The following passages are translated from the Judicia Ptolomei (or Iudicia, if you prefer), an Arabic-Latin treatise on astrology ascribed sometimes to Ptolemy, sometimes to Aristotle. (Read more about it here.) We have used the version found in British Library, MS Harley 5402, ff. 1v–2v, whereof images and a helpful transcription may be found here. We thought it well to make this material available in English after citing it in our newly-released Celestial Gems: De Lapidibus & Liber Sigillorum. The reader will note for himself the curious transition from the figures of corporature or physiognomy described below, to their use in magical sigils elsewhere.

Judicia Ptolomei—Extract on the Figures of the Signs and Planets

Let us speak of the figures of the signs and planets, so that, when we come to tell of times past, present and future, we will not be led hereby into confusion. For these, together with the things told above, are the carpet whereon our feet must ever tread. Yea, my son, if thou be not ignorant hereof, thou wilt be able to come to the telling of times past, present and future without hesitation.

Aries, therefore, hath much hair and a rounded body. His eyes are grave. He hath small ears. He wants not for a long face.

Taurus hath a broad brow, always curved. And if it be not broad, he hath a long nose with broad nostrils. His eyes are grave, his hair upraised, and his neck stout. He has black hair. Modest, he casts his gaze earthward and walks with dignity: yet he is vain.

Gemini are neither tall nor short, but have a middling figure. Believing, they bestow broad chests and beautiful persons. And if Mercury prospers, one will be a writer.

Cancer hath a thick-skinned and corpulent body, [stouter in the lower half] and thinner in the upper half. His teeth are crooked, and his eyes are small.

Now Leo is recognized by all. He is stouter in the upper half and thinner in the lower half. He is great-willed as well. He has thin legs, that is, long ones.

Virgo has a beautiful person: the same is likewise of good-will. His eyes are observed to be beautiful. He hath a beautiful face.

Libra is beautiful of face and middling of flesh. A lover of women is he.

Scorpio is ruddy of face. He hath much hair, small eyes and a small face. Long legs has he, and large feet: they move with ease. Falsehood is not wanting in his mouth. He is easily angered with all.

Sagittarius has long thighs, stout legs, a long face, ample hair of the face, and a delicate chin. More beautiful from behind than before, he has thin hair and a great belly. He loves to ride.

Capricorn has slender legs and a dry body. A face like a goat hath he, and much hair.

Aquarius holds himself high. Too beautiful is he. He disburseth much of art, and wastes and consumes with one leg crossed over the other. His face is colored and beautiful.

Pisces hath a broad chest and a small head whereon flourisheth a beautiful beard: great is the hair of his face. He is white and similarly great of will. He has round eyes.

Inasmuch as we have spoken briefly anent the figures of the animals placed in the heavens—which figures they ascribe to those who are born in the same—order requires that we should tell thee certain truths concerning the figures of the planets residing in the same place

Saturn, therefore, is a darksome man. Few hairs hath he in his beard. He is not comely. He works iniquity. Sluggish and grave, he doth not laugh. And oft he hath fissures in his heel. His color is gray, and his chest is slender. His hair is rough. His clothes are ill-smelling. He the more readily weareth black, and likewise hath an evil will.

Jupiter is a goodly man. His beard is round. Beautiful eyes hath he, and two upper teeth that are large and somewhat spaced apart. Ruddy is he, such that thou mightest call him handsome, with an admixture of white in his face. His clothes are beautiful, and his hair is beautiful and long. When he walks he casts his gaze earthward.

Mars is a ruddy man whose color is mixed with brown like unto those who go under the sun, and he often hath red grains on his face. He always hath few hairs in his beard, such that he might be esteemed a eunuch. Small eyes hath he, and a body stout and rounded. And he is a sower of cockles and discord among men.

The Sun is a man of full flesh, having a beautiful face and big eyes. His face is white, mixed with a citrine color. A full and beautiful beard hath he, and lengthy hair.

Venus hath beautiful eyes and beautiful eyebrows. Soft and sweet words hath he, and he is ever studious about the disposition of his face and of his entire body. He moves his body with ease: his body is likewise of moderately full flesh and moderate stature, that is, neither great nor small.

Mercury is a man with a slender body. Wise is he, and he loves to apply himself to reading. He is complete in his person. He acquireth many friends and hath no luck in them. A pretty beard hath he, thin and small. He hath subtile lips and a subtile nose.

The Moon is a man of no servitude. He desireth [to go] wondering hither and thither by day and by night, and abideth not in one place. His face is round, neither great nor small. He hath one eye bigger than the other, or he is smote through an eye, or he squints, or one eye will be blind: to put it briefly, let us say that he will by no means be able to be without some calumny of the eyes.