ASTROLOGICAL SCROLL TO DETERM THE DAYS OF DESTINY Tibet, 19th ct. 95 x 32 cm This painting shows on the left side mainly of the "Magic Quadat" in the centre of which is a stylised turtle, an emanation of the Bodhisattva Manjushri. The image of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom is at the top centre of this diagram. On the ventral side of the turtle shell are the symbols of the nine planets, on nine squares. These are framed by the dash marks of the eight parkhas. Then follows a band with several magic squares, enclosed by the twelve signs of the zodiac, representing both the twelve-year cycle of years and the twelve months. Further bands of different colours follow towards the outside, divided into different colours and zodiac signs in different combinations. The tables on the right-hand side are used to calculate the good days and the bad days - the days of destiny. In the lower right corner are the symbols of the Five Elements. Charts of this kind are used in varying detail, and often of great complexity, by lay people and astrologically versed monks to lay out the horoscope for those interested, but also to determine the time of important actions, such as sowing, irrigation, harvest time, trading ventures, also important personal matters, such as birth or marriage, and to explore the time of death. Tempera on cotton fabric, bamboo container. Old South German private collection, mostly acquired from Schoettle Ostasiatika between 1968 and the 1980s, Schoettle no. 6916 Published: From an old southern German private collection, largely acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatika between 1968 and the 1980s, Schoettle No. 6916. Published: Schoettle Ostasiatica, Tibetica 35, D. I. Lauf; Stuttgart, February 1977: 9855 - Cf. Philippe Cornu, Handbook of Tibetan Astrology, Theseus, 1999, Luciana Marinangeli, Tibetan Astrology, The Hidden Knowledge of the Cosmic Orders; Fischer Media, Bern, 1998 Minor damages and wear due to age