| What
is TIBETAN ASTROLOGY?
The role of the TIBETAN ASTROLOGER
History of TIBETAN ASTROLOGY
The ASTROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT
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 studies. If the birth
chart predictions are unfavourable, 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 unfavourable, 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.
History
of TIBETAN ASTROLOGY
2nd
century B.C. - 4th century A.D.
Until the introduction of Buddhism in Tibet in the fourth century A.D.,
the Bon religion formed the basis of Tibetan astrology. Its doctrines
are presented in a detailed system of categories and sub-categories, two
of which are astrology and medicine. The Bon doctrines acknowledge the
five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, and use a system
of astrological prediction and divination similar to shamanism.
6th
century A.D.
The Tibetan King Namri Songtsen sends four of Tibet's most brilliant young
scholars to China to study astrology. On their return, the four introduce
invaluable information to Tibetan astrology. However, there being no written
language of Tibet at the time, the information is only conveyed orally.
7th
century A.D.
The
fifth wife of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Kong Ju, an accomplished
astrologer, introduces Chinese Classical Elemental Astrology to Tibet.
8th
century A.D.
Generally regarded as the pinnacle or "Golden Age" in Tibetan
medicine, astrology, and Dharma, each field enjoys its highest patronage
and development. In fact, the high standards set by Tibetan scholars in
this period inspire Tibetan scholars for centuries to come.
The Indian Sage Guru Padma Sambhava introduces the concept that elements
in their pure form are the basis of all life in the universe, and that
the same elements in their impure form are poisonous to the body.
10th
century A.D.
At
the hands of weak leadership, there is a decline in Tibetan power, and
with it, a decline in Tibetan astrology.
11th
century A.D.
The Sri Kalachakra Tantra, which forms the basis of modern Tibetan astrology,
is translated from Sanskrit into Tibetan. Its principles lead to the creation
of the first annual Tibetan almanac, which allows the user to determine
the precise day-to-day positions of the stars, planets and signs of the
zodiac.
17th
century A.D.
Under the leadership of H.H the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso,
Tibetan astronomy and astrology rise to their previous glory. His Holiness's
regent, Desi Sangye Gyatso, compiles a folio of Tibetan astrology that
remains in use today.
The
ASTROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT OF MEN-TSEE-KHANG
The
Astrological Department was established in the year 1961. Over the years,
the Astrological Department has seen much progress and continues to strive
towards the accomplishment of our every set goals.
Located within the premises of the Institute itself, the Department consists
of nine astrologers, one secretary and one Thangka artist.
Aims
and Objectives
The main mission of the Astrological Department is to generate awareness
about Tibetan astrology to the world community.
This ancient tradition when used in the context of the confused contemporary
world helps people know, accept and prepare themselves in a more positive
manner.
In accordance with the aims of the Department, the staff continue to satisfy
the dreams and desires of every curious individual, thereby benefiting
mankind as a whole.
Activities
and Achievements
The Astrological Department engages in numerous activities based on astrological
calculations. The Department produces a detailed Tibetan Annual Almanac,
a one-page wall-hanging calendar with predictions, and a four page wall-hanging
calendar with illustrations of medicinal herbs.
The Department also draws astrological charts, both in English and Tibetan
language, like Detailed Birth charts, Brief charts, Compatibility charts,
Medical charts, Death charts, Yearly predictions for an individual and
for a family. One additional chart in Tibetan, which is not included in
English, is the Medium chart. Four different types of Amulet are also
brought out by the Astrological Department. These amulets help to rejuvenate
one’s life element, body element, power element and luck element
that may degenerate. Predictions are also drawn out concerning favourable
days and time for individuals, private organisations and governments for
when they initiate important tasks.
Since 1996, the Astrological Department under Men-Tsee-Khang has held
nine courses on Tibetan Astronomy and Astrology, which have been attended
by many people. Lectures and exhibitions have been held in different cities
of Japan, The United States of America, France, England, Switzerland,
Italy, Holland, Germany, and India. Various publications both in English
and Tibetan texts have also been published.
Ordering
Chart
orders can be made both by mail and personal visits. For accurate and
detailed charts one’s personal Date of Birth, Birth Time, Birth
Place and Gender are necessary. In the brief chart or for minor calculations,
only Date of Birth or Year of Birth are required. Often excessive demands
for astrological charts compel the staff to take in a lesser number of
orders so that they can devote full attention and draw accurately the
calculations.
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