Amissio and Acquistio are not what you think

My series on the Arabic meanings of the Geomantic figures continues with Amissio (Loss) and Acquisitio (Gain).

In my work Stars and Stones, I listed the Medieval Arabic names but didn’t explain their meanings. I was more focused on highlighting the work of Christopher Cattan, a Medieval geomancer who was more interested in astrological and elemental attributions. As I pointed out here, Cattan, like many other European geomancers, might have been hamstrung by literal translations from the original Arabic.

Amissio Qubid al-Khārij” (قُبِضَ الخارج) seizure from outside

Amissio is tricky to read because, while loss is not difficult to understand (good for anything you want to lose otherwise harmful), the figure has always been associated with Venus. Modern geomancers have tended to see it as good for romance (loss of heart for someone).

A medieval Arab encountering the phrase “Qubid al-Khārij” would likely interpret it as “the external (thing) was seized” or “the revenue was collected.” The exact meaning would depend on the context.

Qubid (قُبِضَ) means  – “was seized” or “was taken” (a passive form of the verb qabada, meaning “to seize, take, or collect”). Al-Khārij (الخارج) – “the external,” “the outgoing,” or “the revenue.”

In financial and administrative contexts, “al-Khārij” could refer to tax revenues or tributes. Thus, “Qubid al-Khārij” could mean “the taxes have been collected” or “the revenue has been seized.”

In trade and agriculture, qubid was often used to mean the general collection of goods, while al-khārij could refer to external revenues or harvests. Thus, in an economic sense, it might refer to the seizure of external assets or resources.

In Islamic law, “al-khārij” could mean something that has gone beyond the bounds—for example, one who has strayed from the right path. Some scholars might interpret qubid as a divine or legal act of removing someone from the community for breaking the law.

All these meanings suggest that something has been taken away or captured, and this can be good or bad depending on the question, so there is not much unexpected in this meaning. But instead of loss, which is a state of no longer having something or the detriment that occurs when something valuable is taken away, the phrase seems to mean external seizure, which is the act of taking possession of property (generally by an outside force like the authorities).

This external seizure meaning has other ramifications.

In military or political terms, the phrase referred to an enemy or an external group and could mean that “the outsider was captured or seized”—possibly referring to rebels, invaders, or bandits. We looked yesterday at who was considered an outsider, and again, this could have a good or bad meaning depending on who that person was.

Another interesting meaning was in a spiritual sense, which might metaphorically imply that “the external world has been grasped” or understood.  A Sufi might understand it as a metaphor for a seeker losing attachment to external distractions and turning inward toward divine love. It would mean that the outward self has been taken away – Sufis often speak of the annihilation of the ego (fanā’). This phrase might be understood as the self’s surrender to God, where the “external” ego or individual identity is seized, leaving only divine presence.

The Andalusian Sufi master Ibn ʿArabī (d. 1240) frequently wrote about the idea that a seeker of God experiences alternating states, one of which was Qabḍ (Contraction): A state where one feels spiritually “seized”, often leading to detachment from the external world (al-khārij).

If a Sufi experiences qubid al-khārij, it could mean that the external distractions and attachments have been seized, leaving them in a state of inward spiritual contraction. However, this was not seen as a punishment but rather a necessary stage in enlightenment. Ibn ʿArabī suggested that the soul becomes purified and prepares for divine union by enduring this “seizure” of worldly attachments.

The Persian Sufi poet Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī (d. 1273) frequently alluded to the idea of the external world being seized so that the seeker may attain inner enlightenment. In his Masnavi, he writes:

“Be silent, so that the Lord who gave you language may speak. For as long as you speak, He will not.”

Here, the idea of qubid al-khārij is symbolised by silence: one’s outward self (al-khārij) is seized (qubid), allowing only divine wisdom to remain.

Romantically, “Qubid al-Khārij” could be interpreted metaphorically to mean something like: “The outsider has been captured”. This could refer to someone who was once distant or unattainable in love but has now been won over.

“The longing has been seized” might symbolise the moment when desire or passion is fulfilled. “The heart has grasped what was beyond reach” – Suggesting that love, once elusive, has now been attained. Suppose this phrase was used poetically in a medieval Arabic love poem. In that case, it might express the idea of capturing a lover’s heart or ending yearning—almost like saying, “The beloved has been taken in love.”  This works well with the modern geomancy meaning of the phrase.

In a medieval Arabic medical context, the phrase Qubid al-Khārij (قُبِضَ الخارج) could be understood in terms of bodily functions and the humoral theory that dominated Islamic and Greco-Arabic medicine. It would likely refer to a restriction, retention, or obstruction of external bodily processes, particularly in digestion, circulation, or elimination.

In classical Islamic medicine, a healthy body was believed to balance ingestion, digestion, and elimination. If al-khārij (“that which exits”) was seized or restricted (qubid), it could indicate constipation, urinary retention, blocked perspiration, circulatory and respiratory issues.

Medieval physicians considered mental and emotional health. If al-khārij (“the external”) was seized, a person could not adequately express emotions or release tension. This might result in melancholy, hysteria or nervous disorders.

In the context of an oracle or prophecy, Qubid al-Khārij (قبض الخارج) would suggest a restriction, withdrawal, or loss in the external world—a shift where something that once flowed outward is now being cut off, retracted, or diminished.

Possible meanings in an oracle

A loss of power or influence.

A forewarning of Isolation could signify that a person, kingdom, or civilisation will be isolated from allies, wealth, or knowledge—perhaps due to arrogance, greed, or divine punishment.

A shift in fortune –  external misfortunes: a drying river, a trade collapse, or a severed lifeline.

Closing of opportunities—A prophecy might warn that doors once open shall close, whether in love, business, or destiny. A traveller might find the roads blocked, and a seeker might lose access to wisdom.

Spiritual withdrawal occurs when divine blessings, inspiration, or guidance are veiled and require patience and reflection before they return.

Acquisitio Qubid al-Dakhil (قبض الداخل)  Seizure from inside

The Latin meaning of Acquistio is “gain,” which is a nice opposite to the loss of Amissio. It is upbeat and represented by the planetary figure of Jupiter. However, the Arabic phrase used for this figure was Qubid al-Dakhil, which seems to mean something different. Like Amissio, something is still being taken; it is just the location it is being taken from, and it is more likely to be a bad figure.

Literal Meaning

– Qubid means “grasping,” “constriction,” or “withholding.”

– Al-Dakhil means “the inner” or “that which enters.”

For an ordinary medieval Arab, “Qubid al-Dakhil” might have referred to inner distress, worry, or hesitation in decision-making. A merchant might experience “Qubid al-Dakhil” if he feels doubt or anxiety about a risky business deal. A warrior might describe “Qubid al-Dakhil” before battle—feeling tightness in the chest due to fear. A poet might use it to describe the pain of unspoken emotions in love or grief.

In financial or economic terms, the phrase “Qubid al-Dakhil” would likely describe a restriction, tightening, or contraction of the incoming wealth, resources, or trade flow. It could mean a decline in trade or revenue (economic downturn), a liquidity crisis where money stops circulating, over-taxation leading to economic slowdown, and trade restrictions reducing business profits.

This phrase would likely be interpreted as an internal spiritual state of contraction or restriction in a Sufi context. In Sufi metaphysics, “al-Qabd” refers to a state of spiritual tightness, anxiety, or withdrawal from the divine presence, as opposed to al-Bast” (البسط), which signifies spiritual expansion and ease.  Qubid al-Dakhil could signify:

– The constriction of the soul as it undergoes purification or self-discipline.

– The restriction of egoic desires as one moves toward spiritual enlightenment.

– A state of inner withdrawal, where the seeker feels spiritually distant from God.

In Islamic philosophy, especially in works influenced by Neoplatonism and Aristotelianism, Qubid al-Dakhil might be seen as restricting the intellect’s capacity to receive divine wisdom.  It could symbolise the obstacles preventing the soul from enlightenment, where worldly distractions “constrict” the inner self.

This might mean a spiritual test requiring prayer and reflection, a medical issue requiring treatment for physical constriction, or a philosophical or ethical struggle urging inner purification.

In romance, Qubid al-Dakhil refers to restricting or contracting incoming emotions, affection, or love in a relationship. It could mean a person is emotionally closed off and unable to receive love or affection from their partner. There is a lack of emotional fulfilment, where love and care are not expressed toward them. There is a moment of doubt or insecurity where one struggles to believe in or accept their partner’s love.

Possible Meanings in an oracle

In the context of an oracle or prophecy, Qubid al-Dakhil could symbolise forewarning of internal hardship, restriction, or stagnation—personal, societal, or spiritual. It will not be someone else’s fault – it will be you.

It means a period of emotional, spiritual, or intellectual constriction – The prophecy could indicate that inspiration, love, or divine guidance is blocked. This might mean personal struggles with faith, creativity, or relationships.

An impending crisis or oppression within a kingdom or community—If applied to a ruler or state that has made poor decisions, it will result in economic hardship, famine, or internal division, weakening the foundations of power.

A warning against selfishness or internal corruption – The phrase could signify that hoarding wealth, knowledge, or love without sharing will lead to destruction or misfortune.

A personal or societal trial before renewal – Some mystical traditions might interpret it as a necessary contraction before expansion, like the darkness before the dawn or a trial before divine favour returns.

Differences

The difference between Qubid al-Dakhil and Qubid al-Khārij lies in the direction of contraction or restriction—whether it affects incoming or outgoing resources.

Amissio Qubid al-Dakhil → A tightening or restricting incoming wealth, goods, or resources.

Acquisitio Qubid al-Khārij → A tightening or restricting outgoing wealth, goods, or resources.

Qubid al-Dakhil would be experienced by a merchant whose goods are not selling, reducing his earnings.

Qubid al-Khārij would be a merchant who chose not to invest in new caravans but kept his cash locked away instead.

A sultan experiencing Qubid al-Dakhil would worry about lower tax revenues from provinces.

A sultan enforcing Qubid al-Khārij would cut government spending, reducing payouts for soldiers, officials, or construction projects.

Qubid al-Dakhil → Feeling spiritually disconnected from divine blessings, as if less inspiration is coming in.

Qubid al-Khārij → Feeling unable to express one’s spirituality outwardly, being restricted in acts of charity, teaching, or worship.

Conclusions

The Arabic meaning of Amissio is like its Western counterpart, but Acquisitio is so far off its Jupiter financial gain figure. Both represent different aspects of loss. Amissio is a loss caused by others, while an entity’s actions cause Acquisitio.  Better general English words to reflect the Arabic might be internalisation or contraction for Acquisitio and dispersion or release for Amissio.

Example

Did my exorcism on B have the desired effect?

The person had an unhealthy relationship with a spirit he needed to eliminate.

The court here is an “Acquisitio” judge. Usually, this would be a favourable judge (although it could be bad in cases like this when we want a spirit to go away). Using the Arab meaning, the Judge refers to some constriction favouring me (Laetitia). The victim is then shut out from his spirit and listens to his own internal voices (so therefore, I would be happy with that result).

In this reading, I am Caput and moving to the fourth to make a square with him. There is also a conjunction, meaning that the ritual did have an effect. The question is only vaguely about me, but it is a positive figure for spiritual matters and has many positive aspects with him.  The ritual is Via, which, according to the Arabs, is the “morning star” or “he who knocks at night.” It is a positive figure. At first glance, it does not seem to go anywhere.  This could mean the ritual was good and had an effect but failed to eliminate the spirit.  However, looking at the target, we see he is Carcer (bound) and moves to the eighth house to form a conjunction with the ritual. In short, he is being bound and dragged to the light of Via (the light in the darkness).

The sentence here concerns Albus, a figure I know has some different Arabic meanings that I must still flesh out. But in this case, it would be fair to say that the magic has frozen him and his contact with this spirit.

Based on the judge’s new meaning and the rest of the chart, I would say that B’s ability to speak to that spirit has gone cold, and the ritual has bound him.