Astrology is one of the traditional arts and sciences of Tibet, where it is known as "the science of calculation", used by monks and lamas in the study of the rhythms and cycles of time; for divination; for choosing auspicious times for rituals and life-cycle events such as marriages and funerals; and as an adjunct to the practice of traditional medicine.
This comprehensive introduction to the topic includes discussion of:
- Historical roots and influences from China and India as well as the Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and the ancient Bon religion of Tibet.
- The two main branches of Tibetan astrology: Nagtsi, or "black astrology", based on the Chinese system, and Kartsi, or "white astrology", derived from Indian astrology.
- The 12- and 6-year cycles and the 12 animals and 5 elements associated with them.
- The mewa, or magic squares, which are numerological factors used to calculate the auspiciousness of days or years, the parkha (Chinese: pa-kua), or 8 trigrams of the I Ching, representing the elements, directions, reasons, and fundamental universal forces.
- How to analyse the character of hours, days, months and years, so as to determine auspicious times for various activities.
- How to cast and interpret a Tibetan horoscope.
Also included are numerous diagrams and charts that are indispensable to the practice of Tibetan astrology, such as tables for converting Western dates to dates on the Tibetan calendar.
