Cuban "babalawo" Lazaro Cuesta. AFP PHOTO

The babalawos, or priests, issued their annual predictions for Cuba and the world Tuesday but declined to speculate about the health of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who has not appeared in public since giving up power in July to recover from intestinal surgery.

"The outlook before us is a little gloomy," babalawo Lazaro Cuesta said in a news conference announcing the "Letter for the Year" issued by the priests, whose Santeria religion has its roots in Africa's Yoruba faith.

"When one does not leave his place at the right time, one runs the risk that unpredictable things take place," Cuesta said.

"Despite an apparent tranquility," he added, 2007 "speaks of a possible plot, military interventions and the breakup of agreements."

Babalawo Victor Betancourt had words of advice for Castro's doctors, whose 80-year-old patient has yet to make a public appearance since handing power to his brother Raul on July 31 while he recovers from surgery.

"The doctors treating this case must watch for any infection and maintain the neurological health," Bentancourt said, adding that the "greatest care" should be taken to avoid "future complications."

Betancourt also foresaw a possible "economic opening" in communist-ruled Cuba thanks to a rise in imports and food supplies.

The deity, or "orisha," ruling over 2007 is "Oshosi," a god of war who "collaborates with his brother by giving him the necessary help," according to the "Letter for the Year."

Santeria was brought to Cuba by African slaves and has many followers among the island's 11 million people.