A new and complete illustration of the occult sciences [electronic resource] : or, the art of foretelling future events and Contingencies, by the Aspects, Positions, and Influences, of the heavenly bodies. Founded on Natural Philosophy, Scripture, Reason, and the Mathematics. In four parts. Part I. An Enquiry into, and Defence of, Astrology; with an interesting Discourse on Natural and Occult Philosophy-in which the Wisdom and Omnipotence of God; the intellectual Faculties of Angels, Spirits, and Men; the Order, Harmony, Sympathy, and wonderful Properties, of the Celestial and Terrestrial Worlds; the Signs, Influences, and Effects, of the Heavenly Bodies upon all animal, vegetable, and mineral, Substances; the Number of the Spheres; the Method of erecting the Horoscope to cast Nativities; and the Doctrine of Horary Questions; are clearly exemplified and explained. Part II. Examples for acquiring a Practical Knowledge of Astrology, with Rules for calculating, rectifying, and judging, Nativities; by which the Reader is enabled to discover, with Precision and Accuracy, every material Incident of his future Life and Fortune. Illustrated by a Variety of new, entertaining, and curious, Questions, lately resolved, upon every material Occurrence in public and private Life. With a Collection of the most remarkable Nativities that have been cast for Kings, Princes, and other eminent Men, by the most celebrated Professors of this Science, in all Ages of the World; with astonishing Instances of their exact Completion. Part III. Meteorological Astrology defined and explained: Wherein certain Rules are laid down for prejudging the Revolutions, Vicissitudes, and Misfortunes, with which every Part of the habitable World may be occasionally threatened. General Effects produced by great Conjunctions, Eclipses, Transits, Comets, Blazing Stars, and other extraordinary Phaenomena; with the Art of calculating Eclipses, Tides, and Weather, for any Number of Years to come. To-Which is added, A Collection of improved Tables, contrived to answer all the Purposes of Astronomical Calculations. Part IV. The Distinction between Astrology and the Diabolical Practice of Exorcism; in which the Methods used for raising up and consulting Spirits are laid open, with various instances of their Compacts with wicked Men. Account of Apparitions and Spirits; including a general Display of the Mysteries of Witchcraft, Divination, Charms, and Necromancy. Compiled from a Series of intense Study and Application, and founded on real Examples and Experience. By Ebenezer Sibly, Fellow of the Harmonic Philosophical Society at Paris. Embellished with curious copper-plates.