📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

🪐 Astrology

Tibetan Astrology (Revised)

Name: Tibetan Astrology (Revised)
Price: 34.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781570629631

✍️ Cornu, Philippe

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$34.95

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Delve into the profound 'science of calculation' revered in Tibet, a system monks and lamas have long employed to discern the intricate dance of time. This essential guide illuminates how celestial rhythms inform divination, ritual timing, and life's pivotal moments. Explore the unique blend of Chinese and Indian astronomical traditions, alongside Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and ancient Bön influences. Understand its dual branches – the Chinese-derived Nagtsi and Indian-rooted Kartsi – and learn to interpret the twelve- and sixty-year cycles, elemental forces, and numerological 'mewa' for auspicious living.

🪐

Astrology

Praise for this book

“Until now there has been no definitive book on the art of Tibetan astrology. Philippe Cornu's Tibetan Astrology changes all that. This is an important book for anyone interested in astrology or in exploring the special Tibetan vision of the universe.”

— Bodhi Tree Book Review

🏛 Shambhala 📅 2002 📖 320 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781570629631

Fun Fact

Cornu's 'Tibetan Astrology' stands as an authoritative and remarkably accessible entry point into a complex spiritual science. It excels at demystifying the historical synthesis of traditions while providing clear explanations of its practical applications. While it may not cater to those seeking quick, personalized horoscopes, it is an indispensable resource for serious students of esoteric traditions and anyone wishing to deeply understand the interplay of cosmic forces in Tibetan culture. A foundational text in its field.

📝 Description: Tibetan Astrology (Revised)

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: - Historical roots and influences from China and India as well as the Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and the ancient Bön 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 twelve- and sixty-year cycles and the twelve animals and five elements associated with them - The mewa, or magical squares, which are numerological factors used to calculate the auspiciousness of days or years - The parkha, or eight trigrams of the I Ching, representing the elements, directions, seasons, and fundamental universal forces - How to analyze 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, including tables for converting Western dates to dates on the Tibetan calendar.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Philippe Cornu delivers a comprehensive yet accessible guide to Tibetan astrology, effectively illuminating the dual branches of Nagtsi and Kartsi alongside complex sixty-year cycles. The text succeeds in making dense monastic concepts approachable for Western audiences without sacrificing depth. However, it does not suit readers seeking quick, superficial horoscope readings or those uninterested in the rigorous mathematical foundations of Eastern cosmology. Those expecting purely entertainment-focused astrology may find the emphasis on ritual timing and elemental forces too academic. It is best appreciated by individuals willing to engage with the philosophical underpinnings of timekeeping rather than just seeking personal fortune-telling advice.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a deeper connection to the celestial rhythms that have guided Tibetan spiritual life for centuries will find this revised edition invaluable. It is particularly suited for those interested in the intricate interplay between Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and ancient Bön influences, offering clarity on how these traditions merge with Chinese and Indian astronomical systems. By demystifying the 'science of calculation,' it empowers individuals to navigate pivotal life moments, choose auspicious times for rituals, and understand elemental forces through numerological 'mewa.' Whether you are a practitioner looking to refine your divination skills or a curious scholar exploring esoteric timekeeping, this book provides the essential framework for living in harmony with cosmic cycles.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to ancient systems of cosmic understanding, seeking to align your life with powerful celestial currents, or curious about Tibetan spiritual practices beyond the mainstream, this book is for you. Unravel the mysteries of destiny and auspicious timing with this comprehensive guide.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Philippe Cornu delivers a comprehensive yet accessible guide to Tibetan astrology, effectively illuminating the dual branches of Nagtsi and Kartsi alongside complex sixty-year cycles. The text succeeds in making dense monastic concepts approachable for Western audiences without sacrificing depth. However, it does not suit readers seeking quick, superficial horoscope readings or those uninterested in the rigorous mathematical foundations of Eastern cosmology. Those expecting purely entertainment-focused astrology may find the emphasis on ritual timing and elemental forces too academic. It is best appreciated by individuals willing to engage with the philosophical underpinnings of timekeeping rather than just seeking personal fortune-telling advice.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Unlike purely natal chart interpretations, Tibetan astrology focuses heavily on understanding temporal cycles and determining auspicious timings for events, drawing from a unique blend of Chinese, Indian, and indigenous Bön spiritual traditions.

Not at all. This volume is crafted as a comprehensive introduction, meticulously detailing the historical roots, foundational principles, and practical applications of Tibetan astrology for newcomers.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Historical Roots & Influences

This volume meticulously traces the intricate lineage of Tibetan astrology, revealing its syncretic origins. It explores the foundational contributions from ancient Bön practices, the sophisticated astronomical insights from India, and the cyclical wisdom imported from Chinese cosmology, all further enriched by the profound philosophical framework of Buddhist Kalachakra teachings, creating a truly unique system.

Dual Astrological Systems

The book clearly differentiates between the two primary branches of Tibetan astrology. Discover Nagtsi, often termed 'black astrology,' which draws heavily from the Chinese cyclical calendar system, and Kartsi, or 'white astrology,' which is rooted in Indian astrological traditions. Understanding these distinct yet complementary methodologies is crucial for a complete grasp of the Tibetan approach to time and destiny.

Navigating Auspicious Timings

Learn the practical application of this ancient science for daily life and significant events. The text guides readers through interpreting the twelve- and sixty-year cycles, the influence of the twelve animal signs and five elements, and the significance of 'mewa' (magical squares) and 'parkha' (I Ching trigrams) to determine the most favorable moments for rituals, marriages, funerals, and other activities.

📜 Historical context

Tibetan astrology, known as the 'science of calculation,' is deeply woven into the fabric of Tibetan spiritual life. It emerged from a fascinating synthesis of ancient indigenous Bön traditions, sophisticated Indian astrological systems, and the cyclical wisdom of Chinese cosmology, further enriched by Buddhist Kalachakra teachings. This intricate blend defines its unique approach to understanding time and destiny.

📚 Glossary

Nagtsi
Kartsi
Mewa

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might understanding the cyclical nature of time, as described in Tibetan astrology, shift your perspective on personal challenges or opportunities?
Consider a significant past event in your life. If you were to analyze its timing using the concepts of 'mewa' or elemental forces, what new insights might emerge?
Reflect on the idea of 'auspicious timing' in your own culture. How does it compare to the detailed calculations presented in Tibetan astrology, and how might this influence your future planning?