Prognostication for Leipzig 1485

fertility. Fair weather and other things like it appear, yet those who are experienced in the art speak of the influence of the heavens, the changing of the air, and scarcity. For if the lower world received the influences of the stars according to one equal condition and measure, the sustenance of mortals would perish, and with it the existence of all lowest things. Therefore, it is necessary for the movement of the heavens and the planets to be unequal, so that the rising and falling of the rotation is ordered into a convenient middle, between heat and cold. Otherwise, all our dwelling places on earth would be consumed by either heat or cold. For the work of the planets is like the magnet stone and iron. For as iron is drawn by it, so every creature on earth is moved by the movement of the planets. Also, every convenience and disturbance is produced by the working of the planets. But their working is altered according to the change of location. For one effect is opposite to the rising, another to the setting, another to the noon, and another to the midnight. Thus, such clearly appears from the customs of men. The same loadstone, the adamant, when it is placed by iron, drives it away from itself. Thus, it has a nature unlike the magnet, that it drives away iron by its power, which the magnet attracts to itself. Why, in the praise of the noble adamant, is also the significance of the magnet? God, who is mighty in all things, draws to Himself, and through His will, drives away from the iron of this world. For He has established the entrances of the seven planets, and also their exits through the twelve signs in the firmament. In the mercy of His highly praised Mother Mary. Item: That the honor and praise of the highly worthy University of Leipzig may be increased, and that benefit may arise to the common people. In the year from God's birth one thousand four hundred and eighty-five, I, Master Wenceslaus of Budweis, have described according to the first experience and wise rule what the stars signify with possibility to the lowest things. And that is primarily divided into three chapters. The first is: In the common with eight short words.