Page:Ante-Nicene Christian Library Vol 6.djvu/73

Rh be infallible; and thirdly, that the ascension of the zodiacal sign should be observed with accuracy. For from [the moment] of birth the ascension of the zodiacal sign rising in the heaven should be closely watched, since the Chaldæans, determining [from this] the horoscope, frame the configuration of the stars in accordance with the ascension [of the sign]; and they term this—disposition, in accordance with which they devise their predictions. But neither is it possible to take the birth of persons falling under consideration, as I shall explain, nor is the horoscope infallible, nor is the rising zodiacal sign apprehended with accuracy.

How it is, then, that the system of the Chaldæans is unstable, let us now declare. Having, then, previously marked it out for investigation, they draw the birth of persons falling under consideration from, unquestionably, the depositing of the seed, and [from] conception or from parturition. And if one will attempt to take [the horoscope] from conception, the accurate account of this is incomprehensible, the time [occupied] passing quickly, and naturally [so]. For we are not able to say whether conception takes place upon the transference of the seed or not. For this can happen even as quick as thought, just also as leaven, when put into heated jars, immediately is reduced to a glutinous state. But conception can also [take place] after a lapse of duration. For there being an interval from the mouth of the womb to the fundament, where physicians say conceptions take place, it is altogether the nature of the seed deposited to occupy some time in traversing this interval. The Chaldæans, therefore, being ignorant of the quantity of duration to a nicety, never will comprehend the [moment of] conception; the seed at one time being injected straight forward, and falling at one spot