Brian John. Are you welsh ? If so, I think we know each other ! I know your name may be popular and its a long shot however, I was interested.
15 magpies.
maybe you could go
1 for sorrow, 2 for joy, 3 for a girl, 4 for a boy, 5 for silver, 6 for gold, 7 for a secret never to be told. Then start again. Only when you got to the 3rd chant, the 1 would be for sorrow so next time just look at 2 of them and go for joy ! A bit silly but I am a bit daft and superstitious.