My series on the Arabic meanings of the Geomantic figures continues with Puer and Puella
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. Sometimes, the Arabic words might differ depending on the manuscript. In this case Puer and Puella do not mean boy and girl and it is difficult to see how Western Translators made such a mess of it. In classical the words for “boy” and “girl” were: Boy: غُلام (Ghulām) – Often used to refer to a young boy, servant, or youth in general. Another common word is صَبِيّ (Ṣabiyy), which also means a young boy or child. وَلَد (Walad) means “child” or “son” and can be used in a broader sense. Girl: جَارِيَة (Jāriya) – This commonly referred to a young girl and could also mean a female servant in some contexts. Another word is صَبِيَّة (Ṣabiyya), the feminine form of Ṣabiyy, meaning a young girl. بِنْت (Bint) means “daughter” but was also used for girls in general.
Puer (فَرِح) Farih joyful
In Western Geomancy, Puer means boy and has associations with happiness. The Arabic meaning is slightly different, with the idea of “boy” removed. In a medieval Arabic context, the word Farih would primarily mean joyful, delighted, or elated. It conveys a sense of happiness, contentment, or even pride. Ironically this is closer to the Latin meaning of Laetitia, which, as we have seen, is more about a herald of happiness and joy.
Depending on the context, it could describe:
- A person feeling deep joy or exultation.
- A state of mind associated with celebration, success, or good fortune.
- A moral or religious nuance, as classical Islamic texts sometimes distinguish between positive joy (gratitude to God) and excessive or arrogant rejoicing (which could be seen as hubris).
In medieval Arabic poetry and storytelling, farih might be used to describe a warrior’s elation in victory, a lover’s happiness at union, or the general mirth of a festive gathering.
When applied to different aspects of life such as business, politics, health, and personal relationships, the word could carry various shades of meaning.
In a business context, a merchant or trader would be described as farih when they made a large profit, secured a favourable deal, or successfully expanded their trade network. The term could imply prosperity, satisfaction, or relief at avoiding financial loss or overcoming a challenge in commerce. However, excessive joy in wealth could sometimes carry a negative connotation, as Islamic teachings often warned against arrogance or heedlessness in the pursuit of material gain. A person who was farih in business might be seen as fortunate and skilled, but if their joy turned to arrogance, they could also be perceived as reckless or overly confident.
In the realm of politics and governance, a ruler or statesman would be described as farih after achieving a political victory, forming a successful alliance, or securing the loyalty of key figures. The word could express triumph, satisfaction, or relief following a diplomatic negotiation, military conquest, or the resolution of a crisis. However, depending on the tone and context, it could also imply arrogance or premature celebration. A leader who was farih at an opponent’s downfall might be seen as overconfident, and their joy could foreshadow future misfortune if they failed to remain cautious.
In matters of health, a person who had recovered from illness would be described as farih, meaning they were relieved and grateful for their restored well-being. A physician or healer might use the word to describe someone who was physically strong and full of life, emphasizing vitality and good health. On a deeper level, the term could also refer to peace of mind, as a person in good health might experience inner joy and contentment. The word could be used to describe both physical recovery and an overall state of happiness derived from well-being.
In personal relationships, the word farih could describe deep joy and elation in romantic love, friendship, or family bonds. A lover might be farih upon reuniting with their beloved or receiving a heartfelt message from them. Friends and family members might be farih when celebrating a wedding, the birth of a child, or a long-awaited reunion. However, the word could also take on a more bittersweet meaning. In poetry and literature, it was sometimes used to contrast happiness and sorrow, such as when one lover was farih while the other was heartbroken. This contrast highlighted the fleeting nature of joy and the unpredictable turns of fate in love and human relationships.
In a geomancy reading
If Farih appears in an oracle, it is a sign of happiness, success, and relief, but it also serves as a reminder to stay grounded, prepare for change, and not let fleeting joy lead to arrogance or complacency.
Business and Money
Interpretation: Success and profit are near, and financial prosperity will bring happiness. However, do not let excitement lead to reckless spending or unwise investments. Celebrate your gains but plan for the future, for fortune is as shifting as the desert sands.
Health and Well-being
Interpretation: A time of healing and strength is at hand, and your body or mind will find relief. However, do not mistake fleeting joy for lasting health. Avoid indulgence that could weaken you in the long run. Maintain balance in rest, nourishment, and movement.
Personal Relationships
Interpretation: Love or friendship will bring happiness, and bonds will be strengthened. However, emotions are like water—ever-changing. Enjoy the moment but do not cling too tightly, for joy in love is greatest when it flows freely.
Politics and Leadership
Interpretation: Victory or political success is near, and those in power will feel triumphant. However, wise leaders do not allow celebration to dull their vigilance. Enemies may wait for the moment when joy turns into complacency. Govern with foresight, not just pleasure.
Study and Knowledge
Interpretation: Learning will bring fulfilment, and understanding will illuminate your path. However, true wisdom is never satisfied. Do not stop at what you know—seek deeper understanding and let your joy in knowledge fuel further study.
Magic
Interpretation: Farih is a sign of successful workings, spells that bring happiness, and moments of enchantment. However, it also reminds the practitioner that magic can be temporary, illusionary, or unpredictable if not balanced with wisdom. Joy is powerful, but it must be directed with care. A spell has worked as intended, and your wishes are coming true. Yet magic is a current that flows in all directions. Before celebrating, consider the long-term effects—happiness gained too easily may come at an unseen price.
Puella “Naqī” (نَقِيّ) Pure
In Western Geomancy, Laetitia means girl but like Puer the meaning seems to be different in Medieval Arabia.”Naqī” (نَقِيّ) would be understood as meaning pure, clean, untainted, or free from impurities in many aspects of life—spiritually, morally, physically, and intellectually. It was an ideal state of being, sought after in faith, governance, commerce, and personal conduct.
For example, Naqī al-qalb (نقي القلب) was a person with a “pure heart,” meaning someone who is sincere, righteous, and free from sin or malice. Their faith and intentions are uncorrupted, aligning with ideals of spiritual purity.
In business, Naqī al-maal (نقي المال) meant pure wealth, or money or earnings that are free from dishonesty, interest (riba), or unethical practices. A merchant might describe high-quality, unadulterated goods (like pure gold, silk, or spices) as naqī.
In medicine a naqi body could mean free from disease or toxins.In medieval Arabic medicine, a “naqi diet” could refer to clean, healthy, and natural foods that promote well-being.
A naqi friendship or love would be one that is genuine, honest, and untainted by deceit or selfish motives. Someone might praise another as naqi al-nafs (نقي النفس)—a person with a pure soul, free from jealousy or ill intentions.
A ruler described as naqi would be seen as just, uncorrupt, and ruling with integrity.A kingdom with naqi laws would have clear, fair, and untainted governance, free from oppression or bribery.
A scholar or magician might strive for naqi ilm (نقي العلم)—pure knowledge, meaning undistorted truth, free from ignorance or manipulation.
In a Geomancy reading
The word Puella would have different meanings depending on the context in which it appears in an oracle, it would likely convey a message about purity, cleansing, refinement, or clarity.
If this figure appears in a reading about business and wealth it implies that only wealth gained through honesty and ethical means will last. Any wealth obtained through corruption, deceit, or impure intentions will lead to misfortune. The oracle may be advising the seeker to conduct their business with integrity and to avoid financial dealings that are tainted by dishonesty.
In a reading about politics and power, the figure warns that leaders must be just, uncorrupt, and morally upright in order to maintain power and the loyalty of their people. A government or ruler who allows corruption, deception, or injustice to thrive will ultimately bring about the downfall of their rule. The oracle could be advising a leader to purify their administration or signaling that a corrupt political system is on the verge of collapse.
In a health reading Puella would mean that before true healing can occur, the body or spirit must first be cleansed. This could be a reference to physical purification, such as detoxification, proper diet, or fasting. Alternatively, it might refer to emotional or spiritual healing, suggesting that one must release negative emotions, past traumas, or impure influences in order to regain health. The oracle could be advising the seeker to focus on purification before attempting to recover from an illness or emotional wound.
In a reading about personal relationships the figure means that a person must have (or has) pure intentions and a sincere heart. If someone’s heart is clouded by deceit, resentment, or selfishness, they may struggle to build meaningful connections with others. The message may be advising the seeker to cleanse their heart of past hurts, forgive others, and approach relationships with honesty and kindness. It could also serve as a warning against deceitful or impure love. In fact, purity is the key to understanding this figure in a standard “does she love me?” question. It must be either in her heart, in your own, or in your relationship. It may be an affirmation of sincere love, a warning of hidden complexities, or a call to seek clarity and truth.
In a question about study or knowledge, it would caution the seeker to pursue only knowledge that is truthful, reliable, and untainted by deception. It may serve as a warning against false teachings, manipulative ideologies, or misleading sources of information. The oracle could be advising someone to seek wisdom from pure and reputable sources, rather than being misled by corrupt or biased influences.
In a reading about magic, the figure suggests that spiritual purity is necessary for magical success and the ability to influence unseen forces. It implies that a person who has a pure heart and mind will have greater power when working with mystical forces, while those who are corrupted by selfish desires or dark intentions may struggle to achieve their goals. The oracle may also be advising the seeker to perform purification rituals before casting spells, engaging in divination, or seeking supernatural guidance. If the question was “will this spell work?” it would be bad for curses or darker magic.
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