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AL-QALB
القلب· The Heart218.57°–231.43° · ♏ scorpio · earthDefensive sorcery☿Ruled by Mercuryα Scorpii (Antares) · Scorpius
Key Themes
enemiessicknessobstructionconspiracy
Antares — the rival of Mars — pulses at the scorpion's heart. This mansion amplifies hostility, disease, and conspiracy. Its power is defensive: it reveals enemies and fortifies against attack, but initiating here invites catastrophe.
Correspondences
Planetary RulerAssigned by the Picatrix weekday lord cycle, Mercury colors this mansion with communication and craft.
☿
Mercurypersonal planet
Marker Star
Antaresα Scorpii (Antares)
Scorpiusearth
The Arabic lunar mansions are anchored to bright fixed stars, creating a stellar framework independent of the tropical zodiac.Electional Astrology
UnfavorableOverall nature for elections
Favorable Activities
War
Unfavorable Activities
MarriageCommerceTravelBuildingFriendship
Traditional Imagery
PicatrixGhayat al-Hakim, Book IV Ch. 9, c. 10th century“A serpent holding his tail above his head.”
AgrippaThree Books of Occult Philosophy, Book II Ch. 33, 1533“The image of a snake holding his tail over his head.”
Modern SynthesisContemporary interpretation“A scorpion rests motionless on a hot stone, tail curled, waiting with perfect patience — the lethal stillness of something that never strikes first but never misses.”