Partridge’s "Centiloquy"
This “Cetilloquy”
(actually containing 102 aphorims!) is found in the last pages of Partdidge’s Mikropanastron (1692 ed. Printed by Edward Brewster.) , parts of which have already been featured on this blog. This text is an extremely varied set of aphorisms on
horary astrology. The relevant section starts here, The original is rather nice to look, not least because of its numerous marginalia, some executed in coloured ink
Editorial conventions
The old
spellings have been retained, but the editor begs the reader’s forgiveness if
he unintentionally modernizes them, or fails to capitalize a word Partridge
does.
In some
parts of the text, Partridge uses symbols instead of words. These have been
silently expanded. So: when the original writes:
The editor
has transcribed it as
- 27: “ When the Moon is void of Course in a Question, there is no great hopes of effecting any thing to the purpose; yet if she be in Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius or Pisces, there is less danger”
Page breaks
in the original are marked by bold numbers in square brackets
The
original is published as a continuous text. To make life easier for my readers,
I have divided the aphorisms into sections , each bearing a common theme.
However, I must stress these sections are
my own invention , and are not precise descriptions of the aphorisms within
them.
***
[333] I will here lastly add another century of
Aphorisms, very useful in the Judicial part of Astrology, which I have
Collected from others, and my own Experiments
[Persons signified
by the signs]
1.
In
the general practice of astrology, it is most useful to be acquainted with the
Descriptions of the Signs and the planets
2.
Under
Aries are born Men of a middle stature, strong able Bodies, the Hair thick and
curling, white or yellowish, long visage, crooked nose, hazel eyes, little
ears, short legs, little feet; the first fifteen degrees give a more gross body
than the latter
3.
Taurus
signifies men of a short and thick stature, broad shouldered, high forehead,
wide nose, great mouth, fat short neck, dark ruddy colour, short arms, thick
hands, thick black hair, big buttocks, short legs, slow to anger &c.
4.
Gemini gives
a delicate, strait, well-composed, and well-made body, bright clear eyes, good
sight, and piercing, long arms, long hands and feet, large breast, brown hair,
good wit, fluent [334] tongue, and
apt to discourse; yet a man of no great fidelity
5.
Cancer gives
but a little short stature; yet the latter fifteen degrees gives a bigger Body
than the former, the upper parts of the body are more thick than the lower,
disordered teeth, little eyes, blackish hair, a low whining voice, the
countenance pale and sickly
6.
Leo
Ascending gives a great head and eyes, quick sight, a lusty strong body, full
of courage, stout hearted, thick broad shoulders, yellowish or flaxen hair,
sometimes black, a big great voice, resolute spirit, aspiring brain, a
generous, free-hearted and courteous dispotsition, and sometimes very
unfortunate
7.
Virgo gives a spare body, yet well-composed, a
mean stature, yet inclining to tallness, a brown complexion, a piercing eye,
thick black hair, subtil wit, and very ingenious, a wavering mind, and aiming
at self ends
8.
Libra gives
a curious, comely, strait body, a round fair and well-favoured face, hair for
the most part flaxen or light brown, and sometimes black, a cheerful
well-spoken creature, red lips, cherry cheeks, a tall slender body, courteous,
impartial, just and upright in all dealing.
9.
Scorpio ascending
gives commonly a middle stature, yet a big limb’d, full and well set body,
strong and active, a sad brown hair, dark complexion, a short neck, an erect
countenance [335] fat and fleshy, quick in motion, but of reserved
thoughts.
10.
Sagittary denotes
one of a well-proportioned strait, big body, strong and well-set, of a cheerful
conuntenance, high colour, oval visage, a long high nose, a good Horseman,
stout-hearted, brown hair, and quickly bald
11.
Capricorn ascending
gives a short stature, dry, lean and weakly, a lean thin face, blackish hair
and thick, a wan , obscure pale colour, a disproportioned body, a long neck,
witty, colerick and sad.
12.
Aquary ascending declares men of a middle stature, well
shaped, clear skin, fair visage, not very beautiful, yet a comely countenance,
a little oval, a handsom composed body, a whitish bright hair, and sometimes
yellow
13.
Pisces gives a short ill composed body, yet a good
face, something large, of a pale , yet clear complexion, thick shoulders, brown
hair, fat and plump in all parts, sluggish and slothful.
[Persons signified by the planets ]
14.
Saturn signifies a man of a dusky swarthy colour,
big and large eyebrows, little eyes, a thin beard, and sometimes none at all,
thick shoulders, and sometimes crooked., a heavy down look, he goes stooping
forward, lean fac’d thick lips, he delights to be alone, and is always musing,
he strikes one legg against the other as he goes, and is most commonly
splay-footed; he is reserved, willful, envious, fearful, covetous, aiming
wholly at his own ends [336]
15.
Jupiter represents one of a
tall stature, of a brown ruddy complexion, an oval visage, a high forehead,
fair grey eyes, light brown hair, a handsom, well-set , strait body, a large
belly, great thighs, full well-proportioned legs, long feet, a sober,
well-spoken, well-conditioned man, desiring to do good to all, not covetous
16.
Mars describes one of a middle stature, yet strong
and vigorous, a well-set body, a round visage, a sun-burn’d countenance, his
hair yellow or light red, curling &c. a quick, sharp and piercing hazel
eye, a furious look, proud, presumptious, valiant, full of words
17.
The
Sun signifies one of a full fleshy body, big boned, the face brown or
yellowish, big eyets, sharp and piercing, quick sighted, much beard, a very
honest generous soul, aiming at no base things
18.
Venus
representeth one of a whitely brownish colour and complexion, black and quick
eyes, little eye-brows, red lips, cherry cheeks, with little dimples in them,
the nether lip somewhat bigger than to other, a very neat well compos’d body,
strait but of a mean stature, affable, courteous, merry, wholly delighting in
curiosities
19.
Mercury
descrys one of a tall stature, black hair, a long lean face, high forehead, a
long strait Nose, a lean spare body, long fingers [337] and feet, and he
goes swinging one arm, a witty subtil man, full of talk, and of no great
fidelity, unless Mercury be in a fixed sign
20.
The
Moon declares one of a mean stature, a pale face, bright hair, slow of
speech, fat and flegmatic, short arms, fleshy hands, one of a mutable
condition, often removing from place to place, a pievish creature, seldom
contented, neither delighting in action, nor idleness
[How to use the above descriptions .
N.B. in original this is still under ‘20’]
By comparing the planet with the sign he is in, the description of the
body is found out; also be considering the strength of the planet and his
aspect to the Sun or Moon, his being with fixed stars, either of, or opposing
his own nature, with his being above or under the earth; for planets when they
are above the earth give a taller stature than when under it
[Horary aphorisms: Considerations
before judgment- preliminary interpretation ]
21.
Pass
no judgment upon a figure when either the first or last degrees of a Sign
ascend; for if few degrees ascend, the Question is not yet ready for Judgment;
but if the latter ascend, the time is slipped, and the Querent hath been
tampering with some other about it
22.
Saturn
or Mars Peregrine in the tenth House, or the Dragon’s Tail there, the artist
gets no Credit by that Question
23.
In
all Questions, have a special eye to the Moon, for she brings the strength of
the other Planets to us; it were better that the Lord of the Ascendant were
afflicted than she [338]
24.
There
is no so great affliction to the Moon, as her combustion, and it is very seldom
there comes any good of a question, When the Moon is Impedited
25.
The
seventh House and his Lord are Significators of the Artist; and therefore when
they are afflicted, his Judgment is subject to be clouded
26.
In
all Questions wherein the fortunes are significators; hope well, but if the
infortunes are significators, fear the worst.
[The moon in Horaries]
27.
When
the Moon is void of Course in a Question, there is no great hopes of effecting
any thing to the purpose; yet if she be in Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius or
Pisces, there is less danger
28.
The
planet the Moon last separated from, shews what hath been done already in the
business; if from a fortune, good, if from an infortune, evil; see what House
the planet is in, and judge accordingly; judge the like by the lord of the
Ascendant
29.
The
application of the Moon shews the present state of the thing demanded i.e.
to a good Planet, in a good House, and by a good Aspect, gives great hopes for
the thing desired.
30.
The
application of the Moon to a planet in his Fall or Detriment shews trouble and
delay in the business; judge the same, if such a one be Significator [339]
[Planets: Their configurations,
aspects, and conditions. ]
31.
Good
planets fortunate and strong, bring what good they promise to pass, effectually
and Quickly
32.
Saturn
and Mars bring to light what mischief they signifie, with a witness; but what
good they promise, they produce but slowly, if at all, unless they be very
strong
33.
When
the fortunes portend any good, if Saturn or Mars cast their ill Rays thither
without reception, it much obstructs the good promised
34.
When
the Infortunes signifie any evil, see whether Jupiter or Venus cast friendly
rays thither, if they do, they mitigate the evil, and so much the more if it be
with Reception
35.
Confide
not too much upon what a Fortune promiseth, unless he be either in his
Dignities, or received by another fortune; for else he is like a man that would
fain do the good, but wants power
36.
Saturn
and Mars Peregrine are Malitious beyond measure, but they are not so when they
are essentially dignified
37.
In
a Question when Fortunes and Infortunes are equally weak and ill seated, defer
the judgment till the Heavens are better disposed
38.
When
a Planet promising any good in a [340] Question is either combust, or in
Opposition to the Sun, he never performs his promises
39.
The
Lord of the Ascendant and the Moon Peregrine, shew the Querent is out of all
hopes of obtaining his desire
40.
The
significator of the question in a Fixed Sign, shews the thing inquired after
will be slow or tedious in doing; if in Moveable signs, it soon comes to a
Period, but if in common signs, it changeth from one state to another
[On the condition of the Asc. Lord
and significators]
41.
In
all Questions see whether the Ascendant or his Lord be in the degree of any
Eclipse at hand; for then though the matter were in never so fair [far?] away,
it will receive prejudice unexpected, and scarce ever be concluded
42.
The
Lord of the Horoscope in Square or Opposition thereunto, or if the Moon be
Opposite to her House or Exaltation, the Querent is careless of his business
43.
If
the Significator of the thing demanded be impedited, consider what Planet
impedites him, and from the House he is in and the Lord of, you may find the
Cause and Persons hindering the business
44.
The
nearer the Significator is to an Angle, the more good is to be expected from
him; if in a Succedant House less, but if in a Cadent, little or nothing;
unless the question belongs to that cadent house he is in. [341]
45.
If
any thing promised by an Aspect, consider if there be any frustration; if there
be, there will be impediment by the persons signified by the Planet frustrating
46.
In
every Question, consider the Part of Fortune, for if that be well dignified,
the querent gains by Things or Men signified by that House it is in; but if ill
dignified, let him expect loss from such, the same may be said of Jupiter and
Venus
47.
Beware
of Men and Things belonging to the house where the Dragon’s Tail is, ; for it
is but seldom but the Querent receives loss, damage, scandalous Slanders, by
Men or Things signified by that house
48.
Consider
the principal Significators, whether they be with Fixed Stars, or, or against
their own Nature; for the one much increaseth, the other as much retards their
Significations
[General aphorisms for horary—
success]
49.
A
Radical Figure resembles either the Nativity, or the Revolution of the Nativity
of the Querent
50.
In
a Question truly Radical, there is a real Sympathy between the – matter
propounded, and the Position of the Heavens at the time of asking; and this is
the most absolute way to judge of the Radicalness of a Figure.
51.
When
Benevolent Planets are lords of the eighth or twelfth houses, and ill
dignified, the [342] Querent shall receive damage from reputed honest
men.
52.
The
matter of the Question is obscured when the Planet signifying the Thing, is
under the earth, or under the Sun Beams
53.
But
if the planet Signifying the Thing be free from Combustion, direct, and in the
tenth House, the business is as clear as the day
54.
The
significator of Uncles are taken from the Sixth house; but of Grandfathers from
the seventh
55.
Determine
nothing, before you know the intent of the Querent; for if he know not what to
ask, how canst thou tell what to answer?
56.
If
any one demands of an Artist concerning another, if the Querent have no
Relation to him, the Horoscope shall be is Ascendant
57.
Judge
not upon every capitious Fool’s Question; for a Question fit to be judged,
ought to be premediated by the Querent
58.
When
the Lord of the eighth is unfortunate in the eighth, the Querent hath Debts he
will never get in
59.
An
Infortune in the seventh House shews disagreement between the Querent and his
Wife, or between the Querent and her Husband, except that Planet were a
significator at Birth [343]
60.
An
Infortune, unfortunately beholding the Significator, brings inevitable mischief
to the Question, according to natural Causes.
61.
The
Superiour Planets Oriental, and the Inferiours Occidental, perform a business
with most speed
62.
If
the significator commits his strength to a fortune that is angular, the matter
is soon performed
[On news]
63.
When
you hear News, or else in Questions about News, behold the Ascendant and his
Lord, and the Lord of the hour
64.
If the Dragon’s tail, Saturn or Mars be there,
or the Lord of the Ascendant be with them, it is not true
65.
If
Jupiter or Venus or the Sun be there not afflicted, it is true enough
66.
If
no Planet be in the Ascendant, behold the fifth house; if any planet be there,
judge by the former rules
67.
If
no Planet be there neither, view the Lord of the hour, see whether he be Direct
or Retrograde, in what House he is, and to what Planet aspected; and judge from
thence
68.
If
the Ascendant be a Moveable Sign, especially Aries, then be sure it is false,
saith my Author [344]
69.
If
the Fortunes are in Angles, it is like enough to be true; if the Infortunes are
there it is false; unless it belongs to the Infortunes
70.
For
Example, if it belongs to War or Strife, and Mars be in an angle, it is true
71.
But
of Jupiter be there, it is false, because Jupiter loves peace
72.
Likewise,
if Saturn be Angular, and the report concerning Death, Captivity or Sickness,
it is true; because they are of his own Nature
73.
In
Questions of War, if the lord of the Ascendant, and the Lord of the seventh be
in Square of opposition, no peace is to be hoped for, or expected
74.
But
if the Lord of the Ascendant and seventh be in Sextile or Trine, a peace may be
concluded by Treaty, if they treat by such men as are signified by that Planet,
which is Lord of the Figure.
[Weather ]
75.
Venus in the
First degree of Cancer at the Conjunction of the Luminaries, or any
other great Conjunction, causeth great Rains.
[Captivity]
76.
If
a Question be demanded when one shall get out of Prison or Captivity, behold
the Ascendant and his Lord and the Moon.
77.
The
Lord of the Ascendant, and the moon [345] in the fourth, sixth, eighth
or twelth, or combust of the Sun, shews long Imprisonment.
78.
Moveable
Signs hasten Delivery, so doth the Lord of the third in Aspect to the lord of
the Ascendant, or the Moon, or the Lord of the Ascendant in the third.
79.
If
Saturn or Mars is Lord of the twelfth and afflicts the Lord of the first in the
twelfth, he will die in Prison.
80.
If
the Moon is Angular, or in the twelfth, or joined to the Lord of the twelfth,
he will lye long in prison,
81.
But
if the Significators separate from the ill Aspects of the Malignants, and apply
to the Sun, Jupiter or Venus, especially with Reception; declares Delivery
presently
[Thought interpretation. See this for a summary ]
82.
When
a man comes to demand a Question, it is possible to know what his thoughts are
before he reveals them.
83.
To
this purpose, behold where the Lord of the Ascendant is; provided he is not
Combust, Retrograde, or in his Detriment or Fall; for then you must take the
Moon, and the Lord of the hour.
84.
Consider
them; for if they, or which is the strongest of them, are in the first House,
the querent comes about himself
85.
But
if they are in the second, about his Estate or Goods or Money &c. [346]
86.
If
in the first part of the third, he comes about some short Journey; if in the
second, about his Brethern
[N.B. in the original, No. 87 was mislabeled
‘86’ again. This error is not corrected here, for ease of reference]
[86] If in the first part of the fourth, about
his Father, Mother or Ancestors; the second part, about his House, Farm or
Ship, if it be in a watery sign; in the third part, the end of some business.
87.
In
the first part of the fifth, of Children or Scholars; the second, Joy or Play;
the third, Cloaths or Ornaments; the fourth, Reports, Letters, Books or
Messengers.
88.
In
the first part of the sixth, of Sickness; the second, of Servants; the third,
of small Cattle
89.
In
the first part of the Seventh, of his Wife or Sweet-heart, the second of his
Society, the third of Theft or Goods lost.
90.
In
the second part of the eighth, of Death; in the second part, of dividing
Inheritances; in the third, of Debts
91.
In
the first part of the ninth, of Religion or Laws; in the second of Jounryes; in
the third, of Dreams
92.
In
the tenth, of Kings, Princes or Portentates; of Honour, Office or Dignity
93.
In
the first part of the eleventh, of Merchants [347] or merchandizing; in
the second, of Riches, in the third, of Friends.
94.
In
the first part of the twelfth, Enemies; second, Captivity; the third, Beasts.
95.
If
the Lord of the Ascendant be impedited, or not a Sign of his own Sex, take the
Moon; if the Moon is in no better a condition, take the Lord of the hour
[General aphorisms of horary]
96.
There
are two Significatiors special in Questions; First, the Planet which the Lord
of the Horoscope is separated from. Secondly, the planet the Moon is separated
from.
97.
The
general Significator is the Planet which hath most Dignities in the Ascendant,
or in the Conjunction or Opposition of the Sun or Moon, if it were near at
hand; or in the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, if that were newly past.
98.
Figures
of Horary Questions, are either true or false; according to the intent of the
Querent
99.
Love
and Hatred cause error in Judgment; that one magnifies trifles, the other
depresseth matters of moment. [347]
100.
These
Aphorisms, if rightly understood, discover the whole mystery of resolving all
manner of Questions ----
Vivit vale: Siquid Novisti rectum istis,
Candidus imperti: Si non, his utre mecum
Candidus imperti: Si non, his utre mecum
Hora. Lib 1. Epist.
There is a time for every purpose under Heaven, Eccles. Ch.
3.1.
