Sipa Khorlo: The Tibetan Astrological Wheel of Cosmic Order

You’ve probably heard of the “Wheel of Life,” right? But did you know there’s another wheel that’s often confused with it, even though it has a completely different meaning and purpose? This one is called Sipa Khorlo.

It is often known as a Tibetan calendar or Tibetan astrological wheel. Beyond the symbolism, it guides time, luck, and energy to shape life. 

Now, let's dive into the correct purpose of the complex layers and this ancient Tibetan universe.

What is Sipa Khorlo?

In its truest form, Sipa Khorlo means "wheel of existence" or "wheel of becoming." While Bhavachakra uses this term symbolically to portray Samasara (cyclic existence) in Tibetan astrology. Sipa Khorlo refers to the astrological wheel—a rich diagram of cosmic energy depending on elements, trinity, animal signs, and planetary movements.

This wheel blends Buddhist, Bon, Indian, and ancient Chinese spiritual sciences, serving as the Tibetan equivalent of a cosmological compass. 

Key Components of the Astrological Sipa Khorlo

A traditional Tibetan astrological Sipa Khorlo Thangka is leveled with symbols, calculations, and fundamental energy that dynamically interact. Let's unpack its main components:

1. Inner core: Nine Magic squares (Mewa)

At the inner core, there are 9 squares called Mewa, Tibetan numerological patterns. Each of the 9 Mewa is associated with a color, karmic energy, and a life force or fate prediction (affecting fortune, health, or personality).

• Water: Blue
• Earth: Black/Yellow/White (earth sometimes appears with varying shades)
• Wood: Green/Blue-Green
• Metal: White/Red (metal-associated colors can vary, but white and red are used)
• Fire: Red
  

2. Middle ring with Eight Trigrams (Parkha)

In the middle ring, you’ll find the Eight Trigrams, or Parkha, which are borrowed from the Chinese I Ching tradition. Each trigram consists of three solid or broken lines, symbolizing specific natural elements and directions. 

These trigrams are foundational in determining personality traits, health, and compatibility. 

3. Twelve-Year Animal Cycle

In Tibetan astrology, every year is connected to one of the 12 different animals. This system is called the 12-Year Animal Cycle.

This cycle repeats in a loop—just like the months of the year cycle from January to December annually. These animal years are part of the Sipa Khorlo—Tibetan astrology’s big cosmic wheel. 

If you were born in 2020, your zodiac animal is the Rat. The next Year of the Rat will be in 2032, then again in 2044, and so on—every 12 years. There are 12 animals, and they always come in the same order:

It is believed that your birth year’s animal plays a big role in your personal horoscope. This system is one of the key parts of the Sipa Khorlo, the Tibetan astrological wheel. 

4. Three Deities on Top of Sipa Khorlo 

There are three deities on the top center of the Sipa Khorlo thangka. They are Vajrapani, Manjushri, and Chenrezig from left to right. Each of these deities represents various aspects of enlightenment. 

Vajrapani represents power and protection. Knowledge by Manjushri and compassion by Chenrezig. Together they are often painted as three great protectors. 

5. Fortune-Telling Charts and Protective Symbols

They are detailed presentations and have both practical use and spiritual meanings. Rectangular panels often contain Tibetan letters, numeric grids, and fundamental codes, which astrologers use to calculate a wide range of individual readings.

• Birth charts
• Health cycles
• Auspicious dates
• Marriage and travel compatibility
• Ritual timings

These charts are based on the Tibetan Lunar-Solar Calendar. Tailored to the individual, guiding major life decisions and formal practices.

Encircling these panels and the wheel itself, you'll frequently find symbolic and sacred imagery such as:

• The four gates of a mandala
• Auspicious signs
• Protective mantras
• Guardian deities

These visual elements are more than ornamental. They work to preserve, purify, and align spiritually while maintaining astrological process with divine appearance and ritual power.

Symbolic and Practical Purpose

Unlike Bhavachakra, which shows the cycles of suffering (Samsara) and the Buddhist path, Sipa Khorlo is the astrological wheel:

• A cosmic calculator rather than a moral/spiritual allegory.
• A living calendar used to align human activity with universal energies.
• A divine mandala, which reveals karma patterns, energetic health, and future prospects.

It is scientific (within its cultural structure) and is spiritually aligned, guiding Tibetans in various cases for the prediction of marriage, travel, and rituals.

Use in Daily and Religious Life

Tibetan astrologers, known as Tsipas, use the Sipa Khorlo for:

• Horoscope reading (based on birth date, mewa, trigram, and animal sign)
• Predicting health outcomes
• Identifying karmic imprints
• Rituals planning (e.g., ceremonies)
• Selection of auspicious dates (for weddings, ordinations, business launches, etc.)
• Annual energy readings (especially during Tibetan New Year or Losar)

Sipa Khorlo vs. Wheel of Life: Key Differences

1. Is Sipa Khorlo similar to the wheel of life?

 No. The Wheel of Life (Bhavchakra) is a symbolic Buddhist depiction of the Samasara, while Sipa Khorlo is an astrological and divine tool.

2. What is the purpose of Mewa in Sipa Khorlo?

 There are magic that are used in Tibetan astrology on the basis of number science and color to analyze health and fate.

3. Can I use Sipa Khorlo for an individual horoscope?

 Yes. Tibetan astrologers use Sipa Khorlo to calculate the wide birth chart and predict annual energy.

4. Where can I see or buy a Sipa Khorlo Thangka?

We at Buddha's Art of Healing have authentic hand-painted SIPA Khorlo Thangkas, which feature cosmological circles used for both decoration and spiritual practice.

Conclusion: True Essence of Sipa Khorlo

Sipa Khorlo, as shown in the Tibetan astrological Thangka, is not a symbol of sorrow but a map of cosmic order. It brings the ancient systems of knowledge together to help navigate the uncertainties of human life. Whether it is used to predict the year or to find the impression of karma, it acts as an invaluable guide to spiritual and practical harmony in Tibetan culture.

Invite the knowledge of the universe in your place by hanging a Sipa Khorlo Thangka in your home—to align your actions, rituals, and energy with the divine pattern of survival.