Arabic meanings for Conjunctio

My series on the Arabic meanings of the Geomantic figures continues with Conjunctio.

In my book 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.

Conjunctio ijtimāʿ (اجتماع) Temporary Gathering

Meaning of the Word

In Western Geomancy, Conjunctio means connection and is associated with Mercury’s positive actions. In medieval Arabic, ijtimāʿ (اجتماع) comes from the root j-m-ʿ (جمع), which means gathering, assembly, or coming together.

This could be a physical meeting of people—it could refer to a formal council, tribal gathering, or court session, where decisions are made collectively. It would have strong connections to what the Populus figure meant. It could imply a family get-together, especially during festivals, weddings, or funerals. In wartime, ijtimāʿ might refer to an army mustering or warriors assembling before a battle.

In governance, ijtimāʿ would refer to a meeting of rulers, scholars, or advisors to discuss laws, treaties, or community matters. Legal consensus – In Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), ijtimāʿ could be linked to ijmāʿ (إجماع), which means scholarly consensus on a legal issue.

Again, its spiritual meanings are like Populus. In an Islamic sense, ijtimāʿ could refer to a gathering for Friday prayers (Jumuʿah), religious discussions, or Sufi circles.

In mysticism, it could symbolise spiritual unity or the coming together of kindred souls in paradise or enlightenment.

There are also the usual astrological meanings such as the conjunction of planets or cosmic events seen as omens. Medieval Arab astrologers used ijtimāʿ to refer to a moment when two or more celestial bodies converge in the sky, which was believed to influence fate and human affairs.

In romantic contexts, ijtimāʿ could mean a fated meeting between lovers, suggesting a relationship that was always meant to be. Physical intimacy or emotional closeness—In poetry and love divination, this could symbolise the coming together of two lovers, whether in a spiritual, emotional, or physical sense.

If lovers were separated, ijtimāʿ might suggest a reunion, the healing of a broken relationship, or two souls finding each other again.

Difference between Conjuctio and Populus

I mentioned the similarities between Conjuctio (ijtimā) and Populus (Jamāʕa). The difference is that Ijtimāʿrefers to the process of gathering or the event of people coming together for a specific purpose. It is often used in formal contexts, such as meetings, assemblies, conferences, and councils. jamāʕa refers to a group of people who are gathered or belong together. It is less formal than ijtimāʿ and can be used for any collective of people, whether social, religious, or political. It often implies a sense of unity, shared purpose, or identity. For example, a political summit would be an ijtimāʿ, but a political party would be a jamāʕa. Similarly, a prayer gathering (Friday prayer) is an ijtimāʿ, but the congregation (the people who regularly attend) is a jamāʕa.

The difference would mean that, in a reading, that Conjunctio would be a temporary event, a moment of gathering, a fleeting encounter, a conversation, an affair, a negotiation, networking, or deal-making, a mystical gathering, divine messages, spirits convening or a warning of a crucial choice or fleeting opportunity. These fit nicely with the European meanings of the word but add the concept of formality, which is lacking in the Western interpretation.

If an oracle used the word ijtimāʿ (اجتماع) in a reading, it would suggest a gathering, convergence, or moment of union that is significant but possibly temporary. The exact meaning would depend on the context of the oracle and the question being asked. Here’s how it could be interpreted in different areas of life.

Meanings in a geomancy reading

If an oracle used the word ijtimāʿ in a reading, it would suggest a gathering, convergence, or moment of union that is significant but possibly temporary.

In a relationship reading, Conjunctio might mean a meeting between lovers, whether fated, secret, or temporary. A reunion after a period of separation. A moment of clarity or decision-making in the relationship. A relationship that comes together but may not last. It might warn that a partner is meeting someone else or the relationship is at a crossroads; a decision must be made. It could indicate that an informal group, such as family, friends, or social expectations, might influence the relationship.

Ijtimāʿ might indicate a convergence of events—something is aligning or coming together. This could include a meeting with an important person, teacher, or spiritual guide. It could also be when a person’s destiny is decided or revealed. It could also signify that multiple forces (seen or unseen) are gathering to influence the querent’s path.

Negatively Conjunctioʿwarns that one must pay attention to signs and be prepared for an event that will change the course of your life. The querent may be at a turning point where external influences will shape their future.

In a reading about war War, Conflict and Politics Ijtimāʿwould mean a meeting of leaders, diplomatic negotiations or secret councils. It could warn of armies being gathered and that there is a need to prepare for conflict.

It might  suggest temporary alliances—forces coming together for a common goal but possibly breaking apart later.

Magically it might indicate a gathering of spirits, ancestors, or divine forces. Initiation into a spiritual group .It might represent an inner alignment—bringing mind, body, and soul together or a call to join a mystical group.  This comes with the warning that the querent might be hearing conflicting voices and must discern truth from illusion.

What Does Conjunctio Ijtimāʿ mean in a reading?