The study of Islamic astronomical heritage in the Eastern Islamic world reveals that astronomers relied on observing the movements of celestial bodies and monitoring their changes, linking them to atmospheric variations to predict weather fluctuations. It is evident that most of these predictions were based on observation, monitoring, and induction, rather than occult astrology founded on philosophical interpretations of nature.
In this context, the Zodiac signs were among the most significant tools used by astronomers to determine planetary positions and conjunctions, linking them to climatic changes. This was particularly true for the Sun and the Moon, as they are the celestial bodies with the greatest impact on weather conditions. Their movements were utilized to determine the onset of seasons, periods of heat, cold, and drought, as well as other specific changes such as rainfall, snowfall, and wind patterns.
To facilitate the observation process, astronomers categorized the twelve Zodiac signs according to the four elements (Fire, Water, Earth, and Air), referring to them as "Triplicities" (Al-Muthallathat). Fiery signs were associated with heat and dryness, watery signs with rain and humidity, earthy signs with planting and growth seasons, and airy signs with wind movements and storms. However, this classification remained a theoretical division based on natural philosophy rather than being strictly grounded in empirical observation, experimentation, and long-term induction of weather patterns. This explains why some of their predictions contradicted the actual climatic nature of those signs in reality.
keywords: Predictions, Zodiac, Eastern Islamic World, Rain, Wind.