About Dorje
Meditator · Serpent painter · Astrologer
A life of practice,
ink, and stars.
Dorje Kirsten is a meditator, serpent painter, and professional astrologer based in Portland, Oregon. His work brings contemplative practice into conversation with art and the symbolic language of the heavens.
A Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner for more than thirty years, Dorje was authorized by his teacher Lama Padma Dorje to teach meditation in 2001. Meditation remains a foundation of his painting and astrological work.
He learned the single brush stroke serpent tradition from his grandfather, Roshi Richard Daiensai Kirsten. Before painting, he chants the Heart Sutra. He creates each serpent while the Moon or Sun is in the constellation Serpens and marks it with the Asian zodiac year in which it was painted.
A professional astrologer since 2006, Dorje combines traditional techniques, modern interpretation, and contemplative insight. His consultations explore questions of direction, relationship, vocation, and meaning.