &c. This maiden,’ saith Albumazar, ‘ we call Adrenedefa, the pure Virgin. She bringeth up a child in a place which is called Abrie [the Hebrew land], and the child’s name is called Eisi [Jesus].? This made Albertus Magnus believe that our Saviour, Christ, was born in Virgo; and therefore Cardinal Alliac, erecting our Lord’s nativity by his description, casteth this sign into the horoscope. But the mean- ing of Albumazar was, saith Friar Bacon, that the said virgin was born, the Sun being in that sign, and so it is noted in the calendar ; and that she was to bring up her son in the Hebrew land. [Mr. John Gregory’s Notes on various Passages of Scripture.]”—Ancient Universal History, vol. 5, pp. 415 to 419.
1 This caliph reigned in the earlier part of the 9th century, and caused Ptolemy’s Great Construction to be translated into Arabic, as. hereafter mentioned.
xiv PREFACE
The general want of information on these points, and the indifference with which such want has been hitherto regarded, cannot surely be attributed solely to the modern disrepute of the science ; for mankind have usually, in every successive age, exercised great industry in tracing all previous customs, however trifling or obsolete, and in examining all sorts of creeds, however unimportant or erroneous, whenever there has appeared any striking connection between such matters and historical facts ; and, since astrology is most unquestionably blended intimately with history, it therefore becomes necessary to seek for some further hypothesis, by which this ignorance and indifference may be accounted for.
Perhaps astrology has been conceived to have borne the same relation to astronomy as alchymy did to chymistry. Ifsuch has been the notion, it has certainly been adopted in error, for a modern chymist is still almost an alchymist: it is true that he no longer delays his work in deference to the planets, nor does he now try to make gold, nor to distil elixir of earthly immortality ; but nevertheless he still avails himself, to a certain degree, of the same rules and the same means as those of the old alchymist : he is still intent upon the subtle processes of Nature, and still imitates her as far as he can. He reduces the diamond to charcoal by an operation analogous to that by which the alchymist sought to transmute lead into gold ; and he mainly differs from the alchymist only in having assured himself that there is a point beyond which Nature forbids facsimiles. Not so slightly, however, does the astronomer differ from the astrologer, but toto celo : the astrologer considered the heavenly bodies and their motions merely as the mechanism wherewith he was to weave the tissue of his predictions; and astronomy is no more an integral part of astrology, than the loom is of the web which has been woven by it. To have an idea of what alchymy was, it is sufficient to have an idea of chymistry ; but astronomy, in itself, will never give a notion of astrology, which requires additional and distinct consideration.
It may be urged, that in the present day a general idea of this by- gone and disused science is quite sufficient for everybody not professedly antiquarian. Such an assertion would doubtless never be controverted, provided the proposed general idea might comprehend the truth. But the present actual general idea of astrology is by no means so compre- hensive ; indeed, nothing can well be more inaccurate, or even more false: it seems to have been adopted not from the elements of the science itself, but from trite observations made by writers against the science ; and consequently the world now wonders at the lamentable defect of understanding that could ever have permitted belief in it— forgetting that astrology has been consigned to neglect, not in conse- quence of any primd facie palpability in its imputed fallacies, nor in- deed of any special skill or acuteness on the part of its professed adver- saries, but rather in consequence of the sudden and astonishing growth of other undoubted sciences, with which it has been presumed to be
PREFACE ΧΥ͂
incompatible, and which during the thousands of years of the reign of astrology were either unborn, or still slumbering in continued infancy.}
The words “‘ professed adversaries,” which have just now been used, are of course not intended to be applied to those mighty explorers of Nature’s laws and man’s powers, who, in their lofty career, may have made an incidental swoop at the pretensions of astrology. Directly engaged in more exact pursuits, they stopped not to dissect this their casual prey, which, after having been thus struck by eagles, was left to regale crows and daws, and these, in their convivial loquacity, accused their unfortunate victims of crimes incapable of being committed, and of offences which had never been imagined. Of the real faults of their victim these garrulous bipeds seem not to have been aware, or, if aware, they seem to.have considered them as not sufficiently prominent. Nor was this want of candour or information absolutely confined to the mere vulgar herd of vituperative scribblers, for even the sparkling essay against astrology, written by Voltaire (in his irrepressible desire to con- vince the world that he was au fatt in everything), proves only that the writer, though the most generally informed man of his time, had mis- taken the really assailable points of the object of his attack.
The author of the present Translation has no intention now of either advocating or impugning the doctrines of the science of which his Translation discourses : his purpose is a different one. He has that sort of respect for “ the dead, which are really dead,” which, although it does not incline him to “ praise ” them “‘ more than the living, which are yet alive,” is still sufficient to incite him to endeavour to avert the imputa- tion of idiot credulity, to which their faith in astrology seems now to subject them in the general opinion of the enlightened “living.” And, while he disclaims all idea of presuming to offer any argument on either side of the question, as to the validity of the science, he must still, at the
1 To this view of the case, the following remarks seem not inapplicable : they are taken from a periodical work of deserved reputation :—
“ The study of astrology itself, as professing to discover, by celestial pheno- mena, future mutations in the elements and terrestrial bodies, ought, perhaps, not to be despised.2 The theory of the tides, for example, is altogether an astrological doctrine, and, long before the days of Sir Isaac Newton, was as well understood as it is at this moment. The correspondence alleged by the ancient physicians to exist between the positions of the Moon and the stages of various diseases, is so far from being rejected by the modern faculty, that it has been openly maintained.” The writer then recounts sundry incidents, asserted by the astrologers to be dependent on the Moon, and he adds these words: “‘ The fact of these allegations might be so easily ascertained, that it is surprising they should still be pronounced incredible, and denied rather than contradicted.”
2 “ Sir Christopher Heydon’s Defence of Astrology, p. 2, edit. 1603.” “Dr. Mead on the Influence of the Sun and Moon upon Human Bodies. ἊΝ also Edinb. Rev. vol. 12, p. 36—Balfour on Sol-Lunar Influence.” Black- woods Magazine for Dec., 1821, Part 2, No. 59.
xvi PREFACE
same time, confess his admiration of the ingenuity and contrivance manifest in its construction, and avow his readiness to believe that all its harmonized complications might have easily held dominion over some of the strongest minds in that darker period when it flourished.
In executing here the desire of attempting to vindicate the ancient credence in astrology, an elaborate disquisition would surely be not only unnecessary, but misplaced : it seems sufficient to refer the reader to the work of which the following is a translation, and to these undisputed facts—that the science was formerly inculcated by the highest and most erudite authorities of the period—that it was insisted on by votaries in all parts of the world, attesting and producing instances of its truth ;— and, moreover, that it was so finely and beautifully put together, as to cause the only deficiency of one small, though most important, link in its whole chain of argument, to be undetected by dull minds, and readily supplied by enthusiastic genius. For centuries after centuries all branches of learning were either made subservient to astrology, or carried on in close alliance with it; and many of the illustrious names which it recalls to our recollection are gratefully reverenced even by modern science. ‘The genius of Roger Bacon, although he was the first of that school of natural philosophy which acknowledges none but experimented truths, was nevertheless bowed to the doctrines of judicial astrology; and his greater Namesake, who after an interval of several centuries succeeded to him in giving proper direction to the mental energy, was still an arguer in favour of celestial influences: it may be, therefore, fairly inferred, that the subtle spell which had strength to enthrall “ stuff” so ‘ stern,” could have been of no weak or vulgar order, but that it was sufficiently potent and refined to interest and amuse even the present age.}
1 In the 51st No. of the Quarterly Review, Art. “ Astrology and Alchymy,” the following observations are made :—
“‘ Certainly, if man may ever found his glory on the achievements of his wisdom, he may reasonably exult in the discoveries of astronomy; but the knowledge which avails us has been created solely by the absurdities which it has extirpated. Delusion became the basis of truth. Horoscopes and nativities have taught us to place the planet in its sure and silent path ; and the acquire- ments which, of all others, now testify the might of the human intellect, derived their origin from weakness and credulity ” (p. 181). Again; “ Astrology, like alchymy, derives no protection from sober reason ; yet, with all its vanity and idleness, it was not a corrupting weakness. Tokens, predictions, prognostics, | possess a psychological reality. All events are but the consummation of preceding causes, Clearly felt, but not distinctly apprehended. When the strain is sounded, the most untutored listener can tell that it will end with the key-note, though he cannot explain why each successive bar must at last lead to the concluding chord. The omen embodies the presentiment, and receives its consistency from our hopes or fears.” (p. 208).
It may, perhaps, be difficult to assent to all of the propositions involved in these extracts ; but there are among them some which are clearly unquestionable.
PREFACE xvii
In this little volume will be found the whole of the elements of astrology, and the entire ground-work of those stupendous tomes in folio and quarto on the same subject, which were produced in myriads during the 16th and 17th centuries, for the due mystification of the then world. ‘The present volume is addressed equally to the general reader, as well as to the votary of pure astrology, if any such there be ; to the one it offers amusement ; for the other, it should contain the most glowing interest. Even to the speculative metaphysician it will furnish food for contemplation ; for, in addition to its peculiar hypothe- sis of cause and effect, it develops many of those apparent incongruities of character so often united in the same individual ; and this develop- ment, even although adapted to the doctrine of the stars, still merits attention ; inasmuch as the phenomena of which it treats (in whatever way they may be produced or regulated) will ever remain in actual existence.
The only English translation of Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos, hitherto published, appears to have been first set forth in 1701, under the name of “The Quadripartite.” That publication has been long removed from general sale ; and its gross misinterpretation of the author, caused by the carelessness or ignorance of Whalley and his assistants, by whom it was produced, has rendered most of its pages unintelligible: its absence is, therefore, scarcely to be regretted. ‘The second edition of the same translation, professing to be “ revised, corrected, and improved,” and published by Browne and Sibley, in 1786, was not, in any one in- stance, purified from the blunders and obscurities which disgraced its predecessor: it seems, in fact, less excusable than the former edition, of which it was merely a reprint, without being at all corrected, not even in certain typographical errata which the former printer had been zealous enough to point out in his final page. Even this second publica- tion, worthless as it intrinsically is, can rarely now be met with, and, like the former, only at a very heavy price.
The present Translation has been made from Proclus’s Greek Para- phrase of Prolemy’s original text ; the edition followed is that of the Elzevirs, dated in 1635.4 But, in the course of translation, continual references have been also had to various editions of the original text, in order to ascertain the proper acceptation of doubtful passages. The editions thus inspected were that by Camerarius, printed at Nuremberg in 1535; that by Melancthon, printed at Basle in 1553; and that by Junctinus, printed, with his own enormous commentaries, at Lyons, in 1581. Independently of these references, the present translation has
1 This edition was printed in double columns, one containing Proclus’s Greek Paraphrase, the other the Latin translation of Leo Allatius ; and William Lilly (no light authority in these matters) thus wrote of it in the year 1647: “ς Indeed Ptolemy hath been printed in folio, in quarto, in octavo, in sixteens: that lately printed at Leyden ” [where the Elzevirs were established] “I
XVIil PREFACE
been collated with the Latin of Leo Allatius, and with two other Latin translations: one printed at Basle, together with a translation of the Almagest in 1541; the other by itself at Perugio, in 1646.1 The Translator has devoted all this extreme care and attention to his labours, in the wish to render Ptolemy’s astro-judicial doctrine into English as
conceive to be most exact ; it was performed by Allatius.” ΤῸ the said edition is prefixed an anonymous address to the reader, in Latin, and to the following effect :-—
“41 have reckoned it part of my duty to give you, benevolent reader, some short information as to the publication of this little work, which, having hitherto existed only in Greek,? is now, in its Latin dress, accessible to the curiosity of all persons. This Paraphrase of Proclus on the Tetrabiblos of Ptolemy was translated a few years ago by Leo Allatius, a Greek by birth, eminently skilled in the learning of his own nation, as well as in Latin literature, and already celebrated for other writings in both languages. He lives, I have understood, in Rome, in the family of Cardinal Biscia, and holds some office in the Vatican Library. He undertook his present work, however, for his own private gratifica- tion, and that of certain friends; but when writings compiled with this view have once quitted their author’s hands, it will often happen that they have also, at the same time, escaped his control. So this offspring of Allatius, having emerged from Rome, arrived at Venice, from whence it was forwarded to me by a certain great personage of illustrious rank, in order that I might cause it to be printed. The names of Ptolemy and Proclus, so celebrated among mathematicians and philosophers, besides the subject of the work itself, seemed to me a sufficient warrant for committing it to the press. Whereupon I delayed not to avail myself of the advantages I possessed in having access to our excellent and most accurate typographers, the Elzevirs, and I earnestly solicited them to publish it: they, in their love for the commonwealth of letters, took upon themselves the charge of printing it in the form you see. You will learn from it, inquisitive Reader, how much power the stars have over the atmosphere and all sublunary things: for the stars, and those brighter bodies of heaven, must not be imagined to be idle. The whole doctrine of the stars is not, however, here treated of, but only that distinct part of it which the Greeks call judicial and prognostic, and which, while confined within certain limits is as enter- taining as it is useful, and is partly considered to be agreeable to nature. Bunt should it pretend to subject to the skies such things as do not depend thereupon, and should it invite us to foresee by the stars such things as are above the weakness of our apprehension, it will assuredly deserve to be reprehended as a vain and empty art, which has been demonstrated in many learned books by
1 This translation from the Perugio press has been serviceable in presenting certain various readings; but it does not seem to possess any other peculiar merit. It professes to be a translation from the original text of Ptolemy ; and so likewise does the translation printed at Basle, as above quoted.
2 This assertion is applicable only to Proclus’s Paraphrase. ‘There were several prior translations of the original Tetrabiblos in Latin and Arabic; and it appears by an extract from the Bibliotheca Greca of Fabricius [which will be found in a subsequent page], that a Latin version, done from the Arabic, was printed at Venice as early as the year 1493.
PREFACE xix
purely and perfectly as possible ; and, with the same view, he has like- wise added, in an Appendix, certain extracts from such parts of the Almagest as were found to be referred to in his present work. Further illustration is also given by notes gathered from the “‘ Primum Mobile ” of Placidus,! and from a variety of other sources whence any elucidation of the text might be derived. Even Whalley’s ‘ Annotations ” (to use his own grandiloquent designation) have occasionally yielded informa- tion, not altogether unimportant, although generally incomplete.
It seems improper to close this Preface (notwithstanding the bulk it has already attained), without annexing the following short notice of the life and works of the great man from whom the Tetrabiblos has emanated.
Claudius Ptolemy was born at Pelusium, in A’gypt, and became an
the great Picus of Mirandola. The Chaldeans, Genethliacs, and Planetarians, have been always held in disrepute, because they professed to know not only more than they actually did know, but also more than is allowed to man to know. Even Ptolemy, while he employs himself in his present work upon the Doctrine of Nativities, is scarcely free from the charge of superstition and vanity : perhaps, in a Pagan, this may be forgiven ; but it is hardly to be toler- ated, that persons professing Christianity should be led away by such an empty study, in which there is no solid utility, and the whole pleasure of which is puerile. Finally, I warn you that some persons doubt whether this was really produced by Ptolemy”: nevertheless, it has certainly appeared to Porphyry and Proclus (who were doubtless great philosophers, although hostile to the Christian faith) to be worthy of receiving elucidation by their Commentaries upon it.3 Peruse it, however, friendly reader, with caution, having first shaken off the weakness of credulity, for the sinew of wisdom is not to believe rashly. Farewell.”
In addition to the remarks made in the foregoing address regarding Leo Allatius, it may be observed that he was appointed Keeper of the Vatican Library by Pope Alexander VII, with whom he was in high favour. It is said of him, that he had a pen with which he had written Greek for forty years, and that he shed tears on losing it. Another story of him states, that the Pope had often urged him to take holy orders, that he might be advanced in the church, and one day asked him why he had not done so: “ Because,” said Allatius, “1 would be free to marry.”—‘“‘ Why, then, do you not marry? ”—“ Because I would be free to take orders.” —Chalmer’s Biographical Dictionary.
1 It appears by the printed works of this author, that he was named Didacus Placidus de Titis. He was a native of Bologna, by profession a monk, and was styled Mathematician to the Archduke Leopold William of Austria. He wrote in the earlier part of the 17th century, and his work, now cited, is considered to contain the most successful application of Ptolemy’s astrological rules to practice. The original is extremely scarce; but a new English edition, by Cooper, may be had of the Publishers of this work.
2 The reader is again referred to the extract from Fabricius (inserted in a subsequent page), containing that learned person’s account of this book among the other works of Ptolemy.
3 Their Commentaries were printed at Basle, in 1559.
xx PREFACE
illustrious disciple of the school of Alexandria, in which city he flourished during the reign of Adrian and that of Antoninus Pius. The date of his birth has been commonly assigned to the 7oth year of the Christian zera; but the accuracy of this date seems questionable ; for he has him- self noted in one part of his works, that Antoninus reigned twenty-three years. He must have, therefore, survived that prince; and, as it is not probable that he continued his scientific labours until after ninety years of age, which he must have done had he been born about the year 70, because Antoninus died in the year 161, it seems that his birth would be more properly ascribed to some later period. Moreover, it is asserted by the Arabians, that he died in the 78th year of his age ; and a similar statement is also made by Luca Gauricus, in the dedication of his version of the Almagest! to Dominico Palavicini: Gauricus has, how- ever, placed his death in the year 147, which does not accord with the fact of his having survived Antoninus.
Ptolemy has recorded that he observed, at Alexandria, an eclipse of the Moon, in the 9th year of Adrian ; and that he made many observa- tions upon the fixed stars in the 2nd year of Antoninus Pius: whence it may be concluded, that his observations upon the heavens were principally made during the period from a.p. 125 to A.D. 140, or there- abouts ; and it also follows, of course, that the supposition, entertained by some authors, of his identity with the Ptolemy who was always in attendance upon Galba, as his personal astrologer, and who promised Otho that he should survive Nero and obtain the empire, is entirely without foundation. To Gauricus’s? version of the Almagest there is also another dedication, addressed to Pope Sixtus, and composed by George Trapezuntius, describing Ptolemy as “ regid stirpe ortundum,” and explaining that he had, “ with a truly regal mind,” applied himself to the sciences, because the ancient sceptré of the Ptolemies had pre- viously passed into the hands of Cleopatra, and because the kingdom of Akgypt had been since reduced to the state of a Roman province. The authentic details of the circumstances of Ptolemy’s life are, how- ever, extremely few. It is said that he was distinguished among the Greeks by the epithets “‘ most wise,” and “ most divine,” on account of his great learning ; and, according to the Preface to Whalley’s transla- tion of the Tetrabiblos, the Arabians report that ‘‘ he was extremely abstemious, and rode much on horseback’; adding, that although he was “spruce in apparel,” yet his breath was not remarkable for an agreeable odour.
The errors of the Ptolemaic theory of the universe have now been long discarded ; but there are many points in which modern sciences, and modern astronomy in particular, have reaped incalculable benefits from the labours and researches of its great founder. He has preserved
1 Printed at Basle, 1541. 2 Chalmer’s Biographical Dictionary.
PREFACE xxi
and transmitted to us the observations and principal discoveries of re- moter periods, and has enriched and augmented them with his own. He corrected Hipparchus’s catalogue of the fixed stars, and formed tables for the calculation and regulation of the motions of the Sun, Moon, and planets. He was, in fact, the first who collected the scattered and detached observations of Aristotle, Hipparchus, Posidonius, and others on the economy of the world, and digested them into a system, which he set forth in his Meyady Xvyragis or Great Construction, divided into thirteen books, and called, after him, the Ptolemaic System. This and all his other astronomical works are founded upon the hypothe- sis, that the earth is at rest in the centre of the universe, and that the heavenly bodies, stars, and planets, all move round it in solid orbs, whose motions are all directed by one primum mobile, or first mover, of which he discourses at large in the “ Great Construction.” In that work he also treats of the figure and divisions of the earth, of the right and oblique ascensions of the heavenly bodies, and of the motions of the Sun, Moon, and planets ; and he gives tables for finding their situations, latitudes, longitudes, and motions: he treats also of eclipses, and the methods of computing them ; and he discourses of the fixed stars, of which he furnishes a numerous catalogue, with their magnitudes, lati- tudes, and longitudes.
It has been truly said, that ““ Ptolemy’s order, false as it was, enabled observers to givea plausible account of the motions of the Sun and Moon, to foretell eclipses, and to improve geography? ; ” or, in other words, that it represented the actual phenomena of the heavens as they really appear to a spectator on the earth. It is therefore clear that Ptolemy’s astrology is just as applicable to modern and improved astronomy as it was to his own.
1 In France, about the beginning of the 16th century, Oronce Finé, the Royal Reader, attempted, under the patronage of Francis I, to produce an astronomical clock, in which everything moved according to the principles of Ptolemy. It was kept, about fifty years ago, in the monastery of St. Geneviéve, at Paris. In Lilly’s Catalogue of Astrological Authors, Orontius Finzus is mentioned as the writer of a work on the twelve houses of heaven, printed in Paris, 1553.
2 Spectacle de la Nature.
3 The objection which has been urged against astrology, that the signs are continually moving from their positions, cannot invalidate this conclusion. That objection has, in fact, no real existence ; for Ptolemy seems to have been aware of this motion of the signs, and has fully provided for it in the 25th Chapter of the 1st Book of the Tetrabiblos. From that chapter it is clear that the respective influences he ascribes to the twelve signs (or divisions of the zodiac) were considered by him as appurtenant to the places they occupied, and not to the stars of which they were composed. He has expressly and repeatedly declared that the point of the vernal equinox is ever the beginning of the zodiac, and that the 30 degrees following it ever retain the same virtue as that which he has in this work attributed to Aries, although the stars forming Aries may
Xxli PREFACE
In the year 827! the “‘ Great Construction ” was translated by the Arabians into their own language, and by them communicated to Eurepe. It is through them that it has been usually known by the name of the Almagest. In the 13th century, the Emperor Frederic II caused it to be translated from the Arabic into Latin, and Sacrobosco? was consequently enabled to write his famous work upon the sphere. It was not, however, until about the end of the 15th century that the “Great Construction ” was translated into Latin from the original text ; and this important service was rendered to science by Purbach, a _professor of philosophy at Vienna, who learned the Greek tongue at the instigation of Cardinal Bessarion. By means of this translation, the Ephemerides of George Miiller, surnamed Regiomontanus, a disciple of Purbach’s, were first composed. ‘The Greek text of the Almagest, or Great Construction, was first published at Basle, by Simon Grynzus, in 1538; and it was again printed at the same place in 1551, with certain other works of Ptolemy.? The rest of Ptolemy’s works connected with astronomy, and now extant, are the Tetrabiblos, or Four Books of the Influence of the Stars* (now translated) ; the Centiloquy, or Fruit of his Four Books, being a kind of supplement to the former; and the Significations of the Fixed Stars. The last is merely a daily calendar,
have quitted those degrees: the next 30 degrees are still be accounted as Taurus, and so of the rest. There is abundant proof throughout the Tetrabiblos, that Ptolemy considered the virtues of the constellations of the zodiac distinctly from those of the spaces they occupied.
1 The French say 813, but $27 is the date given by English chronologists.
2 ‘This scientific man was a Mathurine Friar, and a professor in the University of Paris: he died in 1256. It is pointed out in the Edinburgh Review, No. 68, that he was a native of Yorkshire, and his real name John Holywood, euphonized, in Paris, into Sacrobosco.
3 Chalmers.—The Tetrabiblos was among these works.
4 To such readers as may be curious to know in what manner this book was promulgated in Europe, after the revival of letters, the following extract from the Bibliotheca Greca of Fabricius will furnish information :—
“Lib, IV. Cap. XIV. §4. Τετραβιβλος, Συνταξις Μαθηματικὴ Quadri- partitum, sive quatuor libri de apotelesmatibus et judiciis astrorum, ad Syrum (h). Grece primum editi a Foachimo Camerario, cum versione sua duorum priorum librorum, et precipuorum e reliquis locorum. Norimb. 1535, 4to.—Hinc cum versione Phil, Melancthonis, qui in prefat. ad Eraamum Ebnerum. Senatorem Norimbergensem testatur se editionem Camerarii multis mendis purgasse, tum numeros in locis apheticis tam Greci quam Latini textus emendasse. Basil, 1553, 8vo.—Latine pridem verterat Aigidius Tebaldinus, sive latino-barbaré ex Hispanica versione, Alfonsi Castella Regis jussu, ex Arabico (i) confecta. Vertit et Antonius Gogava, Lovan. 1548, 4to; Patavii, 1658, 1zmo; Pragze, 1610, 12mo. Commentario illustravit Hieron. Cardanus prioribus duobus libris Camerarii, posterioribus Gogave versione servata, Basil, 1554, fol. ; 1579, fol.; Lugd. 1555, 8vo, et in Cardani opp.—Georgit Valle com- mentarius, anno 1502 editus, nihil aliud est, quam Latina versio scholiorum
PREFACE Xxlii
showing the risings and settings of the stars, and the nature of the weather thereby produced. ‘There are likewise extant his geographical work (which has rendered important service to modern geographers), and also his celebrated book on Harmonics, or the Theory of Sound.
Proclus, to whom the world is indebted for the improved text of the Tetrabiblos,1 was born at Constantinople, in the year 410. He studied
Grezcorum, sive exegeseos jejune Demophili in tetrabiblon, que cum Porphyrit sive Antiocht isagoge, Grece et Latine, addita Huzeron Wolf versione, lucem vidit Basil. 1559, fol. In his scholiis Dorotheus allegatur, p. 48, 110, et 139; Cleopatra, p. 88; Porphyrius Philosophus, p. 169. Meminit et auctor Petosiridis ac Necepso, p. 112 :—Aeyet de παλαιον tov Nexeyw (ita leg. pro χεῴψω ut p. 112) και Πετοσιριν, ovrot yap πρωτοι to δὲ αςρολογιας ἐχηπλωσαν mpoyvwsixov? Paraphrasin tetrabibli a Proclo concinnatam Grace edidit Melancthon, Basil. 1554, 8vo. Greece et Latine cum versione sua Leo Allatius, Lugd. Batav. 1654, 8vo. Locum Ptolemzi e codice Greco MS. in collegio Corporis Christi Oxon, feliciter restituit Seldenus, p. 35 ad Marmora Arundeliana. Haly Heben Rodoan Arabis commentarium laudat Cardanus, cum Demophilo Latine editum.”
“ (8) Schol. Grec.—IIpoogwver tw Συρω o Πτολεμαῖος to βιβλιον, προς ον και TAS αλλας αὐυτου TATAS πραγματειας προσεφωνησεν. Λεγουσι δε τινες ws πέπλαξςαι αὐτο το του Συρω ονομα. Αλλοι de ort ov πεπλαςαι, αλλ᾽ ιατρος nu ουὅτος αχθεις και δια τουτων των μαθηματων.
“() Selden. Uxor Hebr. p. 342. Czterum de Alphonsi Regis cura in promovenda Arabica Quadripartiti versione, vide, si placet, Nic: Antonium in Bibl. veteri Hispana, t. 2, p. 55, vel Acta Erud. A. 1697, p. 302. Latino versio ex Arabico facta lucem vidit Venet, 1493, fol. Viderit porro Gassendus qui in Philosophia Epicuri, ubi contra Astrologos disputat. t. 2, p. 501. con- tendit tetrabiblon indignum esse Ptolemzi genio et subdititum. Equidem Jo. Pico judice, 1. 1, contra Astrologos, p. 285, Ptolemzus malorum sive Apoteles- maticorum est optimus.”
1 Tt will be seen by the preceding note, that Proclus’s Paraphrase of the Tetrabiblos should properly be considered as superior to the other readings of that book ; since it appears, on the authority of Fabricius, that Melancthon, after having been at the pains of correcting and republishing, in 1553 (with his own emendations), the edition of Camerarius, containing the reputed original text, still deemed it advisible, in the following year, to edit Proclus’s Paraphrase. This Paraphrase must, therefore, necessarily have had claims to his attention not found in the text he had previously edited.4
2 “ Nechepsos and Petosiris are anciently spoken of, for they first explained prognostication by Astrology.”
3 This was perhaps a reprint of the edition of 1635, from which the present translation has been made; unless there may have been an error of the press in stating 1654 instead of 1635, which seems probable, as the edition of 1635. is unnoticed by Fabricius.
4 “ Ptolemy addresses the book to Syrus, to whom he has also addressed all his other treatises. Some say that this name of Syrus was feigned; others, that it was not feigned, but that he was a physician, and educated in these sciences.”
XXIV PREFACE
at Alexandria and at Athens, and became very eminent among the later Platonists. He succeeded Syrianus, a celebrated philosopher, in the rectorship of the Platonic school at Athens, and died there in 485.1 He was a most voluminous author, in poetry as well as in prose. Among his works there are Hymns to the Sun, to Venus, and to the Muses ; Commentaries upon several pieces of Plato, and upon Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos?; an Epitome or Commendium of all the Astronomical Precepts demonstrated in the Almagest; and elements of Theology and Natural Philosophy. He was in dispute with the Christians on the question of the eternity of the world, which he undertook to prove in eighteen elaborate arguments. A late writer in a certain periodical work has erroneously identified him with another Proclus, who was in favour with the Emperor Anastasius, and who destroyed the ships of Vitalianus, when besieging Constantinople in 514, by burning them with great brazen mirrors, or specula.
Signs of the Zodiac. ¢” Aries -- Libra 8% ‘Taurus ™m Scorpio π Gemini _f Sagittarius σρ Cancer ve Capricorn 8 Leo wv Aquarius ny Virgo % Pisces
1 Chalmer’s Biographical Dictionary. 2 It will, of course, be understood that this Commentary is distinct from his Paraphrase, now translated.
PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS
OR
FOUR BOOKS
OF THE
INFLUENCE OF THE STARS BOOK THE FIRST
CHAPTER I
PROEM
Te studies preliminary to astronomical prognostication, O Syrus! are two: the one, first alike in order and in power, leads to the knowledge of the figurations of the Sun, the Moon, and the stars; and of their relative aspects to each other, and to the earth: the other takes into consideration the changes which their aspects create, by means of their natural properties, in objects under their influence.
The first mentioned study has been already explained in the Syntaxis! to the utmost practicable extent; for it is complete in itself, and of essential utility even without being blended with the second ; to which this treatise will be devoted, and which is not equally self-complete. ‘The present work shall, however, be regulated by that due regard for truth which philosophy demands: and since the material quality of the objects acted upon renders them weak and variable, and difficult to be accurately apprehended, no positive or infallible rules (as were given in detailing the first doctrine, which is always governed by the same immutable laws) can be here set forth: while, on the other hand, a due observation of most of those general events, which evidently trace their causes to the Ambient, shall not be omitted.
It is, however, a common practice with the vulgar to slander every- thing which is difficult of attainment, and surely they who condemn the first of these two studies must be considered totally blind, what- ever arguments may be produced in support of those who impugn the second. ‘There are also persons who imagine that whatever they
1 The Almagest, or Magna Constructio.
2 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
themselves have not been able to acquire, must be utterly beyond the reach of all understanding ; while others again will consider as useless any science of which (although they may have been often instructed in it) they have failed to preserve the recollection, owing to its diffi- culty of retention. In reference to these opinions, therefore, an endeavour shall be made to investigate the extent to which prognosti- cation by astronomy is practicable, as well as serviceable, previously to detailing the particulars of the doctrine.
CHAPTER II KNOWLEDGE MAY BE ACQUIRED BY ASTRONOMY TO A CERTAIN EXTENT
THAT a certain power, derived from the ethereal nature, is diffused over and pervades the whole atmosphere of the earth, is clearly evident to all men. Fire and air, the first of the sublunary elements, are encompassed and altered by the motions of the ether. These elements in their turn encompass all inferior matter, and vary it as they them- selves are varied ; acting on earth and water, on plants and animals.
1 The following extract from an old geographical work, framed on the rules of Ptolemy, explains the system on which this action of the ether is made to depend :—
“Chap. 2. The world is divided into two parts, the elemental region and the ethereal. The elemental region is constantly subject to alteration, and com- prises the four elements; earth, water, air and fire. The ethereal region, which philosophers call the fifth essence, encompasses, by its concavity, the elemental ; its substance remains always unvaried, and consists of ten spheres ; of which the greater one always spherically environs the next smaller, and so on in consecutive order. First, therefore, around the sphere of fire, Gop, the creator of the world, placed the sphere of the Moon, then that of Mercury, then that of Venus, then that of the Sun, and afterwards those of Mars, of Jupiter, and of Saturn. Each of these spheres, however, contains but one star: and these stars, in passing through the zodiac, always struggle against the primum mobile, or the motion of the tenth sphere; they are also entirely luminous. In the next place follows the firmament, which is the eighth or starry sphere, and which trembles or vibrates (trepidat) in two small circles at the beginning of Aries and Libra (as placed in the ninth sphere) ; this motion is called by astronomers the motion of the access and recess of the fixed stars.” (Probably in order to account for the procession of the equinoxes.) ‘‘'This is surrounded by the ninth sphere, called the chrystalline or watery heaven, because no star is discovered in it. Lastly, the primum mobile, styled also the tenth sphere, encompasses all the before-mentioned zthereal spheres, and is continually turned upon the poles of the world, by one revolution in twenty-four hours, from the east through the meridian to the west, again coming round to the east. At the same time, it rolls all the inferior spheres round with it, by its own force ; and there is no star init. Against this primum mobile, the motion of the other spheres, running from the west through the meridian to the east,
CHAP. II. ] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 3
The Sun, always acting in connection with the Ambient, contributes to the regulation of all earthly things: not only by the revolution of the seasons does he bring to perfection the embryo of animals, the buds of plants, the spring of waters, and the alteration of bodies, but by his daily progress also he operates other changes in light, heat, moisture, dryness and cold ; dependent upon his situation with regard to the zenith.
The Moon, being of all the heavenly bodies the nearest to the Earth, also dispenses much influence; and things animate and in- animate sympathize and vary with her. By the changes of her illumin- ation, rivers swell and are reduced; the tides of the sea are ruled by her risings and settings; and plants and animals are expanded or collapsed, if not entirely at least partially, as she waxes or wanes.
The stars likewise (as well the fixed stars as the planets), in performing their revolutions, produce many impressions on the Ambient. They cause heats, winds, and storms, to the influence of which earthly things are conformably subjected.
And, further, the mutual configurations of all these heavenly bodies, by commingling the influence with which each is separately invested, produce a multiplicity of changes. The power of the Sun however predominates, because it is more generally distributed; the others either co-operate with his power or diminish its effect: the Moon more frequently and more plainly performs this at her conjunction, at her first and last quarter, and at her opposition: the stars act also to a similar purpose, but at longer intervals and more obscurely than the Moon ; and their operation principally depends upon the mode of their visibility, their occultation and their declination.
From these premises it follows not only that all bodies, which may be already compounded, are subjected to the motion of the stars, but also that the impregnation and growth of the seeds from which all bodies proceed, are framed and moulded by the quality existing in the Ambient at the time of such impregnation and growth. And it is upon this principle that the more observant husbandmen and shepherds are accustomed, by drawing their inferences from the particular breezes which may happen at seed-time and at the impregnation of their cattle, to form predictions as to the quality of the expected produce. In short, however unlearned in the philosophy of nature, these men can foretell, solely by their previous observation, all the more general and
contends, Whatever is beyond this, is fixed and immovable, and the professors of our orthodox faith affirm it to be the empyrean heaven which Gop inhabits with the elect.””—Cosmographia of Peter Apianus (named Benewitz), dedicated to the Archbishop of Saltzburg, edited by Gemma Frisius, and printed at Antwerp 1574.
1 It will be recollected that the Ptolemaic astronomy attributes motion and a regular course to those stars which we now call fixed, but which the Greeks merely termed amAaveis, undeviating.
4 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Book 1.
usual effects which result from the plainer and more visible configura- tions of the Sun, Moon, and stars. It is daily seen that even most illiterate persons, with no other aid than their own experienced observa- tion, are capable of predicting events which may be consequent on the more extended influence of the Sun and the more simple order of the Ambient, and which may not be open to variation by any complex configurations of the Moon and stars towards the Sun. ‘There are, moreover, among the brute creation, animals who evidently form prognostication, and use this wonderful instinct at the changes of the several seasons of the year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter ; and, also, at the changes of the wind.
In producing the changes of the seasons, the Sun itself is chiefly the operating and visible cause. ‘There are, however, other events which, although they are not indicated in so simple a manner, but dependent on a slight complication of causes in the Ambient, are also foreknown by persons who have applied their observation to that end. Of this kind, are tempests and gales of wind, produced by certain aspects of the Moon, or the fixed stars, towards the Sun, according to their several courses, and the approach of which is usually foreseen by mariners. At the same time, prognostication made by persons of this class must be frequently fallacious, owing to their deficiency in science and their consequent in- ability to give necessary consideration to the time and place, or to the revolutions of the planets; all which circumstances, when exactly defined and understood, certainly tend towards accurate foreknowledge.
When, therefore, a thorough knowledge of the motions of the stars, and of the Sun and Moon, shall have been acquired, and when the situa- tion of the place, the time, and all the configurations actually existing at that place and time, shall also be duly known; and such knowledge be yet further improved by an acquaintance with the natures of the heavenly bodies—not of what they are composed, but of the effective — influences they possess ; as, for instance, that heat is the property of the Sun, and moisture of the Moon, and that other peculiar properties respectively appertain to the rest of them ;—when all these qualifica- tions for prescience may be possessed by any individual, there seems no obstacle to deprive him of the insight, offered at once by nature and his own judgment, into the effects arising out of the quality of all the various influences compounded together. So that he will thus be com- petent to predict the peculiar constitution of the atmosphere in every season, as, for instance, with regard to its greater heat or moisture, or other similar qualities ; all which may be foreseen by the visible position or configuration of the stars and the Moon towards the Sun.
Since it is thus clearly practicable, by an accurate knowledge of the points above enumerated, to make predictions concerning the proper quality of the seasons, there also seems no impediment to the formation of similar prognostication concerning the destiny and disposition of every human being. For by the constitution of the Ambient, even at
CHAP. I1.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS ς
the time of any individual’s primary conformation, the general quality of that individual’s temperament may be perceived ; and the corporeal shape and mental capacity with which the person will be endowed at birth may be pronounced ; as well as the favourable and unfavourable events indicated by the state of the Ambient, and liable to attend the individual at certain future periods; since, for instance, an event dependent on one disposition of the Ambient will be advantageous to a particular temperament, and that resulting from another unfavourable and injurious. From these circumstances, and others of similar im- port, the possibility of prescience is certainly evident.
There are, however, some plausible assailants of this doctrine, whose attacks although greatly misapplied seem yet worthy of the following observations.
In the first place, the science demands the greatest study and a con- stant attention to a multitude of different points; and as all persons who are but imperfectly practised in it must necessarily commit fre- quent mistakes, it has been supposed that even such events as have been truly predicted have taken place by chance only, and not from any Operative cause in nature. But it should be remembered that these mistakes arise, not from any deficiency or want of power in the science itself, but from the incompetency of unqualified persons who pretend to exercise it. And, besides this, the majority of the persons who set themselves up as professors of this science, avail themselves of its name and credit for the sake of passing off some other mode of divination ; by that means defrauding the ignorant, and pretending to foretell many things which from their nature cannot possibly be foreknown; and consequently affording opportunities to more intelligent people to impugn the value even of such predictions as can rationally be made. The reproach, however, thus brought upon the science is wholly unmerited ; for it would be equally just to condemn all other branches of philosophy, because each numbers among its professors some mis- chievous pretenders.
Secondly, it is not attempted to be denied that any individual, although he may have attained to the greatest possible accuracy in the science, must still be liable to frequent error, arising out of the very nature of his undertaking, and from the weakness of his limited capacity in comparison with the magnitude of his object. For the whole theory of the quality of matter is supported by inference rather than by positive and scientific proof; and this is caused principally by the concretion of its temperament out of a multitude of dissimilar ingredients. And, although the former configurations of the planets have been observed to produce certain consequences (which have been adapted to configura- tions now taking place), and are, after long periods, and in a greater or less degree, resembled by subsequent configurations, yet these subse- quent configurations never become exactly similar to those which have preceded them. For an entire return of all the heavenly bodies to the
6 PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
exact situation in which they have once stood with regard to the earth will never take place, or at least not in any period determinable by human calculation, whatever vain attempts may be made to acquire such un- attainable knowledge.1 The examples referred to for guidance being therefore not exactly similar to the existing cases to which they are now applied, it must naturally follow that predictions are sometimes not borne out by the events. Hence arises the sole difficulty in the con- sideration of events produced by the Ambient. For no other con- current cause has been hitherto combined with the motion of the heavenly bodies; although the doctrine of nativities, particularly that part of it relating to peculiar individual temperament, demands also the consideration of other concomitant causes, which are neither trifling nor unimportant, but essentially potent in affecting the in- dividual properties of the creatures born. Thus the variety in seed has the chief influence in supplying the peculiar quality of each species ; for, under the same disposition of the Ambient and of the horizon, each various kind of seed prevails in determining the distinct formation of its own proper species ; thus man is born, or the horse is foaled ; and by the same law are brought forth all the other various creatures and productions of the earth. It is also to be remembered, that considerable variations are caused in all creatures by the respective places where they may be brought forth: for although, under the same disposition of the Ambient, the germs of the future creatures may be of one species, whether human or of the horse, the difference in situation, of the places in which they are generated, produces a dissimilarity in the body and spirit of one from the body and spirit of another: and in addition to this it must be considered that different modes of nurture, and the variety of ranks, manners, and customs, contribute to render the course of life of one individual greatly different from that of another?; con-
1 There seems reason to suppose that this was a favourite speculation among the ancients. In Scipio’s Dream, as related by Cicero, the phantom of his illustrious grandfather is made to speak of this entire return of all the celestial bodies to some original position which they once held, as being the completion of the revolution of one great universal year: and the phantom adds, “ but I must acquaint you that not one-twentieth part of that great year has been yet accomplished.”
This quotation is from memory, and perhaps may not be verbally correct.
2 In this passage the author seems to have anticipated, and exposed the absurdity of an argument now considered very forcible against astrology: viz. that “if the art were true, then any two individuals born under the same meridian, in the same latitude, and at the same moment of time, must have one and the same destiny; although one were born a prince, and the other a mendicant.” Such a monstrous conclusion is nowhere authorized by any astrological writer ; it is, on the contrary, always maintained by all of them, that the worldly differences and distinctions, alluded to in the text, inevitably
CHAP. 1.7 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 7
sequently, unless every one of these varieties be duly blended with the causes arising in the Ambient, the prejudgment of any event will doubtless be very incomplete. For, although the greatest multiplicity of power exists in the Ambient, and although all other things act as con- current causes in unison with it, and can never claim it as a concurrent cause in subservience to them, there will still, nevertheless, be a great deficiency in predictions attempted to be made by means of the heavenly motions alone, without regard to the other concurrent causes just now adverted to.
Under these circumstances, it would seem judicious neither to deny altogether the practicability of prescience, because prognostications thus imperfectly derived are sometimes liable to be fallacious ; nor, on the other hand, to admit that all events, whatever, are open to previous inquiry ; as if such inquiry could in all cases be securely conducted without having recourse to mere inference, and as if it were not limited by the narrow extent of mere human abilities. The art of navigation, for instance, is not rejected, although it is in many points incomplete ; therefore the bare fact that predictions are frequently imperfect cannot authorise the rejection of the art of prescience: the magnitude of its scope, and the faint resemblance that it bears to a divine attribute, should rather demand grateful commendations, and receive the utmost regard and attention. And, since no weakness is imputed to a physician, because he inquires into the individual habit of his patient, as well as into the nature of the disease, no imputation can justly attach to the professor of prognostication, because he combines the consideration of species, nurture, education and country, with that of the motion of the heavens: for as the physician acts but reasonably, in thus considering the proper constitution of the sick person as well as his disease ; so, in forming predictions, it must surely be justifiably allowable to compre- hend in that consideration every other thing connected with the subject in addition to the motion of the heavens, and to collect and compare with that motion all other co-operating circumstances arising elsewhere.
prevent this exact resemblance of destiny ; and all that they presume to assert is, that, in their respective degrees, any two individuals, so born, will have a partial similarity in the leading features of their fate. Whether their assertion is uniformly borne out, I will not take upon me to determine, but it would be unfair not to subjoin the following fact :—
In the newspapers of the month of February, 1820, the death of a Mr. Samuel Hemmings is noticed: it was stated that he had been an ironmonger, and prosperous in trade ; that he was born on the 4th of June, 1738, at nearly the same moment as his late Majesty, and in the same parish of St. Martin’s-in-the- Fields ; that he went into business for himself in October, 1760; that he married on the 8th September, 1761 ; and finally, after other events of his life had resembled those which happened to the late King, that he died on Saturday, the 29th January, 1820.
These coincidences are, at least, highly remarkable.
Β΄ PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS [Book 1.
CHAPTER III THAT PRESCIENCE IS USEFUL
Ir appears, then, that prescience by astronomy is possible under certain adaptation ; and that alone it will afford premonition, as far as symptoms in the Ambient enable it to do so, of all such events as happen to men by the influence of the Ambient. These events are, from their commence- ment, always in conformity with the spiritual and corporeal faculties, and their occasional affections; as well as with the shorter or longer duration of those affections. They are also conformable with other things which, although not actually in man’s immediate person, are still absolutely and naturally connected with him: in connection with his body they are applicable to his estate, and his conjugal cohabitations ; in connection with his spirit, they relate to his offspring? and his rank ; and they are also connected with all fortuitous circumstances which may occasionally befall him.
That the foreknowledge of these can be attained has already been demonstrated ; and it remains to speak of the utility of the attainment. First, however, let it be said in what respect and with what view it is proposed to draw advantage from this science ; if it be considered in its tendency to promote the good of the mind, no object more advantageous can surely be wanting to induce the world to rejoice and delight in it, since it offers an acquaintance with things divine and human: if it be considered in respect to the benefits it is capable of conferring on the body, its utility in this view also, will be found on comparison to excel that of all other arts conducive to the comforts of life, for it is of more general application and service than all the others together. And, although it may be objected to the art of prescience, that it does not co-operate towards the acquirement of riches or glory, let it also be remembered that the same objection attaches to every other art and science ; since there it not one which can of itself produce either riches or glory, not yet is there one which is on that plea deemed useless : it seems, therefore, that the science of prognostication, with its high qualifications and its aptitude to the most important objects, does not, in any greater degree, deserve to be condemned.
In general, however, the persons who attack and reprobate it as being useless, do not pay due regard to the manner in which it becomes necessary ; but deny its utility on the specious argument that it 18
1 The Greek word for this, γοναι, though found in the Elzevir edition from which this translation is made, does not appear in other copies; the Basle edition of 1553 says merely, ἢ τε τιμὴ και To αἀξιωμα, “ honour and rank,” which is the sense also given in the Latin translation of Perugio, 1646, without any mention of “ offspring.”
CHAP. III. ] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 9
superfluous and puerile to attempt to foreknow things which must inevitably come to pass: thus considering it in a mode at once ab- stracted, unlearned, and unfair. For, in the first place, this fact ought to be kept in view, that events which necessarily and fully happen, whether exciting fear or creating joy, if arriving unforeseen, will either overwhelm the mind with terror or destroy its composure by sudden delight ; if, however, such events should have been foreknown, the mind will have been previously prepared for their reception, and will preserve an equable calmness, by having been accustomed to contemplate the approaching event as though it were present, so that, on its actual arrival, it will be sustained with tranquillity and constancy.
In the next place, it must not be imagined that all things happen to mankind, as though every individual circumstance were ordained by divine decree and some indissoluble supernal cause ; nor is it to be thought that all events are shown to proceed from one single inevitable fate, without being influenced by the interposition of any other agency. Such an opinion is entirely inadmissable ; for it is on the contrary most essential to observe, not only the heavenly motion which, perfect in its divine institution and order, is eternally regular and undeviating ; but also the variety which exists in earthly things, subjected to and diversified by the institutions and courses of nature, and in connection with which the superior cause operates in respect to the accidents produced.
It is further to be remarked that man is subject, not only to events applicable to his own private and individual nature, but also to others arising from general causes. He suffers, for instance, by pestilences, inundations, or conflagrations, produced by certain extensive changes in the Ambient, and destroying multitudes at once; since a greater and more powerful agency must of course always absorb and overcome one that is more minute and weaker. In great changes, therefore, where a stronger cause predominates, more general affections, like those just mentioned, are put in operation, but affections which attach to one individual solely are excited when his own natural constitution peculiar to himself may be overcome by some opposing impulse of the Ambient, however small or faint. And in this point of view it is manifest that all events whatsoever, whether general or particular, of which the primary cause is strong and irresistible, and against which no other contrary agency has sufficient power to interpose, must of necessity be wholly fulfilled ; and that events indicated by a minor cause must of course be prevented and annihilated, when some other agency may be found contending for an opposite effect; if, however, no such opposing agency can be found, they also must be fulfilled, in due succession to the primary cause. Nevertheless, the fulfilment of events thus indicated must not be ascribed solely to the vigour of the cause producing them, nor to any inevitable fate, but rather to the absence of any opposing influence capable of prevention. And thus, with all things whatsoever
B
10 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Book I.
which trace their causes and origin to nature, the case is exactly similar ; for stones,? plants, animals, wounds, passions, and diseases, all will of necessity operate on man to a certain degree; and they fail to do so, if antidotes be found and applied against their influence.
In exercising prognostication, therefore, strict care must be taken to foretell future events by that natural process only which is admitted in the doctrine here delivered; and, setting aside all vain and un- founded opinions, to predict that, when the existing agency is manifold and great, and of a power impossible to be resisted, the corresponding event which it indicates shall absolutely take place ; and also, in other cases, that another event shall not happen when its exciting causes are counteracted by some interposing influence. It is in this manner that experienced physicians, accustomed to the observation of diseases, foresee that some will be inevitably mortal, and that others are sus- ceptible of cure.
Thus, when any opinion is given by the astrologer with respect to the various accidents liable to happen, it should be understood that he advances nothing more than this proposition ; viz. that, by the property inherent in the Ambient, any conformation of it, suitable to a particular temperament, being varied more or less, will produce in that tempera- ment some particular affection. And it is also to be understood that he ventures this opinion with the same degree of confidence, as that with which a physician may declare that a certain wound will increase or grow putrid; or a man acquainted with metals say that the magnet? will attract iron. But neither the increase nor putrefaction of the wound nor the magnet’s attraction of iron, is ordained by any inevitable law, although these consequences must necessarily follow, in due obedience to the first principles of the existing order of nature, when no means of prevention can be found and applied. But, however, neither of these consequences will take place, when such antidotes shall be presented as will naturally prevent them—and a similar consideration should be given to the predictions of the astrologer—because, if garlick be rubbed
1 In allusion to the sympathetic powers anciently attributed to certain stones.
2 Whalley, in translating this chapter, makes the following remark on this mention of the magnet: ‘“ However much later it was that the loadstone became known in Europe, what is mentioned of it in this chapter makes it evident that it was known in Agypt, where Ptolemy lived, in his time.”—That worthy translator forgot (if indeed he ever knew) that the loadstone’s property of attracting iron was known to Thales, and commented on by Plato and Aristotle, all of whom lived some centuries, more or less, before Ptolemy. It is its polarity that was not known until the 11th or 12th century; and the French say that the earliest notice of that polarity is found in a poem of Guyot of Provence, who was at the Emperor Frederick’s Court at Mentz in 1181.—
866 the French Encyclopedia, &c.
CHAP. III. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS II
on the magnet, iron will experience no attraction ;1 and if proper medicines be applied to the wound, it will cease to increase or to putrefy. And therefore all events which happen to mankind take place also in the regular course of nature, when no impediments thereto are found or known: but again, on the other hand, if any impediments or obstruc- tions be found in the way of events which may be predicted by the regular course of nature to happen, such events will either not take place at all, or, if they should take place, will be much diminished in their force and extent.
The same order and consequence exist in all cases, whether the events have a general or only a particular operation; and it may therefore well be demanded, why prescience is believed to be possible as far as it regards general events, and why it is allowed to be serviceable in prepar- ing for their approach ; while in particular instances its power and use are altogether denied. That the weather and the seasons, and the in- dications of the fixed stars, as well as the configurations of the Moon, afford means of prognostication, many persons admit; and they exercise this foreknowledge for their own preservation and comfort, adapting their constitutions to the expected temperature, by cooling and refreshing things for the summer, and by warm things for the winter. They also watch the significations of the fixed stars, to avoid dangerous weather, in making voyages by sea; and they notice the aspects of the
1 Respecting the effect here asserted to be produced on the magnet by garlick, I have found the following mention in a book called “‘ The Gardener’s Labyrinth,” printed at London in 1586. ‘ Here also 1 thought not to ouerpasse the maruellous discord of the adamant-stone and garlike, which the Grcekes name to be an Antipatheia or naturall contrarietie betweene them ; for such is the hatred or contrarietie between these two bodies (lacking both hearing and feeling), that the adamant rather putteth away, than draweth to it, iron, if the same afore be rubbed with garlike ; as Plutarchus hath noted, and, after him, Claudius Ptolemeus. Which matter, examined by diuers learned, and founde the contrarie, caused them to judge, that those skilful men (especially Ptolemie) ment the same to be done with the Egyptian Garlike ; which Dioscorides wrote to be small garlike, and the same sweete in taste, possessing a bewtifull head, tending unto a purple colour. There be which attribute the same to Ophio- scoridon, which Antonius Microphonius Biturix, a singular learned man, and wel practised in sundry skilles, uttered this approoued secrete to a friend whom he loued.”
In the same book, the ““ Ophioscoridon ” is thus spoken of: “There is another wild garlike which the Greekes name Ophioscoridon; in English Ramsies ; growing of the owne accord in the fallow fieldes.”
Cornelius Agrippa (according to the English translation) has stated that the presence of the diamond also neutralizes the attractive power of the magnet. But as that great magician was somewhat inclined to quibbling, it is not impossible that by the word he uses for “‘ diamond ” (viz. adamas) he may mean the adamant or loadstone ; which would reduce his assertion merely to this,” that one magnet will counteract another.
12 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Book I.
Moon, when at the full, in order to direct the copulation of their herds and flocks, and the setting of plants or sewing of seeds: and there is not an individual who considers these general precautions as impossible or unprofitable. Still, however, these same persons withhold their assent to the possibility of applying prescience to particular cases ; such, for instance, as any particular excess or diminution of cold or heat, whether arising out of the peculiar temperament producing the original cold or heat, or from the combination of other properties ; nor do they admit that there are any means of guarding against many of these particular circumstances. And yet, if it be clear that persons, who prepare them- selves by cooling things, are less affected by any general heat of the weather, there seems no reason for supposing that a similar preparation would not be equally effectual against any particular conjuncture oppressed by immoderate heat. It appears, however, that this idea, of the impracticability of attaining foreknowledge of particular circumstances, must originate solely in the mere difficulty of the acquirement ; which difficulty is certainly rendered peculiarly arduous by the necessity of conducting the enquiry with the greatest accuracy and precision : and to this it must be added, that, as there is rarely found a person capable of arranging the whole subject so perfectly that no part of the opposing influence can escape his attention, it frequently happens that predictions are not properly regulated by due consideration of that opposing influence, and that the effects are at once considered fully liable to be brought to pass, agreeably to the primary agency and without any intervention. This defect, of not sufficiently considering the opposing influence, has naturally induced an opinion that all future events are entirely unalterable and inevitable. But, since the fore- knowledge of particular circumstances, although it may not wholly claim infallibility, seems yet so far practicable as to merit consideration, so the precaution it affords, in particular circumstances, deserves in like manner to be attended to ; and, if it be not of universal advantage, but useful in few instances only, it is still most worthy of estimation, and to be considered of no moderate value. Of this, the Aigyptians seem to have been well aware; their discoveries of the great faculties of this science have exceeded those of other nations, and they have in all cases combined the medical art with astronomical prognostication. And, had they been of opinion that all expected events are unalterable and not to be averted, they never would have instituted any propitiations, remedies, and preservatives against the influence of the Ambient, whether present or approaching, general or particular. But, by means of the science called by them Medical Mathematics, they combined with the power of prognostication the concurrent secondary influence arising out of the institutions and courses of nature, as well as the con- trary influence which might be procured out of nature’s variety ; and by means of these they rendered the indicated agency useful and ad- vantageous: since their astronomy pointed out to them the kind of
CHAP. Iv. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 13
temperament liable to be acted upon, as well as the events about to proceed from the Ambient, and the peculiar influence of those events, while their medical skill made them acquainted with everything suitable or unsuitable to each of the effects to be procured. And it is by this process that remedies for, present and preservatives against future disorders are to be acquired: for, without astronomical knowledge, medical aid would be most frequently unavailing; since the same identical remedies are not better calculated for all persons whatsoever, than they are for all diseases whatsoever.
The practicability and utility of prescience having been thus far briefly explained, the ensuing discourse must be proceeded with. It commences, introductorily, with an account of the efficient properties of each of the heavenly bodies, taken from the rules of the ancients, whose observations were founded in nature. And, first, of the influences of the planets and of the Sun and Moon.
CHAPTER IV THE INFLUENCES OF THE PLANETARY ORBS
Tue Sun? is found to produce heat and moderate dryness. His magni- tude, and the changes which he so evidently makes in the seasons, render his power more plainly perceptible than that of the other heavenly bodies ; since his approach to the zenith of any part of the earth creates a greater degree of heat in that part and proportionately dis- poses its inhabitants after his own nature.
The Moon principally generates moisture; her proximity to the earth renders her highly capable of exciting damp vapours, and of thus operating sensibly upon animal bodies by relaxation and putrefaction. She has, however, also a moderate share in the production of heat, in consequence of the illumination she receives from the Sun.
Saturn produces cold and dryness, for he is most remote both from the Sun’s heat and from the earth’s vapours. But he is more effective in the production of cold than of dryness. And he and the rest of the planets derive their energy from the positions which they hold with regard to the Sun and Moon; and they are all seen to alter the con- stitution of the Ambient in various ways.
Mars chiefly causes dryness, and is also strongly heating, by means of his own fiery nature, which is indicated by his colour, and in con- sequence of his vicinity to the Sun ; the sphere of which is immediately below him.
1 This seems to explain the origin of the old alliance between medicine and astrology, so universally preserved until almost within the last century. 2 Tt will be recollected that the Ptolemaic hypothesis considers the Sun as a planetary orb, in consequence of his apparent progress through the zodiac. .
®;
14 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
Jupiter revolves in an intermediate sphere between the extreme cold of Saturn and the burning heat of Mars, and has consequently a temper- ate influence: he therefore at once promotes both warmth and moisture. But, owing to the spheres of Mars and the Sun, which lie beneath him, his warmth is predominant: and hence he produces fertilizing breezes.
To Venus also the same temperate quality belongs, although it exists conversely ; since the heat she produces by her vicinity to the Sun is not so great as the moisture which she generates by the magnitude of her light, and by appropriating to herself the moist vapours of the earth, in the same manner that the Moon does.
Mercury sometimes produces dryness, and at other times moisture, and each with equal vigour. His faculty of absorbing moisture and creating dryness proceeds from his situation with regard to the Sun, from which he is at no time far distant in longitude; and, on the other hand, he produces moisture, because he borders upon the Moon’s sphere, which is nearest to the earth; and, being thus excited by the velocity of his motion with the Sun, he consequently operates rapid changes tending to produce alternately either quality.
CHAPTER V BENEFICS AND MALEFICS
Or the four temperaments or qualities above mentioned, two are nutritive and prolific, viz. heat and moisture; by these all matter coalesces and is nourished: the other two are noxious and destructive, viz. dryness and cold ; by these all matter is decayed and dissipated.
Therefore, two of the planets, on account of their temperate quality, and because heat and moisture are predominant in them, are considered by the ancients as benefic, or causers of good: these are Jupiter and ; Venus. And the Moon also is so considered for the same reasons.
But Saturn and Mars are esteemed of a contrary nature, and malefic, or causers of evil: the first from his excess of cold, the other from his excess of dryness.
The Sun and Mercury are deemed of common influence, and pro- ductive either of good or evil in unison with whatever planets they may be connected with.
CHAPTER VI MASCULINE AND FEMININE
Tuere are two primary sexes, male and female; and the female sex partakes chiefly of moisture. The Moon and Venus are therefore said to be feminine, since their qualities are principally moist.
The Sun, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars are called masculine. Mercury is
CHAP. VII. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 15
common to both genders, because at certain times he produces dryness, and at others moisture, and performs each in an equal ratio.
The stars, however, are also said to be masculine and feminine, by their positions with regard to the Sun. While they are matutine and preceding the Sun, they are masculine ; when vespertine and following the Sun, they become feminine.
And they are further regulated in this respect by their positions with regard to the horizon. From the ascendant to the mid-heaven, or from the angle of the west to the lower heaven, they are considered to be masculine, being then oriental: and in the other two quadrants, feminine, being then occidental.
CHAPTER VII DIURNAL AND NOCTURNAL
Tue day and the night are the visible divisions of time. The day, in its heat and its aptitude for action, is masculine :—the night, in its moisture and its appropriation to rest, feminine.
‘Hence, again, the Moon and Venus are esteemed to be nocturnal ; the Sun and Jupiter, diurnal ; and Mercury, common ; since in his matutine position he is diurnal, but nocturnal when vespertine.
Of the other two planets, Saturn and Mars, which gre noxious, one is considered to be diurnal, and the other nocturnal. Neither of them, however, is allotted to that division of time with which its nature accords (as heat accords with heat), but each is disposed of on a contrary principle: and for this reason, that, although the benefit is increased when a favourable temperament receives an addition of its own nature, yet, the evil arising from a pernicious influence is much mitigated when dissimilar qualities are mingled with that influence. Hence the coldness of Saturn is allotted to the day, to counterbalance its heat; and the dryness of Mars to the night, to counterbalance its moisture. ‘Thus each of these planets, being moderated by this combination, is placed in a condition calculated to produce a favourable temperament. 2
1 « Astronomers call the planets matutine, when, being oriental from the Sun, they are above the earth when he rises; and vespertine, when they set after him.” Moxon’s Mathematical Dictionary.
2 Whalley here appends the following note: ‘‘'To this chapter may be properly added, that a planet is said to be diurnal, when, in a diurnal nativity, above the earth ; and, in a nocturnal nativity, under the earth: but nocturnal, when, in a nocturnal nativity, above the earth ; or, in a diurnal nativity, under the earth.”
16 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
CHAPTER VIII THE INFLUENCE OF POSITION WITH REGARD TO THE SUN
THE respective powers of the Moon and of the three superior planets are either augmented or diminished by their several positions with regard to the Sun.
The Moon, during her increase, from her first emerging to her first quarter, produces chiefly moisture; on continuing her increase from her first quarter to her full state of illumination, she causes heat ; from her full state to her third quarter she causes dryness; and from her third quarter to her occultation she causes cold.
The planets, when matutine, and from their first emerging until they arrive at their first station, are chiefly productive of moisture; from their first station until they rise at night, of heat; from their rising at night until their second station, of dryness; and from their second station until their occultation, cher produce cold.1
But it is also sufficiently plain that they must likewise cause, by their intermixture with each other, many varieties of quality in the Ambient : because, although their individual and peculiar influence may for the most part prevail, it will still be more or less varied by the power of the other heavenly bodies configurated with them.
, ) :
CHAPTER IX THE INFLUENCE OF THE FIXED STARS
NEXT in succession, it is necessary to detail the natures and properties of the fixed stars ; all of which have their respective influences, analo- gous to the influences of the planets: and those stars which form the constellations of the zodiac require to be first described.
Aries. ‘The stars in the head of Aries possess an influence similar in its effects to that of Mars and Saturn: those in the mouth act similarly to Mercury, and in some degree to Saturn; those in the hinder foot, to Mars ; those in the tail, to Venus.
1 Although all the positions mentioned in this paragraph are not applicable to Venus and Mercury, which can never rise at night, that is to say, at sunset, and although the author in the beginning of the chapter speaks only of the Moon and the three superior planets, there yet seems no reason why the orbits of Venus and Mercury should not be similarly divided by their inferior and superior conjunctions, and their greatest elongations.
The following is from Whalley: “The first station, in this chapter men- tioned, is when a planet begins to be retrograde ; and the second station when, from retrogradation, a planet becomes direct. They” (the planets) “ begin to rise at night when in opposition to the Sun.”
CHAP. Ix. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 17
Taurus. ‘Those stars in Taurus, which are in the abscission of the sign, resemble in their temperament the influence of Venus, and in some degree that of Saturn: those in the Pleiades are like the Moon and Mars. Of the stars in the head, that one of the Hyades which is bright and ruddy, and called Facula,1 has the same temperament as Mars : the others resemble Saturn, and, partly, Mercury; and those at the top of the horns are like Mars.
Gemini. ‘The stars in the feet of Gemini have an influence similar to that of Mercury, and moderately to that of Venus.
The bright stars in the thighs are like Saturn: of the two bright stars on the heads, the one, which precedes and is called Apollo,? is like Mercury ; the other which follows, called Hercules,’ is like Mars.
Cancer. ‘he two stars in the eyes of Cancer are of the same influence as Mercury, and are also moderately like Mars. ‘Those in the claws are like Saturn and Mercury. ‘The nebulous mass in the breast, called the Przesepe, has the same efficacy as Mars and the Moon. ‘The two placed on either side of the nebulous mass, and called the Asini, have an in- fluence similar to that of Mars and the Sun.
Leo. Of the stars in Leo, two in the head are like Saturn and partly like Mars. ‘The three in the neck are like Saturn, and in some degree like Mercury. ‘The bright one in the heart, called Regulus,‘ agrees with Mars and Jupiter. ‘Those in the loins, and the bright one in the tail, are like Saturn and Venus: those in the thighs resemble Venus, and, in some degree, Mercury.
Virgo. ‘The stars in the head of Virgo, and that at the top of the southern wing, operate like Mercury and somewhat like Mars: the other bright stars in the same wing, and those about the girdle, resemble Mercury in their influence, and also Venus moderately. ‘The bright one in the northern wing, called Vindemiator, is of the same influence as Saturn and Mercury: that called Spica Virginis is like Venus and partly Mars: those at the points of the feet and at the bottom of the garments are like Mercury, and also Mars, moderately. |
Libra. 'Those stars at the points of the claws of Scorpio operate
1 The little Torch ; now known by the name of Aldebaran.
2 Castor. 3 Pollux. 4 Cor Leonis.
5 Called by the ancients χηλαι, Chele, or the claws of Scorpio; which sign they made to consist of 60 degrees, omitting Libra. Thus Virgil in the first Georgic, line 33, &c.
Quo locus Erigonen inter, Chelasque sequentes Panditur : ipse tibi jam brachia contrahit ardens Scorpius, et cceli justa plus parte reliquit.
Ovid, likewise, takes the following notice of Scorpio :— Porrigit in spatium signorum membra duorum.
Met. 2, 1. 198. ΒΞ
18 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
like Jupiter and Mercury : those in the middle of the claws, like Saturn, and in some degree like Mars.
Scorpio. ‘The bright stars in the front of the body of Scorpio have an effect similar to that produced by the influence of Mars, and partly to that produced by Saturn: the three in the body itself, the middle one of which, called Antares,1 is ruddy and more luminous, are similar to Mars and moderately to Jupiter: those in the joints of the tail are like Saturn and partly like Venus: those in the sting, like Mercury and Mars. ‘The nebula is like Mars and the Moon.
Sagittarius. ‘The stars at the point of the arrow in Sagittarius have influence similar to that of Mars and the Moon: those on the bow, and at the grasp of the hand, act like Jupiter and Mars: the nebula in the face is like the Sun and Mars: those in the waist and in the back re- semble Jupiter, and also Mercury moderately: those in the feet, Jupiter and Saturn: the four-sided figure in the tail is similar to Venus, and in some degree to Saturn.
Capricorn. ‘The stars in the horns of Capricorn have efficacy similar to that of Venus, and partly to that of Mars. The stars in the mouth are like Saturn, and partly like Venus: those in the feet and in the belly act in the same manner as Mars and Mercury: those in the tail are like Saturn and Jupiter.
Aquarius. ‘The stars in the shoulders of Aquarius operate like Saturn and Mercury; those in the left hand and in the face do the same: those in the thighs have an influence more consonant with that of Mer- cury, and in a less degree with that of Saturn: those in the stream of water have power similar to that of Saturn, and, moderately, to that of Jupiter.
Pisces. "Those stars in Pisces, which are in the head of the southern fish, have the same influence as Mercury, and, in some degree, as Saturn : those in the body are like Jupiter and Mercury: those in the tail and in the southern line are like Saturn, and, moderately, like Mercury. In the northern fish, those on its body and back-bone resemble Jupiter, and also Venus in some degree: those in the northern line are like Saturn and Jupiter ; and the bright star in the knot acts like Mars, and moderately like Mercury.?
1 Adams’s Treatise on the Globes calls this star ‘‘ Kalb al Akrab, or the Scorpion’s heart,” and adds, that “‘ the word Antares (if it is not a corruption) has no signification.” But it should be observed that Ptolemy states that this star partakes of the nature of Mars: it seems therefore not improbable that Antares may be a regular Greek word, compounded of ἀντι pro and apys Mars, and signifying Mars’s deputy, or lieutenant, or one acting for Mars.
2 Salmon, in his ‘‘ Hore Mathematice, or Soul of Astrology” (printed — by Dawks, 1679) divides each sign of the zodiac into six faces of five degrees each, “‘ because that in every sign there are various stars of differing natures ” ;
CHAP. X. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 19
CHAPTER X
CONSTELLATIONS NORTH OF THE ZODIAC
Tue constellations north of the zodiac have their respective influences, analogous to those of the planets, existing in the mode described in the following list.
Ursa Minor. ‘The bright stars in this constellation are like Saturn, and in some degree like Venus.
Ursa Major is like Mars, but the nebula under the tail resembles the Moon and Venus in its influence.
Draco. ‘The bright stars operate like Saturn and Mars.
Cepheus is like Saturn and Jupiter.
Bootes is like Mercury and Saturn ; but the bright and ruddy star, called Arcturus, is like Mars and Jupiter.
Corona Borealis is like Venus and Mercury. Hercules (or the Kneeler) is like Mercury. Lyra is like Venus and Mercury.
Cygnus is like Venus and Mercury. Cassiopeia is like Saturn and Venus.
Perseus is like Jupiter and Saturn: but the nebula, in the hilt of the sword, is like Mars and Mercury.
Auriga. ‘The bright stars are like Mars and Mercury. Serpentarius is like Saturn, and moderately like Venus.
Serpens is like Saturn and Mars.
Sagitta is like Saturn, and moderately like Venus.
Aquila is like Mars and Jupiter.
Delphinus is like Saturn and Mars.
Equus (or Pegasus). ‘The bright stars are like Mars and Mercury. Andromeda is like Venus.
Delta (or the Triangle) is like Mercury.
and he gives a particular description to each face, depending on its ascension or culmination. ‘This seems an attempt to adapt Ptolemy’s signification of the several stars, composing the different signs, to some general rule or mode of judgment: but it does not merit the implicit assent of astrologers. It is understood that Salmon was not the inventor of this division of the signs into faces, but that it came originally from the Arabian schools.
Ps
20 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS ' [Book I. —
CHAPTER XI CONSTELLATIONS SOUTH OF THE ZODIAC
Tue influences of the constellations south of the zodiac, existing in a similar mode, are as follows :—
Piscis Australis. ‘The bright star in the mouth is of the same influence as Venus and Mercury.
Cetus is like Saturn.
Orion. ‘The stars on the shoulders operate similarly to Mars and Mercury ; and the other bright stars to Jupiter and Saturn.
Fluvius (or Eridanus). The last bright one is of the same influence as Jupiter ; the rest are like Saturn.
Lepus is like Saturn and Mercury.
Canis. ‘The bright star in the mouth is like Jupiter, and partly like Mars: the others are like Venus.
Procyon.’ 'The bright star is like Mercury, and in some degree like Mars.
Hydrus. 'The bright stars are like Saturn and Venus.
Crater is like Venus, and in some degree like Mercury.
Corvus is like Mars and Saturn.
Argo. ‘The bright stars are like Saturn and Jupiter.
Centaurus. ‘The stars in the human part of the figure are of the same influence as Venus and Mercury; the bright stars in the horse’s part are like Venus and Jupiter.
Lupus. 'The bright stars are like Saturn, and partly like Mars.
Ara is like Venus, and also Mercury in some degree.
Corona Australis. ‘The bright stars are like Saturn and Jupiter.
The respective influences of the several stars have been observed by the ancients to operate in conformity with the mode pointed out in the foregoing distributions. ?
1 Canis Minor.
2 “ Of the fixed stars in general,’ Whalley says, “‘'Those of the greatest magnitude are the most efficacious ; and those in, or near, the ecliptic, more powerful than those more remote from it. Those with north latitude and declination affect us most. Those in the zenith, influence more than others, more remote. Likewise such as are in partial conjunction with, or in the antiscions of any planets, or which rise and set, or culminate with any planet, or are beheld by any planet, have an increase of power: but of themselves the fixed stars emit no rays.’
CHAP. XIII. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 21
CHAPTER XII
THE ANNUAL SEASONS
Tue year comprises four seasons ; spring, summer, autumn, and winter ; of these, the spring partakes chiefly of moisture, for on the dissipation of cold and recommencement of warmth, an expansion of the fluids takes place: the summer is principally hot, owing to the Sun’s nearest approach to the zenith: the autumn is principally dry, because the recent heat has absorbed the moisture: and the winter is chiefly cold, the Sun being then at his farthest distance from the zenith. |
The beginning of the whole zodiacal circle (which in its nature as a circle can have no other beginning, nor end, capable of being deter- mined), is therefore assumed to be the sign of Aries, which commences at the vernal equinox :} since the moisture of spring forms a primary beginning in the zodiac, analogous to the beginning of all animal life ; which, in its first age of existence, abounds principally in moisture: the spring, too, like the first age of animal life, is soft and tender; it is therefore suitably placed as the opening of the year, and is followed by the other seasons in appropriate succession. ‘The summer comes second, and, in its vigour and heat, agrees with the second age of animals; the prime of life, and the period most abounding in heat. Again, the age when the prime of life has passed away, and in which decay prepares to advance, is chiefly abundant in dryness, and corresponds to the autumn. And the final period of old age, hastening to dissolution, is principally cold, like the winter.
CHAPTER XIII THE INFLUENCE OF THE FOUR ANGLES
Tue angles are the four cardinal points of the horizon, whence are derived the general names of the winds. With respect to their qualities, it is to be observed that the eastern point, or angle of the ascendant,
1 This sentence shows the futility of the objection raised against astrology (and mentioned in the Preface to this translation) that the signs have changed and are changing places. It is clear from this sentence that Ptolemy ascribes to the 30 degrees after the vernal equinox, that influence which he has herein mentioned to belong to Aries; to the next 30 degrees, the influence herein said to belong to Taurus ; and so of the rest of the zodiac. We should rather say that the stars have changed places, than that the parts of heaven, in which they were once situated, have done so. Ptolemy himself seems to have foreseen this groundless objection of the moderns, and has written, in the 25th chapter of this book, what ought completely to have prevented it. It has certainly been one of the misfortunes of astrology to be attacked by people entirely ignorant of its principles.
22 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BooK I.
is chiefly dry in its nature; because, on the Sun’s arrival therein, the damps occasioned by the night begin to be dried up: and all winds blowing from that quarter, under the common name of east winds, are arid and free from moisture.
The southern point, or angle of the mid-heaven, is the most hot ; because the Sun’s meridan position, which produces greater warmth and heat, declines (in this part of the earth) towards the south. The winds, therefore, which blow from that quarter, and are commonly called south winds, are hot and rarefying.
The western point, or occidental angle, is moist ; because, when the Sun is there, the moisture, which had been overpowered during the day, recommences its operation : and the winds proceeding from thence, and commonly called west winds, are light and damp.
The northern point, or angle of the lower heaven, is the most cold ; for the Sun’s meridian position in this part of the earth is far removed from it in declination: and all winds thence proceeding, under the common name of north winds, are cold and frosty.
It will, of course, be seen that a thorough acquaintance with the fore- going matters is essential in order to acquire the faculty of distinguishing temperaments in every shape and variation: since it is sufficiently obvious that the effective influence of the stars must be greatly diversi- fied by the constitutions of the seasons, as well as those of the ages of life, and of the angles; and also that the stars have a much stronger influence on any constitution, when there may not be in it any tendency contrary to their own, as the whole influence is then entire and unalloyed. For example, stars effecting heat operate more vigorously in constitu- tions of heat ; and those effecting moisture in constitutions of moisture. On the other hand, should a tendency, contrary to their own, exist in any constitution, the stars accordingly become less efficacious ; in con- sequence of being attempered and mixed with that contrary tendency : and this happens, for instance, when stars effecting heat are attempered by constitutions of cold, or stars producing moisture by constitutions of dryness. The influence of every star is thus modified by the proportion- ate admixture presented by constitutions of a nature different from its own.
In succession to the previous instructions, the following description of the natural and peculiar properties of the signs of the zodiac is annexed : the general temperaments of the signs are analogous to those of the seasons, which are respectively established under each sign, but they have, also, certain peculiar energies, arising from their familiarity with the Sun, the Moon, and the stars, which shall be hereafter specified ; —and the simple and unmixed influences existing in the signs, as con- sidered only in themselves and with regard to each other, will be first stated.
CHAP. Xv.] PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS 23
CHAPTER XIV TROPICAL, EQUINOCTIAL, FIXED, AND BICORPOREAL SIGNS
Amonc the twelve signs, some are termed tropical, others equinoctial, others fixed, and others bicorporeal.
The tropical signs are two: viz. the first thirty degrees after the summer solstice, which compose the sign of Cancer ; and the first thirty degrees after the winter solstice, composing the sign of Capricorn. These are called tropical, because the Sun, after he has arrived at their first points, seems to ¢wrn, and to change his course towards a contrary latitude ;1 causing summer by the turn he makes in Cancer, and winter by that which he makes in Capricorn.
There are also two equinoctial signs: Aries, the first after the vernal equinox ; and Libra, the first after the autumnal equinox: they are so called, because the Sun, when in the first point of either, makes the day and night equal.
Of the remaining eight signs, four are fixed, and four bicorporeal. Those signs, which severally follow immediately after the two tropical and the two equinoctial signs, are termed fixed, because, during the Sun’s presence in them, the cold, heat, moisture or dryness, of the season, which commenced on his arrival in the preceding tropical or equinoctial sign, is then more firmly established: not, however, that the tempera- ment of the season has in itself actually increased in vigour, but, having continued for some time in operation, it then renders all things more strongly affected by its influence.
The bicorporeal signs severally follow the fixed signs; and, being thus intermediately placed between the fixed and the tropical signs, they participate in the constitutional properties of both, from their first to their last degrees.
CHAPTER XV MASCULINE AND FEMININE SIGNS
Acatn, among the twelve signs, six are called masculine and diurnal, and six feminine and nocturnal. They are arranged in alternate order, one after the other, as the day is followed by the night, and as the male is coupled with the female.
The commencement, it has been already said, belongs to Aries ; since the moisture of the spring forms an introduction for the other seasons. And, as the male sex governs, and the active principle takes
1 In other words, the Sun then begins to diminish his declination, which, at the first points of the said signs, is at its greatest amount.
24 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS _ [Book 1.
precedence of the passive, the signs of Aries and Libra are consequently considered to be masculine and diurnal. These signs describe the equi- noctial circle, and from them proceed the principal variation, and most powerful agitation, of all things. The signs immediately following them are feminine and nocturnal; and the rest are consecutively arranged as masculine and feminine, by alternate order.
Masculine or feminine qualities are, however, by some persons, attributed to the signs by means of a different arrangement, and by making the sign ascending (which is also called the horoscope) the first of the masculine signs. They also consider the first tropical sign to be that in which the Moon is posited, because she undergoes more frequent and rapid changes and variations than any other heavenly body; and it is by a similar mode of reasoning that they establish the horoscope as the first masculine sign, on account of its being more immediately under the Sun. Again, certain of these persons likewise allow the alternate arrangement of the signs ; while there are, again, others who do not admit it; but, instead thereof, divide the whole zodiac into quadrants, and denominate those between the ascendant and the mid-heaven, and between the western angle and the lower haven, oriental and masculine; and the other two quadrants, occidental and feminine.
There have also been other additional appellations bestowed on the signs, in consequence of their apparent formations and figures: they have been called quadrupedal, terrestrial, imperial, fruitful, and have received various other distinguishing epithets of the same sort; but these distinctions seem too unimportant to be even enumerated here, since their origin is obvious, and since, should they ever be thought serviceable towards the inference of future effects, they may be easily applied without the aid of further instruction.
CHAPTER XVI
MUTUAL CONFIGURATIONS OF THE SIGNS
THERE are certain familiarities or connections between different parts of the zoidac ; and the chief of these is that which exists between such parts as are configurated with each other.
This mutual configuration attaches to all parts diametrically distant from each other, containing between them two right angles, or six signs, or a hundred and eighty degrees: it also exists in all parts at the triangular distance from each other, containing between them one right angle and a third, or four signs, or a hundred and twenty degrees ; also, in all parts at the quadrate distance from each other, containing between them exactly one right angle, or three signs, or ninety degrees ; and, also, in all parts at the hexagonal distance from each other, contain- ing between them two-thirds of a right angle, or two signs, or sixty
CHAP. XVI.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 25
degrees.t These several distances are taken for the following reasons: the distance by diameter, however, is in itself sufficiently clear, and requires no further explanation; but, as to the rest, after the dia- metrical points have been connected by a straight line, AB; the space of the two right angles, contained on the diameter, is then to be divided into aliquot parts of the two greatest denominations; that is to say, into halves, AFC, CFB, and into thirds, AFD, DFE, EFB: there will then be provided for the third part (AD) a super-proportion (DC), equal to its own half; and for the half (AC) a super-proportion (CE), equal to its own third part ; so that the division into two aliquot parts,
AC, CB, will make the quartile distance AC; and the division into three aliquot parts, AD, DE, EB, will make the sextile distance AD, and the trinal distance AE. The respective super-proportions (on either side of the intermediate quartile AC, formed by the one right angle AFC), will also again make the quartile AC (if there be added to the sextile, AD, the super-proportion DC, equal to the half of the sextile), and the trine AE (if there be added to the quartile AC the super-propor- tion CE, equal to the third part of the quartile).
Of these configurations, the trine and the sextile are each called
1 Whalley, in his note upon this chapter, seems to have been surprised that no mention is made here by Ptolemy of the conjunction ; but he overlooked the fact that the chapter treats only of parts of the zodiac configurated with each other ; and that it was not possible for Ptolemy to conceive how any part could be configurated with itself. It is, therefore, by no means wonderful that the conjunction is not inserted here along with the rest of the aspects ; although it is frequently adverted to in subsequent chapters, and its efficacy particularly described.
26 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [ΒΟΟΚ I.
harmonious, because they are constituted between signs of the same kind ; being formed between either all feminine or all masculine signs. The opposition and quartile are considered to be discordant, because they are configurations made between signs not of the same kind, but of different natures and sexes.!
CHAPTER XVII SIGNS COMMANDING AND OBEYING
Any two signs configurated with each other at an equal distance from the same, or from either equinoctial point, are termed commanding and obeying, because the ascensional and descensional times of the one are equal to those of the other, and both describe equal parallels.
The signs in the summer semicircle are commanding; those in the winter semicircle, obeying: for, when the Sun is present in the former, he makes the day longer than the night; and, when in the latter, he produces the contrary effect.
CHAPTER XVIII SIGNS BEHOLDING EACH OTHER, AND OF EQUAL POWER
Any two signs, equally distant from either tropical sign, are equal to each other in power ; because the Sun, when present in one, makes day and night, and the divisions of time, respectively equal in duration to those which he produces when present in the other. Such signs are also said to behold each other, as well for the foregoing reasons, as because each of them rises from one and the same part of the horizon, and sets in one and the same part.”
1 From the tenor of this chapter~it was formerly doubted whether the author intended to admit in his theory only zodiacal aspects, and to reject those which are called mundane ; but Placidus has referred to the 4th Chapter of the 8th Book of the Almagest (which will be found in the Appendix to this translation) to prove that Ptolemy distinctly taught two kinds of aspect ; one in the zodiac and one in the world. Whalley quotes the opinion of Placidus, which he says is farther confirmed by the 12th Chapter of the 3rd Book of this very treatise, where it is stated that the ascendant and the eleventh house are in sextile to each other; the ascendant and the mid-heaven in quartile; the ascendant and the ninth house in trine ; and the ascendant and the occidental angle in opposition ; all which certainly seems to be applicable to mundane aspects in particular.
2 Whalley has a very lengthy note upon this and the preceding chapter, to show that Ptolemy here speaks of zodiacal parallels, or parallels of declination, and to point out the necessity of observing a planet’s latitude, in order to ascertain its true parallels, It is, however, to be recollected, that the
CHAP. XIX. ] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 27
᾿ CHAPTER XIX SIGNS INCONJUNCT
Aut signs, between which there does not exist any familiarity in any of the modes above specified, are inconjunct and separated.
For instance, all signs are inconjunct which are neither commanding nor obeying, and not beholding each other nor of equal power, as well as all signs which contain between them the space of one sign only, or the space of five signs, and which do not at all share in any of the four prescribed configurations: viz. the opposition, the trine, the quartile, and the sextile. All parts which are distant from each other in the space of one sign only are considered inconjunct, because they are averted, as it were, from each other ; and because, although the said space between them may extend into two signs, the whole only contains an angle equal to that of one sign: all parts distant from each other in the space of five signs are also considered inconjunct, because they divide the whole circle into unequal parts; whereas the spaces contained in the con- figurations above-mentioned, viz. the opposition, trine, quartile, and sextile, produce aliquot divisions.1
parallels now alluded to are distinct from the mundane parallels, which are equal distances from the horizon or meridian, and are considered by Ptolemy in the 14th and 15th Chapters of the 3rd Book of this work ; although not under the express name of mundane parallels.
1 Tt has never been very clearly shown how the followers of Ptolemy have reconciled the new aspects [called the semiquadrate, quintile, sesquiquadrate, biquintile, &c.] with the veto pronounced in this chapter. Kepler is said to have invented them, and they have been universally adopted ; even Placidus, who has applied Ptolemy’s doctrine to practice better than any other writer, has availed himself of them,? and, if the nativities published by him are to be credited, he has fully established their importance.
Salmon, in his “Hore Mathematice,” beforementioned, gives a long dissertation (from p. 403 to p. 414) on the old Ptolemaic aspects, illustrative of their foundation in nature and in mathematics; and, although his con- clusions are not quite satisfactorily drawn, some of his arguments would seem appropriate, if he had but handled them more fully and expertly ; particularly where he says that the aspects are derived “‘ from the aliquot parts of a circle, wherein observe that, although the zodiac may have many more aliquot parts than these four (the sextile, quartile, trine, and opposition), yet those other aliquot parts of the circle, or 360 degrees, will not make an aliquot division of the signs also, which in this design was sought to answer, as well in the number 12, as in the number 360.” The passage in which he endeavours to show that they are authorized by their projection, also deserves attention.
All Salmon’s arguments, however, in support of the old Ptolemaic aspects, militate against the new Keplerian ones; and so does the following extract
* Except the semiquadrate, which he has not at all noticed.
28 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
a CHAPTER XX
HOUSES OF THE PLANETS .
Tuose stars which are denominated planetary orbs have particular familiarity with certain places in the zodiac, by means of parts designated as their houses, and also by their triplicities, exaltations, terms, and so forth.
The nature of their familiarity by houses is as follows :
Cancer and Leo are the most northerly of all the twelve signs ; they approach nearer than the other signs to the zenith of this part of the earth, and thereby cause warmth and heat: they are consequently appropriated as houses for the two principal and greater luminaries ; Leo for the Sun, as being masculine; and Cancer for the Moon, as being feminine. It has hence resulted, that the semicircle from Leo to Capricorn has been ordained solar, and the semicircle from Aquarius to Cancer, lunar; in order that each planet might occupy one sign in each semicircle, and thus have one of its houses configurated with the Sun and the other with the Moon, conformably to the motions of its own sphere, and the peculiar properties of its nature.
Saturn, therefore, since he is cold and inimical to heat, moving also in a superior orbit most remote from the luminaries, occupies the signs opposite to Cancer and Leo: these are Aquarius and Capricorn; and they are assigned to him in consideration of their cold and wintry nature; and because the configuration by opposition does not co-operate towards the production of good.
Jupiter has a favourable temperament, and is situated beneath the sphere of Saturn; he therefore occupies the next two signs, Sagittarius
from the “ Astrological Discourse ” of Sir Christopher Heydon: “ For thus, amongst all ordinate planes that may be inscribed, there are two whose sides, joined together, have pre-eminence to take up a semicircle, but only the hexagon, quadrate, and equilateral triangle, answering to the sextile, quartile, and trine irradiated. ‘The subtense, therefore, of a sextile aspect consisteth of two signs, which, joined to the subtense of a trine, composed of four, being regular and equilateral, take up six signs, which is a complete semicircle. In like manner, the sides of a quadrate inscribed, subtending three signs, twice reckoned, do occupy likewise the mediety of a circle. And what those figures are before said to perform ” (that is, to take up a semicircle) “‘ either doubled or joined ogether, may also be truly ascribed unto the opposite aspect by itself; for that the diametral line, which passeth from the place of conjunction to the opposite point, divideth a circle into two equal parts: the like whereof cannot be found in any other inscripts ; for example, the side of a regular pentagon” (the quintile) “ subtendeth 72 degrees, of an octagon” (the semiquadrate) “ but 45; the remainders of which arcs, viz. 108 and 135 degrees, are not subtended by the sides of any ordinate figure.” : 1 Saturn being also malefic in his nature.
CHAP. XXI.] PTOLEMY’S TELRABIBLOS 29
and Pisces. These signs are airy and fruitful, in consequence of their trinal distance from the houses of the luminaries, which distance harmonises with the operation of good.
Mars is dry in nature, and beneath the sphere of Jupiter: he takes the next two signs, of a nature similar to his own, viz. Aries and Scorpio, whose relative distances from the houses of the luminaries are injurious and discordant. .
Venus, possessing a favourable temperament, and placed beneath the sphere of Mars, takes the next two signs, Taurus and Libra. These are of a fruitful nature, and preserve harmony by the sextile distance ; and this planet is never more than two signs distant from the Sun.
Mercury never has greater distance from the Sun than the space of one sign, and is beneath all the other planets: hence he is placed nearest to both luminaries, and the remaining two signs, Gemini and Virgo, are allotted to him.
CHAPTER XxXI THE TRIPLICITIES
Tue familiarity existing by triplicity arises in the following mode:
The triplicity preserves accordance with an equilateral triangle, and the whole zodiacal orbit is defined by three circles, viz. that of the equinox, and those of the two tropics ; the twelve signs are, therefore, distributed among four equilateral triangles.
The first triangle, or triplicity, is formed by three masculine signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, having the Sun, Jupiter, and Mars as lords by house. Mars, however, being contrary in condition to the solar influence, this triplicity receives, as its lords, only Jupiter and the Sun. By day, therefore, the Sun claims the principal co-regency of it, and Jupiter by night. Aries is on the equinoctial circle, Leo on the summer, and Sagittarius on the winter circle. ‘This triplicity is principally northern, owing to the concurrent dominion of Jupiter, who is fruitful and airy, and expressly connected with winds proceeding from the north ; it is, however, also north-west, in consequence of being, in
1 The planets, having two houses, are said to be more powerful in one by day and in the other by night: thus,
Saturn’s day house is Aquarius, his night house Capricorn » Jupiter’s Sagittarius — Pisces
Mar’s ----: Aries —- Scorpio
Venus’s —- ‘Taurus ---- Libra
Mercury’s —— Gemini Virgo
The above is from Whalley ; but the same disposition is to be found in all modern astrological writers.
30 PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS [Book I.
some degree, combined with the west by means of the house of Mars, who introduces western breezes and the feminine qualities of that quarter, in consequence of his lunar condition.?
The second triplicity, formed by Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, is allotted to the dominion of the Moon and Venus, since it consists of feminine signs. The Moon rules it by night, and Venus by day. ‘Taurus is on the summer circle, Virgo on the equinoctial, and Capricorn on the winter. ‘This triplicity is southern, in consequence of the dominion of Venus, whose warm and moist influence produces south winds: it, however, additionally receives a mixture of the east, by means of Saturn ; for, as Capricorn is the house of that planet, and an eastern sign, Saturn becomes effective of winds from that quarter, and furnishes this triplicity with a mixture of the east, with which quarter he is further connected by means of his solar condition.?
The third triplicity is composed of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, masculine signs. It holds connection with Saturn and Mercury by containing their houses, and is therefore attributed to them, and not to Mars, to which planet it bears norelation. Saturn rules it by day, owing to his condition,’ and Mercury by night. Gemini is on the summer circle, Libra on the equinoctial, and Aquarius on the winter. ‘This triplicity is principally eastern, by the influence of Saturn; but it becomes north-east by receiving also a mixture of the north from the condition of Jupiter, with which planet Saturn has, in this respect, a diurnal familiarity.*
The fourth triplicity, formed by Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, is left to the remaining planet, Mars, who has right in it by means of his house, Scorpio. But, as the signs which compose this triplicity are feminine, the Moon by night and Venus by day, through their feminine condition, govern it, together with Mars. Cancer is on the summer circle, Scorpio on the winter, and Pisces on the equinoctial. This triplicity is western, in consequence of the government of the Moon and Mars; but it is also blended with the south by the joint dominion of Venus, and therefore becomes south-west.
1 The “lunar condition ” here spoken of refers to the position of Aries (Mars’s house) in the lunar semicircle.
* Capricorn being in the solar semicircle.
3 The reason for making Saturn diurnal lord of this triplicity may be found in Chap. vii.
4 This familiarity seems to arise from the sextile aspect between Aquarius, the diurnal house of Saturn, and Sagittarius, the diurnal house of Jupiter.
CHAP. XXII. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 31
oc CHAPTER XXII
EXALTATIONS
Tuat which is termed the exaltation of the planets is considered by the following rules :
The Sun on his entrance into Aries is then passing into the higher and more northern semicircle; but, on his entrance into Libra, into the moresouthern and lower one: his exaltation, therefore, is determined to be in Aries, as, when present in that sign, he begins to lengthen the days, and the influence of his heating nature increases at the same time. His fall is placed in Libra, for the converse reasons.
Saturn on the contrary, in order to preserve his station opposite to the Sun, in this respect, as well as in regard to their respective houses, obtains his exaltation in Libra, and his fall in Aries: since, in all cases, the increase of heat must be attended by a diminution of cold, and the increase of cold by a diminution of heat.
The Mood, again, after conjunction with the Sun in Aries, the seat of his exaltation, makes her first appearance, and begins to augment her light in Taurus, the first sign of her own triplicity, which is consequently ascribed to be her exaltation ; while Scorpio, the opposite sign, is her fall.
Jupiter, since he is efficacious in exciting fruitful breezes from the north, and since he becomes most northerly, and augments his peculiar influence when in Cancer, accordingly obtains his exaltation in that sign, and his fall in Capricorn.
Mars possesses a fiery nature, which receives its greatest intensity in Capricorn, in which sign ‘this planet becomes most southerly; his exaltation is therefore placed in Capricorn, in opposition to that of Jupiter, and his fall in Cancer.
Venus is of a moist nature, and becomes chiefly moist when in Pisces. Under that sign a dampness begins to be perceptible in the atmosphere, and Venus, from being in that sign, derives an augmentation of her own proper influence : her exaltation is consequently placed therein, and her fall in Virgo.
Mercury is of a nature opposite to that of Venus, and is more dry: in opposition to her, therefore, he takes his exaltation in Virgo, in which sign the autumnal dryness makes its first appearance ; and he receives his fall in Pisces. ᾿
32 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK 1.
CHAPTER XXIII THE DISPOSITION OF THE TERMS!
THERE are two methods of disposing the terms of the planets, in reference to the dominion of the triplicities; one is Zgyptian, the other Chaldaic.
But the Agyptian method preserves no regular distribution, neither in point of successive order nor in point of quantity.
In point of order it is defective, since it, in some instances, allots the first degrees of a sign to the lord of the house, in others to the lord of the triplicity, and in others again to the lord of the exaltation. By selecting examples this failure in order will easily be seen; for instance, if the order were regulated by the government of houses, for what reason should Saturn take the first degrees in Libra, since that sign is the house of Venus? or why should Jupiter take them in Aries, which, is the house of Mars? If the government of triplicities were followed, for what reason should Mercury take the first degrees in Capricorn, which is in the triplicity ruled by Venus? If the government by exaltations, why should Mars take the first degrees in Cancer? that sign being the exaltation of Jupiter. And if the order were regulated even by con- sidering the planet which possesses most of these dignities in the sign, for what reason should Mercury take the first degrees in Aquarius, in which sign he rules only by triplicity, and why not Saturn, who has government in it by house, as well as by triplicity? or why in short should Mercury, who does not possess any kind of dominion in Capri- corn, receive the first degrees in that sign also? ‘The same want of order is abundantly evident in the rest of the distribution.
An equal irregularity exists in the respective quantities of degrees allotted by the Aigyptians to the several terms of the planets. For it is by no means a proper nor sufficient demonstration of accuracy that the ageregate sum of all the numbers of every single planet amounts to the precise total requiring to be divided into portions of time ; 3 since, even if it be admitted that this total, collected from every single star, is correctly asserted by the Aigyptians, it may still be objected that the same total, so collected by them, may be found in many other ways by
1 Th reference to the terms of the planets, Placidus has these words (accord- ing to Cooper’s translation) : “‘ The dignity of the planets in the signs and their parts, which are called the bounds and terminations ” (quasi, terms), “‘ have a real and natural foundation; to wit, the powerful aspect or proportional influxes to the movable points in which the stars begin to produce the primary qualities. So that, according to those things we have explained in the philosophy of the heavens, these are found to agree so well with the Agyptian boundaries ” (terms), “ that they are highly deserving of admiration.”
2 This total is the 360 degrees of the zodiac, requiring to be divided according to correspondent portions of the equator ; by which all time is reckoned.
CHAP. XXIII. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 33
interchanging the numbers in a sign. ‘There are persons also who con- tend that in every latitude the same space of time is occupied in ascension by every star; this, however, is manifestly wrong: for, in the first place, these persons are guided by the vulgar opinion of the plane heights of ascension, which is totally foreign to truth, and according to which, in the parallel of Lower Aigypt, the signs of Virgo and Libra ΘΙ ascend each in thirty-eight degrees and a third,! and Leo and Scorpio each in thirty-five degrees ; when it is, on the contrary, shown by the Tables,? that the latter two signs occupy in their several ascensions more than thirty-five degrees each, but Virgo and Libra less. It should further be observed, that those who support this opinion seem (by so doing) not only to dispute the quantity of the terms most gener- ally received, but to be driven also to the necessity of falsifying many points ; since (as it is indispensable to keep to the same total amount of all the terms together) they make use of parts of degrees ; but even that contrivance does not enable them to reach the true point.
The old terms, admitted by many persons on the authority of former tradition, are as follows :
THE TERMS ACCORDING TO THE JEGYPTIANS
_ Aries Taurus Gemini’ Cancer Virgo Jupiter |6|} 6] Ven.|8} 8] Μεγ [6] 6} Mars|7| 7] Jup.|6| 6} Μετ. 7} 7 Venus δ [δῦ Μετ 6 14] Jup. 6 12] Ven. 6113 | Ven. Ven, [tol 27 Mercury ΠΝ ἢ Pop. [4 22 Ven. le 17} Mer ΠΡΝ Sat Jup isla Mars |5|25| Sat. |5|27| Mars|7|24| Jup.|7 26} Mer, 634 | Mars|7 8
Sagittarius | Capricorn Pisces
Saturn [6] 6] Mars|7| 77 Jup. [12] 12] Mer.|7| 7] Μετ. 7} 7] Ven. |12/ 12
Mercury 8 14| εη. 4 11 Ven.|5|17] Jup.|7|14] Ven.|6| 13] Jup. [4 τό Μετ. 3 | 19
Sat. | 5 | 26] Sat. i ἊΨ Mars | 5 | 25 {Mars |g | 28
upiter 21 Mer.| 4 | 21} Ven. | 8 | 22 Ρ 7 {
Venus | 7| 28] Jup.| ς] 24
Mars 230] Sat. [6 30] Mars} 4 | 30 Mars| 4 30} Sat. ᾿ς [30] Sat. | 2| 30
1 The degrees here mentioned are degrees of the equator. 2 See, in the Appendix, an extract from these tables; the whole of which are to be found in the Almagest.
Ἂς 34 ~ PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
Thus, by the Agyptian distribution, it appears that the total numbers of the degrees for each planet, added together, make 360 :—viz. for Saturn 57, Jupiter 79, Mars 66, Venus 82, and Mercury 76.
The method of the Chaldzans contains a certain simplicity of arrange- ment as to quantity, and preserves an order of succession rather more comformable to the dominion of the triplicities. It is, nevertheless, highly imperfect, as may be easily discovered even without being pointed out: for in the first triplicity (which the Chaldzans also attribute to the same signs ; viz. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Jupiter, the lord of the triplicity, takes the first degrees ; Venus, who rules the next triplicity, follows him ; after her, in succession, are Saturn and Mercury, the lords of the triplicity of Gemini; and lastly Mars, lord of the remaining triplicity. In the second triplicity (also allotted to the same signs, viz. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Venus stands first ; next to her, Saturn and Mercury; after them Mars, and Jupiter last. In the other two triplicities a similar order of succession is closely followed ; and with respect to the third triplicity, which is ascribed to two lords, viz. to Saturn and Mercury, Saturn is placed first in order by day and Mercury by night.
The quantity of degrees allotted to each planet is also simply regu- ~ lated in the Chaldaic method ; it diminishes in graduation from the quantity given to the planet first in order, so that each successive planet takes one degree less than that which preceded it. Thus the first planet takes eight degrees, the second seven, the third six, the fourth five, and the fifth four. By this arrangement the degrees of Saturn amount by day to 78, and by night to 66; the degrees of Jupiter to 72, of Mars to 69, of Venus to 75, and of Mercury by day to 66, and by night to 78—the whole amounting to 360.
Of these two distributions of the terms, that of the Hgyptians seems more to be relied on than the other ; since it has been handed down and recommended in the writings of the Agyptian authors, and also because the degrees of the terms, in nativities rectified by them as examples, are universally in accordance with this distribution ; while, on the other hand, neither the order nor the number of the Chaldaic method has ever been recorded or explained by any writer—not even by the writers of that very nation: the accuracy of that method is consequently doubtful, and its irregularity as to the order of placing the planets is widely open to censure.
There is, however, an ancient writing which has fallen into the author’s possession, and which gives a rational and consistent account of the nature of the terms; of the order in which they are to be taken, and of the quantity belonging to each. It will be found in the subsequent chapter.
CHAP. xx1Vv.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 35
CHAPTER XXIV THE TERMS ACCORDING TO PTOLEMY
In arranging the order in which the planets take their terms in each sign, their exaltations, triplicities, and houses, are taken into considera- tion ; and whatever planet, whether benefic or malefic, may possess two rights of dominion in one and the same sign, such planet is universally placed first in order in that sign. In other cases, however, where it does not happen that a malefic possesses two rights of dominion in the sign, it is always placed last.
The lord of the exaltation is placed first ; then the lord of the tri- plicity ; and then the lord of the house ; in regular succession, according to the series of the signs ; but it must again be remembered that any planet, having two rights of dominion in the same sign, takes precedence, as before mentioned, of those having only one. In Cancer and Leo, however, the malefics occupy the first degrees ; as those signs are the houses of the Moon and the Sun, which take no terms; and the malefics being found to have greater potency in those signs therefore take precedence in them. Mars, consequently, receives the first degrees in Cancer, and Saturn in Leo, by which arrangement a proper order is preserved.
The respective quantities of degrees for the several terms is thus determined : viz. when there is no planet found to be lord by two rights in the same sign, or in the two signs next following, each of the benefics, Jupiter and Venus, takes seven degrees ; the malefics, Saturn and Mars, take five degrees each ; and Mercury, being of common influence, takes six degrees ; thus completing the whole thirty. Since, however, there are some cases in which a planet has always a double right—(for Venus obtains the sole government of Taurus and Pisces, as the Moon does not share in the terms)—it is to be observed that when such double right (whether it exist in the same sign or in the signs next following as far as may complete a quadrant) may be possessed by any planet, that planet receives in addition one degree. The planets thus entitled were distinguished by points in the ancient writing above mentioned. And the degree, added to the quantity of the planet which exercises a double tight, is subtracted from those of single right; most generally from Saturn and Jupiter, in consequence of their slower motion.
1 The cause of this disposition is that Cancer, the house of the Moon, partakes of moisture, and counteracts Mars’s dryness; while Leo, the Sun’s house, is hot, and counteracts Saturn’s cold.—Vide Chap. iv, and conclusion of Chap. vii of this book.
It may further be observed, that Jupiter’s right, by triplicity, to the first degrees in Leo, is of course surrendered to Saturn, on the principle that the malefics have greater potency in the houses of the luminaries.
36 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK I.
These terms are detailed in the following table :—
— |—_—_—— J ———_—__ |__|
6 [19] Jup. | 5} 18
Sat. Ven.
Mercury |7|21] Jup.
7
Mars 5 [26] Sat. , mb; Mars| 6 | 26] Ven. |7 | 27 62: ] Sat. [624 6 Saturn [430 ΠΡ} 20] Sat.| 4) 30] δεῖ. 3] 30
Libra
Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn
ws Ven. 614] Μεγ. 6} 12
| | | ..-...
| I
CHAPTER XXV THE PLACES AND DEGREES OF EVERY PLANET
Tue signs have been subdivided by some persons into parts still more minute, which have been named places and degrees of dominion. ‘Thus the twelfth part of a sign, or two degrees and a half, has been called a place, and the dominion of it given to the signs next succeeding. Other persons again, pursuing various modes of arrangement, attribute to each planet certain degrees, as being aboriginally connected with it, in a manner somewhat similar to the Chaldaic arrangement of the terms. But all these imaginary attributes cannot be herein detailed, for they
CHAP. XXVI. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 37
receive no confirmation from nature, are not capable of being rationally demonstrated, and are, in fact, merely the offspring of scientific vanity.
The following observation, however, deserves attention, and must not be omitted.
The beginnings of the signs, and likewise those of the terms, are to be taken from the equinoctial and tropical points. This rule is not only clearly stated by writers on the subject, but is also especially evident by the demonstration constantly afforded, that their natures, influences and familiarities have no other origin than from the tropics and equinoxes, as has been already plainly shown. And, if other beginnings were allowed, it would either be necessary to exclude the natures of the signs from the _ theory of prognostication, or impossible to avoid error in then retaining and making use of them ; as the regularity of their spaces and distances, upon which their influence depends, would then be invaded and broken in upon.
CHAPTER XXVI
FACES, CHARIOTS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES OF THE PLANETS
Tue familiarities existing between the planets and the signs are such as have been already particularised.
There are also, however, further peculiarities ascribed to the planets. Each is said to be in its proper face, when the aspect it holds to the Sun, or Moon, is similar to that which its own house bears to their houses : for example, Venus is in her proper face when making a sextile aspect to either luminary, provided she be occidental to the Sun, but oriental to the Moon, agreeably to the primary arrangement of her houses.?
Each planet is also said to be in its proper chariot, or throne, or otherwise triumphantly situated, when it holds familiarity with the place which it actually occupies by two, or more, of the prescribed modes of connection: for when it is so circumstanced, its influence and energy are specially augmented by the familiarity it thus holds with the sign which encompasses it, and which is similar in influence and co-operates with it.
Lastly, each planet (although it may possess no familiarity with the sign encompassing it) is said to rejoice, when any connection subsists between itself and other stars of the same condition ; as, notwithstand- ing the distance between them, a certain sympathy and communication
1 Vide Chapters xii and xiv of this Book.
2 Vide Chapter xx. It of course follows that Saturn is in his proper face when he is five signs, or in quintile, after the Sun or before the Moon; that Jupiter is so when in trine ; Mars when in quartile ; Venus when in sextile ; and Mercury when only one sign (or in modern phrase, in semi-sextile), after the Sun or before the Moon.
38 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Book I.
of influence is derived from their mutual resemblance. In the same manner, again, when a planet occupies a place adverse and dissimilar in condition to itself, much of its influence is dissipated and lost ; in con- sequence of the interposition and admixture of the other different influence, arising out of the dissimilar temperament of the sign by which it is encompassed.
CHAPTER XXVII APPLICATION, SEPARATION, AND OTHER FACULTIES
In all cases when the distances between planets or luminaries are but trifling,1 the planet which precedes is said to apply to that which follows ; and that which follows to be separating from that which precedes.? The same rule obtains both in respect to bodily conjunction and to any other of the aspects before described ; except that, in the application and separation of the bodily conjunction, it is also essential to observe the actual latitudes of the bodies, in order to receive and consider only such a transit as may be made in the same parts of the zodiac. Butinthe application and separation of aspects merely, the same attention is not requisite, since all the rays are uniformly converged into one focus, that is to say, into the angle of the rence 4 and meet there alike from every quarter.
It appears, therefore, by the whole a what has been already delivered,
1 This has been understood to mean, when the planets or luminaries are within each other’s orbs; Saturn’s orb being 10 degrees, Jupiter’s 12, Mars’s 7 degrees 30 minutes, the Sun’s 17 degrees, Venus’s 8, Mercury’s 7 degrees 30 minutes, and the Moon’s 12 degrees 30 minutes.
5. Astrologers generally agree, that the inferior planets always apply to the superior, but the superior never to the inferior, except when the inferior be retrograde. In the present instance it seems most probable that the author means the planet which is more occidental, by “ the planet which precedes.” He often uses ““ precedent ” as equivalent to “ occidental” in regard to the daily revolution of the heavens: and thus a planet in the first degree of Aries would precede, and be more occidental than one in the sixth degree of Aries, to which latter it would, by the regular planetary motion, be applying.
3 On this, Whalley says that “the less the difference of latitude of the planets in conjunction, the more powerful will be the influence: for if two planets in conjunction have each considerable latitude of different denomination, the influence of such conjunction will be much lessened.”
4 Tovr’ est ert To Kevtpov τῆς γῆς. ‘The precise meaning of the word Kevtpov is “‘ centre,” rather than “‘ angle”; but Ptolemy uses it throughout this work, in speaking of the four angles of heaven, and I conceive he uses it here to signify an angle at, or on, the earth. The following definition of an aspect, by Kepler, strengthens my opinion: “ An aspect is an angle formed on the earth, by the luminous rays of two planets ; efficacious in ΘΗΜΘΑΒΩΒ sublunary nature.’
CHAP. XVII. ] PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS 39
that the effective influence of the stars must be considered as arising not only from their own peculiar natures and properties, but also from the quality of the surrounding signs, and from configuration with the Sun and the angles ; all which has been pointed out. The influence of each planet, however, is strengthened chiefly when it may be oriental, swift and direct in its proper course and motion—for it has then its greatest power : but, on the other hand, it loses strength when occidental and slow in motion or retrograde; as it then acts with smaller effect.} Its influence also receives accession or diminution, from its position with regard to the horizon ; as, if it be situated in the mid-heaven, or suc- cedent to the mid-heaven, it is especially strong ; likewise, if it be on the actual horizon, or succedent to the horizon, it is also powerful— particularly if in the eastern quarter. Should it, however, be below the earth, and configurated with the ascendant, either from the lower heaven, or from any other part below the earth, its influence then be- comes more languid ; but if, when below the earth, it hold no such configuration, it is entirely deprived of efficacy.*
_ 1 Placidus (Cooper’s translation) says that “‘ the three superiors are supposed
to be stronger, if they are found to be matutine, or eastern, from the Sun ; the three inferiors, vespertine, or western; for then they have a greater degree of light, in which consists their virtual influence, and then they are called oriental; but occidental if otherwise. Every one knows how largely, yet to no purpose, authors have treated of the orientality of the planets.”
Moxon’s Mathematical Dictionary has the following words on the same subject : ‘ Now the three superior planets are strongest, being oriental and matutine; but the three inferior when they are occidental and vespertine. The reason is, because the first in the first case, but the last in the second, do then descend to the lowest part of their orbit, are increased in light, and approaching nearer the earth ; and so on the contrary, the inferiors matutine, the superiors vespertine are weakened.”
2 In a note on the 6th Chapter of this Book, Whalley says that, “ according to Ptolemy, such as are between the ascendant and mid-heaven obtain the first place of strength, and are said to be in their oriental orientality : but, between the western horizon and the lower heaven, in their occidental orientality, which is the second place of strength: between the lower heaven and the ascendant, in their oriental occidentality, the first degree of weakness ; and between the mid-heaven and western horizon, in their occidental occidentality, the weakest place of all.” This is all very pretty jargon, but certainly nor “ according to Ptolemy,” who distinctly says, on the contrary, that if a planet “is on the actual horizon, or succedent to the horizon, it is also powerful, and particularly if in the eastern quarter.” The last member of this sentence, as well as the conclusion of this 27th Chapter, shows that Ptolemy did not consider a situation between the mid-heaven and western horizon to be “ the weakest place of all.”
BOOK THE SECOND
CHAPTER I
GENERAL DIVISION OF THE SUBJECT
[= great and leading points, requiring to be attended to as a
necessary means of introduction to the consideration of
particular predictions, having been succinctly defined, the further parts of the subject, comprehending everything which may tend to facilitate prediction, and render it complete, shall now be duly proceeded in ; and, at the same time, care shall be taken to confine the whole doctrine within the limits of natural reason.
The foreknowledge to be acquired by means of Astrology is to be regarded in two great and principal divisions. ‘The first, which may be properly called General, or Universal, concerns entire nations, countries, or cities; and the second, denominated Particular, or Gene- thliacal, relates to men individually.
In considering these respective divisions, it seems proper to give priority to that which has the more general application and influence : because, in the first place, general events are produced by causes greater and more compulsatory than the causes of particular events ; secondly, because natures of more extended potency must invariably control those which are more limited in action; and, thirdly, because particular events, or individual affections, are comprehended in those of general influence.! It is therefore especially necessary, in desiring to investigate particular events, to treat first of those which are general.
Again, ἈΠΕ events are subdivided according to their operation upon entire countries, and upon certain cities or districts: one sub- division being rogarded as affecting entire countries, and the other certain cities or districts only. ‘They are also separately considered according to the causes by which they are produced ; war, pestilence, famine, earthquakes, inundations, and other similar visitations being dependent on such greater and more important causes, as arise only after considerable periods; while slighter causes, arising more frequently, have reference only to the revolution of the seasons ; their greater or less variation in cold and heat; the severity or mildness of the weather ; the occasional abundance or scarcity of provisions; and other like occurrences.
Hence the consideration of those events which concern whole
1 Vide Chap. 111, Book I, pp. 13-14. 40
CHAP. II. ] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 41
countries, and are dependent on the greater causes (since it has a more extended scope than the other, which attaches only to certain cities, or districts, and is subject to slighter causes) takes precedence. And, for its due investigation, two essential points are to be attended to: the first is, the appropriate familiarity of the zodiacal signs and the fixed stars with the several regions which may be concerned; and the second comprises the indications occasionally arising in those parts of the heavens where such familiarity is found: for instance, the eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and such transits as may be made by the planets, when matutine, and in their respective stations.
The nature of the sympathy between these things must, however, be explained first ; and a brief description will therefore be given of the chief peculiarities observable in whole nations ; in regard to their manners and customs, as well as to their bodily formation and tempera- ment ; considered agreeably to their familiarity with those stars and signs whence the natural cause of their peculiarities duly proceeds.
CHAPTER II PECULIARITIES OBSERVABLE THROUGHOUT EVERY ENTIRE CLIMATE
Tue peculiarities of all nations are distinguished according to entire parallels and entire angles, and by their situation with regard to the Sun and the Ecliptic.
The climate which we inhabit is situated in one of the Northern Quadrants : but other nations, which lie under more southern parallels, that is to say, in the space between the equinoctial line and the summer tropic, have the Sun in their zenith, and are continually scorched by it.
hey are consequently black in complexion, and have thick and curled hair. They are, moreover, ugly in person, of contracted stature, hot in disposition, and fierce in manners, in consequence of the incessant heats to which they are exposed; and they are called by the common name of Athiopians. But the human race does not alone afford evidence of the violent heat in these regions ; it is shown also by all other animals and by the state of the surrounding atmosphere.
The natives of those countries which lie under the more remote northern parallels (that is to say, under the Arctic circle and beyond it?) have their zenith far distant from the zodiac and the Sun’s heat. Their constitutions, therefore, abound in cold, and are also highly imbued with moisture, which is in itself a most nutritive quality, and, in these latitudes, is not exhausted by heat : herice they are fair in complexion, with straight hair, of large bodies and full stature. They are cold in disposition, and wild in manners, owing to the constant cold. ‘The state of the surrounding atmosphere and of animals and‘plants, corresponds
+ “Under the Bears,” in the Greek, Cc
42 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [ΒΟΟΚ II.
with that of men; who (as natives of these countries) are designated by the general name of Scythians.
The nations situated between the summer tropic and the Arctic circle, having the meridian Sun neither in their zenith nor yet far remote from it, enjoy a well-temperated atmosphere. ‘This favourable tem- perature, however, still undergoes variation, and changes alternatively from heat to cold; but the variation is never vast nor violent. ‘The people who enjoy this kindly atmosphere are consequently of proportion- ate stature and complexion, and of good natural disposition: they live not in a state of dispersion, but dwell together in societies, and are civilised in their habits. Among the nations comprehended in this division, those verging towards the south are more industrious and ingenious than the others, and more adapted to the sciences: and these qualifications are engendered in them by the vicinity of the zodiac to their zenith, and by the familiarity thus subsisting between them and the planets moving in the zodiac, which familiarly gives activity and an intellectual impulse to their minds. Again, the natives of those countries which lie towards the east excel in courage, acting boldly and openly under all circumstances; for in all their characteristics they are principally conformed to the Sun’s nature, which is oriental, diurnal, masculine and dexter—(and it is plainly apparent that the dexter parts of all animals are much stronger than others)—hence results the greater courage of the inhabitants of the East. And as the Moon, on her first appearance after conjunction, is always seen in the west, the western parts are therefore lunar, and consequently feminine and sinister ; whence it follows that the inhabitants of the west are milder, more effeminate and reserved. :
Thus, in all countries, certain respective peculiarities exist in regard — to manners, customs and laws; and in each it is found that some portion of the inhabitants differs partially and individually from the usual habits and condition of their race. These variations arise similarly to the variations perceptible in the condition of the atmosphere ; as, in all countries, the general state of whose atmosphere may be either hot, or cold, or temperate, certain districts are found to possess a particular temperature of their own, and to be more or less hot, or cold, by being more or less elevated than the general face of the country. So, likewise, certain people become navigators owing to their proximity to the sea, while others are equestrian, because their country is a plain ; and others, again, become domiciliated by the fertility of their soil.
And thus, in each particular climate, certain peculiar qualities are to” be found, arising from the natural familiarity which it holds with the stars and the twelve signs. And although these qualities do not pervade it, in such a manner as to be necessarily exhibited by every individual native, yet they are so far generally distributed as to be of much utility in investigating particular events; and it is highly important to take at least a brief notice of them. |
CHAP. III. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 43
CHAPTER III
THE FAMILIARITY OF THE REGIONS OF THE EARTH WITH THE TRIPLICITIES AND THE PLANETS
Ir has been already stated that there are four triplicities distinguishable in the zodiac. The first, composed of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, is the north-west triplicity ; and Jupiter has chief dominion over it on behalf of its northern proportion ; but Mars also rules with him in reference to the west. The second, consisting of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, is the south-east ; and in this triplicity Venus bears chief rule, in con- sequence of the southern proportion ; but Saturn also governs with her in consideration of the east. The third, composed of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, is north-east ; and Saturn is here the principal lord, in consequence of the eastern proportion ; Jupiter, however, governs with him in reference to the north. The fourth triplicity is constituted of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, and is south-west; it owns Mars as its principal ruler, in consideration of its western proportion; and, on behalf of the south, it is also governed by Venus.
The four triplicities being thus established, the whole inhabited earth is accordingly divided into four parts, agreeing with the number of the triplicities. It is divided latitudinally by the line of the Mediterranean Sea, from the Straits of Hercules to the Issican Gulf, continued onwards through the mountainous ridge extending towards the east ; and by this latitudinal division its southern and northern parts are defined. Its longitudinal division is made by the line of the Arabian Gulf, the AXgean Sea, Pontus, and the lake Mzotis; and by this line are separated its eastern and western parts.
Of the four quadrants of the earth, thus agreeing in number with the four triplicities, one is situated in the north-west of the entire earth, and contains Celto-galatia; or, as it is commonly called, Europe. Opposed to this quadrant lies that of the south-east, towards Eastern “Aithiopia ; it is called the southern part of Asia Magna. Another quadrant of the entire earth is in the north-east, about Scythia, and is called the northern part of Asia Magna. ΤῸ this is opposed the quadrant of the south-west, which lies about Western Athiopia, and is known by the general name of Libya.
Each of these quadrants contains certain parts, which, in comparison with its other parts, lie more contiguous to the middle of the earth ; and these parts, in respect of the quadrant to which they belong, have a situation opposite to the rest of that quadrant, in the same manner as that quadrant itself is situated in regard to the rest of the earth. For instance, in the quadrant of Europe, which is situated on the north-west of the whole earth, those parts of it which lie towards the middle of the earth, and near the angles of the other quadrants, are manifestly
44 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Book II.
situated in the south-east of that quadrant. The like rule obtains in regard to the other quadrants. And hence it is evident that each quadrant is in familiarity with two oppositely-placed triplicities, its whole extent being adapted to the one triplicity which governs it as an entire quadrant ; but its particular parts, situated about the middle of the earth, and lying, as regards the rest of the quadrant, in a direction contrary to that assigned to the whole quadrant altogether, being adapted to the other triplicity which rules the particular quadrant lying opposite toit. ‘The planets exercising dominion in both these triplicities also hold familiarity with these particular parts; but, with the other more remote parts of any quadrant, only those planets hold familiarity which rule in the single triplicity to which the whole quadrant is allotted. With the said particular parts about the middle of the earth, Mercury also, as well as the other planets in dominion, bears familiarity, in con- sideration of his meditative condition and common nature.
Under this arrangement, it follows that the north-western parts of the first quadrant, or that of Europe, are in familiarity with the north- west triplicity, composed of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius; and they are accordingly governed by the lords of that triplicity, Jupiter and Mars, vespertine. ‘These parts, as distinguished by their appropriation to entire nations, are Britain, Galatia, Germany, Barsania,1 Italy, Apulia, Sicily, Gaul, Tuscany, Celtica, and Spain. And, since the triplicity itself and the planets connected with it in dominion are adapted to command, the natives of these countries are consequently impatient of restraint, lovers of freedom, warlike, industrious, imperious, cleanly, and high-minded. But, owing to the vespertine configuration of Jupiter and Mars, as well as the masculine condition of the anterior parts of the triplicity, and the feminine condition of its latter parts,? the said nations regard women with scorn and indifference.* They are, however, still careful of the community, brave and faithful, affectionate in their families, and perform good and kind actions.
Among the countries before named, Britain, Galatia, Germany, and Barsania have a greater share of familiarity with Aries and Mars; and their inhabitants are accordingly wilder, bolder, and more ferocious. Italy, Apulia, Sicily, and Gaul are in familiarity with Leo and the Sun ;
1 Or, perhaps, Bastarnia, a part of the ancient European Sarmatia.
2 This should probably be understood to mean in a mundane point of view, agreeably to Chaps. VI and XV, Book I. For when Aries is on the ascendant, it is, of course, oriental and masculine; and Sagittarius must consequently then be in the eighth house, occidental, and therefore feminine.
3 The customs of nations have, in some degree, altered since Ptolemy made this severe charge against us and our brethren in the north and west of Europe. The following passage also occurs in this part of the original text :—spos δὲ τας TVVOVTLAS τῶν αρσενικὼν ανακινουμέενοι και ἕγλουντες, και PTE ala Kpov μητε avavdpov τουτο νομίζοντες. δια τοῦτο οὐδὲ exAvovTat, οτι οὐδὲ ὡς πάσχοντες ‘akewrat ere τουτω, ἀλλα φυλαττουσι τας ψυχας ανδρειους"
CHAP. III. ] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 45
and the natives of these countries are more imperious, yet kind and benevolent, and careful of the commonwealth. ‘Tuscany, Celtica, and Spain, are connected with Sagittarius and Jupiter ; and their inhabitants are lovers of freedom, simplicity, and elegance.
The south-eastern parts of this quadrant, which are situated towards the middle of the earth, viz. Thrace, Macedonia, Illyria, Hellas, Achaia, and Crete, as well as the Cyclad Isles and the shores of Asia Minor and of Cyprus, assume, in addition, a connection with the south-east triplicity, which is composed of ‘Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, and ruled by Venus and Saturn ; and, in consequence of the vicinity of these regions to the middle of the earth, Mercury likewise has a proportionate dominion over them. Hence their inhabitants, being subjected to the rulers of both triplicities, enjoy a favourable temperament of mind and of body. From Mars they imbibe their fitness for command, their courage, and impatience of restraint ; from Jupiter their love of freedom, their self- rule, their skill in guiding public affairs, and in legislation: through the influence of Venus they are also lovers of the arts and sciences, as well as of music and poetry, of public shows, and all the refinements of life ; and from Mercury they deduce their hospitality, their fondness for society and communion, their love of equity and of literature, and their power of eloquence. They are also in the highest degree conversant with sacred mysteries, owing to the vespertine figuration of Venus.
It is further to be observed of these last-named countries, that the inhabitants of the Cyclad Isles, and of the shores of Asia Minor and of Cyprus, are more particularly under the influence of ‘Taurus and Venus, and are therefore voluptuous, fond of elegance, and over-studious in their attention to the body. The people of Hellas, Achaia, and Crete, have a stronger familiarity with Virgo and Mercury, and are therefore learned and scientific, preferring the cultivation of the mind to the care of the body. The people of Macedonia, Thrace, and Illyria, are chiefly influenced by Capricorn and Saturn; whence they are greedy of wealth, inferior in civilization, and have no ordinances of civil polity.
The second quadrant consists of the southern division of Asia Magna. Such of its parts as are contained in India, Arriana, Gedrosia, Parthia, Media, Persia, Babylonia, Mesopotamia, and Assyria, are situated in the south-east of the whole earth, and have due familiarity with the south- east triplicity (composed of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), and con- sequently with Venus, Mercury, and Saturn, in matutine figuration. The nature of the inhabitants of these countries is obedient to the dominion of these ruling influences; they worship Venus under the name of Isis ; and they also pay devotion to Saturn, invoking him by the name of Mithranhelios. Many of them likewise foretell future events ; and they consecrate to the gods some of their bodily members, to which superstition they are induced by the nature of the figuration of the
46 -PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Book τι.
planets before mentioned.! They are, moreover, hot in constitution, amorous and lustful, fond of acting, singing, and dancing, gaudy in their dresses and ornaments; owing to the influence of Venus. Saturn, however, inclines them to simplicity of conduct ; and, in consequence of the matutine figuration, they address their women publicly.2 ‘There are also many among them who beget children by their own mothers. The matutine figurations also influence their mode of worship, which is performed by prostration of the breast ; because the heart is the nobler part of the body, and, in its vivifying faculties, acts like the Sun. And, although the influence of Venus makes the people, generally speaking, finical and effeminate in their personal adornment and apparel, yet the connection which Saturn holds with them, by means of the east, still renders them great in mind, eminent in council, courageous and warlike.
It is to be remarked, that Parthia, Media, and Persia, have a more particular familiarity with Taurus and Venus; whence it follows that the dwellers in those countries wear splendid garments, and clothe the whole person entirely, except the breast ; they are also fond of elegance and refinement. ‘The countries about Babylon, Mesopotamia, and Assyria, are connected with Virgo and Mercury; their inhabitants are consequently studious of the sciences, and, among other attain- ments, excel in making observations on the five planets. India, Arriana, and Gedrosia, are connected with Capricorn and Saturn ; the natives of these regions are, therefore, ill-formed in person, of dirty habits, and barbarous manners.
The remaining parts of this second quadrant, viz. Idumza, Ceelesyria, Judza, Phoenicia, Chaldza, Orchynia, and Arabia Felix, occupy a situation in the vicinity of the middle of the earth, and in the north-west of the quadrant to which they actually belong: hence they are in familiarity with the north-west triplicity (which consists of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), and they have for their rulers, Jupiter and Mars, together with Mercury. By means of the figuration of these planets, the natives of the said countries are skilful in trade and all mercantile affairs, heedless of danger, yet treacherous, servile, and thoroughly fickle.
The inhabitants of Ccelesyria, [dumza, and Judza, are principally in- fluenced by Aries and Mars, and are generally audacious, atheistical,*
1 The Greek is as follows: καί ta propia αὐτων τα γεννητικα ανατιθεασι τοις θεοις" διοτι oO σχηματισμος τῶν εἰρημένων ASEPWV φυσει σπερματικος εσιν' Follies, similar in their kind to these, are still practised by the Faquirs of Hindostan, and by other religious sects in Asia.
_ PAVEPWS TOLOVMEVOL TAS προς TAS γυναικας συνουσιας"
3 The author gives a singular reason for this incest: μισουσι δὲ τας (συνουσιας)ὺ προς Tovs apoevas, δια ToVvTo καὶ οἱ πλειςοι αὑὐτων EK των PYTEPOV τεκνοποιουσι"
4 The epithet is remarkable, not only as being, in the opinion of a Gentile, merited by the Jews, among other nations, but also at a period scarcely exceeding a century after their most heinous crime had been committed, expressly under
CHAP. 111. PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS 47
and treacherous. The Pheenicians, Chaldeans, and Orchynians, have familiarity with Leo and the Sun, and are therefore more simple and humane in disposition; they are also studious of astrology, and pay greater reverence than all other nations to the Sun. The people of Arabia Felix are connected with Sagittarius and Jupiter: the country is fertile, and abundantly productive of spices, and its inhabitants are well-proportioned in person, free in all their habits of life, and liberal in all their contracts and dealings.
The third quadrant occupies the northern division of Asia Magna. Those several parts of it which lie to the north-east of the whole earth, and comprise Hyrcania, Armenia, Mantiana, Bactriana, Casperia, Serica, Sauromatica, Oxiana, and Sogdiana, are in familiarity with the north-east triplicity, composed of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, and have for their rulers Saturn and Jupiter, in matutine positions ; hence the inhabitants worship Jupiter and the Sun.1 They are abundantly rich in all things : they possess much gold, and are dainty and luxurious in their diet. They are also learned in theology, skilled in magic, just in all their dealings, free and noble-minded, holding dishonesty and wickedness in abhorrence, strongly imbued with the softer affections of nature; and, in a worthy cause, they will even readily embrace death to preserve their friends. ‘They are, furthermore, chaste in marriage, elegant and splendid in their dress, charitable and beneficent, and of en- lightened intellect. All these qualities are principally produced by the matutine positions of Saturn and Jupiter, who influence the region.
Among these nations, however, Hyrcania, Armenia, and Mantiana, have a greater familiarity with Gemini and Mercury; and the in- habitants are consequently more acute in apprehension, but less tenacious of their probity. The countries about Bactriana, Casperia, and Serica, are connected with Libra and Venus ; and the natives are endowed with much wealth and many luxuries, and take delight in poetry and songs. The nations about Sauromatica, Oxiana and Sogdiana, are influenced by Aquarius and Saturn; and are therefore less polished in manners, and more austere and uncouth.
The other parts of this quadrant, lying near the middle of the entire earth, consist of Bithynia, Phrygia, Colchis, Laxica, Syria, Commagene, Cappadocia, Lydia, Lycia, Cilicia, and Pamphylia. ‘These, being situated in the south-west of their quadrant, have familiarity accordingly with the south-west triplicity, composed of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces,
the cloak of religion. It seems, however, that the Jews were charged with atheism by other writers also, and on account of their neglect of the false gods of the heathens; viz. “ falsorium deorum neglectus: quam candem causam etiam Judzis maledicendi Tacitus habuit, et Plinius Major, cui Judai dicuntur gens contumelia: numinum insignis.” See Clark’s Notes on Grotius de Verit. Relig. Christ. Lib. 2, §2.
1 Other editions say “ Saturn.”
48 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK II.
and are ruled by Mars and Venus, together with Mercury. In these countries Venus is principally worshipped ; she is invoked as the Mother of the Gods, and by various local and indigenous appellations ; Mars likewise receives adoration here, under the name of Adonis, as well as by other titles ;1 and some of the religious services to these deities are performed by loud lamentations. The people are servile in mind, diligent in labour, yet fraudulent, knavish, and thievish; they enter into foreign armies for the sake of hire, and make prisoners and slaves of their own countrymen: besides which, they are continually subject to intestine broils. These traits arise from the matutine figurations of Mars and Venus. It is further to be observed, that, from the circum- stance of Mars receiving his exaltation in Capricorn (one of the signs of the triplicity ruled by Venus), and Venus hers in Pisces (a sign belonging to the triplicity of Mars), it thence follows that the women have strong attachments and kindly affections to their husbands, are vigilant and careful in domestic affairs, and highly industrious: they also act as servants, and labour for the men, with all due obedience, in every thing.
Bithynia, Phrygia, and Colchis, must however be excepted from sharing in this general propriety of the female character ; for, as these nations are chiefly connected with Cancer and the Moon, their male population is, generally speaking, slavish in its habits, timid and super- stitious, while the greater part of the women, owing to the matutine and masculine position of the Moon, are of masculine manners, ambitious of command, and warlike. 'These females, like the Amazons, shun the addresses of men, and delight in the use of arms, and in manly occupa- tions: they also amputate the right breasts of their female children for the sake of adapting them to military service, and in order that, when in combat and exposing that part of their body, they may appear to be of the male sex. Again, Syria, Commagene, and Cappadocia, are principally influenced by Scorpio and Mars; and their inhabitants are accordingly bold, wicked, treacherous, and laborious. Lydia, Cilicia, and Pamphylia, have a greater familiarity with Pisces and Jupiter ; when their inhabitants are wealthy, of mercantile habits, living in freedom and in community, faithful to their engagements, and honest in their dealings.
The remaining quadrant is the vast tract known by the general name of Libya. Its several parts, distinguished by the particular names of Numidia, Carthage, Africa.2 Phazania, Nasamonitis, Garamantica,
1 It is usually understood that the male deity, coupled by the Phrygians with Cybele, “the mother of the Gods,” was called by them Atys; and that Adonis was the name used by the Phcenicians in addressing the associate of Venus. It has been said that these divinities were identical with the Isis and Osiris of the Aigyptians.
2 The name of Africa was, in Ptolemy’s time, limited to those parts of the coast on the Mediterranean which contained the ancient Utica, and in which Tunis now stands. Josephus says the name is derived from Afer (one of the
CHAP. III] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 49
Mauritania, Getulia, and Metagonitis, are situated in the south-west of the entire earth, and have due familiarity with the south-west triplicity, composed of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces; their rulers therefore are Mars and Venus, in vespertine position. From this figuration of the planets it results that the dwellers in these regions are doubly governed by a man and a woman, who are both children of the same mother ; the man rules the males, and the woman the females. They are ex- tremely hot in constitution, and desirous of women; their marriages are usually made by violence, and in many districts the local princes first enjoy the brides of their subjects : in some places, however, the women are common to all. ‘The influence of Venus causes the whole people to delight in personal ornaments, and in being arrayed in female attire : nevertheless, that of Mars renders them courageous, crafty, addicted to magic, and fearless of dangers.
Again, however, of the above-named countries, Numidia, Carthage, and Africa, are more particularly in familiarity with Cancer and the Moon: their inhabitants, consequently, live in community, attend to mercantile pursuits, and enjoy abundantly all the blessings of nature. The natives of Metagonitis, Mauritania, and Getulia, are influenced by Scorpio and Mars, and are consequently ferocious and pugnacious in the highest degree; eaters of human flesh, utterly indifferent to danger, and so regardless and prodigal of blood, as to slay each other without hesitation on the slightest cause. The people in Phazania, Nasamonitis, and Garamantica, are connected with Pisces and Jupiter, and are accord- ingly frank and simple in manners, fond of employment, well disposed, fond of the decencies of life, and, for the most part, free and unre- strained in their actions: they worship Jupiter by the name of Ammon.
The other parts of this quadrant, which lies near the middle of the entire earth, are Cyrenaica, Marmarica, AXgypt, Thebais, Oasis, Troglodytica, Arabia, Azania, and Middle AXthiopia. ‘These countries, being situated in the north-east of their quadrant, have due familiarity with the north-east triplicity (consisting of Gemini, Libra, and Aquar- ius), and are governed by Saturn and Jupiter, and also by Mercury. Their inhabitants, therefore, participate in the influence of all the five planets in vespertine figuration, and consequently cherish due love and reverence for the gods, and dedicate themselves to their service. They are addicted to sepulchral ceremonies ; and, owing to the said vespertine position, they bury their dead in the earth,! and remove them from the
posterity of Abraham by Cethurah), who is stated to have led an army into Libya, and to have established himself in the country. This Afer is, of course, the same with Epher, mentioned in the fourth verse of the 25th chapter of Genesis, as a son of Midian, one of the sons of Abraham by his concubine Keturah.
1 It does not appear why this practice should have been remarked as a national peculiarity, unless in distinction from the custom of burning the dead
Cc *
50 ᾿ς PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [Βοοκ τι.
public eye. ‘They use various laws and customs, and worship divers gods. In a state of subjection, they are submissive, cowardly, abject, and most patient ; but when they command, they are brave, generous, and high-minded. Polygamy is frequent among them, and practised by the women as well as the men: they are most licentious in sexual intercourse, and allow incestuous commerce between brothers and sisters. Both men and women are extraordinarily prolific, and corre- spond in this respect with the fecundity of their soil. Many of the men are, however, effeminate and debased in mind; in consequence of the figuration of the malefics, together with the vespertine position of Venus ; and some of them mutilate their persons.1
Among these last named countries, Cyrenaica, Marmarica, and particularly Lower Agypt, are chiefly influenced by Gemini and Mercury: the natives are therefore highly intellectual and sensible, and gifted with capacity for every undertaking; above all, for the attainment of wisdom, and an insight into divine mysteries. They are also magicians, performing secret rites and ceremonies, and are in every respect calculated for the prosecution of all scientific inquiry. The inhabitants of Thebais, Oasis, and ‘Troglodytica, are connected with Libra and Venus; they are of warmer constitution, and more hasty disposition, and enjoy life in all its plentitude and abundance. The natives of Arabia, Azania, and Middle Athiopia, have familiarity with Aquarius and Saturn; they consequently feed on flesh and fish indis-
among the Greeks and Romans. Interment is recorded as having been usual among the Jews, and it is known to have been common among many ancient barbarous nations,
A conjecture may perhaps be allowed, that the author, when he wrote this passage, had in his mind the magnificent subterranean palaces, constructed for the dead, in parts of the region in question ; some of which have been recently made known to the modern world by the sagacity and enterprise of the celebrated Belzoni.
1 Tuves δὲ καὶ καταφρονουσι των γεννητικων pedAwv.—The “ contempt ” here expressed by καταφρονουσι has been taken by all translators (except Whalley) to signify “ mutilation.”
2 History warrants the high enconium here given to the natives of these countries. Algypt was the acknowledged mother of the arts and sciences, and at one time the great depot of all the learning of the world: her school of astronomy (a science which our author may be supposed to have placed in the first rank), founded at Alexandria by Ptol. Philadelphus, maintained its superior reputation for a thousand years. Cyrenaica gave birth to many illustrious philosophers, and, among them, to Eratosthenes, who is said to have invented the armillary sphere. This great man measured the obliquity of the ecliptic, and, though he erroneously reckoned it at only 204 degrees, it should be recol- lected that he lived 200 years before the Christian era. He also measured a degree of the meridian, and determined the extent of the earth, by means similar to those adopted by the moderns. |
oF
PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS
CHAP. III. |
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52 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK II.
criminately, and live in a state of dispersion like wild beasts ; they never unite in society, but lead a wandering and savage life.
The familiarities exercised by the Planets, and by the Signs of the Zodiac, together with the manners, customs, and qualities, particular as well as general, which they produce, have now been concisely de- scribed ; but in order to facilitate the knowledge and use of them, the subjoined table is inserted, to show, at one view, what countries are in
connection with each sign, respectively, according to the mode above detailed.
CHAPTER IV
THE FAMILIARITY OF THE REGIONS OF THE EARTH WITH THE FIXED STARS
In addition to the rules which have been already given, respecting the familiarity of the regions of the earth with the signs and planets, it must be observed, that all fixed stars which may be posited on any line, drawn from one zodiacal pole to the other, through such parts of the zodiac as may be connected with any particular country, are also in familiarity with that particular country.
And, with regard to metropolitan cities, it is necessary to state, that those points or degrees of the zodiac, over which the Sun and Moon were in transit, at the time when the construction of any such city was first undertaken and commenced, are to be considered as sympathizing with that city in an especial manner ; and that, among the angles, the ascend- ant is principally in accordance with it. In certain cases, however, where the date of foundation of a metropolis cannot be ascertained, the mid-heaven in the nativity of the reigning king, or other actual chief magistrate, is to be substituted, and considered as that part of the zodiac with which it chiefly sympathizes.1 ἢ
CHAPTER V MODE OF PARTICULAR PREDICTION IN ECLIPSES
Arter having gone through the necessary preliminary topics, it is now proper to speak of the manner in which predictions are to be formed and considered; beginning with those which relate to general events, affecting either certain cities, or districts, or entire countries.
The strongest and principal cause of all these events exists in the
1 Whalley remarks on this passage, that the gradual progress of the fixed stars “ from one sign to another, is in an especial manner to be regarded in considering the mutations, manners, customs, laws, government, and fortune of a kingdom.”
CHAP. VI.] PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS 53
ecliptical conjunctions of the Sun and Moon, and in the several transits made by the planets during those conjunctions.
One part of the observations, required in forming predictions in cases of this nature, relates to the locality of the event, and points out the cities or countries liable to be influenced by particular eclipses, or by occasional continued stations of certain planets, which at times remain for a certain period in one situation. ‘These planets are Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars ; and they furnish portentous indications, when they are stationary.
Another branch relates to time, and gives pre-information of the period at which the event will occur, and how long it will continue to operate.
The third branch is generic; and points out the classes, or kinds, which the event will affect.
The last part is specific ; and foreshows the actual quality and charac- ter of the coming event.
CHAPTER VI
THE REGIONS OR COUNTRIES TO BE CONSIDERED AS LIABLE TO BE COMPREHENDED IN THE EVENT
Tue first of the several branches of consideration just enumerated relates to locality, and is to be exercised in the following manner :—
In all eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and especially in such as are fully visible, the place in the zodiac, where the eclipse happens, is to be noted ; and it must be seen what countries are in familiarity with that place, according to the rules laid down regarding the quadrants and the tri- plicities ; and in like manner it must be observed what cities are under the influence of the sign in which the eclipse happens ; either by means of the ascendant, and the situations of the luminaries at the time of their foundation, or by means of the mid-heaven of their kings or governors, actually ruling at the time of the eclipse; although such time may be subsequent to the building of the said cities. Whatever countries or cities shall be thus found in familiarity with the ecliptical place, will all be comprehended in the event; which will, however, principally attach to all those parts which may be connected with the identical sign of the eclipse, and in which it was visible while above the earth.?
1 As shown in the Table at page 51.
2 It does not appear that the text here warrants the conclusion which Whalley has drawn from it, viz. “that wherever eclipses are not visible, they have no influence, and therefore subterranean eclipses cannot have any.” Ptolemy declares, that ail countries in familiarity with the ecliptical place will be comprehended in the event ; and, with regard to the visibility or invisibility of the eclipse, he says merely that its effects will be principally felt in such of the said countries as might have obtained a view of the eclipse.
54 PTOLEMY’S 'TETRABIBLOS [BOOK II.
CHAPTER VII THE TIME AND PERIOD OF THE EVENT
Tue second point requiring attention relates to time, and indicates the date when the event will take place, and the period during which its effect will continue: these are to be ascertained in the following manner.
It must however be premised, that as an eclipse, occurring at any particular season, cannot happen in all climates at the same temporal or solar hour,! so neither will the magnitude of the obscuration, nor the time of its continuance, be equal in all parts of the world. First, there- fore (as is done in a nativity), the angles are to be arranged, in every country connected with the eclipse, according to the hour at which the eclipse, takes place and the elevation of the pole in that country. The time, during which the obscuration of the eclipse may continue in each country, is then to be noted in equatorial hours.2 And, after these particulars have been carefully observed, it is to be understood that the effect will endure as many years as the obscuration lasted hours, provided the eclipse was solar; but if lunar, a like number of months is to be reckoned instead of years.
The commencement of the effect, and the period of its general intensity, or strength, are to be inferred from the situation of the place of the eclipse with respect to the angles. For, if the ecliptical place be near the eastern horizon, the effect will begin to be manifested in the course of the first four months after the date of the eclipse; and its general height, or intensity, will take place in, or about, the first third part of the whole extent of its duration. If the ecliptical place happen to be in or near the mid-heaven, the effect will begin to appear in the second four months, and its general intensity will occur about the second third part ; and, if the place should fall near the western horizon, the effect will begin in the third four months, and take its general intensity in the last third part of its whole duration.$
1 Temporal or solar hours are duodecimal parts of the Sun’s diurnal or nocturnal arc, and are numbered by day from sunrise to sunset ; by night, from sunset to sunrise.
2 Equatorial hours are the twenty-four hours of the earth’s revolution on its axis. Each of them is equal in duration to the passage of 15 degrees of the Equator ; and they are numbered from noon to noon. A particular explanation of the astronomical use, both of temporal and equatorial hours, is to be found in the 9th Chapter of the second Book of the Almagest ; an extract from which is given in the Appendix.
3 The three periods of four months each, stated in this paragraph, are applicable to solar eclipses only; for lunar eclipses, these periods may be reckoned at ten days each ; that number of days bearing the same proportion to a month, as four months to a year. On this point, Whalley, with his usual
CHAP. VIII. | PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 55
Partial intensities, or relaxations of the effect, are, however, to be inferred from any combinations which may happen during the inter- mediate period,! either in the actual places where the primary cause was presented, or in other places configurated therewith. They are also to be conjectured by the various courses, or transits, of such planets as co-operate in producing the effect, by being configurated with the sign in which the primary cause was situated ; and, with this view, the matutine, vespertine, or stationary position, or midnight culmination of those planets must be observed ; for the effect will be strengthened and augmented by their matutine or stationary position ; but weakened and diminished by their being vespertine, or situated under the sunbeams, or by their midnight culmination.
CHAPTER VIII THE GENUS, CLASS, OR KIND, LIABLE TO BE AFFECTED
Tue third division of these observations relates to the mode of distin- guishing the genus, or species, of animals or things about to sustain the expected effect. This distinction is made by means of the conformation and peculiar properties of those signs in which the place of the eclipse, and the places of such fixed stars and planets, as are in dominion accord- ing to the actual sign of the eclipse, and that of the angle before it, may be found. And a planet, or fixed star, is to be considered as holding dominion when circumstanced as follows.
If there be found one planet having more numerous claims than any other to the place of the eclipse, as well as to that of the angle, being also in the immediate vicinity of those places, and visibly applying to, or receding from them, and having likewise more rights over other places connected with them by configuration ; the said planet being, at the same time, lord by house, triplicity, exaltation, and terms; in such a case, only that single planet is entitled to dominion. But, if the lord of the eclipse and the lord of the angle be not identical, then those two planets which have most connections with each place are to be noted ; and, of these two, the lord of the eclipse is to be preferred to the chief dominion, “ although the other is to be considered as bearing rule con- jointly.”2 And if more than two should be found, having equal pre-
inaccuracy, has asserted, that “ in eclipses of the Moon, two days, or thereabouts, are equal to the four months ” here reckoned in eclipses of the Sun. He adds, however, what perhaps may be true, that “lunar eclipses are by no means so powerful as those of the Sun, although more so than any other lunation.”
1 That is to say, from any combinations of the Sun and Moon which may take place after the date of the eclipse, but before the close of its effect.
2 ‘The edition of Allatius does not contain the words here marked by inverted commas ; but they are found in other editions of the text, and seem necessary to complete the sense of the passage.
56 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK Hi.
tensions to each place, that particular one among them which may be nearest to an angle, or most concerned with the places in question, by the nature of its condition, is to be selected for dominion.?
But, among the fixed stars, the chief bright one (which, during the time of the eclipse, may hold connection, in any of the nine modes of apparent configuration detailed in the First Syntaxis? with the angles then actually in passage), is to be admitted to dominion ; as also that one which, at the ecliptical hour, may be in an eminent situation, either having risen, or having culminated with the angle following the place of the eclipse.
Having considered, according to the foregoing rules, what stars co- operate in regulating the coming event, the conformation and figure of the signs, in which the eclipse takes place and the said ruling stars may be posited, are also to be observed ; and, from the properties and characteristics of those signs, the genus or species, to be comprehended in the event, is chiefly to be inferred.
For instance, should the zodiacal constellations, and those of the ruling fixed stars out of the zodiac, be of human shape, the effect will fall upon the human race. If the signs be not of human shape, but yet terrestrial, or quadrupedal, the event would be indicated to happen to animals of similar form: the signs shaped like reptiles signify that serpents and creatures of that description will be affected ; those bearing the figure of ferocious beasts denote that the event will affect savage and destructive animals; and those figured like tame beasts show that it will operate on animals serviceable to mankind, and of domestic character ; as intimated by the shape and figure of the signs, whether resembling horses, oxen, sheep, or any other useful animals. In addition to this, the terrestrial signs situated in the north, about the Arctic circle, indicate sudden earthquakes; and those in the south, sudden deluges of rain. And, should the ruling places be situated in signs shaped like winged animals, as in that of Aquila, or in others of similar form, the event will take effect on birds ; and will chiefly attach to those which afford food to man. If the said places should be in signs
1 “When planets, in election for Lords of the eclipse, are found of equal strength and dignity, those which are direct are to be preferred before those which are retrograde; and the oriental before the occidental.”—W halley’s “ Annotations.”
4 That is to say, in the Almagest, Book VIII, Chap. IV ; which chapter is given, entire, in the Appendix.
3 “Tn electing fixed stars, Cardan directs to observe the angle which the eclipse follows, and that which it precedes: as, if the eclipse be between the seventh house ” (or occidental angle) “and the mid-heaven, the stars which are in the seventh shall be preferred ; and next, those in the mid-heaven ; but, if between the mid-heaven and the ascendant, those in the mid-heaven shall
have the preference ; and next, those in the ascendant.”—Whalley’s ‘““Annota- tions.”
CHAP. VIII. ] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 57
formed like creatures which swim, and in marine signs, such as Delphinus, the effect will be felt by marine animals, and in the navigation of fleets ; if in river signs, such as Aquarius and Pisces, it will attach to animals living in rivers and in fresh waters: and, ifin Argo, both sea and fresh- water animals will be affected by it.+
Again, should the ruling places be situated in tropical or in equinoctial signs, in either case alike they presignify changes in the state of the atmosphere, at the respective season to which each sign is appropriated. For example, with regard to the season of spring and the productions of the earth, if the said places should be in the sign of the vernal equinox, they will produce an effect on the buds of the vine and fig, and of such other trees as sprout forth at that season. Should they be in the sign of the summer tropic, the event will affect the gathering and depositing of fruits; and, with respect to Aigypt in particular, it will impede the rising of the Nile. If they should be in the sign of the autumnal equinox, they foreshow that it will operate on grain and on various sorts of herbs ; if in the sign of the winter tropic, on potherbs, esculent vegetables, and such birds and fishes as arrive in that season.
The equinoctial signs further indicate the circumstances liable to happen in ecclesiastical concerns, and in religious matters: the tropical signs give warning of changes in the atmosphere and in political affairs ; the fixed signs, of changes in institutions and in buildings; and the bicorporeal signs show that the future event will fall alike on princes and their subjects.
Again, the ruling places situated in the east, during the time of the eclipse, signify that fruits and seeds, incipient institutions, and the age of youth, will be affected; those, which may be in the mid-heaven above the earth announce that the coming event will relate to ecclesias- tical affairs, to kings and princes, and to the middle age; those in the west, that it will influence the laws, old age, and persons about to die.
The proportion liable to be affected, of that genus or kind on which the event will fall, is to be ascertained by the magnitude of the obscura- tion caused by the eclipse, and by the positions held by the operative stars in regard to the ecliptical place; as, in vespertine position to a solar eclipse, or in matutine position to a lunar eclipse, the said stars will most usually much diminish the effect ; in opposition they render it moderate; but in matutine position to a solar eclipse, or in vespertine to a lunar, they greatly augment and extend it.?
1 It is perhaps unnecessary to remark, that, in speaking of ruling places, as liable to be situated in Aquila, Delphinus or Argo, Ptolemy alludes only to the places of the fixed stars in dominion : since the ecliptical place and the planets must be confined to the zodiacal signs.
2 According to Whalley, Cardan, in reference to the nine modes of con- figuration, applicable to the fixed stars, says, ‘“‘ When a fixed star is with any planet, or in any angle, consider whether it be by any of these ways; if not,
58 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS — [BOOK I.
CHAPTER IX THE QUALITY AND NATURE OF THE EFFECT
Tue discrimination of the peculiar properties and character of the effect about to be produced, and of its good or evil nature, occupies the fourth and last division of this part of the subject.
These properties must be gathered from the power of the stars which control the ruling places, and from the contemperament created by their relative admixture with each other and with the places which they control. For, although the Sun and Moon are the acknowledged sources of all the efficacy and dominion of the stars, and of their strength or weakness, and in a certain manner regulate and command them, still, it is by the theory of the contemperament, produced by the stars in dominion, that the effect is indicated.
In order to understand the indications thus made, it is necessary to begin by attending to the following detail of the effective property of each planet—previously observing, however, that, when any circum- stance is said, for the sake of brevity, to come to pass by the general influence of the five planets, their temperament, and the power and assistance they may derive from natures similar to their own, the actual continuance of their own proper constitution, or the casual combination of any analogous influence, arising from fixed stars or places in the zodiac, are all, at the same time, to be kept in view. Consequently, whenever any general remark is herein made relative to the five planets, it will likewise be necessary to bear in mind both their temperament and quality ; as fully, indeed, as if the stars themselves had not been named, but only their effective quality and nature. And, it is further to be remembered, that, in every case of compound temperament, not only the combination of the planets with each other requires to be considered, but also that of such fixed stars and zodiacal places as share in the natures of the planets, by being respectively connected with them according to the familiarities already described.
Hence, when Saturn may be sole governor, he will produce disasters concomitant with cold. And, in as far as the event may apply to the human race in particular, it will induce among men lingering diseases, consumptions, declines, rheumatisms, disorders from watery humours, and attacks of the quartan ἀρὰ ; as well as exile, poverty, and a general mass of evils, griefs, and alarms : deaths also will be frequent, but chiefly among persons advanced inage. That part of the brute creation which
it is most weak ; if it be, consider whether it be with the Sun, and not to be seen ; then it is very weak. Or if it is to be seen, and is with the Sun occidental, it is indifferent. Or if it be seen, and is not with the Sun, it is stronger; or if it be seen, and is oriental, then it is strongest.”
CHAP. IXx.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS 59
is most serviceable to man will likewise suffer, and be destroyed by disease ; and men who make use of the animals thus diseased will be infected by them, and perish with them. The atmosphere will become dreadfully chilly and frosty, unwholesome, turbid and gloomy, present- ing only clouds and pestilence. Copious and destructive storms of snow and hail will descend, generating and fostering insects and reptiles noxious to mankind. In rivers, and at sea, tempests will be frequent and general, causing disastrous voyages and many shipwrecks ; and even fish will be destroyed. The waters of the sea will retire for a time, and again return and produce inundations ; rivers will overflow their banks, and cause stagnant pools; and the fruits of the earth, especially such as are necessary to sustain life, will be lost and cut off by blight, locusts, floods, rains, hail, or some similar agency; and the loss will be so extensive as to threaten even famine.
Jupiter, if he should be lord alone, will thoroughly improve and benefit all things. Among mankind, in particular, this planet promotes honour, happiness, content, and peace, by augmenting all the necessaries and comforts of life, and all mental and bodily advantages. It induces also favours, benefits, and gifts emanating from royalty, and adds greater lustre to kings themselves, increasing their dignity and magnanimity : all men, in short, will share in the prosperity created by its influence. With regard to the operation of the event on brutes, those which are domestic and adapted to man’s service will be multiplied and will thrive ; while others, which are useless and hostile to man, will be destroyed. The constitution of the atmosphere will be healthy and temperate, filled with gentle breezes and moisture, and favourable to fruits. Navigation will be safe and successful; rivers will rise to their just proportion; fruit and grain, and all other productions of the earth conducive to the welfare and happiness of mankind, will be presented in abundance.
Mars, when governing alone, generally causes such mischief and destruction as are concomitant with dryness. And, among mankind, foreign wars will be excited, accompanied with intestine divisions, captivity, slaughter, insurrections of the people, and wrath of princes against their subjects; together with sudden and untimely death, the consequence of these disturbances. Feverish disorders, tertian agues, and hemorrhages will take place, and will be rapidly followed by painful death, carrying off chiefly youthful persons: and conflagration, murder, impiety, every infraction of the law, adultery, rape, robbery, -and all kinds of violence will be practised. ‘The atmosphere will be parched by hot, pestilential, and blasting winds, accompanied by drought, lightnings, and fires emitted from the sky. At sea, ships will be suddenly wrecked by the turbulence of the wind and strokes of lightning. Rivers will fail, springs will be dried up, and there will be a scarcity of water proper for food and sustenance. All the creatures and productions of the earth adapted to the use of man, whether beasts,
60 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS [BOOK II.
grain, or fruits, will be damaged or destroyed by excessive heat, by storms of thunder and lightning, or by violent winds ; and whatever has been deposited in store will be destroyed or injured by fire, or by heat.
Venus, alone in domination, generally produces the same effects as Jupiter, yet with greater suavity and more agreeably. Glory, honour, and joy will attend mankind ; happy marriages will be contracted, and the fortunate pairs will be blest with numerous children. Every under- taking will proceed prosperously, wealth will increase, and the conduct of human life will be altogether pure, simple and pious ; due reverence being paid to all holy and sacred institutions, and harmony subsisting between princes and their subjects. The weather also will be of a favourable temperature, cooled by moistening breezes; the air alto- gether pure and salubrious, frequently refreshed by fertilising showers. Voyages will be performed in safety, and be attended by success and profit. Rivers will be improved, and receive their adequate supply of ᾿ waters ; and all things valuable and useful to mankind, whether animal or vegetable, will abundantly thrive and multiply.
Mercury, if possessing dominion, is usually conjoined with one or other of the planets beforementioned, and is conformed and assimilated to their natures ; yet as, in itself, it presents a certain addition to their power, this planet increases the respective impulses of them all. And, in regard to the operation of the event on mankind, it will promote industry and skill in business; but, at the same time, thievish propen- sities, robberies, and