Fortune Telling in Siam

Visitors to Thai temples may have seen people kneeling reverently in the bhote while shaking a bamboo container full of flat bamboo sticks. When one stick noticeably rises up among the bundle, the person then reads the Thai numeral written on the stick and goes to a bookshelf against the wall of the chapel. A leaflet with the corresponding number as that on the stick is selected. The leaflet chosen has a set fortune printed on it. It is believed the selected stick from the bundle in the bamboo container has determined the printed prediction is will occur.

The illustration here is yet another of this sort of prediction method. Going into the new lunar year of Songkran, our readers might be interested to know what the new year might hold in store for them. The text in the middle of the circle advises men to begin at figure one, under the base of the illustrated tower at the bottom of the circle and count clockwise to their present age. That is, if the person seeking his fortune is thirty six, he should count up to the number six and consult the prediction under that number below to know his fate. Women, however, are advised to begin at number twelve, underneath the illustration of the lion, and count backwards in a counterclockwise direction, twelve, eleven, etc. to their present age in a similar manner.

The predictions are as follows:

1. The Fate of the Pagoda: You will gain an unexpected windfall perhaps rings of silver and gold and even animals with two or four feet. Whatever you do will be appropriate to your thoughts. You will not perform good acts for other people, or even two- or four-footed animals. You cannot depend on your relatives, but must rely on yourself.
2. The Fate Concerned With the Gold and Silver Floral Offerings: You will receive unexpected windfalls of various sorts. Your patron will receive happiness. You should observe proper behavior with important people. You will receive good things because your patron is intelligent and always looking ahead.
3. The Fate Concerned with Mrs. Wanthong Who Has Been Executed: You are due to receive severe punishment. It is not advisable to undertake a long journey. Before you do something, stop and think first. You will receive no beneficial windfalls of any sort, so don't think about a new gold watch. Urging others to do something for you could bring harm.

   NOTE : This is from a famous Thai literature epic titled Khun Chang - Khun Phaen. The leading lady was Ms. Wan-Thong who's first lover was Khun Phaen and followed by Khun Chang. The second man was devious using all kinds of schemes. The story ended that the leading lady with two hearts was executed.

4. Fate Concerned With the Throne and the Castle: You will receive unexpected windfalls of a residence and bounty of food, and will achieve more than your peers and rivals. At your work place you will change positions. Instead of the dealing with the problems you experienced last year, you will achieve success in the coming year.
5. Fate Concerned With the Throne and the Castle: You will receive unexpected windfalls of a residence and bounty of food, and will achieve more than your peers and rivals. At your work place you will change positions. Instead of the dealing with the problems you experienced last year, you will achieve success in the coming year.
6. Fate Concerned With the Throne of the Demon King and the Great Lion: You will experience pain, fever, and the loss of blood. As a result, you will have to travel a long distance from home before your health improves. It is not advisable to display anger, and if you don't follow this precept, something untoward might happen to you.
7. The Fate Concerned With the Gold and Silver Floral Offerings: You will receive unexpected windfalls of various sorts. Your patron will receive happiness. You should observe proper behavior with important people. You will receive good things because your patron is intelligent and always looking ahead.
8. The Fate Concerned With the Lord Rama Walking in the Jungle: You will receive an unexpected windfall concerned with distant trading. But, if you stay in the same place all the time, you will not receive the anticipated windfall. You will meet the partner of your heart's desire in the North, who will have a sallow complexion. You will have no enemies, but you are going to have to watch yourself or else arguments will occur between you and women.
9. The Fate Concerned With the Khun Phaen in Prison: Something will occur, and the reason is that your wife will do something making it necessary for you to meditate. Don't be aggressive or you will have unexpected trouble with important people, so mind your manners.
10. The Fate Concerned With the Great-Grandfather: You will be able to rely on your seniors. As a result of your act of worship or paying homage, an unexpected windfall will come your way. You will obtain a patron and good things will happen to you when you obey your seniors. Someone older than you will bring you an unexpected windfall of good fortune.
11. The Fate Concerned With the Woman Named Miss Maya: Beware of a woman of advanced age or else you will be fooled, and whatever you were hoping for will not occur. Unfortunately, you will receive no unexpected windfalls. It not advisable to be gullible. Before believing anyone, try to think about the adverse possibilities. Be advised that a woman younger than you will be a better friend than one who is older.
12. Fate Concerned With the Throne of the Demon King and the Great Lion: You will experience pain, fever, and the loss of blood. As a result, you will have to travel a long distance from home before your health improves. It is not advisable to display anger, and if you don't follow this precept, something untoward might happen to you.

So, men start counting clockwise and women start counting counterclockwise and you'll see what the new lunar year holds in store for you.