Brief Notice of the Sidpaho

This is Imagethe Sidpaho

The Sidpaho may be thought of as a "map" to Tibetan astrology, and is a convenient way to begin study of Tibetan astrological methods.

When we examine the Sidpaho diagram, the first thing that catches our attention is a large tortise in the center. On his underside is inscribed a circular depiction of the twelve animals. Within this is a second circle depicting the Eight "Parkha," or eight Trigrams. In the center we find the Nine "Mewa," or the nine prime numbers. Usually the chart is colored, and certain colors are assigned to the Mewa: 1 is white, 2 is black, 3 is indigo, 4 is green, 5 is yellow, 6 is white, 7 is red, 8 is white, 9 is red.

The tortise holds four frogs, impaled on sticks. There are a variety of meanings associated with this. One suggested meaning is that frogs are offered to appease bad omens.

To the left of the tortise is a tree, symbolzing the element Wood. To the right of the tortise is a sword, symbolizing the element Metal. The waves below the tortise symbolize the element Water. The flames above the tortise symbolize the element Fire. The square which encloses the whole symbolizes the element Earth.

At the top of the diagram there are three dieties. From left to right these are Vajrapani, Manjushri and Chenrazigs. The mantra for each is written above. In the case of Manjushri, for example, the mantra is OM A RA PA TSA NA DI. In the case of Chenrazigs it is the familiar OM MA NI PAD ME HUM.

Beneath the tortise there are eight symbols: a sun, "Nyima" representing Sunday; a cresecent moon, "Dawa" representing Monday; an eye, "Migmar" representing Tuesday and the planet Mars; a pointing hand, "Lhagpa" representing Wednesday and the planet Mercury; a magic dagger, "Phurbu" representing Thursday and the planet Jupiter; a garter or spear point, "Pasang" representing Friday and the planet Venus; a bundle, "Phemba" representing Saturday and the planet Saturn; a crow's head, "Rahu," symbolizing the "planet" Rahu, or the ascending and descending nodes of the ecliptic.

The Sidpaho is said to confer power and is kept in the home. It is displayed on various occasions to ward off evil influences and gain prosperity. There are various forms of the Sidpaho, and the one we depict (in very large, slow-loading image) HERE is the most common. There are certain other features of the Sidpaho, such as the Kalachakra symbol, and the mantra wheels, but our discussion here is general in nature.

It will be noted that the Parkha and the Mewa are taken from Chinese practice, and of this the Tibetans make no secret. The days of the week exhibit Indian influence, likewise no secret. The manner of interpreting these symbols exhibits distinction, and may be said to represent the "purest" expression of both Chinese and Indian astrology.