He remarks that:—In forming a horoscope, this circle is divided into 12 equal parts, corresponding with the spaces containing the 12 hours. These 12 divisions are called houses; and they always remain fixed, while the Zodiac with the 12 signs, and all the heavenly bodies belonging to it, are considered to be moving through them all, every 24 hours. The lord of the ascendant is the planet which rules the signs rising at birth. In drawing horoscopes it is usual to make the figure square instead of round. (See [Plate 1], Fig. 1.)
The various significations arising from the aspects of the starry heavens at the time of birth are so exceedingly numerous, that we must refer the curious in such matters to the works themselves, in which all these pretended revelations are minutely recorded.
Mankind rank astrologically as being of four temperaments.
1. One class is said to answer to the fiery trigon, also called diurnal, masculine, and choleric, consisting of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, which contains the spirited, generous, magnanimous, and princely natures.
2. We have next the earthy trigon, being nocturnal, feminine, and melancholic, consisting of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, containing the careful, sordid, and penurious qualities.
3. Thirdly, the aërial trigon, which is diurnal, masculine, and sanguine, consisting of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, contains the humane harmonies, and courteous principles. And—
4. Fourthly, the watery trigon, which is nocturnal, feminine, and phlegmatic; namely, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, including the cold, prolific, cautious and severe qualities.
Take as a brief illustration of the manner in which Astrologers presumptuously assign to the planets their several offices relating to human nature the following:—