The Creator (the Almighty) named them with their names so that we might know the reality of the foundation of Personification (al-tashkhīṣ) through these Zodiac signs, and so that all inward personifications may be measured against them—just as the clearing of the Messiah from the crucifixion is the measure for the clearing of all Prophets.

So, observe this personification, which even the disbeliever does not deny, let alone the believer. Contemplate it with the eye of the intellect and the power of thought; reflect upon its Inward (bāṭin), which is those luminous celestial planets, and its Outward (ẓāhir), which is these animals, plants, and vanishing things...

Is it then permissible for the wise Gnostic (al-ʿārif al-labīb) to believe in the outward of these Zodiac signs as he does their inward?! Or is it even permissible for him to believe in their outward at all?!"

They are nothing but outward images and parables that point to inward meanings; and do we utilize their outward forms except for need and necessity?

Know that the personification (tashkhīṣ) of these Zodiac signs, the aforementioned parables, and all the worldly instruments mentioned in the Heavenly Books—both the praised and the blamed—indicates that all the outward aspects of worship and other things are outward names, outward parables, outward signals, and outward images. Nothing is intended by them except the inward persons (al-ashkhāṣ al-bāṭina),