f the efficacy
of such configurations; and though, by changing the signs, they may
vary the effects and also the places most subject to their influence,
yet it will appear that the observations of different authors (wherein
they all agree that England is most passive to the fiery trigon) are
founded on truth.

"The conjunction under consideration happened in the earthy
triplicity, to which Ptolemy refers to Europe in general; however, the
places most particularly under the sign Virgo are France, and more
especially Paris; and some authors say Lyons, and the principal port
of the Turkish dominions. Indeed it is curious to observe that the
Turks have got possession of nearly all the places said by Ptolemy to
be under this sign, wherein the conjunction happened, and I have no
doubt will most sensibly feel the effects of it; neither will Russia
and some parts of Germany and Switzerland escape its influence.

"As the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces are also afflicted, and
Jupiter so oppressed by the conjunction, Spain and Portugal will
likewise be sensible of their effects; neither do I like the
mischievous position of Mars in Taurus, the ascendant of Ireland,
particularly as he is upon the mid-heaven, and so near the mundane
quartile of Saturn and Mars.

"Most authors agree that evil configurations in Virgo are generally
attended with bloodshed, and that configurations in earthly signs have
more signification of feuds, dissatisfaction, and secret contrivances
among the common people, than they have of wars and differences
between kings and rulers, who are more properly denoted by princely or
fiery signs."

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Judicial Astrology--Reading the Heavens--Lucky and
Unlucky Days discovered--Kings' and Queens' Unlucky
Days--Highland Superstitions--Climacterics--Priests
foretelling Children's Future Destiny--Astrologer and
Charles IX.--Influence of the Moon--Official
Air-gazers--Sacrificing to Planets--Children born
under different Phases of the Moon--Dryden's Faith in
Astrology--Dryden calculating the Nativity of his
Children--Predictions concerning his Son fulfilled.

Judicial astrology, it is supposed, was invented in Chaldaea, and
thence transmitted to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, but there are
persons who think it commenced with the Arabs.

Astrologers, in reading the heavens, had recourse to a semicircle
which they called Position, by w