Arabic geomancy meanings for Carcer and Rubeus.

My series on the Arabic meanings of the Geomantic figures continues with Carcer and Rubeus.

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.

Carcer Uqlah (عُقْلَة) knots, blocks and fastenings

Carcer was considered a bad figure by Europeans and a mixed figure by Arabs. The figure represented by Carcer was called Uqlah (عُقْلَة) and it had different meanings depending on the field in which it was used. Literally, it came from the root ʿ-q-l (عقل) is which is related to intellect, restraint, or something that holds or binds. However, ʿUqlah specifically could mean:

• A joint or knot – It was sometimes used to refer to knotted things, joints, or links (such as in fingers, ropes, or wooden structures).
• A ring or clasp – In an object like a belt or fastening mechanism, ʿuqlah could refer to a clasp or buckle.
• A stopping point or blockage – It could mean a barrier, obstruction, or tied-up condition in specific contexts.

Legally, it would mean a bond or constraint, such as being bound by duty or obligation, such as in contracts, oaths, or laws.  A person could be under a form of legal restriction, like a debtor or someone in legal limbo, and be said to be in a state of ʿuqlah.

In medicine, stiffness could refer to an articulation of bones or a joint in the body or a condition of stiffness. If used in the context of ailments, stiffness might mean stiffness, contraction, or restricted movement in the limbs.

Spiritually, it might mean a spiritual knot or tangle, which is a blockage in spiritual progress, a stage where worldly attachments trap one’s soul. More positively, it was a spiritual bond which ties a person to a spiritual path or something connected to divine wisdom.

Economically, it could represent a tied-up resource. If used in finance or trade, it might mean locked or unavailable assets, such as hoarded wealth, frozen assets, or stalled trade.

In relationships, it could symbolise a deep emotional bond, as if two lovers are “tied” or “fastened” to each other. A lover might describe their feelings as ʿuqlah if they feel emotionally bound to someone, unable to let go. Conversely it might imply hesitation, emotional restraint, or holding back in a relationship. Someone struggling to express their love or overcome past heartbreak might be experiencing ʿuqlah as an emotional block.

Fated relationships are represented by the word Uqlah, which could be used poetically to describe a love that cannot be escaped, as if fate has tied two souls together – for good or bad. A bad example might be a relationship that feels constraining, where one person feels emotionally trapped or unable to leave. Used positively, it might suggest devotion, loyalty, and a lasting romantic connection—like a metaphorical knot that binds two lovers together.

If it appears in a reading Uqlah would likely symbolise binding, restriction, or an unavoidable fate, with several possible interpretations: It might indicate that someone is bound to a destiny they cannot escape, whether in love, duty, or a spiritual journey. It could warn of delays, obstacles, or being stuck in a situation due to external forces or one’s limitations. A reading with ʿuqlah might suggest a time of waiting, restraint, or enduring hardship before resolution. It could represent a spiritual contract, divine responsibility, or the binding of a soul to a higher purpose. Relating to relationships might prophesy an unbreakable romantic bond—whether joyous or burdensome.

From the above, it is possible to see how the Europeans translated Uqlah to Carcer, but the Arabic word lacks the isolation or negative qualities of prison or bondage. For example, it could also refer to a magical pact with a spirit. It could mean discipline, steadfastness, and perseverance; it could be used on a talisman to bind evil spirits and ward off harm.

As a Judge, Uqlah suggests control, restriction, and enforcement—legally, socially, emotionally or spiritually. It would be firm, unyielding, and often difficult to overturn, much like a rope tied around the subject of the ruling. It could also represent an enforced delay. However, it could be necessary (it is a requirement for a serious relationship or work commitment). The figure is mixed (and depends on the witnesses and which one the Judge agrees with).

Rubeus Humrah  (حُمْرَة) redness

In Western geomancy, Rubeus is bad for everything other than love and war. In Stars and Stones, I suggested that this might have been overdone and that it was probably a reference to Libido, which also had a bad press but could be good or bad depending on its expression. It would appear that the Arabic meanings come close to agreeing with that concept.

The word that the medieval Arabs used for this figure was Ḥumrah (حُمْرَة) would generally be understood as meaning “redness” or “a reddish tint.” While European translators would be correct in their translation, they might not understand the word’s meaning.

The word did mean things with which Rubeus is traditionally associated. Arab armies marched under red war banners, and a warrior or historian might use ḥumrah to describe the red-stained battlefield or the red banners of war.However, it had other wider meanings.

in everyday language, to describe someone, someone with ḥumrah has a reddish skin tone, often linked to youth, vitality, or foreign ancestry (especially Persian or Byzantine influences). It was also used to refer to redness in the sky, such as during dawn or sunset, which could be good (sunrise) or bad (sunset).

In medicine, a medieval Arab physician would understand ḥumrah as skin redness due to illness, fever, or infection (akin to erysipelas or dermatitis). Hurrah might indicate an excess of blood (dam) or an imbalance of the “hot and moist” humour, leading to fever or swelling.

Humrah was used poetically to describe the redness of a lover’s cheeks due to shyness, passion, or intoxication.  The word was connected to the red hue of wine, often associated with love, pleasure, or mystical intoxication.

Sufi poets might use ḥumrah as a metaphor for divine love’s burning passion or the soul’s reddening in spiritual ecstasy. Humrah was a stage in alchemy, often signifying purification or perfection.

In a medieval Arabic business context, ḥumrah (حُمْرَة) could have several meanings, depending on the trade, finance, and economic situation.  A merchant might associate ḥumrah with golden-red fabrics, spices, or gemstones, which were signs of wealth. If a merchant said his business had “ḥumrah,” it might mean it was flourishing, lively, or attracting attention—like a bright colour standing out in the marketplace.

However, Arab merchants also used the word to describe overheated markets where prices are rising sharply, indicating high demand or economic instability. Items like red dye, saffron, or red silk were expensive luxury goods. “The market has ḥumrah” might suggest that luxury goods are in high demand or that rare goods have become costly.

On the flip side, if someone accuses a merchant of “ḥumrah,” it might imply that his business practices were excessive, deceitful, or flashy—suggesting price gouging or fraudulent dealings.

In medieval geomancy, redness might indicate an upcoming prosperous business deal or a warning about financial risks. If the sky turned red (ḥumrah) at sunset, some merchants might see it as a warning of bad luck, storms, or a market downturn the next day.

In relationships, ḥumrah (حُمْرَة) could have different meanings for a medieval Arab. Red (ḥumrah) often symbolises strong emotions, passion, or desire. A lover described as having ḥumrah might be deeply in love, overcome with longing, or emotionally intense. A medieval poet might say, “His heart was struck with ḥumrah,” meaning he fell profoundly and suddenly in love, overwhelmed by attraction.

Blushing (ḥumrah) was linked to romantic attraction, modesty, or excitement in courtship. A woman who blushed in a man’s presence might be seen as subtly returning his affections. A person feeling ḥumrah another might mean their heart is exposed and struggling to contain their emotions.

Jealousy was also associated with redness. If a medieval Arab said, “He burns with ḥumrah,” it might mean he was jealous or possessive in love. Hḥumrah could describe an intense love triangle or rivalry between suitors with high emotions. In some cases, ḥumrah might carry a more sensual or illicit meaning, representing uncontrolled lust or desire.

Humrah in love might mean an affair, too-intense, reckless, or doomed relationship. Like Rubeus, Humrah could be a form of madness, particularly in cases where passion becomes an obsession, leading to heartache, sleeplessness, or unrequited love.

Spiritually ḥumrah describes intense divine love, where longing for the beloved reflects the soul’s yearning for God.

In a reading ḥumrah could carry multiple symbolic meanings, depending on the context. Negatively it would mean:

1. Red as a Sign of Conflict: A prophecy involving ḥumrah could foretell war, rebellion, or strife—a land stained red with blood.
2. A Time of Great Change or Omen of Power
3. Transformation & Purification: Red often symbolises alchemical change—a shift in fate, a kingdom rising or falling, or a person undergoing a deep transformation.
4. The rise of a great leader, warrior, or prophet, someone whose presence would shake the world.
5. A trial of desire, love, or obsession—a passion that could lead to either greatness or ruin. A reading saying, “He will walk the path of ḥumrah ,” could mean a person is destined to face a painful choice between love and duty.
6. A person blinded by passion, lust, or rage, unable to see the truth.
7. A Harbinger of Illness or Fever, plague, or poison a coming disease or pestilence.

8  A person might fall ill, become cursed, or be tested by suffering.

9. The burning light of divine knowledge, the moment of a prophet’s awakening or a mystic’s enlightenment.
10. A moment when secrets are revealed—a prophecy decoded, a hidden truth exposed.

More positively it would mean

1. A Dawn of Prosperity and Victory. It is a prophecy of hope after hardship, suggesting that a nation, ruler, or individual will emerge stronger after a period of darkness.
2. The Fire of Passion and Love Fulfilled. A sign that two destined lovers will be united, their love passionate, enduring, and divinely blessed. “The red rose shall bloom in the desert” → A poetic way of saying that love will flourish even in impossible circumstances.
3. A Spiritual Awakening or Divine Favor. A ḥumrah reading foretells enlightenment, meaning someone on a spiritual journey will gain wisdom and divine knowledge.
4. Strength, Protection, and Triumph Over Enemies. An oracle of an undefeatable champion whose courage and might will secure victory, a sign that evil, tyranny, or injustice will be destroyed, and a righteous force will triumph. It could signify that a family, tribe, or city will be spared from disaster.
5. A Time of Joy, Celebration, and Renewal. It could indicate a time of festivity, possibly the return of a beloved ruler, the birth of a great leader, or a long-awaited victory.
6. A happy marriage and a prosperous future.
7. Good fortune, peace, and abundant blessings.

Summery

So, while ḥumrah could sometimes warn of danger, war, or trials, it could just as often foretell triumph, love, divine wisdom, and renewal. This means that the reader must be careful to look at the figure in the context of the whole chart rather than seeing doom. This is especially true if ḥumrah is in the first house, and the reader is expected to tear up the chart because it is evil. If you were reading about the querent’s intense love for someone or a conquering ruler, it is perfectly reasonable to have redness in the first house. Likewise, reading about someone suffering from a blood disease or fever would perfectly represent ḥumrah.  A reading, though, where a person wants to know if they should buy a car, should probably destroy a chart where Rubeus appears in the first house.  I would be careful about this, as it is safer to abandon a reading only to discover that there is another reason why Rubeus charts should be abandoned.