Cambodian soothsayers seek future in lunar eclipse

Aug 28, 2007
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodian soothsayers may have to resort to modern technology to read a lunar eclipse clouded by monsoon skies, but they are ready to catch a glimpse of the nation's future in its passing just the same.

Cambodian official Royal Palace astrologer In Borin said Tuesday he would be able to announce a prediction which may range from abundance to pestilence and impending disaster after the eclipse passes over Cambodia later this evening local time.

The prediction may have to come via cable television coverage, however, because storm clouds had gathered over the capital as evening drew closer.

'We are advising all Cambodians to burn candles and incense during the eclipse to help ensure that good luck and prosperity are drawn to the kingdom,' In Borin said.

He said the lunar eclipse, the second this year, could be ominous because other indicators, including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony earlier in the year - when what royal oxen eat is believed to predict the coming harvest - had been less than auspicious.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow across the moon's surface, sometimes turning the moon a blood-red colour.

Ministry of Culture undersecretary of state, Tauch Sarou, said Cambodians believe the key to predicting the future from an eclipse is in where the moon emerges from as the eclipse passes.

'The sun and moon come together like two relatives meeting who love each other. If the sun moves the moon from out of its mouth quickly, it means happiness, development and good harvest,' Sarou said.

'If the sun doesn't remove itself and the moon comes from the sun's stomach, Cambodians believe disaster and disease will follow.'

Borin and Sarun said if the eclipse does not appear favourable, a Buddhist ceremony will be held to try to avert the bad luck.

Cambodian tradition holds that eclipses are caused when a demon or deity called Rahu devours the moon.

Royal astrologer: Wives of high officials generally content during the year of the pig

Mrs. Bun Rany Hun Sen, wife of the highest ranking official in Cambodia.
Cambodians, especially women, can now feel at ease during the year of the pig as the Royal Palace soothsayer predicts that "wives of high officials [are] generally content" during this coming year. The soothsayer also predicts a good year for Cambodia's waitresses, this prediction should be welcomed by Cambodian beer-girls who have so far endured dire treatments from rich and powerful beer-garden patrons.

Apr 14, 2007
Cambodia grinds to a halt to welcome new Year of the Pig

DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia began three days of intense partying Saturday as people welcomed the new Year of the Pig and said goodbye to the Year of the Dog.

The goddess Mohatearak Devi, who sits astride the divine pig which will rule the heavens for the coming year, arrived just after midday, according to astrologers.

In between parties, games and traditional dances, Cambodians made traditional offerings of meats, fruits, incense and other delicacies of the goddess and prayed for good luck and good fortune for the coming year.

But Royal Palace astrologer Im Borin said the new year will bring some hardships, with a poor rice crop, stormy weather and a 'big problem in Phnom Penh' predicted in the coming months.

It will be a good year for women however, according to the venerable soothsayer, with the wives of high officials generally content and the nation's legion of waitresses in line for prosperity and property.

Although Khmers have recently adopted the practice of throwing powder and water from neighbouring Thailand, which also celebrates a lunar new year at this time, authorities have frowned on the practice, calling it 'un-Cambodian' and have warned it will not be tolerated throughout most of the capital.

However roads have been choked in recent days with Cambodians cramming onto public transport in an effort to reach their provincial family homes to celebrate the season with loved ones and friends, and the capital appeared largely deserted Saturday.

The three-day celebrations represent one of the most important social and religious events in the Cambodian calendar and the country grinds to a halt until next Tuesday, when the holiday officially ends.