Chapter V. Benefics and Malefics

Os the four temperaments or qualities above mentioned, two are nutritive and prolific, viz, heat and moisture; by these all matter coalesces and is nourished: the other two are noxious and destructive, viz. dryness and cold; by these all matter is decayed and dissipated, —

Therefore, two of the planets, on account of their temperate quality, and beeause heat and moisture are predominant . in them, are considered by the antienta as benefic, or causers of good: these are Jupiter and Venns. And the Moon alsa is so considered for the same reasons. -

But Saturn and Mars are esteemed of a cantrary nature, and malefic, or causers of evil s—~the first from his excess of cold, the other from his exceas of dryness.

The Sua and Mercury are deemed of common influence, and productive either of good or evil in unison with whatever planets thay may be connected with.