The Twelve Signs (Buruj)

The stars in Ja‘fari teaching

Islamic teaching distinguishes astronomy — knowledge of the heavens used for time-keeping, the calendar and finding one’s way — from astrology that claims the stars decide human affairs. When a companion warned Imam Ali that the stars were unfavourable as he set out against the Kharijites, the Imam rejected the claim and cautioned against learning astrology except what guides travellers on land and sea (Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 79).

One astronomical matter does appear in Ja‘fari jurisprudence: the Moon in Scorpio (qamar dar ‘aqrab). A narration from Imam al-Sadiq says that whoever travels or marries while the Moon is in Scorpio will not see good (al-Kafi, vol. 8, p. 275, no. 416; Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, vol. 2, p. 267, no. 2401). Jurists rule that conducting a marriage contract or setting out on a journey at that time is makruh (disliked), not forbidden. Some jurists, such as al-Shahid al-Thani, understand the sign in the astronomers’ sense; others understand the visible constellation. The times shown on this site follow the astronomical sign. For your own practice, follow your marja‘.

The elements, qualities and ruling planets of the signs below are the classical attributes used in Islamic-era astronomy and in South Asian jantris; the character traits are traditional associations, shown for interest only. This page does not offer predictions.

Sources: Nahj al-Balagha (Sermon 79); al-Kafi (vol. 8, p. 275, no. 416); Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih (vol. 2, p. 267, no. 2401); Minhaj al-Salihin · WikiShia: Moon in Scorpio ↗