The Minor Works of Marsilio Ficino

...movements are found which measure them. And the Sun, by its own motion, distinguishes nights and days, as well as hours, months, and years. Likewise, by its light and heat, it generates, quickens, moves, and regenerates all things; it gladdens and nurtures them, and those things which were hidden, it makes manifest at its first arrival. By its approach and retreat in turn, it creates the four parts of the year. Regions too far removed from the Sun are likewise removed from life.

Spring indeed is the best time, because it begins from Aries, the kingdom In astrology, the Sun is "exalted" in the sign of Aries, marking the height of its power as spring begins. of the Sun. Autumn, however, is the worst, since it takes its beginning from Libra, the fall original: "casu." In astrology, the "fall" is the sign opposite a planet's exaltation, where its influence is considered weakened. of the Sun.

Finally, a diurnal birth original: "natiuitas diurna" — a birth occurring during the day. is commonly considered better than a nocturnal one; the former is judged mostly by the Sun, while the latter is judged by the Moon, as if by a mirror of the Sun. They divide the celestial figure of the birth The horoscope or birth chart. into twelve parts. Where a certain part is known to the Sun The ninth house, which was traditionally called the "Joy" of the Sun., and they destine a third to the Moon The third house, the "Joy" of the Moon.; the former they certainly name "the God," and the latter "the Goddess." They believe these signify all the best things: wisdom, faith, religion, and eternal glory. For the Sun signifies all these things: simple truth, prophecy, and kingship.

To these things is added that as far as the Sun ascends to the midheaven The highest point in the sky at noon., it wonderfully nurtures the vital and animal spirit within us. But as it descends, both spirits are weakened. For this reason, David—the trumpet of the Almighty God—rising at dawn to the lyre and songs, and sometimes crying out: It is vain for you to rise before the light A reference to Psalm 127:2. David is depicted here as a prophet responding to the solar cycle., he declares that the Sun coming toward us brings all good things with it, and wonderfully recalls our awakened and illuminated spirits to sublime heights. I pass over the fact that, as they say, the Sun, like a prophet original: "Vates.", is thought to bring certain prophecies by its approach to those who sleep soberly.

The Moon also, the consort of the Sun—whom Aristotle calls the "lesser sun"—likewise restores the spirit and natural moisture as she ascends, and deserts them as she descends. And by how much more she abounds in the light of the Sun, by so much more is she...