ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 155 



pearances observable in Venus and the sun; with other 

 things of this kind. 6. Lastly, let it contain, from tradi 

 tion, the particular natures and alterations of the planets 

 and fixed stars; for as these are delivered with general 

 consent, they are not lightly to be rejected, unless they 

 directly contradict physical reasons. And of such obser 

 vations let a just astrology be formed: and according to 

 these alone should schemes of the heavens be made and 

 interpreted. 



Such an astrology should be used with greater confidence 

 in prediction, but more cautiously in election, and in both 

 cases with due moderation. Thus predictions may be made 

 of comets, and all kinds of meteors, inundations, droughts, 

 heats, frosts, earthquakes, fiery eruptions, winds, great rains, 

 the seasons of the year, plagues, epidemic diseases, plenty, 

 famine, wars, seditions, sects, transmigrations of people, and 

 all commotions or great innovations of things natural 

 and civM. Predictions may possibly be made more par 

 ticular, though with less certainty, if when the general 

 tendencies of the times are found, a good philosophical 

 or political judgment applies them to such things as are 

 most liable to this kind of accidents. For example, from 

 a foreknowledge of the seasons of any year they might be 

 apprehended more destructive to olives than grapes, more 

 hurtful in distempers of the lungs than the liver, more 

 pernicious to the inhabitants of hills than valleys, and, 

 for want of provisions, to monks than courtiers, etc. Or 

 if any one, from a knowledge of the influence which the 

 celestial bodies have upon the spirits of mankind, should 

 find it would affect the people more than their rulers, 

 learned and inquisitive men more than the military, etc. 

 For there are innumerable things of this kind that require 

 not only a general knowledge, gained from the stars, 

 which are the agents, but also a particular one of the 

 passive subjects. 



Nor are elections to be wholly rejected, though not so 

 much to be trusted as predictions; for we find in planting^ 



