until it reaches the end of the period prefigured in the stars, according to its own property, or until another imitative or destructive application of the said things supervenes before the period prefigured by the constellation is completed. Thus a tree is cut down, or a man is killed in his youth. For a fixed period is established for every created thing, although many legislators may intend statutes and the perpetuity of kingdoms. But the heaven does not permit that.

How some effects do not last for a long time after the appearance of comets

Earthquake.

If an earthquake occurs from a comet, it happens during its egress or that of the matter conjoined to it, and it cannot be caused by it afterwards. Thus also the dryness of the earth and the diminution of waters and the destruction of fruits because of the deprivation of succulence. They do not communicate for many years unless perhaps the cause of the rising was a great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter at the beginning of Aries. For its effects could be extended to nine hundred years and more. Or their conjunction in a shift to the fiery triplicity, whose effects could be extended to two hundred years. But mortalities and pestilences Pestilence are not communicated to those born after the actual expiration of those substances. For the generative spirit is altered by such things; if it is powerful for generation, it provides a nature to the born not harmful, just as the similar appeared in the girl nourished by viper flesh. It is necessary, therefore, that pestilences and mortalities caused by the substance of a comet or those conjoined to it be at the same time as the appearance of the comet, or for a short time afterwards until these substances are consumed and the air and other elements are purified by another celestial influx following them, which rectifies this one or destroys it in any other way.

SUMMARY OF THE SAID THINGS

Since souls follow bodies, because animal operations are such as the spirits and virtues by which they are produced, and the virtues and spirits are none other than what are produced in the heart or are altered to the likeness of the inspired air—necessary for their rectification, which is continuously full of substances mixed with it from those that are separated from the earth by the action of the stars, endowed with spiritual and celestial virtues, and especially in the appearances of comets. For then it is certain that there was an application of great virtue which made alterations in the earth and incorporated its virtues into some parts, which, when exiting from the earth, were mixed with the air. Thence it follows that impulses occur in the sensuality, drawing towards themselves the judgment of reason, which they follow voluntarily by choice. Whence customs arise and new manners to which the laws and statutes are adapted. The generative spirit also is altered, providing a nature to those born as successors. Whence such effects can be continued for a very long time, as appears in many sects. Therefore, to believe that such things happen from the appearance of comets is not superstition. Nor [are they] other things subject to free will. I do not say necessarily, but things to which it is difficult to resist; indeed, very rarely.

ON THE SIGNIFICATIONS OF COMETS

The significations of comets are in many ways. For they signify their efficient causes. By this path, in their appearance, they signify that there was a great and strong application of the stars, productive of many effects.