From Macbeth, explain the meaning of Macbeth's aside that begins, "This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be ill;cannot be good." In what ways does...

In Macbeth, Macbeth is clearly a
decorated soldier, admired and trusted by his fellow soldiers and his king, Duncan. His
initial comments about the day being both "foul and fair," (I.iii.38) are mainly in
reference to the poor weather conditions - the storm - and the success in battle he has
just enjoyed. However, the presence of the witches confirms the contradiction.
 

Macbeth is astute and recognizes the potentially spurious
(not being what it seems) intentions of the witches. His first reaction, one of shock,
noticed by Banquo who wonders why Macbeth fears, as he says, "things that do sound so
fair," (52), is soon replaced by an impatient need to know more. Things become more
sinister when, subsequently, Macbeth receives the official news that he is to be Thane
of Cawdor and, in disbelief at the powerful truth of the witches' words, he wonders
whether Banquo, whose sons will also be kings, according to the witches, has any
thoughts on the matter. Banquo's own prophetic words about the potential for the witches
to "betray us- in deepest consequence," (125) foreshadow the betrayal later when Macbeth
will have his own friend killed, supposedly to protect his own future.
 

Macbeth is conflicted by his emotions. His ability to
recognize his own, what he calls, "earnest of success," (132) reveals his
self-awareness. He knows that the witches' "supernatural soliciting," (130) or their
unnatural petitioning of him, is not normal and he wonders why, if the news of his
promotion to Thane of Cawdor is good, he is troubled by the implications of what else
may follow. Macbeth reflects on his own terrible thoughts and the "horrid image" that
will change everything ("unfix my hair," (135)). He can only think of the worst possible
or "horrible imaginings" (137) when he considers what may be necessary to ensure that he
does become king. Even murder is in his thoughts, he admits, although it is
"fantastical" (138), meaning that he knows it is so extreme that he can hardly believe
it of himself. Macbeth admits that the  only things he can be sure of, when "nothing is
but what is not," (141), are those things he does not know. In other words, all those
things that he thought he knew about himself, he now questions. This foreshadows his
transformation from gallant and loyal hero to corrupt and dishonorable
murderer.