The 28 Lunar Mansions: Mansions of the Moon in Western Astrology

The Ram's two head stars, Sheratan (beta Arietis) and gamma Arietis, mark the opening of this sequence. Alnath here names the horns of Aries; it should not be confused with the Taurus star Elnath.[3] Its equal tropical span is 0° Aries to 12°51′ Aries. Agrippa calls it Alnath, the horns of the Ram, and gives it discords, and journies.[1] The same star anchors Asvini in the Vedic tradition and Leu in the Chinese tradition.

For a Moon election, Robson favors buying cattle and planting, along with voyages.[3] Al-Rijal favors journeys and tending grazing animals, and warns against setting out during the second hour of the day (Dykes, p. 61).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a figure in a hair garment casting a lance, cut on an iron ring with black wax. He names Geniel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Treasure and containment are the old themes of the Ram's belly, marked by delta Arietis and epsilon Arietis.[3] Its equal tropical span is 12°51′ Aries to 25°42′ Aries. Agrippa names it Allothaim or Albochan and assigns it the finding of treasures, together with retaining captives.[1]

Buying and selling receive Robson's approval when the Moon is here; he warns against sea travel.[3] Al-Rijal favors sowing and journeys (Dykes, p. 62).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a crowned king, made in white wax and mastic. He names Enediel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Pleiades, with eta Tauri as their determinant, give this mansion its clustered image and its name, the Many Little Ones. Planting and agriculture are among its uses in Robson.[3] The equal tropical span is 25°42′ Aries to 8°34′ Taurus. Agrippa calls it Achaomazon or Athoray and says it is profitable to Saylors; he also names hunting and alchemy among its uses.[1] The same star anchors Krittika in the Vedic tradition and Mao in the Chinese tradition.

Robson favors planting and sowing, with cautions against marriage and water travel. His warning for a Moon election differs from Agrippa's praise of the mansion for sailors.[3] Al-Rijal favors trade and confronting enemies, and grades travel as middling (Dykes, p. 62).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a clothed woman seated with her right hand raised to her head, on a silver ring with musk, camphor and calamus aromaticus as perfume. He names Anixiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Aldebaran (alpha Tauri) follows the Pleiades across the sky. Robson associates the Follower with damage to buildings and wells.[3] Its equal tropical span is 8°34′ Taurus to 21°25′ Taurus. Agrippa calls it Aldebaram or Aldelamen, the eye or head of Taurus, and gives it destruction and hindrances of buildings.[1] The same star anchors Rohini in the Vedic tradition.

Robson favors business and travel with the Moon here; he also permits marriage.[3] Al-Rijal favors sowing, new clothing and adornment, demolition and rebuilding, and journeys outside the final third of the day; he warns against journeys during that final third (Dykes, p. 62).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a mounted soldier holding a serpent, made in red wax. He names Azariel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The White Spot lies at Orion's head, around lambda Orionis and phi Orionis. Robson describes it as favorable for scholarship and building.[3] Its equal tropical span is 21°25′ Taurus to 4°17′ Gemini. Under the names Alchatay or Albachay, Agrippa gives it instruction of scholars and the strengthening of buildings.[1] The same star anchors Mrigasiras in the Vedic tradition and Tsee in the Chinese tradition.

Robson gives a martial Moon election and warns against sowing or beginning good works.[3] Al-Rijal favors marriage, study, writing and journeys, provided the Moon is free of affliction (Dykes, p. 63).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a human head, cut in silver. He names Gabriel as its ruling spirit.[4]

A Brand or Mark is attached to Alhena (gamma Geminorum) in Gemini. Robson connects it with hunting and sieges.[3] Its equal tropical span is 4°17′ Gemini to 17°08′ Gemini. Agrippa names it Alhanna or Alchaya, a little star of great light, and says it destroyeth Harvests and fruits.[1]

Plowing and sowing are favored by Robson, who cautions against travel.[3] Al-Rijal favors campaigns, assembling riders, sieges and pursuit, while cautioning against sowing, borrowing and placing goods in safekeeping (Dykes, p. 64).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is two embracing figures, made in white wax. He names Dirachiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Castor (alpha Geminorum) and Pollux form the Forearm, a mansion profitable to lovers in Robson's description.[3] The equal tropical span runs from 17°08′ Gemini to 0° Cancer. Agrippa's Aldimiach or Alarzach, the arm of Gemini, has the virtue of gain and friendship.[1] The same star anchors Tsing in the Chinese tradition.

Robson allows travel in his Moon election.[3] Al-Rijal favors sowing, plowing, new clothing and adornment, and riding, but warns against travel before the final third of the night (Dykes, p. 64).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a clothed man raising his hands in prayer, cut in silver. He names Scheliel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Praesepe, the Beehive Cluster in Cancer (44 M Cancri), supplies the Crib's crowded stellar image.[3] Its equal tropical span is 0° Cancer to 12°51′ Cancer. Agrippa calls it Alnaza or Anatrachya, misty or cloudy, and gives it society of fellow travellers; his wider account also includes the confinement of captives.[1] The same star anchors Kwei in the Chinese tradition.

Robson favors navigation when the Moon is here.[3] Al-Rijal favors new clothing, adornment and rainfall, while cautioning against travel before the final third of the night (Dykes, p. 65).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is an eagle with a human face, cut in tin. He names Amnediel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Lion's glance is marked by lambda Leonis, the star Robson assigns to Al Tarf.[3] Its equal tropical span runs from 12°51′ Cancer to 25°42′ Cancer. Agrippa names it Archaam or Arcaph, the eye of the Lion, and says it hindreth Harvests and travellers, alongside discord between people.[1]

Robson favors planting and building with the Moon here, and permits marriage; he warns against travel.[3] Al-Rijal cautions against sowing, travel, safekeeping and harmful undertakings (Dykes, p. 65).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is an injured man covering his eyes, cut in lead. He names Barbiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Regulus (alpha Leonis) anchors the Forehead, associated with strengthening buildings and benevolence in Robson.[3] The equal tropical span runs from 25°42′ Cancer to 8°34′ Leo. Agrippa's names are Algelioche or Albgebh, the neck or forehead of Leo; he says it strengtheneth buildings.[1] The same star anchors Magha in the Vedic tradition.

Robson favors sowing and planting, and includes the release of prisoners.[3] Al-Rijal favors marriage, but cautions against travel, safekeeping, new clothing and adornment (Dykes, p. 66).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a lion's head, cut in gold. He names Ardefiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Mane belongs to Zosma (delta Leonis) and theta Leonis. Trade and the release of captives are favored in Robson's description.[3] Its equal tropical span is 8°34′ Leo to 21°25′ Leo. Agrippa calls it Azobra or Ardaf, the hair of the Lion's head, and gives it gain by merchandize, as well as voyages.[1] The same star anchors Purva Phalguni in the Vedic tradition.

Planting and marriage are favored by Robson; he discourages navigation.[3] Al-Rijal favors besieging estates, sowing and planting, but cautions against dismissing captives (Dykes, p. 66).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a man riding a lion, holding its ear and a gold bracelet, cut in gold. He names Neciel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Denebola (beta Leonis) marks the Lion's tail. The name Changer belongs to weather lore in Robson's account.[3] The mansion has an equal tropical span of 21°25′ Leo to 4°17′ Virgo. Agrippa's Alzarpha or Azarpha gives prosperity to Harvests and plantations, with a warning for seamen.[1] The same star anchors Uttara Phalguni in the Vedic tradition.

Robson permits agricultural work, marriage, messages and travel.[3] Al-Rijal favors building, leasing land, sowing and planting, marriage and clothing, with journeys favored during the first third (Dykes, pp. 66 to 67).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a dragon fighting a man, cut in black lead. He names Abdizuel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Several Virgo stars form the Barker, with Zavijava (beta Virginis) as determinant. Robson associates it with benevolence and harvests.[3] The equal tropical span runs from 4°17′ Virgo to 17°08′ Virgo. Agrippa calls it Alhaire, the wings of Virgo, and gives it freedom of captives.[1]

Robson favors sowing and planting but warns against travel and marriage.[3] Al-Rijal favors sowing and tilling, journeys and marriage, as well as releasing captives (Dykes, p. 67).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a man and woman embracing, made in red wax for the man and white wax for the woman. He names Jazeriel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Spica (alpha Virginis) is the Unarmed Simak in Robson. He associates the mansion with married love and sailors while warning about land journeys.[3] Its equal tropical span is 17°08′ Virgo to 0° Libra. Agrippa calls it Achureth, Arimet, Azimeth, Alhumech or Alcheymech, the spike of Virgo, and says it is profitable to Saylors.[1] The same star anchors Citra in the Vedic tradition and Kio in the Chinese tradition.

Digging is favored by Robson, with cautions against marriage and travel.[3] Al-Rijal favors marriage, sowing and planting, but cautions against travel and placing goods in safekeeping (Dykes, p. 67).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a dog biting its tail, cut in red copper. He names Ergediel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Covering belongs to iota Virginis and kappa Virginis. Digging and extracting treasure are its practical historical themes, alongside conflict.[3] Its equal tropical span is 0° Libra to 12°51′ Libra. Agrippa calls it Agrapha or Algarpha, covered or covered flying, and gives it digging of pits.[1]

Robson judges Moon elections here unfavorable.[3] Al-Rijal favors wells and canals, while cautioning against travel (Dykes, p. 68).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a seated man writing letters. He names Atliel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Libra's bright stars retain the older image of the Scorpion's claws, with Zubenelgenubi (alpha Librae) as determinant. Restrictions on journeys and trade stand out in Robson's description.[3] The equal tropical span is 12°51′ Libra to 25°42′ Libra. Agrippa's Azubene or Ahubene, the horns of Scorpio, has redemption of captives among its uses.[1] The same star anchors Visakha in the Vedic tradition and Ti in the Chinese tradition.

Robson favors buying cattle and discourages navigation.[3] Al-Rijal cautions against travel, trade and sowing, as well as new clothing and adornment (Dykes, p. 68).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a seated man holding a balance, cut in silver. He names Azeruel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Crown sits on the Scorpion's forehead, around Acrab (beta Scorpii), delta and pi Scorpii. Enduring love and stronger buildings are its constructive themes in Robson.[3] Its equal tropical span runs from 25°42′ Libra to 8°34′ Scorpio. Agrippa calls it Alchil, the crown of Scorpio, and says it maketh love durable.[1]

Building, sowing, planting and navigation are favored by Robson, who discourages marriage.[3] Al-Rijal favors livestock and pasture, new clothing and adornment, and sieges (Dykes, p. 69).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is an ape, cut in iron. He names Adriel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Antares (alpha Scorpii) is the Heart of the Scorpion.[3] The equal tropical span is 8°34′ Scorpio to 21°25′ Scorpio. Agrippa calls it Alchas or Altob, the heart of Scorpio, and says it freeth captives and helpeth edifices; he places these uses beside conflict with rulers.[1] The same star anchors Jyeshtha in the Vedic tradition.

Robson permits planting, sowing, travel and warfare in his Moon election.[3] Al-Rijal favors building, land matters, dignities and rulership, and eastward journeys (Dykes, p. 69).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a snake with its tail raised above its head, cut in copper. He names Egibiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Sting marks the Scorpion's tail, around Shaula (lambda Scorpii) and its companion. Robson connects the mansion with sieges and displacement.[3] Its equal tropical span is 21°25′ Scorpio to 4°17′ Sagittarius. Under the names Allatha, Achala, Hycula or Axala, Agrippa gives it besieging of Cities and driving people from their places.[1] The same star anchors Mula in the Vedic tradition.

Robson favors cattle purchases and hunting, with a caution against marriage.[3] Al-Rijal favors sieges and forts, litigation and journeys, sowing and planting, but cautions against placing goods in safekeeping (Dykes, pp. 69 to 70).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a woman holding her hands before her face, cut in copper. He names Amutiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Ostriches occupy part of Sagittarius, with zeta Sagittarii as determinant. Robson's uses include taming wild animals and strengthening confinement.[3] The equal tropical span runs from 4°17′ Sagittarius to 17°08′ Sagittarius. Agrippa names it Abnahaya, a beam, and gives it taming of wild beasts.[1] Allen also records a well-beam reading of Al Na'am.[5]

Building and requests for favors are allowed by Robson; he discourages marriage.[3] Al-Rijal favors livestock and useful rainfall, and grades travel as middling (Dykes, p. 70).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a centaur, cut in tin. He names Kyriel as its ruling spirit.[4]

A city or district becomes a desert in Agrippa's wording. Allen describes Al Baldah in an open region of Sagittarius.[5] Robson names pi Sagittarii as its determinant.[3] Its equal tropical span is 17°08′ Sagittarius to 0° Capricorn. Agrippa calls it Abeda or Albeldach and says it is good for Harvests; he also associates it with divorce.[1]

Robson favors navigation and putting on new clothes in his Moon election.[3] Al-Rijal favors building and sowing, land and livestock, and clothing, while grading travel as middling (Dykes, p. 70).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a man with a face before and behind, in a brass box with brimstone and jet. He names Bethnael as its ruling spirit.[4]

The first of the four consecutive Sa'd mansions refers to slaughterers, around alpha Capricorni and beta Capricorni.[3] It begins the final quarter of the sequence, with an equal tropical span of 0° Capricorn to 12°51′ Capricorn. Agrippa calls it Sadahacha, Zodeboluch or Zandeldena and writes of servants and captives, that they may escape.[1]

Robson allows travel but discourages lending money and marriage.[3] Al-Rijal favors new clothing and journeys before the final third, and cautions against journeys during the final third (Dykes, p. 70).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a helmeted man with wings on his feet, cut in iron. He names Geliel as its ruling spirit.[4]

The Swallower is associated with mu Aquarii and nu Aquarii.[3] Its equal tropical span runs from 12°51′ Capricorn to 25°42′ Capricorn. Agrippa's names, Zabadola or Zobrach, refer to swallowing; he gives it liberty of captives and divorce.[1]

Marriage and sowing receive Robson's approval.[3] Al-Rijal favors new clothing, adornment and travel during the middle third, while cautioning against placing goods in safekeeping (Dykes, p. 71).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a cat with a dog's head, cut in iron. He names Requiel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Sadalsuud (beta Aquarii) shares its name with the Luckiest of the Lucky. Its fortunate uses in Robson include married affection and military victory.[3] The mansion's equal tropical span is 25°42′ Capricorn to 8°34′ Aquarius. Agrippa calls it Sadabath or Chadezoad, the star of fortune, and gives it Benevolence of marryed folk.[1] The same star anchors Heu in the Chinese tradition.

Building, marriage, friendship and travel are favored by Robson.[3] Al-Rijal favors soldiers and armies, grades travel as middling, and cautions against wares, new clothing, adornment and marriage (Dykes, p. 71).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a woman and infant, branded with iron on an animal's horn. He names Abrinael as its ruling spirit.[4]

Sadachbia, gamma Aquarii, is the lucky star of the tents in Allen's account, where tents and hidden things explain the name.[5] Robson groups it with neighboring stars in Aquarius.[3] The equal tropical span runs from 8°34′ Aquarius to 21°25′ Aquarius. Agrippa calls it Sadalabra or Sadalachia and says it hasteneth messengers, alongside sieges and the strengthening of prisons and buildings.[1]

Robson judges Moon elections here unfavorable.[3] Al-Rijal favors sieges, messengers and southward journeys, while cautioning against marriage, sowing, trade goods and livestock (Dykes, p. 72).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a man planting, cut in fig-tree wood. He names Aziel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Scheat (beta Pegasi) and alpha Pegasi form the first spout of the water bucket. Robson associates it with union and the breaking of confinement.[3] Its equal tropical span is 21°25′ Aquarius to 4°17′ Pisces. Agrippa names it Alpharg or Phragal Mocaden, the first drawing, and gives it Union and love of men; he also records destruction of buildings.[1]

Planting, sowing, bargaining and marriage are favored by Robson, with a caution against navigation.[3] Al-Rijal favors travel during the first third, and cautions against later travel and new undertakings (Dykes, p. 72).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a woman washing and combing her hair, made in white wax and mastic. He names Tagriel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Algenib (gamma Pegasi) marks the second spout in Robson's list.[3] Its equal tropical span is 4°17′ Pisces to 17°08′ Pisces. Agrippa calls it Alcharya or Alhalgalmoad, the second drawing, and associates it with Harvests, Revenues, Gain, while warning about building and sea travel.[1] The same star anchors Uttara Bhadra-pada in the Vedic tradition and Peih in the Chinese tradition.

Robson favors marriage and business but discourages travel and loans.[3] Al-Rijal favors sowing, wares and marriage, grades travel outside the middle third of the night as middling, and cautions against safekeeping, loans and travel during that middle third (Dykes, pp. 72 to 73).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a winged man holding an empty, perforated vessel, made in red earth. He names Atheniel as its ruling spirit.[4]

Mirach (beta Andromedae) marks the Belly of the Fish in Robson's list. Trade and protection on a journey sit beside married happiness in Robson's description.[3] Its equal tropical span runs from 17°08′ Pisces to 0° Aries. Agrippa names it Albotham or Alchalcy, Pisces, and gives it the joy of marryed couples.[1] The same star anchors Goel in the Chinese tradition.

Robson favors travel in his Moon election.[3] Al-Rijal favors wares and sowing, and also includes marriage and healing among this mansion's uses. He grades travel outside the middle third of the night as middling, and cautions against safekeeping, loans and travel during that middle third (Dykes, p. 73).[2]

The talismanic image Robson records is a fish, cut in copper. He names Amnixiel as its ruling spirit.[4]