Of Geomancy, part 1 of 3

Henry Cornelius Agrippa, Of Geomancy.

GEOMANCY is an art of divination, whereby the judgment may be rendered by lot, or destiny to every question of every thing whatsoever: but the art hereof consisteth especially in certain points, whereof certain figures are deducted according to the reason or rule of equallity or inequallity, likeness or unlikeness; which figures are also reduced to the caelestial figures, assuming their natures and properties, according to the course and forms of the signs and planets. Notwithstanding this in the first place we are to consider, that this kind of art can declare or shew forth nothing of verity, unless it shall be radical in some divine virtue; and this the authors of this science have demonstrated to be too-fold: the one whereof consists in religion and cerimonies; and therefore they will have the projecting of the points of this art to be made with signs in the earth: wherefore the art is appropriated to this element the earth, even as pyroman[…] to the the fire, and hydromancy to the element of water: then whereas they judged the hand of the projector or worker to be most powerfully moved, and directed to the terrestrial spirits; and therefore they first used certain holy incantations and deprecations, with other rites and observations, provoking and alluring spirits of this nature hereunto.

Another power there is that doth direct and rule this lot or fortune, which is in the very soul itself of the projector, when he is carried to this work with some great egress of his own desire, for this art hath a natural obedience to the soul itself, and of necessity hath efficacy and is moved to that which the soul itself desires; and this way is by far more true and pure: neither matters it where or how those points are projected: therefore this art hath the same radix with the art of Astrological questions: which also can no otherwise be verified, unless with a constant and excessive affection of the Querent himself. Now then that we may proceed to the praxis of this art; first it is to be known, that all figures upon which this whole art is founded are only sixteen, as in this following table you shall see noted, with their names.

Now we proceed to declare with what planets these figures are distributed: for hereupon all the propriety and nature of figures, and the judgment of the whole art dependeth: therefore the greater and lesser fortune are ascribed to the Sun; but the first or greater fortune is when the sun is diurnal, and posited in his dignities; the other, or lesser fortune, is when the sun is nocturnal, or placed in less dignities. Via, and Populus, (that is, the way, and people) are referred to the moon; the first from her beginning and increasing, the second from her full light and quarter decreasing. Acquisitio, and Laetitia, (which is gain, profit; Joy and gladness) are of Jupiter: but the first hath Jupiter the greater fortune, the second the less, but without detriment. Puella and Amissio are of Venus; the first fortunate, the other (as it were) retrograde, or combust. Conjunctio and Albus are both figures of Mercury, and are both good: but the first the more fortunate. Puer and Rubeus are figures ascribed to Mars; the first whereof hath Mars benevolent, the second malevolent. Carcer and Tristtitia are both figures of Saturn, and both evil; but the first of the greater detrement. The Dargons head and Dragons tail do follow their own natures.

And these are the infallable comparisons of the figures, and from these we may easily discern the equality of their signs; therefore the greater and lesser fortunes have the sign of Leo, which is the house of the Sun: Via and Populus have the sign of Cancer, which is the house of the Moon: Acquisitio hath for his sign Pisces; and Laetitia Sagittary, which are both the houses of Jupiter: Puella hath the sign of Taurus, and Amissio of Libra, which are the houses of Venus: Conjunctio hath for his sign Virgo. and Albus the sign Gemini, the houses of Mercury: Puella and Rubeus have for their sign Scorpio, the house of Mars: Carcer hath the sign Capricorn, and Tristitia Aquary, the houses of Saturn: the Dragons head and tail are thus divided, the head to Capricorn, and the Dragons tail adhereth to Scorpio: and from hence you may easily obtain the Triplicities of these signs, after the manner of the triplicities of the signs of the zodiack: Puer therefore, both fortunes, and Laetitia, do govern the fiery triplicity; Puella, Conjunctio, Carcer, and the Dragons head, the earthly triplicity: Albus, Amissio, and Tristitia, do make the airy triplicity: and Via, Populus, and Rubeus, with the Dragons tail, and Acquisitio, do rule the watry triplicity; and this order is taken according to the course or manner of the signs.

But if any will constitute these triplicities according to the natures of the planets, and figures themselves, let him observe this rule, that Fortuna major, Rubeus, Puer, and Amissio, do make the fiery triplicity: Fortuna minor, Puella, Laetitia, and Conjunctio, the triplicity of the air: Acquisitio, the Dragons tail, Via, and Populus, do govern the watry triplicity; and the earthly triplicity is ruled by Carcer, Tristitia, Albus, and the Dragons head. And this way is rather to be observed than the first which we have set forth; because it is constituted according to the rule and manner of the signs.

This order is far more true and rational than that which vulgarly is used, which is described after this manner: of the fiery triplicity are, Cauda, Fortuna minor, Amissio, and Rubeus: of the airy triplicity are, Acquisitio, Laetetia, Puer, and Conjunct[…]o: of the watry triplicity are, Populus, Via, Albus, Puella: and Caput, Fortuna major, Carcer, and Tristitia, are of the earthly triplicity.

They do likewise distribute these figures to the twelve signs of the zodiack, after this manner; Acquisitio, is given to Aries; Fortuna both major and minor to Taurus; Laetitia to the sign Gemini; Puella and Rubeus to Cancer; Albus is assigned to Leo, Via to Virgo; the Dragons head and Conjunctio to Libra; Puer is submitted to Scorpio; Tristitia and Amissio are assigned to Sagittary; the Dragons tail to Capricorn; Populus to Aquarius and Carcer is assigned to to the sign Pisces.

And now we come to speak of the manner of projecting or setting down these figures, which is thus; that we set down the points according to their course in four lines, from the right hand towards the left, and this in four courses: there will therefore result unto us four figures made in four several lines, according to the even or uneven marking every several line; which four figures are wont to be called Matres: which do bring forth the rest, filling up and compleating the whole figure of judgment, an example whereof you may see here following.

[Figure]

Of these four Matres are also produced four other secondary figures, which they call Filiae, or succedents, which are gathered together after this manner, that is to say, by making the four Matres according to their order, placing them by course one after another **; then that which shall result out of every line maketh the figure of Fileae, the order whereof is by descending from the superior points through both m[…]diums to the lowest: as in this example.

[Figure: Filiae produced. Matres. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *]

And these figures do make 8 houses of heaven, after this manner, by placing the figures from the left hand towards the right: as the four Matres do make the four first houses, so the four Filiae do make the four following houses, which are the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth: and the rest of the houses are found after this manner; that is to say, out of the first and second is derived the ninth; out of the third and fourth the tenth; out of the fifth and sixth the eleventh; and out of the seventh and eighth the twelfth: by the combination of joining together of two figures according to the rule of the even or uneven number in the remaining points of each figure. After the same manner they are produced out of the last four figures, that is to say, of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth, two figures, which they call Coadjutrices or Testes; out of which two is also one constituted, which is called the index of the whole figure, or thing quesited: as appeareth in this example following.

[Figure: A Theme of Geomancy. — Filiae. — Matres.]

And this which we have declared is the common manner observed by Geomancers, which we do not altogether reject, neither extoll; therefore this is only to be considered in our judgments: now therefore I will give you the true figure of Geomancy, according to the right constitution of Astrological reason, which is thus.

As the former Matres do make the four angles of an house, the first maketh the first angle, the second the second angle, the third maketh the third angle, and the fourth the fourth angle; so the four Filiae arising from the Matres, do constitute the four succedent houses; the first maketh the second house, the second the eleventh, the third the eighth, and the fourth maketh the first house; the rest of the houses, which are cadents, are to be calculated according to the rule of their triplicity; that is to say, by making the ninth out of the fourth and fifth, and the sixth out of the tenth and second, of the seventh and eleventh the thi[…]d, and of the fourth and eighth the twelfth.

And now you have the whole figure of true judgment constituted according to true & e[…]icacious reasons, whereby I shall shew how you shall complete it: the figure which shall be in the first house shall give you the sign ascending, which the first figure sheweth; which being done, you shall attribute their signs to the rest of their houses, according to the order of the signs: then […]n every house you shall note the planets accord[…]ng to the nature of the figure: then from all these you shall build your jud[…]ment according to the […]ignification of the planets in the signs and houses wherein they shall be found, and according to […]heir aspects among themselves, and to the place o[…] the querent and thing quesited; and you shall judge according to the nature of the signs ascend[…]g in their houses, an[…] according to the nature […]nd properties of the figure[…] which they have placed in to the several houses and according to commisture of other figures aspecting them: the index of the figure which the Geomancers for the most part have made, how it is found in the former figure.

But here we shall give you the secret of the art of finding out the Index in the subsequent figure, which is thus: that you number all the points which are contained in the lines of the projections, and this you shall divide by twelve: and that which remaineth project from the ascendent by the several houses, and upon which house there falleth a final unity, that figure giveth you a competent judgment of the thing quesited; and this together with the significations of the judgments aforesaid. But if on either part they shall be equal, or ambiguous, then the index alone shall certifie you of the thing quesited. The example of this Figure is here placed.

[Figure: There remains out of the division of the projections 6 points; wherefore Jupiter in the sixth house sheweth the index.]

It remaineth now, that we declare, of what thing and to what house a question doth appertain. Then, what every Figure doth shew or signify […]oncerning all questions in every house.

First therefore we shall handle the significations of the houses; which are these.

The first house sheweth the person of the querent, as often as a question shall be proposed concerning himself, of his own matters, or any thing appertaining to him. And this house declareth the judgment of the life, form, state, condition, habit, disposition, form and figure, and of the colour of men. The second house containeth the judgment of substance, riches, poverty, gain and loss, good fortune and evil fortune: and of accidents in substance; as theft, loss or negligence. The third house signifieth brethren, sisters and collaterals in blood: it judgeth of small journeys, and fidelities of men. The fourth house signifies father and grandfathers, patrimony and inheritance, possessions, buildings, fields, treasure, and things hidden: It giveth also the description of those who want any thing by theft, losing, or negligence. The fifth house giveth judgment of legates, messengers, rumours, news; of honour, and of accidents after death: and of questions that may be propounded concerning women with child, or creatures pregnant. The sixth house giveth judgment of infirmities, and medicines; of familiars and servants; of cattle and domestic animals. the seventh house signifieth wedlock, whoredom, and fornication; rendereth judgment of friends, strifes, and controversies; rendereth judgment of Judges. The eighth hath signification of death, and of those things which come by death of legates, and hereditaments; of the dowry or portion of a wife. The ninth house sheweth journeys, faith, and constancy; dreams, divine sciences, and religion. The tenth house hath signification of honours, and of magisterial offices. The eleventh house signifies friends, and the substance of Princes. The twelfth house signifies en[…]mi[…]s, servants, imprisonment, and misfortune, and w[…]tsoever evil can happen besides death an[…] sickness, the judgments whereof are to be required in the sixth house, and in the eighth.

It rests now, that we shew you what every figure before spoken of signifieth in these places; which we shall now unfold.

Fortuna major being found in the first house, giveth long life and freeth from the molestation of diseases: it demonstrateth a man to be noble, magnanimous, of good manners, mean of stature, complexion ruddy, hair curling, and his superior members greater than his inferior. In the second house, he signifies manifest riches and manifest gain, good fortune, and the gaining of any thing lost or mislaid; the taking of a thief, and recovery of things stolen. In the third house, he signifieth brethren and kinsmen, nobles, and persons of good conversation; journeys to be prosperous and gainful with honour: it demonstrateth men to be faithful, and their friendship to be unfeigned. In the fourth house, he represents a father to be noble, and of good reputation, and known by many people: he enlargeth possessions in cities, increaseth patrimonies, and discovereth hidden treasures. In this place he likewise signifies theft, and recovers every thing lost In the fifth house, he giveth by children, and causeth them to attain to great honours: Embassages he rendereth prosperous; but they are purchased with pains and prayers: he noteth rumours to be true: he bestoweth public honours, and causeth a man to be very famous after death: foresheweth a woman with child […]o bring forth a man child. In the sixth house, he freeth from diseases: sheweth those that have infirmities shall in a short time recover: signifieth a physician to be faithful and honest, to administer good Physic, of which there ought to be had no suspicion; household servants and ministers to be faithful: and of animals he chiefly signifies horses. In the seventh house, he giveth a wife rich, honest and of good manners; loving and pleasant: he overcom[…]th strifes and contentions. But if the question be concerning them, he signifieth the adversaries to be very potent, and great favourites. In the eighth house, if a question be proposed of the death of any one, it signifies he shall live: the kind of death he sheweth to be good and natural; an honest burial, and honourable funerals: he foresheweth a wife to have a rich dowry, legacies and inheritances. In the ninth house, he signifieth journeys to be prosperous; and by land on horseback, rather th[…]n on foot; to be long, and not soon accomplished: he sheweth the return of those that are absent; signifies men to be of good faith, and constant in their intentions; and religious; and that never change or alter their faith: Dreams he presageth to be true; signifieth true and perfect sciences. In the tenth House, he foresheweth great honours, bestoweth public Offices, Majestracy, and Judgments; and honours in the courts of Princes: signifieth Judges to be just, and not corrupted with gifts; bringeth a Cause to be easily and soon expedited: sheweth Kings to be potent, fortunate, and victorious: denoteth victory to be certain: signifieth a mother to be noble, and of long life. In the eleventh house, he signifieth true friends, and profitable; a Prince rich and liberal: maketh a man fortunate, and beloved of his Prince. In the twelfth house, if a question be proposed of the quality of enemies, it demonstrateth them to be potent and noble, and hardly to be resisted; But if a question shall be concerning any other condition or respect of the enemies, he will deliver from their treacheries. It signifies faithful servants; reduceth fugitives; hath signification of animals, as horses, lions, and bulls: freeth from imprisonments; and eminent dangers he either mitigateth or taketh away.

Fortuna minor in the first house, giveth long life, but incumbred with divers molestations and sicknesses: it signifieth a person of short stature, a lean body, having a mold or mark in his forehead or right eye. In the second house, he signifies substance, and that to be consumed with too much prodigality: hideth a thief; and a thing stolen is scarsely to be recovered, but great labour. In the third house, he causeth dicord amongst brethren and kinsfolk; threateneth danger to be in a journey, but escapeth it: rendereth men to be of good faith, but of close and hidden minds. In the fourth house, he prejudiceth patrimonies and inheritances; concealeth treasures; and things lost cannot be regained, but with great difficulty: he signifieth a father to be honest, but a spender of his estate through prodigality, leaving small portions to his children. Fortuna minor in the fifth house, giveth few children; a woman with child he signifies shall have a woman-child; signifies Embassages to be honourable, but little profitable; raiseth to mean honours; giveth a good fame after death, but not much divulged; nor of lasting memory. In the sixth house, he signifies diseases, both sanguine and cholerick; sheweth the sick person to be in great danger, but shall recover: signifies faithful servants, but slothful and unprofitable: and the same of other animals. In the seventh house, he giveth a wife of a good progeny descended; but you shall be incumbred with many troubles with her: causeth love to be anxious and unconstant: prolongeth contentions, and maketh ones adversaries to circumvent him with many cavillations; but in process of time he giveth victory. In the eighth house, he sheweth the kind of death to be good and honest; but obscure, or in a strange place, or pilgrimage; discovereth Legacies and possessions; but to be obtained with suit and difficulty; denoteth Funerals and buryings to be obscure, the portion of a wife to be hardy gotten, but easily spent. In the ninth house, he maketh journeys to be dangerous; and a party absent slowly to return: causeth men to be occupied in offices of religion: sheweth sciences to be unaccomplished; but keepeth constancy in faith and religion. In the tenth house, he signifieth Kings and princes to be potent; but to gain their power with war and violence: banished men he sheweth shall soon return: it likewise discovereth honours, great Offices and benefits; but for which you shall continually labour and strive, and wherein you shall have no staple continuance; A Judge shall not favour you: Suits and contentions he prolongeth: A father and mother he sheweth shall soon die, and always to be affected with many diseases. In the eleventh house, he maketh many friends, but such as are poor and unprofitable, and not able to relieve thy necessities: it ingratiates you with Princes, and giveth great hopes, but small gains; neither long to continue in any benefice or offices bestowed by a Prince. In the twelfth house, he sheweth enemies to be crafty, subtil, and fraudulent, and studying to circumvent you with many secret factions: signifies one in prison to be long detained, but at length to be delivered: Animals he sheweth to be unfruitful, and servants unprofitable; and the changes of fortune to be frequent, from good to evil, and from bad to good.