Tetrabiblos, or Quadripartite — Ptolemy, trans. J. M. Ashmand (1822)
English·London, 1822·in the original language·355 passages·from a digitised copy at the Internet Archive
The text · part 2 of 9
When, therefore, a thorough knowledge of the motions of the stars, and of the Sun and Moon, shall have been acquired, and when the situation 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 qualifications for presclence 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 competent 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 the time of any individual’s primary conformation, the general quality of that individual’s temperament may be perceived; and the corporeal shape
Chap. IT.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 7
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 import, the possibility of prescience is certainly evident.
There are, however, some plausable 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 constant attention to a multitude of different points; and as all persons who are but imperfectly practised in it must necessarily commit frequent 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 mischievous pretenders.
8 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
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 im 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 configurations now taking place), and are, after long periods, and in a greater or less degree, resembled by subsequent configurations, yet these subsequent configurations never become exactly similar to those which have preceded them. For an entire return of all the heavenly bodies to the 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 unattainable knowledge*. 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 consideration of events produced by the Ambient.
* There seems reason to suppose that this was a favorite 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.
Chap. II.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 9
For no other concurrent 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 considenation of other concomitant causes, which are neither trifling nor unimportant, but essentially potent in affecting the individual 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 in_
* 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 lati- ‘‘ tude, 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 prevent this exact resemblance of destiny; and all that they presume to assert is,
10 PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
dividual greatly different from that of another*; consequently, 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 concurrent 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, 1t 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 enquiry; as if such enquiry could in all cases be securely conducted without having recourse to mere inference, and as 1f 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;
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.
Chap. II.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 11
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 enquires 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 comprehend 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.
Chapter ITI. That Prescience zs useful.
IT appears, then, that prescience by astronomy is possible under certain adaptation; and that alone it will afford premonition, as far as symptons 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 commencement, 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
12 PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
spirit, they relate to his ofispring* 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 ite 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 re-. spect 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 is 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 Greek word for this, yova:, 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, 7 re rin Kat To atiwyua, ‘* honor and rank’’, which is the sense also given in the Latin translation of Perugio, 1646, without any mention of ce offspring.”?
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 shewn 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
14 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
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 irresistiblé, 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 which trace their cause 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 unfounded opinions, to predict that, when the existing agency is manifold and
* In allusion to the sympathetic powers anciently attributed to certain stones.
Chap. II1.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 15
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 susceptible 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 temperament some particular affection. And it 1s also to be understood that he ventures this opinion with the same degree of confidence, as that with which a physiclan 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
* 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 men- ‘* tioned of it in this chapter makes it evident that it was known ‘* in Agypt, where Ptolemy lived, in his time.’’—That worthy tianslator 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, ali of whom lived some centuries, more or less, before Ptolemy. It is its polarity that was not known until the llth 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.-—See the French Encyclopedia, &c.
16 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
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 on the magnet, iron will experience no attraction*; 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
* 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 I thought not to overpasse the maruellous discord of ‘‘the adamant-stone and garlike, which the Greekes 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 Ophioscoridon, which Antonius Micro- ‘‘phonius Biturix, a singular learned man, and wel practised ‘Cin 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 Ophios- ‘‘ coridon; 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.
Chap. III.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 17
in the regular course of nature, when no impediments thereto are found or known: butiagain, on the other hand, if any impediments or obstructions 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 preparing for their approach; while in particular instances its power and use are altogether denied. That the weather and the seasons, and the indications 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 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 them18 PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
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 nol 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 foreknowledge 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.
Chap. III.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 19
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 contrary influence which might be procured out of nature’s variety; and by means of these they rendered the indicated agency useful and advantageous: since their astronomy pointed out to them the kind of 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 Sunt is found to produce heat and moderate dryness. His magnitude, and the changes which he so evi-
* This seems to explain the origin of the old alliance between medicine and astrology, so universally preserved until almost within the last century.
+ It will be recollected that the Ptolemaic hypothesis considers
20 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
dently 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 disposes 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 constitution 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 consequence of his vicinity to the Sun; the sphere of which is immediately below him.
Jupiter revolves in an intermediate sphere between the extreme cold of Saturn and the burning heat of Mars, and has consequently a temperate 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 the Sun as a planetary orb, in consequence of his apparent progress through the zodiac.
Chap. V.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 21
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 hig motion with the Sun, he consequently operates rapid changes tending to produce alternately either quality.
CHAPTER V. Benefics and Malefcs.
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 productive either of good or evil in unison with whatever planets they may be connected with.
CuaptTer VI.
Masculine and Feminine.
THERE are two primary sexes, male and female; and the female sex partakes chiefly of moisture. The Moon and
22 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
Venus are therefore said to be feminine, since their qualities are principally moist.
The Sun, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars are called masculine. Mercury is 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.
THE day and the night are the visible divisions of time. The day, in its heat and its aptitude for action, 1s 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 are noxious, one is considered to be diurnal, and the other
* “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. |
Chap. VIII.] Ptolemy’s TETRABIBLOS. 23
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 quallties 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.*
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 iulumination, 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
* 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 noc- ‘‘turnal nativity, under the earth: but nocturnal, when, in a ‘* nocturnal nativity, above the earth; or, in a diurnal nativity, ‘‘ under the earth.”’
24 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
second station, of dryness; and from their second station until their occultation, they produce cold*.
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.
CuaptTer IX
The Influence of the fired Stars.
NEXT in succession, it is necessary to detail the natures and properties of the fixed stars; all of which have their respective influences, analogous to the influences of the planets: and those stars which form the constellations of the zodiac require to be first described.
‘Arves. 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.
* 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 chap- “‘ter mentioned, is when a planet begins to be retrograde; and ‘the second station when, from retrogradation, a planet be- ‘‘ comes direct. They ’’ (the planets) ‘‘ begin to rise at night ‘‘ when in opposition to the Sun.’’
Chap. IX.] PTOLEMY 'S TETRABIBLOS. 20
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 Plezades 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*, 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 Apollot, is like Mercury; the other which follows, called Herculest, is like Mars.
Cancer.
The 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 Presepe, 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 influence 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
* The little Torch; now known by the name of Aldebaran. t Castor. t Pollux.
26 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
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.
Inbrat.
Those stars at the points of the claws of Scorpio operate like Jupiter and Mercury: those in the middle of the claws, like Saturn, and in some degree like Mars.
* Cor Leonis.
t+ Called by the ancients xnda,, 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 coeli justé plus parte reliquit.
Ovid, likewise, takes the following notice of Scorpio :— Porrigit in spatium signorum membra duorum.
Met. 2, 1. 198.
Chap. IX.| PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. rat
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*, 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 resemble 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.
* 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 avt: pro and apys Mars, and signifying Mars’s deputy, or lieutenant, or one acting for Mars. |
28 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
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 Mercury, 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*.
CHAPTER X. Constellations North of the Zodiac.
THE constellations north of the zodiac have their respective influences, analogous to those of the planets, existing in the mode described in the following list.
* 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;’’ and he gives a particular description to each face, depending on ite 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.
Chap. X.] PTOLEMY 'S TETRABIBLOS. 29 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. Casstopera 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.
30 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
Cuaptrer XI. Constellations South of the Zodzac.
THE 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.
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*.
CHAPTER XII. The Annual Seasons.
THE 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
* ‘ 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 partile 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 ‘‘ gf power: but of themselves the fixed stars emit no rays.”’
32 PTOLEMY ’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
its nature as a circle can have no other beginning, nor end, capable of being determined), 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, 1s principally cold, like the winter.
Chapter XIII. The Influence of the Four Angles.
THE angles are the four cardinal points of the horizon, whence are derived the general names of the winds. With
* This sentence shews 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 pre vented it. It has certainly been one of the misfortunes of astrology to be attacked by people entirely ignorant of its principles.
Chap. XIII.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 33
respect to their qualities, it is to be observed that the eastern point, or angle of the ascendant, 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 meridian 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 foregoing 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 diversified 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 constitutions of heat; and those effecting moisture in constitutions of moisture. On the other
34 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
hand, should a tendency, contrary to their own, exist in any constitution, the stars accordingly become less efficacious; in consequence 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 proportionate 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 considered only in themselves and with regard to each other, will be first stated. |
Chapter XIV. Tropical, Equinoctial, Fired, and Bicorporeal Signs. AMONG 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 turn, and to change his course towards a contrary latitude*; 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 ~* 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.
Chap. XIV.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 30
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 temperament 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.
AGAIN, 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 precedence of the passive, the signs of Aries and Libra are consequently considered to be masculine and diurnal. These signs describe the equinoctial circle, and from them proceed the principal variation, and most powerful agitation, of all things. The signs immediately following them are femi36 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book I.
nine 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 zodiac; and the chief of these is that which exists between such parts as are configurated with each other.
Chap. XVI.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 37
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, containing between them two-thirds of a right angle, or two signs, or sixty degrees*. These several distances are taken
* 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 oniy 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.