Knowledge base
Our knowledge base is under development — new information is being added regularly.
What is Tibetan Astrology?
Tibetan Astrology (Dus-rabs, དུས་རབས་) is a traditional system developed in Tibet by merging several powerful streams of knowledge:
- Buddhist astrology from India (Kalachakra Tantra) — rooted in Buddhist philosophy and cosmology, transmitted from India to Tibet in the 11th century.
- Chinese astrology — especially the 12-year animal cycle and 5-element system, introduced in the 7th century with Princess Wencheng.
- Indigenous Bon traditions — the ancient pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, which included elemental theory and early divination systems.
- Vedic astrology — integrated through Indian transmission, adding further astrological calculations and methods.
All these streams were eventually synthesized into a single comprehensive system, codified in major works such as White Beryl by Desi Sangye Gyatso (1653–1705).
Tibetan astrology is still practiced today by professional astrologers (tsipön), often in combination with Tibetan medicine and Buddhist rituals. It is both practical and spiritual — a way to live in harmony with cosmic rhythms and to navigate life’s constant changes.
Sources & Transmission
Tibetan astrology developed through multiple transmission lineages:
- Tsurlug — the Karma Kagyu tradition (15th century, Tsurphu monastery).
- Phuglug — the Nyingma tradition (15th century, cave yogi lineage).
- Geden Tiser — the Gelug tradition (18th century).
All these lineages contributed texts and commentaries that are still studied today. The knowledge was unified in foundational treatises like White Beryl and Lunar Light.
How Tibetan Astrology Differs from Western Astrology
| Aspect | Tibetan Astrology | Western Astrology |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | Fusion of Buddhist, Chinese, Bon, and Vedic traditions | Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome |
| Zodiac System | 12-year animal cycle + 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Iron/Metal, Water) | 12 zodiac signs (Aries–Pisces) based on solar position |
| Calendar | Lunar-solar (unique Tibetan system) | Solar calendar |
| Philosophy | Deeply linked with karma, rebirth, Buddhist cosmology | Focuses on personality, traits, destiny |
| Applications | Choosing auspicious dates, medical diagnosis, rituals, spiritual guidance | Personality exploration, love, career, psychology |
| Method | Mix of lunar mansions, animals, elements, planetary cycles, rituals | Planetary positions, aspects, and houses |
👉 In short: Western astrology looks outward at planets and inward at personality. Tibetan astrology looks at cosmic cycles in relation to karma, health, and spiritual practice, making it both practical and deeply spiritual.
Key Elements of Tibetan Astrology
- Animal (Year, Month, Day)
Tibetan astrology uses the 12-year animal cycle (Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, etc.), combined with the 5 elements. Your animal signs (year, month, and day) show fundamental aspects of character, life tendencies, and influences at different times. - Parka (Trigram)
The eight Parka trigrams (similar to those of the I Ching) represent natural forces such as heaven, earth, mountain, wind, fire, water, lake, and thunder. Each person and each day has an associated trigram, which reveals balance, challenges, and the energy of relationships. - Mewa
The nine Mewa numbers, displayed on a colored grid, shift daily, monthly, and yearly. They describe health tendencies, emotional states, karmic influences, and often guide protective practices and remedies.
👉 Together, these three elements form the backbone of every forecast, showing both general daily energy and personal alignment.
How to Read the Forecast
Each daily forecast is arranged from the most important to additional details:
- Main daily combination — the central advice and key energy of the day.
- Large and special combinations — further details for nuance.
- Constellation, weekday, lunar day, and animal of the day — add deeper context.
- Parka and Mewa — subtle recommendations for harmony, obstacles, and health.
- La (life energy) — indicates the part of the body to protect on that day.
This layered structure helps you quickly see the essence, while also exploring deeper levels if you want.
Personal Horoscope and “white/black” stones system
Available to users with birth time set
Registered users also gain access to an individual evaluation of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness for the current year, month, and day. According to Tibetan tradition, this is shown through a system of white and black stones:
- 3 white stones – very auspicious;
- 2 white stones – auspicious;
- 1 white stone – moderately auspicious;
- 1 white stone and 1 black stone – neutral;
- 1 black stone – moderately inauspicious;
- 2 black stones – inauspicious;
- 3 black stones – very inauspicious.
The Losar New Year vs traditional solstice-based
During the reign of King Pude Gungyal (317–398 CE), the New Year was shifted to the first day of the Dragon Month, creating Gyalpo Losar (Royal New Year). Later, in the 7th century, Chinese calendar elements were introduced through Princess Wencheng, and by the 13th century, the Sakya Dynasty established the first day of the first Tibetan month as Losar, a tradition that continues today.
Therefore, Professional Astrologist recommends making an adjustment from the official calendar to traditional pre-reform style (solstice-based) for accurate calculation of the animal sign of the year (both the year of birth and the current year).
The Uniqueness of Tibetan Astrology
- Fusion of traditions: the only system that unites Bon, Chinese, Vedic, and Buddhist cosmology.
- Spiritual depth: closely tied to Buddhist practice and the Kalachakra Tantra.
- Medical connection: used alongside Tibetan medicine for diagnosis and preventive care.
- Holistic guidance: more than personality traits — it’s about balance, success, and living in harmony with cycles.
- Ritual integration: includes protective mantras and practices to counteract negative influences.
Why It Matters Today
Tibetan astrology is not just theory. It is a practical system of prevention and adaptation, helping people:
- Choose auspicious dates for important actions.
- Improve wealth, health, and relationships.
- Deepen spiritual practice.
- Prevent or soften difficulties by harmonizing with the flow of time.
In a world of constant change, it offers clarity, stability, and a way to align personal life with universal rhythms.