Working Paper on Astrological Physiognomy: History and Sources

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d. Abu Bakr (ca. early 9 th Century) <strong>Working</strong> <strong>Paper</strong> on Astrological Physiognomy: History and Sources Persian Nativities, Vol. II., trans. and ed. Benjamin Dykes, Minneapolis, MN.: Cazimi Press, 2009. On Natvities. In his textbook On Nativities, Abu Bakr provides the earliest and most complete treatment of astrological physiognomy found (to date) in the Medieval Arab/Jewish/Persian period. The rules for judgment are later copied nearly verbatim by Haly Abenragel. Building Blocks Sign-based rules Planet-based rules Rules for Judgment If any planet placed in the Ascendant has dignity in the Ascendant degree by sign, exaltation, triplicity, or bound, that planet is the primary significator of the face. If multiple planets are placed in the Ascendant, judge the face by the Lord of the rising decan, mixing it with the planet the Lord of the rising decan commits its own strength. If the Ascendant is untenanted, choose the Lord of the rising decan provided that planet aspects the Ascendant. If the Lord of the rising decan is cadent from the Ascendant, choose a planet with a closer aspect to the Ascendant, favoring one who has dignity by sign, exaltation, triplicity, or bound in the position of the Ascendant degree. Integrate colors and shapes of the planets with colors and shapes of the signs and bounds where they are placed to reach a judgment of the color of the face and body. Additional rules given for beauty based on benefic and malefic planets, signs, and chart sect. e. Sahl bin Bishr (1 st half 9 th Century) Works of Sahl and Māshā ‘allāh, trans. Benjamin Dykes, Golden Valley, MN.: Cazimi Press, 2008. On Questions, pp. 67-186. In On Questions, Sahl employs decan-based rules for judging physiognomy of criminals. Sahl uses what I term the ‘magical style’ of decan delineation. Separately, there is a secondary reference to Sahl by Ibn Ezra 46 which states the ruler of the face of the Ascendant indicates the face of the person. I have been unable to track down the original reference in Sahl. 46 Ibn Ezra, The Book of Nativities and Revolutions, trans. Meira Epstein, Arhat Publications, 2008, p. 15. www.regulus-astrology.com 42
f. Abū Ma’shar (c. 787 – c. 886) <strong>Working</strong> <strong>Paper</strong> on Astrological Physiognomy: History and Sources No mention of either planet-based or sign-based physiognomy rules appear in Abu Ma’shar’s Abbreviation or Great Introduction to Astrology. g. Al-Qabīsī (d. 967). The Introduction to Astrology. Ed. and trans. by Charles. Burnett, K. Yamamoto, and Michio Yano. London: The Warburg Institute, 2004. planet-based rules for Saturn, p. 65; Jupiter, pp. 67.69; Mars, p. 71; Sun, p. 73; Venus, p. 77; Mercury, p. 81; Moon, pp. 83, 85. Al-Qabīsī quotes planet-based rules of Māshā’allāh and Dorotheus but makes no indication of how to choose the appropriate planet for judging physiognomy. h. Ibn abī al-Rijāl (Haly Abenragel) (died after 1037) Kitāb al-bāri' fi ahkām an-nujūm (written prior to 1037 CE). Translated to Old Castilian (El libro conplido en los iudizios de las estrellas) for Alfonso X in 1254. Translated to Latin (De iudiciis astrorum) and published in multiple editions from 1485 to 1571. Building Blocks (Chaldean) Decan-based rules in the style of Hephaestio (Book 1, Chapter 3). Sign-based and planet-based rules not investigated. Rules for Judgment (Book 4, Chapter 9) As noted previously, Haly Abenragel’s system appears a direct copy from Abu Bakr. Ascendant Planets placed in the Ascendant have a greater influence on physical appearance than planets ruling the Ascendant. Planets prioritized by having dignity in the position of the Ascendant degree (sign, exaltation, bound, triplicity) and by proximity to Ascendant degree. A peregrine planet placed in the Ascendant has greater influence on appearance if the Ascendant rulers are remote (assume this to mean if placed in signs of aversion). Rising decan and its ruler; mixed with above testimony but achieves highest influence on appearance if no planets found in the Ascendant sign. Ascendant rulers in signs which aspect the Ascendant will have some influence on appearance. ©Regulus Astrology LLC, 2010. All Rights Reserved. 43
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