World of Marvels
Of Soothsayers, Charlatans, and Believers
No question about it, the market for supernatural phenomena is booming. Entire television stations are devoted to predicting the futures of millions of daily callers. Such fortune-telling is carried out quickly and efficiently, and as a rule, the outlook is rosy - that way, advice-seekers are more likely to call back. This ZDF reportage investigates the market in horoscopes and fortune-telling of all stripes. How do these questionable business people operate? Who are their victims? Increasing numbers of individuals are becoming dependent upon such specious soothsayers, and some even require therapeutic intervention. Still, not all such providers exploit the weaknesses of needy people. There are also legitimate parapsychologists and fortunetellers, albeit rare. What are the consequences of such negative aspects for serious providers? Why are increasing numbers of people turning to tarot card readers and other peddlers of false comfort? What role is played by a lack of orientation in contemporary life? We interview individuals who are seriously occupied with psychic phenomena, and who regard the future as knowable. Two sides of the coin - but it is always a question of the good life, of the search for successful partnerships, the hope of achieving true happiness.
