Those who devote themselves to the observation of these bodies find signs in the different phases of the moon, as if the air, by which the earth is enveloped, were obliged to vary to correspond with its change of form.  Towards the third day of the new moon, if it is sharp and clear, it is a sign of fixed fine weather.  If its horns appear thick and reddish it threatens us either with heavy rain or with a gale from the South. πάντη γὰρ καθαρῇ κε μάλ᾽ εὔδια τεκμήραιο, πάντα δ᾽ ἐρευθομένῃ δοκέειν ἀνέμοιο κελεύθους, ἄλλοθι δ᾽ ἄλλο μελαινομένῃ δοκέειν ὑετοῖο.  Aratus 70.  Who does not know how useful cf. Verg., Georg. i. 424: Si vero solem ad rapidum lunasque sequentes Ordine respicies, nunquam te crastina fallet Hora, neque insidiis noctis capiere serenæ. are these signs in life?  Thanks to them, the sailor keeps back his vessel in the harbour, foreseeing the perils with which the winds threaten him, and the traveller beforehand takes shelter from harm, waiting until the weather has become fairer.  Thanks to them, husbandmen, busy with sowing seed or cultivating plants, are able to know which seasons are favourable to their labours.  Further, the Lord has announced to us that at the dissolution of the universe, signs will appear in the sun, in the moon and in the stars.  The sun shall be turned into blood and the moon shall not give her light, Basil seems to be confusing Joel ii. 31 and Matt. xxiv. 29. signs of the consummation of all things.