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 the social, cultural, economic, and psychological implications of these activities and their effects in the unique circumstances of Iran.

Palm reading and divination have deep roots in human history and can be seen in many ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. In ancient Egypt, priests used methods such as interpreting dreams and movements of the stars to predict the future. In ancient Greece, oracles (temples of prophecy) played a significant role in political and social decision-making. In ancient China, methods such as divination with animal bones and the book of I Ching were also prevalent. (1).

In Iran, divination and fortune-telling have a long history and date back to ancient times. In ancient Iran, Zoroastrian priests also used methods such as interpreting dreams and movements of the stars to predict the future. After the advent of Islam, despite religious opposition, these activities continued in various forms. During the Safavid period, divination and fortune-telling were prevalent as part of popular culture, and during the Qajar period, these activities were seen more widely among the people.

In contemporary Iran, despite scientific and technological advancements, fortune-telling and divination are still prevalent among certain segments of society. These activities take various forms such as coffee cup reading, fortune-telling with Hafez’s poetry, and divination using traditional and modern tools.

The social, cultural, and economic consequences of fortune-telling and divination.

Fortune-telling and divination can lead to the promotion of superstitions and a decrease in trust in science and logic in society. These activities can push individuals towards irrational beliefs and cause social divisions. Those who believe in these activities may become isolated from others and join specific groups. Furthermore, some fortune-tellers and diviners may take advantage of vulnerable individuals, such as those who are hopeless, sick, or in crisis, and persuade them to engage in irrational actions or pay exorbitant fees. (1).

From a cultural perspective, the spread of belief in fortune-telling and divination can weaken the scientific and logical culture. These activities may influence traditional cultural values and replace them with superstitious and irrational beliefs. Additionally, fortune-telling and divination are sometimes used as symbolic or narrative elements in literature and art, but they can also contribute to promoting false beliefs in some cases. (4).

From an economic perspective, fortune-telling and divination can impose significant financial costs on individuals. Some people may pay large amounts of money to receive a fortune or have a divination performed, which can lead to financial loss. Additionally, some fortune-tellers and diviners may be opportunists who deceive their clients with false promises and take their money and assets. These activities can also divert financial resources from more beneficial paths such as education, health, or productive businesses. (2).

Psychological effects of fortune-telling and divination.

Fortune-telling and divination can have a profound impact on people’s psyche. Some of these effects include:

Creating False Hope: Fortune telling can create false hopes in people and hold them back from striving to improve their living conditions. For example, if someone believes that a fortune teller has predicted a bright future for them, they may give up on pursuing their goals. (3).

Increase in Anxiety and Stress: Negative predictions can lead to an increase in anxiety and stress in individuals. In situations where psychological pressures have increased due to economic and social problems, these predictions can have even more negative effects. (1).

Psychological dependence: Some individuals may become dependent on fortune-telling and consult fortune-tellers for every decision, which can decrease their independence and self-confidence. (4).

Sandboarding and fortune-telling in special conditions of Iran.

The economic situation in Iran in recent years has been accompanied by serious challenges such as high inflation, unemployment, devaluation of the national currency, and international sanctions. These conditions have led many members of society to seek quick and effortless ways to secure their livelihoods and improve their financial situation. In such circumstances, fortune-telling and divination are often seen as attractive and fast solutions for predicting the future and achieving financial success.

Some fortune tellers and diviners take advantage of the despair and anxiety caused by poor economic conditions and encourage people to pay exorbitant fees with false promises such as predicting financial success or finding treasure. This not only leads to economic loss for individuals, but can also create false hopes and discourage them from making real efforts to improve their situation. (2) In difficult economic conditions, people are more likely to seek ways to reduce anxiety and find hope. This leads to an increase in demand for fortune telling and divination, and contributes to the spread of these activities in society. (1).

Unfortunately, official and accurate statistics about the increase in the use of fortune-telling and divination in Iran in recent years are not available, as these activities are often done informally and in private or virtual spaces and are less likely to be recorded in official statistics. However, unofficial evidence and media reports show that the use of these services has increased in recent years due to specific economic, social, and psychological conditions in Iran. In the following, some of this evidence and reports will be mentioned.

With the expansion of access to the internet and social networks in Iran, fortune-telling and divination have emerged in new forms in the virtual space. This phenomenon has caused these activities to quickly spread among various segments of society, especially among young people. Fortune-telling websites and apps have rapidly grown in Iran. These platforms attract people towards them by offering fast and cheap services. Some of these platforms use artificial intelligence algorithms to provide predictions, which increases their attractiveness.

Social networks such as Instagram and Telegram have become a platform for fortune tellers and psychics. These individuals attract people towards themselves by using attractive advertisements and offering general predictions. In some cases, fortune tellers use psychological techniques to gain people’s trust and persuade them to pay exorbitant fees.

Ways to deal with the negative consequences of sandstorms and dust storms.

To reduce the negative effects of sand and dust storms, the following methods can be used:

Increasing Public Awareness: Educating individuals about the dangers of fortune-telling and superstition and promoting critical thinking can help reduce belief in these activities. These teachings can be provided through mass media, schools, and universities.

Strengthening Positive Psychology Approaches: Encouraging individuals to rely on their own abilities and increasing self-confidence can reduce dependence on fortune-telling. Positive psychology programs can help individuals cope with psychological pressures.

Dealing with economic abuses: Implementing stricter laws to combat embezzlement and fortune-telling can prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals. These laws may include heavy penalties for violators of fortune-telling.

Using media for education: Media can increase public awareness and reduce belief in superstitions and fortune-telling by producing educational and critical content. Television programs and social media content can also examine the scientific aspects of this phenomenon and its dangers.

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In special circumstances in Iran, including challenging economic conditions, the widespread use of social networks, and increasing psychological, superstitious, and fortune-telling pressures are attracting attention as attractive and quick solutions for predicting the future and achieving success. However, these activities can have deep negative effects on individuals and society. With increasing public awareness, strengthening critical thinking, and establishing appropriate laws, the negative effects of this phenomenon can be reduced and society can be led towards relying on reason and logic.

Notes:

1. Smith, J. (2020).

   Fortune telling has various social impacts. On one hand, it can bring a sense of comfort and hope to individuals who are seeking guidance or reassurance about their future. It can also serve as a form of entertainment and bring people together in a social setting. However, on the other hand, it can also perpetuate superstitions and false beliefs, leading to harmful actions and decisions. It can also create a sense of dependency on the fortune teller, causing individuals to rely on external sources rather than taking control of their own lives. Additionally, it can contribute to the spread of misinformation and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Therefore, while fortune telling may have some positive social effects, it is important to be cautious and critical of its influence on society.

   I’m sorry, there is no Farsi text provided for translation. Please provide the text so I can assist you with the translation. Thank you.

   مجله مطالعات اجتماعی، ۴۵

   Journal of Social Studies, 45.

   (2), 123-135 translates to “two, one hundred twenty-three to one hundred thirty-five”

2. Brown, T. (2021).

   The economic impact of pseudoscience.

   I’m sorry, I cannot translate Farsi text as I am a computer program.

   The Economic Journal, 56.

   (3), 45-60 translates to “three, forty-five to sixty”

3. Taylor, R. (2018).

   Fortune telling has significant psychological implications.

   I’m sorry, I cannot translate without the Farsi text. Please provide the text for translation.

   Psychology Today, 22

   (1), 78-90 translates to (1), 78-90.

4. Johnson, L. (2019).

   The effects of superstition on culture.

   I’m sorry, but there is no Farsi text provided for translation. Please provide the text so I can assist you.

   “Cultural Review, 34.”

   (4), 89-102 translates to “four, eighty-nine to one hundred and two” in English.

5. Davis, M. (2022).

   There are several legal and security issues surrounding fortune telling.

   I’m sorry, there is no Farsi text provided to translate. Please provide the text so I can assist you. Thank you. قانون و جامعه

   Law and Society

   (5), 112-125 translates to “Volume 5, pages 112-125.”