Divination remains a vital practice in contemporary Hong Kong, and Ms. Alice Lai Hung Yu‘s groundbreaking PhD research offers fresh insights into its complexities. On June 14, 2024, Ms. Alice Lai Hung Yu successfully defended her DPhil in Anthropology at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford. Her thesis, titled “Balancing Fate: Advice and Action in the Use of Fengshui and Other Forms of Divination in Hong Kong,” was completed under the supervision of Professor David Zeitlyn. An abstract of the dissertation can be found here.
Ms. Yu’s fieldwork reveals that Fengshui divination is widely practiced in homes and offices across Hong Kong, where individuals use it as a tool to actively shape their destinies. Contrary to the simplistic view of destiny as either fixed or malleable, Ms. Yu argues that the paradoxical nature of destiny—simultaneously flexible and unchangeable—empowers people to take ownership of their lives through Fengshui practices. Her research also delves into the ethical dimensions of divination, particularly through the concept of jip lik, a form of cosmic karma that influences how diviners conduct their work. According to this principle, a diviner must navigate the delicate balance between providing guidance and avoiding interference with a client’s destiny, as any unauthorized change could result in cosmic retribution not only for the diviner but also for their descendants. Ms. Yu further explores how divination is employed by Hong Kong parents in making crucial decisions, such as choosing an auspicious date for childbirth or selecting favorable names for their children. While these parents are deeply conscious of fate, they do not blindly follow divination advice. Instead, they weigh it against their personal preferences and practical circumstances, highlighting the dynamic interaction between traditional practices and modern life.
The ISCSD places a strong emphasis on recognizing and promoting the work of emerging young scholars, particularly those engaged in ongoing or recent PhD research. Ms. Yu’s dissertation is a testament to the innovative scholarship being produced by this new generation of researchers. Her contributions offer a nuanced understanding of how ancient practices continue to evolve and influence contemporary society, underscoring the importance of supporting young academics in advancing our knowledge of divination studies.
