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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Superstition in the guise of benevolence; Conversation with a prayer writer/ Reza Dehlavi

Fortune-telling and divination, with claims of using supernatural powers or offering pseudo-scientific advice, are phenomena that have become very common in Iran, to the extent that people with different beliefs and educational backgrounds turn to them for solving their problems. These individuals often claim to have the ability to reveal information about the future or […]...

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Nowruz and the ailing economy of Iran; conversation with Sohrab Delangizan, university professor/ Azar Taherabadi

The Iranian economy has faced serious challenges in the final months of 1403, challenges rooted in structural factors and recent developments. High inflation, devaluation of the national currency, and economic recession are among the issues that have directly affected people’s purchasing power. In this regard, we sat down with Sohrab Delangizan, a full professor of […]...

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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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Why has superstition taken hold in Iran?/ Mehdi Ambari

Divination and fortune-telling, as activities that claim to predict the future or interpret events, have existed in various societies since ancient times. In Iran, due to specific economic, social, and cultural conditions, these activities have developed in different forms and have had a profound impact on individuals and society. This article attempts to briefly examine […]...

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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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When superstition ties reason down/ Fereshteh Goli

Myth refers to beliefs and actions based on fear, ignorance, or misunderstanding of natural and supernatural causes – often without scientific or logical basis – and can exist individually or collectively. In fact, the foundation of superstitions and magic is built on the fear and ignorance of humans. In the past, superstitions were a part […]...

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When hope boils in a cup of coffee/ Alireza Goodarzi

The woman sat down and fear was in her eyes. He was thinking about a cup of tea. He said, “Oh my child! Don’t be sad!” Love is your destiny.   Allow me to distinguish between concepts that have no clear boundaries: fortune-telling, palmistry, divination, and astrology. Each claims to have a connection with another […]...

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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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