or obtain help from various spirits. Local spirits are believed to inhabit a variety of objects, and shrines to them may be found in houses, in Buddhist temples, along roads, and in forests. Several types of supernatural entities are believed to exist; they make themselves known by means of inexplicable sounds or happenings. Among these phenomena are (ghosts), pret and (particularly nasty demons, the spirits of people who have died violent, untimely, or unnatural deaths), (evil spirits, usually female), (tutelary spirits residing in inanimate objects), (guardians of the house), (ancestral spirits), and (elf-like guardians of animals). All spirits must be shown proper respect, and, with the exception of the and , they can cause trouble ranging from mischief to serious life-threatening illnesses. An important way for living people to show respect for the spirits of the dead is to provide food for the spirits. If this food is not provided, the spirit can cause trouble for the offending person. For example, if a child does not provide food for the spirit of its dead mother, that spirit can cause misfortunes to happen to the child. Aid in dealing with the spirit world may be obtained from a (shaman or spirit practitioner), an (ritualist), (witch, sorcerer or sorceress), or a (medium, usually male). The is a kind of sorcerer who prepares charms and amulets to protect the wearer from harm. He can cure illnesses, find lost objects, and prepare magic potions. Traditionally, Cambodians have held strong beliefs about protective charms. Amulets are worn routinely by soldiers to ward off bullets, for example. The kru are believed to have the power to prepare an amulet and to establish a supernatural link between it and the owner. A kru may acquire considerable local prestige and power. Many kru are former Buddhist monks. Another kind of magical practitioner is the , a specialist in ritual. He may function as a kind of master of ceremonies at a and as a specialist in conducting spirit worship rituals connected with life-cycle ceremonies. are mediums who can be possessed by supernatural beings and communicate with the spirit world. The are sorcerers who cause illnesses. Fortunetellers and astrologers—haor teay—are important in Cambodian life. They are consulted about important decisions such as marriages, building a new house, or going on a long journey. They are believed to be able to foretell future events and to determine lucky or unlucky