fire and air comes from the spiritual influence of the Scribe (that is, Mercury) swimming in its sphere. Every lower effect in the elements of water and earth comes from the movement of the sphere of the second heaven.
The Substitute who presides over this day has the sixth region. Among the sciences he acquires on this day and during its hours within the other days are the sciences of estimative perceptions, inspiration, revelation, opinions, analogies, dreams and their interpretation, invention in the crafts, and nimbleness;[117] the science of the error that clings to the very faculty of understanding; the mathematical sciences; and the sciences of writing, refined learning, augury, soothsaying, magic, talismans, and incantations.[118]
(Thursday)
Every matter of knowledge arising on Thursday comes from the spiritual influence of Moses, peace be upon him. Every higher effect in the elements of fire and air comes from Jupiter’s swimming, and every lower effect in the elements of water and earth comes from the movement of its sphere.
This Substitute has the second region. Among the sciences he acquires on this day and during its hours within the other days are the sciences of plants and laws; the science of the causes of good and noble character traits; the science of acts that bring one near to God; and the science of the acceptance of deeds and where they ultimately lead their doer.
(Friday)
Every matter of knowledge arising on Friday for this person, through whom God preserves the fifth region, comes from the spiritual influence of Joseph, peace be upon him. Every higher effect in the elements of fire and air comes from the aspect of the planet Venus. Every lower effect in the elements of water and the ground (that is, earth) comes from the movement of Venus’s sphere. This belongs to the command that God revealed within each heaven.
These effects—
Notes
[117]
ʿAṭradah means speed and lightness. From it this planet was named ʿUṭārid, Mercury, because it traverses its sphere faster than the other planets, being nearest to the Sun. The science of ʿaṭradah may mean feats of sleight of hand.
[118]
These sciences.
