卷一·第五至六章　星辰可以观测，岁差不碍判断

CHAP. V. Shewing that observation may be made of the Stars motions, in answer to those that hold it impossible for any man in his days to observe the particular configurations of every Planet, with the fixed Stars, and with one another; as also that thereby we may discern their influence if we have any capacity.

第五章　说明诸星的运动可以观测，答复那些认为人在一生中不可能观测每颗行星与恒星、行星彼此之间各种具体格局的人；并说明我们若有能力，就能借此辨识它们的影响。

I Shall here therefore now shew, that observation will clearly evince us that the Stars have admirable influence on these inferiour and elementary things; for though it be most certain that the Heavens make not their Revolution under 36000. years, yet is its variation so slow, as that it dependeth upon the motion of the fixed Stars; so that before there can be any great difference worth speaking of, the same constellations may be often observed in particular, though not in the whole; for the fixed Stars according to the neerest account of our late Writers, or the sphear in which they are, move not above one degree, which is 60. minutes in 72. years, in which time there is none, but who are altogether ignorant, that cannot make sufficient observation of every constellation worth noting for the confirmation of their influence; for though they move from East to West once in 24. hours, so making this Diurne Revolution 366. times in a year, yet since in respect of the motion of this Sphear from West to East these 366.

所以我现在要在这里说明，观测会清楚地向我们证明，诸星对这些下界的元素之物有奇妙的影响。因为，虽然最确定的是诸天要三万六千年才完成一周的旋转，但它的变动如此缓慢，取决于恒星的运动，以致在出现任何值得一提的大差别之前，同样的星群就可以分别地（虽然不是整体地）被多次观测到。因为照我们近代作者最接近的推算，恒星，或者说恒星所在的天球，七十二年才移动不超过一度，即六十分；在这段时间里，除了全然无知的人，谁都能对每个值得注意的星群作充分的观测，来证实它们的影响。因为它们虽然每二十四小时由东向西转一周，一年作这种周日旋转三百六十六次，但就这个天球由西向东的运动而言，这三百六十六

Revolutions causeth not a minutes difference; it must needs follow that the very same fixed stars do rise, culminate, set, and lie in the same Circle of position, and also may be in configuration of the Sun, and any of the other Planets, and that so exactly in one and the same place or part of Heaven, that it is impossible with any instrument to discern any variation either in the longitude, latitude, declination, right or oblique ascention thereof; so that hereby it is clear the nature of any star may be found out, and be exactly known.

次旋转造成的差别连一分都不到；那么必然的结论是：同样的恒星升起、上中天、沉没，都处在同一个位置圈上，也可以与太阳及任何其他行星成格局，而且准确地在天上同一处、同一部分，以致用任何仪器都不可能分辨出它们在黄经、黄纬、赤纬、赤经或斜升上有任何变化；由此可见，任何一颗星的性质都可以查明，而且可以准确地知道。

But now as touching the Planets; first, we attribute, as is clear to every vulgar notion most power and efficacy to the Sun, next to the Moon, then to Venus, and so to Mercury, and next to Jupiter and Saturn, and lastly to Mars; this (I mean) in relation to their motion with the Sun; for by how much the light of the Planets to us is greater and their motion swifter, by so much are their operations necessarily the more apparent and manifest to us or our sense: we prefer Venus before Mercury, for that though he be swifter, yet is she the greater, and so consequently of more efficacy: and the reason why Mars is of least note, or most obscure unto us is, for that he is lesse then Saturn and Jupiter, who are preferred before him, and moveth in so large and great an Epicycle, that he seldomest rancounters with the Sun.

至于行星，首先，正如每个普通人的观念都清楚的，我们把最大的力量与效能归于太阳，其次是月亮，再次是金星，然后是水星，再其次是木星与土星，最后是火星；我是说，这是就它们与太阳相关的运动而言；因为行星的光对我们越大、运动越快，它们的作用对我们、对我们的感官就必然越显明。我们把金星排在水星之前，因为他虽然更快，她却更大，因而效能也更大；火星之所以最不引人注意、对我们最隐晦，是因为他比排在他前面的土星、木星小，又在一个极大的本轮上运行，以致他与太阳相遇的次数最少。

And we know that the Moon (as I have said in chap 4. of my Lux Veritatis, sect. 2.) finisheth her course through the Zodiack every 28. days and some odd hours, viz. twelve times in a year; by which we may, and do plainly perceive her configurations, viz. Conjunction, Sextile, Trine, Square and Opposition with every Star in the whole Heavens, both fixed and errant, and thereby their nature and mixture often to be known and discerned, and that very certainly.

我们知道，月亮（如我在《真理之光》第四章第二节所说）每二十八天又若干小时走完黄道一周，即一年十二次；借此我们可以、而且确实清楚地察觉她与全天每一颗星——无论恒星还是游走之星——所成的格局，即会合、六分、三分、四分与对冲，由此常常认识、辨别出它们的性质与混合，而且十分确定。

The Sun, Venus and Mercury also, do every year once finish their course, so that also hereby every year we may, and do plainly see and finde out their own specifical nature, and the properties of the other Stars, viz. fixed, as also their mixtures, and that before any sensible errour can be made by the motion of the Starry Sphear.

太阳、金星与水星也是每年走完一周，所以由此我们每年也可以、而且确实清楚地看到、查明它们自己特有的性质，以及其他星即恒星的特性，还有它们的混合；而这都在恒星天球的运动造成任何可察觉的误差之前。

Again, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, although they are (by reason of their superiority) of slower motion, yet doth it neither any ways hinder, but that their effects may easily and soon (as also their mixtures among themselves and the fixed stars) be known; for though Saturn be 29. years, some odd moneths and days, making his revolution, or running his course through the twelve Signs of the Zodiack, Jupiter twelve years, Mars three years; yet by reason of their long continuance in every sign, as also by their retrogradations, stations and directions coming often to the conjunction of the Stars in the Sign wherein they are, and to the Aspects of others in other Signs, we cannot but often and plainly be taught to perceive the several influence of every star in the whole Zodiack without the least sense of errour, especially since the Luminaries also, the Sun and Moon in the mean time come to them, and so make commixture of their influence, yearly and monethly.

再者，土星、木星与火星，虽然（由于它们位置更高）运动较慢，但这丝毫不妨碍它们的效应（以及它们彼此之间、与恒星之间的混合）容易而迅速地被认识；因为土星虽要二十九年又若干月日才完成一周，即走遍黄道十二星座，木星要十二年，火星要三年；但由于它们在每个星座停留很久，又由于它们的逆行、留与顺行，常常来到与所在星座中的诸星会合，并与其他星座中的星成相位，我们就不能不常常清楚地学会察觉全黄道每一颗星的种种影响，而丝毫不觉有误；尤其因为两光即日月在此期间也来会它们，于是每年、每月都使它们的影响混合。

Of all which the Student in Astrologie cannot be ignorant, if he but warily observe his Authors, who have sufficiently and largely declared them all unto him, as they by observation, and frequent practice have both been found out and approved by them to be most effectually true from Age to Age; yet if thou beest so curious (as I could wish thou wert, and all other ingenious souls) as that thou wilt make particular observation thereof thy self, Nota. thou mayest see that before the Starry Heaven moveth a degree, Saturn, who is the very slowest of the Planets, finisheth his course, and cometh to Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine or Opposition of every particular Star, of every particular magnitude, in every particular of the twelve Signs of the Zodiack twice; and Jupiter six times, Mars 24. times; the Sun, Venus, and Mercury 72. times, and the Moon 864. times or thereabouts; but oftner and more frequently they meet with one another (I mean the Planets) as the great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter happeneth once in twenty years; of Saturn and Mars once in two years, &c.

这一切，占星学的学生都不会不知道，只要他仔细留心他所读的作者；这些作者已经把它们充分而详尽地讲给他听，因为这些都是他们凭观测与经常的实践，一代又一代发现并证实为最真确有效的。然而，你若这样好奇（我真希望你是这样，也希望一切聪慧的人都是这样），要亲自作具体的观测，（请注意）你会看到：在恒星天移动一度之前，最慢的行星土星就走完它的路程，并与黄道十二星座每一处、每一等星中的每一颗星，各成会合、六分、四分、三分或对冲两次；木星六次，火星二十四次；太阳、金星与水星七十二次，月亮八百六十四次左右；而它们（我指行星）彼此相遇更为频繁，例如土星与木星的大会合二十年一次，土星与火星两年一次，等等。

So that particular observation of their effects may easily, and that in a mans life be both observed and known distinctly, I say, if any be thus curious.

所以，对它们效应的具体观测，在一个人的一生之中，就很容易分别地观测并认识到，我说，只要有人这样好奇的话。

Thus far chiefly, to clear the point I intend here next to insist upon, viz. That the Stars and their influence have power over all sublunary things; least some should (as of late they have) render themselves ridiculous to posterity, in denying both their effects and power, or at least, in affirming man (if they have any) is not able to comprehend the depth thereof, &c.

以上主要是为了澄清我接下来要坚持的论点，即诸星及其影响对一切月下之物都有力量；免得有些人（如近来有些人所做的）在后世面前出丑，既否认它们的效应与力量，或至少断言人（就算它们有力量）不能领会其深奥，等等。

CHAP. VI. That the variation of the Heavens from their places wherein they were in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation, causeth no erring in Astrological Iudgements.

第六章　论诸天从托勒密时代、或从最初创世时所在的位置移动，并不使占星判断出错。

Object. ANd first, since it is objected by some, That the true effects of the stars cannot be known by us, for that Ptolomie, whom we account as a chief Doctor amongst us in the delivering the mysteries and instructions of this Art, writ so long since, that the Heavens are gone some whole degrees from their places, they were in at his time, and therefore the same Rules will not now hold which he delivered.

（反驳）首先，有人提出反驳说：我们不能知道诸星的真正效应，因为托勒密——我们把他当作讲授此术奥秘与教导的首席博士——写书已经过去很久，诸天已经从他那时所在的位置移开了好几整度，所以他传下的同样规则如今不再成立。

For the answering of this Objection, I should do well to say no more then this, that it is altogether weak, and occasioned through ignorance, &c. and not trouble my self further to answer what needs no answer; but least those for whom I have undertaken these my labours, should then, for that they are not well grounded in the Art, think this Goliah to be more then it is;

要答复这条反驳，我本可以只说一句：它十分薄弱，出于无知，等等，不必再费心去答复不需要答复的东西；但恐怕我为之从事这些工作的那些人，因为在此术上根基不深，会把这个歌利亚看得比它实际更了不起；

I shall say thus much, that Ptolomie tyed us not by his Writings to be confined to use his Rules for those places the Signs were in at that time; but thus, Saturn in Aries signifieth so and so, where ever Aries be removed; for it is the nature of the Sign the Planet is in, that causeth him to have such and such a signification, not the place where the Sign is, in respect of the Revolution of the Starry Sphear; for then we (making no such observation for the direction of our Judgements) should never be able to predict any thing of certainty; besides if this had been necessary, Ptolomy would have taught us accordingly, and also have directed the precepts of the Art to have dependency on the place of the Heavens at the Creation, which were as far removed before his time as they have been since ; so that since the first Creation of all things, Aries the first sign (and so consequently uniformly all the rest in that Starry Sphear) is removed and revolved in the course of its motion neer upon three whole signs, according to Ticho his Account, which if this were of any, or the least moment (as I have said) we should never possibly be able (having no regard thereunto) to foretell any thing with certainty;

我就说这么多：托勒密并没有用他的著作束缚我们，要我们只照星座在他那时所在的位置来用他的规则；而是这样：土星在白羊，主如此如此，无论白羊移到哪里；因为使行星具有这样那样意义的，是行星所在星座的性质，而不是这个星座就恒星天球的旋转而言所在的位置；否则，我们（判断时并不作这样的观测）就永远不能确定地预言任何事；再说，若这是必要的，托勒密就会照此教导我们，也会让此术的规则依赖于创世时诸天的位置，而诸天在他之前移开的，与此后移开的一样远；所以，自万物最初被造以来，第一个星座白羊（因而那恒星天球里其余各座也一律）已在其运动的进程中移动、转过了将近整整三个星座，这是照第谷的推算；倘若这有任何、哪怕最小的要紧（如我所说），我们（既然不顾及于此）就永远不可能确定地预言任何事；

But our Rules run on another strain (as hath been said) viz. a Planet in such a Sign, signifieth so and so, let it be by its revolution where it will, &c. But this we finde daily certain, and the other consequently then of no efficacy; as for example.

但我们的规则走的是另一条路（如前所说），即一颗行星在某个星座，主如此如此，不论那星座由于旋转移到了哪里，等等。而这我们每天都发现是确实的，因而另一种说法就没有效力了；举例如下。

We see clearly, and that to be testified by every vulgar notion, that when the Sun comes into the Equinoctial point of Aries, the Spring forthwith begins to shew it self; every thing by its humidity and temperate heat, being thereby made to flourish, and as it were to rise again from the dead, which have by the tedious blasts of the Hyemnal Ayr been kept in obscurity; and this without respect to the place where Aries was in Ptolomies time, or at the first Creation; which neither then at that time had any other but the same efficacy now they have, though they may be intended or remitted by the conjunctions and configurations of the Planets, or by the variation of their declination, as they dart their beams more or less down perpendicularly upon us, and so work more or less powerfully at one time then another in the same place.

我们清楚看到，而且每个普通人的观念都能作证：太阳一到白羊的分点，春天立刻开始显现；万物借着它的湿气与温和的热，得以繁茂，好像从死里复活一样——它们先前被冬季空气漫长的寒风困在幽暗之中；而这并不顾及白羊在托勒密时代或最初创世时所在的位置；那时它们也只有与现在一样的效力，虽然这效力可能因行星的会合与格局而增强或减弱，或因它们赤纬的变化——随着它们的光线较多或较少地垂直射到我们身上——而在同一地方，这时比那时作用得更强或更弱。

So likewise when he enters into the first Solstice, or the Tropick of Cancer (he being then neerest our Zenith) causeth Summer; in the second Equinoctial, Libra, Autumn; in the last Trophick, Capricorn, Winter, &c.

同样，当他进入第一个至点，即巨蟹回归线（那时他离我们的天顶最近），就造成夏天；进入第二个分点天秤，就造成秋天；进入最后一个回归点摩羯，就造成冬天，等等。

But to put this matter quite out of doubt, let us but observe when the Sun comes into the Sign Taurus, and stirreth up the vertue of the Pleiades and Hyades in that sign, and the Hoedi to the North thereof, and Orion to the South, as also Arcturus then setting; and we shall see these Constellations (being naturally violent and tempestuous) do raise Southern and moist winds for certain days together, watring the earth, and causing those seeds and vegetables (not before to be discerned) to spring forth and appear; and this hath not only been delivered unto us from Antiquity, but we every year (towards the latter end of that moneth, we vulgarly call April) finde it by experience most true: Hence that old English Proverb, even amongst the illiterate that know nothing of the cause, April showers, bring May flowers.

但为了让这件事完全无可怀疑，我们只要观察：太阳进入金牛座、激起这个星座里昴星团与毕星团的力量，以及它北边的小山羊、南边的猎户座，还有当时正在沉没的大角，我们就会看到这些星群（本性狂暴、多风暴）一连几天掀起湿润的南风，浇灌大地，使那些先前看不出来的种子与草木发芽、显露；这不仅是古人传给我们的，我们每年（在我们通常称为四月的那个月的月底前后）也凭经验发现它最为真确：所以有那句英格兰古谚，甚至在对其原因一无所知的不识字的人中间也流传：四月的阵雨，带来五月的花。

Again when the Sun riseth with the Dog-star, we see it causeth many infirmities, and vehemency of heat, so that Hipoc. Aphor. 4, 5. saith, Medicines are hard, or obnoxious that are administred under the Dog-star; likewise we see Dogs at this time apt to run mad, the Sea to be troubled, and all Creatures whatsoever in one sort or other perplexed; and this is known commonly to all the vulgar, as well as the learned, and therefore needs not farther to be amplified: yet in some Summers, this time is not so contagious as again in other years, which happens according to the places and configurations of the Luminaries with the other Planets and fixed Stars, according to their intentions and remissions, neither cold nor heat proceeding from the absence or presence of the Sun, as some weakly conceive; for then all Summers would be alike hot, as also all Winters alike cold, since the Sun keeps his constant motion, and is never more elongated nor appropriated, one year then another:

再者，太阳与天狼星同升时，我们看到它造成许多疾病和酷热，所以希波克拉底《格言》第四卷第五条说：在天狼星下所施的药难以奏效，或者有害；我们也看到狗在这时容易发疯，海上不宁，一切生物都以这种那种方式不安；这一点普通人与学者都知道，所以不必再加铺陈：然而有些夏天，这段时节不像别的年份那样易生瘟疫，这是由于两光与其他行星、恒星的位置与格局不同，随它们的增强与减弱而定；冷与热并不出于太阳的远离或临近，像有些人浅薄地以为的那样；否则所有的夏天都会一样热，所有的冬天都会一样冷，因为太阳保持恒常的运动，并不这一年比那一年离得更远或靠得更近：

And this we see also every year when the Sun comes near the 18. Degree of Cancer, wherein the little or lesser Dog is, notwithstanding the Revolution of the Starry sphear; for otherwise it would be about the time he is in the 27. Degree of Gemini, which is about the latter end of that moneth we commonly term May.

我们每年也看到这一点：当太阳接近巨蟹十八度、即小犬星所在之处时，就是如此，尽管恒星天球在旋转；否则就该在他位于双子二十七度前后的时候，那大约是我们通常称为五月的那个月的月底。

Lastly, and with this I shall conclude as touching this point, and then proceed: There is no man that hath any knowledge in Astrologie, but can affirm, that the Weather will be tempestuous, stormy and turbulent, Saturn going out of one Sign into another, according to Hermes, Centil. 33. and other sayings of the Ancients, which if to be observed as they were just at the time Ptolomie writ, or at the first Creation, it will now be when he is in the middle, or towards the latter end of a sign, as the signs are now; for that Aries is now in our times very far in Taurus, or where Taurus was in Ptolomies time; but this hindreth or varieth no more the Influence of the Heavens from their natural properties and inclinations, then to affirm a Faggot or any other combustible thing will not burn, although it be put into the fire, because it is not in a Chimney, or any such whimsical assertion, &c. wherefore let us now shew the power of their Influence, and so discharge our former promise, since it here so fitly offereth it self.

最后，我就以此结束这一点，然后往下讲：凡对占星学有些知识的人，都能断言：土星从一个星座进入另一个星座时，天气会有暴风、风雨、动荡，这是照赫密斯《百则》第三十三则及古人的其他说法；倘若要照托勒密写书时或最初创世时的样子来观察，那么照现在的星座来说，这就会发生在他位于一个星座的中段或后段的时候；因为在我们这个时代，白羊如今已远在金牛之中，即在托勒密时代金牛所在之处；但这并不妨碍、也不改变诸天的影响出于它们自然的特性与倾向，正如断言一捆柴或别的易燃之物放进火里也不会燃烧，只因为它不在烟囱里，或诸如此类的荒唐断言一样，等等。所以，既然话题正好来到这里，现在就让我们说明它们影响的力量，以兑现前面的诺言。

What hath been already said is sufficient to satisfie any man who is not disposed, or given over to obstinacy, of the verity and certainty of Astrology: but for farther satisfaction, I think good yet to proceed to some particular effects of the Stars, that God may be glorified in his Works, being himself the first moving cause of all their wonderfull operations, that we may (according to the Apostle) see him in his Works, though not worthy to behold him as he is in himself, nor indeed able, so long as we carry this earthy Tabernacle about us unchanged and unglorified.

前面所说的，已足以使任何不固执、不一味顽梗的人相信占星学的真实与确定；但为了让人更满意，我认为还是往下讲讲诸星的一些具体效应为好，好使神在他的作为中得荣耀——他自己就是诸星一切奇妙作用的第一推动因——使我们（照使徒所说）在他的作为中看见他，虽然我们不配照他本来的样子看见他，而且只要我们还背着这尘世的帐幕、未经改变、未得荣耀，也确实不能看见他。

First then, because we are to hasten to say somewhat to a pretended reply to my Lux Veritatis, least this first Book swell to a bigger bulk then I would willingly have it: I shall briefly speak of the Planets first, and then of the fixed Stars, or as they are both joyned together, and so hasten to a conclusion.

那么首先，因为我们要赶紧谈一谈对我《真理之光》的一篇所谓答复，免得这第一卷膨胀得比我所愿意的更大，我就先简短地讲行星，再讲恒星，或讲它们两者结合的情形，然后赶紧作结。