Yes. There is the famous example of how Christopher Columbus impressed the Natives with his forecast of a solar eclipse on February 29, 1504.According to William Calvin's book 'How the Shaman Stole the Moon' Columbus's fourth voyage to the New World had put up for repairs in Jamaica and although the Natives were initially cooperative, they eventually began to distance themselves from the foreigners and ceased helping with providing food. Columbus used his almanac which told of a lunar eclipse on that date and apparently with some drama, impressed the Natives with his control of celestial matters. The food supplies began to start coming soon after Columbus had told the Natives the end of the eclipse was their confirmation that The Almighty had pardoned their actions.
Copyright (C) 1997 Dr. Sten Odenwald
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