There are a few advantages to this impromptu childhood toy as a divination device. A paper fortune-teller can be constructed on short notice, and with minimal equipment. It is highly portable, being made small, and folds flat for easy storing in a pocket, wallet, or purse. It can be unfolded, torn to bits and discarded if you’re embarrassed at the thought anyone would discover you’ve been using it. It’s versatility is unparalleled–you can create a paper fortune teller for any conceivable question. Its design is limited only by your imagination and talent-level. The drawbacks are its limited answers and the material used in its construction. Even a heavy weight of paper, such as 80 lb. or 100 lb. won’t last very long with repeated and heavy use, and of course it can’t be consulted in rain or snow.
The paper fortune teller is actually a form divination known technically as algorithmancy, a means of divining by following an established, computational procedure, with a finite number of steps for arriving at the answer. Paper fortune tellers are constructed in three-part form. The outer corners are usually colors, pictures or words, the inner square contains eight numbers, and the innermost part of the fortune teller contains a set of eight different answers. It is your choice from the two outer-layers of the fortune teller which determine the final answer.
The inquirer is asked to pick one color, picture or word from one of the four outer corners of the device. The operator spells out the word, or the word for the color or picture they chose, while manipulating the fortune teller with the speaking of each letter, stopping at the last letter on an inner diamond shape with four of the eight numbers visible. The inquirer is asked to choose one of the four visible numbers. The operator counts up to the number chosen, stopping at either the same or a different set of numbers. The inquirer is asked a third and final time to choose a number. The operator then lifts the flap on which the number is written and reads the fortune for that section. I have seen variations where the letters of the alphabet are used instead of numbers. In those cases, the operator recites the letters of the alphabet in order up to the letter chosen.
Haven’t seen these since the 70s! Had a lot of fun! Downloaded the PDF. Going to have one sitting on my kitchen counter to play with once in awhile.
Glad you’re enjoying this blast from the past! It’s when we’re relaxed and having fun that true answers can come through clearly.