Robert Fludds Rules

Samuel Block

Robert Fludd was born in 1574 in Kent, England to a respected family with ties to the Royal Family. He graduated from St. Johns College in Oxford at 17, obtaining several degrees before studying abroad. Although his curriculum was primarily in medicine, the theological bent to St. Johns swayed him to becoming a follower of Paracelsus. Fludd is acknowledged as one of the greater minds of Renaissance England, especially as a physician, astrologer, and mystic. Although he always maintained friendship with the Church of England, primarily due to his connections at St. Johns, he distanced himself from organized religion and sympathized with the Rosicrucians. Like other occultists and mystics of the time, he was also an experienced geomancer, which got him into at least a few run-ins with professional and religious institutions; he gives an interesting account of his travails in Avignon, France one winter in 1601 and 1602. The following is a translation of excerpts from his monumental work, Utriusque 1 Cosmi , his treatise on the macrocosm, microcosm, and a whole array of arts and sciences. Fludd has provided us with a thorough examination on geomantic knowledge, technique, and interpretation, giving elaborate details on nearly every aspect of geomancy. He provides specific methods to interpret a variety of questions, which are are given below with some changes to style and order. Several of his charts and lists detailing specific attributes of the geomantic figures are also given, including one that links the planets to different parts of the body and diseases.

1 Utriusque cosmi maioris scilicet et minoris metaphysica: physica atque technica historia, in duo volumina secundum cosmi differentiam diuisa authore Roberto Flud, alias de Fluctibus. Oppenhemii: re Johan-Theodori de Bry, typis Hieronymi Galleri, 1617-1621. Microfilm (negative) [Bethesda, Md.]: National Library of Medicine, [1977?]. -- 1 reel; 35 mm. Retrieved from the University of Virginia, 2009 and 2010.

Robert Fludds Rules On the geomantic figures Stable and firm figures (Fortuna Major, Acquisitio, Laetitia, Puer, Albus, Caput Draconis) make a matter stable and firm, whether in good or in evil, according to the figures found in good or bad houses. Weak figures (Fortuna Minor, Amissio, Tristitia, Puella, Rubeus, Cauda Draconis) are said to not be nearly as good as the strong and stable or mediocre figures, because they give weak judgments and without stability, whether for sickness, incarceration, or pregnancy. Mediocre figures (Populus, Via, Conjunctio, Carcer) are said to judge the question and matter only moderately, because they have the place between the strong and weak figures, which is to say, neither fully in good nor in evil. On the method of judgment in the geomantic art In all geomantic judgments, two things are must be considered: first, the question which is put forth or has come to be decided; next, the houses and figures of the geomantic shield. In the first part, the house to which the matter pertains is to be inspected and judged according to the figure found there. Similarly, the figures found in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth houses, which are the Witnesses and Judge of the question, are to be heeded with the utmost zeal. Furthermore, it must be noted that the figure in the first house is always given to the querent and that the proposed thing is to be judged from the rest of the figures and houses for its condition. So that judgment is always done correctly, the following rules are to be remembered. I. In all judgments, the question is divided into two parts: one is assigned to the querent, the other to the quesited. The one that has more good figures will prevail over the other. Bad figures with bad figures multiplies the evil, and good figures with good figures increases the excellence. Bad figures with good figures diminishes the excellence, and good figures with bad figures diminishes the depravity or malice.

II. III.

Robert Fludds Rules IV. A house always retains its name, no matter which figure is found in it. Thus, the first house is always said to be Aries2 whether or not the figure found in it fits the reckoning of the element or some other quality with its nature. If a figure is found in its proper house, i.e. the house agreeing with its nature and complexion, it will be so much the stronger. The houses of the geomantic shield oppose others by means of the opposition between them. Thus, the first house bears hatred towards the seventh, the second towards the eighth, the third towards the ninth, the fourth towards the tenth, the fifth towards the eleventh, and the sixth towards the twelfth. Most importantly, the six houses hate each other mutually. No matter whom the judgment is for, observe well the sixteenth figure composed

V. VI.

VII.

from the first and fifteenth figures, for in it consists all the power and meaning of the judgment. VIII. Carefully consider where a figure duplicates itself, and judge according to the figure and house where it is repeated. IX. Good figures duplicating themselves in weak houses are weakened according to X. their significations in the first house. Observe well the duplication of the figures, for as much as one duplicates itself among the houses, it is all the more to be considered, and also if a figure is duplicated in the eleventh or fifteenth houses. The temperament of the figures to be noted, for if a figure comes from one side by a good figure and from the other by a bad figure, the judgment will be good, yet it will always complete the matter without work and difficulty; for two good figures with an opposing and denying bad figure, they promise good for the present without effect, while the bad figure is overcome by these. Two bad figures are stronger than one good one inasmuch as it is conquered by them. When three figures are truly good, then judge it fully excellent; when bad, wholly evil. XII. See whether the good figures are in strong angles, for if evil had been pointed out in a preceding rule, it will be curbed; if the angles are bad as well, much evil is indicated. XIII. If you wish to take something that a figure in a strong house had promised, and if the eleventh and fifteenth houses disagree with and deny it, you are not to obtain it, but the thing will be lost and the opposite will come about; should a figure in a
Houses were sometimes named after the zodiac sign they were associated with, such as Aries for the first house, Taurus for the second, etc. Like other geomancers, Fludd may also have been assigning Aries to be the first house regardless of the figure that appeared in it.
2

XI.

Robert Fludds Rules strong house should deny you the thing sought after, and the eleventh and fifteenth promise it, then, whatever you desire, you will obtain and keep it. XIV. Great people in this art, before they perform their work, are accustomed to describe the question, by which they may retain and judge it all the better; they make the description such that it is not too complex, but instead that they may speak about one simple thing, and if the description is made any other way the meaning will be corrupted, and the question cannot be judged correctly. When the question does not explain itself enough in the shield When the judgment is confused, which often happens, such that the matter asked about does not reveal itself openly well enough, make three new figures: the first figure from the first and fourth, the second from the seventh and tenth, and the third from these two. These three figures will have the complete power of judgment: thus, if they be good, judge it well; if bad, judge it poorly; and if mediocre, judge it moderate. But it can still happen that one needs to choose the production of another four mothers: the first generated from the first and fifth, the second from the second and sixth figures, the third from the third and seventh figures, and the fourth from the fourth and eighth figures. We call these four produced figures the secondary mothers. Then, compose a new judgment from these mothers. It will reveal to you the matter concealed in the first reading. On geomantic practice, or some geomantic questions I. In which month another is born. Look at the figure in the first house, and say that the birth is to be in the month that the figure represents, and if the figure is not moved again in the chart, the birth will be in the first week, but if it goes into the second house, the second week; if in the third, the third week; and thus for the fourth. Similarly, if it goes into the fifth house, say that it will be in the first week; if in the sixth house, the second week; and thus for the rest. The first, fifth, ninth, and thirteenth houses always represent the first week; the second, sixth, tenth, and fourteenth houses, the second week; the third, seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth houses, the third

Robert Fludds Rules week; and the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth houses, the fourth week. II. However, the day is known from the nature3 of the figure in the first house. What is another persons condition? If the first figure be good, their condition is good, ad if it is duplicated in the second, fifth, tenth, or eleventh houses, he will be augmented in riches, but if it is duplicated in bad houses, it will be the opposite. Whether anothers life is to be long or short. If the first figure is good and stable, and does not shift to other houses, the life will be good and long, even according to the time that the figure promises; if it is mobile, a short time is promised; if common, a moderate length of time. If the first figure is multiplied in the fourth, seventh, or tenth houses he will live for a long time; in the second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh houses, a mediocre time; and if in the third, sixth, ninth, or twelfth houses, he will not live for long. Similarly, count all the points of the first figures up until the place where it is duplicated4: if this number falls in the fourth, seventh, or tenth houses, he will live for as many years; if it falls in the second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh houses, he will live for as many months. If it falls in the third, sixth, ninth, or tenth houses, he will live for as many days, and will die in the day of the planet and in the hour where the number of points finishes; thus in all places where the first figure duplicates itself, the querent will be sick or die. What friendship or association does another person chiefly expect or desire? Look at the place where the first figure duplicates itself, for it desires the company according to its the disposition; whence, if it is duplicated in the second house, he will abide and live willingly with family; if in the third, with parents or on small journeys; if in the fourth, with the father and inheritances; if in the fifth, with children or infants, and so forth for the rest. V. What will be the kind of news? The first house is attributed to the querent; the third to truth, and the sixth and ninth to the news. Good and masculine figures signify truth, but feminine figures signify falsehood. Further, the figures related to the news are to be observed, i.e. if the ninth house regards riches, look back on the second figure; if brothers, the third; if inheritances, the fourth; and so on.

III.

IV.

The ruling planet of the figure in the first house. Presumably, if the figure is not duplicated, then one only counts the points in the first house. This number is then divided by 12, and the remainder is the resulting house, as in finding the Part of Fortune.
3 4

Robert Fludds Rules VI. What sort of reply will the messenger bring? The first house is given to the querent, the third to the messenger or to whom the messenger is sent, and one other to the things to be reported: if the messenger go to the king, this other figure is in the tenth house; if to enemies, the twelfth; if servants, the sixth; if to children or sons, the fifth; and so forth. Is another to come back or not? The first house is assigned to the querent, the third to the place where the person has left, the ninth to the road, and the seventh to the place where the person travels to. Is another, who is to make a journey, to arrive suddenly or slowly? Judge according to the first, third, and ninth houses. Is a profitable journey to be in some matter or not? The first house is given to the querent, the third and ninth to the journey, and the fifth and eleventh to profit. Are you to have some news in a short time? The first and third houses are attributed to the querent, and the seventh and eighth to the matter asked for. Is your friend to be faithful and helpful to you? The first is given to the querent, the second and eleventh to the friend, and the third, sixth, and seventh to the matter asked about. Will your manager and messenger be helpful to you? The first is given to the house of the querent, and the third, fifth, sixth, and eleventh to the matter asked for. Is it better to go or stay? The first is given to the querent and the place where he is, the third to the journey, and the seventh to the place where the journey leads. Towards what quarter of the world is the querent able to steer his journey profitably? The first house is given to the querent and the place where he currently remains, which is East; the seventh is given to the West, the tenth to the South, and the fourth to the North. The best figure will denote the quarter of greatest success. Will a sibling die first? The first is given to the house of the querent, the third to the question, and the sixth, ninth, and twelfth to the matter asked about. Will the messengers or letters be received or not? The two figures Albus and Conjunctio signify letters and other messengers: we should thus consider whether either of these figures are in conjunction with the first figure. If they

VII.

VIII. IX.

X. XI.

XII.

XIII.

XIV.

XV.

XVI.

Robert Fludds Rules are found in other parts of the question, they signify the arrival of letters and messengers: if in the third by brothers, if in the fourth by the father, and so forth. What sort of events are to happen on the journey? If Tristitia is in the first house and Rubeus in the second, danger is to fall onto the ship. If Conjunctio, Populus, or Carcer are in the ninth house, you will come upon thieves on the way. If mobile and good figures are in the sixth and twelfth houses, you will escape or avoid harm, but not if they are fixed. If Rubeus or Puella are there, you will suffer loss of property. If strong figures are in the first and second houses, such as Fortuna Major and Acquisitio, your enemies will be stronger than you; if the figures are weak, such as Via, Puella, and Conjunctio, the thieves will be weak; if Populus, they cause much evil; if Carcer and Tristitia, they cannot hurt you. Is the love to be steadfast? Firm figures signify a firm and long love, mobile figures the opposite, and mediocre figures a moderate love. Is the treasure hidden in some place? Observe the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth figures, but especially the first and fourth. If these are good , fixed, and masculine figures, and they are not shifted into other places, there is a treasure; otherwise, no. Further, the fourth house will reveal the place of the thing hidden. Should the lost or dropped thing, though bad, be retaken? The first is given to the querent, the eleventh to the thing asked about, and the fourth to its place. If the figures are masculine, good, and not moving, it is a good sign, as well as if the first figure goes into the fourth, tenth, or eleventh houses; otherwise, no. Where is the lost thing hiding or hidden? The first is given to the querent, the tenth to the thing, and the fourth to the considered place. There is also another way to know the place of the hidden thing: consider where the thing is, namely in which part of the world, according to the fourth figure; that place is divided from the East to the West and from the South to the North. The object will be found there, where the fourth figure will indicate. If that quadrant is still too great for quickly finding the lost object, it is necessary to divide that quadrant again into another four parts; this is to be done as many times until the area is small enough to quickly find the lost object, and the fourth figure will always be the indicator of the place by this method. In

XVII.

XVIII. XIX.

XX.

XXI.

Robert Fludds Rules addition, the place is divided into four parts: to the East, West, South, and North. Look on the fourth figure and what its element is. If it is of the air, it signifies the East quadrant; if of fire, the South; if of water, the North; if of earth, the West. When you find the quadrant where the thing is hidden, make a new judgment, and similarly judge by the fourth house as before, and again the place come upon is to be divided into four equal parts. This is to be XXII. repeated until the place is reduced into small or manageable spaces. Are you able to complete that which you consider? The first is given to the querent, the second, fifth, and eleventh to the matter asked about, the seventh to its cause, and the fourth to its ending. Will the lost inheritance be recovered or not? The first is given to the querent, the fourth to the inheritances, the second, fifth, and eleventh to the hope or those hoping, and the seventh to the adversary. Is the time good for agriculture, or is it helpful or suitable? The first is given to the querent, the fourth to business, the second, fifth, and eleventh to fortune; it must be noted that figures of air and water are good for this, but those of fire and earth are bad for planting. Therefore, as it is said, the first is given to the querent, the fourth and tenth to the thing asked about, and the second, fifth, and eleventh to profit. How many months, weeks, or days are required to complete some matter? Observe the numbers of the first, fourth, tenth, and fifteenth figures, and especially that of the fourth, and judge according to the greater numbers of the figure, i.e. of that which has the greater power 5. Is the siege to be taken or not? The first is given to the querent, the fourth to the place, and the seventh to the adversary. By what manner the besieged place will be taken. If the two figures Rubeus and Puella have the most power, it signifies battles and blood or piracy; however, the two figures Albus and Conjunctio signify it to be taken by letters. If the three figures Laetitia, Acquisitio, or Puer have power, by humility and diplomacy by learned men; if Populus, Via, and Amissio, then by strength and an invasion or assault; if Fortuna Major or Minor, by pride; if Carcer and Tristitia, by a nighttime plot. Similarly, Caput Draconis 6

XXIII.

XXIV.

XXV.

XXVI. XXVII.

5 6

Whichever figure is strongest in the chart. The original text had Conjunctio, the repetition of which was probably a mistake.

Robert Fludds Rules signifies a foolish method, i.e. by Populus nothing excels, until he is XXVIII. captured; however, Cauda Draconis signifies by arms and tradition. Will that which is promised be given or not? The first is given to the querent, and the second, fifth, and eleventh to the thing given. If they are good, it is alright; similarly, if the first figure is in the fourth, fifth, tenth, or eleventh house, it is still good. But if it is duplicated in a bad place, it is bad. Is the life of the child or boy to be long or short? The first is given to the querent, and the fifth, ninth, and eleventh to the child or children; if they are fixed and good, or changing places, it is good, and their lives will be long. If the four angles of the sky are fixed and move, it is a sign of long life, and vice versa. Is the woman impregnated by him who asks? The first is given to the querent, and the fifth to the matter asked about. If the first duplicates itself in the fifth, tenth, or eleventh, or if the seventh duplicates itself into the second, fifth, or tenth, she is pregnant, and otherwise not. In addition, this is to be judged according to the figures of the elements. Is the woman to bear a son or daughter? The first is given to the querent, and the second, fifth, and eleventh to the matter asked about. If the first, fifth, and eleventh figures are masculine, it will be a boy, and if feminine, a girl. If the first is joined with the fifth, it denotes a boy and girl. As for the woman, then the first house is given to the woman and the fifth to the matter asked about, and if the first figure is in the fifth house, or if the fifth in the second, she is pregnant. The four angles, Witnesses, and Conjunctio and Populus are to be considered: if Conjunctio or Populus are in the first and fifth houses, it signifies that she is pregnant; if Carcer, Populus, or Cauda Draconis are there, she will be in labor; and note that, if the first or fifth figures are of fire or air, or one of fire and one of air, it denotes a boy; if both are of the earth or water, or one of the earth and the other of water, it denotes a girl. If these figures are of conflicting natures, the woman will have two children, one boy and one girl. Will the woman give birth without great pain? Observe the fifth and twelfth figures. Is the infant the querents or not? The first is given to the querent, and the second, third, fifth, sixth, and eleventh to the infant. Judge according to the

XXIX.

XXX.

XXXI.

XXXII. XXXIII.

Robert Fludds Rules agreement of these houses with the first, and closely consider the fourth XXXIV. XXXV. XXXVI. figure, which signifies the father. Are the beasts good to buy? The first is given to the querent, and the sixth and eleventh to the beasts; if they are good, then yes; if bad, no. Are the servants helpful or not? Consider the agreements of the sixth, seventh, and eleventh figures. If these are good, yes, and vice versa. Will the lost thing be recovered? The seventh is given to the thief or robber, the tenth to the thing asked about, and the fourth to its place. Consider the four angles, for if they are good, fixed, and masculine, the robbery or theft does not remove it from its place in the house, or it is not far gone. If the seventh, sixth, eighth, or eleventh are amongst the four mothers, the lost object is nearby. If the seventh figure is not shifted to another house, then the thing lost is under the power of the thief or robber; if it moves to the second house, it is under the power of the family, and so forth. Consider the sixth and seventh houses, for if they agree with each other, the thing will be regained, as would good figures. XXXVII. Is one horse faster than the other? The first is given to the querent, the seventh to the horse. XXXVIII. What will the relationship between the two be like? The first is given to the querent, the seventh to the other person, and the eleventh to their love. The stronger and more fixed the figures are, the better they will love each other, and the longer their relationship will last. It must be noted that figures of air and fire signify passion, and figures of earth and water signify chastity. Is the woman to be led to marriage or not? See whether the first is in the seventh, or if the seventh is in the tenth, second, or eleventh. This signifies a marriage; otherwise, not. Is he is alive or dead? The first is given to the querent, and the seventh and eighth to the thing asked about. If they are good and fixed, or in good places and without movement, it signifies life, but otherwise death. Similarly, if those figures are shifted into the twelfth house, it signifies either death, sickness, or imprisonment. Note that the person is in the quarter of the world that the figure in the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth 7 house signifies;

XXXIX.

XL.

Originally eighth, which was likely a mistake. If the figure in the seventh house shifts to an angular house, that person is in that quadrant of the world, but is by default in the west.
7

10

Robert Fludds Rules the first signifies the East, the seventh the West, the fourth the North, the XLI. tenth the South. What does the dream signify? The first is given to the querent or the dreamer, and the third, sixth, eleventh, and fifteenth to the thing asked about. Masculine figures indicate truth in the dream; feminine figures, lies. Is another to gain ownership or honors? Observe the first, fourth, seventh, tenth, thirteenth, and fifteenth figures. What sort of result someones hope will yield in some matter. The first is given to the querent, the eighth and ninth to the matter hoped for, the tenth to strength, and the fourth to the end of the matter. What is the weather to be like? Observe the first and tenth figures, and similarly what element is most present in the question, for thus will be the weather; fire signifies wholesome weather 8, air windy and wholesome, water unwholesome air and diseased beasts, and earth great cold and dry weather. Is the desired thing to be obtained? The Ascendant, or the first figure, is to be given to the querent. Look back on the second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, tenth, and eleventh houses. Is there to be profit in the thing bought? The first is given to the querent, and if the bought thing be land or a house, the fourth house is given to it; if beasts, the sixth and twelfth according to whether they are small or large; if cloth or clothes, the fifth; and so forth. Similarly, take the second, fifth, and eleventh figures for the riches and fortune of the querent. Is there an enemy? The first is given to the querent, and the seventh and twelfth to the enemy. Which of the two is to return victorious? If Rubeus or Puella, the figures of Mars, are found in the seventh house, a figure of Saturn in the eighth, and a mediocre figure in the first, say that the first figure is to overcome the seventh, for Saturn in the eighth signifies death. If a figure of Saturn is in conjunction with the first house and the seventh house, and the four cardinal figures are bad, along with the Judge and Witnesses, say that both are to die.

XLII. XLIII.

XLIV.

XLV.

XLVI.

XLVII. XLVIII.

Wholesome weather was seen to be good for the health, neither too dry nor wet.

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Robert Fludds Rules

Acquisitio Laetitia, Fortuna Minor Rubeus, Puer Albus, Populus Via Caput Draconis, Conjunctio Puella Tristitia Cauda Draconis Populus Fortuna Major Carcer Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Saturn

Direct, Carcer Retrograde, Tristitia Direct, Laetitia Retrograde, Acquisitio Direct, Rubeus Retrograde, Puella Fast, Fortuna Major Slow, Fortuna Minor Direct, Puer Retrograde, Amissio Direct, Albus Retrograde, Conjunctio Direct, Populus Retrograde, Via Caput Draconis Cauda Draconis

Jupiter

Mars

The Sun

Venus

Mercury

The Moon Jupiter and Venus, direct Saturn and Mars, retrograde

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Robert Fludds Rules Figures of Fire, Southern Rubeus Fortuna Minor Amissio Cauda Draconis Always bad and unlucky Tristitia Rubeus Puella Amissio Cauda Draconis

Figures of Air, Eastern Laetitia Acquisitio Puella Conjunctio Figures of Water, Northern Populus Via Puer Albus Figures of Earth, Western Fortuna Major Caput Draconis Carcer Tristitia Always good and fortunate Fortuna Major Laetitia Caput Draconis Albus Puer Acquisitio

Fortuna Minor Carcer Neither good nor bad, but intermediate Populus Via Conjunctio Strong and fixed figures Fortuna Major Acquisitio Laetitia Puer Albus Caput Draconis

Weak and mobile figures Fortuna Minor Amissio Tristitia Puella Rubeus Cauda Draconis Mediocre figures, neither strong nor weak Populus Via Conjunctio Carcer

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Robert Fludds Rules Of the figures of Air one may know that they are hot and humid, and signify the following: of men, sanguine, amicable, handsome, and having very small teeth; of foods, sweet things, bright and fragrant, and poultry; of places, those that are enjoyable and healthy, of fine foods, and suitable for jokes and games. Of the figures of Fire, they are hot and dry, and signify the following: of men, choleric, angry, and wicked, and also pregnant women; of foods, poultry and those that are salty, and to such a degree that, if a question is made about what sort of food be nearby, when Rubeus or Puella are in the particular house, reply that the food is bad and rotten, from which, if one eats it, he may die or become gravely ill; of places, those that are high as mountains, dry and infertile lands, and places infertile due to dryness and heat; of the worlds quarters, always and everywhere in the south. Of the figures of Water, they are cold and wet, and signify the following: of men, phlegmatic, who are steadfast, and also pregnant women; of foods, those that are salty and the meat of fish; of places, those that are placed between trees and greenness, and water, rivers, and springs; of the worlds quarters, always and everywhere in the north. Of the figures of Earth, they are cold and dry, and signify the following: of men, slow and melancholic, those who do not love, and infertile or sterile women; of foods, beef and the meat from quadrupeds; of places, those that are hidden or deserted, deep, unhealthy, where woodland beasts or common men live, subterranean places, holes full of scorpions, spiderwebs, and foul beasts, and those where no fruit is borne; of the worlds quarters, always and everywhere in the west.

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Robert Fludds Rules

Figures Carcer Tristitia Weekday Years Maximum 57 Saturday Medium 43 Minimum 30 Maximum 79 or 59 Laetitia Acquisitio Thursday Medium 55 or 45 Minimum about 12 Maximum 60 Rubeus Puella Tuesday Medium 40 Minimum 15 Maximum 120 Fortuna Major Fortuna Minor Sunday Medium 69 Minimum 9 Maximum 82 Puer Amissio Friday Medium 45 Minimum 8 Maximum 68 Albus Conjunctio Wednesday Medium 30 Minimum 8 Maximum 108 or 101 Populus Monday Medium 76 Minimum 25 Maximum 36 Via Monday Medium 25 Minimum 8 Caput Draconis denotes Friday and Thursday, and all of the years denoted by Venus and Jupiter. Cauda Draconis denotes Saturday and Tuesday, and all of the years denoted by Saturn and Mars.

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Robert Fludds Rules

Planet Parts of the Body right ear, spleen, bladder, teeth, bones Diseases leprosy over the whole of the body, complete paralysis, atrophy, green jaundice, malarian fevers Effects on the Body Poor tongue, arms, and bladder; paralysis, mammary tumors, colicky intestines deadly pneumonia in the lungs, pleurisy, pain of the heart, acute throat infection, spasms and numbness in parts of the body burning infections, carbuncles, erysipelas, dysentery of the intestines, facial wounds heart attacks, chest pain, inflammation of the eye and tear-duct stopped-up womb, gonorrhea, priapism, diabetes, weakness in the liver and belly, syphilisinduced sores, dysentery feeling of isolation, stammering, cough, excess of spit in the mouth colicky intestines and liver, stopped-up stomach, abscesses in these and other phlegmatic places

Saturn

Jupiter

lungs, liver, windpipe, pulse, women

stroke, convulsions

Mars

left ear, gall bladder, veins, kidneys, genitals

plague, acute fever, malarian fever, yellow jaundice fainting, sudden death, complete weakness

the Sun

brain, nerves, heart, right eye of men, left eye of women womb, kidneys, reproductive system, breasts, throat, loins, liver, sperm brain, breath, imagination, memory, tongue, hands, fingers brain, left eye of men, right eye of women, belly, intestines, bladder, appetite

Venus

syphilis, weakness of the belly, impotency, cirrhosis of the liver

Mercury

mania, lethargy, epilepsy

the Moon

epilepsy

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Robert Fludds Rules On the significations and qualities of the figures Acquisitio It always means: great good in the first house, bad in the seventh and eighth. When multiplied, it signifies: acquisition, a nuisance by imprisonment or sickness, impediments on the journey, restitution for things destroyed, and thievery or robbery. In the houses, it has: joy in the eleventh, exaltation in the fifteenth, and fall in the tenth. Of color: a mixture of red and white. Of manner and mind: greatly modest, tenacious, gives nothing to others, timid in trade, loves beautiful things, and dressed in white. Of body: medium height, a beautiful face, a small and tight mouth, a little stooped from behind, small ears, a long neck, much hair, large downcast eyes, grating, tight shoulders, adorned, and the rest of the body tending to averageness. Of fortune and conditions: a mass of money and riches, and an arrangement in dignity, like a rich and powerful knight. Amissio It always means: good in the eighth house, bad in the second. When multiplied, it signifies: the loss of property, deceit, too many words, fights, cobblers, scribes, the nuisances of wanderers or rich men, negotiations with attackers, the loss of things stolen and ruined, peace and reconciliation in war, good in marine journeys, smoke and winds in the air. In the houses, it has: joy in the fifth, exaltation in the twelfth, and fall in the sixth. Of manner and mind: longs for honor, simple, deceitful, easy to anger. Of body: neither too large nor too small, but mangled, strong, a long neck, a large head, large shoulders, a round face, small and pretty eyes, large feet, much hair, and many scars and marks. Of fortune and conditions: leaving behind all good and all evil, and signifying blood. Laetitia It always means: good in all houses except the sixth, eighth, and twelfth; the more this figure is multiplied, the better it becomes. When multiplied, it signifies: shouts, fights, the seeking of things, occasional fights and quarrels between cheerfulness, ideas shared between guests and partygoers, many

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Robert Fludds Rules battles, the thing expensive to the querent, delight to the querent in judgment and testimony, the exaltation of his honor, and treatment of disease. In the houses, it has: joy in the eleventh, fall in the tenth. Of color: between white and yellow. It always means: good in all houses except the sixth, eighth, and twelfth, but as much as this figure is multiplied, it is all the better. When multiplied, it signifies: shouts, quarrels, and seeking things, and sometimes fights and brawls mixed with cheerfulness, thoughts between guests and diners, a great number of battles, seeking expensive things, pleasure for the querent in justice and testimony, the exaltation of his honor, and the treatment of disease. In the houses, it has: joy in the eleventh, exaltation in the fifteenth, and fall in the tenth. Of color: between white and yellow. Of manner and mind: intelligent, good manners as if he was religious or a churchman, loving white clothes, truthful, loves God, and presumptuous. Of body: Decently inclined towards a modest appearance and looking downwards, a full stature, large feet, a round face, great eyes, a large forehead, sparse hair, a thick neck, a long nose and large nostrils, and two teeth higher than the rest. Tristitia It always means: bad in all houses except the fourth, eighth, and twelfth. When multiplied, it signifies: men bending their heads to the ground, wrapped in thought, avarice, hastening desired things, but also of death and of health from sickness, a nuisance of pregnant women and the ruin of produce, a problem of incarceration, the sinking of ships in the sea especially if this is found in the third or ninth houses, death if in the eleventh house, strength in the things destroyed, and the capture of thieves. In the houses, it has: its exaltation and fall in the first 9; however much this figure is multiplied, the greater its value. Of color: black. Of manner and mind: serves with malice in his heart, lives without law, deceitful, prone to anger, and does not laugh easily. Of body: a long and thin body, colored darkly, great long teeth, a black face, a dirty body, large feet, a mark in an ankle, and sparse hair. Caput Draconis
9

The text reads Aries, but Fludd has already linked Aries to the first house.

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Robert Fludds Rules It always means: good in the sixth house; bad in the twelfth. When multiplied, it signifies: strong negotiations, the perfection of seeking by the querent, the confirmation of edicts and responses of the king, health in sickness and in daily illness, and a certainty of impregnation or conception. In the houses, it has: joy in the ninth house, exaltation in the first, and fall in the seventh. Of color: yellow. Of manner and mind: pure, honest, and desiring good. Of body: of middle height, pretty eyes, a round face, a long nose, a large mouth, large teeth, and much hair. It also signifies the home, animals, and secret things. Cauda Draconis It always means: good in the seventh, ninth, twelfth, and fifteenth houses, and evil in the eleventh and fourth. When multiplied, it signifies: negotiations that are taken from the power of the querent, changes of the road, fortune of the king, liberation of the querent from imprisonment, and a speedy recovery from illness. Of color: red mixed with yellow. Of manner and mind: evil. Of body: more beautiful from behind than in front, a long face, a large jaw, an acute mind, a sharp beard, long and thin legs, a long and lean body, a long nose, great eyes, and large teeth. It also denotes weapons, false rumors, anger, and quarrels. Albus It always means: good in the fourth house, bad in the first. When multiplied, it signifies: melted or powdered things, lightness, nuisances of disease; if Rubeus follows, it signifies goods, liberation from incarceration, and nuisance to the querent. In the houses, it has: joy in the ascendant, exaltation in the sixth house, fall in the twelfth. Of color: perfect white, and green flowers. Of manner and mind: loves peace, trust, and charity, colored white, modest, acquires many friends but retains few, and spends more than he makes.

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Robert Fludds Rules Of body: much thicker above than below, of middle height, a large head, a forehead that often sweats, a round face, a lengthy beard, thick skin on his face, small eyes, and mark in one eye. It also signifies in general books, scriptures, and all white things. Rubeus It always means: evil in the fourth and seventh house (denoting the loss of blood of the querent), and in the first house it denotes fear of the querent. When multiplied, it signifies: the loss of property and blood, an excess of difficult negotiations to make, grave disease, a long imprisonment by the king but beneficial to the querent, the destruction of robbers; likewise, if Amissio be its companion, then it signifies fire or thieves; if Fortuna Major or Caput Draconis precedes itself, hope or a red thing is in the better part. In the houses, it has: joy in the sixth, exaltation in the tenth, and fall in the fifteenth. It becomes better the more it is multiplied. Of color: Red more than black. Of manner and mind: very cunning, of evil words, and causes discord. Of body: a round sparse face, a savage look, colored brown or red, nearly always with pockmarks or pustules in his face, scattered hairs for a beard, and a voice as menacing as thunder. Puer It always means: good in the third house, bad in the fifth. When multiplied, it signifies: calmness, boldness, suspect and violent beliefs, hindrances of negotiations with one another by fear, many thieves and robbers on the road, evil journeys, health from sickness, slowness in imprisonment, and advantage to the querent. In the houses, it has: joy in the fifth, exaltation in the twelfth, and fall in the sixth. Of color: yellow. Of manner and mind: fierce, easy to anger, freely decorates his face, desires his own splendor, loves foolish men and women, and eager for sex. Of body: handsome, fleshy, quite strong, of middle height, of sweet but never evil speech, pretty eyes, pretty eyebrows, a long neck, a large head, a round face, a small mouth, and large shoulders. Puella

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Robert Fludds Rules It always means: good in the second and seventh house, but no others. When multiplied, it signifies: howling, mangling, great difficulty, sex, delights, luxury, cheerfulness, the readiness of pregnant women to give birth, nuisances for sailors and on ships at sea, hindrances on travels by land, sunken things, madness, delirium, fury, and an evil imprisonment. In the houses, it has: joy in the sixth, exaltation in the tenth, and fall in the fifteenth. It becomes better the more it is multiplied. Of color: red. Of manner and mind: a sower of discord, an instigator of fights in all people, a lover of those of the opposite sex, and whores. Of body: Neither too fat nor thin, but a mangled and thick body, a pretty face, colored brown or red, given to blushing often, a few hairs for a beard, small eyes, and teeth badly set. Fortuna Major It always means: good in the first house, which is the name of its master 10; bad in the seventh. When multiplied, it signifies: the nuisance of sickness, wandering men, quadrupeds, liberation from prison, the return of those absent from their homeland, shady trees, and the return of things stolen. In the houses, it has: joy in the ninth house, exaltation in the first, and fall in the seventh. Of manner and mind: kind, modest, honest in his words, loves law, gentle manners, aiming high, and proud in large expenses, and ruins his possessions. Of body: thin, of medium height, a round face tending to yellowness, small but fine teeth, large eyes, a healthy and beautiful color, one leg larger than the other. Of fortune and conditions: good status and powerful like a noble or the Lord, and noble ministers or professionals. Fortuna Minor It always means: good in the eighth house, and in all good places; it is bad in the second house. It is strengthened by the sixth house from itself in good or in evil 11.

Referring to Aries, the traditional exaltation of the Sun. It is strengthened by the figure in opposition to it. Some of the figures are made more effectual based on the figure in opposition (like Populus) or square (like Via) to it.
10 11

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Robert Fludds Rules When multiplied, it signifies: fights and evil, the nuisance of sickness, painful organs caused by great heat, disagreement, hatred, anger, fury, the failure of queried things no matter what; if it is not multiplied, it will help kings and be obedient to the querent. In the houses, it has: joy in the ninth house, exaltation in the first, and fall in the seventh. Of manner and mind: bold, proud, loving God, modest, inclined to honesty, presumptuous, magnanimous, and noble. Of body: fleshy, of medium height and size, a round and white face, a great and long nose, black eyes cast towards the ground, a beautiful color, a large forehead, thick but sparse hair, a thick neck, large nose, and an average beard. Populus It always means: good in the tenth house, evil in the fourth. It is strengthened by the figure in the sixth place from it, whether it stands to the left or to the right. When multiplied, it signifies: change, battles in every manner, heavy things, evil negotiations, and no matter which figure Populus is with, it signifies health from sickness. In the houses, it has: joy in the third house, exaltation in the second, and fall in the eighth. Of manner and mind: rejoices in walking, and dislikes to remain in a single place. Of body: neither too large nor too small, but greatly inclined to a tall height, a beautiful and benign face, a thin body, thin legs, some spots in his eyes, or one eye higher than the other, darkly colored, large teeth, a long face, a filthy body, and a great beard; a place or some sign that will not be separated from him. It also signifies plants, herbs, waters, and congregations of men. Via It always means: good in the fifth house, evil in the eleventh. It is strengthened by the fourth figure away from itself. When multiplied, it signifies: self-control, delay of the querent, corrupt women, delay, and no matter what is beside Via it frees from illness. In the houses, it has: joy, joy in the third house, exaltation in the second, and fall in the eighth. Of manner and mind: slow to anger but greatly seething, and loves wherever he is without pause in his anger.

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Robert Fludds Rules Of body: neither too large nor too small, but greatly thick in his middle, more above than below, one eye higher than the other or some spot, colored white, small teeth, and a forehead that frequently sweats. Of fortune and conditions: poor. It also signifies trees and a journey amongst other things . Conjunctio It always means: good in the sixth house and many others, but bad in the eighth and twelfth. It is strengthened in good or evil by that which stands six places away from it. When multiplied, it signifies: knights, men reciting eloquently their history in the presence of the king, skillful workmen, farmers, victory, wrestlers12 , evil in imprisonment, hindrances on the journey, benefit to he who swears falsely and to betrayal, death, nuisances, and especially pregnant women. In the houses, it has: joy in the ascendant, exaltation in the sixth house, fall in the twelfth. Of color: white and black. Of manner and mind: loves reading, eloquent, desires good, acquires many friends, consumes lavishly or more than he makes, deceitful, immoderate, clever, and holds the law in contempt. Of body: beautiful or fair, having a thin or lean body, of medium height, a beautiful and long face, pretty eyes, a handsome but small beard, a thin nose, and thin legs. It also denotes things of various colors, such as clothing. Carcer It always means: evil in all the houses except in the twelfth; the worst place for this figure is the sixth. When multiplied, it signifies: the lord sad and shut away, the liberation of the imprisoned, good roads for the wanderer, and agreement or reconciliation between enemies. In the houses, it has: its exaltation and fall in the first; however much this figure is multiplied, the greater its value. Of color: black. Of manner and mind: fierce but magnanimous.

12

The word connotes struggling or overcoming obstacles for success.

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Robert Fludds Rules Of body: of middle height, but of a stunted body, having a large head, mangled arms, darkly and well colored, a handsome beard, a large round jaw, a large chest, split knuckles, sparse hair, a mangled neck, a large and round face, a small mouth, and small red or white eyes. It also signifies prisons, tombs, hidden ditches, black things, and heavy things, amongst other things.

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