CHAPTER LVI

TELLING FORTUNES BY CARDS, DICE, DOMINOES, ETC.

WHAT THE FUTURE HAS IN STORE

THERE is no more amusing diversion for a frivolous half-hour’s entertainment than that of fortune-telling by cards. Young or old enjoy it, and with a ready tongue the combinations presented may be so varied that quite surprisingly good predictions can be made.

Surround the whole business with as much mystery as possible. Insist that all shuffling be done by the subject himself, and that cutting is always carried out with the _left_ hand.

Learn the meanings of the cards by heart. This is not difficult, and by doing so one is enabled to tell a fortune _quickly_: always a more impressive proceeding than telling it card by card.

These are the generally accepted meanings of the cards:--

CLUBS

Ace of Clubs, _wealth and prosperity_. King of Clubs, _upright_, _affectionate_. Queen of Clubs, _deeply in love_. Knave of Clubs, _generous and sincere_. Ten of Clubs, _a fortune from an unexpected quarter_. Nine of Clubs, _obstinacy_; _disputes with friends_. Eight of Clubs, _a love of money_. Seven of Clubs, _fortune and great happiness_. Six of Clubs, _a lucrative partnership_. Five of Clubs, _marriage with a wealthy person_. Four of Clubs, _inconstancy_. Three of Clubs, _a second or third marriage_. Two of Clubs, _opposition_.

SPADES

Ace of Spades, _a love affair_; _if reversed, a death_. King of Spades, _an ambitious person_. Queen of Spades, _a treacherous friend_. Knave of Spades, _indolent, but well-meaning_. Ten of Spades, _an unlucky card_. Nine of Spades, _the worst card in the pack_; _sickness, or loss of fortune_. Eight of Spades, _opposition from friends_. Seven of Spades, _sorrow_. Six of Spades, _great fortune_. Five of Spades, _success_; _a happy marriage_. Four of Spades, _illness_; _small loss of money_. Three of Spades, _an unfortunate marriage_. Two of Spades, _a death_.

HEARTS

Ace of Hearts, _pleasure_; _if with Spades, quarreling_; _if with Diamonds, news of an absent friend_; _if with Clubs, merry-making_. King of Hearts, _nice, but hasty and passionate_. Queen of Hearts, _fair, affectionate_. Knave of Hearts, _the subject’s dearest friend_. Ten of Hearts, _the antidote of bad cards that lie near it, but confirming the good_. Nine of Hearts, _wealth_; _this is also the wish card_. Eight of Hearts, _feasting and merry-making_. Seven of Hearts, _fickle_. Six of Hearts, _generous, easily imposed upon_. Five of Hearts, _waverer, changeable_. Four of Hearts, _marriage late in life_. Three of Hearts, _imprudent_; _hot-headed action, which has disastrous consequences_. Two of Hearts, _extraordinary success and good fortune_.

DIAMONDS

Ace of Diamonds, _a letter; the card next to it will indicate its nature_. King of Diamonds, _hot tempered_. Queen of Diamonds, _a coquette_. Knave of Diamonds, _a selfish person_. Ten of Diamonds, _money_. Nine of Diamonds, _a roving person_. Eight of Diamonds, _marriage late in life_. Seven of Diamonds, _a gambler_. Six of Diamonds, _early marriage_. Five of Diamonds, _friendship_. Four of Diamonds, _unhappy marriage_. Three of Diamonds, _quarrels, lawsuits, and disagreements_. Two of Diamonds, _a serious love affair_.

There are two effective ways of fortune-telling.

For the first, ask your subject to shuffle the cards very thoroughly and to wish all the time. Then cut them into three piles with the left hand. Should the wish card (the Nine of Hearts) be one of those cut, it is a lucky omen.

Notice two other cards and their possible bearing on the wish. Now, after lifting the cards and putting them together with the left hand, proceed to divide them into piles in this fashion.

The first pile is to yourself. The second, to the house. The third, to your wish. The fourth, what you do expect. The fifth, what you don’t expect. The sixth, sure to come true. The seventh foretells the happenings of to-night.

Arrange these piles, as you deal out the cards one by one, in a semicircle. Then proceed to read them off by their meanings.

Another and rather more complicated method is to ask the person whose fortune is being told which King he will be (if it is a woman, one would naturally ask which Queen).

After the wishing has been done as before, the fortune-teller lays out the cards in rows--seven in a row.

To read the fortune the teller must start from the King or Queen chosen, counting seven from him or her in every case.

The King or Queen of the same suit will always be the lover or sweetheart of the one whose fortune is being told, and the Knave being their thoughts, it is, of course, quite easy to discover their feelings.

It is rather a good plan to write the meanings of the cards on an old pack. By using this a few times a rapid flow of ideas will much more readily be induced. It might be mentioned that a too strict adherence to rule is by no means either necessary or desirable in fortune-telling. Tell what the combination of cards suggests to you--quite irrespective of the exact meaning of each--and you will be infinitely more amusing and obtain much greater fame as a wizard.

A few predictions are shown by the accompanying diagrams. Fig. 1 depicts the manner of dealing out the cards in sets of seven, and in what respect each is to be read.

Fig. 2 shows three cards which might conceivably come together in any one set. They would be read as foretelling the following:--You will get a wish (Nine of Hearts), which is about a love affair (Ace of Spades), and it will lead to an early marriage (Six of Diamonds).

Fig. 3 conveys the following:--You will get a letter (Ace of Diamonds) about money (Ten of Diamonds). Your good fortune, however, will not permit you to marry until late in life (Eight of Diamonds). The five cards representing Fig. 4 tell that the subject’s dearest friend (Knave of Hearts) will make the acquaintance of a flirt (Queen of Diamonds), and will shortly after suffer illness or slight loss of money (Four of Spades), but afterwards he will fall in love with a fair affectionate woman (Queen of Hearts) and enjoy extraordinary success (Two of Hearts).

A THROW OF THE DICE

Although forecasting of the future from dice is one of the most ancient methods of prediction, it is curiously enough almost unknown in modern days. For this reason it is of special value to the home entertainer, and will prove infinitely simpler than the cards, the meanings being easier to learn as well as fewer in number.

First chalk a magic circle on the table, then obtain a small cup or box to shake the dice in.

Three dice only should be used.

The person whose future is at stake must shake and cast the dice in the circle. This, as in card fortune-telling, should be done with the left hand.

Three tells you of an approaching accident; four, a rise in your position; five, that you will make the acquaintance of one who will be a friend; six, predicts loss; seven, a scandal; eight, a reproach--that is not undeserved; nine, a wedding; ten, a christening; eleven, trouble for one you love; twelve, an important letter; thirteen, tears; fourteen, beware of an enemy; fifteen, good luck and happiness; sixteen, a journey; seventeen, a water journey; three sixes, or eighteen points, is a very good sign. It means great profit in business, or something the person wishes for very much.

FORTUNE-TELLING BY DOMINOES

A fairly unique accomplishment is to reveal the future by the aid of dominoes, and there is something sufficiently fascinating and mysterious about this mode of revelation to fill the uninitiated with awe at the powers of the exponent.

Each small oblong has its secret meaning by which some happening vital to the subject is illustrated. It is a matter of little difficulty to commit these to memory; and in this, as in other methods of divination, the fundamental principle is that of comparison and calculation.

The dominoes used range from double-six to double-blank, and by these are symbolized the various vicissitudes of fate likely to befall mankind. The exponent places his paraphernalia upon the table, and, having turned them with their black spots facing the surface, proceeds to shuffle them. When this is done, the subject is requested to draw three pieces, one at a time. Between the choice of each the dominoes are shuffled.

The first supplies an impression; should it be drawn a second time, the impression becomes a conviction. The third, however, may lessen or wholly contradict its degree of importance, and this is where calculation and comparison in blending the signs are essential to a successful justification and interpretation of these symbols.

_Double-six_ is an emblem of matrimonial happiness and financial prosperity.

_Six-five_ is almost equally fortunate. Perseverance and concentration are rewarded by ultimate success.

_Six-four_ implies a comfortable income, and secures happiness in marriage.

_Six-three_ demonstrates that fate smiles upon the love and marriage of the subject.

_Six-two._--Prudence, hard work, and a certain amount of good luck, or exposure and shame for any wrong-doing.

_Six-one_ promises two marriages to the young subject, the first of which will not be as happy as the second. Should the subject be of middle age, this domino foretells the speedy arrival of good things and the fact that he or she will never be left lonely and uncared for.

_Six-blank_ is, alas, a sign of great trouble--sickness, death, or heavy money losses.

_Double-five_ presages that all achievements will be rewarded with a large amount of success, but inordinate wealth is not prophesied.

_Five-four_ is almost as unfortunate a draw as six-blank. Should a young girl lift it, it means that her future husband will be poor and leave her a widow. Further, he may be of extravagant disposition, in spite of his poverty.

_Five-three_ indicates a tranquil and contented existence. Sufficient money and matrimonial affection of moderate strength, the couple being incapable of passionate devotion.

_Five-two_ conveys a warning that love and marriage are destined to an unhappy termination.

_Five-one_ portends social popularity, but financial worries and losses.

_Five-blank_ is supposed to demonstrate egotistical and avaricious characteristics, tendencies to swindling and intrigues, also a warning to remain unmarried.

_Double-four._--The man who earns his livelihood by manual labor may regard this domino as a sign of future security and prosperity, but to him whose profession needs mental achievement it is rather disastrous. Troubles and disappointments await him.

_Four-three._--Matrimony and moderate income.

_Four-two_ proclaims an early marriage and moderate income.

_Four-one._--Wealth or many friends.

_Four-blank._--A sure warning that single life will be the best and happiest. It counsels that any secrets imparted to another will be indiscreetly revealed.

_Double-three._--Enormous riches.

_Three-two_ foretells prosperity in matrimony, travels, and speculations.

_Three-one._--Some danger and unhappiness. The necessity for acting with extreme caution in all matters.

_Three-blank._--Domestic unhappiness--such as a quarrel or incompatibility of temperament of husband and wife. The absence of harmony in the home.

_Double-two_ promises average happiness and income.

_Two-one._--Two marriages, if the individual be a woman; financial failures to a commercial man.

_Two-blank._--The intrigues of unscrupulous persons will meet with temporary success. It also denotes poverty, and an indolent husband. The individual will return safely from all journeys undertaken.

_Double-one._--An existence free from money worries; peace and constancy in love and marriage.

_Double-blank_ seems to favor the deeds of unprincipled persons, and foretells want of integrity in lover and husband.

FIGURED FUTURITY

That a certain amount of character and future may be revealed by means of figures is a fact that may be tested for itself. The results achieved by this method of divination are truly astonishing, and an ample reward to the mathematician for his attempt to solve the riddle of human nature.

Certain groups of figures stand for different qualities. Those given in the table which follows are only a small portion of the whole, but they are sufficient for the beginner. Each letter of the alphabet has its accompanying digit, and each digit has its abstract conditions, thus:--

A. 1. Passion, ambition, design. B. 2. Destruction, death. C. 3. Religion, destiny, the soul. D. 4. Solidity, sagacity, power. E. 5. The stars, happiness, graces, marriage. F. 6. Perfect labor. G. 7. Course of life, repose, liberty, success. H. 8. Justice, preservation. I. 9. Imperfection, grief, pain, expectation. J. 600. Perfection. K. 10. Success, reason, future happiness. L. 20. Austerity, sadness. M. 30. Fame, a wedding. N. 40. Fêtes, a wedding. O. 50. Pardon, liberty. P. 60. Widowhood. Q. 70. Science, the graces. R. 80. A cure. S. 90. Blindness, error, affliction. T. 100. Divine favor. U. 200. Irresolution. V. 700. Strength. W. (double V.), 1400. Perfection of strength. X. 300. Safety, belief, philosophy. Y. 400. Long and wearisome journey. Z. 500. Holiness. 800. Empire. 900. War, combats, struggles.

The first thing the exponent asks is the name of the subject. He writes it on a slip of paper, and next to each letter its accompanying figure. Supposing the name to be Dick James Smith, it should appear thus:--

D 4 J 600 S 90 I 9 A 1 M 30 C 3 M 30 I 9 K 10 E 5 T 100 S 90 H 8

Now they are added separately thus:--

Dick 26 James 726 Smith 237

Add the three totals together:--

Dick 26 James 726 Smith 237 ---- Which makes 989 ----

900. War, combats, struggles. 80. A cure. 9. Imperfection, grief, pain, expectation.

The deduction being that Dick James Smith is endowed with a quarrelsome, headstrong nature, optimism, and inefficient will-power, which are destined to cause him great trouble, loss, and misery before they are conquered.

Should the total of the names reach beyond 1390, the first digit must be subtracted, as in the name:--

_Johannah_ _Christine_ _Whiting_

J 600 C 3 W 1,400 O 50 H 8 H 8 H 8 R 80 I 9 A 1 I 9 T 100 N 40 S 90 I 9 N 40 T 100 N 40 A 1 I 9 G 7 H 8 N 40 E 5 ----- ----- ------- 748 344 1,573 ----- ----- -------

Total 2,665. Take away the first figure, leaves 665.

600. Perfection. 60. Widowhood.

5. The stars, happiness, graces, marriage, showing that Johannah Christine Whiting’s life will be a mixture of joy and sorrow, the latter borne by a courageous and tranquil spirit. Her integrity and attractiveness of character will, no doubt, bring her much love and many friends.

The fortune-teller who uses the cabalistic method of revealing Destiny’s secrets should be extremely careful to attach the correct figures to the letters contained in the names of the subject, otherwise it is quite obvious that his delineation will be at fault. He should add the numbers several times to make sure they are exact. If he has a good memory, he will memorize the table of qualities, and a great aid to this is to practice with it before him, manufacturing names, or taking those of some well-known poet, author, statesman, or ecclesiastic.

His own name will doubtless reveal the fundamental truths of this method, and the cognomens of well-known personages will show him the distinguishing traits that have made them famous. For instance, take _Florence Nightingale_:--

F 6 N 40 _Florence_ 209 L 20 I 9 _Nightingale_ 246 O 50 G 7 --- R 80 H 8 455 E 5 T 100 --- N 40 I 9 400. Long and wearisome voyage. C 3 N 40 50. Pardon and liberty. E 5 G 7 5. The stars, happiness, graces. A 1 L 20 E 5 ------ ------- 209 246 ------ -------

DIVINATIONS BY TAROCS

Tarocs differ from the numeral cards used for bridge, whist, &c., in several ways. A pack consists of seventy-eight cards, made up of twenty-two emblematic pictures and fifty-six ordinary.

These latter are grouped into four suits of fourteen cards each:--four _coat cards_--king, queen, chevalier, and valet; and ten _pip cards_, numbering from 1 to 10.

The twenty-two emblematic cards are known as the _Major Arcana_, and are divided into three groups of seven, which equal twenty-one cards. The twenty-second stands for the highest point successful achievement may reach. The _Major Arcana_ contains:--

_1st Division._

1. The Juggler emblematic of the male inquirer. 2. The High Priestess „ „ woman inquirer. 3. The Empress „ „ action, initiative. 4. The Emperor „ „ will. 5. The Pope „ „ inspiration. 6. Lovers „ „ love. 7. The Chariot „ „ triumph, providential protection.

_2nd Division._

1. Justice emblematic of justice. 2. The Hermit „ „ prudence. 3. The Wheel of Fortune „ „ destiny. 4. Strength „ „ fortitude, courage. 5. The Hanged Man „ „ trial and sacrifice. 6. Death „ „ bereavement. 7. Temperance „ „ temperance.

_3rd Division._

1. The Devil emblematic of immense force or illness. 2. The Struck Tower „ „ ruin and deception. 3. The Stars „ „ hope. 4. The Moon „ „ hidden dangers, enemies. 5. The Sun „ „ material happiness, marriage. 6. Judgment „ „ change of circumstances. 7. The Foolish Man „ „ inconsiderate actions.

The remaining card, No. 22, which belongs to this division, is

The Universe, emblematic of success.

The _Minor Arcana_, divided into two groups of four, corresponding to the suits of ordinary playing cards:--

Scepters relate to diamonds, interpreted as enterprise. Cups „ hearts, „ „ love. Swords „ spades, „ „ misfortune. Pentacles „ clubs, „ „ interest.

The four _coat cards_ stand for different conditions of existence:--

King, emblematic of man. Divine world (spirituality). Queen, „ „ woman. Human world (vitality). Chevalier, „ „ youth. Material world (materiality). Valet, „ „ childhood. Transition stage (life in growth).

The remaining cards of these suits (1 to 10) are important according to their relation to the _coat cards_ and their numerical value. These are divided into four groups:--

(1) 1, 2, 3 of each suit appertain to man--abstract qualities, creation, and enterprise.

(2) 4, 5, 6 of each suit represent woman--opposition, reflection, and negation.

(3) 7, 8, 9 of each suit represent youth and materialism.

(4) The four tens of each suit represent the stage of transition.

In order to tell fortunes by means of tarocs, the manipulator must be perfectly conversant with the design, class, and interpretation of each card.

PROCESS OF DIVINATION

The complete pack is used. Shuffle and cut into three parts, each composed of twenty-six cards, thus:--

26 26 26

Take the _central_ pack, and place on the _right_.

The inquirer shuffles the two remaining packs, which equal fifty-two. These are dealt out in a similar fashion--three groups of seventeen cards, thus:--

17 17 17

Again remove _central_ pack to the _right_.

Deal out the remaining packs, which equal thirty-four, in three groups of eleven, thus:--

11 11 11

It will be seen that seventy-eight cards divide equally in the first deal.

In the second deal, however, only fifty-one cards are used, so that there is one over. This card is shuffled with the third deal.

Two cards are now over, and these are placed as discards, until the central pack of the last deal of eleven is put on the right, when they are shuffled with the remaining twenty-two discards. The cards will now be as follows:--

26 17 11

Discards = twenty-four, making in all seventy-eight. They are next placed beneath each other in sequence, thus:--

=A. 26=, emblematic of the supernatural, spiritual. ┏━━━┓ ┗━━━┛ =B. 17=, „ „ thoughts and calling of the individual. ┏━━━┓ ┗━━━┛ =C. 11=, „ „ physical and material. ┏━━━┓ ┗━━━┛

The tarocs of pack A, B, and C are now lifted separately, and placed on the table from left to right in rows. Each taroc has its meaning, and from its relation to its fellows the manipulator is able to present a brief sketch of character, inclination, and futurity.

Another simple method is to shuffle all the cards and request the inquirer to cut. The manipulator then proceeds to draw the first seventeen tarocs, uncovering only the eighteenth and last card of the pack. These two cards create what degree of sympathy is shared between himself and his client, the keynote being given by the symbolic meaning attached to the card. The seventeen cards are now revealed from left to right, their interpretation being given separately. In order to reach a proper signification, they are then compared as follows:--

The first with the seventeenth. The second with the sixteenth. The third with the fifteenth,

and so on, each process increasing or taking from the first manifestation.