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Fortune-Telling: A Historical Perspective

Discover the intriguing world of fortune-telling and its place in history.

By Stephanie Bojanek Published about a year ago 3 min read
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Fortune-Telling: A Historical Perspective
Photo by Wyron A on Unsplash

Are you ready to dive into the mystical world of fortune-telling? Well, buckle up and let's take a ride through history to learn more about this intriguing craft.

Fortune-telling has been around for ages, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. The crystal ball, Tarot cards, and numbers have all played a role in guiding people through their most desperate times. Some even claim to see prophecies in their dreams! Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, there's no denying that fortune-telling is a fascinating topic. It's been practiced by civilizations all over the world, from ancient China and Egypt to Chaldea and Babylon.

But what does history tell us about how fortune-telling has been viewed over time? Let's take a look at a few different places and times.

In the 1920s, the Chinese government tried to put a damper on fortune-telling, but it was a lost cause. People were hooked on the practice, and even today, many still seek out fortune-tellers for guidance and answers. Some things are just too captivating to let go of!

Australia, on the other hand, took a much different approach in the 1950s. They actually sent people to jail for practicing fortune-telling for money! They believed that fortune-tellers were nothing but liars preying on the gullible. Ouch!

But let's move on to a happier place: Brazil in the 1970s. Here, fortune-telling became a cultural phenomenon, and many spiritual leaders turned to divination tools to spread their message and bring hope to the poorer people. The passion for fortune-telling is still alive and well in Brazil today!

Iceland wasn't too fazed by fortune-telling in the 1990s. No laws were made to ban it, and those who practiced were left alone unless they were sought after for guidance or entertainment. So, if you were a fortune-teller in Iceland in the '90s, you were probably pretty safe from the law!

But Switzerland in the early 2000s was a different story. The government and citizens alike were skeptical of any form of divination, and fortune-tellers were heavily scrutinized. Laws kept them from doing their full work, and the controversy around fortune-telling continues today.

But what doe fortune-telling look like, in current day, for cultures who have it in their heritage?

Fortune-telling or Fanafody, as they call it in Madagascar, has a split viewpoint. Some skeptics have recently begun pushing modern medicine as a way to silence Fanafody. But just like in China, it seems a pointless eandeaver. Fortune-telling is deep within their cultural roots and is still highly sought after.

Over in Egypt they are less lenient in current day. There are strict laws you must follow to be a fortune-teller. Like, obtaining a degree is phsychology and sociology, undergoing proper training for communication and counseling, and lastly, a license. They don't make it easy to keep the cultural heritage going, as the practice defies their religious beliefs. Despite this, fortune-telling and divination are accepted and used.

Mexico brings good news though, as the government only puts a disclaimer regulation on practitioners. Other regulations and religious authority have tried to condemn the craft to no victory. Despite the, "Entertainment Only," disclaimers, people still actively seek out guidance from divination, and accepts fortune-telling as a part of their cultural heritage. Talk about people coming together and stickin' it to the man!

So, what's the verdict? Well, that's up to you to decide! Whether you choose to practice fortune-telling or not, let's all agree to accept each other's beliefs. I, for one, will continue using divination in my personal practices, but to each their own!

Now go forth and explore the wonderful world of fortune-telling, my friends!

SciencePop CultureHumanityHistorical
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About the Creator

Stephanie Bojanek

Editor of The Failing Artist mag 🎨 Ghostwriter & copywriter by day, novelist by night 📚 Lover of Erotic, Fiction, Horror, Nonfiction, and essays 🖋️ Let's challenge norms and unleash our artistic souls!

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