History of Tibetan Astrology

The Tibetan Astrological Science spread in Tibet mainly is of two kinds: Astronomy (skar-rtsis) and Astrology ('Byung-rtsis).

The basis for this system was there in Tibet from very ancient times when farmers and nomads in Tibet make examination of the constellation to forecast changes in seasons, monsoon for crops and pasture for cattles.

However, this system became more systematic after the translation of all five chapters of the Kalachakra tantra into Tibetan in the year 1027 A.D.

Buddha Shakyamuni first taught this Kalachakra tantra when he was 81 year old (881 B.C.), at the stupa of Shri Dhanakataka or Palden Drepung in Amravati, South India on the full moon day of 3rd month of a Metal-Dragon Year. This tantra contains information such as the natural state of the Universe, inhabitance and especially the planetary or the cosmological influence on the four seasons.

The Kalachakra tantra presents the sources of all the calculations and interpretation used for determining the position of the Sun, Moon and other planets for preparation of the calendar or almanac. It also includes various activities according to planetary aspects, and contains the text known as "Arising Vowel", which correlates the characteristics of Sanskrit alphabet and phonetic systems of vowels and consonants with Astrological interpretations from the positions of the planets.

Though the rudiment for this system present in Tibet during the pre-Buddhist era of Bon, it has been passed down only through oral transmission. However, later during the time of gNam-ri-srong-btsan in the 6th century, the translation of Elemental Astrology from Chinese started and helped developing the same.

This is one of the systems used to make predictions regarding joys and sorrows that a human being experience in one's lifetime by using elemental laws of relations and methods. It does not require any mathematical calculation as astronomy does. The Elemental System is believed to have been taught by the lord Manjushri in China during 837 B.C.

In brief, the Kalachakra tantra contains all the information and calculation used in Astrology and Astronomy. Therefore, Kalachakra is the foundation of our practice.