As we sat before him I opened my hands, but he offered them only a glance. Turning his head alternately down and away, and then glancing cursorily at my face, the toothless soothsayer began his raspy response, ticking off his prescient postulations with no need for books or charts, or even a careful analysis of my hands or face. Perhaps his physical underdevelopment promoted greater mental capability.

"You drink too much beer." That's pretty good I thought, but not amazingly insightful considering that I'm a young farang in Thailand. "You will marry in 2-3 years." Again, possible but not particularly mind blowing. "You will live into your 70's". Another statistically safe estimate, and a somewhat relieving one too; a life of extravagance is surely worth a mere 30 years shaved off the twilight of my life. "You should open a restaurant." Now that caught my attention. For one thing, it wasn't as if he was rambling off every conceivable prediction that he could think of. Another was that this was one of the things Khun Heng had also said to me. Although we were unable to determine the methods he used to prophesize, I was determined to learn more.

Pi Ouan had been referred to me by a friend who was a respected business woman. Like many Mor Doo, she began studying astrology in order to know more about her own life. Pi Ouan approached astrology with a professional, scientific mien. In fact, she holds a BS from Chulongkorn University and did laboratory research before becoming a self taught astrologer 16 years ago.

Not only was her analysis of my background and character as detailed as it was accurate, she also agreed with several of the assessments that I was dubious of from my initial reading with Khun Heng. She explained that because I was born on a Wednesday I should avoid the color pink when selecting a color for my car or when dressing for important business negotiations (still no problem). She also supported the restaurant theory. In appreciation of her keen evaluation of my character, I began to give more thought to the validity of the other claims she had made, as well as the principals upon which they were based. Sensing my desire to learn more, Pi Ouan arranged for me to meet an instructor at the International Astrological Association.

The Association is located on the grounds of Wat Rachanada, the metal spired temple near Democracy Monument. Inside several small rooms, aspiring Mor Doo are given instruction in a variety of subjects. Thirty to forty classes are available to both novice and practicing Mor Doo. Courses last from three months for basic Tarot to one year for advanced astrology. As an International Astrological Association they offer instruction in foreign disciplines such as German Tarot, Uranian Astrology, and even Feng Shui.

Ngo Heng, Thai Astrology, Palmistry, and Numerology were cited as the most popular courses among the students I encountered. These students were mostly middle aged Thais, although a few younger students, including one monk, were waiting attentively for their class to begin. However, despite its international curriculum, courses are taught in Thai only and there has been just one farang who has ever studied there.

I spoke with Ajarn Jessada Kamlhai before his astrology class began, and I asked him how it was that Mor Doo can foresee the future. I was curious if Mor Doo have psychic abilities or is the process simply statistics based on ancient empirical evidence? Ajarn Jessada believes that a Mor Doo's techniques are more scientific than supernatural. He trusts that the data upon which astrological or physical readings are based is factual. A Mor Doo simply gathers information from a person and then relates that to the characteristics or predispositions that apply to that information.

Facial characteristics are often the first information a Mor Doo will evaluate. Ajarn Jessada told me I do not "bow" to others easily, based on the length of my earlobes! It seemed to me that an adept Mor Doo will utilize several methods of forecasting to compile an accurate analysis. The skill involved in producing an accurate reading is simply having a greater understanding of the interrelationships between all of the different variables.

Nonetheless, some Mor Doo still believe that psychic energy plays an important role. "Everyone has some psychic energy" Ajarn Jessada conceded, "but not everyone knows how to use it. You must know yourself, and you must exercise this skill in order to develop it." Pi Ouan believes psychic energy is helpful for empathizing with and understanding her clients. During my reading she even revealed to me that I possess psychic abilities.

Science or not, most Mor Doo agreed with my assessment that a good astrologer must understand aspects of psychology. They may help a person understand themselves better and that could assist them in making difficult life decisions. According to Ajarn Jessada confidence in oneself is more important than the information provided by a Mor Doo. He believes it is a Mor Doo's duty to talk to people supportively, to help build their confidence.

But what of the more ominous predictions I had been told? Be careful around water, Khun Heng had advised me. That's great advice just prior to my month long surfing vacation, isn't it? Pi Ouan warned me against launching any business ventures for one year beginning this August. When I told her that is precisely the time I intend to do so, she practically double-dog dared me to. She honestly believes that any business I begin at that time will fail "within 3 months". How could I not be at least a little influenced by that? I guess the real question is, will I…?

My definitive answer is: Maybe. And ironically, I have been told that is typical of what a Libra would say.