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 On
First Avenue in Manhattan recently, a small printed invitation was
thrust into my hand.
“Readings by Cheryl. Truly gifted. Guidance and direction in all
matters; answers to all your questions.”
Nearby, in an old apartment building, colorful neon signs beckoned
from second floor windows: “Your Fate and Fortune” “Palm
Reader” “Psychic Consultant”
A common sight in the Big Apple, found down many busy streets.
Fortune tellers, tucked away in small rooms or tiny storefronts.
Beaded curtains, an atmosphere of subdued lighting and shadows, with
the usual props, a crystal ball, or a spread of cards on a table.
Laws against “ fortune tellers” are on the books from place to
place.
In many communities, there are licensing requirements. In others,
it’s flatly prohibited
by statute, though frequently not enforced.
But whatever the guise, using the term “fortune teller” is a “no-no”
-- legally declared
NOT to be a profession.
Here on First avenue, at 10-dollars for an introductory session,
Cheryl reveals
mystical answers to many of the same questions. .
What about my streak of continued bad luck? Should I be making long
range plans? A rotten time to invest? Would it be a mistake to move?
Is my future ever going to be what it used to be?
Since the mid-1960’s, there has been a steady increase in the
numbers of
psychics, mediums, astrologists, numerologists, hotlines, books, and
audiotapes.
There is fortune telling by newspaper, by magazine, on TV, by 1-800‘
Or just a few clicks away on the Internet.
It’s an old, old human craving.
Wishful thinking or fanciful pursuit? A question which has been
studied and
argued almost since the beginning of human history
Yet the fact is, though freely admitting they can’t predict the
future themselves,
a surprising number of Americans (mostly women) apparently believe
someone
else, can.
Unpredictability can be a great source of stress.
In past consultations, Cheryl recalls a grim-faced mother who lost
two sons
in questionable wars and has long since ceased being surprised by
bad luck.
Why me?
A pretty young thing, devastated by a romance off kilter, is turning
to anyone who
may open another door for her.
Any door.
A middle-aged divorcee fears that never again will there be a
“Mister Right.”
A betrayed single mother is desperate to regain control of her life.
A somewhat
commonplace event in modern society.
An old woman, whose main problem is watching every penny, is caught
up in a
“Hey, you never know” lottery dream. Should I keep buying tickets?
True, many come only out of curiosity, or for entertainment, and the
practicing
cynics, doubters who say it’s nothing more than a glorified con
game. .
Of course, it’s impossible to ever get a fix on the number of
admitted “ true believers.”
Folks heatedly deny that they would ever use it as a guideline for
life.
Not that many of us aren’t doing what we can to help the future
along.
Repeatedly taking note of what we consider personal “ lucky days” of
the
month, standing by “lucky” numbers, carrying “lucky coins” and, why
not, a “lucky” pen to fill out lottery tickets or contest entry
forms.
.. Yet for true believers, a fortune teller is the only answer.
So whatever the impulse,
Or wherever a wishful dream is to be found,
They’ll be there.
Human nature hasn’t changed much, down thru history.
.........................................................................................................................
Gene Farinet, an award winning veteran newsman, spent much of his long
career at NBC News as a writer and producer working with Frank McGee,
Ed Newman, John Chancellor and Tom Brokaw, covering space, politics
and special projects everywhere in the world.
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