The Duality of Time Theory

In the zodiac, according to Ibn al-Arabi’s previous account in the Meccan Revelations [I.293-4], the element of fire ruled over Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, earth ruled over Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, air ruled over Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, while water ruled over Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, as shown in Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2: The twelve zodiacal signs are divided into four groups whose influences are related to the four elements: earth, water, air and fire; hence each group contains three signs of the same nature.

Many astrological doctrines use the four elements in connection with horoscopes, where the twelve signs of the zodiac are divided between the four elements:

•Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fiery. •Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are earthly. •Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are airy. •Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are watery.