Divination

The magic art of viewing the unknown things is called Divination. From time immemorial man has always been curious to know about future. He knew that human knowledge is limited. So he devised various means to satisfy his curiosity .Virtually every object, sacred or everyday, and every type of natural phenomenon or event, has been utilized at some point by some group as an oracle. The astonishing variety of systems developed to this end and their similarity in many cultures of the world is remarkable.

 The most popular and common one is Astrology. It is believed that heavenly bodies (Nine planets) influence the child’s life events at the time of its birth. Hence a chart known as Horoscope is cast at the birth time of the child. The chart has twelve Houses with nine planets positioned in them. Every house and each planet signify different things. Accordingly events in his entire life are predicted. 
Palmistry -  The art of predicting future by reading lines in the palms is a very popular one.

Numerology – A complex system of divination by number. As practiced in the West and now everywhere today, based on the sum of numbers in a name, Numerology was found in ancient Egypt and other civilizations. It has its roots in folk belief. In nearly all cultures certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky, and babies born at certain times are considered fortunate or not accordingly. Dates and letter values (each alphabet is assigned a number) are broken down and added together exhaustively, until a number from1 to 9 is obtained, and this number when used in conjunction with specific dates can be used to predict events and assess character.

Geomancy - A form of Divination, an ancient technique of reading messages from the earth. In Arabia marks made at random in the sand were studied, elsewhere a handful of earth was thrown up and the pattern in which it landed was examined carefully. The most systematic form of geomancy is that practiced in China, known as Feng Shui, in which landscape forms are studied so that tombs or houses may be positioned auspiciously in such a way as to receive maximum benefit from the male (yang) and female (yin) influence. Indian Vastu Shastra comes under this category.

Axiomancy -   Divination by means of an axe is known as Axiomancy. A semi-precious stone such as an agate is placed on a red-hot axe blade and watched carefully, as its movements indicate the identity of a guilty person. This method was used by the ancient Greeks. Other forms of divination include driving the axe into wood and examining the result to gain an oracular answer, or throwing the axe into water to establish an answer by its floating or sinking.

Empyromancy -   A method of Divination depends on the observation of objects when placed upon a sacred fire and the art of drawing prophetic conclusions from their behavior. Common objects used in this way include incense, eggs, nuts and flour.

Dowsing - Divination applied to search for hidden objects, most usually underground water. It is usually performed with a rod or pendulum which indicates by its movement the presence of the desired object.

Gyromancy - Form of Divination, in which the inquirer walks round in a circle until he or she falls from dizziness. The direction and nature of the fall are then examined for their significance.

Oneiromancy - A form of Divination based on the interpretation of dreams. This practice is found throughout the world. Dreams being the product of the individual’s sub-conscious mind are taken as direct instruction or symbolic warning to coming events.

Bibliomancy - Divination by means of books, particularly sacred text, also known as Sortes. Virgil’s Aeneid was the favoured book in classical times and in the Middle Ages, but the Bible and The Quran have also been utilized among others. Ramcharit Manas of Tulsidasa is used in India. In essence, this technique involves opening a book at random and selecting a verse by pointing at it blindly. The advice, prophecy or warning contained in that passage is then the oracular truth to be applied to the state of the one seeking guidance.

Alomancy – Divination by means of salt. In this ancient technique, a handful of salt is thrown on to a fire and the resulting flames are scrutinized for messages.

Belomancy - Divination by means of arrows. This ancient custom, known to have been practiced by Babylonians, Arabs and others, consisted of messages attached to a number of arrows, all of which were fired. The inscription on the arrow travelling the furthest was accepted as the answer, and its advice was acted upon.

Dr. Mrs. Lalita Kuppuswamy