Lot 66
66
A rare 18th century Austrian, astrological horoscope disc, 4in. diam. 1.115mm thick, engraved on obverse with the "figure of the heavens" for an nativity Natus Josephus Christophorus Melch Zorn. An: Domini 1701 Die 9 July Hora 21 45'0" p:m: Sub el: 48o 24' Vien:, further engraved with diagram recording position of the planets and various bright stars at the time of birth, the reverse with table of the aspects of the planets, inscribed Speculum Aspectuum Inclinant sed non neceSsitant with symbols signifying signs of the zodiac starting with Aires (Spring Equinox), symbols for the varibles representing the aspects (angular separation): conjunction (0o), sextile (60o), quadrat (90o), trine (120o), opposition (180o); the symbols representing the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, head of the Dragon, tail of Dragon and Pars Fortunae

Details
A rare 18th century Austrian, astrological horoscope disc, 4in. diam. 1.115mm thick, engraved on obverse with the "figure of the heavens" for an nativity Natus Josephus Christophorus Melch Zorn. An: Domini 1701 Die 9 July Hora 21 45'0" p:m: Sub el: 48o 24' Vien:, further engraved with diagram recording position of the planets and various bright stars at the time of birth, the reverse with table of the aspects of the planets, inscribed Speculum Aspectuum Inclinant sed non neceSsitant with symbols signifying signs of the zodiac starting with Aires (Spring Equinox), symbols for the varibles representing the aspects (angular separation): conjunction (0o), sextile (60o), quadrat (90o), trine (120o), opposition (180o); the symbols representing the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, head of the Dragon, tail of Dragon and Pars Fortunae

Lot Essay

In order to construct a horoscope three stages are involved. First, the positions of the planets have to be established, second, the relation of the Zodiac with the astrological houses or mansions, third the amalgamaion of these in the form of the horoscope diagram. The side of the disc headed Speculum Aspectuum provides the 'workings', with data on the right-hand side that is transferred onto the diagram

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