Fortune-Telling by Dominoes
A fairly unique accomplishment is to reveal the future by the aid of dominoes, and there is something sufficiently fascinating and mysterious about this mode of revelation to fill the uninitiated with awe at the powers of the exponent.
Each small oblong has its secret meaning by which some happening vital to the subject is illustrated. It is a matter of little difficulty to commit these to memory; and in this, as in other methods of divination, the fundamental principle is that of comparison and calculation.
The dominoes used range from double-six to double-blank, and by these are symbolized the various vicissitudes of fate likely to befall mankind. The exponent places his paraphernalia upon the table, and, having turned them with their black spots facing the surface, proceeds to shuffle them. When this is done, the subject is requested to draw three pieces, one at a time. Between the choice of each the dominoes are shuffled.
The first supplies an impression; should it be drawn a second time, the impression becomes a conviction. The third, however, may lessen or wholly contradict its degree of importance, and this is where calculation and comparison in blending the signs are essential to a successful justification and interpretation of these symbols.
Double-six is an emblem of matrimonial happiness and financial prosperity.
Six-five is almost equally fortunate. Perseverance and concentration are rewarded by ultimate success.
Six-four implies a comfortable income, and secures happiness in marriage.
Six-three demonstrates that fate smiles upon the love and marriage of the subject.
Six-two.—Prudence, hard work, and a certain amount of good luck, or exposure and shame for any wrong-doing.
Six-one promises two marriages to the young subject, the first of which will not be as happy as the second. Should the subject be of middle age, this domino foretells the speedy arrival of good things and the fact that he or she will never be left lonely and uncared for.
Six-blank is, alas, a sign of great trouble—sickness, death, or heavy money losses.
Double-five presages that all achievements will be rewarded with a large amount of success, but inordinate wealth is not prophesied.
Five-four is almost as unfortunate a draw as six-blank. Should a young girl lift it, it means that her future husband will be poor and leave her a widow. Further, he may be of extravagant disposition, in spite of his poverty.
Five-three indicates a tranquil and contented existence. Sufficient money and matrimonial affection of moderate strength, the couple being incapable of passionate devotion.
Five-two conveys a warning that love and marriage are destined to an unhappy termination.
Five-one portends social popularity, but financial worries and losses.
Five-blank is supposed to demonstrate egotistical and avaricious characteristics, tendencies to swindling and intrigues, also a warning to remain unmarried.
Double-four.—The man who earns his livelihood by manual labor may regard this domino as a sign of future security and prosperity, but to him whose profession needs mental achievement it is rather disastrous. Troubles and disappointments await him.
Four-three.—Matrimony and moderate income.
Four-two proclaims an early marriage and moderate income.
Four-one.—Wealth or many friends.
Four-blank.—A sure warning that single life will be the best and happiest. It counsels that any secrets imparted to another will be indiscreetly revealed.
Double-three.—Enormous riches.
Three-two foretells prosperity in matrimony, travels, and speculations.
Three-one.—Some danger and unhappiness. The necessity for acting with extreme caution in all matters.
Three-blank.—Domestic unhappiness—such as a quarrel or incompatibility of temperament of husband and wife. The absence of harmony in the home.
Double-two promises average happiness and income.
Two-one.—Two marriages, if the individual be a woman; financial failures to a commercial man.
Two-blank.—The intrigues of unscrupulous persons will meet with temporary success. It also denotes poverty, and an indolent husband. The individual will return safely from all journeys undertaken.
Double-one.—An existence free from money worries; peace and constancy in love and marriage.
Double-blank seems to favor the deeds of unprincipled persons, and foretells want of integrity in lover and husband.