A.D. 1184. ASTROLOGICAL PREDICTIONS. 39 at his setting is seeking the superior conjunction of the planets. However, from an estimate of the figure we form a very different opinion. For the Sun signifies the potentates of Christendom, and in thisfigure is seeking conjunction with Jupiter ; but Jupiter, being powerless, seeks conjunction with Venus, and she with Saturn. Mercury then, by retrograding, cutting it off,35 would naturally appear by his retrograde motion to indicate the elevation of their religion and the depression of our own. But as Mercury imparts this same disposition to Jupiter, and Jupiter imparts it to none,36 this marks the lasting nature of our faith. Now since the Sun is of the greatest influence in thisfigure, a man, a Christian, is arising among us, one of great fame, whose name will be exalted until the end of the world.38 But because this conjunction takes place in a changeable sign, the career of this person will be closed before Saturn shall have passed through this sign; and inasmuch as Jupiter denotes power of prophecy, he will at last be enumerated among the prophets. In thisfigure, Mars being separated from Saturn, transfers the properties of Saturn to the Tail [of the Dragon] ; which not retaining this position, as though by a retrograde movement, carries back again towards Mars what has been so entrusted to it. But, inasmuch as Mars is being scorched by the orb of the Sun, being thus impeded and embarrassed between two evils, ' Saturn and the Tail [of the Dragon], he becomes infected with their nature, and signifies by his properties, sorrows, contentions, alarms, catastrophes, murders, and spoliation of property. The Tail also signifies separations, losses, dangers, and diminution of possessions ; and because Mars forms an evil conjunction with the Tail [of the Dragon] in the ascendant, I do therefore contradict the judgment pronounced by Albumasar upon thisfigure in his Hundred Discourses.39 Turn your eyes from the figure in which Mars is at the greatest angle when Scorpio is in the ascendant, or when he is with the Tail f and as it is evident to every astrologer that Saturn has an influence over this climate, the Moon participating with him, I am of opinion that he cannot be considered as exempt 3 5 Conjunction with Saturn. 3 3 Being powerless, as stated above. 3 8 In the text it is " usque ad finem arin." It is possible that the last word may have some cabalistic meaning, It hardly seems to belong to the European families of words. It is also very possible that it may be a misprint for, "sevi," "of time." 38 40 Centiloquio." Of the Dragon.