Name of the Figure: Carcer (Prison)
Element: Earth
Planet: Saturn (direct)
Sign: Pisces
Quality: Common
Fortune: Bad

Carcer is a figure of Saturn direct. Its symbol is said to represent an enclosure, pen or prison of some kind. If we choose to look at the single dots as active elements, then Carcer is the opposite of Conjunctio, in that its active elements have in common the quality of dryness, which indicates difficulty in integrating and mixing together. Furthermore, the two elements are spread apart (one at the top, one at the bottom) and the figure can also be seen as two arrows pointing in opposite directions.

Carcer’s association with Saturn is very telling, as it embodies many of its qualities. It indicates loneliness, and in personal relationships it is broadly bad in its import. Although with positive indications it can show long-term commitment, it is more likely to show feelings cooling off, if not outright separation, or more simply it can speak of not finding anyone to be with. Lack of communication and personal contact all belong to the figure’s array of meanings.

Carcer can show prison and negative sentences in general, but the symbol of a prison or enclosed place can be interpreted metaphorically as obstacles, blockages and restriction. It indicates situations where we are in difficulty and it is difficult for us to act. However, on a brighter note, the symbol of the enclosed space can be interpreted as a womb, and Carcer is said in some sources to be good for pregnancy.

Another field where Carcer is generally positive is for building and laying the foundations of buildings (or maybe, metaphorically, for laying the foundations of something) and for keeping things secrets and solo endeavors such as meditation, study, etc. In most mundane questions, though, Carcer is one of the worst figures you can obtain, especially since it can become Judge, unlike other negative figures.

Common Keywords: Loneliness, sadness, blockage, obstacles, stoppage, building, laying foundations, separation, obligations, debts, poverty, pregnancy, secrets, deep knowledge

Carcer in the Geomantic Houses (these are only examples. Use context to guide your interpretation)

House	Possible Meanings
First	Lonely person, blocked, in difficulties, Stingy, Difficult to relate to
Second	Poverty, Lack of means, Hardships, Debt, Financial obligations
Third	Lack of communication, Isolation from the community, Only child, Lack of relationship with the siblings
Fourth	Castle, Large building, Constructing, Building, City, City walls, Tombstones, Loss of the father
Fifth	Depression, lack of fun or excitement, restraint, pregnancy
Sixth	long convalescence, difficult illness, lack of mobility, animal pens, death of animals
Seventh	loneliness, interpersonal difficulties, person is already committed, lack of relationships, separation
Eighth	Cemetery, death, fear, lack of progress, lack of money from the partner
Ninth	serious study, hidden knowledge, atheism, a priest or hermit,
Tenth	unemployment, lack of upward mobility, dead end
Eleventh	loneliness, lack of help or friends
Twelfth	prison, black magic
Thirteenth	past loneliness or hardships, person is serious, solid
Fourteenth	future difficulties, person needs to face serious challenges
Fifteenth	lack of success except in building and keeping secrets or pregnancy

MQS