What is TIBETAN ASTROLOGY?

The Tibetan astrological sciences can be classified into two categories: astronomy (skar-rtsis) and elemental astrology ('byung-rtsis). Both skar-rtsis and 'byung-rtsi have drawn from the teachings of countries such as India, Persia and Greece, as well as Buddhism, to create a uniquely Tibetan system of astronomy and astrology.

Tibetan elemental astrology, 'byung-rtsis, which draws from Classical Elemental Astrology, is the ancient art of calculation and interpretation of celestial phenomena. Classical Elemental Astrology nag-rtsis is based on the five elements, the twelve year cycle, eight par-kha or trigrams, and nine sme-wa or magic square numbers. Tibetan astrologers use these to calculate horoscopes along four major themes: one's life span, physical condition, economic and political power, and overall luck in business and work.

The Tibetan system of astronomy, skar-rtsis, draws from the Shri Kalachakra Tantra and the Arising Vowel System, dbyangs-char, which assigns a different vowel to each of the days of the month, and calculates its effect on individuals and nations.

There are parallels between Tibetan and Vedic astrology in their calculation of calendars and planetary movement. Although the Tibetan and Indian calendars start the year on different dates, they are similar in their use of the twelve zodiac houses and the five planets Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. (The outer planets are not recognised, as they had not been discovered at the time the ancient texts were written.) Like Vedic astrology, Tibetan astrology recognises the shadowy planets of Rahu and Ketu which are important for the prediction of eclipses and well-being.

The role of the Tibetan Astrologer
The Tibetan astrologer plays an important and active role in the Tibetan community, especially during times of births, deaths, marriages and prolonged illnesses. When a child is born, Tibetan parents often consult an astrologer to learn of the child's future. The astrologer constructs a birth chart which includes predictions about the child's education, likely occupation, and whether the child should be encouraged to undertake monastic stu-dies. If the birth chart predictions are unfavorable, an antidote, often in the form of a prayer, is prescribed. In other situations, the parents may be asked to make a donation to the poor and needy. If the life of the child is in danger, a preventative measure may be taken by saving the life of an animal that is about to be slaughtered.

Before marrying, the parents of either the bride or groom may approach an astrologer to draw up a marriage chart. Which parents approach the astrologer depends on which household the couple will live in after marrying. The marriage chart includes predictions based on the couple's life span, standard of living, and luck. In more detailed marriage charts, a prediction is made of the number of children the mother will bear, and which partner will have more influence over the running of the house. In the case that any of these predictions are unfavorable, the astrologer will prepare an amulet for either partner, or, in exceptional circumstances, for both partners. Alternatively, the couple may be asked to make a donation of clothing to a lama or monastery or recite a special prayer.

In a situation where a disease is considered to be karmic - i. e. the result of spirits or negative karma - an antidote may be drawn up by either an astrologer or lama. The astrologer determines which spirits are afflicting the patient, the type of disease it has produced, and the prayer that is needed to appease the spirit. Alternatively, the astrologer may aid the patient by determining which doctor and system of medicine is most appropriate to treat the ailment.

An astrologer also plays an important role in the community near the time of death. At this point, an astrologer is often called on to determine whether the dying person has any life left in her/his body. To avoid bad spirits after the person's death, the astrologer determines who can and cannot touch the body, on which day the body should be moved, and which prayers the family of the deceased should make.

The astrologer may also be called on at other times, such as when a person is moving house or beginning an important journey or undertaking in her/his life. In this way, Tibetan astrologers continue to occupy an important role in the Tibetan community in much the same way they have for thousands of years.