Cambodian astrologers can read your psychological profile and even predict future scenarios of possible romantic coupling

When destiny calls, young lovers split
Written by Mom Kunthear and Brendan Brady
Friday, 30 May 2008

Romantic plans put on hold as clairvoyants warn of unholy matrimony


Sat Sovann's heart has been broken since 2003, when the woman he hoped
to marry dumped him because of a fortune teller's gloomy prediction
about their future together.

"My girlfriend believed the fortune teller when she said I would
betray her if we married," said Sovann, a 25-year-old English teacher
at the Asean International School in Phnom Penh.

"I cannot forget it because she was my first love and no one can
replace her. I am still suffering."

Astrology's once powerful grip over the Kingdom has loosened
considerably as Cambodians, particularly those belonging to the better-
educated post-war generation, turn away from traditions that once
dictated the decisions of their more superstitious elders.

But fortune tellers still exert considerable influence as informal
relationship counselors and many unquestioningly heed their warnings,
said Phan Chanpeou, a professor of psychology at the Royal University
of Phnom Penh.

"The words of fortune tellers still have a strong impact on marriage
in Cambodia," he said.

Take, for instance, Phat Samphy's bid to marry his sweetheart, which
ended abruptly when a soothsayer predicted death for the couple if
they married.

"The girl I love told me her parents asked a fortune teller about us
and they said we couldn't marry because of our different astrological
signs," said Samphy, 27, a student at Human Resource University.

However, while fortune tellers remain pivotal arbiters in matters of
love, Chanpeou pointed out that some independent-minded Cambodians are
less willing to swallow completely their often dire predictions.

"Before my girlfriend and I wed, we went to a fortune teller who said
one of us would die if we married," said Yen Kunthea, 24, an employee
at the FCC in Siem Reap.

"My parents tried to stop us from marrying but I went against them and
now my wife and I live together happily," he said.


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I cannot forget it because she was my first love and no one can
replace her. I am still suffering.

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"We should not believe in superstitions more than we believe in our
own hearts.... In the end, we spend our lives with the person we love,
not with fortune tellers."

Sok Pongsa Metry, a 25-year-old software developer, was also adamant
with his girlfriend that they would not consult a fortune teller about
their wedding plans, saying that the words of a stranger should not
influence their decision.

But he said that while the younger generation is increasingly likely
to shun fortune tellers, parents still use them because they find
their prognostications about their children's future reassuring.

Even for some young people, the tradition of consulting a fortune
teller is a hard one to break.

Ham Davy, a fortune teller who dispenses advice in front of Wat
Onalom, said about five or six young people see her each day to ask
about their future with their loved one.

"I'm not sure how I affect them," the 65-year-old said. "I know only
my predictions."

Sam Vannak, 45, a fortune teller who operates in front of the Royal
Palace, has no doubt about the value of his advice to couples planning
to wed.

"It is very important for them to see a fortune teller before they get
married because they need to know if they will be compatible," he
said, adding that about ten young people came each day to consult him
about their love lives.

"I know my predictions are true because I believe in myself," said
Vannak, who has 40 years' experience in the business.
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