"Astrology Politics" in Burma

"Belief in superstition, numerology, astrology and the occult is deep and widespread in Myanmar" and "the generals are influenced in their decisions by astrology and portents," note Sudha Ramachandran and Swe Win — Instant karma in Myanmar. The authors observe that many Burmese believe that "[t]he sudden collapse of an ancient temple last month.... portends the fall of the repressive military regime that has ruled for nearly half a century."