This page serves as an outline of the meaning of Puer – 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 The Boy…

This is the geomancy figure of Puer

Overview of the Meaning of Puer

In the West, this figure is called by it’s Latin name of Puer, which translates to ‘boy’. It is a complementary figure of Puella (‘girl’), and in the Western version of Geomancy represents the traditionally ‘masculine’ attributes [please see below for a quick chat about Gender Binary in Geomancy!].

In Western Geomancy Puer is the figure which represents rash enthusiasm, ‘act first, think later’ energy. What it lacks in self-control it makes up for in bucket-loads of confidence (usually not won through acumen) and passion (also unbridled by the weighty burden of knowledge). It is considered a mildly unfavourable figure, though it is good or favourable for sudden change, or where brute force or energy are required.

The geomantic figure Puer is astrologically associated with Mars and Aries. Both Mars and Aries are linked to themes of action, energy, assertiveness, drive and sometimes aggression or conflict. Puer’s presence in a geomantic chart can speak to confrontation and conflict, and quite a nasty (read ‘bloody’) one when accompanied by it’s Martian companion Rubeus. Compared to Rubeus, Puer tends to draw on the more positive (or at least constructive) energy of Mars.

In Arabic, this figure is known as Farih (فرح), which translates to ‘joy’ or ‘happiness’. This is quite different from it’s Western counterpart, though another name for Puer in Arabic texts is ‘beardless one’ – usually taken to mean a youth. This is probably where our Western name of ‘boy’ comes from.

It is easy to see a youthful, yet brash, child with this figure (putting traditional gender associations aside) – playing perhaps with a wooden sword, swinging it back and forth to battle phantom dragons and gallantly saving people in the process. Get too close, and you’ll be hit with the sword whilst the child is totally engrossed with their enthusiastic rampage against forces unknown. Put this child in a china/pottery shop, and see the proverbial bull. Yet, as with all the figures, put this child in the right environment and witness our little hero standing up for what they believe in, and courageously fighting injustice.

Puer is favourable for:

• • Courage

  • Energy

  • Change (especially sudden)

  • Justice or finding the energy to do what’s right.

  • War and battles. Conflict.

Puer  is unfavourable for:

• • Stability

  • Anything that requires thought, tact or diplomacy.

  • Keeping secrets!

  • Mature responses.

The Gender Binary in Geomancy

Okay, I think it’s important to address the Gender Elephant in the room… how do we feel about Puella/Puer representing traditional binary gender roles in Western Geomancy? Especially when it’s clear that partly this has been added by the West and not something in the Arabic practice?

So firstly, the Arabic practices aren’t squeaky clean either. There’s a lot of references to ‘bearded’ and ‘unbearded’ men – yet very little direct references to females. There are also some traditional practices that attribute male/female roles to each pair of geomantic figures. Interestingly, I have seen in a couple of sources the reference to figures which represent hermaphodites and those of neither gender – but they are rare.

In Western Occultism we have to grapple with our feelings towards gender binary at some point – whether it’s the polarity that we see in Ceremonial and Hermetic magical practices, or the God/Goddess of Wiccan and Witchcraft traditions. It’s always worth stopping and thinking what we think and feel about these when they occur.

In my opinion the male/female polarity in Western magic, represented by Puella and Puer in geomancy, symbolise the balance of complementary energies rather than fixed gender roles. The masculine represents active, initiating qualities, while the feminine reflects receptive, nurturing traits. Whilst these traditional correspondences are almost gag worthy, these traits (and thus figures) are present in everyone – independent of biological sexes or gender expression. We each have Puella and Puer traits within us, and at times Geomancy will tell us to ‘be more Puer’ whether we are male or not.

This polarity highlights how opposites work together in nature and the self, offering an opportunity for us to examine our existence in reference to two discrete categories. For example, ‘am I confident, or am I shy?’ or ‘do I aim to please others, or do I assert myself?’. The issue is always when we take these qualities or attributes and we ascribe them to gender or sex. In Geomancy that fault is already inherent in the system – they are literally called ‘boy’ and ‘girl’, and as such we subconsciously associate certain attributes to female and others to male. As a reader, it’s our job to move with the times. Whether you want to rename these figures more inline with their Arabic names, or whether you just want to be really careful that you’re not resorting to stereotypes when you read them in a chart, it’s important to stop here and think about this.

For me, I keep the traditional names of Puer and Puella, but I’m careful in a reading not to assume that it’s about a person who is male or female. I start with the qualities and energy of the figure, and see how it is expressing itself in the chart. Enough said on the matter!

Reflections on Geomantic Figure of Puer

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

• • An upright sword – one of the traditional symbols of justice, and Puer is a good figure for finding justice.

  • A young boy with exaggerated testicles – representing the traditional gender binary of ‘male’ attributes.

Puer expresses itself through the three active elements of Fire, Air, and Earth. Only the element of Water lies dormant. This mixture is strikingly unbalanced, with any two elements able to find common ground, but not for the third. For example, Fire and Air are restless and always seeking movement and change, while Earth is still and stubborn to move.

I note that the absence of Water means there is little space for yielding or compassion here. Water is needed to calm the otherwise very ‘hot’ mixture. Fire and Air share heat, energy and swiftness – yet Earth anchors and stands firm. Equally, where Earth and Fire are dry, Air brings moisture to disrupt them. Air and Earth cannot coexist peacefully.

This makes Puer a figure charged with tension, sometimes running roughshod over restraint. Instead of the harmony we find in Puella, there is a surge forward – a boldness that brooks few obstacles. Puer urges us to act, often in a rush, in pursuit of what calls us. It stirs us to confront opposition head-on, and to rely on raw courage when finesse feels pointless.

When Puer arises, it is an invitation to be direct: act with intention, pursue ambition honestly, and face challenges. Puer pushes us to bravely make the first move. But remember, But, whilst Puer is a call to action, the missing Water asks us to check for the void of empathy, lest our charge leaves others (and our best judgement) behind. Bravery can quickly turn into impatience, so if Puer appears in your chart, ensure that relentless action doesn’t overlook gentler virtues.

Elemental Ruler:

Planetary Ruler:

Zodiac Ruler:

Given to the sign Scorpio