Parrot astrology

Parrot astrology or parakeet fortune-telling is a type of astrology traditionally practiced in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and by Indian Singaporeans. It involves using mainly rose-ringed and Alexandrine parakeets which are trained to pick up Tarot-like fortune cards.[2][3]

Fortune telling process

A parrot astrologer/fortune teller typically sits beneath a tree to call or by the side of the road where people congregate, with the cage to the side and divination cards spread or stacked in front of them. The cards are similar to tarot cards, but are a deck of only 27 cards, representing the Indian cosmic system. Each card contains the image of religious figures, such as a Hindu deity, Buddha, or the Virgin Mary with infant Jesus.

When a patron sits before the fortune teller, the latter opens the cage and lets the parrot out. The parrot is trained to pick a card from the stack or the spread with its beak and give it to the astrologer. The astrologer then opens the card, and based on the image, tells the fortune of the patron.[2][3]

The practice of parrot astrology is diminishing in Tamil Nadu due to lack of patronage.[2] In Singapore it is a tourist attraction at M. Muniyappan's fortune telling shop in Little India along the Serangoon Road.[4] A variant is also practiced in Pakistan.[5]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Parrot astrology.
  • A parrot astrologer sitting beneath a tree
  • A patron seeks her fortune
  • Parrot going through the cards
  • Mani the parakeet

See also

References

  1. ^ "Hindus and their Prayers". Wesleyan Juvenile Offering. XXII. London: Wesleyan Mission House: 65. May 1865. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  2. ^ a b c "Art of parrot predictions on verge of extinction". Deccan Chronicle. 17 October 2011. Archived from the original on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  3. ^ a b Naidu Ratnala, Thulaja. "Parrot astrologers". National Library Board Singapore. Archived from the original on 1 January 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  4. ^ Hatton, Michael J (1999). Community-based tourism in the Asia-Pacific. School of Media Studies at Humber College. p. 60. ISBN 978-0-9682334-2-9.
  5. ^ "Fortune tellers thrive on public hope". Daily Times. 11 October 2004. Archived from the original on 25 May 2006. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
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