Preface.

...[calum]niators The text likely begins mid-word with "Calumniators" (those who make false or malicious statements). This continues the thought that critics of these arts lack true understanding., no one will be able to restrain them, since they recognize neither the small world nor the great world Small and Great World: Referring to the Microcosm (man) and the Macrocosm (the universe), a central concept in Paracelsian philosophy where the human body mirrors the structure of the cosmos., nor the anatomy of either.

The second Astronomy concerns the supernatural, hidden effect of the Heavenly will; namely, how the eternal Heaven acts upon us astronomically, in the form of natural operations through means that only the supernatural Astronomers understand. Just as the Magi The Biblical "Wise Men" from the East. understood Christ from the supernatural stars and the like—all of which proceed from the inner Heaven and are placed into the outer. For all signs of punishment for our sins (of which Christ also speaks), even though they appear in the outer Heaven, they nevertheless come from the inner. This Astronomy now also has the branches Branches: original "membra," literally "members" or parts of a body of knowledge. and order which exist in the natural one, but they differ in the interpretation of their effects. This Heavenly Astronomy surpasses Natural Astronomy as much as the teaching of Christ, and that which comes from the Holy Spirit, is better and higher than that which comes from the stars.

The third Astronomy is that of Faith—that the powers which proceed from faith, and all means, are fully and perfectly present through deeds and works. However, faith is of two kinds: good and evil. The good is a gift of God; the evil comes from Satan. Each has its own works. This Astronomy is lacking here in this work original: "Opere," the Latin word for a book or composition. and has not yet come to light; it perhaps remains hidden with a good friend.

Now, because man should thus exercise himself in the three aforementioned Astronomies, Satan is his enemy [fearing] that we should reach that place from which he was cast out. He mingles in all three Astronomies, using all mem[bers]... The text cuts off here, likely continuing with how the Devil uses the components or "members" of these sciences to deceive humanity.