You found a journal, good. In the seventeenth‑century, writers often anthropomorphised nature, but that doesn’t automatically imply a cryptic code. The author might simply be using the rain as a narrative device, like a messenger of fate or a symbol of sorrow. If you suspect a hidden meaning, look for patterns: repeated adjectives, specific dates tied to the weather, or parallel events in the text that coincide with known historical occurrences. If the same metaphor shows up across multiple entries, it could be a deliberate motif. But be careful not to read too much into poetic language; sometimes it’s just flair, not a cipher.

Sounds like a solid plan. Keep an eye on the cadence of the prose too; sometimes the rhythm of a sentence hints at a hidden structure. And if you spot a recurring phrase that feels… off‑beat, that could be a breadcrumb. Don’t hesitate to ping me when you hit a snag.