2 • Introduction
makeup and jewelry was minimal. I looked like just another guest. I might easily have melted into the group’s merry conversation over snacks if the guest of honor hadn’t instructed me to let them know why I was there. I introduced myself to the group and gave a brief introduction to a type of fortunetelling called crystalomancy, explaining that, for people with problems with love or career, or any other area of life, divination offered practical solutions through the use of our intuition. I let them know that this evening I would be using a real crystal ball to confirm some things they already knew, to discover new potential in their lives, and to empower them with advice. After such a bold speech, the guests were even more nervous. But the hostess allowed me to stick around and mingle while a few glasses of wine gave them courage. At last, the bravest of the bunch walked with me to a private area that the hostess had designated for readings, followed later by the rest of the excited guests once they had a chance to hear what she had to say about my reading. Over the course of the evening, I predicted children, extreme job changes, moves to distant lands, and even a few breakups to those who knew they needed to hear such news. By the end of the night, my table was crowded with everyone needing “just one more” reading.