Auspicious Days and the Bhutan Four-Day Forecasts

In a culture where monasteries were built by lamas on winged tigresses, demons lurk in certain valleys, people drive counterclockwise against traffic around certain intersections, and footprints of Buddha in caves are noted frequently, there are certain degrees of superstition that must be accepted on a daily basis. This system of beliefs permeates the entire culture daily. That is why some of my operating days end at noon as described above.
As a matter of fact, we are leaving shortly before a horrible two-year drought of auspicious days. There are a flurry of foundations poured this week, lots of marriages, and lots of promotions and promotion parties. The real problems start next month.
The way it was explained to me we work off the lunar calendar here. This year we have only eleven months, although one month repeats itself twice. This does not happen very often. We therefore have to check the forecast to figure out what is happening.

For instance, according to the Bhutan national newspaper, The Keusel, the weekly forecast has not been very good.

Tuesday 10/25/05 Day of the Water Mouse

The elements of Water and Wind make the day favorable to conduct rituals, draw Mandala, enter a new house, and hold discourse.

A bad day to construct new statues, consecrate new structures, become a monk, perform rituals, wear new ornaments and clothes, marry, enter a new house,, conduct funeral rights, take the dead out of the house, and venture on a long journey.

Wednesday 10/26 Day of the Wood Ox

The elements of Fire and Wind make the day favorable to conduct rituals, become a monk, wear ornaments and new clothes, draw Mandala, enter a new house, hold discourse, employ domestic help, seek medical treatment, and sow seeds.

Not a favorable day to hold a celebration, conduct funeral rights, take the dead out of the house, or erect prayer flags. Roof the house, and give away household wealth.


Thursday 10/27/05 Day of the Fire Tiger

The elements of Earth and Water make the day favorable only for daily offerings.

Not a favorable day to hold a celebration, construct new statues, consecrate new structures, perform rituals, wear new ornaments and clothes, marry, enter a new house, conduct funeral rights, take the dead out of the house, erect prayer flags. roof the house, give away household wealth, and other important works.


Friday 10/28/05 Day of the Earth Rabbit

The elements of Earth and Fire make the day favorable to conduct rituals, till land, and name a village.

Not a favorable day to hold a celebration, construct new statues, consecrate new structures, perform rituals, wear new ornaments and clothes, marry, become a monk, enter a new house,, conduct funeral rights, take the dead out of the house, erect prayer flags. and venture on a
long journey.

I asked my colleague Dr Tshewang what a family must do if someone died last week. It has not been favorable to remove a dead person from the house for over a week. That could potentially create a problem. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules and ways to get around this. The obvious solution, remove the body out the back door head first (consult a lama first).

Although Friday is not a good day to venture on a long journey there are certain exceptions for international travel, especially when all the flights are booked. Unfortunately, we cannot stay here for the next two years waiting for an auspicious day to start our journey back to Fox Island. I believe we will be back here before the auspicious day drought ends as well. See you all soon after two days of R&R in Bangkok.