Page:The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer - Barrett - 1801.djvu/33

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

INTRODUCTION

TO THE

STUDY OF NATURAL MAGIC.


OF THE INFLUENCES OF THE STARS.

IT has been ſubject of ancient diſpute whether or not the ſtars, as ſecond cauſesm do ſo rule and influence man as to ingraft in his nature certain paſſions, virtues, propenſities, &c, and this to take root in him at the very critical moment of his being born in this vale of miſery and wretchedneſs; likewiſe, if their ſite and configuration at this time do ſhew forth his future paſſions and purſuits; and by their revolutions, tranſits, and directed aſpects, they point out the particular accidents of the body, marriage, ſickneſs, preferments, and ſuch like; the which I have often revolved in my mind for many years paſt, having been at all times in all places a warm advocate for ſtellary divination or aſtrology: therefore in this place it is highly neceſſary that we examine how far this influence extends to man, ſeeing that I fully admit that man is endowed with a free-will from God, which the ſtars can in no wiſe counteract. And as there is in man the power and apprehenſion of all divination, and wonderful things, ſeeing that we have a complete ſyſtem in ourſelvs, therefore are we called the microcoſm, or little world; for we carry

A 2
a heaven