Although fortune-telling is hidden in many cultures, interest in this field is widespread among celebrities. In Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Hollywood, a number of well-known figures turn to fortune-tellers; some even have personal seers and make important decisions based on what they say.
We present these celebrities:
Elnarə Abdullayeva and Mətanət Əsədova - People's Artists Elnarə Abdullayeva and singer Mətanət Əsədova have stated that they solved health problems that lasted for years with the help of a fortune-teller. Ms. Elnarə said, "For 12 years doctors wasted my money; I found healing after going to Məmmədsəfa... He wrote prayers for me. He even put money in my pocket. They brought me to him when I was near death." Singer Mətanət Əsədova also admitted that she turned to that fortune-teller regarding her health and praised her by saying she "benefited from the treatment." These examples show that some celebrities have even trusted fortune-tellers in health matters.
Naibə Allahverdiyeva - Honored Artist, actress Naibə Allahverdiyeva openly said that she often goes to fortune-tellers. Before establishing a business in Turkey, she received advice from a psychic and followed what the fortune-teller said. According to the actress, the psychic advised her to "work and sign contracts." Naibə said: "Indeed, everything turned out as he said... What the psychic said was right for me." That is, the fortune-teller's advice protected her from an upcoming scam, and she based her decisions on this advice.
Nadir Qafarzadə - Famous singer Nadir Qafarzadə said he believes in fortune-telling and sorcery and once turned to a fortune-teller to get over depression. He recounted what happened: "I did not want to see my family and children. I turned to a fortune-teller. It turned out they had cast a spell on me. A woman seer tore a shroud over me and said that I had been cursed. After that, all my difficulties ended. This cost me 1000 manats." That is, Mr. Nadir claims that by paying 1000 manats to the seer, he removed the "curse" on him.
Other examples - Many Azerbaijani celebrities have spoken about whether they believe in fortune-tellers or not. For example, singer Xuraman Şuşalı admits that she used to go to fortune-tellers but did not follow what they said. Nevertheless, she said, "I know 100 percent that something was done to me at some time, they cast a spell on my bone to cause death," expressing that she also fears sorcery. Singer Natəvan Həbibi told a real incident in an interview: while her neighbor was at a fortune-teller, someone brought Natəvan’s photo and asked to cast a spell on her. Also, famous psychic Zirəddin Rzayev said that many showbiz stars come to him. Some want the star to shine or to become rich, some want to harm their rivals. (Zirəddin denies doing black magic and refuses the requests of the latter.)
In Turkey, there are also many facts about showbiz stars’ interest in fortune-tellers and mediums. Some celebrities even have personal fortune-tellers, and they take these "advisors'" words seriously:
Bülent Ersoy - The diva of Turkish art music, Bülent Ersoy, believes so much in her fortune-teller that it is said "she never questions what she says." The tarot and coffee fortune-teller she has been turning to for years is a lady called "Mısırlı Zeynep." Bülent Ersoy speaks to her close circle about how carefully Zeynep treats her and recommends her to friends. Other celebrities like Gizem Özdilli, Cansu Dere, and Oya Aydoğan are also clients of Zeynep. Some celebrities even sign contracts based on what the fortune-teller says. That is, there are well-known figures who refuse projects that Zeynep says are "not good," and accept ones she says are "suitable." These facts show that Bülent Ersoy and others regard the fortune-teller as a personal consultant.
Ebru Gündeş - Famous singer Ebru Gündeş has been acting according to the advice of a fortune-teller named Umut for years. According to reports in the press, Ebru does not take a step without Umut’s advice and rewards her because "everything she says comes true." In fact, in 2009, Ebru Gündeş gave her fortune-teller a brand new BMW car because the fortune-teller had predicted an event in advance. Ebru consults the fortune-teller about decisions related to her personal life: for example, when TV presenter Osmantan Erkır proposed to her, she immediately went to fortune-teller Umut. The fortune-teller said "this marriage will not be auspicious," so Ebru rejected the proposal. Later, what the fortune-teller said turned out to be true, and Ebru separated from Osmantan. The fortune-teller also said that Ebru’s later relationship (with businessman Rza Zərrab) would end in marriage, and trusting this prediction, the singer did not pay attention to rumors.
Gülben Ergen and Teoman - Pop star Gülben Ergen is known in the Turkish media as one of the celebrities who uses fortune-telling the most. Especially before marrying Mustafa Erdoğan, she used to go to the same fortune-teller every time and arranged all her affairs according to what the fortune-teller said. The rock musician Teoman, who is also a client of the fortune-teller, frequently visited her as well. According to information, Teoman often went to that fortune-teller together with his manager and took advice.
Many other famous figures have also turned to fortune-tellers. Actress Müjde Ar admitted that during difficult times she started looking at daily astrological forecasts and even jokingly said, "our affairs are left to fortune-telling," indicating that fortune-telling has taken a place in her life. Famous comedy master Cem Yılmaz is a fan of palm reading (chiromancy). It has been reported in the media that he goes to palm readings, jokes with the fortune-teller, and tells jokes about "kismet" (destiny). Hülya Avşar also believes in coffee fortune-telling.
In Hollywood, interest in fortune-tellers is evident both in personal life and career decisions. One of the most well-known examples is Angelina Jolie. In the 2000s, she worked with the famous psychic Ron Bard. Based on Bard’s advice, Jolie accepted several film projects and rejected others.
Lady Gaga does not hide her interest in mysticism. She says she works with energy cleaners, aura readers, and mediums. She even hires a person in her team to perform energy "cleansing" before concerts.
Brad Pitt revealed that he had worked with a personal astrologer in the past and adjusted his career and relationships decisions accordingly. Other stars like Cher, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, Rihanna have also admitted receiving advice in tarot, coffee fortune-telling, or astrology.
One of the most notable cases concerns Nancy Reagan, the wife of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. After an assassination attempt on Reagan in 1981, she was in constant contact with an astrologer named Joan Quigley. Nancy even coordinated the president's schedule with her. This is the most obvious example where Hollywood and politics intersect with fortune-telling.
Both locally and globally, celebrities show great interest in fortune-tellers. Some spend hundreds, others thousands of dollars or manats, keep personal seers, and direct their lives according to what the fortune-teller says. Although skeptics regard this field as a "show," for celebrities it has gradually become a "secret weapon." (lent.az)
