At left is Minka. At right models from Saints International don crotcheted pieces by Minka. -Photos by Anthea McGibbon and LimesquashAnthea McGibbon, religion feature co-ordinator
At 21, the average young adult is busy seeking success, diving into the thrills of life, probing new dimensions. But not Gillian 'Minka' Francis. She is busy reading numbers.
Last Thursday The Sunday Gleaner spoke with Minka at her modest shelter on Cartridge Avenue, Kingston.
Minka, a numerologist of five years, recalls the day, "I was standing at the bus stop in Westmoreland, and a lady came up and did my numbers." The impact of that encounter revolutionised Minka who was focused on becoming a teacher. Fashion and entertainment were recommended for Minka who was told "I'd be too restricted in the classroom."
Following the stranger's advice, Minka switched careers to entertainment, fashion and ... numerology.
For Minka, numerology is the study of numbers in relation to individuals and their relationship to the universe. "The help I got, I want to give to others" is her main reason for practising.
Minka identifies herself with the Kamitian god Ausar, from Kamit (ancient Egypt). "Ausar", she says "identifies with the highest part of your being ... you can basically deal with any situation".
After learning her practice through books, Minka began reading the numbers of fellow students and teachers at Mannings High in Savanna-la-Mar. The popularity of her craft and the confidence of clients who sent others her way made her feel "successful".
Numerology helped her to lead them to make significant choices in their lives, and, give insight in their relationships, talents and challenges.
Minka knows of three other numerologists, and in her five years practising she has remained low-keyed as there were those who accused her of devil-worship.
"I do not believe in the devil," she admits. "I do not embrace the devil. The devil is made up in the mind of man."
There is no age barrier to her clientele which numbers approximately 50, but they are mostly between the ages of 30 and 40 years.
Her enthusiastic mother, Glenna Williams, says she is very supportive of her daughter's practice. "Last year she said I would travel... things are shaping up for me this year. She has also given me the number 'five'", she said.
There is another side to this multifaceted personality who claims she is flexible in dealing with the different circumstances, "from fiery to calm".
Minka is a fashion designer, who occasionally models, raps and deejays. As a designer she specialises in crotchet, making bags, hats, jewellery and clothing.
As an entertainer, she has appeared on stage shows including Rasta Revolution, but the dreadlocked young woman holds fast to her non-belief in religion as it exists today.
"Religion, politics and education should be one a whole way of life."
The young entrepreneur who does yoga meditation believes "Hair should be natural ... to comb one's hair is vanity" whilst she says "locks are our spiritual antennae."
QUICK FACTS
Diet - Minka is a strict vegetarian - No fish no dairy
Favourite colour - is purple representing royalty and high powers
Favourite number - "I use 11, as I vibrate most under 11"
(11 means to enlighten, wisdom, light)
Hobbies - netball, dancing, football
Pet peeve - So many things, but basically hypocrisy
Advice to young people - "To realise happiness is not getting around the things that bring you pleasure, but being able to deal with both pleasure and sorrow in a calm mature way... Life's problems are not stress but spiritual growth".
Ambition - To expand [my practice], now that people are more enlightened to numerology ... no longer seeing it as devil worship.
Method of
operation
1) Get the personal data i.e name and birthdate
2) Give them information about themselves first, based on their name, secondly based on their birthdate and thirdly based on the combination of both the individual's name and birthdate - Five basic numbers that make up the individual are given
For the clients who want more a 90-minute cassette is done for $1500.
Areas addressed
Source of motivation, perception of others, what needs to be done to be successful, lessons they might need to know, challenges, special talents, personal year, vibration of year, life's lesson number
Synopsis of
numbers 1-6
When a reading is being done, the meaning of the numbers is dependent on where the person is on the calendar.
1. New beginnings
2. Co-operation, team work
3. Creativity, self-expression, new friends
4. Hard work, organisation
5. Changes, travel restlessness
6. Domestic vibes, Companionship
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