For years , the fliers of a mystic consultant named Keano have cast a spell over the New York City subway. They are as ubiquitous as they are understated, stuffed in seemingly every train. An all-seeing eye in a white pyramid gazes out over the morning commute.

“Discover the Mystery of the Psychic,” Keano’s ads read. “The Moon & Stars Can Be Yours.”

This metaphysical artifact seems to have fluttered in from a dusty carnival. But Keano has attained a 21st-century type of fame. The posters have inspired scores of memes, parodies and artsy homages. There are Keano comic strips, iPhone covers, T-shirts and chic blown-up posters. There are tote bags.

But for all the popularity, almost nothing is actually known about Keano , or if he or she even exists . The flier offers only a phone number — “one free question by phone” — but the line often goes straight to voice mail.

Like many before me, I was drawn in. About a year ago I began calling. One winter night, a husky voice — possibly a man, I thought, with a smoker’s purr — picked up. The voice identified itself as Keano. I suggested we meet for an interview.