But as a game and pastime, fortune telling is harmless and amusing. The old fashioned fate lady has afforded much amusement and profit at fairs. The following is a more modern and graceful method: Cut green enameled paper in the shape of oak leaves, and on the white side write some simple oracle. The person who represents the sibyl seats herself, dressed in character, under a tasteful canopy, with a table in front, and her sibylline leaves scattered over it, with the green side upwards. Then as individuals enquire their fate of the oracle, let her move about the leaves, muttering some incantation, and let each one select his or her own leaf. Another way is to hold the leaves in a cornucopia and scatter them around from it. Care must be taken not to expose the white side of the leaves.
THE FIAT OF FATE.
Make twelve flat pin-cushions, heart-shape, and all of different colors, such as blue, variegated, white, scarlet, green, lilac, checkered, brown, slate, purple, yellow and pink. Have a loop of narrow ribbon fastened to each, and stick small pins all around them as in the design. Take some narrow ribbon and string them all upon it; they are then ready to be used, with the following oracles:
The Fiat of Fate.
To all who wish their fate to know,
These hearts will future fortunes show;
With shaded eyes then touch and name—
The color will thy lot proclaim.
BLUE.
If fortune favors thee, wish blue,
Thou couldst not wish a brighter hue;
On life’s dark disc this shade portrays
Truth, happiness, and length of days.