Constellations
Constellations (skar-ma) The twenty-eight constellations (rgyu-skar nyer-brgyad) are found in both the Chinese and Indian traditions, and their anthropomorphic forms are depicted on Plate 2, fig. 4. Unlike the Indian tradition, which emphasises the celestial position of the constellations, the calculations employed in elemental divination are based on the relationships formed by the elements to which the twenty-eight constellations correspond. Thus, the six eastern constellations symbolising wood are Köttikä (smin-drug; Pleiades), Rohiôï (snar-ma; Aldebaran), Mögaâiras (mgo; Orion lambda), Ärdrä (lag; Orion alpha), Punarvasü (nabs-so; Pollux), and Puêyä (rgyal; Cancer delta). The south-eastern constellation symbolising earth is Aâleêä (skag; Hydrae alpha). The six southern constellations symbolising fire are Maghä (mchu; Regulus), Pürvaphalguôï (gre; Zosma), Uttaraphalguôï (dbo; Denebola), Hasrä (me-bzhi; Algorab), Citrä (nag; Spica), and Sväti (sa-ri; Arcturus). The south-western constellation symbolising earth is Viâäkhä (sa-ga; Librae alpha). The six western constellations symbolising iron are Anurädhä (lha-mtshams; Iridis), Jyeêåhä (snron; Antares), Mülä (snrubs; Schaula), Pürväsädhä (chu-stod; Sagitarii delta), Uttaräsädhä (chu-smad; Pelagus), and Abhijit (gro-zhun; Vega). The north-western constellation is àravaôä (byi-zhin; Altair). The six northern constellations symbolising water are Dhanasta (mon-dre; Delphinium beta), àatavisä (mon-gru; Aquarii lambda), Pürvabhadrapada (khrums-stod; Pegasi alpha), Uttarabhadrapada (khrums-smad; Pegasi gamma and Andromeda alpha), Revati (nam-gru; Piscum sigma), and Aâvinï (dbyugg-gu; Arietis beta). Lastly, the north-eastern constellation symbolising earth is Bharaôï (bra-nye; Arietis 35). The classical Indian names for the twelve months of the lunar calendar are derived from the twelve constellations coinciding with the twelve full-moons of the year. In addition, a further enumeration of twenty-seven lesser constellations (skar-chung) is also given in White Beryl, f. 159a. The calculations based on the constellations are particularly employed to determine the appropriate time for marriage (skar-ma’i lam-rtsis/ kham-yu), on which see Part V, pp. 000-000.
Gyurme Dorje in