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Science & Astrology in China and Japan: Techniques and the Reading of Horoscopes in the Medieval Period

On 6 of February in Lisbon, Dr. Jeffrey Kotyk will offer a workshop on Science and Astrology in China and Japan. It will address the history and transmission of Indo-Iranian astrology to East Asia.
Free participation but registration required. Email: theastraproject@gmail.com.

February 6, 2023, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Science & Astrology in China and Japan: Techniques and the Reading of Horoscopes in the Medieval Period

On 6 of February in Lisbon, Dr. Jeffrey Kotyk will offer a workshop on Science and Astrology in China and Japan. It will address the history and transmission of Indo-Iranian astrology to East Asia.
Free participation but registration required. Email: theastraproject@gmail.com.

Indian and later Indo-Iranian astrology was introduced into China starting from around the seventh century CE. Basic understanding of lunar mansions and the seven-day week were integrated into Buddhism, but sometime around the year 800, the art of horoscopy was fully translated into Chinese. The reading of horoscopes became popular amongst scholars, Buddhist monks, and Daoist priests. A variety of texts dealing with astrology are preserved from this period. Japanese monks also brought back with them the Chinese form of horoscopy. In the late tenth century we see the tradition of Sukuyōdō emerge, in which Buddhist monks functioned as astrologers. The presentation will give an overview of the history of astrology in East Asia while also surveying some of the important techniques used in the reading of horoscopes.

February 6, 2023, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

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