Tibetan astrology is lunar-based, with the Sun (and all the planets) taking a
secondary position to the Moon. One’s Tibetan birthday is not the same as one’s solar
birthday (or yearly return), but is in fact the lunar phase-angle day on which one was
born. Thus one’s birthday would be celebrated on whatever day of the lunar month
the birth took place.
Astrologers in general enjoy manipulating cycles and numbers. The Tibetans
make up for their lack of planetary calculations with the manipulation of the various
cycles they do use. In Tibetan astrology, numbers are counted forward, backward, and
around in many different combinations. It is a complicated procedure that requires an
astrologer. The net result of the Tibetan calculation is quite similar in effect or portent
to western methods.
The chief exception to this generalization is the use of the lunar cycle in day-
to-day life. It is here that the Tibetan system excels and has a great deal to offer West-
erners, while in the West the awareness of the lunar cycle has largely been lost.Major Elements of Tibetan Astrology
The manipulation of the animal signs, elements, parkhas, mewas, etc., takes con-
siderable skill in calculation and even more expertise in interpretation. What results is a
somewhat complex system that claims to explain the status quo, but, like its Western
counterpart, allows so much interpretation that firm conclusions can seldom be drawn.
It has been the view of Western observers that the East has a tendency toward
fatalism and resignation to what fate has delivered to them. For instance, many
Tibetan lamas and teachers are not particularly interested in astrology, outside of using
the lunar cycle to plan and time events. To the Buddhist mind, personality makeup is
not of great importance. For, no matter what that makeup, good or bad, the remedy
remains the same: mind practice of one form or another. In fact, throughout the East,
there is little interest in personality psychology as there is in the West. Those in the
East have no need to flirt with the deeper areas of the mind, but have long ago been
introduced to them, and take them as a matter of course. Keep in mind that reincarna-
tion is the accepted belief system in both India and Tibet and, for that matter, the
greater part of the world. A key belief of theirs is continuity of consciousness.
In the West, the awareness of cycles is not self-evident to the majority.
Astrologers attempt to bring it to the public’s attention, yet society has not come to
such a conclusion, much less pushed toward a solution. Buddhist countries, long
trained in the analysis of emotions and desires, have little interest in reexamining
emotional and personality issues, which have been clarified in ancient times. Instead,
the interest in expanding the awareness of the person (happy or sad) beyond such per-
sonal issues, and focusing on the root of problems and sufferings is assumed, beginning
in childhood.Outline of Major Tibetan Techniques
Here are several of the major calculation techniques used by the Tibetan
astrologer.Tibetan Astrology
[662] THEASTROLOGYBOOK