Astronomicon, Book I

[Image description: A circular diagram of the zodiac with arrows denoting relationships.]

Manilius’ MSS deviate from the scheme at 488 (Tauri) Virgine mens capitur, 498 Centaurus Geminos et Capricorni diligit astrum (Leo nihil).

520–535 Now begins the rehearsal of enmities between the signs, already mentioned in verse 469. Of the four trigons, which I enumerated above at 273–286, the first, Aries-Leo-Sagittarius, and the third, Gemini-Libra-Aquarius, are mutually hostile, as being not only opposite in place but diverse in nature, the former bestial and the latter human. This statement I find nowhere but in Manilius.

536–607 From the enmities of whole trigons we pass to the enmities of single signs. These are traced by Manilius to three sources: geometry (572–578), zoology (536–538), and the freedom of the will (539 sq.). a. A sign is attacked by the opposite sign and by the two other members of that opposite sign’s trigon. b. A human sign is attacked by bestial signs and a bestial sign by human. c. There are sallies of pure caprice. Each sign’s assailants may be classified under these three heads as follows.

Aries : a, b Libra, Gemini, Aquarius, b Virgo.
Taurus : a Scorpius, Cancer, Pisces, b Libra.
Gemini : a, b Sagittarius, Aries, Leo.
Cancer : a, b Virgo, a Capricornus, Taurus, b Libra.
Leo : a, b Aquarius, Libra, Gemini, b Virgo.