On the cards

Studies suggest that one in three newspaper readers around the world devote two to four minutes on the horoscope section,daily. Which explains how astrology and spiritual columns have endured in papers for decades with very little change. No matter how skeptical an editor,you just can’t ignore the stars. At their worst,they’re harmless predictors of doom and gloom,at their best,a forecast of a great day ahead can cheer you up and re-energise you towards whatever it is you’re focused on.

As far as relying on the stars goes,I’m content just to read my horoscope and face the day. A 30-something friend,stuck in an on-again off-again relationship,in sheer despair,recently went to a Delhi-based astrologer with two other single girls,32,who are also seeking answers in their personal lives. This soothsayer has built up a sizeable reputation as the rare astrologer who doesn’t shy away from revealing harsh truths. This prophet of doom told my friend she’ll marry,but only in her 50’s. He predicted divorce for one and an unhappy marriage for the other. They paid Rs 5,000 each to hear this shattering news. The soothsayer,very wisely,collects the money before doling out his glum predictions. I’m only surprised he hasn’t been lynched yet. I should add he’s extremely popular,with top politicians seeking his advise during election time.

In India,the stars have to align before we consider it an auspicious time to marry,homes that are Vaastu compliant sell at higher rates,and the value of prime real estate goes down if it faces a burial ground. In the West,in a time of economic calamity,astrologers are doing well. This,at least,is a business that thrives in a recession. Evidently,since 2009,the first question astrologers in the US are asked by clients,is if they’re going to be laid off.

Delhi has many successful tarot card readers,palmists,face readers but the most interesting one I’ve heard of,but unfortunately not experienced is a past life therapist. This parachuting therapist based in Mumbai,flies to Delhi for a day after prior appointments,usually at a client’s home,who then invites her friends or anyone who’s interested,for a session. The practitioners believe that issues from your previous lives could be causing turmoil in this lifetime,and the therapist attempts to draw out your “other life stories”. Getting to the root of a problem is fine but this gives delving into the past a whole new meaning. As though one lifetime’s issues aren’t hard enough to sort out. Occasionally though,one stumbles across some odd stories that work. I know someone who spent a 100 pounds on a hypnotist in London and magically stopped smoking right after. He says it’s the best 100 pounds he’s ever spent. There’s no explanation for everything.

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