Myths, Ideology, and Knowledge: Challenges of the Normative System in Iranian Society; A Conversation with Dr. Asghar Mahajeri/ Pedram Tahsini

Dr. Asghar Mahajeri, born in 1345, received his doctorate from the Department of Science and Research at the University of Tehran. He is currently an assistant professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Communications and Media at the Central Tehran Branch. In his background, he has also served as the head of the Sociology Department […]...

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Conversation with two fortune-tellers who do not read fortunes for themselves/ Ali Kalaei

Divination and fortune-telling is one of the oldest professions of humanity. In the past, it was considered a science and everyone in a society, from rulers to the condemned, believed in it. But today, in the eyes of observers and modern intellectuals, it has turned into a pseudo-science and superstition. It is still believed by […]...

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Psychic Industry: From Free Exchange to Fraud / Amin Ghazaei

Philosophical schools of thought in legal theory differ significantly on the legal legitimacy of activities such as fortune-telling, amulet writing, palm reading, psychic readings, mind reading, and all services based on claims of supernatural powers. Libertarians argue for the legality of these businesses, claiming that as long as individuals voluntarily and willingly purchase such services […]...

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When fortune tellers roll the dice and we play/ Pooyan Khoshhal

Albert Einstein has a famous quote: “God does not play dice.” But if he were alive today and looked at social media, he might shake his head in disappointment and say, “It seems that fortune tellers and social media are not only playing dice, but they are also gambling with it.” Nowadays, predictions, fortunes, and […]...

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From “Healing the Eye Wound” to “Instant Attraction of the Beloved” / Fariborz Kalantari

In a world where science and technology are rapidly advancing, it may seem strange that people still turn to fortune tellers and spellcasters to solve their problems. However, the reality is that many people, especially in times of despair and desperation, are looking for a quick and miraculous solution, and this creates an opportunity for […]...

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“Ramali in the Digital Era: Violation of Women’s Rights and Reproduction of Vulnerability / Ali Barnaie”

In the chaos of virtual platforms and social networks in Iran, digital fortune tellers and diviners with thousands of followers make colorful promises of changing fate to desperate, vulnerable individuals, essentially launching a “dream-selling business”. Women, especially in marginalized and low-income communities, are the main targets of these promises. In fact, fortune telling and divination, […]...

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Serious Economy/ Ahmad Alavi

Ramali and falgiri, as part of the informal economy, have deep roots in many developing societies, including Iran. This phenomenon, which thrives in a context of economic, social, and cultural crises, not only leads to the withdrawal of capital – both financial, human, and social – from the productive and formal economic cycle, but also […]...

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Does fortune-telling and divination tarnish human dignity?/ Sina Yousefi

Fortune-telling and divination, as manifestations of superstitions in modern societies, are considered a serious threat to human dignity beyond just a cultural and social problem. These phenomena take advantage of individuals’ psychological, economic, and social vulnerabilities, targeting their intellectual independence and free will, and reducing them from capable and autonomous beings to dependent and passive […]...

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