Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Fortune-telling is not a new phenomenon. It has been practiced for thousands of years, across different cultures and civilizations, as a way of understanding the past, present, and future. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day Russia, people have used various methods and tools to divine their destiny, such as astrology, palmistry, numerology, tarot, runes, crystals, and more. But how did fortune-telling evolve from a local tradition to a global obsession? And what does it reveal about our hopes, fears, and desires?
One of the earliest forms of fortune-telling was casting lots, or throwing objects such as stones, bones, or sticks, and interpreting their patterns or positions. This practice is mentioned in the Bible, the Iliad, and the Odyssey, and was common among the ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Hebrews. Casting lots was often used to make decisions, such as choosing leaders, settling disputes, or allocating resources. It was also used to communicate with the gods, or to seek their guidance and approval.
Another ancient form of fortune-telling was augury, or observing the behavior of birds and animals, and deriving omens from their actions. The ancient Romans had a special class of priests, called augurs, who were responsible for interpreting the signs of nature, such as the flight of birds, the direction of the wind, or the sound of thunder. Augury was considered a sacred and important ritual, and no public or private affair could be undertaken without consulting the augurs first.
As fortune-telling spread across the world, it adapted to different cultures and contexts, and incorporated new elements and influences. For example, in medieval Europe, fortune-telling was influenced by the occult and esoteric traditions, such as alchemy, Kabbalah, and Hermeticism. These traditions introduced new symbols and systems, such as the zodiac, the planets, the elements, and the Tree of Life, which were used to create complex and elaborate charts and diagrams, such as horoscopes, geomantic figures, and mandalas. Fortune-telling also became associated with magic and witchcraft, and was often persecuted by the church and the state.
In the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, fortune-telling was influenced by the scientific and philosophical revolutions, such as the discovery of the heliocentric model, the invention of the printing press, and the rise of humanism and rationalism. These revolutions challenged the authority of the church and the state, and encouraged individualism and curiosity. Fortune-telling became a popular and accessible form of entertainment and education, and was practiced by both the elite and the masses. New methods and tools were developed, such as playing cards, tea leaves, coffee grounds, and crystal balls, which were used to perform readings and predictions.
In the modern era, fortune-telling was influenced by the social and cultural changes, such as the industrial revolution, the world wars, the globalization, and the digitalization. These changes created new opportunities and challenges, but also new anxieties and uncertainties. Fortune-telling became a way of coping with the complexity and unpredictability of the world, and of finding meaning and purpose in life. Fortune-telling also became a way of expressing one’s identity and creativity, and of exploring one’s potential and possibilities. New methods and tools were invented, such as online platforms, apps, and algorithms, which were used to offer personalized and interactive services and experiences.
Fortune-telling is not a static or homogeneous phenomenon. It is a dynamic and diverse phenomenon, that reflects the history and culture of the people who practice it. Fortune-telling is not a mere superstition or fantasy. It is a form of knowledge and wisdom, that reveals the human condition and the human spirit. Fortune-telling is not a passive or deterministic phenomenon. It is an active and empowering phenomenon, that invites the human agency and the human choice. Fortune-telling is not a trivial or irrelevant phenomenon. It is a significant and influential phenomenon, that shapes the human destiny and the human future.
