BİRİNCİ FEN · İKİNCİ BÂB · ONUNCU FASIL · Birinci Madde
The First Article
Concerning the effects of the moon through the power of God.
Know, esteemed one, that philosophers are agreed upon the following: By the will of God, the All-Powerful and Possessor of Power, the high celestial bodies exert influences on the lower world's bodies (lower corporeal forms), according to their degrees. Just as the sun’s greatest influence is through its heat, so too the moon’s greatest influence is through its humidity.
For this reason, God Most High has bestowed numerous qualities upon the moon by His power. One of these is that when the moon rises from the sea, the seawater swells with the moon's influence, rising and surging towards the shores. And when the moon reaches midday (the middle of the oceanic day), the swelling in the seas ceases.
When the moon departs from midday, the waters of the seas recede; they draw back from the shores. This receding continues until the moon descends beyond the horizon of the sea, and the aforementioned recession ends when the moon sets on the horizon. Thus, the rising and receding of seawater proceeds as described above. Another characteristic of the moon is that during its increasing phase (izdiyad) – that is, in the first half of the lunar month – there is much heat and humidity; the vessels are filled with blood. The human and animal bodies, filled by the swelling of this blood, become strong relative to the days of the second half of the moon. However, after the full moon, that is, during the second half of the lunar month, dryness and coldness prevail. Since bodies are composed of the mixture of four elements, the influence of coldness and dryness causes the fervor of the blood to diminish day by day. Consequently, growth and development (compared to the first half) are less in the second half of the lunar month. Human and animal bodies remain weak relative to the first half.
It is among the characteristics of the moon that those who fall ill during the first half of the moon find their bodies strong; and the illness of many departs on these days. Those who become ill during the second half of the moon will have weaker bodies, so their illnesses increase progressively. It is among the characteristics of the moon that on days when the moon’s light increases, the brain tissues of those possessing souls are strong; mental faculties work with strength. Conversely, on days when the moon's light diminishes, these mental powers and abilities diminish. It is among the characteristics of the moon that on nights when the moon is bright, if a person stays outdoors for a long time or sleeps facing the moon, relaxation and sluggishness will occur in their body; this leads to headaches and colds.
It is among the characteristics of the moon that the meat of an animal left exposed in open air on nights when the moon is bright spoils quickly and its smell changes. It is among the characteristics of the moon that on days when the moon’s light increases, fish in rivers and seas are very oily and rise to the surface of the water. On days when the moon's light diminishes, the fish become weak and sink to the bottom of the water.
It is among the characteristics of the moon that during the first half of the month, all kinds of insects inhabiting the earth swarm forth and multiply upon the ground. Predatory animals are very eager for carrion. In the second half of the month, however, these insects and predatory animals act in precisely the opposite manner. It is among the characteristics of the moon that trees planted during the first half of the month grow and develop greatly. Those planted in the second half either remain weak or wither away. It is among the characteristics of the moon that plants, flowers, grasses, and all vegetation grow and flourish more abundantly during the first half of the month; their colors are very vivid. It is among the characteristics of the moon that on nights when the moon’s light shines upon dry reeds, flax, and similar plants, they rot and disintegrate quickly. However, this occurs to a lesser extent during the second half of the month. It is among the characteristics of the moon that the lunar sphere, as if it were a mirror, reflects to the terrestrial sphere and the watery sphere the islands and shores of seas and lands, ships, waves, mountains, valleys, villages, and cities – all with their colors and forms. Indeed, observers view the earth entirely in this mirror. However, because this clear mirror is very distant from us, it is not possible to discern and recognize these shapes and reflections precisely; rather, the reflection of the moon’s face appears blurred and sorrowful, like a countenance marked by sadness. These are what are called blemishes on the moon.
The hidden influences of the other planets – concerning which we have mentioned specific times – upon animate and inanimate beings are said in comparison to the effects of the sun and the moon explained here. However, it is known that only God Most High truly affects all parts, both large and small, of the universe. Therefore, the celestial spheres, stars, and natures spoken of here are like revolving wheels, instruments, and illusions.
Therefore, contemplating the subtle meaning hidden within this flowing creation and operation serves as a means to recognize God’s power. With the hope of opening a door to seeing a miniature example of this immense operation in humankind, brief information regarding the conditions of the stars and celestial spheres has been summarized in *The Book of Knowledge*.
Verse
1-Praise be to God who is unique and singular,
And powerful and all-knowing.
2-To Him belongs surely, and is established,
All affairs of the universe, completely.
3-He disposes of things perfectly,
Neither influential ones remain in between, nor the common folk!