Describing herself as an “atypical crystal ball witch,” waiting to meet Lillian Lee we pictured her as one of those over-bearing, bejeweled ladies carrying cards and gemstones. ‘Witch’ is probably the least appropriate way to describe 27-year-old Lee – a self-taught astrologist, she runs ELLEmagazine’s horoscope as a hobby, but her full-time job is script planning. ‘Atypical,’ on the other hand, may just be the word for this kooky astrologist…
What is your background?
I studied film literature at Central Academy of Drama in Beijing and went to Hong Kong for an MA in Chinese studies. I’ve always been an astrology enthusiast, but cinema has been my greatest passion from a very young age, which is why I chose to be a script planner after graduation.
How did your journey as an astrologist begin?
It started with love –my first boyfriend was a Scorpio, the most mysterious of the 12 zodiac signs. I wanted to know what was on his mind so I started studying astrology, then went on to master the use of the astrolabe [an instrument used to locate and predict the positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars] and tarot cards. They turned out to be a great inspiration for my script writing; characters in my dramas are endowed with certain constellation features –I even wrote a micro-movie about 12 men embodying the 12 different signs.
The web is inundated with self-proclaimed astrologists. What do you make of them?
Frankly, most of them are bullsh*t. Among all the so-called ‘astrologists’ out there, I think only three are the real deal: American astrologist Susan Miller; Taiwanese horoscope expert Jesse Tang; and Hu Yinmeng, ex-wife of Taiwanese writer and critic Li’ao. All the others are just copying their professional competitors. In fact, the reason I started my Weibo account was because I couldn’t stand the baloney online –I wanted to get myths and facts straight so that less people are misled.
Are people more interested in the Western zodiac today?
It depends. Some people really believe in the Chinese zodiac, and by that I mean the Chinese sexagenarian cycle (Ìì¸ÉµØÖ§) and eight characters (°Ë×Ö), which have often proved to be very accurate judges of character. Western horoscope on the other hand is more entertaining. I think it’s getting popular because it’s not as profound and serious as ancient Chinese fortune-telling.
You call yourself a ‘witch.’ How do people react to it once they know what you do?
Some people do seem to get spooked out when they find out about my hobby. I used to have this really funny boyfriend who kept saying how he felt unsafe with me as he thought I could see right through people’s souls. Astrology isn’t for everyone.
What’s the best time for a tarot reading?
After a candlelit bath on a rainy night. Rain purifies the air and candles help clear the magnetic field around you. Some clients come to me in a rush, desperately wanting an answer, but they’re actually not in a suitable state to have their tarot cards read to them.
Is there a specific routine to follow before a reading?
First of all, always wash your hands before a reading. Secondly, and most importantly, only shuffle cards with your left hand, always counterclockwise. Never change these rules.
What questions do most people ask you?
Women mostly ask about love and relationships. Career is hardly ever on their mind when they come to me. Men, on the other hand, split their questions between love and business. I’ve noticed that most of my clients belong to water signs –Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio – and air signs –Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Unsurprisingly, those are the most curious signs.
Do you always recount what you see in the tarots, or do you leave negative details out?
I always tell whatever I see. Some astrologists prefer not or dare not to because, as they say, some things are better left unsaid. I think you can’t keep secrets when you’re dealing with divination.
And do you ever read your own cards?
Yes I do, but only when I’m super twisted. In fact, a card I read to myself three months ago proved to be true just a few weeks back.
How much do you charge for each reading?
Three and seven are my lucky numbers so I charge RMB70 for a tarot reading and RMB300 for the astrolabe as it is way more complicated.
Have you ever thought about making astrology your full-time profession?
For a period, although I think turning a hobby into a job will ultimately ruin its beauty.
// Contact Lillian Lee for a reading by phone (135 6474 0090), WeChat (LillianLee8023). Lillian will also be doing readings at the That’s ShanghaiFood and Drinks Awards
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