The Meaning of Laetitia

This page serves as an outline of the meaning of Laetitia – the Geomantic Figure. This page is partly a summary of my thoughts and feelings about a particular figure, but it’s also a collection of notes and references. I will update this page over time with more information – a one-stop shop! I hope that it serves other students of Geomancy. To view one of the other figures, click here to go an article on the 16 figures of Geomancy:

The Geomantic Figure of Joy…

This is the geomancy figure of Laetitia:

Overview of the Meaning of Laetitia

Laetitia is associated with Jupiter (Retrograde) and the element of Fire. It is an odd figure (therefore cannot be a judge), that is mobile and exiting. Laetitia represents joy and happiness in all ways and actions. As fire is, laetitia is ephemeral – a quality that is usually short lasting.

Laetitia is favourable for:

Anything which benefits from an upward momentum (career, spirit, health, ). It is favourable for anything that you wish to be found, seen or heard (PR, celebrations, treasure, lost property). Anything where happiness and joy is needed.

Laetitia is unfavourable for:

Anything that requires long-lasting results, due to it’s quick and ephemeral nature. Bad for secrets, or hiding things (because laetitia is about bringing things into the light), or anything that requires stability (because it’s about things being ‘up’, not rooted down). It’s not great for things where hardwork, determination and long term results are required.

Reflections on Geomantic Figure of Laetitia

Laetitia is often translated as ‘Joy’, coming from the Latin word laeta which means happy, cheerful, joyful, glad, but also favourable or propitious, or prosperous and successful. Laetitia is also the name of a minor Roman deity. She is usually depicted wearing a garland (representing celebration) or greenery to represent the abundance of seasonal decorations and the wreaths of flowers or leaves that were commonly worn at festivals or holy rituals. As such, the geomantic figure of Laetitia also represents happiness and joy, and in questions surrounding career it can symbolise celebrations are to be had.

In Arabic traditions, the figure is referred to as Layhan (or Ḥayyan) meaning ‘Bearded’.

The figure is made up of a single, active point in the ‘head’ row, with all other rows being passive. This means that Laetitia is made up of the pure, unadulterated element of fire. The positive associations of fire are will power, passion, love, driving force and energy. Whilst the negative or destructive associations can be burnout, destruction, an inability to be ‘deep’ or go beneath the surface, a tendency to always be on the go.

Looking at the ‘patterns’ which can be created by the figure of Laetitia, we can see:

• The symbol of a rainbow – a perfect symbol for joy and happiness, or overcoming obstacles (rainbows occur after the rain, symbolising the light victorious over the darkling rain clouds).

• The symbol of an upward pointing arrow – symbolising things that are ‘up’ or ‘above’. Whether this is elevated mood, lost objects appearing ‘high up’ (on top of bookcases), or even high-blood pressure.

• The symbol of a campfire – providing warmth and security to those without shelter for the night, but also requiring fuel to burn. This could represent the eventual ‘burnout’ one experiences after periods of overly-extrovert, sociable, and joyousness.

• The symbol of a candle – shining light onto things, representing Laetitia’s ability to bring things out into the open and make things known – secrets, treasure, lost property.

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What does Agrippa Say about Laetitia?

In The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy (1665), Agrippa says:

Laetitia in the first House signifies long life with prosperity, and much joy and gladness, and causeth a man to out-live and be more victorious than all his brethren; signifies a man of a tall stature, fair members, a broad forehead, having great and broad teeth; and that hath a face comely and well coloured.

In the second House it signifies riches and many gains, but great expences and various mutations of ones state and condition; theft and any thing lost is recovered and returned: but if the Question be of a thief, it declareth him to be fled away.

In the third House Laetitia sheweth brethren to be of a good conversation, but of short life; journeys pleasant and comfortable; men of good credit and faith.

In the fourth he signifies happy Patrimonies and possessions, a Father to be noble, and honoured with the dignity of some princely office; he showeth treasure to be in the place enquired after, but of less worth and value then is supposed, and causeth it to be found.

In the fifth House he giveth obedient children, endued with good manners, and in whom shall be had the greatest joy and comfort of old age; signifies a woman with child to bring forth a daughter; sheweth honourable Embassages, and declares rumours and news to be altogether true, and leaveth a good and ample fame after death.

In the sixth House it sheweth the sick shall recover, denoteth good servants, good and profitable cattel and animals.

In the seventh House Laetitia giveth a wife fair, beautiful and young; over-cometh strifes and contentions, and rendereth the success thereof to be love.

Laetitia in the eighth House giveth Legacies and possessions, and a commendable portion with a wife: if a Question be proposed concerning the condition of any man, it signifies him to be alive, and declares an honest, quiet, and meek kinde of death.

In the ninth House Laetitia signifies very few journies, and those that do apply themselves to travail, their journeyes either are about the Messages and Embassages of Princes, or Pilgrimages to fulfil holy vows; sheweth a man to be of a good religion, of indifferent knowledge, and who easily apprehendeth all things with natural ingenuity.

In the tenth House, it raiseth Kings and Princes to honour and great renown; maketh them famous by maintaining peace during their times; signifies those things which are exercised either about Ecclesiastical affairs, schools, or the administration of justice; sheweth a mother if she be a widow, that she shall be married again.

In the eleventh House Laetitia increaseth favour with Princes, and multiplies friends.

And in the twelfth House Laetitia giveth the victory over enemies; causeth good servants and families, delivereth from imprisonment, and preserveth from future evils.

What does John Case say about Laetitia?

In The Angelic Guide (1697), John Case dedicates book three to Geomancy (or ‘The Angelical Lotts’). Chapter three says that Laetitia is:

Element: Water

Sign: Jupiter Retrograde in Taurus

Meanings: Joy and Gladness. Health, Hairy.