Fresh Batch #21: Mirror of the Sun

An Allegory from the 17th Century

I came across this and wanted to share it with you. It’s a great example of astrotheology letting you know it’s astrotheology and not to be mistaken for history. Mahmut wrote, “The Sun runs from the East to the West. In his daily Circuit he illuminates and warms this Hemisphere; and by Night our Antipodes enjoy his Favours and welcome Influences. At one time of the Year he comforts the North, at another he revives the South. There is no Part of the Globe, which in due Season does not rejoice in his all-chearing Beams.

“The Moon never slacks or deviates from her wonted Course; but from the Crescent to the Wane, observes the Laws of him that made her. She is exact in timing the Flux and Reflux of the Sea: And she guides the wandering Mariners by Night. The Inhabitants of the Arctic and Antarctic Circles wait for her Light, when the Sun absents himself for half the Year. As soon as they see the Chariot of Diana appear on the Road of their Heaven, every Man claps his Hands for Joy. They rouse from their domestic Dulness and Melancholly; they come out of their Dens and Caves. With Dances and Songs they welcome the Approach of the beautiful Goddess; knowing that she is but a second Remove from the Eternal Light; the Mirror of the Sun, in which that glorious Planet may see his Face; in whose, by Reflexion, we see the Face of God.”

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