The History of Divination and Predictions. From Fortune Tellers and Under-Bowl Songs to Astrology and Tarot Cards

An intriguing history of predictions that encompasses numerous cultures and epochs. New in the "Scarily Interesting" series.
Humans have always been obsessed with the desire to know the future and outsmart fate. They turned to spirits, gods, and forces of nature with their questions, seeking meaning in the movement of stars and the magic of numbers.
What is the difference between prophecy, divination, and fortune-telling? Why were predictors both cursed and exalted? How did scientific discoveries give rise to new superstitions? This book discusses humanity's attempts to glimpse the future – from biblical prophets and ancient shamans to astrology, numerology, and tarot cards. A separate section is dedicated to Russian traditions of divination.