Aristotle's works:: Containing the Master-piece, Directions for Midwives, and Counsel and Advice to Child-bearing Women with Various Useful Remedies
Aristotle · en
Having spoken thus largely of Physiognomy, and the judgments given
thereby concerning the dispositions and inclinations of men and women,
drawn by the said art, from every part of the bodies of men and women,
it will be convenient here to show how all these things come to pass;
and how it is that the secret inclinations and future fate of men and
women may be known from the consideration of the several parts of the
bodies. They arise from the power and dominion of superior powers over
bodies inferior; by superior powers I understand the 12 Signs of the
Zodiac, whose signs, characters, and significations are as follow.
[Illustration]
_Aris_, the Ram, which governs the head and face.
_Taurus_, the Bull, which governs the neck.
_Gemini_, the Twins, governs the hands and arms.
_Cancer_, the Crab, governs the breast and stomach.
_Leo_, the Lion, governs the back and heart.
_Virgo_, the Virgin, governs the belly and bowels.
_Libra_, the Balances, governs the reins and loins.
_Scorpio_, the Scorpion, governs the secret parts.
_Sagittary_, the Centaur, governs the thighs.
_Capricorn_, the Goat, governs the knees.
_Aquarius_, the Water-Bearer, governs the legs and ancles.
_Pisces_, the Fish, governs the feet.
It is here furthermore necessary to let the reader know, that the
ancients have divided the Celestial Sphere into twelve parts, according
to the number of these signs, which are termed houses; and have placed
the twelve signs in their houses, as in the first house Aries, in the
second Taurus, in the third Gemini, &c. And besides their assigning the
twelve signs to the twelves houses, they allot to each house its proper
business.
To the first house they give the signification of life.
The second house has the signification of wealth, substance, or riches.
The third is the mansion of brethren.
The fourth is the house of parentage. _
The fifth is the house of children.
The sixth is the house of sickness or disease.
The seventh is the house of wedlock, and also of enemies, because
oftentimes a wife or husband proves the worst enemy.
The eighth is the house of death.
The ninth is the house of religion.
The tenth is the signification of honour.
The eleventh of friendship.
The twelfth is the house of affliction and woe.