30 Wuku Quick Cards — Swipe, Save, Remember


Your comprehensive guide to mastering the Javanese calendar is now easier with wuku flashcards. These wuku flashcards provide clear explanations for each week, helping you remember the cycles effortlessly. Using the wuku flashcards, you can study the calendar at your own pace and connect more deeply with Javanese traditions. With wuku flashcards in hand, exploring the rhythms of the Pawukon becomes both simple and enjoyable.

By Ky Tutur, Javanese Culturalist •

Ever felt overwhelmed trying to learn the Javanese Wuku cycle? Wuku flashcards make this process much easier, breaking down each of the 30 wuku into digestible pieces. Using wuku flashcards, you can connect each wuku to its god, tree, bird, and characteristics without feeling lost. With wuku flashcards, beginners can climb the learning curve smoothly, turning a complex system into an enjoyable study. Keep practicing with wuku flashcards, and the rich, beautiful wisdom of the Wuku cycle becomes clear and memorable.

What if you could learn them all, not in months, but in a matter of weeks? What if you had a tool that made remembering each Wuku’s meaning as easy as flipping a card?

That’s precisely why we created this guide and the accompanying printable Wuku flashcards. This isn’t just another list of names. It’s a practical, hands-on system designed to help you internalize the wisdom of the Pawukon calendar, one card at a time. Forget the struggle; it’s time to swipe, save, and remember.

The Pawukon Calendar: More Than Just Days and Weeks

Before we dive into the wuku flashcards, let’s build a clear foundation. The Wuku cycle is part of the larger Pawukon calendar, and wuku flashcards help you grasp its structure step by step. This unique 210-day cycle, formed from overlapping weeks like Saptawara, Sadwara, and Pancawara, becomes easier to understand with wuku flashcards. By using wuku flashcards, you can see how the 30 Wuku interact with each weekly rhythm, making the master cycle clear and approachable.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar which tracks the sun, or the Hijri calendar tracking the moon, the Pawukon is a numerological and cosmic system. Its primary purpose isn’t just timekeeping; it’s a guide for understanding the energetic quality of each day. It’s a cornerstone of primbon, the Javanese book of divination and esoteric knowledge, used to determine everything from a person’s character based on their birth date (*weton*) to auspicious days for weddings, planting crops, or building a house.

A diagram illustrating the interconnected cycles of the Javanese Pawukon calendar, showing the Wuku cycle at its core.
The Pawukon calendar is a complex system of interlocking cycles, each with its own spiritual meaning.

The Mythological Origin: The Tale of Prabu Watugunung

The Wuku cycle itself is rooted in a fascinating and cautionary myth. The story goes that there was a powerful king named Prabu Watugunung. He unknowingly married his own mother, Dewi Sinta. His other mother, Dewi Landep, aware of the incestuous union, prayed to the gods for intervention.

When Watugunung waged war against the heavens, he was ultimately defeated by Batara Wisnu. Watugunung, his two wives, and his 27 sons were all killed in the conflict. To commemorate this tragic event and to serve as a reminder for humanity, the gods immortalized all 30 of them as the names of the Wuku weeks, in order. The cycle begins with **Sinta**, moves to **Landep**, and ends with **Watugunung**, the king himself, representing the final, most calamitous week of the cycle.

A wayang kulit puppet representing Prabu Watugunung, the mythological king for whom the Wuku cycle is named.
The tragic tale of King Watugunung forms the mythological basis for the 30 Wuku.

The Challenge: From Information Overload to Effortless Recall

Reading a list of 30 wuku meanings is one thing; committing them to memory is another. This is where active recall, a learning technique proven by cognitive science, becomes invaluable. Instead of passively reading, you actively test yourself. Our Wuku study cards are designed for exactly this purpose.

Your Complete & Detailed Guide to the 30 Wuku

Here is the core information you will find on your printable flashcards, expanded with the key symbolic elements for a deeper understanding. We’ve distilled the essence of each Wuku to make it memorable.

1. Sinta

Patron God: Batara Yamadipati. Character: Regal and beautiful, loves luxury and praise. Can be jealous and possessive. Represents charm that can lead to downfall if not managed.

2. Landep

Patron God: Batara Mahadewa. Character: Sharp-minded (‘Landep’ means sharp), diligent, and a skilled provider. A natural protector who enjoys solitude and works tirelessly. Can be blunt.

3. Wukir

Patron God: Batara Mahayekti. Character: Wise and respected, like a mountain (‘Wukir’). A natural leader and source of guidance. Can be stubborn but is highly honorable.

An intricate illustration from a Javanese primbon manuscript, showing the symbols associated with a specific wuku flashcards.
Primbon manuscripts contain detailed illustrations of each Wuku’s symbolic attributes.

4. Kuranthil

Patron God: Batara Langsur. Character: Cautious, responsible, and often underestimated. They are hardworking and reliable but can be anxious or fearful.

5. Tolu

Patron God: Batara Bayu. Character: Strong, influential, and loves to travel. Has a powerful presence and a persuasive nature, but can be restless.

6. Gumbreg

Patron God: Batara Cakra. Character: Humble, compassionate, and deeply loved by others. Lacks ambition for power but is a source of comfort and kindness.

7. Warigalit

Patron God: Batara Asmara. Character: Charming, eloquent, and popular. Good at winning people over but can be inconsistent and prone to changing their mind.

8. Warigagung

Patron God: Batara Maharesi. Character: Grand, intelligent, and talented, but can be arrogant. Has great potential for success if they remain humble.

9. Julungwangi

Patron God: Batara Sambu. Character: Sensitive, artistic, and emotionally driven. They are drawn to beauty but can be possessive and easily hurt.

10. Sungsang

Patron God: Batara Gana (Ganesha). Character: Introverted and can hold deep grudges. Often feels like an outsider, but possesses deep wisdom and guards a sensitive heart.

11. Galungan

Patron God: Batara Kamajaya. Character: Brave, assertive, and desires to be the leader. Seeks to conquer challenges and can be restless and competitive.

12. Kuningan

Patron God: Batara Indra. Character: Associated with wealth and luxury (‘Kuningan’ means brass). Can be aloof and materialistic but also generous.

13. Langkir

Patron God: Batara Kala. Character: Strong-willed, powerful, and fiercely protective of their family. A commanding presence that should not be crossed.

14. Mandasiya

Patron God: Batara Brama. Character: Patient and guarded, but has a fiery temper when provoked. It is wise to stay on their good side.

15. Julungpujut

Patron God: Batara Guritna. Character: Trustworthy and keeps secrets well. A reliable confidant, though they may appear distant or unemotional.

16. Pahang

Patron God: Batara Tantra. Character: Clever, resourceful, and good with their hands. An intelligent and capable individual who can find solutions to problems.

17. Kuruwelut

Patron God: Batara Wisnu. Character: Gentle and adaptable, but needs support from others to thrive. Kind-hearted but can be easily influenced.

18. Marakeh

Patron God: Batara Suranggana. Character: Generous, skilled in many areas, and loves to help others. A multi-talented individual with a strong sense of community.

19. Tambir

Patron God: Batara Siwa. Character: Cunning and intelligent, but can be lazy. Has great potential but needs motivation to apply themselves.

20. Medangkungan

Patron God: Batara Basuki. Character: Honest and strong in character, but can be rigid and uncompromising. A person of integrity and firm principles.

21. Maktal

Patron God: Batara Sakri. Character: Brave and beloved by many. Has a strong heart, the courage to face difficulties, and inspires loyalty.

22. Wuye

Patron God: Batara Kuwera. Character: Compassionate and generous, but often taken advantage of. Has a deep well of empathy and can be overly trusting.

23. Manahil

Patron God: Batara Citragotra. Character: Artistic, good with words, and a smooth talker. Can be deceitful if not careful, using their charm for selfish ends.

24. Prangbakat

Patron God: Batara Bisma. Character: Wise, skilled in strategy, and a natural protector. Possesses both intelligence and physical strength, a warrior-scholar.

25. Bala

Patron God: Batara Durga. Character: Independent and daring, often to the point of recklessness. Prone to misfortune if not cautious, associated with calamities (‘Bala’).

26. Wugu

Patron God: Batara Singajalma. Character: Intelligent and well-liked, but can be unlucky in some aspects. Must be careful with decisions and avoid arrogance.

27. Wayang

Patron God: Batari Sri. Character: Graceful, nurturing, artistic, and associated with prosperity and comfort. A fortunate Wuku that brings blessings.

28. Kulawu

Patron God: Batara Sadana. Character: Diligent, meticulous, and good at managing finances. A reliable, trustworthy, and hardworking individual.

29. Dhukut

Patron God: Batara Sakri. Character: Hardworking and strong, accomplishing tasks through sheer effort and persistence. A symbol of resilience.

30. Watugunung

Patron God: Batara Anantaboga & Batari Nagagini. Character: The final Wuku, a time of reckoning. Associated with stubbornness, downfall, and chaos. An unlucky week for major events.

How to Use Your Printable Wuku Flashcards Study Cards

Ready to start learning? Here’s a simple, effective method:

  1. Download and Print: Get the PDF file below. Print it on thick paper or cardstock for durability.
  2. Cut Them Out: Cut along the lines to create your 30 individual flashcards.
  3. Daily Review: Spend 10-15 minutes each day going through the stack.
  4. Create Piles: As you learn, separate the cards into two piles: “Mastered” and “Needs Review.” Focus more of your energy on the second pile.
  5. Integrate with Other Knowledge: As you become more confident, try to connect the Wuku to their corresponding days in the 7-day week and their Neptu values. (For a refresher, check out our Neptu Cheat Sheet PDF).

This simple process transforms a daunting task into a manageable daily habit.

Download Your Free Printable Wuku Flashcards

Inside the PDF, you’ll get:

  • ✔️ 30 beautifully designed, minimalist flashcards.
  • ✔️ One Wuku per card for focused learning.
  • ✔️ Key information: Wuku name, Patron God, and core meaning.
  • ✔️ A printer-friendly format to save you ink.


Download Now (PDF)

Beyond Memorization: Living with the Wuku

Learning the names is just the first step. The true value lies in applying this ancient knowledge. By understanding the character of each Wuku, you can begin to see the world through a different lens. You can:

  • Understand Yourself and Others: Looking up your birth Wuku in a primbon can offer fascinating insights into your innate character, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Plan with Intention: Knowing the quality of a Wuku can help you align your actions with the energy of the time. For example, avoiding major new beginnings during Watugunung or harnessing the diligent energy of Landep for starting a new project.
  • Deepen Your Cultural Appreciation: This knowledge is a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of Javanese ceremonies, literature, and philosophy. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbud), preserving this kind of local wisdom (kearifan lokal) is vital for cultural identity.

The Wuku cycle is a living tradition, and these wuku flashcards make it easy to explore its wisdom. With the wuku flashcards, you can learn each week’s meaning and significance at your own pace. Using the wuku flashcards, the ancient rhythm of the Pawukon becomes clear and accessible. Start your journey with the wuku flashcards today and let this timeless system enrich your understanding of Javanese culture.