In support of Renee's original proposal, or a variation thereof, I thought to post this image, recently scanned.
9 circles, though the central one is unlabelled.
(If this appears elsewhere here, please delete.)
Byrhtferth’s diagram of the groups of four elements he believed made up the universe, copied at Peterborough, c. 1120–1140: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., f. 7r
9 circles, though the central one is unlabelled.
(If this appears elsewhere here, please delete.)
Byrhtferth’s diagram of the groups of four elements he believed made up the universe, copied at Peterborough, c. 1120–1140: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., f. 7r