Tetrabiblos, or Quadripartite — Ptolemy, trans. J. M. Ashmand (1822)

* Of the planets before specified. t These are such signs as are connected with each other in any manner similar to that before described, as connecting Capricorn with Pisces, and with Libra; or, in other words, signs common to the planets configurated.

188 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

men will become highly licentious, and attempt to gratify their desires in every mode*.—And further, if Venus be found more occidental, men will connect themselves with low women, female servants, and aliens or vagabonds; but, should Mars be found occidental, with women of rank, and gentlewomen; or with women living with their husbands, or under the protection of men.—Thus far with regard to males.

In the case of females, Venus requires attention: for, if she be configurated with Jupiter, or with Mercury, she will cause women to be temperate and pure in sexual intercourse; still, however, when she may be thus connected with Mercury, 1f Saturn be not present also, she will cause them to be easily excited to desire; although they will controul their desires, and avoid reproach. But, should Venus be conjoined or configurated with Mars alone, she will render women licentious and lustful; and if, to both these planets, when thus conjoined or configurated, Jupiter also present himself, Mars being at the same time under the rays of the Sun, women will then mingle in intercourse with servants, and persons meaner than themselves, or with aliens, or vagabonds: but, should it happen that Venus may be under the rays of the Sun, they will then connect themselves with their superiors or masters. And, further, should the planets be in feminine places, or configurated femininely, they will be content with their passive faculties onlyt.

* The following also occurs here: “na: e pey o eis Twvasepwy duTixos, o Se eETepos avaToAiKos E51, Kat ®pos avdpas Kat yuvaixas evorrac Siaxemevor, ovx’ umepBorucws de, e: Se auorepo: o1 asepes Sutixor evpeOwor, pos povoy To OnAv ecoyta KaTadepers. OnduKwy de Tay (wdiwy umapyovrey ey o1S oF @Sepes, Kat avTo Wagyxew avetovrat Ta tou OnAvos. es Se auporepor QYATOALKOL WoL, Mpos wovoy TO appey epunTtixws efovar, Tw Se (wdiwy aprerixay

OYTWY, KpOs Nacay apveviKny NAKiay.”

t To this the following sentence succeeds: cay Se appertias

Siaxeipevor @Civ OL ASEPES, Kal WPOS TO WoOieiy.

Chap. V1I.] PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. 189

Saturn, in being conciliated with such positions as those now described, tends to produce greater obscenity; Jupiter, greater decency; and Mercury, greater publicity, and greater fickleness, or instability.

Chapter VI.

Children.

THE next point to be investigated is that concerning children: and, to accomplish this, observation must be made of the planets posited in, or configurated with the place on the zenith*, or its succedent house, which latter is - called the place of the good demon. And should it happen that not any planets may be present in the said places, nor configurated with them, it will then be necessary to take into consideration such as may be in opposition thereto.

Now the Moon, Jupiter ,jand Venus are esteemed as givers of offspring; but the Sun, Mars, and Saturn are considered as denying children altogether, or as allowing but few: while Mercury, being in quality common to both parties, lends co-operation to that with which he may be configurated, and gives offspring, when oriental, but withholds, when occidental.

To speak briefly, if the planets, which grant progeny, be so posited as describedt, and placed singly, the gift of progeny will be single only{; but should they be in bicorporeal or in feminine signs, they will grant double offsprings§: so likewise if they should be in prolific or

* The angle of the mid-heaven. + The meaning, apparent from the commencement of the chap- ‘ ter, is this: —‘‘ Should such planets be in the mid-heaven or ite ‘“‘succedent house, or configurated with either.”’ I Movadiuny, single, or one at a birth. § Adunoywuay, double, or two at a birth.

190 PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

seminal signs, such as Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, they will grant twins, or even more. And provided they should also be masculinely constituted, as well by configuration with the Sun, as by being in masculine signs, they will grant male children; but otherwise, if femininely constituted, female.

But, although the said planets, even if beneath the malefics in elevation, or, even if found in barren places, or 1n signs such as those of Leo and Virgo, will still grant children; yet such children, thus indicated, will neither be healthy, nor contiue in life. Should it happen, however, that the Sun and the malefics may be in entire possession of the places above mentioned, viz. that on the zenith, or the succedent house allotted to the good demon ; and provided they be, at the same time, in masculine or barren signs, and the benefics be not in elevation above them, a total privation of offspring is thereby indicated ; but, should they be in feminine or prolific signs, or supported by the testimony of the benefics, children will then be granted; yet they will be liable to disease, and shortlived.

If, however, planets of each condition should be configurated with, and have prerogative in prolific signs, there will then ensue a loss of either all the children, or only few, or else the major part of them; in the same proportion as that in which the planets, bearing testimony to either condition, may preponderate on one side rather than the other; by excelling in number, or in influence, in consequence of being posited more orientally, more genuinely in angles, higher in elevation, or successively ascending.

When the lords of the aforesaid signs* may be such as are givers of offspring, and be either oriental, or in places proper to themselves, the children thus granted will become eminent and illustrious: but, if occidental, or in

* That on the mid-heaven, and that on the eleventh house.

Chap. VI.] PTOLEMY ’S TETRABIBLOS. 191

places not proper to themselves, the children will then become undistinguished and abject. Should the said lords also be in concord with the part of fortune, and with the ascendant, they will render the children amiable, and cause them to be beloved by their parents, and to inherit their parents’ substance: but, if found inconjunct, and not in concord with the said parts, the children will then become odious and mischievous to their parents, and will forfeit the inheritance of their substance. Further, should the planets which grant progeny be appropriately configurated with each other, they will promote brotherly love, and mutual regard and affection among the children; but, if inconjunct, or in opposition, they will excite in them mutual hatred, deceit, and treachery. The general investigation regarding children is to be conducted in the foregoing method: but, in order to enquire into particular circumstances consequent on the above, it will be necessary to assume, as an ascendant, the position of each planet which gives offspring, and to observe the separate schemes; drawing inferences therefrom as in the case of a nativity.

Chapter VII. Friends and Enemies.

WirtT#H respect to friendship and enmity, it may be observed that great and lasting familiarities, or disagreements, are respectively called sympathies and enmities; while the smaller, such as arise occasionally, and subsist for a short time only, are denominated casual intimacies and strifes: the whole are to be contemplated according to the following rules. Indications of great and lasting friendships, or enmities, may be perceived by observation of the ruling places, exhibited in the respective nativities of both the persons, between whom the friendship or enmity may subsist. It

192 PTOLEMY'S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

1s consequently essential to observe the places of the Sun, the Moon, the ascendant, and the part of fortune; for, should all these in both nativities be in the same signs, or should either all or most of them be counterchanged in position in each nativity, and especially should the two ascendants be within the distance of seventeen degrees from each other*, they will create fixed and indissoluble friendship. On the other hand, should they be in signs Inconjunct, or in opposition, they will produce great and lasting enmity. If, however, they be not constituted in either of the modes above-mentioned, but merely confivurated in signst, they will then produce minor friendship; provided such configuration exist by trine or sextile; but, if by quartile, they will excite minor enmity, so as to take effect at certain particular times, in which the friendship remains, as it were, inactive and subdued, while the malefics transit the configuration: and, in a similar manner, enmity also will be softened and abated, when the benefics may enter upon the configuration.

The friendship and enmity, which men bear towards each other, may be classed under three general heads. One kind is suggested by spontaneous wilfulness; another, by the idea of profit; and another, by pain and pleasure mutually excited.

And, therefore, should either all or most of the afore said places be in familiarity with each other, friendship of all the three kinds will be established: so, also, should the places be entirely without familiarity, similar enmity will be established. If, however, familiarity, or absence of familiarity, (as the case may be) exist only as regards

* Or, regard each other within the distance of seventeen degrees.

' + That is to say; if the places of the Sun, &c. in one nativity be configurated with such parts of the zodiac as are occupied by the Sun, &., in the other nativity.

t Of any of the four places above described.

Chap. VII.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 193

the places of the luminaries, friendship or enmity will then be established by spontaneous will; and friendship thus produced is the best and most secure; while, on the other hand, enmity so arising is, in like manner, the worst and most dangerous. The friendship, or enmity, consequent on the familiarity or non-familiarity of the respective parts of Fortune, will be established on the idea of profit; and that, consequent on a similar disposition of the respective ascendants, will arise from pain or pleasure mutually excited between the parties. It will, however, be necessary to pay still further attention to the places in question, in order to observe whether any and what planets may be in elevation above them, or in aspect to them; because, among all the said places, that particular one, to which any planet in elevation, or in succession, may be adjacent, whether in the same sign, or in the next, will possess the more powerful influence over friendship or enmity: and whichever place may have its aspecting planets more powerfully benefic, will operate in a greater degree* to advantage in friendship, and to the relaxation of enmity.—The foregoing instructions are applicable to such friendships or enmities as are great and lasting. But, in the case of others, which subsist only occasionally, and which have been defined as casual intimacies and strifes, it is essential to make observation of the motions of the planets, as exhibited by each nativity; that is to say, the times are to be calculated, on the completion of which the motions of the planets of one nativity will cause them to enter on certain places of the other nativity; for it is at such periods that certain particular friendships and enmities occur, continuing for a short time, until the said ingress of the planets shall have passed over. For instance, Saturn and Jupiter, when making ingress upon each other’s places, produce friendship by certain agreements, or engagements, relating either to agricul-

* Than the rest of the places.

194 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book LV.

ture or to inheritance: Saturn and Mars create contention and treachery spontaneously entertained: Saturn and Venus, friendship between kindred; liable, however, soon to grow cool: Saturn and Mercury, friendship on account of business, or profit, or some secret art or mystery. Jupiter and Mars create friendship in the direction of affairs, and by means of dignities; Jupiter and Venus also create friendship by means of female persons, or attendants on religion, or on oracles: Jupiter and Mercury, friendship by means of eloquence and science, and philosophical inclinations. Mars and Venus cause friendship in the course of amours, adultery and fornication: Mars and Mercury excite hatred and strife by offences committed in business and trade, or by sorcery. And Venus and Mercury produce communion by means of the arts and sciences, by a mutual interest in literature, or by female persons. It is in this manner that the planets operate in producing friendship or enmity. And their comparative intensity or relaxation of vigour is to be distinguished by the situation of the places, which they occupy, with regard to the four principal and ruling places*: for, should they be posited in angles, at the places of the respective parts of Fortune, or at those of the luminaries, they will render the casual intimacies or strifes more eminent and remarkable; but, if they be remote from these places, their effects will not be highly conspicuous. The comparative degree of injury or advantage, luable to be received, is to be discerned by means of the good or evil properties of such planets as may be thus in aspect to the aforesaid places. With respect to servantst, the sign of the evil demont

* Those of the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, and part of Fortune, as before-mentioned. +—‘‘ and the attachment, or disagreement, subsisting between ‘them and their masters;’’—so Allatius, and the Latin translation printed at Perugio. t The twelfth house.

Pd oe. in

Chap. VIII.] PToLEMyY’S TETRABIBLOS. 195

is considered as the place to which the disposition ruling over them must be referred; and it is to be observed what planets are in aspect to that place, both at the actual time of nativity, and at that of any ingresses made upon it, or oppositions to it; and also, especially, whether the lords of the said sign may be configurated in familiarity with the ruling places of the nativity, or not in familiarity.

Chapter VIII.

Travelling.

THE circumstances indicative of travel are to be considered by means of the situation held by both the luminarles, in respect to the angles, and, especially, by means of that held by the Moon. For, should she be descending, or cadent from the angles, she will cause journies and changes of residence: Mars, also, if descending, or cadent from the zenith, will sometimes do the same, provided he may occupy a situation in quartile, or in opposition to the luminaries. And, if the part of Fortune, also, should happen to be placed in signs which produce travelling, the course and practice of the whole life will be engaged in foreign lands. And further, provided the benefics superintend the aforesaid places, or ascend in succession to them, the engagements abroad will be honourable and lucrative, and the return home speedy and unobstructed: but if. on the contrary, the malefics superintend or ascend in succession to those places, the journey outward will then lead to peril and misfortune, and the return will be replete with difficulty. But it is, at the same time, necessary in all cases to consider the contemperament also, and to observe such of the existing configurations as are more predominant. It most usually happens, that, if the luminaries be posited in the cadent houses of the oriental quadrants, the travel will take place in the eastern or southern quarters

196 PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

of the world; and that, if placed in western situations, or in an occidental quadrant, travel will be then prosecuted in the northern or western parts. And, should the signs, which operate travel, be themselves single in form, or should the planets, having dominion of them, be singly posited, the journies will then take place after long intervals, and occasionally only: but, if the said signs be bicorporeal, or double in form or figure, travel will be constantly repeated and continued.

Thus, when Jupiter and Venus may be in dominion over the luminaries, and over the places producing travel, they will render the journies agreeable, as well as free from danger: for the traveller will be joyfully forwarded on his way by the magistrates of the country, and by the concurrent assistance of friendly persons; the state of the atmosphere will also be favourable, and he will meet with abundance of accommodation. And, provided Mercury also be present with the planets above-specified, utility, profit, presents and honours will likewise be derived from the journey. |

Saturn and Mars, if controlling the luminaries, and, especially, if placed distant from each other*, will produce great dangers, and at the same time render the Journey fruitless and unavailing. Should they be in watery signs, the dangers will arise by shipwreck, or among deserts and wildernesst; if in fixed signs, by precipices, and adverse blasts of wind; in tropical and equinoctial signs, by want of food and other necessaries, and by some unwholesome state of the atmosphere; in signs of human form, by robbery, treachery, and various depredations; and, if in terrestrial signs, by the attack of wild

* The probable meaning is, ‘‘if not acting in concert:’’ but the Latin of Perugio says, ‘‘st sint oppositi secundum longitudinem.’’

t There seems a mis-print here in the original: dvowdiey, ‘‘ foul vapours,’’ instead of B8vcodwy. ‘* wildernesses.”’

Chap. IX.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 197

beasts, or from earthquakes. And, should Mercury also lend concurrence, the traveller will incur further danger from saccusations made against him, as well as from reptiles and venomous stings or bites. The question, whether the events will be advantageous or injurious in quality, must, however, be further considered by observation (made in the forms already detailed), of the peculiar properties of the places, in which the lords of employment, of wealth, of the body, or of rank, may be posited. And the periods, at which travelling will take place, are to be considered by the occasional ingress of the five planets*.

CuHaprer IX. The Kind of Death.

Ir now remains to treat of the kind and species of death. It is, however, first to be determined, by the rules already delivered regarding the duration of lifet, whether death will ensue from an oriental or occidental position of the predominating influence. And, if death ensue from some oriental position, or meeting of rays, the place of such meeting must be observed, and by means of that place the kind of death is to be distinguished ; if from the descension, or setting, of the significator, or prorogator, the place of descensiont must be considered: because death is to be expected conformable in character to the influences, whatever they may be, which preside over the said places; or, if not any influences should directly preside, it will then be conformable to the influences, of whatever kind, which may be brought first in succession to the places in question: the configuration of the stars, the property of the aforesaid aneretic places, and the

* On the places indicative of travelling. t+ Vide the 14th Chapter of the 3rd Book; on the number of the modes of prorogation. t That is to say, the sign and degree on the occidental horizon.

198 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

nature of the signs and of the terms*, are, also, all of them co-operative.

Thus, for example, if the dominion of death be vested in Saturn, he will produce death by means of lingering diseases; cough, rheumatism, flux, ague, disorder of the spleen, dropsy, colic, and complaints in the womb; and, in short, by all such diseases as proceed from the superabundance of cold.

Jupiter effects death by quinsey, inflammation of the lungs, apoplexy, spasm, pains in the head, morbid performance of the heart, and by all diseases arising from the superabundance of air, and from immoderate and impure respiration.

Mars causes death by constant fevers, semitertians, sudden and spontaneous wounds, diseases of the kidneys, expectoration of blood, and hemorrhages of various kinds; by mis-carriage, or abortion, and by child-birth, by erysipelas, and, in short, by such diseases as proceed from abundant and immoderate heat.

Venus produces death by disorders of the stomach, and of the liver, by scurvy and dysentry: also by consumption or wasting awayf, and by fistula and poison, and by all diseases incident on the superabundance or poverty of moisture, and its corruption.

Lastly, Mercury causes death to proceed from fury, madness, melancholy, epilepsy, falling fits, coughs, and obstructions, and by such diseases as arise from superabundant or disproportionate dryness.

When the lords of death may fully possess their own peculiar and natural properties, and when neither of the malefics may be in elevation above them, death will

* See a subsequent note, p. 199, which gives an instance of the mode in which Placidus applied the power of the terms, in an aneretic direction. + Aw onfewy. Perhaps more properly, putridity or rottenness. The Perugio Latin translation renders it by ‘‘ cancer.’’

Chap. IX.] PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. 199

ensue in the modes above detailed, and in the ordinary course of nature. But a violent and remarkable death will occur when both the malefics, either in conjunction, or in quartile or opposition to each other, may be lords of the anzretic places; or if both, or only one of the two, should attack either both the luminaries, or even only the Sun or the Moon. In such a case, the evil character of the death will proceed from the concurrence of the malefic influence, and its magnitude or remarkable nature from the additional testimony of the luminaries: its quality, also, will be known by means of the rest of the planets and stars in configuration, and by the signs which contain the malefic influence*.

Hence, if it happen that Saturn be in fixed signs, and in quartile or opposition to the Sun, and contrary in condition, he will produce death by suffocation, occasioned either by multitudes of people, or by hanging or strangulation: so, likewise, should he be occidental, and the Moon be succedent to him, he will operate the same effects. If he be posited in places or signs of bestial form, the native will be destroyed by wild beasts: and, if Jupiter also offer testimony, being at the same time badly afflicted, the death will then occur in public, and by day; for example, by being exposed to combats with wild beasts. If Saturn be posited in opposition to either

* Placidus, in treating of the nativity of Lewis, Cardinal Zachia, uses these words: ‘‘ This example also teaches us what ‘“‘the sentiments of Ptolemy were concerning a violent death; ‘¢ when, in a peremptory place, both the enemies meet together, ‘‘ it is to be understood, that in the nativity the violence is ‘¢ sometimes first preordained from the unfortunate position of ‘‘the Apheta; at other times quite the contrary. But, because ‘‘ the direct direction happened to be in the terms of Mercury, ‘¢ the sickness was attended with a delirium and lethargy, so that ‘‘ you may perceive this to have been the true cause of the ‘* native’s death.’’ (Cooper’s Translation, pp. 198, 199.)

200 PTOLEMY S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

of the luminaries in the ascendant*, he will cause death in prison: if he be configurated with Mercury, and especially if near the constellation of the Serpent in the sphere, and in terrestrial signs of the zodiac, be will pro duce death by venomous wounds or bites, and by reptiles and wild beasts. And, should Venus also attach herself to Saturn and Mercury thus combined, death will then ensue by poison or female treachery. If Saturn be in Virgo or Pisces, or watery signs, and configurated with the Moon, he will operate death by means of water, by drowning and suffocation; and, if found near Argo, by shipwreck. Should he be in tropical or quadrupedal signs, and the Sun be either in conjunction with him, or in opposition; or if, imstead of the Sun, Mars should so present himself, death will be caused by the fall of houses or buildings; and, if posited in the mid-heaven, death will happen by falls from heights or precipices.—These are the various effects of Saturn, when configurated as described.

Mars, if in signs of human form, and posited in quartile or in opposition to the Sun or Moon, and contrary in condition, will operate death by slaughter, either in civil or foreign war, or by suicide: if Venus add her testimony, death will be inflicted by women, or by assassins in the employment of women: and, should Mercury also be configurated with them, death will happen from robbers, thieves, or highwaymen. If Mars be in mutilated or imperfect signs, or near the Gorgont of Perseus,

% E:de avOwpooxornoe: mpocoiwv Snxore twv gpwrev: which Allatius has translated, ‘‘ if he should be in the ascendant opposed to ‘‘ either of the luminaries’’ (si in horoscopo alteri luminum opponatur); but the Latin copy of Basle, 1541, as well as that of Perugio, 1646, give the passage as now rendered. And it appears in a subsequent place, p. 201 (where the word avdwpocxorwy occurs), that it can only be properly translated ‘‘ in opposition to the ascendant.”’ + Caput Meduss.

Chap. IX.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 201

he will produce death by decapitation, or by mutilation of limb. If found in Scorpio or Taurus, he will cause death by surgical amputation, burning or searing, or also by spasms or convulsions. Should he be found in the mid-heaven, either above or below the earth, death will be inflicted by crucifixion or impalement, and especially if he be in the vicinity of Cepheus or Andromeda. If descending, or in opposition to the ascendant*, he will produce death by fire: and, if in quadrupedal signs, by falls and fractures. Should Jupiter,however, bear testimony to Mars, and be at the same time afflicted, death will ensue from the wrath of princes and kings, and from judicial condemnation.

If it happen that the malefics be in concurrence with each other in the first instance, and afterwards in mutual opposition, in any of the aforesaid situations, the evil character of the death will be yet further augmented ; but its species or quality, and its dominion, will depend upon that one which may be in occupation of the aneretic place. And, if both the malefics claim prerogative in the anzretic places, the bodies of persons who thus die will be cast abroad without interment, and will be devoured by beasts and birds: these circumstances will especially ensue, when the malefics may be found in signs similar in form to beasts and birds; and provided not any one of the benefics should offer testimony to the place below the eartht, nor to the anzretic places.

Lastly, death will occur in foreign lands, when it may happen that the planets controlling the anzretic places may be posited in cadent houses; especially if the Moon

* AvOwpocxoray, Vide note * in p. 200. +t That is to say, the lower heaven, or imum-ccli.— Whalley has translated it, ‘‘ above the earth,’”’ instead of ‘ below;’’

mistaking vxo for umep.

202 PTOLEMY ’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

be present in the said places also, or if she be found in quartile or in opposition*.

CHAPTER X. The periodical Divisions of Time.

In addition to the foregoing brief observations, applicable to the various forms of death, further attention is demanded with respect to the division of time, which requires to be contemplated in its natural order and succession.

Now as, 1n all genethlialogical cases, a certain common and general arrangement, affecting the region or country and the race or generation, is pre-supposed to be in operaticn, to which arrangement particular inferences, relating to the form of the body, the properties of the mind, and national habits and variations, must each be subservient ; and as, in these respects, certain causes more general and

* On this chapter Whalley makes the following annotations: ‘‘Qne direction, how malevolent soever, rarely kills; and, in ‘‘ most nativities, there is required a train of malevolent direc- ‘‘ tions to concur to death: where several malevolent directions ‘‘ concur so together, without the aid of intervenings of the ‘‘ benevolents, they fail not to destroy life.

‘In such trains of directions, the author here distinguisheth ‘‘ between the killing planet and the causer of the quality of ‘¢ death; for one planet doth not give both. The foremost of the ‘¢ malevolent train is the killing place, and shews the time of ‘‘ death; but the following directions, though benevolent, shew ‘the quality. If the train fall all together, and none follow, ‘‘ for the quality observe those which precede, though at a dis- ‘‘tance and benevolent also; for, though the benevolent con- ‘tribute to the preservation of life, yet they frequently specify ‘‘ the disease which is the cause of death. And with these, our ‘author tells us, concur the configurating stars, the quality of ‘‘ the stars and signs, and the terms in which the lords happen. ‘¢ In violent deaths, the genethliacal positions of the lights are to ‘‘ be observed, and how the malefics affect them, and [how they] “are also concerned by directions in the quality or death.’’ See also Chap. 14, Book 2.

Chap. X.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 203

predominating are pre-supposed in existence before particular causes, due care must consequently be taken, in order to make an inference consistent with the course of nature, to observe always the original and predominating cause, and never to lose sight of it; lest some similarity in nativities (if any such should exist) might induce an assertion when the original predominating cause proceeding from the region itself has been overlooked, that the native of Aithiopia will be born of white complexion, and with long and straight hair; or, on the other hand, that the native of Germany or of Gaul will be black in complexion, and have curled hair; or, that the said nations are polished in manners, and cultivate learning, but that the people of Greece are barbarous and illiterate: and so, in short, of any other countries;—without duly considering the national differences and variations in thar several courses of life.—So also, with regard to the division of time, it 1s in the same manner essential to consider the different qualities of the several ages of life, and to pre-determine the appropriate fitness of every age to such events as may be expected; in order to avoid the gross error which might arise from a merely vague consideration of the subject, by attributing to infancy some deed or circumstance of too complete a nature and belonging rather to manhood, or by ascribing to extreme old age the procreation of children, or some other action belonging to youth; and to adapt, on the contrary, to each separate age such circumstances as seem, by due observation of the periods, to be suitable and appropriate thereto.

The mode of consideration* applicable to human nature is universally one and the same; and it is analogous to the arrangement of the seven planetary orbst. It, therefore, duly commences with the first age of human life, t+ It will, of course, be remembered, that the Sun, in the Ptolemaic astronomy, is counted as a planetary orb.

* With respect to the periodical divisions of time.

204 PTOLEMY'S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

and the first sphere next above the earth, that of the Moon; and it terminates with the final age of man, and the last of the planetary spheres, which 1s that of Saturn ; and, in fact, it accordingly happens that the appropriate qualities of each sphere take effect in a corresponding age of life, each age being subjected to one particular sphere. These observations are necessary, because the general divisions of time must be considered by means of the spheres, a3 a primary arrangement; although minor distinctions are to be made by means of the existing peculiarities found in nativities.

Hence, the first age of infancy, which endures for four years, agreeing in number with the quadrennial period of the Moon, 1s consequently adapted to her; being in its nature moist and incompact, presenting rapidity of erowth, being nourished by moist things, and possessing a highly variable habit. Its mental incompleteness is likewise in accordance with its familiar relation to the Moon, and her operative influence.

The age after this continues for ten years, and accommodates itself to the second sphere, that of Mercury. In this period, the imtellectual and reasoning faculties of the mind begin to take their character, imbibing the seeds of learning, and developing, as it were, the elements and germs of the genius and abilities, and their peculiar quality. The mind is also roused to discipline and instruction, and to its first exercises.

Venus corresponds with the next and third age, which lasts throughout the following eight years, the number of her own period: from her, the movement of the sem1- nal vessels originates, as well as an unrestrained impetuosity and precipitancy in amours.

The fourth and adult age next succeeds, and is subject to the fourth sphere, that of the Sun: it endures for nineteen years, according to the Sun’s number. Authority of action now commences in the mind, the career of

Chap. X.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 205

life is entered upon, distinction and glory are desired, and puerile irregularities are relinquished for more orderly conduct, and the pursuit of honour.

Mars, next after the Sun, claims the fifth age, that of manhood, agreeing in duration with his own period, viz. fifteen years. He induces greater austerity of life, together with vexation, care, and trouble.

Jupiter occupies the sixth sphere, and influences the maturer age, during the twelve years corresponding to his own period. He operates the relinquishment of labour, of hazardous employment and tumult, and produces greater gravity, foresight, prudence and sagacity, favouring the claim to honour, respect and privilege.

Saturn, moving in the last sphere, regulates the final old age, as agreeing with its chilliness. He obstructs the mental movements, the appetites and enjoyments; rendering them imbecile and dull, in conformity with the dullness of his own motion.

The common properties attributable to the various times of life are subject, in a general manner, to this previous adaptation; but there are particular periods, arising from the respective peculiarities of nativities, which also require determination, and must be ascertained from the ruling prorogations; that is to say, from the whole of them, and not from any single one only, as in the case of the duration of life. For example, prorogation made from the ascendant is to be applied to events affecting the body, and to travelling, or change of residence; that from the part of Fortune, to incidents affecting the substance or wealth; that from the Moon, to actions of the mind, and to communion* and cohabitation; that from the Sun, to dignities and glory;

* The Latin copy of Basle, 1541, says, ‘‘ to marriages.’’

206 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

and that from the mid-heaven, to other particular circumstances of life, such as employment, friendship, and the possession of children. So that thus, at one and the same time any single planet, whether benefit or malefic, will not possess the sole dominion; for many conflicting events frequently occur at the same period, and a person may, at one and the same time, lose a kinsman, yet inherit his substance; or be at once ill in health, yet prosperous and advantageously established in regard to fortune; or be struggling with adversity and in want, yet, notwithstanding, be also a father and beget children; or he may experience other similar contrarieties: because individuals are subject to occurrences which may affect either the body, the mind, the rank, or the condition of wealth, and which are not altogether fortunate or unfortunate at the same period. Something of the kind will, however, frequently happen in cases of perfect good fortune or distress, when meetings of all the benefics or malefics may concur in all or most of the prorogations. Still such cases are but rare, because human nature in general is not subjected to the extremity either of good or evil, but rather to their moderate alteration and counter-change. The prorogatory places must, therefore, be separately distinguished in the mcde before pointed out; and the planets meeting the prorogations must again be ali taken into consideration: not only those which may be aneretic as in the case of the duration of life), nor those only which may be configurated bodily*, or in opposition or quartile, but also those in trine or sextile. And, first, the times in each prorogation will be governed by the planet occupying or configurated with the actual prorogatory degree itself: if, however, there be found no planet thus constituted, the nearest preceding planet will govern the times until another, which may be in aspect to the degree following in the order of the signs, shall take them ; and this one, again, will do the same until the next

* « Bodily,” or in conjunction.

Chap. X.| PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 207

In succession shall take them*. The like rule obtains with respect to any other planets received into dominion, and with respect to those in occupation of the terms.

Further, in prorogations of the ascendant, the degrees of distances will be equal in number to the ascensional times of the particular latitude; but, in prorogation, from the mid-heaven, to the times of culmination; and, in other prorogations, they will be in proportion to the ascensions, or descensions, or culminations, and will depend on their proximity to the angles; as has been already said in treating of the duration of lifet.

The arbiters of general times are to be determined by the foregoing method; but arbiters of annual periods as follows: viz. after the number of years which have elapsed since the birth has been ascertained, the amount is to be projected from each place of prorogation, in the succession of the signs, at the rate of one sign for a yearf, oe t Vide Chap. 14, Book 3.

* On this passage, Whalley remarks, ‘‘ we are to observe in ‘‘ direction, that the star in exact ray with the prorogator shall ‘“‘be ruler until the prorogator meets another ray; that then ‘‘ the planet whose ray it is shall take the dominion, and so on. ‘‘ But if no planet aspect the hyleg (prorogator) exactly, that ‘‘ which casts its rays before the prorogator is to be taken for ‘‘ruler of the time, till another planet’s ray comes in by direc- ‘‘tion. And the lord of the term, in which the direction falls, ‘* must be considered as a co-partner in this dominion.”’

~ The Greek is simply es ta exoueva xara twdiov; but the context proves that the entire meaning must be as now given, although the Latin translation of Perugio renders it ‘‘ one year to ‘each degree.’”? Whalley explains that by annual periods ‘‘ the ‘‘ author intends profections:for the taking of which, for every ‘‘ year from the birth, add one sign to the sign in which the ‘‘ aphetics are at birth, and the sign which ends at the year _ desired is the sign profectional for that year, and the lord of ** that sign is chronocrator (arbiter) for that year; so far as the ‘* degrees of that sign reach. For example, if a prorogator at

208 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

and the lord of the last sign* is to be assumed as arbiter. And, with regard to periods reckoned by months, the same rule is to be observed: for in this case also, the number of the month, as counted from the month of the nativity, is to be projected from such places as possess the dominion of the year, in the proportion of twenty-eight days per sign. So, likewise, in the case of periods reckoned by days, the number of the day, counted from the day of birth, must be projected from the monthly places of dominion, allowing for each sign two days and a thirdft. It is, however, necessary to notice the ingresses made on places allotted to different periods; for they take effect in no small degree on the events of the period. Thus, the ingresses made by Saturn, on places of general periods, require special observation; those made by Jupiter, on places of annual periods; those made by the Sun, Mars, Venus, and Mercury, on monthly places; and the Moon’s transit over daily places. It must also be remembered, that arbiters of general periods are chiefly paramount over the events; and that, to their influence, the arbiters of particular periods (each of whom acting by its own proper nature) present either co-operation or obstruc-

‘“‘ birth be in 15° of Gemini, to 15° of Cancer serves the first ‘‘ year; but the first six months are ruled by Mercury, and the ‘last six by the Moon and Jupiter; and so on. * The Latin translation of Basle, 1541, says, ‘‘ the lord of that ‘‘ sign in which the number shall terminate. + Whalley says here, ‘‘ let a sign be added for each month to ‘the sign of the year. So, in the example before proposed, the ‘‘ last 15° of Gemini, and the first 15° of Cancer, shall serve for ‘¢ the first month: the last 15° of Cancer and the first 15° of Leo, ‘‘ for the second month; and so on. And for days, from 15° of ‘¢ Gemini to 15° of Cancer, rules two days and eight hours after ‘‘ birth, &c.”’ Placidus is of opinion, ‘‘that Ptolemy, speaking of annual ‘* places, is to be understood of the places of secondary directions ; ‘‘and that when he speaks of the menstrual, he hints at the ‘* places of progressions.’’ (Cooper’s Translation, pp. 25 and 57.)

Chap. X.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 209

tion; and that the ingresses also operate on events, by increasing or diminishing their force and extent*.

The general characteristic property, and the duration of the period, will be indicated by the place of prorogation, as ialso by the lord of the general times, and by the planet in possession of the terms; by means of the familarity subsisting, from the actual birth, between each planet, and the places of which they may have respectively and originally taken dominion. The arbiters of time will also give indication whether the event will be good or evil, by means of their own naturally benefic or malefic property and temperament, and by their original familiarity or varlance with the place of which they have become lords. But the period, at which the event will become more strongly evident, is shewn by the relative positions of the annual and monthly signs towards the places wherein the causes exist, and also by the ingresses of the planetst.

* Placidus says, that ‘‘ active ingresses, if they be similar, to ‘‘ the pre-ordained effects, cause them to influence; if dissimilar, ‘‘they either diminish or retard; as Ptolemy has it in the last ‘Chapter of Book 4.’’ (Cooper’s Translation, p. 27.)

t+ Placidus observes, that ‘‘ the primary directions of the sig- ‘‘ nificators to their promittors, and the lords of the terms, ‘* Ptolemy calls the General Arbiters of Times, because they pre- ‘‘ ordain the general times of their effects; which, as its motion ‘‘ig slow and its perseverance long, discovers its effects after a ‘very long time; that is, after months and years. In order that ‘¢ we may know, in this extent of time, on what particular month ‘Cand day the effects appear, Ptolemy proposes these motions ‘“‘ for observation, wherein, when the majority of the causes agree ‘‘together, then doubtless the effect is accomplished, or most ‘ clearly manifests itself.’’? (Cooper’s Translation, p. 109.) And he says afterwards, in speaking of secondary directions, progressions, ingresses, &c. ‘‘ these subsequent motions of the causes ‘‘demand our greatest attention.’”’ (Ibid, p. 110). In the Appendix to the same book, at p. 438, the proper equation of

210 PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. [Book IV.

The mode in which the Sun and Moon may be disposed, in reference to the signs relating to annual and monthly periods, is also indicative. For example, should they, from the date of the nativity, be posited in concord with the operative places, and keep a position of concord at the ingresses, they will produce good; but, if adversely posited, evil. And also, if they be not in concord with the said places, and provided they be contrary in condition, and in opposition or in quartile, to the transits, they will cause evil: should they, however, not be in quartile, nor in opposition, but otherwise configurated, their influence then will not be equally malefic.

Should it happen that the same planets may be lords of the times*, as well as of the ingresses, the effect will be extreme and unalloyed, if of a favourable nature; and more particularly unmitigated, if evil. And should the said planets be not only lords of the times, but likewise hold dominion from the date of the nativity, and provided also that all the prorogations, or most of them, should tend to, or depend on, one and the same place, or, should the prorogations not be so constituted, yet notwithstanding, if the meetings occurring at the periods be found to be either all, or most of them, benefic or malefic, they will wholly produce, in all respects, good or evil fortune, respectively.

time, or measurement of the arcs of direction, is also treated of, in reference to the 16th canon of Placidus, which is as follows :—

‘‘ To equate the Arc of Direction. Add the arc of direction to ‘‘ the right ascension of the natal Sun; look for this sum in the ‘‘table of right ascensions under the ecliptic, and take the de- ‘gree and minute of longitude corresponding with that sum; ‘then, in the best ephemeris, reckon in how many days and ‘‘ hours the Sun, from the day and hour of birth, has arrived at ‘‘that degree and minute. The number of days indicate as ‘‘many years; every two hours over, reckon a month.”’ (Ibid, ‘' »y. 56.)

* Whether general or annual.

Chap. X.] PTOLEMY’S TETRABIBLOS. 211

It is in this method, which preserves a natural order and succession, that times and seasons require to be contemplated.

And now, in adverting to the scope allotted to this work in its commencement, all further adaptation of the forms of events liable to take effect at particular times will here be relinquished ; because the operative influences which the stars exercise in all events, whether general or particular, may be arranged in proper order, if care be taken that the causes set forth by the Rules of Science, and the causes arising from any existing commixture, be duly combined and blended together.

THE END.

APPENDIX.

No. I.

ALMAGEST; Book VIII, Cuap. IV.

THE various constellations of the fixed stars having now been duly described, their aspects remain to be investigated. Independently of the steadfast and immutable aspects which the said stars preserve among themselves, either rectilinearly, or triangularly, or by other similar forms*, they have also certain aspects considered as referring exclusively to the planets and the Sun and Moon, or parts of the zodiac ; certain others to the earth only; and others, again, to the earth, the planets and the Sun and Moon, or parts of the zodiac, combined. With regard to the planets only, and parts of the zodiac, aspects are properly considered as made to them by the fixed stars, when the said planets and fixed stars may be posited on one and the same of those circles which are drawn through the poles of the zodiac; or, also, if they be posited on different circles, provided a trinal or sextile distance between them may be preserved; that is to say, a distance equal to a right ‘angle and a third part more, or a distance equal to two-thirds of a right angle; and provided, also, that the fixed stars be on such parts of the circle as are liable to be transited by any one of the planets. These parts are situated within the lati-

* That is to say, by the opposition, trine, &c.

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tude of the zodiac, which circumscribes the planetary motions. And as far as the five planets are concerned, the aspects of the fixed stars depend upon the visible mutual conjunctions, or configurations, made in the forms above prescribed; but, with respect to the Sun and Moon, they depend on occultations, conjunctions, and succedent risings of the stars. Occultation is when a star becomes invisible by being carried under the rays of the luminary; conjunction, when it is placed under the luminary’s centre; and succedent rising, when it begins to reappear on issuing out beyond the rays.

In regard to the earth only, the aspects of the fixed stars are four in number, and are known by the common term of angles: to speak, however, more particularly, they are the oriental horizon, the meridian or mid-heaven above the earth, the occidental horizon, and the meridian or mid-heaven below the earth. And in that part of the earth where the equator is in the zenith, the whole of the fixed stars are found to rise and set, and to be above as well as below the earth, once in each revolution; because the situation of the poles of the equator, being in this manner on the plane of the horizon, thereby prevents the constant visibility or invisibility of any one of the parallel circles. But in other parts of the earth, where the pole of the equator is in the zenith, the fixed stars can never set nor rise; because the equator itself is then on the plane of the horizon, and circumscribes the two hemispheres (which it thus creates, one above and the other below the earth) in such a manner, that in one revolution every star must twice transit the meridian, some of them above, others below the earth. In other declinations, however, between these extreme positions of the equator, as just mentioned, there are certain of the circles always visible, and others never visible; consequently, the stars intercepted between the first of such circles and the poles can neither rise not set, but must, in the course of one revolution, twice transit the meridian; above the earth, if the said stars be on a circle

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always visible; but below the earth, if on a circle never visible. The other stars, however, situated on the greater parallels, both rise and set, and are found in each revolution once on the meridian above the earth, and once on that below the earth.—In all these cases, the time occupied in proceeding round from any angle to the same again, must be everywhere equal in its duration, for it is marked by one sensible revolution; and the time occupied in passing from either meridianal angle to the angle diametrically opposite, is also everywhere equal; because it is marked by the half of one revolution. So. also, the passage from either horizontal angle to its opposite angle is again effected in the same equal portion of time, wherever the equator may be in the zenith, for it is then likewise marked by the half of an entire revolution; because on such a position of the equator, all the parallels are then divided, as well by the horizon as by the meridian, into two equal parts. But in all other declinations, the time of passage of a semicircle above the earth is not equal to that of its passage below the earth, except only in the case of the equinoctial circle itself, which, in an oblique sphere, is the only one divided by the horizon into two equal parts, all others (its parallels) being bisected into dissimilar and unequal arcs. It follows, accordingly, that the time contained in the space between rising or setting, and either meridian, must be equal to the time between the same meridian and rising and setting; because the meridian divides equally such portions of the parallels as are above or under the earth. But in proceeding in an oblique sphere, from rising or setting to ether meridian, the time occupied must be unequal; and in a mght sphere, equal, because the entire portions above the earth are, in a right sphere only, equal to those below the earth ; whence, for instance, in a right sphere, whatever stars may be together on the meridian must also all rise and set together, until their progress becomes perceptible by the poles of the zodiac; while, on the other hand, in an oblique sphere, whatever stars may be together on the

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meridian can neither all rise together nor set together; for the more southern stars must always rise later than those which are more northern, and set earlier*.

The aspects made by the fixed stars, in regard to the planets or parts of the zodiac, and the earth combined, are considered, in a general manner, by the rising, or meridianal position, or setting of the same fixed stars in conjunction with any planet or part of the zodiac; but their aspects are properly distinguishable, by means of the Sun, in the nine following modes :—

1. The first is called matutine subsolar, when the star is found together with the Sun in the oriental horizon. Of this aspect, one species is called the oriental, invisible, and succedent rising; when the star, at the commencement of its occultation, rises immediately after the Sun: another is called the precise oriental co-rising; when the star 1s found in partile conjunction with the Sun in the oriental horizon: another is the oriental, precedent, and visible rising; when the star, beginning to appear, rises before the Sun.

2. The second aspect is termed matutine location in the mid-heaven; when the star is found on the meridian, either above or below the earth, while the Sun is on the oriental horizon. And of this aspect, one species is called a succedent and oriental location in the mid-heaven, invisible; when, immediately after the Sun’s rising, the star shall be found on the meridian: another is the precise oriental location in the mid-heaven; when, exactly as the Sun rises, the star is at the same time on the meridian; another is the oriental precedent location in the mid-heaven; when the star first shall come to the meridian above the earth, and the Sun may then immediately rise.

* On this side of the equator.

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3. The third, called matutine setting, is when the Sun may be actually in the oriental horizon, but the star in the occidental. One of the forms of this aspect is called the oriental, succedent setting, invisible; when the star sets immediately after the Sun’s rising: another is the precise oriental co-setting, when the star sets at the moment of the Sun’s rising: another is the oriental, precedent, and visible setting, when the Sun does not rise until immediately after the setting of the star.

4. The fourth aspect is named meridianal subsolar, and takes place when the Sun is actually on the meridian, but the star on the oriental horizon. Of this, one is diurnal and invisible; when the star rises while the Sun is posited on the meridian above the earth: another is nocturnal and visible; when the star rises while the Sun is placed on the meridian below the earth.

5. The fifth is called meridianal location in the midheaven; when the Sun, as well as the star, may be at the same time on the meridian. Of this aspect, two sorts are diurnal and invisible; when the star is on the meridian above the earth, together with the Sun, or on that below the earth, diametrically opposite to the Sun. Two also are nocturnal, and of these, one is invisible; when the star is on the meridian under the earth, together with the Sun: the other, however, is visible; when the star is on the meridian above the earth, diametrically opposite to the Sun.

6. The sixth is meridianal setting; when the star is found on the occidental horizon, while the Sun is on the meridian. Of this, one species is diurnal and invisible; when the star sets while the Sun is above the earth on the meridian:the other is nocturnal and visible; when the star sets while the Sun is on the meridian below the earth.

7. The seventh aspect is called vespertine subsolar; when the star is found on the oriental horizon, while the Sun is posited on the occidental horizon. One form ofp. 217 this aspect is the vespertine succedent rising, visible; when the star rises immediately after sunset: another is the precise vespertine co-rising; when the star rises and the Sun sets at one and the same time: another is the precedent, vespertine rising, invisible; when the star rises immediately before the Sun sets.

8. The eighth is named vespertine location in the midheaven; when the star is on the meridian, either above or below the earth, while the Sun is placed on the occidental horizon. Of this aspect, one kind is called a visible vespertine location in the mid-heaven; when the star is found there immediately after sunset: another is the precise vespertine location in the mid-heaven; when the star is found there at the moment of sunset; another is the vespertine precedent location in the mid-heaven, invisible; when the star arrives there immediately before sunset.

9. The ninth aspect is called vespertine setting; when the star, together with the Sun, is on the occidental horizon. One form of this aspect is the vespertine, succedent and visible setting; when the star, at the commencement of its occultation, sets immediately after the Sun: another is the precise vespertine setting; when the star sets at the same moment with the Sun: another is the precedent, invisible setting; when the star, before it emerges from its occultation, sets before the Sun.

No. II.

AtmaGEST,; Book II. Extract From CuHap. IX. Of Circumstances regulated by Ascensions.

—In any climate whatever, the magnitude of ia given day or night is to be computed by the number of ascensional times proper to that particular climate. For example,

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the magnitude of the day will be ascertained by numbering the times between the Sun’s zodiacal degree and the degree diametrically opposite, in the succession of the signs; and that of the night, by numbering the times, from the degree diametrically opposite to the Sun, onwards, in the order of the signs, to the degree actually occupied by the Sun: because, by dividing the respective amounts of these times so obtained, by fifteen, the number of equatorial hours belonging to each space will be exhibited; and if the division be made by twelve, instead of fifteen, the result will shew the numbers of degrees equivalent to one temporal hour of either of the said spaces respectively*. The magnitude of any temporal hour may be, however, more easily found by referring to the annexed Table of Ascensions, and taking the difference between the respective aggregate numbers, inserted therein under the heads of the equinoctial parallel or right sphere, and of any particular climate for which the magnitude of the temporal hour is required; and, if the said hour be a diurnal hour, the aggregate times as stated against the zodiacal degree occupied by the Sun; but, if nocturnal, those stated against the degree diametrically opposite, are to be compared; and the sixth part of the difference between them is to be added, if the said degree be in the northern