Each Animal in the Tibetan Zodiac has a predetermined set of three qualities:
– vitality,
– fortune,
– life-soul.
For example, Dragon’s vitality is Earth, fortune – Wood, and life-soul – Fire; Monkey’s vitality is Metal, fortune – Wood, life-soul – Earth; and so on.
Strength (Wang thang) is defined according to the Element of the year. For example, the ruling Element of 1952 and 1953 was Water. Accordingly, the Wang thang of an individual, who was born in 1952 or in 1953, is Water.
Finally, the Element of the body (Lü) is determined depending on the Wang thang Element and the Animal. For example, a person born in 1952 (Water Dragon) will have Water as a body Element.
Calculating favorability of the coming year
To predict how favorable the coming year will be, Tibetans compare Elements for the coming year with natal Elements. There are six degrees of favorability of the interaction of Elements:
– If the Element for the year produces the natal Element (for example, Metal – Water), it is excellent, it is ○○○(three white stones).
– If the natal Element controls the Element for the year (for example, Fire – Metal), it is very good, it is ○○(two white stones).
– If the natal Element (Earth or Water) coincides with the Element for the year, it is good, it is ○ (one white stone).
– If the natal Element produces the Element for the year (for example, Earth – Metal), it is neutral, it is ○● (one white stone and one black stone).
– If the natal Element (Wood, Fire, or Metal) coincides with the Element for the year, it is not good, it is ● (one black stone).
– If the Element for the year controls the natal Element (for example, Metal – Wood), it is bad, it is ●● (two black stones).