Numerology and Tarot add to Bali's tourist attractions

I. Christianto, Contributor, Denpasar

The sun, seaside, panoramic views and the friendly smiles of its people have long been well-known attributes of Bali. Local and international visitors to the island are mostly attracted to the natural scenic beauty such as the imperious waves breaking onto white sand beaches and the cascading terraced rice paddies converging in groves of palm trees separated by rushing rivers.

Tourists also enjoy first-rate facilities, including luxury hotels and other services and products that offer everything guests need for both business and pleasure.

Many people, though, are more interested in the myriad religious, cultural and traditional attractions of the island. Bali, as a matter of fact, has been flattered with a host of sobriquets by enchanted visitors, including "the island of gods", "tropical paradise" and so forth.

In Bali, spirituality is nothing new as a tourist attraction. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes and great variety of other natural attractions, many people and investors on the island have long been seeking out additional ways to attract more tourists. Several have even tried to avail of camels and elephants, neither of which are native to Bali, as tourist attractions.

Among those who believe that spirituality will continue to attract tourists is numerologist Erna Twechuizen.

Erna, originally from Austria and now an Indonesian citizen, says that Bali is well known for its spirituality in terms of religio-cultural celebrations. "I think that's why Bali has become Indonesia's premier tourist destination for both local and foreign vacationers."

Actually Bali has undergone a drastic transformation since its development as a tourist resort. It has been converted from an island with an agricultural economy into one where most of its four million residents make their living from tourism, either directly, such as working in hotels and restaurants, or indirectly, such as producing the garments and souvenirs that are sold to tourists.

"But everyone must always remember that people in Bali remain very religious despite the modernization or the industrialization of tourism. So, spirituality is always important here," says Erna.

That's why she believes that numerology, which comes within the sphere of spirituality, will also prove to be a worthy attraction for tourists in Bali.

"I am a numerologist and tarot reader, and am able to provide guidance to people when making decisions that can affect their personal or business lives. This also means that I can explain a person's past and future, and even have a look at their past lives," she says, adding that her line of work is different to that of psychics.

Numerology is the science of numbers, a method of character analysis that uses the numbers of names and birth dates in an attempt to resolve personal questions, especially the question, "Who am I?"

The science can be used as a practical method of understanding the inner natures of people, their talents and life goals, their hidden characteristics, and the opportunities and challenges that await them.

It offers insights and describes the cycles that are experienced during the course of one's life, and offers guidance with a view to career, romance and financial success. In short, it is a self-help tool, providing a way to gain greater insight and understanding of one's inner being and true nature.

Erna says that numbers have symbols and it is possible to analyze the character and personality of a person by interpreting his name through a combination of astrological numbers and the numbers of tarot cards.

As a self-help tool, the science can be used to get greater insight and understanding of one's inner being and true nature. It reveals aspects of character and personality in a way that is fresh and inspiring.

Erna has become a noted numerologist and Tarot reader in Bali. She says many people come to see her asking what the future holds for them.

"I've had several metaphysical experiences, including how I became an Indonesian citizen and decided to live in Bali, which is related to my reincarnation, but I don't want to be seen as a psychic, shaman, fortune teller or something related to the supernatural," she says, adding that numerology is scientific and tarot is only a medium for deciphering someone's personality.

Erna began dabbling in numerology in 1976, and discovered she had a talent for tarot and astrology.

"My then husband taught me and I felt I had the ability. But, I later realized that astrology is too complicated as it has to be very exact with not only someone's place of birth and date of birth, but also the exact time of birth. Just miss a second of the time of birth and the astrological reading may be different as the planets move every second," she said.

Despite her reluctance to be known as a paranormal, many people come to see her in Bali for readings. Many of these are from other provinces, while she also provides consultations by e- mail for overseas customers.