182. Fortune Telling

Avodas Kochavim 11:8

A fortune-teller is one who uses astrology to predict what times would be good or bad for given activities, saying that a certain day, month or year would be auspicious or inauspicious for different things.

Avodas Kochavim 11:9

One is not permitted to tell fortunes; this is so even though he performs no action, but merely tells lies that foolish people think contain wisdom. If a person performs an act because of astrology, or if he arranges his work or his travels to accommodate a schedule recommended by astrologers, he is liable for the penalty of lashes as per Leviticus 19:26, “Do not tell fortunes.” This prohibition also includes one who performs magic tricks and tricks others into thinking that he performs wonders; such a person is likewise liable for lashes.