52 PARACELSUS 



The science which deals with the comparison of the 

 Microcosm and Macrocosm for the purpose of elucidating 

 the nature of the two (which are in reality one), and to 

 bring to an understanding the rational principle governing 

 their activity, is called by Paracelsus, Astronomia, and this 

 term is not to be confounded with modern physical 

 Astronomy, or the science of the revolutions of the suns 

 and planets in cosmic space, neither does it refer to the 

 mathematical astrological science of the sixteenth century. 

 The Astronomy of Paracelsus means wisdom, or a direct 

 recognition of the truth, caused by a just appreciation 

 and comprehension of the relationship existing between 

 the Macrocosmos and the Microcosmos, " whereby the 

 nature of man becomes known through an understanding 

 of the upper sphere of the great world, as well as by 

 investigating the lower sphere of his little world, as if 

 they were apparently (what they are essentially) one 

 Firmament,^ one Star, one Being, although appearing 

 temporarily in a divided form and shape." ^ 



The sphere of the Universal Mind is the upper firma- 

 ment and the sphere of the individual mind the lower 

 firmament, but the two are intimately connected together 

 and are essentially one. " It is the knowledge of the 

 upper (outer) firmament that enables us to know the 

 lower (inner) firmament in Man, and which teaches in 

 what manner the former continually acts upon and inter- 

 relates with the latter." Upon this knowledge the true 

 science of Astrology is based. 



Each, however — the Microcosmos as well as the Macro- 

 cosmos — are to be looked upon as having each a separate 

 and independent existence, and as being independent of 



into possession of practical knowledge by merely accepting a creed or a 

 belief in the scientiBc opinions of others without any experience of his own. 



^ One mind. 



» '• Liber Paramirum," cap. 2. This is the fundamental doctrine of the 

 teachings of Paracelsus. The Macrocosm and the Microcosm may not 

 only be " compared together," but they are one in reality, divided only by 

 forBi, which is an essentially vedantic doctrine. 



