Kili josiyam in Malaysia
Life’s unpredictable twists and turns often leave us clinging to different ways of keeping the faith. While tarot cards and horoscopes may hog the spotlight, one ancient art of fortune-telling is quietly fluttering under the radar – kili josiyam.
First introduced over a hundred years ago in India, this century-old practice comes with a delightful twist – a parrot that assists its owner in palm readings. Though fast becoming a rare tradition in Malaysia, you can still find a handful of parrot card readers in Tengku Kelana, Klang. One keeper of this tradition is Mr Ramasamy, who has been telling fortunes for over 20 years.
Curious to find out more about his parrot-powered predictions, we met with him to see what destiny – and a very clever bird – had in store for us.
A tale as old as time
It’s not every day that a parrot predicts your destiny, but when life’s calling for a little magic, kili josiyam might just be the feathered friend you need. This isn’t your typical fortune-telling – no crystal balls or tarot cards here. Instead, the star of the show is a parrot that handpicks your future with an elegance only a bird could bring.
At the heart of this mystic art is 74-year-old Mr Ramasamy, a parrot astrologer and palmist from India. Before he found his calling, Ramasamy spent his days in a textile factory, weaving fabric. However, he was not quite weaving the life he wanted.
“I wasn’t interested in working as a textile worker back in India”, he chuckled. “But then I stumbled upon the art of parrot reading, and something clicked”.
What began as a passing curiosity in 2004 became a lifelong devotion, leading him to master this ancient craft through years of studying Tamil texts.
Surprisingly, Ramasamy did not inherit this mystical art from his family. “I learnt this on my own”, he smiled gracefully – his trusty cockatoo nodded by his side as in agreement. “I enjoy the passion of it and that’s something pure to me”.
Eventually, his passion in the mystic art brought him all the way to Malaysia, where he has been dazzling seekers of destiny ever since in Tengku Kelana, Klang.
The deep roots of kili josiyam
When asked about the deep historical roots of this mystic art, Ramasamy told us, “This isn’t just fortune-telling – it’s a tradition that dates back to ancient India, where even the mighty kings, the Mannargal, consulted these feathered oracles for advice”.
With Malaysia’s rich Indian cultural heritage, kili josiyam then found a new roost, charming both locals and curious tourists for over a century. The tradition may be rare at present, but its allure never seems to fade, drawing local folks to parrot astrologers like him for a feathered prediction now and then.
Curious as to why a parrot takes centre stage in the world of kili josiyam, Ramasamy revealed that “the practice’s roots are closely tied to Meenakshi Amman”. The fierce Hindu Goddess is often depicted with a parrot perched regally on her right shoulder, “to symbolise a bridge between the divine and the earthly”, Ramasamy explained further.
Leaning in with a conspiratorial glint in his eye, he added, “While there are many ways to read the stars, parrot reading is quite different. It’s not just any animal – the parrot chooses itself. There’s no human hand guiding it, that’s why it’s believed to be powerful – it’s free from manipulation”.
It’s this mysticism that keeps the practice fluttering along through the ages, intertwining spirituality with the whimsical sight of a bird plucking a card from a deck.
A prediction free from manipulation
The main character, Murugan, Ramasamy’s 12-year-old parrot star, is nothing short of a marvel. With striking green feathers, this local parrot breed hops forward in confidence when called upon to pick a card, and then returns to his quaint wooden cage. And in case you’re wondering, Murugan is well looked after by his owner and he’s thriving in his role as part of this quirky parrot astrology gig.
When it comes to selecting cards, Murugan is said to be guided by forces beyond human understanding, and his choices – whether picking a card depicting Kali, the fierce goddess, or Mariamman, the goddess of rain – offer a glimpse into the seeker’s future.
The parrot’s routine is seamless, adding an irresistible charm to the whole experience. Outside of work hours, Murugan’s a laid-back lad, content to wander his corner, his head cocked to one side as if pondering the mysteries of the universe. Just like the seekers who flock to him for insights, he radiates a sense of quiet curiosity. His energy is light and playful. The simple diet of seeds, grains, fruits, and occasional bit of millet makes him a chipper and chirpy feathered lad.
When asked about what makes parrot astrology so reliable, Ramasamy’s answer is as straightforward as it gets: “We don’t lie to people and destiny is written by God and cannot be changed. The parrot simply reveals what’s already been decided”.
For skeptics, fortune-telling often invites a healthy dose of doubt, but Ramasamy stands firm in the accuracy of his readings.
“One of my most memorable moments was with a young couple whose families disapproved of their love”, he reminisced. “I predicted nothing would stop them, and sure enough, they came back married, a family united. They even brought their child to visit me”.
The future of kili josiyam
Ramasamy and Murugan are now part of an exclusive and dwindling circle of parrot astrologers in Malaysia – once a flock of twenty, now whittled down to just four nationwide.
“Right in front of this hardware shop”, he gestures humbly to his makeshift setup, “this is where I’ve been for the last 20 years, offering guidance to anyone who seeks it”.
When asked about the next generation to take up the mantle, he shrugged with a knowing smile of an uncertain future with his three daughters opting for different paths. “We can’t predict who will carry it on. Just like destiny, it remains a mystery,” added Ramasamy.
Today, though the practice has become more niche, it remains a beloved tradition. He revealed that “the people who come to him still believe and trust in the bird’s ability to see what we can’t”.
So while it’s not as commonly sought as before, parrot astrology still holds a certain allure, especially for those who believe in its deep-rooted connection to divine forces. Despite the rarity of this mystical art, Ramasamy keeps his rates modest at RM10/per reading.
Reflecting on his belief that wisdom should be accessible, he said that “some forms of astrology require pricey offerings, but with the parrot, there’s no need for all that”.
Towards the end of our conversation with the palmist, it became crystal clear that the mystic art of Kili Josiyam is far more than just a quirky tradition. Here, destiny flutters gently in the hands of a clever bird, reminding us that while the path may twist and turn, there’s always a little magic to guide us along the way.
A mystic art of parrot astrology that’s feathering in Malaysia
In a world brimming with uncertainty, perhaps we have nothing to lose by taking a peek at what lies ahead through a bird with a beak full of wisdom. So whether you’re on a quest for answers about your future or simply enchanted by this charming parrot, a reading with a feathered friend to chart your course can be worth considering.
After all, destiny might not be inked in the stars – it could be nestled within the careful beak of a curious 12-year-old parrot.
Address: Jalan Tengku Kelana, Kawasan 1, 41000, Klang, Selangor
Opening hours: 11am-7pm, Daily
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Some quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Photography by Yusintha.