These Astronomers tell them also when the old year ends to the very minute.  At which time they cease from all work, except the Kings, which must not be omitted.  They acquaint them also with the good hour of the New year, they are to begin to work.  At which time every Man and Woman begins to do somewhat in their employment they intend to follow the ensuing year.  They have also another season directed them by their Astronomers:  that is, when to begin to wash their heads, which is assigned to every one according to the time of their Nativities, which Ceremony they observe very religiously.

[They pretend to know future things by the Stars.] These Astronomers, or rather Astrologers, are skilful in the Knowledge of the Stars, and Planets, of which they reckon nine:  ’tis supposed they may add the Dragon’s Head and Tail.  By which they pretend to foretel all things concerning the health and recovery of Sick Persons; also concerning the fate of Children born, about which the Parents do presently consult them, and save their Children or kill them according to the fortunate or unfortunate hour they tell the Parents they were born in.

When a Person is Sick, he carries to the men his Nativity, which they call Hanna hom pot, upon the perusal of which they tell his destiny.  These also direct fit times for beginning Journeys, or other undertakings.  They are likewise consulted concerning Marriages by looking upon the Man and Womans Nativity.

[Their AEra, Their Years, Months, Weeks, Days, Hours.] They reckon their Time from one Saccawarsi an ancient King.  Their year consists of 365 days, They begin their year upon our Eight and twentieth day of March, and sometimes the Seven and twentieth, and sometimes, but very seldom, on the Nine and twentieth.  The reason of which I conceive to be, to keep it equal to the course of the Sun, as our Leap year doth.  They call the year Ouredah.  This they divide in to Twelve Months, named, Wasachmaha, Pomaha, Ahalamoha, Micheneha, Bochmoha, &c.  They divide their Months into Weeks, each consisting of seven days, called Fridah, Sandudah, Onghorudah, Bodadah, Braspotindah, Secouradah, Henouradah.  The first of which they account a good and a fortunate day to begin to do or undertake any thing:  and it falls out upon our Sunday.  On their Wednesdays, and Saturdays they open their Churches, and perform their Ceremonies.  Their day, which they call Dausack, they divide into Thirty Pays, hours or parts, and begin their account from the Sun rising, and their Night also into as many, and begin from Sun-setting:  So that the Fifteenth Pay is Twelve a Clock at Noon.  They have a Flower by which they judge of the time, which constantly blows open seven Pays before Night.