Japanese Buddhist Astrology and Astral Magic: Mikkyō and Sukuyōdō

This study investigates the sources of Japanese Buddhist astrology and astral magic while also examining their later developments, arguing that a significant amount of such arts actually originated in the Near East. Two types of Buddhist astrology are identified: “Mikkyō Astrology,” which was primarily used to determine auspicious days for rituals in Shingon and Tendai, and Sukuyōdō, the sole Japanese tradition to practice horoscopy. The role of astral magic within these Buddhist traditions is furthermore examined, with a particular focus on the Japanese reception of icons that in large part originated from Iranian sources that had been earlier received in Tang China. Finally, this study attempts to demonstrate the larger cultural significance of Buddhist astrology in medieval Japanese society.