Arabic Astrology
Lunar Mansions & Medieval Traditions
Explore Arabic contributions to astrology including the 28 Lunar Mansions, Firdaria, and Arabic Parts.
Overview
Arabic astrology refers to the astrological tradition developed during the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries CE), particularly in Baghdad, Cordoba, and other major centers of learning. Arabic-speaking scholars not only preserved Greek astrological texts but significantly expanded and refined the tradition.
Key Arabic contributions include the development of the Lunar Mansions (Manazil al-Qamar)—28 stations of the Moon's monthly journey—the systematization of the Arabic Parts (Lots), the Firdaria time-lord system, and sophisticated techniques for electional and horary astrology. Arabic astronomers also made major advances in celestial mechanics and instrumentation.
Many Arabic astrological terms entered the Western vocabulary: 'almanac' (al-manakh), 'zenith' (samt), 'nadir' (nazir), 'azimuth' (al-samt). Star names like Aldebaran, Betelgeuse, Rigel, and Algol are also of Arabic origin. The Arabic translation movement (9th-10th centuries) made Greek texts available for later Latin translators.
Historical Background
The Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE) sponsored massive translation projects in Baghdad, particularly under Caliph al-Ma'mun. Scholars translated Greek texts (Ptolemy, Dorotheus, Vettius Valens) into Arabic, then expanded upon them. This "House of Wisdom" (Bayt al-Hikma) became a center of scientific learning.
Notable Arabic astrologers include Masha'allah (8th century, founded the tradition), Abu Ma'shar (9th century, most influential medieval astrologer), and Al-Biruni (11th century, synthesized Indian and Arabic astrology). These figures shaped both Eastern and Western astrology for centuries.
Arabic texts were translated into Latin in Spain (Toledo School) and Sicily during the 12th-13th centuries, sparking the European astrological revival. The Picatrix (Ghayat al-Hakim) on astrological magic and Albumasar's (Abu Ma'shar) "Introduction to Astrology" were widely read. Arabic astrology thus forms the bridge between Hellenistic and Medieval European traditions.
Key Features
28 Lunar Mansions
Dividing the ecliptic into 28 stations (~12°51' each) based on the Moon's daily motion. Each mansion has an image, nature, and application for electional astrology.
Arabic Parts (Lots)
Expanding and systematizing the Greek Lots into dozens of calculated points for various life topics (Part of Fortune, Part of Marriage, Part of Commerce, etc.).
Firdaria
A planetary period system dividing life into 7 major periods (Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars) totaling 75 years, with sub-periods.
Planetary Sect/Hayyiz
Developing the concept of 'hayyiz' (a planet in its most comfortable conditions) combining sect, sign polarity, and hemisphere.
At a Glance
| Zodiac System | Tropical (inherited from Greek) |
| House System | Various, including Alcabitius |
| Primary Focus | Election, horary, practical timing |
| Predictive Methods | Firdaria, profections, lunar mansions |
Key Techniques
Electional Astrology
Choosing auspicious times for important actions, highly developed in Arabic astrology with detailed rules.
Horary Astrology
Answering specific questions based on the chart cast for the moment of the question.
Lunar Mansion Elections
Using the Moon's position in the 28 Mansions to time activities (healing, travel, commerce, war).
Fixed Star Analysis
Extensive cataloging and interpretation of fixed star meanings and their conjunctions with planets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arabic astrology?
Arabic astrology refers to the astrological tradition developed during the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries). Arabic scholars preserved Greek texts, expanded techniques like the Lunar Mansions and Arabic Parts, and developed systems like Firdaria. This tradition forms the bridge between ancient and medieval Western astrology.
What are the 28 Lunar Mansions?
The Lunar Mansions (Manazil al-Qamar) divide the ecliptic into 28 stations of approximately 12°51' each, corresponding to the Moon's daily motion. Each mansion has a traditional image, nature, and specific uses in electional astrology for activities like travel, healing, or commerce.
What is Firdaria?
Firdaria is an Arabic planetary period system dividing life into 7 major periods ruled by the visible planets: Sun (10 years), Venus (8), Mercury (13), Moon (9), Saturn (11), Jupiter (12), Mars (7), plus North Node (3) and South Node (2) for a total of 75 years. Each period has sub-rulers.
What are Arabic Parts?
Arabic Parts (or Lots) are calculated sensitive points in the chart. The formula typically combines three factors: Ascendant + Planet A - Planet B. The Part of Fortune = Ascendant + Moon - Sun. Arabic astrologers created dozens of Parts for different life topics.
Recommended Sources
- Al-Biruni — The Book of Instruction (Kitab al-Tafhim)
- Masha'allah — On Nativities
- Abu Ma'shar — The Great Introduction