All tablets.

SAA 08 025. Full Moon on 16th Day (RMA 168) [lunar]

(1) If the moon in Nisan (I) is seen with the sun neither on the 14th nor on the [15th day]: campaigning troops of the enemy will make a razzia into [the land] and [...] the land; there wil[l be] an uprising in the land. (6) If on the 16th day the moon and sun [are seen] together: one king [will send hostile messages] to another; the king [will be shut up] in his palace; [the step of] the enemy [will be set towards his land]; the enemy [will march around] victorious[ly in his land]. (r 1) If on the 16th day the moon and sun [are seen together]: the king of Subartu [will become strong and have…

~670 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 8

SAA 08 026. A Sign from Sunrise Concerning Elam (RMA 277L) [solar]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [......] will be placed. (2) A sign from sunrise concerning Elam. (4) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

Religion & Myth·Astronomy & Mathematics

SAA 08 027. Rising of Venus (RMA 247) [planetary]

(1) What is this love by which Ištar loves the king my lord and has [sent] the very best to the king my lord! (6) [Venus] made her [posit]ion perfect [.....] she became visible quickly — [a good sign for the king] and his reign. (r 1) [If Ven]us stays in her position for long: [the da]ys of the king will become long. (r 3) If the rising of [Venus] is seen early: the king of the land will extend the life. (r 5) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 028. (no title) (RMA 021A) [unclassifiable]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [If the day] reaches its normal length: [a reign] of long days. (3) This night, [Mar]s came out [of] Cancer. (5) [From] Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 030. Occultation of Old Man Star (RMA 244) [planetary]

(1) If the Old Man star comes to stand close to the top of the moon and enters the moon: the king will stand in triumph, he will become old and [extend] his land; he will be happy about his land; there will be truth and justice in the land. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 031. Thunder in Ab [weather]

(1) This rain and thunder concerns the appointed time of the sighting of Venus. (4) If in Ab (V) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: the floodings will become scarce at the source. (r 1) If it rains on a day without clouds: the land will be reduced by famine. (r 3) If Adad shouts on a day without clouds: there [will] be darkness and famine in the land. (r 5) If a storm [blows] from the west: fall of Elam. (r.e. 7) From Issar-šumu-er[eš].

SAA 08 032. Thunder at Month’s End (RMA 255) [weather]

(1) If Adad shouts on the day of disappearance of the moon: the harvest will pros[per]; business will be steady. (3) If it rains on the day of disappearance of the moon: ple[nty] for the people. (5) If Adad thunders on the day [of disappearance of the moon]: there will be darkness in the land. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 033. Thunder in Tišri (RMA 259) [weather]

(1) If in Tishri (VII) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: the gods will have mercy on the land. (r 1) From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 034. Fog in Intercalary Adar (RMA 252E) [weather]

(1) If there is conti[nually] fog in the land: the dynasty of the king of the land [will rule] the world. (3) If [a fog rolls in] on a cloudy day: fall of [Elam]. (5) [If in] intercalary Adar (XII/2) [fog ...]: the land [will go] to ruin. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-[ereš].

SAA 08 035. Red Glow (RMA 275) [occasional]

(1) If in Sivan (III) a red gl[ow blazes: there will be] hostility in [the land]. (3) If a red glow [rides the east wind]: the day [will become cloudy]. (5) If a red glow [keeps blazing in the height of the sky]: the land will [be confused, variant: made smaller]. (r 1) From the [Chief Scribe].

SAA 08 036. Earthquake in Šebat (RMA 267) [weather]

(1) If the sky shouts and the earth [quakes]: the gods [...] the land [...] in all four directions of [Enlil ...] cities [...] hostility [...] sick people of the land will fall, variant: [......] (6) If the sky shouts and the earth [quakes]: Enlil [will bring about] the defeat of the land. (8) If the sky shouts and the earth qu[akes]: the cultivated fields will diminish ... [...] (10) If Ereškigal [utter]s her roar like a li[on]: the earth will turn the land into ruins. (12) If there is an earthquake in Shebat (XI): the furrow will reduce its yield; there will be campaigns of the enemy. (14)…

SAA 08 037. Earthquake in Tebet (RMA 266) [weather]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. (3) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. (5) Tonight there was an earthquake. (7) If there is an earthquake in Tebet (X): the king will dwell in his enemy's city. (r 1) If the earth quakes in Tebet (X): the palace of the ruler will fall and go to ruin. (r 3) If the earth quakes at night: worry for the land, variant: abandonment of the land. (r 5) From the Chief Scribe.

Astronomy & Mathematics·Religion & Myth

SAA 08 038. Hemerology for the 1st of Nisan [calendrical]

(1) [In Nisan, the first day, he should cleanse and] purify himself. (2) You soak [zagindurû stone in] filtered oil, [you put maštakal plant in]to [beer and oil]. He rubs himself repeatedly. (4) [(...) he should put on linen] sandals and dress [in a new garment]. (5) You [bin]d zagindurû stone [in yo]ur [hem], [you go] to the house of a [fowler and (buy) two] doves, [male and fem]ale. (7) [You convict th]em before Šamaš. [He will obtain his desire] li[ke a god]. (8) (You say) "Šamaš, you are the ju[dge of heaven and ea]rth, un[clench for me the s]tro[ng fists of god or goddess, k]ing, magnate…

SAA 08 039. Saturn Stationery in Cancer (RMA 244C) [planetary]

(1) If the Scales [stand in a stable position: there will be] reconciliation and pea[ce in the land]. (3) The Scales [are (equivalent) to Saturn]. (4) Their position is stable [means that Saturn stands] in Cancer. (6) If a planet [stands] in the north: attack of Akkad [against the enemy land]. (8) — Saturn stands in [Cancer]. (r 2) [If] the moon [does not wait] for the sun [but sets]: raging of lion[s and wolves]. (r 4) — On the 15th day they wi[ll be seen]. (r 5) The sighting of Sat[urn is a good sign] for the king my lord. (r 7) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 040. Saturn and Regulus in Lunar Halo (RMA 180) [planetary]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) on the 13th [day] the king [......]. (2) If the sun stands in the halo of the moon: in all lands (people) will speak the truth; the son will speak the truth with his father; universal peace. (5) — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon; the sign is equivalent to the sign of the 13th day. Because the moon was seen on the 13th day, because of that Saturn stood in the halo of the moon. (r 1) If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: the month holds rain, variant: clouds will be gathered. (r 3) If Regulus is dark: the king will become furious and will lead his notables ou…

SAA 08 041. Mars, Saturn and Regulus in Lunar Halo (RMA 098) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: the month holds rain, variant: clouds will be gathered. (4) — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon. (5) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars stands in it: loss of cattle; the Westland will become smaller. (8) That is bad for the Westland. (r 1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Regulus stands in it: in that year pregnant women [wil]l give birth to male children. (r 4) — Re[gulus] stands in the halo of the moon. (r 5) [From Nabû]-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 042. The Moon Will not Make an Eclipse in Elul (RMA 271A) [eclipses]

(1) The moon will be seen [together with] the sun in Elul (VI) on the 15th day, it will let [the eclip]se pass by. (Break) (r 1) [The moon will] be seen together with the sun, it will let [the eclipse] pass by, it will not make (it). (r 3) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba. (r 4) [Elu]l (VI), 13th day.

SAA 08 043. Thunder in Ab (RMA 258) [weather]

(1) If in Ab (V) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: floods will become scarce at the source. (4) If Adad shouts on a day without clouds: there will be darkness in the land. (6) "Day without clouds" means Ab (V). (7) If it rains in Ab (V): fall of people. (r 1) If a west storm rises: fall of the Westland. (r 3) If Adad thunders twice: the land which has sent you hostile messages will send you messages of peace. (r 6) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 044. Solar Halo (RMA 179) [solar]

(1) If the sun is surrounded by a halo and its gate ope[ns] to the south: the south wind will blow [...] (4) If on the day of disappearance of the moon the south wind [blows]: rain [......]. (6) The day of disappearance of the moon [......]. (r 1) The moon [will complete] the day in [month x]. (r 3) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 045. Mars Stationary in Leo (RMA 237) [planetary]

(1) If the Wolf star [reaches] the Lion star: far-off days [......] for the land. (4) The Wolf star is [Mars]; the Lion star is [Leo]; — Mars [stands in Leo]. (7) If a star flares up and enters [...]: there wil[l be] a revolt. (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 046. The Moon Will not Make an Eclipse (RMA 274E) [eclipses]

(1) The moon will compl[ete] the day in Tammuz (IV); on the 14th day, it will b[e seen] with the sun. It will let the eclipse pass by; it will not mak[e it]. (r 1) [From Nabû-ahhe]-eriba.

SAA 08 047. The Sun Did not Make an Eclipse (RMA 274G) [eclipses]

(1) On the 29th [of Marchesvan (VIII) we observed] the sun: [the s]un set; it let [the eclipse] pass by. (6) [The moon] will reject [the day] in Kislev (IX). (r 1) [From] Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 048. Conjunction of Mars and Saturn (RMA 236H) [planetary]

(1) [If the Wolf star] reaches [the sun]: riches [......]. (3) Mars passed below Saturn. (5) The Wolf star is Mars; [the star of the sun is] Saturn (Break) (r 2) [......] passed. (r 3) [......] Saturn. (r 4) [From Nabû-ahhe]-eriba.

SAA 08 049. Conjunction of Mars and Saturn in Lunar Halo on Full Moon Day (RMA 103) [planetary]

(1) [If the moon] is seen on the [1]6th [day: the king of Subartu will become] strong and [have no rival]. (3) [If] the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars [stands in it]: loss of cattle of all lands; the date plantation will not prosper; variant: the Westland will be diminished. (6) [If] the moon is surrounded by a halo, and a planet stands in it: robbers will rage. (8) — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon. (9) If Jupiter comes near to the Bull of Heaven: the treasures of the land will perish; variant: the offspring of large and small cattle will not prosper. (r 2) Jupiter entered the…

SAA 08 050. Morning First of Mercury (Sivan 16) (RMA 246G) [planetary]

(1) [If the Pleiades] come close to the moon, [enter it], and come out: [the king ...] will exercise supreme power. (4) — [The Pleiades] will come close to the moon. (5) [Sin] sent a good [sign to the king my lord]. (7) [The Pleiades are (equivalent to)] Mars ...... [......]. (r 1) [On the xth day] of Sivan (III) [... be]came visible. (r 3) [Mer]cury became visible on the 16th day [of Si]van (III). (r 5) [Now let] the heart of the king our lord, [which] was [sad, be] very [happy]. (r 8) [From Nabû]-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 051. Venus and Mercury in Sagittarius (RMA 209) [planetary]

(1) If Šarur and Šargaz in the sting of Scorpius keep gaining radiance: the weapons of Akkad will be raised. (3) — Venus becomes visible in Sagittarius. (4) If Ištar wears the crown of the moon: there will be wailings ... (6) "Wailings" are "weepings." (7) — Mercury stands in the wes[t behin]d Venus. (r 1) [If] Venus wea[rs] a black crown: [(pregnant) women] will give birt[h to male child]ren. (r 3) — A planet [stands] with [Venus]. (r 4) It is bad for the people of the land [...]. (r 5) If Venus [becomes visible ...] in Kislev (IX): [there will be] famine of barley and str[aw in the land]. (r…

SAA 08 052. Mars Stationary in Sagittarius (RMA 236G) [planetary]

(1) [If Šarur and] Šargaz [of the sting of Scor]pius are faint: [......] are fallen. (4) — Mars stands inside Sagittarius; "the sting of Scorpius" is said of Sagittarius. (7) Mars became stationary in Sagittarius and stood there. (r 2) Afterwards, in Sivan (III), it will turn and move forw[ard ......]. (r 5) [From Nabû-ahhe-eri]ba.

SAA 08 053. Mars Stationary in Scorpius (RMA 070) [planetary]

(1) If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour the wealth of the Westland. (3) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of the enemy. (5) If the moon at its appearance is visible early: the month will bring worry. (7) 2 months after each other (the moon) rejected the day, Iyyar (II) (and) Sivan (III). (9) If a cloudbank lies to the right of the sun: Adad will devastate, variant: rains and floods will come. (r 2) Mars has turned around, started moving, and is going forward in Scorpius; that is a bad sign. (r 5) Let…

SAA 08 054. Morning First of Jupiter in Leo (RMA 191) [planetary]

(1) If Jupiter [becomes visible] in [Ab (V)]: the land will experience joy. (3) If Jupiter [rises] in the path of the [Enlil] stars: the king of Akkad will become strong and [overthrow] his enemies in all lands in battle. (6) If the stars of Leo [...]: the king [will be victorious] wher[ever he] goes. Star [......]. (r 2) If J[upiter ......] the king of Akkad [......]. (r 4) Jupiter [......]. (rest destroyed)

SAA 08 055. Venus Approaching Scorpius (RMA 112) [planetary]

(1) [If the moon] is surrounded [by a halo] and Cancer stands [in it]: the king of Akkad will extend the life. (3) This [night] (the moon) was surrounded by a halo, it did not close. (4) [If] the moon is surrounded by a drawing: there will be an eclipse. (5) Eclipse (means) trouble. (6) This night (the moon) was surrounded by a drawing, it did not close. (7) If Venus comes close to Scorpius: winds which are not good will blow towards the land; Adad will give his rains, and Ea his springs, to the Gutian land. (r 3) If (Venus) came close to the Breast of Scorpius, it would be copied like this;…

SAA 08 056. Morning Last of Venus (RMA 204) [planetary]

(1) If Venus disappears in the east in Nisan (I) from the 1st to the 30th day: there will be wailings in the land. (4) If Venus keeps, variant: kept, changing her po[sition] ...: campaigns of the enemy, falsehood, variant: ... (7) [......] ... [......] his god will [...]. (r 1) [If Venus] descends darkly to the horizon and sets: there will be a fall of Elam. (r 3) From Nabû-ahhe-[eriba].

SAA 08 057. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 043) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon] at its appearance wears a crown: [the kin]g will reach the highest rank; [the land] will dwell as if in pastures near the city. (4) — [The moon] will wear a crown when it is seen. (5) If the moon's right horn at its appearance pierces the sky: there will be stable prices in the land; a revolt will be staged in the Westland. (r 1) "Its right horn pierces the sky," as it says, means it will slip into the sky and will not be seen; dir is "to slip," said of a horn. (r 5) At the appearance of the moon its right horn (signifies) the Westland. (r 6) If the moon becomes visible on th…

SAA 08 058. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 051) [lunar]

(1) The moon will complete the day in Nisan (I). (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 059. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 054) [lunar]

(1) The moon will complete the day in Shebat (XI). (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 060. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 062) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon becomes visible in] Nisan (I) on the 30th day: [Su]bartu [will devour] the Ahlamû; a foreigner will rule the Westland. (4) We are Subartu. (5) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost in the land. (7) "Frost" is "cold." (r 1) The moon will be seen with the sun in Tebet (X) on the 14[th] day. (r 3) The moon will complete the day in Shebat (XI); on the 14th day it will be seen with the sun. (r 5) [The moon] will reject the day [in] Adar (XII); [on the xth day] it will be seen with the sun. (r 7) [The moon] will complete the day in Nisan (I). (r 8) [From N…

SAA 08 061. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 075) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible in Kislev (IX) on the 30th day: the king of the Westland will fall in battle. (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 062. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 081G) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon] becomes visible [on the 30th day: there will be frost; varia]nt: rumor of the enemy. (3) [...] disease. (4) [...] its left [horn ......]. (Break) (r 1) [......] (r 2) [From Nabû-ahh]e-eriba.

SAA 08 063. (no title) (RMA 057) [unclassifiable]

(1) [If the moon] becomes visible on the 28th [day]: good for Akkad, bad for E[lam]. (3) The moon st[ood there] on the 28th day. (4) This sign counterbalances the sign o[f the 12th day]. (r 1) When I wr[ote] to the king my lord, saying "the gods have opened the ears of the king [my lord]," (I meant) if something [happens] to [the king and] he worries, th[e gods ...] first send a message fr[om heaven] saying: ["Let him be on his guard", ......]. (e. 1) The king my lord [......].

SAA 08 064. Full Moon on 13th Day (RMA 084) [lunar]

(1) If the moon [is ...] in its course: [there will be] evil. (3) — It [will be seen] on the 13th day (with the sun). (4) 4 months after ea[ch other] (the moon) completed the day; it rose high in [...], on the 13th day [it was seen with the sun]. The king my lord need not [be afraid] of the bad omen. (8) If the moon at its appearance "pile[s up]" the sky: it will rain, variant: the floo[d will come]. (r 1) [— It became visible in a piled-up cl]oud. (r 2) If [the Anzu star ...] is bright: either [frost] or cold [...]. (r 5) The Anzu star [is Mars]. (r 6) "Frost" [is "cold"]. (r 7) If the strang…

SAA 08 065. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 139) [lunar]

(1) If the moon and sun are in balance: reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king of the world will make the throne last long. (4) — It will be seen on the 14th day. The remainder of the words are (also) favorable for the king my lord; (when the moon) went into clouds we did not see it. (8) If the moon at its appearance glides through clouds: the flood will come. (r 1) "to glide" is "to go." (r 2) If the moon at its appearance "piles up" the sky: it will rain. (r 4) — It is seen in a piled-up cloud. (r 5) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 066. Scorpius in Lunar Halo (RMA 141) [planetary]

(1) If the moon and sun are in balance: reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king [of the world] will make his throne la[st long]. (Break) (r 1) [If at the appearance of the moon] the sting [of Scorpius] surrounds it [like a halo]: the flood will [come]. (r 3) Thi[s night], a halo surr[ounded the moon, al]l of Scorp[ius stood] inside it. (r 5) If at the moon's appearance the south wind blows: in this month there will be regularly south wind. (r 7) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 067. Full Moon on 15th Day (RMA 274H) [lunar]

(1) [The moon] will be seen on the 15th [day with] the sun; it will omit [an eclipse], it will not make it. (r 1) From [Nabû-ahhe]-eriba.

SAA 08 068. Taurus in Lunar Halo (RMA 106) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo and the star (called) "Crown of Anu" stands in it: [the king] is well; there will be tru[th and justice] in the land. (4) — Taurus stands in the halo of the moon. For two days in a row it stood in the halo of the moon. (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 069. Solar Halo (RMA 178) [solar]

(1) [If] the sun rises and go[es] forward: the king of the world will make his reign lo[ng]. (3) If in Adar (XII) the sun is surrounded by a halo in the morning: in this month the flood will come; variant: it will rain. (6) This is in a sign from Jupiter; the rest of the words are like its sign, and concern rain and flood.

SAA 08 070. (no title) (RMA 229) [unclassifiable]

(1) [If ...] looks [at the foundation of the s]ky [...] the sky catches the ground [...], there wil[l be] rising of wind, variant: heat. (4) [Me]rcury [...] its position (5) [...] will be seen [...] (6) ["Heat"] (means) hot we[ather]. (7) [...] star [......]. (r 2) (Break) (r 3) [From Nabû-ahhe-erib]a.

SAA 08 071. Jupiter in Lunar Halo (RMA 096) [planetary]

(1) The night of the 2nd day, Jupiter stood in the halo of the moon. (4) Let them perform a namburbi ritual; the halo was not a closed one. (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 073. Mercury Sighted in Capricorn (RMA 238) [planetary]

(1) If the Yoke star is low and dark when it comes out: [the land] will go to ruin. (4) [The Yoke st]ar (means) Mercury; [it] is faint (and) [...] are scarce. (r 1) [If] the Fish star stands close to the Raven star: fish (and) birds will become abundant. (r 3) — Mercury becomes visible in Capricorn. (r 5) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 074. (no title) (RMA 212) [unclassifiable]

(1) If the Goat star produces a mišhu: the gods will for[give] the land, [they will have] mercy on the land. (4) This night it produced a mišhu. (6) Mercury [and Venus are apart] from each other, they passed and went [on]. (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 075. (no title) (RMA 236D) [unclassifiable]

(1) [...] left of the moon [......] the enemy will devour, variant: [......]. (3) [......] left of the moon [......]. (Break) (r 1) [...] Mars [.....] ... [......] ... [......]. (r 4) [From] Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 076. (no title) (RMA 246A) [unclassifiable]

(1) If Siri[us is red ......] the land will [eat] carob. (3) Siri[us .....] carobs [......]. (5) Its light [......] at its becoming visible [......] sesame [......]. (r 1) If Anta[surra ...] a star which is in front [......] in that month [.....]. (r 4) — Mercury is se[en ......]. (r 6) From [Nabû-ahhe-eriba].