A male New Zealander from Christchurch bought 2 captured ghosts stored in glass vials from TradeMe, a New Zealand auction website, for $NZ2,830 (RM6,644.25) on Monday night.
Christchurch woman, Avie Woodbury, an exorcist, who listed the ghosts for sale said they had been captured from her house.
The seller said one one the spirits is an old man named Les Graham, who lived in her house during the 1920s, and the other is a powerful and disruptive little girl, which was captured during a ouija board session. The ghosts have allegedly been kept inactive by putting them in holy water which dulls the ghosts' energy.
Apparently all proceeds from the auction will be donated to the SPCA.
The NST reported that Malaysians are losing millions to conmen bomoh and fortune tellers.
Last Year, there were 229 reported cases where RM9.9 million were cheated. In 2008, the 185 reported cases involved RM5.5 million in losses. The previous year, 140 cases involving losses amounting to RM4.2 million.
The police said in most cases the victims handed over their money willingly, hoping for a miracle cure to their problems or ailments.
These cases are classified under Section 420 of the Penal Code where offenders, if convicted, could be jailed between 1 and 10 years, whipped and fined.
Victims are usually conned by bomohs or fortune-tellers by convincing them to have certain rituals or prayers done to cure their illnesses or eliminate their problems - and these supernatural procedures cost money.
There are reports of black magic activities at a cemetery in Bukit Tunggal, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu.
The activities were discovered when witchcraft paraphernalia were found by villages during a gotong-royong at the cemetery. They found a white bundle containing soiled panties, pepper, rotten eggs, needles, lime and rice which are allegedly used in necromantic rites.
The practice of necromancy is still quite common in Malaysia of all races. Although the majority involved are 4D lottery punters seeking favorable draws, others practice this to obtain supernatural powers.
It is believed that there are still Malaysian businessmen, politicians and artistes who seek bomohs to obtain special favours for power, wealth and fame. For instance, the procedure called susukis reportedly popular with local artistes seeking career progression by supernatural means.
In the previous post, the feng shui aspect of the year of the Metal Tiger was explained by prominent feng shui masters. In the Malay Mail a few days ago, feng shui master Joey Yap revealed what the Tiger year means to you according to the Chinese zodiac. According to master Joey Yap, it will be a good year for those born in the year the Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Pig and OX. However, for people born under the zodiac signs of the Dragon, Monkey, Dog and Rat, it seems that the year of the Tiger will bring some challenges.
Listen to master Joey Yap on BFM 89.9 as he predicts what to expect in the Tiger year:
Listen also to what BFM 89.9 CLSA's Feng Shui Index Report says:
This year marks the year of the metal tiger in the Chinese zodiac. Some businesses are doing a roaring trade in tiger trinkets and merchandise. I predict a sharp surge in the sale of cats in pet shops similar to that of dogs during the dog year a few years back.
From the feng Shui point of view, this year of the metal tiger (also called the golden tiger), seems good.
Feng shui grandmaster Yap Cheng Haitold the Star recently, that the Metal Tiger ushers in a year of good prospects. It is a year of “thunder-fire abundance.
Grandmaster Yap Cheng Hai, one of Asia's top feng shui master, says thunder signifies prosperity and progressiveness, while fire symbolises brightness.
Grandmaster Yap Cheng Hai's son, Yap Boh Chu explained that the Golden Tiger years bring with it a time of "greatness and abundance". As this abundance will happen as sudden as the thunder, one must thus seize the moment as it presents itself.
Yap Boh Chu also adds that the year 2010 is the culmination of past efforts. All previous efforts done will bear fruit this year, according to him.
While Yap Jr. predicts more legal suits this year, Yap Sr. explains that earth related industries, such as those in timber and plantation will do well. Yap Cheng Hai also speculates good fortune for the electronics, beauty and education industries.
Yap Boh Chu however adds that the real estate and mining industries will remain static. He predicts more natural disasters involving volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Feng shui master Gan Wai Kwang says that earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions etc will happen sometime in April and August and among those countires to be affected are Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Africa, India, North-East of America, North-East of Canada, Australia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Feng shui master Wong Keen Ming also predicts a good finances year. But, unlike Yap Cheng Hai, he is pessimistic about the metal businesses such as those in electronics, telecommunications, banking, automobile and insurance.
Master Wong Keen Ming is more in favour of water-related businesses like shopping malls, transportation, fisheries, construction, import and export businesses, and automobile workshops as these businesses are more likely to do well.
This is not a good year to get married - no fu (meaning bitter and it also means tiger in Cantonese) marriages and tiger babies says feng shui master, Yap Jr.
Chinese zodiac expert, Ruth Q. Sun says that it is more compatible for those born in the year of the Tiger to marry those born in the year of the Horse, Dragon, Dog, Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Tiger, Goat, Rooster or Boar, but never a Snake or a Monkey
Datuk David Hew, co-founder of Visiber Sdn Bhd, a numerology based services company says that says that this year presents plenty of opportunities for changes in careers and personal relationships and it is the time for taking action.
Some people say Tiger beer and Maybank are estimated to see an increase in business. Tiger Woods is so expected to make a strong comeback this year.
Thousands have, over the years, flocked the Om Sakthi Sri Jada Muneesvarar Alayam temple in Happy Park, Kamunting, Taiping to touch the wild boars there, for good fortune.
The wild boars which congregate at the temple grounds are from the secondary jungle nearby. They feed on the food prepared for them by temple volunteers. The temple, popularly known as the "Lucky Wild Boar Temple", have attracted hundreds of visitors daily since news spread of many people winning the local empat ekor (4-digit lotteries - Magnum 4D, Sports Toto, and Damacai) draws.
According to folklore, the wild boars are specially protected by the deity of the temple and are said to have special powers to bring good luck to those who touch them.
Believers usually stretch out their hands through the wooden barricade holding either pieces of paper with numbers written on it, paper money or lottery tickets to rub on the wild boars. Some even pluck strands of hair from the boars to keep as lucky charms.
According to local residents, about 6 years ago, news began to spread about the temple when a local Chinese handyman, carrying out repair works at the temple, stroked the wild boars and won numerous empat ekor prizes.
There are a few pantang larang (prohibitions) when at the temple, one of which is that visitors cannot refer to the wild boars as 'boars' or "pigs" in their presence, but must refer to them as "ah-maa" or chant “Ba, babababa…”
Harian Metro reported that the National Sports Council hostel in Bukit Jalil is under attack by supernatural beings.
Approximately 400 athletes and coaches had apparently experienced the phenomena of spirit possessions and disturbances while asleep including computers mysteriously being switched on at night.
One athlete claimed that she was possessed by a spirit and was pinned to the wall, then as she screamed loudly, she fainted. She only regained consciousness with the assistance of an ustaz.
An official from National Sports Council admitted that these cases had been occurring since the complex opened in 1996, however the intensity of these attacks have increased over the past couple of months.
The area under supernatural attack is now sealed with Islamic protective spells for 3 nights in a row from last Saturday with the help of Islamic healing centre Darul Syifa.
Mahinda Rajapakse and Sarath Fonseka during better times
Although Sri Lanka has ended its 37-year civil war the in today's presidential election, fortune tellers and astrologers still play a large part in the countries' politics.
Apparently the decision to call the snap election, the exact date of voting and the emergence of opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka is the result of astrologers' advise.
Astrologers' forecasts are accepted as more reliable than the more conventional methods of gauging the poll results.
In this superstitious country many politicians have personal astrologers and all events are seen to be determined by the planets.
The national parliament has its sessions at times times dictated by astrology .
There was a case where former president, Ranasinghe Premadasa, even used air force helicopters to sprinkle blessed soil over key cities. He also used psychics to ward off an impeachment against him in 1991. However, his fortune tellers could didn't predict that he would be assassinated without warning in a suicide bombing in May 1993.
The Sri Lankan military is also known to have launched attacks against the Tamil Tigers at auspicious times decided by astrologers rather than military strategists.
In this presidential contest, President Mahinda Rajapakse, a lawyer by profession, is standing against his former army chief and close friend Sarath Fonseka with whom he defeated the country's Tamil Tiger rebels last year, ending their 37-year battle for a Tamil homeland in Sri Lanka.
However the friendship was strained after a Buddhist monk and respected astrologer predicted that Sarath Fonseka was going through a "raaja yoga", which means a sign of "great things" usually seen in the astrological chart of a statesmen.
Rumours say that Mahinda Rajapakse's government saw Sarath Fonseka, who is regarded as a national hero after the war, as a threat, as he could successfully pull off a coup given his powerful celestial position and popularity.
Sarath Fonseka then quit as head of the armed forces in November and entered politics, saying that the government suspects him of mutiny and has moved to sideline him.
Mahinda Rajapakse decided to call the presidential election 2 years earlier before the end of his term relying on several astrological predictions saying that January 26 2010 is the most favourable date for him should the poll be held.
On Sunday, the opposition warned that Mahinda Rajapakse's United People's Freedom Alliance is preparing a state-backed coup to keep themselves in power should they lose the election.
Both sides appear to have soothsayers on their side predicting their win.
In Asia, it is not uncommon for leaders to rely on the supernatural to regulate their lives and the fortunes of their countries on the basis of superstitious beliefs.
In Malaysia, local politicians consult bomohs to obtain advantages against their adversaries when the party or general election looms close.
The local newspapers are filled of stories pertaining to the deadly cleansing ritual that cause the death of 2 family members.
2 of 3 family members charged with the death of a couple during a exorcism ritual on 1st Oct last year, were sentenced by the HIgh Court to 10 years jail while the other was ordered to undergo treatment at Hospital Bahagia in Tanjung Rambutan.
Muhammad Ilyas, Muhammad Fauzi and Muhammad Nizam were jointly charged with causing the deaths of Mohd Ibrahim Kader Mydin, 48, and Rosina S.M. Mydin Pillay, 42, (Muhammad Nizam’s parents and Muhammad Ilyas's uncle and aunt) at 57C Blok A, Flat Seri Sarawak, Jalan Kenanga, in 2008.
The 3 apparently practised the teachings of Abuya Ashaari, whom they believe have the ability to raise the dead. Abuya Ashaari used to head outlawedreligious sect Al-Arqam (which is now called Rufaqa).
In the current case, 7 family members were allegedly beaten up in a ''cleansing ritual''.
During the trial, Muhammad Ilyas told court that he had hit his uncle and aunt to death with a motorcycle helmet and piece of wood to cleanse them of the jin (evil spirits) in them.
Muhammad Ilyas told the court that he had no intention of killing the couple. He hit them because could see that there were many evil spirits in his house and in the bodies of all his family members which he had to chase away to prevent the jin harming the family.
Muhammad Ilyas also said after the house had been cleaned of the blood spots, he ordered Muhammad Fauzi to pour hot water over his aunt's an uncle's body in attempt to revive them.
Sofiah Mohd Ibrahim, 22, and her aunt Sairah Banu Sultan, 45, who witnessed the event told the court that they allowed themselves to be hit, slapped and kicked because they were hypnotised and were not fully conscious of what was happening.
Sin Chew reported last year that a “burning fireball” in the sky was seen at Balik Pulau, Penang.
Apparently residents of Kuala Sungai Pinang and Sungai Rusa started gathering around the oil palm estate following rumours of the UFO sighting. They kept on looking up at the night sky, waiting to catch a glimpse of the UFO.
A “fireball” was then seen moving up and down above a coconut tree. This sight got everyone shouting which caused a few young men to rush to the location on their motorcycles to witness for themselves.
The above video, however, was recorded recently in Batu Ferringhi by someone calling himself "Penang Chai". He captured the phenomena using his hand phone while he and his girlfriend witnessed the "dancing lights" in the sky that night. What do you think ?
The Star recently reported claims of an ancient Chinese bowl, inherited by an ex-government servant from Kampong Seberang Jerteh, Terengganu, having supernatural powers including being able to cure erectile dysfunction.
70 year old Mohd Nor Daud (picture above) says that he believe that the bowl was given to his ancestors by traders from China. The Bowl is estimated to be of 16th century. He learned of its magical powers from his father who died years ago.
Mohd Nor Daud claims that the bowl can change seawater into freshwater safe for drinking if the water was kept in the bowl for 8 hours.
He claimed that illnesses like impotence can be cured by drinking the water from the bowl.
Another claim is that cooked food can be kept for days without refrigeration and won't go bad if kept in the bowl.
Further, those who intend to lift the bowl, according to Mohd Nor Daud, must clean their hands thoroughly. If not, they will not be able to lift the relic.
Last year, Indra Ningsih, an Indonesian maid, was charged in Hong Kong for allegedly adding menstrual blood into her Hong Kong employer's food in an attempt to improve her difficult working environment.
The 26 year old Indonesian maid believed that the vegetable recipe she prepared, with her menstrual blood as an ingredient, would improve her strained relationship with her employer.
She was however caught in the act by her lady boss before she could proceed with her plan...
Some southeast Asian cultures believe that virginal fluids, including menstrual blood, have special supernatural powers and is commonly used by individuals and witch doctors in rituals.
In Malaysia, a somewhat related recipe is called nasi kang kang. According to Malay folklore, a woman who feeds her husband or boy friend with nasi kang kang can have absolute control over him.
It is a very easy recipe to follow - no advanced cooking skills are required. You just need patience. The female must squat (kang kang), without panties, over a pot of steaming hot rice (nasi) until the steam condenses at her muff and thighs. The condensed sweat and virginal fluids are then allowed to drip into the pot of rice. The fluids are then mixed thoroughly with the rice and served to the clueless man together with his favorite dishes.
There are many variants to this method. Some people say that it works only if done during a full moon, while others say that a full moon is not necessary.
Some women have reportedly improvised this recipe successfully by using claypot chicken rice. This method is useful for busy career women - just tar pau (take away) the claypot chicken rice from a shop and do the kang kang at home. Mix the damn thing up and serve it to the man.
No need to keep a pet dog, just get a man. A man can be just as obedient after eating nasi kang kang.
Caution: Nasi kang kang doesn't work on all men. If it doesn't work on him, then something bad will happen to you. Take note of this warning.
17 year old Ram Bahadur Bamjan, some believe to be a reincarnation of the Buddha, has made a new appearance after more than a year in the forest.
Thousands of devotees have flocked to see Ram Bahadur Bamjan after he appeared a few months ago preaching in a temple in Ratanpur, Kathmandu, Tibet.
According to reports the whole jungle area where he has appeared has turned into a festival and approximately 10,000 pilgrims turned up.
While many are convinced that he is the reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, born in about 560BC, who later became revered as the Buddha, there are some who have expressed doubts.
Critics alleged that he is a fraud and is out to make money. They say in his past appearances thousands of pounds were collected from devotees. A French journalist had also filmed Ram Bahadur Bamjan eating while supposedly on a fast. There are also reports of him sleeping while he was supposed to be meditating.
Kuo Chang-hsi the 65-year-old swordmaker from Taiwan uses human bones to make swords.
Kuo Chang-hsi, the swordmaker for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, uses the ancient Chinese technique of adding human bones to the fire in which he forges the swords.
According to the Kuo, this technique fills the swords with "spirit". Apparently in ancient China, a good sword was made by burning a whole man in the furnace, instead of just his bones.
From what the swordmaker said, I can assume that if you use the bones of a cowardly man, your sword wont be filled with a brave and powerful spirit as compared to using the bones of a courageous warrior.
Although the swordmaker didn't say anything about using the bones of animals to make swords, I would imagine that the same principle applies. For instance, if you use the bones of a tiger, it should make the sword ferocious as it will be instilled with the spirit of the tiger. Is this the reason why some Asian men eat tiger meat ? - to instill the tiger's spirit in them (i.e. their little "swords" in their trousers) ?
So if a man likes eating bak kut teh, then you'll know the quality of his "sword".
Sadly the swordsman didn't mention anything about how to improve the quality of your manly sword by what to eat.
Sin Chew recently reported that a "big headed elf" was spotted in Kenigau, Sabah. Elves (singular Elf) are believed to be divine or semi-divine beings having magical powers which they can either use to help or harm mankind. Elves in this part of the world are similar to what the locals call orang bunian.
The picture of the big headed elf was captured by a Sabah Foundation officer. He claimed that the picture was inadvertently captured when he was taking random pictures of a construction site with his hand phone.
In the picture, the elf appears to be near a 60 year old fig tree riding on a dog's neck.
The local Dusun people called the fig tree the 'Death Tree' and sacrificial chicken or swine are often offered in front of the tree by the community.
It is believed that the construction might have “disturbed” the spirits occupying the area.
Although local elves usually inhabit the forests, some are known to live neartheKampungs. According to folklore, these spirits exist in large communities, similar to human social structures, with families and clans.
A Malay tabloid reported that a 19 year old Casanova called "Shafiq" is at large sweet talking teenage chubby girls into giving him money and then leaving them stranded.
Shafiq, unemployed, apparently uses social networking website Myspace to seek out his victims. He is known to target only chubby or plump girls between the ages of 18 to early 20s. It is believed that upon persuading the girls to meet him offline, he charms them by giving them a jade necklace charged with black magic spells, to wear.
According to the news report, once the girl wears the jade necklace, she is powerless to resist Shafiq's requests.
A mermaid, the mythological aquatic creature with a human head and torso but a tail of a fish, was apparently found dead at the Pulau Balambangan beach, in Kudat, Sabah.
According to rumours, the mermaid (above) died at sea and was washed ashore because of the recent earthquake that hit Indonesia's West Sumatra. Some even ventured to speculate that the mermaid came from Pulau Mantanani (aka Mermaid Island) in Sabah.
There was a similar story 3 years ago where a mermaid was apparently found dead in Teluk Bahang, Penang. Read and see pics of the Teluk Bahang Mermaid.
Local Malay tabloid, Kosmo ! reported that several sacks containing ancient treasures such as gold bangles, chains, earrings, parangs and other valuables, had supernaturally surfaced from the ground behind the house of 65 year old Hamidah Bakar.
Hamidah, from Kampung Muhibah, Tapah, Perak, turned amateur treasure hunter when an Indonesian acquintence told her, sometime in December 2004, about the buried treasures at the back of her house.
Hamdiah explained that the Indonesian man acted as a medium and he required 6 others to participate in the ritual to cause the treasures to surface from the ground supernatually.
The ritual which lasted for 20 minutes after Maghrib prayers was participated by the 7 people including herself. They sat in a circle at the place where the treasures where ment to surface and chanted special prayers while the Indonesian medium led the ritual. The treasures were then gathered and put into several sacks, explained Hamdiah.
One of the 7 participants, Kamaluddin Mohd. Zain, 70, (picture above) confirmed that no black magic has been used for this process.
Historian Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Khoo Kay Kim, when asked about the treasures, said that it may have belonged to an ancient ruler of that area.
According to a National Museum curator, anyone who finds any old artefacts or treasures, in this country, must declare the findings with the National Heritage Department. Upon determining its value, the finder will be given an appropriate percentage of it. Failure to make such declaration, however, attracts a fine up to RM50,000 or jailed up to 5 years, or both.
The pic is for illustration only
