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.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur 
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