Things to avoid based on the day of the twelve Buddhist zodiac animals

“La Za” “Sog Za” and “She’ Za” are Good Day, Soul Day and Bad Day respectively.

La Za (Life Day) – A good day for the Buddhist zodiac sign in the week. It is considered as an auspicious day for the yearly animal

Sog Za (Soul Day) – Rimdros (rituals for oneself) are conducted on this day for the Buddhist Zodiac sign. Sog Za, known as the Soul Day multiplies the virtuous deed done on that particular day.

Shey Za (Enemy Day) – An inauspicious day for the Buddhist Zodiac sign.

Days

Days are known as “Za” in Bhutan. Every day plays a significant role in the daily life of a Bhutanese. 

Days for the Twelve Animal Zodiac

On different days starting from the 1st month, each day is marked by a certain zodiac sign. Each of the twelve animals is counted successively just as the dates are counted. After twelve days, the cycle continued from the first animal sign once again. For example, the first day of the first month is a Tiger’s day, the second day will be the Rabbit and it goes on to make a complete 12 cycle and return to the Tiger. 

Now that you know what is your animal zodiac based on your year of birth, your personality, your compatibility with others, it is also important to understand when is an auspicious or inauspicious day for your zodiac.

Bhutanese often consult the Buddhist astrologers before embarking on any major milestone in their lives to avoid any potential downfall. At a national level, a recent major event is when Bhutan specifically chose the auspicious date of March 27, 2021 — to avoid the inauspicious month between Feb 14 and Mar 13 — to conduct the nationwide vaccination campaign after consulting the central monastic body. 

Similarly, on a personal level, Bhutanese try to avoid certain activities on certain days. 

Below are some examples of activities to be avoided

On the day of the Mouse, one should avoid casting lots such as rolling of dice at the Lhakhang (temple).

On the day of the Ox, one should avoid hoisting prayer flags.

On the day of the Tiger, one should avoid appealing to deities.

On the day of the Rabbit, one should avoid any gambling activity.

On the day of the Dragon, one should avoid irrigating your fields.

On the day of the Snake, one should avoid the starting of the construction of your house.

On the day of the Horse, one should avoid any reconciliation of business.

On the day of the Sheep, one should avoid getting a fortune.

On the day of the Monkey, one should avoid visiting a barber.

On the day of the Rooster, one should avoid investing money for any activity or sowing of seeds.

On the day of the Dog, one should avoid travelling long distances.

On the day of the Pig, one should avoid rites and rituals for the prosperity of oneself.

Note: The Bhutanese Calendar doubles a date or misses a date. However, the animals are calculated continuously despite the Bhutanese calendar. 

For example, if the date is 3, 4, 6 and 7 where 5 is missing, the animal is counted continuously. Even if the day is 11, 12, 13, 13 and 14, the counting of the day of the animal is yet again not disturbed.

The La Za, Sog Za and Shey Za for the zodiac signs

Find out what are some other interesting Bhutanese beliefs and superstitions.

P/S: Today is the day of the dog, be safe on the road if you are planning to travel long distances.