Iran's fortune tellers | Cover Story | Reuters

Iran's fortune tellers | Cover Story | Reuters:

"TEHRAN (Reuters Life!) - Clerics in the Islamic Republic of Iran frown on the practice, but Nazanin says she has more customers than ever wanting their fortunes told.

Sitting behind a computer in her Tehran apartment, she predicts the future based on her knowledge of 'jyotish' -- the science of light -- a practice related to astrology which she said is thought to have originated in ancient Persia."

Reading for a July 13th Female

This is a reading for a 32 year old female born on July 13th (m.q.)
Happy Birthday to you :)
The QUEEN OF CUPS symbolizes a woman born to a Water Sign (Pisces/Cancer/Scorpio).

The Queen of Cups sits besides a placid, sparkling lake or it could be at the ocean's edge at a low to medium tide.
Different tarot decks depict a card in different ways (that's one thing that makes the card decks fascinating to collectors). In some decks, this card will suggest that the moon is the sole luminary; such a suggestion would be in accord with Arthur EdwardWaite's definition of the queen as being beautiful and dreamy.
The queen gazes upon the chalice she holds. Some decks portray her as holding a crystal chalice, this one appears to be golden.
Getting back to the reading for this querent (m.q.), the Moon is the ruler of the Cancer Zodiac.
A Cancer woman has deep feelings and emotions and often is quite generous.
(m.q.), the moon controls your emotions as it does the tide (the ripples of the water in this card can suggest the tide). You are sensitive and perhaps have been hurt by a man in your past, but your creative spirit and intellect will help you overcome anything negative from the past.
The 3 of Cups symbolizes Mercury in Cancer which enables your imagination to reign in subtle ways.
Mercury is the planet that symbolizes communication. A project you are working on will have a good outcome: this could be work related or this could relate to a volunteer activity you are involved in (Cancer generosity manifested). This will make you feel good about yourself and will create confidence (Cancer women sometimes can be shy).
The KNIGHT OF CUPS rides a winged horse in some decks (in this deck the Knight's helmut has the wings of Mercury and shows the Knight on a gorgeous white stallion) and holds a golden chalice.
The confidence gained from the 3 of Cups shintes through you and prepares you to meet the Knight, most likely this will be a Scorpio male. Although Sir Scorpio Knight is aimiable and debonaire, bear in mind that he is quite determined, strong-willed and has a high sexual drive.
Approach this relationship gradually. Use some of that Cancer Moon mystery.
Your next card was the figure of STRENGTH UPSIDE-DOWN which suggests you just might lose your temper a little too easily (an obstacle in your relationships)

You also need better organization in your life.
The 4 OF SWORDS in some decks show the 4 swords placed in a PAX DEI (Peace of God) arrangement. I can't find a picture that captures this at the moment.

Waite, in his The Pictorial Guide to the Tarot describes this card as "The effigy of a Knight in the attitude of prayer, at full length upon his tomb and gives solitude and retreat as possible meanings. Not all 4 OF SWORDS are painted in the same way as in this deck. The problem with this card from Colman-Smith/Rider Waite is that the card scares some people and that feeling can block the reception to anything positive from this card. If the same card had been drawn from a different deck, you might be able to see how this card could be positive: there will be a refreshing pause in your life which will enable you to get yourself together. You need to patch things up with a relative to get your Karma back on the right path. After this, you will be receptive to a love aura.

It's 10 minutes to midnight where I am typing. Enjoy the last minutes of your birthday!

Reading for a 1st Decanate Libra Male

This tarot card reading was done for a man born in the first week of October in 1969 (g.r.) .
Venus rules the first decanate of Libra. The King of Swords who holds a steel broadsword to command the lightning depicted in the background has been selected to represent you. You are logical and good judgment is one of your noticeable and admirable qualities. Venus in Libra creates initiative. The suit of SWORDS represents the three air signs of the zodiac and covers the intellectual aspects of our lives.

The second card in the Knight of Wands.
WANDS symbolize the career path. WANDS symbolize the three fire signs of the zodiac (LEO, ARIES, & SAGITTARIUS). Leo spans from July 23 through August 22; this card indicates that you will receive support from an unanticipated source either from a male with a fire sign [at any time within six months] or perhaps within that time period as indicated above. (the horse depicted in the card often [but not always] is an indicator for action occurring in an imminent time period).

The third card is STRENGTH

A beautiful woman draped in a rippling cream colored gown has the ability to stand beside and calm a lion (not an easy feat to accomplish!)-- you will have the ability to endure a hardship.
Serenity (as exemplified by STRENGTH) will require self-control. The card indicates that someone depends upon you or will depend upon you for support.


THE HERMIT APPEARED REVERSED (UPSIDE DOWN) in your reading as the fourth card.
Suspicion, doubt, and envy could get in the way of your Karma and/or a relationship (either romantic related or work related).

Your 5th card revealed was the 6 of CUPS
That's quite a lovely card to have as a last one in this reading: the card soothes and ties in everything in a comforting way. Your competence with inspire confidence. You will be given credit and your efforts will be acknowledged.

Hats are in the Cards for the Gentlemen Too

The Sun is the cards, protect your skin with style

Jaxon Raffia Gambler with Shell Trim

This simple packable Raffia straw hat is perfect for the beach, golf just walking around town. It features a 4" crown and 3 1/4" brim. The thickly braided raffia offers excellent sun protection and the simple beaded band, make it the ultimate in casual wear. The elasticized sweat band comes makes for a comfortable and easy fit. Available size: Small/Medium and Large/X-Large. Available color: Natural only.

Jaxon Ramie Fedora
The cards predict you'll get lucky on a hot day or night so get out that seersucker suit, pour yourself a gin and tonic, light up your cigarette and top it off with the Jaxon Ramie Fedora.
Ramie is a fiber that is not quite straw, not quite fabric – almost a linen/straw blend – that is so light and so comfortable, it feels as if nothing at all is sitting on your head. The crown is 4 " and the stitched snap brim is 2" wide. Available color: Natural only.

Shady Brady Bon Jovi Straw

This is the ultimate in the fashionable western straw that is available! The very talented Jon Bon Jovi wears this rugged straw hat. You may be wanted Dead or Alive, and when found you’ll be the most stylish outlaw around. The woven raffia straw is guaranteed not to crack, split or break for one year. The brim is reinforced with wire, shape into any style. Wear it like the famed singer or just as it is, make it yours. The 5” bubble-pinch front ventilated crown allows for the warm Santa Ana winds or the cool ocean breeze to travel through the hat. The trim around the crown is made of three strips a tanned suede, twisted for a more unique look. The 3 1/2” wide brim has wire in the edge; curl the brim on the sides for that distinctive cool cowboy look. The inner sweatband is comfortable against the forehead. The chocolate brown leather chinstrap is great if you’re headed for a galloping horse ride, you won’t lose your hat. Available color: Natural only. Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large. This hat is made in the USA.

Jaxon Ivory Toyo Safari
The lightweight Toyo Straw and ivory color are the perfect combination for sun protection on a hot day.
The brim is dimensional and measures 2 5/8" X 2 3/8" offering protection to the nose, cheek and neck.
The crown is aproximately 4 1/4". Available colors: Ivory with a Forest Green Pug band or Ivory with a Black Pug band.

Jaxon Toyo Gambler

This beautiful gambler is made of a lightweight Toyo Straw and is the perfect golf hat. It comes with a Black pug band. The brim measures 3" and the crown is 3 3/4". It is available in a distinct Ivory color to ensure a cool feel on a hot sunny day. Available colors: Ivory with Black Pug band.

Is Travel in Your Future?

The Chariot can often signify travel but the difference between pleasant memories or the wish that you had stayed home are often in the planning details you give yourself ahead of time.

Ladies, keep everything you need for nails and makeup in this beautiful soft top grain leather case. You'll back the right horse (so to speak) in terms of the overall appearance and durability in this beautiful top grain leather travel manicure and cosmetic set, your choice of elegant black or burgundy.

• Cleverly designed case with 4 cosmetic brushes/applicators
• Nail file
• Tweezers
• Cuticle trimmer
• 2 way cuticle instrument
• Eyebrow tweezers
• Cuticle nipper
• Scissors
• Finger and toenail clippers

Ladies Travel Manicure/Cosmetic Set

A fortune teller predicted my lottery jackpot

Gee, fortunetellers are great! See the testimony for a prediction that came through:

A fortune teller predicted my lottery jackpot

A fortune teller predicted a "substantial" win for a couple who scooped more than £1.6 million in the National Lottery, the pair revealed today.
Janette Wright, 41, and husband Stephen, 48, from Bradford, won the £1,633,505 Lotto jackpot in the draw on Saturday.

Mrs Wright, a housing officer, said: "I had a tarot card reading about seven or eight years ago and the tarot reader told me one day I would win 'a substantial amount of money which will be shared'...

Read the entire article for more of the eulogy.

The BBC News (UK) has also reported this story:

Tarot reader predicted £1.6m win

An adventure in Egypt

Do you believe that the Egyptians influenced Tarot? That's a topic unto itself and something I'd like to explore in this blog.
Speaking about exploring, read about Ms. Meow's exciting adventure about her trip to Egypt.
A vacation on a budget can still be rich with amazing experiences as proven by Ms. Meow's account of her budget Egyptian vacation. The blog entry that reads like a travel guide is full of exotic wonder and practical advice from a woman who planned this adventure by herself. There are tips there that anyone should keep in mind while planning a vacation or holiday.
Go ahead! Read "My Budget Egyptian Vacation" by Ms. Meow

I'll have to write about the Temple of Dendur and the Sackler Wing at the Met
The Met has an amazing collection of Egyptian art
but no analysis of Tarot could be complete without discussion of the Rosetta Stone which can be seen at the British Museum (oh how I'd love to visit!)

Crystal Balls and Real Estate

Here's a family that wishes they had consulted a crystal ball when buying a home:
A Crystal Ball Would Have Been Nice - New York Times

What should have been the first home? Decisions, decisions, decisions--juggling factors and the family budget -- Questions: one bedroom or two bedroom co-op? Two bedroom? How about three? Hey, now should it be a co-op or a house?

The family would later find out that a house doesn't come with a superintendent to help solve problems of rattling pipes and problem plumbing...

Lou Minatti doesn't usually advocate the use of astrology, tarot, or crystal balls to assist decision making but I wonder what he'd say in this case? Would a crystal ball be a wise investment in a case like the one in the New York Times article above?

Government help sought in row over Nina's will

Nina Wang Kung Yu-sum's family is putting up a fight over her will.
The Chinachem Charitable Foundation is taking steps to involve the (Chinese) government in what looks to be a long legal battle.

The Standard - China's Business Newspaper:

"Wang's brother Kung Yan-sum and younger sisters Kung Yan-sum and Kung Chung-sum, who are on the board of the Chinachem Charitable Foundation, have been actively building a strong team of witnesses for the anticipated court battle.

They have requested the two non- beneficiaries on the purported 2002 will - Heng Kim Thiam, a project director of Chinachem Group, and Li Chi-ming, a major shareholder of a private architect's firm - as well as Wang's former doctors and nurses, business tycoons and lifelong friends to act as witnesses should this be necessary."

Family Fights for Fortune

Nina Wang's family has filed a writ with the high court against Feng shui master Chan Chun Chuen's claims that he is the sole beneficiary of Wang's 4.2 billion dollar estate (nice sum, eh?)

"Wednesday's writ is set to spark another costly and spectacular courtroom drama, this time involving the little-known Chan, described by his lawyer as a successful property developer who practices feng shui as a hobby." [source]

Oh, so the attorney is playing down the importance of Chan's feng shui connection with Nina. Suddenly Chan's focus is that of a property developer and not of a suave, smooth talking fortuneteller.
A large fortune is at stake (represented by the 7 of Coins) but sitting in limbo will not do anyone good (nor will a lengthy court battle).
Nina Wang's family sees the money as rightfully theirs yet to their amazement they see Chan's claim and in that regard they feel the money is theirs yet the money can not be grasped/used/utilized as envisioned. Chan likewise sees the money as represented by the 7 of Coins. All is not lost when the 7 of Coins is present but the card advises action and warns of possible disappointment.
Obviously the family has taken swift action (as represented by the 8 of Wands) and is not letting a moment go by. The 8 of Wands often is symbolic of communication but in the case of Nina Wang's family vs. the claims to the estate by Feng shui master Chan Chun Chuen this card may symbolize the initiation of court battles. There will be communication and bitterness back and forth in a volley.

Fortune tellers seek signs to predict French poll - Yahoo! News

See, fortunetellers have an important function. Statistics at times can become false to chance, so why not consult the tarot? Chances are that the election could be in the cards ;-)


Fortune tellers seek signs to predict French poll - Yahoo! News:

"PARIS (Reuters) - With France's presidential elections just days away, the nation's fortune tellers are urgently shuffling tarot cards and staring into crystal balls as they try to predict the result ahead of time.

Most opinion polls put right wing former interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy in the lead for Sunday's first round vote, ahead of Socialist Segolene Royal and centrist 'third man' Francois Bayrou.

But with up to 40 percent of the electorate still undecided, there remains plenty of room for alternative forecasting methods, even though these could prove as reliable as the polls which failed to predict the outcome of the 2002 election."

"Security crystal ball gazing from McAfee"

My RFID-embedded car numberplate has a virus

"Spyware - malicious programs that covertly track surfing habits or steal confidential data - are likely to migrate onto new platforms, including mobile phones and RFID chips.

The scenario is sketched out in the second issue of McAfee's twice annual Global Threat Report."[source]

So, what's in the crystal ball? What awaits everyone now that RFID chips are used to such a great extent?

"The growing, almost ubiquitous, use of RFID technology creates a platform for malware. Research first presented in March 2006 shows how vulnerabilities in RFID technology might be used to spread viruses, worms, and spyware. Dutch researchers showed how RFID tags could be virally infected through SQL injection attacks, exploiting links between an RFID tag and a vulnerable database."[source]

In Tarot the Seven of Cups is symbolic of illusionary success and the promises of RFID chips will become another deception in your life. Why that declaration? RFID chips have made wonderful conveniences such as EZ PASS possible [yeah, if you like to broadcast your whereabouts].

Here are some wonderful possibilities ahead:

• RFID "tattoos" -- use your imagination
• RFID-embedded license plates -- get caught running that red light ;-)
  
• Your cell phone could turn into the perfect spy
• Better brush up on Bluetooth security to avoid:
  

"Bluebugging, where an attacker manipulates a phone to dial numbers, [or] Bluestabbing, where an attacker tries to crash vulnerable devices."[source]

www.theregister.co.uk/2007/04/11/

Read McAfee's report and check out the crystal ball on the cover!

Avril's (Q of Swords) cutting message for Britney (Q of Wands)

Avril Lavigne (born September 27, 1984) a first decanate Libra (air sign symbolized by the Queen of Swords) has just cut to the quick with a little advice for Britney:

“You can’t complain about the pressures, the paparazzi, the madness because that’s the job.” [source]

Often drawn to psychology, first decanate Libra females as personified by the Queen of Swords can see things "like it is" and cut to the quick.
So is Avril giving out some sound advice or is she just contributing to gossip and stirring the pot with jealousy? Has her revelation about the business come too late to be of help? Is Avril using Britney's recent downfall as a way to gain one up? And what exactly is the point of Avril's recollection of the jab she gave in Toronto -- to show some punk toughness? A hint of some wild past occurrences or does the incident highlight her current state/belief in balance?
Avril is walking a tightrope here in terms of is she offering some advice or is she just criticizing Britney with a cheap shot? Is it ever okay to stumble and fall?
So what's the interaction between an air sign and one of fire?
Air signs often are compatible with fire signs because just as oxygen can "give life" to a fire so too can a friendship be demonstrated by individuals of air and fire signs but has this gone over the top? How will Britney react? Will Brintey react? Britney , symbolized by the Queen of Wands is a first decanate Sagittarius with tremendous energy, and optimism but has recent negative events caused anxiety and depression? Perhaps Avril's ultimate
message to Britney is "don't let it get you down."

Prepare for Early Daylights Savings

I thought an early Daylights Savings was a joke until I read this in the washintonpost.com:

For the first time in 20 years, daylight saving time will not start on the first Sunday in April. Instead, it will begin three weeks earlier, at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, the 11th. [source]

So what can be done to keep your computer up-to-date?

The Magician Card in Tarot is an organizer, and you can save yourself the hassle of your computer displaying the wrong time (and perhaps interfering with some important functions) by being organized enough to
download a free program from Microsoft named “tzedit.exe”:

"'tzedit.exe' is a simple registry editing program that allows users of Windows 98, NT or 2000 to change the daylight saving time settings for their computers. The whole process of downloading, installing and running the program takes less than five minutes, according to William Purdy, network technician for Northern Networking."

[Use a a free program developed by Microsoft named] 'tzedit.exe' in order to fix the problem. It is freely available at www.softshape.com/cham/manual/tzedit.htm
'tzedit.exe' can be used on computers running Windows 98, NT or 2000. Windows XP users can access a patch program through Windows Update by searching for “daylight saving time.” [source]

E-mail from Favorite Tarot Author

It's not often that one receives an unexpected e-mail from one's idol.
Had I not stumbled upon Alfred Douglas' The Tarot: The Origins, Meaning and Uses of the Cards one Saturday in 1979, I might never have become interested in Tarot cards.
I finally received some recognition from all my posts in praise of Douglas' book on alt.tarot!
Alfred Douglas has always been my favorite author about Tarot.
That's the one thing that I've always wanted since I was 13: a Sheridan-Douglas Tarot deck.
I was really surprised and pleased to receive a personal e-mail from Alfred Douglas last night.
Since there's some information that might be of interest to readers of my blog, I will republish the e-mail (without the e-mail address):

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Sheridan Douglas Tarot
Date:	Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:43:50 +0000
From:	A.C. Douglas
To:	rhianna

Hi Rhianna,

I've just been looking through the newsgroup alt.tarot,
and found your
references to my book
'The Tarot: the origins, meaning and uses of the
cards', which you apparently bought
in the '70s at the ripe old age of
thirteen and quite liked.   :  )

I just thought I'd let you know
that we republished the Sheridan Douglas
deck last year,
and we have just republished my book as well.
If you are
still interested in acquiring a deck,
the cards are available in
North America from
Tarot Garden  ( www.tarotgarden.com ),
who are also
handling my republished book.

The deck was only available for about a decade from 1972,
and when I learned last year that examples
were selling on eBay for around $450, I
thought it would be a good idea to reprint.
The Penguin paperback of my
book stayed in print for about 25 years,
but has been unavailable for
the past ten years or so.
I still get enquiries about it, so decided to
get the rights back from Penguin in the UK and the US,
and republish it
too.

You can find out a little more
from our website:
www.sheridandouglas.co.uk

There's quite a long thread about
the republishing of the deck on the
Aeclectic Tarot Forum here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=54775

A thread about the new printing of the book
 can be found here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=18015

Inspired by the positive response
we're received to the republishing,
I've now started work on a
completely new book on the Tarot.

Anyway, thank you so much
for being so enthusiastic and supportive about
my work all those years ago.
It does mean a lot.

Very best wishes,

Alfred Douglas  

I then replied:

Dear Mr. Douglas,

I never thought I'd receive a message from you!
Thank you so much for your personal message -- I see you've actually combed through the alt.tarot archives!
Yes, I was at the "ripe old age of 13" when I stumbled upon your book and I still have that copy on my computer desk in my room (place of honor).

I was wondering if you are also going to sell the deck/book[s] on amazon.com in the United States?

Thanks for thinking of me and keeping me up-to-date with your new printings and new projects.

Yours,

Rhianna

He replied:

Dear Rhianna,

Tarot Garden are handling distribution of both the deck and the book in the States, so it will be up to them to sell to Amazon.com if they choose. I do know they sell the decks sometimes on eBay.com, as we do ourselves on eBay.co.uk You can get the deck directly from Tarot Garden and pay less postage than you would ordering directly from us; they have a very good reputation and Jeannette who is in charge there is very nice. Every deck I've supplied them with has been signed by me on the inner top flap of the box.

Best wishes,

Alfred