Durban - A dimly lit room, perhaps a crystal ball, a woman speaking in a heavy foreign accent and dressed like a gypsy.
Much of what I expected of fortune tellers was misinformed.
Which is perhaps why synonyms for the soothsayers these days are along the lines of “life coach”, “counsellor” and “therapist”.
With Psychic Week, being held at Suncoast Casino from April 25 to 28, becoming a popular annual event in Durban, I thought it was time for a closer inspection.
To my surprise three different forms of divination revealed three similar readings on my life.
I was astounded, intrigued and highly entertained by how accurate some of their statements were regarding my personality, and most of all charmed about how wonderful the future looks.
Tarot Card Reading
Attorney-turned-tarot card reader Minaxie Gihwala comes from a long line of psychics. She is third-generation South African, with most of her family still in India and many of them possessing psychic ability.
She uses the tarot cards as a visual tool.
For the short telephonic reading I call out 10 numbers, each suggesting a card.
There is no way to read me other than by my voice, yet she is spot on.
Her news is all good.
In fact, if something gloomy does arise she is not likely to say.
“I don’t like to give bad news or make negative predictions,” she says. “After all, there is always the chance it may not happen. I want people to leave on a positive note.”
MG, as she is known, says a great deal of responsibility comes with this gift and she never wants to harm. Her aim is to empower.
Appointments are not by the clock and prices vary from as little as R10 at a fair to R500 for a complete reading.
E-mail: [email protected]
Ancient Chinese Reading
Chandra Kantha Singh is a holistic healer who works with body alignment, reiki, chakra balancing and past genetic regression.
She uses tarot cards, but has also formulated her own pack of daily guidance cards, which are available at Exclusive Books.
She began using an ancient Chinese reading called Gonxi Facai recently, and it gives you a reading for the next three months and pertains to all aspects of your life.
We meet at her relaxed and airy studio and sit at a desk with two charts on it. On one I am asked to shuffle and place 32 cards. On the other I juggle charms and spill them over the board.
Appointments are not by the clock and prices vary. However, a standard reading costs about R300.
Web: chandrakanthasingh.com
Connecting with Angels
I chat to Tessa Klue over the telephone and she explains that years ago she began talking to angels. This often meant using another tongue, which she could not identify.
Using my name and date of birth, she has similar things to say as the other psychics – albeit with a touch of humour. She tells me who my angel is as well.
She says that as a psychic medium her aim is to bring comfort, love, help and messages from those on the other side, to help their loved ones on Earth.
Prices vary.
E-mail: [email protected]. - The Mercury