# Liber Hermetis, гл. XXV «О неподвижных звёздах: в каких градусах восходят» (Gundel 1936).
# АНГЛИЙСКИЙ перевод R. Zoller (Project Hindsight). Латинского оригинала в источнике НЕТ.
# Класс: паранателлонта (восходящие созвездия) + образы градусов. Для позиц. матча нужна латынь.

Pisces, by Day Venus, and by night Mars. . . . 105 XXXVI. On Biothanati, i.e., On Suffering Violent Death. . . 107 XXXVII. On Üie Death of the Brothers............................................113 XXV. Concerning the Fixed Stars: In Which Degrees of the Signs They Rise.1 On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Aries.2 From the first degree of Aries to the second3 there rises a fisherman sitting on the [river] bank fishing4 This place is called "Diligence.”5 These degrees are unblemished and southern because those who are fashioned in this place are the first born, or the first sons, or the first nourished, or they kill their older brothers. They are diligent hunters and fowlers and many are geometers and arithmeticians. In the third degree there is the bright star of the Gorgon or Cynocephalus,6 i.e., having the head of a dog, holding a candelabrum. In the third degree and a half there rises, according to Ptolemy, a bright fixed star in the end of the Flood of the first magnitude, of the nature of Jupiter and Venus.7 The third and fourth degrees are unblemished and southern. They are also called "Diligence." ’ Note that the following delineations of the overall fate are made on the basis of the ascending degree. The names given to various segments of the ecliptic are reminiscent of the naming of the paths on the Tree of Life in Sepher Yetzirah. The effects of the fixed stars herein listed are catalogued, in part, according to the natures of the planets, much as they are in Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos, I. 9., even to being given two planets as descriptive of their effects, but they do not coincide with his attributions. [Additional by RH] The identifications of the fixed stars given in this list with modern ones is according Gundel in his critical apparatus. We plan to check them carefully at a later time, by they all seem plausible. ' Here Festugiére is certainly right. We are in a florilège, i.e., a collection of opinions from disparate sources, some older than others. Note Ptolemy inserted at 3 1/2 degrees of Aries, 3 In all of these constructions, the reader should understand that the last degree is included among the degrees being described. [RH] 4 Compare the language of this section with that used by Ibn Ezra in describing the rising of the ’’faces" in Beginning of Wisdom: An Astrological Treatise by Abraham Ibn Ezra, by Raphael Levy, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins, 1939. 5 Throughout this section quotation marks are placed around words and phrases that appear to be titles of degree areas. There were, of course, no quotation marks in the original. It is not completely clear that these were intended to be titles, but most of them do not sound like simple descriptions. [RH] 6 Probably Theta Eridani. Acamar. [RHJ 7 Probably also Theta Eridani, Acamar, as but given by Ptolemy. [RH] 1 From the third to the fifth degree the Goddess Pallas rises. This place makes wise men, artificers, master builders, mechanics and slaves who take care of silk.1 prom the first degree to the third, the degrees are pure.] In the sixth degree according to the Sphaera Barbarica" is the knot of Pisces.3 This is called "Remission.” It makes those, for whom it may be ascending, diligent and reasonable, unmerciful, lucky, prison guards, also captives, and those causing violent death. They perform as ignoble, sycophantic actors. The sixth degree is of the nature of Mars and Mercury. From the sixth to the seventh is Cepheus.4 It is called "Remission." The fifth, sixth and seventh degrees make one suffer affliction. From the first degree to the sixth are the terms of Jupiter.5 It is called "the Chariot." When they are rising, they make men mobile and achieving greater things from humble beginnings. Some prosper and are citizens ol two cities. From the eighth degree to the tenth is Perseus flying, having his head below and foot above, showing the head of the Gorgon to the Whale. From the fifth degree to the ninth is called "Remission7" because they are remiss with respect to life and habits. ’ se ricarios This word comes from Seres, Chinese, known for the silk trade. Lucan (39-65 C.E.) placed them at the source of the Nile and made them neighbors of the Ethiopians. The confusion of Ethiopia and the Far East has a long and interesting history running from Classical times almost up to the Renaissance. For example, the legend of Prester John sometimes located his empire in India, sometimes in Ethiopia. 2 The non-Greek, usually Egyptian, Catalogue of constellations. C/. Testor. A History of Western Astrology, Boydell, 1987, pp. 14, 22, 43, 116, 135, 137, 138-9. Cf. Round Zodiac in ceiling at Denderah. The sphaera barbarica were used for describing the co­ risings of the paranatellontae with each other and with the signs. 3 Alpha Piscium, Al Rischa, the Cord. 20 degrees south from the Head of the Ram and 2.7 degrees north of the celestial equator. It is the knot of the united cords of the Fishes. Hipparchus and Ptolemy called it tön linön. Cicero called Nodus Piscium. 4 Cf. Aratus, Stanley Lombardo, Sky Signs: Aratus' Phaenomena, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1983, p. 8. 5 So, in Tetrabiblos, Book I chapter 20. ed. cit. The terms listed here, except for some discrepancies in the way the author counted (inclusively or not), are the Egyptian terms, as we would expect. 6 bicives. 7 This word, remissio, has a variety of translations including "letting go," "remission," "relaxation." This word has occurred in various contexts in the last few lines. [RH] Ξ When the eighth degree is rising it makes magnates and kings, or those set up over prisoners. * From the fifth degree to the eighth are lucid degrees. The ninth degree is the mouth of the Ram.1 When it is on the ascendant, it produces men doing foul things, adulterers and those speaking with their noses2 or mute, and overseers set over those who have been incarcerated. When the tenth degree is on the ascendant, it makes its natives glorious and outstanding, but committing foul acts, and lacking in the necessities of life. But sometimes [it makes] men of middling livelihood. * The ninth, tenth and eleventh degrees are southern, dark3 and full of hail. In the eleventh degree and 16 degrees there rises [a star] which is in the head of Cassiopeia4. From the eleventh [degree] to the twelfth is Cassiopeia. It makes lovers of contention who have good spouses, but in the end they are afflicted. From the seventh degree to the twelfth are the terms of Venus. It is called Cupid. It causes friendships and the caress of eminent women. From the thirteenth degree to the fifteenth Andromedas rises suspended in chains above the banks of the Red Sea, as if beseeching. When the thirteenth [degree] is in the ascendant with Saturn or the Moon it causes crucifixions on account of Andromeda, afflictions from neighbors and treacheries. But if a benevolent [planet] should aspect, they [the natives] are breeds from these things by that [benefic], as Andromeda was saved by Perseus, and moreover, they are carried forth from their prisons. But without Saturn and the Moon, when the thirteenth degree rises, it makes shameless men living in prisons. Likewise the fourteenth degree makes men shameless. When the fifteenth degree is with the horoscope, it makes men famous, glorious and wealthy, those who are incarcerated, exiles, or 1 Eta and Alpha Arietis. Hamai. [RH] 2 This is an idiom of some sort which may mean to sneer, or it may refer to a speech defect. 3 iene bros us. ' Zeta Cassopeiae. [RH] 5 Cf. Lombardo. Sky Signs: Aratus' Phaenomena, cd. cit. p.9. 6 taking sa I vont ur for sal va far. those who wander from region to region, or businessmen,1 according to the figure of the nativity. *’ From the ninth degree to the sixteenth are shadowy.2 From the tenth degree to the fifteenth is called "Exaltation," because these degrees make [natives who are] excellent, eloquent and money changers. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth is Cetus the Whale watching3 Andromeda. The eighteenth degree is the loins of the Ram.4 Cetus rises with it. It makes prison guards, dancers, greedy men and forgers of documents. The eighteenth degree is the girdle of the Ram/ When it is the horoscope it makes sodomites. From the fourteenth degree and twenty-six minutes to twenty [degrees] and sixteen minutes there rises the triangle Deltoton. It makes farmers living off the land. From the sixteenth degree to the twentieth, below the girdle, is called "The Ruins" because those born with this section of Aries ascending fall from high places. From the fifteenth to the twentieth is he who carries a lantern. It makes those who carry lamps in processions and those who sell them. From the thirteenth to the twentieth are the terms of Mercury. It is good nourishment, love of work, glory and profits. ^ From the seventeenth to the twentieth [degree] are lucid degrees. From the twenty-first to the twentieth-third [degree] Ocean rises. The twenty-first makes men the basest in all respects. When the twenty-second degree is the horoscope it makes shameless fornicators living off the land. The twenty-third degree is the end of the tail. When it is the horoscope, it makes those who tie flowers, prosperous gardeners and household superintendents, or those living off the land.6 All of Ocean is from the twenty-first to the twentieth-third [degree]. It signifies a royal power. From the twenty-fourth to the twenty-fifth [degree] is Deltoton. It j negotiates. ' umbrosi. 3 irony. 4 NuArietis. [RH] 5 c Arietis. [RH] 6 Presumably tenant fanners. 4 makes builders, carpenters, stone-cutters and all those who build houses honorably, tailors and shoemakers. The twenty-fourth degree makes sodomites doing foul things, or pimps or shameless men. When the twenty-fifth degree is the horoscope, it makes shepherds and keepers of cattle. From the twenty-first degree to the twenty-fifth are the terms of Mars and are called “Distemperance.” It causes dissensions, exile, flights, condemnations, adulteries, hatreds, detentions and sicknesses. From the twenty-first degree to the twenty-fourth the degrees are empty. From the twenty-sixth degree to the twenty-seventh Aelurus rises. It makes timid insipid detractors. When the twentieth degree is the horoscope it makes shameless men. From the twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth is part of Pegasus.1 It makes [there is a lacuna in the text] stable boys, cattle thieves and donkey drivers. The twenty-eighth degree makes shameless men. From the twenty-fifth degree to the thirtieth is called ’’Motion,” because when these rise it makes mobile men and businessmen. Whoever is bom [with the degrees] from the twenty-sixth to the twenty-ninth [rising] will be great and perpetrators of great things. From the twenty-sixth to the thirtieth are the terms of Saturn. They are called "Two-Faced." They make superintendents, correction officers, set above the people. From the twenty-fifth degree to the twenty-ninth the degrees are lucid. The thirtieth degree is empty. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees in Taurus. From the first degree of Taurus to the third are the Pleiades. They are called "Life. "2 These degrees are shadowy because they live not 1 The winged Horse. This was an important religious symbol for the Phoenicians. 2 There is an old esoteric doctrine that the source of immortality is to be found in the Pleiades. lacking in any respect and they are of many things.1 But they signify certain farmers and governors. But [if] Mars and the Moon are in that place, they [the planets] cut off the genitals. In the third degree and six minutes the Gorgon rises, of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter.2 In the fourth degree and six minutes the head of Perseus rises, of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter.3 From the fourth to the seventh is the Hyades. They produce rain, water-carriers and bath keepers. When the third and fourth degrees are horoscopes, they make the scribes of the [various] countries, and tenant farmers on the villas of kings,4 feeders of horses or ploughmen. But they will lament much because of their eyes or they will become one-eyed or lunatics. The fourth and the fifth are not degrees of many children. From the fifth degree and thirty-six minutes to the seventh degree and six minutes Pleias5 rises, of the nature of Mars and the Moon. The seventh degree is twisted around the knee of the Bull.6 For this reason, from the first degree to the eighth and to the Pleiades, they exist in turbid air. They are makers of thunders and earthquakes, and makers of lightnings and fires. These two degrees, the sixth and the seventh are called "Drying" because when they are horoscopes, they make impetuous men, feeders of pigs and cattle, stupid men who suffer violent death or those who chase wild beasts. From the first to the eighth [degree] are the terms of Venus and it is called "Cupid" because in an ascendant of this kind they make lovers of purity, [and] cheerful music. From the eighth to the ninth is called "The Slave," because when they are on the ascendant they make slaves and subjects. The tenth degree is called "The sufferings of evil things," because they never get good from [an ascendant] of this sort. From the eighth to the eleventh [degree] there rises Auriga holding back the chariot. It makes outstanding charioteers. ' The logic of this passage escapes me. Perhaps, they [the "living" degrees] are characteristic of many things. 2 Beta Persei, Algol. [RH] 3 Tan Persi. [RH] 4 conductores vicorum regiorum. 5 One of the Pleiades (to be understood as standing for all of them)? 6 Mu Tauri. [RH] 6 From the twelfth to the fourteenth is Auriga holding the wheel by the middle. The twelfth degree causes many slaves to change to lords through Fortune, however they are shameless. When the thirteenth degree is the horoscope it makes [its natives] free, good, faithful, friendly, magnanimous men who acquire riches, relaxed, but shameless. The fourteenth degree makes shameless perpetrators of foul deeds, sodomites, lovers of music, those who do not take up ancestral things, those who are friendly lovers of the sciences, but others are hunters suffering violent death. From the fifteenth degree and thirty six minutes to sixteen degrees and six minutes all of Hyas1 rises. From the ninth degree to the fourteenth are the terms of Mercury. They are called ’’Supine,” because when they are horoscopes they make presidents2, overseers and stewards. From the twelfth to the fifteenth make shameless men. From the eleventh to the twelfth the degrees are empty. From the fifteenth to the seventeenth Orion rises with a sword opposed to Antares. When the fifteenth degree is the horoscope, in which is the brilliant star of Orions, opposite to the star in Antares placed in the fifteenth degree of Scorpio, it is called "Death.” It makes tribunes, leaders of armies, chiefs of the military great and terrible, but shameless and perpetrators of foul deeds, however powerful travelling through many regions and subjugating barbarous peoples ;4 but they die a violent death, deceitfully killed or burned to death. The fifteenth degree and the sixteenth degrees are southern and smokey. The seventeenth degree makes great tribunes but they die violently. In the sixteenth degree and six minutes there rises the brilliant star of the Hyades,5 of the nature of Mars and Venus. This degree is called "The Earth." 1 Here again the singular form is used. Are we to understand that all the Hyades are meant? 2 ’President' here means "one who sits in front," not the modern office. [RH] 3 Pi Ononis. [RH] 4 gentes. 5 Alpha Tauri, Aldebaran. [RH1 From the eighteenth degree to the twentieth rises the Ship and in addition the Dead Dragon. It is called "the Earth." From the seventeenth degree to the twenty-second they are field workers who have their livelihood from the earth working [the land] in peril. The nineteenth degree makes lords with labor. From the twenty-first to the twenty-third there rises He-Who-Holds- Back-the-Ship, the God disposing the whole world. The twenty-first [degree] makes black athletes? But if Mars is in the ascending degree, they kill their parents and they are themselves evilly killed or are fed to dogs. The twenty-third degree is called "Terminus,"2 because, when it is the horoscope, he sails over a very large region and rules very many places. The twenty-second degree is the beginning of the Flood.3 From the thirteenth degree to the twentieth the degrees are lucid. In the twenty-third degree and sixteen minutes there rises a brilliant star, which is in the end of the left foot of Orion.4 The twenty-fourth degree is called “Terminus'it is of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter, because it sails a very great region and acquires very many places. From the fourteenth degree to the twenty-second are the terms of Jupiter. It is called "Beauty, Glory, Approach," unexpected benefit and much friendship. From the twenty-fourth to the twenty-seventh is the God below the Ship. He signifies the retributions of evil men or the obtaining of good things after death. From the twenty-fifth to the twenty-seventh is called "Water," because these [degrees], when they are the horoscopes, make merchants6 making their livelihood on the waters or through some liquid. When the twenty-sixth [degree] is the horoscope, it makes idle, The Michael Jordan degree! 2 A deity presiding over boundaries. ' Lambda Eridani. [RH] 4 Beta Ononis, Rigel [RH] s Gamma Aurigae, or Beta Tauri, El Nath. [RH] 6 negotiate res. destructive robbers. From the twentieth degree to the twenty-fifth the degrees are empty. The twenty-fifth and the twenty-sixth degrees are southern and turbid and moving the air and lightnings. From the twenty-third degree to the twenty-seventh are the terms of Saturn. It is called "The Freeing, the Remission of Evils, Continuous Delight and the Loss of Substance." In the twenty-eighth degree and the twenty-ninth there rises the brilliant star of the She Goat,1 which is called “Mazonas. m2 It is of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter. From tlie twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth is the Bear which is above the heaven. It is called "the Violence of Fire," because these, when they are horoscopes, they [the natives born under them] will have life from fire and iron. They are the terms of Mars, but they will suffer a violent death. Some are thieves, some rapacious, some are sentenced to punishments and some mutilated. The twenty-ninth degree makes those who are suffering evils or who are lame, always destroying everything. The thirtieth degree makes prudent and erudite men, but some have cuts from iron or fire or become bath house keepers.4 From the twenty-sixth to the twenty-eighth [degree] the degrees are lucid. The twenty-ninth and the thirtieth degrees are shadowy. From the twenty-eighth degree and thirty-six minutes to the first degree of Gemini and thirty-six minutes the belt of Orion rises.5 On the Fixed Stars and Degrees in Gemini. From the twenty-eighth degree of Taurus and thirty-six minutes to the first degree of Gemini and thirty-six minutes there rises the zone of Orion and Auriga who stands atop the chariot, the two horses and the 1 Alpha Aurigae, Capella. 2 Perhaps. "Amazonas?” Robert Schmidt suggests that mazones in Greek refers to those who celebrate the festival of Dionysius at Phigalea. Also cf. Hebrew: Matzon. “food.” One of the goat’s attributes is that it will eat anything. 1 damnati. 4 It appears that to be a bath-keeper was not consistent with being prudent and erudite. 5 Delta Orionis, Mintaka. [RH] wheel. In the first degree thirty-six minutes there rises the middle star of the three in the belt of Orion,1 of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter. From the first degree to the second there rises Cetus’s tail and Hercules. It is called ’’Wind,” because by these, when they are horoscopes, they become merchants going to many places, frequently living among strangers. They make lovers of music, the sciences and philosophical doctrines.2 The third degree signifies the same thing. It is likewise called "Wind.” From the third degree to the fifth [is] Hippocentaurus and Apollo. From the first degree to the sixth the degrees are lucid, because, when they are in the ascendant they make sailors. It is called "Tranquility." But if Saturn is present it makes excellent physicians and notaries and herbalists, augurs, priests, those who are constant, assistants and those expert in mathesis/ In the fifth degree and twenty-six minutes there rises a star, which is in the right shoulder of Orion? It is of the nature of Mars and Mercury. In the sixth degree and twenty-six minutes there rises a star of Auriga, of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter.6 In the head of Auriga there is another brilliant star in the sixth degree and fifty-six minutes.7 From the first degree to sixth degree are the degrees8 of Mercury. It is called "Tranquility" because by these, when they are horoscopes, are made [natives who are] constant, intelligent, taciturn, and able to navigate. From the sixth to the seventh degree there are the Dragon, the Bear ’ Epsilon Ononis, Alnilam. [RH] 2 scientiae et disciplinae. 3 assiduos. 4 The word mathesis in Greek originally meant any art which could be teamed. By the European Middle Ages it had two meanings. If the 'th' was aspirated and the ’e’ kept short (as in "the"), it meant mathematics and included all the Quadrivium, including astronomy. If the 'th* were sounded as 't* and the ’e’ lengthened (as in "fee"), it meant divination by numbers. This latter included astrology and arithromancy. The former was considered licit by the church, the latter was condemned. 3 Alpha Ononis, Betelgeuse. [RH] 6 Beta Aurigae, Menkalinan. [RH] 7 Delta Aurigae. [RH] 8 The words gradus and terminus are here used interchangeably. 10 and the Hunter. It signifies illness, imprisonment and chains. From the eighth to the tenth [degree] is Theseus standing on his knees. It makes stone cutters and every labor performed sitting.i The eighth, ninth and tenth degrees are shadowy. From the eleventh to the twelfth [degree] there rises the Ship and the Crown.2 It makes actors, mimes and jesters. From the seventh [degree] to the twelfth are the terms of Jupiter. They are called "Benefits" because those of this sort both do good and they receive benefits and they become beneficial. Whenever the time arrives, the eighth and ninth degrees make winter? They are southern and are significators of good aspiration. From the fourth to the twelfth [degree] is called "Temperance," because for those whose horoscopes they are, they give a well tempered mind. The twelfth degree, when it is the horoscope [and is] with Mars, makes sacrileges and enmities. From the thirteenth degree to the fifteenth degree Theseus rises, who appears half-complete from part of the Crown. It is called "The Descent," because from middle age they fail away from their own goods. They are brought to pass in strength or prudence or power. From the thirteenth degree to the eighteenth degree Faon rises, a Satyr with a walking stick and a dog. It makes fighters and all things which participate in rhythm and exercise. From the thirteenth degree to the seventeenth are the terms of Venus. It is called "The Place, Flower, Beauty, Felicity from Unexpected Things." From the eleventh to the fifteenth degree are lucid degrees. From the sixteenth degree to the seventeenth the degrees are empty. From the nineteenth to the twentieth the Serpent rises. It makes hunters of wild beasts, fowlers, moreover some having a trade next to the waters, or those lurking outside the city, those causing despair, envious persons, and those who polish skins such as snake skin. In the twenty-first degree and six minutes there rises the bright Dog star, of the nature of Mars and Jupiter.4 It makes great gourmands. 1 or, "every sedentary profession." ' Corona. ’ Or, “the rainy season.” 4 Alpha Canis Maioris, Sirius. [RH] 11 From the twenty-first degree to the twenty-second the Hen rises and the Tail of the Whale [Cetus]. It makes [the natives] very changeable, unstable of mind and imagining beyond their limit. From the twentieth to the twenty-fifth degree Tripes' and above, Cithera and Crater. It makes soothsayers, hypnocrites} poets, physicians, herbalists, or grammarians, prudent, temperate men, pious magnates and priests. From the eighteenth to the twenty-third degree are lucid degrees. The twenty-fourth degree makes those who linger on fountains, rivers, and swamps or in ditches; many are made soft of body.3 The twenty-fourth degree is southern and signifies benefits and is a causer of earthquakes. From the eighteenth degree to the twenty-fourth degree arc the terms of Mars and it is called "Fortitude, and Presiding Power and Benefits." When the twenty-fifth degree is the horoscope it makes athletes and these same particularly boxers, champion wrestlers; and soldiers and prison guards [are made]. It also makes musicians or acrobats, but they are harmed in the head, because there rises with it the bright star in the head of the preceding Twin, of the nature of Jupiter and Mercury.4 When the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth degree are horoscopes, they harm the head in every way, as we said above. From the twenty-sixth to the twenty-eighth [degree] is part of Auriga. They are southern degrees and significators of good aspiration and inducers of earthquakes. They make gamesters,5 those who play at dice,6 wretches, those with gout, rheumatism.7 The twenty-second degree to the twenty-seventh degree is called ’ “Three-footed.” 2 interpreters of dreams. ' An aspersion regarding the entertainment of such natives is implied. 4 Alpha Geminorum, Castor. [RH] 5 aleatores. Those who play at dice. 6 taxilid to res. Dice players again. This time a small die is referred to. Apparently there were several kinds of dies used to play dice. ’ According to Niermcycr, Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, contractas means those who have rheumatism, which certainly fits in juxtaposition to gout. [RH] 52 “Gene,”’because by these, when they are horoscopes, [the natives] are delayed in humid places, fountains, rivers, or in ruinous places. From the twenty-ninth to the thirtieth degree arise Delphinus and the Satyr. The twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth is called ’'Conjunction.” These degrees cause earthquakes, mariners, swimmers, managers of agreements,2 gluttons.3 It is called "The Chain," because many of them are placed in custody or become prison guards or those who swim with implements bound together with others4, or they in some way receive the experience of prison. From the twenty-fourth degree to the thirtieth the ^degrees are shadowy. From the twenty-fifth degree to the thirtieth are the terms of Saturn. It is called "Subjection." It causes one to be orphaned, bindings, dishonorable military service, loss of dignity. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Cancer. From the first degree to the second of Cancer Argo rises half visible, and the figure of the Shepherd. In six minutes there rises the brilliant star which is above the head of the following Twin,5 of the nature of Mars, it makes seamen, captains of ships, travellers and fishermen, and those who bring up sponges, and merchants and businessmen. Many are harmed in the head. From the third to the fifth degree there rises He-Who Moves-the- Ship, and the open mouth of the Lion. It makes sailors who climb in the mast of a ship, and who give indications of the land, winds or cities.6 or gold workers, which the common people call perenenses,1 or guards 1 This name, Gundel tells us, shows up only in the LiberHermetis He considered it one of the new Hermetic star names connected with magical practices. He connects it to the zodiac of Dendera and to the goddess remen-har mentioned by Brugsch (Thesaurus inscr.Æg. I. I37ff.). 2 tractatores composilorum. 3 gtutones. 1 The precise meaning of this is unclear. It may refer to pearl divers or sponge gatherers, who swim tied together, so that they can be pulled out. [RH] 5 Beta Geminorum, Pollux. [RH] 6 in other words, the lookout of a ship. [RH] 7 Unknown word. 13 of wine barrels,1 schismatics,2 thespians,3 stupefied people,4 those who He down/ those uniting for evil purposes,6 quarrelsome people7 However, these people die in public by fire or iron, if Mars is in the ascendant, but by water, if Saturn be there instead. In the second degree and thirty-six minutes Canis Minor8 rises, having been aroused by the rays of The Dog. It is of the nature of Mars and Mercury and it signifies the aforesaid things. When the fifth degree is the horoscope, it makes fishermen, sailors and navigators. From the sixth degree to Hie seventh degree is the Fountain and the two Asses in Hie mouth of the Lion.9 It signifies advantage. They conduct their Hves humbly, Hving a relaxed life without elegance. From the fourth degree to the seventh according to the Sphaera Barbarica is the Little Cloud.10 When it is on Hie horoscope, with Mars and Hie Moon, it makes blind men or those having cataracts,” damaged eyes. The sixth and seventh degree makes effeminate men who sleep with thunnorum. Sorry Charley, we’re not speaking classical Latin here. If we were, our guards would be keeping watch over tuna fish (thunnus). Our author (or editor) goofed and wrote thunnorum instead of thunnorum, which in any case should have been tunnarum, the plural of Medieval Latin tunna, from which we get English tun, a large barrel or cask for storing wine or ale. The guards were posted to keep away wine-bibbers, not cats. 2 cis maticos = schismatic os. [Additional by RH] This peculiar form of the word is either Sicilian or Spanish according to the O.E.D. This is consistent with the other Sicilian words that R. Zoller has noted in his introduction to Part 1 of the L.H. See Liber Hermetis, Part I, p. xxiv. 3 theaticos. 4 stupefactos. Also senseless or benumbed persons. [RH] 5 desensores. A reference to craven sexual behavior. 6 ad mala concurrentes 7 rixatores. 8 Anticanis, i.e., Procyon, Alpha Canis Minoris. Vide. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, by Richard Hinckley Allen, NY: Dover 1963 pp. 131-133. ' Gamma and Delta Cancri. [RH] 10 See below page 16, note 1. This cloud is also known as the Beehive. It is interesting to note the various positions given in this section of the text for this cloud. The text itself appears to be (accidentally) a record of precession. One wonders if this hermetic text contributed to Thebit ben Qurra’s Trepidation Theory which dealt with an incorrect conception of Precession. ” nubecula. 14 animals. From the first to the seventh degree are the terms of Mars. It is called "Possession, Confusions, Enmities, Dangers and Exiles." From the seventh to the eighth degree Praesepe rises, and Lyra playing the lyre. But some say that the Little Cloud is in the eighth and ninth. They make those having an easy life with relaxation and much putting off until tomorrow, living without a thought [for tomorrow] with delight. The eighth degree makes sober, just men, compassionate, sometimes laborers, or those working in workhouses,1 suffering evil things. The ninth degree makes arrogant, cupidinous, luxurious, adulterers or desperate, impious hunters, and those who have their eyes wounded? According to Dorotheus, the Little Cloud in Cancer rises in the ninth degree. The tenth degree is called "Solution," because they will travel in many lands and they become rich. From the eleventh to the twelfth [degree] is the Little Cloud. It signifies the robe of secular tilings.4 They make just men, cheerful and 1 Hellenistic Egypt must have been full of prisons. 2 The ancient Egyptian physicians were renown for their ability to cure diseases of the eyes. 3 Mid 1 st cent. C.E. 4 The saecularia were games held at intervals to celebrate the salvation of the world from the periodic destructions by fire and water (called, in Greek, Apokatastasis) which marked the transition from one age to another, or in gratitude to the gods for having enabled the people to escape epidemics or other catastrophes The concept of the Apokatastasis was that of a periodic purging of evil and disharmony from the world Those who survived into the next age were "just and fortunate." Among the Greeks, there were many myths of certain ages of the world (Golden Age, Silver age, etc) all mixed up with astronomical theories of the whole world order beginning anew when the planets returned to their original positions after what was called the magnus annus or Great Year. The same series of people would appear on earth again and repeat the various exploits of their lives (Cf. Virgil, Eclog, iv, 34ff). Among the Greeks the idea was held that the cycle began anew after four periods of 110 years each (Cf Augustine, De Civ. Dei. xxii. 28. He quotes Varro from On the Origin of the Roman People, "Certain astrologers," he says, "have written that men are destined to a new birth, which the Greeks call Palingenesy. This will take place after four hundred and forty years have elapsed; and then the same soul and the same body, which were formerly united in the person, shall again be reunited.") The Romans took up this belief and practice and saw such ideas as linked to the Sybelline Books (Horace, Carm. Saec. 5). 15 fortunate. From the twelfth degree and twenty-six minutes to the fourteenth degree and forty-nine minutes the Little Cloud rises. According to Ptolemy1 this is in the thirteenth degree. When it is found in the ascendant [it shows] one having a rich voice. From the eighth to the thirteenth degree are the terms of Venus. It is called "Concupiscence." The eighth and ninth degrees arc southern, frigid and windy, and the terms of Venus. They make lovers of purity and those who are desirable. From the eighth to the twelfth the degrees are lucid. From the tliirteenth to the fifteenth degree is the Dog Star.2 It makes men terrible in battles and kings. It also causes great sicknesses. The thirteenth and fourteenth degrees are shadowy. The fifteenth degree is called "The Constellation," because it signifies regarding appearance and splendor. From the sixteenth to the seventeenth degree the Satyr rises. It makes those who are naked, brigands, those for whom [the police] are looking.3 At these celebrations, which marked the transition from one age to the next, games were held in honor of the gods and propitiatory offerings were made for all alive at that time. When that whole race had passed away, the gods signified that the cycle was over by sending prodigies, and a new sacrifice had to be ordered (Censorinus, De die natali, 17.5). 1 In Tetrabiblos, I. 9. a cloud-like cluster in the breast [of Cancer], called the Manger [Praesepe, or Beehive] is mentioned. In the Almagest it is said to be at 10 1/3 degrees. Ptolemy’s floruit = 160 C.E. The text claims Ptolemy’s position for the Little Cloud is 13 degrees. In this case, the text seems to have been corrected by 2 2/3 degrees. This would be 266 years at the commonly used rate of precession in the early centuries C.E. (1 degree per century). 266 + c 160 (Ptolemy’s floruit) = c 426 C.E. Pingree reckons a bit later overall. At a rate of 50.25 seconds /annum, this would be about 190 years, this would come to c 350. Dorotheus is represented as claiming that the Manger is at 9 degrees. The difference between the Almagest's position (10.5 degrees) and what the text says Dorotheus’ position is = 1.5 degrees. At 1 degree/ century, this amounts to 150 years. At a rale of50.25’’/year, it would take roughly 107.46 years to travel that distance. Thus Dorotheus would have composed his tables about 53 C.E., which may be roughly correct and would suggest that the star positions might have been arrived at by observation. 2 This does not seem to be Sirius. [RH] 3 excogitatos. Ki From the fifteenth degree to the eighteenth degree the degrees are lucid. From the eighteenth degree to the twentieth are the Three Graces. They produce strength, prudence, temperance, beauty, wealth and [pleasing] voice. When the eighteenth and the nineteenth degrees are horoscopes with Jupiter preceding, they make merchants, greedy men, money­ lenders, and some famous athletes. This is because the head of the Hydra is there.1 When the twentieth degree is the horoscope, it makes lame, crook­ footed men with useless hands, living from spices and fruits. They make lovers of music. But if Mars is in this degree, it makes eunuchs. From the fourteenth degree to the nineteenth are the terms of Mercury. It is proper, the friendship of great men. Some however, are lovers of words. The twenty-first degree and forty-six minutes is the star in the end of the nose of the Lion.2 From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-third is the head of the Hydra.3 The nineteenth to the twentieth degrees are dark. The twenty-first degree to the twenty-third are the hind parts of the Bear. The twenty-first degree is southern and cold and windy. It is called by many the Dog Star.4 It signifies the final act of doing and glory. From the twenty-fourth degree to the twenty-sixth are the middle of the Scarabeus. It makes disciples [or apprentices], practitioners and busy men. The twenty-fifth degree makes happy men, adulterers, doers of foul deeds. This is because this is the place of the Dog. The twenty-sixth degree is called "Measure,” because it is a sign of worthy performance5 in life. From the twentieth degree to the twenty-sixth are the terms of Jupiter. It is called the term of life and the exaltation of Jupiter. They ’ Epsilon and Eta Hydrae. [RH] 2 Kappa Leonis. [RH] 3 Epsilon and Eta Hydrae. IRHJ 4 Again, not Sinus. [RH] 5 invanae operationis in vita. 17 make benefactors, lovers of food, lovers of things made by artisans; some, however, are those desiring something from the gods. From the twenty-seventh degree to the thirtieth the tail of the Hydra rises. They are the terms of Saturn. They make fishermen, water carriers, bath-attendants, river pirates,1 gardeners, drinkers of fountains and whatever things are made in wetness. From the twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth are made impious and shameless [natives]. These cohabit with [their] mothers and [their] stepmothers.2 But some are hunters, and fighters with wild animals. The twenty-ninth degree is called "The Wedding of the Gods." From the twenty-seventh degree to the thirtieth are the terms of Saturn. Many are made unstable, raging insanely with indignities. Men of many counsels and extremely changeable [men] are made. From the twenty-first degree to the twenty-eighth are lucid degrees. The twenty-ninth and the thirtieth degrees are empty. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Leo. From the first degree to the second degree of Leo there rise the middles of Hydra, Auriga, and Argo. When these are horoscopes, they make fanners, gardeners, fowlers, collectors of seeds, bathers,3 gladiators,4 sailors, witnesses5 (but evil ones), evil-doers,6 eaters of evil things,7 those suffering evil things, pimps, those having a stinking mouth or having a disagreeable voice. Many die on the gallows, or they kill their parents. In the third degree and twenty-six minutes there rises the beginning of Hydra8 It is of the nature of Saturn and Venus. From the fourth degree to the fifth degree is the Crow near Crater. captatores fluminum. 2 Can this be an example of an alien astrologer condemning Pharaonic Egyptian marriage practices? 3 to tores. Lewis and Short show lotus as from lavo, to wash. I therefore suggest Lotores as a form of lautores, from taut us, "washed.” Perhaps the Latin translator means wash-house attendants? 4 Paradoxically, because they also stand on sand, teachers of arithmetic are also called arenari us or harenarius. 5 superstes. This word in Medieval Latin also means a supervisor. [RH] 6 This term was occasionally applied to witches and sorcerers as well as to criminals. 7 Another reference to black-magical practices. 8 Alpha Hydrae, Alphard. [RH] 18 He who has these as a horoscope will dominate the people. Being the friends of magnates, they (will themselves be] magnates. They make prognostications and proper harmony. In the fifth degree and the fiftieth minute there rises the brilliant star in the heart of the Lion.1 But the sixth degree is summery.2 From the first degree to the sixth degree are the terms of Jupiter. It is called "The Ascension of Success," because they [its natives] are exalted from an inconsiderable fortune. From the first degree to the sixth the degrees are lucid. From the eighth degree to the tenth is Draco standing between the two Bears.3 These three degrees are shadowy. They cause protection, caution, separations of parents, brothers, husbands and wives. The eighth degree is called "The Place," because their place is allotted and he will rule many regions and he will cultivate very much land, but he will be a peijurer, of a malicious nature and he will be a captive. When the ninth degree is the horoscope, it makes glorious princes, lovers of wrestling. They swear, are adulterers, of evil nature and are imprisoned. When the tenth degree is the horoscope, whoever the native will be, he will not be nourished by his parents, but he will come to alien hands. From the eleventh degree to the twelfth degree are the Phrygian Flute Players,4 "The Sterility of Great Hope." These die by iron. When the eleventh degree is the horoscope, it makes audacious3 leaders of armies, irascible and venereal. They feed and teach many people and the sons of kings and magnates, and through them they become great. But some become physicians or pharmacists. They die by iron. ’ Alpha Leonis. Regulus. [RHI 2 aestivus. 3 Cf. Phaenomena, Aratus, trans. Stanley Lombardo, pub. as: Sky Signs: Aratus' Phaenomena, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1983, p. 3. 4 Frigii Tibicines Frigii from Phrigii, not frigus. The tibia was used very anciently as a musical instrument, especially in connection with magic. Cf. the identical practice among 19th century Tibetan monks in Alexandra David-Neel Mystery and Magic in Thibet. The use of the word here may refer to some Anatolian cult which preserved this neolithic practice. 5 temeranus. This word also means thoughtless. 19 From tlie seventh degree to the eleventh degree are the terms of Venus. It is called "Happiness of Benefit;" the friendships for those who are greater." From die thirteenth degree to tlie fifteenth degree Corona arises. And die thirteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth degrees are windy. In the seventeenth degree and thirty-sixth minute there rises a brilliant star which is over die limbs of the Lion,1 of the nature of Saturn and Venus. The eighteenth degree is called "The Lion's Mane."2 It is vulnerable. From the twenty-first to the twenty-second degree Hydra rises, which is under the Bear. From die twenty-third to the twenty-fifth degree is the Wash Basin in the middle of Draco. From die twenty-sixth degree to die twenty-seventh there rises the Two Headed One3 who is under the Wash Basin.4 In die twenty-seventh degree there rises a brilliant star which is in the tail of die Lion,5 of the nature of Saturn and Venus. From die twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth Typhon rises. The twenty-eighth degree is windy. The twenty-ninth and thirtieth are southern. They make rude, foolish men. When the twenty-eighth and the twenty-ninth degrees are in die horoscope, they make malicious, shameless, foul parasites, but some are lepers or those suffering elephantiasis. When die thirtieth degree is the horoscope it makes superfluous, shameless, useless, ignoble persons, and the greatest old age. From die twenty-fifth degree to the thirtieth are die terms of Mars. These degrees are shameless and foul-doing. They make labors and those suffering the misfortunes of evil things. Some are exposed in body to extreme danger, but they become shameless, sordid, and doers of foul deeds. 1 Delta Leonis, Zosma. [RH] 1 Coma Berenices [RH] 1 Ancipiter. 4 lavatorium. 5 Iota Leonis. (RH] 20 On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Virgo. From the first degree of Virgo to the third Spica rises. The first and the second degrees are called "The Road," because they [the natives of this ascendant] will travel over a wide area; they will be wealthy stewards and agents.1 Sometimes, being fighters,2 they will be crowned. They become friends of great men and doctors,3 always having plenty. When the third and fourth degrees are horoscopes, they make gracious, beautiful, overseers of farm estates,4 locals/ possessing many things, sodomites. From the fourth to the sixth degree is "The Sword."6 The fourth and fifth degrees are southern. [The fourth does as said above.] When the Moon rises in the fifth, sixth and seventh degrees, it makes great men ruling in many places. They will be familiars to the king. Some indeed are made worthy of sacred things. From the first degree to the seventh are the terms of Mercury. It is called "Diligence, Pliilosophy, Geometry, Mechanics." Some become rhetoricians, astrologers, astronomers, or those whose livelihood is from philosophical doctrines.7 From the seventh degree to the tenth He-who-cairies-the-Small-Lyre rises. The ninth and tenth degrees are southern. From the sixth to the ninth are degrees directing from mean things to the discipline of the arts. From the tenth to the eleventh the degrees are empty. 1 dispensatores et procuratores. 2 certantes. 1 i.e., teachers, not physicians. [RH] 4 villicos. ' locogenos. [Additional by RH] This word cannot be found in any of the lexicons. It would appear to be a combination of Latin and Greek meaning "born in the place." However, this is a guess. 6 From the Greek machaira. 1 a disciplina vitam habenles. 21 From the eleventh to the thirteenth there rises Lucina1 sitting and bearing2children. It is called "Providence [and] Justice." It makes judges, keepers of court archives and cliief magistrates.3 From the fourteenth degree to the fifteenth is called "The Dwelling and Exaltation of Mercury and Fortitude," because it makes strong athletes and rational and dihgent scribes. It also causes the prognostication of things. From the sixteenth degree to the eighteenth Frix4 directing the plough and holding the ship. It signifies justice and the most excellent management of life. The sixteenth degree makes sodomites, hairdressers,5 but women like sterile sisters, and those who twitter.6 From the eighth degree to the seventeenth are the terms of Venus. It is called "Without Sadness, Happiness and Invention." From the twelfth to the seventeenth are lucid degrees. From the nineteenth to the twenty-third degree Puella7 rises, she who stands above the tail of the Hydra. It signifies the unstable progress of life. The eighteenth and nineteenth degrees are called "Width," those who are wide of body and fleshy. When the twentieth degree is rising with the Moon in the ascendant, either northern or southern,8 it makes natives possessing and selling great tilings, and those who do good things for some from whom The Goddess of childbirth. She is represented as sitting because it was common ancient practice to give birth, not by lying on one’s back as is the modern practice, but by sitting in a "birthing-chair" which facilitated birth by exploiting gravity. The modern practice derives from the surgical demands of Caesarian section. 2 baiulans puerum. the verb, baiulans from bajulo, is usually used for pack horses carrying burdens. One would expect partie or porro. 3 dictatores 4 A God 5 ornate res mulierum. 6 trissafrices from trisso, -are, to twitter via trissatrix, a woman who twitters. PI. trissatrices. The Girl. A reference to the fact that the constellation Virgo is close by Hvdra? Cf Stanley Lombardo, Sky Signs: Aratus' Phaenomena, Berkeley: North Atlantic Books. 1983, p. 25, lines 580-590. * septemtrionalia vel meridianalia. [Additional by RH] Thal is, it is either on the J.Q or M.C. or possibly of northern or southern latitude or declination. This is not clear See also page 23, note 7. 22 they receive ingratitude, [and they make] statutes concerning judgments, and those fearing God. The twenty-first degree is southern. From the eighteenth degree to the twenty-first degree are the terms of Jupiter. They are called "Glory, Advancement, Friendship.’’ They make worthy managers of peoples.1 These degrees are dark. In some [book?], the eighteenth and nineteenth degrees are the Crow. From the twenty-fourth to the twenty-sixth Pluto rises, forcing asunder the separation of bodies and souls. The twenty-fifth degree makes those common to many, lascivious men2 loved by women, or procurers of women. But women are [also] made loving men, The twenty-sixth degree makes [natives] sterile, substituted children,3 they will dominate whosoever. But the women are made sterile and [become] whores. From the twenty-seventh degree to the thirtieth rises the Bullock's Head.4 The twenty-eighth degree, in which is a brilliant star,5 is dry,6 full of mist, hail, and wind. This place signifies the victor in doing things. The twenty-seventh degree with the Moon being northern7 makes powerful magicians, pius farmers, solitaries having a life [there is a lacuna in the text here of about ten letters] or of silvery things. However they become doctors,8 those who implant,9 or those who ’ insignes populorum praepositos. This is an office to which a general might entrust one of his trusted officers in order to ensure that a region would be pacified and well governed in his absence. 2 venereos. This word ( Venerii.-orum, m.) also signifies a temple slave in the temple of the Erycinian Venus. This famous temple, situated on the summit of the Eryx mountain in northwestern Sicily, overlooked the city of the same name. Virgil tells us Aeneas founded it. Apparently male slaves were kept there having duties analogous to the Greek hetaira and temple prostitutes of Canaan. i filios supponentes. This probably means children of someone other than their supposed father, i.e., supposititious. [RH] 4 Bukephalus. 5 Zeta Virginis? [RH] 6 inaquosus. This seems strange in view of the adjectives that follow [RH] 7 septemtrionali. 8 R. Schmidt suggests doctors. The text has iaz.. ’ R. Schmidt suggests Greek rizotêr. The text has rizatores. 23 bend.1 From the twenty-first degree to the twenty-eighth are the terms of Mars. These degrees are lucid. They are called "The Torch,"2 because they become illustrious soldiers or they establish judgments. The twenty-ninth degree and the thirtieth are the terms of Saturn. It is called "The Exit," because, going out from their own, they do not return, but from the heights they are brought low with respect to dignity and they are put in peril. These degrees are empty. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Libra. From the first degree to the thud there rises The Bed and a woman lying in it. It signifies a good and relaxed life. These degrees are lucid. In naught degrees3 and six minutes Spica rises,4 a brilliant star of the nature of Mercury and Venus. In naught degrees and twenty-six minutes Arcturus rises,5 a brilliant star. Some call it Bootes. [It is] of the nature of Jupiter and Mars. From the fourth degree to tlie sixth rises the two ghosts6 of Saturn and Apollo. They make envious men and destroying, jealous men. From the first degree to the sixth are the terms of Saturn. It is called "The Taking Away, Perdition, Loss of Dignity and Substance." From the seventh degree to the tenth is Chiron, who is drawn by the hair from the slime by the Hero. He calls to [him], but he does not hear. It signifies strength in counsel and violence. From the fourth degree to the eighth are shadowy degrees. The ninth degree is misty, southern and windy. From the eleventh degree to the twelfth rise Venus and Adonis. They make affectionate [people] and [they make] he who is in power, and lovers and those secretly desiring their loves. 1 campsores, from campso, -arc to bend (Greek kam pl o). ' lumen. This word was supplied by the editor on the basis of what Critodemus says. His text has the greek word lampoi. 1 The author did not yet have the zero or cipher as a place holder. 4 Alpha Virginis. [RH] 5 Alpha Bootes. [RH] ’ larvae. 24 The tenth and the eleventh degrees are called “Necessity”1 because he who is bom according to these places falls into necessities and is imperiled in conflicts. From the thirteenth degree to the fifteenth degree Auriga rises without his Chariot. It makes entreaties,2 unhappy and idle people. The twelfth degree and the thirteenth and fourteenth are called "Confusion,” because they always encounter confusion in combats, or they are endangered by the sword in desolate places. From the seventh to the fourteenth degree are the terms of Mercury, and of the nocturnal triplicity.3 It makes well-spoken businessmen, [and] lovers of the sciences. From the ninth degree to the fourteenth degree are lucid degrees. From the fifteenth degree and six minutes to the twenty-fifth degree and six minutes rises all of Corona. In the fifteenth degree and six minutes rises the bright star of the Northern Crown,4 of the nature of Mercury and Venus. From the sixteenth degree to the eighteenth degree rise the Three Heroes, who are called "The Baldistae." It signifies exercise, philosophy, clemency. The sixteenth degree makes lawyers,5 apothecaries,6 enchanters,7 physicians, astrologers sitting and addressing [those present].8 From the nineteenth degree to the twenty-second the two Runners running away from each other. One runner, nude, holds up a skull and a crown. They signify those who strive in combat and contest and in the theater and who live from the public wealth. From the fifteenth degree to the twentieth are shadowy degrees. From the fifteenth degree to the twenty-first are the terms of Jupiter. They are called "Divisions, Inheritances and Donations of 1 The use of the word here is probably much the same as in Chapter IV, "On the Necessary Place.” [RH] 2 or those who make entreaties. [RH] 3 Virgo is of one of the two nocturnal triplicities, the other being that of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Also Virgo is the nocturnal sign of Mercury. [RH] 4 Alpha Coronae Borealis, Alphecca. [RH] 5 advocatores. 6 farmacators. 1 praecantores. R It would appear from this statement that the astrologer, when requested to prognosticate, would do so while seated. The seated position being a token of honor due him in his role of diviner or interpreter of the will of the gods. 25 Land." The twenty-first and twenty-second are lucid, shadowy and windy degrees. From the twenty-third to the twenty-fourth degree Vulcan rises. It makes those who make things. When the twenty-second and the twenty-third degrees are on the horoscope, there are made those who hang themselves due to some judgment or conflict. The twenty-fourth degree makes powerful people or those discovering treasures, unstable, unjust, dying publicly. From the twenty-second degree and sixteen minutes there rises tlie head of the Serpent of Ophiuchus.1 From die twenty-fifth degree and thirty minutes arises the brilliant star which is in the north Claw of the Scorpion.2 [It is] of the nature of Jupiter and Mercury. It is called "The Mansion," because those who have it on the horoscope, will never travel, but they are exhausted by their professions. The twenty-sixth degree and tlie twenty-seventh degrees have two stars in one of the parts of the lower Scale3. In these two degrees are made unstable, unjust men who die in public. From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-eighth are the terms of Venus. It is called "Pleasure," because it makes lovers of purity, of benefit, erudite men eating pure foods, and lovers of wrestling. From the twentieth to the twenty-eighth degree rises The Ship, and he who will he down to sleep in it, and The Sea Captain on the horse.4 It makes experts, those who devise [solutions] in adversities. From the twentieth to the thirtieth degree there rise the two Crania or Wheels, and the Goat, and the swamp of Acheron,5 and the Little 1 lota Serpentis. [RH] 2 Beta Librae, the North Scale. [RH] 3 Trutinae. These stars are Gamma and Iota Librae. [RH] 4 equo. Literally this means ’horse,’ but it does sometimes also mean 'ship' which is the probable meaning here. [RH] 5 Acherontis Palus. There was a river in Epirus named Acheron which flowed through the lake Acherusia into the Ambracian Gulf (now Suh) in the Ionian Sea. A river of the same name was said to exist in the Lower World (or to surround it) around which the shades of the dead were believed to hover. Into this river flowed two other streams, Cocytus and Pyriphlegethon. In later writers Acheron = the underworld itself. The underworld was occasionally thought of as a bog or swamp. The dead were brought to the banks of the river by Hermes and they had to pay a ferryman to carry them across to the 26 Ship of Acheron. They are indeed the terms of Mars. It is called ’’Strength.” There are glorious leaders in the army, but they are unfortunate in some things, afflicted men always thinking about venereal things; like scorpions they thrust with the sting. From the twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth is called "Increase,” because they will be increased and perfected. They become great in body. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees in Scorpio. From the first degree of Scorpio to the fourth there rises the Hippocentaur who carries the Hare. This place, from the first degree to the fifth, is called "The Meeting," because they meet wild animals of this sort [and] either, meeting, they die, or they become hunters or soldiers. The fourth degree is southern. It makes experts. From the fifth to the seventh degree is the Uranoscopus, i.e., the one looking at the sky. From the fourth degree to the seventh the degrees are southern. From the first degree to the fifth the degrees are lucid. They make astrologers [and] astronomers, always having hope in God. When the sixth and seventh degrees are horoscopes they make men great out of infirmity. However these men are destroyed by fire and iron. The seventh degree makes men famous with respect to fortune, and having military power in the army, or having been entrusted with the management1 of royal things.2 From the first degree to the seventh degree are the terms of Mars. It is called "The Approach of the Strangers," "Detention,” "Rapine,” and litigations due to these things. Moreover it makes the sharp things of nature and fortune. From the eighth to the tenth degree are Ophiuchus and Asclepius Land of the Dead. 'fideicommissam. A bequest given for the benefit of a third person, given by request, not of command; and held to be equitably due out of respect to the wish of the testator. 2 or, of the royal residence. 27 and Health and Two Dragons Intertwined.1 They make killers of animals, herbalists, physicians, [and] the best paint dealers.2 The eighth degree, in whose opposition Pleias falls, is misty. It makes invidious great men, those who are cruel, mendacious, and lovers of agriculture, according to Dorotheus. The eighth, ninth and tenth degrees are hurtful. When the Moon is in these three degrees with Saturn or Mars, it makes lesions on the body, according to Ptolemy.3 From the ninth degree and six minutes to the ninth degree and forty-six minutes is hurtful, because the stars which are on the brow of the Scorpion, of the nature of Saturn and Mars, rise there.4· From the sixth degree to the tenth the degrees are shadowy. In the eleventh degree and forty-six minutes there rises a star which is in the right foot of the Centaur.3 The tenth and eleventh degrees are humid and misty. From the twelfth to the eighteenth degree is the Dog and the Bullock's Head. It makes those susceptible to temptation,6 lovers of contention, quarrelsome people, laborers, those who attend to Chiron.7 The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth degrees are called "Abstinence," because they are abstinent in their habits. But when the Moon is void of course, and aspected by the good [planets]8 it makes lords having dominion over life and death. The fifteenth and sixteenth degrees make men powerful magnates, travelling in many regions, and subjecting barbarous peoples. But they are destroyed by a violent death, killed by trickery or burned. These degrees are southern. From the twelfth degree to the nineteenth are the terms of Mercury. It is called "The Mansion," because it makes agents and ’ The Caduceus, the symbol of both Mercury and Asklepios, symbolizing Gnosis and the healing energy of the spine, or vis medicatrix naturae. Known to the Indians yogins as Kundalini. 2 The makers of pigments were the alchemists who were also the apothecaries. This is the link between the seemingly unconnected things mentioned here. 3 1 cannot locate this citation in Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos or Almagest. 4 Beta (Graffias), Delta (Dschubba), and Pi Scorpii. [RH] 5 Alpha Centauri. [RH] 6 temptativos. ’ Chiron was renown for his wisdom, knowledge of music and surgery ” There is an seeming contradiction here, for if the Moon is void of course (cursu vacua), it cannot be aspected by any planets unless the aspect is a separating one. 28 superintendents. From the eleventh degree to the eighteenth the degrees are lucid. From the nineteenth degree to the twenty-first the degrees are shadowy. In the twenty-fourth degree and six minutes there rises a star which is in the head of that one who is on his knees? It makes many [men] one-eyed and suffering a violent death. From the twentieth degree to the twenty-fourth are the terms of Jupiter. It is called "Intemperance,” because they become intemperate and foul. Scribes and grammarians are made, or teachers or directors, rich men, augmenting and succeeding for the most part, having dominions of possessions and benefiting [therefrom]. From the twenty-fourth degree to the twenty-fifth degree Crater rises. It makes modest, stable men. From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-seventh the degrees are lucid. From the twenty-sixth degree to the thirtieth there rises the Thurible,2 and these are the terms of Saturn. It makes priests, sacrificers, cooks, butchers.3 It is called "Necessity, Detention and Nutritius4 of the Comissatio."5 But some have benefit from cornfields.6 They [the natives] become slow and profound, hidden men secretly dissipating, lasting in anger. From the twenty-sixth degree to the thirtieth the degrees are shadowy. From the twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth the degrees are empty. It is called "Taste," because they become approved cup­ bearers,7 and cooks, or sellers of unguents, those who sell pigments, ’ The Kneeler, Alpha Herculei, Ergonasi, or Hercules. Vide. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, by Richard Hinckley Allen, NY: Dover 1963 pp. 238-246. But see below in Pisces this constellation is identified with Theseus. 2 Turibulum. Censer or vessel in which incense is burned. 3 macillarios. A variant spelling of macellarius, a butcher. 4 nutritio. In this context it is not clear exactly what this word would mean. It is of course related to 'nutrition' and also ’nourish’ and ’nurse.’ Clearly it is a title. [RH] 5 The Comissatio was a Bacchanalian revel followed by a nocturnal torchlight procession accompanied by music. 6 locis seminatoriis. 1 praegustatores. People who tasted the food and drink of a pnnce before it was served to ensure that it had not been poisoned. 29 imi-keepers, and whatever pertains to smell and taste. The twenty-ninth degree is misty and watery. In the twenty-eighth degree and sixteen minutes there rises the brilliant star of Ophiuchus? The thirtieth degree makes modest men without cliildren. The Altar2 is from the twenty-fourth degree and six minutes of Scorpio to the sixth degree of Sagittarius. The distance of it is twelve degrees and twenty minutes. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Sagittarius. From the first degree of Sagittarius to the fifth there rises the point of the arrow of Sagittarius. Tliis makes bow men and those causing the loss of money. From the sixth degree to the tenth Atlas rises, and he having the face of Anceps2 like a queen. It makes fighters [and] victors. The ninth degree is watery. From die first degree to the seventh is called "The Sign of Agitation," because diey live and acquire immoderately, but they lead a life of many wanderings, having frequent adversities in life. According to Ptolemy, the eighth degree is the point of Sagittarius’ arrow and is a harmful degree.4 From the first degree to the ninth are shadowy degrees. From die eleventh to the fifteenth is Argo5 and The Sea.6 It makes sea captains and businessmen. When die thirteenth and the fourteenth degrees are horoscopes they make those who break wind7 and epileptics. From the thirteenth to the fifteenth the degrees are empty, ’ Alpha Ophiuchi, Rasalhague. [RH] 2 Sacrifîcaioriurn. 3 Two-Headed. 4 Gamma Sagittarii, Ptolemy, in the Almagest HI lists the tip of the arrow in the constellation of Sagittarius as 4 1/2 degrees of the constellation and gives no delineations of the nature of any degrees. Again the text gives star longitudes 3 1/2 degrees greater than Ptolemy’s, as Pingree claims. In Tetrabiblos I. 9., Ptolemy identifies the ’’stars in the point of the arrow” as being of the nature of Mars and the Moon. 5 The famous ship of Greek myth in which the Argonauts sailed in quest of the Golden Fleece. 6 Pelagus. 1 crepatos. 30 From the first to the twelfth degree are the terms of Jupiter, It is called "Strength," it makes rulers' who are lords of life and death, beautiful, virtuous princes according to the essence of the nativity. From the tenth to the twelfth the degrees are lucid. From the sixteenth degree to the twentieth there rises Chiron holding Cepheus* hand and the Bird which is below, and the head of the Bear. It makes prophesy and augury. From the fifteenth degree to the eighteenth is called "The Daemon." It is a sign that is the cause of many good things. The seventeenth degree makes crowned disputants.2 The eighteenth and nineteenth degrees are the eye of Sagittarius, which is nebulous and harmful.3 It makes those who train birds and horses. From the thirteenth to the seventeenth are the terms of Venus. It is called "Flux [and] Felicity." Some become libidinous, [some] good men, [and some] lovers of music. From the thirteenth to the nineteenth the degrees are empty. In the twentieth degree and twenty-six minutes there rises a brilliant star which is in the knee of Sagittarius,4 of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter. But in the twentieth degree and the forty-sixth minute there rises the brilliant star of Lyra,5 of the nature of Mercury and Venus. It makes lovers of music. The nineteenth and the twentieth degrees are southern, wintery and misty. From the twenty-first to the twenty-third degree Delphinus, The Ship and the Southern Crown rise. It makes proven swimmers and, in connection with navigation, explorers of a calm sea.6 From the eighteenth degree to the twenty-first are the terms of Mercury. It makes outstanding, practical men, lovers of orations, men of leisure, good, ingenious men. From the twentieth degree to the twenty-first the degrees are lucid. 1 praesides. 1 It is not clear whether royalty is involved or whether it is a reference to the practice of crowning athletic victors with wreaths or crowns. [RH] 3 Nu Sagittarii, a nebulous star. [RH] 4 Alpha Sagittarii, Rukbat. [RH] 5 Alpha Lyrae, Vega. [RH] ft Is this to be taken metaphorically? 31 From the twentieth degree to the twenty-sixth is the Uranoscopus. It makes [natives who] are always praying and worshipping God. The twenty-fifth degree makes pursuers of horses and those who run of the horses of wealthy men. From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-sixth are the terms of Saturn. It makes those who are made prosperous through inheritance. From the twenty-seventh degree to the thirtieth arise the back part of Anceps and the Hunter. It makes fighters, rapacious [persons], highwaymen in every respect, eating strange foods. From the twenty-sixth degree to the twenty-seventh is called ’Exaltation,” because they are excellent and glorious with respect to souls and body. Many become armed fighters. From the twenty-fourth degree to the twenty-seventh are dark degrees. From the twenty-eighth degree to the thirtieth are shadowy degrees. They make libidinous men doing foul deeds, adulterers, mixing themselves with many. From the twenty-seventh degree to the thirtieth are the terms of Mars. It is called "Peregrination, Fortune, Chance, Exile." From the nineteenth degree to the twenty-ninth is called "Fortune," because they are happy, spirited and liberal. From the twentieth degree and forty-six minutes to the twenty­ seventh and thirty-sixth minute is all Fortune. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Capricorn. From the first degree of Capricorn to the third degree the Altar rises, which is called the “Sacrificatorium.'h makes butchers,1 cooks, and all that relate to sacrifices. The first degree makes gluttons always having intercourse with sodomites. The second degree makes dancers and those frequenting people of tliis sort. The third degree makes mimes. But if Mars or Venus and the Moon are with the same [degree], it makes good fanners, living their life in deserts, feeding their flocks. Some die a violent death. The fourth degree makes those who calculate, those who are 1 maccllarios. 32 unmarried, lovers of frauds, killed by thieves. The fourth degree makes useless zealots fearing demons. The sixth degree is part of the Lyre.1 It is also the mouth of the Goat2 and it makes fornicators and fomicatri CCS, doing foul deeds and the trumpet-players, flutists, or cithera-players3 of wealthy men. In the seventh degree and sixteen minutes there rises the brilliant star of Aquila,4 of the nature of Mars and Jupiter. From the fourth to the seventh there rises Nereis,5 the Crow, and the Satyr, hiding his whole face with his head. It signifies those who accuse [others] for the sake of [their] deeds and those and who have been made fugitives or are making themselves unseen. The seventh degree makes those who bind6 crowns, it shows that many are unmarried. The seventh and eighth degrees make especially expert [natives], lovers of the arts, scribes of cities or tutors or mathematicians. From the first degree to the seventh the degrees are shadowy. They are the terms of Mercury. They become those who take medicines for the mouth,7 clean, eating little, pragmatic, experienced in law, well learned men or teachers. From the eighth degree to the tenth will be the Great Serpent, who touches Eridanus' StreaYn. There is a dart from the seventh degree to the fourteenth. It signifies the rebellion of peoples and [their] sickness and insatiability. The eighth degree makes the poet and all that of the seventh degree.8 The ninth degree is humid and frigid. It makes the rhetorician [and] the farmer. The tenth degree is also humid and frigid. It causes the parasite. From the eleventh degree to the fourteenth rises Ariadne's Crown. 1 Eta Lyrae. [RH] 2 Omicron, Pi or possibly Alpha Capricorni. [RH] 3 The cilharoedus played the cithera and sung along with it as well. 4 Alpha Aquilae, Altair. [RH1 5 A sea nymph. 6 annexores. 7 stomatici. This is a word that was taken over into 17th century English, believe it or not It was used in its Latin sense: Souter: It comes from stomatikos = good for the mouth (Cassiodorus. Fei. 35, 4th century; Dioscorides, 1st century). 8 Not otherwise specified. 33 It signifies riots of the people, subversions, instances of idleness on account of an ignoble regime in cities and in the peoples. Wien the eleventh and the twelfth degrees are horoscopes, they make shameless men. But if a malevolent [planet] is with the same [ascendant], those suffering a violent death either blinded or mutilated with extreme ignominy. The eleventh degree is humid and frigid. A malignant [planet] in the thirteenth degree, [indicates] biothanatus i.e., suffering violent death. The fourteenth degree makes the seller of meats and of other things of this sort, salted, or doing such like business. From the eighth to the fourteenth are the terms of Jupiter. It is called "Tenor,” because they are made noble conservators of life and are most virtuous. From the eleventh degree to the fourteenth die degrees are lucid. From the fifteenth degree to the seventeenth The Field lises. It makes vintners, gardeners, gains, the company of drunkards. The fifteenth degree makes sodomites or [those] who have been nursed by sodomites. The fifteenth and the sixteenth degrees make runners, consuming, drunks, injurious people. Wien the seventeenth degree is horoscope with Saturn and Mars, it causes violent deaths. From the eighteenth degree to the nineteenth the Dove without the head rises. It makes the circumstance of a tiling untrue, or those who are unmanied. The eighteenth degree makes fishermen or mariners destroyed by whales. The nineteenth degree makes fishermen. From the sixteenth degree to the nineteenth the degrees are lucid. From the twentieth degree to the twenty-first The Mouse rises. It signifies some enmity of possessions. These die early or become brigands. The degrees are shadowy. From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-third the degrees are misty and full of snow. It makes disciples and augurs and regal persons 1 See Chapter XXXVI, 'On Biothanatus, i.e., On Suffering a Violent Death.” Biothanatus is directly from the Greek and the Latin text uses it throughout. We have left the word in place. [RH] 34 or those hanging around kings.' The twenty-third degree makes household slaves2 and government officials.3 From the fifteenth degree to the twenty-second are the terms of Venus. It makes lascivious and libidinous (natives]. From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-seventh rises Delphinus. From the twenty-fourth degree to the twenty-fifth rises the Serpent without a head and the two-sectioned4 Lyre. It signifies dangerous misfortune and an unratified will. These become oath-takers.5 In the twenty-sixth degree Ursa signifies contest and action. These mix themselves with many and are luxurious. From the twenty-second to the twenty-fifth the degrees are empty. From the twenty-third to the twenty-sixth are the terms of Saturn. It is called "The Appeal." They become harsh men constituted under power, having been exposed as damnable, [and ironically] as administering justice. In the twenty-seventh degree The Swan rises. It makes sweet, eloquent old men, who are harmed.6 From the twenty-eighth degree to the twenty-ninth, the tail of the Great Fish rises. It causes discussion of fallible things, and they are harmed. From the twenty-seventh degree to the twenty-ninth the degrees are harmful. When the twenty-seventh degree is the horoscope with Saturn and Mars, it makes sacrilegious homicides and oath-takers. In the twenty-eighth degree, when it is in the ascendant with Mars and Venus, men are made of foul life, but the women become whores. The twenty-ninth degree makes moderate, erudite men. From the twenty-sixth degree to the thirtieth are the terms of Mars. It signifies concealments, flights, jail, custodies or exiles. From the twenty-ninth degree of Capricorn to one and a half ’ existentes circum reges. * famulos. 3 ministros. 4 binomia. 5 deieratores. 6 laeduntur. This verb can also mean, "be betrayed.’1 35 degrees of Aquarius there rises the complete chariot' of the Horse (which leads the way). On the Fixed Stars and Degrees in Aquarius. [From the twenty-ninth degree of Capricorn to one and a half degrees of Aquarius" there rises the complete chariot of the Horse (which leads the way)]. From the first degree to the tliird the River of Eridanus rises. The second degree and the third are humid and frigid. They make fishermen, torturers, babblers,3 and those living in these same places [i.e., humid and frigid] and things. The second and third degrees make [their natives] violent, powerful and cruel. From the first degree to the fourth the degrees are obscure. From tlie fourth degree to the seventh arise the flying Ibis and the two Dragons.4 The seventh degree is watery. It makes augurs, prophets of the complete thing5 and those who play in cups6 and the praise of the two tilings.7 When the seventh degree is the horoscope [and is] with Mercury, it makes moneychangers.8 1 cisio. A light, two wheeled vehicle. 2 Alpha Equulei [RH] 3 The oft noted characteristic of Aquarius. 4 The Ibis was sacred to Hermes whose worship was by no means restricted to Greece just as the worship of Thoth was not restricted to Egypt. Philo (41a) tells us that, "Tauthos (Thoth) regarded the natures of the dragon and serpents as divine . . . For which reason this animal has been adopted m temples and in mystic ntes. . . It is immortal and is self consumed ... for this animal does not die by a natural death, but only if it is struck by a violent blow. The Phoenicians call it, 'The Good Daemon.’” This latter name (Agathos Daimon) occurs frequently in both the philosophical and practical Hermetic writings. These two animals, both sacred to Hermes-Thoth, being mentioned together in connection with theses degrees links them clearly with the Hermetic cult. ‘ perfectae rei. Meaning unclear. 6 A reference to dicing. The dice were shaken in a cup before being cast forth. This was originally a divinatory method ' Spiritual things and material? 8 This is an important early symbolic statement of a link between Hermes and money changing (or banking) which shows up later in the Late Middle Ages is the Magician (or Juggler) card of the Tarot. 36 From the first degree to the seventh are the terms of Mercury. They become judges and philosophers with respect to manners. From the eighth degree to the tenth the wolf rises. [This is] he who ate the hand of Hippocrates, i.e., He-Who-Holds the-Horse? The tenth degree is watery. When the eighth degree is the horoscope and Mercury is in it, it makes physicians, teachers, astronomers or astrologers.2 In the tenth degree and twenty-six minutes the Southern Fish3 rises which freed Venus in the vile sea.4 [It is] of the nature of Mercury and Venus. From the fifth degree to the ninth are lucid degrees. From the eleventh degree to the thirteenth there rises the Hippocrator.5 In the twelfth degree and sixteen minutes there rises the brilliant star of The Hen,6 of the nature of Mercury and Venus. From the fifth degree to the ninth the degrees are lucid. For the most part it makes stable boys, horse feeders and cattle thieves. From the eighth to the twelfth is called ’'Food,” because tliis one always offers food to others. From the eighth to the thirteenth are the terms of Venus. It makes fornicators [and] procurers of great women.7 From the tenth degree to the thirteenth the degrees are shadowy. From the eleventh degree to the fifteenth degree Lyre rises. The fifteenth degree and the sixteenth degrees are southern, wintery, and windy. The rest of the degrees are varied. It signifies the display of antiques and musical things. From the sixteenth degree to the eighteenth degree rises the Hen. In the eighteenth degree and sixteen minutes there rises the star which is above the Stream of Water,8 of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter. 1 In other words not the famous physician is meant, but a celestial and mythological figure. 2 Note distinction. 3 Alpha Piscis Australis, Fomalhaut. [RH] 4 in pe Iago viii. 5 mentioned above, as “He-who-holds-the-Horse.” 6 Alpha Cygni, Deneb. [RH] 7 Sounds like an endorsement. 8 Lambda Aquarii. [RH] 37 From the eighteenth degree and sixteen minutes it is hurtful.' From the sixteenth degree to the nineteenth degree the middle parts of the Horse rise. From the twentieth degree to the twenty-first degree the middle parts of the Ibises2 rise. From the twenty-second degree to the twenty-sixth degree the Two Dragons rise. From the twenty-fifth degree and twenty-six minutes the Swine3 rises.4 From the twenty-fourth degree to the twenty-sixth the Swan rises over the Dragons. From the twenty-seventh degree to the thirtieth there rises the Swine eating the hand of the Hippocratorm, and the hind parts of the Ibises. When the twenty-ninth degree is on the ascendant with Venus it makes this kind (of native) kill their own wives by the sword. On the Fixed Stars and Degrees of Pisces. From the first degree of Pisces to the third, the latter parts of Pegasus rise. From the fourth degree to the sixth the Tail of the Crocodile rises. In the fifth degree and thirty-six minutes there rises the shoulders of the Horse,5 of the nature of Mercury and Mars. From the seventh degree to the ninth there rises the head of the Stag eating the Two-Headed Dragon. From the tenth degree to the twelfth the middle parts of Pegasus rise. From the thirteenth degree to the fifteenth the head of Pegasus rises. In the fourteenth degree and twenty-six minutes there rises the first bright star,6 which is in the Thread,7 of the nature of Saturn and ’ It looks like something is missing here. 2 ibeos. 3 sus. Possibly a fish instead of a swine. [RH] 4 Beta Piscium. [RH] 5 Beta Pegasi, Scheat. [RH] 6 d Piscium. [RH] ’ ton lindn. Cicero called Nodus Piscium. See above Knot of Pisces, p. 2. 38 Venus. From the sixteenth degree to the eighteenth there rises the Dog or Wolf. It makes contentions, brawls, robberies, custodies, and people who eat much. When the sixteenth degree is the ascendant, it is called "The Seed." It is a sign that lovers, fanners are made and those who have many cliildren. They send away from themselves many cliildren and they have conversations1 in sacred places. Moreover these become the friends of a magnate. The seventeenth and eighteenth degrees make fornicators and fornicatrices, and soft [people]. From the sixteenth degree to the eighteenth degree the middle parts of the Crocodile rise. From the nineteenth degree to the twenty-first the middle parts of the Stag rise. From the twenty-second to the twenty-fourth Ceamunr rises. From the twenty-fifth to the twenty-seventh there rises He-who- stands-on-his-knees,3 [i.e.,] Perseus, aimed, killing Pegasus. From the twenty-eighth to the thirtieth the head of the Crocodile rises and the hind quarters of the Stag. XXVI. On the ΧΠ Places and the Signification of the Planets When They are Found in Them in Nativities. The first place is the horoscope, the sign ascending, when any man is born, the beginning and first state. Through tliis place all things which happen to men are known. The horoscope is the giver of life, both of ’ The word conversatio can mean either a conversation or [sexual] intercourse. In the latter sense, the implication here is that the natives of this degree make frequent sexual use of male temple slaves. 2 Gundel identifies this (p. 267-268) as ’’Reeds.” 3 The Kneeler, Ergonasi, or Hercules. Vide. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, by Richard Hinckley Allen, NY: Dover, 1963, pp. 238-246. But here this constellation is identified with Theseus. 39 the body and of the spirit, which is called the tongue of life,1 and [the giver of] body, spiritus,2 soul, and light, whence it is called the foundation place, because it is the measure of life and foundation of the whole. This place signifies the [first] age of life, which is childhood. Therefore it shows the first operation of good things. In this place Mercury has its Joy before all the other planets. When some one of the planets is in the ascendant or should aspect it, the Sun or the Moon [being] free from the aspect of the malevolent [planets], the natives will be vital, nourishable,3 and they will complete life in prosperity. But if a malevolent [planet] is in the ascendant and should aspect the Sun and Moon, [they will be] unnourishable and damaged, or defective, or short-lived or they will be bom orphans, having been oiphaned from the father [indicated] by the Sun or from the mother [indicated] by the Moon. The Sun is considered to be the place of the father, but the Moon of the mother. Likewise if the lord of the triplicity of the ascendant is in the ascendant, he [the native] is the ' tenia vitae. Temo is a beam, pole or tongue. [Additional by RH| There is a passage in Paulus Alexandrinus, chapter 24, p. 50 There the corresponding word translates as ’helm.’ Given that ancient ships were steered with steering oars at the ends of long poles, it may be that temo here actually refers to a helm as well. It makes more sense and is in accordance with the practice of literal translations from the Greek which generally characterizes this work. 2 The vital life force knitting soul and body together. Cf. Costa ben Luca (d. 912 C.E.) another important link to the Harranian Sabians. In his: De differentia spiritus et animae discrimine, a major text by which the spiritus doctrine was transmitted to the West in the Middle Ages he defines spiritus as,“ a certain subtle body which arises in the heart and is distributed throughout the body by the veins in order to nourish it. It causes life, breath and pulse. Likewise it arises in the cerebrum and nerves and causes sense and motion." The original source of this spiritus was thought to be the sun and it was taken into the human body by inspiration whence, according to Medieval Physiology, it found its way into the heart. By means of this theory, mental processes such as sleep, dreams, memory and imagination were accounted for by reference to changes in the quality of the spiritus in the brain. An entire system of pneumatic physiology existed in the Greek Physiological theory, put forth by Epistratus of Chios (c 304 BCE- c 250 B.C.E.) that explained the presence of vitality in the human body as well as psychological phenomena by reference to spiritus. The horoscope was held to show, by the sign thereon and the aspects of the planets it received, the nature of the spiritus in the natives body. 3 Some infants do not survive because they cannot take nourishment or because they are exposed at birth. Such cases were called "Children who are not reared" in ancient and medieval astrology. In the case mentioned in the text, the child will be nourished and are therefore deemed, "nourishable." 40 first-born; if in the M.C., the fourth; or the setting [house], the first or the seventh; if in the angle of the earth, the fourth. The Sun in the ascendant, not made unfortunate, in a diurnal nativity,1 especially in its own house or triplicity or exaltation, shows the native born of a noble father and the native in his own country, glorified with riches and possessions. Many kings have been made cosmocrators, i.e., those holding the world, or regents, but some are made dukes or presidents.2 But if Mars shall be present, or attain the M.C., or be in the opposition of it, or in the west3, and aspect [the ascendant], they will hold [their] kingdoms or [their] populations with treacheries and conflicts and dangers. But if the Sun is in Libra in the ascendant, or in some other sign alien to him, in no way does it signify the noble birth of the father, nor does his fortune have beauty of this kind; but minor good things do happen. But at night, the Sun being in the ascendant4 shows that the native is of a poor father, either ignoble or one expelled [from his homeland], or a slave, or that he destroys5 his paternal house;6 but sometimes [it shows] the orphanhood of the father, and it makes the life of the native laborious and without glory. Especially if an evil [planet] should aspect fem an angle, it makes the evil double, and the father dies before the native, and, regarding his offspring, it makes a signification of sorrows and deaths. The Sun in the ascendant with the Moon and Saturn setting aspected7 by Mars kills the father early in the native’s life, and they remain in the homes of their fathers. As many degrees as Saturn is distant from Mars, so many years they live with each other or with the ’ This can only happen if we take the whole sign as the ascendant. Thus, if the Sun were in Aries at 4 degrees and the Ascendant were in 12 degrees, we would find the Sun above the horizon and therefore in a diurnal figure. Yet the Sun would still be in the Ascendant! This means that, for the author of the Liber Hermetis, the Ascendant is the entire rising sign while the horoscope, like the Indian Lagna, is a cusp within the Ascendant. 2 See page 7, note 2. [RH] ’ in Occidents. The reader can safely assume that this phrase, which is translated “in the west,” wherever it occurs, indicates a planet in the seventh house. 4 i.e., below the horizon. 5 In this chapter it is not always clear that whether the native, or the configuration described is responsible for the death of the parentis] or their estate. * domum paternam destrue!.. 7 inspectus. 41 mother.' With the Sun and the Moon in the ascendant, and if Saturn and Mars should aspect, the benevolents being averse2, it shows that tlie native is from parents [who are] slaves, captives or exiles, and he becomes orphaned, and when he is about to die, he is thrown with naked bodies among the unburied, or in a river, or in the earth, or in a bath. The Sun and the Moon in the ascendant or in the M.C. signifies fortunate, famous parents. The Sun in the ascendant in any degree and the Moon in the M.C, free from the evil [planets], shows that the native is from great and free parents. The native himself [will be] glorious and blameless, and honored by great men, and his parents will be long-lived. The Sun in the ascendant, the Moon in the M.C, Saturn in the succèdent3 [place], Mars in the eleventh place shows that the native is from humble parents or soon becomes an orphan, and they say that he is [born] for labor and they4 harm both lights.3 The Sun in the ascendant, Saturn and Mars in the succeeding [place] quickly damage the right eye, and the natives are made of middling livelihood, and they6 kill the father early on. The Sun in the ascendant and the Moon in the west, or the Moon in the ascendant and the Sun in the west, and Mars in the succeeding [house] or in the eighth, is harmful for both the eyes. The Sun in the ascendant, the Moon in the M.C, Saturn in the ascendant and Mars in the twelfth place makes men blind. The Sun and Mars in the ascendant shows that the native is very little like the father, and it kills the mother early, and harms his sight, and induces sorrow. The Sun and Mercury in a feminine sign, and the Moon configurated from a feminine sign indicates the natures7 of the pudendum and womb. With the Sun and Venus in the ascendant, in feminine signs, and the Moon in the west in a feminine sign, making 1 Sounds like secondary progressions or solar arc 2 remotis. [RH] 3 succedente. Note that when Saturn is so placed, namely in the succeeding house (the second or the fifth) it is out of sect. [Additional by RH] This is because Saturn, which is a diurnal planet, is below the horizon in the daytime. 4 the planets, not the natives. [RH] 5 lumina. Literally the lights, that is, the Sun and Moon, and metaphorically, the eyes. See the next sentences. [RH] 6 Again, probably the planets. [RH] 7 natur as. Probably a translation of the Greek, physis. 42 conjunction with the Sun, they become soft,1 permitting unmanly things. With the Sun and Venus in the ascendant, and Saturn in the west or in the angle of the earth, it makes divines and epileptics, or those who are called “stettatici."2 The Sun in the ascendant in a bicorporeal sign, with the Moon in Pisces, Saturn in Sagittarius, Mars in Virgo or Gemini makes falling epileptics. With the Sun in the ascendant, and Jupiter on the M.C. the native is shown to be of a famous father; and he is a seller of words or he will be an exactor3 or mercenary or medicosophist4 or medicogeometer,5 entering in royal courts. The Sun, Saturn, Mars and Venus in Aries in the ascendant give dishonest female slaves, little old women, wives and whores; especially if Mercury is with the same [i.e., the Sun, Saturn, Mars and Venus in Aries in the ascendant], selling their bodies publicly. But if the Moon is 'in the M.C, or in the west, they sleep with their sons or stepchildren, or their mothers or stepmothers, or the children of their brothers, or their sisters, and women with their own children or uncles, father, stepfathers and the like; they become whores mixing themselves with many, foul with respect to coitus. The Sun in the ascendant and Saturn not existing in its own sect, shows that the natives [are born] of a poor father or of a slave or captive, and they [the said planets] indicate that the fathers will die early in the native’s life and that they [the said planets] destroy the patrimony.6 The patrimony is squandered, not received, or destroyed; 1 Sole et Venere in uscendente in signis feminis et Luna in occidente in signo feminino coniunctionem cum Solefaciente molies fiunl muliebra patientes. The above translation is the correct literal translation of this sentence. However, it does not make sense as presented. There are two possible explanations. Either the phrase "in occidente" does not mean "in the west" which it does elsewhere in the text, but "occidental," or “coniunctionem” does not mean "conjunction" but "application." Elsewhere in this text the original translator has used coniunctio as an equivalent to sunaphê, which actually means application. At this time we cannot tell which of these is the correct solution. See page 55, note 3 for a more complete explanation of this issue. [RH] 2 stellatici. A certain kind of epilepsy. ’ A debt collector. Sounds like the ancient equivalent of a Mafia enforcer. 4 sic. looks like one who teaches or theorizes about medicine. 5 sic Looks like iatromedicine to me. in this case the healing is brought about by geometrical “sigils”? *"pairina. This word appears to be derived from patrinus which means ‘godfather.’ However, it appears to be a neuter plural. This would suggest that the word means the estate of the godfather, rather than that of the father. However, we have no direct reference to this word in this form, so that this is somewhat conjectural. Also there are 43 or, having been received, it is evilly wasted or stolen. It incites enmities of relatives and those close to the native, and it hurts the understanding, and leads to foolish acts, and the acts will be persisted in. Very often these [natives] grow ill or fall into sufferings and, if they are found among strangers, they will suffer terribly. If, however, Saturn should aspect by degree, he kills the father by dropsy or a humid illness; and by these means it makes those who have a decline of life, and losses of money, and spasms, or short life, those pursuing life with infirmity, those having suffering in the inner parts, those destroying their patrimony, and those declining from wealth.1 The Sun and Saturn in the ascendant and Jupiter in the M.C. and the Moon and Mars in succeeding [places], or in the west, not being with the Sun in signs in which it rejoices, they are rejected by their own parents, and disowned by them to strangers;they [the planets] kill the father before the mother. But if the Moon is in the west with Mars, it signifies that the mother will die by a relative. The Sun in the ascendant, or with the Moon in any sign, especially in a masculine [sign], and Jupiter and Venus in the succèdent place, Saturn and Mars being averse? they show that the native is of a glorious father, that the native is famous, noble, worthy, fortunate, wealthy, and in the course of time it gets better for him. The Sun in the ascendant, and the Moon in a masculine sign, and Jupiter in a succèdent [place], and Mars co­ signifying, shows that the native is of a glorious father. Indeed the native will be a king, worthy and having power, a ini er of life and death, and races of people3 and regions will be subjected by him. But if Venus should happen to be with them, he will indeed be a very fortunate king, but venereal and lascivious, and a libidinous catamite.4 But if Mercury is with them, he will be a wiseman, a rhetorician, reasonable, intellectual, creative, punctilious, participating in good parallel constructions throughout this text which use patrimonia in exactly the way that oatrinais used here. This might be a scribal error. [RH] ’ a rebus descendantes. Res in the plural can indicate wealth or social status. While the translation is somewhat conjectural, this phrase clearly indicates a decline in status of some kind. [RH] 2 remotis. 3 gentes populi. Gentes is the plural oigens, a race or clan, embracing several families united together by a common name and by certain religious rites. The word "race" here is used as "gentile" is in the Old Testament. 1 pathicus. (Greek, pathikos), a man or boy who sub nuts to unnatural lust. 44 counsel, listened to, and his command [will be] unconquerable. But if Saturn, agreeing on the left hand, should appear with them, he takes hold of a paternity of this sort, and proceeds into his paternal home, and will become very rich, happy [and] acquiring much. It will be greater for him front his own kind. He will have certain delights and, on account of these, slanders will be spoken against him. It behooves you to look forward to the sign succeeding [the ones] in which they are located, and which of the aforementioned planets it falls to. Likewise judge1 the ascendant and the planets which belong to it. The Sun and the Moon in the ascendant, and in the M.C. or its opposition, or in the west, in masculine signs, and* Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and Mars associating familiarly with the Sun in the same sign, appearing in the east, and agreeing, Saturn aspecting them with a dexter trine, square, sextile or conjunction, being increasing,2 with each in its own sect, although the Moon associated from another angle would not be, signifies that the father is glorious, and that the native liimself will be the greatest king, an autocrat, outstanding, the most powerful man of cities, lands, climes, a builder», and races3 will subject themselves to him; on the other hand he will destroy whatever cities or land he desires; always the memorable one, containing power, the strong preceptor, the agitated, sharp, terrible, daring, victorious, leader of the army, having powerful hands,4 two-named,5 participating6 and is regarded as unconquerable, and held in reverence by those familiar with him. But he leads an army, not only on foot and riding on horses, but also a naval fleet,7 and he will travel over many cities and regions and lands, and he will navigate, and he will have the peoples under him through land and sea, some voluntarily, some taken by him through overthrow; he will have some adversities; he will be in [a state of| unease, slander, and detestations. The Sun and the Moon in the ascendant, or only the Sun, or in ’ coniudica(tur). Gundel has placed the third person singular ending on the verb. 2 aucti. This is probably a reference to the state of being "increasing in number." i.e., direct. 3 gentes. 4 menus. Can also refer to "bands of troops" as well as "hands." [RH] 5 binomius. The meaning of this is not entirely clear. [RH] k participiens. This makes little sense in this context. [RH] 7 stolii navalis. Souter: Sicilian. Greek stolis. Fleet. (Hegesippus saec iv. Corp. Scr. Eccl. Lat. 66. Cf. W. F. Dwyer, Voc. of H., Washington 1931) 45 some one of the four the angles, or the Sun with the Moon, likewise Saturn and Mars in [a place] succeeding that angle without the aspect of Jupiter and Venus, he who is bom will make a life in accidents, and condemnations, flights, losses, poverty and incarcerations, and of many unexpected evils; he will even have the experience of violent death and damage to his sight. And if the luminaries are in the ascendant or M.C, but the malevolent [planets], Saturn and Mars, are in the suceedent [places], they will have the experience of the aforesaid evils in their own homeland. But if in the western angle the malevolent [planet] succeeds1 in strange [places],2 not only do the aforesaid things happen to them, but even those blundering [into him] will have experience of indescribable evils. If Mars is in the eighth, but the Sun and the Moon in the west, he sustains the aforesaid by blood or fire. But if Saturn, through the noose or water. The Sun in the ascendant in a masculine sign, and the Moon in the M.C. by degree,3 in a nocturnal nativity, in places in which it rejoices, without the aspect of Saturn or Mars, shows that the native was bom from famous parents, and that he is a king, a god, existing as a man, a participant of humanity. With the lord of the triplicity of the ascendant being in the ascendant, they are made first-bom, so long as it may be below the degree of the horoscope;4 if in the M.C, either he will be the fourth or the fifth, if in the west, either the first or the seventh, if in the angle of the earth, count from the ascendant to the lord of the triplicity of the same, and say likewise. The Moon in the ascendant in sect,5 in her own house, exaltation or triplicity, free from the evil [planets], especially full [of light] and 1 succedet. This word does not make sense here, unless it means that the planet is in the seventh house, or perhaps, is moving into the eighth. [RH] 2 in alienis. It is not clear whether this is a reference to peregrine status or some other lack of relationship between the planet and the sign. [RH] 3 gradatim. 4 Here is confirmation of what was said in page 41, note 1, above that a planet may be in the ascendant and yet above the horoscope, for though this rule states the condition that the lord of the triplicity of the ascendant must be below the horoscope, it would not be necessary to make such a clarification if "being in the ascendant" could not mean "being above or below the horoscope." 5 condicionalis. 46 increasing in number1, shows that the native is of a noble and wealthy mother and that he [will be] famous, wealthy, always prospering in choices on account of [his] seriousness, and marrying noble women. He has many children.2 They have many blood relatives.3 But if outside [the Moon's] sect, especially evilly aspected4 or waning/ it shows sometimes that the native is bom of a mother [who is] a hand-maid, or of ignoble poverty and is orphaned of the mother; and he wastes the maternal belongings; it makes those having few children, governors,6 and pirates, and leaders of uncrossable places. The Moon and Mars in the ascendant, especially at the same time, not in their own sect, and the Moon [being] full, the native is shown to be of a mother [who is] a hand-maid [who has been] either driven out or injured. But sometimes, indeed, it establishes that the mother is an orphan, and that the natives are divine epileptics7 or those who are called stellatici, and it hanns the left eye and the sight, or the stomach, and kills the mother first. The birth of these natives will be with rapidity, heat and flux of blood. The Moon in the ascendant, Venus in the west, Mars in the M.C, or in its opposite/ shows that the native is of a mother [who is) a hand-maid, or of a woman of little worth,9 or has been injured, or the mother dies first; and they lose the mother’s things; and the native is himself indigent, always a fugitive and wandering about. These, lacking food, frequently will go to a strange sacrifice.10 The Moon and Saturn and Venus in the ascendant at the same time, in the house of Venus show that the mother is poor. They marry their 1 aucta numéro. See Liber Hermetis, Part I, p. 19, note 1, where Al-Biruni is cited. In addition the Moon is said to increase in light and in latitude. The word '’increasing" is used in all these ways in this book, especially in Chapter XXXV. 2 Conjungitfiliorum etiam semen. 3 consanguineas eorum. 4 inspecta. [RH] 5 deficiens. This can also mean "being eclipsed." The word "waning" will be used throughout this section for deficiens. 6 gubernatores. This also means ’helmsmen,’ which accords a bit better with the rest of this passage. [RH] 7 Epilepsy was regarded as the divine disease. Those afflicted with it were thought to be touched by the gods. This may have been due to the fact that occass ion ally one in an epileptic fit will utter oracular sounding statements. 8 i.e., the fourth house. 9 minimae, from minimus, a, urn, of the worth of a mina. 10 They go to a sacrifice of a cult to which they do not belong seeking food. 47 own mothers, or stepmothers, or sisters, or the daughters of brothers; and, if it is the nativity of a woman, they marry with their own fathers, or stepfathers, or uncles, or stepsons. The Moon with Saturn and Venus simultaneously in the ascendant, in any sign, they marry stepmothers and not mothers. The Moon and Saturn in the ascendant, or in the M.C. shows that the native is from a mother [who is] a hand-maid, or a lowly woman, or a woman who has been injured, or [it shows] the orphanhood of the mother; and they destroy the belongings of the parents. The native himself is the first-born, or the first nourished, and is shown to be their first son. It signifies humiliations and vexations for the mother, and detentions in sacred places; especially with the Moon waning worse evils happen. But if Mercury is in the west, or in the angle of the earth, [or] in its opposite,1 it makes maniacs, epileptics, demoniacs or those mentally damaged. However, if Mars is in the west with Mercury, or in the M.C, or in the angle of the earth, it makes worse evils and biothanati happen. If however, Jupiter aspects, it makes indeed stupefied [natives], but those having their intellect, at some times [doing] mindless things2 but at another tune effeminacies in baths. With the Moon in the ascendant, Venus in the West, if Mercury should aspect the Moon, it shows that the native is of a noble mother, and he will have a profession and work through gold and silver. They will be workers and decorators of ivory, [and] mechanics, or fabricators of statues, and those who know all of music. With the Moon in the ascendant, and Jupiter and Mars in the eleventh, it shows that the native is wealthy from the mother, and that he will be fortunate. The Moon in the ascendant with Saturn and Mars, with Venus and Mercury in the angle of the earth, especially in a mobile sign, tlie native is shown to be of a poor mother, becomes orphaned of the mother, and wastes the mother’s things. These are dangerous nativities; moreover many show eunuchs. The Moon in the ascendant, with Saturn in the M.C, or in the opposite [place], and Mars in the west, make the native to be of an ignoble mother, or a hand-maid, or a captive, and that it kills the mother before the father, and wastes the mother’s things; or it damages the left J i.e.. in the M.C. ■ stupefactianes. 48 eye of the native. But in feminine nativities, these [natives] giving birth bring forth an abortion. The Moon in the ascendant, with Mars in a succèdent [place], and Saturn in the twelfth, the native will be of an ignoble mother, or one who has been driven out. But if the nativity is feminine, the native herself, in giving birth, causes the embryo to be cut, and both are unfortunately destroyed, unless the star of Jupiter or Venus should aspect.1 The Moon in the ascendant, and Saturn in the west equal with her in degrees, and especially with the Moon waning, shows the natives to be of a mother of little worth,2 and that they kill the mother before tlie father, and waste the mother’s goods; and the native himself, the first born, dies. These are thrown in the earth. The Moon in the ascendant, and Saturn in the west equal with her in degrees, and Mars in a succèdent [place], without the aspect of Jupiter and Venus, especially with the Moon being full, or, if Mars should aspect the Moon, they show that the natives are worth little, [and are] of a hand maid mother, and they kill the mother before the father, and the natives themselves, [being] first born, die; and they harm the left eye. But if Jupiter or Ä^enus should aspect, in no way is the mother killed first, but tlie native will be vital; but having been exposed,3 someone finding him thrown on the earth will guard him as their child, and feed him well, and he will be fortunate. But if Saturn or Mars should aspect, it kills tlie mother first, and he, having been exposed4 on the earth, is fed like a slave. The Moon in the ascendant, the Sun in the west, and Saturn succèdent, the natives come from ignoble parents and are separated from them; they kill the mother first, and they themselves [the natives] are made blind. The Moon in the ascendant, Saturn and Mars in the west, the native is of a poor mother, and it [the configuration] kills the mother first, and it wastes the mother’s goods, and it signifies injury to the mother; and he himself becomes a falling maniac,5 a demoniac, biothanatus; and inspexerit. 2 matris minimae. J proiectus. 4 proiectus. 5 maniacus caducus. Another expression for an epileptic. 49 [his] left eye is harmed. Many are made stupid and lacking memory, especially if Mercury is configurated with Saturn or Mars. These become people of friends [who are] of modest means. The Moon in the ascendant, and Saturn and Mars in a succèdent [place], the native is of an ignoble mother, and it kills the mother first; and the left eye is harmed and he is made poor in life. The Moon in the ascendant, with Mars and Saturn in the west by degree, without the aspect of Jupiter or Venus shows that the native is of a hand-maid mother, or a woman who has been driven out, and that the mother dies before the father, and it wastes the goods of the mother and [shows that] the native is lacking in memory or is stupid; however often it shows that they have been exposed. If however Mercury is in the M.C, or in its opposite, it shows the death of the children as infants. The Moon in the ascendant and the Sun in a succèdent [place]. aspected1 by the malefics, and they [the Moon and the Sun] being averse from2 Jupiter and Venus, signify that the natives are of poor parents, and that they3 kill the mother. The Moon in the ascendant, separated from Jupiter, with Saturn in the west, but Mars declining,4 shows that the native is of a mother of little worth,5 and it shows the early death of the mother,6 and that tlie maternal goods are wasted. The natives themselves, on account of [their] temperament, [will be] outside their own country, and for as many degrees as the Moon flees from Mars, for so many years they will wander. The Moon in the ascendant wiüi Saturn or Mars in the west shows that the native is of an ignoble mother, and kills the mother before her time,7 and wastes the mother’s goods, and does unexpected evils to her. These [natives] are thrown from a height, or are eaten by wild beasts, or die evilly in collapsing ruins of buildings, or they are hanged. But some become falling epileptics. The Moon in the ascendant with Jupiter or in the M.C, likewise, 1 1 inspecti. 2 remoti. [RH] 3 probably the planets, not the natives. Throughout the Liber Hermetis we are confronted with this ambiguity. [RH] 4 i.e., declining from the angles = cadent. 5 matris minimae natum ostendit. € praeobitum. 1 praeinterficit. 50 especially [when] full, free from the evil [planets], signifies a noble and lieh mother, and those divining or’ fabricating, foreseeings of future things however, famous, and noble, and those inheriting the wealth of the parents; and they preserve it, and acquire [more], and they produce good offspring, or they adopt children. They do the same in succèdent [places]. The Moon in the ascendant, or in the succèdent [place], and Venus in the angle of the earth, both being in sect2 and free from the evil [planets], shows that the mother is noble, and that they marry [be they men or women]3 their noble blood relations.4 The Moon in the ascendant with Venus in the M.C, or in the west the native is of a noble mother, and he is a noted man, illustrious and lortunate. The Moon in the ascendant with Mercury or in the west, or in the M.C, or in the angle of the earth shows natives of a rational6 mother, especially if Jupiter should aspect, or the Full Moon be joined with Mercury and Jupiter, [signifies] the wealth of the mother, and that they themselves are mechanics, or makers of instruments,7 fashioners of statues, having friendships with men who have magisterial powers. The Full Moon in the ascendant and Mercury falling in an angle, and Saturn prohibiting the testimony from Mercury,8 they make sophists, augurs, astronomers, astrologers, seers, diviners, those who set ’ There is a word missing here. [RH] 2 condicionales. ' hos vel eas. 4 Egyptian and Magusaean marriage practice apparently permitted unions we deem incestuous. 5 Note that this delineation of the native becoming "a noted and illustrious man" is made without mention of the Sun! 6 rationabilis. It is not entirely clear whether this refers to her temperament or is a reference to something else. This is true here and other places where this word occurs. [RH] 7 Literally, annexe res instrumenter um, binders of instruments. The term refers to ancient methods of tool manufacture (probably farm tools and mechanical tools) which were still primitive by our standards. That metallurgy had developed, at least by the 1st century to a high degree of competence is proven by the Antikythera device described in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia: 1960. This device, which turns out to be a complex brass gear assembly for computing the position of the celestial bodies for years in advance of its setting, exemplifies a level of instrument manufacture as far beyond the "binding of tools" level as liber optics are from drums. 5 Here we have the earliest example I know of Prohibition. 51 loose birds,’ palm readers,2 interpreters of signs/ those who read lots4 or enchanters. The Moon and Mars in the ascendant, or in the M.C, or in the west, or in the angle of the earth, especially of its [the Moon's] sect, and the Moon full, shows the native to be of a foreign born mother, or one who has been injured, and that it kills the mother before the father, and wastes the mother's goods, and that the natives are injured regarding the sight, or face, or stomach, or they injure some part of the body, or they become divines or epileptics, which are called stellatici. But if Saturn is in the west, it shows that he has been thrown out or separated from his parents. The Moon in the ascendant in the Pleiades of Taurus, or in the little nebula of the Crab,5 or in the tip of the arrow of Sagittarius, aspected6 from Saturn and Mercury, [natives] of tliis kind are evilly killed by bodyguards,7 or they are slain by magicians,8 but in other cases they become blind. The Moon always, when it is in the ascendant in the Pleiades, makes [one] to be killed by bandits; many however indeed are made blind. The Moon in the ascendant, and the Sun and Mercury in the M.C. show that the native is of rational parents; when it is in a diurnal nativity, he is [the son] of a king, unless an evil [planet] should aspect9 by square, opposition or conjunction. avium vindicatores. A Vindicator is an avenger, but in this context something else seems implied. All the other professions involve divination. It seems reasonable that this one should as well. In legal language a vindicatio is a setting free. Perhaps the author intended something similar. 2 palmarum excrutatores. 3 dissolutores signorum. Literally, "destroyers of signs." Once again, I think a specialist use of language is intended. Solutio means an explanation. Interpretors of signs seems reasonable. 4 supinorum indicatores. Supinus, a, urn, means that which is turned up orbackwards. It is related to the first conjugation verb supo, -are, to throw about or scatter. Clearly we are dealing with a reference to casting lots and the "reading" of them. 5 The Beehive also known as the Nephelion or Little Cloud of Hipparchus, cluster ε in Cancer. Mentioned above page 16. footnote L 6 inspecta. [RH] 7 a latronibus. Or. "by bandits." 8 Or, by criminals. The word mal'ficus, i, m. used substantively has two meanings: criminal or magician. Maleficium is a charm or means of enchantment. ’ inspexerit. [RH] 52 The Moon in the ascendant with Mercury, and if Jupiter and Saturn aspect1 by trine2 or by square or yet by conjunction, they show that the native is of wealthy parents. But the native will be fortunate, noble and wealthy, acquiring the friendships of great men. The Moon in the ascendant in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces shows a second mother. But if it is in Scorpio, it makes sons; however, they bury them. The Moon in Sagittarius in the ascendant or in Leo makes fewness of brothers. Saturn in the ascendant in sect, free from the evil [planets], without the testimony of Mars, especially in his own house, ÖT in triplicity, or exaltation, oriental and direct, perfects noble men and those always rejoicing with riches, and honors from tgreat men, or from kings, profound judges, those prospering, rich men, ancient men having the last good things of a good old age, always leaving an inheritance. It shows that many are first born, or first sons, or the first nourished, or killing brohters born before them, whence they have few brothers; born unequally, always dominating, however, solitary. He does the same in the house of Jupiter, or the Sun, or in the terms of Mercury. But in the night,3 Saturn in the ascendant, the worst happens; and, especially in signs in which he does not rejoice, or impeded by Mars, or retrograde, it shows that the native is the first born, or the first son, or the first nourished, or killing4 their brothers before them;5 he [Saturn] becomes a destroyer of children, and causes a noxious life. They arc ignoble paupers, possessing nothing; they are made brief of life, laboring in vain, putting up with many sorrows in children and in brothers, having cold professions performed in humid places, always laboring on the quality of life, having nothing from their own labors, unless by chance some benevolent [planet] should aspect. Well located and having dominion in the place of brothers, it causes the depravities to be moderated. It does similarly possessing the place of children, lest all of the children be destroyed. Saturn and Mars in the ascendant, and Jupiter in the west aspect!ng 1 inspexerint. [RH] 2 per triplicitaiem. 3 Le., in a nocturnal nativity. 4 Again it is not completely clear whether the native kills the elder brothers or the planet does. [RH] 5 i.e., their older brothers 53 them by degree, cause miserable paupers in youth, acquiring much with difficulty, bearing adversities; but in old age they become wealthy and prosperous. But if on the other hand, Saturn and Mars should aspect Jupiter by degree, from youth to old age, they go through life in adversity, and they have an infirm body all the way to death, and having a life witli labors, exhaustions and afflictions. They show that many are lunatics, maniacs, or demoniacs, and especially if the Moon is configurated witli the same.1 Saturn and Mars in the ascendant, and if the Moon is in the same degree2 in conjunction, destroy the house of their parents and kill the father before the mother through illness. But the natives have an unmixed fortune, having a life in disorder, an infirm or dissolved3 body, unless a benefic should aspect the figure. With Saturn and Mars in the ascendant, and with the Sun and Mercury in the west, they show that the native is of a poor father, or a slave or ignoble man, or of a destined death, and they destroy the father’s goods; but the feet and hands of the natives are mutilated, and afterwards they die violently. With Saturn and Mars being in the ascendant in the two winter signs, and with the Moon being visible in a succèdent [place], having been injured, the natives die violently [after] suffering many evils in life. Saturn and Mars in the ascendant, and the Sun and Venus possessing the place of sickness, which is the sixth from the horoscope, show that the native is of a poor father, or a slave, and they kill the fattier before the mother, or they signify the violent death of the father, and destroy the things of the father; and the native will have a bad marriage, and he will be a perverse man of evil counsel, a poisoner, evoking the dead,4 one who shows the signs of idols/ or an astrologer; and many of them die from demons, (unless one of the benevolent [planets] should aspect the malevolent [planets], so that it makes a loosening of the evils) because many are dead having been affixed to i.e., Saturn and Mars and, perhaps Jupiter as well. 2 aequali gradu. 3 tabefactum corpus. This was a medical expression meaning ’’dissolved in one’s own blood.” [Additional by RH) This expression could also mean more simply, ”or one wasted away.” 4 necromantes. 3 significator idolorum. 54 the cross, and they have been decapitated, or their members have been mutilated, or they have been burned alive.1 I------^ XXVII. On the Defluxions2 of the Moon. The Moon having separated from the Sun, and making a conjunction3 to Mars, especially in a diurnal nativity, signifies the orphanhood of the parents and is the significator4 of the parents’ humility of substance, and [their] injury or suffering, or their violent death. But it signifies injury to the native’s sight, and the mutilation of his members, or [it signifies his] falls,5 and his scarcity of life, and violent death. But the Moon in the west, even if the nativity is nocturnal, and being in good places,6 they become violent, perverse, audacious, cruel men rushing into to dangers, or [those] surrounded with sufferings, or diseases; but they [these things] are done in public professions, and in admirable honors, or wars, or contests, or political offices. But if Mars or the Moon should fall evilly, it shows the destruction of substance, and of the parents, and orphanhood, and infirmity of life, and a profession from fire or iron with skill, and that they will have a living from some other laborious professions. These, indeed, become biothanati. The Moon passing away from the Sun and making a conjunction ’ It seems that the Inquisition and Medieval Christianity did not invent the penalty of immolation for the practice of magic. 2 From defluo to flow or glide down, descend, or pass away from. This word is translated in later works as the '’separations'* of the Moon, 1 The word used throughout this section and in all other sections regarding the motions of the Moon is coniunctio. This word means literally ’’conjunction.'* However, in this context it does not merely mean a conjunction in the modern sense. The Latin word used is a translation of the Greek synaphe, which means "connection.” However, as used by the Greek writers it really means exactly the same thing as our word 'application.* We have the left the word as ’conjunction' in our text because in the Latin tradition of astrological writing, coniunctio has this double meaning of "conjunction" or "application." The reader should understand that in many contexts "conjunction" means something like "making an application to a conjunction or aspect." A forthcoming work from Robert Zoller and your editor on Medieval astrology will make this point clearly. [RH] 4 manifestator. 5 descensiones. 6 Here, locus does not mean "house" as the example posits the Moon in the west (= 7th house). 55 to Venus, increasing in light, especially in a diurnal nativity, they are badly married, sterile without seed. But in women, [they become] sterile, either hand maids or whores, either widows or old women, or those making noxious connections,1 because of which they do not make many children; they even become those who sleep with boys, foul libidinous, wild boars/ esteeming servile, grasping behavior; then happy, they become happier than in the preceding years. But with the Moon waning, indeed being in a nocturnal nativity, and in feminine signs, it signifies a rich mother, and it preserves the goods of the parents. But the natives become cupidinous, obliging, venereal fellow­ traders, of many weddings, libidinous wild boars, mixing themselves with many; but living life well, and doers of good things, nobles, able to acquire things, possessing many things, having good skills, if it is without the testimony of Saturn. The Moon passing away from the Sun making a conjunction to Mercury, increasing [in light], in the night, shows that the native is of a rational and prudent mother, and [it shows] those who are active men, public functionaries, wise men, intellectuals, rhetoricians, assistants, grammarians or those having profit from letters, inventors of discourse and philosophy,3 or composers of rhythms, critics or those having a living from them. Whence they have die first seat and die front position in processions4 in cities; and they become those able to understand obscure5 letters. But waning and in a diurnal nativity, they become those who fad in life and in the professions; they do not have good manners but are impious; they are destroyers, always blaspheming God, and those committed to the jailers with perjuries; they always become perverse. The Full Moon passing away from Venus and conjunct Saturn in a diurnal nativity makes good men and of good disposition, but bad in marriages, wives, children and in passions; they are always copulating with the maids, sterile women, whores, widows and old women, and those who have been hurt, or with public women, or with their blood This is possibly a reference to anal sex. ‘ This term, used frequently by the author, who seems to have expected his readers to be familiar with it, denotes a man who is sexually aggressive, entirely indiscriminate and uncontrollable. 3 sapientiae. ' praeambulationes. s i.e., badly written or scrawled. [RH] 56 