Turtle with Astrology

Size: height 28 cm width 23 cm

Tibetan astrology is based on the principles of Chinese and Indian astrology. These principles are considered the foundation for learning traditional Tibetan medicine.
This sculpted metal turtle is both a Tibetan calendar and an astrological diagram.

The central figure is a turtle lying on its back. The central circle is divided into nine areas containing the Nine Sacred Numbers, surrounded by the eight symbols of Chinese Taoist cosmology representing the fundamental principles of reality.
The following circle represents the sixty-year cycle, divided into twelve areas depicting twelve animals: dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, pig, ox, tiger, and rabbit.

The deities depicted at the top are, from left to right: Vajrapani, Manjushri, and Chenrezig.
The symbol in the upper left is the Kalachakra script, which represents the wheel of time.
All other symbols are representations of the astrological chart and Tibetan cosmology. This diagram is important for calculating monthly and annual horoscopes and is also considered a talisman that attracts positive energy and brings good luck.