Arabic Parts / Lots (阿拉伯點 / 幸運點)
The Arabic Parts (also called Lots in Hellenistic terminology) are calculated points derived from three chart factors — typically a planet, another planet, and the Ascendant — that synthesise multiple chart elements into a single sensitive degree. They represent abstract meeting points where two life principles intersect as experienced through the lens of the self (Ascendant). Though called 'Arabic Parts,' they were used in Hellenistic astrology and extensively developed by medieval Arabic scholars, particularly al-Biruni and Abu Ma'shar.
The Lot of Fortune (幸運點)
The most important of all Lots, Fortuna (幸運點) is calculated as follows:
- Day charts (Sun above horizon): Fortuna = Ascendant + Moon − Sun
- Night charts (Sun below horizon): Fortuna = Ascendant + Sun − Moon
The Lot of Fortune represents the body, material fortune, and the circumstances that support physical wellbeing. Its sign, house, and the condition of its dispositor reveal the quality of material luck and bodily health. In Hellenistic practice, the Lot of Fortune could serve as an alternative chart orientation — an additional 'Ascendant' for material life analysis.
The Lot of Spirit (靈魂點)
The mirror of Fortune, the Lot of Spirit is:
- Day charts: Spirit = Ascendant + Sun − Moon
- Night charts: Spirit = Ascendant + Moon − Sun
Spirit represents the soul, the will, the capacity for intentional action. While Fortune describes what happens to you, Spirit describes what you do — the intentional, conscious dimension of life. Together, Fortune and Spirit form the primary polarity of material fate (Fortune) and volitional agency (Spirit).
Other Key Lots
| Lot | Chinese | Formula (Day) | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot of Eros | 愛欲點 | ASC + Venus − Spirit | Desire, love, sexual drive |
| Lot of Necessity | 必然點 | ASC + Fortune − Spirit | Compulsion, limitation, fate |
| Lot of Courage | 勇氣點 | ASC + Fortune − Mars | Boldness, military ability |
| Lot of Victory | 勝利點 | ASC + Jupiter − Spirit | Success, recognition |
| Lot of Nemesis | 報應點 | ASC + Fortune − Saturn | Karma, hidden enemies |
| Part of Marriage | 婚姻點 | ASC + Desc − Venus | Partnership timing |
Interpretation Method
Lots are interpreted like sensitive chart points — not like planets (they have no intrinsic power), but like focused lenses:
- Note the sign of the Lot (the quality of its expression).
- Note the house (the life arena).
- Find the Lord of the Lot — the planet ruling the Lot's sign. This planet's condition determines how easily the Lot's promise manifests.
- Assess planets conjunct or aspecting the Lot directly.
Vedic Parallel
Vedic astrology uses the Arudha Lagna (image of the Ascendant) and various special Lagnas (Upapada, Darapada, etc.) that function similarly — calculated points revealing specific life domains that may not be visible from the main chart. The Arudha system and the Hellenistic Lots share a common mathematical intuition: that important life themes have symbolic 'mirror points' calculable from fundamental chart factors.