When will they come back?
In old Thailand, when someone went on a long journey, families used this short reading for news of them. Count the months since they left, add their age, multiply by 30, add today's weekday (Sunday = 1) and divide by 9: the remainder tells when they may return. The answer changes with the day you ask.
The nine answers
| Remainder | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wait another 5 to 7 days: they ran into some trouble on the way that cost them time and money. |
| 2 | You will see them by tomorrow, though they may be a little under the weather. |
| 3 | They will be back within 3 days, perhaps nursing a sore hand or foot. |
| 4 | Wait about 7 more days: they will come back with company and bring good news. |
| 5 | Within 7 days for sure, bringing luck given to them by someone senior. |
| 6 | About 7 more days before you meet, and someone senior will have given them something worthwhile. |
| 7 | They will be back in about 10 days, delayed by a fever or an upset stomach. |
| 8 or 0 | They are unlikely to be back soon: other matters are keeping them busy and holding their attention. |
Adapted from the Thai reading: “caught up in a scandal and entangled with someone else” became “other matters are keeping them busy”.