Translations of Kepler’s Astrological Writings Part I, Section 4.3. Excerpts from Kepler’s Weather Calendar of 1619

Abstract

The following passages selected from the 1619 Calendar are relevant to Kepler’s predictions for 1618. In view of the momentous nature of the outbreak of war, Kepler does not review the success or failure of his weather predictions. His reflections on the war are characteristic of his conviction that the stars do not determine, but rather influence human affairs, and that despite their strongly stimulating nature, they nevertheless leave full scope for the exercise of freedom. The appearance of three comets in the autumn of 1618 and the destruction of the city of Plurs in Switzerland receives a detailed commentary, most of which is included here.