The Meaning of Albus
This page serves as an outline of the meaning of Albus – 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 White…
This is the geomancy figure of Albus
Overview of the Meaning of Albus
Both the Latin and Arabic names of this figure translates to ‘white’. In Latin (and the West) this figure is called Albus, whilst in Arabic this figure is called Bayaḍ (بياض). Readers of Harry Potter may recognise the name of this figure in the name of the Headmaster of Hogworts; Albus Dumbledore. This isn’t the only reference to Geomancy in the Harry Potter series, with Rubeus and Caput Draconis both also featuring. That said, I wonder whether the names Albus and Rubeus were taken, not from Geomancy, but from the stages of Alchemy.
An old wizened wizard is a great way to think about this figure – whether that is Albus Dumbledore, Gandalf or Merlin. All share the abstract and logical planning intellect. Equally, each of these wizards have a tendency to be a few steps back from the action, preferring to guide and direct the course of events rather than get caught up in them. It is this slight dissociation with the real world (and into the world of the abstract) that balances the aggressive and primal energy of Rubeus. In addition to this, where Rubeus was the blood of life – young, powerful and virile – Albus is waning in strength from old age.
Albus has one active line – the stomach line – and can therefore be seen as a ‘pure’ elemental geomancy figure representing the element of water. The figure is entering.
In Western Geomancy, Albus is a figure of calm, peace and being detached from life. It represents wisdom and purity (which aligns to it’s ‘white’ colour), yet being removed from the hustle and bustle of life means it’s wisdom is slightly more abstract than gleaned from personal experience. It is usually favourable in circumstances that need a logical, cool head – such as business or finance – but problematic when one needs the energy and passion of Rubeus.
In Western Geomancy, Albus is attributed to Mercury, and the element of Water. It’s clear that the abstract and intellectual elements of Albus are reflected in it’s planetary ruler of Mercury. The other figure which is ruled by Mercury is Conjunctio. Whilst Conjunctio has the transactional and meeting energy of Mercury, Albus holds the more abstract and intellectual.
Albus is favourable for:
Matters of business or finance.
Any situation where cool, calm logic will prevail.
Beginnings.
Questions of intellect and planning.
Albus is unfavourable for:
Where conflict or confrontation are needed.
Where energy – or even youth – are needed.
In matters requiring confidence.
In situations where one is required to get involved or partake.
Reflections on Geomantic Figure of Rubeus
Looking at the ‘patterns’ which can be created by the points in the figure of Albus, we can see:
A gleaming crystal goblet – upright, and full of beautiful clear water. Symbolising purity.
Two lines conjoined at the point of Water – this always feels like Rubeus and Albus are swapped in my mind, with Rubeus about heightened emotion (water) and Albus about heightened intellect (air)…
Albus is a figure associated with pure water, made up of only a single element. Greer states that water here represents ‘awareness caught up wholly in its own inner life and turned away from the action in the outer world of experience’. Whilst I’ve personally seen water as a unifying element, bringing people and things together, I can see how Greer sees water here being one of passivity – lacking the energy and joie de vivre of Fire and Air elements.
Albus teaches us the value of peace, and the need to detach from the hustle and bustle of life. Occasionally we can be so entangled in the flow of life that we can struggle to see the wood through the trees. Albus is the need to cultivate inner peace at the exclusion of the real world – retreating as a hermit until balance, or wisdom, is obtained.
Elemental Ruler:
Source | Date | Element |
Standard Element | Water | |
Agrippa Vulgar | 1655 | Water |
Agrippa Sign Based System | 1655 | Air |
Agrippa Planet-Based System | 1655 | Earth |
John Heydon | 1663 | Air |
John Case | 1697 | Air |
Robert Fludd | 1687 | Water |
Christopher Cattan | 1591 | Water |
Martin of Spain | 1200s | Water |
Planetary Ruler:
Source | Date | Planet |
Standard Planet | Mercury (D) | |
Agrippa | 1655 | Mercury |
Agrippa Vulgar | 1655 | Sun |
Martin of Spain | 1200s | Mercury (D) |
Zodiac Ruler:
Source | Date | Sign |
Standard Zodiac |
| Cancer |
Agrippa | 1655 | Gemini |
Gerard of Cremona | 1150 | Cancer |
Given to the sign Leo
What does Agrippa say about Albus?
In The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy (1665), Agrippa says:
Albus in the first House signifies a life vexed with continual sickness and greivous diseases; signies a man of a short stature, broad brest, and gross arms, haivng curled or crisped hair, one of a broad full mouth, a great talker and babler, given much to use vain and unprofitable discourse, but one that is merry, joyous and jocond, and much pleasing to men.
In the second House Albus enlargeth and augmenteth substance gained by sports, playes, vile and base arts and exercises, but such as are pleasing and delightful; as by playes, pastimes, dancings and laughters: he discovereth both the theef, and the theft or thing stollen, and hideth and concealeth treasure.
In the third House Albus signifies very few brethren; giveth not many, but tedious and wearisome journeys, and signifies all deceivers.
In the fourth House he sheweth very small or no Patrimony, and the Father to be a man much known; but declareth him to be a man of some base and inferiour Office and Imployment.
In the fifth House Albus giveth no children, or if any, that they shall soon die; declareth a woman to be servile, and causeth such as are with young to miscarry, or else to bring forth Monsters; denoteth all rumours to be false, and raiseth to no honour.
In the sixth House Albus causeth very tedious sickensses and diseases; discovereth the fraud, deceit and wickedness of servants, and signifies diseases and infirmities of cattel to be mortal, and maketh the Physitian to be suspected of the sick patient.
Albus in the Seventh House giveth a barren wife, but one that is fair and beautiful; few suits or controversies, but such as shall be of very long continuance.
In the eighth House if a question be propounded of any one, Albus shews the party to be dead; giveth little portion or dowry with a wife, and causeth that to be much strived and contended for.
In the ninth House Albus denoteth some journeys to be accomplished, but with mean profit; hindereth him that is absent, and signifies he shall not return; and delcareth a man to be superstitious in Religion, and given to false and deceitful Sciences.
In the tenth Albus causeth Princes and Judges to be malevolent; sheweth vile and base Offices and Magistracies; signifies a Mother to be a whore, or one much suspected for adultery.
In the eleveth House Albus maketh dissembling and false friends; causeth love and favour to be inconstant.
Albus in the twelfth House denoteth vile, impotent and rustical enemies; sheweth such as are in prison shall not escape, and signifies a great many and various troubles and discommodities of ones life.
What does John Case say about Albus
In The Angelic Guide (1697), John Case dedicates book three to Geomancy (or ‘The Angelical Lotts’). Chapter three says that Rubeus is:
- Element: Air.
- Sign: Venus Direct in Cancer.
- Meanings: White, fair.
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