This Tibetan astrological chart is an auspicious talisman and an instructional tool that is believed to bring good fortune to all those who see, display, or possess it. It integrates astrological, calendrical, and elemental symbols to present options for averting or minimizing negative circumstances, whether internal or external, to attain the best possible outcome.

Protective Astrological Chart; Tibet; late 18th or early 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; gift of Namkha Dorjee/Bodhicitta Art; C2006.71.11

with lotus petals holding seven auspicious symbols interspersed with vajras (symbols of stability)

comprising ten letters forming one tenfold power symbol

(associated with wisdom and knowledge)

associated with worldly success, well-being, and contentment

associated with worldly success, well-being, and contentment

emanation of Manjushri and a metaphor for creation

with concentric circles that illustrate, from the inside out, the nine magic numbers, eight trigrams, and twelve animals of the zodiac, which combined with the five elements, form the sixty-year cycle of the Tibetan calendar

“seals” that serve to protect from obstacles

“seals” that serve to protect from obstacles

with wishes for good fortune and well-being

praising Buddha Amoghasiddhi and the deities depicted here, extolling them to help in obtaining worldly success and well-being

praising Buddha Amoghasiddhi and the deities depicted here, extolling them to help in obtaining worldly success and well-being

on improving luck while bidding deities, gods, and environmental entities to help avert troubles and obstacles