'Fortune-telling' is a general name given to all the different practices used to discover information which is hidden, to read and evaluate character, or to foretell the future. It is sometimes called 'divination', especially by more serious practitioners. The methods are numerous, and range from techniques simple enough for the amateur to use, to techniques so intricate and difficult that they require many years of experience.

Professional diviners may divine by the pendulum, by the interpretation of certain signs, omens, dreams, or by natural phenomena such as clouds.

The medium may use automatic writing, a crystal ball, or may divine clairvoyantly while in a trance.

The 'Gypsy' fortune-teller frequently employs palmistry, card reading, crystal gazing, dream interpretation, the reading of tea-leaves, or astrology.

And, of course, some diviners specialise in particular techniques such as astrologers, tarot readers or palmists.

More recently, things like biorhythm charts are being offered, but these are merely a pseudoscientific modernisation of the theory of determinism which is also behind astrology and many other forms of divination. These days different methods of divination are being mixed together in new ways.

Divination may be divided into two general classifications: those methods which seek to obtain direct knowledge from the unseen realm (e.g. by the use of the ouija board, automatic writing, contact with 'spirit guides' while in a trance, crystal ball, clairvoyance), and those methods which attempt to interpret certain signs, omens, or events (e.g. cards, horoscope, handwriting analysis, palm reading, I Ching, the flight of birds). The reasoning behind the latter type of divination is based upon the erroneous assumption that one's fate is related to the total predetermined pattern of events in the universe. Thus, by the interpretation of certain signs, omens, or events, an individual's destiny can be revealed and understood.

People often assume that fortune telling is from God because it sometimes gives correct information. Those who assume this fail to realise what has happened; powers which are not from God, and which have supplied the information, begin to work in the life of the person who sought that information. Their goal is to 'rearrange' that person's life so that the information they give will become true. Occasionally they succeed.

This is why so many people who consult fortune-tellers or diviners experience unpleasant side-effects. Involvement with divination establishes a relationship with these 'powers' which are spiritual beings opposed to God and hostile to mankind. This relationship is the means by which these beings manipulate their unwary victim's life in order to fulfil their predictions. In this process, however, they may do great harm to the individual's mind or body, to say nothing of the inner, spiritual consequences.

All forms of divination are condemned by God. 'Let no-one be found among you…who practises divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD... Deuteronomy 18:10-12. This is because these practices

a. do not give any knowledge of His will, and

b. put one in contact with the powers of darkness who deceive and ensnare those who consult them.

Man has always been intrigued with the desire to determine the future, learn his fate, obtain hidden knowledge, or gain help or power from the unseen world. The Scriptures forbid man from seeking information or guidance from these demonic sources. The Christian who needs wisdom and guidance is told to ask God (James 1:5),for the secret things belong to Him. (Deut. 26:29.)

If you want to know how to be set free from the influences of past or present involvement with any of these occult practices, then write to CRO for a free copy of 'Set Free'.