ABSTRACT
The use of analogy allows the astrologer to extrapolate from the empirical data, reaching general conclusions about the effects produced by the heavens. This is how the ancients first established the laws of astrology. In other words, the heavens produce their effects by causing friction, since they are actually touching the outside of the lower world (i.e. the spheres of fire and air that surround the spheres of water and earth). By constantly turning around this lower realm they heat and agitate the matter within it, and this gives rise to all sublunar events. Admittedly Abu Ma sar discussion of freedom plays a relatively small role in the Mudhal. Yet it shows him taking up a position that is quite distinctive in the context of mainstream Islamic discussions of freedom, which as already mentioned took place within an incompatibilist framework.
