By Robin Rhee
Scholars agree that fortune-telling was a lively art as far back as China's Shang dynasty (16th to 11th century B.C.).
It is said that at that time people tossed animal bones into fires. Retrieval of the bones from the ashes revealed cracks which were used by seers to predict the future.
In modern times bone interpretation is no longer practiced. Rather we now have a wide variety of other methods to choose from to predict the future.
Rarely used is phrenology. Its proponents believe that the conformation of one's skull reveals not only one's mental faculties but one's character as well so these two findings can be used to predict a person's future.
A considerable number of individuals claim to have the gift of ESP (extra-sensory perception). This remarkable talent allows them to predict a person's future merely by looking at him or her.
Then there are those who read tea leaves. You are offered a cup of tea to drink. When you have finished, the leaves in the bottom of the cup are read to disclose your future.
Tarot card prognosticators are frequently found at fairs and carnivals. With dramatic moves they lay out the cards, one by one. Each card has a specific meaning and therein lies your fortune.
When thinking about fortunetellers many of us conjure up an image of a gypsy gazing into a crystal ball. There was a time when much of the world thought gypsies were the best fortunetellers.
What about palmists? Most people who believe in their abilities are mainly interested in news about their money lines and life lines.
Chinese restaurants in the U.S. give out fortune cookies at the ends of meals. It was of some interest last year when some of the recipients used the lucky numbers given to play the lottery. At least two of them won. Coincidence? Some believe there is no such thing as coincidence.
How about the trained birds who will select a neatly rolled paper fortune in return for a few birdseeds?
For those who follow the Gregorian calendar, the New Year is here. For those who go by the lunar calendar, the New Year is imminent.
Those who follow their daily horoscopes, based on the constellations, should be prepared to wait while the fortuneteller consults books and charts for the preparation of your personal fortune. If you were born on the cusp it may even take longer.
If you visit a fortuneteller who adheres to the Chinese method, you already know under which animal sign you were born. This year, the year of the black dragon, has special importance. If you are a dragon it is said you may be eccentric and your life complex. You have a passionate nature and good health. You should marry a monkey or a rat, but only late in life. Above all, you should avoid dogs.
In Korea fortunetellers are frequently sought out at the beginning of a new year or when an important decision has to be made: a new job, a major move, or selection of a lifetime partner. Supposedly politicians surreptitiously consult fortunetellers before elections.
So, do you have plans to visit a fortuneteller in the near future? Many people are ardent believers. Others are not, but consult them anyway as a mere recreational activity.
Whatever your choice, may you have a productive and healthy new year.
The writer is a former weekly columnist for The Korea Times and currently resides in Centerville, Ohio. Her email address is RRKORAM@aol.com.