Min Theinhka: An Astrologer's Career through the Lens of Biography

, a friend and I visited Mayantelin camp, north of Hmawbi. The friend had told me that Min Theinhka, the famous astrologer (baydin hsaya) who recently established this camp, was offering free food to any visitor, every Sunday. The area was increasingly popular amongst "religious" or "spiritual" specialists, who settled in this jungle due to the low land price and the accessibility of the spot. Monks of various types were living next to astrologers, and religious and ritual specialists, in a seemingly indiscriminate fashion. However, as soon as you entered Mayantelin, signs immediately warned that no astrological forecasting (baydin ho) could be expected from Min Theinhka, despite his reknown as an astrologer (baydin hsaya). Instead, he would dictate ritual procedures to resolve charms for free, a practice known as yadeya.