Be conversant in precedent Histories, and therein observe either the great happinesses or calamities that have befallen any Kingdom, Country, or People, and in what year they manifested themselves; then also observe what Planet in those times was most potent or essentially dignified, or the contrary, what Comet or Blazing-star preceded, and the Sign it appeared in, what greater or minor Conjunction was then in force, also what Eclipses etc. and accordingly frame a judgment, etc. - William Lilly (1602.-1681.)