I'm not entirely sure where I should post this, but I'll try the Traditional forum, and perhaps post a link here from the Horary forum:

I am trying to trace the (probably Arabic) source of a particular set of considerations, described in an Indian text on horary astrology and meant to determine whether a client is 'straight' or 'crooked' (those are the terms used). The list, which may well be an abbreviated version, includes these signs of a crooked client: the Moon in the ascendant, Saturn in an angle, Mercury under the Sun's rays, and some not very clearly described configuration involving Mars, Mercury and the Moon. If this rings any bells with anyone, I would be very grateful to know from which text or author you recognize it.

Martin Gansten wrote:I'm not entirely sure where I should post this, but I'll try the Traditional forum, and perhaps post a link here from the Horary forum:

I am trying to trace the (probably Arabic) source of a particular set of considerations, described in an Indian text on horary astrology and meant to determine whether a client is 'straight' or 'crooked' (those are the terms used). The list, which may well be an abbreviated version, includes these signs of a crooked client: the Moon in the ascendant, Saturn in an angle, Mercury under the Sun's rays, and some not very clearly described configuration involving Mars, Mercury and the Moon. If this rings any bells with anyone, I would be very grateful to know from which text or author you recognize it.

Prasna Tantra of Sri Neelkantha- Translator B.V Raman.
He does not mention "crooked"- maybe he is being polite.
The original sankrit verses are not mentioned..

Chapter 1 -About the Querist -verse 2-4.
The querist's intention will not be honest if (a) the M oon is in the ascendant, Saturn is in a quadrant and Mercury is combust; (b) Mars and Mercury aspect the Moon in the ascendant; (c) a malefic joins the ascendant; (d) Jupiter or Mercury cast an inimical glance on the lord of the 7th.

His intention will be sincere it (a) a benefic plant joins the ascendant; (b) if Mars or full Moon and Jupiter aspect the ascendant; and (c) Jupiter or M ercury throws a friendly aspect on the lord of the seventh.

pankajdubey wrote:Prasna Tantra of Sri Neelkantha- Translator B.V Raman.

Thanks, Pankaj, but that's the text I'm working with -- perhaps I should have mentioned the title. I am trying to find out where the author/compiler (who may or may not have been N?laka??ha) got these rules from. They almost certainly derive from some Arabic text; I have already identified the Arabic source text of perhaps 80-90% of the T?jika material in the Pra?natantra. It will all appear in an article eventually...

So the question still stands: does anyone recognize these considerations from some non-Indian medieval (or earlier) text?