Prognostication

They will rejoice. In autumn also, they will be healthy and will lead a life that is not very happy. In the time of winter, however, when they fear that many will incur mortality, they will not escape without great danger.

¶ Chapter five: Concerning the scarcity or abundance of the harvest.

The ascendant of the conjunction preceding the entry of the Sun into Aries is impeded by the presence of Mars, and the ascendant of the entry, through the ray of its opposition, threatens sterility. Truly, the application of the Moon after the conjunction to the body of Jupiter diminishes the scarcity, but not the price of things, because Jupiter occupies the tenth house in the figure of the conjunction, running in his own dignity. Guido Bonatti, in his treatise on revolutions, notes that Saturn oriental, as he will be in the first quarter of the year, signifies the price of the harvest and cold, but that Mercury influences the contrary. According to the opinion of Gergi likely a reference to a medieval astrological authority, perhaps al-Qabisi or a similar source, who had joined the nine divine judges of astrology, the lord of the year must be considered for the price of the harvest. Therefore, the lord of the year, Mars, being the principal one and angular in Pisces, signifies the price of fish and those who lead their life in the waters. By his judgment, the ascendant of the revolution being in Capricorn signifies that meat and vegetables are to be bought at a cheap price. Fruits and dates, however, are to be purchased with heavy payment. In spring (it is permitted that we speak more particularly), the price of the harvest will grow, because the Moon in the conjunctive figure after the conjunction applies to Jupiter, who occupies the tenth. In the figure of the revolution, although the Moon applies to Saturn, who is cadent, yet because he dwells strongly in his dignities and joy, he increases the price and, with increasing inconveniences, the lord of the ascendant of the revolution, being cadent, will bring about a middling state of the air, although it does not bring great fertility. In summer, however, the collection and harvest will be good, because there is a trine aspect of Jupiter to the ascendant of the conjunction. Mars, however, diminishes this signification because of his presence in the ascendant. The Moon, also, applying to the cadent Jupiter after the conjunction, diminishes the prices of things. Venus, however, mistress of the revolution, in the tenth in her own house, operates the contrary.