The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-10-02
Fortunes Told by the feet.

Fortune telling promises to be as
popular among women this winter as
it has been for some years, and it has
developed new phase, foot reading.
The prosperity of the fortune tcllers
began about fifteen years ago, when
palmistry got vogue, and it has been
increasing ever since.
London took up palmistry long be-
fore it became fad in America. The
London palmists had rooms sumptu-
ously furnished and obtained large
fees for their hand readings. A clev-
er, picturesque and handsome Irish
man was the most successful Of them
all. lie came to America and fitted
up gorgeous and darkly luxurious
apartment on Fifth avenue, getting $5
aud $40 for reading. Marvellous gifts
were attributed to him. lie became
the fashion, and his fascinating eyes
and long locks, worn in the style of
London's aesthetic set, were seen at
teas and parties.
Scores Of imitators followed in the
wake. At one Of the most fashionable
hotels an Egyptian palmist cstab-
lished vogue. Newport had woman
palmist one season, and she made a
sensation by her clever readings and
predictions. She afterwards travelled
to the principal summer resorts with
success. Her method was simple. She
watched the registers of hotels for new
arrivals and learned facts regard
ing them. Then she strolled along the
piazza the next morning and surprised
her victims with the accuracy Of her
readings.
London followed its craze for palm
istry with table raisings and crystal
gazings. Mcsmcrism and mind read
ings came in for their share Of attcn-
tion. Magiclans and teachers from
India were employed to give readings
and demonstrations in drawing rooms.
They formed classes and gave instruc-
tions in the black arts.
Crystal gazing is employed by all
the up-to-date professors of the occult
who have set up their Offices in New
York. A sphere Of exquisitely clear
crystal is placed directly opposite the
person desiring to consult the oracle,
and the mind is concentrated upon its
depths while the fortune teller exerts
his powers to call up visions in the
glass. A hypnotic spell seems to creep
over the gazer and figures begin to
appear. Faces and forms and scenes
swim in the glistening globe. This
effect can be produced by any one who
possesses a crystal ball and sits before
it, concentrating his thoughts upon it.
AS parlor amusement the fad is very
popular.
Crystal gazing, palmistry and mind
reading have about ruined the trade
Of the clairvoyants, most of whom are
adding the newer fads to their accom-
plishments. Cards are used now only
by the very fashioned fortune tell
ers.
The fashionable fortune tellers have
establishments in Fifth avenue and
in the streets directly off the avenue.
Liveried servants open the doors and
there is every appearance cf wealth. wealth
The seers nowadays affect the mys-
terious and intellectual pose. Some of
them go in for artistic effects in dress,
and physical charm is undoubtedly
one OF the attractions which they hold
for the idle rich women who make
-nine-tenths of their clientele. Many
OF the men are remarkably handsome.
Their hands are soft, fine and white
with we'll cared for nails, their voices
low and their manners intensely
sympathetic when the visitor is q, wo-
man.
The fees which some of these men
get for reading or sitting are large.
Many Of them have classes in the oc-
cult arts and profess an ability to
impart their own powers to their
pupils. The price of q course of
study may mount we'll into the hun
dreds, according to the vogue Of the
teacher.
You cannot ring the bell and gain
admittance to the presence Of one of
these fortune readers as you can call
on an ordinary deliver in mystery.
Some require personal introductions
and letters. Others make engagements
In advance. Their patrons believe
| implicitly in them and cite instances
IN which they have been directed
4 !