A preface to the Practica of this year 1496

The almighty God and heavenly master-craftsman made the firmament full of stars on the fourth day of his creation. They were intended to shine in the heaven and illuminate the earth, as Moses thought. Regarding the heavenly things that God set in the firmament to shine and illuminate the earth, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars: with these the upper part of the world is adorned, and the earth is governed by the things that happen within it according to the work of the stars and their offices through their influence. Therefore, Moses taught us quite clearly that the stars were placed in the firmament for days, years, and times. He indicated very clearly the other effects of the stars, how they work upon this earth through their influence, one year differing from the next, as we perceive clearly and openly: now scarcity, now death, now war. One year differs from another, which is recognized by the wise of the laudable free art of astronomy astrology/star-reading. Although one shows the prediction and significance of the firmament every year so that people may conduct themselves according to the influence of the stars, and praise and honor the almighty God through his creation, for he has been so gracious as to reveal to us all future things through the firmament of the stars, just as David the prophet speaks of it in the Psalter, saying: The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims his work. Then there is the fruitfulness of crops, war, mortality, peace, happiness, and all contingent things. Our savior Christ also said to his disciples, Are there not twelve hours in the day, is there not one to choose over the others? As he spoke, yes. He was also asked by his disciples, When the kingdom of Israel comes again? He answered, Do you not see the face of the sky? And he taught them that one should not fear the heavenly influence, but guard against it as one would against a thing that has force to incite. For this reason, the almighty God has given man free will to stand before such influence. Therefore, speaks the highly learned...