Geomancy: Albus, the white figure of peace and reflection

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Who is Albus?

Albus is “the white”, “the clear”. Its form is recognisable: three lines with two points each, and a single isolated point at the centre, on the third line, the Water line. This lone point evokes a drop or a flash of light in a calm space, hence the image of purity attributed to it.

Among the Arab authors a term close to “whiteness” (bayāḍ) is often given; as with the other figures, the names varied between copies. The Latin translators of the 12th century rendered it as Albus. It is the inverse of Puer, a warlike figure with single points. Here is its form:

Line	Points
Fire (the head)	• • (two)
Air (the neck)	• • (two)
Water (the body)	• (one)
Earth (the feet)	• • (two)

Traditional meaning

Albus evokes peace, wisdom, purity, clarity of mind and prudence. Early authors judged it rather good but weak: it forces nothing, it lets things settle. It is associated with clear water, with the calm before a decision, with a period when it is better to observe than to decide.

In tradition it suits questions of reflection, study, negotiation and reconciliation. It is less useful for what calls for energy or boldness: its gentleness can turn into inaction. Today's readers often see in it an encouragement to clarify a situation before acting, which remains a modern and personal interpretation.

Traditional correspondences

Reference	Traditional attribution
Latin name	Albus (the White)
Element	Water
Planet	Mercury (diurnal)
Sign	Gemini
Nature	Stable
Total points	7 (odd: partial figure)

The attributions (planet, sign, element) follow the most widespread planetary list today; earlier authors, including Gerard of Cremona, give others, and no full agreement exists on the signs.

In a chart: houses and roles

A few classic readings of Albus by house (they vary between authors):

• House I: a need for distance, for silence, for personal clarification.
• House III: calm exchanges, writing, studies, correspondence.
• House VII: an understanding, an agreement reached through gentleness, a calm partner.
• House IX: study, wisdom, the search for meaning.
• House XII: withdrawal, rest, what is done discreetly.
• As Judge: the answer is prudent; it is better to wait, reflect and not rush.

Neighbouring figures and combinations

Albus has as its reversed figure (the same, turned head down) Rubeus, the “red”, which is opposed to it in temperament. It shares Mercury with Coniunctio, but the one listens and the other connects. Here are some neighbouring pairings:

With	Possible reading
Rubeus	Anger against calm: a conflict in which one must choose one's tone
Coniunctio	An encounter that takes place gently, a bond being formed
Puer	Impulse checked by prudence
Laetitia	A joyful calm, good news received quietly
Tristitia	A melancholy withdrawal, a need for solitude

These are avenues of reading, not rules: meaning arises from the question asked and the house concerned.

A reflective exercise

Choose a decision that is pending and write, in two columns, what would be rushed and what would be wait-and-see. Draw Albus and ask yourself which step, small and peaceful, would still be possible today. The exercise serves to clarify a choice; it does not predict the outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to geomancy.