Taylor - Theoretic Arithmetic.pdf - Platonic Philosophy

~ c ~ ~ ~ Or ~ Q rather, ~ v . which ) is more Pythagoric, it is thus
denominated, because the most celebrated of the Babylonians,
together with Ostanes and Zoroaster, very properly call the
starry spheres herds, (a~glar) ; whether because these alone
among corporeal magnitudes are perfectly carried about a centre,
or in conformity to the Oracles because they are considered
by them as in a certain respect the bonds and collectors of physical
reasons, which they likewise call in their sacred discourses
herds, and by the insertion of a gamma angels. Hence, in a
similar manner, they denominate the stars and dzmons which
rule over each of these herds (or starry spheres) angels and
archangels: and these are seven in number."
The same author further informs us that the heptad was
called Phylacitis, or of a guardian nature, not only because the
above mentioned angels and archangels are seven leaders, but
also because the stars which guard the universe and preserve it
in a connected and perpetual permanency are seven in number."
With respect to the epithets Obrimopatra and Glaucopis, it
is evident that the heptad was thus called from its alliance to
Minerva. This is also the case with the epithets Panteuchia
and Ergane. For Minerva considered as one of the Curetes
was celebrated by the former of these appellations, which sign;-
fies that she is furnished with every kind of armour. Hence the
epithet ~ ~ V T ~ ~ pantewchos X O G is given to her by the Chaldzan
Oracles, and by Plato in the Laws she is said to be adorned
with every kind of armour, ravozhtp ravseker xo~rle&(oa. And
Ergane or the artificer is well known to be an epithet of Minerva.
Again, the heptad perhaps as well as the triad was called
the horn of Amalthza, from its alliance to the monad, as being
the source of every divine good. But it appears to have been
called Aegis, because Minerva is celebrated as the ;egis-bearing