In Thailand, divination is a key instrument of power. In earlier times, kings deployed astrology to consolidate sovereignty in accordance with Buddhist cosmology. Once guarded within palace walls, this royal knowledge has spread since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932. Today, diviners range from tarot card readers to spirit mediums and serve clients across lines of age, class, and political orientation. Figures of authority consult them to plan coups and elections, while ordinary pe...