Chap. xxxi. Of the Observation of the fixt Stars, and of their Natures.

There is the like consideration to be had in all things concerning the fixt stars. Know this that all the fixt

stars are of the signification and nature of the seven Planets; but some are of the nature of one Planet, and

some of two. Hence as often as any Planet is joyned with any of the fixt stars of its own nature, the

signification of that star is5 made more powerful, and the nature of the Planet augmented: but if it be a star

of two natures, the nature of that which shall be the stronger with it shall overcome in signification; as for

example, if it be of the nature of Mars, and Venus; if Mars shall be the stronger with it, the nature of Mars

shall overcome; but if Venus, the nature of Venus shall overcome. Now the natures of fixt stars are

discovered by their colours, as they agree with certain Planets, and are ascribed to them. Now the colours of

the Planets are these: of Saturn, blew [blue], and leaden, and shining with this: of Jupiter citrine neer to a

paleness, and clear with this; of Mars, red, and fiery; of the Sun, yellow, and when it riseth red, afterward

glittering: of Venus, white and shining; white with the morning, and reddish in the evening: of Mercury,

glittering; of the Moon, fair. Know also that of the fixed stars by how much the greater, and the brighter and

apparent they are, so much the greater and stronger is the signification; such are these stars which are called

by the Astrologers of the first, and second Magnitude. I will tell thee some of these which are more potent to

this faculty, as are viz. the Navel of Andromeda in two and twentieth degree of Aries, of the nature of Venus,

& Mercury; some call it Jovial, & Saturnine. The head of Algol in the eighteenth degree of Taurus, of the

nature of Saturn and Jupiter. The Pleiades are also in the two and twentieth degree, a Lunary star by Nature

and by complexion Martial. Also in the third degree of Gemini is Aldeboram [Aldeboran], of the nature of

Mars, and complexion of Venus: but Hermes placeth this in the twenty fifth degree of Aries. The Goat star

is in the thirteenth degree of the said Gemini, of the nature of Jupiter, and Saturn; the greater Dog star is in

the seventh degree of Cancer, and Venereal: the lesser Dog-star is in the seventeenth degree of the same,

and is of the nature of Mercury, and complexion of Mars. The Kings star, which is called the Heart of the

Lion, is in the one and twentieth degree of Leo, and of the nature of Jupiter and Mars; the tail of the greater

Bear is in the nineteenth degree of Virgo, and is Venereal, and Lunary. The Star which is called the right

wing of the Crow is in the seventh degree of Libra, and in the thirteenth degree of the same is the left wing

of the same, and both of the nature of Saturn and Mars. The Star called Spica is in the sixteenth degree of

the same, and is Venereal and Mercurial. In the seventeenth degree of the same is Alcameth, of the nature of

Mars, and Jupiter; but of this when the Suns aspect is full towards it; of that when on the contrary. Elepheia

in the fourth degree of Scorpio, of the nature of Venus, and Mars: The Heart of the Scorpion is in the third

degree of Sagittarius, of the nature of Mars, and Jupiter: the falling Vulture is in the seventh degree of

Capricorn, Temperate, Mercurial, and Venereal: The taile of Capricorn is in the sixteenth degree of

Aquarius, of the nature of Saturn, and Mercury: The Star called the Shoulder of the Horse, is in the third

degree of Piscis, of the nature of Jupiter and Mzrs. And it shall be a general rule for thee to expect the

proper gifts of the Stars whilest they rule, to be prevented of them, they being unfortunate, and opposite, as

is above shewed. For Celestial bodies, in as much as they are affected fortunately, or unfortunately, so much

do they affect us, our works, and those things which we use, fortunately, or unhappily. And although many

effects proceed from the fixt Stars, yet they are attributed to the Planets, as because being more neer to us,

and more distinct and known, so because they execute whatsoever the superior Stars communicate to them.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 679