Chapter X. The periodital Divisions of Time

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

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

* On this chapter Whalley makes the following annotations: ‘One “ direction, how malevolent soever, rarely kills ; and, in most nativi- “‘ ties, there is required a train of malevolent directions to concur

“to death: where several malevolent directions concur so together

“ without the aid or intervenings of the benevolents, they fail not to “* destroy life.

“In sach trains of directions, the author here distinguisheth be- ‘ tween the ‘killing planet and the canser ofthe quality of death ; “‘ for one planet doth not give both.. The foremost of the malevolent “ train is the kiing place, and shews the time of death ; but the “‘ following directions, though benevolent, shew the quality. If the “ train fall all together, and none follow, for the quality observe those ‘“‘which precede, though at a distance and benevolent also; for, “though the benevolent contribute to the preservation of life, -yet ** they frequently specify the disease which is the cause of death. ‘“ And with these, our author tells us, concur the configurating stars, “the quality of the stars and signs, and the terms in which the lords “happen. In violent deaths, the genethliacal positions of the lights “are to be observed, and how the malefics affect them, and [how: “ they] are also concerned by directions ia the quality: of imal

these respects, certain causes more general and predominat-

Ing are pre-supposed in existence before particular causes,

due care must consequently be taken, in order to make an

inference consistent with the course of nature, to observe

always the original and predominating cause, and never to

lose sight of it; lest some similarity in nativities (if any such

should exist) might induce an assertion, when the original

predominating cause proceeding from the region itself has

been overlooked, that the native of Ethiopia will be born

of white complexion, and with long and straight hair ; or,

on the other hand, that the native of Germany or of Gaul will be black in complexion, and have curled hair ; or, that

the said nations are polished in manners, and cultivate learning, but that the people of Greece are barbarous and illiterate : and so, in short, of any other countries ;—without duly

considering the nafional differences and variations in their several courses of life.—So also, with regard to the division

of time, it.is in the same manner essential to consider the different qualities of the several ages of life, and to predetermine the appropriate fitness of every age to such events as may be expected ; in order to avoid the gross error which might arise from a merely vague consideration of the subject, by attributing to infancy some deed or circumstance of too complete a nature and belonging rather to manhood, or by ascribing to extreme old age the procreation of children,

or some other action belonging to youth; and to adapt, on

the contrary, to each separate age such circumstances as

seem, by due observation of the periods, to be suitable and

. The mode of consideration* applicable to human nature,

Is universally one and the same ; and it is analogous to the

arrangement.of the -seven planetary orbst. It, therefore,

© With respect to the periodical divisions of time. t It will, of course, be remembered, that the Sun, in the Ptolemaic astronomy, is counted as a planetary orb. -

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duly commences with the first age of human life, and the first sphere next above the earth, that of the Moon; and it terminates with the final age of man, and the last of the planetary spheres, which is that of Saturn; and, in fact, it accordingly happens that the appropriate qualities of each sphere take effect in a corresponding age of life, each age being subjected to one particular sphere. These observations are necessary, because the general divisions of time _ must be considered by means of the spheres, as a primary

arrangement; although minor distinctions are to be made

by means of the existing peculiarities found in nativities. Hence, the first age of infancy, which endures for four years, agreeing in number with the quadrennial period of the Moon, is consequently adapted to her; being in its nature moist and incompact, presenting rapidity of growth, being nourished by moist things, and possessing a highly variable habit. Its mental incompleteness is likewise in accordance with its familiar relation to the Moon, and her operative influence. The age after this continues for ten years,.and accommodates itself to the second sphere, that of Mereury. In $his

period, the intellectual and reasoning faculties of the mizid

begin to take their character, imbibing the seeds of learning, and developing, as it were, the elements and germs-of the genius and abilities, and their peculiar quality. The miad is also-aroused to discipline and instruction, and to its ant exercises.

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

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

of action now commences in the mind, the career of life is entered upon, distinction and glory are desited, and puerile irregularities are relinquished for more orderly conduct, and the pursuit of honour.

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

Jupiter oceupies the sixth sphere, and influences the ma- ° turer age, during the twelve years corresponding to his own period. He operates the relinquishment of labour, of hazatdous employment and tumult, and produces greater gravity, foresight, prudence, and sagacity, favouring the oo to honour, respect, and privilege.

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

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

* The Latin copy of Basle, 1541, says, “ to marriages.”

circumstances of life, such as employment, friendship, and the possession of children. So that thus, at one and the | same time, any single planet, whether benefic or malefic, will not possess the sole dominion; for many conflicting events frequently occur at the same period, and a person may, at one and the same time, lose a kinsman, yet inherit his substance ; or be at once ill in health, yet prosperous and advantageously established in regard to fortune; or be struggling with adversity arid in want, yet, notwithstanding, be also a father and beget children ; or he may experience other similar contrarieties : because individuals are subject to occurrences which may affect either the body, the mind, the rank, or the condition of wealth, and which are not altogether fortunate or unfortunate at the same period. Something of the kind will, however, frequently happen in cases of perfect