Whether in movies or books or in life, it is human nature to be curious about what happens next, what the future holds in store. Because of this curiosity divination methods were developed, some even centuries old. There are several tools and ways to divine the future. Popular forms are crystal (ball) gazing, tarot card reading, palmistry, tea leaves, bones, runes and more.
Divination is anything but an exact art or science. People who have the gift of divination are often called fortune tellers. This is actually a mislabel, because it really isn’t fortune that the diviner sees but possibilities of a person’s future life, love, finances, etc. The outcome for all of these parts of life is based on decisions that a person makes now. In the Filipino language, diviners are called ‘manghuhula’ which literally translates to ‘guessers’. Essentially, this means that fortune tellers are supposedly just guessing. Amazingly, their guesses hit the mark often enough that divination became a thriving industry.
Despite its many forms, the one that appears to be most trusted is astrology. There are different types of astrology but the ones most popularly known are Chinese Astrology (one of the oldest divination techniques created centuries ago) and Western Astrology (created by Babylonian astronomers).
Chinese Astrological signs change on an annual basis, based on the cycles of the moon. Hence, their year starts with the first full moon of the year. The Chinese zodiac is based on 12 animals. Your animal is based on the year of your birth. The twelve animal signs are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.
The zodiac that many people are more familiar with is the one that changes by the month. Depending on your birth date you could fall under the sign of Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, or Capricorn.
Diviners who use astronomy employ a lot of math and research before they give their predictions. The result depends on the position of the stars and the alignments of the planets plus the date and time of your birth for them to feel that they can come up with a more or less accurate prediction.
Nowadays divination (whether diviners or those who want to have their future read) seems to be everywhere! From the cafe at the corner, to bookstores, to blogs, Facebook groups, Instagrams accounts, and even Youtube channels.
The diviners of the 21st century are more than fortune tellers. They also act as counselors or advisers to their clients. They provide more than advice; they also provide comfort, an attentive ear, and guidance. Your favorite diviner becomes a part of your life and at times transforms from being a simple diviner to a good friend.