Book II, chapters 16–22: Roman, Greek and Hebrew numerals; numbers of the gods; the planetary tables

CHAP. XVI. Of the various notes of numbers observed amongst the Romans.

THE notes of numbers are made diverse wayes in divers nations. The Romans did figure them by these following notes, which Valerius Probus describes concerning the ancient letters, and which are still in use, viz.

• One. I.
• Five. V.
• Ten. X.
• Fifty. L.
• A hundred. C.
• Two hundred. ∽. CC.
• Five hundred. D.
• A thousand. M. S. I. CXↃ.
• Five thousand. IↃↃ. ICC. v.
• Ten thousand. CCIↃↃ. CMↃ. ↃMC. IMI. x.
• Fifty thousand. IↃↃↃ. DↃↃ. L.
• A hundred thousand. CCCIↃↃↃ [symbol] [symbol] CM. C.
• Two hundred thousand. ∽. CC.
• Five hundred thousand. DM. qↃ. D.
• A thousand thousand. CMↃ. CqↃ. M. S.

There are also other notes of numbers now a dayes used amongst Arithmeticians, and Calculators, which according to the order of numbers are made after this manner 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. to which is added a note of privation signed with the mark o which although it signifie no number, yet makes others to signifie, either tens, or hundreds, or thousands, as is well known to Arithmeticians. Also there are some that mark the number ten with a line downward, and another made cross it; and five by that line which toucheth the other, but doth not go cross it, and a unity by that which is put by it self, as you may see in this example. [symbol] signifies ten, [symbol] signifies ten and five, [symbol] signifies sixteen, [symbol] ten and seven; and the round 0 being put by it self signifies a hundred; but being joyned to others, signifies so many hundreds as the numbers are to which it is put, as thus, 00 or thus 110 signifies two hundred, thus 000 or thus 1110 three hundred [symbol] five hundred, [symbol] ten hundred or a thousand. And these notes are commonly seen added in Magicall Characters.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the notes or figures of the Graecians.

THE Graecians use the Alphabeticall letters for their notes of numbers, and that three wayes; first by every Element according to the series of the Alphabet signifying the number of its place. For in the order of which any number doth possesse the place of the Alphabet, it represents the number thereof, as here you may see.

• 1. α
• 2. β
• 3. γ
• 4. δ
• 5. ε
• 6. ζ
• 7. η
• 8. θ
• 9. ι
• 10. κ
• 11. λ
• 12. μ
• 13. ν
• 14. ξ
• 15. ο
• 16. π
• 17. ρ
• 18. σ
• 19. τ
• 20. υ
• 21. φ
• 22. χ
• 23. ψ
• 24. ω

And this is the first order of numbers amongst the Greeks. Secondly, the Greeks divide the whole Alphabet into three Classes, whereof the first beginning from Alpha, is of unites. The second beginning from Iota is of tens. The third begining from Rho is of hundreds; and this order by the latter of the Greeks is instituted after the imitation of the Hebrews. Now because their Alphabet wants by that rule, three letters, it is necessary to add to them three figures, and to interlace them with the letters, by which, viz. they explain the sixt, the ninetieth, and the nine hundreth, as is manifest in the following Classes.

• 1. Α
• 2. Β
• 3. Γ
• 4. Δ
• 5. Ε
• 6. Ϛ
• 7. Ζ
• 8. Η
• 9. Θ
• 10. Ι
• 20. Κ
• 30. Λ
• 40. Μ
• 50. Ν
• 60. Ξ
• 70. Ο
• 80. Π
• 90. Ϟ
• 100. Ρ
• 200. Σ
• 300. Τ
• 400. Υ
• 500. Φ
• 600. Χ
• 700. Ψ
• 800. Ω
• 900. Ϡ

Now if to any of these letters there be subscribed the stroke of an acute tone, then it signifies so many thousands, as in these examples.

• 1000. Α.
• 10000. Ι.
• 100000. Ρ.

After the third manner, the Greeks use only six letters in signifying their numbers, viz. Ι, for an Unite, Π for the number five, because it is the head of the word [non-Latin script] (i. e.) five. Δ for the number ten, from [non-Latin script]. H for a hundred from [non-Latin script]. Η for a thousand, from the word [non-Latin script]. Μ for ten thousand from [non-Latin script]. From which six letters joyned in number after their manner unto four, or to other numbers, they make other numbers, besides [non-Latin script] which is not multiplyed, nor joyned to it self, but alwayes signifies the fives of others, as appears in the following examples.

• 1 Ι
• 2 ΙΙ
• 3 ΙΙΙ
• 4 ΙΙΙΙ
• 5 Π
• 6 ΠΙ
• 7 ΠΙΙ
• 8 ΠΙΙΙ
• 9 ΠΙΙΙΙ
• 10 Δ
• 11 ΔΙ
• 12 ΔΙΙ
• 13 ΔΙΙΙ
• 14 ΔΙΙΙΙ
• 15 ΔΠ
• 16 ΔΠΙ
• 20 ΔΔ
• 21 ΔΔΙ
• 50 Δ
• 60 ΔΑ
• 100 Η
• 200 ΗΗ
• 5000 Η
• 1000 Χ
• 5000 Χ
• 10000 Μ
• 50000 Μ

CHAP. XIX. Of the notes of the Hebrews, and Caldeans, and certain other notes of Magicians.

THE Hebrew letters also have marks of numbers, but fat more excellently then any other languages, since the greatest mysteries lie in Hebrew letters, as is handled concerning these in that part of Cabaly which they call Notariacon. Now the principall Hebrew letters are in number twenty two, whereof five have divers other certain figures in the end of a word, which therefore they call the five ending letters, which being added to them aforesaid make twenty seven, which being then divided into three degrees, signifie the unites, which are in the first degree; tens which are in the second, and hundreds which are in the third degree. Now every one of them if they be marked with a great Character, signifies so many thousands, as here

• 3000. ג
• 2000. ב
• 1000. א

Now the Classes of the Hebrew numbers are these,

• 1. א
• 2. ב
• 3. ג
• 4. ד
• 5. ה
• 6. ו
• 7. ז
• 8. ח
• 9. ט
• 10. י
• 20. כ
• 30. ל
• 40. מ
• 50. נ
• 60. ס
• 70. ע
• 80. פ
• 90. צ
• 100. ק
• 200. ר
• 300. ש
• 400. ת
• 500. ך
• 600. ם
• 700. ן
• 800. ף
• 900. ץ

Now there are some which do not use those finall letters, but instead of them write thus.

• 1000. א
• 900. תתק
• 800. תת
• 700. תש
• 600. תר
• 500. תק

And by those simple figures by the joyning them together they describe all other compound numbers, as eleven, twelve, a hundred and ten, a hundred and eleven, by adding to the number ten, those which are of unites; and in like manner to the rest after their manner; yet they describe the fifteenth number not by ten, and five, but by nine, and six, viz. thus [non-Latin script] and that out of honor to the divine name [non-Latin script] which imports fifteen, lest it should happen that the sacred name should be abused to prophane things. Also the Egyptians, Aethiopians, Caldeans, and Arabians, have their marks of numbers, which also often times happen amongst Magicall Characters. He therefore that would know them, must seek them, of them that are skilful of these letters. For the Caldeans mark the numbers with the letters of their Alphabet after the manner of the Hebrews. We have set down their Alphabet in the end of the first book. Moreover I found in two most ancient books of Astrologers, and Magicians, certain most elegant marks of numbers, which I thought good to set down in this place; Now they were in both Volums such.

• 1 [symbol]
• 2 [symbol]
• 3 [symbol]
• 4 [symbol]
• 5 [symbol]
• 6 [symbol]
• 7 [symbol]
• 8 [symbol]
• 9 [symbol]

Now by these mark turned to the left hand are made tens, after this manner.

• 10 [symbol]
• 20 [symbol]
• 30 [symbol]
• 40 [symbol]
• 50 [symbol]
• 60 [symbol]
• 70 [symbol]
• 80 [symbol]
• 90 [symbol]

And by those markes which are turned downwards on the the right hand, are made hundreds; on the left thousands, viz: thus.

• 100 [symbol]
• 200 [symbol]
• 300 [symbol]
• 400 [symbol]
• 500 [symbol]
• 600 [symbol]
• 700 [symbol]
• 800 [symbol]
• 900 [symbol]
• 1000 [symbol]
• 2000 [symbol]
• 3000 [symbol]
• 4000 [symbol]
• 5000 [symbol]
• 6000 [symbol]
• 7000 [symbol]
• 8000 [symbol]
• 9000 [symbol]

And by the composition, and mixture of these markes other mixt and compounded numbers also are most elegantly made, as you may perceive by these few.

• 1510 [symbol]
• 1511 [symbol]
• 1471 [symbol]
• 1486 [symbol]
• 2421 [symbol]

According to the example of which we must proceed in other compound numbers; And so much suffice for the marks of numbers.

CHAP. XX. What numbers are attributed to letters; and of divining by the same.

THE Pythagorians say (Aristotle, and Ptolemy are of opinion) that the very Elements of letters have some certain divine numbers, by which collected from proper names of things, we may draw conjectures concerning occult things to come. Whence they call this kind of divination Arithmancy, because, viz. it is done by numbers, as Terentianus hath made mention of it in these verses.

Names are, they say, made of but letters few
Unfortunate, of many, do foreshew
Success; so Hector did Patroclus slay,
So Hector to Achilles was a prey.

Also Pliny saith, That there was added to what Pythagoras invented, an uneven number of vowels of imposed names, which did betoken lameness, or want of eyes, and such like misfortunes, if they be assigned to the right side parts; but an even number to them of the left. And Alexandrinus the Philosopher taught, How that by the number of letters we may find out the ruling Stars of any one that is born, and whether the husband or wife shall dye first, and know the prosperous, or unhappy events of the rest of our works. His traditions which were not disallowed by Ptolemy the Astrologer we shall here add, and put under. But those numbers, which are deputed to each letter, we have above shewed in the Greek, and Hebrew letters, the Alphabet being divided into three Classes, whereof the first is of unites, the second of tens, the third of hundreds. And seeing in the Roman Alphabet there are wanting four to make up the number of twenty seven Characters, their places are supplyed with I, and V simple consonants, as in the names of John, and Valentine, and hi, and hu aspirate consonants as in Hierom, and Huilhelme, although the Germans for hu the asperate use a double v v; the true Italians, and French in their vulgar speech put G joyned with U instead thereof, writing thus, Vuilhelmus, and Guilhelmus.

• 1. A.
• 2. B.
• 3. C.
• 4. D.
• 5. E.
• 6. F.
• 7. G.
• 8. H.
• 9. I.
• 10. K.
• 20. L.
• 30. M.
• 40. N.
• 50. O.
• 60. P.
• 70. Q.
• 80. R.
• 90. S.
• 100. T.
• 200. V.
• 300. X.
• 400. Y.
• 500. Z.
• 600. I.
• 700. V.
• 800. HI.
• 900. HV.

But if thou desirest to know the ruling Star of any one that is born, compute his name, and of both his parents, through each letter according to the number above written, and divide the sum of the whole being gathered together by nine, substracting it as often as thou canst; and if there remaine a unity, or four, both signifie the Sun; if two or seven, both signifie the Moon; but three, Jupiter; five, Mercury; six, Venus; eight, Saturne; nine, Mars; and the reasons thereof are shewed else where. In like manner if thou desirest to know the horoscope of any one that is born, compute his name, and of his Mother, and Father, and divide the whole collected together by twelve[…], if there remain a unity, it signifies the Lyon; if Junos dewce, Aquarius; if the Vestall three, Capricorn; if four, Sagittarius; if five, Cancer; if Venus six, Taurus; if Palladian seven, Aries; if Vulcans eight, Libra; if Mars his nine, Scorpio; if ten, Virgo; if eleven, Pisces; if Phaebus twelve, they represent Geminos; and the reasons of them are given elswhere. And let no man wonder that by the numbers of names many things may be Prognosticated, seeing (the Pythagorian Philosophers, and Hebrew Cabalists testifying the same) in those numbers lye certain occult mysteries vnderstood by few, for the most High created all things by number, measure, and weight, from whence the truth of letters, and names had its originall, which were not instituted casually, but by a certain rule (although unknown to us.) Hence John in the Revelation saith, Let him which hath understanding compute the number of the name of the beast, which is the number of a man. Yet these are not to be understood of those names, which a disagreeing difference of Nations, and divers rites of Nations according to the causes of places, or education have put upon men; but those which were inspired into every one at his birth, by the very Heaven with the conjunction of Stars, and those which the Hebrew Mecubals, and wise men of Egypt long since taught to draw from the generation of every one.

CHAP. XXI. What numbers are consecrated to the Gods, and which are ascribed, and to what Elements.

MOreover the Pythagorians have dedicated to the Element, and dieties of Heaven sacred numbers; for to the Aire they have assigned the number eight, and to fire five, to the earth six, to the water twelve. Besides, unity is ascribed to the Sun, which is the only King of the Stars, in which God put his Tabernacle; and that this also is of Jupiter, doth the Causative power of his ideal and intellectuall species testifie, who is the head, and the father of the Gods, as unity is the beginning, and parent of numbers: The number two is ascribed to the Moon, which is the second great light, and figures out the soul of the world, and is called Juno, because betwixt that and unity there is the first conjunction, and neer fellowship; it is also ascribed to Saturn, and Mars, two unfortunate Planets with the Astrologers; so the number three is ascribed to Jupiter, the Sun, and Venus, viz. three fortunate planets, and is deputed to Vesta, Hecata, and Diana; hence they say,

Threefold is Hecate, three months Diana
The Virgin hath—

The number three therefore is dedicated to this Virgin whom they say to be powerfull in Heaven, and in Hell. The number four is of the Sun, which by that number constitutes the corners of the heavens, and distinguisheth seasons: it is also ascribed to Cyllenius, because he alone is called the four square God. The number five consisting of the first even, and the first odd, as of female, and male, both sexes, is assigned to Mercury it is also attributed to the Celestiall world, which beyond the four Elements is it self under another form, the fift. The number six, which consists of two threes, as a Commixtion of both sexes, is by the Pythagorians ascribed to generation, and marriage, and belongs to Venus, and Juno. The number seven is of rest, and belongs to Saturn; the same also doth dispence the motion, and light of the Moon, and therefore is called by the name of Tritonia the Virgin, because it begets nothing. It is assigned to Minerva, because it proceeds of nothing; also to Pallas the Virago, because it consists of numbers, as of males, and females. This also Plutarck ascribes to Apollo. The number eight, by reason it containes the mysterie of justice, is ascribed to Jupiter; it is also dedicated to Vulcan, for of the first motion, and number two, which is Juno drawn twice into it self, it consists; It is also attributed to Cybele the mother of the Gods, to whom every four square is attributed. Plutarck assigns it to Bacchus, or Dionysius, who is said to be born the eighth moneth: others, because Infants of the eight moneth do not live, have attributed it to Saturn, and the three Ladies of destiny. The number nine belongs to the Moon, the utmost receptacle of all Celestiall influences, and vertues, as also it is dedicated to the nine Muses, as also to Mars, from whom is the end of all things. The number ten is Circular, and belongs to the Sun, after the same manner as unity; also it is attributed to Janus, because it is the end of the first order, and from whence begins the second unity; it is also ascribed to the world. In like manner the number twelve, because the Sun going round twelve signes, distributes the yeer into twelve moneths, is attributed to the world, the Heaven, and the Sun. The number eleven, because it is semicircular, is attributed to the Moon, and also deputed to Neptune.

CHAP. XXII. Of the tables of the Planets, their vertues, forms, and what Divine names, Intelligencies, and Spirits are set over them.

IT is affirmed by Magicians, that there are certain tables of numbers distributed to the seven planets, which they call the sacred tables of the planets, endowed with many, and very great vertues of the Heavens, in as much as they represent that divine order of Celestiall numbers, impressed upon Celestials by the Idea's of the divine mind, by means of the soul of the world, and the sweet harmony of those Celestiall rayes, signifying according to the proportion of effigies, supercelestiall Intelligencies, which can no other way be expressed, then by the marks of numbers, and Characters. For materiall numbers, and figures can do nothing in the mysteries of hid things, but representatively by formall numbers, and figures, as they are governed, and informed by intelligencies, and divine numerations, which unite the extreams of the matter, and spirit to the will of the elevated soul, receiving through great affection, by the Celestiall power of the operator, a power from God, applyed through the soul of the universe, and observations of Celestiall constellations, to a matter fit for a form, the mediums being disposed by the skill, and industry of Magicians; But let us hasten to explain the tables severally. The first of them is assigned to Saturn, and consists of a square of three, containing the particular numbers of nine, and in every line three every way, and through each Diameter making fifteen. Now the whole sum of numbers is fourty five. Over this are of Divine names set such names as fill up the numbers with an Intelligency to what is good, with a spirit to what is bad, and out of the same numbers is drawn the seal, or Character of Saturn, and of the spirits thereof, such as we shall beneath ascribe to its table. They say that this table being with a fortunate Saturn engraven on a plate of lead, doth help to bring forth, or birth, and to make a man safe, and powerfull, and to cause success of petitious with princes, and powers: but if it be done with an unfortunate Saturn, that it hinders buildings, plantings, and the like, and casts a man from honours, and dignities, and causes discords, and quarrellings, and disperses an Army. The second is called the table of Jupiter, which consists of a Quaternian drawn into it self, containg sixteen particular numbers, and in every line, and Diameter four, making thirty four. Now the Sum of all is 136. And there are over it divine names with an Intelligence to good, with a spirit to bad, and out of it is drawn the Character of Jupiter, and the spirits thereof. They say that if it be impressed upon a Silver plate with Jupiter being powerfull, and ruling, it conduceth to gain, and riches, favor, and love, peace, and concord, and to appease enemies, to confirm honors, dignities, and counsels, and dissolve enchantments if it be engraven on a corall. The third table belongs to Mars, which is made of a square of four containing twenty five numbers, and of these in every side and Diameter five, which make sixty five, and the sum of all is 325. And there are over it Divine names with an Intelligence to good, with a spirit to bad, and out of it is drawn the Character of Mars, and of his spirits. These with Mars being fortunate, being engraven on an Iron plate, or sword, makes a man potent in war, and judgments, and petitions, and terrible to his enemies, and victorious against them; and if engraven upon the Stone Correola, it stops blood, and the mestrues; but if it be engraven with Mars being unfortunate, on a plate of red Brass it hinders buildings, casts down the powerfull from dignities, honors, and riches, and causeth discord, strife, and hatred of men, and beasts, chaseth away Bees, Pigeons, and Fish, and hinders Mils, and renders them unfortunate that go forth to hunting, or fighting, and causeth barreness in men and women, and other Animals, and strikes a terror in all enemies, and compels them to submit. The fourth table is of the Sun, and is made of a square of six, and contains thirty six numbers, whereof six in every side, and Diameter, produce III. and the sum of all is 666. There are over it divine names with an Intelligency to what is good, and spirit to what is evil, and out of it are drawn Characters of the Sun, and of the spirits thereof. This being engraven on a Golden plate with the Sun being fortunate, renders him that wears it to be renowned, amiable, acceptable, potent in all his works, and equals a man to Kings, and Princes, elevating him to high fortunes, inabling to do whatsoever he pleaseth: but with an unfortunate Sun, it makes a tyrant, and a man to be proud, ambitious, unsatisfiable, and to have an ill ending. The fifth table is of Venus, consisting of a square of seven drawn into it self, viz. of fourty nine numbers, whereof seven on each side and Diameter make 175. and the sum of all is 1225. And there are over it divine names with an Intelligency to good, and spirit to evil; And there is drawn out of it the Character of Venus, and of the spirits thereof. This being engraven on a Silver plate, Venus being fortunate, procureth concord, endeth strife, procureth the love of women, conduceth to conception, is good against barreness, causeth ability for generation, dissolves enchantments, and causeth peace between man, and woman, and maketh all kind of Animals and Cattle fruitful; and being put into a Dove-house, causeth an increase of Pigeons. It conduceth to the cure of all melancholy distempers, and causeth joyfulness; and being carryed about travellers makes them fortunate. But if it be formed upon Brass with an unfortunate Venus, it causeth contrary things to all that hath bin above said. The sixt table is of Mercury resulting from the square of eight drawn into it self, containing sixty four numbers, whereof eight on every side and by both Diameters make 260. and the sum of all 2080. and over it are set divine names with an Intelligency to what is good, with a spirit to what is evil, and from it is drawn a Character of Mercury, and of the spirits thereof; and if it be with Mercury being fortunate engraven upon Silver, or Tin, or yellow Brass, or be writ upon Virgin Parchment, it renders the bearer thereof gratefull, and fortunate to do what he pleaseth: it bringeth gain, and prevents poverty, conduceth to memory, understanding, and divination, and to the understanding of occult things by dreams: and if it be an unfortunate Mercury, doth all things contrary to these. The seventh table is of the Moon, of a square of nine multipled into it self, having eighty one numbers, in every side and Diameter nine, producing 369. and the sum of all is 3321. And there are over it divine names with an Intelligency to what is good, and a spirit to what is bad. And it are drawn the Characters of the Moon, and of the spirits thereof. This fortunate Moon being engraven on Silver, renders the bearer thereof grateful, aimiable pleasant, cheerfull, honored, removing all malice, and ill will. It causeth security in a journey, increase of riches, and health of body, drives away enemies and other evil things from what place thou pleasest; and if it be an unfortunate Moon engraven in a plate of Lead, where ever it shall be buried, it makes that place unfortunate, and the inhabitants thereabouts, as also Ships, Rivers, Fountains, Mills, and it makes every man unfortunate, against which it shall be directly done, making him fly from his Country, and that place of his abode where it shall be buried, and it hinders Physitians, and Orators, and all men whatsoever in their office, against whom it shall be made. Now how the seals, and Characters of the Stars, and spirits are drawn from these tables, the wise searcher, and he which shall understand the verifying of these tables, shall easily find out.

Divine names answering to the numbers of Saturn.

Divine names answering to the numbers of Jupiter.

Names answering to the numbers of Mars.

Names answering to the numbers of the Sun.

Names, answering to the numbers of Venus.

Names answering to the numbers of Mercury.

Names answering to the numbers of the Moon.

The Intelligency of the Intelligence of the Moon.

The Table of Saturn in his compass.

In Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

The Seales or Characters

[Figure: Of Saturn.]

[Figure: Of the Intelligence of Saturn.]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of Saturn.]

The Table of Jupiter in his compass.

In Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

The Seales or Characters

[Figure: Of Jupiter.]

[Figure: Of the Intelligence of Jupiter.]

[Figure: The Spirit of Jupiter.]

The Table of Mars in his compass.

In Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

The Seals or Characters

[Figure: Of Mars.]

[Figure: Of the Intelligence of Mars.]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of Mars.]

The Table of the Sun in his compass.

In Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

The Seals or Characters

[Figure: Of the Sun.]

[Figure: Of the intelligence of the Sun.]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of the Sun.]

The Table of Venus in her Compass.

The Seals, or Characters Of the Intelligence

[Figure: Of Venus.]

[Figure: Of Venus.]

The Table of Venus in Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of Venus.]

[Figure: Of the Intelligences of Venus.]

The Table of Mercury in his compass.

The Seals or Characters Of the Intelligency

[Figure: Of Mercury.]

[Figure: Of Mercury.]

The Table of Mercury in Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of Mercury.]

The Table of the Moon in her Compass.

The Seals or Characters

[Figure: Of the Moon.]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of the Moon.]

The Table of the Moon in Hebrew notes.

[Figure]

[Figure: Of the Spirit of the spirits of the Moon.]

[Figure: Of the Intelligence of the Intelligences of the Moon.]